Beginning February 4, the distillery transforms into a Valentine’sthemed destination filled with romantic décor and festive details. Guests can enjoy specialty Valentine’s cocktails made with housedistilled spirits, perfect for date nights, Galentine’s gatherings, or celebrating with friends.
For more than 53 years, we’ve been honored to serve local families with compassion, respect, and heartfelt care. We’re grateful that our community has recognized this commitment by selecting us Best of the Best for the last 11 years.
When you need us, we’re here to help you create a meaningful tribute that celebrates your loved one’s life and legacy, while we handle every detail with care.
The Love Local Edition
Hey readers! If it isn’t super obvious by now just how much we LOVE LOCAL, I’m not sure what to tell ya. It is the heartbeat of this publication as we aim to shine a light on the people, places and projects that make Frederick the desirable destination it has grown to become.
Pictured beside me at a local event is gifted writer Emily Holland, who has graced the pages of Frederick Lifestyle the last few years. In this edition, she has helped capture the heart and mission behind two very important community initiatives: BOOMTOWN Frederick and African Americans of Excellence (AAOE), particularly the continued growth and development of the Student Artist Program.
We are genuinely inspired by these creative leaders who are dedicated to bringing their talent, vision and collaborative spirits to honor, uplift and celebrate this town we call home.
As the BOOMTOWN creators say, it isn’t just a film…it’s a tribute to the townspeople who built it, fought for it and never gave up on it. We’ve included several ways to get connected and involved with this highly anticipated release.
Once again, we are honored to collaborate with acclaimed local artist Yemi Fagbohun, whose captivating work returns to our cover as we look ahead to the 4th Annual African Americans of Excellence. Founded by Yemi in 2023, this innovative and collective artistic movement was created to spotlight the profound contributions of African Americans through art and student expression—seeking to inspire learning, spark meaningful conversation and encourage healing and unity while celebrating cultural excellence. You’ll have a chance to get briefly acquainted with this year’s honorees and their far-reaching influence, but we invite you to join us for the kickoff event on February 4th at the Weinberg Center. Come and witness the energy of AAOE and the beautiful “kaleidoscope of people” it unites.
We’ve asked before and we’ll ask again—whether it’s a gift, home furnishing or a date night out—will you keep local businesses front of mind? Frederick is famous for generosity and giving back so spending your hard earned money within the county sets more in motion than you may realize. That is one very practical way to… love local.
With lots of heart emojis,
February 2026
PUBLISHER
Amber Smith | Amber.Smith@citylifestyle.com
PUBLICATION DIRECTOR
Sierra Moore | Sierra.Moore@citylifestyle.com
CONTRIBUTING WRITERS
Emily Holland, Madelyn Wilson, Bailey Hall, Gabi De La Rosa, Cassie Suppes
CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS
Lytebox Photography, Cassie Suppes
Corporate Team
CEO Steven Schowengerdt
President Matthew Perry
COO David Stetler
CRO Jamie Pentz
CoS Janeane Thompson
AD DESIGNER Josh Govero
LAYOUT DESIGNER Andi Foster
QUALITY CONTROL SPECIALIST Megan Cagle
AAOE’s
Businesses
Aspirations
Salyer McLaughlin’s Docudrama Boomtown Captures and Celebrates What Makes Frederick Unique
city scene
1-7: Frederick Lifestyle’s Making Spirits Bright: A Toast to the Season was a magical celebration that captured the joy, connection and sparkle of the holidays. Hosted at True Standard Distilling, the gathering brought the community together for a fun, unforgettable evening filled with festive cheer and laughter. The venue was transformed with spectacular holiday decor as part of the beloved Christmas on Carroll experience—twinkling lights, epic details and a welcoming ambiance felt both elegant and playful. Guests were treated to a delicious culinary experience curated by Maison Bakery, featuring European-inspired patisserie delights perfectly complementing the celebratory mood of the evening.
European-Inspired Baking in the Heart of Brunswick
Maison, meaning “home” or “dwelling” in French, is a neighborhood bakery in Brunswick founded by husband-and-wife team Emma and Mathew Tilman. Known for its European-inspired patisserie, Maison offers flaky croissants, hand pies, artisan breads, savory bites, seasonal desserts and specialty coffee. The cozy, cottage-style space with subtle industrial touches makes it an easy place to linger. Whether you’re grabbing a loaf to go or meeting friends after a ride, this gem feels familiar, special and inviting.
