Front Porch Fredericksburg - April 2015 by Virginia Grogan

YOUR GUIDE TO THE LOCAL GOOD LIFE

front porch T H E R E G I O N ' S free C O M M U N I T Y M A G A Z I N E

L o c a l G o o d N e w s S i n c e 1 9 97 YEAR 18 • ISSUE 213 • APRIL 2015

Frontporchfredericksburg.com

contents

closeups 6

donna hopkins shutterbug creates memories new rabbi in the ‘burg jeremy weisblatt

conservation & sustainability ....brent’s native plantings

porch talk 3

Art of Poetry

on the porch...life in fredericksburg Messages

from the blue ridge to the bay

Our Heritage: historic garden week history’s stories.: css fredericksburg

companions: name this dog!

emancipated patients: find out for yourself Got Milk?: healthier milk...really?!

Senior Care: senior driving

wellness: gut-brain connection natural health: the sneezing season

scene & heard...in the ‘burg!

organization direct: de-clutter

karen julihn: uses art to create community

friends of chatham composting... save the earth

ultimate health insurance brutal camp: marcus lawrence

fredericksburg sketches

from my porch: dirty goodness poetryman: beach morning autoknown: showtime

the art of balance: lili robbins

vino: oysters & picpoul

season’s bounty: last of winter greens

Cooking with Kyle

local night life: sunken well

16-17

Calendar of events

In celebration of National Poetry Month in April, local artists and poets have teamed up at Water Street Studio on Sophia Street to illustrate the influences that art and writing have on one another. In The Art of Poetry, local artists provided visual pieces for which local poets wrote original poems. Come out and view their inventive collaboration and join the festivities on First Friday, April 3, 2015. The show will run through the entire month of April.

...And more!

the community give: a day of philanthropy

ART of POETRY

richmond ballet joins umw philharmonic

abstract vibes

baseball- ”the most important thing that doesn’t matter”

My Favorite Places: april pick, carl’s

Cover Photo “GardenBook Vignette” By Donna Hopkins

Hop on Down

For A Latte, Mocha, Cappaccino

April 2015

Front porch fredericksburg

front porch fredericksburg

April 2015 2015

contents

closeups 6

donna hopkins shutterbug creates memories new rabbi in the ‘burg jeremy weisblatt

conservation & sustainability ....brent’s native plantings

porch talk 3

Art of Poetry

on the porch...life in fredericksburg Messages

from the blue ridge to the bay

Our Heritage: historic garden week history’s stories.: css fredericksburg

companions: name this dog!

emancipated patients: find out for yourself Got Milk?: healthier milk...really?!

Senior Care: senior driving

wellness: gut-brain connection natural health: the sneezing season

scene & heard...in the ‘burg!

organization direct: de-clutter

karen julihn: uses art to create community

friends of chatham composting... save the earth

ultimate health insurance brutal camp: marcus lawrence

fredericksburg sketches

from my porch: dirty goodness poetryman: beach morning autoknown: showtime

the art of balance: lili robbins

vino: oysters & picpoul

season’s bounty: last of winter greens

Cooking with Kyle

local night life: sunken well

16-17

Calendar of events

...And more!

the community give: a day of philanthropy

ART of POETRY

richmond ballet joins umw philharmonic

abstract vibes

baseball- ”the most important thing that doesn’t matter”

My Favorite Places: april pick, carl’s

Cover Photo “GardenBook Vignette” By Donna Hopkins

Hop on Down

For A Latte, Mocha, Cappaccino

April 2015

Front porch fredericksburg

front porch fredericksburg

April 2015 2015

Jenny McGee

Guest Porch Editorial

Contributing Writers & Artists Nancy Bauer A.E.Bayne Judy Chaisom

Kevin Bartram Megan Byrnes C.Ruth Cassell Ashleigh Chevalier Dan Czajka Ryan Davis Callista Dunn Christina Ferber Frank Fratoe Joan M. Geisler Alexis Grogan Emily Hollinsworth Donna Hopkins Brent Hunsinger Ralph “Tuffy” Hicks Jack Hyland Karl Karch Susan Ujka Larson Jo Loving Jenny McGee Robert A. Martin Vanessa Moncure Patrick Neustatter Chris Repp Scott Richards Julia Robbins Casey Alan Shaw Meg Snead James Kyle Synder Christine Thompson Rim Vining Kathryn Willis Suzy Woollam Norma Woodward

Front Porch Fredericksburg is a free circulation magazine published monthly by Olde Towne Publishing Co. Virginia Bigenwald Grogan, Publisher.

The mission of Front Porch Fredericksburg is to connect the diverse citizenry of Fredericksburg with lively features and informative columns of interest to our community’s greatest resource, its people. Messages from our readers are welcome. All submissions must be received by e-mail by the 19th of the month preceding publication. Writers are welcome to request Writer’s Guidelines and query the Editor by e-mail. Front Porch Fredericksburg PO Box 9203 Fredericksburg, VA 22403 Ad Sales: E-Mail: frntprch@aol.com Web Site: www.frontporchfredericksburg.com The opinions expressed in Front Porch Fredericksburg are those of the contributing writers and do not necessarily reflect the opinion of Front Porch Fredericksburg or its advertisers. Copyright 2015 Olde Towne Publishing Co. All rights reserved.

ON THE PORCH new beginnings When we moved from Alexandria to Fredericksburg in 1989, I was instantly aware of how different the environments were. Back then, Fredericksburg was so rural. From Route 17 in Stafford to Route 3 in Spotsylvania, my Northern Virginia eyes were thrilled to see actual horses in their fields and the occasional deer on the road. When my family chose our house in Stafford, my sister and I jubilantly ran through the tall grass of our backyard, oblivious to the snakes surely nearby. We were city kids experiencing nature and all the country seasons for the first time. We’d never had our own woods to get lost in and creeks to fall into. It was a new beginning for my family and me. As my sisters and I grew up, so did Fredericksburg. Route 3 and 17 began to resemble the area we had moved from, with shopping centers and pavement closing in on the quaint countryside, but downtown Fredericksburg always maintained its personality. My family and I loved visiting the Central Rappahannock Regional Library, and I got a job at the Headquarters branch in 1998. I stretched teenaged wings into the skies of my twenties and became a regular at Hyperion Espresso, smoking cigarettes and writing angsty poetry. I became aware of the Front Porch Magazine, always interesting and readily available at my favorite coffee shop. Between working at the library, attending Mary Washington College (now the University of Mary Washington), and hanging out downtown, I grew into the Fredericksburg community and began to recognize more and more names, places, and events featured in the Front Porch. I saved copies over the years that mentioned people I knew and art I liked, and still have a bookshelf of yellowing pages spanning the last fifteen years. When Virginia asked me to write “On the Porch” for April, I went through these old keepsakes for inspiration. Last April’s issue was a memorial to the iconic father

messages Been reading Front Porch for years...it just keeps geting better! Keep on going. Steve Lewis, Stafford

Thank you for Front Porch. Bridget Seitzinger

April 2015

a rappahannock river odyssey By brent hunsinger

BY jenny mcgee

Hi There

From the Blue Ridge to the Bay

Front porch fredericksburg

of the river and the communities along its banks. I will document and share these experiences via social media as the paddle occurs. The idea of the paddle has been well received by the many people and organizations I have contacted to be partners in the journey.

of the Front Porch, Rob Grogan, who passed away February 23, 2014. Many members of the community wondered if the magazine would continue, and here we are a year later, still honoring his vision of over 18 years. Without Rob, Fredericksburg is a puzzle missing a piece, never to be the complete picture. But the magazine as well as the community experienced a new beginning without him: the drive to keep his memory alive in the pages of the Front Porch. We shivered in the icy grasp of grief through March, but in April of 2014, the Front Porch thawed and was reborn with the spring.

Spring gets us out of hibernation mode, physically and mentally. This April marks eighteen months since I personally initiated a drastic change in lifestyle. I have a rekindled love for being outside and am looking forward to an adventure on the Appalachian Trail in May. The long, dark winter months keep us curled under blankets, often engulfed in a glowing screen or pages of books, and I for one can’t wait to get back out in the fresh spring air. We have great trails, historic battlefields and parks in and around Fredericksburg...Old Mill Park, Alum Springs Park, Pratt Park, Loriella Park, and Curtis Park to name just a few. The Rappahannock River is also a favorite place to welcome spring and cultivate energy. There are several protected watershed areas that offer lovely views of our winding waterway. I delight in walking the canal path and seeing the flowering trees while looking out onto the river. The battlefield at Lee Drive is another favorite place for a walk, a picnic, a run, or just to sit and watch the train go by. During a run through the trails at this battlefield, I can always feel the presence of my mom, who used to say she felt like a deer running in those woods.

Virginia Thank you for the article last month! (FOR “Rappahannock”) The movie has been a fun thing to share with people throughout the watershed. Kathleen Harrigan, Executive Director, Friends of the Rappahhannock

On April 26, 2015, I will launch a canoe from near where the Jordan River enters the Rappahannock. I will take four days to reach Fredericksburg, where I plan to switch to a sea kayak for the remainder of the trip. I hope to arrive in Deltaville at the mouth of the river around May 10. I will be camping on public and private lands most of the way down the river. During this journey I hope to meet the diverse array of people that inhabit its banks and use it for a variety of activities. I want to learn about their perspectives and experiences on the Rappahannock. Whoever decided that April should be National Poetry Month had great timing. After a long winter, both temperately and metaphorically, seeing the trees bloom and the radiant sunshine rejuvenates our spirits. The chilly fog lifts and reveals baby birds, the frozen ponds defrost and expose tadpoles, and we finally see children playing without layers and layers of snow gear on, and we are reminded of progression. We are blessed with this gift of another new beginning. We are eventually relieved of the frosty gloom of darkness and grief, and are warmed by the promise of growth and renewal. We can’t experience a meaningful thaw without a solid freeze first. I hope you enjoy this month’s Front Porch magazine from cover to cover, as well as this month as it revitalizes our souls and our surroundings.

The Rappahannock River Odyssey has been planned to tie in with the annual Community Give on May 5, a day of For two weeks in late April I will paddle the Rappahannock River from where it becomes navigable by canoe to where it feeds into the Chesapeake Bay. I have wanted to do an extended paddling trip for a while now. Where better than on my local river that flows undammed along its whole course? I have always been a fan of rivers. Therefore I have always been a huge supporter of the local watershed groups that sought to protect and restore whatever river I lived near. Three years ago I moved to the Fredericksburg area and immediately fell in love with the Rappahannock River. One of the first things I did when I arrived was seek out volunteer opportunities with the local

Please follow Rappahannock River Odyssey on social media: Facebook: www.facebook.com/rappriverodyssey Twitter: @RappRiverOdsy Instagram: RappRiverOdsy Brent Hunsinger owns Brent’s Native Plantings, a company that specializes in river-friendly conservation landscaping. He is a native of the Chesapeake Bay region and a resident of Spotsylvania County. He is pictured with stepson Jackson paddling the Rappahannock.

Friends of the watershed group, Rappahannock (FOR). It turned out to be one of the best choices I’ve made. FOR’s mission is to be the voice and active force for a healthy and scenic Rappahannock River. FOR is based here in Fredericksburg, where the river hits the fall line and becomes tidal. However, the organization’s reach extends throughout the whole watershed, where they seek to protect the river through education, restoration, and advocacy. The purpose of my two-w week Rappahannock River Odyssey is to raise money and awareness for FOR. Along the way I hope to learn more about the natural, cultural, and historical resources

Old Town’s Greatest Tour

Jenny McGee , a graduate of UMW, is the Lobby Stop Coordinator at the Central Rappahannock Regional Library Service Center-Outreach.

Front Porch: Hello Tuffy, I have enjoyed reading your history descriptions (History’s Stories) in Front Porch for many years. ....I have an old building with 150 years of eventful history to be seen inside. If you would like to do the 10 cent tour of the site contact me. Richard Satterthwaite

philanthropy organized by the Community Foundation of the Rappahannock River Region. FOR will leverage donations to the paddle to help earn matching additional funds from prizes awarded through for the Give. To find out more about donatinge to FOR on behalf of the Odyssey, please contact Kathleen Harrigan, Executive Director, at 540-3733448, x 111. Or visit the FOR website In the coming weeks a donation page will be set up on the organization’s website at www.riverfriends.org.

35 Monuments, Markers, & Attractions AND the Fredericksburg Battlefields Weddings Reunions Shuttles Parties Group Outings Fredericksburgtrolley.com

540-898-0737 front porch fredericksburg

April 2015 2015

Jenny McGee

Guest Porch Editorial

Contributing Writers & Artists Nancy Bauer A.E.Bayne Judy Chaisom

Front Porch Fredericksburg is a free circulation magazine published monthly by Olde Towne Publishing Co. Virginia Bigenwald Grogan, Publisher.

messages Been reading Front Porch for years...it just keeps geting better! Keep on going. Steve Lewis, Stafford

Thank you for Front Porch. Bridget Seitzinger

April 2015

a rappahannock river odyssey By brent hunsinger

BY jenny mcgee

Hi There

From the Blue Ridge to the Bay

Front porch fredericksburg

Old Town’s Greatest Tour

Jenny McGee , a graduate of UMW, is the Lobby Stop Coordinator at the Central Rappahannock Regional Library Service Center-Outreach.

35 Monuments, Markers, & Attractions AND the Fredericksburg Battlefields Weddings Reunions Shuttles Parties Group Outings Fredericksburgtrolley.com

540-898-0737 front porch fredericksburg

April 2015 2015

“The Community Give” Gears Up

Donna Hopkins

For A Marathon Day of Philanthropy

local shutterbug creates experiences

By Chris Repp

By Emily hollingsworth Donna Hopkins wakes up early. She plans out the rest of the day, has a mini-breakfast, and goes out bike-riding, to yoga, or for a walk. When she returns home, she has a second breakfast, showers, then gets to work. She takes photographs, pieces patchwork for quilts, reads blog on photography for inspiration, and updates her own blog. “Anything that serves as or reinforces my creative expression,” Hopkins said. Hopkins, who has been a Virginia resident for over 30 years, takes her passion for art with her, noticing art in everything. She pointed out the structure of a mural on the wall of 25/30 Espresso, taking note of its design and its use of negative space. She saw the potential to capture it, showcase it in a different way. Hopkins has been a photographer for over a decade. Her work is part of an exhibit at the Water Street Studio called “The Art of Poetry.” 12 Fredericksburgarea artists are paired with 12 authors. The authors wrote poetry based on the

artists’ work. Hopkins’ photography is also displayed at Eileen’s Bakery and the Salem Church branch of the Central Rappahannock Regional Library. Donna Hopkins started taking pictures when her two sons, now 28 and 18 years old, were younger. When they would reach big milestones, such as taking their first steps or learning how to ride a bike, she would rush to capture it with her camera. But her photos, she felt, did not relay the emotion or the experience of the event. It was when she got her first digital camera that she vowed to make her photos an experience, and she never looked back. “Ultimately it’s not so much about the subject as it is about the story,” said Hopkins. “I seek to make pictures that not only connect with the viewer but also involve them in some way. And sometimes even prompt them to action.” Hopkins made her first quilt when her oldest son was born. Her first few quilts were difficult to give away

because of the work she put into them. “Once I got the hang of it and gave away the first, I now envision who I would give it to,” Hopkins said. Hopkins switches between photography and patchwork. Her website, “Patchwork Photos,” was named after her two passions. At any given point, she works on a few projects simultaneously, and enjoys how the two art forms intersect. “Mosaics of photographs are really just patchwork quilts. And photographs of quilts make for artful textured pictures,” said Hopkins. “I could go on and on.” Hopkins carries a patchwork purse she made from clothing she found at Goodwill. She creates notecards using her photography, which she herself sews

onto the paper. She takes them with her when she goes out and gives them away. “It’s a way for me to share my work,” Hopkins said. Hopkins leaves portraits and wedding photos to other photographers, preferring to take spontaneous photos that capture something happening at the moment. She describes what she calls “practicing camera kindness,” changing the lives of others through her work. “I aspire to inspire kindness through my camera,” Hopkins said. Donna Hopkins lives in Spotsylvania with her helper husband who carries her tripod and her teenage son Emily Hollingsworth is a UMW student who is studying English literature and journalism.

