Gary Bennett Publishing

Funny songs to tickle your ‘humorous’ bone

By Gary Bennett

This article appears in the April 16, 2026 issue of Frederick News-Post’s “72 Hours” entertainment magazine.

Humor is a funny word. (Wait, let me rephrase that.)

The word actually began its long journey meaning something you’d never expect — it derives from the Latin for bodily fluid. Medieval medicine believed the body contained four primary fluids or “humors,” including blood, phlegm and two types of bile, thought to determine temperament. By the 16th century the term broadened to mean one’s moods or whims. Finally, by the late 17th century, humor arrived at its modern meaning: amusing or funny.

Humorist and author Larry Wilde, director of the Carmel Institute of Humor, declared April to be National Humor Month in 1976, which made abundant sense since April 1 had long been established as April Fool’s Day. Thereafter, April 19 was officially named Humorous Day — dedicated to having a good time and finding the bright side of even the toughest situation.

Science has confirmed that laughter is the best medicine. It allows us to breathe in more fresh air, boosts our heart rate, lowers blood pressure and stimulates our lungs and respiratory system. You can even burn calories and release physical tension when you laugh. Laughter strengthens relationships, too — it helps couples stay together longer, enhances parent/child bonding and makes friendships stronger.

So what can you do to get some of this good juju on Humorous Day?

You could binge-watch a great sitcom — “All in the Family,” “Cheers,” “Frasier,” “Everybody Loves Raymond,” “Seinfeld,” “The Andy Griffith Show,” “The Honeymooners” or “I Love Lucy.”

You could watch stand-up on YouTube from Jack Benny, George Carlin, Johnny Carson, Bill Cosby, Rodney Dangerfield, Jackie Gleason, Steve Martin, Eddie Murphy or Richard Pryor.

You could rent a great comedy — the American Film Institute recommends “Animal House,” “Caddyshack,” “Duck Soup,” “Elf,” “Ghostbusters,” “Home Alone,” “M*A*S*H,” “Mrs. Doubtfire,” “National Lampoon’s Vacation,” “Office Space,” “Some Like It Hot,” “Wayne’s World” and “Wedding Crashers.”

Or you could catch a live comedy show — The Comedy Pigs at MET, Comedy Fest at the Weinberg or the Bored Teachers Comedy Tour on April 23.

But for me, there’s nothing better than a great humorous song. Writing one is harder than it looks — that’s why so many “novelty” songs are cringe-worthy. You typically won’t get belly laughs from funny songs, but you will get heartwarming smiles for as long as you care to listen.

Below, I’ve listed some of my favorites alphabetically. Queue them up on your smart speaker for an hour and a half of Humorous Day listening pleasure. Did I miss any of yours?

A BOY NAMED SUE

Johnny Cash, 1969

Country superstar hit gold by going against type in this live, funny performance.

Funny lyric: “But the meanest thing that my daddy ever did / Was before he left, he went and named me Sue.”

COVER OF THE ROLLING STONE

Dr. Hook & the Medicine Show, 1972

Satirical romp that mocks the music industry’s obsession with image and fame.

Funny lyric: “I got a freaky old lady name a Cocaine Katy who embroiders on my jeans / I got my poor old gray-haired daddy drivin’ my limousine.”

EAT IT

“Weird Al” Yankovic, 1984

The king of parodies had several but his best one riffs on Michael Jackson’s “Beat It.”

Funny lyric: “Have some more yogurt / have some more Spam / It doesn’t matter if it’s fresh or canned / Just eat it.”

IF YOU WANNA BE HAPPY

Jimmy Soul, 1963

This No. 1 hit gave dubious advice that marrying an ugly woman is a safe bet.

Funny lyric: “Though her face is ugly, her eyes don’t match / Take it from me, she’s a better catch.”

I’M TOO SEXY

Right Said Fred, 1991

This all-time funniest karaoke-style song pokes fun at bodybuilders.

Funny lyric: “I’m too sexy for my shirt / Too sexy for my shirt / So sexy it hurts.”

IT WASN’T ME

Shaggy, 2000

This cheating anthem is a humorous guide to lying even when caught red-handed.

Funny lyric: “But she caught me on the counter (It wasn’t me) / I even had her in the shower (It wasn’t me.)”

KING TUT

Steve Martin, 1977

Comedy legend first performed this bizarre song on “Saturday Night Live.”

Funny lyric: “When I die, now don’t think I’m a nut / Don’t want no fancy funeral, just one like ole King Tut.”

MAMA TOLD ME NOT TO COME

Three Dog Night, 1970

Naive party-goer is shocked, shocked!, by what he sees at his first wild party.

Funny lyric: “The radio is blastin’, someone’s knockin’ at the door / I’m lookin’ at my girlfriend, she’s passed out on the floor.”

MARGARITAVILLE

Jimmy Buffett, 1977

The king of laid-back island rock gets wasted and half-laments a lost love.

Funny lyric: “I don’t know the reason, stayed here all season / With nothing to show but this brand-new tattoo.”

MY DING-A-LING

Chuck Berry, 1972

Rock ‘n’ roll pioneer had his biggest hit with this sly, double-entendre sing-along.

Funny lyric: “I fell so hard, I heard bells ring / But held onto my ding-a-ling-a-ling”

NO NO SONG

Ringo Starr, 1974

Ex-Beatle delivered a cheekily charming and exasperated anti-drug song.

Funny lyric: “And I said, ‘No, no, no, no, I don’t smoke it no more / I’m tired of waking up on the floor.’”

ONE WEEK

Barenaked Ladies, 1998

The Canadian pop rockers had several mischievous songs. This one tops the list.

Funny lyric: “Like Harrison Ford, I’m getting frantic / Like Sting, I’m tantric / Like Snickers, guaranteed to satisfy”

PURPLE PEOPLE EATER

Sheb Wooley, 1958

A perennial Halloween favorite that topped the charts.

Funny lyric: “But that’s not the reason that I came to land / I wanna get a job in a rock-and-roll band.”

THE STREAK

Ray Stevens, 1974

Of the many “streaking” songs of 1974, this one was at the top.

Funny lyric: “And here he come, right out of the cheap seats, dribbling / Didn’t have on nothing but his Keds.”

TELEPHONE MAN

Meri Wilson, 1977

Lighthearted, double-entendre song lampooning getting a phone installed.

Funny lyric: “Hey baby, I’m your telephone man / Show me where you want it and I’ll put it where I can.”

UNEASY RIDER

Charlie Daniels, 1973

A pot-smoking, long-haired hippie somehow escapes intact from a no-nonsense Southern bar.

Funny lyric: “Well they all started laughin’ and I felt kinda sick / And I knew I’d better think of somethin’ pretty quick / So I jes’ reached out an’ kicked ol’ green-teeth right in the knee.”

Gary Bennett is a longtime Frederick resident who spends his time hiking, biking, volunteering and providing childcare for grandchildren. He is married and retired from his career as a nonprofit marketing executive.

