Local Family-Owned and Operated Funeral Home and Crematory
Through our Honor a Veteran program, you can retire your worn or damaged American flags by bringing them to Stauffer Funeral Homes. With a family’s permission, these flags may be placed with a veteran at the time of their cremation at Stauffer Crematory— offering a meaningful final tribute to their service.
Together, we can uphold the honor of our country and those who faithfully served it.
“Gratitude turns what we have into enough.”
November has always felt like the month that calls us back to what matters most. Gratitude becomes less of a word and more of a practice— in the way we show up for our families, our neighbors and the communities we belong to.
Starting Leadership Frederick County this fall has deepened that lesson for me. It’s a reminder that our greatest impact is not in what we do alone, but in what we accomplish together. One of the people who embodies that spirit is Kimberley Levine, CFO of the Frederick County Chamber of Commerce. Her leadership, vision and heart for this community remind many that gratitude and growth are at their best when they are shared.
This issue celebrates that same spirit—gathering, giving and honoring the individuals and organizations that make Frederick thrive. Our partners, readers and contributors are all part of this ongoing story and I’m thankful every day for the chance to connect with you through these pages.
As the holiday season begins, I hope you’ll pause for those small but powerful moments as they remind us, as the saying goes, that “it’s not what’s on the table that matters, but who’s in the chairs.”
SIERRA MOORE,
PUBLICATION DIRECTOR
November 2025
PUBLISHER
Amber Smith | Amber.Smith@citylifestyle.com
PUBLICATION DIRECTOR
Sierra Moore | Sierra.Moore@citylifestyle.com
CONTRIBUTING WRITERS
Emily Holland, Sierra Moore, Alison Stanton, Samantha Durbin, Emily McKeever
CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS
Ak’s GraFix & Photography, Anchor Pictures, Angel Photography, Emily Merrill, Marie Rose Photography, Purple Donut Studios
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
Learn how to start your own publication at citylifestyle.com/franchise.
How a personal mission became a beacon of hope for pediatric patients in Frederick and beyond.
In a hospital room, even the smallest gestures can make a world of di erence. Kristin’s Crown was born from the heart of Kristin Faith’s family and friends, who wanted to create moments of joy for children facing di cult medical journeys.
e initiative delivers sparkling tiaras to pediatric patients at Frederick Health, giving them a tangible reminder that they are loved, valued, and not alone. Beyond the sparkle, each crown carries a quiet but powerful message of courage.
Frederick Health and Nelson Coleman Jewelers have partnered to make this vision a reality, combining local care and craftsmanship to bring magic into hospital halls.
Nelson Coleman Jewelers is proud to support the Frederick community through initiatives that give back with every full-priced purchase. Visit us today to learn how your jewelry gives
1: Applauding our remarkable Strength, Heart and Equality SHEROs. 2: Celebrating our inspiring Touching Lives Award recipients. 3: Brunswick’s Chief Grunwell with Officer of the Year Gary Cline. 4: Meet the five outstanding Young Professional of the Year winners. 5: Chief Jason Lando recognizes Samantha Green with a Public Safety Award. 6: Honoring four incredible Leadership Frederick County Alumni Award recipients. 7: Melissa Muntz honors Teya Lowe with a Touching Lives Award.
- Cheryl
Woodsboro Bank today announced that former President & CEO Steve Heine will retire December 31, 2025. Over his eight-year tenure, Heine more than doubled the bank’s size, redefined its culture and championed community impact—supporting 150+ nonprofits and serving in leadership roles with the YMCA, Rotary Club of Carroll Creek and the Frederick Chamber of Commerce. His legacy: strengthening a historic bank while leaving a lasting, community-first imprint.
The Frederick Flying Cows have announced Dan Prete as head coach for the 2026 season. A Nike Elite Coach with 30+ years of experience, Prete has developed 50+ Division I players and NBA standouts including Kevin Durant. A Frederick resident for 15 years, he brings championship pedigree and strong community ties as the Flying Cows prepare for another record-setting season in 2026.
The mission of Jim and Karen Baker’s organization, the Jake Baker 27 Fund, calls to mind the saying: ‘Be kind, for everyone you meet is fighting a hard battle.” The Bakers have represented this idea with the Fund’s logo, picturing a gym weight. Their son Jake, the Fund’s namesake, was an avid and accomplished weightlifter— but his example has taught them so much more about the emotional and spiritual weights that everyone carries.
Most people may not have thought that Jake was carrying a lot.
“One of the most noticeable things about him,” Karen says, “was how outgoing he was and how he got along with everybody. He was personable and memorable. Even when my husband and I visited places outside Thurmont, our town, we ran into many people who knew him. He just excelled at connecting with others.”
