Good morning, Frederick.

On November 22nd, community members in Golden Mile came together to pack groceries and distribute winter apparel for children facing food insecurity as part of the Frederick County ENOUGH initiative.

The Division of Family Services organized the event with partners—Trailblazers of Jack and Jill, International Market, and H-Mart—to support families before the holiday season.

Frederick County Division of Aging and Independence is collecting holiday gift bag donations for 300 homebound Meals on Wheels seniors and asks residents to drop off new, unused items like winter clothing, hygiene supplies and treats at designated community centers through Wednesday, November 26—efforts aimed at brightening the season for seniors.

Kroger will close its robotic fulfillment center south of Frederick in January — a 350,000-square-foot facility at 7106 Geoffrey Way off Maryland Route 85 — as part of a national shift in e-commerce strategy, and officials have not yet disclosed how many jobs will be affected.

The Emmitsburg Community Chorus will start a series of free holiday concerts at the historic Basilica of St. Elizabeth Ann Seton, offering Christmas music through the ages—an event aimed at sharing festive spirit with local listeners.

The Weinberg Center for the Arts and New Spire Arts invite local audiences to celebrate the holiday season with live events that will include beloved classics—lively concerts.

The festive lineup will offer a variety of cultural performances throughout the season.

Lucy School near Middletown held two Green and Steam Days to teach students and community members about taking care of nature—activities focused on arts-based environmental learning.

Thurmont’s Board of Commissioners visited a water treatment facility on Thursday to review plans for expanding filtration equipment to remove PFAS from drinking water — the project will help keep water clean for local residents.

Frederick County will open applications for community partnership grants next week to help nonprofits work on housing solutions, public health, quality of life improvements, and the arts.

Nonprofits can apply for funding to meet these community needs—details will be released with the application period.

County Executive Jessica Fitzwater announced today a new grant program called Frederick FEED that uses $1 million in emergency funds to help local food banks, pantries and nonprofits address food insecurity.

The program, offered in partnership with the Community Foundation, will award grants through a competitive process (applications open on December 1).

Drinksgiving with Nicholas Paré and The JAGS

7:30-10:30 p.m. — Rockwell Brewery — Ticketed event — Enjoy a Thanksgiving weekend kickoff with electrifying rock music by Nicholas Paré and The JAGS.

Sheppard Pratt Turkey Trot

8-11 AM — Baker Park — $50 entry fee — Celebrate Thanksgiving with a fun run supporting local mental health services.

Frosty Friday Celebration

8 AM – 1 AM — The Museum of Frederick County History at Heritage Frederick — Check out festive activities, including photos with Santa and cocktail tastings.

Candy Cane Dash

1:30-4 p.m. — Baker Park, Frederick, MD — Entry fee proceeds benefit local charity — Enjoy a festive 5K dash to support Girls on the Run.

5th Annual Hello Holidays Makers Market

10 AM – 2 PM — Frederick Fairgrounds — Free entry — Shop from over 60 handmade vendors and enjoy delicious food from food trucks.

Winter Wonderland Gala

The Cowork Frederick Foundation is hosting its third annual gala on December 10at Steinhardt Brewing Co, with food, drink, music, dancing, and a raffle for prize packages. Get your tickets using coupon code DAILY and connect with others while celebrating the season and raising funds for Cowork Frederick Foundation programs that support Frederick County small businesses.

Met Comedy Night

8:30-11:30 p.m. — Maryland Ensemble Theatre — $15 — Enjoy an evening of laughs with short form improv from the Key City group.

The Frederick Record Riot

10 AM-5 PM — Frederick Fairgrounds — $5 regular admission, $15 early admission — Discover a treasure trove of vinyl, CDs, and memorabilia at the massive record sale.

Blood Donation Drive

Frederick County (MD) Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. in partnership with the National Pan-Hellenic Council of the Greater Frederick Area and the American Red Cross is hosting a Blood Donation Drive. Give blood 12/16 and get TWO Amazon gift cards by email: $15 & $20 Amazon Gift Cards!

Candlelight Christmas Carols on Strings

8:30 p.m. — Union Mills Public House — Ticket required — Experience the enchanting sound of Christmas carols performed by a string quartet in a cozy, candlelit setting.