My Frederick Md Summer Activity Guide is Out!

Click on the picture above

to get your summer guide, full of information and links to all the websites that tell you the details. Frederick Md is full of fun summer activities for all ages and stages!

If I have left something off, please feel free to leave a comment in the comment box, or go to my 365 Frederick Facebook Page and add an event. I love to get Facebook comments and posts:)

Enjoy, Karen

I recently interviewed a Frederick Photographer who caught my interest. Among the myriad of photographers, Cindy Alderton, of Cindy Alderton Photography, has created a thriving business surrounding a growing niche: Boudoir Photography. Now, before your mind fills with images of scantily clad girls with angel wings and stilettos, read on…

“Boudoir Photography is more about empowering women and helping them feel beautiful and confident than it is about anything else,” Cindy explained to me. “Remove from your mind those cheesy, big hair, over-made-up 80′s glamor shots.  This is classy, positive and sexy, all at the same time.”

Redefining Beauty

Cindy believes that every woman has her own unique beauty. “Part of my job is to help them believe that they are beautiful – sometimes they forget.” Her clients include brides-to-be and married women, who create gift books for their anniversary, mothers-to-be, breast cancer survivors, female soldiers who want to remember that they’re girls, and, poignantly, women recovering from abuse. My heart was completely moved by a story Cindy told me of a woman who had been sexually abused:

• Even though it had been 10 years, the woman, lets call her Jane, had continued to suffer. She’d gained weight, she’d lost her husband and had become estranged from her mother. Jane had recently found someone who really loved her, and met with Cindy to put together a photo album as a gift to him. Later, when she received the photos in the mail, she called Cindy in tears. “I’d lost touch with the fact that I am beautiful.” The next day Cindy received a call from Jane’s husband, saying thank you, and “I can’t believe someone wonderful like Jane loves me so much.”

The Romance of Photography

Cindy has been involved in the photography industry on and off for 18 years, but discovered the boudoir niche about 5 years ago. Her career path is as romantic as her chosen niche, because her husband saw her first through the lens of his camera at the wedding of her brother! Four months afterward they were married and she was assisting him in his photographic endeavors. Along the way they discovered she had an eye for photography as well, and her husband handed the camera over to her at one of his sessions. The clients bought all of her shots; then and there she fell in love with photography.

“The more women I meet, the more I realize that we are all struggling with self-image. The media bombards us with a definition of beauty that’s not real, and creates a weird psychology in our culture about weight and looks,” Explains Cindy, who is determined to enhance the beauty that every woman possesses.

Creative And Flexible Packages

Cindy has several packages ranging from 45 minutes to 1.5 hours, with different products, from albums, calendars, and wall art. She has several fun ideas in the making, which she will be featuring soon on her blog. Sessions with Cindy are like a “big girl play date” with a core of experts in hair and make-up lending a hand.

Visit Cindy’s website: Cindy Alderton Photography-Intimate Boudoir Images and Beautiful Portraits for Women

or “like” Cindy Alderton Photography on Facebook for the latest news, photography packages, tips and specials,

and follow @BoudoirCindy on Twitter.

May is here in Frederick Md, complete with flowers and beautiful weather. And the many activities around here are an apt way to celebrate this wonderful time of year.

First Saturday in the Historic District

The theme for May’s First Saturday:  May Fest. Build a bouquet of spring flowers as you shop.

• Children’s Activities like face painting and sidewalk chalk art contest
• Live Music several places downtown, like The Knight Borthers, David Andrew Smith, and Flower Hill String Band, as well as five other groups
• Free Trolley Rides
• Camaro Nationals Preview on Patrick Street
• Several Art Exhibit Openings
• After hours Cinco de May Dance, a fundraiser for Downtown Frederick Partnership. It takes place at the Eagle’s Lodge.

Find Details at the Downtown Frederick Partnership website.

• Five Alive  Happy Hour opens again for the summer months:  May 10th at the Carroll Creek Amphitheater. May through August, Alive @ Five is held the second, third and fourth Thursday of each month, Admission is $5, all events are 21+ ONLY and take place from 5-8pm.
• Beyond the Garden Gates Garden Tour, May 19 and 20. 301-600-2489  UPDATE: Due to potential for disruption, heavy traffic and limited parking as a result of the G-8 Summit scheduled for Friday, May 18 and Saturday, May 19 at Camp David, Celebrate Frederick has opted to CANCEL the tour on Saturday, May 19 and it will take place ONLY on Sunday, May 20 with extended hours from 11 AM to 6 PM. Contact 301-600-CITY with any questions.

