I am a little upset, but that’s okay, because this has lead me to an action that seems to be steam roll-able. I know, I know. I have been very lame on this site but a new cause, near and dear to my heart has reminded me of the generosity and logical thinking of the FMO community.
Remember back in 2008 when I put out an appeal to locals that a nice way to dispose of your family Christmas tree would be to donate it to the family goats I used to have? That one simple request lead to many years of my ex-husband and me answering many requests for us to pick up your old trees. It was a win-win. The goats got to eat the trees, you didn’t have to figure out how to get rid of them and they stayed out of the landfills.
I have a friend who is running a farm in Bedford County, PA, just north of the Maryland line off of Rte 68. He is trying (and succeeding) to raise humanely raised, woodland-foraging pigs. But it isn’t cheap and, especially over winter the feed costs are pretty high. Currently the farm has three nursing mothers and three pregnant sows who all need additional calories for successful pregnancies and healthy babies. And many more of all sizes in between.
For a while now, the farm has tried unsuccessfully to get any one to listen to how much it makes sense to donate the old, unfit for human consumption produce and breads/grains to small farmers to give them a chance to fulfill their mission of humanely and responsibly raised animals and to help off-set the fluctuating prices of animal feed. (Truthfully, they have been hung up on, been sworn at and had doors slammed in their faces.) Especially during the times of the year when the farm is unable to give their own leftovers to the animals, like winter when the fields are idle and early summer when all the produce is going to local farm markets.
So, I am on a mission. So far, I have had two very generous donations from the lovely folks at Philly Rabe’s. They are a new restaurant and have already done so much to help. (And not just me. They have already donated to many local causes and told me at our first discussion that human donations were their first priority.) I have spoken to a couple other Frederick restaurants and am hoping that I can create a movement to keep food that is not good enough for human consumption but perfectly fine for animals, out of the local landfill. By the way, my friend’s farm also has chickens and he composts almost everything so if a donation is unable to be fed to pigs, it will go to chickens. Failing that (I can’t even imagine) it will still be composted for the gardens.
Here’s the catch. There is no catch. All you would have to do is fill a bucket or bag with your scraps (no meat please) and I will pick it up and deliver it. Pretty simple really. If you want, I will provide the bucket or bag.
If nothing else, the realization that so much usable food is being thrown away shocked me. I want your help to make this right.
If you want to help, leave a comment here or email me at babethh@yahoo.com or message me on Facebook, Elizabeth Gillison. Thank you so much in advance.
Support the Downtown Frederick Partnership and get a whole lot of chocolate:
Once again, Downtown Frederick Partnership, in coordination with Candy Kitchen, will raffle off a three-foot-tall chocolate bunny in celebration of the holiday season and the coming spring. The chocolate bunny is created by John P. Leos, proprietor of the Candy Kitchen, and will have a home in his downtown shop until the drawing on March 29, 2013. All ticket proceeds benefit Downtown Frederick Partnership. Purchase as many raffle tickets as you would like from now through Thursday, March 28, 2013.
Raffle tickets are available for purchase at eight downtown locations:
- Greene Turtle – 50 Citizen’s Way
- Viniferous – 227 N Market Street
- Flights of Fancy – 20 N East Street
- Woodsboro Bank – 6 W Patrick Street
- Fabulous Finds – 24 E Patrick Street
- Potters’ Guild – 14 S Market Street
- The Candy Kitchen – 52 N Market Street
- Unique Optique – 9 W Patrick St
All locations will sell raffle tickets from now through Thursday, March 28th. Tickets cost $1 per chance, $3 for 5 chances, and $5 for 10 chances. The drawing will be held on Friday, March 29th and the winner will be contacted by phone or email.
Frederick fun for you this weekend:
- Art Carnival – family-friendly art activities, beadmaking and jewelry demonstrations, children’s films, and a café at the Delaplaine from 1-4pm on Saturday March 16th.
- Love for the Lillards Basket Bingo & Raffle – A basket bingo and raffle will be held on March 17, 2013, at Lewistown Fire Hall in Frederick, MD, to benefit the Lillard Family of Myersville, MD.
- Pot of Gold St. Patty’s Day Pub Crawl – The crawl starts with food, drinks, prizes and revelry at Cafe 611 before traveling down Market Street to the several other participating bars and restaurants. The crawl takes place on Sunday, March 17 from 1pm – 7pm.
This is an excerpt from the larger things to do post for March.
You can also still check out Jim’s photos at the Delaplaine.
From CNN’s America’s best small town comebacks:
Frederick, Maryland: After the flood… cute shopping!