MaisonBrunswick.com
ARTICLE BY EMILY HOLLAND | PHOTOGRAPHY BY LYTEBOX PHOTOGRAPHY
AAOE’s Student Artist Program Nurtures Creativity & Professional Aspirations
Frederick’s African Americans of Excellence Student Artist Program, directed by local professional artist and AAOE founder Yemi Fagbohun, expresses the spirit of the overall initiative in that it asks every year: how can we dig deeper and serve our community more?
Observing its fourth year in 2026, Yemi says that his goal this year is for the artwork to go “one step beyond,” with students developing not only creative portraits of each honoree, as they have in the past, but also incorporating important details and foundations of each honoree’s life. For example, a 2026 portrait may also feature an honoree’s local high school, church, favorite pastime or career distinction.
“This year we’re looking to create conceptual portraits,” Yemi says. “We want to see a holistic picture. We want each honoree’s soul to shine through.”
For 2026, the program has grown from nine to twenty students, representing both high school and college-age groups. Yemi says that several of the students who participated last year are participating again, some after departing for colleges as far away as Duke. The rest were hand-selected from local application submissions. Local students come from Frederick High School, Governor Thomas Johnson High School, Saint John’s Regional Catholic School, Hood and FCC.
The AAOE Student Artist Program supplements and supports the AAOE Awards in that it produces portraits and celebrates the achievements of Frederick’s African Americans. Students, though, are drawn from and represent a variety of ethnicities, experiences and backgrounds.
“It was important to me that this program be open to and represent a diversity of people in our community,” Yemi says. “I wanted to connect these student artists with the honorees and allow them to empathize with and imagine the experience of someone they may not have otherwise met. I feel that these kinds of connections are where community healing occurs.”
This is part of the program’s holistic approach, which continues through its structure, designed to give student artists opportunities to create meaningful work and gain recognition, as well as expose them to the process of professional contracts.
“It’s a really valuable program because it manages to shine a light on everyone. We want each honoree’s soul to shine through.”
— YEMI FAGBOHUN
“One of the first things I learned when I started to gain advertising work as a student artist,” says Yemi, who attended Manhattan’s Pratt Institute, “is that the process and expectations of professional work are very different from creating just for art’s sake. You have to unite your own creativity with the client’s needs. And you have to abide by a timeline for presenting drafts and finished artwork.”
Yemi’s purpose for the AAOE program, part of the vision from its inception, is to furnish this type of experience for each student. While the fundamentals of art and creativity are important, he says, his ultimate hope is to build bridges for these young artists to turn their talents and passion into a viable career.
Accordingly, each of this year’s students will be compensated for the portrait assignment. Sales of the artwork are directed to a nonprofit of the honoree’s choice.
The program begins with an “art bootcamp” in late October, where selected students are supplied with reference materials, such as photos and interviews from the honorees, and Yemi guides them through the process of the work they will be expected to create.
“I give them examples and show them plenty of tips and tricks,” Yemi says.
From there, the artists are turned loose, and they are welcome to work in whatever medium or style is unique to them to produce a portrait of their honoree that is as unique and distinctive as they are. Initial drafts receive feedback before proceeding to the final production stage.
At the Weinberg Center award ceremony, the artists are recognized alongside the honorees, and they have the rewarding experience not only of seeing their work displayed but also of meeting the community members who inspired it.
“It’s a really valuable program because it manages to shine a light on everyone,” Yemi says. “The honorees are celebrated with these beautiful and special portraits, and the artists get community recognition, support and get to be a part of this amazing event.”
An additional avenue for growth that Yemi is attaching to the AAOE Student Artist Program is hiring students to work with him on other local projects. The Ausherman Family Foundation, he says, has funded a series of rotating murals to be displayed on the side of the Candy Kitchen building at 52 N. Market Street, and Yemi is also enlisting student help to execute a mural inside the 7th Street Common Market. Once again, the goal is to help students build professional experience and launching pads for careers in the arts.
“I’ve been lucky enough to trade on my skills and experience in such a way that my work doesn’t feel like work,” Yemi says. “This is what I want for all of these students. I want to show them that their work has value, that it’s important to the fabric of the community, and that it’s something they can build on toward success.”
Yemi hopes to continue building and growing the AAOE Student Artist Program to serve more students each year.
AAOEfrederick.org
202 6 AFRICAN AMERICANS OF EXCELLENCE HONOREES SHARE LIFELONG COMMITMENT TO GIVING BACK
ARTICLE BY EMILY HOLLAND | ARTWORK BY YEMI
LEADING
THROUGH SERVICE
Every year, the ranks of Frederick’s African Americans of Excellence Awards are filled with citizens, both men and women, who epitomize servant leadership. In small things and larger things, in times of public visibility and in faithfulness behind the scenes, these individuals have shown over decades what it means to put others before self. They are inspirations not only within the African American community but for all of Frederick to emulate. We are honored and privileged to celebrate them in 2026.
