Frederick, MD April 2026

Fre derick Inspires Possibility, We Drive What Comes Next

The Investment Edition

The choices we make every day culminate in a lifetime—and ultimately, a legacy. When we decide what to dedicate our time, attention and energy to, we are making investments: tiny ones, super-sized ones and everything in between. The hope with any investment is that the return will be worthwhile.

What investments are you making each day? Is it time to take inventory, reassess and ensure they align with the legacy you hope to leave?

Our annual Investment Edition is a great opportunity to consider this. In a world full of endless choices, it’s tempting to try to do it all.

Whether driven by the fear of missing out, societal pressure or a near addiction to excess, many of us feel a magnetic pull to give small pieces of ourselves to too many different things.

How’s that going for you? For me? Not great. It’s not working.

Less is more. Strategic, thoughtful, calculated investments—doing a few things well instead of many things poorly. Life is about seasons. Saying no now does not mean no forever.

It’s important to care for ourselves holistically—our physical and emotional well-being. Stewarding our finances, caring for the environment, doing our jobs with excellence—all valuable ways to invest our time and energy.

But our greatest investments? People. Spouses, children, family members. Neighbors, coworkers, community members.

Every investment we make is an act of hope and commitment. Loving people wholeheartedly yields the greatest returns. Is it always easy? No. Worthwhile? Without question.

Lately I’ve been challenged by the words of Jesus in Matthew 6:21: “For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.”

I may have worthy intentions, but ultimately my choices—my daily investments—reveal where my treasure truly is.

Where’s your treasure?

Recently, my “treasure” took me to Maui, where my two teenage nieces and I visited my brother (their uncle) to make memories we’ll all cherish forever. Choosing to prioritize time and resources to build relationships, go on adventures and see loved ones in their world? Now that’s what I call a high-yield investment. Here’s to a season of growth, connection and meaningful returns. Mahalo!

April 2026

PUBLISHER

Amber Smith | Amber.Smith@citylifestyle.com

PUBLICATION DIRECTOR

Sierra Moore | Sierra.Moore@citylifestyle.com

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

Mayor Michael O’Connor, Sierra Moore, Steve Barber, Danielle M. Rizzo, Angela Broockerd, Sean O’Keefe, Allison Swan

CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS

Acacia Bowens of AK’s GraFix & Photos, Cody Cervenka of Crvnka Photography, Sean O’Keefe, Janie Jones

Corporate Team

CEO Steven Schowengerdt

President Matthew Perry

COO David Stetler

CRO Jamie Pentz

CoS Janeane Thompson

AD DESIGNER Zach Miller

LAYOUT DESIGNER Andi Foster

QUALITY CONTROL SPECIALIST Megan Cagle

AMBER SMITH, PUBLISHER @FREDERICKLIFESTYLE

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city scene

1-7: Each year, the African Americans of Excellence Awards shine a light on the servant leaders who actively strengthen Frederick County’s businesses, nonprofits and community institutions through their service and leadership. More than a ceremony, the evening is a meaningful investment in the county’s future. Held at The Weinberg Center, the unifying experience draws people in from all walks of life.

- Kerry Reisinger

The Growth Engine

Why Financial Readiness Matters in Every Season of Growth

ARTICLE BY STEVE BARBER & SIERRA MOORE

Growth is exciting. A growing business. A growing family...bigger goals.

But growth also has a way of exposing what isn’t ready yet.

Many leaders assume that rising revenue—or a busy season of life—is a green light to push forward. In reality, sustainable growth depends less on momentum and more on what’s happening behind the scenes. Whether you’re scaling a company or managing a household budget, true readiness comes from financial clarity, smart internal systems and the ability to look ahead rather than react.

At every level, growth isn’t powered by intuition alone. It’s powered by structure.

FROM “KEEPING SCORE” TO DRIVING STRATEGY

In business, finance is often treated as a back-office function—something that records what already happened. But organizations that scale successfully use finance as a growth engine, shifting from historical reporting to forward-looking strategy.

