Frederick City—the Haves and Have-nots

Posted by Frederick Gorilla on Oct 4, 2011 in Archives, October/November 2011, RANT ME! | 1 comment

Submitted by Gary Brooks

In 1859, Charles Dickens wrote the epic novel A Tale of Two Cities. In this classic, there’s a famous quote: “It was the best of times, it was the worst of times, it was the age of wisdom, it was the age of foolishness….” That statement contrasts the plight of the French peasantry, demoralized by the French aristocracy in the years leading up to the revolution with its aftermath, and with London’s social conditions. Using this story as analogy, it is possible to contrast the “aristocracy” of the Frederick’s downtowners with the “peasantry” of the rest of the city. Frederick’s “privileged triangle” consists of that part of the city delineated by Route 15, East Street and I-70, while its “underclass” can be said to live outside it in areas like Whittier, Hillcrest, Amber Meadows and Dearbought.

‘Don’t Tread on Me’

Posted by Frederick Gorilla on Oct 4, 2011 in Archives, Features, October/November 2011 | 0 comments

County Workers Unite to Change the Course of Privatization

by G.M. Corrigan
Photos by Pattee Brown and Bill Millios

It was a sign-of-the-times: A government downsizing effort— that would change the nature of county employment and was promoted by an all Republican board of County Commissioners—spurred a flash-formed grassroots coalition of public employees in opposition to it.

The issue: The Porter Report—a $25,000 county-funded study on outsourcing 528 core county service jobs—25 percent of the workforce—for a five-year savings of up to $109 million.

The Role of Local Government

Posted by Frederick Gorilla on Oct 4, 2011 in Archives, Features, October/November 2011 | 0 comments

Moderated by Pattee Brown • Photography by Bill Millios

Our country seems at an impasse. Many things that we have historically taken for granted appear now to be in question. For example, on a national level we currently borrow 46 cents of every dollar we spend—and now have a national debt that’s equal to our gross domestic product. At the state level, we have pension plans that are significantly underfunded. And right here in Frederick we find ourselves questioning the structure and role of local government.

Diamond in the Rough -N- Tumble

Posted by Frederick Gorilla on Oct 4, 2011 in Archives, Features, October/November 2011 | 0 comments

Brunswick Polishes Its Image

By G.M. Corrigan
Photos by Bill Millios

Historically hardscrabble as a trading post, canal town, Civil War crossroads and flinty railroader’s home, the makeover-minded Brunswick today seeks to polish its twinkling assets of location, heritage and natural resources into the dazzling destination city it believes it can be.

The Art of Listening

Posted by Frederick Gorilla on Oct 4, 2011 in Archives, Band of Gorillas, October/November 2011 | 0 comments

The Songwriters Showcase at Brewers Alley

By Rachael Shankle
Photos by Bill Millios

It was a hot, late summer Monday evening when I met with local musician-host-songwriter-music promoter extraordinaire (whew!) Roderick Neil Deacey.

“Rod,” as he prefers to be called, is quite the colorful character, blending, as he does, a Salisbury, England, upbringing with 18 years of Americanization. But if it weren’t for this pond hopper’s passion for music, the Songwriter Showcase that’s been running at Brewer’s Alley for seven years, (where you can hear live, original music from 7:30–10:30 p.m. every Monday night) might not have occurred.

Everyone* Knew I was Gay [*But me]

Posted by Frederick Gorilla on Oct 4, 2011 in Archives, EQ-Emotional Intelligence, October/November 2011 | 0 comments

Coming out in Frederick after 20 years.

By Bradd Hammond
Illustrations by Matt Spire

As a teenager, I wished I were middle-aged. All of life’s major decisions would have already been made, and I would just coast through the rest of my life. Yeah, I was clearly very young, thinking that’s what middle-age looked like.