Front Porch Fredericksburg - December 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 221 • DECEMBER 2015

Frontporchfredericksburg.com

contents

closeups 6

Chris Jones ...the art & business of writing

a different take ...visual artist a.e.bayne

brandon newton ...here & there

porch talk 3

kelly pawlick’s city soup

on the porch...life in fredericksburg Messages

on the trails:: peace like a river

downtown buzz: making spirits bright

tell...the gift that keeps on giving

empowerhouse sheltering survivors of domestic abuse

vino: hal bell’s micro-winery

season’s bounty: holiday dessert table

Cooking with Kyle ‘’tis the season:

color me orange: citrus red #2

16-17

Calendar of events

KELLY PAWLICK’S CITY SOUP

history’s stories.: civil war christmas

a 19th century christmas @ ellwood manor

companions: dog on athletics

mind your mind: holiday blues renew: fitness & nutrition is for the mind, too!

Senior Care: seniors & religion

wellness: happy december emancipated patients: on the road again

art in the ’burg: ponshop holiday show

stories of fredericksburg: michael lewis

porchlight: she was 64

fxbg music scene: measure by measure

fpcug: technology for non-profits

fredericksburg sketches

poetryman autoknown better from my porch: why i believe in santa claus

By a.e. bAYNE

...And more! 9

A Home Cook Goes Rogue

Fxbgers: Ruth Spratt, MWH’s loyal volunteer

habitat for heroes: homes for veterans

candlelight tour: dec. 12-13 Cover By David Kennedy

The promise of a home cooked meal is rooted in nurturing and love. We so often forget this promise in the rush of modern life. Do we care for our loved ones and ourselves the way we should? What’s in a meal? In Kelly Pawlik’s mind, quite a lot. City Soup has been going strong for a year now. It’s a simple system that requires mountains of prep work and delivery hours on Pawlik’s part, but which provides a nourishing solution for an ever-expanding base clientele. People want to feel cared for in the rush of the day. Pawlik’s one-woman show requires her to shop, prepare, cook, deliver, clean and recycle each week. She

says it’s turned into a six day-a-week job with orders that ebb and flow. She has a number of regular clients, and others that order from time to time. Every week is different. Pawlik is technically certified as a home producer, so she is able to run City Soup much like a farmer’s market vendor. She plans her batches of soup per order, always using the freshest i n g r e d i e n t s possible. Favorite local sources for ingredients include Blenheim Organic Gardens, Fredericskburg CSA, and Green Thumb Growers. Pawlik adds, “Beyond being organic, vegetarian or vegan, many of my clients order from me because they know I’m aware of food allergies. Most of the time the soup is even gluten free. I don’t use pasta. It just doesn’t convey well upon reheating.”

These criteria make Pawlik’s recipes unique. She says her philosophy about food is similar to Julia Child’s: the recipe doesn’t have to be fancy or involved; it just has to be made with fresh, wholesome ingredients. Pawlik explains, “None of my soups are necessarily hard to make, nor are they gourmet; however, my clients are becoming more aware of how food is produced. They don’t want chemicals or preservatives. I’ve been aware of that and have cooked that way for over 20 years, so I have insight I can share with them about the ingredients in my soups.” Pawlik says that City Soup receives the most requests for her potato leek recipes, her Hungarian mushroom soup, and Orbits’ Vegetarian Chili, a proprietary recipe she retained after managing Orbits Restaurant when it claimed the space that is now Colonial Tavern. Since her ingredients are seasonal, Pawlik’s asparagus soups, made with Snead’s Farm asparagus from in Spotsylvania, makes a four-week heavy rotation when it’s in season. Other examples of seasonal favorites include

watermelon gazpacho and a mushroom lemon orzo salad in the summer. Feeling hungry yet? Pawlik’s delivery service is simple. Just head over to City Soup’s Facebook page/eatcitysoup where you’ll find the soups of the week. Respond in the comment section with your order. Pawlik will confirm and deliver your soup between 1 p.m. and 6 p.m. on Tuesday or Thursday. You will leave a check for her to pick up when she makes the delivery. Each quart is $12, no matter the recipe. Pawlik notes that City Soup can be kept for 8-10 days in the refrigerator and can be transferred to freezer bags for longer storage of up to a few months in the freezer. Hang onto the jars so you can recycle them with Pawlik when she brings you your next order. She does like to get those jars back. Pawlik laughs, “I don’t get every jar back, but most of my customers are environmentally conscious, so they send them on back.” A.E. Bayne is a writer and visual artist who has lived in Fredericksburg for seventeen years. She is the editor of Fredericksburg Literary and Art Review

Jack Frost Nipping At Your Nose?

Have a Hot Drink

where warm hearts wish you Happy Holidays

December 2015

Front porch fredericksburg

front porch fredericksburg

December 2015 2015

contents

closeups 6

Chris Jones ...the art & business of writing

a different take ...visual artist a.e.bayne

brandon newton ...here & there

porch talk 3

kelly pawlick’s city soup

on the porch...life in fredericksburg Messages

on the trails:: peace like a river

downtown buzz: making spirits bright

tell...the gift that keeps on giving

empowerhouse sheltering survivors of domestic abuse

vino: hal bell’s micro-winery

season’s bounty: holiday dessert table

Cooking with Kyle ‘’tis the season:

color me orange: citrus red #2

16-17

Calendar of events

KELLY PAWLICK’S CITY SOUP

history’s stories.: civil war christmas

a 19th century christmas @ ellwood manor

companions: dog on athletics

mind your mind: holiday blues renew: fitness & nutrition is for the mind, too!

Senior Care: seniors & religion

wellness: happy december emancipated patients: on the road again

art in the ’burg: ponshop holiday show

stories of fredericksburg: michael lewis

porchlight: she was 64

fxbg music scene: measure by measure

fpcug: technology for non-profits

fredericksburg sketches

poetryman autoknown better from my porch: why i believe in santa claus

By a.e. bAYNE

...And more! 9

A Home Cook Goes Rogue

Fxbgers: Ruth Spratt, MWH’s loyal volunteer

habitat for heroes: homes for veterans

candlelight tour: dec. 12-13 Cover By David Kennedy

Jack Frost Nipping At Your Nose?

Have a Hot Drink

where warm hearts wish you Happy Holidays

December 2015

Front porch fredericksburg

front porch fredericksburg

December 2015 2015

Jo Loving

ON THE PORCH Guest Porch Editorial

Contributing Writers & Artists Kathy Anderson A.E.Bayne Kevin Brown Collette Caprara Dan Czajka Laura Cooper Barbara Deal Anita Dodd Al Elkins Christina Ferber Frank Fratoe Joan M. Geisler Ann Glave Alexis Grogan Ralph “Tuffy”Hicks Rob Huffman Emily Hollinsworth Karl Karch David Kennedy Jo Loving Vanessa Moncure Patrick Neustatter Robin Nimmo Ryan Poe Gabe Pons M.L.Powers Scott Richards Casey Alan Shaw Emily Taggart Schricker Meg Sneed Georgia Strentz James Kyle Synder Christine Thompson Rim Vining Dawn Whitmore 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 The opinions expressed in Front Porch Fredericksburg are those of the contributing writers and do not necessarily reflect the opinion of Front Porch Fredericksburg or its advertisers. Copyright 2015 Olde Towne Publishing Co. All rights reserved.

December 2015

cherish the important BY Jo Loving This is not the guest editorial that I intended to write. My plan, when I was asked to write for this year’s wrap-up in my favorite publication, was to highlight the Fredericksburg community, the things that make it special: the people, places, history, and charm that are uniquely found here. I had such a wonderful editorial written highlighting those things, but just as I was preparing the final edit, something happened that changed everything. Imagine if you will, that you, your spouse, and friends decide to eat dinner at La Petite Auberge tonight. Everyone is looking forward to the evening. Your teenaged son is at Maury Stadium, watching a major soccer tournament. Your daughter and her friends are seeing Avenue Q at UMW’s Klein Theater, and plan to have a late dinner at Kybecca. It’s a normal Friday. You call your Mom just to say hello, and stop by your Grandmother’s on the way home from work to take her the favorite pastry she has been asking about, and which you happened to pick up for her at lunchtime today. This normal Friday is played out in every city, in every nation, throughout the world. On November 13, scenes like this were happening in Paris. Then, the unthinkable happened. Terrorists struck simultaneously in multiple locations around the city. Fans were firmly ensconced at the Stade de France, watching a match between Germany and France, with President Francois Hollande in attendance. The stadium was attacked, with a number of explosions within a thirty minute period. Meanwhile, friends and families were dining at Le Carillon, when two men opened fire with automatic weapons. The gunmen then went across the street to Le Petit Camboge, where they again opened fire on the patrons. On other streets, diners at two other restaurants, La Casa Nostra and Café

Bonne Biere, were attacked by more gunmen. Ten minutes later, shots rang out at the popular bistro La Belle Equipe, followed by a suicide bombing at C o m p t o i r Voltaire, a café. The site of the most casualties of the evening occurred at Bataclan Concert Hall, about a half hour after the initial attack. As of this writing, 132 people lost their lives in this attack, and 352 were wounded, 99 with serious physical injuries. That is the official count as of today. But the official count cannot tally the true impact. The families and friends of those who lost their lives or were wounded are affected, which will continue for the rest of their lives. As with the United States on September 11, 2001, France will never forget the carnage that occurred in their nation on November 13, 2015. Please forgive me for not having written a typical editorial in this beautiful and upbeat publication this month, but when an entire nation and other nations throughout the world are reeling from such an historic attack, the day must be marked. Here at the end of the year, when we are preparing for holiday celebrations, it is difficult to imagine what the families in France are facing. Some of us know of the impact of such unexpected and terrible grief faced by those who have been directly impacted. Our nation has suffered its losses from terrorists, as well as tragic attacks from our own countrymen. But I urge you, despite these events, to carry on with your daily lives. Fredericksburg is a wonderful, close-knit community. Hold your loved ones a little

messages

Thank you Front Porch for always supporting downtown businesses. We really appreciate it! River RocK Outfitters

Dear Virginia and Staff, I love reading your magazine! What a treat to see info on all the different Arts in the Burg and to see names of people we know in our 'small town'. I especially enjoyed Carrol Morgan's piece about the FCCA Gallery -Carrol has been a wonderful behind-thescenes volunteer in the arts world for many years, including at the Showcase. Thanks for being there!!, Lou Gramann

Front porch fredericksburg

Good morning! I enjoy reading your newspaper, and am grateful for the diversity of opinions and information within. Christine Carlson Thanks for the great article on Downdown Greens (Nov2015), we all thank you! Downtown Greens

closer and make time for everyone in your circle. Celebrate the large and small things in your lives. Value each person for their unique attributes and qualities. Be an encourager and love – just love – life, family, friends, the beauty and bounty of nature. This is how we honor the lives lost. This is how we carry on in the face of tragedy. If we hunker down in an abyss of sadness, those who attacked our fellow man will win. So go to the annual Holiday Parade down Caroline Street, keep your holiday traditions, and create new ones. Take part in the Candlelight Tour of the lovely homes in the area. Attend holiday concerts. I hope you will enjoy this month’s Front Porch Fredericksburg from cover to cover. You’ll learn much about this beautiful city, its people, shops, and events. Make the most of your holidays, of the time with your families and loved ones. Take pictures, record the laughter, and walk downtown and in the lovely parks. Live, because you are still here – you have a privilege denied to those who perished, so cherish that privilege. Jo Loving is an adventurer who may never truly retire – she is a retired Federal Executive, former AmeriCorps Park Ranger, is currently a nurse, and is a regular contributor to Front Porch. She lived in the Fredericksburg area for 26 years, and considers it the home of her heart. She is mother of three grown children, and grandmother to four – cherishing the important things – family, friends, love, and life itself. Good morning Virginia-A GREAT BIG thank you for the article about my show in the November issue of Front Porch. Four color photos, along with text, is simply AMAZING and I'm indebted to you!!!! Fritzi Newton

Thanks Meg Sneed and Front Porch for the great article, "Forget the Butterball" (Nov. 2015) Kickshaws Downtown Market

On the Trails Merry Christmas To All, and To All A Good Night

374-0443 www.shopwhittingham.com 1021 Caroline Street

Peace like a river By Kevin Brown “I love walking in the woods, on the trails, along the beaches. I love being part of nature. I love walking alone. It is therapy. One needs to be alone, to recharge one’s batteries”. ~Grace Kelly

Happy Trails to Everyone! Meet Betty Ellett, Riverside Drive resident, retired Head Start Literacy Specialist, and children’s book author. Vivacious Betty greatly enjoys spending quality time with friends and family, yet cherishes her peaceful morning riverside walks in solitude. We asked Betty to share a bit more about her experiences on our trails. “During a typical week, I swim two mornings, play tennis or pickle ball one day and walk three or more. I try to exercise six days a week, with Sunday as a day of rest. My walks provide a quiet opportunity for problem solving, creating plans, and counting my blessings. After

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JMPWOOD@AOL.COM 540-372-4343 OVER 35 YEARS EXPERIENCE IN BUSINESS BROKERAGE, VALUATIONS, LEASING & COMMERCIAL REAL ESTATE

crossing the street, facing the river, and proclaiming, “Thank you God for letting me live by this river!”, I take my morning stroll along the scenic River Heritage Trail. I usually walk 15 minutes out and back, staying in safe open areas. There is gorgeous nature to be seen every time I walk along the Falls of the Rappahannock – especially where foliage does not block the view. Walking has always helped me through the tough times; it has been a marvelous stress reliever. I started walking 37 years ago when I was expecting my son. But my exercise regimen diminished over the years until I turned 60 and was diagnosed with diabetes, when a friend with a nursing background told me, “Betty, this diagnosis may be a blessing to you”. She was right, as the onset of diabetes led me to reinvigorate my exercise which in turn helped me become healthier overall and control the disease with no medications. When I purchased my Riverside home 19 years ago, my friend Dave Peterson told me at closing, “Betty, there is a plan for a trail in front of your new home on the river. You and I may need walkers by the time it is completed.” Close, but not quite! I walked for 16 years along the river’s edge in the grass or on neighborhood sidewalks before the River Heritage Trail opened. The day the trail opened, my son and daughter-in-law brought my 3-month old grandson over and we joyously walked the complete trail. Although I’m normally deep in meditation during my walks, my reverie is happily interrupted by other friendly passersby on the trail. Peg Larose has been a fixture with her dog and cat. I have enjoyed seeing Merry Egge regularly when

I’m out, who once told me, “If you can do it, I can do it”. I pass by “biker” gals Melissa Marks and Mary Jane O’Neil. I see Betty Merrill, retired JM teacher and one of my readers at Head Start. Karen and David Johnson are also frequent morning walkers. I am inspired when I see the challenges many people overcome to get outside and enjoy our trails. I have seen people with oxygen tanks, walkers, canes, prostheses, and during storms. And of course, I love seeing my patriotic neighbor Tom Sandler jog by with his full-size American flag.” Thanks for sharing your story, Betty Ellett, and may Peace be with you Always. Kevin Brown shares up-to-date local trails news and photos as administrator of the “On the Fredericksburg Va Trails” Facebook group.

