Front Porch Fredericksburg - December 2016 by Virginia Grogan

contents

closeups 8

history’s stories.: fxbg civil war roundtable our heritage: candlelight tour

kate schwartz: fxbg historic resource planner

East Meets West ... Kristen Parks

Senior Care: why some people age faster

emancipated patients: china study mind your mind: you called me what?

A tribute to public service ..roy Mcafee

wellness: avoiding holiday health problems renew: you eat more when you sleep less

poetryman: perceptions

art in the burg: have a holiday with art

mYSTERY hOUSE stories of fredericksburg

showcasing local art

downtown buzz

companions: wildlife friends

avid BB/ BS volunteers ron & michelle utt

porch talk .3

in it for the love....sheryl bosch & dot meyers

on the porch...life in fredericksburg Messages

On the trails::hiking, history & the slaughter park

public sculptures comes to fxbg

Everything Greens:youth planting seeds

fredericksburg sketches 19th century christmas

from my porch: existing in pictures

In It for the Love sheryl bosch & dot meyers By sue henderson

...And more!

award winning local choral group

artist, designer, educator, realtor

vino: Glogg

season’s bounty: cookies for santa

15 foode... new partner, new building, same great food

Cooking with Kyle...frittata spirits: scotch cocktails

23 porchlight:play it again sammy?

16-17

Calendar of events

29 Embrace: a different approach to foster care

Cover: “Christmas Card” by Casey Shaw

December 2016

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The mother-daughter team of Dot Meyers and Cheryl Bosch had much to be thankful for as we sat down just before Thanksgiving to talk about the thirty-year anniversary of Frame Designs Gallery. While much has changed over the years the core business of providing quality frame services has remained consistent. The business began in 1986 when they both moved to Fredericksburg in search of less snow and a nice small town. It helped that they already had family in the area making the City even more attractive. Neither is sure which one first said "I've always wanted to own my own business" but the die was quickly cast and Frame Designs was born. Over the years, the pair have added many elements to the business. At one point, before the addition was added to their longtime location, frames were constructed in a separate warehouse. Then there were the years where art supplies were sold from a location on Powhatan Street. They credit the variation of location and a division of skills and labor for the success in working together as mother and daughter. So in 1999, when Dot stopped working to take care of

family, it was a natural transition for Cheryl to assume leadership. When asked what is the secret of staying in a competitive business for thirty years they both instantly responded, "We're in it for the love and not for the money." Even when times were slim they couldn't imagine doing anything else. It's been a roller coaster with competition and technology changing with the worst being the 2008 recession but it's all worked out in the end. As examples of exemplary service, they reminisced about the strangest items they've framed since they opened: a crystal door knob collection, a complete fire fighters suit including boots (cut in half - with permission - to fit), a full-size guitar, a preserved turkey butt, and an antique quilt for the opening of the Mary Washington Hospital which required contracting a local woodworker to create the frame. They both enjoyed telling about framing an 18th c deerskin which had a period map drawn by explorers mapping the western part of Virginia requiring careful stitching to mount it on acid-free board with UV and archival glass protecting the piece for the future.

photo by sue henderson Cheryl has recently reimagined some spaces in the small building on College Avenue to include repurposing the walls in the entry into a gallery featuring monthly regional artists like long time customers Johnny Johnson, Marcia Chavez, Nichole Hamilton and Robyn Ryan. "The intent is to familiarize our steady framing customers with local artists," said Bosch. It's all part of an effort to give back and foster a sense of the artistic community with their business. One very new element is a classroom/gathering space encompassing the entire second floor. Cheryl is looking for teachers, students and small groups to rent the space and keep it occupied several nights a week with critique nights or paint-together sessions. As she puts it, "Artists by nature work alone and yet we benefit so much from being together".

"We are all about creating art and influencing others to be creative in many different forms" said Bosch while detailing plans for classes in fine arts, framing, how to do-it-yourself ways to mount needlework and coordinate your décor with art. With examples of their work hanging in professional offices, UMW, and Mary Washington Hospital along with hundreds of private homes, you can trust Frame Designs to guide your choices. Feel free to stop by anytime to meet one or both of these successful small business owners. Frame Designs Gallery. Tuesday to Friday 10-6 Saturday 10-3. 2010 College Ave Www.framedesignsgallery.com Sue Henderson is a freelance photographer & writer. See her work at focusbyhenderson.com

front porch fredericksburg

December 2016

contents

closeups 8

history’s stories.: fxbg civil war roundtable our heritage: candlelight tour

kate schwartz: fxbg historic resource planner

East Meets West ... Kristen Parks

Senior Care: why some people age faster

emancipated patients: china study mind your mind: you called me what?

A tribute to public service ..roy Mcafee

wellness: avoiding holiday health problems renew: you eat more when you sleep less

poetryman: perceptions

art in the burg: have a holiday with art

mYSTERY hOUSE stories of fredericksburg

showcasing local art

downtown buzz

companions: wildlife friends

avid BB/ BS volunteers ron & michelle utt

porch talk .3

in it for the love....sheryl bosch & dot meyers

on the porch...life in fredericksburg Messages

On the trails::hiking, history & the slaughter park

public sculptures comes to fxbg

Everything Greens:youth planting seeds

fredericksburg sketches 19th century christmas

from my porch: existing in pictures

In It for the Love sheryl bosch & dot meyers By sue henderson

...And more!

award winning local choral group

artist, designer, educator, realtor

vino: Glogg

season’s bounty: cookies for santa

15 foode... new partner, new building, same great food

Cooking with Kyle...frittata spirits: scotch cocktails

23 porchlight:play it again sammy?

16-17

Calendar of events

29 Embrace: a different approach to foster care

Cover: “Christmas Card” by Casey Shaw

December 2016

Front porch fredericksburg

front porch fredericksburg

December 2016

Ralph “Tuffy” Hicks Guest Porch Editorial Contributing Writers & Artists Jenna Anderson Kevin Brown Barbara Deal Christina Ferber Joan M. Geisler Alexis Grogan Sue Henderson Rob Huffman David C. Kennedy Vanessa Moncure Patrick Neustatter Scott Richards Suzanne Scherr Lauren Shaw Georgia Strentz

A.E.Bayne Collette Caprara Anita Dodd Frank Fratoe Ann Glave Jennifer Gron Ralph “Tuffy”Hicks Karl Karch Jo Loving M.L. Powers Gretchen Rusden Casey Alan Shaw Meg Sneed Beth Stenstrom James Kyle Synder

Christine Thompson Dawn Whitmore Norma Woodward

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

ON THE PORCH Christmases Past

Imagine being without mobile phones, computers with only a few neighbors with a television, telephone or even one automobile. I remember my first encounter with Santa Clause at the age of five on the corner of Caroline and William Streets. Santa, I learned years later that Santa was a local Policeman named Smith (below with Tuffy).

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 2016 Olde Towne Publishing Co. All rights reserved.

December 2016

Hiking, History, and the Slaughter pen By Kevin Brown

BY Ralph “tuffy” hicks It was a few days before Christmas and Rob Grogan and I were having a late evening talk across the table at Bistro Bethem. We both had grown up in the Post-War years (1945-1965) as we reflected on those years of prosperity, and times of productivity unknown to previous generations. I recall that it was my Mother’s favorite time of the year. Back in those days you would never see any signs of Christmas until after Thanksgiving. My Mother would always start her shopping for Christmas long before Thanksgiving, hiding gifts in the cellar.

While my Mother (bottom with Tuffy) was busy baking, my Father and I had the chore of going into the woods and finding a cedar tree along with running cedar and holly for decorating. I can still remember the smell of the cedar in the home. The Christmas tree farms sold trees, however, cedar trees cost two dollars which was expensive in those days. Artificial trees were available in a few stores. I heard my Mother say,” Who would want an artificial tree made by Addis Brush Company, they make toilet bowl brushes,” a sense of humor she had. On Christmas eve, we would place the tree in a bucket of water and decorate it with many homemade decorations, some of which I had made at school out of paper loops and popcorn. The tinsel placed on the tree would be taken off and saved for next year. We had a manger that my father had made with Mary, Joseph, Baby Jesus, and a Donkey. I had a

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big red sock that I would hang on the fireplace, the wool sock had once belonged to my Grandfather. We had those bubble water lights along with a string of small lights if one went out the rest of them would not light and my Father would become exasperated every Christmas fixing them. My Mother liked too sing” Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer” and “White Christmas”, both songs came out in the late 1940” s. I recall the excitement of looking at the toys in the store windows, Daisy B B guns, Radio Flyer wagons, Gilbert Chemistry set and a Schwinn bicycle. The City would be decorated with colored lights over head on Caroline and William streets. The mood would be more festive as Christmas eve approached with everyone greeting each other saying “Merry Christmas”. Back in those days almost everyone you would meet was a person the family knew. Dad always gave

On the Trails

me a dollar bill to put in the Salvation Army kettle for the less fortunate. Mother would remind me of the true meaning of Christmas. All the families would attend several Christmas events at Church and I was always in a holiday play. My favorite part was being one of the wise men. My Father would tell me about his childhood Christmas during the depression years when he only would receive an apple or orange and a lone toy. I felt sad when he told that story, however, he would remind me his family was large and everyone was happy to be together during the holidays. Christmas eve 1950, my Grandfather and I met State Senator Benjamin Pitts on Caroline Street, he gave me a silver dollar with a Christmas label that read “Merry Xmas B. Pitts”. My mother never liked it when she saw Christmas abbreviated as Xmas, she said” they have taken Christ out of Christmas”. As the years progressed and I grew older my mother would give me a Christmas Club check that she paid money into weekly at the local bank. The amounts started out at fifty-dollars and grew larger as I grew older. Mom passed in 1995 and my father joined her in 1998. I find myself reminiscing about them during the Christmas season. Both, Rob and I agreed how much we loved our mothers and how they taught us the true meaning of Christmas. I still see that twinkle in his eyes as he said” I have Virginia who carries on that tradition”. I replied “I am fortunate to have Anne who reminds me of true reason for the season. Merry Christmas…. And, Read Front Porch “Cover to Cover”.

