Front Porch Frederickburg - August 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 19 • ISSUE 217 • AUGUST 2015

Frontporchfredericksburg.com

contents

closeups 8

ted schubel ...talk of the town

companions: kitties & hair-balls

senior visitors supports under-served population renew:lose your belly fat for good

Senior Care: caregiver “me” time

gracie’s gown’s ...jessica kidd provides hope

wellness: how to choose supplements

Art in the burg: drawn together

using music for life challenges ...Kana Zink

scene & heard...in the ‘burg!

fxbg music: e.p. jackson

liano pivirotio “smallest Details”

fredericksburger

solarize, fxbg!

fredericksburg sketches My Favorite Places: August pick liberty town

poetryman autoknown: dog days from my porch: old fashion way to leave no child behind

porch talk 4

on the porch...life in fredericksburg Messages

community foundation new board members

freedom 8: burg’s newest allergen-free startup

downtown buzz: 8 principles of main st.

9 10

phyllis whitley...family & memories

vino: globalization

season’s bounty: you scream, I scream...

Cooking with Kyle summer restaurant week

neat eats: meal planning made easy

16-17

Calendar of events

Front porch fredericksburg

not your typical restaurant By Scott richards

...And more!

win wine country getaway pass

Come Aboard with Us!

August 2015

Our Heritage: beach days history’s stories.: purple heart

Here’s A Refreshing Idea...

La Rosetta International Cuisine

La Rosetta: not your typical restaurant

the tart cart: gourmet sweets & savories

judas recendez...army vet to ceramic artist Cover Photo By Phyllis Whitley

Williams Street and Soup and Taco on Caroline fall under the Gonzalez family umbrella. Visiting La Rosetta, my wife, Diane, and I were immediately greeted by a server and Jose Gonzalez, both of whom had warm and catching smiles. We started with salads. I had a Spinaci E Mele ($7.95) which consisted of baby spinach, caramelized pecans, red apples and gorgonzola Chef Freddy Gonzalez and Sous Chef Agueda Flores in Action cheese all with a The Chimneys building on Caroline Street has had a new resident balsamic vinaigrette. My wife had a grilled since December 2014, one that many peach salad ($7.95) made up of baby spinach, grilled peaches, dates and a have already classified as a keeper. La Rosetta International Cuisine brings to balsamic vinaigrette. Along with the taste, Fredericksburg a taste of international the plating of these salads was amazing. The entrees completely destroyed cuisine that ranges from Northern Italian to Cuban to South American; all prepared my idea of what an Italian food was like. The entire menu showed various dishes to very well. For those who come to dine at La enjoy, not just pasta and marinara with an I had Rosetta for the first time, be forewarned, occasional meatball thrown in. Paglio E Fieno ($20.95): Homemade this is not your typical restaurant. spinach & egg capellini with General manager Jose sauteed shrimp, Gonzalez called the concept La Rosetta provides mushrooms, capers, diced they are portraying excellent food in proper tomatoes & garlic. The "comfortable elegance." An portions served by a wait shrimp were done to accurate description, La staff that treats perfection and the capellini Rosetta provides excellent was very thin and flavorful customers as if they were food in proper portions giving the entire dish the the only ones in the served by a wait staff that essence of the pasta. Diane treats customers as if they restaurant. had Fettuccine Verde were the only ones in the ($20.95): Homemade spinach fettuccine restaurant. The Gonzalez family has worked with lump crabmeat, mushrooms, capers, in the restaurant business since 1979 diced tomatoes, garlic, olive oil, & fresh when they emigrated from El Salvador. basil. Again the pasta was razor thin, With both parents cooking for some of the enhancing the flavors of the other nicer hotels in Northern Virginia, it ingredients. I have seen similar dishes in became second nature for their children other restaurants covered in a cream sauce, but Chef Freddie was not afraid use to follow in their footsteps. Executive Chef Freddy Gonzalez started cooking an oil sauce which laid bare the intricacies Italian at the age of sixteen and trained of taste of the ingredients, much to our under a number of chefs, learning delight. With the meal I enjoyed a glass of different cuisines and achieving an GioCatto pinot grigio from Slovenia that expertise that has to be tasted to be was the best I have had in years of drinking wine. A rich citrus taste was believed. Along with Chef Robert blended with an underlying flavor of Gonzalez, Freddy and Sous Chef Agueda Flores provide food that makes a visit to honey. This medium bodied wine provided an excellent pairing with the flavorful La Rosetta a memorable experience. From Northern Virginia to entrees we enjoyed. We finished our meal by sharing a Fredericksburg included a stop in Stafford dessert that our server informed us was County in 2006 with the establishment of her favorite: Chocolate Ecstasy ($6.95): La Rosetta in Aquia area, which was a fine Chocolate fudge cake with raspberry dining restaurant run by the Gonzalez family prior to packing up and moving to ganache & vanilla ice cream. The best way the Burg. In addition to La Rosetta, two to describe this dessert was by its name, popular restaurants, 806 Bistro on ecstasy. The ganache and the fudge cake

offered two flavors melded together by the vanilla ice cream. La Rosetta offers Fredericksburg diners a chance to taste a cuisine that is w o n d e r f u l l y authentic to its origins and flavorful in an atmosphere that is not pretentious, but very comfortable. Our server, who seemed to appear at exactly the right moment, was very knowledgeable about the menu and Paglia e Fieno Homemade spinach, egg Cappellini with sautéed shrimp, mushrooms, capers, tomatoes and garlic answered questions we had without hesitation. Jose Gonzalez stated they were trying to provided a place where one could find great food, good Scott Richards is a member of the VA service and a comfortable atmosphere. La Vineyards Association, owner of Loch Rosetta has achieved that and more. Haven Vineyards and plans on having many wonderful meals at La Rosetta.

front porch fredericksburg

August 2015 2015

contents

closeups 8

ted schubel ...talk of the town

companions: kitties & hair-balls

senior visitors supports under-served population renew:lose your belly fat for good

Senior Care: caregiver “me” time

gracie’s gown’s ...jessica kidd provides hope

wellness: how to choose supplements

Art in the burg: drawn together

using music for life challenges ...Kana Zink

scene & heard...in the ‘burg!

fxbg music: e.p. jackson

liano pivirotio “smallest Details”

fredericksburger

solarize, fxbg!

fredericksburg sketches My Favorite Places: August pick liberty town

poetryman autoknown: dog days from my porch: old fashion way to leave no child behind

porch talk 4

on the porch...life in fredericksburg Messages

community foundation new board members

freedom 8: burg’s newest allergen-free startup

downtown buzz: 8 principles of main st.

9 10

phyllis whitley...family & memories

vino: globalization

season’s bounty: you scream, I scream...

Cooking with Kyle summer restaurant week

neat eats: meal planning made easy

16-17

Calendar of events

Front porch fredericksburg

not your typical restaurant By Scott richards

...And more!

win wine country getaway pass

Come Aboard with Us!

August 2015

Our Heritage: beach days history’s stories.: purple heart

Here’s A Refreshing Idea...

La Rosetta International Cuisine

La Rosetta: not your typical restaurant

the tart cart: gourmet sweets & savories

judas recendez...army vet to ceramic artist Cover Photo By Phyllis Whitley

front porch fredericksburg

August 2015 2015

ON THE PORCH Suzy Woollam

Guest Porch Editorial

Contributing Writers & Artists Katherine Arens Nancy Bauer A.E.Bayne Megan Byrnes Collette Caprara Judy Chaimson Ashleigh Chevalier Rick Collier Dan Czajka Callista Dunn Christina Ferber Frank Fratoe Joan M. Geisler Ann Glave Alexis Grogan Ralph “Tuffy”Hicks Emily Hollinsworth Karl Karch Ann Kuo Jo Loving Terry McNally Vanessa Moncure Patrick Neustatter Penny Parrish M.L.Powers Scott Richards Casey Alan Shaw Meg Sneed Georgia Strentz James Kyle Synder Christine Thompson Rim Vining Dawn Whitmore Phyllis Whitley Norma Woodward Suzy Woollam

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

BY susy woollam I love our city. I know I say that a lot, but I really do. Fredericksburg is my home, it's where, some 20+ years ago, I chose to relocate and raise my children. It's my comfort zone and it always offers me a port in the ever raging storm. And although there was a time that I had to leave, I always considered this as "home". Bucks County Pennsylvania was nice, but it wasn't home. And when I met my husband Todd, it was the place I would whisk him off to for long weekends, "mental health" trips, and even once to deliver cookies (black and white cookies mind you!) at midnight after a particularly painful loss on a "gentleman's bet" baseball game to my friend Rob Grogan. My hope was always that the opportunity would present itself for us to make our home here as a family. Because Virginia, and particularly Fredericksburg, held my story. My history. History is a funny thing. Some say that hindsight is 20/20, and others seem to take great pleasure in altering the details to make a more palatable retelling. Regardless of how you view it, we all have our own personal history, the good, the bad, and the sometimes oh-so-ugly that we have overcome, survived, or tried desperately to forget. Some of its funny, some sad, some chaotic and, in my case certainly, some just starts with "Y'all ain't gonna believe this". Our moments are written on pages in the book of our life, a series of moments that are strung together to create a tightly woven tapestry that tells the history of us. My history, the "story of Suzy" encompasses not only the good, like the birth of my amazing children, and the marriage to my best friend, but also the bad. Lots of bad, some would say. And although I choose not to wear the labels

that my history would define; Adult child of alcoholic parents, survivor of domestic abuse and sexual assault, this is my history. Each instance is a page in the book of my life. But rather than attempting to scrub it clean, changing or eliminating the facts and pretending it never happened, I instead chose to embrace these experiences, to learn from them, not to allow them to define who I am. I use them to reach and educate other, to help them to empower themselves in their own lives. I use them to remind myself to be strong in times of challenge, and to find strength and comfort in my family and my community. I understand that each of these pages, these moments, helped to shape me into the person that I am today. Our city, our State and our County share a rich history, one that tells the story of the growth of this nation that we all call home. Not all of it is pretty, and not all of it is nice, but it is a history that is part of a bigger story, a story of our Freedom, of our transition, of our growth as a Nation. Our history has helped to shape the direction in which we grew, how we changed and improved, but our history need not define who we are. We can attempt to scrub away the ugly parts, leaving behind only the shiny, pretty

messages I just picked up your paper at a local business and wanted to tell you it is very informative. Good job. Thank you. George Hollen

My little Will is famous! Thanks for using my pic :) We're so excited. (cover, July 2015) Carrie harmsen. Many thanks for the article by Christina Ferber (July 2015) Buy Local Hands really appreciates the shout-out. Mary Lou Cramer

August 2015

New Board Members

history

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.

Community Foundation

Front porch fredericksburg

Enjoyed article on Sue Henderson (July, 2015, “Snapshots of Life”, and cover photo)....Her stuff is gorgeous! Catherine Sutter

Thank you Front Porch!!! (“All You Need is Love”, July 2015 . Brian Lam

This ad was great! Great job. (july 2015) Emmett Snead, Sneads Asparagus Farm

By terry Mcnally The new board members include: Leah Cox, PhD, Special Assistant to the President for Diversity and Inclusion at the University of Mary Washington, Michele Mansouri, Executive Director and Vice President of Access Eye; Kirstin Snead, an attorney and community volunteer; and Jon Van Zandt, owner of Van Zandt Restorations. They fill board vacancies created when four long-term members retired from the foundation board on July 1. The foundation is grateful for the service of: John Fick III, President and CEO of J.F. Fick

Kristin Snead

parts, but to me, that seems a bit insulting to the people who fought and struggled and succeeded and overcame obstacles to create the freedom that we relish. Perhaps, a kinder, gentler idea is to embrace everyone, for all that they are. The good, the bad, and the oh-so-ugly sometimes. Not to practice judgment, but to practice love for one another. No matter what. To be kind. To be considerate. To find gratitude in our own lives, for the good, AND the bad. To realize that each of us has pages, and those pages brought us to this point in our lives. They have helped to shaped us, made us a family, strengthened our community, and written a book we should all read Cover to Cover.

Suzy can be found at The Scenter of Town on Charles Street, finding happiness.

The Community Foundation of the Rappahannock River Region is currently seeking applications from local non-profits for their upcoming grant cycle. Grant awards will be made from the Duff McDuff Green, Jr. Fund, the Trust for Public Education, the Haven Make a Difference Fund and Youth in Philanthropy (YIP). For more information on The Community Foundation’s grants and scholarships, as well as how the foundation can assist donors in creating charitable funds, call 540.373.9292 or visit www.cfrrr.org. #

Terry McNally is the Executive Director of the Community Foundation of the Rappahannock River Region. She can be reaches at 540.373.9292 terimcnally@cfrrr.org

The Community Foundation of the Rappahannock River Region announces the addition of four local leaders to its Board of Governors. In addition, Bruce Davis has taken over duties as Board President from Past President Kelly Johnson. All Board changes took effect July 1.

Old Town’s Greatest Tour 35 Monuments, Markers, & Attractions

Leah Cox Distributing; Leigh Frackelton, Partner, Goodpasture, Purvis & Frackelton, PC; John McManus, Partner, Hirschler Fleischer; and Erik Muller, Senior Vice President Union Bank & Trust. Frackelton is a founding board member and past president (two terms). McManus is also a past president.

Jon Van Zandt

Michelle Mansouri

AND the Fredericksburg Battlefields Weddings Reunions Shuttles Parties Group Outings Fredericksburgtrolley.com

540-898-0737

Heartwarming Story (“All You Need is Love”, July 2015)...Congrats to Will and Brian. Hannah Russ

LOVE this paper and have for years! Thanks for keeping it going. Lynne & Bill Woods

I’m from Fredericksburg, Va and now live in Charleston, SC. I miss reading Front Porch, how do I get it? Margaret Dorr NOTE: Front Porch, current and past issues, is available on-lline @frontporchfredericksburg.com front porch fredericksburg

August 2015 2015

ON THE PORCH Suzy Woollam

Guest Porch Editorial

messages I just picked up your paper at a local business and wanted to tell you it is very informative. Good job. Thank you. George Hollen

August 2015

New Board Members

history

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.

Community Foundation

Front porch fredericksburg

Enjoyed article on Sue Henderson (July, 2015, “Snapshots of Life”, and cover photo)....Her stuff is gorgeous! Catherine Sutter

Thank you Front Porch!!! (“All You Need is Love”, July 2015 . Brian Lam

This ad was great! Great job. (july 2015) Emmett Snead, Sneads Asparagus Farm

Kristin Snead

Suzy can be found at The Scenter of Town on Charles Street, finding happiness.

Terry McNally is the Executive Director of the Community Foundation of the Rappahannock River Region. She can be reaches at 540.373.9292 terimcnally@cfrrr.org

Old Town’s Greatest Tour 35 Monuments, Markers, & Attractions

Jon Van Zandt

Michelle Mansouri

AND the Fredericksburg Battlefields Weddings Reunions Shuttles Parties Group Outings Fredericksburgtrolley.com

540-898-0737

Heartwarming Story (“All You Need is Love”, July 2015)...Congrats to Will and Brian. Hannah Russ

LOVE this paper and have for years! Thanks for keeping it going. Lynne & Bill Woods

August 2015 2015

Downtown Buzz

FREEDOM 8 the Burg’s newest allergen-free startup

Do you know the Eight Principles of Main Street?

