Wednesday, November 18, 2009

KRIS KRINGLE PROCESSION

KRIS KRINGLE PROCESSION BRINGS THE MAGIC OF THE HOLIDAYS TO DOWNTOWN FREDERICK

‘Tis the season! Kris Kringle comes to town only once a year and you don’t want to miss it. On Friday, December 4th Kris Kringle will be leading his procession through the beautifully illuminated streets of historic downtown Frederick. Join in this joyous tradition starting on East Street and ending at Baker Park with the lighting of our City’s tree. The event, free to the public, begins at 6:30 p.m. and is presented to you by Celebrate Frederick, Inc. The procession, along with the thousands of tiny white lights illuminating the streets, showcases the small town charm that makes Frederick so special during the holidays. Children from local schools, dance troupes, girl scouts, and boy scouts dressed as reindeer, snowflakes, angels, elves, gifts, and characters from The Nutcracker will accompany characters representing Frederick’s German/English heritage, as well as classic favorites including Frosty, Rudolph, and of course Kris Kringle though Frederick’s downtown streets. The parade runs from East Street to East Patrick Street, turns onto North Market Street, and then turns onto West Second Street, ending at Baker Park. Some of the procession’s featured characters bring to life the German heritage in Frederick. Pelsnickle and Weinacht Man are known to help Kris Kringle judge whether children have been bad or good. Krist Kindle is an angel-like messenger who leaves gifts for good children in small baskets. Other characters in the procession include popular modern characters such as Frosty the Snowman and Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer. The procession concludes in Baker Park with carol singing and holiday greetings from Mayor William J. Holtzinger, the Snow Queen, and Kris Kringle himself. The official Frederick City tree is then lit after a countdown by the crowd.

Mark your calendars now, the 2010 Kris Kringle event will move to the second Friday of December and will continue to be held annually on this new day! For more information about this, or any of the Celebrate Frederick holiday events, please call The City of Frederick Office of Special Events at 301-600-2841 or visit our website at www.CelebrateFrederick.com.

The Kris Kringle Procession would not be possible without the hard work of the volunteers of the Holidays in Historic Frederick Committee, and the following community-minded businesses: Spires Sponsors - Bechtel Group Foundation, Spectrum Federal Credit Union, and Weis Markets; Carillon Sponsors - Comcast, Roy Rogers - a Plamondon Company, Sandy Spring Bank, 99.9 WFRE, and 930 WFMD; Bandshell Sponsors - BB&T, Frederick News Post, and NBC25

Thursday, November 12, 2009

CANDLELIGHT HOUSE TOUR

CANDLELIGHT HOUSE TOUR BRINGS CHEER TO THE SEASON

The 2009 Candlelight House Tour will showcase eight beautifully decorated historic homes in Frederick. Presented by PNC Bank, the event will be held Saturday, December 5th from 5:30 – 9:30 p.m., and Sunday, December 6th from Noon to 4 p.m. Between each finely ornamented home will be luminaries to light your way and carolers to fill the air with holiday sounds.

Light refreshments will be served at the Hospitality Suite, sponsored by Renewal by Andersen. The Hospitality Suite will be located at City Hall at 101 North Court Street. The 2009 and vintage holiday ornaments, posters, and postcards will be available for purchase during the tour. Also during the self-guided tour, stop by for a little respite and some refreshments at the PNC Bank Hospitality Center on the Square Corner in downtown, Frederick.

Tour tickets cost $20, and are available online at www.CelebrateFrederick.com or by visiting the Office of Special Events at the William Talley Recreation Center located at 121 North Bentz Street.

The house tour would not be possible without the hard work of the volunteers of the Holidays in Historic Frederick Committee, and the following community-minded businesses: Spires Sponsors – Bechtel Group Foundation, Spectrum Federal Credit Union, and Weis Markets; Carillon Sponsors – Comcast, Roy Rogers - A Plamondon Company, Sandy Spring Bank, 99.9 WRFE, and 930 WFMD; Bandshell Sponsors – BB&T, The Frederick News-Post, and NBC25; Presenting Sponsor - PNC Bank. Program Sponsor – Renewal by Andersen.

Following is a short description of the eight homes featured on this year’s tour:

35 East Second Street

The Smith House, so named for the previous owners Carlyle & Trudy, began construction in the year 1858 and was completed in1859. Before entering the Costello home, be sure to turn your sights upward. The third “floor” of this home is not quite as it seems. The floor boasts a sloped ceiling from front to back. The ceiling grades into almost nothing about 8 feet back from the third floor windows. In addition, the date of 1859 posted between the second floor windows separates the two homes on E. 2nd Street, which internally are constructed as mirror images. While the kitchen and balcony were renovated sometime in the 20th century, stone steps in the basement can still be found leading to what is now the dining room. While exiting the back gate note the beautiful evergreen garden. This space is rumored to have housed part of an orchard which stretched the length of E. 2nd Street. The Costello home has been beautifully decorated by the homeowners and En Masse.