The Community Foundation and over 100 local nonprofits hope to earn over 7,500 donations, raising at least $750,000 for charity on a single day in May. The second “The Community Give” will be held from midnight to 11:59 pm on Tues., May 5. “Whatever your passion: literacy, hunger, children and families, animal welfare, education…this is your time to make your mark,” said Teri McNally, Executive Director of The Community Foundation. Last year, 115 nonprofits participated. In just one day, 4,877 gifts were received and $544,481 was raised. For 2015, the foundation is setting its sights even higher. All donations will be made online at TheCommunityGive.org. Participating nonprofits can earn cash prizes in addition to the donations given online by individual donors.

Examples of the incentive prizes include: A $10,000 grand prizes to the nonprofit that raises the most money and another $10,000 grand prize for the nonprofit with the most unique donors. Each hour for 24 hours, $1,000 will be awarded at random to participating nonprofits — this year two nonprofits will win $500 each hour. “Based upon the enthusiastic response from the nonprofit community, we are confident that The Community Give will be even bigger than last year. The charities now understand that the future of fund development is tied to online giving and we are equipping each of the participating nonprofits with all the tools they need to be successful. These are tools that can benefit the nonprofits throughout the year,” said Lisa Biever, Community Foundation Director of Donor Services. The Community Foundation does not charge donors or nonprofits to participate. The company processing the online donations charges an industry standard transaction fee. The Community

Foundation ensures that all donors will receive an immediate thank you and a receipt for 100% of their donation. “The Community Give is great because the overhead is so low - the maximum amount of every dollar raised goes directly to local nonprofit organizations and keeps our community thriving,” Biever said. “The bonus contests throughout the day make it even more exciting! Random drawings and cash prizes mean that participating nonprofits can raise even more money to support their missions.” Similar one-day events are held in Richmond, Warrenton, Culpeper, Newport News and other cities across the country.

Chris Repp is the Event Chair for The Community Give

Law Offices of

ROBERT H. DEADERICK, PC

DUI

FREDERICKSBURGCOLLABORATIVE

Personal Injury Criminal Law Personal Injury Wrongful Death Suspended Reckless CDL

Traffic

Former Captain U..S.. Army "Serving the Service" Military Welcome Millrace North, 725 Jackson Street, Suite 218, Fredericksburg 540.371.5100 Deadericklaw.com deadlaw@verizon.net

Wills and Trusts Provide for Incapacity Trusts for Minor Children Wealth Preservation Trusts Avoid Probate AhearnEstateLaw.com 6

April 2015

Front porch fredericksburg

540/371-9890 front porch fredericksburg

April 2015

“The Community Give” Gears Up

Donna Hopkins

For A Marathon Day of Philanthropy

local shutterbug creates experiences

By Chris Repp

Chris Repp is the Event Chair for The Community Give

Law Offices of

ROBERT H. DEADERICK, PC

DUI

FREDERICKSBURGCOLLABORATIVE

Personal Injury Criminal Law Personal Injury Wrongful Death Suspended Reckless CDL

Traffic

Former Captain U..S.. Army "Serving the Service" Military Welcome Millrace North, 725 Jackson Street, Suite 218, Fredericksburg 540.371.5100 Deadericklaw.com deadlaw@verizon.net

Wills and Trusts Provide for Incapacity Trusts for Minor Children Wealth Preservation Trusts Avoid Probate AhearnEstateLaw.com 6

April 2015

Front porch fredericksburg

540/371-9890 front porch fredericksburg

April 2015

Jeremy Weisblatt new rabbi brings diversity to a unique congregation by susan larson

Rabbi Jeremy Weisblatt at Beth Sholom Temple in Fredericksburg. Photo copyright Robert A. Martin Jeremy Weisblatt headed to Penn State in 2004, ready to tackle pre-med. Before the end of the first semester, he’d changed course, and that decision eventually brought him to Fredericksburg. Weisblatt, whose father Jeffrey J. Weisblatt had been a rabbi, was active in Jewish communities growing up, so it was natural that he’d jump right in volunteering with Penn State’s Hillel chapter, The Foundation for Jewish Campus Life. “I looked at myself in November [of that first semester] and said, “What am I doing?” Weisblatt realized his passion was not pre-med, but serving the Jewish community. “From then on, I knew I was meant to be a rabbi.” Weisblatt started July 1, 2014, and was officially installed in November as Rabbi of Fredericksburg’s Beth Sholom Temple. It’s a unique position. Serving in Fredericksburg Beth Sholom is the only synagogue within 50 miles, and it serves people north to Washington D.C. and south to Richmond. That means people come from all over the area and from all different religious traditions. “Having grown up in the Reform Movement, in the Conservative Movement, as well as a little bit in Orthodoxy, I’m able to bring those gifts and experiences to this congregation, which, although we affiliate proudly with the Union for Reform Judaism, has members from all traditions,” Weisblatt said. “We have to be aware of that and reach out to that. Beth Sholom members are all over the spectrum and so is my background.” “This community [Beth Sholom] is active, thriving, growing and transforming. I wanted to be a part of it.”

April 2015

It also fits my spiritual life, where I am religiously. I believe that we’re a beautiful match for each other, the congregation and I.” Weisblatt said the congregation endeavors to reach out as best as possible to meet the varying needs of its community. “Hopefully we can reach the Reform, Reconstructionist, Conservative and Orthodox within our ability, while still maintaining our Reform identity of being an egalitarian synagogue where men and women are equal,” Weisblatt said. “I am very blessed to have a board and a congregation open to change and open to new ideas, so long as they fit within the covenantal mission.” “Everyone is welcome. That’s part of our mission,” Weisblatt said. There are opportunities for those who are not Jewish, including Introduction to Judaism and Talmud classes, meditation and Torah Yoga. “If anyone is interested, just contact us. Then we see where his or her journey is taking them.” Beth Sholom Temple is located at 805 Lyons Blvd. in Fredericksburg. The telephone number is 540-373-4834. You can also visit their website at www.bethsholomtemplefredericksburg.org and Facebook page at Beth Sholom Temple Fredericksburg Virginia www.facebook.com/BethSholomTempleFre dericksburg Note: This is an abridged version of the story. The full story is published on Fredericksburg.Today online news. Susan Larson is the owner/publisher of Fredericksburg.Today online news, a regular contributor to Front Porch and Fredericksburg Parent and Family magazines, and the interim host of “Town Talk” on News Talk 1230 AM WFVA. You may contact her at fredericksburgtoday@gmail.com.

Front porch fredericksburg

THE ART OF BALANCE the burg’s Newest Yoga Studio By julia robins Sitting on the floor of Art of Balance Yoga, you can’t help but feel comfortable. Everything about Fredericksburg’s newest yoga studio exudes a warm and welcoming environment. From the peaceful colors of sage and pale grey that paint the studio walls, to the absence of intimidating mirrors, it’s clear that owner Lili Robins wanted to make room for people from all walks of life to explore yoga. “It’s a non-competitive environment,” says Robins. “There are no mirrors, just blankets, blocks, bolsters and straps—everything you need to move through the postures with the greatest ease.” Creating a studio sans mirrors was key for Robins, who sees yoga as one of the few ways to get away from the criticism and judgment we face and place on ourselves so often. Having no mirrors makes it easier for students to focus inward, rather than on how they look or how their classmates may be doing. Robins discovered yoga through her gym. “It didn’t impress me at first,” she admits. As somewhat of a gym rat at the time, Robins didn’t quite understand the full benefits of yoga. But after meeting a teacher who taught her about the foundations of yoga—the postures, the breath, and the meditative qualities—she was hooked, and got certified to teach yoga soon after. “I wanted to continue the legacy of the teacher who had inspired me,” says Robins. “I was watching people in the gym who didn’t fully understand yoga, and I wanted to find a way to help them continue to explore it.” After teaching at a host of studios throughout the region, Robins decided it was time to open a yoga studio. An illustrator and graphic artist by trade, she wanted to feature Art in her studio name. “Art is part of my life, but I also think that simply living your life is an art form in itself,” says Robins. And it’s finding balance, she says, that allows you to live your best life. “Balance in the mind and body means balancing daily challenges, and at Art of Balance we’re learning how to find it.” It’s a philosophy that hits close to home for Robins, who admits that before yoga, she “had no sense of balance.” “I held onto things that I should have released and moved on from,” she says. “But I learned through yoga to let go of anything that didn’t serve me in the present moment, to think more clearly, and to act based on what’s happening now, rather than the past or future.” If you want to join Robins on her journey to find balance, one thing is certain—you’ll feel good while you’re

doing it. That’s Robins’ simple philosophy: “leave feeling better than when you came in.” And her goal for the studio? That’s simple, too. “Live, think, and be in the moment.” To learn more about Robins and Art of Balance Yoga, Studio visit www.artofbalanceyoga.com.

Julia Robins is a writer based out of Richmond, Virginia.

Introducing Benchmark ...The Distinctive Wedding Rings. 200 William Street Downtown Fredericksburg 540.373.4421 Mon-Fri: 9:30-6 Sat: 9:30-5 CrownJewelersFredericksburg.com

front porch fredericksburg

April 2015

Jeremy Weisblatt new rabbi brings diversity to a unique congregation by susan larson

April 2015

Front porch fredericksburg

Julia Robins is a writer based out of Richmond, Virginia.

Introducing Benchmark ...The Distinctive Wedding Rings. 200 William Street Downtown Fredericksburg 540.373.4421 Mon-Fri: 9:30-6 Sat: 9:30-5 CrownJewelersFredericksburg.com

front porch fredericksburg

April 2015

Richmond Ballet Joins the Party UMW Philharmonic Hosts Ballet in a ‘Classical Dance Party’ By kevin bartram

A year and a half ago, I invited the Managing Director of the Richmond Ballet, Brett Bonda, to Fredericksburg for a meeting. Brett and I sat down at Eagle Village for lunch and began a conversation

April 2015

Front porch fredericksburg

that would eventually lead to a first-ever partnership with two premiere arts organizations. My vision was to bring the Ballet to Fredericksburg for performances with the Philharmonic over several years. I explained that such a collaboration with the State Ballet of Virginia would not only enrich Fredericksburg’s cultural life but also increase the ballet’s visibility in this part of the state. Further, ballet at the regional level is generally accompanied with “canned” (recorded) music due to operational and budget constraints— we would provide a full symphony orchestra for our productions. I was thrilled with Brett’s reaction. He was immediately interested, and so on Friday, April 24, we will join together for what I hope is the first of many joint performances. The event is titled “Classical Dance Party” and will begin with the

famous “Symphony No. 5 in E Minor” by Peter Tchaikovsky. I chose this work not only because is it a monument to classical symphonies, but also because Tchaikovsky had such clear ties to ballet. The music’s rhythm and passion is unforgettable, and I know that the audience will greatly enjoy the work. Following intermission, the Richmond Ballet II will take the stage (and we will move down on the floor like a pit orchestra) for a joint performance of Respighi’s “Antique Airs and Dances”. This is a work that I have been wanting to program for many years, and am glad that we now have the opportunity to perform it with the ballet. Richmond Ballet II (or RB2) is a fully professional troupe of the Richmond Ballet who often tour around the region. The Respighi is choreographed by Stoner Winslett, the founding Artistic Director of the Richmond Ballet. In the past 30 years, under Ms. Winslett’s direction, Richmond Ballet has established the first major company of professional dancers in the Commonwealth, commissioned 55 new

works from 20 choreographers from around the world, introduced the muchacclaimed Minds In Motion program into area schools, renovated and occupied its landmark downtown building on Canal Street, and introduced the work of Richmond Ballet to audiences in such major centers as New York, Chicago, and London. The concert, our season-finale, is on Friday, April 24 in UMW’s Dodd Auditorium. Tickets are available by going online to philharmonic.umw.edu or by calling 540-654-1324. We hope you will be able to join us for an incredible evening with our NEW artistic partners from the South! -Dr. Kevin Bartram is the Director of the University of Mary Washington Philharmonic Orchestra. Dr. Bartram is currently Vice-President of the College Orchestra Directors Association and along with his wife Connie has two children, Nicholas and William. photo.: Richmond Ballet dancers in Ancient Airs and Dances by Stoner Winslett. Richmond Ballet. All rights reserved.

front porch fredericksburg

April 2015

Richmond Ballet Joins the Party UMW Philharmonic Hosts Ballet in a ‘Classical Dance Party’ By kevin bartram

A year and a half ago, I invited the Managing Director of the Richmond Ballet, Brett Bonda, to Fredericksburg for a meeting. Brett and I sat down at Eagle Village for lunch and began a conversation

April 2015

Front porch fredericksburg

front porch fredericksburg

April 2015

Vino Oysters & Picpoul At the Old Jake and Mike’s Location

Serving New & Traditional American Cuisine with a Twist

Open Lunch and Dinner Tuesday - Saturday 11 am to 9 pm Sunday Brunch 10 am to 3 pm Closed on Mondays

806 William Street Fredericksburg, VA 22401 Tel: 540 899-0941 From the Owners of The Soup and Taco, Etc.

April 2015

The Renowned Northern Italian Restaurant once in Stafford on Garrisonville Rd moves to downtown Fredericksburg’s “Historic Chimney’s Building” on Caroline Street adding Internationality to their Cuisine

Open 7 days a week Monday to Saturday 11 am to 10pm International Sunday Brunch 9am to 3pm Dinner from 3pm to 9pm Private Dining Rooms for Your Holiday parties or any occasion!!! 623 Caroline Street Fredericksburg VA 22401 Tel (540) 368-1 1107 Fax (540) 368-1 1108