Another notable thing about Jake, she relates, is that he was welcoming and kind. He treated everyone with the same courtesy and warmth, often building friendships with shy peers or children with special needs.
This could seem surprising, Jim says, because Jake’s talent and achievements made him stand out. Tall, athletic, he was a 4.0 student at Catoctin High School, where he also was involved in honors art and was a star on the State Champion football team. He graduated in 2020 and was, in fact, voted by his class as “Most Athletic” and “Most Artistic.” His parents still proudly share his many drawings. At the time of his passing, he had earned weight room records and was doing well on the Division II football team at Slippery Rock University.
Even amidst so much to celebrate— and being grounded in a loving, supportive family of faith—Jake still endured a heavy private mental health struggle (the Bakers emphasize that no one is immune). His family was devastated— and their lives changed forever—when he took his own life on May 23, 2024.
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Approaching the end of 2025, it’s hard to believe that it’s been only a year and a half since the Bakers’ unthinkable tragedy.
“Sometimes people ask us how we have been able to move forward with the Fund and with awareness-raising so soon,” Karen says. “We realized immediately that we wanted to be vulnerable with others and to share Jake’s story. It’s the only way we’ll be able to create change.”
Jim echoes that his son’s death has changed him in such a way that any walls he had built previously—to appear stronger than he was or to keep people out—have come down.
“I let people know that it’s okay to talk,” he says, “and that I’m always here to listen.”
One of the first groups the Bakers were determined to stand with was Jake’s football team at Slippery Rock. The loss had been crushing to Jake’s teammates, as well. Even after his passing, the Bakers continued to attend practice and games. One by one, and sometimes in small groups, teammates would approach them just to hug them or to grieve with them. Jim and Karen were quick to share their contact info and open up lines of communication as teammates processed. The players called, a few of them speaking with the Bakers for hours and strong, healthy relationships began to form.
“They underestimate how much people in their lives care and want to help,” Jim says. “It’s actually a gift to give someone an opportunity to help you and feel useful.”
The Bakers started to see that while counseling and professional help can be invaluable, equally critical are the organic support systems we build with the connections in our lives and our intentionality about checking in with—and checking on—others. One of the Jake Baker 27 Fund’s mottos is “We can lift this weight together!” When they share their story, especially with student athletes, they talk about the dynamic of a weightlifter and a “spotter.” A spotter keeps a weightlifter safe by being there to catch or intervene if the weight becomes too much.
“We realized immediately that we wanted to be vulnerable with others and to share Jake’s story. It’s the only way we’ll be able to create change.”
— Karen Baker
“Another thing we realized very early on is that so many of these young men are feeling the same pressures—whether academic, financial, career or relationship,” Karen says, “and they’re afraid to open up.”
“Everyone needs ‘spotters’ in their lives,” Jim says. “We’ve developed talks and are starting to envision programs that help people share their burdens and build up that all-important ‘support system infrastructure.’”
This is the mission of the Jake Baker 27 Fund. “27” comes from the player number Jake received at Slippery Rock—a number significant to him because the 27-yard line had been marked to honor Heisman Trophy winner Joe Bellino at Jake’s State Championship game.
So far, the Bakers have focused a lot of their efforts around high school and college athletics. People aren’t always sensitive enough, they say, to the pressures the students are facing, both on and off the field and they particularly appreciate
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the opportunity to get coaches involved in support-system building. Another reason for their youth focus, Karen says, is because the age group is particularly vulnerable.
“Young people haven’t lived enough yet to know that dark and difficult seasons eventually end,” she says.
As a police officer, Jim has taken his story and experience to law enforcement and first responders. These are other vulnerable groups that carry a lot day-to-day and often struggle to seek help, build relationships and reach out. Both Jim and Karen say that these talks and engagements—even as sharing can be emotional and challenging—have been very rewarding. The number of people who’ve expressed feeling seen or being given permission to share after hearing about the Bakers and Jake continues to grow every day.
Eventually, Jim and Karen say, they’d like to use the resources collected by the Fund to help launch outdoor retreats, such as camping and fishing experiences, to create space for real-life connections to form (Jake loved to fish).
“One thing players say to us,” Karen says, “is that they want time and space to connect and bond with each other. It’s particularly important to get people engaging in person and off of their phones.”
“Young people haven’t lived enough yet to know that dark and difficult seasons eventually end.”
