The open house will take visitors through the same steps a patient would take as he or she goes through the surgical experience. The hands-on, interactive event is geared toward children and teens, but everyone is invited, staff nurse Bonnie Baust said.

Visitors will be asked some basic questions in the pre-op area, similar to queries patients would face prior to surgery.

The first OR will showcase a laparoscopic gall bladder removal, with footage from a camera placed inside the body during an actual surgery.

Visitors can then try their hand at the operation with real surgical tools and a simulated abdominal cavity.

The next room will feature a spinal surgery, showing doctors fusing a spine using plates and screws, and applying cement to a fractured vertebrae.

Visitors can check out a model spine and actual tools used in such surgeries.

After their surgical experiences, visitors will be taken to the post-surgery unit, from which typical patients are sent home or to another hospital unit.

About 100 people came to last year's open house, Baust said, and she hopes for an even larger turnout this year.

FMH targets groups like the Girl Scouts and high school students who may be considering a career in health care, she said. The event is open to everyone free of charge.

Post your comments » Round 2: Snow expected to fall today, Wednesday Fast on the heels of the largest 24-hour snowfall to hit the Frederick County since 1983, meteorologists are predicting another round of heavy snow and wind to hit today. The National Weather Service issued a winter storm warning Monday afternoon for the area, including Frederick County, and said 10 to 20 inches of snow is possible by Wednesday night. Weather-related closings, delays A list follows of weather-related closings and cancellations for this week. Fire and police blotter Police search for robber School closures cause makeup schedule revision Even though Frederick County Public Schools are closed today -- using the sixth snow day this school year -- the school system will not hold school on the Monday Presidents Day holiday as the first scheduled snow makeup day. Crowds pay respect to fallen marine Even U.S. Marines couldn't hold back tears Monday at the viewing of their colleague, Sgt. David Smith. The procession to the Frederick Christian Fellowship Church was led by Frederick County Sheriff's deputies. Dressed in full military regalia, Marines carried Smith's casket into the church followed by family members as more Marines stood at attention.