Tuesday, March 23, 2010

GARDENS NAMED FOR ANNUAL BEYOND THE GARDEN GATES TOUR

GARDENS NAMED FOR ANNUAL BEYOND THE GARDEN GATES TOUR


Celebrate Frederick’s 2010 Beyond the Garden Gates Garden Tour features ten of Frederick’s finest private and public gardens that are sure to inspire your green thumb! These beautiful gardens will appeal to everyone, from the novice gardener to the seasoned pro. Beyond the Garden Gates Garden Tour will be held in Historic Frederick on Saturday, May 15th and Sunday, May 16th, from 1 to 5 p.m.

In addition, this year’s garden tour introduces a brand new Garden Marketplace. This inaugural marketplace will be located at the Official Garden Tour Hospitality Center in the City Hall Courtyard, and will fill the surrounding area with music, food, and garden related wares. Marketplace hours are 11am to 6pm on Saturday and Sunday. City Hall is located at 101 North Court Street in Frederick, Maryland.

This year’s tour showcases a variety of gardening styles, from Old World charm and formal elegance, to English-infused beauty.

The gardens for this year’s tour follow:

The Gardens of the Evangelical Lutheran Church - 31 E. Church Street

Evangelical Lutheran Church was founded in 1738, and is the oldest Lutheran congregation in Maryland. The present sanctuary was built in 1854 and shortly thereafter was used as a hospital after the battle of Antietam in September 1862. The grounds on Church Street accommodate over 13 gardens that range from formal to casual. The gardens have played backdrop to beautiful weddings, as well as picnics and church gatherings. The 100 year old Elm and low growing Japanese Maple tree create a serene atmosphere for members of the congregation seeking private conversations or ministering. In addition to providing sanctuary, the gardens often play a teaching role. A local eagle scout earned a badge designing and laying out one of the many gardens. The garden is graciously maintained by John Andrews Landscape Enterprises.

The Garden of Larry and Ann Attanasio - 223 E. 2nd Street

Just two blocks from Market Street, escape from the summer’s heat in this casual and serene garden. Beyond the double gate of this 1840 Federal style house lies an inviting garden evocative of a "Charleston hidden porch". This shade garden offers an oasis from the summer's heat. Several lovely seating areas among ferns and potted plants create an inviting atmosphere which might cause you to linger a bit in this second garden.

The Garden of Guillermo & Dian Rubiera - 225 E. 2nd Street

Whether it was dirt, flowers or building hardscapes – Dian Guillermo grew up in the country working hands on in the garden. The idea of planning, executing and completing a plan in the garden is something Dian finds both relaxing and rewarding. Korean and Kousa Dogwood, a Japanese Maple and a large Gingko tree shared between neighbors add height to the garden. In addition to the Colorado Spruces, Nellie Steven Hollis, Aunt Dee and Prolific Wisteria, the butterfly bush adds even more ambiance to this lush landscape. The slate patio with bricked gold fish pond houses arbortorium pots of stella d’oro and hibiscus. As you follow the flower beds along the slate path to the back of the garden, steal a moment of calm and shade under the wisteria covered pergola.

The Garden of Ruth Schipper - 311 E. 3rd Street

A backyard filled with patchy spots of green grass dotted with clover, strawberry plants and three fruit trees generously “donated” from passing birds greeted this garden owner on move in day. Walking along a hand laid (and wobbly) brick path to the back gate the ideas began to flow. After the completion of the University of Maryland Extension Service Master Gardeners class, Ruth began work on her “canvas” at 311 E. Third Street. With the help of Hawkins Landscaping, the garden and path was laid out as you see it today. The new stone path incorporates the bricks of the wobbly one of old and leads to a small statue of St. Fiacre – patron saint of gardeners. Dominated by perennials and vigorous self-seeing plants, the garden also boasts many plantings given by good friends. Watching these plantings return to life each Spring is considered a wonderful reminder of affection and gratitude for this Master Gardener.

The Garden of Tom & Cathy Canning - 327 E. 3rd Street

A blend between formal and cottage styles, you are visiting a garden in the season for which it was specifically designed. Spending much of their summer in Cape May, the Canning’s wanted to be sure to take advantage of the beautiful Frederick spring before heading off for vacation. A flagstone entrance was constructed off the screened in porch to lead you into the garden. While an antique park lamp and iron-gate create a vintage inspired backdrop to the blooming peonies.