The same mindset applies personally. Tracking expenses is important, but planning for what’s next—new investments, rising costs or changing priorities—is what creates stability and confidence.

This transition hinges on three core principles:

“The mostvaluable financial guidancefocusesonthefuture.”

1. Smart Capital Decisions

Growth requires funding, whether that’s business capital or personal savings. The key is balance—using available resources to move forward without creating unnecessary stress or risk.

2. Systems That Scale

Growth shouldn’t mean chaos. Strong systems, automated processes, clear workflows and reliable tools, allow you to handle more without working harder or losing control.

3. Visible Margins

It’s not just about earning more; it’s about knowing what you keep. Understanding the true cost of growth—hidden fees, time, overhead and lifestyle creep—ensures progress doesn’t quietly erode profitability or peace of mind.

READING THE DASHBOARD: ARE YOU FINANCIALLY READY?

Just as a pilot relies on instruments, growth requires clear indicators. These six pillars help assess readiness— whether for a company, a side hustle or a household navigating its next chapter.

Core Financial Infrastructure

Are your financial records accurate, organized and accessible? Cloud-based systems and clear categories make it easier to understand where money is going and why.

Controls and Guardrails

Healthy finances include boundaries. Clear spending rules, approval processes and documented policies protect against costly mistakes and emotional decision-making.

Cash Flow Awareness

Profit on paper doesn’t always equal money in the bank. Maintaining reserves and forecasting future needs— weeks or months ahead—creates flexibility and resilience.

Budgeting and Forecasting

An annual budget is a baseline, not a limitation. Scenario planning allows you to adjust as life or business evolves, helping you pivot instead of panic.

Meaningful Metrics

Key indicators—such as margins, savings rates or return on investment—tell a clearer story than raw income alone. Knowing what actually works empowers smarter decisions.

Technology and Automation

When systems talk to each other, time is freed up for strategy. Secure, automated tools reduce errors and allow you to focus on growth instead of paperwork.

WHEN GROWTH BECOMES A WARNING SIGN

Growth can amplify strengths or magnify weaknesses. One of the most common red flags is negative cash flow: when income looks strong, but balances keep shrinking. Another is delayed financial visibility—if it takes weeks to understand where you stand, decisions are already late. Whether in business or life, speed without control leads to stress. Sustainable growth requires both momentum and oversight.

THE ROLE OF A GROWTH-ORIENTED FINANCIAL LEADER

Companies that scale successfully often rely on a Growth CFO —someone who acts as a co-pilot

“Growthisn’tpoweredbyintuition alone.It’spoweredbystructure.”

TRADITIONAL CONTROLLER

rather than a scorekeeper. This role isn’t just about reporting numbers; it’s about interpreting them and helping leaders see what’s coming next.

Even outside the boardroom, the lesson holds: the most valuable financial guidance focuses on the future.

A growth-oriented financial leader, or mindset, prioritizes planning, narrative and strategic tradeoffs over perfection in hindsight.

• Focuses on historical accuracy

• Seeks to avoid risk at all costs

• Communicates in a technical, jargon-heavy manner

GROWTH CFO

• Focuses on future projections and forward strategy

• Prices and manages risk rather than avoiding it

“Speed without control leads to stress.”

• Communicates strategically, using narrative to guide decision-making

The takeaway? Growth thrives when financial insight moves from “what happened” to “what’s possible.”

A LOCAL VOICE IN FINANCIAL LEADERSHIP

Steve Barber brings more than three decades of experience helping organizations navigate growth with clarity and confidence. As Managing Partner of LevelUp Solution Services, he provides fractional CFO expertise to businesses facing complex transitions. He also serves as Chief Growth Officer of Supporting Strategies | Northwest Maryland, an outsourced bookkeeping firm dedicated to giving business owners the financial insight they need to succeed.

A longtime partner of Frederick Lifestyle, Steve is deeply rooted in the local business community and currently serves as Board Chair for the Gaithersburg-Germantown Chamber of Commerce. An MBA graduate of the University of Maryland and former corporate finance executive, he is known for his “Golden Rule” approach—balancing disciplined financial strategy with genuine care for the people behind the numbers.