This month, we are privileged to have long-time local history enthusiast Chris Landon, who administers the popular Fredericksburg Regional History and Fredericksburg Regional Civil War Facebook Groups, share his personal insights about one of our awe-inspiring historical walking trails in the Fredericksburg area. “One of the great things about taking a brisk walk or hike on a historical trail is that is gives you a wonderful chance to learn a little bit of the past while getting the fresh air and outdoor fitness that we all need. The key to healthy exercise, according to most doctors, is getting your heart rate up more than normal for a short period of time, and if you like hiking and love history, there is no better place to get the heart pumping with enthusiasm than the Slaughter Pen Farm trail just outside Fredericksburg. Five Union Soldiers won the Medal of Honor for their heroic deeds on the very hallowed ground you are privileged to hike. Talk about high heart rates, it is hard to imagine what they and the thousands of other soldiers felt as they desperately fought over this incredibly important key battle ground that decided the fate of Fredericksburg in December of 1862. It still looks almost like it did during that time, which is one of the splendid things about this particular hike. Real history can be experienced on ground that has barely changed in 154 years. The trail itself is 1.75 miles total and cuts through clearly marked wide paths right in the middle of working farm land. It loops right near the train tracks where some of the fiercest fighting took place and back through the slight rise in the field that many soldiers from both sides gave their lives to defend or capture.

The historic details of the battle are laid out for you in 10 strategicallyplaced markers, so I won't go in to battle detail in this short article other than to say that we all need to be extremely thankful to the National Park Service, The Civil War Trust, the Central Virginia Battlefield Trust and countless others for preserving and maintaining our regionally important parks and properties that we all enjoy, including the many established trails. My wife, Ronda, and I have hiked the Slaughter Pen Farm trail many times during all seasons. We have seen plenty of wildlife, including deer, rabbits, hawks, Canadian Geese and multiple other bird species. It is simply a beautiful hike any time of the year, and just the right length for all ages and abilities. On the History Heart-Rate scale I give the loop trail at the Slaughter Pen Farm a 10 for its picturesque openness, seasonal fields, wildlife, and of course, the critical history that took place there. Directions to Slaughter Run From the downtown Fredericksburg Train Station follow Princess Anne st. under the tracks and then follow Rt.2/17 (also called Tidewater Trail) straight there. It is only 2.5 miles from downtown Fredericksburg. The Slaughter Pen Farm will be on your right on Tidewater Trail just pass the Shannon Airport (which provides an added bonus as you can witness nearby planes land or take off during your history hike). Open dusk to dark daily. It is pet and family friendly.” Kevin Brown is the administrator of the "On the Fredericksburg Va Trails" & the "FXBG City Council Public Forum" Facebook Group,

Thymes Frasier Fir Candles A Holiday Tradition 800 Caroline Street Historic Downtown 540.899.2222 Daily 10 - 5:30 ~ Sunday 12 - 5 front porch fredericksburg

December 2016

Christine Thompson Dawn Whitmore Norma Woodward

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

ON THE PORCH Christmases Past

December 2016

Hiking, History, and the Slaughter pen By Kevin Brown

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On the Trails

Thymes Frasier Fir Candles A Holiday Tradition 800 Caroline Street Historic Downtown 540.899.2222 Daily 10 - 5:30 ~ Sunday 12 - 5 front porch fredericksburg

December 2016

Public Sculptures

Snead’s Farm

CHRISTMAS TREES

Comes to the ‘burg By Collette Caprara

then sought funding for the project and made a presentation to the Economic Development Authority (EDA), explaining the concept and progress to date and presenting a proposed budget. In response to the interest in highlighting the gateway points to Fredericksburg that had been expressed by EDA past chair, Chris Hornung, Thayer included sites at those locations in his presentation. The EDA was onboard with the project and awarded a grant for

A Memorable Family Experience Select & Cut Your Own Tree! of Parks and Maintenance. Arrangements were made for purchase of concrete platforms for the public sculptures and the superintendent of public works, Josh Knight, and his staff took on the role of installing the pads at the sites. A presentation at a Council meeting resulted in City Council’s buy-in for the project. After a Call for Entries was made through a dozen arts web sites, 30 artists from across the nation and three other countries responded, submitting 40 design possibilities for the sculptures. In July, a volunteer selection committee including Wendy Stone, arts commissioner Sue Henderson, artist and gallery owner Gabe Pons, FCCA curator Carrol Morgan,

“Dancing Milkweed IV” by David Boyajian ~ Dixon Park Folks around the Burg will notice that a few familiar sites are looking a little special lately, as four public arts sculptures have appeared around town. This welcome addition to Fredericksburg’s aesthetic experience was the result of the Public Arts Committee of the Fredericksburg Arts Commission (FAC), headed by Preston Thayer. With the diligence, persistence, and ability honed through a career as an art museum director and curator, Thayer was able to bring the project to fruition in less than a year, in collaboration with a spectrum of partners in the community that were essential to fulfilling each step of the process. Thayer and members of his committee identified prospective sites for the sculptures that were frequented by both vehicular and pedestrian traffic. He

“Garden Harmony” by Cathy Perry ~ Heritage Trail near Old Mill Park $12,000—half the anticipated expenses. The four sites selected were on City property or locations that the city had some responsibility for and, from that point, the folks at the Department of Parks and Recreation repeatedly found ways to accomplish next steps without having to spend additional funds. Those who played a crucial role in bringing the project to fruition, in spite of financial limitations, included Wendy Stone, division manager of Finance and Leisure Services; Mike Ward, division manager of Parks and Athletics, and Aaron Simmons, supervisor

“Corps de Ballet” Michael Bednar ~Frederick, & Caroline Streets and UMW professor Carol Garmon, chose the four sculptures that were placed at sites in October and will enhance the Burg through next September. Thayer reminds the public that the works are temporary:

THE

FREDERICKSBURG LAMP

Explore Our Large & Varied Selection. Saws, Twine, Bailing & Burlap Provided Bring Your Own Shovel & Gloves “Windsong” by Bob Turan ~Princess Anne Street at Route 1 "If it doesn't appeal to you, be patient. There will be new art next year!" Thayer expressed gratitude to all who invested their energy and expertise to bring the Public Sculpture project to fruition, including FAC members Kenneth Lecky, Kimberly Leone, Sue Henderson, Steve Cameli, and Julie Perry, City staff representative. He sends a special call-out to Perry, (who, whenever the project hit a roadblock or began to stall, would connect with the person who could get things on the move again) and Cameli (who helped with the installation of the sculptures and—at one point—stood in the midst of a thunder and lightning storm holding a sheet of metal. “I deeply appreciated his assistance,” said Thayer, “But I didn’t want that to include making the ultimate sacrifice!” The Arts Commission hopes that residents will come to see it as yet another way that Fredericksburg welcomes visitors, while it strives to improve the quality of life for all of us who live here. ?

Collette Caprara is a local writer and artist and serves on the Fredericksburg Arts Commission

Reserve Your Tree Until Dec. 6 No Money Down ~ Ribbon Provided

White Pine up to 14 ft. ~ $60 Blue Spruce up to 14 ft.~ $90 Open Daily 9 - 5 p.m thru Christmas Eve 10 mi. S.E. of downtown on right side of Rt. 17

Sneadsfarm.com 540.371.9328

601 LAFAYETTE BLVD

roxburyfarmgarden.com MAIN: (540) 373-9124 NURSERY: (540) 371-8802

We Have All Your Gardening Needs Since 1929 Come Shop With Us! Large or Small, I Sell Them All! Dreaming of Fabulous City Living? Let s Make It Happen!