By Christina Ferber

Food allergies have become commonplace among adults and children alike these days. In fact, it is estimated that one in thirteen children have a food sensitivity, and those who do often must sacrifice taste in order to stay healthy. However a new company, Freedom 8 Baked Goods, plans to change all of that by providing great tasting food that is free of the eight most common allergens: eggs, dairy, wheat, soy, tree nuts, peanuts, fish, and shellfish.

“ W e are the company of yes,” says Gail Lamirata, founder of this local start-up. “I was tired of having to tell my kids no because of allergies to certain food, and decided to take matters into my own hands.” Lamirata began the company after she developed sensitivity to certain foods and discovered her son’s reaction to dairy products. The frustration of buying food full of bad filler ingredients that didn’t even taste good, and a craving for the home baked goods that her mother would make when she was growing up also helped put her idea into motion.

“Cake should taste like cake, and just because you have allergies to something shouldn’t mean that you have to go without baked goods that actually taste good,” says Lamirata. “Fruit was often our dessert until I founded Freedom 8.” She points out that it wasn’t always a great tasting journey, but after much trial and error and more than a few flopped cakes, she believes she has found the right combination of taste in an allergen-free product. The company offers cakes, cookies, and cupcakes, with a gourmet style cupcake bouquet option available as well. Birthday packs will be coming soon with a cookie decorating activity made with allergen free cut out cookies, sprinkles, and frosting. “This is also an easy way to be assured that products you take to your children’s school or offer at birthday parties are free of the items kids are most sensitive too,” says Lamirata. All orders are completed online, and then are either delivered to local businesses on Fridays or available for pick

By Ann Glave

up at 2530 Espresso on Saturdays. A complete list of items available can be found at www.freedom8bakedgoods.com along with enticing pictures of the products. “I really believe everyone deserves a cupcake! A really good tasting cupcake,” says Lamirata. Order your allergen-free cupcakes today.

Christina Ferber is a teacher, writer and mom who writes about local entrepreneurs each month in Front Porch.

The Main Street’s four-point approach of Design, Promotion, Organization and Economic Restructuring are well known compared to the 8 principles that guide Main Streets organizations. Success is guided by the following eight principles, which set the Main Street methodology apart from other redevelopment strategies. For a Main Street program to be successful, it must whole-heartedly embrace the following time-tested Eight Principles. Comprehensive: No single focus — lavish public improvements, name-brand business recruitment, or endless promotional events — can revitalize Main Street. For successful, sustainable, longterm revitalization, a comprehensive approach, including activity in each of Main Street's Four Points, is essential. Incremental: Baby steps come before walking. Successful revitalization programs begin with basic, simple

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

activities that demonstrate that "new things are happening " in the commercial district. As public confidence in the Main Street district grows and participants' understanding of the revitalization process becomes more sophisticated, Main Street is able to tackle increasingly complex problems and more ambitious projects. This incremental change leads to much longer-lasting and dramatic positive change in the Main Street area. Self-h help: No one else will save your Main Street. Local leaders must have the will and desire to mobilize local resources and talent. That means convincing residents and business owners of the rewards they'll reap by investing time and money in Main Street — the heart of their community. Only local leadership can produce longterm success by fostering and demonstrating community involvement and commitment to the revitalization effort. Partnerships: Both the public and private sectors have a vital interest in the district

Front Porch Fredericksburg

Highlighting Local People, Places & Events Since 1997

and must work together to achieve common goals of Main Street's revitalization. Each sector has a role to play and each must understand the other's strengths and limitations in order to forge an effective partnership. Identifying and capitalizing on existing assets: Business districts must capitalize on the assets that make them unique. Every district has unique qualities like distinctive buildings and human scale that give people a sense of belonging. These local assets must serve as the foundation for all aspects of the revitalization program. Quality: Emphasize quality in every aspect of the revitalization program. This applies to all elements of the process — from storefront designs to promotional campaigns to educational programs. Shoestring budgets and "cut and paste" efforts reinforce a negative image of the commercial district. Instead, concentrate on quality projects over quantity. Change: Skeptics turn into believers and attitudes on Main Street will turn around. At first, almost no one believes Main

1021 CAROLINE STREET, FREDERICKSBURG, VIRGINIA 540-374-0443

ARM

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

540.847.0630 suzystone22@gmail.com C21redwood.com

Ann Glave is the Executive Director of the Fredericksburg Main Street Program

Our Summer Sale Is on Now!

ROXBURY F

SUZY STONE

Street can really turn around. Changes in attitude and practice are slow but definite — public support for change will build as the Main Street program grows and consistently meets its goals. Change also means engaging in better business practices, altering ways of thinking, and improving the physical appearance of the commercial district. Implementation: To succeed, Main Street must show visible results that can only come from completing projects. Frequent, visible changes are a reminder that the revitalization effort is under way and succeeding. Small projects at the beginning of the program pave the way for larger ones as the revitalization effort matures, and that constant revitalization activity creates confidence in the Main Street program and ever-greater levels of participation. (ThIS info was gathered from the National Main Street program.)

& GARDEN CENTER

Since 1929

601 LAFAYETTE BLVD

roxburyfarmgarden.com

We have all your gardening needs! Come Shop With Us

Each Office Is Independently Owned & Operated

August 2015

Front porch fredericksburg

front porch fredericksburg

August 2015

Downtown Buzz

FREEDOM 8 the Burg’s newest allergen-free startup

Do you know the Eight Principles of Main Street?

By Christina Ferber

By Ann Glave

Christina Ferber is a teacher, writer and mom who writes about local entrepreneurs each month in Front Porch.

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

Front Porch Fredericksburg

Highlighting Local People, Places & Events Since 1997

1021 CAROLINE STREET, FREDERICKSBURG, VIRGINIA 540-374-0443

ARM

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

540.847.0630 suzystone22@gmail.com C21redwood.com

Ann Glave is the Executive Director of the Fredericksburg Main Street Program

Our Summer Sale Is on Now!

ROXBURY F

SUZY STONE

& GARDEN CENTER

Since 1929

601 LAFAYETTE BLVD

roxburyfarmgarden.com

We have all your gardening needs! Come Shop With Us

Each Office Is Independently Owned & Operated

August 2015

Front porch fredericksburg

front porch fredericksburg

August 2015

Ted Schubel

Phyllis Whitley melding family & memory

talk of the town

By emily hollingsworth

by a.e.bayne

Rarely does a person choose a career at a very young age and then follow through with it. From the time he was a kid with a radio glued to his hands, Ted Schubel has known he wanted to be on the air. Though other interests came and went, radio remained a constant. Schubel studied English and journalism in Ann Arbor, Michigan. His first local gig was at a Christian radio station and later with B101.5, where Schubel has hosted Town Talk ever since the first episodes aired in 2003. Focusing on local organizations, the arts, people of interest, and politicians, Schubel views Town Talk as a vehicle for weaving a tighter community through revelations of its commonalities and humanity. According to Schubel, the show’s conversational tone and focus on local interests is intentional. He says, “The program manager, Mark Bass, and the program director, Chuck Archer, have always been hugely supportive, giving me leeway as far as content is concerned. When they first pitched Town Talk to me, it was a shorter show. It went so well that they expanded the format. My first thought was how I was going to do an hour each day, but it turned out to be easy due to the interesting people and events in Fredericksburg. It’s important to have local people, because it’s their chance to introduce themselves to the community.” Between tracking down interesting leads and staying abreast of current events, Town Talk keeps Schubel on his toes. Some lessons he’s learned are that the conversation during a live program can divert quickly into unrelated topics, and guests will reveal things after

August 2015

the interview that you wish had been part of the show. Schubel says, “At 8:59 the show’s over. It really only lasts about 40 minutes with commercials and news breaks, so if we don’t get it then, it doesn’t get said.” On Town Talk, Schubel introduces a wide variety of guests to Fredericksburg, presenting different viewpoints from around our region. A typical line-up over a two week period this summer shows the rich diversity of our community, including Empower House, shows about Germanna’s workforce program, the Spotsylvania Spectacular, an introduction to Spotsylvania County’s new county administrator, the Fredericksburg Regional Alliance, Central summer reading at Rappahannock Regional Library, the local food bank, and Friends of Chatham. Recently, Schubel has added local artist Lara Klopp as a monthly guest to bring a new voice to the show. Schubel says Town Talk and Front Porch Magazine have the same mission, to connect the community. He partnered with Rob Grogan after Town Talk began and would invite Grogan to come on for a Sunday morning show with some of the people who were written up in Front Porch. The two struck up a comfortable comradery, easily bantering back and forth with guests. Schubel and Grogan were diagnosed with different types of cancer during the same period of time and served as moral support to one another throughout. Schubel felt Grogan’s death in 2014 keenly, and says he feels Grogan’s influence to this day: “We struck up this partnership. I still have Rob’s wristband on my equipment bag. I see it and I feel like he’s still going along with some of this because he was so community minded. Rob was always out listening to the community. We used to say what we do here is like what Front Porch does in print. It’s like an audio Front Porch, and that’s intentional.” Of radio, Schubel says, “When you hear people being interviewed, there’s a humanness revealed about them. Today, it seems people aren’t listening to one another. On Town Talk, we try to engage in dialog with people of differing opinions so the community has a chance to get to know and listen to one another.” Ted Schubel interviews his variety of local guests on Town Talk, daily at 8 a.m. on WFVA 1230AM. A.E. Bayne is a writer, visual artist, and an editor of the Fredericksburg Literary Review.

Front porch fredericksburg

Phyllis Whitley spent her summers as a child with her grandparents in Summers County, West Virginia. Family became a central component of her life, even as far back as childhood. The artistic component would come later. Whitley took art lessons in high school, but she never pursued it intensely until she moved to New York. Since then, Whitley’s paintings and portraitures have been featured in galleries in Virginia, West Virginia, New Jersey, and Fréjus, France. Photography was an interest and ability Whitley developed later on. It was in 2008, while visiting Summers County, that her two interests, family and photography, united. The barn that her grandparents owned, the one she remembered so well

N! I W NO

from spending summers there, was being torn down. Whitley regretted that she had not taken more photos of the barn when it was in better shape. According to Whitley, the barn’s demolition was not an isolated incident: barns all over the area were becoming dilapidated. Like the barn belonging to Whitley’s grandparents, they might one day be demolished, and the barns and the stories surrounding them would be forgotten. Whitley was determined to preserve their memory. Accompanied by one of her cousins and her husband, a sculptor, Whitley took her camera and went all over Summers County and photographed every barn in the county. She also recorded the stories of the residents in Summers County, who remembered when the barns

were used and thrived. Overall, the process took two years. Each trip from Fredericksburg, where Whitley has been a resident for 38 years, to Summers County, was 250 miles. Whitley collected both the photos and stories and compiled them into Barns of Summers County, which was published by Dementi Milestone Publishing in 2011. For Whitley, combining photography, barns and stories was a way to keep the life she grew up in from being forgotten, and to teach others about what it was like. “It was primarily to preserve heritage of rural life by using the barns as a subject,” Whitley said. For Whitley, combining family and photography is not only a way to record their presence in the moment, but to honor them in the future. The cover photo is of her cousin, Michelle Radolinski. Radolinski and her family live in Mechanicsville after formerly living in Fredericksburg. Whitley not only works to stay close with her own family, but she also

creates a sense of family between Fredericksburg and a city in another continent. Whitley has been involved with the Fredericksburg Sister City Association since 1990, which partners Fredericksburg with Fréjus, France. Sharing a mutual love and appreciation of art, Whitley and members of Fréjus have hosted exhibits both in Fréjus and in Fredericksburg. Whitley’s favorite painting for Fréjus was painting a copy of George Washington for Fréjus’ Masonic Lodge. It was originally painted by 18th century portraiture artist Gilbert Stuart. “It’s a lot of fun,” Whitley said about the association. Whether it’s through painting or photography, Whitley constantly uses art to make connections and to preserve memory, for her immediate family and the family she creates around her.

Emily Hollingsworth is a UMW student NOTE: Phyllis is this month’s cover photographer

Snead’s Asparagus Farm Support Local Green Space & Local Farmers

Raspberries, Blackberries, Peaches, Sweet Corn, Blueberries Concord Grapes,Tall Tunnel Tomatoes, Heirloom Watermelons & Cantaloupes PLUS Snead Farm Raspberry & Blackberry Preserves, Concord Grape Butter, and Free Range Eggs 10 mi. S.E. of downtown on right side of Rt. 17 Open 9-5 Daily

540/371-9328

www.sneadsfarm.com

Enjoy Snead Farm Produce at Sunken Well Tavern, LaPetite Auberge, Bistro Bethem, J Brian’s, Vivify, Kybecca, Castigllias Olde Town Butcher, Spencer Devon Brewery, Kickshaws, Ellwood Thompson’s, & Fresca

front porch fredericksburg

August 2015

Ted Schubel

Phyllis Whitley melding family & memory

talk of the town

By emily hollingsworth

by a.e.bayne

August 2015

Front porch fredericksburg

N! I W NO

Emily Hollingsworth is a UMW student NOTE: Phyllis is this month’s cover photographer

Snead’s Asparagus Farm Support Local Green Space & Local Farmers

540/371-9328

www.sneadsfarm.com

front porch fredericksburg

August 2015

Gracie’s Gowns

VA. WINERIES

jessica kidd provides grins and hope

win a virginia wine country getaway pass

By dawn whitmore

by nancy bauer Front Porch Fredericksburg readers are a loyal and enthusiastic bunch of travelers, so with fall colors and leap peeping just around the corner, we thought it would be fun to share a little love with our FRED followers! THE GIVEAWAY: In August, we’ll give up to 50 readers a free “Inns of Virginia Wine Country Getaway Pass” ($49 value) for telling us what you love about Fredericksburg. The wine list at your fave romantic dining spot? The helpful owner of a downtown shop? Wandering the historic neighborhoods? A new brewery? THE PRIZE: The “Inns of Virginia Wine Country Pass” is all about discovering local treasures, like Fredericksburg. The 50+ featured Inns are scattered all over the state, from Fredericksburg’s own Richard Johnston Inn and Braehead Manor all the way down to South Boston’s Oak Grove Plantation B&B. Each inn offers Pass holders

something special, like 25% off your stay, free passes to nearby wineries, or in-room goodies, all good until December 30, 2015. HOW TO ENTER: Go to www.GoVirginiaGetaways.com and leave a Comment on the blog post “Why I love FRED…” Tell us, in 25 words or less, what really tickles you about Fredericksburg. Contest ends August 19. We’ll pick up to 50 winners and send Passes out by August 30. Front Porch Fredericksburg will publish the best answers in the September issue. Good luck! Here are a few nearby wine country inns, and why they’d make a great base of operations for a leaf peeping getaway this fall. Be sure to book early; fall is now the most popular travel time in Virginia’s wine country. Richard Johnston Inn (711 Caroline Street, Fredericksburg,