When he’s not stress-testing growth models or volunteering with the BlackRock Center for the Arts, Steve can be found in Damascus, Maryland, with his wife and two dogs, hanging out with his son—or building one of his more than 150 intricate Lego sets.

If you truly want things to be simple for your family when you go, consult with an experienced Estate Planning attorney to ensure your wishes are accurately documented and your assets are protected. The risks of using free or cheap online services can vastly outweigh the apparent savings.

Most tree and shrub problems begin long before they’re visible. often starts underground quietly years before symptoms appear above the surface. That’s why our specialists focus on monitoring and diagnosis, not assumptions or unnecessary treatments.

Professional inspection. Early detection. Expert guidance. Your

took years to grow. Protect it with expert care.

INVESTING IN A RICH LIFE

THE HIGHEST RETURN

When people hear the word investment , most immediately think of money—where it’s placed, how it grows and what it will yield over time. And while financial strategy is undeniably important, it’s only one part of the equation.

Every day, we are investing far more than capital.

We invest our time: how we spend it, protect it or give it away. We invest our energy: what drains us and what restores us. We invest in relationships: which ones we nurture and which we neglect. We invest in our health, our growth, our boundaries, our sense of purpose.

And just like financial investments, these choices compound.

Quietly. Consistently. Over a lifetime.

The challenge is not knowing that these investments matter. Most people sense that instinctively. The challenge is recognizing that the right investment looks different depending on the season of life you are in.

A decision that creates freedom in one season can feel heavy in another. What adds value at 30 may not serve you at 50. And what brings fulfillment later in life may have little to do with growth at all.

A rich life, then, isn’t about doing more or having more. It’s about making thoughtful, seasonally appropriate investments that align with what matters most right now.

ARTICLE BY DANIELLE M. RIZZO

THE DRIVEN PROFESSIONAL: BUILDING LEVERAGE

For the young working professional, this season is often defined by momentum. Careers are being built. Identities are forming. There’s a sense of forward motion and sometimes, pressure to make the “right” moves before life becomes more complicated.

This season can be extremely powerful because flexibility still exists.

Invest time in understanding yourself.

Before schedules are filled with other people’s needs, this is a season to learn how you operate best. When are you most focused? What drains you? What restores you? Self-awareness becomes a long-term asset when life inevitably demands more of you.

Invest in skills that travel well.

Titles change. Industries evolve. Transferable skills such as communication, leadership, decision-making and emotional intelligence will compound across every role and chapter. Whether through mentorship, coaching or intentional learning, depth matters more than speed.

Invest in financial simplicity.

Rather than chasing every strategy, this season benefits from strong fundamentals: consistent saving, thoughtful spending and clarity around goals. A calm, organized relationship with money creates freedom and optionality later.

Invest in your health before it feels urgent.

Movement, rest and mental well-being are easier to establish now than to repair later. These habits quietly shape future capacity professionally and personally.

This season is mostly about positioning, rather than getting everything perfect. The investments made here create stability and flexibility for everything that follows.

This month, choose one foundational habit: sleep consistency, weekly financial review or protected learning time and treat it as a non-negotiable investment. Foundations compound quietly.

THE FAMILY YEARS: CHOOSING WHERE IT COUNTS

For families in the thick of child raising, life feels fuller and heavier. Time is scarce. Decisions are constant. The mental load alone can feel like a full-time job.

This is a season where resources are stretched, and trade-offs are unavoidable.

Invest in family rhythms, not just schedules.

It’s easy for logistics to dominate daily life (running 4 kids around—trust me, I know). But the moments that shape connection are often simple: shared meals, consistent check ins, predictable traditions. These rhythms create a sense of belonging that anchors children and adults alike.

Invest in your partnership.

The demands of parenting can quietly erode connection if left unattended. Intentional conversations, protected time together or professional support when needed are not luxuries, they’re stabilizers. A strong partnership supports the entire household.

Invest in modeling, not managing.