Frederick History Buffs

• Civil War Walking Tour – May 5th, Museum of Frederick County History, 301-663-1188
• Walkersville Southern Railroad – Track Car Days, May 5th. Saturday Excursions, 201-898-0899
• Washington Monument State Park has several events this month.

Theater in Frederick

• The Maryland Ensemble Theatre:  The Grand Ole Hee Haw Hoottenanny Hoe Down Jamboree, The Comedy Pigs, Heidi

• The Weinberg Center for The Arts: Maryland Regional Ballet presents Cinderella, Imagination Movers, A Lasting Legacy , and more…
• “Rent” playing at Way Off Broadway, a production of the Cultural Arts Center, May 24, 25, 26th.

The Arts in Frederick

• Delaplaine Visual Arts Education Center: Johan Lowie (paintings), Dave Moreland (Art History as Muse), Catherine Hillis (watercolors), Johathan Gemmel (sculpture and paintings), The Gardiner Gallery.
• “Artworks” exhibit, Percussion Ensemble Concert, Frederick Symphony Orchestra, Recital, String Ensemble, Wind Ensemble, much more, Frederick Community College.

Frederick Great Outdoors

• Sunset-Full Moon Kayak and Canoe Paddle, May 5th, River & Trail Outfitters, 301-695-5177
• The Great Frederick Md Flea Market @ Frederick Fairgrounds, May 5th.
• Frederick Wine Trail Spring Activities
• Bark in the Park, May 12 at Utica Distirct Park, 301-600-2936
• Maryland Celtic Festival, May 12, Mt. Airy Carnival Grounds, 301-695-3391
• The 20th Annual Frederick Greek Festival, May 17 – 20, Saints Peter and Paul Greek Orthodox Church
• Puppypalooza, May 19 & 20, Lilypons Water Gardens, 800-999-5459
• International Learn to Fly Day at Frederick Airport, May 19, 301-695-2000
• 150th Anniversary of The Great Frederick Fair, Re-enactment, May 19 & 20, Frederick Fairgrounds

For Frederick Kids

• History Hour First and third Tuesday of each month from 1:00 to 2:00 p.m. at the Historical Society of Frederick County, 24 E. Church St. Read-aloud and crafts for pre-schoolers.
• Pow-Wow American Indian Show, Frederick Fair Gounds, May 18 – 20
• Acrobats of Cirque-Tacular, May 19, Westview Promenade, 410-561-1300
• Free Children’s Fly Fishing Workshop, May 19, Fountain Rock Park, 301-898-1460

Frederick Non-Profits

• Several Non-Profits will be participating in The Great Frederick Flea Market on May 5th
• Community Day @ FSK Mall – May 12,10am-4pm, Center Court – Meet representatives from non-profit organizations from throughout the region.
• Frederick Community Calendar - Non- Profit Events in May

Dining Out in Frederick:

Frederick Beer Week – May 12 through 19th -See Beer Week Activities

Mother’s Day Brunch:

• Brewer’s Alley – 301-631-0089
• Roasthouse Pub – 301-418-6096
• Barley & Hops – 301-668-5556
• Walkersville Railroad will serve brunch in a 1920′s dining car. Reservations required: 301-898-0899
• Alexander’s in Buckeystown – 301-874-1831
• The Comus Inn – 301-349-5100
• Monocacy Crossing – 301-846-4204
• Volt – 301-696-8658
• Isabella’s Taverna - 301-698-8922
• Qyunn’s Attic – 301-695-9656

Farmer’s Markets Open in May!

I found this Google Map of local Farmer’s Markets,  thanks to whoever created this, it’s helpful.

Memorial Day Celebrations in Frederick

• Glenn’s Not Yet Famous Cookout – Adventure Park USA.
• Monocacy Battlefield Memorial Flag Display

Enjoy Spring in Frederick!