The Garden of Michael & Patricia Harrison at Café Anglais - 238 N. Market Street

Daisy’s Garden, named for the Harrison’s pet dog, provides patrons of Café Anglais the chance to enjoy lunch or afternoon tea. This peaceful English style garden is a natural setting for many bridal showers and birthdays parties here in downtown Frederick. Each winter, the Harrison’s eagerly await the spring to hear the birds, see the bulbs emerge and plan on a summer of color. A variety of ferns and one large hemlock mark this landscaped yard with a mix of Astilbe, Campanula, Primrose and Hydrangea. Three unique features were added to the garden upon some apartment renovations by the homeowners. The claw footed tubs proved to be the perfect vessels for water features and planting.

The Garden at the Record Street Home for the Aged - 115 Record Street

The Record Street 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” and is the only one of its kind still operable in the State of Maryland. This garden provides a pleasant place for its residents to enjoy the outdoors or remain active through light gardening. The two patios are ideal for residents to relax with friends and family during visits while observing the bird and butterfly residents of the garden.

The Garden of Marlborough House - 101 Record Street

You will find the beauty of this garden not behind the garden gates but in the front. The garden tended by residents Tom & Madge Yewell, Dick & Franci Wryough and Chip Dorsey borders the front of this house on the corner of Record and Church Streets. Essentially a planting garden, take note of the large Pyracatha as most people strolling by home do as well. A back patio plays host to parties and dinners in the summer and boasts items brought back from one of the residents previous homes in Mexico.

The Garden of Kevin & Margaret Hluch - 113 W. All Saints Street

Described by the Hluch’s as a space for meditation, their Zen layout brings a different style garden to the tour. Not solely considered a place for relaxation, the garden comfortably hosts BBQ’s, cocktails parties and a possible wedding in the near future. Central to the garden is a pergola and serene lily pond which provides the ideal spot to take rest in the space. The garden and Carroll Creek provide a wonderful backdrop for the many sculptures the Hluch’s treasure.

The Market Street Garden and The Director’s Rose Garden of the Federated Charities of Frederick 22 S. Market Street

Two distinctive gardens can be found at this location, one an original “postage stamp” style garden and the other a secluded niche tucked behind the building. The Market Street Garden, situated along the side of the building, is reminiscent of the Greek revival style of the residence itself. Visitors will be welcomed by the original Wickersham wrought iron fencing and gates surrounding this space. The Director’s Rose Garden can be found in the rear of the building. Both gardens are dominated by roses. The Market Street Garden is further enhanced by a host of perennials and annuals, including hostas, English ivy and Prairie Mallow plants. Matt Shelton of Innovative Landscapes graciously donates his talents to help maintain these gardens.

As you’re wandering through each garden, take a minute to watch the local artists who will be creating their own vision of the space, and don’t forget to visit the Garden Marketplace at the Frederick City Hall Courtyard for garden-related merchandise, food, and refreshments.

Tickets for the tour, which is held rain or shine, cost $20 per person and are mid-April at the following locations:

* Flights of Fancy - 20 N. East Street
* The Grapevine - 117 E. Patrick Street
* The Tourism Council of Frederick County - 19 E. Church Street

Tickets can also be purchased online at www.celebratefrederick.com via Pay-Pal starting in April.

As all of the gardens featured on the tour are provided courtesy of the homeowners or business owners, proper garden tour etiquette is requested. This includes remaining on paths or following directions through the gardens as indicated by the hosts. In addition, please refrain from wearing high-heeled shoes or pushing strollers in grassy areas. This will help to preserve the beauty of the gardens that the owners have worked so diligently to provide for the tour. Parents are asked to prevent children from picking flowers.

The 2010 Garden Tour Committee of Celebrate Frederick and The Tasker’s Chance Garden Club organized this year’s tour. The following Corporate Sponsors make this event possible by their generous financial contributions to Celebrate Frederick, our sponsors are: Spires Level Sponsors: Bechtel Group Foundation and Spectrum Federal Credit Union; Carillon Level Sponsors: Comcast, Sandy Spring Bank, Weis Markets, and 99.9 WFRE/930 WFMD; Bandshell Level Sponsors: BB&T, COMSTAR Federal Credit Union, The Frederick News Post, The Plamondon Companies and WHAG. Program Sponsor: Frederick Memorial Hospital.

