Life + Culture

Momentum in Motion

S.H.E. Week 2025 Article by Sierra Moore | Photography by Acacia Bowens, Ak’s Grafix & Photo In a world that urges us to go faster, be more and do it all—it’s rare to find a moment that invites pause, reflection and realignment. Yet each year, S.H.E. Week offers exactly that: a space not only to gather, but to grow. Now in its seventh year, S.H.E. Week 2025 builds on a powerful legacy of connection and courage—this time with a theme that propels us forward: Momentum . Organized by the...

Travel

One-Tank Wonders

Out of Office and On the Road—Day Trips That Refuel Article by Sierra Moore | Photography by Erin Gilmore Photography Sure, Frederick has it all—but even the most devoted locals need a change of scenery now and then. Sometimes, the best way to appreciate home is to leave it for the day. Whether you're chasing mountaintop views, strolling historic main streets or breathing in the salt air, these nearby escapes offer a fresh perspective and a welcoming pause. Each destination is just a short...

Entertainment

Frederick’s Fourth

Celebrate Independence Day with exciting events across Frederick County. Article by Laura Mark Each year, a blend of local traditions and festive fun illuminate Frederick County for the Fourth of July. With breathtaking fireworks displays, rich historical experiences and engaging activities for the whole family, there are countless ways to honor and celebrate Independence Day throughout the county. Independence Day celebrations in Frederick County are more than a summertime tradition. They...

Fitness

Game On, Frederick

How Frederick Social Sports is Helping Adults Reconnect—One Game at a Time Article by Sierra Moore | Photography by Belinda Prather of BJP Photography Truthfully, adulthood can be isolating. Between careers, responsibilities and the grind of daily life, genuine connection often slips through the cracks. The pickup games and spontaneous hangouts of our younger years fade—and with them, the easy joy of belonging. But the need for connection doesn’t disappear. In fact, nearly 1 in 2 U.S. adults...

Finance + Legal Services

Capital River Wealth Management Expands Team

As Capital River Wealth Management looks forward to an exciting 2025, the firm is celebrating a period of growth and success and reinforcing its commitment to providing top-tier financial services. Over the past several months, the team has expanded, bringing in new talent and expertise to continue to serve their clients.At the end of 2024, team member Matt Evich took on a new role, increasing his involvement in hands-on financial analysis to support clients more effectively. As his...

Health + Wellness

On Edge

Marc George & Blake Bomberger on Mental Health, Brotherhood and Building Frederick’s Most Complete Gym Experience Article by Emily Holland | Photography by Kristi Lynn Photography Marc George and Blake Bomberger thought they knew all about hard work and perseverance, but then they embarked on their mutual dream of owning and running a gym. “I had spent my entire career as a cop, and understood what it was like to go on nerve-wracking calls and enter some very dangerous situations,” Bomberger...

Arts + Culture

Faith, Flow and the Fire Within

Asa Weeks Article by Sierra Moore | Photography by Marco Cardwell with Wellmade Media, Marie Rose Photography & Videography, Jennifer Rosaria Film & Photography Strength doesn’t always shout; sometimes, it moves with rhythm and grace. Asa Weeks channels his energy into his music, his mentorship and the community he serves. For him, creativity is a response—an offering shaped by experience, grounded in faith and fueled by a deep desire to give back. Raised in a Liberian household filled with...

Arts + Culture

Lights, Camera, Impact

Where Creative Vision Meets Camera Precision—Purple Donut Studios Article by Sierra Moore | Photography by Kristi Lynn Photography In the world of video production, Purple Donut Studios is carving out a distinct niche. Founded by Brian Munday Jr. and Cameron Harris, two Frederick-based creatives who first connected at a Chamber of Commerce event, the studio was born from a shared love of cinematic storytelling and top-tier camera gear. Their early collaborations—both shooting on Blackmagic...

Local Services

Long Way Home

George Stauffer of Stauffer Funeral Homes Builds the Family Business to Arrive Back at His Roots Article by Emily Holland | Photography by Mary Kate McKenna Photography George Stauffer jokes that his father Doug worked hard to get his family off the farm, and now his own dream is to take them “back to square one” again. Kidding aside, the Stauffer Funeral Home business isn’t going anywhere; at the same time, George’s life experience has brought him a fresh appreciation for his rural roots...

Professional Services

Nature's Next Gen

Vision Takes Root as a Young Woman Transforms her Father's Tree Care Legacy into an Environmental Mission Article by Sierra Moore | Photography by Kristi Lynn Photography "Every little girl wants to be just like their father. I just took it a bit more literally than most." Growing up watching her father, Jeremiah, build A1 Tree Pros, Micayla gained more than just business acumen—she developed a deep passion for plant care and an understanding of how it continues to scientifically evolve. ...