Then: Once a hospice for Civil War casualties, this proud Colonial-era city endured late 20th-century battle fatigue after getting sidestepped by a new interstate, losing its retail core to outlying shopping malls and being hit by a massive flood in the mid-1970s that turned nearly 100 acres of its historic downtown into a temporary swamp.
Now: Frederick is revived, with a nearly chain-proof red brick commercial district lined with indie shops, destination restaurants and weekenders from D.C. and Baltimore (both about an hour away) escaping here instead of the other way around.
Wow: Stroll along Carroll Creek Park’s pedestrian bridges and brick pathways lined with public art and it’s hard to believe this green space was originally a flood control project.
/via @cdigennaro
These open threads provide a chance for us to chat with our neighbors. Ask questions, share news, or whatever you want. As long as it’s central to Frederick County and civil, anything goes.
Have at it in the comments!
Jim will be having a two-month showing of some of his favorite downtown shots at the Delaplaine beginning March 2 and will personally be at the Delaplaine from 3-5pm this Saturday.
Jim has shared many great photos (see a sampling below) with us over the years so if you’re Downtown this Saturday go say hi or stop by any time over the next couple months to see the exhibit.
February was sllllooooowwww as far as events were concerned, but it looks like things are picking up nicely in March:
- March First Saturday: Vegas Night – On March 2, from 5-9pm enjoy fun non-alcoholic “mocktails”, performances by celebrity impersonators, a downtown-wide game of 21, merchant-hosted casino style games and activities, Live music, gallery openings, late shopping hours and more.
- Frederick Restaurant Week – Frederick Restaurant Week is a 7-day promotion taking place March 4-10, 2013 that features the unique and fine dining options available in Downtown Frederick and the surrounding area. Participating restaurants will offer diners price-fixed meals at mouth-watering prices.
- Break Away 5k – The second annual Race to End Domestic Violence, will be held on Saturday, March 9th at 8:30am at Baker Park in Frederick. More information their Facebook page.
- 43rd Annual Maple Syrup Demonstrations - The Maple Syrup event will be held in the William Houck (Lake) Area at Cunningham Falls State Park and feature continuous working demonstrations of the traditional maple syrup-making process. Kids can enjoy free games, stories, crafts, and live music in large heated tents. For an additional charge (cash only) a hot pancake and sausage breakfast will be served from 9:30 am to 2:00 pm, or until sold out.
- 9th Annual Retro Prom – The Prom will be held on Saturday, March 9th from 7-11:30pm at the Talley Recreation Center with catering from great local restaurants, a cash bar, live music, dancing, auction, prom photos, and door prizes.
- The Leprechaun Luau - is the signature fundraising event of The Rotary Club of Frederick and will be held on Saturday, March 9 from 4-8pm at the Frederick Fairgrounds’ Eventplex. Admission includes a wide variety of foods, a souvenir mug for a selection of Flying Dog beers or soft drinks, a DJ, live music, a Pot of Gold at the End of the Rainbow raffle, and more.
- Art Carnival – family-friendly art activities, beadmaking and jewelry demonstrations, children’s films, and a café at the Delaplaine from 1-4pm on Saturday March 16th.
- Love for the Lillards Basket Bingo & Raffle – A basket bingo and raffle will be held on March 17, 2013, at Lewistown Fire Hall in Frederick, MD, to benefit the Lillard Family of Myersville, MD.
- Pot of Gold St. Patty’s Day Pub Crawl – The crawl starts with food, drinks, prizes and revelry at Cafe 611 before traveling down Market Street to the several other participating bars and restaurants. The crawl takes place on Sunday, March 17 from 1pm – 7pm.
- Frederick Rescue Mission 10 Miler – Make a difference by running in the second annual Dan Ryan Builders’ Mission 10 Miler on Sunday, March 24th at 2pm starting and ending at Harry Grove Stadium in Frederick. More information on their website.
- Easter Egg Roll – enjoy games, crafts, pony rides, petting zoo, face painting and more at Rose Hill Manor on Saturday, March 30 from 11am through 2:30pm.
For more events check out the Frederick Tourism site or the Frederick Community Calendar. Please feel free to share any events in the comments as well.
Rock Creek School is having their 1st Annual Run for the Rock 5K Run/1 Mile Walk on Sunday, April 28th, 2013 at 2:00 at Baker Park. The cost is $20.00 for adults and $15.00 for students and children. The proceeds will be doing to all of the students at Rock Creek School for technology in the classroom. Rock Creek School is a public school in Frederick, MD specially designed for students with disabilities. Help our students by registering today. There will be children’s activities too. Balloons, face painting, and a free raffle with registration.