For more information, please call The City of Frederick Office of Special Events at
301-600-CITY (2489) or visit www.CelebrateFrederick.com.

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PARTICIPANTS BEING ACCEPTED FOR PANGAEA FREDERICK

Don’t miss the 3rd Annual Pangaea Frederick – A Festival Celebrating Our Heritage, scheduled to be held Saturday, May 8th from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. This year, the Pangaea Festival is moving from the Westridge Square Shopping Center to Frederick’s Baker Park. This substantial change in location allows for additional space, as well as a larger number of activities and participants. The goal of the Pangaea Festival is to give visitors an opportunity to learn about and enjoy the growing diversity within Frederick. The event offers the chance to celebrate different cultures through unique food, entertainment, traditions, and arts.

Due to this year’s larger location, Celebrate Frederick is still looking for participants to bring greater diversity to the event. Non-profit groups, sponsors, craft vendors, food vendors, and entertainers are invited to apply to be a part of Pangaea and bring their diverse heritage to this important festival.

All participants must be approved by the Pangaea Frederick Committee and receive a license from The City of Frederick Office of Special Events. If you are interested, please contact the organizers at 301-600-2844. For more information please visit www.celebratefrederick.com.

The following Corporate Sponsors make this event possible by their generous financial contributions to Celebrate Frederick, our sponsors are: Spires Level Sponsors- Bechtel Group Foundation and Spectrum Federal Credit Union; Carillon Level Sponsors: Comcast, Sandy Spring Bank, Weis Markets, and 99.9 WFRE/930 WFMD; Bandshell Level Sponsors: BB&T, COMSTAR Federal Credit Union, The Frederick News Post, The Plamondon Companies and WHAG. Program Sponsors: Human Relations Council of Frederick County, the Frederick Arts Council, Renewal by Andersen, and Wantz Distributors.

Monday, March 22, 2010

Harmonious Blacksmith - Free Concert at the Mount

Harmonious Blacksmith - Free Concert at the Mount

Emmitsburg, MD - The Mount St. Mary’s University Department of Visual and Performing Arts will present a concert by the early music ensemble Harmonious Blacksmith on Friday March 26, 2010.

The evening’s concert, Music from the Mediterranean, will feature early music from Spain to Italy in an exciting program of works by Soler, Scarlatti, Frescobaldi, and Corelli. Harmonious Blacksmith combines the best of creative conceptual programming with the fire of virtuoso performing and improvising. Uniquely focused on the connection between composition and improvisation in Renaissance and Baroque music, Harmonious Blacksmith looks back to the age-old practices of improvising dance music and ornamenting songs.

The ensemble has been praised for its “virtuosity manifested…strongly in an uncanny ability to create highly inventive music on the spot,” with another reviewer noting that “from the beginning, the listener had a feeling of connection with them. They were lively, enthusiastic and expressive in their playing…”

Harmonious Blacksmith consists of Joseph Gascho, harpsichord; Justin Godoy, recorder; and William Simms, baroque guitar and the orbo. Simms is also a member of the music faculty at Mount St. Mary’s where he teaches guitar.

The concert is presented as part of the ongoing effort by the Department of Visual and Performing Arts to make high quality musical performances available to audiences in the region for little or no admission. The concert will be held at the Marion Burk Knott Auditorium on the Mount campus at 7:30pm.

Admission is free.

For more information, please contact the Department of Visual and Performing Arts at 301-447-5308.

Friday, March 12, 2010

CELEBRATE FREDERICK 2010 EVENT SCHEDULE

CELEBRATE FREDERICK ANNOUNCES ITS 2010 EVENT SCHEDULE

Celebrate Frederick, Inc. would like to announce their 2010 schedule of events. Celebrate Frederick, Inc. is a private non-profit corporation working in partnership with the City of Frederick in the planning and implementation of special events and activities for the community. A Board of Directors oversees this organization, which houses eight volunteer event committees and produces fifteen events that are sanctioned by the Mayor and Board of Alderman.

This season, Celebrate Frederick, Inc. is changing the dates of six events, as well as postponing the Summer Nite Cinema event for the 2010 event year. The following events will be held on different dates: Light the Creek, In the Street, On the Deck Party, Scents & Sweets Competition, Festival of Lights, and Kris Kringle Procession. In addition to date changes, the Pangaea Frederick Festival is changing locations. Formally held at the Westridge Shopping Center along Route 40/West Patrick Street, the 3rd annual event will be held in Baker Park.