Only Available At

The Copper Shop 371-4455 1707R Princess Anne

1021 Caroline Street 6

December 2016

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Behind Silk Mill Like Us on facebook

SUZY STONE Mobile:540.847.0630 Office: 540-898-2900 suzystone22@gmail.com C21redwood.com

Everything Greens Youth planting seeds By Jennifer Gron Imagine an outdoor space where science and math lessons are given a real-world application, children develop confidence in their communication skills, healthy food relationships are established, and where children learn the benefits of real work. Downtown Greens has served as a community green space since 1995- fueled by lots of volunteer hours and generous supporters. For three years, this treasured non-profit organization has been working to provide the children of our community with a meaningful connection with the earth through the Youth Garden Club (YGC), serving preschool through lower elementaryaged children. “Working with the Youth Garden club is very rewarding. You get to help the children's roots grow and to watch them branch out,” said Courtney Fishback, YGC assistant. Inspired by the success of this program, Downtown Greens is expanding the program in 2017 to include a Youth Farm for third, fourth and fifth graders. According to Sarah Perry, executive director of Downtown Greens, “The goal is to pull together a lot of great ideas to make a well-rounded, interesting, fun program for kids that centers around growing food. We want to teach entrepreneurship, math and people skills. We also want to teach some basic cooking skills.” A 3,500 square-foot organically managed garden space is dedicated to the program. The Youth Farmers will meet once a week from April through October to farm their garden plot, participate in nature crafts, games, environmental presentations, and enjoy a healthful snack. The organizers are excited to develop community partnerships through a monthly community meal for participants’ families. Several local chefs have volunteered to guide the kids as they prepare meals with produce they have grown and incorporate Youth Farm produce into their restaurant menus. Finally, the program will incorporate trips to the Fredericksburg Farmer’s Market to sell produce. “I love the partnership with the Fredericksburg Farmer's Market. I love that the kids will get to participate in markets that will 'secretly' teach them soft skills such as teamwork, communication, responsibility, problem solving as well as hard skills such as arithmetic. Experiential learning, or learning while doing, is the most memorable type,“ said Perry.

Downtown Greens is the perfect space for this youth farm program, free to participants. Located within the City of Fredericksburg, it is a 2.7 acre oasis easily accessible by neighborhood children. The vegetable garden is beside Hazel Hill Apartments, home to around 180 children, with many families looking for more positive experiences for their children. The current after-school program offered by the apartment complex can only host 40 children, so there is a need for additional meaningful activities for the resident youth. The Youth Farm can be a bridge that connects youth in the Hazel Hill community, other local children, volunteers, and local residents by reconnecting them with the natural world, expanding their knowledge of food and providing a safe place to develop meaningful relationships - building a strong community and healthy futures. So far, the community has responded positively to the idea of this Youth Farm and the organizers are looking forward to a bountiful season of growth in 2017! There will be no cost to participants so children from all economic levels can join. If you want to support this initiative, financially or otherwise, please contact sarah.perry@downtowngreens.org.

Jennifer Gron is a farm girl at heart and has worked on multiple efforts around town to help increase access to organic local foods.

front porch fredericksburg

December 2016

Public Sculptures

Snead’s Farm

CHRISTMAS TREES

Comes to the ‘burg By Collette Caprara

THE

FREDERICKSBURG LAMP

Collette Caprara is a local writer and artist and serves on the Fredericksburg Arts Commission

Reserve Your Tree Until Dec. 6 No Money Down ~ Ribbon Provided

White Pine up to 14 ft. ~ $60 Blue Spruce up to 14 ft.~ $90 Open Daily 9 - 5 p.m thru Christmas Eve 10 mi. S.E. of downtown on right side of Rt. 17

Sneadsfarm.com 540.371.9328

601 LAFAYETTE BLVD

roxburyfarmgarden.com MAIN: (540) 373-9124 NURSERY: (540) 371-8802

We Have All Your Gardening Needs Since 1929 Come Shop With Us! Large or Small, I Sell Them All! Dreaming of Fabulous City Living? Let s Make It Happen!

Only Available At

The Copper Shop 371-4455 1707R Princess Anne

1021 Caroline Street 6

December 2016

Front porch fredericksburg

Behind Silk Mill Like Us on facebook

SUZY STONE Mobile:540.847.0630 Office: 540-898-2900 suzystone22@gmail.com C21redwood.com

Jennifer Gron is a farm girl at heart and has worked on multiple efforts around town to help increase access to organic local foods.

front porch fredericksburg

December 2016

East Meets West Alternative Therapies & Spa

Roy McAfee a tribute to public service by kevin brown

By Christina Ferber A Large Selection Available

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

As I lay staring up at the ceiling with tiny needles poking out of my face, I wondered how I could feel so relaxed. As I looked at my face afterward, I wondered how the treatment worked so well to tighten and tone my face without any chemicals or abrasive treatment. I am not one to get facials regularly, never would be more accurate, but the Facial Acupuncture Rejuvenation Treatment offered at the newly opened Alternative Therapies & Spa got my curiosity peaked. According to Melanie Myers, the spa's acupuncturist, acupuncture opens the chi, or energy, in the skin bringing blood flow to the area that the needle is in. This also brings nutrition and wakes up the nervous system to help the electrical connections within the muscles firm up the skin tissue. Myers also uses a Chinese massage technique called Tui Na, which combines acupressure and reflexology. Those Eastern practices are what make the spa so unique. Alternative Therapies & Spa's owner, Kristen Park, who is also owner of

photo by jenna anderson An Interview with Roy McAfee, Recently Retired Planning Commission Chairman

Hilltop Physical Therapy, wanted a place for her physical therapy (PT) patients to receive alternative treatments that might aid them even more in their healing. "After 30 years in physical therapy, I realized that there was even more to share with my patients that could help in their recovery process, but I also wanted to bring these therapies to the wider population," said Park, who used to own Ambiance Day Spa. "I am fascinated by all of the different ways there are to treat people, and I wanted to give some options to my PT patients as well as the community."

The spa's grand opening on November 2nd brought a range of Eastern healing modalities to our area. The many offerings include different types of massage including Deep Tissue, Ashiatsu (a Japanese from of massage using the feet), and Thai Massage (which includes lots of kneading and stretching), along with Acupuncture, Fire Cupping, and Auricular Therapy (Reflexology for the ear). Many of the facial packages are also a bit more Asian and can include acupuncture, as well as Chinese massage techniques and Korean herbal products.

December 2016

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Helping You Heal Naturally

Essential Oil therapy is a service which can help detoxify and heal the systems of the body. After a Health and Wellness Scan that maps the organs and bio markers, a blend of doTERRA essential oils can be used to treat issues that the scan shows need attention. Many other therapies are also available that offer a wide range of ways to achieve and maintain wellness. The five rooms available in the spa also have Eastern themes. Japanese, Indian, Korean, Chinese, and Thai rooms are all customized and decorated to help the client fully immerse in the experience and therapy they are receiving. Spa packages are also available, as well as party packages and the spa can provide catering during the party and treatment if desired. "My concept for Alternative Therapies & Spa is to show people how East can meet West in the areas of health and wellness. The trees I have pictured throughout the spa match my philosophy. I want people to grow in many ways including mind, spirit, and body," said Park. As for me, after my treatment I am a believer. My skin is still glowing and a stubborn wrinkle on my forehead is still nowhere to be seen. Alternative Therapies & Spa is located on Wakeman Drive, right off of Southpoint Parkway. You can find out more at http://alternativetherapiesandspa.com or call 540-6 693-1 1017. Christina Ferber reports she is still glowing after her day at the Spa.

Q: What inspired you to join the Planning Commission? A: My grandmother told me to leave a place better than I found it. The first home my late Wife and I bought was in a historic and wonderful community in Spotsylvania. Sylvania Heights suffered greatly with social and economic demographics. Speaking with neighbors about the symptoms and causes, I quickly found myself an activist. I produced a monthly flyer that gave voice and solidarity. A neighborhood watch program was reinstituted. Resources were identified and deployed. Over time, progress was made. Eventually I was asked by the community association to take an active part in County government on their behalf. When we moved back into the city of my birth, City Manager, Marvin Bollinger asked me rejoin the RADCO’s Transportation Advisory Group. Despite the drain on my time and family, I did. I have seen Fredericksburg grow. I have seen it struggle. Prosperity and austerity tend to run in cycles. In my youth, I witnessed this with the closing of the FMC and the end of Fredericksburg’s textile industry. In 2006 the City seemed flush and many new residents desired aggressive investments in projects. I am as impatient as the next in seeing progress. However, I knew hard times can be just around the corner. I ran unsuccessfully for Council. One Saturday soon after the election, our current Mayor, Mary Katherine Greenlaw approached me and said that I should apply for the Planning Commission. The Planning Commission offered a challenge. Q: What is the most critical advice you have for city planners? A: A Commissioner should constantly do 3 things; • Keep an open mind. Personal agendas are secondary to stewarding the municipal public will.

