Gary Bennett

What to do with grandkids: A Frederick grandparent’s guide

By Gary Bennett

Kady and Brandon Bennett at Adventure Park

This article appears in the July 2024 issue of Frederick News-Post’s “Prime Time” magazine.

Since day care can be prohibitively expensive for many working parents, grandparents may be called upon, at least temporarily or on a steadier basis, to help with the grandkids. If you’re like me, the mind and spirit are willing, but the body is not so sure.

Don’t worry! As the last days of summer draw near and the weather is still nice, I offer here more than 25 activities (in no order) you can confidently do with the grandkids in and around Frederick.

I guarantee these activities will stave off boredom, while giving you a fighting chance at self-preservation.

Me Land

Tucked into an office park behind Chili’s and Texas Roadhouse off Buckeystown Pike is a hidden gem. This large indoor playground is perfect for rainy days — or overly hot days. The play structure is best for grandkids 2 to 5 who are mostly self-sufficient. Trust me: You won’t want to spend much time in the structure because of the small spaces. Me Land is very cost-friendly.

Francis Scott Key Mall

I know what you’re thinking. The mall? Yes! It’s also a great option for the rainy and too-hot days. Start your visit at the free romping area next to Value City Furniture. Then go to Macy’s or Barnes & Noble and play with the toys that are conveniently laid out for your enjoyment. If your budget allows, visit Z Planet, a kid’s fun center that features rides, games and bouncy houses. It can be pricey, however. Finish off your visit with a treat from Auntie Anne’s or the GTC Rock Shop.

Urban Air Adventure Park

On Ballenger Creek Pike, Urban Air features trampolines, ball pits, play structures and indoor zip-lining. Your kids will love this place, but go early, as it gets crowded in the afternoon and evening. It can be expensive, too, so I would position a visit here as a special treat.

Gavin and Logan Bennett at Z Planet at the mall

Tree Trekkers

Billed as an outdoor aerial adventure and zip-line park, Tree Trekkers on Old National Pike is best for grandkids that are at least 7 or 8. The ropes courses can be quite challenging and hard work, too. Plus, some of them are very high, which may frighten smaller children. Overall, it’s worth a visit, especially on cool, sunny days.

Adventure Park USA

Frederick’s very own theme park sits just off I-70 near New Market. I recommend going for the outdoor activities on nice days, such as the roller coasters, go-karts and mini-golf. The indoor arcade games can be overwhelming and are not always included with admission. Whistle Stop, their in-house restaurant, has very good barbecue. This can be another expensive outing, however.

Fourth Dimension Fun Center

This indoor fun center and restaurant is in an office park just off Buckeystown Pike about halfway to Adamstown. They feature an impressive video arcade, bowling lanes, laser tag, escape room and other cool attractions. My only complaint is they try to cram too much into their space. It’s also a very welcoming place for adults without the kids or grandkids in tow.

Chuck E. Cheese

This old standby in a shopping center off Buckeystown Pike never fails to delight our 4-year-old grandson. They do a good job keeping the place clean and games updated and age-appropriate. They even trot out Chuck E. himself for a periodic meet and greet. Chuck E. Cheese is best suited for the under-6 crowd, as it gets uncool very fast. Bonus: Their pizza is actually very good!

Burger King in Mew Market

This may seem like an odd choice, but this specific Burger King comes equipped with an outdoor playground and seating area, making it a terrific place to take the grandkids for lunch while you sit comfortably, watching them play while you enjoy your Whopper.

McDonalds in Mount Airy

This is similar to Burger King, except this small play area is inside, making it a desirable destination for lunch with the little ones on rainy days. The play structure is designed for kids ages 2 to 5.

Walkersville Bowling Center

Located in the most unassuming of buildings on the outskirts of Walkersville, this is Frederick’s home for family-friendly duckpin bowling. Remember to ask for bumpers to keep kids’ balls in play. This makes for an unusual but delightful outing. Very budget-friendly.

Warehouse Cinemas weekday matinees

All summer long, you are virtually assured of finding a grandkid-friendly movie during the weekday hours at this impressive theater on the west side of town on the Golden Mile. Matinee prices are affordable, especially on Tuesdays, when everyone pays $7 a ticket.

Frederick’s many parks and playgrounds

Why not tour them all? If you’re not sure where to start, that’s easy. Start at Baker Park.

Wooden slide in Rocky Ridge

Owned by Mount Tabor Lutheran and United Church of Christ, Mount Tabor Park at Rocky Ridge is home of the “big slide.” The grandkids will love sliding down this 40-foot slide into a soft pile of sawdust.

Frederick’s many ice cream parlors

Because who doesn’t like a trip to get ice cream?

Green Meadows Petting Farm

Kids will squeal with delight as you pet all the animals you wish (and even feed some) at this Frederick staple near Urbana.

South Mountain Creamery

This family-owned farm just to the west of Middletown features up-close mingling with cows and calves, fresh ice cream and a nice outdoor play structure. It’s also very budget-friendly.

Fountain Rock Nature Center

Many live critters residing here are just waiting for some attention from the kiddos. Many exhibits are hands-on. Plus, kids will enjoy the playground, pond and historic well and kiln on the grounds.

Earth and Space Science Lab

Located next to Lincoln Elementary School, this Frederick County Public Schools planetarium offers special evening shows for kids that will mesmerize. Best for school-aged children.

Cunningham Falls and Hunting Creek Lake

What a special treat to hike up to the falls and luxuriate in the cool, showering water. Then go to the lake for a canoe rental. This outing is very budget-friendly.

Brunswick Heritage (Railroad) Museum

The kids will love the huge, interactive HO-scale model railroad set.

Frederick County Public Library, et al

Any branch will do. Our grandkids like storytime on weekday mornings at C. Burr Artz Public Library, followed by playing with the free toys available in the Children’s Room. We like to follow up with a snack at Beans & Bagels and a visit to Dancing Bear Toys and Games.