Keep Your

Smile

Beautiful

FREDERICKSBURG DENTAL ASSOCIATES 131 Park Hill Drive, Suite A (across from Mary Washingtton Hospittal Emergency Room)

therichardjohnstoninn.com) Centrally located in historic downtown, the Inn is only three blocks from the train station (Amtrak/VRE). With a little advance notice, the staff will pick you up, and then everything you need is only short stroll away. Local treasures include Mary Washington’s House, Fredericksburg Museum, the Rising Sun Tavern, and a variety of unique shops, downtown restaurants, and the new Spencer Devon Brewery (which serves wine, too). Architect John Taylow, one of the original signers of The Declaration of Independence, built the Inn in 1770 as a private home. Braehead Manor (123 Lee Drive, Fredericksburg, braeheadmanor.com) Built in 1859, Braehead’s manor house is on 27 acres within Fredericksburg Battlefield National Park. General Robert E. Lee famously breakfasted at Breahead on the morning of the 1st Battle of Fredericksburg, and the Union Army occupied the house during the 2nd Battle of Fredericksburg, using the house as a hospital. The Army left behind mementoes from their visit, which remain today, including graffiti, bayonet marks, bullet holes, and carvings. BBB at Cheesecake Farms (4085 Sumerduck Road, Sumerduck, cheesecakefarms.com) Fred-heads wax rhapsodic about Karla’s Great Cheesecakes, which closed up shop after twenty years. Karla wasn’t ready to hang up the springform pans for good, though; she just moved her baked goods out to Cheesecake Farms in Sumerduck, where she presides over an even more ambitious enterprise. Karla’s calls her “BB&B” (Bed, Barn & Breakfast) “a simple, grass roots,

Jessica Kidd is a creative individual who shares her talent with children dealing with debilitating illnesses. Kidd provides each one of these children with a specially designed hospital gown. Each gown is meant to help alleviate the scariness of the unknown and bring a smile to a child. However, Kidd’s first gown was actually made for an adult. “My friend was pregnant and didn’t like hospital maternity gown. She asked me to make her something comfortable,” Kidd explains. The idea of a gown for a child came when her own youngster spent three days in the hospital. “As a precaution, the hospital

kept her for three days. Her clothes were dirty and the gowns didn’t fit her,” Kidd explains. She called a friend, whose daughter, Grace had cancer to ask her thoughts on a child-sized gown. Would a specially designed gown for children be practical? Gracie’s Gowns was born and would be named after this little angel. Kidd, who began sewing in 2008, began her gown ministry with a free pattern. However, over time, with input from medical staff and parents of hospitalized children, she would create her own pattern. The majority of the time, Gracie’s Gowns is a one-woman crew staying up late hours filling requests, snapping gowns while her children are in school. In summer months, a couple teachers donate time in various ways. Kidd has one special friend, who provides her with moral support and is currently

helping with marketing and promotion of an upcoming golf fundraiser. To date, Gracie’s Gowns (a registered 501c 3 non-profit) have been shipped both nationwide and internationally. Each gown request is provided free of charge to the family. Gown production and shipping is funded by donations. What happens when a child outgrows their gown or it is damaged? Kidd replaces it with another donated gown. Gowns are not the only thing Kidd is sewing, while being a full-time student and Mommy to three children. Gracie’s Gowns also makes NICU Smocks, Chemo bag covers, reusable facemasks, G Tube covers, Freckles the Frog, The Teddy Bear, and stuffed animals wearing a miniature gown. The stuffed animal wearing a miniature gown is only created if a child dies before their requested gown is received. Kidd becomes close to the families, as they walk through their child’s illness. There are times of joy, when a child outgrows their gown and needs a new one. But, there are times of sadness, when as described by the Gracie’s Gowns website,

‘the child’s valiant fight ends’. Kidd, who is constantly moving and arranging piles of fabric pauses for a moment when she discusses the families of the children who have died. “The families become my friends…” she pauses, “yes, it can be quite difficult at times. This is why we started the lantern release.” The lantern release is held once a year. Japanese-type lanterns are lit and released in the water to remember the children who have lost the fight with their illness. It is a touching event. Kidd specifies, even though Gracie’s Gowns has various fundraisers throughout the year, the lantern release is NOT a fundraiser. The next fundraising event is “Birdies and Bobbins”, a golf tournament being held on September 14th. More information about the event can be found on the website, www.graciesgowns.org/birdies--bobbinsgolf-tournament.html.

Dawn Whitmore is a landscape photographer and writer who lives in Spotsylvania.

agri-educational farm that encourages a healthy life through healthy foods, healthy gardens and a healthy outlook.” Nancy Bauer is co-owner of the Go Virginia Getaways Pass program (GoVirginiaGetaways.com), which features deals and discounts at more than 200 locally-owned inns, restaurants and activities – including Fredericksburg! - and the Virginia Wine in My Pocket.com site and travel app.

540.373.0602 fdadental.com;

@Fredericksburg Dental Associates

Proudly serving the dental needs of the Fredericksburg area families for the last 18 years.

www.govirginiagetaways.com 10

August 2015

Front porch fredericksburg

front porch fredericksburg

August 2015

Gracie’s Gowns

VA. WINERIES

jessica kidd provides grins and hope

win a virginia wine country getaway pass

By dawn whitmore

Keep Your

Smile

Beautiful

FREDERICKSBURG DENTAL ASSOCIATES 131 Park Hill Drive, Suite A (across from Mary Washingtton Hospittal Emergency Room)

Dawn Whitmore is a landscape photographer and writer who lives in Spotsylvania.

540.373.0602 fdadental.com;

@Fredericksburg Dental Associates

Proudly serving the dental needs of the Fredericksburg area families for the last 18 years.

www.govirginiagetaways.com 10

August 2015

Front porch fredericksburg

front porch fredericksburg

August 2015

Vino globalization 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

By scott richards Since the end of the last century, people have been talking about things like globalization and the world market. Information has become cheap today, affecting just about every part of our society, not to mention the many markets we participate in. The wine industry has not escaped this phenomenon. With the increase in technology, it is no big deal to be able to find out what is going on in wineries and vineyards around the world. Argentina's latest development in Malbec or the best new Sauvignon Blanc from New Zealand can be found in minutes while never leaving the comforts of home. In the same way, buying wine has become a much easier task than it used to be. Even for the novice, now there are apps that can be used with our smart phones telling consumers everything they may want or need to know about a wine before they make a purchase. Even the purchase can be made on line. Many on line retailers will send the wine with little or no freight charges if enough wine is ordered (usually six bottles). This globalization of the wine market has engendered a whole class of wine drinkers who buy, not by the quality of wine, as much as by how well the wine has been marketed over media channels. Given a wine that is cheaper to make allows for a company to spend more monies on the marketing aspect, which is needed to put their product in front of people. I have often written to people to drink what you like, but there needs to be an understanding that wine consumption is a process of pallet development, much like mental development, stimulated by what it is fed. Although I have been drinking wine longer than I am willing to admit, I believe my journey in wine is just beginning. As a greater variety of wines cross my pallet, I find my tastes change. I have not arrived. Each wine is a new experience. Sometimes that can cost a little more to purchase the bottle that

might be one step ahead of what you have been drinking, but what good thing does not cost in one way or another? As a result of many of the economic changes we have seen in recent years, prices on commodities such as wine have fallen, so now is a good time to consider taking the next step and trying different wines. The 2014 vintage Bordeaux wines have been said to have an excellent potential. Wine Spectator reports that US stores are offering the 2014 vintages at less expensive prices than previous vintages. For years, in order to get a good Bordeaux, it had to be done by buying wine futures, which provided lower prices than retail. That is no longer the case. In order to spark American interest in the Bordeaux products, futures for the 2014 vintages were set below the 2013 futures prices. For example, Lafite Rothschild has lowered their 2014 initial futures retail price 17% less than last year. However, it has had little effect. Many retailers have found that younger consumers are buying moderately aged Bordeaux wines that are readily drinkable. Wine drinkers are no longer buying the futures and do not have the cellars to store them if they did. The result is that wine futures are not as prevalent with many stores as they used to be. Retailers are selling wines that cost less than one hundred dollars and are from the smaller chateaus that may have been previously unknown. It has been stated stores would rather have moderately aged wines on their shelves. So, based on the strength of the dollar and the condition of the world wine market, now is an excellent time to step up and enjoy a good wine. Drink what you like, but do not be surprised if stepping out of your comfort zone brings more pleasure than you may have expected. Cheers!

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.

RAPPAHANNOCK MAJESTIC & HISTORIC

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

August 2015

Front porch fredericksburg

Season’s Bounty

?i scream, you scream, we all scream

By vanessa moncure

For homemade ice cream! I don't remember the double-walled ice house behind our early-1800s farmhouse in Madison - by the time I came along, many outbuildings were gone. But the ancient rock spring and cold stream site is still there, and stories of a wintertime drafthorse-drawn sledge, slabs of cut ice piled high, painted a vivid scene in my childhood mind's eye. I imagined horses stamped on the snowy frozen path as the large chunks of ice, harvested from pond and river with an ice saw, pick and pike poles, were gaffed and raised up with ice tongs into the shed. Packing the ice house as full as possible, stacking layers of sawdust and straw between the heavy blocks, assured a supply into summer months. Ice, along with drying, salting, fermenting, pickling, smoking and canning, was a method of preserving seasonal foods - and also served to cool and refresh during hot and humid Richard Brigg's Virginia summers. cookbook "The New Art of Cookery", 1792, published the first known recipe for "iced Thomas Jefferson is often creams". (mistakenly) credited for introducing ice cream to America, as he encountered the sweet confection while living in France. An inventory of his possessions shipped from France to Virginia noted glass ice molds, a freezer and ladle. Ice cream was prepared in his kitchens for the rest of his life, and the dish became widely popularized as he had it served at the President's House in Washington. (Teddy Roosevelt officially named the White House in 1901. But I digress…) Of the eleven known surviving recipes written in Jefferson's hand, one was for ice cream. (see above photo) Which follows! THOMAS JEFFERSON'S ICE CREAM RECEIPT 2 bottles of good cream 6 yolks of eggs ½ lb. sugar one stick of vanilla His explanation is very lengthy, so I'll modernize for you. Beat the yolks until thick and lemon-colored, gradually adding the sugar and one pinch of salt. Bring to a boil 1 qt. heavy cream and seeds of one vanilla pod. Cool to room

temperature, then gently beat into the egg mixture. Place in top of double boiler and when mixture thickens (like a custard) remove and strain through fine sieve. Let cool, then freeze as usual - one part salt to three parts ice. Place in an ice cream mold, then pack in ice and salt mixture for several hours to firm. Frozen custards, because of the high butterfat content and egg yolks, is creamier than ice cream and also freezes like a softserve because very little air is beaten into the mix. Ice cream whips air and will turn icy when frozen hard - that's why it's best to serve homemade ice cream within two hours of churning - not a hard chore!!

FRUIT ICE CREAM After a lot of trial and error, I've found this is a great recipe for a 4-qt. electric or hand-cranked freezer. I still have my grandparent's Eskimo brand wooden hand-crank. We pull it out sometimes, letting the children turn until they tire, then the adults. Best ice/salt ratio is 1/3parts, layering ice and salt until almost over the ice cream can. When you either can't hand-crank any more or the electric motor stops, be so careful removing the can, lid and dasher from the salty slurry. Thoroughly rinse the can with lid on, then remove dasher. Usually either the youngest child or the ice-creampreparer gets to lick. Replace the lid, place a cork in the top hole and place ice cream can back into the emptied bucket. Repack fresh ice and salt around the can and lid, cover the bucket with a thick towel. Let harden and ripen for several hours OR if you can't wait, eat it as a soft ice cream OR place in home freezer for several hours, stirring occasionally. I usually make ice cream when preparing for a crowd custard is time-consuming, so I make that with special desserts in mind, like lavender or mint custard, lemon with lemon basil custard, etc. With fruit, it's a bit hard to measure consistently. If I say "6 c. strawberries", that's a lot of air in the measurement, more than say 6 cups of raspberries. So what you want is to mash or blend the fruit, leaving no pieces larger than one-half teaspoon. Mix 6 c. prepared fruit with 1 ½ c. sugar, 1 T. vanilla, juice of ½ lemon, 1 tsp. finely grated lemon zest, tiny pinch of salt and 2 c. half-andhalf. Blend until almost smooth. Pour into ice cream can along with 1qt. heavy whipping cream and 2 c. half-and-half. Strawberry, banana, raspberry, pineapple, sweet cherry, and heavenly peach - yum. You may have to adjust sugar if making sour cherry or other tart fruits.

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 Keith Lebor 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

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

August 2015

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.

RAPPAHANNOCK MAJESTIC & HISTORIC

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

August 2015

Front porch fredericksburg

Season’s Bounty

?i scream, you scream, we all scream

By vanessa moncure

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 Keith Lebor 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

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

August 2015

Cooking With Kyle

RESTAURANT WEEK kicked off by sandwich invitational

By a.e.bayne

Simple, easy, delicious by james kyle snyder Sometimes the best part of cooking is making ingredients for the future. Summer provides tons of opportunities to get into the garden or to the farmer’s market and save the seasons delicious treats. Food preservation techniques have existed almost as long as we have been growing our own food. The goal is to kill, remove, or make the food unavailable to: molds, bacteria, fungi, yeasts, and other microorganisms. Salt packing, drying, freezing, and canning or pickling have been time-tested ways to make

today’s food available in the future. For this article we are going to focus on canning and pickling. Canning is a process, which involves preparing the food and placing it into small containers. These are then filled with a boiling brine solution. Depending on how long the food is going to be preserved determines whether or not it can be closed up at this point or if it needs to be processed further by either a hot water bath for five minutes or a pressure cooker. Canning is a world of cooking all to its own. We are not going to dive deep into the subject. We are just going to pick some fresh jalapenos and get them into the jar. For the basic pickling brine mix: 1 cup white distilled vinegar (5% acidity), 1 couple water, and 1 TBS of kosher salt (simple right?). There are 1 million recipes out there for people’s favorite pickles and tricks to change the flavor of the vegetables they are canning. For jalapenos that are going to overwinter: I tightly pack the jars with ¼ inch jalapenos rings, within 3/8 inches of the top, pressing the fruit firmly into the jar with a wooden dowel, fill the jar with simmering pickling brine, loosely place the sterilized lid and

August 2015

ring on the jar, and place the semi-sealed jar in a larger pot of boiling water covering the jar. Once the water comes back to a boil, start a five-minute timer. At the buzzer, remove the jars carefully and tighten the rings completely. Over the next few minutes you will hear the very familiar popping sound of the lids sealing. It is essential to make sure that all the lids are sealed tightly on the jars that you put away for the future. If one has not sealed, eat it for dinner. I have personally enjoyed jalapenos three seasons old. Please do your own research for storage times.

This process can be done for spicy green beans, curried vegetables, dill and garlic pickles, there are no rules! A Basic Pickling Spice might contain 1 tsp yellow mustard seeds, 1 tsp celery seeds, 1 tsp coriander seeds, 1/2 tsp black peppercorns, and1/2 tsp whole allspice. A Dilly Garlicky Pickling Spice could be made up of 2 tsp dill seeds, 1 tsp black peppercorns, 1 bay leaf, and 4 garlic cloves, peeled and minced. Hot ‘n Spicy Pickling Spice might contain1 tsp black peppercorns, 1 tsp Szechuan peppercorns, 1 tsp brown mustard seeds, 1/2 tsp coriander seeds, and 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes. To Curry Pickles mix 1 tsp curry powder, 1/4 cup packed brown sugar, 1/4 tsp cumin seeds, 1/4 tsp whole allspice, 3 inches of lemon grass minced, and 3/4 inch fresh ginger root minced. For any of these, simply blend the spices together well and add ¼ to ½ tsp to the bottom of the jar before you introduce the vegetables. If you wanted sweet, add sugar to the basic brine. It is a blast eating your own pickles and sharing them with your friends! You will seem like an alchemist of old. Simple easy and delicious! Be well!