— Karen Baker
The Jake Baker 27 Fund plans to work with local Parks & Recreation organizations to design these retreats that schools and colleges can opt in to. For now, they continue with speaking engagements, workshops and handing out merch that exhibits Jake’s drawings (his lighthouse portrait is significant) and reminds people that they are never alone.
The last element of the Jake Baker 27 project currently in the works is the restoration of Jake’s beloved 1993 Ford Ranger pickup truck, which will become a showpiece vehicle with lights, logos and signature colors. The Bakers plan to park the Ranger at events to draw attention and get people talking about the mission. Jake worked on it constantly and took pride in it, and it often made the four-hour trip with him to Slippery Rock.
Jim and Karen encourage anyone and everyone touched by Jake’s story and their mission to get involved at jakebaker27. org . You can follow the Jake Baker 27 Fund on Instagram at @jakebaker_27 or reach out via email at jakebaker27.org@ gmail.com. As the Fund and organization scales up, the Bakers will welcome ambassadors and volunteers.
Finally, the Bakers know that the most important person cheering on their mission to help others build relational support is Jake himself. Karen testifies to the number of signs and “coincidences” which have proved that Jake is still with them, smiling down—not least of which has been the discovery, during the Ford Ranger restoration process, that rattling inside the dashboard was exactly 27 cents. JakeBaker27.org
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H O L I D A Y C A S I N O N I G H T
D E C E M B E R 6 , 2 0 2 5
T I C K E T S O N S A L E N O W
F u l l C a s i n o F l o o r | L i v e D J & M u s i c
C o m p l i m e n t a r y C u i s i n e | H o s t e d B a r
* V I P O p t i o n s A v a i l a b l e W i t h T i c k e t S a l e s *
A p o r t i o n o f p r o c e e d s b e n e f i t s t h e B o y s & G i r l s C l u b !
RETHINKING CHARITY IN OUR NONPROFIT SCENE
ARTICLE BY SIERRA MOORE
Doing good is good business. 8% workforce / $340 million wages
Frederick County’s nonprofits generate more than $1 billion in economic impact every year. They employ thousands, strengthen neighborhoods and support everything from health care to education to civic life. It’s a powerhouse sector—yet one that we too often view through the wrong lens. Too often, we reward charities for their modesty instead of their ambition. Social entrepreneur Dan Pallotta calls this a dangerous mindset. We cheer when nonprofits spend less, not when they achieve more. And here in Frederick, that thinking may be limiting the very organizations that fuel so much of our community’s success.
Nearly 1,600 nonprofits call Frederick County home. Together, they account for 8% of the workforce, pay out $340 million in wages, and keep our local economy thriving. Their reach is vast— health and human services (59%), education (16%), civic life (9%), and more.
punishes organizations for investing in people, infrastructure or outreach.
If we told a startup it couldn’t hire talent or advertise, it would collapse before it grew. Yet nonprofits are forced to do just that.
This isn’t just a matter of goodwill—it’s smart economics. Research shows 87% of employees stay loyal to socially engaged employers and 76% of consumers will switch brands to support a cause. Businesses that give generously often weather downturns better than those that don’t.
more than $1 billion in impact each year.
But looking closer: two-thirds operate on budgets under $25,000 a year. Just 2% cross the $5 million threshold. Imagine trying to run a business with no funds for marketing, no room for risk and no time to plan for growth—that’s the reality most nonprofit leaders face.
Charity watchdogs measure success by “lean” budgets, urging nonprofits to pour 65–75% into programs and keep overhead minimal. But this standard
$1 billion
If Frederick businesses partnered more boldly with nonprofits, the payoff could be both financial and social— stronger companies, stronger community.
What if we stopped viewing “overhead” as a waste and called it what it is? INFASTRUCTURE
What if we gave nonprofits the freedom to take risks, scale up and fail forward—just as we do for entrepreneurs?
The future could look like this: competitive salaries that attract top talent, campaigns bold enough to reach new audiences and leaders planning years ahead instead of scrambling month to month—all while creating a workplace where employees never have to choose between making money and making a difference.
• Give smarter. Ask about outcomes and goals, not just overhead.
• Invest in capacity. Fund the unglamorous essentials like staff, technology and marketing.
• Volunteer expertise. Nonprofits need strategists, marketers and accountants as much as event helpers.
• Champion boldly. Celebrate organizations that take risks and impact, even if their budgets aren’t razor-thin.