Front porch fredericksburg

By scott richards On August 19, 2015, Virginia Governor Terry McAuliffe kicked off the Virginia Oyster Trail to attract the tourist trade to the growing oyster industry in Virginia. Concern over the marine life in the Chesapeake Bay has long been an issue for many. Recently the Oyster Company of Virginia started doing something about it. Oysters for Life was formed as an organization to take steps toward renewing the Bay to its former grandeur. Oysters for Life is a co-op with a one time fee charged that buys a oyster cage in which oysters can be raised. A ten year subscription to the co-op is $175.00 and a lifetime subscription is $250.00. A single oyster can daily filter out the impurities of fifty gallons of water An oyster cage, holding 2000 oysters, will allow for 100,000 gallons of water to be filtered per day. When the English first came to North America, there were enough oysters to filter the entire Bay in three or four days. Not to minimize either the effect or the importance of the cages of oysters, but their is an additional benefit to subscribing to Oysters for Life is FREE OYSTERS!!! Each year, subscribers can recie two dozen fresh oysters. Recently, I cashed in on this deal. My youngest son, Kyle, and his wife, Ashley, came up from Richmond and we feasted. My wife, Diane roasted half of them in the oven (400º F) until they opened up. The rest I shucked and we ate them raw. The oysters were Northern Neck Oysters from the Wicomico area. The raw had the sweet, buttery taste oysters from this part of Virginia are noted for. Raw oysters are a Virginia delicacy, a few bites to extract the flavor and then let them slide down. The roasted oysters were done just right, with more of a solid feel but not overly done so they shrivel up. Again, the good sweet, buttery taste was there to be enjoyed. To supplement the oysters we had a vegetable tray with a spinach dip and light

crackers. Kyle brought a bottle of 2011 Castello La Leccia Chianti Classico because he knows I like the taste of Sangiovese wine. A nice, fruity, hearty wine, it did pair as well with the oysters, but not as well as another wine we served. A chilled bottle of Picpoul de Pinet from the Langue D'Oc region in the south of France paired perfectly. The nose on the Picpoul has a floral sense which hints at the excellent structure of this wine. At first a delicate taste can be sensed, only to be given over to a wonderful balance between the acidity and the effect of the limestone terroir. Grown near the Mediterranean Sea, this grape grows in large, loose clusters that produce a crystal clear wine that can be only be described by its own uniqueness. Among those familiar with this region of France, it is known how well this wine and seafood go together. For those of us who are not as familiar with the region, take my word for it, not because I have knowledge of French geography, but because I have had this wine with some of Virginia's finest oysters. There is one word to describe this pairing: Excellent! Scott Richards is owner of Loch Haven Vineyards. Read his blog at fromthevine.wordpress.com or Contact him at lochhavenvineyards@gmail.com

Season’s Bounty last of winter greens By vanessa moncure Snowy, chilly, windy March is now a meteorologic memory - maybe you didn’t especially notice with the stillsubfreezing temperatures and a final deep snowstorm, but Spring began officially on March 20 this year, the annual vernal equinox in our Northern Hemisphere. Spring, and gardeners usually sit up and take special notice of the Almanac, mailboxes fill with planting catalogs, and potting soil, fertilizer, seed cups and twirling racks of seed packets replace displays of snow shovels and ice melt at the local hardware store. Well, this year I might be a month behind with my garden. Last year, the weather was so mild, I was foolhardy enough to plant potatoes, sow rows of peas and onions sets, even transplant tender lettuces, cool-weather loving arugula and all of my herbs from seed to the garden before March 20th - I say I was foolhardy because I’ve had years where mis-timing saw the potatoes rotted in toowet ground, late freezes turned lettuce to mush, and few if any seeds germinated. But the Almanac reassured me, and later I forked up bushels of Yukon Gold, Kennebec white and Beauregard sweet potatoes - best harvest ever! March 20th this year saw the ground frozen inches down, and now drowning in mud - forget about the tiller, and I think even the tractor might get bogged down in the farm garden! If herbs could shiver, mine would. They’re still in their peat cups, waiting to be transplanted, spending their days hardening on an outdoor bench. Last month I hoped to find my winter kale and spinach still living under a crusty blanket of snow - and yes! my south-facing stonewarmed greens were there, the curly spinach probably the equivalent of $100 of organic grocery spinach packages - and so much kale that I’ve welcomed every neighbor with a bag and exhortation to pick, cut or pull as much as they’d like - I know the tiller will be turning the soil, and remaining greens, over in the next few weeks! A few recipes for the last of my garden greens… GARDEN CRESS SANDWICHES Garden cress is not watercress it’s an herb related to mustard greens and watercress and shares their tangy, slightly bitter and peppery flavor. My grandmother used to cut and clean it, then blanch in several changes of boiling water and simmer with fat meat, S&P and an onion for several hours on the back of the stove, then serve with a vinegar cruet aside. I do like a bowl of cooked cress, if just for a memory, but really love the flavor garden cress in mixed salads tossed with a whole-grain mustard vinaigrette or especially added to sandwiches - more

tang in the flavor profile. This is a favorite - use up your Easter eggs! Peel and chop six whole hard boiled eggs and set aside. In a medium bowl, stir together scant ¼ c. mayonnaise, 1 T. whole grain mustard, ¼ tsp. dry mustard powder, ½ tsp. vinegar and finely chopped whole green spring onion or bunch of chives. Fold together with the eggs, adding more mayo by the teaspoonful if needed. Spread on dark bread, like pumpernickel, top with cress and enjoy! Sometimes I spread vegetable cream cheese on a tortilla, then cress and shredded carrots - roll and enjoy! OR have you ever heard of Taylor Pork Roll? Find it in the sausage/bacon aisle it is a fine-textured pork sausage mixture which you slice and brown in a skillet, then serve hot as on an onion roll sandwich with scrambled eggs and some cress. EASY SPANAKOPITA SIDE DISH This is great with lamb, think about your Easter dinner, or even as a stand-alone vegetarian dish. Cut, clean and coarsely chop about two pounds of fresh spinach, then blanch or steam - you should have about 4-6 cups cooked spinach. In medium bowl, beat together 3 large eggs, ¼ tsp. whole thyme, S&P. Stir in ½ c. very finely minced onion or spring onions, ¼ c. melted butter, 10 oz. crumbled feta cheese, 1 T. minced fresh parsley - then add spinach. Place mixture in greased 9in. square baking pan. Unroll defrosted phyllo dough (or use homemade - that would take another two columns to explain!!) and keep dough covered with linen towel while working with it, as it dries out so easily. (When you’ve finished with this recipe, follow directions on box for saving and refreezing leftover phyllo.) Cut a stack of about 20 sheets to size, then begin layering them over the spinach mixture, brushing melted butter on each layer. Bake in preheated 350F oven 35-45 minutes until phyllo is golden brown and spinach mixture is bubbly and cooked through. The filling can also be used to make traditional small triangular appetizers which freeze very well, and are great to have on hand for appetizer emergencies. AND….ALL THAT KALE I’m actually a bit overwhelmed by the amount of kale still to pick! Please go back and check my “Let Them Eat Kale” 1/2015 Front Porch column - and if you’re in the neighborhood, come on by and help yourself! Please!! Vanessa Moncure entertains and educates us on food every month in this column.

Olde Towne BUTCHER Corner of William & Charles Streets Downtown Fredericksburg 540.370.4105 www.oldetownebutcher.com Hours Monday - Saturday, 9am to 9pm; Sunday, 11am to 6pm Lee Russell Proprietor

S ammy T’ s DOWNTOWN FREDERICKSBURG’S

Serving Great Food Since 1981

Home of the “Camper Special” & the Best Burger in Town 801 Caroline Street

(540) 371-2008

Try Our Self-Serve Yogurt open 11:30 am Daily Still Owned by the Emory Family

The General Store

Restaurant

Since 1978

Italian/American Food Monday-Saturday 11 am-10 pm

371-4075 2018 College Ave. Fredericksburg front porch fredericksburg

April 2015

Vino Oysters & Picpoul At the Old Jake and Mike’s Location

Serving New & Traditional American Cuisine with a Twist

Open Lunch and Dinner Tuesday - Saturday 11 am to 9 pm Sunday Brunch 10 am to 3 pm Closed on Mondays

806 William Street Fredericksburg, VA 22401 Tel: 540 899-0941 From the Owners of The Soup and Taco, Etc.

April 2015

Front porch fredericksburg

Olde Towne BUTCHER Corner of William & Charles Streets Downtown Fredericksburg 540.370.4105 www.oldetownebutcher.com Hours Monday - Saturday, 9am to 9pm; Sunday, 11am to 6pm Lee Russell Proprietor

S ammy T’ s DOWNTOWN FREDERICKSBURG’S

Serving Great Food Since 1981

Home of the “Camper Special” & the Best Burger in Town 801 Caroline Street

(540) 371-2008

Try Our Self-Serve Yogurt open 11:30 am Daily Still Owned by the Emory Family

The General Store

Restaurant

Since 1978

Italian/American Food Monday-Saturday 11 am-10 pm

371-4075 2018 College Ave. Fredericksburg front porch fredericksburg

April 2015

Cooking With Kyle

Fredericksburg’s Hometown Saloon Since 1961

Simple, easy, delicious show will be dedicated to the Front Porch article so, if you want to be on Tv, contact the Front porch editor. Now back to our regularly scheduled program. The only difference between red, green, and yellow curries is the chilies they use to make them. Reds are usually the hottest, adding cayenne. Green is generally next, using more coconut milk and palm sugar. Yellows are usually the mildest with lots of adds to keep them cool. These are generalities and not rules. So how do you make a curry? In a medium sauce pan, over medium-high heat, place: 2 cups diced carrots, 1 minced large red onion, 1 TBS minced garlic, 2 TBS minced ginger. Add a table spoon of oil and caramelize. In a large frying pan with 2 TBS olive oil, over medium low heat place: 5 cups of cubed butternut squash, 3 cups of frozen green beans, 3 cups frozen green beans, and cover. The squash and frozen vegetables cook at the same speed. Toss these occasionally. The trick is to get all the vegetables cooked to your preferred doneness.

Soup & Taco, Etc.

Local Night Life Cash in Your Stockpile of Fun Facts...

813 Caroline St. Fredericksburg, VA

by james kyle snyder April starts 10 days into spring. Because we are on the line between the piedmont region and the mountain region the chance of a hard frost for Fredericksburg can stretch from March 30 – April 28. With the leafy vegetables already sewn, we usually wait until at least the middle of April before planting the rest of the garden. This leaves us with the question, “what vegetables do we have from last year’s harvest?” I love overwintered squash. They get a little sweeter and allow you to continue eating healthy while the new crops grow. We are serving this dish over black rice, which we keep as a staple – precooked – in the refrigerator. If you don’t have any, cook this first. While mother earth is coming alive, she can still hit us with a blast of cold. Today, a curry came to mind. Mitzi was studying law and I my MBA. class mate, Brandon Smith was interested in cooking with me so he came over, as did Charles Thomas from CvTv, and we recorded the event. The show will air in April on Cox – ch 25 , Comcast – ch 2. Fios is dragging their feet. Once a month the

The

By Ryan Davis During Trivia Night At The Sunken Well Tavern

Brandon Smith Join Kyle for cooking lessons at CvTv When the carrots are still crunchy add ½ tsp turmeric, ½ tsp cayenne, 1 Tbs curry powder, and 3 Tbs red curry paste. Curry pastes are made to reduce cooking time and usually contain: onion, garlic, chilies, lemon paste, ginger, lime and spices. They act as a good base note. Stir all this together, being careful not to burn the spices, until hot and then add 1 - 15ish oz can of coconut milk. Bring to a simmer. At this point you can add 3 TBS of peanut butter if you like. It will taste like satay sauce. Once the vegetables are all al dente, combine the two pans. I like tomatoes in this dish so I added 2- 15 oz cans of diced tomatoes. Do it at the end so the tomatoes help their shape and

consistence. For a heartier dish, add ½ c of bulgur wheat to thicken (or not if you like it thinner). Serve it over black rice to add some sweetness. Cooking is all about your preferences. One way to learn is to use recipes as guidelines and experiment from there. Another is to join me to cook. This one is simple, easy, delicious, and you can modify it quickly to make it your own. Be well and have fun! Kyle invites FP readers to join him cooking on his TV show. If you are interested contact frntprch@aol.com,atten KYLE

Serving Traditional Mexican, Tex-Mex Food and Something More!! Tuesday to Saturday 11am-9pm Sunday 11am-6pm

Phone: 540-899-0969 E-mail: soupntaco@yahoo.com

The Sunken Well Tavern

720 Littlepage sunkenwelltavern.com 540-370-0911 Eat Well Drink Well Live Well

A buzz exists as a patron walks into The Sunken Well Tavern on hump day. Pints of draft beer are flowing, enthusiastic laughter ricochet’s off the walls of the quaint restaurant and groups of friends will be furiously trying to answer questions ranging in topics from geographic locations, history and identification of famous faces. The Sunken Well Tavern hosts Trivia Night every Wednesday beginning at 7:45PM. According to the advice of most who attend—get there early or else it’s standing room only. Sunken Well’s resident Trivia Master, Josh Cameli, states the event was started by Drew Jordan in 2009 and he subsequently took over in 2010. Cameli suggests it has gained significant popularity over the last few years for several reasons: “The game is unique because it’s challenging, it provides mental stimulation and it’s a fun way to socialize with both friends and strangers.” A healthy dose of competition gets the adrenaline going in both game and sport. Trivia is no different. It excites participants of all ages ranging from the young twentysomething college students to the retirees sporting wisps of gray hair. For those who wish to partake in Sunken Well’s Trivia Night, a participant can go at it alone or join a team of up to eight players. The game is set up with several rounds; the first involving identifying famous faces. The next two rounds are a mixed bag of multiple choice or true/false questions and the finale ends with music trivia. This is a favorite for many of the trivia players. “It presents a challenge for me because I need to have a broad collection of music questions since the crowd varies in both age ranges and musical tastes,” said Cameli. Through the hospitality of the staff and a history of providing excellent food, Sunken Well never needed assistance

in becoming a staple of downtown Fredericksburg. It has simply added to its espoused reputation by becoming a favorite midweek hangout that bustles with customers. For Cameli, who also serves as Front of House Manager, along with his brother, CO-Owner, Steve Cameli, the success is more deeply rooted than the extra fanfare. In fact it has been their joy to continue to develop relationships with residents of Fredericksburg. “I am flattered over the success of this endeavor. It provides us more opportunities get to know the local residents and I never get tired of seeing the same faces week after week,” Cameli said. Trivia Night can provide everything from the thrill of a close victory to game prizes. Casual observers need not feel left out though. They can enjoy a happy hour beverage and a plate of food while cheering on their companions. For more information on The Sunken Well Tavern’s Trivia Night and other offerings visit: www.sunkenwelltavern.com or call: (540) 370-0911. Ryan Davis is a local of Fredericksburg, graduated from the University of Mary Washington and has future aspirations of becoming a journalist.

Open Daily 11am - 4pm 540.371.2233 www.thevirginiadeli.com 826 Caroline at the corner of Caroline & George Streets Master Card ~ Visa ~ Discover 14

April 2015

Front porch fredericksburg

front porch fredericksburg

April 2015

Cooking With Kyle

Fredericksburg’s Hometown Saloon Since 1961

Soup & Taco, Etc.

Local Night Life Cash in Your Stockpile of Fun Facts...

813 Caroline St. Fredericksburg, VA

The

By Ryan Davis During Trivia Night At The Sunken Well Tavern

Serving Traditional Mexican, Tex-Mex Food and Something More!! Tuesday to Saturday 11am-9pm Sunday 11am-6pm

Phone: 540-899-0969 E-mail: soupntaco@yahoo.com

The Sunken Well Tavern

720 Littlepage sunkenwelltavern.com 540-370-0911 Eat Well Drink Well Live Well

Open Daily 11am - 4pm 540.371.2233 www.thevirginiadeli.com 826 Caroline at the corner of Caroline & George Streets Master Card ~ Visa ~ Discover 14

April 2015

Front porch fredericksburg

front porch fredericksburg

April 2015

april 2015…from showers to flowers! Wednesday, April 1 April at Brush Strokes Gallery 824 Caroline St. Artist, Karen Julihn reveals an enlightened vision in her new art work on display during April. Light Jazz @LaPetite Auberge, 311 William St, 8midnight. Light jazz and Latin piano guitar Featuring Chris Phil Andy & Harry. No cover. lapetiteaubergefred.com Blarney Stone The Phenomenal Conundrum (Raymond Husmann and Eric Downes) Dan Dutton, Dominic Eitt and Andrew Poss. 9 p.m.-12 a.m. 21+. No Cover Charge. Trivia Night w/quizmaster Josh Cameli @Sunken Well Tavern. 7:30pm. Get there early to get a seat! 720 Littlepage St

Thursday, April 2 Jail and Bail @ Legends Sports Grille, @ 7:00 pm10:00 pm To benefit the American Cancer Society, Thursday Poem Series, Jon Pineda reading from his new bookLittle Anodynes; Combs Hall, Room 139, UMW 1301 College Ave. 5 p.m.; free Islamic Cultural Celebration Banquet Keynote Speaker: Noor Tagouri, followed by dinner; Seacobeck Hall, Faculty/Staff Dining Room; UMW 6 p.m.; free; umwjfmc@gmail.com Charlie Chaplin: His films and his life. And overview of the film comedian’s career Lively commentary by film expert Gary Olsen makes this an evening to remember. CRRL 1201 Caroline St. 6:30pm Live Music. A wide variety of home-grown and new talent perform @Amy’s Café, 7 - 9 ,103 West Cambridge Street, amyscafefalmouth.com Wil Gravatt performs country and rock @Amy’s Café 103 W Cambridge St The Kenmore Inn welcomes back Justin Trawick! His music ranges in styles from folk/bluegrass all the way to funk/hip hop.7:30pm. 1200 Princess Anne St.