WILLIAM “WICKIE” LEE BOWIE
For more than 30 years, William Lee Bowie has owned and operated Bowie D&S Transportation, a local taxi service that he and his wife built from the ground up. A lifelong member of St. James AME Church, his contributions there have earned him several awards and certificates, including the esteemed Man of the Year Award. He is also a founding member of the Road Knights Car Club, where he remains actively involved.
COLONEL THADDIOUS GOODMAN
Colonel (R) Thaddious Goodman completed a 26-year career in distinguished public service as Chief of Staff of Walter Reed Army Medical Center and the North Atlantic Regional Medical Command. Thad has been a member of Quinn Chapel AME Church since 1981, where he has served extensively as a teacher and fundraiser. Actively involved in the community, he formerly served as a board member at Frederick Community College and the Maryland School for the Deaf Foundation, among many other efforts.
ROSE DORSEY CHANEY
Rose Chaney spent her 34-year career as an art teacher with Frederick County Public Schools. A passionate advocate for history, equity and community engagement, she is a founding member of the African American Resources, Cultural Heritage (AARCH) Society. She has been named a Wertheimer Fellow for Excellence in Volunteerism by the Community Foundation of Frederick County and received the Theodore W. Stephens Lifetime Achievement Award from the Frederick County Human Relations Commission. She has served on multiple community nonprofit boards and is an active member of Asbury United Methodist Church.
LESLIE BARNES-KEATING
Leslie Barnes-Keating has had a nearly 30-year career with Frederick County government, where she currently serves as Deputy Chief Administrative Officer. She has led and participated in countless grants programs, projects and committees focused on creating strategies to serve vulnerable seniors, children and families in the Frederick community. Additionally, as a licensed Realtor® in partnership with her husband Jim, Leslie is co-owner of the Keating Group of Keller Williams Realty Centre real estate team.
DR. OLIVIA WHITE
A lifelong educator, leader and community champion, Dr. Olivia White currently serves as Vice President for Student Life and Dean of Students at Hood College. Additional community roles include Project Manager for the National Council of Negro Women (NCNW) Good Health WINs initiative, Chair of the Charitable Partners Committee for Delta Sigma Theta Sorority and President of the AARCH Society, where she is leading the effort to bring Frederick’s African American Heritage Center to life.
“In public visibility and quiet faithfulness alike, these honorees have shown what it truly means to put others before self.”
JOHN ONLEY
A Frederick native, John Onley has spent decades as a pianist and director of community gospel choirs, bringing uplifting music to community events, local nursing homes and other venues. His Tree of Life Gospel Singers have provided college scholarships to deserving local high school students. Most recently, he has served as director of the Frederick County Mass Choir. He finds great fulfillment in volunteering his talent to inspire the community through traditional African American gospel music.
SHIRLEY FOSSETT
Shirley Fossett is known locally as the head of the Off-Street Basketball League, a highly successful program for children ages 7–18 that encourages community involvement and leadership development. Fundraisers within the league have supported the Breast Cancer Research Foundation, the National Kidney Foundation and the American Liver Foundation, among others. She is an active member of Jackson Chapel United Methodist Church and has also served as a foster parent and Stepping Stone Centers board member.
AAOEfrederick.org
ARTICLE BY MADELYN WILSON | PHOTOGRAPHY PROVIDED
CHAMBER SUCCESS STORIES
How Chamber Relationships Turn Ideas Into Partnerships and Businesses Into Success Stories
Business in Frederick County comes in many different forms and the Frederick County Chamber of Commerce’s membership proudly reflects that diversity. The Chamber offers its members spaces and opportunities to grow and connect in ways that matter most to them. Whether striving to meet other business leaders in the community, create visibility for an organization or simply form purposeful relationships with likeminded professionals, the Chamber provides the chance for you to engage, thrive and develop. With over a hundred events a year, as well as a variety of committees and programs, the connections that Chamber members make are constantly turning into momentum. These stories highlight member businesses and individuals who dove into these opportunities and created meaningful progress in a variety of ways.