• Seek as much information as possible and continue to do so until the question is called. • Render a decision for your grandchildren. Everyone in the room may well fade away before the results of your decision do. Q: What is the most critical advice you have for someone considering service in the City? A: Most people are drawn into municipal service on a single issue. Check with Tanya Lacey, Clerk of Council, or go the City’s website for a list of boards and commission that suit your interest and energy level. Beginning here can give you the most satisfaction and the best learning curve. Q: What is the biggest challenge a volunteer can face? A: Accurately assessing the way things work, and then working within that confine to improve your issue and the process can be frustrating. Many leaders are used to the way things work in private industry. A firm handshake, a smile, hard work and a good idea can be left in the dust of municipal process. Progress will demand time consuming notice, hearings, and participation. Substantive change in municipal government requires multiple voices, consensus and legal frameworks. Resources like staff and funding must be aligned. Many people underestimate the time and work that is required to make real change. Q: What did you most enjoy about your service? A: There are two areas that give me joy in municipal service. The first area is personal; the opportunity to learn, to be included, to work with, to grow, to fail and to succeed. The second area is seeing the will of the people brought forward in real progress and growth here in Fredericksburg. Kevin Brown is the administrator of the the "FXBG City Council Public Forum" Facebook Group

The Way Your Body Was Meant To Dr. Jason Sneed, D.O. 540-322-5040 www.odomedicine.com Where Customer Service and Title Insurance Become One

Jewell Wolterman 1320 Central Park Blvd, Ste 200, Fredericksburg, VA 22401 540-907-0574 www.elitetitleva.com jwolterman@elitetitleva.com front porch fredericksburg

December 2016

East Meets West Alternative Therapies & Spa

Roy McAfee a tribute to public service by kevin brown

By Christina Ferber A Large Selection Available

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

photo by jenna anderson An Interview with Roy McAfee, Recently Retired Planning Commission Chairman

December 2016

Front porch fredericksburg

Helping You Heal Naturally

The Way Your Body Was Meant To Dr. Jason Sneed, D.O. 540-322-5040 www.odomedicine.com Where Customer Service and Title Insurance Become One

Jewell Wolterman 1320 Central Park Blvd, Ste 200, Fredericksburg, VA 22401 540-907-0574 www.elitetitleva.com jwolterman@elitetitleva.com front porch fredericksburg

December 2016

Award Winning Local Chorus the spotsylvanians chorus

By Kevin Brown

Casey Alan Shaw Artist, Designer, educator, realtor By dawn whitmore

photo by amber trementozzi This month we feature “The Spotsylvanians,” a local choral group who will be providing Christmas concerts throughout the month of December, with a concert in Culpeper at Culpeper Baptist Church on Sunday the 4th at 3:00; concerts at Spotsylvania Middle School on Saturday the 10th at 7:30 pm & Sunday the 11th at 3:00 pm; and the Merry Carols in the Market Square: Concert & Community Singalong in Downtown Fredericksburg from 7-8 PM on Friday the 16th. All concerts are FREE! “The Spotsylvanians”, is an award winning, dynamic, and highly talented contemporary chorus of about 75 dedicated singers from Spotsylvania, Fredericksburg, and surrounding communities with a fresh new look, a different choral sound and new approach to choral singing. This group features two musical productions a year - - a Spring Concert in May and a series of Christmas Concerts in December, the group has performed at various other venues including the mall, parades, assisted living facilities, and at special events. Robert Estes founded “The Spotsylvanians”, in December of 2002. The group's first official practice was held in January 2003. Current Director C. Alexander Smith, who has led the group for the past six seasons, selects an exciting repertoire of traditional and contemporary music with a unique style all its own. The intent is to present the audience with current musically diverse performances each and every season. “The Spotsylvanians” has members whose ages range from 11 years old to 80+ years old. Alexa Noonen, a senior at Riverbend High School, says, "I love singing with The Spotsylvanians because it gives me an inclusive and encouraging environment to express myself as a musician with other fantastic singers around to help inspire me to be the best I can!" New to The Spotsylvanians this year are Lauren Moderacki and Meghan Hinkson. Lauren says, "I enjoy singing with The Spotsylvanians because it gives me the opportunity to creatively express

December 2016

myself. It truly brings me joy, and there's no better feeling." Meghan agrees, and says, "I like the fact our director Alex Smith chooses music that is challenging for us to learn and requires our all to perform. Even though we're "just a community choir", he treats us like professional performers. It's awesome to be a part of something where EVERY voice is valued." Judy Laxague has been with the group since its beginning 15 years ago. She states, "The music is uplifting and beautiful and fun to sing and the singers in the group are wonderful people with great voices." Jim O'Donnell likes the challenge of singing with the group. He says, "I particularly enjoy the spirit of teamwork and accomplishment associated with singing with The Spotsylvanians. I never thought so much hard work could be such fun." Perhaps Betsy Saylor says it best when she says, "What's not to like about singing with The Spotsylvanians?" If you have a serious interest in choral music and want to join “The Spotsylvanians”, let them hear from you! The group rehearses every Monday night from 7-9 p.m. at the Marshall Center, located at 8800 Courthouse Road in Spotsylvania. Emailmembership.spotsylvanians@gmail.c om for more information. Come sing with the SPOTSYLVANIANS - you'll be glad you did! Be sure to "like" the group on Facebook at facebook.com/TheSpotsylvanians and visit them online at spotsylvanians.org . The Spotsylvanians Concerts December 4, 3pm Culpeper Baptist Church December 10 @7:30pm & December 11 @ 3pm Spotsylvania Middle School December 16, 7-8 8pm Merry Carols in the Market Square: Concert & Community Singalong in Downtown Fredericksburg Kevin Brown is a monthly contributor to Front Porch

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photo by lauren shaw Casey Shaw has said, “One of the great things I love about living in Fredericksburg” is having the pleasures of being a real estate agent who sees “historic house listings by fellow agents.” These historic houses become part of the sketches, which Shaw has become known for in our area. Shaw’s artistic career spans over 30 years to include USA Today’s Creative Manager for USA Weekend Magazine with dozens of national awards for illustration and design. Shaw describes the USA Weekend magazine as ‘the Sunday magazine tucked in their Free-Lance Star’ not to mention tucked in another 800 local newspapers. “I spent the better part of 20 years in my USA today office and the other part in traffic on I-95,” says Shaw. Then in 1995 he became a Fredericksburg local. Yet, he would not become a part of the local art scene until 2013. As a member of Art First, Shaw’s sketches usually make their debut appearance there.

Shaw holds both a Bachelor of Fine Arts and a Master of Fine Arts. He has been active in judging national design competitions, along with judging contests for various organizations. Shaw’s joy in his work is when people connect with a particular piece, whether a painting or drawing, at an emotional level. Shaw shares, “We are lucky to live in a place that is so special to so many people,” and he further elaborates, “Fredericksburg is a unique place and lots of hometowns do not generate the same level of love and admiration.” Dawn Whitmore is a landscape photographer and writer who lives in Spotsylvania. Learn more by visiting her own FB: facebook.com/dewphotographypage or her website at www.dewphotographyva.com PUBLISHER’S NOTE Casey is this month’s cover artist.

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

540/371-9890

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December 2016

Award Winning Local Chorus the spotsylvanians chorus

By Kevin Brown

Casey Alan Shaw Artist, Designer, educator, realtor By dawn whitmore

December 2016

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

540/371-9890

front porch fredericksburg

December 2016

Vino mulled wine by scott richards There are hints out that winter may be coming to Virginia sometime soon, but I am not holding my breath. All the Christmas music about frolicking in the snow with Frosty, or sitting by the fire while it is really cold and wintry outside usually comes early while celebrating Christmas in Virginia. There is one thing about the holidays that is right on time every year. That is spiced, or as many call it, Mulled Wine. Originating in Europe, mulled wine has been a popular item in the United States for some time. The German version, Glühwein, sold in wine stores, is what most people think of when mulled wine is mentioned. Glühwein is easy enough to make but can be bitter. For many, it is an acquired taste. It is, as is the case with most mulled wines, a very warming drink. In Germany, it is a holiday mainstay, particularly when the weather turns cold. Made with simple syrup and red wine, the addition of cinnamon stick, cloves and orange add to the rich flavor of this drink. The ease of making it has a lot to do with its popularity. The Dutch make a similar drink called Bisschopswijn, which does not use simple syrup but does include cinnamon, and cloves attached to orange halves. The Scandinavians win the prize for the most involved mulled wine drink. Glögg (pronounced glurg) is a hot wine spice punch that can be dramatic when Brandy is used and flambéed. It is also one of the more potent mulled wine drinks. In addition to wine, vodka or rum is used along with Brandy or Cognac for flambéing. Like most mulled wines, glögg includes the spices cinnamon, cloves, cardamom, ginger, and blanched almonds that add to the flavor. In Norway, raisins are soaked in a Norwegian liquor known as aquavit (made with potatoes). A substitute of Brandy or Vodka can be used. Starting with a simple syrup, the Norwegians add burgundy or pinot noir as well as port wine. Each mug or glass contains raisins and blanched almonds, over which the mulled wine is poured. In Norway, this Christmas punch is served with risgrøt, a Norwegian style rice pudding. The recipe for Glögg can be either simple or complex, depending on the tradition. The following recipe is one of the more simple recipes, but it is authentic as it was taught to NPR's Lynn Neary by Urd Milbury, cultural affairs officer in the Norwegian Embassy in Washington, DC.

