Michael Vyskocil

‘Sprouting Wings’ & Pursuing Dreams

As a farm boy growing up in Oklahoma around the turn of the 20th century, James Herman Banning dreamed big. He dreamed of one day touching the sky. But how could Banning, a young African American boy, find a plane much less locate someone who could teach him? In a new children’s picture book “Sprouting Wings: The True Story of …

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Helping Children in the Aftermath of Violence

The rioting at the U.S. Capitol on Wednesday, Jan. 6, 2021, shook us all to the core. While we continue to grapple with our own feelings of anger, anxiety and sadness, we also need to continue our focus on helping children in the aftermath of violence. The pervasiveness of the media means that many kids were exposed to disturbing images …

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Questions to Consider When Selecting a Camp for Your Child

It may be cold outdoor, but summer camps in the Frederick County region are thinking ahead to this year’s summer camp season. As you’re thinking about the best type of camp for your child, explore the following questions to ask when considering camp options for your child. What to Ask Camp Staff for Day Camp What’s the background and experience of …

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Mentors Matter

Can you make an extraordinary commitment to a child? What can you do to positively impact the lives of youth in Frederick County? This January, National Mentoring Month, is a good time to think about mentoring. Frederick’s Child spoke with Tiffany Reinhardt, associate executive director of mentoring at The Y in Central Maryland, to learn more about the benefits of …

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Frederick County Public Libraries Begins Work on New Middletown Branch

Frederick County Public Libraries has begun work on the construction of its new Middletown branch, scheduled to open in 2023. Both FCPL and Frederick County Government are working with a Frederick-based architectural firm Noelker and Hull and library design consultant HBM Architects to create a library branch that serves the needs of the Middletown community of library users. When completed, …

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Indoor Fun with Your Family: Build the Ultimate Kids’ Craft Closet

Art class shouldn’t be the only times kids get to be creative. “It’s important for kids to use their imaginations to help them express themselves through their creativity,” says Rachel Dorton, public relations manager for Kid Made Modern. In order to let imaginations run wild, you’ll want to stock up on some craft supplies. Just make sure they are kid-friendly …

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Frederick County Public Schools Suspends Small Group Instruction, Winter Sports Practices Beginning Jan. 4

Frederick County Public Schools has announced it is suspending all small group instruction and winter sports practices beginning Monday, Jan. 4, given the worsening COVID-19 health metrics in the county. All instruction will be conducted virtually until further notice, according to an FCPS news release. FCPS officials stated that during the last three days, COVID-19 metrics provided by the Frederick …

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5 Things to Do With Your Kids for New Year’s Eve

While you may not be able to gather this year for in-person New Year’s Eve celebrations, several Frederick businesses and organizations are offering virtual New Year’s Eve programming your family can enjoy. Virtual Children’s Story Time from Frederick County Public Library 10 to 10:30 a.m. Join in this virtual story time for children from birth to age 5 that features …

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Tips to Clear the Clutter

If getting your home organized is on your list of projects to accomplish in the new year, the following five tips can help you get started to clear the clutter: Scale back your expectations. Start small and be realistic about what you want to accomplish. Plan a little time each day to one section of a room and keep going until …

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