Front porch fredericksburg

Donut sandwiches, anyone? How about peanut butter and jelly popcorn? The heat was on in this year’s Sandwich Invitational. The event took place downtown in Hurkamp Park on Thursday, July 30, 2015, and tickets were a hot item during the final weeks of July. This was to be expected with only 300 available to the public. Proceeds benefited the Fredericksburg VA Mainstreet Initiative. Lucky ticket holders were treated to sandwiches, snacks, and beverages from seventeen local restaurants, including: Cork and Table, Deutschland Downtown, Eileen’s Bakery and Café, FoodE, Happy Clam, J. Brian’s Tap Room, Kenmore Inn, Mason Dixon Café, Sunken Well Tavern, 25 30 Espresso, Agora Downtown, Capital Ale House, Jus Pop’n, Kickshaw’s Downtown Market, Paul’s Bakery, Sprelly, and Spencer Devon Brewing, who also Justin Cunningham of Spencer Devon, Steve offered beer for an additional fee. Cameli of Sunken Well, Jim Fallon of Cork and Karen Jonas entertained the crowd as Table, and Caroline Gipson of Jus' Poppin' (L-R R) they voted for their favorite sandwich. This year's contestants exuded a much exposure as possible and be a part of this community event.” playful competitiveness. Steve Cameli of Spencer Devon Brewery was also Sunken Well Tavern said they were in it to win it. The folks at Sunken Well got a new to the competition, and Chef Justin Cunningham gazed with pride on his taste of victory in last year’s Food Fight in braised beef sandwich topped with pickled support of the Fredericksburg Area Museum and Cultural Center, and Cameli red cabbage and barbecue sauce made of says their aim was to to claim the title of IPA, sriracha, and honey. Spencer Devon Brewery uses locally sourced foods and Sandwich King on July 30th. He and business partner Paul Stoddard credit has come up with some creative ways to limit waste from their vats, like drying chefs Alan Marsh and Stoney Pickett for designing some of the most innovative and grains after brewing and providing it to fresh dishes in Fredericksburg. Before the the farms where they buy their pork. event, Cameli admired the camaraderie Before the competition, Cunningham born of healthy competition between local grinned and said it was all about the ego: dining establishments, saying, “We have “I get to show off my skills and win this some great restaurants out there that thing.” There were a few unconventional cause us to push ourselves to be better.” participants in this year’s Invitational, Capital Ale House’s plans for Jus’ Poppin’, downtown competition were almost derailed when including their roof collapsed in late June, but the Fredericksburg’s latest flavored popcorn staff rallied and local restaurants came to store located in the Shops at 810 on Caroline Street. With a grand opening their aid, allowing them to proceed. Linzy Browne handles marketing for the only two weeks prior to the event, owner Caroline Gipson jumped right into the restaurant and says chefs Sean Duffy and Aaron Horner gave back to the community community by creating popcorn flavors to by using locally produced goods: “Meat fit with the theme of the day – think ham will come from Olde Towne Butcher, bread and cheese, buffalo ranch chicken, and the from Paul’s Bakery, and vegetables from aforementioned peanut butter and jelly. The Summer Invitational kicked local farms." Their sandwich was called off Summer Restaurant Week wherein ‘No Roof, No Problem.' many additional area restaurants Jim Fallon of Cork and Table was A a newcomer to this year’s rivalry. With a participate with 2 for $20 deals. menu focused on wine and meal pairings, complete listing of this year's menues and are provided at he says that dining at Cork and Table is winners www.VisitFred.com . often an educational experience for customers. Fallon hopes that Fredericksburg continues to develop its artisan food movement and believes the town offers a unique atmosphere. Prior to the Invitational he said, “I hope to get as

A.E. Bayne is a writer, visual artist, and an editor of the Fredericksburg Literary Review.

WELCOME TO OUR GREAT OUTDOORS It’s Beautiful ~ Night and Day!

Neat Eats

The Soup & Taco, Etc.

Meal planning made easy

813 Caroline St.

by a.e.bayne

Fredericksburg, VA

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

We’ve all done it. Every year, we solemnly vow to be more health conscious, to feel better, to get more exercise, and to pay attention to what we’re putting into our bodies. We know it’s the right thing to do, and we glow with pride as we extol our resolve to our friends. Then the work of doing it sets in – the daily tracking of food, slogging to the gym at zero-darkwhatever, and the limits! The limits to our easy-going, carefree, eat-whatever-the-hell-we-want lives. Being healthy can feel like a real buzz-kill; however, there are those among us who have discovered a way to have it all. People like Stefanie Root, a guru of gastronomy, who has found that healthy living not only enhances one’s life experiences, but can be easier and less costly than the life we thought we relished. Root says she and her fiancé, Matthew Sullivan, are health conscious, and their meal choices reflect it. She has always enjoyed cooking and baking, but as an educator and assistant principal in Stafford County her schedule made daily meal preparation a chore. It was not until she began researching and talking with her sister, Stacie Root, about preparing bulk meals that the idea became reality. The process has only improved with time. As an initial suggestion, Root says it’s important to determine the meals you will enjoy, while keeping in mind a healthy balance of nutrients. She plans her meals with Stacie during the week prior to preparation. Then she chooses a day on the weekend to prep the three or four meals she will make. Root explains, “I start with a lean protein like flank steak, a white fish called swai, salmon, rock fish, chicken breast, and sometimes a treat like pork tenderloin or meatloaf. Then we’ll do a complex carbohydrate like brown rice or sweet potato, and then a vegetable. Anything that’s water based doesn’t freeze well, such as summer squash and white potatoes. Vegetables that we have found to freeze well are broccoli, green beans, sweet potatoes, mushrooms, Brussel sprouts, peas, corn, spaghetti squash, and butternut squash, which we pair with brown rice. Black beans and rice is also a favorite side.” While initial costs vary with the type of freezer storage containers one uses, Root says the weekly meal budget on such a plan is significantly lower than what you would pay to purchase lunch from a vendor. She buys enough for five

to six servings from each meal, and often ends up with 20 – 30 freezer meals that carry them through one to two weeks. Root estimates the prices for a typical rotation of meals as follows: Meal #1: salmon, black beans and rice, and green beans – $3.42 per meal Meal #2: flank steak, brown rice with butternut squash, and roasted asparagus $2.85 per meal Meal #3: swai, roasted sweet potatoes, and broccoli - $2.17 per meal Root says the other meals that she and Matthew eat are much smaller, but she has a few tips where these are concerned as well: “We meal prep breakfasts, too. I’ll make breakfast sandwiches with English muffins with a protein, or we’ll eat breakfast burritos or egg scrambles. I enjoy baking, so we will eat our sweets, like muffins or cakes, in the morning to burn them off during the day. We try to keep dinners lighter, maybe a salad and some grilled protein. Lunches are our heaviest meals.” So, now you are probably thinking that meal preparation might not be so bad, but where should you start? Root keeps a blog of some of her meal plans, https://neateatsandsweettreats.wor dpress.com/, and she posts her meals to Instagram @ rootsm. Follow her for more ideas, and start planning your favorite meals today.

A.E. Bayne is a writer, visual artist, and an editor of the Fredericksburg Literary Review. She has been writing about local good news for Front Porch for the past four years.

front porch fredericksburg

August 2015

Cooking With Kyle

RESTAURANT WEEK kicked off by sandwich invitational

By a.e.bayne

August 2015

Front porch fredericksburg

A.E. Bayne is a writer, visual artist, and an editor of the Fredericksburg Literary Review.

WELCOME TO OUR GREAT OUTDOORS It’s Beautiful ~ Night and Day!

Neat Eats

The Soup & Taco, Etc.

Meal planning made easy

813 Caroline St.

by a.e.bayne

Fredericksburg, VA

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.E. Bayne is a writer, visual artist, and an editor of the Fredericksburg Literary Review. She has been writing about local good news for Front Porch for the past four years.

front porch fredericksburg

August 2015

CALENDAR of events

august 2015…dog days of summer, back to school shopping... Saturday, August 1

Farmers Market, Hurkamp Park, 6am-3pm Cats Closet holds their annual photo contest with proceeds going to benefit the furry friends here at the Fredericksburg SPCA! If you're a cat lover in the Fredericksburg area. and have a cool cat photo, enter the contest. Through August 31. 4 Mile Treasures, opening today. Virginia's Newest & Freshest Indoor Mall of Antiques, Collectibles & Much More! 4 Mile Fork Shopping. Center. Art in the Park, Hurkamp Park Saturday in Mary's Garden Join Jeanette Rose Gardener for Washington Heritage Museums , who will share some of her expertise and anecdotes in Mrs. Washington's garden from 11-2 pm. Come join us for Bier , Brats and Bad Movie night. Shows start at Dusk.Deutschland Downtown, 411 William Street Colonial Tavern, Trucker Troy, 406 Lafayette Blvd

Monday, August 3

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, August 4

Silver Liners line dancing at the Marshall Center, 8802 Courthouse Rd., Spotsylvania - 540-5077533, 9:30 AM - Free The Skiffle Lounge Sound, Music Tuesdays @Bistro Bethem309 William St. 7-10pm. Join us for ½ Drinks & pizzas. 8-11pm Grateful Dead Night with a live performance by the Brokedown Boys, Sunken Well Tavern

Wednesday, August 5

South African Wine Dinner by Chef Jacquie at Kenmore Inn. $. Call for reservations 371-7622. CommonWealth Slam Poetry Writing Workshop and Open Mic @ Headquarters Library - Reading

Room 2 7pm - 9 pm. Share pieces of ourselves and work

on the craft that is poetry Let's Go Fishing, Motts Run Reservoir, Individuals with disabilities, along with their caregivers and friends, are invited to come fishing . contact Keith Jenkins, kjenkins@cildrc.org or 540-373-2559 (voice) or 540-373-5890 (tty/captel) 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 Open Mic at the Rec Center 8 pm .Scott Wagner hosts the coziest and best sounding open mic in Fredericksburg. Sign up starts at 7, music at 8. 213 William St.

Thursday, August 6

Sons of Temperance Live Music at 7:30 Kenmore Inn. featuring drink specials at the copper top bar The Life & Films of Alfred Hitchcock Veteran film lecturer Gary Olsen will show clips including Notorious, Spellbound and Shadow of a Doubt. Fascinating commentary will also be given. CRRL, 1201 Caroline St, 6:30-8:30pm

First Friday, August 7

Music by Wave on Wave Courtyard Marriott @ Courtyard Marriott , 6-9pm

Remixed 3 Vinyl Album Art Opening Reception @ PONSHOP Studio and Gallery, 6-10pm, featuring original artwork using 12" vinyl record albums. The exhibit includes over fifty participating artists working on this eccentric canvas. In keeping with the show's theme, DJ Moog will be spinning on the turntables in the garden space of the gallery. Brush Strokes Gallery, Liana Pivirotto "Smallest of Details, Opening Reception, 6-9pm. thru Aug 31 "Drawn Together" 9 local artists exhibits their work @ 810 Weekend Gallery, 11-6pm

Saturday, August 8

Farmers Market, Hurkamp Park, 6am-3pm Rising Sun Tavern Cookbook Launch & Signing, Cookbook containing recipes from the colonial period to the present. Many are family recipes . Some samples will be available for tasting., Rising Sun Tavern, 1304 Caroline St, 2-4pm "Drawn Together" 9 local artists exhibits their work @ 810 Weekend Gallery, 11-6pm Come join us for Bier , Brats and Bad Movie night. Shows start at Dusk.Deutschland Downtown, 411 William Street

Sunday, August 9

"Drawn Together" 9 local artists exhibits their work @ 810 Weekend Gallery, 12-4pm

Art and Science Exhibit by Mirinda collection of drawings and sculptures unique moths from around the world Gallery Opening Reception, 6-9 pm

Monday, August 10

Sounds of Summer @Market Square, Steve Jarrell & Lee Quidsenberry, 7-9pm

Tuesday August 11

Night Life Reynolds A celebrating at Art First

Come join us for Bier , Brats and Bad Movie night. Shows start at Dusk.Deutschland Downtown, 411 William Street Wallflowers, First Friday @ Water Street Studio @ Water Street Studio New work in fiber by Lynette Reed, artist at Water Street Studio. 5-8:30pm

Open Mic w/Thom Schiff, Bring your instruments and play or just come to listen 21+. 9pm-midnight. Colonial Tavern. 406 Lafayette Blvd

Silver Liners line dancing at the Marshall Center, 8802 Courthouse Rd., Spotsylvania - 540-5077533, 9:30 AM - Free The Approach at Music Tuesdays @Bistro Bethem309 William St. 7-10pm. Join us for ½ Drinks & pizzas. 8-11pm,

Book Signing by local writer and author of "The River Maiden" Meredith Stoddard at Agora Downtown Coffee Shop , 9am-1pm

"Drawn Together" 9 local artists exhibits their work @ 810 Weekend Gallery, 11-6pm

Sunday, August 23

Saturday, August 29

Silver Liners line dancing at the Marshall Center, 8802 Courthouse Rd., Spotsylvania - 540-5077533, 9:30 AM - Free

Monday, August 24

"Drawn Together" 9 local artists exhibits their work @ 810 Weekend Gallery, 11-6pm

Open Mic at the Rec Center 8 pm .Scott Wagner hosts the coziest and best sounding open mic in Fredericksburg. Sign up starts at 7, music at 8. 213 William St.

Tonya Lazenby Jackson Trio at Music Tuesdays @Bistro Bethem309 William St. 7-10pm. Join us for ½ Drinks & pizzas. 8-11pm,

Tuesday, August 25

Thursday, August 13

Wednesday, August 19

Melodime Live Music at 7:30 Kenmore Inn. featuring drink specials at the copper top bar

The Music of John Williams @ Fredericksburg Area Museum & Cultural Center Market Square, 7 pm

Open Jazz Jam at the Colonial Tavern , 406 Lafayette Blvd. 8-11pm

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

Wednesday, August 12

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

Friday, August 14

Sounds of Summer @Market Square, Red Light Rodeo, 7-9pm "Drawn Together" 9 local artists exhibits their work @ 810 Weekend Gallery, 11-6pm

Saturday, August 15

Farmers Market, Hurkamp Park, 6am-3pm Art in the Park, Hurkamp Park, 9-1pm "Drawn Together" 9 local artists exhibits their work @ 810 Weekend Gallery, 11-6pm

Sunday, August 16

"Drawn Together" 9 local artists exhibits their work @ 810 Weekend Gallery, 12-4pm Trolley Winery Tour, 5 hour tour of Spotsylvania's 4 wineries. Ticket includes trolley pass, snack lunch, and wine tasting fees. to FredericksburgTrolley.com for more information Eden Try Estate & Winery, Private gardens and boutique winery open 12-5 for wine tasting.

Monday, August 17

Open Mic w/Thom Schiff, Bring your instruments and play or just come to listen 21+. 9pm-midnight. Colonial Tavern. 406 Lafayette Blvd

Tuesday, August 18

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 pm .Scott Wagner hosts the coziest and best sounding open mic in Fredericksburg. Sign up starts at 7, music at 8. 213 William St.