December 2016

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Ingredients: Aquavit (brandy or vodka substituted) Cloves; Burgundy or pinot noir wine Cardamom seeds Port wine One orange Raisins One piece of ginger White sugar Blanched almonds Cinnamon sticks

can

Directions Step 1: Soak 1/2 cup of raisins in one cup of aquavit (a Norwegian spirit made with potatoes); Brandy or vodka can be used instead. Soak for 30 min. before Step 2. Step 2: Put a large pot on the stove, over high heat. Add one cup of water and 1/2 cup sugar to the pot, and stir with a wooden spoon until the sugar is completely dissolved. Step 3: Lower the heat to medium , add spices two sticks of cinnamon (each broken in half); four whole cloves; six whole cardamom seeds, crushed by hand; a thinly shaved orange peel; and one small piece of ginger, peeled and cut in half. Stir again with wooden spoon. Do not allow the mix to come to a boil from this point on. Step 4: Add the aquavit-raisin mixture, two cups of burgundy or pinot noir wine and two cups of port wine. Step 5: Sweeten and spice to taste. Step 6: Strain, garnish with raisins and slices of blanched almond - and serve hot off the stove. Note: The drink can be made a day ahead and kept covered, on the stove, at room temperature. Just reheat before serving.

Scott Richards is owner of Loch Haven Vineyards, and a free lance writer Read his blog at fromthevine.wordpress.com or Contact him at bgmeadowswine@yahoo.com

Season’s Bounty cookies for santa

By vanessa moncure What do the Bell Telephone Company, Peanuts, Tom & Jerry, the National Symphony Orchestra, the Power Rangers, Barney, the Muppets, Louis Armstrong, DC Comics “Young Justice”, Perry Como,Garfield, Korn, Pokemon characters, the Eraserheads and the Church of the Intercession in NYC all have in common? (Whew...and there are many more!) Hint 1.0 - has to do with Christmas. Hint 2.0 - Clement Clarke Moore. Have you guessed yet? All have recorded, acted or written about that most traditional poem, “A Visit from St. Nicholas” - better known today as “The Night Before Christmas”. The poem, attributed to Moore and first published in the New York Sentinel in 1823, quickly made the “right jolly old elf”, flying reindeer pulling a sleigh full of “a bundle of toys” and his magical ascent through the chimney after filling Christmas stockings hanging from the mantel, a wonderful part of holiday lore. I have a tattered and well-loved copy of the Thomas Nast illustrated poem - a reading without which our Christmas Eve celebrations just wouldn’t be complete. Long ago, my children’s concerns about Santa’s nighttime visits ranged from the practical “won’t Santa get burned if we’re having a fire in the fireplace?” to the metaphysical “do all reindeer fly and how can they get all around the world in one night?” Also looming large is the perennial menu dilemma for Santa and his reindeer! Happily, a meal for the reindeer consists of several large whole carrots, the ends of which are despatched on a quick trip through the garbage disposal, then replaced on the hearth - “look! Look! Dasher (or alternatively Dancer, Prancer, Vixen, Comet, Cupid, Donder, Blitzen, or possibly Rudolph) ate some carrots! Look, bite marks!!” We have a “Cookies for Santa” special plate and decorated cup for the inevitable Jolly Elf Eve beverage “does Santa like chocolate milk better than plain milk?” - (Santa actually prefers quaffing something from Devils Backbone, but…) The sweet products of my Christmas baking are stacked in ancient tins on my dining room sideboard - black walnut fudge, iced spice bars, fruitcake cookies, raspberry bars, Linzer cookies, mud bars, nut acorns, and so mush more! However, none of these will do for Santa. Santa wants decorated sugar cookie cutouts of himself, pouch of toys on his back, and a complete collection of his eight reindeer along with the eponymous Rudolf, a Red Hot baked on his nose to signal that he is indeed the reindeer guiding Santa’s sleigh. One year I might have gotten carried away and created a candybedecked gingerbread train engine with four cars - the track was made from liquorice laces and crossties of layered sugar bars - snow from swirls of royal icing liberally dusted with crunchy, sparkling sanding sugar, trees of layered

frosted star cookies - and the piece de resistance - a royal-icing bewhiskered Santa and his decorated reindeer gang, harnessed together with liquorice laces. After Christmas and unable to just discard my holiday masterpiece, I put it on top of my frozen birdbath, dusted it with birdseed, and watched as it disappeared rail wheel by reindeer antler. ROLLED SUGAR COOKIES Sift together 2 ¾ c. flour, 1 tsp. baking powder and ½ tsp. salt. Set aside while you cream ¾ c. softened butter (don’t use whipped, runny or substitute margarine for the butter). Beat in 2 eggs, 1 c. sugar and 2 tsp. flavored extract ( vanilla, almond or lemon) and beat until light and fluffy. Add flour mixture in four additions, blending together until smooth. Roll dough into a ball, cover completely with plastic wrap and refrigerate at least two hours before using. Cut the dough in half, leaving half refrigerated, and roll out on floured sheet of parchment paper to ¼” (sturdy) to ?” (not so sturdy) and cut into desired shapes. If you find dough hard to separate from cookie cutter, spray or wipe edges of cutter with unflavored oil. Place cookies on parchment-covered baking sheet and bake 8-12 minutes in preheated 375F oven. Cool on wire racks. This recipe will make 2-4 dozen cookies, depending on size of cutter and thickness of cookie. Cool completely before decorating. (You can also use this recipe for cookie molds, or for cutting dough after using embossed or engraved rolling pins - decorating is a bit different, though. I like to make colored icing using the gel colors now available to brush on cookies. Some can almost look like stained glass!) CONFECTIONERS’ SUGAR FROSTING This is great for frosting entire cookies, then using dragees, sprinkles, colored sanding sugars or candies to decorate the cookie. This does not become stiff or dry as when using royal icing. Royal icing is great to simulate snow on gingerbread creations, or as a glue when building houses together - generally used for display purposes, it dries to a rock-hard consistency if made correctly. You can find recipes online for royal icing. Frosting recipe follows: Cream together ¼ c. softened butter and a dash of salt in a mixing bowl. Using paddle attachment, gradually beat in 3-3 ½ c. sifted confectioners’ sugar alternately with 4-6 T. evaporated milk and 1 teaspoon clear vanilla extract. Beat until creamy and of good spreading consistency. Decide which colors you’ll use, then reserve half of the white frosting and divide the rest into 3-4 small bowls. Stir in either gel colors or liquid color, drop by drop, until desired color is obtained. Spread the cookies with a thin layer of white frosting and let it dry until it is hard, then pipe on contrasting colors.

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

Serving Breakfast Sandwiches 10am ~ 11:30am Lunch 10am ~ 4pm Open Monday ~ Saturday 10am - 4pm 540.371.2233 www.thevirginiadeli.com 826 Caroline corner of Caroline & George Streets

Best of holidays to everyone - “Happy Christmas to all, and to all a good night front porch fredericksburg

December 2016

Front porch fredericksburg

Ingredients: Aquavit (brandy or vodka substituted) Cloves; Burgundy or pinot noir wine Cardamom seeds Port wine One orange Raisins One piece of ginger White sugar Blanched almonds Cinnamon sticks

can

Scott Richards is owner of Loch Haven Vineyards, and a free lance writer Read his blog at fromthevine.wordpress.com or Contact him at bgmeadowswine@yahoo.com

Season’s Bounty cookies for santa

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

Serving Breakfast Sandwiches 10am ~ 11:30am Lunch 10am ~ 4pm Open Monday ~ Saturday 10am - 4pm 540.371.2233 www.thevirginiadeli.com 826 Caroline corner of Caroline & George Streets

Best of holidays to everyone - “Happy Christmas to all, and to all a good night front porch fredericksburg

December 2016

Cooking With Kyle Frittata by james kyle snyder

We are right in the middle of the holidays – people are coming and going from celebration to celebration. Many of the celebrations revolve around elaborate meals, which take hours, if not days, to prepare. It is during these heavy feast times I like to break out something simple, easy, and delicious (that can help clear the refrigerator!). The Frittata The basic frittata is one of simplest dishes ever. Preheat oven to 375. Combine – we’ll talk about this in a second - four eggs with ¼ cup of milk and a heavy pinch of S&P. The way you beat or whisk the eggs has a large effect on the final product. Whisk thoroughly if you are trying to make a denser frittata – like the one in the picture. Barely combine the yolks and whites if you want a lighter end product. Remember, there are NO rules in cooking. Burn it to a crisp if that is your preference. Make it like you like it. Traditionally, frittatas are cooked in a well-seasoned cast iron skillet. If you have one, heat it over medium heat, add some oil, and then pour the egg mixture over the hot oil. Let this set for about a minute to set the bottom crust and then into the oven for 10-20 minutes. Super simple right?! Who wants just eggs in their frittata? Not I said the chef… The key to any ingredient added to a frittata is that it is pre-cooked. The set-time in the oven will not be enough to “cook” any of the additions. For this frittata, King Richard (yup we cook together a lot!) and I decided to clear the refrigerator. Imagine using last night’s leftover steak to make a