Public Pools

Don’t forget about the Edward P. Thomas Memorial Pool and the William R. Diggs. Memorial Swimming Pool on those hot days when only a dip in cool water will do. Our grandkids love the water shower feature at Thomas and the tiny water slide at Diggs.

Others: Walkersville Southern Railroad, Summerfest Family Theatre at the Baker Park Bandshell stage, Rose Hill Manor, Skate Frederick, Catoctin Wildlife Preserve and local carnivals.

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.

The Drive-in life: Where to go for movies, popcorn …. and a dash of nostalgia

By Gary Bennett

Bengie’s Drive-In Theater in Middle River, just east of Baltimore.

This article appears in the July 25, 2024 edition of the Frederick News-Post’s “72 Hours” entertainment magazine.

There’s something so nostalgically American about drive-in theaters.

Where else can you enjoy the great outdoors from the comfort of your own car, balance the fun of socializing with the expectation of privacy, take the kids and go in your pajamas (if you want), and enjoy a good movie and the smell of popcorn and fries wafting through the air, too?

Then, too, there’s something magical about dusk in the summer. It is the perfect confluence of night and day and transition from hot to warm and work to play.

Who wants to come inside on a beautiful summer evening at dusk when the heat of the day is finally over? If you need a reason to stay outside at night, drive-in theaters are it!

At the drive-in at dusk, folks may be outside their cars, talking with friends or neighbors (or making new friends), getting food maybe playing with kids. Anticipation and wonderful aromas are in the air. Music is playing over loud speakers. A huge screen is standing sentinel over all the proceedings. A feeling of community and shared experience is evident.

Of course, we all know drive-in theaters have seen better days. According to the United Drive-In Theater Owners Association, only about 300 drive-in theaters still exist in the U.S. In their heyday in the late ‘50s, over 4,000 populated America, mostly in rural areas where land is cheaper.

The reasons for their decline are many, but chief among them is the sheer cost of land, which has skyrocketed in the U.S. It takes about 15 acres of land to park enough cars for economies of scale to kick in at a drive-in theater. Drive-in owners must own or lease all that land to comfortably park their patrons. Indoor multiplex owners don’t have to worry about their parking situation.

There is no doubt the land is typically more valuable than the theater business itself, making it ripe for selling off for housing, retail strips or office complexes. As car culture began to wane in the late ‘70s and ‘80s and as the middle-class decamped for a more suburban lifestyle of box stores and multiplexes, drive-in theaters became nearly extinct.

Drive-ins, too, tend to be owned by individuals as small businesses. When they want to retire, owners often find it difficult to find a buyer who wishes to continue in the theater business. It doesn’t help that indoor multiplexes are dominated by a few large, well-funded companies. Finally, movie watching tastes have changed, too, to more in-home viewing.

By the ‘90s when a nostalgia craze kicked in, new drive-in theaters began to be built. Today, the industry has stabilized and fewer are closing. Nevertheless, drive-ins must follow a difficult business model.

Drive-in theaters are like gas stations but without the support of a big parent company. Most of the price consumers pay for the main product (gas or a movie) goes back to the oil company — or movie studio. Owners are left to make most of their money through extras, like food. That is why outside food is either prohibited or severely limited at drive-in theaters today. “Car-load” prices are typically a thing of the past, too.

One would think that Southern states, with their warmer weather, would dominate the drive-in theater business since they can show movies year-round without the need for car owners to run their engines for heat. But that would be wrong. Large states with mostly pleasant year-round weather like California and Texas have only 13 drive-in theaters each. Florida only has four. It is New York, Pennsylvania and Ohio that have the most, with 28, 27 and 23 respectively.

Most experts credit this anomaly to cultural differences that encourage the handing down of businesses from generation to generation in “the rust belt.” The northern drive-in theater owners have also been creative in finding other uses for their theaters in the “off season,” such as holding car rallies, auctions or flea markets. Or, they run their movies year-round and promote the cozy feeling of drive-ins in the winter.

In Maryland, we only have one drive-in theater left to call our own: Bengie’s in Middle River, just east of Baltimore. It takes a little over an hour to get there. They bill themselves as having the largest outdoor screen in the U.S. They show first-run movies. Ticket prices are per-person and are similar to ticket prices at our local multiplexes. Outside food is limited.

Frederick’s last drive-in theater, The Family Drive-in (later named the Frederick Drive-in) on Jefferson Pike between Frederick and Jefferson, closed in 1982. Before that, we had the Braddock Drive-in, which was owned by the same person.

Frederick’s closest drive-in theater now is in Pennsylvania. Haar’s Drive-in Theater on Route 15 in Dillsburg (just north of Gettysburg) is a pleasant one-hour car ride from Frederick. They show first-run movies. Ticket prices are $10 per person with children under 5 admitted free. Outside food is prohibited.

In Virginia, the Family Drive-In Theater in Stephens City is about an hour and 15 minutes away. It is the closest of Virginia’s six drive-ins. Stephens City is just south of Winchester. They show first-run movies. Adult tickets are $12 and tickets for children ages 3 to 12 are $7.

COMING OF AGE AT THE DRIVE-IN

I didn’t know it at the time, but I had the good fortune to grow up right beside a drive-in theater in extremely rural Western Maryland. Later, it became my first employer. Unfortunately, the screen angled away from our house and toward the house on the other side of the drive-in.

Growing up, I knew the Hi-Rock Drive-in Theater near McCoole more as a daytime playground than a movie theater. Settling into bed at night, it was somehow soothing to hear the bustle of humanity as evidenced by the car horns honking for the next movie to start after intermission. Pleasant food aromas wafted into my bedroom window, too.

It was our closest “restaurant” — and one within easy walking distance. I vividly remember my dad sending me over to get tasty hot dogs just about every Saturday evening as we got ready to watch “Gunsmoke.” It was one of those strange family traditions that no one knew how began, but one we could never abandon. The kindly box office attendant always let me pass by with a promise that I would be right back with my family’s food order. Naturally, I got to sneak many peeks at the movies playing as I wandered over to the snack bar.