Frederick’s billion-dollar nonprofit sector is already an engine of impact. But with a mindset shift—from scarcity to ambition—it could be even more. If we want our nonprofits to thrive and our community along with them, it’s time to rethink what supporting them really means.
https://www.ted.com/talks/dan_pallotta_the_way_we_think_about_charity_is_dead_wrong
Why Every Parent Should Write a Legacy Letter — A Gift for Now and the Future
ARTICLE BY DR. SHANNON STORCH
In the midst of building businesses, contributing to our community, guiding our children and planning for retirement, there’s one investment whose return can’t be measured in dollars—but which can echo through generations: your voice. A Legacy Letter is a heartfelt, intentional message you compose for your loved ones—your children, your spouse, your family—as a record of your values, your wisdom, your love. When times are hard, or paths are uncertain, the words you leave behind can become a lighthouse.
Emotional foundation: Your words become a bridge across time, offering strength in life’s difficult moments. A letter from a parent or loved one can become a touchstone—something you pull out, re-read, feel grounded by.
Values transmission: It’s a chance to clearly communicate what has shaped you—the principles, faith, sense of purpose or life lessons you want your children and loved ones to carry forward.
Healing & connection: Gaps in understanding, regrets or unsaid words often linger. A letter allows you to say aloud what often remains unspoken.
Blake Brewer founded the Legacy Letter Challenge after the sudden loss of his father, Larry Brewer—his greatest mentor. In the midst of grief, Blake’s mother shared a letter his dad had written to him, filled with wisdom, faith and love—words that would shape his life and parenting journey forever. Inspired by that powerful experience, Blake is now on a mission to help 1 million parents write meaningful legacy letters to their children—because, as he says, “your legacy matters.”
“I am very grateful for Blake and the Legacy Letter Challenge. Blake helped me craft a letter that expressed to my girls how I feel about them along with some good life advice.”
— Tim Delaney, VP Digital Marketing, Arizona Cardinals
“It just makes so much sense. And to have a blueprint to write this letter is priceless. I’m being the dad to my children that my dad wasn’t for me.”
— James Reid, Founder & CEO, International Performance & Life Strategist
“As a parent and former therapist, I can say this has tremendous value and can work towards healing and transformation in relationships.”
— Cynthia Kneidinger, Retired Counselor and Therapist
1. Visit legacyletter.com/partners/shannon-storch
2. Use coupon code “Storch” for free access
3. Follow the simple, guided process to create a letter your children will treasure forever
We invest in education, homes and futures—but this letter is an emotional inheritance. Your words will matter now—and decades from now. Write your letter and leave your legacy.
Financial Advisor
Dr. Shannon Storch is a trusted financial advisor and leader at Thrivent, a nonprofit organization serving the Christian community for over 120 years. With a passion for helping clients build wealth with purpose, Shannon is known for strategic insight, integrity and a people-first approach. Outside of finance, Shannon values faith, family and community, striving to make a meaningful impact in all areas of life. At Thrivent, Shannon lives the mission: Where Money Means More—blending personal values with financial expertise every day. Connect.Thrivent.com/Shannon-Storch
ARTICLE BY SIERRA MOORE
Kindness doesn’t always require a grand gesture. Often, it’s the small, thoughtful actions that create the widest ripple. Weave these into your weeks or pin them on the fridge to make it a family challenge.
Pay it Forward
Buy coffee or lunch for the person behind you in line.
Love Your Neighbor
Rake leaves, shovel snow or take trash cans in for a neighbor.
Write It Out
Send a handwritten thank-you note to a teacher, coach or mentor.
Give Where You Care
Make a donation to a local nonprofit that aligns with your passions.
Lift Them Up
Post a glowing online review for a local business you love.
Mirror Messages
Tape an encouraging note to a public restroom mirror. You never know who needs to see it.
Give Warmth
Donate gently used coats, blankets or pet supplies.
The Extra Minute
Let someone go ahead of you in traffic or the grocery line.
Gift of Words
Send an encouraging text or email to someone.
Tip Generously
Leave a generous tip for your server or barista.
Save Lives
Donate blood or plasma at your local center. Yes, it saves lives!
Reconnect
Call a friend or relative you haven’t spoken to in a while—just to check in.
Help the Planet
Carry reusable bags and offer one to someone in need at the store.
Give an Hour
Volunteer one hour of your time—at a pantry, shelter or hotline.
Smile
Smile at strangers. It costs nothing, but can mean everything.
ARTICLE BY ALISON STANTON
Let’s face it: hosting Thanksgiving dinner can be stressful.
Between grocery shopping, house cleaning, cooking and baking, it’s no wonder the day devoted to giving thanks can feel a tad daunting.
Here’s some very welcome good news: whether this is your first holiday hosting rodeo or you’ve stuffed many a turkey over the years, you can knock out most of the Thanksgiving meal prep work in advance – some of it two weeks before the big day.