December 2016

steak and egg frittata – whoa! We didn’t have one – boo! We did, however, diced: cauliflower, peppadews, celery, yellow peppers, garlic, broccoli, carrots, and pickled jalapenos. We quartered some grape tomatoes and put it all in the largest sauté pan in the kitchen over medium high heat with 2 TBS of olive oil. The goal for this meal was leftovers. While that was caramelizing, I browned 2 TBS butter and 2 TBS olive oil in another sauté pan and ran a couple potatoes and one large onion through the box grater. I combined the potatoes and onions, lightly seasoned and then made a thin layer of the mixture to create a golden brown butter potato hash – yes – it is going into the frittata. As the vegetable caramelized, I separated chunks of the hash into the mixture and combined evenly. (A key point here is to be careful with seasoning. If you had seasoned everything along the way, it could be very salty.) I try to get equal parts egg and filler. In this case it was 14 eggs, ¾ cup of milk, 2 cups of smoked Gouda, and 1 TBS S&P (adjust portions to your preference). Similar to the basic frittata, pour the mixture into the hot pan (over the ingredients in this case), stir gently to combine, let set over the heat for a minute, and then into the oven for 10-20 mins. But what if you have picky eaters? Make the ingredients – to include the egg – milk – salt slurry and let them make their own custom frittata in egg pans one at a time. It makes for a very collaborative and fun morning where everyone is trying the other’s creation. That is all for 2016. We’ll see what we can come up with for the beginning of 2017. Until then, have a great holiday season and a happy new year. Keep it simple, easy, and delicious. Be well!

SpiritS scotch cocktails

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

THE GODFATHER 2 oz Blended scotch or bourbon .25 oz Amaretto Fill a mixing glass 2/3 full of ice, add the ingredients, and stir until chilled. Strain into an ice-filled rocks glass.

Front porch fredericksburg

Etc. Fredericksburg, VA

FOODE new partner, new building same great food By M.L. Powers

Mon-Thurs 11am-9pm Fri & Sat 11am-10pm Sun 11am - 9pm Bar open until 2am everyday

BILL MURRAY COCKTAIL (ABOVE) 3/4 oz. Ron Zacapa Rum 3/4 oz. Elijah Craig Bourbon 3/4 oz. Laphroaig 1/3 oz. Coffee Demerara (or 1/4 oz. Grade B maple syrup) 4 drops Bittermen's Mole 3 Coffee beans to garnish Stir with ice and stain over a large rock. Garnish with 3 coffee beans

Locally Owned Irish Pub and Restaurant

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

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

200 Hanover St. ~ 373-0738

New Year’s Eve at the Courtyard

The Sunken Well Tavern

New Year’s Eve Packages Available

Comedy Shows

December 31, 7 PM & 9:30 PM Tickets @ CoolComedy.com New Year’s Day Brunch 9am-2pm $19.95 Adults, $10.95 Kids 5-12, 4 & Under FREE 620 CAROLINE STREET FREDERICKSBURG VA 22401 540.373.8300

The General Store

Restaurant

Since 1978

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

Kyle Snyder appeals to your palate and your other senses when it comes to good, simple, healthy eating

Soup & Taco, 813 Caroline St.

While scotch is typically reserved for sippers, the storied spirit is increasingly landed in cocktails. Purists may balk, but there's no reason to only sip it neat, and those who are still in the discovery stage of scotch drinking may just appreciate how a well-crafted cocktail can highlight the spirit even further. OLD FASHIONED COCKTAIL 4 dashes Angostura bitters 1 brown sugar lump Sugar 1 Orange twist 1 Maraschino cherry 2 oz Bourbon or Scotch Garnish: 1 Fresh orange wheel 1 Cherry Using back of spoon, crush the sugar lump with bitters in the bottom of an Old Fashioned glass. Remove the orange rind, add the bourbon and fill with ice. Garnish with a fresh orange twist and cherry. -

The

371-4075 2018 College Ave. Fredericksburg

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

I had the pleasure of sitting down with Beth Black, Joy Crump, and Jeremy Harrison of Foode at their new location on Princess Anne Street. The newest addition to their restaurant family is housed in what was prior the National Bank Building. The historic building dates back to 1819-1820, and has always been a bank until now. The restoration has kept much of the basic feel of the old building to include beautiful wood floors which had been carpeted, but now have been refinished to show their original beauty. The day I ate there, we were seated in the renovated vault. The place was packed, but the general manager, Jeremy Harrison was in and out of the vault, and could be seen talking to many of the guests. This is one of the big changes for Foode in that they have a staff of expert restaurant personnel to help make this endeavor a success. Jeremy has an extensive resume, most recently as manager of Capital Ale House for nine years. He is a trained chef, attending both Johnson and Wales and graduating from the Royal Academy of Culinary Arts in NJ. He is now a part owner of the restaurant with Joy and Beth. They share ownership of the building wth Mike Adams, a local developer who helped circumvent the quagmire of permits and inspections necessary to open a new eatery. Lindsey Marr is the bar manager, and is known as the “Mad Scientist,” due to her outrageous concoctions. Their aim is to produce nostalgic drinks that are reflective of the past, as well as show a sense of humor. Also on staff is a pastry chef, who Joy said is nothing less than an artist.

I have eaten at Foode at the old location, but decided to try the Chicken and Waffles, which everyone talks about, and has seemed to develop a cult following in the world of “foodies.” I was not disappointed, in fact, I decided I might need to purchase a waffle iron. The chicken was perfectly tender, as were the waffles, and a light, pure maple syrup was served on the side. I asked Joy what was her favorite dish to prepare, and for her Shrimp and Grits is the ticket. Also, one of those raved about foods, I will have to try it! Some of the restaurant stories included a proposal in the vault, complete with horse drawn carriage outside. The daughter of the first black bank teller came in to have lunch and tell her story. In January, they will be selling the safety deposit boxes, and the proceeds will go to charity. The main part of the Foode story though is how they attribute their success to their staff, and they can not say enough about them. They believe in their team, and that will ultimately lead to their success. FOODE. 900 Princess Anne Street Historic Downtown Fredericksburg 540-479-1370 Hours: Closed Mon Tues - Thurs: 11a -10p Fri: 11a - 11p Sat: 9a - 11p Sun: 9a -5p Mary Lynn Powers explores the joy of food in FXBG for Front Porch

front porch fredericksburg

December 2016

Cooking With Kyle Frittata by james kyle snyder

December 2016

SpiritS scotch cocktails

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

THE GODFATHER 2 oz Blended scotch or bourbon .25 oz Amaretto Fill a mixing glass 2/3 full of ice, add the ingredients, and stir until chilled. Strain into an ice-filled rocks glass.

Front porch fredericksburg

Etc. Fredericksburg, VA

FOODE new partner, new building same great food By M.L. Powers

Mon-Thurs 11am-9pm Fri & Sat 11am-10pm Sun 11am - 9pm Bar open until 2am everyday

Locally Owned Irish Pub and Restaurant

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

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

200 Hanover St. ~ 373-0738

New Year’s Eve at the Courtyard

The Sunken Well Tavern

New Year’s Eve Packages Available

Comedy Shows

December 31, 7 PM & 9:30 PM Tickets @ CoolComedy.com New Year’s Day Brunch 9am-2pm $19.95 Adults, $10.95 Kids 5-12, 4 & Under FREE 620 CAROLINE STREET FREDERICKSBURG VA 22401 540.373.8300

The General Store

Restaurant

Since 1978

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

Kyle Snyder appeals to your palate and your other senses when it comes to good, simple, healthy eating

Soup & Taco, 813 Caroline St.

The

371-4075 2018 College Ave. Fredericksburg

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

front porch fredericksburg

December 2016

CALENDAR of events

december 2016… We Need a Little Christmas..Now! Thursday, December 1

Join us in the CRRL Theater at 10 a.m. with John Hennessy, Chief Historian/Chief of Interpretation of the Fredericksburg and Spotsylvania National Military Park. For "Letters & Daairies" FXBGG Women Confront War.