As I grew into my teen years, the drive-in became my place of employment. Good thing, too, because there wasn’t much else available in rural Allegany County, especially for teens. The county had three drive-ins up until about 1980: the Potomac in LaVale, the Super 51 just outside of Cumberland on Route 51, and “my drive-in,” as I like to call it, the Hi-Rock in McCoole, just over the state line from Keyser, West Virginia.

At the Hi-Rock, I sold tickets, worked in the concession stand and was even a “ramp boy,” the person who assisted any cars who had any problems, re-attached speakers that nearly left with patrons and chased down scofflaws who tried to enter the drive-in for free through the exit. I even picked up trash left on the ground after the movie.

I have many wonderful and funny drive-in stories that involve streaking; food fights; beer runs; naughty, cryptic messages broadcast over the PA system; cars with steamed-up windows that wouldn’t leave; and the requisite piling out of humanity from trunks.

It was clear, too, that my friends thought I had the very best high school job of anyone. I would have to agree. I even parlayed the part-time job into a full-time job managing an indoor movie theater during college.

A few drive-in movie theaters remain in the area and continue to bring a nostalgic feeling to movie-goers.

ENJOY A (RELATIVELY) NEARBY DRIVE-IN THEATER

Bengie’s Drive-In Theater
3417 Eastern Blvd., Middle River
Located in a suburb of Baltimore, Bengie’s has the largest movie screen remaining in the U.S.
410-687-5627
bengies.com
Opened: 1956

Family Drive-In Theatre
5890 Valley Pike, Stephens City, Va.
This family-owned business is one of the state’s few remaining drive-in theaters.
540-665-6982
thefamilydi.com
Opened: 1956

Haar’s Drive-In Theater
185 Logan Road, Dillsburg, Pa.
Haar’s has been in continuous operation for more than 70 years. It hosts auctions and concerts, too.
717-432-8246
haars.com
Opened: 1952

Cumberland Drive-In Theatre
3290 Ritner Hwy., Newville, Pa.
Located about an hour and a half from Frederick, it has been operated by the same family for more than 60 years.
717-776-5212
Opened: 1952

Starlight Cinema
5875 Trinity Pkwy, Centreville, Va.
This modern facility is about an hour and a half from Frederick and features family-friendly films, food and activities for kids.
703-324-8700
Opened: 2012

Twin Cities: a breath of fresh air

By Gary Bennett

The headwaters of the Mississippi River divide St. Paul and Minneapolis, MN

This article appears in the July 25, 2024 edition of the Frederick News-Post’s “72 Hours” entertainment magazine.

I’ve been to the Twin Cities of Minneapolis and St. Paul, Minnesota, on several occasions, for business and pleasure, and have been impressed each time.

For pleasure, it was summer baseball and an Eagles/Jimmy Buffet concert that landed me twice in the beautiful Target Field in Minneapolis. For business, it was the rare wintertime business conference that spanned locations in both cities.

You might be wondering why these cities have the nickname they do.

“Twin Cities” refers to the region’s two core cities of Minneapolis and St. Paul, which are about the same size and border each other on either side of the Mississippi River. They share many of the same political, educational and cultural institutions. St. Paul is the state capitol, as well as the political and architectural center, while Minneapolis is the cultural and business center.

The two cities revel in the fact that they share the headwaters of the Mississippi River. If you’ve ever been to New Orleans and seen the wide expanse of the mighty river as it meanders to the Gulf of Mexico, you’ll be amazed at its relatively modest and approachable size as it begins its southward journey near Minneapolis.

Indeed, the river not only serves as a natural boundary between the two cities but also as an unusual calling card. I highly recommend taking a walk along the shore and then across the historic Stone Arch Bridge for a spectacular scenic view of the river. Historic Rice Park in St. Paul snuggles up against the river. You can even book kayaks and canoes for an easy paddle down the river — or the Minneapolis Queen paddle wheeler, for a scenic, narrated cruise.

Having traveled to the Twin Cities in the summer and winter months, I wouldn’t recommend visiting in winter or early spring (unless you can’t get enough of cold weather and huge snow totals).

I must admit, however, there is a palpable charm and coziness to the Twin Cities in the cold months. Locals and visitors alike enjoy winter sports like ice fishing, cross-country skiing and ice skating. Their famous winter carnival arrives in St. Paul in January, featuring amazing ice sculptures, hot air balloon rides and a jazz festival.

A curious but vital manmade phenomenon in Minneapolis allows reasonably comfortable winter living. The climate-controlled “Skyway” hovers one floor above street level and connects miles and miles of residences, businesses, hotels, shops and restaurants in the downtown area. You do not need to go outside in the winter in the downtown area unless you really want to. It’s wonderful! I’ve not seen anything like it in any other American city.

From about May through October, the Twin Cities are delightful. They are well known for their remarkably clean air, tidy downtown streets, miles of bike paths and thousands of lakes and green spaces. Minnesota is known as the “Land of 10,000 Lakes,” after all.

On the grounds of the Walker Art Center in Minneapolis, you’ll find the spoon and cherry fountain

Even without the Skyway, the Twin Cities, with their perfectly flat terrain, are very walkable most of the year. It is easy to crisscross the area on foot to Target Field to catch a Twins baseball game, to U.S. Bank Stadium (previously The Hubert H. Humphrey Metrodome) for a Vikings football game or to dozens of fine restaurants known for their Scandinavian-tinged culinary prowess. There’s even an F. Scott Fitzgerald walking tour and the wildly popular Victorian ghost tours. If walking is not your thing, the Twin Cities provide lots of bike, Segway, motor coach or paddle-board tour options.

For the shoppers or curious among you, I recommend a road trip to Bloomington to the world-famous Mall of America. Once billed as the largest shopping mall in the world, MOA features more than 600 stores (with tax-free shopping on shoes and apparel!), 75 restaurants, 40 theater screens and even a 7-acre theme park known as the Nickelodeon Universe Experience. It comes complete with rollercoasters, a Ferris wheel, ropes and adventure courses, and bumper cars.