Children learn more from what they observe than what they’re told. How stress is handled. How money is discussed. How conflict is resolved. These lived examples become their blueprint. Thoughtful modeling is one of the highest-return investments a parent can make.

Invest in margin.

Not every opportunity needs to be accepted. Not every calendar needs to be full. Space—financial, emotional and physical— reduces volatility and burnout. Margin creates resilience.

This season is intense, but it is also deeply formative. The returns may not be immediate, but they are lasting.

Choose one family rhythm maybe Sunday dinner, a monthly one-on-one outing or nightly check ins—and protect it for 90 days. Small consistency can build emotional security for everyone.

THE LEGACY YEARS: INVESTING WITH INTENTION

Later chapters of life bring something invaluable: perspective. There is often more clarity about what truly mattered and what simply filled time. The urgency to prove gives way to a desire to contribute, enjoy and refine.

Invest in relationships that nourish you.

Time with family, grandchildren, lifelong friends and community becomes increasingly valuable. Your presence, not productivity, is what drives fulfillment. Proximity is a choice, and it carries meaningful return.

Invest in contribution.

Experience is a form of wealth. Mentorship, philanthropy, volunteering or advisory roles allow lessons learned to benefit others. Sharing wisdom often deepens personal purpose while accelerating growth in those around you.

Invest in vitality.

Strength, mobility, mental engagement and preventative care protect independence. Longevity paired with energy expands possibilities. Health remains one of the most reliable investments at any age.

Invest in clarity and legacy planning.

Clear estate planning and transparent conversations reduce confusion and conflict later. Thoughtful preparation protects relationships and ensures that what’s passed on reflects intention, not assumption.

Schedule one intentional conversation this season: share a life lesson, clarify a financial intention or tell a family story that shaped you. Legacy is often transferred through conversation long before paperwork.

THE COMMON THREAD

Across every stage of life, one truth remains: we are always investing.

The question is not if your choices will compound ….they will. The question is whether they are aligned with what matters most in this season.

A rich life is not built through constant accumulation or relentless optimization. It’s built through intentional choices made repeatedly, adjusted thoughtfully and honored over time. When investments align with season, values and capacity, the return is more than growth.

It’s fulfillment.

It’s stability.

It’s a life that feels well-lived.

And that may be the highest return of all.

ABOUT DANIELLE

Danielle M. Rizzo is a Growth Strategist and Accountability Coach who works with ambitious professionals and business owners who are ready to grow, but not at the expense of their capacity. Through her company, Marielle Agency, and award winning podcast Rich in Life, she helps high-achieving individuals gain clarity over overwhelm, align their goals with their season of life and build success that is both strategic and sustainable.

With more than a decade behind her, Danielle brings a big-picture operational lens to personal and professional growth. She is known for helping her clients find clarity, rebuild confidence in their decision-making and create forward momentum that feels aligned rather than chaotic.

As a mother of four, Danielle understands the tension between ambition and bandwidth. Her work centers on expanding what’s possible while honoring real-life capacity, ensuring that growth feels intentional rather than reactive.

She believes lasting success is built by choosing wisely, leading clearly and investing where it matters most.

MarielleAgency.com

“A RICH LIFE ISN’T BUILT BY DOING MORE, BUT BY INVESTING THOUGHTFULLY—

TIME, ENERGY AND RELATIONSHIPS

THAT COMPOUND QUIETLY ACROSS EACH SEASON OF LIFE.”

Investing in Possibility

How Strategic Priorities are Shaping Frederick’s Future

ARTICLE BY MAYOR MICHAEL O’CONNOR | PHOTOGRAPHY PROVIDED

Each spring, cities reveal what they truly value. This season provides an opportunity to reflect on the strategic priorities guiding the City of Frederick and the direction we are shaping together. In the months ahead, residents will continue to see how those priorities take shape across our community. Our focus remains centered on affordability,

Affordability and Housing Stability

Housing remains one of the defining issues facing Frederick and communities like it nationwide. Strong demand, rising construction costs and limited supply at lower price points have created real pressure for residents, employers and the workforce that keeps the local economy running.