Homes for Sale in Frederick Md
Short Sale Expert in Frederick Md

Of all the benefits available to our country’s veterans, the VA Home Loan is one of the best products available, and a fitting benefit to those who serve our country, protecting our freedoms.  Veteran home loans require a zero down payment, allowing the home buyer to keep more cash in their pockets. 

In an ever-changing economy, we see loan products come and go, we see downpayment requirements go up and down, as well as interest rates and qualifying requirements. The VA home loan is the only true zer0-downpayment product through all economic situations. Some of the features of a VA loan:

• Allows the seller to contribute up to 6% towards the closing costs
• Eligible veterans can buy a home with limits up to $719,000
• You have the choice of a fixed-rate or an adjustable rate mortgage
• No private mortgage insurance is required
• A VA loan is easier to qualify for
• There are no pre-payment penalties
• A VA loan is assumable.

An Assumable Loan

What is the value of an assumable loan? This type of loan can be transferred from the owner of a home to the buyer of that property. The value of this is often overlooked without a long-range view of the economy. When rates are low, we don’t hear much about assumptions, but when market rates are well above previous lows, assumptions receive increasing attention.

Today, a veteran can get a mortgage at just under 4% rates. Let’s estimate that in 5 years, the economy will be on the mend and interest rates will rise. How much? We have no  way of knowing, but historically, the average mortgage rate (since rates have been documented) is around 8%. Even if the rate rises to 5% to 6% in the near future, the difference in those rates from today’s rates makes a large impact on the monthly payment. If the veteran homeowner sells in 5 to 7 years, the qualified buyer will be able to assume the loan at today’s low rate, making the house much more desirable in the future real estate market.

Here’s a look at historic mortgage rates…

… Just to point out that when we see the term, “historically low rates” that’s exactly what we mean! Contact us for a list of preferred lenders in the Frederick area.

Homes for Sale in Frederick Md
Short Sale Expert in Frederick Md

I had the pleasure of interviewing Dulcie Taylor, a singer-songwriter who is based in the Washington D.C. metro area. American Roots music is her genre, a mix of country, jazz and folk, all the music styles that are distinctly American.

Born in South Carolina, now a resident of McClain Virginia, Dulcie performs all around the D.C. Metro area and up and down the East Coast, and has played at the Kennedy Center and the Birchmere, among other places. She loves coming to Frederick, “the people are so friendly and the City of Frederick is a beautiful place,” she proclaims, in her charming southern drawl. She plays in Frederick several times a year, and will be performing at Brewer’s Alley on May 7th.

Dulcie has been a musician all her life, starting with the Ukelele at age 5. Her early memory of 4 children plunking out “A Gnome Passes By” brings to mind my own experiences of my children’s recitals. She fondly recalls years of piano lessons and recitals, and a teacher who marked middle C with a lipstick smudge.

Along the way, she picked up a guitar and a dulcimer, and taught herself to play. She has a multitude of experiences in various bands, and has shared the stage with names we all know, like Jerry Lee Lewis and Bonnie Raitt,  among others.

Going Solo

She began her solo career in 2000 with her first album, The Other Side of the Bed. She was immediately well-received and earned a Wammie (Washington Area Music Award). Her latest album, Free of This Sorrow was released in March 2012 on MesaBluemoon label, which features John McEuen, Tim Pierce and others. She was highlighted just this week next to Madonna on MSN Music. Congrats Dulcie!

American Roots Music

Dulcie Taylor writes music on several instruments, but “thinks linearly, in piano”, she explains. She writes most of her own songs, but has a few that are co-written and enjoys the creative process with musicians she trusts and respects. Her inspiration can be anything from everyday life.

For instance, she wrote a song for her friend who struggles with bi-polar issues, called “Free pf tjos Sorrow”, the title tune of her new CD. She writes about love, relationships and family, about life circumstances and things we all can relate to. Dulcie sees song-writing as an art; the art is communication. The muse is real life. “Writing is about filling yourself up…I’m careful about what I watch and read. I don’t watch all the violence and I don’t want the imagery in my head.”

You can hear her latest music at  ALBUM STREAM: http://soundcloud.com/jensen-communications/sets/dulcie-taylor-free-of-this/s-E5dSA

Dulcie is also a writer of poetry and prose, and holds a position on the Board of Directors of the Poetry Series at the Folger Shakespeare Library, in Washington, D.C.