“Overwhelming” is not quite the word for spending an afternoon there, but it comes close. People-watching turns into a contact sport. But it’s one of those things you should do once in your life. MOA is about 12 miles south of the Twin Cities. I drove there, but it is serviced by light-rail that will pick you up at or near your downtown hotel and deposit you steps from MOA and back.

Of course, there are many fine theaters, zoos, aquariums, amusement parks, and museums to spend your time. Among the best are the Minnesota Landscape Arboretum, American Swedish Institute, Minnesota History Center, the Minnesota State Capitol in St. Paul, and, just outside of Minneapolis, Valleyfair Amusement Park with its Peanuts theme (creator Charles Schulz was a proud Minnesotan).

Mall of America in nearby Bloomington, MN.

The Twin Cities also feature a few eclectic sculptures that are just right for that perfect selfie. In downtown Minneapolis, catch the Mary Tyler Moore sculpture with her iconic “throwing her tam in the air” pose. On the grounds of the Walker Art Center in Minneapolis, you’ll find the spoon and cherry fountain: a humungous spoon balancing an equally large red, ripe cherry. It is a must-see. And, if you’re a Peanuts fan like me, you’ll have to search out the bronze sculptures at Rice Park that portray the carefree happiness of Schulz’s beloved characters.

It’s not particularly easy to get to the Twin Cities. I have driven and flown. If you drive, it’s roughly a two-day drive of eight hours each along routes I-70, I-80 and I-90 (pretty easy to remember!). The midpoint is somewhere between Indianapolis and Chicago for your stopover.

Frontier has many affordable flights out of BWI to Minneapolis International Airport for under $150 each way. Southwest starts at about $300 each way.

There is a well-earned toughness about Twin City residents who point out how happy and healthy they are. Indeed, Forbes consistently ranks Minnesota as one of the top healthiest states in the U.S. There must be something to breathing all that cold air!

Primer on the basics of affordable housing

By Gary Bennett and Hugh Gordon

Affordable housing project in Frederick, MD

This article appears in the Opinion section of the Saturday, June 22, 2024 edition of the Frederick News-Post.

A lot of written and spoken words have been devoted to the lack of affordable housing in Frederick County. This periodic column has discussed at length how we got into this mess and the possible long-term fixes for getting out of it.

But what exactly is meant by the terms “affordable housing,” “moderately priced dwelling units” and “payment-in-lieu fees,” among others? We will explain these terms and how the affordable housing market works in Frederick County.

What is affordable housing?

A house that costs $400,000, $500,000 or even up to $1 million can be considered affordable to those with adequate resources. But for local governments and the housing industry, the term “affordable housing” generally means housing (not just owned homes, but also rental homes) that is affordable to those with low to moderate incomes.

How do we judge low to moderate income?

The housing industry and their regulators use “area median income” (AMI) as the statistic for which the concept of affordability is based. The 2022 area median income for Frederick County is around $116,000 per household or about $51,000 for an individual. AMI is based on the most recent U.S. Census Bureau information available.

Many in the affordable housing industry consider those in lower-income households to make 40% to 60% of the AMI. In other words, Frederick County households with incomes of $46,000 (low end) to $70,000 (moderate end) can usually qualify for a government-subsidized home, also known as a moderately priced dwelling unit.

How much of your monthly income should you spend on a home?

It is generally accepted that an individual or family shouldn’t spend more than a third of their disposable income on housing. If you do, you are considered cost-burdened or, in more colloquial terms, “house poor.”

Therefore, if you make around $46,000 per year (low end), you shouldn’t spend more than $14,000 on your home. That works out to a monthly mortgage or rental payment of $1,150. When is the last time you saw a monthly rent payment such as that, much less a monthly mortgage payment, advertised in Frederick County?

Hence, the problem: For folks in this income category and below, there is simply not enough affordable housing to go around in Frederick County. According to United Way’s ALICE report, more than one-third of Frederick County residents cannot afford market-rate housing.

Where do the government’s “moderately priced dwelling unit” (MPDU) programs come in?

For many reasons, it is very difficult for market rate developers to build new homes or rental communities that are affordable to those with moderate to low incomes.

It is often left to nonprofit builders such as Habitat for Humanity or Interfaith Housing Alliance to build moderately priced homes, but their capacity is not adequate to meet the need.

Both the city and county have MPDU ordinances that try to get market-rate builders to do their share. They require market rate builders to build 12.5% of new homes in a development as moderately priced.

If they can’t or won’t, they must pay a fee to the jurisdiction in lieu of building the moderately priced units. In most instances, builders pay this fee instead of building the units.

These substantial MPDU fees go into a housing initiative fund, which helps fund such laudable programs as housing rehabilitation, homebuyer assistance, rental assistance and deferred loans for future affordable housing projects that will come to market several years down the road.

In effect, while the MPDUs are not built when the builder pays the fees, those funds are repurposed into other effective affordable housing programs.

But one thing remains clear: There is no replacement for actually building the affordable units. We’ve heard that loudly and clearly from the Board of Aldermen and County Council.

Payment-in-lieu fee

Both the city and county charge $2 per square foot as a “payment-in-lieu” fee to the developer for the entire size of the development, rather than a flat fee, in the hope that more affordable units will be built rather than the builder simply paying the fee.

Because of the length of the development process, it’s still too early to know if the change to the fee is working as a strategy.

The dwelling units that are constructed, sold or rented under the MPDU ordinance are rent-controlled in order to be affordable to those with low to moderate incomes.

Income eligibility for an MPDU is set at 70% of the area’s median household income and adjusted for family size.

Sales and rental prices are set by the appropriate governmental housing director or their designee. In general, the sales or rental prices are set as to not exceed 30% of the applicant’s monthly household income.