Front Porch Fredericksburg

Highlighting Local People, Places & Events Since 1997

front porch fredericksburg

December 2015 2015

Jo Loving

ON THE PORCH Guest Porch Editorial

December 2015

messages

Thank you Front Porch for always supporting downtown businesses. We really appreciate it! River RocK Outfitters

Front porch fredericksburg

Thanks Meg Sneed and Front Porch for the great article, "Forget the Butterball" (Nov. 2015) Kickshaws Downtown Market

On the Trails Merry Christmas To All, and To All A Good Night

374-0443 www.shopwhittingham.com 1021 Caroline Street

JMPWOOD@AOL.COM 540-372-4343 OVER 35 YEARS EXPERIENCE IN BUSINESS BROKERAGE, VALUATIONS, LEASING & COMMERCIAL REAL ESTATE

Front Porch Fredericksburg

Highlighting Local People, Places & Events Since 1997

front porch fredericksburg

December 2015 2015

ART & BUSINESS of WRITING

Downtown Buzz

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

with Chris Jones By A.E. Bayne

Writer, editor, and entrepreneur: Chris Jones has done it all. With a formal background in graphic arts and a yen for writing, Jones first sharpened his pencils in sports reporting at the Culpepper Star Explorer, where his stories quickly gained attention. The guy had voice! Jones joined the Fauqier Democrat and then returned to graphic design for a few years, running his own freelance studio. A proposal to develop, write, and produce a little league baseball newspaper nudged him back into writing professionally. Today, he is Editor-atLarge for Fredericksburg Parent and Family Magazine, and Editor in Chief for The Health Journal out of Hampton, Virginia. He is host of The Art and Business of Writing Podcast and has just published a book of the same name. Jones has watched content writing change over the course of his career, noting a shift to fit the time constraints and content overload that modern readers face on a daily basis. He notes, “Writing has taken on so many different forms over the years, but right now we’re in a content phase of story telling. People want to hear stories again, which is fantastic, but in digestible chunks. People want to be told stories fast due to having little time. Media content

has gone from long, 3000 word features to 600-700 word features. Some magazines even give you the synopsis before the story. What media is doing is trying to hit every type of reader. They’re trying to grab the one who wants to read but only has time to read the short version, and they also want to reach the avid reader who will spend time with whole story.” Jones is actively involved with the integration of print and visual media, relishing the challenge of c r e a t i n g compelling content ripe for contemporary readers to consume. He acknowledges the role of planning and writing under the surface of audio and visual storytelling, saying, “I love how writing, audio, and video stories are being merged digitally today. It’s something we take advantage of at The Health Journal. We find a high interest story; then we’ll do a video companion piece to enrich the written content. It serves a dual purpose, too; if you don’t have time to read the story, you can watch the video. Conversely, the video often engages the audience so much that they make time to read the story.” Read more about Chris Jones in the Fall 2015 edition of Fredericksburg Literary and Art Review. You can find him and his podcast online at www.chrisjonesink.com.

making spirits bright By Ann Glave Downtown Fredericksburg is THE place to be this Holiday Season! Local businesses, in conjunction with Fredericksburg Main Street, have put together a delightful variety of events and activities for residents and visitors of all ages.

PARKING PERKS. 4. Downtown parking limits have doubled from two to four hours in most locations, giving you plenty of time to shop AND enjoy a local restaurant (check signs carefully as some areas still have restricted parking).

SUZY STONE 540.847.0630 suzystone22@gmail.com C21redwood.com

Each Office Is Independently Owned & Operated

1. TRACK SANTA. Think the guy in red is elusive and hard to find? Not this year. Now you can track Santa as he strolls downtown on the Fredmap app. This app is free and available for both iphone and andriod. Santa's schedule (along with other activities mentioned here) is listed at www.fredericksburgmainstreet.org.

5. LATE FRIDAYS. There are three more late Fridays between now and Christmas. Most downtown shops will stay open until 8 pm (or later). Look for the yellow “Open Late” flags outside these establishments.

2. ARE YOU ALL THUMBS? Get help this year wrapping your presents at the gift wrapping station located in the Galleria at 907 Caroline Street. With the help of the Economic Development and Tourism office, non-profit organizations will tie bows and add a Fredericksburg sticker to your downtown purchase on the weekend of December 19 and 20.

A.E. Bayne is a writer and visual artist who has lived in Fredericksburg for seventeen years. She is the editor of Fredericksburg Literary and Art Review.

Where Customer Service and Title Insurance Become One

LA-L LA. Please join Main Street 3. FA-L in what we hope will become a favorite tradition, Merry Carols in Market Square. On Friday, December 18, there will be a community sing-a-long from 7 – 8 pm with various guests leading voices in Christmas carols. Glow sticks and hot beverages should make it a fun night!

ROXBURY F

ARM

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

6. GIFT CARD TRANSITION. If you bought a Main Street Gift Card last year, try to use it by December 31 at one of our downtown locations. This year, there will be a gift check instead of a gift card to share with friends and relatives. Check out the Main Street web site for details on the perfect gift if you can’t figure out what to buy someone! Many favorite traditions continue this year. Get involved in the WINDOW WONDERLAND display and riddle contest. Get your phone out and take pictures of you and your family by a favorite downtown location for the ELFIE SELFIE contest. Look for carolers and holiday characters, including Mrs. Claus, strolling the streets. After all, Santa could not get everything accomplished without help from his wife! Details of all these activities, as well as creative, clever videos from many downtown establishments, can be found at www.fredericksburgmainstreet.org. Check it out and join us for a Historic Holidays in Downtown Fredericksburg! Ann Glave is the Executive Director of Fredericksburg Main Street

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December 2015

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December 2015

ART & BUSINESS of WRITING

Downtown Buzz

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

with Chris Jones By A.E. Bayne

SUZY STONE 540.847.0630 suzystone22@gmail.com C21redwood.com

Each Office Is Independently Owned & Operated

A.E. Bayne is a writer and visual artist who has lived in Fredericksburg for seventeen years. She is the editor of Fredericksburg Literary and Art Review.

Where Customer Service and Title Insurance Become One

ROXBURY F

ARM

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

& GARDEN CENTER

Since 1929

601 LAFAYETTE BLVD

roxburyfarmgarden.com

We have all your gardening needs! Come Shop With Us Jewell Wolterman 1320 Central Park Blvd, Ste 200, Fredericksburg, VA 22401 540-907-0574 www.elitetitleva.com jwolterman@elitetitleva.com 6

December 2015

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December 2015

TELL

A Different Take

the gift that keeps on giving

Visual artist A.E. Bayne uses abstraction to hone skill

By collette caprara

'Tis the season of gift-giving, and there's one special gift that has no cost but is of priceless value: a story. Told in earnest, a story is a present from the heart, and there is one venue in Fredericksburg where this unique gift is bestowed on the community month after month throughout the year-Fredericksburg's TELL, a gathering of local story-tellers and story listeners. The forum was launched in 2010 by its current host and shepherd, Maura Schneider, (telling story above) who began by cold-calling owners of prospective sites and was welcomed to use the second floor of a book store. "There was no charge for the space, and we just took donations that we used for posters and tee-shirts," Maura recalled, "Even the beginning of TELL is a nice story of how if you have an idea in this town there are lots and lots of people who are eager and willing to help you make things happen." In keeping with Schneider's original plans, all stories are narratives that are true first-hand experiences, and the only guideline is that the tales focus on a monthly theme and are told within eight minutes. A glimpse of some past TELLS highlights the wide range of folks who

have shared moments of their life experiences. Les Schaffer--an unexpected teller for a theme on the social media-once told about his childhood in the Bronx in the 1940s. "I don't know what all the fuss about tweets and facepages is," he began, "When I was growing up we had a social network: and it was windows-based!" He explained, "A tenement window would go up and someone would yell across the courtyard: Sadie isn't feeling so good today!" Then there are the monthly treats from Michael Lewis who, with wide eyes and perfect pacing and delivery, has mesmerized audiences with heart-warming tales that have ranged from comic to sentimental. Recently, Lewis told about the time he felt light-headed at the gym and made his way to the locker room. Only when seated in a stall, did all the pieces fall into place--the clean smell of the room; the multitude of stalls He was in the ladies' locker room and had to strategically plan his escape! Jay Anderson, local biker and artist whose painting of his daughter graces a panel of public art on Caroline Street, emerged as a regular--with a moving back-story. Having dealt with a stuttering affliction, he made the determination to engage in public speaking whenever the opportunity presented itself. His presentations have entranced audiences for months. "I want TELL to be a place where there's honesty and where people can share sometimes funny stories but also

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sometimes very intimate stories" said Schneider, "It's a fun and enjoyable event but it also can be enriching and cathartic." She encourages all to join in listening and telling. "It's an opportunity to be heard. Everyone is there for you and wants to hear your story." "Although most stories are highly entertaining and can elicit either belly laughs or gasps, they are also deeply personal and reflective," said Lewis, "Hearing other peoples' stories is fun, enriching, and sometimes healing." For monthly theme, and to sign up as a teller, visit TellFredericksburg.com. December's TELL will be held on Saturday, December 12, and will feature "shorties"-three-minute tales, for which one teller will receive the "people's favorite" award of $50. TELL is held on the second Saturday of every month at 8:00 at the Liberty Town Workshops, 916 Liberty Street Fredericksburg. Visit TellFredericksburg.com Collette Caprara is an artist, author and a community vounteer

By emily hollingsworth A.E. Bayne describes herself first and foremost as a writer, penning monthly for Front Porch Magazine since 2011 and is Editor in Chief of Fredericksburg Literary and Art Review, which will be coming to print and be available around Fredericksburg starting next month. After that, Bayne describes herself as a visual artist. As an artist, Bayne continually delves into these methods and produces unique material by using ink sketching and photography to bring her inner thoughts to the surface. Visual art, according to Bayne, is any means of artistic expression that can be seen by an audience. Some of

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“Doodles” that artistic expression comes through in her photography. Though some of her photos are featured on her website, aebayne.com, Bayne does not consider photography to be her main profession, using photography more as a visual tool. “It’s been more about the thematic aspect of it,” Bayne said. From a close-up of the moon cloaked in the night sky, to graffiti on a

rock in the Rappahannock River, Bayne knows how to create certain moods and capture atmospheres in her photos. In addition to photography, her website also contains writing samples and selections from her visual art shows. Her visual artwork, interspersed with written messages and collage-like, contains everything from elephants to plants and deviates from her photography in its abstract nature. She describes her drawing as stream of consciousness, sketching on the page until an image or idea comes out for her. Typically, her sketches are something she does for herself. When she is involved in shows and finds other people who were affected by her artwork, however, their feedback propels her to keep drawing. “Anytime I start something new and people respond to it, either positively or negatively, it’s a really good experience,” Bayne said. In the past few years, she has taken part in two visual art shows, both of which featured her photography. The first show in June 2013, called Plastic Fantastic, used Barbie dolls to express segments of emotional experience. Bayne manipulated the features of the dolls with paint and, placing them in meaningful but unexpected locations, such as fields or in the snow.

The second show, taking place in 2014, also explored art. Bayne photographed henna designs created by her friend Shirley Donahue and showed them at Skin Touch Therapy on 714 Caroline Street. When it comes to shows, Bayne said she prefers to collaborate with other artists. Her alliance with other artists, along with her use of stream of consciousness, makes her a unique visual artist and writer who has learned to trust her individual style. She gives others who share similar talents the same advice. “[They should] go with their gut,” Bayne said. “Don’t listen to anyone who’s put off or who tells you not to create something a certain way if you have an instinct that it’s right for your project.” Whether through photography, art or writing, Bayne believes people should seek out their own style, especially if it’s different from what others are doing. “I think everyone has that creative spark inside them,” Bayne said. Emily Hollingsworth, a UMW student, & a monthly contributor to Front Porch

Use Google Maps to Find: 18294 Tidewater Trail Just 10 mi. S.E. of town on

Rt. 17, Caroline County

The fun Search & Scenting Sport for ALL dogs in ANY shape !!! A Three-hour Workshop December 12th or December 19th 10 AM to 1 PM (either day) Information & Registration: carol@dogonathletics.com 218 Industrial Drive Suite 100 Fredericksburg 22408 8

December 2015

Front porch fredericksburg

Come out to our farm, where “Keeper” says, “Woof ! Our trees are Best in the Burg ” front porch fredericksburg

December 2015

TELL

A Different Take

the gift that keeps on giving

Visual artist A.E. Bayne uses abstraction to hone skill

By collette caprara

Shy? Bored? Reactive? Low Confidence? CANINE NOSEWORK Proven to build confidence, calm the reactive dog, and make them sooooo happy!

A Large Selection Available

200 William Street Downtown ,Fredericksburg 540.373.4421 Mon-Fri: 9:30-6 Sat: 9:30-5 CrownJewelersFredericksburg.com

Snead’s Farm

CHRISTMAS TREES Cut or Dig Your Own! Reserve Today! No Money Down! White Pine up to 14 ft. ~ $50 Blue Spruce up to 14 ft.~ $80 Open Daily 9 - 5 p.m Sneadsfarm.com 540.371.9328

Use Google Maps to Find: 18294 Tidewater Trail Just 10 mi. S.E. of town on

Rt. 17, Caroline County

December 2015

Front porch fredericksburg

Come out to our farm, where “Keeper” says, “Woof ! Our trees are Best in the Burg ” front porch fredericksburg

December 2015

FXBG’ERS Ruth Spratt

by georgia Lee Strentz

You know immediately, it's in the smile, the eyes, the interesting engaging conversation, the curiosity. You are very lucky, your have indeed met an extraordinary woman, Ruth Spratt. Ruth Spratt is one of our citizens who has lived most of her life in Fredericksburg. She was married twice, having two children and step-children, both times widowed, leaving her with a large family, most who live in Fredericksburg. Shortly after she was born in Charlottesville when the train to Gordonsville was narrow gauge, her parents moved to Fredericksburg. She grew up on Charlotte St., in a house where family members still live today. Ruth lives in her home in the city. Ruth is a people person, an outdoor girl, very independent, a leader. She was captain of the basketball team in high school at James Monroe. She graduated from Mary Washington State Teachers College majoring in home economics, but her real interest was math. She did the business books for her husband's business for many years. She worked and retired from National Bank here in Fredericksburg. She was the first female vice -president of a bank in Virginia. She was a gun skeet champion high scorer for many years at the

December 2015

Fredericksburg Country Club. Ruth has involved herself in volunteering for most of her 97 years, yes 97 years. She is interested in being active and busy, as her text messages to me indicated, it was hard to catch up with this amazing woman. She rolled bandages during WW2,helping with the war efforts in any way she could ,while caring for her daughter and waiting for her husband to return from the war. Patricia Wolfrey, the Mrs. manager of Volunteer services at Mary Washington Hospital, says Ruth has totaled 21,855 volunteer hours in the last 20 years. Ruth has worked in many roles as a hospital volunteer, most recently for in the gift shop. Barbara Bush, the gift shop manager, depends on Ruth who comes in 5 days week as she has for the last 20 years.. Ruth likes to knit and read, but told me she really doesn't like to sit. She likes to keep moving doing things that interest her. Ruth describes Mary Washington Hospital, perched on the hill by the University of Mary Washington College, as one big happy family. Coming here to the hospital keeps her occupied and feeling needed. She also drives her car to the hospital every day and told me about a "short cut," to our homes, as we both live near the college. Ruth is a lady whose love of life grabs you. Missing Ruth's positive outlook and wanting an excuse to visit her, I returned to the gift shop, but this time with delicious donuts from our new Sugar Shack donut shop on William St. This could get to be a habit and by the way, Ruth likes sprinkles topping. In case you visit the hospital, please stop in to see Ruth in the gift shop, as Ruth is there 5 days a week and you can't miss her smiling face.