Grass Roots will bring timeless pop hits to the Weinberg

By Gary Bennett

This article appears in the April 9, 2026 issue of Frederick News-Post’s “72 Hours” entertainment magazine.

A question for baby boomers: What do ‘60s rock bands the Grass Roots and the Monkees have in common? Give up? They are two of the most successful but rare American bands formed not by their members, but by studio executives looking to cash in on a musical trend. Organic groups like the Beatles and Rolling Stones would shudder at the thought, but it worked out just fine for both.

In the case of the Monkees, the record label hoped they would become the American Beatles. The Monkees did well commercially and even critically at times, but of course no band could be the Beatles. In the case of the Grass Roots, Dunhill Records wanted to assemble a band to catch the budding folk-rock craze in 1965. Staff songwriters came up with the songs, an audition was held and soon the Grass Roots were born. The name was meant to connote ordinary people doing extraordinary things. And they sure did.

But let’s get one thing out of the way first. Although none of the original Grass Roots members are in the current lineup, it’s not fair to call them a tribute band. They are the Grass Roots. Three of the four members have been in the band for over 30 years, each personally recruited by founding member and lead vocalist Rob Grill. Grill played with the current lineup until his death in 2011 and turned over the name to them. The current members are Dusty Hanvey, Larry Nelson, Joe Dougherty and Mark Dawson. Critics agree they have stayed true to the songs and consistently earn good reviews.

You can catch the Grass Roots live at the Weinberg Center for the Arts 8 p.m. April 11. The show is part of the Weinberg’s LIVE! Series, celebrating iconic music and exceptional musicianship.

In their day, the Grass Roots were quite successful, reliably producing pleasing pop hits. From 1966 to 1975, they churned out songs that were not too dangerous or outlandish, but just right. Their relatively short run, and the fact that they spanned two different decades without dominating either, was detrimental to their legacy. They were like Three Dog Night and the Guess Who in that regard, just not quite as successful.

Although they never scored a No. 1 hit, the Grass Roots created six or seven instantly recognizable tunes that helped define the late ‘60s and early ‘70s. Their catchy melodies and tight harmonies were good, but their unique brass section really set them apart — a novelty at the time, especially since jazz-rock groups like Chicago had yet to come along. The first few bars of “Let’s Live for Today,” “Midnight Confessions,” “I’d Wait a Million Years,” “Temptation Eyes,” “Sooner or Later” and “Two Divided by Love” always engender a strong response and get fans singing along.

AM radio play was a big factor in the Grass Roots’ success, too. They managed to become a disc jockey favorite and enjoyed frequent listener requests. From 1967 to 1972, the Grass Roots set a record for being on the Billboard chart for 307 consecutive weeks. They have sold over 20 million records worldwide, achieved one platinum album, two gold albums and 13 gold singles among their 20-odd chart hits.

Despite their success, the story of the Grass Roots is chaotic.

The original members who won the audition were all under 18, so their mothers had to sign their recording contracts. Soon after, the young artists — with studio executives calling the shots — compiled an album titled “Where Were You When I Needed You.” The album got little attention and disillusioned the band. Not enamored of folk rock in the first place, the group decided to return to San Francisco and perform the hard rock music they loved. Dunhill shrugged and opted to recruit another Grass Roots band in their place.

The next group of musicians to take the Grass Roots name included Rob Grill as bassist and lead vocalist. Grill became the face and voice of the Grass Roots on all their biggest hits until his death in 2011. In 1967, they put together “Let’s Live for Today” for their first single release. It became an iconic hit, reaching No. 8 on the charts — similar to the Beatles’ “All You Need Is Love” in that the song’s simple, timeless message and catchy hook turned it into a mantra for the youth of the day.

“Midnight Confessions” was next in 1968, shooting up to No. 5 — the highest chart position the group ever achieved. The song features intricate orchestration and a psychedelic organ sequence that makes it memorable. Quite often, when a movie or TV show needs a song to represent the vibe of the late ‘60s, “Midnight Confessions” is it.

In 1969, “I’d Wait a Million Years” became their third big hit, cementing the group as dependable hitmakers and a radio staple for years to come.

In 1970 and 1971, the group did not issue a new album other than a greatest hits compilation, but they did score a few more big singles. Staff songwriters gave them gems like “Baby Hold On,” “Temptation Eyes,” “Sooner or Later” and “Two Divided by Love.”

The group disbanded in 1975, but was restocked under Rob Grill’s guidance in the late 1980s. They no longer recorded but embarked on near-nonstop touring. Since then, the Grass Roots have played thousands of dates across the country to adoring fans.

In December 2015, the Grass Roots were inducted into the American Pop Music Hall of Fame, along with Barbra Streisand, Barry Manilow, Neil Sedaka, the Association, Dion, the Lettermen, Paul Revere and the Raiders, the Temptations and Three Dog Night.

Keys and O’s together again: Owner talks Frederick, Orioles affiliation and refurbished ballpark ahead of home opener

By Gary Bennett

Rendering of aerial shot of Nymeo Field at Harry Grove Stadium, April 2026.

This article appears in the April 9, 2026 issue of Frederick News-Post’s “72 Hours” entertainment magazine.

No one is more excited about the Frederick Keys in 2026 than owner Greg Baroni.

Baroni is credited with bringing the Keys back into the Orioles’ family and driving the public-private partnership between his company, Attain Sports, the City of Frederick and the Maryland Stadium Authority to upgrade Nymeo Field at Harry Grove Stadium. Together, the partners are overseeing a $39 million renovation that Major League Baseball requires of its minor league affiliates. Chances are you’ve seen the cranes, trucks and workers busily readying the stadium for months.

This season the Keys return as the High-A affiliate of the Baltimore Orioles, a spot they held from their inception in 1989 until 2020. From 2021 to 2025, the Keys played in the MLB Draft League, unaffiliated with any major league club. They will compete in the South Atlantic League this year.

The Keys opened their season April 3 on the road. Their first home game is 7 p.m. April 14 against the Hudson Valley Renegades at the newly renovated Nymeo Field at Harry Grove Stadium. All fans in attendance on opening night will receive a commemorative rally towel.

The excitement for 2026 is palpable. Headlining the roster is Nate George, the reigning Orioles Minor League Player of the Year who finished with a .337 batting average in 87 games during the 2025 season and now ranks as the top prospect in the Orioles system — with Samuel Basallo and Dylan Beavers, who previously ranked ahead of him, having graduated to the Baltimore roster. Other prospects to watch include Ike Irish — a versatile 2025 first-round pick who can play catcher, first base and outfield — Vance Honeycutt and left-handed pitcher Boston Bateman.

Keys owner Greg Baroni of Attain Sports.

HOME FIELD ADVANTAGE

Along with the much-anticipated return to the O’s fold, players and fans alike will enjoy a refurbished stadium in 2026. “The improvements will ensure the ballpark meets MLB Professional Development League standards while enhancing the overall experience for players, fans and the broader community,” said Baroni. “The renovations will deliver state-of-the-art facilities that directly support players’ health, preparation and daily experience.”