CALENDAR of events

First Friday, April 3

Join us at Water Street Studio to celebrate poetry month with poems inspired by the work of local artists. 5-9 pm. 915 Sophia Street

Lee’s Retreat Brewpub at the Blue & Gray Brewing Co. 3300 Dill Smith Dr. live Irish music & dancers from the local Muggivan School of Irish Dance 8pm with no cover charge. 20th Anniversary Celebration and Latin Dance Night @ The Ponshop 712 Caroline Street. 6:00 pm –10:00 pm .Join Virginia Organizing for a night of dance instruction and fun! PONSHOP opening art reception featuring local and regional painting, ceramics and jewelry in the gallery. Featured Artists include Ronald Jackson and Elstabo. 6-9pm. 712 Caroline St. Studio a, 1011 Princes Anne St Opening reception Art of Carol Waite . exhibit lasts the month of April Wave on Wave Acoustic Duo playing at the Courtyard Marriott Downtown. 6pm-9pm

Saturday, April 4 Spotlight Exhibition, Melchers’ The Crimson Rambler, exemplifies how the garden as subject matter was ideally suited to impressionistic painting; Gari Melchers Home and Studio at Belmont, 224 Washington St., Falmouth. 10-4pm Exhibition, Lily Cox-Richard: The Stand; Ridderhof Martin Gallery, UMW, College Avenue at Seacobeck Street; Tuesday-Friday, 10 a.m. – 4 p.m., Saturday and Sunday, 1-4 p.m.; free; (540) 654-1013. More great stand up comedy in downtown Fredericksburg! Liz Miele@Courtyard Marriott 7pm & 9pm www.coolcowcomedy.com

Open Mic w/Thom Schiff, 9pm-midnight. Colonial Tavern. 406 Lafayette Blvd.

Tuesday, April 7 M-Law & the Prophets of Jazz @ Bistro Bethem Join us for food and drink specials and live music 7:00 pm - 10:00 pm. No Cover The Christina Kakava Linguistics Speaker Series, Solving Crimes with Linguistics, by Carole E. Chaski, a leading forensic linguist and executive director for the Institute for Linguistic Evidence; Monroe Hall, Room 116; UMW 7:30 p.m.; free; jparker@umw.edu. (540) 654-1000. Bluegrass Night @Colonial Tavern, 8pm Lafayette Blvd.

406

Open Mic @ Amy’s Café, 7-9pm, 103 West Cambridge Street, Historic Falmouth.

Wednesday, April 8 Annual Student Show; duPont Gallery, Opening Reception UMW College Avenue and Thornton Street; 4-6 p.m.; free; (540) 654-1013 Light Jazz @LaPetite Auberge, 311 William St, 8midnight. Light jazz and Latin piano guitar at La Petite Auberge Restaurant & Lounge. Featuring Chris Phil Andy & Harry. No cover. lapetiteaubergefred.com Open Mic at the Rec Center 8:00 pm w/.Scott Wagner Sign up starts at 7, music at 8. 213 William St. Trivia Night w/quizmaster Josh Cameli @Sunken Well Tavern. 7:30pm. Get there early to get a seat! 720 Littlepage St

Thursday, April 9 Vince Gale, Classic country and honky tonk.@ The Recreation Center. 213 William St.

Monday, April 6 Abstract Vibes A Multi Cultural show featuring Dance, live paintings, poetry, music. stand up comedy and more,The room will be filled with positive energy and we really hope to inspire everyone thats in the room.%-7pm. 2607 Salem Church Road

Live Music. @Amy’s Café, 7 - 9 ,103 West Cambridge Street, amyscafefalmouth.com Open Jazz Jam at the Colonial Tavern Tavern. 8-11pm. 406 Lafayette Blvd.

Colonial

Friday, April 10

Wednesday, April 22

Sunday, April 26

Concert, UMW Concert Band; George Washington Hall, Dodd Auditorium, 7:30 p.m.; free; mmorley@umw.edu or (540) 654-1012

C F Martin Guitar Day @Pickers Supply 902 Caroline St. Come see a full representation of America’s oldest and most respected guitar makers. Info@pickerssupply.com

The Colonial Revival Movement, Belmont’s Beate Jensen traces the Colonial Revival from its emergence in the 1870s Gari Melchers Home and Studio at Belmont, 224 Washington St., 2 p.m.; free; (540) 654-1015 or garimelchers@umw.edu

The Reckless Brigade Live Music @ The Rec. Center, 213 William St Bluegrass, Jamgrass, Folk Rock & Good old Country sounds. NO COVER 8pm-10pm

Saturday, April 11 UMW 25th Annual Multicultural Fair @ University of Mary Washington - Fredericksburg Campus 10am – 5pm. celebrates cultural diversity by featuring craft and food vendors and performers who represent a range of cultural traditions. call the Multicultural Center at 540-654-1044. Denim~n~Lace @ The Rec Center Awesome talented duo playing Country, Blues and Rock for your listening and dancing enjoyment

Sunday, April 12 Spring Open House, enjoy the restored gardens in bloom, the art of Gari Melchers and the history of Belmont; Gari Melchers Home & Studio, 10-4pm... Open Acoustic Jam Unplugged acoustic jam open to all ages and abilities. The Rec. Center, 5-8pm EP Jackson , WetherVanes @Kenmore Inn, 5-8pm

Monday, April 13 Open Mic w/Thom Schiff, Colonial Tavern. 406 Lafayette Blvd.

Tuesday, April 14 How to Begin Homeschooling: What You Really Need to Know! @ HEAV Office & Resource Center 2100 West Laburnum Avenue, Richmond, VA 1 pm – 5 pm. Contact Home Educators Association of Virginia. http://heav.org/resources/homeschoolsuccess-seminars/#howtobegin Acoustic Onion @ Bistro Bethem 309 William St Join us for food and drink specials and live music 7:00 pm - 10:00 pm. No Cover Bluegrass Night @Colonial Tavern, 8pm Lafayette Blvd.

406

Open Mic @ Amy’s Café, 7-9pm, 103 West Cambridge Street, . amyscafefalmouth.com

Wednesday, April 15 Light Jazz @LaPetite Auberge, 311 William St, 8midnight. Light jazz and Latin piano guitar at La Petite Auberge Restaurant & Lounge. Featuring Chris Phil Andy & Harry. No cover. lapetiteaubergefred.com Open Mic at the Rec Center 8:00 pm .w/Scott Wagner Sign up starts at 7, music at 8. . Trivia Night w/quizmaster Josh Cameli @Sunken Well Tavern. 7:30pm. Get there early to get a seat! 720 Littlepage St

Light Jazz @LaPetite Auberge, 311 William St, 8midnight. Light jazz and Latin piano guitar at La Petite Auberge Restaurant & Lounge. Featuring Chris Phil Andy & Harry. No cover. lapetiteaubergefred.com

“Collaboration”- @ Vivify Burger & Lounge, 314 William St. 6pm. Beer Dinner w/ Hardywood Brewery & Bistro Bethem 4 course Beer paired dinner Proceeds to support Friends of the Rappahannock. Contact 540-371-9999.

Monday, April 20 Open Mic w/Thom Schiff, Bring your instruments and play or just come to listen and enjoy some of Fredericksburg’s best musicians. 21+. 9pmmidnight. Colonial Tavern. 406 Lafayette Blvd.

Tuesday, April 21 High School at Home: The Path to Success! @ HEAV Office and Resource Center, @ 1pm – 5 pm 2100 West Laburnum Avenue, Richmond, VA .Register http://heav.org/resources/homeschool-successseminars/#howtobegin Colonial Seafood @ Bistro Bethem, 309 William St, Join us for food and drink specials and live music 8 pm - 11 pm. No Cover The Reckless Brigade Live Music Bluegrass, Jamgrass, Folk Rock & Good old Country sounds 8pm-11 pm @Colonial Tavern, 406 Lafayette Blvd. Open Mic @ Amy’s Café, 7-9pm, 103 West Cambridge Street, amyscafefalmouth.com

Monday, April 27

Open Mic at the Rec Center 8:00 pm .w/Scott Wagner at 8pm. 213 William St.

Open Mic w/Thom Schiff, Colonial Tavern. 406 Lafayette Blvd.

Trivia Night w/quizmaster Josh Cameli @Sunken Well Tavern. 7:30pm. Get there early to get a seat! 720 Littlepage St

Tuesday, April 28

Thursday, April 23

Thursday, April 16

Unplugged acoustic jam open to all ages and abilities.@The Rec Center. 213 William St. 2pm

Fred. Blues Society Open Blues Jam@Colonial Tavern, 406 Lafayette Blvd. . Bring your instruments or come to listen

Friday, April 24 Concert, Classical Dance Party: The Richmond Ballet, featuring the UMW Philharmonic and the Richmond Ballet; George Washington Hall, Dodd Auditorium; 7:30 p.m.; philharmonic.umw.eduor (540) 654-1324 for tickets

Saturday, April 25 47th International Sketch Crawl sketchers from all across the world will be setting out in their communities for a day of drawings there will be a group of Fredericksburg folks with sketchbooks in hand follow the action (or get info about how to join us) at sketchcrawl.com/forum. HeartChase Fredericksburg 2015 @ University of Mary Washington Check-in 9a.m. a high-tech scavenger hunt along the lines of The Amazing Race. Participate in a fun fitness challenge www.heartchasefredericksburg.org. The American Heart Association Homegrown Show, featuring the Green Boys @ The Recreation Center, 9pm. 213 William St. The Green Boys?, Judi Jackson?, James Tweeddale?, and Eyes Like Birds?, will be rockin’

Blair’s West @ Bistro Bethem 309 William St, Join us for food and drink specials and live music 8 pm - 11 pm. No Cover Bluegrass Night @Colonial Tavern, 8pm Lafayette Blvd.

Open Mic @ Amy’s Café, 7-9pm, 103 West Cambridge Street, Historic Falmouth. amyscafefalmouth.com

Wednesday, April 29 Light Jazz @LaPetite Auberge, 311 William St, 8midnight. Light jazz and Latin piano guitar at La Petite Auberge Restaurant & Lounge. Featuring Chris Phil Andy & Harry. No cover. lapetiteaubergefred.com Trivia Night w/quizmaster Josh Cameli @Sunken Well Tavern. 7:30pm. Get there early to get a seat! 720 Littlepage St

Thursday, April 30 Vince Gale, classic country & hony tonk @The Rec Center, 213 William St. 4pm-10pm If you are reading this 213th issue of FP, thank an advertiser as we celebrate our 18th year of continuous publication! If you are an advertiser, list your events. Deadline for May issue is April 20th. To submit events, follow this link: frontporchfredericksburg.com/how-tto-ssubmitonline

Lexi Grogan’s Pet Sitting Service Companionship Meal Preparation Medication Reminders Laundry

Light Housekeeping Shopping/Errands Personal Care Flexible Hours

Call for a free, no-obligation appointment

540-8 899-6 6787 16

April 2015

fortemusicstudios.com Front porch fredericksburg

540.899.1422 Each HomeInstead Franchise Office is Independently Owned & Operated

2425 Fans (& Growing) Want You to Join

“Your pet becomes my pet while in my care, and I care a lot!” (540-903-0437; lexig0892@gmail.com) On facebook as “lexi grogan’s pet sitting service”

406

Front Porch on

homeinstead.com front porch fredericksburg

April 2015

CALENDAR of events

First Friday, April 3

Join us at Water Street Studio to celebrate poetry month with poems inspired by the work of local artists. 5-9 pm. 915 Sophia Street

Open Mic w/Thom Schiff, 9pm-midnight. Colonial Tavern. 406 Lafayette Blvd.

406

Open Mic @ Amy’s Café, 7-9pm, 103 West Cambridge Street, Historic Falmouth.

Thursday, April 9 Vince Gale, Classic country and honky tonk.@ The Recreation Center. 213 William St.

Live Music. @Amy’s Café, 7 - 9 ,103 West Cambridge Street, amyscafefalmouth.com Open Jazz Jam at the Colonial Tavern Tavern. 8-11pm. 406 Lafayette Blvd.

Colonial

Friday, April 10

Wednesday, April 22

Sunday, April 26

Concert, UMW Concert Band; George Washington Hall, Dodd Auditorium, 7:30 p.m.; free; mmorley@umw.edu or (540) 654-1012

C F Martin Guitar Day @Pickers Supply 902 Caroline St. Come see a full representation of America’s oldest and most respected guitar makers. Info@pickerssupply.com

The Reckless Brigade Live Music @ The Rec. Center, 213 William St Bluegrass, Jamgrass, Folk Rock & Good old Country sounds. NO COVER 8pm-10pm

Monday, April 13 Open Mic w/Thom Schiff, Colonial Tavern. 406 Lafayette Blvd.

406

Open Mic @ Amy’s Café, 7-9pm, 103 West Cambridge Street, . amyscafefalmouth.com

Monday, April 27

Open Mic at the Rec Center 8:00 pm .w/Scott Wagner at 8pm. 213 William St.

Open Mic w/Thom Schiff, Colonial Tavern. 406 Lafayette Blvd.

Trivia Night w/quizmaster Josh Cameli @Sunken Well Tavern. 7:30pm. Get there early to get a seat! 720 Littlepage St

Tuesday, April 28

Thursday, April 23

Thursday, April 16

Unplugged acoustic jam open to all ages and abilities.@The Rec Center. 213 William St. 2pm

Fred. Blues Society Open Blues Jam@Colonial Tavern, 406 Lafayette Blvd. . Bring your instruments or come to listen

Blair’s West @ Bistro Bethem 309 William St, Join us for food and drink specials and live music 8 pm - 11 pm. No Cover Bluegrass Night @Colonial Tavern, 8pm Lafayette Blvd.

