Local Services

Long Way Home

George Stauffer of Stauffer Funeral Homes Builds the Family Business to Arrive Back at His Roots Article by Emily Holland | Photography by Mary Kate McKenna Photography George Stauffer jokes that his father Doug worked hard to get his family off the farm, and now his own dream is to take them “back to square one” again. Kidding aside, the Stauffer Funeral Home business isn’t going anywhere; at the same time, George’s life experience has brought him a fresh appreciation for his rural roots...

Health + Wellness

On Edge

Marc George & Blake Bomberger on Mental Health, Brotherhood and Building Frederick’s Most Complete Gym Experience Article by Emily Holland | Photography by Kristi Lynn Photography Marc George and Blake Bomberger thought they knew all about hard work and perseverance, but then they embarked on their mutual dream of owning and running a gym. “I had spent my entire career as a cop, and understood what it was like to go on nerve-wracking calls and enter some very dangerous situations,” Bomberger...

Arts + Culture

Faith, Flow and the Fire Within

Asa Weeks Article by Sierra Moore | Photography by Marco Cardwell with Wellmade Media, Marie Rose Photography & Videography, Jennifer Rosaria Film & Photography Strength doesn’t always shout; sometimes, it moves with rhythm and grace. Asa Weeks channels his energy into his music, his mentorship and the community he serves. For him, creativity is a response—an offering shaped by experience, grounded in faith and fueled by a deep desire to give back. Raised in a Liberian household filled with...

Arts + Culture

Lights, Camera, Impact

Where Creative Vision Meets Camera Precision—Purple Donut Studios Article by Sierra Moore | Photography by Kristi Lynn Photography In the world of video production, Purple Donut Studios is carving out a distinct niche. Founded by Brian Munday Jr. and Cameron Harris, two Frederick-based creatives who first connected at a Chamber of Commerce event, the studio was born from a shared love of cinematic storytelling and top-tier camera gear. Their early collaborations—both shooting on Blackmagic...

Professional Services

Nature's Next Gen

Vision Takes Root as a Young Woman Transforms her Father's Tree Care Legacy into an Environmental Mission Article by Sierra Moore | Photography by Kristi Lynn Photography "Every little girl wants to be just like their father. I just took it a bit more literally than most." Growing up watching her father, Jeremiah, build A1 Tree Pros, Micayla gained more than just business acumen—she developed a deep passion for plant care and an understanding of how it continues to scientifically evolve. ...

Arts + Culture

Turning the Page

Curious Iguana’s Top Spring Reads Article by Curious Iguana Non-Fiction:  We Hold These "Truths"  by Casey Burgat America’s political experts cut through the spin and expose the myths holding our democracy back. Romance:  Yin Yang Love Song  by Lauren Kung Jessen In this charming rom-com filled with Chinese traditions and a family curse, an herbalist fake dates a star musician.  Mystery/Thriller:   Beautiful Ugly  by Alice Feeney A gripping and deliciously dark thriller about...

Life + Culture

She's a Force of Nature

Celebrating Five Women Who Deeply Inspire, Lead and Empower Those Around Them Article by Sierra Moore | Photography by Jennifer Rosaria Film & Photography, Kristi Lynn Photography Some women don’t just navigate the world—they shape it. They push forward with unstoppable energy, turning challenges into opportunities and inspiring those around them. Like the elements—bold as the wind, steady as the earth, radiant as the sun and ever-growing—these five women lead with strength, respect and a...

Wellness

Rejoicing with Widows Among Us

An Honest Conversation on Grief, Resilience & Renewal Article by Dr. Denise Rollins There’s nothing like staggering statistics to make people aware of how prevalent an issue is or how much we need to discuss a topic. Statistics from AARP cite that an estimated (and staggering) 75% of married women will become widows. Yet beyond the statistics are real people (mothers, sisters, friends, co-workers, neighbors and perhaps you) who’ve navigated the journey through death and grief. And while that...

Finance + Legal Services

A Decade of Growth

The Journey of The Law Office of Lena A. Clark, LLC Article by Lena A. Clark | Photography by Jessica Latos Celebrating and reflecting on ten years in business, Lena Clark shares the story behind her law firm's beginnings, challenges and milestones that have shaped its growth and the lessons she has learned along the way. What inspired you to start your own law firm, and how has your vision evolved over time? "My husband played a big role in the beginning. Thirteen years ago, early in our...

Finance + Legal Services

A Legacy of Value

Capital River Wealth Management Offers Financial Planning with Purpose Article by Emily Holland Financial planning, for Capital River Wealth Management (CRWM) founder Daniel Schiffman, has always been a discipline that hits close to home. He experienced a significant loss early on in life when his father passed away on Thanksgiving Eve of his high school senior year. One of the things he remembers most about that time was how his family’s financial reality shifted suddenly, and the challenges...