Front porch fredericksburg

Empowerhouse

HABITAT FOR HEROES

sheltering survivors of domestic violence

homes for veterans

By Kathy Anderson

By dawn whitmore

As we enter December and hopefully are pounding the last nails, adding drywall and floors in our expanded and relocated domestic violence shelter we are thankful for increased space to take in local families fleeing domestic violence. It will offer the beginning to many newly rebuilt lives filled with dignity, respect, safety, and hope. The rebuilding takes place within many environments, often never within the doors of our shelter. It sometimes happens inside the mind and heart of a woman (sometimes a man) whose courage builds while experiencing a moment of lucidity, not easy in the crazy making world of abuse. Looking at what one’s life has become after abuse sneaks up and takes over is an overwhelming place. People calling the Empowerhouse 24-h hour hotline usually do not have a name for what they are experiencing. By the time they feel forced to confront it, they face new challenges. Will someone believe them? Will they tell the right person and keep it from getting worse? Will they escape? Will they have somewhere to go? Will they escape alive? Will they be able to protect their children? Will they find help to make all the attacks stop? What will they have to give up? What new risks will they face? Few know about the Empowerhouse 24-hour hotline. Our community can change that. (Most Virginia abuse survivors confide in friends or family first. Area law enforcement receives 6,500 domestic abuse related calls each year.) On the hotline, after finding someone who listens without judgment, they encounter some great information and questions that will help as they negotiate their safety through the next steps. They learn about resources at Empowerhouse and in the community. Some have found a court order, called a protective order, brings needed change. For others, this step does not bring the safety they are seeking. These choices are met with support from Empowerhouse who will go to court with them or to other offices, e.g. law enforcement, legal aid, health services, where they find more resources to help. They may attend Empowerhouse free and confidential support groups where they learn additional information and meet other women with inspiration and their own stories of struggle and hope. If they speak more Spanish than English they find camaraderie in the Latina group. All groups have companion children’s and teen’s groups with great information and

a safe place for other family members. When some survivors needed to find a rental and step away from living under the abuse, Empowerhouse helped them make this escape with emotional and financial support and through partnering with Rappahannock Goodwill Industries providing an employment specialist dedicated to domestic violence survivors entering their own housing. The Empowerhouse children’s coordinator also helps survivors and their children throughout their transition, sometimes to a new school system. Other activities, less well known but in need of being well known, are educational efforts especially those taking place in area classrooms. Over 5,000 teens received information on healthy relationships and the warning signs of teen dating violence from the Empowerhouse support services coordinator last year as part of their SOL required material in grades 8-12. For those lucky enough to receive these presentations, they learn critical information as they move into the years placing them at the highest risk of abuse in relationships within their lifetimes, ages 17-24. During this holiday season bringing so much joy and goodwill, we thank our community for delivering a present to survivors of domestic violence and their children in the form of our new shelter and so much more…

Habitat for Humanity, you have probably heard the name before. The local habitat is known for ‘giving a hand up instead of hand out’ to our community, through building quality and affordable homes. However, did you know the Greater Fredericksburg Habitat for Humanity is the first in the state of Virginia to participate in a Veteran Build entitled, “Habitat for Heroes”? Habitat wants to help those who have served our Country with “a little push” to get them in a home of their own. The first two veteran recipients have been chosen. A myriad of volunteers, including a Combat Assault Platoon from Quantico and other veteran groups, are waiting in the wings to help build. Local businesses are providing in-kind donations, such as Carrier supplying a HVAC unit and another local business

providing stuff for the kitchen. Land is being donated. IOMAXIS, a defense contractor in Virginia has graciously donated $25,000 towards the Veteran Build, along with a challenge. Cristina Pellegrino, Head of Habitat’s Public Relations shared, “IOMAXIS’ generous donation came with a challenge to other defense contractors, to step up and help build homes for our veterans.” With all these wonderful things, one may wonder what is the hold up? Why aren’t the homes built yet? It is a simple answer. Even with all the generous donations, more funds are needed. Each home planned for the two Veteran Build homes will cost $150,000

each; a total of $300,000 needs to be raised. As of November, Greater Habitat of Fredericksburg has raised a little over $30,000. Along with the extra financial support needed, contractors will be needed for certain aspects of the build. Habitat home recipients work hard for their homes; it is not just given to them. They provide “Sweat Equity” hours. According to the website, ‘sweat equity is labor put in at construction sites where members age 16 or older work together with volunteers to build or renovate houses…. members can also earn hours by attending home maintenance workshops, working at the Habitat ReStore or office…’ A total of 500

hours of sweat equity with a 100 of those hours must be on the build site. There is also a zero percent foreclosure rate on Habitat homes. “When a person is given a ‘help up instead of a hand out’ it produces a domino effect,” stated Pellegrino of Habitat, “for boosting community.” You can learn more about Veteran’s Build and how you can help by visiting www.fredhab.org , on FB at www.facebook.com/veteranbuildGFHFH or by emailing Greater Fredericksburg Habitat for Humanity at veteransbuild@fredhab.org. Buy a tee-shirt, attend the Silent Auction, or make a donation of your time, talent, or resources to help a vet.

Dawn Whitmore is a landscape photographer and writer who lives in Spotsylvania. Learn more by visiting her on FB: facebook.com/dewphotographypage.

Kathy Anderson is executive director of Empowerhouse and looks forward to opening the new shelter and eating soup at the Empty Bowl, January 31, 2016. For information and/or help, the 24hour hotline is 540-373-9373 – Want to help? www.empowerhouseva.org

front porch fredericksburg

December 2015

FXBG’ERS Ruth Spratt

by georgia Lee Strentz

December 2015

Front porch fredericksburg

Empowerhouse

HABITAT FOR HEROES

sheltering survivors of domestic violence

homes for veterans

By Kathy Anderson

By dawn whitmore

Dawn Whitmore is a landscape photographer and writer who lives in Spotsylvania. Learn more by visiting her on FB: facebook.com/dewphotographypage.

front porch fredericksburg

December 2015

Vino Hal Bell’s Micro Winery 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

The General Store

Restaurant

Since 1978

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

371-4075 2018 College Ave. Fredericksburg

December 2015

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

Front porch fredericksburg

By scott richards Micro-breweries have become the latest rage, popping up everywhere; but microwineries? That is a whole different ball game. Hal Bell, who has been making wine with wine kits for years, has undertaken starting a micro-winery in his store, Bacchus VA, at Five Mile Fork in Spotsylvania County. Bell stated concerning what he is doing, "You have to have a micro-brewing frame of mind." In an article in the Front Porch in 2013, Bell described wine making in his basement in Stafford. Bacchus VA is an expansion of that hobby, with many of his dreams a coming into fruition. In the past, Bell had spoken of how he would like to teach classes in wine making using kits. Now, even though the shop is only open on weekends, he is teaching classes on Saturdays and Sundays with each day alternating different weeks. He stated the classes are booked six months in advance. As soon as word gets out there are spots available in a class, they fill up immediately. Classes meet five times over a seven week period, totaling 15 hours. The class includes a wine kit and leasing of equipment to process the wine, such as the carboys that holds the wine until bottling. The end process is the bottling and corking, and the wine each student makes goes home with them. Reasons for taking the classes vary with the students. Ray, of Ray and Kathy, who were making Radicchio, a white wine, said, "I'm doing this because I like to drink wine." Lamar and Sicily, recent empty nesters making a Cabernet Sauvignon, said, "We wanted to do something fun." A registered commercial winery, Bell stated he had to get three different licenses in order to open. The whole process was a learning experience not only for him, but the ABC board as well. The type of business Bell is doing is brand new to the industry. The back of his shop, where he makes his own labeled wine for retail sale is a bonded commercial winery. The front of the shop is a retail store where wine made by Bell is sold by the bottle. In the shop where wine making classes are held, a gourmet brewing license was required. Each part of the shop has different regulations governing it. Bell credits ABC agent John O'Connell as the person who really helped him wade through the regulations. He stated many of the laws had to be adapted

in order to fit his situation. According to Bell, O'Connell came in and achieved an understanding of what he wanted to do and then went to Richmond and conveyed the vision, working toward making the proper interpretations of the laws so the correct licenses would be put in place. For instance, the gourmet brewing section of the shop, where the classes are held, is an adjustment of a license for beer making. To meet the letter of the law, Bell is required to ask customers if they would like to brew wine instead of making or fermenting wine. Many of the wines made with kits are able to be drunk as soon as they are done, but they improve with a bit of aging. It was noted most of the students drink their wine immediately. With the benefit of experience on his side, the wines Bell makes are much more refined. Taking a kit for Amarone, an Italian red wine, turned out a bit weaker than expected, so Bell infused organic black currants and mission figs. The result was a wine with an underlying taste of currants and prunes, and a depth of taste that goes well with rare lamb chops prepared with garlic and rosemary. The variety of wines that are available to be made are great. Free tastings are available in the retail section. Temperanillo, a Spanish red wine, offered an off dry, fruity taste with a medium finish. Viognier, which Bell called a light weight wine, offered a brilliant nose, but was almost too light. In addition to the wines, there are kits for making cider and pink While the idea of a micro-winery is new and different, Hal Bell is one who is making it happen. His website, www.bacchusva.com offers excellent insight into what he is accomplishing. Contact Hal at Sip@BacchusVa.com, or 540.903.0917 Scott Richards is owner of Loch Haven Vineyards Read his blog at fromthevine.wordpress.com or Contact him at bgmeadowswine@yahoo.com

Season’s Bounty holiday dessert table

Olde Towne BUTCHER Corner of William & Charles Streets Downtown Fredericksburg 540.370.4105

By vanessa moncure Getting ready to prepare a holiday dessert table? Decided to cover it with a sweet selection of traditional pies? Pumpkin, pecan, chiffon, apple, cherry, maybe sweet potato or a citrus-y lemon tart - yum. Pies are everyone’s favorite. You’ve got the idea for fillings down pat. But does the idea of rolling out a tender pie crust give you baker’s anxiety? Thumbing through the “PIES” section of cookbooks you find yourself confronted with multiple conundrums Butter, oil, lard or soft shortening? Cake flour, all-purpose flour, sifted or not? Sugar? Why ice water? To chill, or not to chill? Let it rest? Prebake? Pie weights? Headache? Whole cookbooks have been written about pies-particularly emphasizing the temperamental pie crust and the myriad recipes collected by professional chefs and home bakers. Consider yourself lucky if you have a wellthumbed copy of a family no-fail pie crust recipe - hang on to it. I have tried-andtrue recipes from both sides of my family - my mother swore by her oil crust - and yes, every time she baked it - tender and melt-in-the-mouth, flaky goodness. So, I can’t go wrong, making her recipe, right? Well….I usually end up with a crumbled chunk of leaden lumps, so porous that the filling goes right through the crust. Hmm. My grandmother’s never-fail lard recipe? Something about my version leaves a heavy, lard-y taste on the tongue, the decorative twisted edging might break a tooth if you could indeed bite through it. When even the dog gives baleful looks concerning my pastry, I decide it is time for a refresher course on crusts. A consistent, workaday tenderflaky-crumb crust for most dessert pies - I think I’ve cracked it! So try these - unless you’ve got that secret heirloom never-fail pastry recipe - maybe you’d like to share?? USUALLY GREAT PIE PASTRY I know the key to a tender crumb is to handle the dough as little as possible and to add chilled ingredients to the flour, then let the crust rest for about 5-10 minutes before rolling out. Also - try to add only a tablespoon or so of additional flour when rolling out the dough. Any more and you will have a tough dough on your hands. I use a pastry cloth (which can actually be just a bit of canvas) and rolling pin cover as they help to resist grease and moisture and reduce the amount of extra flour needed. Some pastry chefs store them in the freezer until needed - especially when working with butter crusts. Pastry chef Rose Levy Beranbaum keeps flour, shortening and butter in the freezer until use.

Makes 2 pie shells, or one shell with lattice top. Measure together 1 ½ c. regular flour with ½ c. cake flour. Stir in ¾ tsp. salt. Cut in ½ c. Crisco and ¼ c. plus 1 T. butter, ideally mixing by hand. Sprinkle with 2 T. chilled water, a few drops at a time, and mix very lightly just until dry ingredients are moistened and come together in a ball. Cover with plastic wrap and let rest for a few minutes before rolling out. For prebaked crust, roll out at least 1” larger than the pie pan, place pastry in greased pan, trim the overhanging edges evenly then roll them toward the top of the pie pan. Press into place, then crimp into a V-shape, all around. Prick the bottom and sides of the crust with a fork. Place a sheet of waxed paper on the shell, then fill with either pie weights or dry beans. Bake preheated 425F oven 10-15 minutes or until golden brown. Remove to rack to cook, taking off weights so crust won’t steam and soften. Great for non-baked fruit pies like strawberry, custard or chiffon pies. CHOCOLATE PASTRY Substitute 2 T. flour for 2 T. cocoa powder for every 1 c. of flour used, following above recipe. Roll out pastry between two sheets of waxed paper or roll onto rolling pin to invert into pie pan. Prebake or fill - this is great for a Derby Pie or pre-baked and filled with coconut custard, whipped cream on top with toasted coconut and shaved chocolate to garnish - we call this our Mounds Pie. PATE SUCREE This is a sweetened pastry usually used in a tart pan and is as tender as a sugar cookie. Great for chocolate or fruit fillings. Cut in ½ c. butter (cut into ½” slices) into 1 ½ c. all-purpose flour mixed with ¼ tsp. salt and ¼ c. sugar. Beat together 1 egg yolk with 2 T. heavy cream and add to dry ingredients, mixing until the mixture forms a ball. Wrap in plastic wrap and flatten into 6-inch circle, then refrigerate or freeze for 10 minutes or until well-chilled. Easiest if rolled out between wax paper layers. This makes a pastry for a 9-10” tart or 9” pie. You should roll out to just the size needed for the pan - since this is more like a cookie crust, you will not be folding any extra over or crimping. Press to fit in the pan, then take your rolling pin and roll around the edges of the pan to cut off extra - or use a sharp knife. The bits can be rolled and baked like cookies. HAPPY HOLIDAYS!!

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

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

December 2015

The General Store

Restaurant

Since 1978

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

371-4075 2018 College Ave. Fredericksburg

December 2015

Front porch fredericksburg

Season’s Bounty holiday dessert table

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

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

December 2015

Cooking With Kyle Simple, easy, delicious

‘Tis the Season... For Gingerbread houses

Fredericksburg’s Hometown Saloon Since 1961

The Soup & Taco, Etc. 813 Caroline St.