Thursday, August 20

Rachel Kate Live Music at 7:30 Kenmore Inn. featuring drink specials at the copper top bar

"Drawn Together" 9 local artists exhibits their work @ 810 Weekend Gallery, 12-4pm

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

Silver Liners line dancing at the Marshall Center, 8802 Courthouse Rd., Spotsylvania - 540-5077533, 9:30 AM - Free Bruce Middle at Music Tuesdays @Bistro Bethem309 William St. 7-10pm. Join us for ½ Drinks & pizzas. 8-11pm,

Wednesday, August 26

Let's Go Fishing, Curtis Lake, Individuals with disabilities, along with their caregivers and friends, are invited to come fishing . contact Keith Jenkins, kjenkins@cildrc.org or 540-373-2559 (voice) or 540-373-5890 (tty/captel) 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 Open Mic at the Rec Center 8 pm .Scott Wagner hosts Sign up at 7, music at 8. 213 William St.

Friday, August 21

Sounds of Summer @Market Square, Cosby, 7-9pm "Drawn Together" 9 local artists exhibits their work @ 810 Weekend Gallery, 11-6pm Celebrate Virginia Live Concert: Chris Young and Parmalee @ Pancho Villa Pavilion, 10pm

Saturday, August 22

Farmers Market, Hurkamp Park, 6am-3pm "Drawn Together" 9 local artists exhibits their work @ 810 Weekend Gallery, 11-6pm

Thursday, August 27

Snellings Wells & Pool Live Music at 7:30 Kenmore Inn. featuring drink specials at the copper top bar Fred. Blues Society Open Blues Jam@Colonial Tavern, 406 Lafayette Blvd. Bring your instruments or come to listen

Friday, August 28

Sounds of Summer @Market Adegbalola & Wild Rutz, 7-9pm

Square,

Gaye

Farmers Market, Hurkamp Park, 6am-3pm

Please join Congressman Wittman for a special ceremony honoring those who served their country in Vietnam., Little Hall Theater, Quantico. 2pm Cabaret Supper Club presents "The Rat Pack Together Again" Washington Grand Ballroom at Fredericksburg Square, 525 Caroline St. Call 540.310.0063, visit www.cabaretatthesquare.com.

Sunday, August 30

"Drawn Together" 9 local artists exhibits their work @ 810 Weekend Gallery, 12-4pm Planning a wedding? Attend the" Save the Date Bridal Show" and let the Silk Mill help you with your wedding needs. Meet with local vendors, view a fabulous runway show, and enter to win our Ultimate Wedding Giveaway! 12-4pm, 1707 Princess Anne St. Gari Melchers Home & Studio free guided nature hikes, 224 Washington St, Falmouth

Monday, August 31

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

If you are reading this 217 th issue of FP, thank an advertiser as we celebrate our 19 th year of continuous publication! If you are an advertiser, list your events. Deadline for August issue is July 20th. To submit events go to frontporchfredericksburg.com/submit

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

August 2015

fortemusicstudios.com Front porch fredericksburg

540.899.1422 Each HomeInstead Franchise Office is Independently Owned & Operated

2556 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”

Front Porch on

homeinstead.com front porch fredericksburg

August 2015

CALENDAR of events

august 2015…dog days of summer, back to school shopping... Saturday, August 1

Monday, August 3

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, August 4

Wednesday, August 5

South African Wine Dinner by Chef Jacquie at Kenmore Inn. $. Call for reservations 371-7622. CommonWealth Slam Poetry Writing Workshop and Open Mic @ Headquarters Library - Reading

Room 2 7pm - 9 pm. Share pieces of ourselves and work

Thursday, August 6

First Friday, August 7

Music by Wave on Wave Courtyard Marriott @ Courtyard Marriott , 6-9pm

Saturday, August 8

Sunday, August 9

"Drawn Together" 9 local artists exhibits their work @ 810 Weekend Gallery, 12-4pm

Art and Science Exhibit by Mirinda collection of drawings and sculptures unique moths from around the world Gallery Opening Reception, 6-9 pm

Monday, August 10

Sounds of Summer @Market Square, Steve Jarrell & Lee Quidsenberry, 7-9pm

Tuesday August 11

Night Life Reynolds A celebrating at Art First

Open Mic w/Thom Schiff, Bring your instruments and play or just come to listen 21+. 9pm-midnight. Colonial Tavern. 406 Lafayette Blvd

Book Signing by local writer and author of "The River Maiden" Meredith Stoddard at Agora Downtown Coffee Shop , 9am-1pm

"Drawn Together" 9 local artists exhibits their work @ 810 Weekend Gallery, 11-6pm

Sunday, August 23

Saturday, August 29

Silver Liners line dancing at the Marshall Center, 8802 Courthouse Rd., Spotsylvania - 540-5077533, 9:30 AM - Free

Monday, August 24

"Drawn Together" 9 local artists exhibits their work @ 810 Weekend Gallery, 11-6pm

Open Mic at the Rec Center 8 pm .Scott Wagner hosts the coziest and best sounding open mic in Fredericksburg. Sign up starts at 7, music at 8. 213 William St.

Tonya Lazenby Jackson Trio at Music Tuesdays @Bistro Bethem309 William St. 7-10pm. Join us for ½ Drinks & pizzas. 8-11pm,

Tuesday, August 25

Thursday, August 13

Wednesday, August 19

Melodime Live Music at 7:30 Kenmore Inn. featuring drink specials at the copper top bar

The Music of John Williams @ Fredericksburg Area Museum & Cultural Center Market Square, 7 pm

Open Jazz Jam at the Colonial Tavern , 406 Lafayette Blvd. 8-11pm

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

Wednesday, August 12

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

Friday, August 14

Sounds of Summer @Market Square, Red Light Rodeo, 7-9pm "Drawn Together" 9 local artists exhibits their work @ 810 Weekend Gallery, 11-6pm

Saturday, August 15

Farmers Market, Hurkamp Park, 6am-3pm Art in the Park, Hurkamp Park, 9-1pm "Drawn Together" 9 local artists exhibits their work @ 810 Weekend Gallery, 11-6pm

Sunday, August 16

Monday, August 17

Open Mic w/Thom Schiff, Bring your instruments and play or just come to listen 21+. 9pm-midnight. Colonial Tavern. 406 Lafayette Blvd

Tuesday, August 18

Thursday, August 20

Rachel Kate Live Music at 7:30 Kenmore Inn. featuring drink specials at the copper top bar

"Drawn Together" 9 local artists exhibits their work @ 810 Weekend Gallery, 12-4pm

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

Wednesday, August 26

Friday, August 21

Saturday, August 22

Farmers Market, Hurkamp Park, 6am-3pm "Drawn Together" 9 local artists exhibits their work @ 810 Weekend Gallery, 11-6pm

Thursday, August 27

Friday, August 28

Sounds of Summer @Market Adegbalola & Wild Rutz, 7-9pm

Square,

Gaye

Farmers Market, Hurkamp Park, 6am-3pm

Sunday, August 30

Monday, August 31

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

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

August 2015

fortemusicstudios.com Front porch fredericksburg

540.899.1422 Each HomeInstead Franchise Office is Independently Owned & Operated

2556 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”

Front Porch on

homeinstead.com front porch fredericksburg

August 2015

history’s stories

OUR HERITAGE

PURPLE HEART

A look at the Central Rappahannock Heritage Center collection

By Ralph “Tuffy” Hicks

beach days By judy chaimson

On February 22, 1932 the Purple Heart was established with the profile of George Washington on its face. Unknown to many on August 7, 1782 General Washington had established the Purple Badge of Military Merit as an award to soldiers with outstanding service during the Revolution, however, only three of the awards were ever given. A bill before congress in 1927 by Army Chief of Staff General Summeral to revive the Badge of Military Merit was withdrawn for unknown reasons. The medal was authorized to be given to a soldier who had been wounded in action by the enemy and was treated by a medical officer. Prior to this medal a soldier only received a Meritorious Service Citation, which could be exchanged for the Purple Heart medal after President Truman signed a bill allowing soldiers as far back as April 5, 1917 to receive the medal. The Navy did not accept the Medal until a year after the attack on Pearl Harbor when the Purple Heart was authorized for sailors and marines. President Roosevelt issued and Executive Order that all sailors and marines wounded or killed on or after December 6, 1941 could received the Purple Heart. The Purple Heart in order of precedence is under the Bronze Star. The Purple Heart is not eared for exceptional service or courage. Whenever you view the Purple Heart you know that it represents a combat death or wound or bloodshed in the defense of our liberties.

DEDICATED TO THE MEMORY OF AMBROSE BAILEY. Tuffy Hicks brings us interesting, and often little known historic stories, every month in this space.

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

The Tart Cart

August 2015

Maury Commons

900 Barton St

Front porch fredericksburg

Fredericksburg

To escape the Fredericksburg heat, Mrs. L. G. Roach, her children Constance, Beatrice, L.G., Jr. and their friend, Alice Hancock, attempted to drive their Model T Ford to Colonial Beach where they hoped to catch the salt-air breezes in “the most attractive summer resort on the Potomac River” - according to the Chamber of Commerce brochure published in 1911. The Roach family trip took place about 1920, and the Model T broke down before they reached Colonial Beach, but the pilgrimage was a common one for residents of the Fredericksburg region throughout the 20th Century. Colonial Beach was a popular destination for folks from Washington, DC, who, in 1911, could travel by steamer to the Beach from June until September. A daily round-trip ticket for an adult was $.50, for a child only $.25. The summer population of Colonial Beach swelled to 15,000 as city-dwellers enjoyed the “ozone-laden air …free of foul and poisonous gases [where] true health abounds”. The Chamber of Commerce brochure continues: “Frequent bathing in the waters of the beautiful Potomac, as heavily laden with saline matter as the very ocean, adds much indeed to the health-giving qualities of the Beach. With water always clean and a … constant but not dangerous surf, the bathing is especially attractive to the visitor from the hot cities.” Closer to home for Fredericksburgers in search of sun, sand and surf was (and still is) Fairview Beach. Established as a summer resort in 1928, Fairview is often mentioned in the oral histories of long-time residents as the beach destination of choice during their Anne Brooks Brauer, Elizabeth youth. Carmichael, Jack Janney Johnson, Cotchy Pappandreou, Vera Bazzanella Way, Polly Van Valzah and Charles Forbush all spoke about spending time at Fairview Beach in

their teens and twenties. W. F. Liebenow kept a diaries from the 1920’s until the 1940’s in which he describes fairly frequent trips to the Beach. Emeline Stearns was vacationing in California in 1947 when her sister wrote to her about nephew Bookie’s mishap at Fairview Beach – he cut his foot on a shell. Virginia Tompkins (right) and her friends are shown in the photo at Fairview Beach in 1936. The attraction of the Beaches was not always the healthy air and water. Colonial Beach, in 1911, boasted the Colonial Hotel, a large establishment featuring “electric light[s], running water, call bells and all modern improvements” – all that for only $10.00 to $14.00 per week. Both Fairview and Colonial Beach had pavilions where dancing and concerts were major draws for young people from Fredericksburg and surrounding counties. Slot machine gambling became legal in southern Maryland and, for a few years in the 1960’s, Colonial Beach took advantage of that by placing slots on long piers jutting into the Maryland side of the Potomac. We can assume that the Roach family made other, more successful, expeditions to the beach, joining the throngs of residents who have enjoyed a day in the sand without a long drive in heavy traffic. All reference materials, including oral histories, diaries and correspondence of Fredericksburg beach-goers, may be found among the collections at the Heritage Center – an interesting, and always cool, place to visit when you have had enough of sun and sand.

Judy Chaimson can be found busy at work at the Central Rappahannock Heritage Center

gourmet sweets and savories that are gluten free & vegan. By Mary Lynn Powers The Fredericksburg Farmer’s Market on Saturdays has grown over the last ten years. You can accomplish most of your weekly shopping there during the summer months. One vendor who I return to weekly is The Tart Cart. The Tart Cart focuses on healthy gourmet sweets and savories, but also sells salads, hummus and miscellaneous vegan/gluten free options. I tried an apricot almond granola bar, and instantly became a fan. Some of the other items I’d like to try include the shaved brussels sprout salad, roasted cauliflower and spicy chickpea. Many of us are looking for healthy options that have no preservatives and additives, so these delicacies fit the bill.

Georgia Rathje is the proud entrepreneur of this quickly expanding business. She moved here from Iowa, and uses the goldfinch, Iowa’s state bird as her logo, a tie to her roots. When I asked her about the origins of the enterprise, she told me a story similar to many I have heard lately. Two years ago, her doctor recommended that she cut most meats, dairy, eggs and gluten from her diet. Desperate to feel better, she went completely gluten free and vegan. Georgia had always been a foodie, and suddenly found it very difficult to go out for dinner or to find foods that met all of her dietary restrictions, and tasted good. She started experimenting with recipes and looking at cooking from a different perspective. From there a business evolved. She wanted to show people that there is more than one way of doing things, and to help bust the stereotype that healthy food has to taste bland or be boring. She buys products locally as much as possible, purchasing from Blenheim Organic Gardens, Miller's

Farms in Spotsylvania and other smaller farms in the area. Georgia picks the local berries she uses in her cobblers. All of the products are gluten free and vegan, and most are organic. She hopes to eventually go completely organic. I asked her about her favorites, and she chose the Lemon Cashew Creme Cake. Sounds like a mouthful, but she told me they are light and airy, but rich and decadent at the same time. Check out her Facebook page to see photos of these delectable goodies. Georgia is always looking for ways to network with local businesses to try to support the community and promote other small businesses. She is marketing some of her products at Kickshaw’s Market, and soon plans to sell cashew chocolate chip cookies and granola bars at Hyperion’s Coffee Shop. Young

business people like Georgia are trying to swim in a current of big business, and this takes fortitude and bravery. Best of luck, Georgia! All who believe in the locavore movement are behind you. Mary Lynn Powers reports the latest on interesting people, places and businesses in the FXBG area.

front porch fredericksburg

August 2015

history’s stories

OUR HERITAGE

PURPLE HEART

A look at the Central Rappahannock Heritage Center collection

By Ralph “Tuffy” Hicks

beach days By judy chaimson

DEDICATED TO THE MEMORY OF AMBROSE BAILEY. Tuffy Hicks brings us interesting, and often little known historic stories, every month in this space.

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

The Tart Cart

August 2015

Maury Commons

900 Barton St

Front porch fredericksburg

Fredericksburg

Judy Chaimson can be found busy at work at the Central Rappahannock Heritage Center

front porch fredericksburg

August 2015

Companions

ANIMAL RITES, USA Pet Cremation Service

support for underserved population

kitties and hair-balls...Eww! there and laxatives you can use to help the hair balls pass through your kitty's system instead of getting stuck. Last that seems like the worst but it's not, discourage excessive grooming. Your kitty is grooming himself because he is bored; find another fun activity for your kitty to do to distract him from grooming too much. We all want to make sure that our pets are comfortable so, if you can't seem to get the hair balls to subside consult with your veterinarian to make sure there is no underlying problem. If you need guidance on where to go or what you can do at home feel free to give me a call as well and I will do my best to help you and your fur babies.