Friday, December 2

Look for Santa downtown!! Gift Shop Sale @ Rising Sun Tavern Browse our shops and receive 20% off on your holiday gifts. . All proceeds help fund the mission of Washington Heritage Museums., 11a- 4p Holiday Open House at the Rising Sun Tavern @ Rising Sun Tavern Please join us from 6 to 8:30 p.. for an evening open house with holiday music by Kinda Celtic and holiday decorations. Taste holiday treats of Joe Frogger cookies with cheese and Tavern tea. The event is free . A Holiday with Art @ Art First Gallery will overflow with one of a kind gifts this season. The opening reception First Friday gallery walk. Holiday Party @PONSHOP is excited to celebrate the holidays with their annual holiday show featuring gifts from over thirty local and regional artists. 6-10p Fredericksburg Holiday Craft Show Fredericksburg Expo & Conference Center

Holiday Open House at the Rising Sun Tavern. 1304 Caroline Street Please join us from 6 to 8:30 p.m. for an evening open house with holiday music The event is free to members and the public. Holiday Art @ Art First Gallery, 824 Caroline St Visit All Member Holiday Gift Shop @ FCCA, 813 Sophia St Brush Strokes Gallery Holiday Show, 824 Caroline St First Friday @Artful Dimensions Gallery, 911 Charles St

Legume Live Music, 8-10p Ashleigh Chevalier

Saturday, December 3

Gift Shop Sale @ Mary Washington House, Browse our shops and receive 20% off on your holiday gifts. 9a-3p, 1200 Charles St 39th Annual Spotsylvania Christmas Parade @ Spotsylvania Courthouse Area, "A Hollywood Holiday, 1p FXBG Annual Christmas Parade, 5:30p The City of FXBG, Parks & Recreation and Huber Motor Cars excited to fill the streets with Christmas cheer

Sunday, December 4

Breakfast with Santa Eileen's Bakery & Cafe's seating times 8:30 a.m. and 10 a.m. (Eileen's will be opening for our regular lunch at 11:30 a.m.) $ A W e Christmas Dollhouses & Miniatures Exhibit @Kenmore highly detailed, replica dollhouses, including the Kenmore mansion, and miniatures, fun for young and old alike! Exhibit open daily: December 4-30 (Closed December 24 and 25) The 30th Annual Gingerbread House Contest and Exhibit a long-standing holiday tradition! displayed at George Washington's Ferry Farm! Thu December 23 10a-4p $

Tuesday, December 6 Bistro Bethem Live Music, 8p

Legume Tasting Tuesdays, featured Wine &/or Draft Beer 3-6

Wednesday, December 7

Sunken Well Trivia tonight starting at 7:45pm ~ Come and match wits against the finest minds in Fredericksburg! Compete for Honor, Glory, Prizes!!

Thursday, December 8

Tinseltown Holiday Market @ Sunken Well Tavern 720 Littlepage Hops & History @ Adventure Brewing Co South Location 5-8p

Friday, December 9

Downtown 31 Event Christmas Movie in the Park:7pm, Hurkamp Park "Elf". alcohol-free event open to the public Vendors will be on site with snacks & hot beverages. Enter our $5 raffle for exciting ELF-themed gift baskets. Free Admission. fredprpf@fredericksburgva.gov for details. UMW Philharmonic - Holiday Pops: Christmas with Tony Bennett @ Dodd Auditorium - University of Mary Washington, 7:30p

Saturday, December 10

Mary Washington House Candlelight Tour and Open House. Tour the Mary Washington House by candlelight from 4:30 - 7:00 p.m. and enjoy the holiday decorations. The event is free to members and the public. 1200 Charles Street

46th Annual HFFI Christmas Candlelight Tour, in the Winchester/ Lewis St neighborhood. Visit the Tour Gift Shop for your tour book and the 2016 ornament. Gift Shop sponsored by Leckner Nissan. Tickets @ HFFI office, FXBG Visitor Center, Spotsy Visitor Center, Amy Café. 11a-5p

The Rappahannock Group of the Sierra Club Holiday Open House. This free event will be 2- 4 p at the CRRL, 1201 Caroline Street, .Guest speaker Desiree De Haven, light refreshments provided and door prizes, including four $25 gift cards. Please come, and bring your friends.

Need a holiday card idea? Downtown31 and NSWC Federal Credit Union have you covered. Visit Riverfront Park thru Dec 23 to find life-sized wooden holiday card "frames." You and your family & friends can stand in the frames for instant Selfie Card Photos!! Starts @12n

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 Historic Court House Lawn 9111 Courthouse Rd Spotsylvania, VA 22553. 4:45p

Rappahannock Model Railroaders 19th Annual Christmas Train Show @ Fraternal Order of Eagles Lodge #4123 9a-5p Christmas Gift Give-A-Way Concert @ New Life Outreach International Church bands, Christmas goodies, including grand prize giveaways 4716 Harrision Rd, 22408. 11a-4p

The Chamber Chorale of Fredericksburg Presents A Musical Telling of the Shepard's Story: Songs of Hope and Sharing 3p & 7p at the Fredericksburg Presbyterian Church. benefiting the Fredericksburg Regional Food Bank Admission is $10 for adults; $5 for students. www.ccfbg.org

Sunday, December 11

46th Annual HFFI Christmas Candlelight Tour, in the Winchester/ Lewis Street neighborhood. Visit the Tour Gift Shop for your tour book and the 2016 ornament. TKTS @ HFFI office, FXBG Visitor Center, Spotsy Visitor Center, Amy Café. 11a-5p Pre-Kwanzaa Celebration @ Lee Hill Community Center, 3p. FREE Breakfast with Santa Eileen's Bakery & Cafe's 6th Annual Breakfast with Santa Event is HERE! Our seating times will be 8:30 a.m. and 10 a.m. (Eileen's will be opening for our regular lunch at 11:30 a.m.) $ Rappahannock Model Railroaders 19th Annual Christmas Train Show @ Fraternal Order of Eagles Lodge #4123 21 Cool Spring Road, 10a-4p

Tuesday, December 13

Bistro Bethem Live Music, 8p AJ Lauren Ugly Sweater Part

Thursday, December 22

Legume Live Music, 8-10p, Acoustic Onion

Friday, December 23

Saturday, December 17 Look for Santa Downtown

Breakfast with Santa Eileen's Bakery & Cafe's seating times will be 8:30 a.& 10 a. (will be opening for our regular lunch at 11:30 a.m.) $ Need a holiday card idea? Downtown31 and NSWC Federal Credit Union have you covered. Visit Riverfront Park thru Dec 23 to find life-sized wooden holiday card "frames." You and your family & friends can stand in the frames for instant Selfie Card Photos!! Starts @12n Book signing Scottish Folklore @ Agors Downtown Coffee Shop. Meredith Stoddard, author of "The River Maiden," will be celebrating the new release of her book and sequal, "The Cauldron!

Sunday, December 18 Look for Santa Downtown

Bistro Bethem Live Music, 8p

Legume Tasting Tuesdays, featured Wine &/or Draft Beer 3-6

Wednesday, December 14

Annual Christmas Concert .Ring in the Holidays with Stafford Regional Choral Society St Peter's Regional Luthern Church,1201 Courthouse Rd, Stafford, VA 22554. 3p & 7p

Look for Santa Downtown

Downtown 31 Event Christmas Movie in the Park: 7pm "A Chrismas Story". Hurkamp Park. A Christmas Story. alcohol-free event is open to the public Enter our $5 raffle for exciting A Christmas Story-themed gift baskets. Free Admission.

Sunday, December 25

Merry Christmas…Hope Santa doesn't leave you coal!

Monday, December 26

Downtown 31 Event "Snowball Fights" Riverfront Park, 600 Sophia St. Children (k-4th grades) 68p full bucket of snowballs for $5 admission. 15minute snowball fights with a 5 minute intermission. Questions about the snowball fights? Call 540-372-1086 or email fredprpf@fredericksburgva.gov

Tuesday, December 27

Downtown 31 Event "Snowball Fights" Riverfront Park, 600 Sophia St. Children (5-8th grades) 7-9p full bucket of snowballs for $5 admission. Questions about the snowball fights? Call 540-3721086 or email fredprpf@fredericksburgva.gov

The Living Nativity at Spotsylvania Courthouse Village No charge, free parking! 9010 Old Battlefield Blvd Merchants Sq, Spotsy Courthouse Village, 22553 5-7p

Bistro Bethem Live Music, 8p

Sunken Well Trivia tonight starting at 7:45pm ~ Come and match wits against the finest minds in Fredericksburg! Compete for Honor, Glory, and Prizes!!

Tuesday, December 20

Wednesday, December 28

Friday, December 16

Legume Tasting Tuesdays, featured Wine &/or Draft Beer 3-6

Look for Santa Downtown

Downtown 31 Event Christmas Movie in the Park: 7pm Hurkamp Park"Polar Express. alcohol-free event is open to the public Vendors will be on site with snacks and hot beverages. $5 raffle for a train set and engineer keepsakes…

Bistro Bethem Live Music, 8p

Wednesday, December 21 Look for Santa Downtown

Sunken Well Trivia tonight 7:45pm match wits against the finest minds in Fredericksburg! Compete for Honor, Glory, and Prizes!!

