Local Services

All Things Work Together for Good

Carleah Summers Looks Back on Her Amazing Journey with Andrea’s House Article by Emily Holland | Photography by Kristi Lynn Photography One of the most painful parts of living through a rock-bottom experience is being unable to imagine what good could possibly come of it. When a woman finds herself alone, under-resourced, facing the ravages and chaos of addiction and even responsible for a child in the midst of it all, the path forward looks murky at best and hopeless at worst. Carleah...

Entertainment

Music in a New Light

An Intimate Maryland Concert Series Amidst a Sea of Candles Article by Sierra Moore | Photography by Fever Beyond the soft flicker of candlelight and the hush that falls before the first note, a familiar space transforms into a cinematic masterpiece, where classical musicians perform amid a sea of glowing candles. The experience feels suspended in time, a convergence of sound, space and light that lingers long after the final bow. Unlike grand orchestral productions, Candlelight Concerts are...

Travel

A Very Merry-land Holiday

Unique, Out-of-the-Box Events in the Old Line State Article by Sierra Moore Holly-Days at the Maryland Zoo, Baltimore Weekends in November & December Enjoy festive crafts, carolers, costumed characters and photos with Santa during this family-friendly holiday tradition at the Maryland Zoo. Sailing Through the Winter Solstice, Frederick November – March 2026 Brilliantly lit boats brighten Carroll Creek, combining dazzling holiday displays with a community fundraiser where every vote...

Arts + Culture

From Canvas to Cover

Shelby Stults Transforms Her Love of Nature and Storytelling into a Joyful Tribute to Frederick’s Holiday Spirit Article by Sierra Moore For as long as she can remember, Shelby Stults has had a paintbrush in hand. Encouraged by her mother and grandmother, she immersed herself in the arts—painting, drawing and even jewelry making. Though she once planned to attend the Savannah College of Art and Design, life led her to a career in the energy industry, where art now serves as her creative...

Arts + Culture

Impressions of a Maker

Cam Berghout Reminds Us That Gifting is About Intention, Not Obligation—and Meaning Is Made By Hand Article by Sierra Moore In a world of next-day delivery and endless choice, it’s easy to forget that most of what once filled our homes came from someone’s hands—from their time, patience and skill. Choosing to buy handmade is an act of return: to connection, to craft, to meaning. It’s a pause in the rush of convenience—a reminder that true value isn’t measured by what something costs, but by...

Finance + Legal Services

We’re Top Ranked by Forbes

Capital River Wealth Management is extremely excited to share that Dan Schiffman, CFP®, CLU®, CLTC® has been named a Top Financial Security Professional by Forbes. He was featured in their recently published Best-In-State list for Maryland, marking the fourth consecutive year on the list after being named in 2022,2023 and 2024. Each advisor on this list—selected by SHOOK Research—was subjected to a rigorous vetting process and was chosen based on several qualitative and quantitative...

Wellness

We Can Lift This Weight Together

Jim & Karen Baker Transform Loss into a Mission for Mental Health Article by Emily Holland | Photography by Provided The mission of Jim and Karen Baker’s organization, the Jake Baker 27 Fund, calls to mind a saying we sometimes hear: “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...

Local Services

Frederick’s Billion-Dollar Opportunity

Rethinking Charity in Our Nonprofit Scene Article by Sierra Moore 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 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...

Finance + Legal Services

Leaving a Legacy

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...

Life + Culture

Acts of Kindness Challenge

Everyday Ways to Brighten Someone’s Day Article by Sierra Moore Kindness doesn’t always need a grand gesture. Sometimes it’s the small, thoughtful actions that ripple out the farthest. Here’s a simple checklist of things you can do today, this week or anytime, to bring more light into Frederick and beyond. Stick it on the fridge or challenge your family to check them all off before the month ends.  Kindness Checklist: Pay it Forward Buy coffee or lunch for the person behind you in line. ...