To make this year’s Thanksgiving meal easier and more enjoyable, consider the following timeline of tips.
2 WEEKS BEFORE
• Print out the recipes you plan to use – this will be much easier than constantly tapping your phone to prevent the screen from going dark or scrolling when your hands are covered with flour or onions.
• Using your menu and printed out recipes as a guide, compose a complete shopping list.
• Double check your supply of herbs and spices to see what you have on hand –even the ones you are pretty sure you have enough of, like salt and pepper (this tip comes from personal experience!).
• Shop for all non-perishable and frozen food items. Basically, if it doesn’t need to be stored in the fridge, or if it doesn’t have a short shelf life, it’s going in the cart.
• Plan three easy and tasty dinners for the days leading up to Thanksgiving and purchase those ingredients during your shopping trip. Or plan at least one night of takeout.
• Clean your home completely, enlisting family members to help. Then, as the big day approaches, you can touch up as needed.
• Finish your grocery shopping for fresh vegetables like potatoes, onions and carrots and other items not purchased earlier.
• Go through your fridge and toss any old, expired condiments, leftovers and mysterious food items that no one is eating. This will free up valuable real estate for your various dishes.
• Wash and chop all veggies and place the prepped produce into plastic baggies or airtight food storage containers. If some recipes call for “minced onion” and others require “chopped onion,” label the bags accordingly.
• Set the table, and include the empty serving dishes. This will help you figure out ahead of time where the larger dishes can go (and if they will all fit!) Add Post-It notes to the empty dishes to remind you what will go in what. Use a clean sheet to cover everything and keep it all dustfree until Thursday. You can also do this for a buffet.
• Gather all needed serving spoons and other serving pieces.
• Pre-measure herbs and spices for your recipes and store them in labeled small plastic bags with the name of the dish they are for and what’s in the baggies. You can also do the same for any flour, sugar or other non-perishable ingredients you’ll use in your dishes.
• Do a quick clean and tidy around the home; for instance, run the vacuum and shine up the bathrooms.
• If you haven’t already done so, bake your pies, or, at the very least, prepare your pie dough. Wrap the dough in plastic and keep it in the fridge until you’re ready to assemble and bake the pies.
• Make the mashed potatoes. Bonus tip: on Thanksgiving, put the potatoes into a slow cooker and heat them up using the “warm” setting.
• Prepare the gravy. If you have a second slow cooker, it too can be warmed up this way on Thanksgiving. This will also help free up pots, pans and burners on the stove!
• Set up a separate drink station where guests can help themselves or someone can serve them away from the kitchen. Stock it with glasses of different sizes, napkins, bottle and can openers and straws.
RECIPES BY BRITTANY MEADTH
PHOTOGRAPHY BY EMILY MERRILL
Ingredients: 10 carrots, ½ cup fresh dill, 3 sprigs of thyme, 1 cup labneh, 2 tablespoons honey, 2-3 tablespoons olive oil
Directions
1. Preheat oven to 400° F
2. Wash, peel, and prep your carrots. If carrots are skinny, you can peel them and place them onto a cookie sheet. If the carrots are thicker in diameter you can cut them lengthwise into halves.
3. Drizzle honey and olive oil over carrots on baking sheet. Use your hands to make sure the carrots are properly coated on all sides.
4. Add salt and pepper
5. Bake in the oven at 400° F for about 25-30 minutes
6. Take them out of the oven and set aside
7. On a large serving plate add about a cup (or more) of labneh. My favorite is called Luretik (you can but it locally at Macher in Goleta).
8. Add your carrots then freshly chopped dill and thyme to the top
9. Drizzle a good olive oil over the whole thing
Hosting Tip: “Ask for help from the right people. Some people aren’t going to be comfortable making bread rolls or a dessert, but maybe they’re great at making salad. Others can be asked to bring drinks or clean afterward. Nobody is a mindreader—don’t be afraid to set up a spreadsheet where they can sign up!”
Ingredients: 10 small yellow gold potatoes, 1/2 tablespoon baking soda, olive oil, salt, rosemary, garlic, chives (optional)
Directions
1. Preheat oven to 400° F
2. In a large Dutch oven, bring water, baking soda, and salt to a boil. Place unpeeled potatoes into the water and reduce the heat to medium-low. Once the potatoes are soft to touch (20-25 min), drain and let sit for 10 minutes.
3. On a cutting board, grab a potato and use any large object (wine bottle, glass jar) and smash down the potato. Do this gently and have a spatula close by to transfer to
a baking dish. Once you have smashed all the potatoes, add salt and olive oil.
