Behind the Spires

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.

Behind the Spires is a government podcast hosted by City of Frederick (MD), with 55 episodes on record and a Required Pod Score of 80.

City of Frederick (MD) hosts Behind the Spires, a government show with 55 episodes published.

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  Episode #46

  Episode 46: Office of Emergency Management, Emma Williams

  Oct 1, 202630 minS2

  Welcome to Behind the Spires! Join us in this Key City Conversation!Join us as we welcome Emma Williams, the City of Frederick’s new Emergency Manager, for an in‑depth conversation about preparedness, public safety, and the evolving landscape of emergency response. With experience supporting emergency operations across the country, Emma shares what brought her to Frederick and what it means to build an emergency management program from the ground up. She explains the daily work behind prevention, protection, mitigation, response, and recovery; why National Preparedness Month matters; and the top hazards facing Frederick, Maryland, including flooding, extreme weather, cyber threats, and hazardous materials.Emma also breaks down how residents can prepare: creating family emergency plans, assembling practical and realistic emergency kits, supporting older neighbors and vulnerable populations, and signing up for ALERT Frederick County notifications to stay informed. Sign up for CoFAlerts: https://member.everbridge.net/453003085612281/new Check out the City's Emergency Management Page: https://cityoffrederickmd.gov/1669/Emergency-Management Check out the City's Public Meetings: frederickmd.gov/publicmeetings#FrederickMD #FrederickMaryland #emergencypreparedness

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  Episode #45

  Episode 45: The Frederick Flood of 1976, Donald Lee Putman & Ricki Putman

  Sep 23, 202644 minS2

  Welcome to Behind the Spires! Join us in this Key City Conversation! In honor of the 50th anniversary of the Great Frederick Flood of 1976, we sit down with Donald Putman, a former Frederick Police Officer who was on patrol when the historic flood swept through downtown Frederick. Donald takes us back to that day, recalling the rapidly rising water, emergency rescues, and the challenges first responders faced as roads and buildings throughout the city became flooded. He shares firsthand stories of using boats to rescue people trapped in downtown businesses, working alongside firefighters and the National Guard, and navigating a city where communication was made even more difficult after floodwaters damaged the local telephone system. The conversation also explores the aftermath of the flood, including the damage to downtown businesses, vehicles being swept through the streets, the community response, and the efforts of police officers, firefighters, local businesses, and residents to begin putting Frederick back together. This is a firsthand account of one of the most significant floods in Frederick's history, told by someone who was there, responding to calls, helping residents, and witnessing the destruction firsthand. Check out the Putman Family Fund: frederickcountygives.org/funds/putman-family-fund Check out the City's Public Meetings: frederickmd.gov/publicmeetings#FrederickMD #FrederickMaryland #GreatFrederickFlood #FrederickFlood #1976Flood #FrederickHistory #LocalHistory #MarylandHistory #FrederickPolice #FrederickFireDepartment #FrederickCounty

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  Episode #44

  Episode 44: Reengagement, Jason Francis

  Sep 11, 202632 minS2

  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

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  Episode #43

  Episode 43: Solid Waste and Recycling, Paul Varga

  Sep 1, 202649 minS2

  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

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  Episode #42

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

  Aug 28, 202639 minS2

  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

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