9 West Second Street

In the 1820’s, this Federal style home is recognized by the Frederick County Landmarks Foundation and National Historic Register. Prior to the 2001 purchase of the home by Bretta and Hunt Bowers, a twenty year series of renters occupied 9 W. 2nd Street. As you pass through the entryway of the home, note the ornate woodwork surrounding the windows, doors and the 15 foot square parlors with soaring ceilings. An intricate wooden carved mantle crafted by a Hessian solider can be found in the second parlor as well as a jib window opening to a small sunroom. The parlors, dining room and entry floors are oak with mahogany borders and each room has original fireplaces. The kitchen features original repainted cabinets and a butler’s pantry in place of stairs between the dining

room and kitchen. As you exit the Bowers’ home, note the renovated patio and garden patiently awaiting spring showers and summer sun. The Bowers home has been graciously decorated by The Garden Club of Frederick.

107 West Third Street

Levy Family, Frederick business owners and residents, occupied the home at 107 W. 3rd Street until the 1980’s. The current owners Chris and Jane Midgett are only the fourth to reside in this historical home. As you enter the foyer the converted gas chandeliers, ceiling medallions and entry foyer light are original to the home. The original wallpaper hanger’s signature, from 1880, can be found on the north wall of the parlor. Original gold cornices can be found throughout the parlor and dining room. A brass button in the dining

room floor, now covered by a rug, was once used to call the maid to service. The house has two jibs, one in the parlor and one directly above it in the bedroom area. The chestnut staircase has never been painted and a “swing-out” gas arm can be found on the second floor. During renovations, the brick from the original fireplace was used to create the arch in the kitchen, while the Maryland heart pine floors were finished and left as they have always been. The pass through glass window opening to the butler’s pantry was retained as well. Three of the homes bathrooms have been renovated with careful attention to historical detail. The Midgett home has been beautifully decorated by the homeowners, friends and the Green-walled Garden Club.

111 West Third Street

Relive the Victorian Revival at 111 W. 3rd Street. The Muszynski home is the second on the tour designated as a Frederick County Landmark. The unique architectural design of this property has been described as a provincial copy of sophisticated urban style. The home is one of a pair of three-story attached Victorian brick houses that can be found on 3rd Street. Constructed in the Flemish Medieval style along with an ornate third story design, the property brings a different architectural style to the tour. The slate covered

Mansard roof showcases two Flemish gables adorned with terra cotta and tin designs. Before entering the home note the two-story high rectangular bays constructed of various flat and arched windows that divide the house into two distinct sections. Treasured oil paintings, created by the Muszynski family, line the walls of this architectural gem. The expanded kitchen, renovated by Clyde Berger, adds to the grandeur of the house. The exterior wall, centralized in the space, pays homage to the bones of the home. The Muszynski home has been graciously decorated by Matt Triche.

106 North Court Street

Richard Potts, the country’s first U.S. State’s Attorney, originally built this home as a four room office building. A deed for property transfer was signed by Roger Brooke Taney, who, along with his brother-in-law, Francis Scott Key, likely utilized the building for office space as well. Before entering the home, note the original doorbell inscribed R.

Potts. The doorbell knob, which jangles a bell suspended from a spiral strip of wire inside the house, still alerts Ann and Peter Hobart to visitors. Once in the kitchen you are standing directly above the original 12’ x 12’ x 12’ ice house. The homeowners recently gained access to the ice house and discovered an enclosed brick room which has yet to be investigated. Both sides of Mrs. Hobart’s family are deeply rooted in the history of Frederick and the surrounding area. The portraits of Ann’s great great great great grandparents, Eleanor and George Alexander Kennedy, hang above the mantle in the living room. The portraits were painted in 1800 by Charles Peale Polk, nephew of the noted American Painter Charles Willson Peale. The portraits were transported from Jacksonville to Frederick courtesy of Ann’s brother, Charles Nicodemus Wilson, to specifically be a part of our annual tour. The Hobart home has been graciously decorated by Adrienne Summers.

115 Record Street

The Record Street Home will have adjusted hours for the tour. Please note the home will be open on Saturday from 6:00 – 9:30 pm and Sunday from 1:00 – 4:00 pm.