We’re taking concrete steps to address housing affordability following the recent City-County housing study, which confirmed both the scale and urgency of the shortage across income levels. In response, I’ve appointed a Housing Task Force charged with developing actionable recommendations to expand supply, preserve existing affordable units and align land use tools with workforce needs. By pairing data with coordinated action, Frederick is positioning itself to respond thoughtfully to housing pressures, ensuring that growth translates into attainable housing options for the people who live and work here.

Affordability is also broader than rent or mortgage costs. Utility reliability, transportation access and proximity to employment all shape whether someone can sustainably live in a community.

Economic Opportunity and Workforce Growth

Frederick’s economic strength depends on more than job quantity. It depends on job quality: positions that provide stable wages, career mobility and long-term opportunity. The City continues to invest in workforce development partnerships, apprenticeship pathways and small business growth. Efforts to modernize procurement policies are helping ensure that local and historically underrepresented businesses have real access to City contracting opportunities.

At the same time, investments in infrastructure help position Frederick as a competitive location for employers. When businesses succeed here, they create the conditions for residents to build careers, purchase homes and invest back into the community.

opportunity, public safety and the infrastructure needed to support a city that continues to grow in both population and economic importance across Maryland.

Frederick has moved beyond debating whether growth is coming. Our focus needs to be on shaping it with clear

Public Safety and Community Well-Being

Frederick’s public safety strategy is built around both readiness and prevention. Investments in modern facilities and equipment ensure first responders can meet the demands of a growing city. At the same time, the City continues to expand models that pair police officers with human services professionals and crisis response specialists, allowing teams to respond to complex calls with both enforcement authority and service expertise.

Mobility, Infrastructure and Managing Growth

As Frederick grows, mobility becomes both an economic and quality-of-life issue. City investments continue to focus on maintaining core infrastructure while expanding multimodal options, including road improvements, pedestrian connections, transit access and trail systems. Growth management also means ensuring infrastructure keeps pace with development. Water, sewer, stormwater and transportation capacity planning all play critical roles in ensuring Frederick can continue to grow without sacrificing reliability or service quality.

priorities, disciplined investment and a commitment to protecting the character of the community along the way.

People choose Frederick because they see possibility here. Our responsibility is to be worthy of that faith, investing strategically in the things that matter most.

“The work ahead isn’t simply about managing the growth Frederick is experiencing. It’s about building a city where people can afford to stay, businesses can afford to grow and the next generation can build a future without having to leave the community they call home.”

Quality of Life and Community Connection

Frederick’s quality of life remains one of its strongest competitive advantages. The City’s park system, recreation programs, arts and cultural investments and youth programming all contribute to the sense of place that continues to attract new residents and businesses.

This year will mark continued progress toward opening a dedicated youth center, a long-planned investment designed to give young people a consistent, welcoming space for mentorship, recreation and skill-building. The facility will complement existing parks and programming by creating a centralized hub for after-school activities, workforce readiness support and arts programming. As build-out and operational planning move forward, the City is working closely with nonprofit partners to ensure the center opens with strong programming in place. The goal is simple: provide young residents with a place that reflects their potential and gives them meaningful pathways to explore it.

Community Voice and Inclusive Engagement

Frederick’s diversity in culture, experience and perspective is one of its greatest strengths. The City continues to expand how it engages residents through Neighborhood Advisory Councils, multilingual communications and digital platforms that make information more accessible. Strong engagement improves policy outcomes. When residents understand decisions and see how their input shapes outcomes, trust increases and conflict decreases.

Strategy in Action

None of these priorities exist in isolation. Housing supports workforce growth. Workforce growth supports economic competitiveness. Economic competitiveness supports revenue stability, which funds parks, programs and public safety. The system works best when each investment strengthens the others.

As this budget cycle progresses, residents will see continued investments in affordability, infrastructure, public safety and economic opportunity, all aimed at ensuring Frederick remains both a place of opportunity and a community people are proud to call home.

The work ahead isn’t simply about managing the growth Frederick is experiencing. It’s about building a city where people can afford to stay, businesses can afford to grow and the next generation can build a future without having to leave the community they call home.