NIKKIE BYRD, SAGE CAKERY
Nikkie Byrd, founder of Sage Cakery, joined the Chamber in 2021. Since then she has jumped headfirst into everything that the Chamber has to offer, making her experience unique and valuable in her own way. Nikkie’s support of S.H.E. Week, led her to join the Chamber’s Women In Business committee. Here she found a supportive and engaging group that she has formed close friendships and collaborations with. Nikkie shares, “Being surrounded by strong, supportive women in business is something truly special. There’s a real sense of power in showing up for one another and our community and I’m grateful to be part of it.”
Nikkie’s success goes beyond committee connections. Opening Sage Cakery right before the pandemic, she has created a thriving and well-respected business in the county. She celebrated her five year anniversary with a ribbon cutting in collaboration with the Chamber. Nikkie is an admirable example of a hardworking entrepreneur who believes in the value of putting yourself out there and making a difference in your community. She adds, “I hope my Chamber involvement continues to connect me with people who can support and grow alongside me through each new chapter. My goal is to mentor, inspire and support others as we continue to grow and evolve together.” SageCakery.com
“THE MORE YOU INVEST IN THE COMMUNITY, THE MORE THE COMMUNITY INVESTS BACK IN YOU.”
CAMERON HARRIS AND BRIAN MUNDAY JR., PURPLE DONUT STUDIOS
Meeting different professionals in the community has often led to new and unexpected opportunities. Cameron Harris and Brian Munday Jr. are fantastic examples of Chamber members who have truly engaged with events and made a lasting connection. Running individual businesses in 2023, the two met at a Chamber Generation Connect mixer and hit it off immediately. Deeper conversations led to the creation of their joint company, Purple Donut Studios. They share, “That connection changed the trajectory of our careers and genuinely wouldn’t have happened without the Chamber. It has played a huge role in both our personal networks and professional growth.”
Boundless and exciting opportunities occur when you are bold enough to put yourself out there and be consistent. Cameron encourages those who are interested in membership but don’t know how to start to, “Show up consistently, and show up as yourself. Join a committee, attend events regularly, introduce yourself to someone new and follow up after that conversation. You don’t need a perfect elevator pitch, you just need to be willing to connect authentically. The more you invest in the community, the more the community invests back in you.”
Purple Donut Studios has recently opened their first official studio space and attribute this amazing milestone to the connections they have made with like-minded individuals in the Frederick County community. PurpleDonutStudios.com
MARTY BATES, BATES ARCHITECTS
Membership also holds value for long standing businesses in the community . Marty Bates, owner of Bates Architects, has been running his business in the same downtown Frederick office for their entire twenty years of operation. Bates Architects’ focus on community engagement has made them a stand out organization that continuously puts positive energy into the community. Marty shares his thoughts, “Running a successful business obviously requires providing quality and creative services but also requires a strong and growing exposure in the community serviced by the business. The Chamber is a proven way of accomplishing this exposure. You can never be too involved in your community.”
Recently, Bates Architects hosted a ribbon cutting for their twentieth anniversary in collaboration with the Chamber. This significant event, brought many community members to celebrate the goal that, “BA sees its future in the City as a service provider as well as helping to improve the built environment and to support our local businesses, neighbors and friends. BA’s growing portfolio of new work with institutional clients, multi-family, and specialty users will provide broader services to the community and further opportunities to support the Chamber in their mission.” With supporting and engaging the community as their goal, there is no doubt that Marty Bates and his team will continue to thrive as they have for the past twenty years. BatesArchitectSPC.com
KAYLIN
CORSIATTO, DILL DINKERS
Joining the Chamber presents someone with a variety of opportunities to get involved. Kaylin Corsiatto, owner of Dill Dinkers Frederick, joined the Chamber in November 2024 and has already created lasting partnerships. The Chamber’s Generation Connect committee had the opportunity to host a mixer in collaboration with Dill Dinkers at their facility. This event focused on wellness and all of the different forms it comes in and even allowed attendees to try out the pickleball courts and learn more about the game. Kaylin has also collaborated with members that she has met through the Chamber to put on a variety of networking events in their space, allowing participants to meet new people and be active at the same time.