COLOR ME ORANGE ! The secret behind this citrus’s glow may surprise you

Fredericksburg, VA

By meg sneed

by james kyle snyder

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

So this is Christmas … And a happy New Year! As we move through the new winter, awash with the fragrances and smells of the holidays, it is best to remember one of the best treats of all. Icecream!! Although I make a frozen custard, a polite nod to all of the other sweetsavory-cold confections is a must. But why Icecream in the winter?! There is a long standing tradition of pies and confections for this season which date way before me. As a child, I remember Irene’s (my grandmother’s) pies coming out pipin’ hot. Some uncles just put fresh cream on the them, marking of the end of another unbelievable meal. The more experienced folk searched for the ice cream. Hmmm what is this “icecrème” stuff I keep hearing about … Frozen custard is a fairly simple process. First, set up a double boiler. Put 3 cups cream, ½ C milk, and ¼ vanilla bean in the and bring the crème concoction to 170 degrees stirring occasionally. While that is going on, in a large bowl whisk eight large yolks and ¾ C sugar together until pale. Add warmed cream mixture a cup at a time while whisking to temper the eggs (after about the third cup you can combine everything together). Strain custard into the medium bowl in the ice bath, stirring until completely cooled, add 1 tsp vanilla extract, ½ cup vanilla schnapps, covering and refrigerate until cold (at least 2 hours) This makes a great vanilla base for all kinds of “creams.” Pistachio, maple bacon, and Nutella, just to name a few. For

December 2015

others, leave out the vanilla schnapps. Once ready, and after refrigerated, put the mixture into the mixer and turn it on! Viva la crème! Dressing this up to your favorite crème is easy. At OSTPA, while I was being encouraged to recover and the PT was happening, a mention of mint chocolate chip occurred. When people take care of me I feel obliged to reciprocate. Some simple adjustments (easier than my arm): ½ cup peppermint schnapps and some chopped semi-sweet chocolate chips, made this transition easy. Did I mention how awesome Marshall’s team at Orthopedic & Sports Physical Therapy Associates are! If they only had wi-fi … LOL! Too busy making people healthy. Some people are averse to the alcohol. It does do good things for icecream. Just ask Carl’s. You eliminate the ice crystals, smooth out the mixture, and make it freeze at a much lower temp. the smoother the cream the better. I have never been a confections guy, but this base gets me. Simple easy and delicious. What else is there. As for Christmas, Mitzi and I are doing our last community get-together. If you are outand-about and want to join, please come and be our guest. This is a real invite. Contact the Front porch if ya wanna join. They will connect us. As always, simple rules of protocol apply. Till next year – be well! Kyle Snyder is the CEO of SCRUM Training Academy, a gourmet chef, jack-of-all trades, and an all-around happy guy

Front porch fredericksburg

This ambitious Gingerbread House is part of a 200 entry holiday display of exquisite, cleverly designed and deliciously decorated gingerbread houses located throughout the George Eastman House. Museum. in Rochester, NY George Eastman was the founder of Eastman Kodak Co. and a huge philanthropist to the city of Rochester, N.Y. His beautiful and enormous home is open to the public and this event helps to raise funds for its upkeep. The gingerbread creations are displayed throughout the house, with clever search games especially for children. The reward? A candy cane! Maureen Bigenwald (a frequent visitor to the ‘Burg, is the mother of Fredericksburg Resident, Katie Dunn) enjoys baking and created the idea for this years house. Husband Jay put

his engineering skills to work with lots of measuring, a few revisions, and finally a paper pattern for the final structure. Maureen baked and granddaughters Anna (10) and Sophie (7) helped decorate with chocolate “rocks” paths , frosted ice cream cone trees, gingerbread people, gumdrop

hedges, pretzel stick ladder, candy cane sleigh, edible snow glitter and peppermints on the roof

Sunday 11am-6pm

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

The girls entry last year ,

“Ginger Barn” was the highest silent auction bid. T h e Gingerbread House is on display in the portico of the George Eastman House in Rochester, NY. Where visitors can walk all around it to see the various details of this fabulous creation. All of the confectionery creations will be available for purchase through a silent auction, and winning bidders will be notified on the evening of December 16. Proceeds from the auction will help support future restoration projects of this National Historic Landmark property. For more info: http://eastmanhouse.org/events/holidays.

Oranges have always been my go-to fruit in the winter. Virginia’s native fruits usually peter out around the end of October or early November, so by this time of year I’m craving fruit – and an orange is a handy way to satisfy the craving and fight off scurvy at the same time (or so I’ve been told by many a pirate). While they don’t make it onto the EWG’s “Clean Fifteen” list, up until a few years ago I never bothered to pay the little extra for organic oranges. After all, they’ve got a thick rind that you don’t consume so any spray should, in theory, never reach our lips. And then I heard about a little thing called Citrus Red #2… Citrus Red #2 is a food dye which the FDA has allowed, for almost 60 years now, to be injected into the peel of oranges “not intended/used for processing” but may be included as “packinghouse elimination,” meaning it may be found oranges sold whole at the grocery store or to other companies to make concentrate and orange juice. The dye is an azo dye derived from benzidine – a carcinogen linked to bladder cancer which studies on lab rats have shown is absorbed, at least in part, by the digestive system. It has been classified by the International Agency for Research on Cancer as “possibly carcinogenic to humans” and banned by the EU and other countries. But if we’re discarding the peel, it should be no big deal, right? Not according to a former FDA employee, Kent J. Davis, who wrote in an internal FDA memo that: “Citrus Red 2 then becomes an intolerable human health hazard if only from the amounts consumed from fingers after peeling oranges treated with this dye. (Some additional dye may be ingested with peel or orange.) The continued certification and use of this color may also be a violation …of the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act as amended which prohibits use of any carcinogenic color additive for uses which may result in ingestion of part of such additive.” So why does the food industry still use it? To make our oranges look more orange. I don’t have a local option for you to buy your oranges from instead; sadly our weather does not support many citrus fruits. However, if you are looking to avoid an unnecessary dye in your oranges or orange juice, then there are a few things you can do:

Buy from produce that originates in either California or Arizona. Citrus Red #2 is injected while the fruit is still on the tree, but the exact age of the fruit at which it may be injected is regulated at the state level. State legislatures in California and Arizona have both used this jurisdiction to ban the use of Citrus Red #2 in any oranges produced in their states. You can also make it easy by buying them from a company like Sunkist, which has gone on record against the use of Citrus Red #2 and does not allow their produce to be injected with it at any stage. There is also the organic option – and the one I’d recommend if you are using the zest or peel for any portion of a recipe. FDA regulations for organic labeled foods require that they be grown and produced without synthetic materials, and as Citrus Red #2 is classified as a synthetic compound it, along with most pesticides, should not be present on or in an organic orange. If you’d like to read more on the science and studies on Citrus Red #2, I’ve gone into depth in an article entitled “When is an orange not JUST an orange?” over at odomedicine.com/blog

Meg is the practice manager at Old Dominion Osteopathic Medicine, a mom of 3kids, and an ardent lover of all foods local, natural, and un-messed-with.

front porch fredericksburg

December 2015

Cooking With Kyle Simple, easy, delicious

‘Tis the Season... For Gingerbread houses

Fredericksburg’s Hometown Saloon Since 1961

The Soup & Taco, Etc. 813 Caroline St.

COLOR ME ORANGE ! The secret behind this citrus’s glow may surprise you

Fredericksburg, VA

By meg sneed

by james kyle snyder

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

December 2015

Front porch fredericksburg

hedges, pretzel stick ladder, candy cane sleigh, edible snow glitter and peppermints on the roof

Sunday 11am-6pm

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

The girls entry last year ,

Meg is the practice manager at Old Dominion Osteopathic Medicine, a mom of 3kids, and an ardent lover of all foods local, natural, and un-messed-with.

front porch fredericksburg

December 2015

CALENDAR of events

cookies and view a special exhibit about the celebration of Christmas during Monroe's time. Enjoy seasonal music performed on the harp and on the Monroe family's Astor pianoforte.

december 2015…Yes Virginia, There is a Santa Claus! Tuesday, December 1

World AIDS Day Candlelight Walk @ University of Mary Washington - Ball Circle, 5:30pm World AIDS Day is an opportunity for people worldwide to unite in the fight against HIV/AIDS. Walkers will journey by candlelight through UMW's picturesque campus to show support for those who are living with the virus, remember those we have lost, and raise awareness. www.fahass.org Low Voltage @ Music Tuesdays Bistro Bethem309 William St. 7-11pm. Join us for Join us for ½ Drinks & pizzas.

Wednesday, December 2

Fiddlestix Instrument Petting Zoo @ Dodd Auditorium,University of Mary Washington, 6:30Children are invited to meet the UMW Philharmonic's musicians, learn about the instruments and enjoy a brief concert. The event is free and open to the public.

Thursday, December 3

Holiday Pops 2015 @ Dodd Auditorium, University of Mary Washington, 7:30pm 7:30 P.M. www,umwphilharmonic.com/tickets or by calling (540) 654-1324 join us for the activities and rituals of Kwanzaa and enjoy a feast together; Faculty/Staff Dining Room, Seacobeck Hall, UMW ; 6 p.m.; free; umwjfmc@gmail.com or (540) 654-1044. Harry Wilson, Vibraphone, Live Music at 7:30 Kenmore Inn. featuring drink specials at the copper top bar

First Friday, December 4

Open Late Downtown Stores, Santa & Mrs Claus strolling, UMW Symfonics Fredericksburg Holiday Craft Show @ Fredericksburg Convention Center. 10am -4pm holiday shopping extravaganza featuring unique merchandise from more than 250 carefully selected vendors from Virginia and across the country. "A Monroe Christmas" Annual Holiday Open House @ James Monroe Museum Join us for cider and

"Small Works with a Mighty Punch @ Water Street Studio new pieces by Elizabeth Seaver, Lynette Reed, and Susan Carter Morgan. We will also have a launch party for the fall 2015 Fredericksburg Literary Review. Come tell Amy Bayne and her team what a fabulous job they did. Holiday All-Members Show @ ART FIRST GALLERY First Friday opening 6pm to 9pm. , www.artfirstgallery.com. PONSHOP Holiday Party @ PONSHOP Studio and Gallery, 6pm Brush Strokes All Member Holiday Exhibit and Sale. 6-9pm, 824 Caroline St. Find just the right gift at Brush Strokes Gallery from our all member 10 x 10 exhibit, or from the delightful ornaments and small gift ideas on the Holiday table. Sale continues throughout December. FCCA All Member Holiday Show, 813 Sophia St. Rising Sun Open House hear Colonial Music while taking abbreviated tours of the tavern decorated for Christmas. Come by and try our Joe Frogger Cookies with a piece of cheddar cheese and a fresh hot cup of our spiced tavern tea. 6-8:30pm

Saturday, December 5

Local writers Seija and J. Michael Cleverley will be doing a joint book signing at the Agora Downtown Coffee Shop, 520 Caroline St., 9-11 am. Free cup of hot drip coffee with purchase of a signed book! Fredericksburg's Community Chorus' performance of Handel's Messiah 2 p.m. Downtown Annual Downtown Christmas Parade, City of Fredericksburg Parks & Recreation and Huber Motor Cars are excited to bring another fun and safe parade to the downtown streets of Fredericksburg 5:30pm! With support from the City Police Department and our media sponsor B101.5 This year's theme is "Christmas Pastimes."

Spotsylvania Christmas Parade, 1-4pm . This years theme is Gingerbread Jamboree.

Rappahnannock Choral Society FREE CHRISTMAS CONCERT @Chancellor High School,,6800 Harrison Road in Spotsylvania. 8pm The concert will include familiar holiday songs

Sunday, December 6

Breakfast with Santa @ Eileen's Bakery and Café, 8:03-1130am

Courthouse Christmas Luminary Come enjoy this outdoor celebration as the candles are lit at dusk and the area Choirs begin to sing. Bring your blanket and your warm gloves and let the spirit warm your heart. The Old Courthouse Lawn 9111 Courthouse Road, Spotsylvania 4:45pm

Tuesday, December 8

Smith, Party of Three @ Music Tuesdays Bistro Bethem309 William St. 8-11pm. Join us for Join us for ½ Drinks & pizzas.

The 29th Annual Gingerbread House Contest and Exhibit-a long-standing holiday tradition! Adults and children alike will enjoy the sights and smells of the festive creations displayed at George Washington's Ferry Farm! 4pm thru Dec 30th

Thursday, December 10

A WEE CHRISTMAS Dollhouse and Minatures Show at Historic Kenmore An exhibit for the holiday season of highly detailed, replica dollhouses, including the Kenmore mansion, Crowninshield Museum Building. Share memories of your dollhouse with children and grandchildren as you explore together the treasures in this festive display! Thru Dec 30

Come see the Stafford Players present "The Diviners" in the new Stafford High School theater!, 7pm

Mary Washington House Holiday Open House 4:30 - 7 p.m.

Downtown Stores Open Late for your Holiday Pleasures. Santa and Mrs. Clause out and about 7 8:30 p.m.

Fredericksburg's Community Chorus' performance of Handel's Messiah 7 p.m. Downtown What you love Mr. Grinch! Bring the kids to Down Town Fredericksburg to participate in a short ride with Mr. Grinch and Max, approximately 15 minutes. Photo opportunity for the kids and kids get a Christmas Goody Bag. Travel down Caroline Street to see the decorated store windows and You don't have to be a kid to enjoy the ride! 4pm info@oldetownecarriages.com Rappahannock Group Sierra Club Holiday Open House @ American Legion Post 51, 2-4pm Free and open to the public. Presentation by Fredericksburg Food Coop; learn the who, what, where and how of a local food coop. 461 Woodford St Rappahnannock Choral Society FREE CHRISTMAS CONCERT @Chancellor High School 6800 Harrison Road in Spotsylvania.3pm The concert will include familiar holiday songs.

Tinseltown @Sunken Well Tavern. Come join us and shop for handmade holiday gifts and décor by local artists, 6-9pm, Cash Bar and complimentary HorsD'oeuvres.

Bobby Thompson & Lauren Calve, Blues Live Music at 7:30 Kenmore Inn. featuring drink specials at the copper top bar

Friday, December 11

Saturday, December 12

Join the Historic Fredericksburg Foundation, Inc for Holiday Candlelight Tour of 5 beautiful historic homes in downtown Fredericksburg. Day tickets allow entrance to 5 homes from 11am-5pm Evening tickets also add an additional home from 6-8pm Evening tickets also include admission to the event's cocktail party. Ticket holders will receive a souvenir tour book at the gift shop. The gift shop at 815 Princess Anne Street, the historic Renwick Building, is also open to the public to shop and tour the historic courthouse. Contact HFFI for tickets and information, 540-371-4504, www.hffi.org Rappahannock Model Railroaders 18th Annual Christmas Train Show @ Fraternal Order of Eagles Lodge #4123, 21 Cool Spring Road, Operating Train Layouts, (O-Gauge, HO-Gauge, N-Gauge and Lego) Model Train Vendors, 9am-5pm www.rmrailroaders.com or phone us at (540)-8918963 Thru Dec. 13

Come see the Stafford Players present "The Diviners" in the new Stafford High School theater!, 7pm Fredericksburg Chamber Chorale's annual holiday concert- Shiloh Old Site 3:00 p.m. & 7:30pm

Sunday, December 13

Join the Historic Fredericksburg Foundation, Inc for Holiday Candlelight Tour of 5 beautiful historic homes in downtown Fredericksburg. Day tickets allow entrance to 5 homes from 11am-5pm Ticket holders will receive a souvenir tour book at the gift shop. The gift shop at 815 Princess Anne Street, the historic Renwick Building, is also open to the public to shop and tour the historic courthouse. Contact HFFI for tickets and information, 540371-4504, www.hffi.org Breakfast with Santa @ Eileen's Bakery and Café, 8:03-1130am Santa and Mrs. Clause out and about 12:30 - 3:30 p.m. 153rd anniversary of the Battle of Fredericksburg - Sunken Road 2 p.m. Stafford Regional Choral Society's Annual Christmas Concert @ St. Peter's Lutheran Church. Come enjoy the sounds of the season Led by Artistic Director Barbara Perry, the program will feature selections from Handel's Messiah and other holiday favorites. 1201 Courthouse Rd, Stafford, VA 3pm & 7pm.www.staffordchoral.org

created by the partnership of Friends of the Rappahannock (FOR) and the Oyster Company of Virginia (OCVA)., 1-4pm Contact Friends of the Rappahannock 5403733448

Tuesday, December 15

Laurie Griffin & Pete Mealy@ Music Tuesdays Bistro Bethem309 William St. 8-11pm. Join us for Join us for ½ Drinks & pizzas.

