Behind the Spires

City of Frederick (MD)
  • 5.0 (9)
  • Government
  • Updated Biweekly

Welcome! Come join us Behind the Spires where we will highlight updates on Frederick projects, policies and events. On top of that, you can listen to episodes with special guests who help us bring the business of Frederick… forward.

  1. Sep 11

    Episode 44: Reengagement, Jason Francis

    Welcome to Behind the Spires! Join us in this Key City Conversation!What does it take to help young people find their next opportunity?In this episode, we sit down with Jason Francis, Re-Engagement Program Manager with the City of Frederick’s Office of Opportunity and Innovation, to discuss the programs connecting young people with education, career opportunities, resources, and their community.Jason explains Next Steps, a drop-in program for young people ages 14–24 who may be disconnected from school or career pathways. We also talk about THRIVE, a family-focused initiative designed to strengthen relationships, build resilience, and provide positive experiences for young people and their families.The conversation also looks ahead to the future Frederick Youth Center, expected to open in 2028. The center was shaped in part by input from Frederick’s youth and will include spaces such as a gym, game room, café, flexible classrooms, and a wellness room.From workforce readiness and mentorship to family activities and community partnerships, Jason shares how Frederick is working to create meaningful opportunities for young people today while building toward an even stronger support system for the future.👉 Learn about the Office of Opportunity & Innovation: http://frederickmd.gov/opportunity👉 Check out the City's Public Meetings: frederickmd.gov/publicmeetings#FrederickMD #FrederickMaryland #YouthPrograms #YouthCenter #NextSteps #THRIVE #Community #YouthOpportunity #WorkforceDevelopment #cityoffrederick #behindthespires #inSPIREfrederick #jointhestory

    Episode 44: Reengagement, Jason Francis

  2. Sep 2

    Episode 43: Solid Waste and Recycling, Paul Varga

    Welcome to Behind the Spires! Join us in this Key City Conversation! Join us for an insightful conversation with Paul Varga, Communications Manager for the Frederick County Division of Solid Waste and Recycling, who's creative “edutainment” approach has made him one of local government’s most recognizable voices. Paul shares how he modernizes recycling outreach with humor, cultural references, and clear communication, earning national recognition as a top local government influencer. He offers a detailed look at how Frederick County’s waste and recycling systems operate, what happens after the blue bin is collected, why “wish‑cycling” can unintentionally cause major problems in the recycling stream, and more! This episode is an engaging and practical look at how Frederick County is working to reduce waste, protect public safety, and help residents recycle smarter. 👉 Learn about County Recycling: https://frederickcountymd.gov/recycle👉 Learn about City Composting: https://frederickmd.gov/compost👉 Check out the City's Public Meetings: frederickmd.gov/publicmeetings #frederickmd #cityoffrederick #behindthespires #inSPIREfrederick #jointhestory

    Episode 43: Solid Waste and Recycling, Paul Varga

  3. Aug 28

    Episode 42: The Weinberg Center, Stephanie Chaiken & Dorian Young

    Welcome to Behind the Spires! Join us in this Key City Conversation!Join us Behind the Spires with Stephanie Chaiken and Dorian Young from the Weinberg Center for the Arts as they celebrate the theater’s 100th anniversary and share how this historic venue continues to shape Frederick’s cultural identity. They talk about the Weinberg’s evolution from a 1920s movie palace to a modern performing arts center, the community‑driven programming behind the Centennial Season, and exciting new initiatives like the Carnegie Hall Wellbeing Concert Series and expanded arts education partnerships in Frederick schools. Stephanie and Dorian also highlight the beloved Frederick Speaker Series, accessibility improvements, collaborations with local organizations, and the role the Weinberg plays in supporting Frederick’s vibrant arts community. Plus, they give a preview of upcoming shows and events! 👉 Learn about the Weinberg Center: weinbergcenter.org 👉 Check out the City's Public Meetings: frederickmd.gov/publicmeetings#frederickmd #cityoffrederick #behindthespires #inSPIREfrederick #jointhestory