As a newer member, Kaylin shares this advice, “The people in the Chamber are very kind, and they are ready to welcome you. As an introverted person, I can understand how intimidating it can feel to walk into a room full of people you do not know. However, I can assure you many others feel the same way. We are always willing to make room for you in the conversation.” Kaylin is a wonderful example of someone who has taken the opportunities presented to her in full stride, allowing herself to engage with the community while also creating one of her own. She looks forward to hosting more events in the Dill Dinkers facility and participating in more events that focus on professional development. DillDinkers.com
VALERIE PEARSON, MOUNT ST MARY’S UNIVERSITY
Success comes in many different forms. Valerie Pearson, Director of Recruitment for the Division of Continuing Studies at Mount St Mary’s University, has undoubtedly created a name for herself in the community. Her unwavering commitment to engagement is an inspiration for anyone looking to professionally develop. Actively involved in multiple Chamber committees and programs, Valerie has served as the Chair of Generation Connect, participated in Leadership Frederick County, and volunteers through the Ambassador program. “The [LFC] program has blessed me with close friendships that I believe I will have for the rest of my life. I learned a great deal about Frederick through LFC, but I also believe that I became a stronger and more confident leader through the program as well”
Valerie has created opportunities that have impacted both herself as well as the organization she works for. “I love creating new partnerships for the Mount, and these partnerships are always mutually beneficial. They help us recruit more students, but they also offer the employees of our partner organizations tuition discounts to make their academic goals more affordable.”
Valerie continues to be actively involved in the Chamber, making a lasting positive impact on everyone she meets. Just as she has had the opportunity to develop, she also goes out of her way to lift others up as well. MSMary.edu
SUE HOUGH, OCTAVO DESIGN & NICK MARCHETTI, AMI SIGNS
Everyone joins the Chamber with partnership opportunities in mind and it is exciting when they happen in an extremely organic way. Chamber Board Members, Sue Hough of Octavo Designs and Nick Marchetti of AMI Signs, have recently worked together on a variety of projects. Between Sue’s creative perspective and Nick’s commitment to quality installation, they have made a fantastic team.
Sue and Nick’s frequent collaborations began with the installation of the branding in the Chamber office. Sue shares, “Since that first project, we’ve continued working together on a variety of wall graphics for local businesses, as well as vehicle graphics. The Chamber played a key role in bringing us together, and it’s been a great example of how relationships formed there can turn into strong, long-term creative collaborations.”
Both Sue and Nick have invested a great deal of time engaging with the Chamber community and taking advantage of the resources available. Their knowledge and openness to meeting new people and learning new things have helped them in their individual and joint successes. Nick shares this piece of advice, “Chamber events provide a wide variety of formats, targeted attendees and types of interactions. Try all of the events and you will determine which are the best for you and your business. Your goal should be to meet a few new members, learn about their businesses and how you may be able to help each other make new connections within the community.” 8voDesigns.com | AMIsigns.com
An Essence Defined
Salyer McLaughlin’s Docudrama Boomtown Captures and Celebrates What Makes Frederick Unique
ARTICLE BY EMILY HOLLAND | PHOTOGRAPHY PROVIDED
A city or town is so much more than its streets and buildings – a city is its people, and its people have a spirit.
This is the underlying intuition behind “Boomtown,” Frederick’s latest independent film feature and brainchild of local director/producer Salyer McLaughlin. It seeks to dive deep into a mystery that perhaps has never been so thoroughly and thoughtfully treated before – in McLaughlin’s words, “How did we get here?”
Over decades when the roads to small-town decline have been myriad and evident, and the fraying of social fabrics has caused many to lose hope, visitors to Frederick often wonder why it’s different. McLaughlin’s film passionately captures the unique spirit of Frederick which has sustained it – and even caused it notoriety – throughout its history, and provides a blueprint for other communities at a time when shared vision is more critical than ever.
“Frederick has always been marked by this rebellious spirit and a kind of defiance,” McLaughlin says. “Even people from the community may not realize 12 judges from Frederick were the first to repudiate England’s Stamp Act leading up to the Revolutionary War. Boomtown explores how the same spirit drove Fredericktonians in the 1970s to resist decline and bureaucratic delay to re-envision and revitalize the town.”
In homage to Frederick’s inherent creativity, this story of the city’s great turnaround is framed not as a traditional documentary, but as a narrative docudrama, following the lives of major activists and local players around the flood of ‘76. The protagonist is Amos Brown, then-Chief of Photography at the Frederick News-Post and one of FNP’s first Black staff members. McLaughlin felt it was important to unify and engage the story of the entire community in contextualizing Frederick, and he found a great entry point with Amos.
“I was inspired by a few excellent books that shaped my vision of the redevelopment of Frederick,” McLaughlin says. “I read Kate McDermott’s From the Brink to Brilliant, Ron Young’s My Story, George Delaplaine’s newspaper memoir, Read All About It!,
and Joy Onley’s history of Black Frederick, Memories of Frederick Over on the Other Side.”
Coming full circle at the present day, the second half of the film features Brown’s daughter, Lexi, returning to Frederick as a Hood College student and podcaster keen on uncovering her father’s path as a community changemaker.
