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. ...

Entertainment

Soundtracks of the Season

A Curated Mix of Classics and Favorites for Moments of Gratitude 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 &...

Food + Beverage

Well Seasoned

Celebrating Frederick’s Restaurants That Have Stood the Test of Time Article by Megan Connolly | Photography by Chris Martin of Convoy Creatives Frederick has always been a city for food lovers, but in a landscape of ever-changing culinary trends, certain restaurants have proven their staying power. These are some of the establishments that have not only survived but thrived, becoming a cherished part of the community's fabric and serving generations of customers for 10, 20, 30, even 50 years...

Entertainment

Falling for Frederick

Check Out the Best Farms, Flavors and Foliage this Fall Article by Sierra Moore Farms and Orchards  Summers Farm  With more than 45 seasonal attractions—ranging from pumpkin patches and pig races to giant slides and cozy campfires—Summers Farm in Middletown, MD is a must-visit fall destination. Campfire rentals are available, offering the perfect setting for friends and families to gather and make memories under the autumn sky. This year’s corn maze celebrates the Washington Capitals and...

Food + Beverage

The Last Course… First

Sweet and Crave-Worthy Bites of Frederick Article by Sierra Moore | Photography by Grace Gladhill Photography Juno Bakery – Strawberry Croissant
 Step inside Juno Bakery and let the aroma of fresh baked, buttery pastry guide you to one of their most beloved creations—the Strawberry Croissant. Each golden, flaky layer gives way with a delicate crunch at first bite, revealing a puffy cloud of velvety cream. The crowning jewel—slices of plump, ruby-red strawberries—add pure, sun-ripened sweetness...

Food + Beverage

To Boba & Beyond

Tea-Do: The Anime-Inspired Community Bubble Tea Shop Frederick is Buzzing About Article by Sierra Moore | Photography by Grace Gladhill Photography Frederick has plenty of places to grab a drink, but Tea-Do has quickly become more than just another stop. Tucked beside Lucky Corner in Westview, this anime-inspired boba shop is carving out a name for itself as both a destination for bold, flavorful drinks and a welcoming hub for community connection. It’s a place where everyone can discover a...

Home + Design

Style in Small Doses

The Micro-Moments That Make Life More Beautiful Article by Jennifer Gerlock In a world obsessed with grand gestures and dramatic transformations, a quiet revolution is taking place in the margins of our daily lives. While social media feeds overflow with complete room makeovers and capsule wardrobe overhauls, the most profound style shifts are happening in spaces so small you might miss them entirely. Micro-style is the new big thing and it's rewriting the rules of how we think about beauty...