Open Mic @ Amy’s Café, 7-9pm, 103 West Cambridge Street, Historic Falmouth. amyscafefalmouth.com

Lexi Grogan’s Pet Sitting Service Companionship Meal Preparation Medication Reminders Laundry

Light Housekeeping Shopping/Errands Personal Care Flexible Hours

Call for a free, no-obligation appointment

540-8 899-6 6787 16

April 2015

fortemusicstudios.com Front porch fredericksburg

540.899.1422 Each HomeInstead Franchise Office is Independently Owned & Operated

2425 Fans (& Growing) Want You to Join

“Your pet becomes my pet while in my care, and I care a lot!” (540-903-0437; lexig0892@gmail.com) On facebook as “lexi grogan’s pet sitting service”

406

Front Porch on

homeinstead.com front porch fredericksburg

April 2015

history’s stories

CSS FREDERICKSBURG By Ralph “Tuffy” Hicks

A look at the Central Rappahannock Heritage Center collection

By Judy Chaimson

During the War Between the States both the South and North had many battles on the open seas. The Monitor and the Merrimac being the most remembered names of ships that had open conflict. In recent years the Confederate Submarine Hunley has received media attention as it was raised from Charleston Harbor completely intact with all crew members remains still on board. One ship still remains on the bottom of the James River near Drewry’s Bluff where she was blown up by the Confederates on April 4, 1865 to avoid capture by Union forces that were invading Richmond. The ship was named for the Town Fredericksburg. There are no know pictures of the Ironclad, just a few sketches from the period and the original plans and designs have survived. The ship was completed in November of 1863 the second to be built in Richmond. The Fredericksburg became a member of the James River Squadron commanded by Commodore John Mitchell. The Ship along with the CSS Virginia II and nine other Confederate Navy ships engaged the USS Onondaga a Union double turreted monitor in June 1864 at Trent’s Reach. The reports of the battle stated that minor damage was done on both sides as the ships left the battle area under full power. Tom Freeman did a painting of the battle that depicts the Fredericksburg in action. The Fredericksburg was 188 feet in length and forty feet wide at beam and was steam powered. The armor was said to be around 18 inches at it strongest points and the total weight 2,500 tons. A crew of 150 was assigned to care for the ship. The records state that the Fredericksburg had the highest causality rate due to heat exhaustion, as the inside temperature in summer exceeded 120 degrees. Former Councilmember Joe Wilson funded the building of a model of the Fredericksburg which he donated to the Fredericksburg Museum several years ago. The Fredericksburg should be on permanent display. It was a very impressive model of the Ironclad. There was and still is controversy about if it was a single stack or twin stack or a single propeller or twin propeller. We will never know the true answer to that question until Fredericksburg is raised to the surface after 150 years on the bottom of the James River. In remembrance of Rob Grogan, we enjoyed talking Confederate Navy If you have a question about Fredericksburg History, contact tuffy at frntprch@aol.com

Central Rappahannock

HERITAGE CENTER Volunteers needed to process historical documents and aid researchers. Training provided. Phone 540-373-3704 or email crhc@verizon.net Open to the public for scholarly research

The Heritage Center 18

OUR HERITAGE

April 2015

Maury Commons

900 Barton St

Front porch fredericksburg

Fredericksburg

Historic Garden Week’s 82 nd Annual House & Garden Tour takes place on Tuesday, April 21, sponsored by the Rappahannock Valley Garden Club. The tour this year features historic homes in Caroline County. The financial mission of the tour is the restoration of grounds and gardens of publicly-owned historic homes and gardens. In 1929, Kenmore, the home of Fielding and Betty Lewis, was the first location to benefit from the week of garden tours held throughout Virginia. Subsequent projects have included the Mary Washington Monument, Belmont, and the Mary Washington House garden. In 1941, war changed the financial mission of the garden tour for that one year. Mrs. John G. Hayes, President of the Garden Club of Virginia that year, and Mrs. Daniel D. Talley, Jr., Chairman of Garden Week in 1941, wrote “restoration is the outstanding undertaking of the Garden Club of Virginia, . . . This year, however, in view of present world conditions and in view of our wish to lend all possible aid to the [war] stricken people of England, the Garden Club of Virginia has voted to send the proceeds of the 1941 Spring Garden Tour to the relief of Britain.” This year our local tour in Caroline County includes the historic homes of Prospect Hill, Moss Neck Manor, Rose Hill/Gay Mont, Riverview, and Townfield – homes which were built during the 18th and 19th Centuries. Two of them – Riverview and Townfield – are located in the village of Port Royal. The remaining three were built as plantation homes. All of the homes are closely associated with the early history of this region, and the Heritage Center archives contain many documents, oral histories and photos pertaining to each of the homes. We have WPA reports from 1937, a 1913 plat of Prospect Hill, and photos of

Moss Neck by the late Ralph Happel, among many other items. If, after you have toured the homes, you would like more information, please come in and see us. If you are unable to make the Garden Tour, by all means visit the Heritage Center and tour these interesting and historic homes on paper!

Dreaming of Owning Downtown? Let’s Make it Happen!

SUZY STONE 540.847.0630 suzystone22@gmail.com C21redwood.com

BRENT’S NATIVE PLANTINGS conservation & sustainability By Christina Ferber

Many of us recycle and conserve whenever we can in order to help our planet thrive, but have you ever thought about the plants that you grow and their impact on our environment? One way to ensure the health of your garden and community is to plant native species, and Brent’s Native Plantings can help make your yard a conservation haven. “My business is all about conservation landscaping, and my main goals are to restore water quality and wildlife habitat using plants that are native to the Chesapeake Bay Watershed,” says Brent Hunsinger, owner of the business. “It’s something that benefits both the homeowner and the animals that call their yard home.” With an extensive background in conservation that includes working with federal conservation organizations and native plant nurseries, as well as a degree in outdoor education and graduate studies in resource management, Hunsinger focuses on ecosystem restoration. Along with installing native plants, his company also removes invasive ones. “Planting native plants in your garden just makes sense,” Hunsinger says. “They have evolved and survived in our area for thousands of years.” There are many benefits to planting native species, and helping wildlife thrive is one of them. Native plants help to provide wildlife with habitat, food, protection, and give pollinators a place to flourish. “Pollinator gardens are really big these days,” says Hunsinger. “Bees and butterflies affect many things, and do best with native plants available that provide food and a place to live.” Once established, these plants also require less maintenance than non-native plants, including less water and pesticides.

Native plants come in many varieties from grasses and ferns, to shrubs and trees. Some that you may be aware of include oak trees, black-eyed susans, and oak leaf hydrangea, as well as a plethora of those beautiful wildflowers that you see on the side of the road. Hunsinger uses a native plant nursery in Richmond to provide the species and amount of plants he needs. He also collaborates with designers in other regions who understand native plants when a more complicated yard plan is wanted. Though he is looking, he hasn’t found anyone in the Fredericksburg area yet, who is fluent in native plants and what designs work best for them. “Many of my clients want to plant with native species because they care about the environment and realize the impact it can have,” says Hunsinger. “I have noticed that over time, this area is becoming more conscious of the environment and how they influence it.” Hunsinger serves as a legislative volunteer for The Virginia Nursery and Landscape Association, and also works with The Friends of the Rappahannock as a volunteer and contractor for their Rainscape Retrofit program. This program limits run- off by installing rain gardens that showcase native plants. You can find out more about Brent and the conservation landscaping that he does at www.brentsnativeplantings.com. You can also read about Hunsinger’s paddle down the Rappahannock to raise awareness for the river in this Front Porch issue.

Christina Ferber is a teacher, writer and a mom who shares stories of our community and the people who make it great, every month in Front Porch.

Each Office Is Independently Owned & Operated

front porch fredericksburg

April 2015

history’s stories

CSS FREDERICKSBURG By Ralph “Tuffy” Hicks

A look at the Central Rappahannock Heritage Center collection

By Judy Chaimson

Central Rappahannock

HERITAGE CENTER Volunteers needed to process historical documents and aid researchers. Training provided. Phone 540-373-3704 or email crhc@verizon.net Open to the public for scholarly research

The Heritage Center 18

OUR HERITAGE

April 2015

Maury Commons

900 Barton St

Front porch fredericksburg

Fredericksburg

Dreaming of Owning Downtown? Let’s Make it Happen!

SUZY STONE 540.847.0630 suzystone22@gmail.com C21redwood.com

BRENT’S NATIVE PLANTINGS conservation & sustainability By Christina Ferber

Christina Ferber is a teacher, writer and a mom who shares stories of our community and the people who make it great, every month in Front Porch.

Each Office Is Independently Owned & Operated

front porch fredericksburg

April 2015

Companions

Emancipated Patients

Got Milk?

name this dog!

Find Out for Yourself!

healthier milk - really ? by Meg Snead

By Alexis Grogan Vanessa Moncure and her family are adopting a retired Dachshund Show Dog. They can't seem to agree on the right name and thought FP readers would enjoy suggesting names. Let me give you some background: The dog turned four years old in February and has the show name "Starla". The Moncure's think the name sounds more like a Vegas showgirl than a pet. I tend to agree. How about it readers? Come up with a great new name for this adorable dog. Contact me at frntprch@aol.com, atten: Name this dog.

Alexis Grogan is the owner of “Lexi Grogan Pet Sitting Service”. She can be reached at 540-903-0437, lexi0892@gmail.com, or on facebook.

Help Us Name this Cutie!

ANIMAL RITES, USA

Full Service Hospital featuring:

Pet Cremation Service

Grooming Salon Canine & Feline Boarding Dog Training with Play Time Alternative Therapies: Therapy Laser: Helps with Pain Relief, Decreases Inflammation & Enhances Healing Chiropractic Adjustments: Provides Comfort & Restores Motion & Function to many patients

Lexi Grogan’s Pet Sitting Service

It’s a deceptively simple question that is becoming increasingly harder to answer. If the milk you are drinking isn’t coming straight from the cow…is it really milk? Milk from the grocery store already goes through a variety of processes: pasteurization, homogenization, ultra-pasteurization, etc. Cola has gotten into the And now, Coca-C milk business, under their “Fairlife” division – and introduced a new term: Ultra-Filtered. They are touting this “ultra-ffiltered milk” product as the betterthan-real-milk “milk,” with more proteins, less sugar, and no lactose. In reality, it appears that this new “ultra-ffiltered milk” is as far from real milk as you can get in our current agroindustrial age. Essentially, this is milk that is being “filtered” into what Fairlife calls the “Five components of milk” – “water, minerals, lactose, protein, and fat,” and then recombined in whichever formula the company has created for their “ultrafiltered milks.” As a Coca-Cola rep explained in a USA Today article, that means “50% more protein and 30% less sugar than regular milk” as well as making it lactose-free. That means the milk is being processed, at a minimum, of 7 different

times: once for each of their five filters, once to recombine those components into their new “milk” formula, and again to pasteurize the milk as well. (I’m assuming that they are combining the homogenization process in with their “recombining” process.) Do you know how many times milk fresh from the farm is filtered? ONCE. With a cheesecloth or simple mesh filtration system just to make sure nothing from the barn got into the milk during the milking. And while sure, it’s still got all the sugar fresh, whole milk has naturally, it is in a form that is accessible and usable by our bodies. As is the protein, minerals, fat, and even lactose. While I was not able to find any studies on this new “ultra-filtered” processessing system for milk - based on the fact that our bodies utilize the fat in non-homogenized whole milk much better than the fat in milk which has been homogenized (a process that separates the fat from the rest of the milk, then recombines it) – I have to wonder if our natural bodies would really be able to use any of the components of a milk that has been completely broken down and then reconstituted? All this doesn’t even begin to take into consideration the “sustainability” of the dairy farms Fairlife is trying to tout, the diet of the dairy cows (which they say is grown on the farm, but fail to say what standards are used in doing so), or even the use of antibiotics or growth hormones for those cows. Long story short, regardless of if you get your milk directly from the farmer, the grocery store, a local grocer, or Coca-Cola - look beyond the buzz words on the label and find out what they actually mean, and what that means for you and your family. Meg is the practice manager at Old Dominion Osteopathic Medicine, a mom of 2.5 kids, and an ardent lover of all foods local, natural, and un-messed-with.

by patrick neustatter, MD Ernie Ackermann, retired professor Emeritus from University of Mary Washington found out for himself the “dirty little secret” that doctors make decisions using “woefully incomplete information.” Ernie has prostate cancer and was all lined up to have a radical prostatectomy. But, being the enquiring mind that he is he did his own research, and learned of a new, specialized technique used in some centers - an MRI scan of the prostate using a radionuclide enhancement. His urologist hadn’t offered this as an option - and appeared to not even know about. The result of this MRI was that cancer is not as widespread as originally thought, the surgery was cancelled, and he’s back to “watchful waiting” without the potential bad adverse effects of prostate surgery. “The dirty little secret about medicine is that we physicians make decisions all the time based on woefully incomplete information,” claims Stanford cardiologist Paula Yock, writing in The Economist. So the lesson here is, know how to find out for yourself. Ernie has a bit of a leg up as he is a professor of Computer Science and has written books about how to do on-line research. But he didn’t really use any arcane knowledge. I had told him about a program on People’s Pharmacy, on NPR about prostate cancer. That referenced a book about advances in the treatment of prostate cancer, which referenced the enhanced MRI business – “I Googled that, and found out VCU in Richmond was doing it” he told me. There are so many medical websites (second only to the number of porn sites) and “Up to 80 percent of internet users report they have sought medical information online,” says Scientific American website Pathways in a September 2010 article. It also notes twothirds of patients want their doctors to

recommend reliable online resources. But finding reliable information on line can be difficult. Dr. Paula Cundy, chairman of the British Medical Association’s technology subcommittee, warns that while there’s much more information available than ever before, a lot of it “is seriously wrong.” GOOD RESOURCES Health on the Net The Foundation (www.hon.ch), a Swiss-based organization “founded to encourage the dissemination of quality health information for patients and professionals and the general public,” can help you find quality medical websites. HON provides certification to sites that meet its criteria, so look for the HONcode logo. Another resource is Net Top 20 (medical.nettop20.com) which ranks medical websites (incidentally, the top two sites on their list are WebMD (www.webmd.com) and HealthCentral (www.healthcentral.com)). The National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health (NCCIH) at nccih.nih.gov offers good advice for assessing health information websites. “It costs money to run a website,” it explains, and who sponsors the site is important in assessing objectivity. “You should know how the site pays for its existence. Does it sell advertising? Is it sponsored by a drug company?” In his book Doctor, Your Patient Will See You Now Steven Z. Kussin, M.D. says the “hands down, thumbs up best free public domain site” is UpToDate at www.uptodate.com. It provides free basic information for patients - or more specialized information at a price. No doctor can keep up with the onslaught of information. I always explain to my patients, “I’m a Jack-of-all-trades, and master of none.” Get smart like Ernie and do your own research. Patrick Neustatter is the Medical Diector of the Moss Free Clinic. Contact him at pneustatter@aol.com

When it’s time to say “Good-bye”

Private, Individual Cremation Personal Pick Up & Delivery

Stacy L. Horner-Dunn, DVM Gary B. Dunn, DVM Melanie M. Bell, DVM Sandi L. Pepper, DVM

Melissa A. DeLauter, DVM Arlene M. Evans, DVM Jennifer V. Skarbek, DVM Sheree M. Corbin, DVM

540/374-0462 www.woahvets.com 20

April 2015

Front porch fredericksburg

10 Walsh Lane

Respect for all “Best Friends” Serving the Area for 11 Years (540-903-0437; lexig0892@gmail.com) On facebook as “lexi grogan’s pet sitting service”

Visit Us at Our Website: www.animalritesusa.com Call Us At: 540-361-7487 front porch fredericksburg

April 2015

Companions

Emancipated Patients

Got Milk?

name this dog!

Find Out for Yourself!

healthier milk - really ? by Meg Snead

Alexis Grogan is the owner of “Lexi Grogan Pet Sitting Service”. She can be reached at 540-903-0437, lexi0892@gmail.com, or on facebook.

Help Us Name this Cutie!