4. Place in oven and roast for 20 minutes or until crispy
5. Top with the garlic, rosemary, and fresh chives
Cooking tip: “I don’t peel my potatoes because who really has time for that? The secret to this recipe: baking soda. The baking soda makes the water alkaline which helps break down the surface of the potatoes, making them very crispy and very delicious.”
Ingredients: 3 honeynut squash, olive oil, salt, pepper, smoked paprika, pomegranates
Directions
1. Preheat oven to 400° F
2. Slice the squashes in half, remove all the seeds
3. Add olive oil, salt, and pepper and roast for 30 minutes
4. Add smoked paprika and pomegranates to serve
Hosting tip: “It’s all in the way you present it to kids…when you ask your kids to join, try not to make it sound like a punishment. Emphasize that they have a responsibility prepping really yummy food. Include a special drink for the kids while they’re helping, like spiced apple cider. Adjust your expectations to allow for extra mess, extra time, and know it won’t turn out exactly as if you had done it yourself. But the tradeoff of creating happy memories is 100% worth it.”
Hosting tip: “It’s all in the way you present it to kids…when you ask your kids to join, try not to make it sound like a punishment. Emphasize that they have a responsibility prepping really yummy food. Include a special drink for the kids while they’re helping, like spiced apple cider. Adjust your expectations to allow for extra mess, extra time, and know it won’t turn out exactly as if you had done it yourself. But the tradeoff of creating happy memories is 100% worth it.”
Ingredients
Crust
• 12 graham crackers
• 6 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 1⁄4 cup brown sugar
Filling
• 4 sticks of cream cheese (room temp)
• 1-1⁄2 cup sugar
• 5 large eggs (room temp)
Directions
Preheat oven to 350° F
Crust
• 2-1⁄2 teaspoon vanilla
• 2 teaspoons fresh lemon juice
• zest of whole lemon
Caramel
• 1-1⁄4 cup sugar
• 1-1⁄3 cup water
• 1 cup heavy whipping cream
• 1 cup unsalted or salted butter
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1. In a food processor, add the graham crackers, butter, and brown sugar. Blend until sand-like texture.
2. In a springform pan, add parchment paper and butter the sides
3. Place crust into the pan and pat down to form a smooth base
4. Set in the fridge and chill for 15 minutes
Filling
1. Add the cream cheese to a standing mixer. Make sure it’s room temperature—this is an important step!
2. With your whisk attachment on medium speed, mix the cream cheese. Once it becomes fluffy, add the sugar and one egg at a time. Scrape down sides as needed.
3. Remove the pan with the crust from the fridge, add the batter to the pan, and place into your preheated oven for 1 hour and 15 minutes.
4. Remove from the oven and let sit. Once cool, cover and place in the fridge.
Caramel
1. In a saucepan, add the sugar and water. Whisk until the sugar is dissolved. Keep heat on medium. Watch the sugar water—it will slowly go from a light brown to a rich amber color.
2 . Once it turns amber in color, add the heavy whipping cream and butter and whisk
3. Turn the heat off and let sit for 5 minutes
4. Remove cheesecake from the fridge and add the caramel to the top
Fall’s best cookbooks for perfect cold
Crisper air and shorter days call for cozy nights, whipping up a homemade meal in soft slippers and your favorite robe. Staying home on a Friday night in the fall doesn’t mean you’re giving up — quite the opposite! Think of it as carb loading before the championship game or a prep session before that major test. You’re practicing your winter hibernation skills, stretching those lounging muscles, and getting ready to win winter. And consider this roundup of cookbooks as your personal trainer. If you can make a hearty, succulent roast with confidence and ease as the leaves fall outside, imagine what you can do when it’s 20 degrees and snowing. Now, go get ’em!
Pizza Night: Deliciously Doable Recipes for Pizza and Salad
When you hear “Pizza Night”, a picture appears of the entire family gathered ’round with good food and lots of laughs (with popcorn and a movie to wrap up the occasion, naturally). This collection of yum contains 52 seasonal pizza varieties, each with unique salad pairings. It’s like pizza night on overdrive. Now, when you plan the family’s favorite end-of-the-week event, you’ll have this in your arsenal.
The Art and Practice of Handmade Sourdough, Yeast Bread, and Pastry
We know you want to turn and run in the opposite direction after reading this title, but don’t be afraid! Take a glance at the reviews, and you’ll see words like easy, lovely, informative, inspiring, and our favorite, “great for beginner bread makers!” No equipment is required, just basic ingredients and a can-do attitude. It’s also a nice little piece of décor for your kitchen countertop.