While many of the upgrades — new clubhouses, batting cages and bullpens — are designed to support player development and were stipulated by Major League Baseball, many others are designed to improve fan experience.

“The reconfiguration of the stadium has allowed us to expand the concourse and rethink how fans move through and enjoy the ballpark. Fans can expect more room to move and gather. Additional seating options include drink rails and flexible social spaces, enhanced hospitality areas for groups and expanded concessions,” said Baroni. The carousel and play area down the right field foul line where kids and parents liked to congregate have been removed, however.

Beginning in 2026, the stadium will not just be used for baseball. Baroni and his team are actively exploring ways to make it a true year-round community asset, even bringing in a full-time staffer with expertise in venue programming to help make that happen.

“Our goal is to include a mix of youth sports, concerts, festivals and other local gatherings that bring people together in different ways throughout the year,” said Baroni. “And this is just the beginning. We’re committed to continuing the evolution of the ballpark so it remains a vibrant, year-round destination.”

In an interesting move, Baroni and the Keys are proposing to add signage to the stadium for the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers Local 24. City council and the mayor must approve the request, which seeks to add the electrical workers’ union logo to the new batting training building on the southern side of the stadium, plainly visible from I-70. Baroni is quick to assure fans that the name of the stadium will not change.

New social seating additions at Harry Grove Stadium.

“The Harry Grove name will absolutely continue. It reflects the history of the ballpark and the land donation that made it possible. We’re very intentional about the partners we bring into the ballpark. Our focus is on organizations that are deeply invested in the Frederick community.” The Nymeo Field moniker, added in 2015, will stick around, too. The city receives a portion of all naming rights revenue since Baroni and his company lease Harry Grove Stadium from the city.

ORIOLES MAGIC AGAIN

The stadium upgrade is exciting, but it probably wouldn’t have happened had Baroni been unsuccessful in getting the Orioles affiliation back in Frederick. Being a minor league affiliate of a major league club brings enormous player development responsibilities, of which no small part is the playing environment and training amenities.

But still, getting the Keys back to their High-A roots took some doing.

Baroni and his company purchased the Aberdeen IronBirds from the Ripken family in 2024. Orioles legend Cal Ripken Jr., the namesake for the Aberdeen team and stadium, sold his stake in the IronBirds after years of clashes with the city over lease agreements and stadium funding responsibilities. A crucial part of that deal returned the Orioles affiliation to Frederick and swapped the Draft League affiliation to the IronBirds — a move intended to play on Cal Ripken’s well-known emphasis on fundamentals, which the Draft League highlights.

What the move means for Frederick, however, can’t be overstated.

“There’s a deep and longstanding connection between Frederick and the Orioles. At its core, it reconnects Frederick to the future of the Orioles. Fans aren’t just watching a game — they’re following players as they develop, grow and ultimately make their way to Baltimore. That creates a much deeper level of engagement and investment over time,” said Baroni.

It also taps into a strong sense of regional pride. Over the years, Keys fans have watched with pride as Orioles stalwarts like Ben McDonald, Pete Harnisch, Dylan Bundy, Mychal Givens, Manny Machado, Jonathan Schoop and Trey Mancini made it to the majors.

The Washington Nationals may have made some inroads, but there’s no denying Frederick is Orioles territory. The Keys’ affiliation with the Orioles lasted from 1989 to 2020, and the loss of that affiliation added insult to COVID injury. But Baroni wants fans to know that if he has his way, the partnership will continue indefinitely. “The new partnership is strong and should endure for many years to come. There is no end in sight!” said Baroni.

To help celebrate the returning partnership, the Keys are also refreshing their brand — though Baroni points out the refresh is only partially due to the Orioles connection. He says it is more about honoring the history of the Keys while positioning the club for the future.

“Part of the refresh is using the ‘Key City’ nickname that will show up on uniforms for selected games and in other fan experiences. It’s a great way to celebrate the community and create something that resonates locally.”

New state of the art batting cages have been added for player development.

BARONI BASICS

Greg Baroni is the CEO and principal general partner of Attain Sports and Entertainment. Through his company, Baroni owns the Chesapeake Baysox, the Double-A affiliate of the Orioles; the Frederick Keys, the High-A affiliate of the Orioles; the Aberdeen IronBirds; and the Spire City Ghost Hounds, who have been on hiatus the last two years. He also owns the Loudoun United Football Club of the United Soccer League and partners with Evan McKnight Racing to round out his sports portfolio. He has other companies that operate in the education, healthcare, nonprofit and government sectors, but sports is a true love. “I’ve always enjoyed sports and the character it builds — sportsmanship, teamwork and community — and its impact on society.”

He doesn’t necessarily want to add more baseball teams to his portfolio, but if opportunities arise where a property is deeply connected to its community and he feels he can add value, he will take a close look.

Baroni grew up in Los Angeles and has been a lifelong Dodgers fan. However, he has now been a Maryland resident for nearly 40 years and has become passionate about the Orioles. “I have a great deal of respect for the new ownership group, Mike Elias and the club and farm system they are building. There’s a lot of excitement around the team right now and for good reason!”

Baroni gets to as many games as he can during the season. He likes being at the ballpark and spending time with fans, staff and players. He works closely with general manager Slater Fuchs and his leadership team, but makes it a point to get to know the coaches and players, too. “Spending time with them helps me stay connected to their player development needs and the on-field experience so we can better understand how to continuously improve ways to support them.”

With the Orioles looking like contenders again, the Keys back in the Orioles fold and a spiffy renovation enlivening our beloved ballpark, it’s hard to imagine things looking much better in the Key City — at least baseball-wise.

Fact or fiction? Test your April Fools IQ

By Gary Bennett

April Fool’s Day design with hand drawn decorative lettering, laughing cartoon faces and jester hat. For greeting cards, banners, flyers, etc.

This article appears in the March 26, 2026 issue of the Frederick News-Post’s “72 Hours” entertainment magazine.

Seven of these April Fools pranks are real and three are not. Can you spot the fakes?

France: According to Le Parisien, in 1986, the Eiffel Tower was going to be dismantled and rebuilt inside the new Euro Disney Park for a “tidy sum.” The next day, France’s leading newspaper Le Monde exclaimed in a 96-point headline “Mai Non!”

China: Citing frequent and exorbitant lawsuits, China Youth Daily reported in 1983 that the government had decided to carpet the Great Wall so that overweight American tourists would be less likely to lose their footing and fall. The Communist government denounced the prank as “typical Western depravity.”

Denmark: In 1965, a Copenhagen newspaper reported that Parliament had passed a law that all dogs must be painted white to improve road safety because they could then be seen clearly at night. The next day, 18 dutiful citizens complied.

Norway: In 1987, after reading that the government was planning to distribute 10,000 litres of wine confiscated from smugglers, hundreds of citizens turned up carrying empty bottles and buckets.