Be sure to catch Dulcie Taylor at one of these upcoming venues:

• May 7th @  Brewer’s Alley, 124 North Market Street  Frederick, MD 21701.

Dulcie's Two Bill Davis/Jean Shilling Dilcimers

Homes for Sale in Frederick Md
Short Sale Expert in Frederick Md

DC based, Americana Singer/Songwriter Dulcie Taylor, will be playing at Brewer’s Alley in Frederick Md on May 7th.  (see below for upcoming tour dates)  She is a Wammie Award winner (Washington Area Music Award), and has appeared at a wide range of venues including the Kennedy Center and The Birchmere.

That Cuban Place, a super Caribbean restaurant in Frederick, Md, and subject of a previous post, is open again!  After way too much time, according to their devoted fans, Alfredo and Narcisa are open again, sharing the love in a new location, at 506 East Church Street in Frederick, just a block from Shab Row. (The old Stateside building) IMO, the new location is a plus, more parking, bigger dining room and easier to get to, so congrats Alfredo and Narcisa!

Alfredo, TCP Cafe

At TCP Cafe, they’re still making everything from scratch, from the pastries, the ceviche, to the breads and sauces, and my favorite, the mango smoothie ♥. The Caribbean Burger is a plate-ful of wonderful! They deliver free to downtown Frederick and  $25 minimum outside the downtown area.

Connect with TCP Cafe on Facebook for all the latest news.

Check in to TCP Cafe on Yelp when you’re there and let people know what’s good. See That Cuban Place Cafe website for Daily Specials, Menu, pics, videos, hours and location.

Alfredo:  “Thanks to all our Frederick friends who’ve supported us and continue to do so… you guys are great!”

 The Gift of Hospitality

You know those people, you run into them here and there. They have what many call “The Gift of Hospitality”. When you leave their company, you just feel a little warmer on the inside, you feel loved, there’s no other way to describe it.

Now, combine that gift for loving on people with culinary skill, and you’ve got an awesome combo. You’ve got Alfredo and Narcisa who love on you with food.

When you need a little love from the Cuban and the Panamanian, you know where to go!

Monday thru Friday 5:00am to 7:00pm
Saturday 10:00am to 9:00pm
Sunday Closed

Enjoy!

Homes for Sale in Frederick Md
Short Sale Expert in Frederick Md

It’s April in Frederick Md and Spring has sprung! Frederick is full of exciting things to do in April:

First Saturday in the Historic District

The brand new theme for April’s First Saturday:  Frederick Goes Hollywood. Don’t miss the walk of fame throughout Downtown Frederick:

• Famous Characters, like Dance Unlimited’s ‘The New Adventures of Alice in Wonderland’ at Dancing Bear from 5 til 7 pm,
• Live Music several places downtown, like Harold Powell—The Golden Oldie
  at 22 S Market from 5-9pm.
• Free Trolley Rides
• Movie Screening at 38 East Patrick Street
• Several Art Exhibit Openings
• Several local & national celebrities, celebrity impersonators and paparazzi will be  riding around Downtown Frederick.

Find Details at the Downtown Frederick Partnership website.

• Candlelight Ghost Tours begin, April 13th. Tours begin in front of Brewer’s Alley Restaurant.

• Giant 3 Foot Chocolate Bunny Raffle

Giant Chocolate Bunny

The giant chocolate bunny is on display at The Candy Kitchen in downtown Frederick. You can still purchase a raffle ticket by Thursday, April 5th for a chance to win the huge sweet, at the several stores downtown, see the Downtown Frederick Partnership website for locations.The raffle takes place Easter Sunday, April 9th.

Theater in Frederick

The Maryland Ensemble Theatre:  Antigone, The Young Olympians, The Comedy Pigs and Laugh Station Turbo

The Weinberg Center for The Arts:  Alice in Wonderland, Nickelodeon’s Fresh Beat Band, Ernie Hawkins and The John Jorgenson Quintet, Bolder Canyon, and much more…

Cultural Arts Center: Twisted Knickers Cabaret presents, “Earth Day Slaptacular!”, and” Gettysburg, the Musical”

The Arts in Frederick

•  Delaplaine Visual Arts Education Center: Paintings and ceramic sculptures by Jonathan Gemmell. Also, paintings and monoprints by Dorothea Barrick.
• Cultural Arts Center: Art exhibit by Anthony Miserendo and Colleen Rollins
• Silent Auction of Artwork at the Cultural Arts Center, April 7th, through the entire month.
• Dale Corn and his orchestra, Frederick Community College, April 20.