The 2010 season begins with Pangaea Frederick – A Festival Celebrating our Heritage. This exciting festival will be held in Baker Park on Saturday, May 8th, from 11:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m. Pangaea’s aim is to unite and celebrate the cultural diversity of Frederick through food, art, music, and traditions. Start the fun by welcoming over one hundred new citizens in a Naturalization Ceremony, and continue enjoying the festival through various displays and activities from around the world, including the first annual Futsal Tournament.

Join us on Saturday, May 15th and Sunday, May 16th for Beyond the Garden Gates Garden Tour & Marketplace. New this season, visitors can enjoy not only beautiful public and private gardens in historic downtown Frederick, but also a brand new Inaugural Garden Marketplace. Located at the Official Garden Tour Hospitality Center, the marketplace will fill the City Hall Courtyard and surrounding streets with music, food, and garden related wares. Tickets to the event are $20.00 and are available for purchase online now.

Summer Concert Series will be held every Sunday at 7:00 p.m. during June, July, and August in Baker Park Bandshell. With the first concert beginning Sunday, June 13th, visitors can enjoy free concerts featuring local, regional and national performers. Canned food donations will be collected each evening to benefit the Frederick Food Bank. A complete schedule of concerts will be available soon on www.CelebrateFrederick.com.

Enjoy free children’s entertainment at the Summerfest Family Theatre every Thursday at 10:30 a.m. during June, July and August. Local, regional and national performers will showcase theater, music, dance, magic and more! Don’t miss the first performance on Thursday, June 24th. Canned food donations will be collected each morning for the Frederick Food Bank. A complete schedule of performances will be available soon on www.CelebrateFrederick.com.

Come to Baker Park on Sunday, July 4th to enjoy Frederick’s 4th – An Independence Day Celebration. The largest Independence Day festival in Frederick County begins at Noon with an opening ceremony, and continues non-stop with children’s activities, a volleyball tournament, chili cook-off, best patriotic dressed competition, musical entertainment, fabulous food and more. Don’t miss the spectacular fireworks display at dusk!

Look forward to this year’s Light The Creek, held on Friday, September 10th, 6:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m. at Carroll Creek Linear Park. This concert at the Carroll Creek Amphitheater will jump-start In The Street festivities with music, beer, wine, food, and the chance to support your favorite charity. Please note this date change!

Beginning in 2010, In the Street has officially moved to the “Second Saturday in September”. Celebrate In The Street, one of Frederick’s biggest annual events, held Saturday, September 11th, 11:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. on Market Street and Carroll Creek Linear Park. This famous outdoor street festival features eight blocks of themed fun, stages of live entertainment, beer and wine gardens, children’s activities, delicious food and much more! And don’t forget to begin the day with the Frederick Steeplechaser’s Mile Run at 9:30 a.m.

Food, drinks and music are in store for On The Deck Party, Saturday, September 11th, 5:30- 9:00 p.m. This fundraising event concludes the festivities of In The Street, and is held on the top level of the Carroll Creek Parking Deck. Must be 21 with a proper ID to attend.

Kick off your holiday season by attending the Holiday Art Competition at the Delaplaine Visual Arts Education Center, Frederick. This juried art competition is held Wednesday, December 1st, at 5:30 p.m. and showcases different depictions of the Holidays in Frederick. The winning artist earns a $1,000 cash prize, and the winning illustration will be used in the following year’s holiday ad campaign.

Enjoy the holiday season with the Scents & Sweets Competition. This joyous event will be held Thursday, December 2nd at the Cultural Arts Center, Frederick – new location and new date! All ages will be delighted by the displays of gingerbread houses and floral arrangements in this Holiday open house. Winners will be selected and announced during the event.

Discover the charm and simplicity of the Holiday season during the 2010 Festival of Lights. Come to the City Hall Courtyard on Friday, December 3rd at 7:00 p.m. to participate in this ceremonial event. Gatherers at City Hall are given a candle to hold. After holiday greetings and an inspirational message, each candle is lit, filling the Courtyard with magnificent light. Please note this date change!