Great Britain: In 1980, those wacky pranksters at the BBC announced that Big Ben, London’s historic clock tower, would undergo a face-lift and become digital to keep up with the times. Enraged callers flooded the station with complaints.

Canada: In 2008, WestJet airlines advertised its overhead cabin bins are “among the most spacious of any airline” and said it would charge passengers an extra $12 to sleep in them. Customer service lines were jammed with requests the next day.

Italy: Fashionable magazine Vogue Italia reported in 2011 that the famous Canals of Venice would be immediately filled in to combat rampant flooding due to the sinking of the island. Distraught Venetians entered the canals and refused to leave.

Taiwan: In 2009, the Taipei Times claimed that “Taiwan-China relations were dealt a severe setback when it was found that the Taipei Zoo’s pandas are not what they seem.” The paper reported that the pandas, a gift from the Chinese government, were brown forest bears dyed to resemble pandas.

Germany: In 2009, BMW ran an ad promoting its new “magnetic tow technology.” The invention enabled drivers to turn off their engine and get a “free ride” by locking onto the car ahead via a magnetic beam.

Egypt: With solemn regret, the Egyptian Ministry of Culture in 2005 reported that the Great Sphinx had been sold to a U.S. hedge fund and would be disassembled and removed from its resting place on the west bank of the Nile River to its new home in Las Vegas.

The three fakes are China, Italy and Egypt. All the others actually happened.

Loving Las Vegas

by Gary Bennett

The STRAT Hotel, Casino and Tower is just north of the Strip in Las Vegas.

This article appears in the March 26, 2026 issue of the Frederick News-Post’s “72 Hours” entertainment magazine.

“Bright lights city gonna set my soul on fire,” Elvis Presley sang.

He was on to something when he recorded that hit and turned it into a memorable movie. Many think the ’60s and ’70s were the best days for this desert oasis — think the Rat Pack holding court in a smoky casino bar, laughing, drinking and singing — but in the 2020s, there’s something for everyone.

Whether you love the glitz and glamour (with a hint of kitsch) or see it as more of a curiosity, a trip to Vegas will burn itself into your memory and leave a lasting impression.

Ever since gambling went mainstream, the days of Las Vegas being called “Sin City” and marketed with “What happens in Vegas stays in Vegas” have mostly faded into memory. You can gamble almost anywhere, so why climb on a plane for five and a half hours, fly cross-country and spend your hard-earned money in Vegas? Simply put, it is a one-of-a-kind spectacle. There’s nothing else like it in the world.

Las Vegas is now billed as the “entertainment capital of the world.” Gambling is still pervasive and always will be, but today it takes no time at all to find any type of entertainment, experience or food your heart desires. And isn’t that the point? Here are a few must-do experiences sure to please.

THE SPHERE

If you love movies, shows and concerts, you simply must visit the Sphere — a $2.3 billion, 366-foot-tall, 360-degree immersive entertainment venue just off the Strip. It looks like a giant globe beamed down from the heavens to dominate the skyline. It opened in 2023 and features 160,000 square feet of high-resolution LED screens and 167,000 speakers to surround you in unparalleled sight and sound.

I had the pleasure of seeing the Eagles there in 2025 and am forever spoiled — no other concert venue will do. The graphics were so perfect and mesmerizing that I thought I was inside “Hotel California” when they sang that song. In 2026, you can enjoy an immersive experience based on “The Wizard of Oz,” playing throughout the year, or catch residencies from Metallica, No Doubt, Kenny Chesney, the Backstreet Boys and Phish.

FOUNTAINS AT BELLAGIO

Take a break from the whirring, clattering and chatter of the endless casinos and step outside to watch the iconic water show at the Bellagio Resort. It’s not only calming — it’s absolutely free. The pulsing water arrangements are set to all types of music and run every 30 minutes around the clock.

THE STRAT

For incredible views and frightening thrill rides, head to the STRAT Hotel, Casino and Tower just north of the Strip. At 1,150 feet, it is the tallest observation deck in the U.S., with floor-to-ceiling windows and a breathtaking 360-degree view of the city. The Big Shot hurtles you straight up more than 160 feet at 45 miles per hour, while the X-Scream teeters you over the edge of the tower before pulling you back. Neither is for the faint of heart.

THE STRIP

No trip to Vegas would be complete without wandering the Strip — technically located outside the city limits in an unincorporated area called Paradise, about four miles long and visible from outer space. Many of the largest and most iconic casino resort properties in the world line its sidewalks. Grab a window table, nurse your drink and watch the never-ending sea of humanity go by. It is a neon, people-watching circus that even Times Square can’t match.

RIDE THE RAIL

The nearly 4-mile elevated Las Vegas Monorail runs along the Strip, stopping at seven stations — the Sahara Resort, Westgate Hotel, Harrah’s, Flamingo, Caesars Palace, Horseshoe and MGM Grand. You’ll pass so close to the Sphere you can almost touch it. The 30-minute round trip is the perfect escape from the craziness below.

GAMBLE

Go ahead. Don’t be shy. You know you want to. Slots and table games — blackjack, poker, craps, roulette, baccarat — are around every corner. Go in with a firm budget for how much you can afford to lose and how much time you can afford to spend. Casinos are masters at keeping you chasing that next big win.

FREMONT STREET

In old Las Vegas, the downtown Fremont Street Experience features the Viva Vision canopy — an overhead light and video show — along with street performers, bars, restaurants, zip lines and world-class people watching. Don’t forget to snap a photo in front of the famous “Welcome to Fabulous Las Vegas, Nevada” sign.

TAKE IN A SHOW OR CONCERT

It’s not just the Sphere. Nearly every large casino resort has a multi-thousand-seat theater, and these days artists stay for weeks or months at “residencies.” In 2026, you can choose from Jennifer Lopez, Lady Gaga, Cyndi Lauper, Mary J. Blige, Kelly Clarkson, Rod Stewart, Donny Osmond, Barry Manilow, Penn & Teller, Criss Angel, Cirque du Soleil and Blue Man Group, among others.

RENEW YOUR VOWS — OR BOOK A WEDDING

Nothing says Las Vegas like an Elvis wedding, but the King can also help you renew your vows. If you’d prefer your favorite superhero, celebrity or even a zombie to officiate, that can be arranged too. Venue options include a pink Cadillac rolling through a drive-through chapel, a helicopter ride over the Strip or a ceremony at the iconic Neon Museum. If you can dream it, a Las Vegas event planner can make it happen.

Writer Gary Bennett visits the Little A’Le’Inn, an alien-themed motel in Rachel, Nevada.

GET OUT OF THE CITY

If the Strip’s neon glitter gets to be too much, book a day trip. Many tour packages include the Grand Canyon and Hoover Dam, but consider stepping outside your comfort zone and heading out to Area 51 — a highly classified U.S. Air Force facility roughly 100 miles northwest of Las Vegas, near Rachel, Nevada. Many believe the site holds alien technology and, perhaps, life forms. It’s heavily guarded and off-limits to visitors, but the right tour guide will offer plenty of inside scoop about what has been gleaned over the years. The drive through the desert is breathtakingly beautiful. Be sure to stop for lunch at the Little A’Le’Inn on the Extraterrestrial Highway in Rachel — the kitschy atmosphere, alien-themed menu, friendly locals and walls covered with UFO photos are worth the trip alone.