Hair balls are more common in long hair cats like Persians and main coons, short haired cats can have hairs balls as well, mine does quite often. Unfortunately there is nothing you can do to prevent hair balls completely but there are a few things you can do to minimize the frequency of them. Groom your cat regularly: the more hair you remove by regular brushing the less likely your kitty will have hair balls. For short hair cats they need grooming once or twice a week and for long hair cats two to three times a week. Give your cat a special hair ball diet, there are foods out there that are made for hair ball control, they help the health of your cats coat, and minimize the amount of shedding and to encourage hair balls to pass through your cats digestive system. Use a laxative, yes a laxative, there are so many hair ball products out

Alexis Grogan is the owner of Lexi’s Pet Sitting Services. She can be reached at 540-903-0437, lexi0892@gmail.com and on facebook.

When it’s time to say “Good-bye”

Private, Individual Cremation Personal Pick Up & Delivery Respect for all “Best Friends” Serving the Area since 2003 Visit Us at Our Website: www.animalritesusa.com Call Us At: 540-361-7487

Full Service Hospital featuring: 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

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540/374-0462 www.woahvets.com 20

August 2015

Front porch fredericksburg

lose your belly fat for good

By Christina Ferber

By Alexis Grogan

We all have to keep clean. Fortunately, we humans can take showers to keep clean, and we also don't shed. Your kitty, on the other hand, only way to keep clean is to lick herself. On a cat’s tongue are little hook-like structures that catch dead and loose hair on the cats’ body then it is swallowed. The majority of the hair is digested with no problem. Some of the hair gets stuck in the stomach, then poor kitty coughs it back up the hair has to come up through the intestines so it comes out as a long stringy tube rather than a ball. Real funny right? You're probably asking, how do I know my cat is going to have a hair ball? Here is what to look for: Your kitty will start coughing, wrenching, and vomiting without anything coming up. Lack of appetite, lethargy, constipation and diarrhea are some other symptoms to look for.

Renew

Senior Visitors Program

10 Walsh Lane

by Joan M. Geisler

difference in both participants lives. “It is an amazing testimony that some volunteers have been with us for 15 years,” says Bowers. “These relationships last, and the volunteer gets just as much out of it as the senior does.” The weekly visit can range from helping with errands to simply offering social support for those seniors who Senior Visitors don’t get out often. Providing support to isolated older adults Some matches have even gone on bus trips or to to improve their social, emotional, vineyards for the day, and mental wellness. while others have helped the senior accomplish a Did you know that depression is life-long dream, like riding a horse. one of the most common mental health Although the main mission is problems in older adults? That might be socialization, a secondary benefit that one of the reasons that 20% of all deaths seniors gain from the program is their by suicide occur in people 65 and older. own personal advocate. These statistics are heartbreaking, but “Once the volunteer is in the luckily Mental Health America of home, they are the eyes and ears for that Fredericksburg’s Senior Visitors Program senior’s needs. Oftentimes our seniors has been coming to the rescue for our have requirements that they don’t local seniors for the last 15 years. mention, and the volunteer is trained to “We don’t always think of our notice if there is no food in the pantry, a senior citizens as such a vulnerable leaky roof, or if something just doesn’t population, and because of that they are seem right,” says Bowers. The Senior often missed,” says Teresa Bowers, Visitors Program will then connect them director of the program. “We give seniors with the resources needed to fulfill those something to look forward to each week, needs. and by doing that, hopefully decrease The program also provides a their risk of depression.” newsletter and a card remembrance With a mission of providing program that help the seniors feel socialization and companionship to connected, along with two annual social isolated and lonely seniors, the program events that provide even more matches volunteers in our region to opportunities to foster friendships. seniors, 60 years or older, who have been As of June 1, there were 101 referred to the program. Although the seniors in the program, yet not all of them requirement is to meet once a week for an have a match. The biggest need right now hour, many meet more than that and is for volunteers. All of the training is discover enduring friendships that make a provided at an orientation, and monthly check-ins help give support to the senior as well as the volunteer. If you would like to find out more about the program or become a volunteer, please contact Teresa Bowers at mhafsv@mhafred.org. “This is a great opportunity for college students, nursing students, families, or anyone who would like to make a difference in our community,” says Bowers. If you are ready to change a life, contact the Senior Visitors Program today.

Our bodies are made up of 2 types of fat. One type is subcutaneous fat, the kind that sits under our skin. We all have it and we all need it. The other is visceral fat that wraps itself around our organs. It is difficult to ‘lose the gut’ because it often is a combination of several factors in our lifestyle. Proper nutrition certainly is the major player but like the insidious relative that over stays his welcome, stress takes up permanent residence and makes us fat around our waist. Our bodies are such amazing machines that it cannot determine real stress from imagined stress. Cortisol and adrenaline are wonderful hormones produced by our adrenal glands. They are called the ‘fight or flight’ hormone. When we see danger, our body dumps these hormones into our blood stream, which the body quickly converts to ‘sugar’, so we have instant energy to fight or run away. The ‘sugar’ is burned up as fuel by our muscles, lungs and heart as we respond to the danger. However, our bodies cannot discern real stress, like an animal running towards us from emotional stress of sitting in traffic on 95 or a ridiculous boss imposing unobtainable deadlines. Our bodies perceive the same stress, which then triggers the adrenal hormones to be released. In lies the problem. We have all this ‘sugar’ inundated in our blood stream but we are not burning it with activity. So now what is a body to do with all this sugar swimming around? The efficient body then stores it in our fat to save it for a rainy day or when a wild boar is running after us, which ever comes first. When this pattern continues over time, it results in an insulation of fat around our bellies. And even worse, according to WebMD, here is a list of the

negative effects of prolonged levels of cortisol and adrenaline: Impaired cognitive performance Dampened thyroid function Blood sugar imbalances, such as hyperglycemia Decreased bone density Sleep disruption Decreased muscle mass Elevated blood pressure Lowered immune function Slow wound healing Increased abdominal fat has a stronger correlation to certain health problems than fat deposited in other areas of the body. Some of the health problems associated with increased stomach fat are heart attacks, strokes, higher levels of “bad” cholesterol (LDL) and lower levels of “good” cholesterol (HDL), which can lead to other health problems. It is imperative that we de-sstress and shed the anxiety in our lives. How do we rid ourselves of this unwanted fat? It starts with RELAXING. Exercise is a wonderful stress reliever. Yoga is an excellent combination of stress relief and strength training. Don’t think that yoga is just a bunch of people chanting eastern religious nonsense. It is among the best over all forms of exercise I have ever experienced. I used to be one of those ‘people’. Stress is so damaging to our health. I would rather see you eat a Big Mac than bottle up your tension. Find your release. And as always, I am here to help.

Joan Geisler is a personal trainer and nutrition counselor at Gold's Gym Fredericksburg. You can contact her atjoangeisler@gmail.com

Christina Ferber, a teacher, writer and mom, is an advocate for all citizens.

front porch fredericksburg

August 2015

Companions

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lose your belly fat for good

By Christina Ferber

By Alexis Grogan

Renew

Senior Visitors Program

10 Walsh Lane

by Joan M. Geisler

Joan Geisler is a personal trainer and nutrition counselor at Gold's Gym Fredericksburg. You can contact her atjoangeisler@gmail.com

Christina Ferber, a teacher, writer and mom, is an advocate for all citizens.

front porch fredericksburg

August 2015

Senior Care caregiver “me Time”

Emancipated Patients music therapy

how to choose your supplements

by patrick neustatter, MD By Karl Karch

Being a caregiver can be a daunting and sometimes thankless task. A caregiver must be passionate and compassionate. Passionate in that a caregiver must truly care about the person for whom they are providing care. Compassionate in that they must understand and accept changes in a loved one’s condition, some of which may cause significant emotional stress. Family caregivers do not apply for the job, and more often than not they have a full life of their own. A friend of mine’s father once said: “you might as well be happy as the way you are.” I first heard that statement over forty years ago and will never forget it, especially when I get “stressed out”. It helps me bring life back into perspective. According to Dr. William Fry from Stanford University, a pioneer in the field of humor research, “one minute of laughter is equal to ten minutes on a rowing machine”. Laughter also makes it easier to handle the challenges of life. When you are happy or even just pleasant, people enjoy being around you. As the saying goes, “Smile and the world smiles with you. Cry and you cry alone.” Michael Pritchard, a well-known keynote speaker and wellness coach said it very well: “You don’t stop laughing because you grow old. You grow old because you stop laughing.” So regardless of your age, limitations, or health, don’t stop laughing. For you family caregivers, I know life is full of stresses, especially in these tumultuous times. So, treat yourself to a little laughter and another precious gift, the gift of time to yourself. Many years ago, one of my stress relievers was rappelling. Once you are tied to a rope and take that first step off the cliff, your life is literally on the line and the everyday stresses are no longer important. What a

August 2015

rush that was! But you don’t have to be that risky to relieve stress. Any amount of “me time” to relax and forget about the stresses in your caregiving life is so important for your mental well-being. At a recent meeting I attended, participants were asked if they currently are, or have been, a caregiver. Many raised their hands. The next question asked was if they ever were thanked or recognized for all they were doing as a caregiver. Very few raised their hands. Partners in Aging, a non-profit 501C3 organization comprised of companies and individuals passionate about issues impacting senior adults, is hosting its 4th Annual Caregivers Appreciation Luncheon on September 10 th at Bonefish Grill. This “me time” event is to honor those non-paid caregivers who give so much to their caregiving role yet ask for nothing in return. At the event, one person will be awarded the Caregiver of the Year award. There is still time for anyone in the community to nominate a non-paid caregiver for this award. The criteria is that they are providing care for an elderly family member, neighbor or friend. They are the people who are not looking for recognition, but deserve it. Nominations for Caregiver of the Year are accepted through August 14. Go to www.partnersinaging.org for more details and download a nomination form. And, check out www.CaregiverStress.com, an excellent website to help those caregivers and families caring for loved ones cope. 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.

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Shakespeare may have attributed music with the rather whimsical property of being “the food of love.” But in the hands of the likes of Fredericksburg music therapist, Kana Zink it is a whole lot more. There’s the strictly medical type effects. Like researchers at Wilkes University suggesting music raises your IgA antibodies and boosts your immunity. Or, almost like an antidepressant, music can increase neurotransmitters, and be good for your sense of wellbeing or have a dopamine boosting effect in Parkinson’s patients - the brains natural sense of rhythm and cadence, can shake frozen patients out of their catatonic stupor (think Awakenings, based on the story written by neurologist Oliver Sacks whose latest book Musicophilia is an in-depth appreciation of the neurological effects of music). Similarly the documentary Alive Inside shows stuporose Alzheimer’s patients getting up and dancing when played rock music from the old days. Then music has more pathways in our brains than speech and can bypasses faulty or damaged areas. Patients who can’t speak can sing words – described as a “freeway detour” by Meaghan Morrow – therapist at TIRR Memorial Hermann Rehabilitation Hospital in Houston who treated gunshot victim congresswoman Gabby Gifford (think using Rout 1 when I-

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95 is a parking lot). It’s the more, touchy-feely, motivating, engaging, emotionally supportive side, that allows for expression of feelings that seems to have captivated Kana however. A graduate of Stafford High School, Kana obtained her undergraduate degree at Berklee College of Music in Boston in piano and music therapy. A practicum on the benefits of self esteem of in Asperger’s syndrome patients both seemed to be reflective of, and my guess is helped to set her course for, helping people. People whose lives have taken a wrong turn. She has been the champion for the victims of cancer, sexual assault, domestic abuse, rape, bereavement – through agencies like Mary Washington Hospital Regional Cancer Center, hospice support, Empowerhouse and a multiplicity of city agencies. She also provides individual or group therapy through her own company, Music Within, at Center for Family Counseling on Lafayette Boulevard. And I, and fellow attendees at the Unitarian Universalist Fellowship of Fredericksburg, know her from her having taken on the role of the fellowships accompanist – where her music and calm competence has a therapeutic effect on we wigged out congregants. Kana notes she is “constantly floored” by how much music kids with Autism Spectrum Disorder have to offer – corroborating the recognized fact that kids with ASD have a heightened aptitude and sensitivity to music. “Being in a group focuses their social skills” she says. “They have to wait their turn for the tambourine or Thumbjam (an app that turns an i-pad into a whole lot of different instruments), even though they are very excited and desperate to get a turn.” She works with adult patients with cancer undergoing chemo and teaches them to play ukulele (which she claims can be done in 5 minutes), gets them to sing and write songs. A group of at risk 14-17 year olds’ therapy has been creating their own hip-hop. Obviously Shakespeare didn’t know the half of it. In the right hands, it seems music can do anything. To find out more about music therapy as a whole, or find a therapist, go to www.musictherpay.org. Or go to Kana Zink to be taught her version the “food of love.”

By christine h. thompson, D.C. I dare say it is no longer a question of whether we need supplements. Proof of the need for supplemental nutrients lies in our mineral depleted soils, processed foods stripped of vitamins, alterations of food through hybridization and genetic modification and the toll on our bodies from the stressful, demanding life we live. The main question now is how do we choose the highest quality, most effective supplements? That is a much tougher question. Recent news has exposed the false labeling of supplements on retail shelves revealing that many supplements do not contain the advertised ingredients and/or potency. Government regulation of the supplement industry is far less rigorous than for the pharmaceutical industry. Distrust of the motivations and practices of some of the government regulatory agencies, such as the FDA, has also raised questions as to the helpfulness of more regulation. While there are valid arguments on both sides of the issue of regulation, it is important to note that some of the more established supplement manufacturers already voluntarily put their products through quality control measures such as analytical chromatography and mass spectrometry, for the purpose of confirming the absence of contaminants and the presence of the phytonutrients listed on the bottle. When choosing your supplements, it is important to know quite a bit about the manufacturing processes, such as what materials are used in manufacturing, where the raw materials come from, the processing methods used to preserve the nutrients and the quality control measures used to assure the end product is pure and true to label and literature claims. It is also important to understand how these nutrients are processed through the digestive tract and whether they can potentially create the physiological changes desired and claimed.

In other words, choosing the right supplement company and the right supplement requires not only a lot of research into supplement manufacturers, but also quite a bit of knowledge of the physiology of digestion, absorption and cellular metabolism. My best suggestion is to find a trusted healthcare provider with these qualifications who has thoroughly investigated and filtered through supplement companies, choosing those with the highest quality and purity standards. One of the most important factors to consider in choosing supplements is the difference between synthetic vitamins and whole food supplements. Most vitamins on retail shelves are synthetics made from nonfood substances that are chemically converted in the lab. While synthetic vitamins may provide short term symptom relief and energy boosts, all long term studies have revealed the same result: with long term use, high potency synthetic vitamins cause more health issues than they help. There is a good reason for this. Synthetic vitamins are missing key nutrients, enzymes and trace minerals that are needed for your body to be able to effectively use the advertised vitamin. For a short time your body can provide these missing nutrients from your diet or by extracting them from your own body tissues, but eventually you deplete your body and health issues begin to escalate. The most important thing to understand when it comes to supplements is that your body is designed to take in food and extract nutrients from that food for the purpose of producing energy and regeneration of cells. The best way to assure that you have the nutrients necessary to do this is to eat a variety of organic foods. The second best way is to take supplements that are made from nutrient rich, organically grown whole foods.