ANIMAL RITES, USA

Full Service Hospital featuring:

Pet Cremation Service

Lexi Grogan’s Pet Sitting Service

When it’s time to say “Good-bye”

Private, Individual Cremation Personal Pick Up & Delivery

Stacy L. Horner-Dunn, DVM Gary B. Dunn, DVM Melanie M. Bell, DVM Sandi L. Pepper, DVM

Melissa A. DeLauter, DVM Arlene M. Evans, DVM Jennifer V. Skarbek, DVM Sheree M. Corbin, DVM

540/374-0462 www.woahvets.com 20

April 2015

Front porch fredericksburg

10 Walsh Lane

Respect for all “Best Friends” Serving the Area for 11 Years (540-903-0437; lexig0892@gmail.com) On facebook as “lexi grogan’s pet sitting service”

Visit Us at Our Website: www.animalritesusa.com Call Us At: 540-361-7487 front porch fredericksburg

April 2015

Senior Care Senior driving By Karl Karch

April is National Distracted Driving Awareness Month. A recent National Safety Council (NSC) survey of U. S. drivers showed that 80% believe “handsfree” cell phone use is safer than handheld phone use. I must admit, I am one of the 80%. However, experts say that handsfree use gives a false sense of security. More than 30 studies show hands free devices are no safer because the brain remains distracted by the conversation and drivers can miss up to 50% of what’s around them when talking on the phone. Driver error is responsible for 90% of all car crashes and 26% of crashes involve the use of cell phones, including hands-free. Drivers using cell phones are four times more likely to crash. So, the April message is: “eyes on the road, hands on the wheel, mind on driving”. There were roughly 19 million people age 75 and older in the U. S. in 2010. By 2030 that number will jump to 33 million and by 2050 there will be more than 48 million people over 75 (11% of the population). Research on age-related driving issues found that, at around the age of 65, there is an increased risk of being involved in a vehicle crash. After age 75, the risk increases significantly. Three factors in particular are cited: poor judgment in making left-hand turns; drifting within and outside the traffic lane; and decreased response time to rapidly changing situations. That may be why, effective January 1, 2015, Virginia now requires drivers 75 and older (down from 80) to appear in person at department of motor vehicles (DMV) offices for their next driver’s license renewal. If renewed, it will only be for a maximum of 5 years (down from 8 years). The news media is quick to report on the horrible accidents caused by elder

April 2015

Lexi Grogan’s Pet Sitting Service “Your pet becomes my pet while in my care, and I care a lot!” - Lexi (540-903-0437; lexig0892@gmail.com) On facebook as “lexi grogan’s pet sitting service” Prices: Dogs - $15 per canine per visit Cats - $12 per feline per visit

adults, particularly those over 80. However, it is important to point out that age alone is not a criteria to determine whether or not a person can drive. An article in the April 2013 Psychology Today reported some interesting facts. Only 3% of drivers 75 and older are involved in accidents, the lowest among all age categories as compared to 18% rates for the 35-4 44 year olds. Only 3% of 75 and older drivers in fatal crashes were drunk compared to 26-32% of drivers in their thirties. Surprisingly enough, older people are more likely to voluntarily give up driving as they become concerned about their skills. Equally surprising, as many as 76% of patients with mild dementia are able to pass road tests and drive safely according to the American Academy of Neurology (Neurology Now May/June 2010). However, also noteworthy is that older drivers are involved in more crashes per mile driven, perhaps because they do more local driving, and there is an increase in fatal crash rates after age 75 and more dramatically after age 80, primarily due to frailty of the individual not an increase in fatal crash rates. In the not too distant future, you can look to your left, then to your right, and statistics say that one of you three will be a driver over age 70. So, don’t look disparagingly on that elder driver, because someday it may be you. Drive safely and don’t use a cell phone while driving.

Karl Karch is a local franchise owner of Home Instead Senior Care, a licensed home care organization providing personal care, companionship and home helper services in the Fredericksburg and Culpeper region.

Front porch fredericksburg

Natural Health The sneezing season

the gut-brain connection

By Suzy Woollam

Better value, more love for your pet than if you kennel board him!

Welcome to spring – The sneezing season. Welcome friend April. We have missed your warm days, your budding trees, your blooming flowers. And if you are one of the millions who suffer from seasonal allergies, the itchy, watery eyes, stuffy nose and chronic sneezing are about to let you know that it’s spring once again. For those affected by seasonal allergies, the discomfort, and subsequent treatment for is certainly nothing to

sneeze at! Americans spend close to $18 Billion dollars every year on over-thecounter medications to try and help prevent or alleviate the myriad of symptoms that go along with seasonal allergies. Unfortunately, once the symptoms and histamine response have taken root, it’s much harder to find relief. This year, why not take the opportunity to make a few changes before the symptoms kick in and set the stage for a happier, healthier spring. One of the fastest steps is the addition of chlorophyll to the diet. The unique structure and properties of Chlorophyll has been shown to help many to alleviate intense allergic reactions. I always suggest liquid chlorophyll, as it can be added to your water first thing in the morning, and sipped throughout the day. It’s refreshing, alkalizing and deodorizing, and many people find that it provides them with a nice energy boost as a bonus. Adding Essential oils to your daily regimen in the form of a spray, sniffy or diffuser also helps. Choose oils such as Cedar Atlas, Black Pepper, Amni Visnaga, Eucalyptus Radiata and Helichrysum which all maintain anti-histaminic properties that may assist in alleviating allergy symptoms. Studies have shown that using blends made with these oils does provide relief to seasonal allergy sufferers, and can lessen the histaminic response, which may stop the symptoms from occurring in the first place. For a quick stuffy nose sniffy: 1 T Ice cream salt 3 drops Helichrysum 3 drops Eucalyptus Radiata Mix together in small glass bottle and sniff as needed. Take the time now to bring the body into a better state of balance before the sneezing spring gets you down.

Find Suzy where it all starts at the The Scenter of Town, 907 Charles St.

The Natural Path Holistic Health Center

~Nature’s Sunshine Products ~Quantitative Fluid Analysis ~VoiceBio Analysis ~ionSpa Foot Detox ~Zyto Bioscan Compass Natural Products for Health & Wellness

online: www.save7lives.org

Barbara Bergquist, CTN Board Certified Traditional Naturopath

891-6200

www.thenaturalpath.us

4413 Lafayette Blvd. Fredericksburg

Wellness

in person: Dept. of Motor Vehicles

By christine h. thompson, d.c. When it comes to the human out of the brain. When this barrier body, my favorite saying is “everything is becomes “leaky” we end up with brain and connected to everything”. The truth of nerve damage and a host of neurological that statement becomes clear as cutting problems that come with it, such as ADHD, edge discoveries in functional medicine autism, Alzheimer’s disease and hormonal and holistic healthcare today illuminate imbalances to name just a few. the intimate connection between gut Fortunately for us, our body is health and brain function. Since the brain born with the capability of regeneration is our central operating system, our body of almost every cell. Additionally, the same is highly attuned to protecting and research that has revealed this new nourishing it. With this in understanding of dysfunction mind, it’s important to in the gut and the brain, ...a normal, healthy note that the vast human body has 10 time has also pointed to some majority of our immune things we can do to help more bacteria than human system resides in the our body repair this cells. Most of these digestive tract. Our first damage and restore our bacteria are essential to health. It is becoming very hint of the connection. being, clear that it is vitally Since our our health and well-b working with us intestinal system is important to arm our body entrusted with the job of with antioxidants, the main symbiotically to keep us extracting the nutrients defense against damaging humming along. from our food that help free radicals (molecules us to renew our cells and from toxic chemicals that produce the energy to run our lives, it is damage our cells). already central to our health. But it goes Glutathione is your body’s main even deeper than that. It turns out we are anti-oxidant and is beautifully designed to 90% microbes and 10% human. Yes, that’s scarf up free radicals and prevent cellular right, a normal, healthy human body has damage. A critical factor in preventing and 10 time more bacteria than human cells. healing damage to both your brain and Most of these bacteria are essential to our your gut is increasing glutathione health and well-being, working with us availability. Equally important is reducing symbiotically to keep us humming along. your exposure to chemicals through healthy The other major duty of our choices in food, water and household intestinal system is to help us get rid of products and assisting your body in harmful, sometimes deadly, waste removing toxins, which can be done through products. In addition to the millions of diet, supplements and therapies that assist toxic chemicals we are exposed to through your built-in detoxification (or our food, water, air and household biotransformation) system. products, our own metabolism produces This is an exciting and fast paced toxins that are harmful to our health. All time in holistic healthcare advancements of these chemicals must be eliminated and there is much you can do on your own adequately enough to avoid catastrophic and with the assistance of your trusted cellular damage. health care practitioner to assure a vital Due a number of factors, and optimal life. including toxic exposure, a nutrient Dr. Thompson is the owner of Whole depleted diet and widespread germHealth Chiropractic. Reach her at 540phobia, (which leads to the overuse of 899-9421 or www.whole-health.net antibiotics, anti-bacterial products and the sanitation of our environment), we have severely disturbed the microbial flora in our intestines. Maybe you have heard of “leaky gut” otherwise referred to as gut permeability problems? This is a condition where, due to an unhealthy gut lining, the normal process of absorption of nutrients and removal of toxic waste has gone awry and resulted in absorption of toxic waste instead. Similar to this gut permeability problem, the blood-brain barrier is also susceptible to deterioration and becoming “leaky”. The blood-brain barrier is designed to keep toxic chemicals, and especially neuro-toxins (chemicals that damage the brain and nervous system),

front porch fredericksburg

April 2015

Senior Care Senior driving By Karl Karch

April 2015

Front porch fredericksburg

Natural Health The sneezing season

the gut-brain connection

By Suzy Woollam

Better value, more love for your pet than if you kennel board him!

Find Suzy where it all starts at the The Scenter of Town, 907 Charles St.

The Natural Path Holistic Health Center

~Nature’s Sunshine Products ~Quantitative Fluid Analysis ~VoiceBio Analysis ~ionSpa Foot Detox ~Zyto Bioscan Compass Natural Products for Health & Wellness

online: www.save7lives.org

Barbara Bergquist, CTN Board Certified Traditional Naturopath

891-6200

www.thenaturalpath.us

4413 Lafayette Blvd. Fredericksburg

Wellness

in person: Dept. of Motor Vehicles

front porch fredericksburg

April 2015

Art in the ’Burg Abstract Vibes

by megan byrnes

by a.e. bayne It’s officially spring, y’all! Thank goodness. I hope you’ve had a chance to enjoy one of our warm sunny afternoons that sprung up unexpectedly amid some rather dreary days last month. Happiest of April birthdays to my meatball Alicia Austin Morgan, Claire Ellinger, Andrew Hellier, Bill Harris, Dave Guzman, Ann Glave, Cliff Satterthwaite, Richmons McDaniel, Gyja Frederiksen, Robin Huddle, Betsy Sale, Andi Gabler, Peggy Wickham, and Ashley Carpenter.

Scene: Some believe it is the journey that matters most, while others see reaching the goal as the key. Local arts promoter and dancer Alex Harvell is familiar with both sides of the argument. Since his high school days in Caroline and Spotsylvania counties, Harvell has dreamed of promoting the arts and inspiring local young artists, and his passion for his dreams is infectious. After graduating, he stayed connected to the talented friends he made in school and started the promotion company Freebyrunning. Then he waited for the right moment to bring his vision to life. The journey has taught him much, and that moment has arrived. Harvell and company will surprise and inspire you in a show called Abstract Vibes, to be performed on Monday, April 6, 2015, at Salem Church Library from 5-7 p.m. Harvell describes show’s vision as being influenced by various festivals he’s attended where people were free to express themselves in myriad ways. He says, “I’ve always wanted to create that atmosphere for individuals to express themselves. I wanted to bring people together, which I’ve been doing since high school. Most of my friends are involved with art or music, and I wanted to create something that was really out there, a blend of a lot of different arts using local young artists.” The mixture of genres will include spoken poetry, live painting, dance and hula hooping, and live music. Artist Sara Vaughn will be doing live painting during the show. She describes her hopes, “I’m really interested in being able to see people’s reactions to what I do, because I make mixed media things that are kind of weird. I’ve had my work hanging downtown at the Headquarters Library, but recently, I’ve been making a lot of masks, so I’ve been more into 3D painting. At the show, I will have a few sketches that I will have set out on canvass and paper. I normally use watercolor, but I’m going to have a mixture of watercolor

April 2015

and acrylics with me. Whatever I feel like painting at the moment, that’s what I’ll work on live at the show.” Harvell says that live painting will most likely be accompanied by poetry or music. Poet Jermaine Dabney has been writing poetry since he was eleven when he wrote about a girl in church. He has been promoting himself at open mics around Richmond, but hopes to share his poetry with a wider audience through this show. He describes his work as spoken word, and of the show he says, “I’m most excited about seeing different people and their creativity. I’ll be performing something I’m most familiar with, but I actually wrote a new piece and I’m finishing up a piece that’s been on hold for a while; I ‘ll perform those, as well.” Drummer George Holloman has been friends with Harvell since high school, and he says they’ve been talking about getting people together in a show like this since they met. He says, “I play any percussion instrument. I was selftaught for a bunch of years, but I learned jazz and performance in high school. I’ve been in bands before, but I’m on my own now and haven’t had a chance to play in front of people for a while. I’m excited for it.” The anticipation is palpable in this talented young group, and Vaughn says, “I’m looking forward to working with Alex again, because he’s really enthusiastic about everything. I’m just happy to connect.” Harvell and his friends hope to inspire others with a festive atmosphere of mutual artistic sharing, and he says, “I’m hoping it will grow, and I’m hoping that people that see it will get the word out and keep it going. It’s meant to inspire people.” Though they’ve reached their first goal, the journey continues for Harvell and his group of talented young friends.

Donny

Smooth with Dave Robinson and Dave “Awesome Show” Cannon at Vivify; Charlie Payne at Bistro Bethem;Mike Payne and the rest of Trucker Troy playing a semilocal gig at The Camel in Richmond (where Fredericksburg ex-pat Kirstin Vinagro was seen with Danielle Payne); Kasey Nabal grabbing coffee at Hyperion.

Scene (Miami edition): Alicia and I flew to Miami last month for six days of sand and surf. While we were down there enjoying the sun, we ran into multiple Fredericksburgers out on our same warm weather mission. We saw Stephanie Maxwell enjoying a late lunch at the Shore Club with UMW friends and we sat across from Professors Crawley and Merrill with their wives waiting for the same connecting flight back to National airport. Plus, FLY Fitness owner Catesby Payne (below) was down there only days before we arrived. It’s a small world but even smaller when you are from Fredericksburg, for sure.

Heard:

Eddie Dickerson was

back in town to get down for one night only with some old friends at a favorite Emily former stomping ground. Barker, Brendan Clay Snellings, Merl Johnson and Andre Eglevsky all met up with the beloved musician for an evening of music at the Kenmore Inn.

Scene:

Tom Byrnes (spoiler alert: my

husband!) had his first Fredericksburg art opening last month at the Sunken Well

Scene:

Maggie Congratulations to Connors and Dave Hitchens on the arrival of their beautiful baby girl, Arden Riley (above), born March 11. Congrats too, of course, to my friend - and new grandpa! Hap Connors.

Good

Turn

Tavern. The show was comprised mostly of oil portraits of famous men - both local and otherwise - with a couple abstracts thrown in. Local subjects include Tim Bray, Jeff Gandee, Brandon Newton and a depiction of Alexander Calder that could be taken for John Eskam. A whole host of Tom’s friends and family showed up to celebrate his incredible talent: Mike and Danielle Payne, Laura and Mike Craig, Dave Minkler, Megan Mason, Bill Harris, Eddie and Kim Crosslin, Sarah Lapp, Joe Nelson, Lexi Grogan, Missy Colombo, Claire and Kenny Ellinger, Jim Tharp, Christy Escher, Matt Kelly, and Carrie Schaefer were only but a few who showed up. We’re proud of you, Tom!