Built by William Tyler Page, former resident at 121 Record Street, the Record Street Home was donated in 1892 by Mrs. Ann Ross and Mr. and Mrs. Charles W. Ross. The home was established to provide “means of obtaining the comfort and security so necessary for the repose of mind and body which should ever attend the declining years

of life.” The building has seen three additions over the years and is currently a licensed assisted living/life care facility and home to 21 residents. The three story brick home, built in the Greek Revival style, includes formal parlors and a spacious dining room furnished with period pieces donated by past and present residents. Visitors are greeted in the entrance foyer by a beautiful mural of the Frederick landscape painted by Virginia McLaughlin. Please note the John Fessler clock and the H.R. Eisenbrandt Sons music box. The home has a lovely flower and herb garden for enjoyment by the ladies and guests. Record Street Home is the only one of its kind still operable in the State of Maryland and the operation of the home is in large part due to the generous donations of the Frederick community. The lovely interior of The Home has been graciously enhanced for the holiday season by the Wormans Mill Garden Club.

121 Record Street

The boyhood home of William Tyler Page, author of the American’s Creed and descendant of the tenth President of the United States John Tyler, can be toured at 121 Record Street. Purchased in 2007 by John & Kirsten Johansen, their careful renovation has preserved and yet modernized this Federal style home and its later Victorian exterior

embellishments. The house retains many of its original features including the stairway, deep crown moldings, “6 over 6” windows and yellow pine flooring. The cooking fireplace in the kitchen features the original pivoting “cooking arm” used for suspending food over an open fire. The careful restoration of all five fireplace mantles in the home is consistent with the Johansen’s passion for the preservation of historic architecture. As you tour the house, note the 18th and 19th century American and English antique furniture. Landscape paintings in the Continental, French Barbizon, Hudson River School, and Danish styles, along with a range of contemporary art and Italian botanical engravings highlight this couples’ eclectic and comfortable style. The Johansen home has been beautifully decorated by Sharon Mesa, En Masse and Jutta Terrell, Etiquette Tabletop Designs.

117 West Second Street

Defined as the residence of a Presbyterian minister, the Manse currently serves as home to the Reverend Dr. Eric Myers, his wife Lisa and family. The three story Federalist style home located at W. 2nd Street was built on land purchased from Frederick Schley for a total cost of $2,546.10 by Geo. McCahan. Much of the early beautification and maintenance of the property is due to the diligence of the Mite Society. This society of

female church members (established in 1885) derived its name from the organization’s bylaws which stated “the regular fee shall be one cent per week, to be paid quarterly, semi-annually or yearly.” Their work can be seen in the preservation of the five fireplaces throughout the home and the built in glass cabinets of the dining room. The most recent renovation, the Manse side porch, was completed in 2009. The Manse has played host to many visitors and residents of Frederick. In fact, General Stonewall Jackson, a close friend of Reverend John B. Moss (1857-1862), tethered his horse to a tree out in front of the Manse during his frequent trips to see his good friend. The Manse of Frederick Presbyterian Church has been graciously decorated by Paul Thompson of Ec’clectibles.

For ticket locations or more information please call The City of Frederick Office of Special Events at 301-600-2489, or visit our website at www.celebratefrederick.com.

Saturday, November 7, 2009

The First All-Woman Irish Ensemble

The First All-Woman Irish Ensemble,

Cherish the Ladies will be performing a Blend of

Traditional Irish Music and Step Dance

Sunday, November 22, 2009 – 2:00 p.m.

For nearly two decades, the name of a time honored Irish traditional jig has become synonymous with the name of one of the most engaging ensembles in Irish music—Cherish the Ladies. Originally organized by folklorist/musician Mick Moloney for a one-time concert in the early 1990s, Cherish the Ladies has captivated audiences with their talent and presence ever since. With their dedication and rising popularity, the Ladies found themselves sponsored by the Ethnic Folk Arts Center and the National Endowment for the Arts to produce a critically acclaimed concert series set to feature rising female stars in the world of Irish traditional music. Cherish the Ladies will be performing at the Weinberg Center for the Arts in Frederick on Sunday, November 22, 2009 at 2:00 p.m. Tickets are on sale now and range from $20 - $30.

Combining musical arrangements with step dancers, Cherish the Ladies puts on shows filled with upbeat dance numbers and soothing, traditional Irish ballads, making their debut album, The Back Door, an instant success in 1992. The group has 10 critically acclaimed albums to its name, including 2004’s Christmas Night, one of the highest selling Celtic Christmas CDs of all time. Most recently, Cherish the Ladies released 2005’s Woman of the House featuring Celtic singer/songwriters Sharon Shannon, Triona Ni Dhomhnaill, Phil Cunningham, Kate Rusby, and Eddie Reader.

Boasting shared stage time with such major recording artists as James Taylor, Joan Baez, and Emmylou Harris, these women are also highly sought out for studio work as evidenced by a Grammy nomination for their collaboration with the Boston Pops Symphony on 1999’s, Celtic Album. Cherish The Ladies acquired national recognition when they represented Irish music and culture at the Official Cultural Olympiad for the summer Olympics in Atlanta.