March Madness? No, Spring Silliness

By Gary Bennett

To help with your March Madness brackets, I am happy to share several tried-and-true strategies I’ve used in the past to become the laughing stock of my NCAA Basketball tournament contests. You can, too!

Laugh if you must, but my process of performing highly complex mascot and location analysis has nearly won me tens of dollars over the years. I maintain that my approach is just as good as relying on won-loss records, strength of schedule, conference standing or match-up analysis. In other words, who knows what’s going to happen? I know one thing—my approach is superior to my wife who relies on the prettiest uniform. Ha!

Please note that my recommendations will only get you to the Final Four. After that, you are on your own. Pick the category you like best, and please gamble responsibly.

Tough-Guy Final Four

Purdue Boilermakers
Illinois Fighting Illini
Idaho Vandals
Wright State Raiders

Yacht Rock Final Four

Vanderbilt Commodores
Siena Saints
Penn Quakers
Queens University Royals

Mythical Character Final Four

Duke Blue Devils
Saint Louis Billikins
Furman Paladins
Iowa Hawkeyes

Hard Working Final Four

McNeese Cowboys
Nebraska Cornhuskers
Purdue Boilermakers
Tennessee Volunteers

Egghead Final Four

Duke Blue Devils
St John’s Red Storm
Vanderbilt Commodores
Penn Quakers

Wrong Sport Final Four

Ohio State Buckeyes
Michigan Wolverines
Texas Longhorns
Alabama Crimson Tide

Historical Character Final Four

Michigan State Spartans
Virginia Cavaliers
UCF Knights
Troy Trojans

Mean Animal Final Four

Arkansas Razorbacks
Wisconsin Badgers
Long Island University Sharks
Florida Gators

Dog-gone Great Final Four

Gonzaga Bulldogs
Georgia Bulldogs
UBMC Retrievers
UConn Huskies

Don’t Look Up Final Four

Louisville Cardinals
Miami (Ohio) Red Hawks
Kennesaw State Owls
Lehigh Mountain Hawks

Ferocious Feline Final Four

Arizona Wildcats
Houston Cougars
Clemson Tigers
Northern Iowa Panthers

Rancher’s Delight Final Four

Santa Clara Broncos
South Florida Bulls
Texas Longhorns
SMU Mustangs

Don’t Bother Me, I’m on Vacation Final Four

Hawai’i Rainbow Warriors
South Florida Bulls
Miami Hurricanes
UCLA Bruins

Where Am I Final Four
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Completed study to provide affordable housing roadmap for County – 3/2026

By Gary Bennett

This article appears as the featured blog post for Frederick County’s Affordable Housing Council, March 2026.

For years now, County policymakers and citizens have debated how best to address a housing affordability problem that looks us square in the eye every day. Our friends, neighbors, parents, children, and in many cases, us, are hampered by the high cost of housing.

This problem has many causes and did not happen overnight. One thing is painfully clear: if we don’t take concrete steps to solve the problem, families are going to continue to struggle and not enjoy a secure way of life that other generations took for granted. Consequently, cities and counties will struggle, too.

There are only two solutions to our housing problem: (1) Wages and salaries must increase exponentially to allow for the comfortable covering of rents and mortgages or (2) enough housing – and the right types of housing – must be built to satisfy demand and help drive down prices.

For Frederick County, help on the second front has arrived in the form of a comprehensive, year-long study of the housing affordability issue and accompanying roadmap to help solve it. The study provides actionable steps and case studies and best practices to drive home the points.

On February 19, 2026, County Executive Jessica Fitzwater and Frederick Mayor Michael O’Connor released the results of the county’s comprehensive Housing Needs Assessment and Affordable Housing Strategic Plan (hereafter known as the “study”). The release of this study achieves the goal of updating the housing needs assessment that was last completed in 2016 and develops a strategic plan for creating more affordable housing opportunities for our residents.

SCOPE OF PROBLEM

The last housing needs assessment was completed and released in 2016. During the ensuing years, Frederick County has experienced a seismic shift in its housing needs and available housing units.

For example, the 2016 study reported that about 11,000 new affordable homes were needed for county households earning under $75,000 per year. Today, the number of new affordable homes needed to serve those households is around 20,000. This figure represents nearly one in five households in our community. (The $75,000 income level was selected because it is a level well below the median income for Frederick County residents and is representative of households that are most susceptible to economic hardship.) And when you project forward over all income levels, the housing need rises to about 32,000 by 2035.

The study makes clear what many of us have felt and seen for years: there is a sizable housing gap in our community and many people at the low to moderate income levels are struggling. Simply put, they need a more affordable place to live. With completion of the study, policymakers no longer must guess at the size and scope of the problem. They have the data they need at their disposal.

POTENTIAL FIXES

While the 2016 study made some general recommendations on how to best fill the housing gap, the 2026 study provides a comprehensive strategic plan that recommends a multi-layered approach to help solve it.

The 2026 study has five goals and recommends 26 specific strategies to achieve the goals.

Goal 1: Activate a comprehensive development strategy. This includes strategies to:

Increase support for transit-oriented and mixed-use developments
Increase use of county-owned land for affordable housing
Adjust the MPDU ordinance to require that units actually get built while continuing significant contributions to the Housing Initiative Fund
Loosen infrastructure requirements for affordable multifamily developments
Facilitate faith-based affordable housing projects

Goal 2: expand and maximize the county’s financial ability to support affordable housing. This includes strategies to:

Set spending priorities of the Housing Initiative Fund to better match findings of this study
Explore use of alternative funding sources such as Tax Increment Financing and Community Development Finance Institutions
Work with local and regional foundations and for-profit businesses to procure funding support for affordable housing
Enhance first-time home buyer support and financial support to nonprofit housing developers

Goal 3: Preserve and maintain current affordable housing options. This includes strategies to:

Inventory currently subsidized units and implement efforts to preserve them
Explore a “Right of First Refusal” program as a preservation tool to support long-term housing affordability
Maintain affordable housing units through ground leases, deed-restricted properties, and community land trusts
Implement tenant protection and anti-price gouging policies
Assist households with moving to market-rate housing from the County’s Housing Choice Voucher Program

Goal 4: Fix county policies and procedures that hinder housing development. This includes strategies to:

Continually evaluate and adjust County policies, fees and taxes that prevent housing development
Adjust County tax and regulatory policies to reduce the financial and time burden on developers
Adjust policies that hinder the development of Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs)
Review and amend zoning codes that prevent diverse housing options

Goal 5: Increase staffing and resources to manage and maintain housing programs and initiatives. This includes strategies to:

Expand staff within the Division of Housing to support future initiatives and recommendations from this strategic plan
Establish formal partnerships with municipalities, nonprofit organizations, builders, developers, and for-profit businesses
Enhance data collection and analysis capacity to pursue evidence-based housing policy
Implement a coordinated public education and community engagement effort
Establish cross county and municipal housing working groups and initiatives

IMMINENT STEPS

While all goals and strategies will be considered, the County prioritized five strategies to implement right away:

Negotiating with developers to build MPDUs instead of granting them the right to pay to not build them
Exempting committed multi-family developments from certain APFO requirements
Studying and adjusting the spending priorities for the Housing Initiative Fund
Evaluating processes and regulations that prevent housing development
Enhancing communication and community engagement to keep citizens informed

County Executive Jessica Fitzwater put it this way: “These are our friends and neighbors. They’re seniors, veterans and young workers who are struggling to make ends meet. They deserve the dignity of a safe, affordable place to call home. Government can’t do it alone. We need partnerships with other levels of government, businesses, non-profits and residents.”