Editor’s note: Gary Bennett is a retired marketing executive. Hugh Gordon is the association executive for the Frederick County Association of Realtors and has decades of experience in the real estate world, including 24 years as a mortgage banker. They are longtime Frederick County residents and members of the Frederick County Affordable Housing Council.

Hardy County, WV: Where to celebrate romance

By Gary Bennett

This article appears in DayTripper Magazine, June 2024.

There’s nothing like clean mountain air to inject some romance back into a relationship or stoke the fire on one that’s going strong. And there’s no shortage of romantic destinations in Hardy County to help couples kindle or rekindle passion.

Head out to West-Whitehill Winery in Moorefield and let its unique wines add fuel to your romance. You’ll see where they make the wine and get a free tasting. Be sure to check out the popular dessert wines, blended with fruit and spice flavors. Call 304-668-9934 in advance.

Staying overnight? Consider accommodations at the Guesthouse Lost River. This award-winning bed-and-breakfast and inn is on 70 acres next to the George Washington National Forest. Book a massage, then luxuriate in the indoor steam sauna or in the jetted tub. For dinner, Guesthouse Kitchen and Bar serves up farmhouse-style American dishes and cocktails in a comfortable, quaint, farmhouse setting. Most selections are prepared with locally-sourced ingredients and in-season fruits and vegetables. Reservations are strongly encouraged. Call 304-897-5707.

If camping is more your style, book a cabin at Lost River State Park and enjoy a pizza from Lost + Found Pizza and Provisions while you snuggle around a campfire under the stars. Many camping options are available. Two primitive campsites are only accessible by hiking to them. This unique camping opportunity is seasonal and concludes at the end of September, opening again in mid-spring. Three modern campsites are available near a ballfield. These sites feature showers, restrooms, a pool, fire ring, picnic tables and parking.

The park also has 26 cabins available to rent. Classic cabins and vacation cabins are available all year. Legacy cabins are available from April through October. All cabins include an outdoor campfire ring. Call 833-WV-PARKS.

If you’d rather glamp, Hardy County has you covered there, too. Book a stay at Loves Way Village. You’ll enjoy a “King Hot Tub Love Pod,” which is a spacious tent with bubbling hot tub. The oversized tents feature king beds, fresh linens, air-conditioning, heat, a fridge, microwave, coffee machine and Wi-Fi. Upon arrival, each guest receives a “love box,” an easy-to-prepare meal for two. Call 304-538-5707.

Hardy County, WV: 5 things to do with kids this summer

Breezewood canoe on South Branch Potomac River

This article appears in DayTripper Magazine, June 2024.

1. Enjoy the parade, festivities and fireworks with locals at Moorefield’s Independence Day Celebration.

Head over to Moorefield Town Park on Saturday, July 6, to enjoy an old-time “Americana” Fourth of July hosted by the Moorefield Lions Club. The whole shebang kicks off at 9 a.m. Throughout the day, enjoy free swimming, the club’s “famous BBQ chicken,” live music, games, free bouncy houses and a three-on-three basketball tournament. Catch the parade starting at 6 p.m., and then, of course, the grand finale – a fireworks display at 9:30 p.m.

226 Spring Ave., Moorefield

304-530-2420

visithardywv.com/listing/independence-day-celebration-fireworks

2. Go with the flow and rent a canoe or kayak at Breezewood Adventures.

Breezewood offers customizable excursions on the south branch of the Potomac River. The south branch is a pristine portion of the waterway, fed by bucolic streams and snowmelts. Breezewood offers trips up to 35 miles and provides shuttles. Whether you prefer lazily paddling a canoe or zipping down rapids in a one- or two-person kayak, it will show your family a good time. Plus, kids of all ages are sure to love the guided fishing tours. Be on the lookout for bald eagles soaring overhead as you approach The Trough, a 6-mile gorge in this branch of the river.

3709 U.S. Highway 220 South, Moorefield

304-703-9975

breezewoodadventures.com

3. Mount a horse and experience Lost River State Park from a new perspective.

The park’s nearly 4,000 acres of woodlands provide a peaceful getaway. It opened in 1937 and was named after a disappearing river that flows underground for a time before resurfacing.

In the park, you’ll find a restored Lee Cabin, “the summer retreat of Henry ‘Lighthorse Harry’ Lee, a Revolutionary War general and father of Civil War General Robert E. Lee,” across the creek from Lee Sulphur Spring. That spring is known for its rumored healing properties, according to West Virginia State Parks’ website.

Experience the park’s trails on horseback with Hidden Trails Stables, which offers guided tours. Be sure to ascend to Cranny Crow Overlook on Big Ridge Mountain to take in the view of five counties.

Hidden Trails Stables

6849 Dove Hollow Road, Mathias

304-897-5621

hiddentrailsstableswv.com

4. Swim at historic Lost River State Park.

Staying in a cabin or at a campsite at Lost River State Park won’t be too hot to handle with the kids this summer, as you can all cool off in the park’s pool. It’s open Tuesday through Sunday through Labor Day. When you tire of swimming, try out the park’s archery, tennis, volleyball, badminton and horseshoes.

321 Park Drive, Mathias

304-897-5372

wvstateparks.com/park/lost-river-state-park

5. Raining? Go bowling at South Branch Potomac Lanes.

This modern facility offers “kids bowl free” times, as well as bumper bowling lanes specifically for the young ones. On Friday and Saturday evenings, the action revs up with cosmic bowling, which involves “laser lights, disco lights, black lights and runway lights with LOUD heart pounding music,” according to its website. Bonus: The lanes glow in the dark.

185 Hyde St., Moorefield

304-530-2695

potomaclanes.com

Patriotic songs to honor America

By Gary Bennett

This article appears in the June 13, 2024 edition of Frederick News-Post’s “72 Hours” entertainment insert.

The six weeks from Memorial Day to the Fourth of July (with Flag Day on June 14 thrown in there for good measure) should be known as the “Honor America Sesquimonthly.” (If no one is claiming that phrase, I’ll be glad to.)