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

Friday, December 18

Open Late Downtown, Santa and Mrs. Clause out and about 7 - 8:30 p.m. Merry Carols in Market Square: Community Sing-ALong 7 - 8:00 p.m.

Saturday, December 19

Yoga Mala: Celebrate the Winter Season with 108 Sun Salutations Pitaiyo, 1006A Caroline St. Breakfast with Santa @ Eileen's Bakery and Café, 8:03-1130am Holiday Open House Gift Wrapping Station 10:00 a.m. - 4 p.m.Downtown Santa and Mrs Claus out and about 11:45 a.m. 3:45 p.m. Downtown Stroll

What you love Mr. Grinch! Bring the kids to Down Town Fredericksburg to participate in a short ride with Mr. Grinch and Max, approximately 15 minutes. . Travel down Caroline Street to see the decorated store windows and You don't have to be a kid to enjoy the ride! 4pm info@oldetownecarriages.com

A 19TH CENTURY CHRISTMAS AT ELLWOOD MANOR , 36380 Constitution Hwy Locust Grove . Tour the Historic Manor, meet Santa 9am -2pm

Monday, December 13

What you love Mr. Grinch! Bring the kids to Down Town Fredericksburg to participate in a short ride with Mr. Grinch and Max, approximately 15 minutes. 4pm info@oldetownecarriages.com

From the Rappahannock, For the Rappahannock Fresh Virginia oysters and wine will highlight a conservation celebration in Topping to introduce foodies and environmentally-concerned folks to a unique program called Oysters For Life, which is

Santa and Mrs. Clause out and about 12:30 - 3:30 p.m. Downtown Eddie Dickerson @ Music Tuesdays Bistro Bethem 309 William St. 8-11pm. Join us for Join us for ½ Drinks & pizzas.

Wednesday, December 23

Santa and Mrs. Clause out and about 12:30 - 3:30 p.m. Downtown

Thursday, December 17

Civil War Civilians of Spotsylvania Downtown 11:00 a.m. - 3 p.m.

Tuesday, December 22

Sunday, December 20

Holiday Open House Gift Wrapping Station 1 - 4 p.m. Downtown

Thursday, December 24

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

Friday, December 25 Merry Christmas to All!!

Sunday, December 27

What you love Mr. Grinch! Bring the kids to Down Town Fredericksburg to participate in a short ride with Mr. Grinch and Max, approximately 15 minutes. 4pm info@oldetownecarriages.com Gari Melchers Home & Studio WOODLAND HIKES Tours will start outside the Museum Shop at 2 pm. Members of the Central Rappahannock Chapter of the Virginia Master Naturalist program will lead tours of the woods and fields at Belmont

Tuesday, December 29

Colonial Seafood @ Music Tuesdays Bistro Bethem309 William St. 8-11pm. Join us for Join us for ½ Drinks & pizzas.

Thursday, December 31

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

If you are reading this 221 st 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 January 2016 issue is December 20th. To submit events go to frontporchfredericksburg.com/submit

Lexi Grogan’s Pet Sitting Service

2702 Fans (& Growing) Want You to Join

“Your pet becomes my pet while in my care, and I care a lot!”

540-8 899-6 6787 16

December 2015

fortemusicstudios.com Front porch fredericksburg

From Front Porch

(540-903-0437; lexig0892@gmail.com) On facebook as “lexi grogan’s pet sitting service”

Front Porch on

front porch fredericksburg

December 2015

CALENDAR of events

cookies and view a special exhibit about the celebration of Christmas during Monroe's time. Enjoy seasonal music performed on the harp and on the Monroe family's Astor pianoforte.

december 2015…Yes Virginia, There is a Santa Claus! Tuesday, December 1

Wednesday, December 2

Thursday, December 3

First Friday, December 4

Saturday, December 5

Spotsylvania Christmas Parade, 1-4pm . This years theme is Gingerbread Jamboree.

Rappahnannock Choral Society FREE CHRISTMAS CONCERT @Chancellor High School,,6800 Harrison Road in Spotsylvania. 8pm The concert will include familiar holiday songs

Sunday, December 6

Breakfast with Santa @ Eileen's Bakery and Café, 8:03-1130am

Tuesday, December 8

Smith, Party of Three @ Music Tuesdays Bistro Bethem309 William St. 8-11pm. Join us for Join us for ½ Drinks & pizzas.

Thursday, December 10

Come see the Stafford Players present "The Diviners" in the new Stafford High School theater!, 7pm

Mary Washington House Holiday Open House 4:30 - 7 p.m.

Downtown Stores Open Late for your Holiday Pleasures. Santa and Mrs. Clause out and about 7 8:30 p.m.

Tinseltown @Sunken Well Tavern. Come join us and shop for handmade holiday gifts and décor by local artists, 6-9pm, Cash Bar and complimentary HorsD'oeuvres.

Bobby Thompson & Lauren Calve, Blues Live Music at 7:30 Kenmore Inn. featuring drink specials at the copper top bar

Friday, December 11

Saturday, December 12

Come see the Stafford Players present "The Diviners" in the new Stafford High School theater!, 7pm Fredericksburg Chamber Chorale's annual holiday concert- Shiloh Old Site 3:00 p.m. & 7:30pm

Sunday, December 13

Join the Historic Fredericksburg Foundation, Inc for Holiday Candlelight Tour of 5 beautiful historic homes in downtown Fredericksburg. Day tickets allow entrance to 5 homes from 11am-5pm Ticket holders will receive a souvenir tour book at the gift shop. The gift shop at 815 Princess Anne Street, the historic Renwick Building, is also open to the public to shop and tour the historic courthouse. Contact HFFI for tickets and information, 540371-4504, www.hffi.org Breakfast with Santa @ Eileen's Bakery and Café, 8:03-1130am Santa and Mrs. Clause out and about 12:30 - 3:30 p.m. 153rd anniversary of the Battle of Fredericksburg - Sunken Road 2 p.m. Stafford Regional Choral Society's Annual Christmas Concert @ St. Peter's Lutheran Church. Come enjoy the sounds of the season Led by Artistic Director Barbara Perry, the program will feature selections from Handel's Messiah and other holiday favorites. 1201 Courthouse Rd, Stafford, VA 3pm & 7pm.www.staffordchoral.org

created by the partnership of Friends of the Rappahannock (FOR) and the Oyster Company of Virginia (OCVA)., 1-4pm Contact Friends of the Rappahannock 5403733448

Tuesday, December 15

Laurie Griffin & Pete Mealy@ Music Tuesdays Bistro Bethem309 William St. 8-11pm. Join us for Join us for ½ Drinks & pizzas.

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

Friday, December 18

Open Late Downtown, Santa and Mrs. Clause out and about 7 - 8:30 p.m. Merry Carols in Market Square: Community Sing-ALong 7 - 8:00 p.m.

Saturday, December 19

A 19TH CENTURY CHRISTMAS AT ELLWOOD MANOR , 36380 Constitution Hwy Locust Grove . Tour the Historic Manor, meet Santa 9am -2pm

Monday, December 13

What you love Mr. Grinch! Bring the kids to Down Town Fredericksburg to participate in a short ride with Mr. Grinch and Max, approximately 15 minutes. 4pm info@oldetownecarriages.com

Santa and Mrs. Clause out and about 12:30 - 3:30 p.m. Downtown Eddie Dickerson @ Music Tuesdays Bistro Bethem 309 William St. 8-11pm. Join us for Join us for ½ Drinks & pizzas.

Wednesday, December 23

Santa and Mrs. Clause out and about 12:30 - 3:30 p.m. Downtown

Thursday, December 17

Civil War Civilians of Spotsylvania Downtown 11:00 a.m. - 3 p.m.

Tuesday, December 22

Sunday, December 20

Holiday Open House Gift Wrapping Station 1 - 4 p.m. Downtown

Thursday, December 24

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

Friday, December 25 Merry Christmas to All!!

Sunday, December 27

Tuesday, December 29

Colonial Seafood @ Music Tuesdays Bistro Bethem309 William St. 8-11pm. Join us for Join us for ½ Drinks & pizzas.

Thursday, December 31

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

Lexi Grogan’s Pet Sitting Service

2702 Fans (& Growing) Want You to Join

“Your pet becomes my pet while in my care, and I care a lot!”

540-8 899-6 6787 16

December 2015

fortemusicstudios.com Front porch fredericksburg

From Front Porch

(540-903-0437; lexig0892@gmail.com) On facebook as “lexi grogan’s pet sitting service”

Front Porch on

front porch fredericksburg

December 2015

history’s stories

CHRISTMAS IN THE CIVIL WAR YEARS By Ralph “Tuffy” Hicks The Christmas season is my favorite time of the year. Christmas I think for many of us senior citizens is a time that we reflect most on our years past, growing up with family and friends. Many of those traditions actually started during the period of the Civil War. The Civil War was not even a 100 years old when I and many of my friends were born. Christmas was not an official holiday until President U. S. Grant made it one in 1870. When the Puritans came to America they had a strong dislike for the holiday and actually banned it from Boston for two decades in the 1600’s. In the 1800’s a growing interest in many religious sects encouraged the Christmas celebrations.

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

Maury Commons

900 Barton St

A 19th Century Christmas at Ellwood Manor By Robin Nimmo

Fredericksburg

In 1830 the state of Louisiana made Christmas a statewide holiday. In 1843 was the first known sending of Christmas cards which was slow in the beginnings due to the postal rates. It was not until 1915 that John Hall started a company that made the cards call Hallmark that is still in operation, celebrating one hundred years this year.

During the Civil War the soldiers decorated their camps with Christmas trees and used salt-pork and hardtack as decorations. President Lincoln and his family celebrated Christmas in the White House in 1861. In 1862 and 1863 he visited wounded soldiers in various hospitals in Washington.

Give a Child Something to Think About One of the oddest Christmas gifts a President ever received was in December 1864 when General Sherman sent President Lincoln a telegram that read, “I beg to present you as a Christmas gift, the city of Savannah, with 100 and 50 guns and plenty of ammunition, also about 25,000 bales of cotton.”

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

810 Caroline Street (540) 371-5684

The first image of Santa Claus was published in Harpers Weekly in 1861 when Thomas Nast the artist was asked to design an image to go along with a poem written by Clement Clark Moore entitled T’was the Night Before Christmas. Just a short distance from Fredericksburg General Lee had his Christmas dinner with Stonewall Jackson at Moss Neck Plantation. Why December 25th to celebrate the birth of Jesus? In 336 AD Roman Emperor Constantine declared the day as the birthday of Jesus and Pope Julius a few years later confirmed that day. March 25th is the Annunciation when the Bible states the Angel appeared before Mary and many christians believe that is why nine months later December 25th is celebrate as the day of the birth of Jesus. I wish peace and joy to you and your families and all history buffs everywhere, may you enjoy the local Christmas celebrations especially in our historic City. Bundle up and take a horse drawn carriage ride. Dedicated to Jack Brooks, Bill Greenlaw, Buck Knight, Dennis Locklin and Lydie Mann

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

December 2015

Front porch fredericksburg

540/371-9890

Ellwood Manor, a circa 1790 home located on the Wilderness Battlefield in the Virginia counties of Spotsylvania and Orange, is significant to the nation because of the role the house and grounds played during the American Civil War. Much of the Battle of the Wilderness was fought on the plantation itself. Within a year's span two flags flew over the house: the Confederate Hospital flag and the blue swallowtail flag of the U.S. Army of the Potomac's Fifth Corps. In 1863, it served as a Confederate recovery hospital for six months following the Battle of Chancellorsville. The family cemetery became the burial site for General Thomas J. "Stonewall" Jackson's amputated left arm. One year later Union General Gouverneur K. Warren set up his headquarters in the parlor there. Generals Robert E. Lee and Ulysses S. Grant were at the house in 1863 and 1864, respectively. . Built by Tidewater Virginia native, William Jones, in the late 18th century, Ellwood Manor was host to his colleagues, family, and friends. These included James Madison, James Monroe, "Lighthorse" Harry Lee, and the Marquis de Lafayette. Jones's daughter, Betty, inherited the 5,000-acre plantation in 1847. It was his wish that her children would in turn become Ellwood's owners. Betty married J. Horace Lacy in the house on October 19, 1848. With the exception of the Civil War years, the Lacys resided at Ellwood until 1896, when they retired to a smaller home on Washington Avenue in Fredericksburg. In 1907, at the deaths of their parents, the eight Lacy children decided to sell the remaining 1,530 acres to the Willis-Jones family, who farmed and called it home for seventy years. Ellwood's second family had roots in Massachusetts, Vermont, and South Dakota. Through

purchase and donation, the Fredericksburg and Spotsylvania National Military Park (FRSP) acquired Ellwood in 1971 from Gordon W. Jones, MD, of Fredericksburg. Previously Dr. Jones had sold all but the most historic portion of the property. FRSP took possession of the house and 183 acres in 1977, at the death of Dr. Jones's father, the last resident. Upon transfer of the house to the people of the United States, the long and arduous process of restoration commenced. On Saturday, December 19, Friends of Wilderness Battlefield (FoWB) will host the 7th Annual Holiday Event entitled : A 19th Century Christmas at Ellwood Manor The doors will open at 9:00 A.M. and guests may visit until closing at 2:00 P.M. The 18th century home will be decorated for the Christmas season by the Fawn Lake Garden Club and FoWB's volunteer Historic House Guides will be on hand to welcome all visitors. A schedule of activities: (For those of you hoping to visit with Santa please note the times) 9A.M.- 12 P.M. Visit with Santa Children are invited to join in the fun of making seasonal arts and crafts 12 P.M - 2 P.M. Period Music performed by Evergreen Shade Light refreshments will be served throughout the day and volunteers will be available to talk with visitors about the history of the house and volunteer opportunities with Friends of Wilderness Battlefield. As always, the event at Ellwood is free to the public and donations are always welcome. Ellwood Manor is owned by the National Park Service. Friends of Wilderness Battlefield is pleased to steward the property in partnership with the Fredericksburg and Spotsylvania National Military Park. Ellwood is located at 36380 Constitution Highway (Route 20), Locust Grove, VA 22508. Robin Nimmo is on the the Friends of Wilderness Board of Directors and is chair of the Ellwood Committee. Contact her for additional information at ellwood@fowb.org Photo by Jimmy Lee

front porch fredericksburg

December 2015

history’s stories

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

Maury Commons

900 Barton St

A 19th Century Christmas at Ellwood Manor By Robin Nimmo

Fredericksburg

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

December 2015

Front porch fredericksburg

540/371-9890

front porch fredericksburg

December 2015

Companions

ANIMAL RITES, USA Pet Cremation Service

Renew

Carol Nevitt noticed. That’s what she does – notices everything. And, as a natural coach, she took action. Her dog had been steadily improving in agility. Then she saw the almost imperceptible slowing down, the slightly lower jumping height. He was healthy, lean, strong. Was he past his prime? Could she re-condition him so he

December 2015

Front porch fredericksburg

By Barbara Deal

by Joan M. Geisler

By Al Elkins

could enter his next stage of life with the grace and vitality of his youth? Her journey began with Trooper – in fact, in a lighter moment she would “blame” him for where her journey is now taking her – and it is culminating in a soon-to-be-open canine fitness, conditioning, and sports facility that she’s named Dog On Athletics. “We’re not rehab. We’re not physical therapy. We’re at the front end – we’re a dog gym. We coach owners to develop their dog’s overall fitness by improving strength, flexibility, balance, proprioception –“ I ask about proprioception, a term I’d heard in my human gym, and which has been in use for more than a hundred years. It figures she knows about it. “Most dogs, especially young dogs – don’t even realize they have back feet. When a dog goes into an arena to perform a sport, or is a search and rescue dog, or is hunting, he can get into trouble, get injured, perform subpar…he is unconsciously using his hind legs, but he could do so much more consciously using his four-wheel drive.” She demonstrates how Trooper backs up onto a series of inflatable disks. “He’s using conscious proprioception now. I’ve seen dogs that can’t do this, because they haven’t been trained to use the tools they have to do it with!” “Dog On Athletics coaches owners and dogs in classes designed for every stage of a dog’s life. We scale for your dog’s ability and age, from a family pet to a serious competitor.” “And then, yeah, there’s weight loss,” she says, laughing. “So many people tell me, ‘well, my dog’s fat, but he’s happy.’

holiday blues

Nutrition & fitness,for the soul, too

dog on athletics

He could catch a Frisbee ten out of ten times at six feet. He could finish an agility course in 24 seconds. He’d been clocked at 37 mph by one of those “YOUR SPEED IS” signs on Hanson Avenue. Then, a year ago, his sprint slowed, he knocked down the occasional bar on the agility course, he began to miss some frisbee catches. It was subtle. But it was noticeable.