Mayor Michael O’Connor hailed the numbers but warned that “every one of those numbers is a person or household in need. This information does not build a single home. It doesn’t lower rent or create starter homes. We must turn this data into action.”

The Affordable Housing Council will do its part by adopting the findings of this comprehensive study to inform its priorities for the coming year. We will assist the County and City in scheduling meetings throughout the County to discuss these findings and will advise on next steps.

The study was conducted by Indianapolis-based consulting firm, Thomas P. Miller and Associates. The study included input from over 1,700 County residents via an online survey and several “open houses” to discuss the issue.

To read the full study, go here: https://frederickcountymd.gov/6366/Housing

Tips for getting the most out of your 50th high school reunion

By Gary Bennett

Most of the basketball team, with assistant coach Jim Smith (third from left), at the 40th class reunion in 2015.

This article appears in the Winter 2026 issue of the Frederick News-Post’s Prime Time magazine. 2/25/26.

Looking back half a century, there’s no denying 1975 and 1976 were momentous years. If you graduated high school then, you experienced a great deal: the Vietnam War and the military draft ended; a president of the United States nearly got impeached and sent to prison but was then pardoned; an unelected, grandfatherly “sort-of” incumbent took on a toothy, charismatic peanut farmer from Georgia for the presidency; and the nation celebrated its bicentennial.

The sensitive singer-songwriter craze of the early ’70s gave way to harder rock and a new thing called disco. Movies gave us classics like “Jaws,” “One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest” and “Rocky.” We watched shows like “All in the Family,” “M*A*S*H,” “Happy Days” and a brand-new late-night program developed just for us, “Saturday Night Live.” The recession of the early ’70s was mostly in the rearview mirror and the malaise of the late ’70s was still ahead. Times were pretty good and the future looked bright.

So, if you graduated high school in ’75 or ’76 like me, it is perfectly understandable — and permissible — to want to relive those gentler, more innocent times, even if only for one evening, at a class reunion.

You may be surprised to learn that even in this age of pervasive social media and virtual meetings, in-person class reunions are still a thing. A big thing. It is estimated that about 250,000 happen every year in the U.S. The reason is simple: we all crave connection. And let’s face it, high school was an important part of our lives and the friendships we made there often last a lifetime.

Since it’s early in the year, chances are good you are about to be invited to your own class reunion. Perhaps it’s a big one. My advice: go for it.

I attended my 50th high school reunion in August and had a wonderful time. The key, I believe, is to keep expectations low and egos in check. You can’t predict how the evening will unfold, but you can prepare. Get the registration list ahead of time, review yearbooks and check Facebook. Make it your business to know a little about the current lives of your classmates. Once there, circulate as best you can and show genuine interest in others, even those you barely knew. Name tags are your friends, so feel free to stare as much as you need. We all look different now, but there’s no denying we shared an exciting, formative time in fairly close quarters.

Most of the basketball team with head coach Dick Bittner, in middle with basketball, at 50th class reunion in 2025.

Sure, reunions can be scary, but that’s part of the appeal. If nothing else, they are fascinating anthropologic studies for the curious. Who got fat? Who remained a bachelor? Who had seven kids? And if you don’t go, there’s no getting it back.

With that in mind, here are some tips for having a swell time at your upcoming high school reunion.

Tip #1 — Go to it!

Why not go? The food will probably be good, the drinks are legal and the music is your own. If it’s a milestone anniversary, it will likely attract more classmates than any other. If you are on the shy side, that works in your favor — you can move from one superficial (but sincere) conversation to the next all night long. If you must, consider it a challenge to step outside your comfort zone. Working a room is a skill that will always serve you well.

Tip #2 — Don’t worry about how you look or what life has thrown at you.

Embrace who you are and be comfortable in it. The dirty little secret is that everyone is far more concerned with themselves than with you. At my 50th reunion, almost everyone was retired, so what you did for a living or how successful you were no longer mattered. It never even came up. Conversation naturally turned to safe topics like family, travel and hobbies.

Tip #3 — Don’t worry about awkward high school romances.

Just laugh them off. Chances are you and your old flame will barely interact. If you do, it’s easy to keep things brief — you have others to see. At my high school, only one set of classmates eventually married, so you won’t be alone in wondering about what might have been. Take it for what it was — an adolescent, hormonally driven rite of passage.

Tip #4 — Bury old grudges and competitions.

These things are so far in the past they barely matter now. Look at classmates with fresh eyes and let go of old judgments. Like you, everyone has evolved. That said, don’t minimize any high school bullying that was egregious. If you know your old tormentor will attend, you may decide not to go. But if you can summon the courage and keep expectations low, it can also be a growth experience.

Tip #5 — Circulate and talk to everyone.

As tempting as it is to stick with a few old pals, make a point of seeking out as many classmates as possible. Be sure to introduce yourself. A great opening line is “Tell me about your life!” or “What have you been up to?” It allows the other person to take the lead and control the narrative.

Gary Bennett at his 1975 high school graduation.

Tip #6 — Volunteer to help organize the event, even if you live far away.

It’s not fair for all the work to fall on the same people who stayed in their hometowns. In the age of Zoom, FaceTime and Google Groups, step outside your comfort zone and help, even if only a little. The more voices involved, the better the event will be.

Tip #7 — Be ready to show pictures of your grandkids, but let your classmate go first.

Everyone is proud of their grandkids, even if they’re at the top of their class in reform school. There’s no safer subject.

Tip #8 — Come with a spouse, significant other or friend.

They may not want to, but it’s usually safest. You don’t want to look lonely — even if you’re not — or like someone on the prowl. Years ago, I attended my wife’s 40th high school reunion as the unknown spouse and had a great time. I had no expectations and my only role was to be supportive. Sell that to your companion.

Tip #9 — Find out if any old teachers will attend and invite them if possible.

Teachers often have a lot invested in their classes and are sometimes only a few years older than their students. It was hard to imagine then, but at age 30, some teachers were only about 12 years older than their classes — a gap that feels minuscule now. Many are likely still around and would love to attend. At my recent reunion, I learned the head basketball coach planned to come. I bought a basketball on my way to the event, had all the players sign it and presented it to him in a small ceremony. He was genuinely touched.