    Episode 42: The Weinberg Center, Stephanie Chaiken & Dorian Young

  4. Aug 13

    City Update for 8.13.2026

    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:Golden Mile Survey - https://arcg.is/q45zq2Golden Mile Steering Committee - https://arcg.is/15a4Hf1 Golden Mile Small Area plan page - https://www.cityoffrederickmd.gov/1075/Golden-Mile-Small-Area-PlanPublic Meetings - frederickmd.gov/publicmeetingsBoards and Commissions vacancies - frederickmd.gov/vacanciesNACs - frederickmd.gov/nacsTime capsule survey - frederickmd.gov/timecapsulesurveyWeinberg - weinbergcenter.orgfestival of flight - https://www.cityoffrederickmd.gov/1698/Frederick-Festival-of-Flight#cityoffrederick #localnews #frederickmd

    City Update for 8.13.2026

  5. Aug 5

    Episode 41: City of Frederick Council President, César Díaz

    Welcome to Behind the Spires! Join us in this Key City Conversation!Join us Behind the Spires with, City of Frederick Council President, César Díaz as he shares his journey here in Frederick, what led him to run for office, and how he’s approaching leadership in his first term on the Frederick City Council. César talks about representing District 2, the Golden Mile, engaging immigrant communities, and how affordability, development, traffic, and walkability shape daily life in Frederick. He explains the newly passed City Values Act, why it matters for immigrant safety and public trust, and how strong civic participation improves local government. César also reflects on Frederick’s growth, transportation challenges, including e‑bikes, sidewalks, infrastructure, and his priorities for making city government more accessibleto residents. It’s an insightful look at public service, community engagement, and the future of Frederick, Maryland.👉 Learn about your city council: frederickmd.gov/citycouncil👉 Check out the City's Public Meetings: frederickmd.gov/publicmeetings#frederickmd #cityoffrederick #behindthespires #inSPIREfrederick #jointhestory

    Episode 41: City of Frederick Council President, César Díaz

  6. Jul 7

    City Update for 7.7.2026

    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:- Cultural Asset Map - frederickmd.gov/culturalassetmap- Celebrate Frederick - celebratefrederick.com- USA250 - frederickmd.gov/usa250- Public Meetings - frederickmd.gov/publicmeetings- cityoffrederickmd.gov#cityoffrederick #localnews #frederickmd

    City Update for 7.7.2026

  7. Jul 7

    Episode 40: LIVE | Frederick’s 4th, USA250

    Welcome to Behind the Spires! Join us on this special LIVE episode at Frederick's 4th, an Independence Day Celebration at Baker Park!Stay connected, stay informed, and explore what’s ahead for Frederick!#frederickmd #cityoffrederick #behindthespires #inSPIREfrederick #jointhestory #usa250 #america250 #4thofjuly2026

    Episode 40: LIVE | Frederick’s 4th, USA250

  8. Jun 30

    Episode 39: Animal Control, Willie Walton

    Welcome to Behind the Spires! Join us in this Key City Conversation! On this episode of Behind the Spires, we sit down with Willie Walton, Deputy Division Director of Frederick County Animal Control, to explore the vital work of protecting animals and serving the community. From the exciting expansion of the county's animal shelter to the adoption process, pet safety tips, cruelty investigations, and how you can help through volunteering or fostering, Willie shares an inside look at the people and programs making a difference for animals across Frederick County. Whether you're thinking about adopting a pet or simply want to support your local shelter, this episode is full of valuable information and heartwarming stories. 👉 Check the Shelter out: https://frederickcountymd.gov/15/Animal-Control 👉 Check the City out: cityoffrederickmd.gov

    Episode 39: Animal Control, Willie Walton
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Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
9 Ratings

About

Welcome! Come join us Behind the Spires where we will highlight updates on Frederick projects, policies and events. On top of that, you can listen to episodes with special guests who help us bring the business of Frederick… forward.

Information

  • Creator
    City of Frederick (MD)
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    54
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © City of Frederick (MD)
  • Show Website
    Behind the Spires

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