McLaughlin has been blessed with an excellent team in bringing his vision to life, including his wife Rhonda, an interior designer with more than 30 years of experience, who recreated the historical scenery.
“I’ve lived in Frederick since 1982 and grew up downtown, so this story is deeply personal to me,” Rhonda says. “I love pulling all of the elements together to create the look and feel of a moment, because that atmosphere is what carries the emotion and helps tell the story of Downtown Frederick in a meaningful way.”
The production also struck a chord with local partners who signed on to be presenting sponsors and executive producers: WLR Automotive Group and the Delaplaine Foundation.
“Supporting ‘Boomtown’ is an honor for me,” says Randall S. Simpson, WLR President & CEO. “Frederick has always been more than just a location; it’s been the foundation of our success and a source of inspiration. We are proud to celebrate and give back in this way.”
Delaplaine President Marlene Young adds, “The film showcases the resilience of the human spirit that persevered through bold vision and risk-taking – ending in a shared sense of pride and unity that are hallmarks of the Delaplaine Foundation’s core values.”
McLaughlin looks forward to the film’s local premiere, the first time the entire feature will be presented for the community to see. Part One of Boomtown sold out multiple showings at Warehouse Cinemas last year – tickets are on sale for Boomtown’s official full-length Weinberg premiere on January 24th. The event will include a ticketed reception before the first screening at 6:30pm, followed by a later evening screening at 9pm. After that?
“We have an agreement to do 12 to 15 full screenings at Warehouse Cinemas throughout the month of February,”
McLaughlin says. “We want to get this in front of as many eyes as possible. It’s really an incredible moment for the film, as well, with America’s 250th anniversary approaching and the 50th anniversary of the ’76 flood.”
Anyone familiar with Frederick lore will recognize the voiceover that opens the film, serving as a framing device and thematic thread – John Greenleaf Whittier’s well-known “Barbara Fritchie.” The hypnotic lines about “meadows rich with corn” and resounding imagery of Fritchie’s defiance – whether historical or purely legendary – hardly seem far-fetched with respect to the Frederick we know and love. McLaughlin and his team hope to again magnify that spirit that once brought Frederick fame far and wide; in an anecdote of Eleanor Roosevelt’s, Churchill himself once stopped the Presidential car at the Fritchie house to recite the whole poem, line by line.
Be Part of Frederick’s Story with Boomtown
• Attend the January 24th reception and premiere: tickets available for purchase at WeinbergCenter. org/Performances/Boomtown
• Boomtown still welcomes sponsors and supporters for marketing, distribution costs, and future film festival runs: learn more at BoomtownFrederick.com
• Check out a February screening at Warehouse Cinemas: tickets available at Frederick. WarehouseCinemas.com
• Follow “Boomtown Frederick” on Facebook and @boomtownfrederick on Instagram
Meaningful Marketing
A PICTUREPERFECT PARTNERSHIP
ARTICLE BY AMBER SMITH
How a Frederick County Couple Elevates Events through Love, Creativity and Modern Photo Experiences
At the heart of Premier Pics Maryland is a love story that began long before the camera flash. Adam and Chontelle Borden, married nearly 16 years and together since high school, are a true Frederick County duo through and through. Born and raised in the same community they now serve, they live in Walkersville with their three awesome kids and one lovable rescue dog. This February, as Valentine’s Day reminds us that the best partnerships are built on trust and passion, Premier Pics Maryland is a perfect example of love fueling creativity. Their business is more than a photo booth company—it’s an experience-driven brand designed to elevate events of every kind. Here are three ways Premier Pics Maryland can transform your next celebration:
1. BEYOND THE FRAME: NEXT-GEN EVENT TECH
We’ve evolved far beyond the traditional booth. Premier Pics Maryland leverages high-end innovation—from AI-driven digital transformations to interactive roaming photo robots—to create an immersive atmosphere. Whether we are building a live photo mosaic of your guests or transporting them into a custom digital world, we tailor our tech to match the caliber of your event.
2. KEEPSAKES THAT GO BEYOND PRINTS
While instant prints are still popular, Premier Pics Maryland takes it further. Personal events can feature on-site keepsakes, while corporate gatherings benefit from branded items like keychains, trading cards and promotional giveaways—turning memories into tangible, customized takeaways.
3. A DESIGN-FORWARD EXPERIENCE GUESTS LOVE
A properly done photobooth becomes the heartbeat of an event. Premier Pics Maryland offers booths that seamlessly match any design vision, double as entertainment hubs and create instant, shareable moments—often the memories guests cherish most.