Tip #10 — If classmates want to keep the night going, go for it.

If things are going well and the ice has been broken, snacks or drinks afterward can feel natural. I highly recommend it. You can continue conversations in a quieter setting and perhaps gain both an old friend and a new one.

Bonus tip — Leave a bit early.

If you’ve smiled, been friendly, self-effacing and genuinely interested in others, then — like the old show business saying — you’ll “leave them wanting more.”

Class orator Gary Bennett at his 1975 graduation.

‘Sharp-dressed’ ZZ Top rocker to thrash and bash in Frederick

By Gary Bennett

This article appears in the February 19, 2026 issue of the Frederick News-Post’s “72 Hours” entertainment magazine.

With his trademark chest-length beard, dark “Bandito” sunglasses, colorful suits and African caps known as “Bamileke hats,” ZZ Top front man and guitar virtuoso Billy Gibbons may be one of the most instantly recognizable figures in rock ‘n’ roll history. His 1983 hit “Sharped Dressed Man” seems like a no-brainer for Gibbons to have written and recorded with his Texas bandmates.

His sound is one of a kind, too. Music critics have called his guitar work “growling” and “part traditional, part contrary, and part of the deep seam of Texas weirdness.” Others have described his sound as “loud, macho, greasy and distorted.”

In 1969, along with his fellow long-bearded sidekick, the late bassist Dusty Hill, and drummer Frank Beard, who ironically doesn’t sport a beard, they formed the Texas-based, ass-kicking, blues-rock group ZZ Top and enjoyed extensive chart and touring success in the ‘70s and ‘80s.

Billy Gibbons and the BFG’s will take the stage at the Weinberg Center for the Arts at 7:30 p.m. Feb. 24. Tickets are available at weinbergcenter.org/shows/billy-gibbons.

As ZZ Top, the group enjoyed immense popularity beginning in the ‘70s with albums like 1972’s “Rio Grande Mud,” 1973’s “Tres Hombres,” 1975’s “Fandango!” and 1976’s “Tejas.” They created boisterous FM radio hits with “La Grange” and “Tush” that are still staples on classic rock stations today. By the mid-’70s they became renowned for their live shows, which translated into award-winning music videos in the ‘80s. They are still going strong today.

ZZ Top’s distinctive sound featured muscular guitar riffs and a hard driving beat. But it was their physical look that turned them into pop icons. After taking a three-year break in the late ‘70s, they came back with their new, distinctive look. Hill and Gibbons looked like wayward and rascally twins with hats, glasses and long, scraggly beards, bookending the ironically un-bearded, seemingly straight-laced drummer, Frank Beard.

Success continued into the ‘80s with albums like 1981’s “El Loco” and 1983’s “Eliminator.” MTV loved their videos featuring beautiful girls and fast cars. Singles “Give Me All Your Loving,” “Sharp Dressed Man” and “Legs” topped music charts. ZZ Top was the world’s top-grossing touring act in 1986.

Chart success waned in the ‘90s, but ZZ Top continues to be a popular touring act to this day.

Bassist Dusty Hill passed away in 2021 at age 72 but was replaced, at his wish, by his longtime guitar technician Elwood Francis. At the time of Hill’s passing in 2021, ZZ Top held the record for longest running active musical group with the same lineup. They celebrated their 50th anniversary in 2019. A ZZ Top tour is scheduled for later in 2026.

ZZ Top has altogether released 15 studio albums and sold an estimated 50 million records. They have won three MTV Video Music Awards and, in 2004, were inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame.

As a solo artist, Gibbons has released three acclaimed albums: “Perfectamundo” in 2015, “The Big Bad Blues” in 2018 and “Hardware” in 2021. All were supported by his current band, the BFG’s, who accompany Gibbons on tour.

72 Hours interviewed Gibbons in January to talk about his life, career and upcoming show in Frederick.

You are considered one of the world’s best guitarists. How did you get interested in the guitar in the first place? Did it come naturally to you?

Two compelling early life events pointed to the path I ultimately took: seeing Elvis Presley performing live and, shortly thereafter, attending the now famous recording session at Bill Holford’s ACA studio down in Texas, where B.B. King and his band began cutting up with an unforgettable series of one-take wonders. It was right then and there the what-to-do message was clearly delivered. It’s still what we’re doing.

ZZ Top still exists and still tours. What made you decide to go off on your own and create a new band?

The BFG Band is a radical and definitively different aggregation, offering alternative means of expression. The BFG appearances remain rather loose while girding the delivery with that ingrained Texas thing, making it an undeniable win-win.

How does this new band differ from ZZ Top?

It’s something of a sonic departure bolstered with the insane talents of Mike “The Drifter” Flanigin on the Hammond B3 and behind his ancient Fender bass-guitar and, of course, our old friend Chris “Whipper” Layton who brings those infamous backbeat blues chops to the fore. Yeah, it’s another simple trio, but long ago we fell for a stoic style of minimalism in delivery which totally remains solid without specific direction. No question, it’s our decisive way to “thrash and bash.”

The beards that you and Dusty grew and the sunglasses and hats — how did that look come about and why? You were successful in the early ’70s with a more conventional look.

It was 100% serendipitous. An unexpected long break from stage and studio work concluded, and we were brought back together both sporting this more hirsute, chin-whiskered appearance and thereafter decided along the lines of “heck, let’s just go with it!” Our pals at Boot Star in Los Angeles keep us in fine threads, helping us look sharp to this day. Frank Beard, of course, didn’t really fall into place, but his name entertainingly took care of it.

In Frederick, can we expect to hear the ZZ Top hits with your new band?

Yes, Concord Records is firing up the upcoming BFG disc with the new material. Additionally, we certainly touch upon some tried and true hot numbers that maintain recognition, yet that dirty and down home BFG approach seems to enrich the delivery. There may even be a tip toward splashing through some not often performed deep cuts.

You are touring with Dwight Yoakam in 2026. How did that come about?

We’ve remained friends with Dwight for more than a few decades. In fact, I was his houseguest for a lengthy stay while my place was being refurbished. ZZ Top and Dwight were also label mates for the longest time, and we got to enjoy each other’s company and creations over the years. His brand of country sound is the rockin’ kind, which is more than OK with us.

Can you tell us anything about the new ZZ Top album? I understand some previously recorded tracks from Dusty Hill are on there.

There’s a wave of all sorts of material from some early sessions we’re aiming to incorporate into a final mix. There could be a bonus, having the entire band represented in those rare and raucous tracks.

You are also working on a new solo album. What can you tell us about that?

The ongoing recording sessions continue with the brainstorming around all angles surrounding the material at hand. We will all certainly be leaning on that invisible internal jukebox jury to attempt to determine the favorites that make final release. Suffice it to say, in the wee, wee hours, they make for some loud and gettin’ louder sounds.