Patrick Neustatter is the Medical Diector of the Moss Free Clinic. Contact him at pneustatter@aol.com

4413 Lafayette Blvd. Fredericksburg front porch fredericksburg

August 2015

Senior Care caregiver “me Time”

Emancipated Patients music therapy

how to choose your supplements

by patrick neustatter, MD By Karl Karch

August 2015

Front porch fredericksburg

The Natural Path Holistic Health Center

891-6200

www.thenaturalpath.us

Wellness

Patrick Neustatter is the Medical Diector of the Moss Free Clinic. Contact him at pneustatter@aol.com

4413 Lafayette Blvd. Fredericksburg front porch fredericksburg

August 2015

Art in the Burg drawn together: an exhibit of fine art

by megan byrnes

by penny parrish

“Night Studio”, Nancy Brittle When nine local artists get together, they create not only paintings and sculptures, but friendships as well. That is the case with a group that will have their first downtown Fredericksburg showing at 810 Weekend Gallery this summer.

Scene: Ruth Ann Loving, Robyn Ryan, Jane Snead Norma and Starkweather. The group known as “Drawn Together” made their first appearance in 2012 in Volume Two of a series featuring artists of Fredericksburg that was created by Leah Comerford, Linda Warshaw, and Adam Desio. Together, these nine artists have spent more than 325 years creating art. As Ruth Ann Loving says, “I have painted in time measured in days and years, but I think that I have wanted to paint since I discovered crayons and observed color.”

Wendy Cullar and Liana

Pivirotto (below) getting into the celebratory spirit at the Fredericksburg Center for the Creative Arts on the 4th of July.

Williams at the Taylor Swift show at Nationals Stadium; Wayne Gootee on his way from Hyperion to Bodyworks (natch).

Scene:

Heard:

“ Sky Curtain”, Johny Johnson be drawn together’ again.” Continuing to bond after two previous group shows, Jane Snead says, ‘We have interesting diversity and yet a strong spirit of inclusion.” “Drawn Together” opened on First Friday, July 3 and is continuing througout August. The 810 Weekend Gallery (at 810 Caroline Street) is open daily (except July 4) from 10am until 6pm.

“ Southern Peacock” Beverly Coates

Happy August birthdays to Chris Lobmeyr Hohenleiten, Marty Johnson, Danielle Payne, Stephen Graham, Tricia Branscome, Hannah Bloodgood, and Lexi Grogan!

Scene: Penny Parrish is a local photographer. Her work was recently featured at Brush Strokes Gallery

The Mary Washington House

sign mysteriously vanished one evening last month only to turn up the very next morning just as mysteriously. Ghost of Mary Washington Past or troublemaking teens? (p.s. writing the phrase "troublemaking teen" makes me feel old).

“Nuthatch III”, Robyn Ryan The names read like a “Who’s Who” in the local art community: Beverley Coates, Nancy Brittle, Elizabeth Butler, Cathy Herndon, Johnny Johnson,

“ Evening Stroll”, Elizabeth Butler

August 2015

They work in a variety of mediums such as watercolor, pastels, pen and ink, sculpture, acrylic, oil, neon and mixed media. Some artists work from their own photos, others soak up the world around them and turn ideas into realistic flowers and horses, sculptures or abstract impressions. Nancy Brittle sums up her involvement with “Drawn Together” in this way: “I have been working as an artist for most of the last 40 years. I like to show with this group because it is comprised of some of the best local artists, some of the nicest folks, and folks I have known for years and who feel like family to me.” Beverley Coates, member of “Drawn Together” and owner of 810 Weekend Gallery is excited to bring this group together again. “The 810 Weekend Gallery, being easy to find and centrally located, is a good fit ‘to

Front porch fredericksburg

individual business pursuits and, you know, have fun. Morgan and Joey Hockensmith, Pearl Bledsoe, Hope Taylor, Tim Yantz, and so many others got together last month in Hope's studio gorgeous space - check out this great looking group!

Scene:

Morgan Applegate on

the sidewalks of downtown with the littlest member of his family; Mike Lesnick enjoying dinner al fresco at Kybecca; Georgia Rathje grabbing coffee with a friend on a bright July morning; Nikki

Heard:

A group of energetic,

bright young entrepreneurs have taken to getting together for an event they call "Tuesdays Together" where they help inspire and motivate each other in their

Scene:

“Abstract with Gold Foil”, Norma Starkweather

Jack Morrison, Matt

Barnum, Paul Stoddard, Alan Marsh, Lance Knight, Shawn Gibbins, Zac Joiner, Steven Hubble, Shanks Downey, Merrie Morrison, Sara Zolnick, Michelle Echto, Rachael Poor, and Kyle Ringers spending a fun evening with friends at Sunken Well Tavern.

Fredericksburg Football Club general manager and is helping lead the team to a possible national title. All this soccer talk makes me want to watch Bend It Like Beckham again (great movie, right??). Congratulations to Ally Shull and Kyle Lackinger(below) on their nuptials. The couple got married on a romantic (and totally envy-enducing) getaway to Bora Bora-a wedding destination & honeymoon spot all in a breathtaking location - this is the way to get married, y'all!

Ernest

Ashleigh Chevalier and

Tom Beaulieu playing at Tims 2 in Fairview Beach; James Coleman and his kiddos at the Minions movie; Nicole Gebhart sans-kiddos at Target; Rebecca Klopp and friends antiquing downtown; Melissa Okrasinski relaxing at Colonial Beach; Ryan and Eddie Kennedy (above) cooling down at the Dixon Park Pool; Kasey Nabel enjoying a warm summer evening on the Vivify rooftop.

Ackermann,

Craig Vasey, Lynn Ackermann, Wendy Atwell-V Vasey and Cedric Rucker (above) at the Market Square Bastille Day celebrations. The event was hosted by the Fredericksburg Sister Cities Association. Did you even know that Fredericksburg had a French sister city? We do! It's called Frejus and we've been sisters for 35 years! Market Square was decked out in French flags and chef Benedicte Merian provided the revelers with traditional French fare (crepes all around!).

Heard:

Fredericksburger Ryan

Zinkhan and soccer superstar is back in town after spending time racking up two national title amateur wins at UVA and then Richmond. Zinkhan is now the

front porch fredericksburg

August 2015

Art in the Burg drawn together: an exhibit of fine art

by megan byrnes

by penny parrish

Wendy Cullar and Liana

Pivirotto (below) getting into the celebratory spirit at the Fredericksburg Center for the Creative Arts on the 4th of July.

Williams at the Taylor Swift show at Nationals Stadium; Wayne Gootee on his way from Hyperion to Bodyworks (natch).

Scene:

Heard:

“ Southern Peacock” Beverly Coates

Happy August birthdays to Chris Lobmeyr Hohenleiten, Marty Johnson, Danielle Payne, Stephen Graham, Tricia Branscome, Hannah Bloodgood, and Lexi Grogan!

Scene: Penny Parrish is a local photographer. Her work was recently featured at Brush Strokes Gallery

The Mary Washington House

“Nuthatch III”, Robyn Ryan The names read like a “Who’s Who” in the local art community: Beverley Coates, Nancy Brittle, Elizabeth Butler, Cathy Herndon, Johnny Johnson,

“ Evening Stroll”, Elizabeth Butler

August 2015

Front porch fredericksburg

Scene:

Morgan Applegate on

the sidewalks of downtown with the littlest member of his family; Mike Lesnick enjoying dinner al fresco at Kybecca; Georgia Rathje grabbing coffee with a friend on a bright July morning; Nikki

Heard:

A group of energetic,

bright young entrepreneurs have taken to getting together for an event they call "Tuesdays Together" where they help inspire and motivate each other in their

Scene:

“Abstract with Gold Foil”, Norma Starkweather

Jack Morrison, Matt

Ernest

Ashleigh Chevalier and

Ackermann,

Heard:

Fredericksburger Ryan

Zinkhan and soccer superstar is back in town after spending time racking up two national title amateur wins at UVA and then Richmond. Zinkhan is now the

front porch fredericksburg

August 2015

Judas Recendez

FXBG Music Scene

LIANA PIVIROTTO

E.P. Jackson

“SMALLEST DETAILS”

From Army Vet to ceramic Artist By Katherine Arens

Judas Recendez is a ceramic artist who spent his youth in sunny Visalia, CA, surfing, hiking and exploring an interest in fine art and ceramics. Recendez is a U.S. Army Veteran of the Iraq War who participated in 2 tours of combat before an IED explosion caused him to lose both legs in 2006. During recuperation he honed his ceramic practice at the Walter Reed Art Center, the Corcoran School of the Arts and Design (Washington, DC) and is now in his new home/studio which was

Liana Pivirotto Presents: “Smallest of Details” August 1- August 31 Reception, August 7, 6-9pm

by Ashleigh Chevalier

built by Homes for Our Troops in 2011. His custom home in Fredericksburg, VA, is designed to accommodate his special needs and his pottery wheel is adapted with a hand pump. His wife, Kristine states that through his art he has found a voice - "He's served, he's sacrificed, he's healed through pottery." Judas says, “The valuable lesson of my process is the ability to use sculpture and various mediums to narrate the dialog of my artistic voice, and is one that I choose as a life long evolution. This evolution will continue in my artistic experiences, such as producing art, viewing the art of the world, as well as, a mentor who will inspire and nurture the future artists of our society.” Artful Dimensions Gallery, 911 Charles St Fredericksburg, is the only nonprofit gallery and studio space in the region dedicated to 3-D art. The Gallery is hosting a local veteran's organization, Team RWB Saturday August 1st for an evening of Art with Jude Recendez.

Katherine Arens is a board member at Artful Dimensions

August 2015

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There is a new kid in town. Thankfully, in Fredericksburg, our musical community is more like family: open and welcoming to the new musical journeymen. “Jackson”, as folks call him, has been songwriting, recording, and producing for over a decade. The WeatherVanes, his main band project, has toured The United States and Canada. (Jackson is, in fact, Canadian and United States of American.) The alt-country rock act has a flare of Dylan and melancholy hay bales; there’s a little Springsteen tone to Jackson’s vocals as well. Between solo albums and full band albums, Jackson has released seven albums, most of which he recorded, engineered, and produced. After years in the urban D.C. row, he sought a more rural setting – such as that found on the outskirts of Fredericksburg’s downtown. He met international country sweetheart Karen Jonas at a show, they fell in love, and now, the couple is settling here. This past April Jackson released a solo E.P. called 9811. Currently, The WeatherVanes are recording an album scheduled to be released in the Spring 2016. Fill Your Boots Music, Jackson’s studio, is doing the engineering and production. He has also engineered and produced records for D.C. based bands The Highballers and These Future Saints. As a multi-instrumentalist himself, the studio has top of the line microphones, a piano, banjo, several guitars, upright bass, electric bass, mandolin, pedal steel, and a variety of eclectic instruments, all of which the urban country gentleman can play, to suit any recording needs for a recording artist. Jackson uses ProTools recording software. Jackson has the equipment to record a band live in studio or live at a venue.

“I enjoy working on the production side of things. I appreciate the creative process of mixing and making things sound good – to create moments in music.” Jackson also gives beginning to intermediate guitar and bass lessons. In his spare time, Jackson plays bass for The Walkaways, another D.C. based band, and runs sound for many clubs and events across the region, including D.C. Discover: epjackson.bandcamp.com TheWeatherVanesMusic.com FillYourBootsMusic.com

By Norma Woodward “Smallest of Details” The interesting art of the artifact and the vintage. August exhibit by Brush Strokes Featured Artist, Liana Pivirotto takes the unexpected fragment of ancient glass, Roman bronze fibulae, vintage pieces of decayed iron from battles long fought or some natural stone or piece of some aged sewing machine part or odd vintage piece and surrounds them with bits of tiny glass beads and crystals and creates beautiful shimmering necklaces that have a sculptural quality that would beg to be framed and mounted on the walls instead of the décolletage. Inspired by her fascination of history and her lifetime love of creating art, Liana seeks to create beauty, and relishes in taking something broken, ugly and transforming it into a piece of beauty. Born in Washington D. C. in the same hospital as her father, she is a life time resident of Virginia. Her Grandfather and her previous Grandfathers have come from Spotsylvania and Madison Counties dating from colonial days. She and her husband have chosen to retire in

Horse Iron Gear From Civil War to be delightfully interesting it will be unusual and unique. Show dates: Aug 1 —Aug 31. Friday Opening Reception, Aug 7, 6 – 9 pm Norma Woodward, a photographer, is currently a member of Brush Strokes Gallery and FCCA in Fredericksburg.

Inquire: FillYourBootsMusic@gmail.com Saturday, August 15 at Colonial Tavern Karen Jonas Band w/ The WeatherVanes 9p.m.

Ashleigh Chevalier is a Blues/Jazz/Rock Musican-Vocalist, Songwriter, Music & Media Journalist and, a mother living in Fredericksburg

Bottle Fragment From Roman Period Israel Spotsylvania and pursue her love of art in the vibrant and continuing flow of the art community in Fredericksburg. Along with her stunning and interesting necklaces, Liana also shows her unusual pen and ink drawings using dots (stipplings), and creates pleasing vistas or still life’s enhancing them with the light breath of color using the gentle touch of pastels. Liana has received recognition for her work by receiving First Prize, Third Prize and People’s Choice awards, and has been juried into various shows from West Palm Beach, Florida to Fredericksburg. Not only does her show promise

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

August 2015

Judas Recendez

FXBG Music Scene

LIANA PIVIROTTO

E.P. Jackson

“SMALLEST DETAILS”

From Army Vet to ceramic Artist By Katherine Arens

Liana Pivirotto Presents: “Smallest of Details” August 1- August 31 Reception, August 7, 6-9pm

by Ashleigh Chevalier

Katherine Arens is a board member at Artful Dimensions

August 2015

Front porch fredericksburg

Inquire: FillYourBootsMusic@gmail.com Saturday, August 15 at Colonial Tavern Karen Jonas Band w/ The WeatherVanes 9p.m.