For events that feel personal, exciting and unforgettable, Premier Pics Maryland delivers—powered by love, local roots and innovation.
Date Night
AT HOME
THREE CREATIVE IDEAS TO CELEBRATE LOVE
ARTICLE BY BAILEY HALL
Not every date night needs to involve reservations or an elaborate itinerary. With a little creativity, you can create magical moments right at home. Whether you’re celebrating Valentine’s Day or just want to reconnect, here are three ideas for unforgettable at-home date nights.
ROMANTIC PICNIC UNDER THE STARS
Transform your backyard or balcony into a dreamy picnic spot! Spread out a cozy blanket, add a few fluffy pillows, and hang string lights or fairy lights for ambiance. A small fire pit or lanterns can also add a romantic glow.
Pack a picnic basket with finger foods and a bottle of wine or sparkling water. Don’t forget a decadent dessert like chocolate-dipped strawberries. Lay back and stargaze, identifying constellations or making wishes on shooting starts. To make it extra romantic, bring a bluetooth speaker and play soft music.
BREAKFAST IN BED
Start the day with love by turning breakfast into an indulgent experience. Prepare a tray with a DIY breakfast charcuterie board. Include mini pancakes, waffles, fresh fruit, yogurt, granola, bacon, and pastries. Add small bowls of toppings like syrup, Nutella, or whipped cream.
Mix up mimosas or serve coffee with flavored syrups and whipped cream for a café vibe. Then, snuggle up in bed and watch a favorite movie or TV series.
PAINT AND CREATE TOGETHER
Unleash your inner artists with one of these three fun and interactive dates. Grab some inexpensive canvases, brushes, and acrylic paints from the craft store. Don’t forget aprons or old clothes to protect against spills!
• Paint each other’s portraits for a mix of laughter and creativity.
• Work on a collaborative painting - each person adds their own touch to a single canvas.
• Try a themed painting challenge, like recreating your favorite memory together.
Pair this date with a cheese platter and wine and don’t worry about being “good’ at paintingit’s all about enjoying the process together.
Take in sweeping alpine views
DIS COVER THE VALAIS REGION OF SWITZERLAND, WHERE ALPINE TRAILS, THERMAL SPRINGS, AND LOCAL TRADITIONS CREATE RESTORATIVE TRAVEL.
AN ALPINE ESCAPE
AN ALPINE ADVENTURE IN ALETSCH ARENA
An easy train ride from Zurich lands visitors in the Aletsch Arena, a high-alpine region on the south side of the Bernese Alps, home to three villages: Riederalp, Bettmeralp, and Fiescheralp. Known for its ski slopes in winter and hiking in summer, the area is entirely car-free, making walking and local buses the main modes of transportation through its quaint chalet-lined streets.
One of the main attractions of the ski-in/ski-out area is the Aletsch Glacier, the longest glacier in the Alps. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, the 12-mile glacier is visible from several vantage points, shaping every experience in the area.
ARTICLE BY GABI DE LA ROSA
In Switzerland’s Valais region, wellness and adventure are always part of the same itinerary. Morning could bring a high-alpine hike, afternoon a soak in mineral-rich springs, and evening a table set with traditional cuisine, always including delicious wine and cheese. For travelers, the best part will be finding the perfect balance between exploring the outdoors and relaxing with wellness-infused activities in the heart of the Swiss Alps.
WHERE TO STAY
Located in the heart of Bettmeralp, Hotel Panorama provides no-fuss accommodations steps away from the picturesque Chapel Maria Zum Schnee. The hotel’s restaurant offers delicious regional cuisine, including raclette paired with Swiss wine. A good bottle of Pinot Noir or Gamay is also easy to come by because the Valais region of Switzerland is one of the largest wine-producing areas in the country, with vineyards dotting the steep slopes of the Rhône Valley. In addition to wine and cheese, eating cholera, a covered vegetable pie invented in the region during the cholera epidemic, is a must.
WHAT TO DO
Begin at Viewpoint Moosfluh, the closest and lowest vantage point of the Aletsch Glacier. From there, trailheads lead to Villa Cassel, once the home of a British financier and now a museum focused on history and conservation. The hike passes through a thousand-year-old forest with views of both the glacier and the Matterhorn.
Walk over Goms Bridge, a nearly 1,000-foot-long suspension bridge that connects two hiking areas over the Rhône River. For a final look at the majestic glacier, take the cable car to Viewpoint Eggishorn. At nearly 10,000 feet above sea level, it offers panoramic views of the Matterhorn, Mont Blanc, Jungfraujoch, or the “Top of Europe,” and the most comprehensive view of the Aletsch Glacier.