This year, the Candlelight House Tour will be held on Saturday, December 4th, 5:30 p.m.-9:30 p.m. and Sunday, December 5th, 12:00 p.m.-4:00 p.m. For $20.00, visitors can take a self-guided tour inside magnificent private homes in historic Frederick. Each historically significant home features detailed architectural nuances and holiday decorations.

Rejoice in Old World Holiday magic with the Kris Kringle Procession, held Friday December 10th at 6:30 p.m. in downtown Frederick. This walking parade features German/English characters of yesteryear, including Weinacht Man, Kris Kindle and Pelsnickle. Joining the procession are other children’s favorites such as Frosty, Rudolph and Kris Kringle. The parade concludes at the Baker Park Bandshell with the closing ceremony and the lighting of the City Christmas Tree. Please note this date change!

Bring your children to this season’s Children’s Weekend, held Saturday, December 11th and Sunday, December 12th. Children will delight in a variety of activities such as ornament painting, storytelling, belsnickling and breakfast with Santa. This magical weekend is dedicated to letting every child experience the joy of the holidays. Although the event is free, some activities charge a nominal fee.

A contract joins Celebrate Frederick, Inc. and The City of Frederick Office of Special Events as partners in producing these outstanding events. The City of Frederick is a major sponsor of the events through their funding of the Office of Special Events and their tremendous in-kind support. The following Corporate Sponsors make the events possible by their generous financial contributions to Celebrate Frederick, our sponsors are: Spires Level Sponsors- Bechtel Group Foundation and Spectrum Federal Credit Union; Carillon Level Sponsors: Comcast, Sandy Spring Bank, 99.9 WFRE/930 WFMD and Weis Markets; Bandshell Level Sponsors: BB&T, COMSTAR Federal Credit Union, The Frederick News Post, The Plamondon Companies and WHAG. Major Program Sponsor: Wantz Distributors.

The partnership between the City of Frederick, Celebrate Frederick, Inc. the event volunteers, and the generosity of the business community enables the Frederick community to enjoy the quality of life that is unmatched by any other city. For more information on volunteering, contact The Office of Special Events at 301-228-2844. For event information, please visit our website at www.CelebrateFrederick.com.

Celebrate Frederick, Inc. looks forward to see you at all of the events throughout the year!

Torture and America's War on Terror

Torture and America’s War on Terror

Emmitsburg, MD - Alpha Kappa Delta, the International Sociology Honor Society, and Mount Saint Mary’s Departments of History, Philosophy, Political Science, and Sociology are proud to present: David Cole - Accounting for Torture: The Legacy of the CIA's "Enhanced Interrogation Techniques"

Where: A public lecture: Tuesday, March 23, 2010, at 7 pm at the Knott Auditorium – Mount St. Mary’s University.

David Cole is a professor at Georgetown University Law Center, a volunteer staff attorney for the Center for Constitutional Rights, legal affairs correspondent for The Nation, a regular contributor to the New York Review of Books, and a commentator on the PBS NewsHour, and National Public Radio’s All Things Considered.

He is the author of six books. Less Safe, Less Free: Why America Is Losing the War on Terror, published in 2007, won the Palmer Civil Liberties Prize for best book on national security and civil liberties. Enemy Aliens: Double Standards and Constitutional Freedoms in the War on Terrorism, received the American Book Award in 2004. No Equal Justice: Race and Class in the American Criminal Justice System was named Best Non-Fiction Book of 1999 by the Boston Book Review and best book on an issue of national policy in 1999 by the American Political Science Association. His most recent book is The Torture Memos: Rationalizing the Unthinkable, published by The New Press in September 2009.

Professor Cole has litigated many significant constitutional cases, including Texas v. Johnson and United States v. Eichman, which extended First Amendment protection to flagburning; National Endowment for the Arts v. Finley, which challenged political content restriction on NEA funding; and Massachusetts v. Sullivan, which challenged restrictions on what federally funded family planning centers could tell women about abortion. Since 9/11, he has been involved in many of the nation’s most important cases involving civil liberties and national security.

He has received numerous awards for his human rights work, including honors from the Society of American Law Teachers, the National Lawyers Guild, the ACLU of Southern California, the ABA Section on Individual Rights and Responsibilities, and the American-Arab Anti-Discrimination Committee.

The presentation is free and open to the public. For more information please contact the Mount St. Mary's University Sociology Department - Martin Malone at 301-447-5820, extension 4833 or at malone@msmary.edu.