Welcome to Behind the Spires! Join us in this Key City Conversation!Join us for a conversation with Council Member Sarah Hempel Irani, artist, sculptor, and representative of Frederick’s District 5. She shares her journey from moving to Frederick as a young sculptor to creating the iconic Claire McCardell statue on Carroll Creek and ultimately running for the City of Frederick Council. She talks about the creative community, neighborhood identity, street safety, affordable and “price‑appropriate” housing, and the importance of supporting artists through studio space and cultural investment. Sarah also highlights the unique neighborhoods of District 5, ongoing discussions about zoning, density, and housing needs, and how residents can stay engaged through NAC meetings, City Minutes updates, and direct communication with Council Members.This episode offers an inspiring look at public service, community connection, and the role of the arts in shaping Frederick’s future.👉 Learn about your city council: frederickmd.gov/citycouncil👉 Check out the City's Public Meetings: frederickmd.gov/publicmeetings#frederickmd #cityoffrederick #behindthespires #inSPIREfrederick #jointhestory

Welcome to Behind the Spires! Join us in this Key City Conversation!Join us on the latest episode of Behind the Spires as we chat with Erin Signorella and Cullen McAskill from the City of Frederick's Water Quality Department about how our drinking water stays clean and safe every day! Erin and Cullen break down how water is tested throughout the city, how wastewater and drinking water are monitored, what causes taste and odor changes, how PFAS (forever chemicals) and lead service lines are handled, and why Frederick’s tap water consistently meets strict state and federal standards. They also share tips for residents, explain the annual Consumer Confidence Report, and give a preview of their Earth Day activities! Whether you’re curious about water testing, treatment, compliance, or Frederick’s infrastructure, this episode highlights the team working behind the scenes to protect our most important resource: clean water!👉 Learn more about Frederick's Water Quality: https://www.cityoffrederickmd.gov/1719/Water-Quality-DepartmentStay connected, stay informed, and explore what’s ahead for Frederick!#frederickmd #cityoffrederick #behindthespires #inSPIREfrederick #jointhestory

Welcome to Behind the Spires! Join us in this Key City Conversation!Join us on the latest episode of Behind the Spires as we chat with Erin Signorella and Cullen McAskill from the City of Frederick's Water Quality Department about how our drinking water stays clean and safe every day! Erin and Cullen break down how water is tested throughout the city, how wastewater and drinking water are monitored, what causes taste and odor changes, how PFAS (forever chemicals) and lead service lines are handled, and why Frederick’s tap water consistently meets strict state and federal standards. They also share tips for residents, explain the annual Consumer Confidence Report, and give a preview of their Earth Day activities! Whether you’re curious about water testing, treatment, compliance, or Frederick’s infrastructure, this episode highlights the team working behind the scenes to protect our most important resource: clean water!👉 Learn more about Frederick's Water Quality: https://www.cityoffrederickmd.gov/1719/Water-Quality-DepartmentStay connected, stay informed, and explore what’s ahead for Frederick!#frederickmd #cityoffrederick #behindthespires #inSPIREfrederick #jointhestory

Welcome to Behind the Spires! Here's your City Update where each episode, we join you to bring clear, factual updates directly from City meetings, departments, and official sources in 15 minutes or less! We cover what you missed, what’s happening right now, and what’s coming up next so you can stay informed about your local government without having to sit through every meeting.Clear. Direct. Straight from the City.Episode Links:- Police Chief Survey - https://communityfeedback.opengov.com/portals/frederickmd/Issue_14883- Budget - frederickmd.gov/FY27budget- Public Meetings - frederickmd.gov/publicmeetings- cityoffrederickmd.gov#cityoffrederick #localnews #frederickmd

Welcome to Behind the Spires! Join us in this Key City Conversation!

Join us for an insightful conversation with Mayor Michael O’Connor, returning for his third appearance on the podcast. The Mayor shares why he’s optimistic about the future of Frederick, Maryland, highlighting exciting community projects as Frederick continues to grow; reflecting on what makes the City of Frederick a welcoming, vibrant place to live.