Frederick Wine Trail

The kick-off to the 2012 wine festival season happens on April 21 and 22, 2012, at the third annual “A Toast to Frederick,” a wine and food extravaganza. The event will be held at the newly renovated Null Building at the Frederick Fairgrounds, and will include live musical performances. Participating wineries: Elk Run Vineyards, Sugarloaf Mountain Winery, Frederick Cellars, Linganore Winery, Loew, Orchid Cellars, Catoctin Breeze and Distillery Cider Works. See Details at the Frederick Wine Trail website.

For the Kids

• History Hour First and third Tuesday of each month from 1:00 to 2:00 p.m. at the Historical Society of Frederick County, 24 E. Church St. Read-aloud and crafts for pre-schoolers.
• Breakfast with the Easter Bunny @ Adventure Park USA, April 7th. See website for details.
• Crumland Farms, Easter at the Farm with Key 103 radio. April 7th.
• Walkersville Southern Railroad 75-minute train ride with the Easter Bunny. April 7th.
• Children’s Museum of Rose Hill Manor Easter Egg Roll April 7th.
• Rose Hill Manor Park & Museums Spring Festival, Celebrate Frederick’s agricultural heritage, Sat 10am-4pm, Sun noon-4pm, April 28 & 29.

Frederick Non-Profits

• Car Show to benefit Wounded Warriors at Adventure Park USA, April 22, 10am-5pm. Fun for the entire family with rides and entertainment for everyone. See Adventure Park USA website for more details.
• The 3^rd Annual Cakes for a Cause Cupcake Run - Sunday, April 15, 2012, beginning at 8 a.m. Starting from Monocacy Park, 409 Delaware Avenue. To register, go to bit.ly/cupcakerun
• April 28th at 10 a.m., the Habitat ReStore (622 N. Market Street) will host a Volunteer Kickoff Meeting

Dining Out in Frederick:

Easter Brunch:

• La Paz
• Alexanders at Buckeystown
• Volt

Enjoy Spring in Frederick!

Homes for Sale in Frederick Md
Short Sale Expert in Frederick Md

Two years ago today I published the first post here on 365 Frederick. To be honest, I had but a vague idea of what I wanted to accomplish… to Promote Frederick. As the blog has developed, I’ve managed to center in on the three things that stand out to me, making Frederick a special place to live:

• Frederick has become a “Destination Location” in Central Maryland, with a charming, well-kept Historic District in the center of the activity. There are always great events going on, no matter the weather or the season. My endeavors to promote all those activities are enhanced by all the friendly local people who send me emails and comments about their events. I appreciate all the help in promoting Frederick, a great place to live, work and play!

• Frederick seems to be a magnet for small business people and entrepreneurs. My husband and I come from a long line of small business owners, and have a great big spot in our hearts for those energetic and hard-working people. According to the latest stats from the Small Business Administration, Small Businesses employ about half of the total number of U.S. workers, and generated 65% of the net of new jobs over the past 17 years. I love to interview and promote small businesses. If you’d like an article about your small business, contact me, I’m your girl!

• Frederick Md is the home of the best people in the world! Honestly, I’ve met some amazing, friendly, caring folks who care about their community. Frederick Md is the location of many non-profits and charities that do so much to help the less fortunate and do the work that we all want to see done to make our community healthy, safe and prosperous. I love to highlight these awesome people. If you have a charitable event or organization that I can shine a spotlight on, please don’t hesitate to contact me, I’m your girl!

In two years I’ve met so many amazing people. I’ve been moved by so many personal stories. Frederick is a lovely, friendly place. On this second blogiversary, I want to express my sincere appreciation for everyone that’s ever stopped by, read a post, ever left a comment, signed up for notifications, searched for a home, or ever linked to something I wrote.

Thanks so very much to those who’ve let me into your world to write about you over the last 2 years. I look forward to meeting the rest of you in the years to come:)

Here are some of my favorite pics of Frederick, Enjoy:

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photos by @365Frederick

Homes for Sale in Frederick Md
Short Sale Expert in Frederick Md