Ashleigh Chevalier is a Blues/Jazz/Rock Musican-Vocalist, Songwriter, Music & Media Journalist and, a mother living in Fredericksburg

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

August 2015

FREDERICKSBURGERS

Solarize FXBG !

volunteering service

Campaign Successfully Launches

by georgia Strentz

Our little town that sits firmly on the banks of the Rappahannock River, seems to have an abundance of honest, kind, and giving citizens. Is it the gentle Southern atmosphere that attracts these outstanding people to our "Homeplace?" Or do they stay because of a feeling of well-being, peacefulness and belonging that overwhelms you as you walk the streets, past homes that have stood proudly through historical upheaval and peaceful times as well. You are in a Southern town and Southern people have never met a stranger. We have beautiful porches and soft Southern accented people, who enjoy sitting and visiting with friends and even a tourist who wanders by! There are so many people in our town, who volunteer their time to all things connected with our river that runs directly through our downtown. Whether it be educational or just plain fun,so many of our citizens are there for the Rappahannock River, volunteering all year round,supporting the health of the river and those who share it. So many of the activities involving the river, seem to begin at Bill Mick's place On Fall Hill Ave. One wonders if anyone has thought of giving Bill an award for volunteering for so many years, as Mother Nature's helper for all things "Rivah," in our community. Volunteering is big in Fredericksburg, and a charitable organizations seem to exist for everything, whether it be for people, dogs, cats or a crippled squirrel, help is only a phone call away. Need special help on how to use your computer, call our library, special classes for free! We are so fortunate that Doris Buffett takes a personal interest in our town. She is a wise, generous,and a charitable leader,igniting the imagination as to what wonderful projects can be accomplished and displaying an attitude of "can do," that so many of our citizens admire and emulate. Our children learn from these leaders/volunteers and model their

August 2015

behavior as they grow up to be "Fredericksburgers," always concerned for others, making a gentle world on our side of the riverbank. Our Front Porch magazine , is a poster-child of this positive teamwork, for the good of the community. Some "Fredericksburgers," have been here for a lifetime, others started as "Newbies." Barbara Stafford our volunteer highlighted here, was a "Newbie," a people -person who goes out of her way to help ,be kind and supportive to those she meets. She once accepted a homegrown puppy from one of her homebound tutorial students , so his feelings would not be hurt. Barbara has spent countless hours, even years, volunteering in our community, after moving up from Richmond in the 1970's, when she says streets in Fredericksburg had few cars. She raised three children here and she eventually became a teacher. Incidentally, one of Barbara's daughters became a teacher in Fredericksburg, following in her mother's 'footsteps." Barbara remembers how if feels to move to a new city, having no friends, until she got a break, when the "Welcome Wagon" lady came to her house. Mrs. Hewetson, was so nice, so helpful, and had many gifts from the merchants of Fredericksburg, and in short, was so warm and welcoming, Barbara decided her loneliness was not permanent, Thanks to Mrs. Hewetson, and her wonderful, welcoming attitude.Barbara was so grateful, and knew on that day, she had found her "Homeplace" Barbara has given back so much time and devotion over the last 40 years, to her adopted "'Homeplace." She knows the value, the happiness quotient, that one visit from a caring person to a family in stress can bring. Barbara is so versatile, she has volunteered in the following charitable organizations: CSA, Homebound programs for county school systems, ESl, literacy programs, Juvenile Domestic Relations Court, Senior Visitor Program, The Rappahannock Valley Civil War Roundtable, to name a few. Barbara is an example of our outstanding citizens, a true ''Fredericksburger" Our community is fortunate she gives selflessly ,so that countless people who need her gentle spirit and understanding,can have a better quality of life. Barbara is retired and lives in the woods,with her very spoiled cat named HH. Georgia Lee Strentz is retired and enjoying life as a Fredericksburger.

Front porch fredericksburg

by ann kuo

Give a Child Something to Think About Books, Games, Amusing Novelties M-Sat. 10am-6pm; Sun. 1pm-4pm

810 Caroline Street (540) 371-5684

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

540/371-9890

Solarize Fredericksburg has received a warm reception during the launch of the campaign to bring more affordable solar to the Fredericksburg region. More than 100 residents and businesspeople expressed interest in installing solar in their homes and businesses by attending the first Solarize information sessions, which were held at University of Mary Washington’s (UMW) Jepson Alumni Executive Center on May 19 and at environmental consulting firm Marstel-D Day, LLC’s offices on June 25. The Solarize campaign was brought to the region by the Climate, Environment, and Readiness (CLEAR) plan. The plan, which is spearheaded by UMW and Marstel-Day, has worked to increase the area’s resilience and support environmental initiatives and d i s a s t e r preparedness. CLEAR’s goals include identifying sustainable activities that can help save homeowners and businesses money, protect natural resources and open spaces, build resilience through prevention and planning, and diversify the regional economy with green jobs. To learn more about CLEAR, visit www.fredclearplan.com, and like the Facebook page (https://www.facebook.com/pages/Frederi c k s b u r g - R e g i o n a l CLEAR/1492751584280155) to stay informed about its news and upcoming initiatives and events. The CLEAR group saw a gap in the ability of local homeowners and businesspeople to install solar due to challenges, such as the complexity and technical issues associated with the process and questions regarding financing. The CLEAR group–in partnership with Basic Commerce and Industries (BCI), Friends of the Rappahannock, MarstelDay, Stafford Printing, Stevenson Ridge, TREE Fredericksburg, and UMW–teamed up with the nonprofit Local Energy Alliance Program (LEAP) to launch Solarize. The campaign and the website officially launched on the 4th of July; the date was chosen as a memorable date to celebrate both our country’s independence as well as energy independence.

The Solarize campaign makes it easy for homeowners and business owners to participate. Interested applicants first step is to attend an informational session. Next steps include completion of the online application and then take advantage of the free or discounted energy efficiency consultation and a free solar site assessment. Another aspect of the program is that LEAP helps those who qualify to apply for loans or grants through the Rural Energy for America Program. These funds are welcome resources for agricultural producers and rural small businesses in the region. LEAP has found that those who attended the i n f o r m a t i o n sessions were better prepared to take the next steps, including signing up for the program. The sessions offer the opportunity to learn the necessary steps and why the campaigns succeed, and to get technical questions answered by an experienced installer. Additional sessions will be held as follows: Saturday, August 1, 10 a.m.–12 p.m. – Snow Branch Library – 8740 Courthouse Rd, Spotsylvania Saturday, August 15, 9–11 a.m. – Porter Branch Library – 2001 Parkway Boulevard, Stafford

FREDERICKSBURGCOLLABORATIVE

Monday, August 31, 6–8 p.m. – Marstel-Day office – 513 Prince Edward St, 2nd floor, Fredericksburg The Solarize Fredericksburg campaign will run through September 4. Visit www.solarizeva.org to find great resources, FAQs, and upcoming events associated with Solarize Fredericksburg.

Ann Kuo is the research analyst for Marstel-Day, LLC’s CEO and President Rebecca R. Rubin.

front porch fredericksburg

August 2015

FREDERICKSBURGERS

Solarize FXBG !

volunteering service

Campaign Successfully Launches

by georgia Strentz

August 2015

Front porch fredericksburg

by ann kuo

Give a Child Something to Think About Books, Games, Amusing Novelties M-Sat. 10am-6pm; Sun. 1pm-4pm

810 Caroline Street (540) 371-5684

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

540/371-9890

FREDERICKSBURGCOLLABORATIVE

Ann Kuo is the research analyst for Marstel-Day, LLC’s CEO and President Rebecca R. Rubin.

front porch fredericksburg

August 2015

My Favorite Places August Pick: Liberty Town Arts Workshop

Fredericksburg Sketches A visual Celebration of our community

By Casey Alan Shaw

By Callista Kathryn Dunn

AutoKnown Better dog days

We actually took a little vacation at the beach last month and when we went to visit my cousin who runs The Good Dog Inn (www.thegooddoginn.com) I could have sworn I saw a dog that was Irish Wolf Hound and Border collie and when he ran he kept both front legs together and move liked a hobby horse. Gabriel, as he is known, is happy as can be living with two Cavaliers King Charles Spaniels and a Cairn terrier. So my dear and patient wife asks me what would happen if we started breeding cars? As you can imagine this gets really complicated really fast and my addled brain doesn’t do well with big numbers but oh what the hey… remember I am the guy who tried to figure out how many baloney sandwiches have been consumed for lunch

SKETCH #10: Kenmore. I interviewed D D Lecky, who is the co-owner of Liberty Town. Q: How did you buy Liberty Town? A: Liberty Town was opened in 2002 by Dan Finnegan. He saw this old building and knew it had lots of potential. I was a potter and also in real estate. My husband, Kenneth, was a photographer. We loved Liberty Town and talked with Dan about purchasing the business 3 years ago and made a deal. Q: How many artists are here? A: There are 27 studios and 40 artists. There can be up to 60. Some artists without studios have items for sale in the emporium. Some are former artists here or are from out of town. We even have a vendor from England. Q: Do you have classes for kids? A: We have several Summer Camps as well as some Parent and Child classes on Saturdays. Betsy Curtiss has an Explore Arts camp for 5-10 year olds. Lawton Clites has a parent and child class on making quivers. Gayla Lee is making fused glass sun catchers. Hsi- Mei Yates teaches Chinese water color. Callie is enjoying her safari themed Art Camp. She is learning how to make pottery. Her favorite project has been making a brightly colored Toucan mug.

August is that most southern of months, when things finally slow down. No matter how much energy and ambition I held at the beginning of summer, by the time August rolls around, I'm simply searching for a big glass of iced tea and an available patch of shade. I've sketched the entrance to Fredericksburg's historic Kenmore house on several occasions, but this one reminds me of August . . . when there are only two states of being: You're either in the shade -- or you're not. This sketch also reminds me of how lucky we are in Virginia. I grew up in south Texas where a break from the heat during August is at even more of a premium. Oh, what we would have given for the canopy of shade trees that Fredericksburg enjoys.If you've never been to Kenmore, take one of these lazy August afternoons and go! In that same south Texas town where I grew up, I was always amazed at how many of my friends had never actually been to the Alamo, even though it was right in their backyard . . . kind of like New Yorkers who never bother to visit the Statue of Liberty. Don't let that happen to you. Kenmore possesses a great number of the qualities that make our small town so special and it's well worth the visit. Casey Alan Shaw is a local artist. He exhibits his original artwork and limited-edition prints at Art First Gallery and at www.caseyshaw.com.

THE POETRY MAN - By Frank Fratoe

Smoky Mountains or Archipelago Floating on a cloud-sea the tops of mountains stand heavenborn apart like islands in the air. No walls abound there nor cities crowded over with impasse or facade where people turn away. Just rock and wildwood border every cataract plunging down hillside to loom within haze.

606 Caroline Street Old Town Fredericksburg 373-7847 www.gemstonecreations.org Tuesday - Saturday 10-5 Wednesdays until 6:30 and by appointment

Where Fredericksburg Gets Engaged 30

August 2015

Front porch fredericksburg

old fashion way to leave no child behind

By Rim Vining As it gets hotter and hotter and we move into that time of year where you have to chew the air before you can inhale my brain gets addled from the heat and I start to see things…

Nobody quarrels there nor contends for power along peaceful summits grown to island-chain. Landfall is ascendant emerging as promontory risen above the clouds become an ocean aloft.

Frank Fratoe lives & writes in the city.

From My Porch

at Ford Motor Company since they started making cars. I guess the first thing we need is a monk to plant little car seedlings so we can establish dominant and recessive body panels. Muscle vs. stately. Then we get into how many generations is it going to take to shrink the engine down enough to fit under the hood of a Smart Car? Actually, when you look back at the evolution of the automobile industry it is more like the AKC than you might think. When the industry was new everyone jumped in and made cars but very few made all the parts they needed so they shared engines from Lycoming and Firestone and Goodyear were your only sources for tires. Some were really big cars and some were extremely small and then they sort of averaged out to be like a Model T. If we equate the assembly line to the puppy mill it all slides into place. As more and more cars rolled off assembly lines they became less and less unique. They lost their edge. They started to have idiosyncratic issues from over breeding until new blood could be pumped into the line. Ford actually shut down for a year to re-tool for the Model A after the T had completely run out of appeal and could not compete. Eventually the flat head engine gave way to overhead valves. Carburetors were replaced by fuel injection. Mechanical drum brakes morphed into power disc units. All of this was done to strengthen the breed and ensure survival of the assembly line. Mechanical improvements are the subtle side of car breeding. More obvious signs of tinkering with Motor Nature appear in things like the Crosley, the Scarab, the Edsel, the Mustang II and all the non-descript jelly bean cars of the late 20th century. There are more obvious attempts to actually breed a car like when Studebaker and Packard merged and shared the same parts bins and they just started designing cars around what they had on hand so Packard front ends went on Studebakers, etc. To save money the popular Triumph TR6 is actually a TR4 with different front fenders. From the windshield back they are the same car. So what is in our future? Think convertible Cube with a Prius power plant or a Harley-Davidson RV. Loud Luxury and sleeps six.

Contact Rim at autoknown@aol.com

By Jo Loving Kindness is more than deeds. It is an attitude, an expression, a look, a touch. It is anything that lifts another person. ~C. Neil Strait Ahhh, August, you signal the end of summer break, the beginning of the school year, of change. Second grade. It was a banner year for me. Our family had lived in what, to me, was the perfect home. We had a playroom, a big, fenced-in backyard, a grape arbor, and a sandbox with a canopy made from an old boat. In short, it was perfect. There were trees to climb, friends to get into mischief with, and people I had known since the beginning of my memory. My school year was to be exciting. I was pleased to have been selected as one of a group of children who were entering second grade who would be a part of a combined second and third grade class. The school year started, and I loved my teacher, the class, and the school. Then, something happened. A lot of things happened. One day, as I left the classroom, something felt strange. The kids started laughing at me. I couldn’t figure out why, except I felt that I was walking funny. Actually, I was walking like the sidekick with a limp in an old Western. It was emotionally humiliating and physically painful. My parents took me to the doctor, and we found that my hips were completely out of alignment. So, I had to go for therapy several times a week, and had to wear corrective shoes. To picture the shoes, imagine shoes that look like those worn by Forrest Gump, only in a beautiful cordovan red. I picked out the

color. I loved that rich red. That is, until I got to school, where I was teased unmercifully, resulting in subterfuge on my part. I came home, threw the offending shoes under the crawl space of the house, and lied to my parents. “Jo, where are your shoes?” they asked. “I don’t know. I must have lost them at school.” I knew these shoes were costly, but there was no way I would ever wear them again. The physical therapy continued. Halfway through the school year, my parents bought a house in a new neighborhood and I had to change schools. I didn’t like this at all. I didn’t want to leave the old house and my friends, our yard, or the familiar. I entered my new classroom with trepidation. Mrs. Bridges, the teacher, appointed a buddy to help me. Mindy Anderson was a sweet, popular girl with a beautiful smile. She always made me feel welcome, and took the buddy system seriously. It made all the difference in my transition. No one at the new school said anything about my limp, or my pigeontoed gait, because Mindy accepted me. I’m pleased to say that Mindy is still one of my most treasured friends, and is as sweet a person as she was in second grade.

Jo Loving is fully ensconced on her porch in the Dog Days of summer, thankful for Mrs. Bridges’ foresight, for Mindy’s kindness, and for the life that has flowed from those days so long ago.

Every Child Deserves A Family

Learn about our adoption opportunities Domestic & International

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

August 2015

My Favorite Places August Pick: Liberty Town Arts Workshop

Fredericksburg Sketches A visual Celebration of our community

By Casey Alan Shaw

By Callista Kathryn Dunn

AutoKnown Better dog days

THE POETRY MAN - By Frank Fratoe

606 Caroline Street Old Town Fredericksburg 373-7847 www.gemstonecreations.org Tuesday - Saturday 10-5 Wednesdays until 6:30 and by appointment

Where Fredericksburg Gets Engaged 30

August 2015

Front porch fredericksburg

old fashion way to leave no child behind

By Rim Vining As it gets hotter and hotter and we move into that time of year where you have to chew the air before you can inhale my brain gets addled from the heat and I start to see things…

Nobody quarrels there nor contends for power along peaceful summits grown to island-chain. Landfall is ascendant emerging as promontory risen above the clouds become an ocean aloft.

Frank Fratoe lives & writes in the city.

From My Porch

Contact Rim at autoknown@aol.com

Jo Loving is fully ensconced on her porch in the Dog Days of summer, thankful for Mrs. Bridges’ foresight, for Mindy’s kindness, and for the life that has flowed from those days so long ago.

Every Child Deserves A Family

Learn about our adoption opportunities Domestic & International

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

August 2015