Health Nut: A Feel-Good Cookbook
You may see Health Nut and say to yourself, ‘Booooring!’ but healthy food doesn’t have to be tasteless food. Flip through the vibrant pages of this trusty sidekick, and you’ll find good-for-you dishes with flavorful combinations the whole family will love. With practical instructions and helpful tips, it’s almost as if the author peeked into your pantry and built her recipes around ingredients you already have.
The Modern Hippie Table: Recipes and Menus for Eating Simply and Living Beautifully
You’ll find more than 70 recipes in this gorgeous compilation. Author/lifestyle blogger Lauren Thomas wants her readers to slow down and create a whole mood around their food, one that is beautiful, inviting, and… delicious. Her recipes are achievable for the novice and experienced chef and come with tips on tablescaping, cocktail mixing, and more. So, double knot that apron because you’re going to learn some stuff and eat very, very well.
ARTICLE BY EMILY MCKEEVER
The holidays have a way of calling us back to what matters most—faith, family, compassion, and the quiet but powerful act of giving. As lights go up and calendars fill, there are still many who sit in silence, carrying burdens too heavy to bear alone. But what if this season, you could be the spark that changes everything for someone else?
The founders of City Lifestyle, through their private foundation, are once again launching its annual Christmas Giving Campaign—a heartfelt effort to seek out and support individuals and families who have quietly fallen through the cracks. The mission is simple: to bring light, dignity, and hope to those who need it most.
Since its beginning just four years ago, this initiative has grown from a humble idea into a life-changing movement. Last Christmas alone, more than 200 families across the country received unexpected support—financial relief, but also something even more powerful.
“We don’t just send checks,” says Steven Schowengerdt, CEO and founder of City Lifestyle. “We send a message: You are seen. You are loved. And you are not forgotten.”
Together with City Lifestyle President Matthew Perry, Steven has helped shape this into a tradition that goes far beyond charity. “This is about community,” Matthew adds. “We believe we’ve been blessed, so now we get to be a blessing.”
Every story begins with a nomination. Often, it’s a neighbor, coworker, friend, or teacher—someone who’s been quietly carrying too much for too long. One past recipient, after receiving unexpected support during a time of deep personal struggle, wrote:
SCAN TO NOMINATE
“We send a message: You are seen. You are loved. And you are not forgotten.”
“Beyond the very practical solution of receiving funds to fix my car, this thing you guys worked together to do is bigger than that. I carry the Christmas card you sent in my purse. When things get really hard, I pull it out and remember what it felt like to be seen. That card represents hope— that change for the better is possible. I’m not sure how many people get to carry hope around in their purse. But I do.”
Another wrote in after her husband was diagnosed with aggressive brain cancer and unable to work:
“This support has blessed our family not only financially, but emotionally and spiritually as we trust God to meet our needs throughout this difficult time. Thank you to our anonymous friend and to your foundation. What a joy and gift to be part of God’s family!”
Each year brings countless stories like these—real lives touched by simple acts of kindness. Some use the funds to pay overdue bills, others to afford groceries, medication, or repairs. But no matter the circumstance, the impact is the same: hope is restored.
This season, you have the opportunity to be part of that. The campaign is now open to nominations—completely confidential and prayerfully considered. Whether it’s someone battling illness, facing unemployment, or just in need of a helping hand, you can bring them a moment of grace that will ripple far beyond Christmas morning.
“Knowing my mom was chosen filled my heart with indescribable joy,” said another past recipient. “Your generosity doesn’t just brighten her life; it inspires hope and faith in all of us. It enables her to stay in her home and get back on her feet.”
Nominations are open from November 1st to December 5th, 2025. To submit someone you know, simply scan the QR code or visit @CityLifestyle on Instagram, where you’ll find the nomination form in the bio.
This holiday season, let’s give more than gifts. Let’s give each other the gift of being seen. Because sometimes, the smallest gesture becomes someone’s greatest miracle.
To nominate someone in need, visit: KingdomBuildingFoundation.org or scan the QR code.