Frederick County’s mysterious claim to presidential fame

By Gary Bennett

President Reagan with Richard Allen at a working luncheon at Camp David during a visit of President Jose Lopez Portillo of Mexico in 1981.

This article appears in the February 12, 2026 issue of Frederick News-Post’s “72 Hours” entertainment magazine.

Located within Catoctin Mountain Park in northern Frederick County, Camp David is a rare national historic site that virtually no American ever gets to see.

Many visitors have been close to the secluded enclave — hiking at Cunningham Falls or traveling Route 77 near Thurmont — without ever laying eyes on it. Camp David spans roughly 125 acres and is protected by about 200 Marines on any given day. There is intentionally no signage directing visitors to its location.

Mysterious, perhaps, but every president since Franklin Roosevelt has used the camp for business or pleasure — more often the latter. Within its confines, presidents and their guests have debated world affairs and enjoyed golf, tennis, bowling, swimming, skeet shooting, horseback riding, basketball, wallyball or movie nights in a private theater.

Now more than 80 years old, Camp David began modestly. Completed by the Works Progress Administration in 1940, it was originally known as Hi-Catoctin and served as a federal retreat.

In 1942, Franklin Roosevelt sought relief from Washington’s humid summers, appropriated the retreat and renamed it “Shangri-La” after the fictional kingdom in “Lost Horizon.” Presidents have been showing off the site ever since, and more than 50 heads of state have visited.

The following stories come from Michael Giorgione, who served as Camp David’s commander under Presidents Bill Clinton and George W. Bush, as recounted in his book “Inside Camp David.”

According to Giorgione, “One head of state, Prime Minister Winston Churchill, huddled there with President Roosevelt in 1943 to pore over plans for the invasion of Normandy. Since the camp is just a short drive from Thurmont, the leaders drove to the [now defunct] Cozy Restaurant so Churchill could see what a jukebox looked like. He handed the stunned owner some coins for the jukebox and bought a beer.”

Roosevelt enjoyed sitting on the porch, often with guests, sipping whiskey and smoking cigars. He even had an extra-wide door installed outside his bedroom, opening like a drawbridge, to allow him to exit quickly in his wheelchair in case of fire.

President Harry Truman seldom visited, preferring trips to Key West and the “Southern White House.” Even so, he added steam heat to the presidential lodge, allowing the retreat to be used year-round.

President Dwight Eisenhower was a frequent visitor and is credited with renaming the retreat after his grandson David, though it retains the official government name Naval Support Facility Thurmont. An avid golfer, Eisenhower built a compact four-hole golf course and enjoyed grilling steaks outside his cabin. He famously hosted Soviet Premier Nikita Khrushchev there in 1959.

Presidents Kennedy and Johnson used Camp David sparingly.

John F. Kennedy visited primarily for consultations with cabinet members, members of Congress and former President Eisenhower during the Cuban Missile Crisis and after the failed Bay of Pigs invasion. He enjoyed swimming in the heated pool. Giorgione recounts an embarrassing incident in which overheated water left a sheen of melted asphalt on Kennedy’s face — an episode the president handled with humor.

Lyndon B. Johnson preferred his Texas ranch but Lady Bird Johnson loved Camp David’s flowers and peaceful setting. “I leave my troubles outside the gate,” she once said. Johnson nevertheless used the retreat for meetings with advisers about the Vietnam War.

Richard Nixon enjoying the great outdoors at Camp David in 1972.

President Richard Nixon was a frequent visitor, averaging about one visit every two weeks during his five years in office. He favored Camp David’s quiet during the Vietnam War and Watergate era and enjoyed tennis, bowling — often alone — and playing piano. Nixon was described by Giorgione as “stand-offish,” though “Mrs. Nixon was very nice.” Nixon made more modifications than any other president, including adding an hourglass-shaped pool at Aspen cabin and building Laurel, an entertainment cabin often featured in the media.

President Gerald Ford, by contrast, was remembered fondly. “He was a prince. He and his wife were great,” Giorgione wrote, adding that they were “just like you and me.” Ford often ate lunch with staff in the mess hall and enjoyed walking in the woods, followed by Secret Service agents. Betty Ford loved the flowers and regularly thanked those who tended them.

President Jimmy Carter spent limited time at Camp David but hosted its most consequential event — the Camp David Accords. In 1978, Carter personally moderated peace talks between Israeli Prime Minister Menachem Begin and Egyptian President Anwar Sadat, leading to the Egypt-Israel Peace Treaty and a Nobel Peace Prize. Carter was described as cordial to staff, enjoyed woodworking and took walks with his daughter Amy.

President Ronald Reagan was a frequent visitor who recorded his weekly radio addresses from the camp. He especially enjoyed horseback riding and movie nights.

President George H.W. Bush often used humor in notes about camp maintenance. “Mike — the toilet in the presidential bathroom is not responding to presidential commands,” he once wrote to Commander Mike Berry. In 1992, Bush’s daughter Dorothy was married at Camp David — the first wedding held there. Bush installed a regulation horseshoe pit and enjoyed playing wallyball with staff.

President Bill Clinton visited infrequently, averaging only a few trips per year. He attempted, unsuccessfully, to broker a peace agreement between Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Barak and Palestinian leader Yasser Arafat in 1993. The Clintons enjoyed walking the tree-lined paths.

President George W. Bush was a regular presence, spending hundreds of days at Camp David. He hosted foreign leaders, planned responses to the Sept. 11 attacks and enjoyed basketball and card games. Giorgione recounts Bush’s concern that his bed was uneven, prompting an exhaustive investigation — including Giorgione himself lying on the bed to test it. At the end of his second term, Bush refurbished the basketball court, Leatherwood, for incoming President Barack Obama.

President Barack Obama found Camp David exquisitely beautiful and hosted the Group of Eight summit there in 2012 after protests ruled out Chicago. A basketball enthusiast, he made frequent use of the court.

President Joe Biden visited about once every three or four weeks during his term, often bringing extended family. He enjoyed relaxing, playing games and occasionally hosting high-level policy discussions.

Donald Trump spent little time at Camp David, preferring Mar-a-Lago or his Bedminster property. “You know how long you’d like it? For about 30 minutes,” he once told a reporter. He did not host foreign dignitaries there and later canceled plans to host Taliban leaders.

George W. Bush at Christmas time at Camp David, 2005

•••

Camp David Presidents’ Day Quiz

Do Democratic or Republican presidents tend to visit Camp David more often? Answer: Republican presidents

Which president visited the most times? Answer: Reagan

Which president was most like “one of the guys” at Camp David? Answer: Ford

Which president hosted Camp David’s seminal event, the Camp David Accords? Answer: Carter

Which president installed the first golf course at Camp David? Answer: Eisenhower

Which presidents played basketball at Camp David? Answer: George W. Bush and Obama

Which president didn’t care for Camp David at all? Answer: Trump

Which president gave Camp David its current name? Answer: Eisenhower

Which president enjoyed bowling at Camp David? Answer: Nixon

Which president enjoyed playing wallyball at Camp David? Answer: George H.W. Bush