The feeling of pride we get this time of year is unlike any other. Thanksgiving to New Year’s Day is close, but different. The “holidays” are warm, cozy and faith- and family-oriented. This patriotic time of year is sometimes boisterous or somber, proud and neighbor-oriented.

There is something special about these six weeks. We make it a point to honor our fallen war heroes, Old Glory and our bold declaration of independence from Great Britain. It doesn’t hurt that all of this celebrating is done in front of a backdrop of delightfully mild weather so we can all get outside and share our good fortune with each other.

And, as with most human endeavors, a soundtrack of great music makes it even better.

There are many great traditional patriotic songs beginning with Frederick’s own “Star Spangled Banner.” Just watch any July 4 fireworks show and you are sure to hear the “who’s who” of patriotic music: “America” (My country ‘tis of thee), “America the Beautiful,” “God Bless America,” “Stars and Stripes Forever,” “1776 Overture,” “1812 Overture” (with canons firing), “Washington Post March,” “This Land is Your Land,” “Yankee Doodle,” “Battle Hymn of the Republic,” “You’re a Grand Old Flag” and the stirring themes from our five military branches.

But did you know that recent country, pop and rock artists put pen to paper and came up with some fabulously patriotic songs to help us mark the season? Of course you did! But someone has to list them, so I’ll take it from here!

Here are my top 10 present-day patriotic songs from well-known artists. They deserve our gratitude for tackling a tough assignment and adding to our pride and warm feelings at this special time of year.

You won’t find many country songs here, because I’m not much of a country music fan. But my No. 1 song is proudly country.

1. “GOD BLESS THE USA”
Lee Greenwood, 1984

This classic tune came into prominence after 9/11 and became an instant standard. Stirring and proud, it is played at most large events.

“And I’m proud to be an American, where at least I know I’m free. And I won’t forget the men who died, who gave that right to me.”

2. “AMERICA”
Simon and Garfunkel, 1968

Bittersweet and soulful, this song represents a search for America that has seemingly disappeared. You’ll recognize the Paul Simon signature melody instantly.

“Let us be lovers. We’ll marry our fortunes together. I’ve got some real estate here in my bag. So we bought a pack of cigarettes and Mrs. Wagner pies and walked off to look for America.”

3. “AMERICA”
Neil Diamond, 1980

An immigrant’s anthem as they try to make a better life in America at a time when they were more welcome here.

“Free, only want to be free. We huddle close, hang on to a dream. On the boats and on the planes, they’re coming to America.”

4. “BORN IN THE USA”
Bruce Springsteen, 1984

The Boss’ hard-rocking, explicitly anti-war anthem drips with defiance but recovers with a deceptively patriotic chorus.

“Born down in a dead man’s town, the first kick I took was when I hit the ground. End up like a dog that’s been beat too much till you spend half your life just coverin’ up. Born in the USA.”

5. “R.O.C.K. IN THE USA”
John Cougar Mellencamp, 1982

A light-hearted but hard-driving spelling bee of a song that harkens back to the music of the ’60s.

“They come from the cities, and they come from the smaller towns, and beat up cars with guitars and drummers goin’ crack boom bam. R.O.C.K. in the USA!”

6. “AMERICAN GIRL”
Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers, 1976

This is a tuneful song from an artist that left us too soon about making the most of your life in America.

“Take it easy, baby. Make it last all night. She was an American girl.”

7. “AMERICAN WOMAN”
The Guess Who, 1970 (covered by Lenny Kravitz, 2013)

A bunch of Canadian rockers intimidated by American women who seem full of attitude and self-assurance. Kravitz made it relative again.

“Don’t come knockin’ ’round my door. I don’t wanna see your shadow no more. Colored lights can hypnotize, sparkle someone else’s eyes. So woman, get away from me-e.”

8. “PINK HOUSES”
John Cougar Mellencamp, 1983

A tribute to the everyday folks that built America and wanted nothing more than a little piece of the American dream.

“Ah, but ain’t that America for you and me? Ain’t that America? Somethin’ to see, baby. Ain’t that America? Home of the free … little pink houses for you and me.”

9. “AMERICAN PIE”
Don McLean, 1971

A 9-minute tribute to the day the music died in 1959 is layered with surreal imagery and a great sing-along chorus.

“So, bye-bye, Miss American Pie. Drove my Chevy to the levee, but the levee was dry. Them good ol’ boys were drinkin’ whiskey and rye, singin’ this’ll be the day that I die.”

10. “I WON’T BACK DOWN”
Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers, 1989

A defiant, “take-no-prisoners” song that captures the fighting spirit of America.

“Well, I know what’s right. I got just one life. In a world that keeps on pushin’ me around, but I’ll stand my ground. And I won’t back down.”

HONORABLE MENTIONS

Chuck Berry’s “Back in the USA,” Brooks and Dunn’s “Only in America,” James Brown’s “Living in America,” Johnny Cash’s “Ragged Old Flag,” Jimmy Hendrix’s “Star Spangled Banner,” Faith Hill’s “American Heart,” Toby Keith’s “American Soldier,” Kiss’ “Rockin’ in the USA,” Led Zeppelin’s “Immigrant Song,” Lynyrd Skynyrd’s “Red White and Blue,” Brad Paisley’s “American Saturday Night,” Katy Perry’s “Firework,” Paul Simon’s “American Tune,” Steve Miller Band’s “Living in the USA,” Carrie Underwood’s “All-American Girl” and Neil Young’s “Rockin’ in the Free World.”

County’s new housing director wants to gauge shortage

By Gary Bennett and Hugh Gordon

This article appears in the Saturday, June 8, 2024 issue of the Frederick News-Post.

The first director of Frederick County’s new Division of Housing, Vin Rogers, knows he has his work cut out for him. In this era of nationwide affordable housing shortages, he believes there are many ways, however, to help solve this problem in Frederick County.

This year, Housing was elevated from department to division, with a director for the first time. This change was based on a recommendation from County Executive Jessica Fitzwater’s transition team.