Goms Bridge over Rhone River.
across Switzerland’s Valais region.
Kathy Schultze, Agent
100 Tuscanney Drive Frederick, MD 21702
Bus: 301-694-6711
KathySchultze.com
Kathy@KathySchultze.com
VB @KathySchultzeStateFarmAgent
IL 2001574
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
At 70, Dan hikes across Spain, rides long-distance bike routes for fun and can crush a pull-up — because he chose strength over slowing down.
When Dan first walked into The X in Frederick, everyday movement felt harder and life felt smaller. With coaches who tailored training to his goals, he built strength safely, regained mobility and unlocked the energy to hike 500 miles, travel, garden, build and stay active with ease.
Dan’s story isn’t about age—it’s about momentum. If you want to move well, feel capable and age boldly, your starting point is here.
FEBRUARY 2026
A SELECTION OF UPCOMING LOCAL EVENTS
FEBRUARY 4TH
African Americans of Excellence 2026
Weinberg Center for the Arts | 6:00 PM
The 4th Annual African Americans of Excellence Exhibit 2026 honors seven African Americans in Frederick County through original art, photography and video by local artists and students. The Kick-Off event features project unveilings, contributor introductions, honoree remarks and the launch of the online auction. Don’t miss this celebration of culture and creativity! Tickets available now. WeinbergCenter.org
FEBRUARY 11TH
Nonprofit Alliance Breakfast Exchange
1 Frederick Health Way | 9:00 AM
Join the Frederick Nonprofit Alliance for a Chamber favorite—networking with a twist. Meet fellow nonprofit professionals in a fast-paced, engaging format designed to spark meaningful connections. Practice your one-minute introduction, gain insights from peers and enjoy a light breakfast while expanding your network across Frederick County. FrederickChamber.org
FEBRUARY 21ST
Bootleggers
Ball
Union Mills Public House | 7:30 PM
Step into the speakeasy and celebrate at the Bootleggers Ball, a 21+ costumed affair featuring live music, raffles, casino games, appetizers and specialty cocktails in classic Prohibition style. Enjoy a lively night of entertainment, themed fun and community spirit at Union Mills Public House with opportunities to mingle, play and raise support for local events. VisitFrederick.org
PERMISSION to be
cheesy
VALENTINE’S DAY CHEESECAKE
ARTICLE AND PHOTOGRAPHY BY CASSIE SUPPES
Valentine’s Day is all about showing your loved one just how much you care. Rather than opting for the predictable chocolates and flowers, why not showcase your culinary prowess and create a one-of-a-kind cheesecake? Not only will this delectable treat demonstrate your affection, but it will also add a personal and luxurious touch
to the holiday celebration. Make this Valentine’s Day truly memorable by going above and beyond with a heartfelt, homemade gift. Cheesecake is the perfect dessert for two because it’s both rich and indulgent, but not too heavy. Plus, it can be easily customized to fit your own personal taste and it’s much easier than you think!
TO MAKE THE PERFECT CHEESECAKE,
• 1 pound cream cheese, softened
• 1 cup sugar
• 3 eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Start by preheating your oven to 350 degrees. In a large bowl, mix together the cream cheese and sugar until smooth. Beat in the eggs, one at a time, then stir in the vanilla extract. Next, add in the sour cream and heavy cream and mix until everything is well combined. Pour the mixture into the prepared graham cracker crust and bake for 45 minutes to 1 hour, or until the cheesecake is set. Let cool completely before serving.
For this recipe, we decided to add berries and honey to the top of our cheesecake. Take the time to make yours special to your relationship. With toppings such as chocolate, jelly, whip cream, berries, fruit, or whatever your partner’s favorite is you’re sure to make them smile. Make things colorful by adding food coloring to the mix, it can even be made in their
YOU’LL NEED:
• 1/2 cup sour cream
• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• 1 prepared graham cracker crust
favorite color. You can also change things up by making your own crust with Oreos or cinnamon crackers.
To elevate this recipe to the next level, consider using high-quality ingredients such as grass-fed cream cheese and locally sourced honey. For added luxury, try using a blend of different types of berries, or even substituting the graham cracker crust with a crust made of crushed pistachios or hazelnuts.
In addition to adding a variety of toppings, you can also get creative with the presentation. For example, try using a springform pan to create a heart-shaped cheesecake, or using cookie cutters to create fun shapes out of the cheesecake slices. You can also garnish the cheesecake with edible flowers or a sprinkle of edible gold dust for a truly indulgent experience.