Redefining MVP: TIM TEBOW’S LIFE BEYOND FOOTBALL

An exclusive Q&A with City Lifestyle

ARTICLE BY ANGELA BROOCKERD

PHOTOGRAPHY PROVIDED

From championship trophies to global humanitarian impact, Tim Tebow’s journey has defied every standard playbook. In an exclusive conversation for the Share the Lifestyle podcast, Tebow pulls back the curtain on the moments that truly defined him, from a humbling middle school church retreat to the life-altering shift of fatherhood. This isn’t just a look back at a career; it’s an invitation into the heart of a man driven by purpose. Read the highlights below, then join us for the full, unfiltered experience by scanning the QR code at the end.

Q: WE ALL KNOW YOUR ACCOMPLISHMENTS ON THE FOOTBALL FIELD, BUT TELL US ABOUT THE CURL CONTEST.

A: I was competing for my future high school team (my brother’s team), and I pushed myself way past what was smart. I ended up collapsing and needing medical attention. But what stayed with me wasn’t the pain, it was the lesson. Would I be willing to do something that others aren’t? For much of my life, I strived to bring my best for a game, but I hope that I can say at the end of my life I was willing to do that for things that actually matter.

Q: YOU’VE ACHIEVED SO MUCH IN SPORTS. WHAT WOULD YOU SAY IS YOUR GREATEST ACCOMPLISHMENT NOW?

A: Becoming a dad. Nothing compares. From the moment I knew my wife was pregnant, I felt a new depth of love for our child, but when you bring your baby home, the responsibility hits you like nothing else. Suddenly, everything you see, every decision you make, you’re asking, “Is this corner too sharp? What happens if she reaches that drawer?” It changes how you see the world and how you see other people.

Q: YOU’VE SPOKEN OPENLY ABOUT DISAPPOINTMENT, ESPECIALLY AROUND FOOTBALL. HOW DID THAT SEASON OF LIFE SHAPE YOU?

A: I talked a lot about that very thing in my book Shaken . We all go through moments where our faith in our abilities and purpose feels rattled, but I believe it’s often in those storms when God can show us who we could become.

Q: YOU TALK A LOT ABOUT COMPARISON CULTURE. WHY DO YOU BELIEVE COMPARISON HAS BECOME SUCH A TRAP TODAY?

A: Because we’re comparing our real, everyday lives to someone else’s highlight reel. Social media shows people’s “best day,” often filtered and staged, and then we measure our reality against that. There’s a reason filters are so popular—it’s not real. We end up scrolling through images that don’t tell the full story, and without realizing it, comparison starts to steal our joy and our gratitude.

“We’re comparing our real, everyday lives to someone else’s highlight reel... comparison starts to steal our joy.”

Q: YOUR FOUNDATION FOCUSES ON THE “MOST VULNERABLE.” WHERE DID THAT CALLING BEGIN?

A: When I was 15, I met a boy in the Philippines who was treated as a throwaway because he was born with physical differences. That moment changed me. I realized God was calling me to pursue a different kind of MVP, not “Most Valuable Player,” but “Most Vulnerable People.”

Q: FINALLY, WHAT’S ONE THING PEOPLE MIGHT BE SURPRISED TO KNOW ABOUT YOU?

A: I have some weird coffee habits, which include protein powder, collagen, and cream all mixed together. I love golf dates with my wife. And every night, I bring snacks to bed to share with our dogs. It brings me more joy than it probably should.

This conversation barely scratches the surface. Tim goes deeper into the moments that rattled him, the joys of fatherhood, and one story he has never shared publicly until now. Scan the QR code for the full, exclusive City Lifestyle interview on Share the Lifestyle Podcast.