“It elevates us to a comparable position as other large divisions within the county,” Rogers said. “And most importantly, it’s a recognition that the county executive sees this as a key issue going forward.”

Rogers’ top priority is to update the 2016 Frederick County Affordable Housing Study, to know exactly how big the problem is.

The updated study is a key piece of the county’s affordable housing puzzle and will include the needs of Frederick County and the incorporated municipalities. In 2016, the study showed a deficit of over 11,000 units for those making less than $50,000 per year.

After measuring the scope of the housing gap, Rogers plans to devise a strategic plan to address it.

He feels it’s imperative to consider real-life circumstances in the affordable housing debate. “What happens when your adult children want to stay in the area and be close to their families? What happens when you have an elderly parent who can’t afford to stay in the home they have now? I think it is critical for us to help people understand why it is so important for our entire community.”

Rogers alsov expects to further refine and expand upon proven programs and policies that will be addressed in the study.

Rogers said the county’s moderately priced dwelling unit (MPDU) ordinance, which recently changed its fee structure, will need time to kick in. The ordinance requires developers to pay the county $2 per square foot of total development if they opt to not build affordable units.

Developers used to pay a relatively modest, static fee, but now must pay a larger, more dynamic one, which could cause them to build smaller, more affordable units.

Since the cost of land is the highest in construction, Rogers is eager to consider how much county-owned land can be devoted to affordable housing. The county recently applied for $7.5 million in federal funds to be earmarked for pre-development costs on county-owned land.

“If we are able to use county-owned land for affordable housing and have funds available for pre-development costs, we believe developer savings would be substantial enough to require deeper subsidized units or more overall units,” Rogers said.

Rogers said developers are hamstrung by red tape and suggested that a speedier, streamlined process, or “green taping,” is needed.

“We’d like to make it less burdensome for developers to bring projects to the table because it can take so long. I’d like to raise affordable housing projects to the top.”

Other jurisdictions of Frederick County’s size sell bonds to finance housing projects, replacing private equity firms as the main source of investment. This typically saves developers millions and allows more below-market units to be built.

“What I’m used to is a housing authority that can issue bonds. Unlike the city, Frederick County doesn’t have a housing authority. If we had something like that, we could be a bond issuer,” Rogers said.

Since there’s a clear need for more senior housing, which typically doesn’t add to school overcrowding and not much to crowded roads, Rogers sees substantial community value on focusing on seniors, but strategically.

“What I’ve found is that you must be able to demonstrate success before people will get on board with affordable housing development, including senior housing. You need to produce a property so impressive that people are open to more of it.”

Rogers sees accessory dwelling units (ADUs) as part of the solution. ADUs, sometimes called “granny flats,” are independent, self-contained units that can be within a single-family dwelling, as an addition, or on the same lot as the dwelling.

“I don’t know why we wouldn’t look at expanding opportunities for homeowners to provide ADUs on their own properties. I don’t think the impact of ADUs pushes us to the point where we shouldn’t go forward with them.”

More manufactured housing could help, he said. “The speed of building housing is a problem that manufactured housing could help address. The stigma of what some people call ‘trailer homes’ is slowly disappearing. The way they’re built now, it’s almost hard to distinguish them from other types.”

Rogers wants to continues the policy exempting developers from paying impact fees when they develop affordable housing units. He sees that as a key tool that requires careful consideration based on the site and the populations served.

“There’s no easy answer on how to balance the need for more housing with the clear strain on county infrastructure. But I don’t think the two are mutually exclusive. We need to build, but we also need to preserve and make homeownership more affordable for the existing housing stock we have.”

On a practical level, Rogers hopes to build on a good working relationship with the city of Fredrick.

“The city is so important to affordable housing objectives. That is where the need is the greatest. We have a good relationship now, especially through the Affordable Housing Council, which has representatives from both the city and county. But the incorporated municipalities are very important, too. We hope to get them more involved in affordable housing issues.”

Field General: Nymeo Field groundskeeper Mike Dunn

By Gary Bennett

Frederick Keys Head Groundskeeper Mike Dunn

This article appears in the June 6 issue of the Frederick News-Post’s “72 Hours” entertainment insert.

When the Frederick Keys kick off their 2024 season with their first home game on June 11, a steady hand will be at the tractor wheel, keeping Nymeo Field at Harry Grove Stadium in tip-top shape, as he has for years.

Head groundskeeper Mike Dunn is beginning his seventh year with the Keys. He is a 59-year-old married Army veteran with four kids and three grandchildren — and is one of the lucky ones who found his life’s calling. He is not only a master landscaper but counts himself as a big baseball fan, too.

Dunn has 27 years of professional groundskeeping experience. Before joining the Keys, he completed high-profile stints in the Sports Field Division of the Brickman Group at the Cooperstown All Star Village in New York, the Cocoa Beach Sports Field Complex in Florida and in the New York Penn League for a farm team of the Detroit Tigers.

He won the Atlantic League of Professional Baseball’s Ray Cipperly Groundskeeper of the Year Award in 2023 when he served both the Frederick Keys and Spire City Ghost Hounds during 88 home games, more than even Major League Baseball groundskeepers deal with.

The Ghost Hounds will not field a team in 2024, allowing Dunn a more manageable workload. The Keys play in the MLB Draft League and will host 40 home games from June through August. The official season kicks off June 4 with an away game against the West Virginia Black Bears. Opening day at Harry Grove Stadium is June 11 against the Trenton Thunder.

The head groundkeeper position is a full-time gig that reports directly to the Keys general manager. Dunn leads a staff of one full-time assistant and a part-time, game-day staff of eight.

A typical game day includes a fresh mowing in the morning followed by a heavy watering of the infield. In the early afternoon, Dunn and his staff set up the field for batting practice. After both teams bat, Dunn preps for the game, which includes dragging the infield, another watering, striping the batter’s boxes and changing out the bases. “Above all, we make sure the field is safe to play on,” he said. “The league insists upon that.”