Mind Your Mind

There’s an Asian saying: laugh and be fat. Don’t take it literally! An overweight dog has a lower quality of life.” In the gym are specialized gear and two kinds of treadmills. A wall of canine sports equipment. “We can take weight off more reliably than a two-mile walk,” Carol says. “Most people don’t have time to walk their dog – and can’t go at the speed necessary for weight loss – for two miles every day. And dogs can out-eat any exercise program,” she cautions, adding she’ll be including nutrition seminars as part of the program. “Owners tell me they want to interact with their buddy – hiking, running, swimming, competing, teaching new skills. We make it fun for both of you.” Dog On will coach owners in sports ranging from canine agility and “nosework” to dock diving and treiball, an urban herding game. Contact: carol@DogonAthletics.com And on Facebook @ Dog-On-Athletics

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

Food is not just calories, it is information. It talks to your DNA and tells it what to do. The most powerful tool to change your health, your environment and your entire world is your fork. –Dr. Mark Hyman Nutrition and fitness is more than just food and exercise. Nutrition and fitness applies to our lifestyle. What we do with a fork and knife is visible and we see the results of that nutrition or lack there of, in the mirror. But with what do we nourish our minds, our souls, our lifestyle? Upon what do we think and dwell? We feed our flesh to satisfy hunger. What do you feed your mind? Do we nourish our minds with whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable, if anything is excellent or praiseworthy, we should think about such things. Fitness is for the soul too. What is your daily diet of thought and action? Do you use your energy to grow stronger in the things about which you care deeply? Do you live with purpose, work hard for a higher calling, add value to others by your actions and activity? This all comes down to choices. We have hundreds of choices thrust upon

different. Describe what/who you lost. At length. What actions were involved. Laughing? Singing? Going places? Being together? Sounds? Foods? Travel? Joys? Sorrows? Touch? Scents? Random thoughts, as they come up. Write them down. Look at your list. Link it to a time and place. Find a time, a spot that might be a place you all shared together, or a song or what comes up. Plan a way to celebrate, re-live, appreciate that in your life. Include others who share your love for the person or you. Make a date to share together. Best to have this separate from your regular celebrations. Beforehand a few days, or circumscribed for half hour, or an hour (say, 2-3pm) on the holiday. Postpone the sadness til 2pm, instead of grief interspersed throughout the holiday. Not that you won’t think about the person, but let it be fleeting until the full honoring time set aside. At the appointed time, by yourself or with others and their lists, voice them together. Have a toast, light a candle. Read your lists. Allow your sadness to emerge. Treasure those precious experiences and feelings shared. Honor the gift of themselves they brought to you, your life, with “ gratitude remarks”. “I am grateful that ---“ I appreciate what you gave me -----“ “I miss that we---“ .For as long as you need to. Or, instead, just pause, respect those feelings as they emerge during the holiday moment by moment. Then, unhook from that, as much as possible and engage with your regular holiday ways. Eat that turkey or tofurkey. Know that you have cherished yourself and them and your capacity to love has been expanded. That part lives on. Hold onto that. Know that they have cherished you too.

Barbara Deal MA, LCSW is a psychotherapist at Mental Health Resources, ( 540 ) 899-9826

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

540/374-0462 10 Walsh Lane

Joan Geisler is a certified nutrition coach at Golds Gym. Contact her for her tips on simple baby steps to begin new habits for the new year. at trainerjoans@gmail.com

So it happens. Something changed. A loved one, f a m i l y member, or pet has died this year, a year ago, a month or days ago. You moved. Somebody else moved. You got fired. Grief. Death. Losing. It ALL SEEMS SO UNFAIR. Just unlike the season of joy, hope, celebration. Just can’t relate. Can’t say much. Can’t think what to do. Much complicated if conflict and anger were there. This is hard. No getting around it. So DON’T get around it. Don’t try. HOLD ONTO YOUR TRUTH THIS SEASON. Maybe it isn’t the same. It is time for something different this year. Start to think about how you can do/be different this year. Look at who you were when this person was still here. Know that you are different. Change does that. Dying does that. Moving does that. If you participate in an institutional spiritual practice, contact your pastor, priest, rabbi, etc for existing options for dealing with grief over the holidays. For example, Christ Episcopal Church at Spotsylvania Courthouse has an alternative BLUE XMAS: A SERVICE OF COMFORT AND JOY (7pm Sunday Dec 20). The priest leads a service culminating in everyone placing A DOVE ornament on a barren tree as a cherishing, longing moment and, optionally, take it home for one’s own tree. No? I am suggesting a ritual to honor that lover, that pet, that friend, that moment. Schedule time to honor that past in your own way. List what is different. How you both were together. How you are

Old Town’s Greatest Tour

Stacy L. Horner-Dunn, DVM Gary B. Dunn, DVM Melanie M. Bell, DVM Sandi L. Pepper, DVM Melissa A. DeLauter, DVM Jennifer V. Skarbek, DVM Sheree M. Corbin, DVM

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us everyday. We can choose life or death. Life to our muscles, brain, organs, family, occupation, lifestyle or death to emotional well being, energy level, to love, joy, peace, patients, kindness, goodness and death to self control. Let’s not become so well adjusted to our culture of fast paced, go go go, eat on the run and believe that waving the banner of ‘busyness’ is a battle cry to success. Let us not fit into it without even thinking of the impact to our bodies, health and our families health. If we fix our eyes on healthy choices, we will be changed from the inside out. Readily recognizing what clean whole food will do for us and quickly respond to it. Pay attention to the culture around us. It is always showing us the easy way, the fast way, the path that is well worn by those who have gone before us. It can drag us down into its level of bad habit. We can break out of that mold, that bondage to ill health and brain fog. Nutrition and fitness means making the right choices. Choosing to fill the plate of your life with good, wholesome, clean foods that will go into your innermost being of your body, mind, soul and lifestyle. Know this, what we eat, either by our mouth or through our ears and eyes, will make itself know through our physical appearance and mental actions. So choose life. I hope for your good fortune in everything you do and for your good health, that your everyday affairs prosper, as well as your soul. We no not need to wait until January 1, 2016 to vow to make better choices in life. We can choose right now, during the happiest season of the year, to begin to make healthy, happy habits that will begin to crowd out the bad habits. As always, I am here to help you.

Fredericksburgtrolley.com

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December 2015

Companions

ANIMAL RITES, USA Pet Cremation Service

Renew

December 2015

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By Barbara Deal

by Joan M. Geisler

By Al Elkins

holiday blues

Nutrition & fitness,for the soul, too

dog on athletics

Mind Your Mind

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

Barbara Deal MA, LCSW is a psychotherapist at Mental Health Resources, ( 540 ) 899-9826

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

540/374-0462 10 Walsh Lane

Joan Geisler is a certified nutrition coach at Golds Gym. Contact her for her tips on simple baby steps to begin new habits for the new year. at trainerjoans@gmail.com

Old Town’s Greatest Tour

Stacy L. Horner-Dunn, DVM Gary B. Dunn, DVM Melanie M. Bell, DVM Sandi L. Pepper, DVM Melissa A. DeLauter, DVM Jennifer V. Skarbek, DVM Sheree M. Corbin, DVM

www.woahvets.com

Fredericksburgtrolley.com

540-898-0737 front porch fredericksburg

December 2015

seniors & religion By Karl Karch

My aunt was never religious. Growing up, I don’t remember her ever going to church. But after my uncle died, in the last years of her life, she routinely watched religious programs. Her favorites were Robert Schuller and the Hour of Power broadcast from the Crystal Cathedral and Billy Graham specials. So, in her later years, was my aunt unique or typical of seniors and religion? The older we get, the closer we come to the reality and inevitability of the end of life. As a result, many elder adults focus more on the meaning of their lives and what happens next, leading them to seek religious and/or spiritual support to help them through important life/death issues. Religion and spirituality play an important role in the lives of most seniors. Elderly have the highest level of religious participation. Outside of the family, the religious community is the highest source of social support. Various research studies have shown a relationship between religiosity (the quality of being religious) and higher self-esteem, lower levels of depression, greater social support, better mood, better physical well-being, and lower alcohol and drug consumption. It helps them cope with the challenges of aging such as: chronic pain, isolation, dependence on others, and disability. One study that followed 21,000 adults for nine religious years concluded that involvement prolonged life by about seven years. But, one doesn’t have to attend religious services to improve psychological well-being. Another study published in the April 2014 issue of The Gerontologist found that among older adults, listening to religious music, especially gospel music, is associated with a decrease in anxiety

December 2015

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

about death and increases in life satisfaction, self-esteem, and sense of control over their lives. The good news is that religious music is available to older adults who have chronic health problems, and physical or mental limitations. Alzheimer's patients might lose memory, but their religious spirit remains. They might not be able to remember their loved ones' names or remember where they live, but if the person with Alzheimer's is religious, he or she may be able to instantly recognize their favorite hymns or Bible verses. The important take-a-way from this is that by incorporating spirituality/religion into your life, you will have better health, a longer life, and a better quality of life which is key to successful aging. Unfortunately, we are in an era of political correctness gone mad and religious bashing. Bah humbug to those few who are dominating messages these days! Thankfully, our Fredericksburg area still gets into the Christmas spirit. So, don’t forget your elder loved ones this holiday season…… give them the precious gift of your time, take them to a religious service, and give some gospel (or other religious/spiritual) music that they can listen to long after your visit.

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

Front porch fredericksburg

Emancipated Patients reunion rumbles

happy december!

by patrick neustatter, MD Better value, more love for your pet than if you kennel board him!

We’re on the move again. Returning from a reunion of old farts marking 50 years since we all started medical school at Guy’s Hospital in London. Medical Adversity A prominent theme was the horrors of being a student and then a junior hospital doctor at our alma mater. Though things have changed a bit, and the adversity built certain camaraderie, this seems to be a universal theme of medical training. I encountered the same at University Hospital at Stony-Brook, NY doing residency to get a US license – a world skillfully and cynically depicted in Samuel Shem’s book, The House of God. Or even the TV program Scrubs captures the obnoxiously competitive, backbiting. Reminiscences at the reunion were facilitated by, and sometimes about our intemperate use of, alcohol. Alcoholic Prudery American doctors seem scandalized when I tell them how there was a residents bar at Guy’s where house doctors would catch their breath and a swift half. But then Americans tend to be prudish about alcohol compared with most of the rest of the world – can you imagine prohibition in Ireland, France or Italy? Old habits die hard, and after liberal quantities of wine at the dinner we finished at the hotel bar drinking ‘Old Speckled Hen’ – an English draught bitter of the kind I have yet to find in the US (I guess you get to like the beer grew up drinking, and I miss that “piss weak warm stuff,” as the Australians call it). Beer is a significant part of the British culture, and I always thought it so congenial that people would stop at their local pub on the way home, and have a pint with their mates. But I have come to

The Natural Path

Jet Lag and Longitude Alcohol puts you to sleep of course and is a temptation, when wide awake in the middle of the night because your circadian cycles are all screwed up from jet lag - an inevitable consequence of crossing too many longitudes, and one of the bugbears of the 5 hour time difference between the US east coast and England Alcohol’s short half-life, so that after 2-3 hours you are starting to soberup/become hung over, means it is not really a good hypnotic for a full nights sleep. If you really want to avoid jet lag, take melatonin and adjust your bed times and meal times forward or backward by an hour a day for as many days as is the time difference – which often is not very practical. I muddle by with Melatonin and possibly sleeping pills by night and some pick-me-up like ginseng by day, but it still seems to take the best part of a week for my brain to catch up. Maybe by the time it does I will have adapted to American beer and lack of kippers and will have stopped complaining.

Patrick Neustatter is the Medical Director of the Moss Free Clinic. He is interested in stories of emancipated patients/people and would like to hear any stories of this kind from any readers. Contact him at pneustatter@aol.com

Natural Products for Health & Wellness Barbara Bergquist, CTN www.thenaturalpath.us

4413 Lafayette Blvd. Fredericksburg

Happy December! The Holly-Jolly Holidays are upon us, with all their fun and excitement and child-like wonder. And yet, all the last minute shopping and jam packed schedules can send our stress levels soaring. The hustle and bustle and stresses of the holiday season are almost unavoidable, but let's look at just a few ways we can keep those stresses at a minimum and enjoy a happier holiday season. Create calm This is a simple and effective way to bring some much needed relaxation to our stressful days. Set aside a few minutes each day for activities such as deep breathing and meditation. Even two minutes of conscious deep breathing helps to stimulate the Vagus nerve, and decrease stress levels naturally. It also helps us to re-focus and find our center. Use Essential oils to provide yourself with a calming environment, at work, and Oils such as at home. Lavender, Marjoram, Chamomile, Fennel and Balsam Fir provide us with a sense of peace and clarity, and simply inhaling them throughout the day can help to calm those frazzled nerves. Try a diffuser, or place a few drops on some rock salt, close your eyes and breathe deeply. Take a Walk Walking is one of the simplest forms of exercise, and it's free. Getting outside even 10 minutes each day gives us a Vitamin D boost, increases our oxygen uptake, and decreases stress levels. Be creative. Whether you knit, draw, doodle, bake, journal or color, give yourself permission to just have fun. Let go of perfect and allow yourself to move into a space with no rules, pressure or

deadlines. Smile. Laugh. Besides, who doesn't LOVE a new box of crayons? Avoid the "Gut Rut". The holidays are a time of parties, gatherings and big meals. Heavy, rich food can take a toll on out gut health, causing not only emotional stresses, but compromise our immune system. While avoiding excess in food and drink during the holiday season can seem next to impossible, there are ways to keep your immune system, your gut, and your emotions, in check. Watch your sugar intake. Reduce stress producing carbs, like breads and muffins, and increase your intake of seasonal vegetables like broccoli, Brussels sprouts, oranges and sweet potatoes. Try and replace one cup of coffee with an herbal tea. Chamomile, hops or catnip all have wonderful benefits for our digestive system and can be very soothing to our emotions. Unplug . Schedule just 10 minutes every day to unplug..no phone, no computer, no electronics whatsoever. Avoid electronics 20 minutes before bed to allow your brain a chance to relax and prepare for sleep. Schedule a Massage. Massage has the ability to reduce muscular pain, increase relaxation, and release endorphins that improve mood, and sleep quality. Makes a great gift too! Here's wishing each and every one of you a happy, and healthy, holiday season.