Earth

Company hosted a crowdfunding launch party at the Sunken Well Tavern last month to help raise money for their efforts in rescuing green waste from the landfill and turning it into useful, living soil conditioner. Sarah Perry, Alana Glover, Dallas Sperling, David Mills, Adrian Silversmith, Carole Garmon, Ryan Poe and Kadeana Langford all came out to support the cool new local biz that’s doing a lot of good for our ground.

A.E. Bayne is a writer, artist, & teacher living & loving the arts in the ‘Burg. photo by Alain Hite.

Front porch fredericksburg

front porch fredericksburg

April 2015

Art in the ’Burg Abstract Vibes

by megan byrnes

April 2015

Donny

Heard:

Eddie Dickerson was

Scene:

Tom Byrnes (spoiler alert: my

husband!) had his first Fredericksburg art opening last month at the Sunken Well

Scene:

Good

Turn

Earth

A.E. Bayne is a writer, artist, & teacher living & loving the arts in the ‘Burg. photo by Alain Hite.

Front porch fredericksburg

front porch fredericksburg

April 2015

Organization Direct De-Clutter your life

“The most important thing

April 2015

Uses art to create community

by Jack Hyland

can get backlogged as well. “You have the same issues on your computer that you do with paper. You just stick a file in a folder, and even though it isn’t cluttering your work space, it still clutters your mind,” says Clevenger. Social media can also be a hard thing to organize, and Linda is available to help with technology based organization issues as well. Resources and TeleClasses that deal with these problems are available on her website. Clevenger doesn’t just offer hands-on help, though. Both her blog, “An Organized Mind,” and her TV show (on CVTV) of the same name, offer advice and tips, and as the CIO and founder of Scrum Training Academy, her organization skills translate into the area of project management. B101.5 also tapped her as the organizer who gives the Messy Room Makeover winner a new space where they can thrive. “It really feels good when I see the stress taken off of a client’s shoulders when they start and continue the process of organization,” says Clevenger. To begin your transformation visit www.organizationdirect.com and to learn more about Scrum Training Academy go to www.scrumtrainingacademy.com. Christina Ferber coves local entrepreneurs each month in FP

Front porch fredericksburg

by norma woodward “Art is not just for Artists...It defines our lives. Art starts with a concept or visualization but it manifests itself in so many ways. Like the blue print or the foundation, Art is a beginning. Like the completed project, Art stands as a testimony that we can create. Like the fabric of our lives...Art helps us see ourselves in our jobs, relationships and as the people we become. Art ties us together, helps us realize our dreams and reach our goals. It all starts with an idea that we make into a reality. Like ART. How are you an Artist?” writes Karen Julihn. She continues, “My art connects my inner world to the outer world around me. Creating art is about finding a place where I feel I belong. While it may inspire others, I find it to be therapy for the soul.”

Rob visited Fenway Park in 2011 & sent this picture to Jack Note his humor displaying a Yankee hat on top of the red sox banner! “Opening Day.” The 2 words conjure up “hope.” Spring is under way. The green fields of summer are ahead, and there are zeroes in every loss column. We have Vin Scully broadcasting for his 65th (!) year, We have Dustin Pedroia, the aptly nicknamed “Muddy Chicken”, already dirty, already turning 2. We have A-Rod (unfortunately) and we have Clayton Kershaw and the strange delivery that makes him one of the best pitchers off all time. We have the Sox and the Yanks, the Dodgers and the Giants, and we have the Cubs and the Cards. Baseball is more about tradition than any other American sport; it is basically the same game today that it was 150 years ago. The only sport where size helps but doesn’t matter. Look at Pedro Martinez at 5’11” and Randy Johnson at 6’10”. Both pitchers, both alltime greats. The only sport where a dominating player from 50 years ago or longer could excel today. (Ted Williams versus anybody? I’ll take Teddy Ballgame) So, there is hope. Hope that any kid can play ball, hope that any well run team can go deep in the play-offs. This summer will mark th my 40 summer as a fan of the Boston Red Sox. Even in the bleak years there was hope, always 1 great player to root for, whether it was Yaz, Fisk (my all-time favorite player) Rice, Clemens (before he went to the Yankees and became a steroid cheat) or Boggs. There were some seasons that really tested us as fans, (’75,’78,’86 and ’03) and years that made it all worth it. (’03,’07 and ’13) So we hope. So, as a Red Sox fan, I have to hate the Yankees. That is the rule, and it is a good rule. Even though I was

Karen Julihn

that doesn’t matter”

By Christina Ferber Are your kitchen cabinets overflowing with gadgets that you don’t really have a place for? Does it take a while to find the tool that you need in your garage? Are you still holding on to your grown child’s third grade math worksheets? If you answered yes to any of these, it may be time to de-clutter and de-stress your life, and Organization Direct can help. From home and office organization, to technology and social media solutions, Organization Direct teaches and helps customers with the processes that help them stay organized and clutter free. “There’s no right or wrong way to organize. The key is to do it in a way that fits your personality, so that it stays organized,” says Linda Clevenger, owner of Organization Direct. “My job is to help you find a system that meets your needs.” Working side by side during each step of the process provides the client with help in all stages of organization. Several options are available, and all include support and guidance from Clevenger and her crew. If a larger transformation is needed, she has interior designers and carpenters at the ready as well. “What I have found is that many people just need a little bit of guidance to feel validated in their decisions to let things go,” Clevenger says. “It’s hard for people to break ties to their stuff, and it can be emotionally and mentally draining when you have to make those decisions.” According to Clevenger, the items that people struggle with most are, not surprisingly, memories, but she has found that paper can be a large problem, as well. “I would say that 80% of my clients have a paper issue.” This problem encouraged her to create a new filing process that she teaches to all of her clients, and is also available on her website. Called “File it, Find it…FAST,” the system allows you to find any piece of paper within two minutes or less. Filing organization is not just limited to paper though; our computers

BASEBALL

born in New York, I have never liked the Yankees. So it works out pretty well. My friend Rob Grogan was a Yankees fan, and as good a Yankees fan as there ever was. Rob and I would talk baseball whenever we ran into each other. In Rob’s last summer he and I and another friend (Chip Reamy) took in a Nationals’ game. Rob wasn’t doing so well physically, but he was adamant that we go to a game. We went to an early summer game, the Nats versus the Rockies. Not a great game, but Rob loved it. He was at the ball park, and it was baseball. It didn’t matter that it was the Sox or the Yanks, it was baseball. On the way home, we talked of going to another game, we never were able to. It happened that in Rob’s last season, the Sox were making an improbable play-off run (they finished in last place the previous year) and made it to the World Series. Rob would text me daily, with encouraging tweets about the Sox. I am not sure I would have done the same had the Yanks been in the series, but that was Rob. And that is part of the magic of baseball. A Yankee fan can pull for the Sox in what would be the last World Series of his life. For me, he hoped the Sox would win. Hope. *Thanks to Robert B. Parker for the great quote. Jack Hyland owns (with his wife) and runs J. Brian’s Tap Room in downtown Fredericksburg, and will be with his wife be at Nationals’ Park for opening day, and at Fenway Park one week later for the Sox home opener, courtesy of a Valentine’s Day present from his wife, Karen. He will be toasting Rob at both stadiums.

Advanced Dental Care of Fredericksburg Call Us at 540-891-9911

$599 Crown

With this Coupon only for non-insured patients. Not valid with other offers or prior services. Offer Expires 5/1/15 A $239 .00 Value

$699

Per Arch Full Denture/Partial With this Coupon only for non-insured patients. Not valid with other offers or prior services. Offer Expires 5/1/15 A $1100.00 Value

Because we care for you! www.virginiadental4u.com 10524 Spotsylvania Ave. Ste #104 Fredericksburg, VA

Karen lives in Fredericksburg where she says she feels her art journey begins. “Openings” is about a new direction for Artist, Julihn. Her themed show at Brush Strokes Gallery, reveals an enlightened vision and refers to the way we work around obstacles to see our way through to a brighter future. In her painting and mixed media pieces, Karen directs her audience to a brighter spot as a way of opening their mind, heart and soul to a new beginning. All are invited to welcome Brush Stroke’s member Artist, Karen Julihn at 9 the First Friday Reception between 6-9 p.m. April 3, 2015. Take this opportunity to visit Brush Strokes and enjoy a wide assortment of original work in the gallery that include artful glassworks, beaded jewelry, hand painted scarves, photography, pen and ink drawings and original paintings in pastel, oil, water or mixed media. Brush Strokes Gallery is open daily from 11-5 p.m. in downtown Fredericksburg at 824 Caroline Street.

Norma Woodward is on the publicity committee at Brush Strokes Gallery

“Fallowfields”

“Golden Day”

front porch fredericksburg

April 2015

Organization Direct De-Clutter your life

“The most important thing

April 2015

Uses art to create community

by Jack Hyland

Front porch fredericksburg

Karen Julihn

that doesn’t matter”

BASEBALL

Advanced Dental Care of Fredericksburg Call Us at 540-891-9911

$599 Crown

With this Coupon only for non-insured patients. Not valid with other offers or prior services. Offer Expires 5/1/15 A $239 .00 Value

$699

Per Arch Full Denture/Partial With this Coupon only for non-insured patients. Not valid with other offers or prior services. Offer Expires 5/1/15 A $1100.00 Value

Because we care for you! www.virginiadental4u.com 10524 Spotsylvania Ave. Ste #104 Fredericksburg, VA

Norma Woodward is on the publicity committee at Brush Strokes Gallery

“Fallowfields”

“Golden Day”

front porch fredericksburg

April 2015

Friends of Chatham Restoring Summer House

COMPOSTING Do a Good Turn for the Earth

By Kathryn Willis For Lynda Baer, the aha moment recently replaced the shutters on the occurred sometime in the ‘80s. Walking in windows, and they are truly beautiful. But the rose garden at Chatham, amidst window repairs, for which there are no massive boxwoods and arching trellises funds, are now our highest priority,” she said. full of cascading blooms, she found that And, at an estimated $1500 per her hands were clasped behind her back, window, their restoration “will involve as she progressed from blossom to support from the entire community,” she blossom, bending to experience that sweet confessed. summer scent. Baer and the group are She realized that the experience considering a campaign offering a had transported her inner child back to “dedicated” window to donors wishing to the formal gardens at her grandmother’s contribute the funds necessary for the house. “Grandmother allowed us to walk repairs. “We understand that many folks the paths only if our hands were clasped have a personal association with Chatham, behind our backs,” she recalled. “At that and to have that relationship formally moment, I connected in a personal way acknowledged is an important statement.” with Chatham.” “We are thinking about launching That fairytale-wonder experience a campaign to answer that psychological began a decades-long need for a personal and commitment to the majestic public acknowledgement of “The identity of Chatham historic home just north of stewardship. We are also and Fredericksburg are— considering the Rappahannock River recognizing and always have been— donors in a permanent and Fredericksburg. intimately related.” In 2012, Baer was installation in the Summer one of the founders of House, so that current and Friends of Chatham, and future generations may read serves as its president. The group recently that list of names and be grateful for their achieved a major goal: partnering with the philanthropic investment in Chatham’s National Park Service to restore the aging preservation.” Summer House to very nearly original With the group’s annual meeting condition. And while it’s a big achievement, it slated for spring, Baer hopes that is but one of many to come. members will take advantage to “tour all “The view of Fredericksburg from the rooms in the entire house, an Chatham’s commanding bluff has long opportunity that comes only once a year,” framed the profiling horizon of the city,” she explained. she said. “The identity of Chatham and The purpose of Friends of Fredericksburg are—and always have Chatham is to support he preservation of been—intimately related.” Chatham Manor including various The sense of place that Chatham outbuildings, dependencies, and the defines for the region underscores the historic ground which surrounds it, importance of the restoration efforts. through advocacy, financial support, and While funds from the National Park increased community involvement. Service answer for many operation and For info friendsofchatham@gmail.com; staff expenses, Friends of Chatham http://friendsofchatham.org/; Facebook: .facebook.com/ChathamManor provides resources and volunteers that address the “to do” list beyond that scope. Currently, the group is focusing on windows. Glazing, mullions and sills on Kathryn Willis cheers for the region’s arts and culture Chatham’s 65+ windows are in desperate need of repair. “The Park Service has

RAPPAHANNOCK

Front porch fredericksburg

can redeem a punch card for a discount on their living, breathing soil amendment. Items that will be accepted include fruit and vegetable scraps, egg and nut shells, tea bags, unbleached coffee filters, coffee grounds, and unbleached paper towels. They cannot accept bones, fat, oil, meat and grease, dairy items, cooked items, or fish. By not tossing that apple core or banana peel in the trash, and recycling it instead, you are doing your own good turn for the Earth. You’ll be feeding the soil and joining in on this community project. You can find out more information about Good Turn Earth Company at www.goodturnearth.com and if you are interested in supporting them in their quest to help the environment, you can check them out at http://igg.me/at/goodturn.

Front Porch Fredericksburg

Highlighting Local People, Places & Events Since 1997

MAIN: (540) 373-9124 NURSERY: (540) 371-8802

DVD $14.95; Members $11.96 www.riverfriends.org 540-373-3448 3219 Fall Hill Ave.

April 2015

a drop-off point for food scraps at the Fredericksburg Farmer’s Market at Hurkamp Park. After five drop-offs, you

ARM

MAJESTIC & HISTORIC

Did you know that food is the largest waste item (by weight) in American landfills today? As Earth Day approaches, many of us strive to find ways to help the environment, and one way to do that is to find another use for all of that thrown out food that is taking up space in our garbage. Composting rescues food waste from the landfill and helps promote sustainability at the same time, but can be time consuming and takes up space that some of us don’t have. E n t e r Good Turn Earth Company, a business that has begun a community project of food waste recovery by helping to make the process of composting available to everyone starting April 18th. They will be providing

ROXBURY F

Own The Movie A 40-minute film with aerial and underwater photography that tells the story of the Rappahannock River from the Blue Ridge Mountains to the Chesapeake Bay.