To purchase tickets, call the Weinberg Center for the Arts at 301-600-2828 or online at www.weinbergcenter.org

The Weinberg Center for the Arts, a municipal facility of the City of Frederick, is located at 20 West Patrick Street in downtown Frederick, Maryland. The historic theatre opened in 1926 as the Tivoli, and was donated to the City of Frederick in 1978. Today as one of the region’s premier presenting facilities, the 1,200 seat Weinberg Center offers professional LIVE! Series, including dance, music, theatre, family performances and films, weekday performances for students, and classic movies. Performance space and professional services are available to a variety of community arts groups, civic and business organizations, and other arts promoters. Programming at the Weinberg Center for the Arts is made possible with support from the City of Frederick, Frederick County Government, Maryland State Arts Council, Frederick Arts Council, Mid-Atlantic Arts Foundation, The Frederick News-Post, Bank of America Foundation, The Plamondon Companies and other corporate and individual donors. For more information about upcoming events at the Weinberg Center, please call the Box Office at 301-600-2828 or visit www.weinbergcenter.org.

Tuesday, November 3, 2009

The Shangri-La Chinese Acrobats


Entertainment for the Whole Family

The Shangri-La Chinese Acrobats

Friday, November 20, 2009; 8 p.m.

Take a glimpse into the fascinating Orient with The Shangri-La Chinese Acrobats. This show has been called "incredible," "breathtaking," "stunning," and "quite unbelievable." The Shangri-La Chinese Acrobats have taken the world by storm and will continue to do so when they bring their 30th North American Theatre Tour to Frederick at the Weinberg Center on Friday, November 20, 2009 at 8 pm. Tickets are on sale now and range from $20-$30. Tickets for ages 16 and under are only $12.

The performance consists of sensational Chinese acrobatics, balancing feats, martial arts displays, and much more. A truly oriental spectacular and a show for all ages, the grace and precision of the acrobats are the triumph of years of dedicated training and discipline, but their art has been formed by centuries of tradition. Chinese acrobatics are, in fact, much more than just a series of stunts. Most of these acts clearly demonstrate the achievement of perfection through finding harmony between mind and body ~ an ancient concept in the Orient. This sensational group has performed throughout South America, Central America, Southeast Asia, South Africa, Zimbabwe, Monte Carlo, Canada, New Zealand, Israel, Canada, and the United States.

The entertainment provided by these gifted performers appeals to all ages! Most importantly, there is no language barrier and everyone attending the performance will be amazed at their unbelievable feats. So, audiences should prepare to sit back, relax, and be transported by these incredible performers to the mystical land of “Shangri-La” where anything is possible…and illusion becomes reality!

To purchase tickets, call the Weinberg Center for the Arts at 301-600-2828 or online at www.weinbergcenter.org

The Weinberg Center for the Arts, a municipal facility of the City of Frederick, is located at 20 West Patrick Street in downtown Frederick, Maryland. The historic theatre opened in 1926 as the Tivoli, and was donated to the City of Frederick in 1978. Today as one of the region’s premier presenting facilities, the 1,200 seat Weinberg Center offers professional LIVE! Series, including dance, music, theatre, family performances and films, weekday performances for students, and classic movies. Performance space and professional services are available to a variety of community arts groups, civic and business organizations, and other arts promoters. Programming at the Weinberg Center for the Arts is made possible with support from the City of Frederick, Frederick County Government, Maryland State Arts Council, Frederick Arts Council, Mid-Atlantic Arts Foundation, The Frederick News-Post, Bank of America Foundation, The Plamondon Companies and other corporate and individual donors. For more information about upcoming events at the Weinberg Center, please call the Box Office at 301-600-2828 or visit www.weinbergcenter.org.

Make Up Your Mind - Undergraduate Information Session

If you are thinking of going back to school and finishing your degree...think about the Mount.

Spring 2010 Information Session for Accelerated Undergraduate Programs

The Center for Professional and Continuing Studies - Frederick, Maryland

Thursday, November 5, Sessions at 10 a.m. & 7 p.m.

We can help you make up your mind about finishing your degree. The Mount offers undergraduate degrees in:Business, Education & Criminal Justice.

FIND OUT ABOUT:

• Evening and Weekend Classes
• Accelerated Course Format (5-week)
• Financial Aid
• Financing Options
• Academic Programs and Faculty


On this day ONLY, the University will:
Waive your application fee.
Pay for and obtain your transcript(s) for you at no cost.
Upon class registration, the Mount will pay the cost of books for your first class!


REGISTRATION IS ENCOURAGED FOR THIS EVENT.


To register, call 301-682-8315 or You can also register online!


The Mount's Center for Professional and Continuing Studies is located in Frederick at 5350 Spectrum Drive, (just below the FSK Mall, between Routes 355, 85 and I-270)