Susy Woollam is the owner of “The Scenter of Town”. We suggest you reduce your holiday stress and visit her at 907 Charles St.

WWW.FAHASS.ORG

~Nature’s Sunshine Products ~Quantitative Fluid Analysis ~VoiceBio Analysis ~ionSpa Foot Detox ~Zyto Bioscan Compass

891-6200

By suzy woollam

realize that really their a bunch of alcoholics – and laboring under the same misconception many Americans have, that you can’t be an alcoholic just drinking beer. And while I’m lamenting the things I can’t get in America, why can’t I find a decent kipper?

Holistic Health Center

Board Certified Traditional Naturopath

Wellness

TUES

Dec 1

FREDERICKSBURG

Senior Care

Lexi Grogan’s Pet Sitting Service

front porch fredericksburg

December 2015

seniors & religion By Karl Karch

December 2015

Front porch fredericksburg

Emancipated Patients reunion rumbles

happy december!

by patrick neustatter, MD Better value, more love for your pet than if you kennel board him!

The Natural Path

Natural Products for Health & Wellness Barbara Bergquist, CTN www.thenaturalpath.us

4413 Lafayette Blvd. Fredericksburg

Susy Woollam is the owner of “The Scenter of Town”. We suggest you reduce your holiday stress and visit her at 907 Charles St.

WWW.FAHASS.ORG

~Nature’s Sunshine Products ~Quantitative Fluid Analysis ~VoiceBio Analysis ~ionSpa Foot Detox ~Zyto Bioscan Compass

891-6200

By suzy woollam

Holistic Health Center

Board Certified Traditional Naturopath

Wellness

TUES

Dec 1

FREDERICKSBURG

Senior Care

Lexi Grogan’s Pet Sitting Service

front porch fredericksburg

December 2015

Art in the Burg holiday show

Stories

of fredericksburg

by ryan poe In 2003, Michael was working as a nurse anesthetist and received a job offer in Fredericksburg which would put him closer to his son who was attending college in Hampton, Virginia.

gabe pons

PONSHOP is excited to celebrate the holidays with their Annual Holiday Show in December. The opening party will be “First Friday” December 4, from 610pm. The gallery features new ceramic work by PONSHOP coowner Scarlett Pons, who will debut her latest illuminated ceramic lantern. The third in her “Fredericksburg icons” series, she created a series of scale miniatures one of the city’s beloved vehicles – the downtown trolley. PONSHOP released four new Art Tees this year, including the “Fredericksburg Map” tee shirt, a punk rock cat tee, a koi fish tee, and a new color way of their popular “Octopus” design. The gallery walls feature a selection of Gabriel Pons’s signature custom spray painted skateboard decks for riders and collectors alike. Small works include paintings by

Maddie Huddle, Sarah Lapp and Julie Maida. The gallery is filled with new work from a dozen jewelers ranging from local to national acclaim in a variety of styles and materials. Gift inspirations include ceramics for the home, upcycled tote bags, hand blown glass ornaments,

December 2015

indy comic books, and limited edition artist prints. The gallery walls will include a group show of small works by featured PONSHOP artists including: Nicholas Candela, Adam Desio, Crystal and Kevin Rodrigue, and Adam DeSio. PONSHOP will have extended holiday hours through the holidays: Friday and Saturday from 10am–8pm, Sunday noon–5pm, and Monday through Thursday from 10am–6pm.

Agora is a cozy coffee shop on Caroline Street. I met Michael Lewis there on a brisk afternoon. He greeted me with his warm smile and warmer voice. We talked for a bit about how he and his wife ended up in Fredericksburg. PONSHOP is a multifaceted storefront: an artist studio, gallery, retail store, and classroom. The vision of the owners, Scarlett and Gabriel Pons, is to provide a place that embodies what they love: art, design, and creative education. T h e gallery/shop features a variety of work from artists both near and far. Their studio also doubles as a classroom, providing workshops for s t u d e n t s interested in everything from painting, ceramics, and architecture to street art and skateboarding. Holiday Show Opening Reception: Friday, December 4, 6-10pm Exhibition Dates: December 4–31 713 Caroline Street

Front porch fredericksburg

“I grew up in Brooklyn, New York in the 70’s and after high school I went to Geneva College in western Pennsylvania in a small town called Beaver Falls - where Joe Namath was from.” I interrupted to tell him that I was born there and moved to Fredericksburg at the age of three. We marveled at the coincidence. “So my wife and I lived there for twenty years and during that time, especially in the 80’s, it was difficult for us because we’re an interracial couple. I remember going to restaurants or just walking down the street and we would turn so many heads it was like The Exorcist. I was 19, she was 22, and it was a difficult time for us because it wasn’t a diverse community.” “My wife and I, for a number of years, wanted to move to the state of Virginia. I’m not sure why I wanted to move there other than I think I believed that commercial they had; that ‘Virginia is for Lovers’. And for some reason it just stuck in my mind. Maybe it was the word ‘love’. I figured, ‘Hey, we go to Virginia, people would love us, right?’”

“So I asked the agency to look into securing a job for me there without even knowing anything about Fredericksburg. I decided that while that process was going on I’d look up something about Fredericksburg. So I went online and to my horror, well I guess from a Northern perspective, I saw that Fredericksburg was almost like the seat of the Confederacy. And I must admit, that aspect of it gave me a little bit of apprehension. It frightened me. And I was like, ‘What did I get into?’ So I looked at the Fredericksburg website and I saw a picture of a nice family. The kid’s in a red wagon and it’s a little parade. And the first thing I thought of is, ‘This is a very small town,’ and I’m wondering, ‘Is this community open to mixed marriages or diversity?’ I took the job anyhow.” “My first day here when I went to Mary Washington Hospital I thought, ‘I don’t know what I’m going to encounter.’ But to my surprise it was one of the most diverse hospitals I have ever been in. I saw black surgeons. I saw people of different heritages working together. I saw a community and it blew me away. Then my wife and I came into downtown Fredericksburg and, you know, we didn’t turn heads. No one was surprised that a mixed couple was in this area. In fact, I saw several others. I began to think, ‘You know what? This place and all that I imagined because of it’s history... the symbols of the past do not matter as much as what is true today.’ So we stayed in Fredericksburg.” Michael shares stories at Tell Fredericksburg (see “TELL” page, 8) which is hosted monthly at LibertyTown Arts Workshop and volunteers for Central Virginia Justice Initiative which fights to end human trafficking. If you have a story you would like to share, email storyfburg@gmail.com. Ryan Poe is a father, husband, son, and brother living in Freericksburg. He brings us snippets of real ‘Burg folks each month in FP. Photo by Ryan Poe front porch fredericksburg

December 2015

Art in the Burg holiday show

Stories

of fredericksburg

by ryan poe In 2003, Michael was working as a nurse anesthetist and received a job offer in Fredericksburg which would put him closer to his son who was attending college in Hampton, Virginia.

gabe pons

December 2015

Front porch fredericksburg

December 2015

Porch Light

FXBG Music Scene

Stories that shine a light on life

measure by measure:

she was sixty-four

by laura cooper

By rob huffman

She was kind of listless and haggard when we got back from Germany this summer. She tends to get like this when we're gone for extended periods of time - she's a bit neurotic and doesn't do well - so we were concerned about her weight loss and despondency, but not overly. We figured now that we were home again the busy and familiar rhythms of our family would resume and she'd soon be back to her old self. We vowed to give her extra treats, indulge her a bit, and just generally spoil her back into glowing health. But her listlessness persisted. She didn't seem to be gaining the weight back. Most alarmingly, she didn't seem to want to spend much time outside. And she'd always loved being outdoors. We took her to the doctor. Our worst fears were confirmed. Cancer. Blue is our cat. We've had her twelve years, almost the entire time we've lived in Spotswood Estates. To our children, she has been with us forever. In cat years, twelve equates to sixty-four. So, Blue is solidly middle-aged. However, she never acted it. I don't know many others in their sixties who could still shimmy up a porch post, leap onto the roof of the house, and languidly survey the neighborhood from atop the chimney. Our buff tabby remained lithe and athletic, eager to prowl "her" territory. She was alert - alas, too many birds and other small creatures can attest to this, if only from the next world - and clear-eyed. Very much alive.

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.

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

December 2015

Front porch fredericksburg

In some ways, Blue led a charmed life. She was the sole survivor, as a newborn kitten, of a tractor accident which claimed the lives of all her other siblings and her mother. As a bottle-fed cat - she wouldn't have survived otherwise she bonded intensely with us, her adoptive family. Having no experience of a close maternal connection, she was particularly close to my wife Vera and my daughter Emma, her surrogate mommies. Their laps were her favorites and she purred contentedly as they gently stroked her fur. Our entire family loves cats. Vera and I have owned several over the years. We love dogs as well but have found cats to be more appropriate to our lifestyle, particularly in summer when we leave home for longer periods of time. A cat's independence and willingness to spend long stretches of time pursuing solitary activities make her a less exhausting pet. Dogs have always struck me as more toddler-like in their affect (DADDY'S HOME!!!! A WALK??? YIPPEE!!!) whereas cats seem more like teenagers, by turns insolent, indifferent, and then surprise! - warmly loving: that unexpected leap into your lap, the humming purr as they rub against you. Acknowledgement from a cat always feels like a kindness honestly and consciously bestowed. A benediction. Vera is a Florence Nightingale with animals. She has nursed wounded birds and bunnies and, although her love of animals does not extend to spiders or centipedes, she makes sure I capture them and set them free outside, no smashing. She labored mightily over Blue, giving her syringes full of water and baby food. My wife would lead us on night walks around the neighborhood, gently carrying Blue as

we visited many of our cat's old haunts (or what we guess must have been her haunts: who knows, a cat's daily, and nightly, movements are mysterious and private. Again, like teenagers.) Vera talks to Blue, encouraging her. She weeps over her; how often I've found her cradling Blue, eyes streaming - an interspecies pieta. In her secular and pragmatic way, my wife is the holiest person I know. Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these my brethren, ye have done it unto me. For nine yeasrs, Blue walked either my kids Emma or Rory (and for a few years, both) to Spotswood Elementary each morning. With a weird kind of coincidence her sickness comes as this phase of childhood likewise passes; the kids have this year moved on to middle and high school. Honestly, Blue could sometimes irritate us at night, demanding to be let out right before we went to bed and then returning in the wee hours to scratch at the windows or tap at the door, demanding reentry (and Blue drumming her soft little paws on a bedroom window could rival Keith Moon at 3:00 AM). Despite her sickness and weakness - she'd largely stopped eating Blue slept with me last night. It was a gift, a consolation prize. Even though I was stuck in one position all night long (anyone who has ever shared a bed with a cat knows how literally immobilizing that experience can be, and I'm a resolute tosser-and-turner) it was a peaceful sleep. Like old times. I've wavered between past and present tense here, between fond memory and the harsher realities of the here and now. Sadly, on September 12th, Blue entered the realm of memory. Rob Huffman is a frequent contributor to FP

vawineinmypocket.com

rs avo g l F 30 untin o &C

Lem

ona

Mon-Sat: 10a-6p; Sun: 1-5p 810 Caroline Sr. #104 ~ 540.899.3714 www.juspopn.com

Just for a moment, imagine the life of a foster child in the midst of being uprooted from the only life they know. They are often given minutes to pack or must leave directly from school to go to their new foster home. Despite efforts to keep siblings together, it’s not always possible. Sometimes, there is no choice, and they must attend a different school or move away from their hometown. Even if their home life is unstable, moving to a safer, but unknown situation can be frightening. The challenges these youth must face can be overwhelming and often take an emotional toll. D u r i n g difficult times, a lifeline can be critical. Music can be that lifeline. Music can help us connect with our inner lives and others. Music can be a means of expression when words fail. Music is cathartic. Music heals. And, there is a growing movement of music therapists and psychologists investigating the use of music in medicine to help patients deal with pain and depression. Joanne Loewy, the director of the Beth Israel Medical Center's Louis Armstrong Center for Music and Medicine and co-editor of the journal, Music and Medicine, said, "there's just something about music — particularly live music — that excites and activates the body. Music very much has a way of enhancing quality of life and can, in addition, promote recovery." (Music as Medicine, By Amy Novotney, November 2013, Vol 44, No. 10, http://www.apa.org/monitor/2013/11/m usic.aspx, Print version: page 46) Our local non-profit, Keep the Music Playing (KTMP), hopes to bring the gift of music into the lives of Fredericksburg-area foster youth, who are often unable to participate in expensive extracurricular activities. KTMP is working

with Fredericksburg’s Department of Social Services to implement its new, Measure by Measure, program and is working to raise funds to launch the program in January 2016. The Measure by Measure, program will remove the financial constraints for foster youth by providing free music lessons, books and loaner instruments to program participants. Participants will receive free ½ hour individual music lessons on a weekly basis

with experienced music instructors. Program participants will have the opportunity to work with instructors on a one-on-one basis to set individualized goals and will be given an opportunity to earn an instrument of their own. Visit measurebymeasure.info to find out how you can help provide a potential lifeline to foster youth in our area; or attend a live music performance in our monthly Music and Spirits Concert Series and find out how you can get involved. Learn more at www.musicandspirits.com.

Laura Cooper owns and operates a small graphic design business and serves on the board of directors of Keep the Music Playing.

front porch fredericksburg

December 2015

Porch Light

FXBG Music Scene

Stories that shine a light on life

measure by measure:

she was sixty-four

by laura cooper

By rob huffman

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.