Kathy Schultze, Agent

Kathy Schultze, Agent

100 Tuscanney Drive Frederick, MD 21702

100 Tuscanney Drive Frederick, MD 21702

Bus: 301-694-6711

Bus: 301-694-6711

KathySchultze.com

KathySchultze.com

Kathy@KathySchultze.com

Kathy@KathySchultze.com

VB @KathySchultzeStateFarmAgent State

VB @KathySchultzeStateFarmAgent

WHERE SENIOR LIVING COMES TO LIFE

Where warmth, history and community come together. Nestled just minutes from downtown Frederick, our intimate 52-resident Assisted Living and Memory Care community offers personalized care in a cozy, family-like setting. Residents enjoy engaging activities, comfort-inspired dining and scenic surroundings — all in a pet-friendly community.

Assisted Living | Memory Care Rehabilitation | Short Term Stays

www.HeartFieldsAtFrederick.com 1820 Latham Dr, Frederick, MD (301) 663-8800

ARTICLE BY ALLISON SWAN PHOTOGRAPHY BY JANIE JONES

Inquiring Chef

START WITH A VEGETABLE

Jess Smith is the founder of the popular food blog InquiringChef.com, which she started in 2010 after moving to Thailand with her husband. She explored Thai cuisine, took cooking classes, and documented her experiences on the blog. Over time, her passion for cooking grew, leading her to focus on quick, easy meals for families. Today, Inquiring Chef receives over 5 million page views annually and supports a small team. She shares new recipes weekly through email, her blog, and social media, helping home cooks simplify mealtime without sacrificing flavor.

Smith is now an author. Her debut cookbook,  Start with a Vegetable, published in 2025 reimagines meal planning by putting vegetables at the center of the plate.

“Start with a Vegetable was the result of a natural transition in the way I started thinking about preparing dinner for my family. At the end of a busy day, I often didn't have the energy to think about dinner in parts by preparing a separate protein, vegetable, and starch,” says Smith. “I realized that if I put a vegetable at the center of the dish, the rest was easy to fill in.”

The book features 100 flexible recipes proving vegetables aren’t just a side— they’re key to simple, satisfying meals.

As chief recipe developer for the Cook Smarts meal-planning app, Smith worked closely with families struggling to get dinner on the table. She noticed a common challenge: people wanted to eat more vegetables but didn’t know how to build meals around them.

“As I started planning and testing recipes for the book, I just loved how easy it made dinnertime feel. Are there carrots in the fridge? Here are a bunch of ways to turn them into dinner. Nearly all of the 100 recipes are complete meals and include easy swaps to make them vegetarian. The book is truly flexitarian, with vegetable-forward recipes for all types of eaters.”

Unlike most cookbooks,  Start with a Vegetable is organized by ingredient. Each chapter focuses on a different vegetable, offering multiple ways to turn it into a meal.

“The concept is resonating with many readers who tell me they love that the chapters are organized by vegetable, making it easy to use whatever they have on hand.”

Smith went through a rigorous testing process, starting with over 300 ideas before narrowing them down to 100.

“I always have running lists of recipe ideas. I started sorting recipes into categories, making sure there was variety for each vegetable. I wanted differ ent cooking methods and types of dishes, so each chapter might have a soup, a salad, a roasted dish, a stove-top dish, and a sandwich or pasta.”

After perfecting the recipes in her own kitchen, she passed them to a trusted friend, an everyday home cook, to ensure they worked under realworld conditions.

“I want to know how these recipes worked for a home cook who was shopping at regular grocery stores and trying to make dinner for a family on a weeknight. She sends me feedback on any ingredi ents that are hard to find, anything that is unclear in the recipe, and tracks how long it takes her to make it with real-life interruptions.”

To further refine the book, Smith enlisted 30 volunteer home cooks through Instagram and her email list to test the recipes.

“My goal was to ensure that the recipes in this book are reliable, easy, and adaptable. I wanted this to be a cookbook for real home cooks. I'm so grateful to that team of volunteers for helping to ensure that it is.”

To order a copy of the cookbook visit:  InquiringChef.com

CITRUS, CARROT, AND CHICKPEA COUSCOUS

Sweet carrots and tart cranberries complement each other in every bite of this tangy couscous. It makes a light meal on its own but becomes a showstopper when spread on a platter and topped with braised meat, roasted cauliflower steaks, or seared tofu. If you want to add a little creaminess, serve the couscous with a spoonful of plain yogurt.