By Christina Ferber

Brutal Camp Marcus Lawrence

the ultimate health insurance by Joan M. Geisler

By Scott Richards Workout regimes have been branded by different gyms with such monikers as Boot Camp, Body Sculptors, Flab Fighters, Fitness Maniacs… the list goes on. When one hears the name, Brutal Camp, what is there to think? Is this some exercise program led by a steroid laden type A personality who is trying to make the rest of the world just like himself? Brutal Camp founder Marcus Lawrence gives a different idea of what a personal trainer is. He is definitely the Alpha personality with the addition of a deep compassion for those who want to do something about their physical condition. According to Lawrence, his interest in the physiology of training regimes resulted largely from his own struggle with Adult Onset Stills Disease, a disease with symptoms of daily spiking fevers and joint pain and swelling similar to arthritis. "I am not a meathead," said Lawrence with a grin, referring to some of the stereotypes he has run into in his career as a trainer. Lawrence portrays the discipline he has learned in life. He was the short skinny kid who always got picked on and although he was not afraid of a fight, he usually was on the wrong end of the result. He was in and out of martial arts training but eventually gave up sports of all kinds and went into theater, adopting a punker mentality that matched his aversion to authority. After quitting smoking, Lawrence gained forty pounds and was running in warmer seasons to lose weight, but would gain it back in the winter. Joining a gym, he soon was on the sales staff and eventually became a trainer. Certified in 2009, he worked for a large gym until 2013 when he started working at Body Works on Caroline Street where he works with rehabilitation of all kinds, from athletic injuries to those with heart related problems. He stated he likes his

Renew

relationship with Body Works because it allows him to train individuals in their homes as well as at the gym. Lawrence is constantly studying to keep up his certification and Continuing Education classes are merely one avenue he uses. He learns through different phases of training, often speaking with specialists about what he does. Although he is not a life coach, as a specialist himself, he works with people in many different areas of development. "My job is not to love," commented Lawrence,"my job is to get you through the program." Perspective is an important part of what he teaches in addition to physical training. The question, "Are you waiting around to die, or do you want to do something about your physical condition?" comes out often in conversation with Lawrence. He stated that on a daily basis there are things that define people, but there is nothing without health. When gaining health, a person is gaining life. People need to marginalize what is good and what is bad, making daily decisions. His basic philosophy was revealed in his comment,"There is nothing worth attaining without sacrifice. There is no sacrifice without suffering." Brutal Camp, which is scheduled to start in late April, will be more than a workout regime. Marcus Lawrence, with his specialization and philosophy, will change lives.

Raise your hand if you have car insurance? How about homeowners insurance? Life? Fire? Flood? Insurance insures our most precious possessions to be replaced in case of damage, loss or theft. What is truly your most valuable possession? You must phrase your answer in the form of a question. I’m waiting…do you hear the Jeopardy music? The answer/question is…”what is our health?” We purchase insurance to protect things that will rust, fade and some day be destroyed while we have a ‘devil may care’ attitude towards our very lives. Let’s rethink our priorities. We spend our health chasing wealth and our wealth chasing health. But all that can change in one instant. One moment of determination. One action step to begin treating our bodies as the temples they were made to be. We can begin with our very next meal. Let your food consist of two words. CLEAN EATING. If the food that you are about to eat had a mother or came out of the ground then you can eat it. If it will rot or spoil, then you can eat it. If it is a dark color, then you can eat it. That is the definition of CLEAN EATING I am not remotely suggesting that you can never eat pizza, ice cream or French fries again. I must have these things to be happy/sane. But let’s live in an 80%-20% lifestyle. 80% clean; 20% fun Always start with breakfast. Replace the lie of “whole grain goodness” which is code word for “sugar laden belly bloat” for quality protein and fruit. Keep it the size of your fist. Good things in large quantities can still add up to a ‘bad thing.’

& GARDEN CENTER

Since 1929

I hear it all day, “But Joan, if I eat breakfast then I am hungry at 10am.” Can you hear the whine in the voice? No, wine is not for breakfast anymore. That is your metabolism revving up and running on all 8 cylinders. Have a nutritious dense, dark colored snack and lunch. Have something prepared for the afternoon or after work and you won’t get home and ravenously raid the refrigerator before dinner. It is simple but it is not easy. If health and fitness were easy, then everyone would be trim and fit. But it takes effort. I will not lie. It takes enormous effort. But it is do-able. Success breeds success. It is one big gloriously vicious cycle of EAT CLEAN - which gives you energy to EXERCISE HARD - which makes you want to EAT CLEAN - which makes you want to GO FOR A RUN OR POWER WALK - which makes you want to COOK CLEAN - in order to have the energy to try SPIN CLASS and on and on. Simple. But not easy. The GOOD NEWS it all begins with one moment of determination. It does not have to cost money or take any more hours in your day. We all have 24. If you replace 1 hour of TV viewing, gaming, Pinterest/Facebook time sucking, with an hour of vigorous activity, you will be well on your way to insuring your most valuable possession with no premium, deductable or co-pay. When you are sick and tired of being sick and tired, come and see me at Gold’s gym. I am the your ultimate INSURANCE AGENT.

Joan gives workshops and seminars on Clean Eating and other Simple Health Tips for public and private corporations to enhance their wellness programs. Contact her at joangeisler@gmail.com.

Give a Child

601 LAFAYETTE BLVD

roxburyfarmgarden.com

Something to

We have all your gardening needs! Come Shop With Us

Think About Books, Games, Amusing Novelties M-Sat. 10am-6pm; Sun. 1pm-4pm

810 Caroline Street (540) 371-5684

front porch fredericksburg

April 2015

Friends of Chatham Restoring Summer House

COMPOSTING Do a Good Turn for the Earth

RAPPAHANNOCK

Front porch fredericksburg

Front Porch Fredericksburg

Highlighting Local People, Places & Events Since 1997

MAIN: (540) 373-9124 NURSERY: (540) 371-8802

DVD $14.95; Members $11.96 www.riverfriends.org 540-373-3448 3219 Fall Hill Ave.

April 2015

a drop-off point for food scraps at the Fredericksburg Farmer’s Market at Hurkamp Park. After five drop-offs, you

ARM

MAJESTIC & HISTORIC

ROXBURY F

Own The Movie A 40-minute film with aerial and underwater photography that tells the story of the Rappahannock River from the Blue Ridge Mountains to the Chesapeake Bay.

By Christina Ferber

Brutal Camp Marcus Lawrence

the ultimate health insurance by Joan M. Geisler

Renew

& GARDEN CENTER

Since 1929

Joan gives workshops and seminars on Clean Eating and other Simple Health Tips for public and private corporations to enhance their wellness programs. Contact her at joangeisler@gmail.com.

Give a Child

601 LAFAYETTE BLVD

roxburyfarmgarden.com

Something to

We have all your gardening needs! Come Shop With Us

Think About Books, Games, Amusing Novelties M-Sat. 10am-6pm; Sun. 1pm-4pm

810 Caroline Street (540) 371-5684

front porch fredericksburg

April 2015

Fredericksburg Sketches

My Favorite Places

A visual Celebration of our community

May Pick: carl’s

By Casey Alan Shaw

By Callista Kathryn Dunn

Q: How long have you been open? A: Since 1947. We’ve been open for 68 years. It has been a family owned business the entire time. (The manager we interviewed is Carl’s nephew) Q: How did you decide to open an ice cream shop? A: Carl worked at an ice cream shop called Becks in DC. He decided to open a shop in Fredericksburg. Q: Why don’t you have sprinkles? A: We think the ice cream is so good that it doesn’t need them. Q: How do you make such good ice cream? A: It is made with real eggs and real milk. Nothing is synthetic.

Fredericksburg

and

Time Co. Callie and her brother’s enjoyed a chocolate shake, chocolate cone, vanilla dish and a strawberry dish. The line kept moving even during the interview! Who will be interviewed by Callie next? Watch for her downtown.

SKETCH #6: Belmont, looking toward Falmouth Church. There’s no better place to take your camera or sketchbook in the spring than Belmont, the estate just across the Rappahannock River in Falmouth that was the home to artist Gari Melchers. It’s worth the trip at any time to see Melchers’ home and studio, but it’s in the spring when Belmont really comes alive as the gardens overlooking the rapids abound with color. On Saturday, April 25th, sketchers from all across the world will be setting out in their communities for a day of communal creating and sharing of drawings in the 47th International Sketch Crawl. And there will be a group of Fredericksburg folks with sketchbooks in hand joining the big day, very likely spreading out around the Belmont grounds. We spend the morning drawing and then meet for lunch and share our morning’s creations. You can follow the action (or get info about how to join us) at sketchcrawl.com/forum. Just click on the link for the 47th Sketch Crawl and look for Fredericksburg Casey Alan Shaw is a local artist. He exhibits his original artwork at Art First Gallery, The Museum Store and at www.caseyshaw.com.

Exclusively at

Your Hometown Jeweler Since 1940

Exclusively at Gemstone

606 Caroline Street Old Town Fredericksburg 373-7847 www.gemstonecreations.org

jewelboxfredericksburgva.webs.com jewelbox14k@yahoo.com

showtime!

Tuesday - Saturday 10-5

Strike up the band and sing Halleluiah! It’s SHOWTIME! Your long winter’s nap is over, your bones are creaky, your car is filthy and your yard looks like it has bed-head but things are about to change. April has it all: sun, fun and color. Real, live, only found in nature and the minds of designers: color. Nature wins out with buds and birds and flowering plants of every possible hue. The blue birds are a particularly bright blue this season. I love it as the world around me it turns its back on browns and those odd little dead leaves that cling to the Japanese maples all winter are finally forced to fall by new buds. Pretty soon it all turns green and pollen does it’s best to cover everything like a fine green snow. Amazing stuff. But that’s right, I write about cars. So let’s think about cars the same way we think about a new spring bonnet. You clean them up, put on their best waxed shine and take them out to stroll the promenade in their festive colors for everyone to see. Rangoon Red, Celadon Green, Ruskin Blue, Pacific Coral, Tangier Tan and Goddess Gold, 1955 was a good year for colors. And there are car shows – much like flower shows – but they smell

THE POETRY MAN - BY FRANK FRATOE

Beach Morning - By Frank Fratoe

Breakers sweep sandgold when our consciousness alloys to rhythmic ocean as we become the center of order and upheavals. The two of us together walk far down the beach responsive and boundless arm in arm edging tide that recedes toward noon. Beyond the next moment is an encore to eternity where vigilance affirms we are the hub of things or a wave coming ashore.

212 William Street,Fredericksburg 540-373-5513 Mon-Fri 9:30-6; Sat 9:30-5

April 2015

Front porch fredericksburg

From My Porch dirty goodness

By Rim Vining

This month I went to Carl’s. I interviewed manager Dan Sponseller.

Q: What is your best selling flavor A: It is split between vanilla chocolate.

AutoKnown Better

Where Fredericksburg Gets Engaged

Frank Fratoe lives & writes in the city.

different. People from all walks of life come out to show off their pride and joy while other’s come out to break the tenth commandment. Our area offers some great opportunities to get out and enjoy the chrome and color of Spring’s first blush. Think of them as tin tulips. April 4 th: Skills USA Car Show at North Stafford High School. This is a student run joint venture by the Stafford and North Stafford High School USA Skills Programs and has grown into a very well attended show featuring all makes and models, old and new, hot rod to Hemi. Come out and support their efforts. April 18 th: Bethel Baptist Church Car Show on Rte 218 – White Oak Road in Stafford. This one is growing as well and as the weather gets better more folks are getting their ride on! April 18 th : Classic Car Center – th 8 Annual Swap Meet. This is a free swap meet for vendors and buyers and the first chance to un-load that “important automobile stuff” you have been hoarding for years. If the weather is good it also proves to be one of the areas best impromptu car shows. April 22 nd: Spring Carlisle in Carlisle, PA. This is the granddaddy of East Coast swap meets. It runs almost a week and has acres of “important stuff” you can’t possibly live without and sports a car corral full of fine flivvers and road trophies that would look good in your garage. (Could ease that th 10 Commandment problem you’ve been dealing with as well.) April 26 th : Britain on the Green at Gunston Hall – home of George Mason. This is the kick-off event for the season in the sports car world as the Capital Triumph Register hosts their 18thannual show at historic Gunston Hall. This is a great venue with beautiful grounds, tours of the manor house, food, wine, music and sports cars! A really remarkable day on the show field. All these events are made possible by the amazing efforts and dedication of hundreds of volunteers. The old car world relies on those efforts and the active participation of spectators as well. Check out a show and when you see a classic cruiser headed down the highway showing off that spring bonnet – wave! It’ll make their day. Be sure to wave at Rim in his classic crusier this spring.

By Jo Loving

Gardens are not made by singing, “Oh, how beautiful,” and sitting in the shade. ~Rudyard Kipling

I have always rushed spring. As a child, it meant that I wanted to wear shorts much too soon, and barefoot was the only way to travel. This was fine, since I grew up in Florida. When we moved to Virginia, I was in my late twenties, with three small children. Our first home there was in Bloomsbury, and our property backed to a farm. As soon as the farmer started preparing the soil for planting, I started preparing mine, but I couldn’t stop at soil preparation. I had to plant something. Seed catalogs and gardening catalogs were too tempting. Many orders were placed for plants, and seeds were started, basking in the morning sunlight in our sunroom. At the first sign of spring (usually when the crocus peeked out from the ground), it was time to plant. Sometimes, our gardens were spectacular. In other cases, my attempts to rush the season and gardens were disastrous, with numerous casualties in the form of dead, cold-snapped plants, dashed hopes, and hard lessons. One day, I happened upon a Farmer’s Almanac. My world of gardening changed, and. I started following the recommended planting schedule, became more attuned to plants that would and would not thrive in our area, and my thumb was suddenly green. Digging in the dirt was cathartic, and involving the children in our gardening fostered a love of nature and appreciation for the work

Every Child Deserves A Family

that goes into a single flower, vegetable, fruit, or other plant. We enjoyed many hours together: planning, planting, or enjoying our gardens. Most afternoons, we would work in the gardens until we were exhausted. Our suppers on these nights were light salads, or easy soups, or something that required little effort to prepare or to eat. Some years, each child would have their own garden, and they were permitted to plant whatever they wanted. The girls usually opted for flowers, although Amber always added pepper plants to hers, and my son wanted to grow only vegetables. They learned many tips from my mother- and father-in-law, who had a wonderfully large garden and greenhouse in Maryland. Gardening became a symbol of our family togetherness, something to which we looked forward. We were adventurous, trying new planting techniques and unique plants. One day, my son came in from his garden. I believe he was about 6 years old. He said, “Mommy, I love my garden. It is dirty goodness.” Yes, son, it was. This year, I again rushed spring. In Florida, that is easy to do – and I still plant early, and hope that the garden will thrive. The kids have been grown and on their own for years now, and all have children of their own. But every spring season, I can’t wait to gather the garden tools, prepare the ground, and plant my heart out. I reenter the house after a long and productive gardening day, and appreciate the dirty goodness. Jo Loving has been busy in her early (maybe too early) spring garden. She cannot resist its dirty goodness, and the view from her porch is worth the effort.

Serving Up Local “Good” News Since 1997

Learn about our adoption opportunities Domestic & International

301-587-4400 Cradle of Hope Adoption Center front porch fredericksburg

Front Porch Fredericksburg April 2015

Fredericksburg Sketches

My Favorite Places

A visual Celebration of our community

May Pick: carl’s

By Casey Alan Shaw

By Callista Kathryn Dunn

Fredericksburg

and

Exclusively at

Your Hometown Jeweler Since 1940

Exclusively at Gemstone

606 Caroline Street Old Town Fredericksburg 373-7847 www.gemstonecreations.org

jewelboxfredericksburgva.webs.com jewelbox14k@yahoo.com

showtime!

Tuesday - Saturday 10-5

THE POETRY MAN - BY FRANK FRATOE

Beach Morning - By Frank Fratoe

212 William Street,Fredericksburg 540-373-5513 Mon-Fri 9:30-6; Sat 9:30-5

April 2015

Front porch fredericksburg

From My Porch dirty goodness

By Rim Vining

This month I went to Carl’s. I interviewed manager Dan Sponseller.

Q: What is your best selling flavor A: It is split between vanilla chocolate.

AutoKnown Better

Where Fredericksburg Gets Engaged

Frank Fratoe lives & writes in the city.

By Jo Loving

Gardens are not made by singing, “Oh, how beautiful,” and sitting in the shade. ~Rudyard Kipling

Every Child Deserves A Family

Serving Up Local “Good” News Since 1997

Learn about our adoption opportunities Domestic & International

301-587-4400 Cradle of Hope Adoption Center front porch fredericksburg

Front Porch Fredericksburg April 2015