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

December 2015

Front porch fredericksburg

vawineinmypocket.com

rs avo g l F 30 untin o &C

Lem

ona

Mon-Sat: 10a-6p; Sun: 1-5p 810 Caroline Sr. #104 ~ 540.899.3714 www.juspopn.com

Laura Cooper owns and operates a small graphic design business and serves on the board of directors of Keep the Music Playing.

front porch fredericksburg

December 2015

FPCUG

CANDLELIGHT T OUR

Bringing technology to non-profits & our community

the historical evolution of fredericksburg by anita dodd

By Christina Ferber

Technology is a necessary and integral part of today’s society, and everyday newer technology and upgrades seem to come out which make it hard to keep up. Help is to the rescue though, in the form of a Fredericksburg area group whose aim is to help us understand the technology around us, and provide resources to those who need it. The Fredericksburg Personal Computer Users Group (FPCUG) was formed in 1987 to offer help to both new and veteran computer users who would like answers to technology questions, as well as assist non-profit groups in acquiring the equipment they need to carry out their own missions. “We are a philanthropic organization that interacts with other non-profit groups in our area in order to

fill their technology needs,” says Rick Conte, president of FPCUG. “We also provide the expertise to help them pull it all together.” The disAbility Resource Center and Women’s Resource Center have benefitted from PC training provided by FPCUG, while a wide range of l o c a l organizations, including Mental Health of America of Fredericksburg, the Boys and Girls Club, and the YMCA have received computers and accessories from the group. Spotsylvania County Schools, Fredericksburg Micah Ministries, the Alzheimer’s Association of Fredericksburg, and The Fredericksburg Center for the Creative Arts (just to name a few) have also received help from the organization

in the form of computers, equipment, or money. Workshops are part of the club’s mission as well. Each month, a general meeting is held that includes outside experts, with past discussions ranging from social media to the pros and cons of various operating systems. Special Interest G r o u p meetings are also h e l d weekly that cover a variety of technology and computer related subjects. The group’s meetings are held on Tuesdays or Thursdays at 7 pm at The Falmouth Firehouse on 250 Butler Road. They are also available for workshops outside of the club meeting times. “We share expertise through

these workshops and if you have specific questions about your own computer, we have experts to help,” says Conte. An annual family membership is $25.00, and includes all workshops as well as a member appreciation dinner and Christmas party. 55 families currently make up the club, and visitors are always welcome. To find out more about the group and the workshops they provide, drop in at any of their meetings. A full schedule as well as more information about the group is available on their website. “We are an unrecognized treasure in the Fredericksburg area,” says Conte. “The only requirement to join is intellectual curiosity.” Visit http://www.fpcug.org/ and see what they are all about. Christina Ferber reports on many of the ‘Burgs unknown treasures each month in FP

The neighborhood northwest of downtown Fredericksburg offers a glimpse of how the city’s landscape has changed over time. As the town grew, so did its needs. The houses in that area represent the diverse uses of buildings in a growing community and serve as testaments to some of Fredericksburg’s earliest history. This year, the Historic Fredericksburg Foundation, Inc., presents its Annual Holiday Candlelight Tour in this historic neighborhood. The homes at 1102, 1116, and 1200 Prince Edward, 307 and 207 Amelia, and 1200 Charles Streets will be featured. Tour guides in the homes will share the history of the buildings while visitors also enjoy beautiful holiday decorations. All of the houses on the tour except one (207 Amelia Street) are situated within what has been known as the “Kenmore plain” or “Kenmore plateau.” This part of Fredericksburg was a large tract—861 acres—surveyed by George Washington and purchased by Fielding Lewis in 1752. This land, and its owner, Fielding Lewis, are part of the beginning of Fredericksburg’s early and continuing growth. Two houses on the tour represent the town’s expansion in the late eighteenth century—the Steamboat House at 1116 Prince Edward Street and the Mary Washington House, at 1200 Charles Street. The original

Smithsonia, 307 Amelia Street portion of the Steamboat House was built in 1790 for Fielding Lewis’s son, George. Although George may not

December 2015

Front porch fredericksburg

have lived in the house, it is an early example of the subdivision of large land holdings in Fredericksburg. The Mary Washington House is the home where George Washington settled his widowed mother so she could benefit from the amenities that a growing town could provide. The lot on which Smithsonia, 307 Amelia Street, is located had its beginnings prior to 1772, when Fielding Lewis sold the lot to Dr. John Southerland. It appears that the first use of the lot was by Dr. Hugh Mercer, who operated an apothecary shop there. In 1810, the Presbyterian Church gained use of the lot and built its first church. In 1834, the property belonged to the Directors and Managers of the Female Orphan Asylum. During this period, the church was demolished, and a much larger brick building was built. In the middle to late nineteenth century, growth continued, represented by 1101 and 1200 Prince Edward Street. Howard M. Smith built the house

Steamboat House 1116 Prince Edward Street needs. Fredericksburg began its history as a large port town, attracting an assortment of commerce. As the community grew, the opportunities for landowners and the need for community services increased. Although all the buildings on this year’s Candlelight Tour are now residences, they continue to serve the changing needs of a growing community and provide a unique look at the evolution of a town. For more information and advance tickets to the HFFI Candlelight Tour on December 12-13, visit www.HFFI.org or call 540-371-4504. To purchase tickets on the weekend of the tour stop by 815 Princess Anne Street (Renwick Building/ Old Courthouse) and visit the Candlelight Tour Gift Shop, sponsored by Comfort Keepers and Leckner Nissan.

1102 Prince Edward Street at 1102 Prince Edward Street in 1854. It appears that he built it as an investment because he never lived in the house. The frequency of subdividing lots and building houses on them for investment attests to the popularity of living in town. Built in 1893, 1200 Prince Edward Street was originally constructed as a dormitory for Fredericksburg College. When the college closed in 1917, the building was used as an apartment building, and later a medical center, a distinct change in building use that reflects the changing needs of the community and the adaptability of urban spaces. The house at 207 Amelia Street has a unique history. Originally built in 1871 on Princess Anne Street, it has been moved twice. Its first move, in 1877, was to the corner of Amelia and Caroline Streets. Here, Dr. H.M.D. Martin used it as his medical office. In 1902, it was moved to its current location, another example of changing

Anita Dodd is Garrisonville Chairperson of the Stafford County Historical Commission and a HFFI volunteer Research by Historic Fredericksburg Foundation, Inc. Photos by Emily Taggart Schricker

Camilla Cottage, 207 Amelia Street front porch fredericksburg

December 2015

FPCUG

CANDLELIGHT T OUR

Bringing technology to non-profits & our community

the historical evolution of fredericksburg by anita dodd

By Christina Ferber

Smithsonia, 307 Amelia Street portion of the Steamboat House was built in 1790 for Fielding Lewis’s son, George. Although George may not

December 2015

Front porch fredericksburg

Anita Dodd is Garrisonville Chairperson of the Stafford County Historical Commission and a HFFI volunteer Research by Historic Fredericksburg Foundation, Inc. Photos by Emily Taggart Schricker

Camilla Cottage, 207 Amelia Street front porch fredericksburg

December 2015

Brandon Newton

A visual Celebration of our community

Here and There

It was many years ago that FP first profiled Brandon Newton. He was a relative newcomer to the art scene in FXBG. We were captivated. His paintings spoke to us. They held such a sense of wonder, energy, and appeal. Since that time, Newton has grown, (not physically, he still has his made for TV looks), but in life ways. His

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

Tuesday - Saturday 10-5 Wednesdays until 6:30 and by appointment

December 2015

Fredericksburg Sketches

family has grown, now including a son in addition to his two daughters, his official art studios has grown, he now has two, (in two different states, Massachusetts and Virginia), and both Fredericksburg and Martha Vineyard are home. And if that is not enough, he also spends time in Charleston, South Carolina, where he works on the set of the new HBO Show, “Vice Principal”, starring the ‘Burg’s own, Danny McBride. “While many of his settings are recognizable, Brandon’s style is evolving, moving from the literal to the more suggestive” says Karla Araujo of Vineyard Style Magazine. “His paintings capture the elements that so many find appealing: the natural beauty of the land and water, the quaint streetscapes, harbors, farm animals, boats and extraordinary light. And, while many of his settings are recognizable, Brandon’s style is evolving, moving from the literal to the more suggestive” “I was first interested in detail,” Newton says. “I tried to get it just right. Now my work is more impressionistic. I want to let the viewer finish it. The shape is getting looser.” Newton is now back in the ‘Burg and will be exhibiting his new body of work entitled “Here and There” at Bistro Bethem, 309 William Street. On display will be various oil painting scenes of Virginia, Charleston and Martha's Vineyard. Opening reception, December 6th, from 2:30 –4:30 his work will remain on display till the end of January. Brandon Newton’s works grace the walls of many prominent homes and corporations throughout the US and Europe, including locally at the Courtyard Marriott, Fredericksburg, Hilton Garden Inn in DC, and the FBI Academy, Quantico, and have Been featured on Fox News and Friends and various magazines in Massachusetts, and Virginia. “Painting teaches me about life,” Newton says. “It’s something divine, larger than us. If you try to put out good energy, be as good as you can, things work out better. Painting teaches me about now.” Newton’s paintings are indeed larger than life. Contact Brandon Newton at: www.brandonnewtonart.com www.brandonnewtonart.com/Prints.html www.brandonnewtonart.com Facebook www.instagram.com/brandon_newton_/ Martha’s Vineyard studio: 750 State Road West Tisbury MA 02568 Fredericksburg Studio:1103 Princess Anne St Fredericksburg, VA 22407 ~VBG

Front porch fredericksburg

By Casey Alan Shaw

SKETCH #14: Kenmore in Snow. In the August issue of Front Porch, I shared my Fredericksburg Sketch Kenmore in Summer with you. This month, I'm returning to the front gates of this iconic Fredericksburg landmark for a view from a slightly different angle and a very different landscape. This particular painting is based upon a photograph by my good friend Susan Larson. Often, once I've drawn a particular subject, I think "That one's done" and tend not to return to it. But Susan's photo reminded me how different two images of the exact same place can look when created on different days. Do you know how many times Monet painted the same view of Rouen Cathedral? 31 times. (31 times!) And each view was different. There was morning light, evening light, mist, heavy fog. It just goes to show that you never really know a subject completely. Each time you return to it, you learn something new . . . and isn't that what life's really about? 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.

Your Hometown Jeweler Since 1940

On-Premise Jewelry Repair Large Selection of ESTATE JEWELRY 212 William Street,Fredericksburg 540-373-5513 Mon-Fri 9:30-6; Sat 9:30-5 jewelboxfredericksburgva.webs.com jewelbox14k@yahoo.com

AutoKnown Better busy again By Rim Vining You know I’ve written a lot of remember them, you might know this Christmas articles and talked about some one: the sounds they make when you turn pretty silly stuff. I’m a boomer. off a hot motor in the winter and it cools The movie The Christmas down. From under the hood it popped, it Story makes perfect sense to me. Toys snapped, it hissed a little and then made were toys and made of steel… real faint little ticks until it finally cooled steel. Nothing was Nerf. Cap guns had off. New cars have nothing to say. noise, fire and some had real spring-loaded Once upon a time I wrote about bullets. Yep, projectiles. Small parts to how Santa is the bravest driver on the swallow. If you got in a fight planet. He kisses the wife with your best friend in the good-bye, says I’ll see you Think about the fifties and lashed out with a when this is over, climbs season and the toy you drew blood. How aboard a bare-bones stick opportunities it many people do you know built sleigh without Onholds.... Make a taxwith the signature half-moon Star or a cell phone and deductible donation to travels the world alone in scar on the bottom of their the charity of your chin where the pogo stick a single 24 hour night choice before the end of flight. made contact? No heated the year I like seat. No ear-buds and Christmas. Forget the food, blue-tooth. No stopping a presents or visits with family; it is the Starbucks for a latte cause there ain’t no quiet that always gets me. There is no cup-holder and the line is too long. traffic. There is no noise. Everyone is This guy brings joy to all the where they are supposed to be or as close children in the world in a single night as they will get for the holiday. For a few using eight tiny-reindeer hopped up on hours it all stops. There is no reason to magic dust. I wonder what sounds they make a sound… just listen to the silence. make when they get back to the Pole and If you drive old cars or can are cooling down. Pop, snap, hiss, tick… and then silence. Santa is one bad-ass dude. Maybe this year we can make a little noise before the silence? Maybe you can get the motor running just right and - By Frank Fratoe heat things up before the cooldown. Think about the season and the opportunities it holds. We live in a town of generous people. They give of their time in shelters, Among the ruins of denial they serve at community dinners, they is a void we have created drive the elderly to appointments and the more terrible than sorrow store and they support the causes, because there’s no way out charities and non-profits of the area. Are unless refuge can be found you connected? Can you find a place to in immortality around us. plug in and make some noise before the season goes silent? Moon-arcs spread a crown Make a plan and plug in. If you over the darkened forest; can’t be there in the physical sense write a treetops that balance snow check. Make a tax-deductible donation to are encircled with light; the charity of your choice before the end a mind’s eye can observe of the year. Take the write-off. From the eminence and joy of it. Habitat for Humanity to Moss Free Clinic, from Micah Ministries to Goodwill and the Yet by all the gracefulness smaller lesser known organizations like we are privileged to share Downtown Greens and Stafford with this munificent world Serve. Find a spot, meet some people, do none can be more dear than some good and then listen to the silence watching the child you love and feel a little better. Who knows it fall asleep in your arms. could be habit forming and besides, you’ll need something to do in the new year. On Dasher! now, Dancer! now, Dedicated to the Memory of Peugeot and Porches! on, Comets! on, Rob Grogan Falcons! parked by your Front Porches!.... “Happy Christmas to all....... autoknown says... goodnight!” Frank Fratoe lives & writes in the city. He wrote this poem as a tribute to the Rim makes it a habit to give generously artists of Fredericksburg of his time, talent & resources

THE POETRY MAN Eminence and Joy

From My Porch why i believe in santa claus By Jo Loving “The three phases of Santa belief: (1) Santa is real. (2) Santa isn't real. (3) Yes, Virginia, there is a Santa Claus.” ~ Alton Thompson I was always an inquisitive child. From the time I could talk, I asked a million questions. “Daddy, why does grass grow up and not down?” “Mama, what color is love?” “Nanny why is that called hoe cake?” I was born on November 27. On December 25, my father read to me for the first time, “A Visit from St. Nicholas,” by Clement Moore. His animated voice would boom, “’Twas the night before Christmas,” and for the next 18 years, he read the story every Christmas Eve. Of course, I had questions. At about 6 years old, when I was a big sister to two siblings, I was curious about where he lived, what he did all year long, and how many elves were there at the North Pole. I was a Florida girl, so at that time, understanding exactly what the North Pole was like was very important. I had no frame of reference for “new fallen snow,” or why anyone would sleep in a kerchief or cap. At 7 years old, I began questioning the reality of Santa. I wondered about the multiple Santas everywhere – especially since there was one in every store. I was told that they were his helpers, Ambassadors sent to listen to our wishes and report them to Santa. But, as a thinker, I wasn’t convinced. My parents were mortified that I might spill the beans to my younger siblings. How do you convince a child that Santa exists, when she clearly has doubt? It was a challenging problem.

On Christmas Eve that year, as in every year before, bedtime was early -- as soon as it was dark. This particular year, it was quite bright out, due to the full moon. I couldn’t sleep, because I was excited. Part of me wanted to believe, part of me was skeptical. After lying in the bed forever, I crept over to the window and looked in the backyard. Our toys were out there, as usual, nothing was different. I heard a sound on the roof, and then I heard Jingle Bells. Oh, my! Was he here? Was Santa here? I couldn’t tear myself away from the window. Then, all of a sudden, he appeared, right outside my bedroom window. Santa! He wore his red suit, with a black bag thrown over his shoulder. He looked exactly as I remembered from the story Daddy read every year. He stopped, looked at me, put a finger to his mouth to be quiet, and waved. He WAVED at me! Wow! I could not move; I was scared to come out of my room, so I didn’t. I lay down in the bed, listening to the rustling in the living room, listening to his “Ho, Ho, Ho!” I heard Mama and Daddy in their room, talking, but he was out there! It was utterly shocking to me. When dawn broke, we crept out of our rooms, and into the living room. There, our gifts awaited us. Santa had eaten the cookies and drank the milk. But the greatest gift that year wasn’t under the tree; it was the gift of magical thinking. So I believe in the magic that is Santa Claus -- a giving, jolly, benevolent spirit of the season. I always will believe. Sometimes, we need a little magic in our lives. Jo Loving will be sitting on her front porch this Christmas Eve, hoping to catch another glimpse of Santa. She wishes all of you the happiest of holidays, and a little magic along the way.

Every Child Deserves A Family

Learn about our adoption opportunities Domestic & International

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

December 2015

Brandon Newton

A visual Celebration of our community

Here and There

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

Tuesday - Saturday 10-5 Wednesdays until 6:30 and by appointment

December 2015

Fredericksburg Sketches

Front porch fredericksburg

By Casey Alan Shaw

Your Hometown Jeweler Since 1940

On-Premise Jewelry Repair Large Selection of ESTATE JEWELRY 212 William Street,Fredericksburg 540-373-5513 Mon-Fri 9:30-6; Sat 9:30-5 jewelboxfredericksburgva.webs.com jewelbox14k@yahoo.com

THE POETRY MAN Eminence and Joy

Every Child Deserves A Family

Learn about our adoption opportunities Domestic & International

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

December 2015