SATURDAY NIGHTS
Live Music at Adventure Park USA
Adventure Park USA | 9:00 PM
Wind down your Saturday with live performances by local artists. No cover charge, food and drink specials and discounts on select attractions make it a fun after-hours outing. Great for music lovers and families looking for evening entertainment. AdventureParkUSA.com
NOVEMBER 1ST
Holiday Craft Fair
6816 Blentlinger Rd. Frederick | 9:00 AM
Bring some early seasonal cheer! The Holiday Craft Fair features local artisans, handmade wares, festive decor and unique gifts perfect for holiday giving. Ideal for finding one-of-a-kind items while supporting small businesses. VisitFrederick.org
NOVEMBER 1ST
November First Saturday
Downtown Frederick | 11:00 AM
Downtown Frederick kicks off the weekend with November’s First Saturday, a full day of shopping, live music, dining specials, gallery happenings and seasonal vibe-boosters. Stroll through the historic streets, enjoy extended store hours and soak in the community energy. Free. All ages welcome. DowntownFrederick.org
Kathy Schultze, Agent 100 Tuscanney Drive Frederick, MD 21702
Bus: 301-694-6711
KathySchultze.com
Kathy@KathySchultze.com
VB @KathySchultzeStateFarmAgent
CONTINUED
NOVEMBER 8TH
Othello Regional Park | 4:00 PM
Truth-seekers, folklorists and curious explorers are invited on a thrilling family expedition to hunt for the legendary Bigfoot in the trails. Frederick County Parks & Recreation will lead you through wooded terrain in search of clues, with raffle tickets awarded per discovery and a chance to win local prizes. Registration covers up to five members. Cost: $29 per household. VisitFrederick.org
NOVEMBER 9TH
Weinberg Center for the Arts | 3:00 PM
Experience the power and precision of the U.S. Air Force Concert Band, with its 52 active-duty musicians presenting a program of classical works, contemporary pieces, popular favorites and patriotic numbers. A free symphonic performance, part of the Weinberg Center’s LIVE! Series. Tickets required. WeinbergCenter.org
NOVEMBER 11TH
Brunswick Main Street | 1:00 PM
Join the community of Brunswick for its 93rd Annual Veterans Day Parade—a proud tradition honoring veterans through patriotic pageantry, marching bands, local organizations and civic groups. The parade moves through town and is open to all. VisitFrederick.org
NOVEMBER 14TH
Classic Albums Live: Queen
“A Night at the Opera”
Weinberg Center for the Arts | 8:00 PM
Relive the masterpiece that is Queen’s A Night at the Opera, note-for-note and track-for-track, performed live by Classic Albums Live. A nostalgic and energetic tribute to one of rock’s greatest albums. Suitable for fans of all ages. WeinbergCenter.org
NOVEMBER 15TH
Audrey Carroll Sanctuary
13030 Old Annapolis Road, Mount Airy | 9:00 AM
Explore birds, bugs, critters, and the plants that support them with an Audubon Society of Central Maryland (ASCM) naturalist! This guided walk will take you through diverse habitats such as meadows, streams and mature woodlands within ASCM’s 140-acre sanctuary. Free. Family friendly. Please no pets. Weather dependent. Centralmdaudubon.org
NOVEMBER 21ST-23RD & 28TH-30TH
Maryland Christmas Show
The Great Frederick Fair | 10:00 AM
Deck the halls with holiday sparkle! The Maryland Christmas Show features artisans, festive crafts, gift ideas, décor and seasonal treats. A perfect outing for getting early holiday shopping done, soaking up holiday cheer and finding unique gifts. VisitFrederick.org
When you join Homewood Living Frederick, you will find a warm, welcoming community where neighbors become lifelong friends. Here, connection and community are in the heart of everything we do. Whether taking an art class, enjoying a meal in the dining room, or participating in social events, each day will offer opportunities for you to enjoy.
ARTICLE BY SIERRA MOORE
Music has a way of slowing us down, opening our hearts and reminding us of what really matters. This playlist blends timeless classics with modern favorites—perfect for your Thanksgiving table, a cozy Sunday morning or any moment when you want to feel grounded in gratitude.
• What a Wonderful World — Louis Armstrong
• Count on Me — Bruno Mars
• Gratitude — Earth, Wind & Fire
• Kind & Generous — Natalie Merchant
• You’ve Got a Friend — James Taylor
• Humble and Kind — Tim McGraw
• Grateful — Rita Ora
• You Say — Lauren Daigle
• Stand by Me — Ben E. King
• Better Together — Jack Johnson
• Lovely Day — Bill Withers
• I Can Only Imagine — MercyMe
• Thank You — Dido
• Beautiful Day — U2
• Brighter Than the Sun — Colbie Caillat
• Three Little Birds — Bob Marley
• Keep Your Head Up — Andy Grammer
• I Hope You Dance — Lee Ann Womack
• Good Life — OneRepublic
• Gratitude — Brandon Lake
• Home — Phillip Phillips
• Walking on Sunshine — Katrina and The Waves
• Sunday Best — Surfaces
• Blessed — Martina McBride
• Happy — Pharrell Williams
• Take Me Home, Country Roads — John Denver