Felice Fotographic is a Lifestyle & Event photography company servicing Frederick, Maryland and surrounding areas. Owner and photographer Kelsey Felice Shupe has been working as a professional photographer and graphic designer for the past nine years. In 2009, Felice Fotographic opened its doors and has been bustling ever since. In 2012, Felice Fotographic received a Five Star rating on Wedding Wire! Kelsey strives to provide her clients with a unique collection of photographs that not only capture emotion and personality, but also tell a story.
Offering a wide range of photographic services, Kelsey has photographed numerous weddings, family events such as baptisms and birthday parties, as well as just spending an afternoon with clients to capture one-of-a-kind family photos.
Felice Fotographic has also worked closely with local businesses including South Mountain Creamery, The George Washington University Dance Team, and Get Heidi Fit. Kelsey’s work has been showcased in marketing campaigns, featured on promotional posters, and has been published in Valley Homes & Style magazine.
Call 407-716-7544 or visit www.FeliceFotographic.com today to book your photo session with Kelsey. Mention that you heard about Felice Fotographic on Frederick Maryland Online and receive $50 off of your Lifestyle session fee or $300 off of your Wedding Photography Package.
See what Felice Fotographic clients have to say about their experiences with Kelsey:
I cannot say enough great things about Kelsey! She responded to every question I had within 24 hours (usually within just a few). She took the time to get to know my husband and I before our wedding day so that we would be comfortable with her. She listened to us and incorporated all the ideas we brought to the table. On our wedding day, we got behind schedule, but Kelsey was very calm and flexible, and we managed to get in all the pictures we wanted. I really can’t convey how impressed we were with her. She is truly a talented photographer who just wants to capture special memories for people. In short, Felice Fotographic’s personalized style will give you beautiful photos and a knowledgeable, attentive consultant to walk you through the whole process!
- Scott and Kelly
Kelsey was a dream to work with. She had her own ideas but also had no problem working with any we had specifically. She provided the most relaxed photo shoot I’ve ever done. It was Hector´s first photo shoot and after the initial nerves settled he felt relaxed and free enough to be himself. “I felt very natural, very smooth.”-Hector. As for flexibility, she was a god send. My fiance and I were only in town for a few days and she worked with us to make one beautiful day we will never forget.
- Meghann and Hector
Felice Fotographic was amazing! Extremely friendly and personable. Made the entire experience fun! My husband and I LOVED her work, and would highly recommend to anyone who wants exceptional photos to remember your occasion!
– Robert & Michelle
You can see more of Felice Fotographic’s work on Facebook or the Felice Fotographic Website. Get in touch with Felice Fotographic today to plan your next photo session.
From the Fredrick News Post:
A Virginia man has been arrested in connection with Tuesday’s armed robbery at Colonial Jewelers in downtown Frederick.
[The suspect] of Fairfax is currently in the custody of Metropolitan police in Washington. He was arrested on a fugitive warrant this morning while driving the black pickup believed to be the getaway vehicle, according to a Frederick Police Department news release.
Just in case you missed it, here is the surveillance video from the robbery:
Freaking scary, I’m glad the police are already making arrests.
A community grieved Friday after a fast-moving house fire claimed the lives of two young sisters and destroyed their family’s home on a hillside outside Myersville.
Neighbors on the cul-de-sac at the end of Highland Avenue said they were deeply saddened by the deaths of the two little girls, Sophie Paige Lillard, 6, and Madigan Grace Lillard, 3. The fun-loving sisters had beautiful smiles and a zest for life, friends said.
The FNP article also lists a bunch of ways to help:
Local groups organize donations for Myersville family
The Creative Children’s Center in Myersville at 603 Main St. is accepting any and all donations from 6:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Friday. Donation points have been set up at Jumbo’s Pumpkin Patch, Candlelight Floral Designs, Monocacy Valley Montessori and Carroll Creek Montessori schools for jackets, clothing, personal care, home goods, toys and gift cards, according to Emily Mills, who is organizing assistance for the family.Sizes for the family are as follows:
Mother: XL-XXL 18/20 clothes, size 10 shoes
Father: clothing in M, L, XL sizes, 34/36 x 32/34 size pants; size 9.5 shoes
8-year-old girl: size 7-8 clothes, big kids size 2 shoes; prefers unisex clothing
6-month-old girl: size 3-9 month clothes
A fundraiser for the Lillard family will be held from 4 p.m. until 8:30 p.m. Tuesday at Chick-fil-A, 5501 Urbana Pike in Frederick. Twenty-five percent of proceeds will be donated to the family. A donation box will be set up at the restaurant for those who would like to donate items to the family.
Frederick County Bank has set up a fund under Lillard Family Recovery Fund for the family. Any branch can accept donations in cash or check.
The Fit For Life Boot Camp has started a website to raise funds for the family at giveforward.com. As of 8:40 a.m. Saturday, more than $18,000 has been raised.
Spread the word and help if you can.