We dive into the FY27 City of Frederick Budget, exploring how the administration prioritizes core city services, infrastructure improvements, public safety investments, expanded parks and recreation programming, and an innovative new early childhood and childcare initiative. Mayor O’Connor also breaks down the budget process, community engagement efforts, and how technology is helping modernize local government.

👉 Learn more the FY27 budget: frederickmd.gov/FY27budget

Stay connected, stay informed, and explore what’s ahead for Frederick!

#frederickmd #cityoffrederick #behindthespires #inSPIREfrederick #jointhestory

Welcome to Behind the Spires! Here's your City Update where each episode, we join you to bring clear, factual updates directly from City meetings, departments, and official sources in 15 minutes or less! We cover what you missed, what’s happening right now, and what’s coming up next so you can stay informed about your local government without having to sit through every meeting.

Clear. Direct. Straight from the City.

Episode Links:

- frederickmd.gov/usa250

- www.cityoffrederickmd.gov

#cityoffrederick #localnews #frederickmd

Welcome to Behind the Spires! Join us in this Key City Conversation!In this episode, we sit down with Peter Brehm, the first District 3 City Council Member in Frederick, to talk about local leadership, city growth, and the issues that matter most to Frederick residents.Peter shares his journey running for office, along with what he heard from voters while knocking on doors across District 3. We discuss major topics shaping the city today, including development, affordable housing, infrastructure, neighborhood concerns, and more!The conversation also explores how the City of Frederick's Council works, how residents can stay involved in local government, and why community feedback plays a crucial role in planning the city’s future.If you’re interested in the City of Frederick news, updates, local government, city planning, development, and affordable housing in Frederick, this episode offers an inside look at the challenges and opportunities facing the city today.Learn more about city meetings and local government in Frederick and stay informed about the future of the community.👉 Learn about your city council: frederickmd.gov/citycouncil👉 Check out the City's Public Meetings: frederickmd.gov/publicmeetings#frederickmd #cityoffrederick #behindthespires #inSPIREfrederick #jointhestory

Welcome to Behind the Spires! Here's your City Update, where each episode, we join you to bring clear, factual updates directly from City meetings, departments, and official sources in 15 minutes or less! We cover what you missed, what’s happening right now, and what’s coming up next so you can stay informed about your local government without having to sit through every meeting.Clear. Direct. Straight from the City.Episode Links:- Residents can access FRED on the City website or by texting “Hello” to 833-313-3733- CityofFrederickMD.gov/parking- CityofFrederickMD.gov/hpc- frederickmd.gov/FY27budget- www.cityoffrederickmd.gov#cityoffrederick #localnews #frederickmd

Welcome to Behind the Spires! Join us in this Key City Conversation!

Explore Frederick, Maryland with Jake Wynn from Visit Frederick! Ed is out this week so joining Molly is Producer Lance and they have another very special guest in the studio! It’s Jake Wynn, Senior Marketing & Communications Manager at Visit Frederick and they discuss everything that makes Frederick a top travel destination. Discover things to do in Frederick, Maryland, from vibrant public art and historic sites to amazing local restaurants, breweries, and boutiques. Jake shares how Visit Frederick promotes tourism, highlights Carroll Creek Park, and gives a sneak peek into the upcoming USA250 celebrations.

Learn about Frederick’s rich Civil War history, Revolutionary War connections, and why heritage tourism is booming. Plus, find out how local businesses and artists can get involved in the America 250th anniversary events. 👉 Plan your trip: https://www.visitfrederick.org🎙 Check out Jake’s podcast: https://wynninghistory.com/public-history-podcast

Welcome to Behind the Spires! Join us in this Key City Conversation!

In our latest episode, Ed and Molly sit down with Filmmaker Salyer McLaughlin to talk about the history behind his first cinematic release, Boomtown, a movie premiering at the Weinberg Center on January 24, 2026! It’s a docudrama about a little City you may know… Boomtown is inspired by the book "From the Brink to Brilliant." The film centers on a turning point in Frederick’s history in October of 1976. A devastating flood destroyed priceless film, photographs, and historical records… nearly breaking the spirit of the community.

For more Boomtown information: https://boomtownfrederick.com/

For Weinberg Center tickets visit: https://weinbergcenter.org/performances/boomtown/