Ingredients:

• 1 pound carrots

• one 15½-ounce can chickpeas

• 3 tablespoons olive oil

• 1½ teaspoons ground cumin

• ½ teaspoon ground ginger

• ½ teaspoon dried thyme

• ¾ teaspoon kosher salt, plus more for boiling

• ½ cup orange juice

• 1 cup water

• 1 cup dry regular or whole wheat couscous

• ⅓ cup sliced almonds

• 1 lemon

• ½ cup dried cranberries

• chopped fresh parsley for garnish

Directions:

Step 1. Preheat the oven to 425°F

Step 2. Peel the carrots and slice them diagonally into 1-inch ovals. Drain and rinse the chickpeas

Step 3. In a large mixing bowl, combine the carrots and chickpeas with 1 tablespoon of the olive oil, cumin, ginger, dried thyme, and ½ teaspoon of the salt, coating evenly.

Step 4. Line a rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper. Spread the seasoned veggies and chickpeas on it in an even layer.

Step 5. Bake until the carrots become tender, 25 to 30 minutes. Stir halfway through cooking.

Step 6. Meanwhile, in a medium saucepan over high heat, combine the orange juice, water, and ½ teaspoon of salt. When the mixture begins to boil, remove it from the heat, stir in the couscous, cover, and let stand for 5 minutes.

Step 7. When the carrots become tender, sprinkle the almonds on them and continue baking until the almonds lightly toast, 4 to 5 more minutes.

Step 8. Juice the lemon for 1 tablespoon fresh juice.

Step 9. In the same mixing bowl used to season the veggies, whisk together the lemon juice, 2 tablespoons of olive oil, and the cranberries.

Step 10. Fluff the couscous with a fork and add it to the carrots, chickpeas, and almonds. Stir well to combine.

Step 11. Serve warm or refrigerate for 30 minutes and serve chilled. Just before serving, stir in the parsley.

UNSTOPPABLE IN HER OWN STRENGTH

At her heaviest, Melissa could barely lift 10 pounds and struggled with constant fatigue— but she chose change over comfort.

When she first walked into The X in Frederick, she knew she needed something different. What she didn’t know was how powerful that decision would become.

With supportive coaches and a community behind her, Melissa built strength step by step. She didn’t just lose weight — she gained confidence and momentum.

Today, she’s down 110 pounds and can lift 145% of her body weight.

Melissa’s story isn’t just about weight loss — it’s about what’s possible when you commit. If you’re ready to feel stronger and take control of your life, your starting point is here.

APRIL 2026

A SELECTION OF UPCOMING LOCAL EVENTS

APRIL 3RD-4TH

The Wizard of Oz

Weinberg Center for the Arts | 7:00 PM

Step “somewhere over the rainbow” this spring with a fresh, family-friendly take on the beloved classic The Wizard of Oz. Follow Dorothy, Toto, the Scarecrow, the Tin Man and the Cowardly Lion on their unforgettable adventure down the Yellow Brick Road in this vibrant stage production filled with music, dance and theatrical magic. WeinbergCenter.org

APRIL 10TH-12TH

2026 Frederick Spring

Artisan & Craft Market

Carroll Creek Linear Park, Frederick, MD | 10:00 AM

Celebrate spring at this vibrant outdoor market featuring handcrafted goods, local artisans and tasty treats. Stroll Carroll Creek, shop unique finds and support small businesses while enjoying the energy of Frederick’s creative community—all weekend long. Eventbrite.com

APRIL 24TH

Brunswick Live!

Brunswick Main Street | 4:00 PM

Enjoy an evening of music, shopping, and community fun at Brunswick Live! Stroll historic Main Street, browse local shops during extended hours and tap your toes to live performances by talented local musicians. This seasonal event highlights Brunswick’s charm and brings the community together for lively entertainment, dining and socializing. Perfect for a family outing, date night, or friends’ evening. BrunswickMainStreet.org