The work does not stop when the team is out of town. Dunn is at the stadium every day sweating the details, whether a game is scheduled or not. “We cut the grass every day and drag the infield three times a day to move the conditioner around evenly to make sure it is level and there are no bad hops.”

Other responsibilities include edging the infield, spraying for weeds and pests, and completing any repairs to the mound or home plate area as needed. The height and slope of the playing mound and bullpen mounds must be precise. At home plate, Dunn makes sure the batter’s boxes and catcher’s box are level. He also edges the warning track and adds material to the soil as needed.

After the season ends in the fall, Dunn prepares the field for the threat of winter snow. “We do a spray application in November to combat against snow mold,” he said. “The application protects the grass if we get a lot of snow and it sits on the grass for too long. Snow mold disease is very bad for the grass.”

In late February or early March, Dunn begins his preparations for summer baseball. “We concentrate on getting the grass healthy by over-seeding, fertilizing, watering, aerating and top dressing with sand.”

Once the season begins, the Keys have lots of on-field promotions that put stress on the field but nothing that Dunn hasn’t overcome before.

“We have dogs on the field occasionally,” he said. “It can be a problem because dog urine can kill the grass. The Candy Drop and kids running the bases are no problem. Fireworks can be challenging. We always hope the wind is blowing out so the fireworks don’t land on the field. If they do, they need to be picked up quickly, and that can be a long process.”

Dunn’s advice for anyone wishing to get into baseball field management?

“Take pride in the work you do, enjoy what you do, and always have the field looking good and safe for the players. You must want to do this and be willing to put in long hours in all kinds of weather.”

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.

Spring fling: Songs for the season

By Gary Bennett

The Beach Boys shown in London in November 1966

This article appears in the May 16, 2024, issue of the Frederick News-Post’s 72 Hours entertainment insert.

Spring is the season of renewal and rejuvenation. Sure, it has taken its sweet time getting established this year, but I think it’s finally here.

The crack of the bat means baseball is underway. Kids are out playing on jungle gyms again. The sweet smell of freshly cut grass, lilacs and dogwoods are in the air. People are out and about with big smiles plastered on their faces. Carroll Creek, Culler Lake and Market Street are alive with activity. Folks begin to grab outside tables to enjoy a dinner downtown. The thwack of tennis balls and clack of bocce balls punctuate the daily hum of activity. Windows are open at night. Butterflies and robins have returned.

And, as often is the case, the sound of music enhances this sweet atmosphere. I offer up here my top 10 picks for classic spring songs that will make you glad you made it through another tough winter.

1. “PIECES OF APRIL”

Three Dog Night, 1970

A slow and sweetly wistful song about remembering springtime and an early love.

“April gave us springtime, and the promise of the flowers, and the feeling that we both shared, and the love that we called ours.”

2. “I CAN SEE CLEARLY NOW”

Johnny Nash, 1972

This reggae-infused anthem is hopeful and optimistic. Problems can now be faced squarely in the brightness of a new day.

“I can see clearly now the rain is gone. I can see all obstacles in my way. Gone are the dark clouds that made me blind. It’s gonna be a bright, bright, bright sun-shiny day.”

3. “IT’S A BEAUTIFUL MORNING”

The Rascals, 1968

Carefree and optimistic, the song perfectly captures all the possibilities of a beautiful spring day laid out before you.

“It’s a beautiful morning. I think I’ll go outside for awhile and smile.”

4. “SPRING VACATION”

Beach Boys, 2012

If you didn’t know the Beach Boys were still releasing songs in 2012, this lilting song with the unmistakable harmonies will likely leave you wanting more.

“Driving around, living the dream, I’m cruising the town, digging the scene. I’m not gonna stress, not gonna worry, doing our best, no need to hurry.”

5. “APRIL COME SHE WILL”

Simon & Garfunkel, 1966

A quiet, simple, acoustic song (with artistically-licensed grammar), comes in at under 2 minutes and reminds me of a child’s nursery rhyme.

“April come she will, May she will stay, June she’ll change her tune, July she will fly. August die she must.”

Art Garfunkel, left, and Paul Simon serenade an audience of close to one-half million in New York’s Central Park at a free concert Sept. 19, 1981.

6. “MR. BLUE SKY”

Electric Light Orchestra, 1977

This bouncy, happy-go-lucky song features an electric guitar and robotic voice. It always makes me smile.

“Sun is shinin’ in the sky. There ain’t a cloud in sight. It’s stopped raining. Everybody’s in the play.”

7. “SEASON SUITE: SPRING”

John Denver, 1972

This typical John Denver guitar song pulls me closer to nature and somehow makes me feel better about myself, too.

“Open up your eyes and see the brand new day. The clear blue sky and brightly shining sun.”

8. “A FATHER’S FIRST SPRING”

The Avett Brothers, 2012

This sweet, haunting, melancholy song proves that spring songs don’t always have to be peppy.

“Sweetest surrender of winter, she put up her flag. It is waving. The thunder of summer is rumbling in.”

9. “PRIMAVERA”

Carlos Santana, 1999

A Latin, syncopated song from this other-worldly guitar virtuoso pays homage to planet Earth at the best time of year.

“Como la Semilla, Lleva nueva vida, Hay en esta primavera, Una nueva era.”

10. “APRIL”

Deep Purple, 1969

A 12-minute, mesmerizing rock opera with a sweeping guitar intro. Lyrics finally kick in at the 9-minute mark and are not kind to April or springtime.

“April is a cruel time, even though the sun may shine and world looks in the shade as it slowly comes away. Still falls the April rain.”

Honorable Mentions: Tori Amos’ “Spring Haze,” Coldplay’s “Up with Birds,” Dawn’s “Here Comes the Spring,” Donovan’s “The Lullaby of Spring,” Jack Hartmann’s “Springtime Dance,” Elvis Presley’s “Spring Fever,” Chris Rea’s “Fires of Spring,” Carly Simon’s “Spring is Here,” Frank Sinatra’s “It Might as Well Be Spring” and Donna Summer’s “Spring Affair.”