Downtown 31 Event"Snowball Fights" Riverfront Park, 600 Sophia St. Adults, 7-9:30pm info 540372-1086 or email fredprpf@fredericksburgva.gov

Look for Santa Downtown

Join Downtown Greens and shop at Latitudes, 806 Caroline Street, from 6 to 8 pm. 15% of all sales during that time will be donated to Downtown Greens which will help support Youth Garden

Look for Santa Downtown

Thursday, December 29

Legume Tasting Tuesdays, featured Wine &/or Draft Beer 3-6

Downtown 31 Event "Snowball Fights" Riverfront Park, 600 Sophia St. High School (9-12th grades) 7 - 9:30pmQuestions about the snowball fights? Call 540-372-1086 or email fredprpf@fredericksburgva.gov

Saturday, December 31 New Year's Eve

Downtown 31 Finale Event : Riverfront Park & Market Square, 5-9 pm, Live Music and Dancing with Steve Jarrell and Line Dancers; Teen Area, Children's Area featuring Elsa the Snow Queen, Entertainers, Crafts, Moon bounce and more; Games & Activities; Food Vendors; Snow Maze; Burn regrets and share new resolutions; Familyfriendly, alcohol-free event with an early countdown to the New Year Ping Pong Ball Drop @9pm will drop 3,000+ ping pong balls including 100+ winning prize balls. Sponsored by Fredericksburg Parks and Recreation, Fredericksburg Economic Development and Fredericksburg Main Street. For questions about the 31st Finale Event, call 540-372-1086 or email fprpf@fredericksburgva.gov Legume Live Music, Karen Jonas, 9-12 midnight

If you are reading this 233rd issue of FPF, thank an advertiser as we celebrate our 20th year of continuous publication! If you are an advertiser, list your events. Deadline for January 2017 issue is December 20th. To submit events go to frontporchfredericksburg.com/submit

Sunken Well Trivia tonight starting at 7:45pm ~ Come and match wits against the finest minds in Fredericksburg! Compete for Honor, Glory, and Prizes!!

3020 Fans (& Growing) Want You to Join

Front Porch on Front Porch Wishes You a Happy Holiday 16

December 2016

Front porch fredericksburg

front porch fredericksburg

December 2016

CALENDAR of events

december 2016… We Need a Little Christmas..Now! Thursday, December 1

Friday, December 2

Legume Live Music, 8-10p Ashleigh Chevalier

Saturday, December 3

Sunday, December 4

Tuesday, December 6 Bistro Bethem Live Music, 8p

Legume Tasting Tuesdays, featured Wine &/or Draft Beer 3-6

Wednesday, December 7

Sunken Well Trivia tonight starting at 7:45pm ~ Come and match wits against the finest minds in Fredericksburg! Compete for Honor, Glory, Prizes!!

Thursday, December 8

Tinseltown Holiday Market @ Sunken Well Tavern 720 Littlepage Hops & History @ Adventure Brewing Co South Location 5-8p

Friday, December 9

Saturday, December 10

Sunday, December 11

Tuesday, December 13

Bistro Bethem Live Music, 8p AJ Lauren Ugly Sweater Part

Thursday, December 22

Legume Live Music, 8-10p, Acoustic Onion

Friday, December 23

Saturday, December 17 Look for Santa Downtown

Sunday, December 18 Look for Santa Downtown

Bistro Bethem Live Music, 8p

Legume Tasting Tuesdays, featured Wine &/or Draft Beer 3-6

Wednesday, December 14

Annual Christmas Concert .Ring in the Holidays with Stafford Regional Choral Society St Peter's Regional Luthern Church,1201 Courthouse Rd, Stafford, VA 22554. 3p & 7p

Look for Santa Downtown

Sunday, December 25

Merry Christmas…Hope Santa doesn't leave you coal!

Monday, December 26

Tuesday, December 27

The Living Nativity at Spotsylvania Courthouse Village No charge, free parking! 9010 Old Battlefield Blvd Merchants Sq, Spotsy Courthouse Village, 22553 5-7p

Bistro Bethem Live Music, 8p

Sunken Well Trivia tonight starting at 7:45pm ~ Come and match wits against the finest minds in Fredericksburg! Compete for Honor, Glory, and Prizes!!

Tuesday, December 20

Wednesday, December 28

Friday, December 16

Legume Tasting Tuesdays, featured Wine &/or Draft Beer 3-6

Look for Santa Downtown

Bistro Bethem Live Music, 8p

Wednesday, December 21 Look for Santa Downtown

Sunken Well Trivia tonight 7:45pm match wits against the finest minds in Fredericksburg! Compete for Honor, Glory, and Prizes!!

Downtown 31 Event"Snowball Fights" Riverfront Park, 600 Sophia St. Adults, 7-9:30pm info 540372-1086 or email fredprpf@fredericksburgva.gov

Look for Santa Downtown

Join Downtown Greens and shop at Latitudes, 806 Caroline Street, from 6 to 8 pm. 15% of all sales during that time will be donated to Downtown Greens which will help support Youth Garden

Look for Santa Downtown

Thursday, December 29

Legume Tasting Tuesdays, featured Wine &/or Draft Beer 3-6

Downtown 31 Event "Snowball Fights" Riverfront Park, 600 Sophia St. High School (9-12th grades) 7 - 9:30pmQuestions about the snowball fights? Call 540-372-1086 or email fredprpf@fredericksburgva.gov

Saturday, December 31 New Year's Eve

Sunken Well Trivia tonight starting at 7:45pm ~ Come and match wits against the finest minds in Fredericksburg! Compete for Honor, Glory, and Prizes!!

3020 Fans (& Growing) Want You to Join

Front Porch on Front Porch Wishes You a Happy Holiday 16

December 2016

Front porch fredericksburg

front porch fredericksburg

December 2016

history’s stories

FREDERICKSBURG CIVIL WAR ROUNDTABLE By Ralph “Tuffy” Hicks

Recently my longtime friend Paul Scott contacted me concerning the Fredericksburg Civil War Roundtable. Paul a retired well-known local Attorney and Viet Nam veteran was recently installed as the President of the Fredericksburg Roundtable and he was asking about having a story about the Civil War Roundtable in the Front Porch. My father who was one of the founding members back in 1957 along with Charles McDaniel who is the only living original founding member that is still an active member of the Roundtable increased my interest in taking Paul up on his request.

I was not only a member of the group for over twenty years, but had the privilege of being their guest speaker several times. Major General U. S. Grant, III who was the grandson of former President and General U. S. Grant was a guest speaker at several different times. The membership has always been a cross section of the community including local business owners, former members of the military, University of Mary Washington professors and employees of the National Park Service. The Roundtable will celebrate its sixty years' anniversary on March 28, 2017 with the current membership of around forty members. There are many other Civil War Roundtables in the country with Chicago being the oldest having been organized in 1940. President Paul Scott would like to see the membership increase during his tenure. The organization has its meeting at the University of Mary Washington, Jepson Alumni Center which is within walking distance of the Stone Wall and Brompton. Some of the interesting programs of note coming in 2017: January CSS Shenandoah-Speaker Dwight Hughes, February Shiloh-Speaker Greg Mertz, NPS, March Sharpshooter-Speaker Fred Ray and April Minorities in the Confederate Army-Speaker Theresa Roane. I encourage you to email the organization: fredcwrt@yahoo.com or visit the website: www.civilwarroundtablefredericksburg.com Dedicated to: Pauline Sale, Rebecca Cooper, Florence Powell, Suzanne Marshall, Howard Acors, & Provicence Moller Tuffy brings us historic news of FXBG each month in this space.

OUR HERITAGE HFFI Candlelight tour The house at 1015 Prince Edward Street was once the home of Fredericksburg’s illustrious Cole brothers. Dr. John Eugene Cole and William (Billy) Benjamin Franklin Cole were well known throughout the city. These lifelong bachelors were inseparable until the death of William in 1964. Both brothers were known for their eccentricities. Their former home will be open to visitors for this year’s evening portion of the Candlelight Tour. Before settling in Fredericksburg, William Cole’s long and varied career included being a school teacher, newspaper reporter, Navy man, and math professor in Peking, China. He was elected the city’s commonwealth attorney in 1925 and held that position for nine consecutive 4-year terms. He had the reputation as an excellent debater in the courtroom and was known to quote, from memory, sections of city and state laws. John C. Goolrick, a local columnist for the Free Lance-Star, remembered “…the frequent loud courtroom clashes between Billy and defense attorney Francis B. Gouldman. These verbal duels often occurred while the judge sat on the bench calmly reading the morning newspaper.” Billy, known for his quick sense of humor, enjoyed talking to people about a variety of subjects. He was much in demand as a master of ceremonies for local banquets. If things got a little dull in Fredericksburg, Billy would often hire a band and a hall where people paid $2 a couple to dance. Dr. John Cole attended the University of Virginia, where he received his medical education, graduating in 1908. A year later, he began a general practice in Fredericksburg. He made his rounds in a horse and buggy at a time when doctors made house calls. Like his brother, he often did not charge for his services. This courtesy was extended to those who could afford his fee as well as those who could not. Dr. Cole’s charity extended beyond his doctor’s office. He often asked friends to have lunch with him at a

By Anita Dodd

Kate Schwartz fxbg historic resource planner By kevin brown

1958 photo Cole House courtesy of HFFI restaurant, his treat. When one guest arranged ahead of time to pay the bill, it was the last lunch he had with Dr. Cole. Dr. Cole was said to be slow and methodical when practicing medicine. One account tells of a time when he, as city coroner, was called out to examine six drowning victims. He slowly and methodically examined each victim, carefully consulting his pocket watch for the time of death after each one. Dr. Cole was very knowledgeable about world and local affairs, politics, and business, and had strong opinions about them. One relative remembers family dinners when he would quiz everyone around the table about world events. The Cole brothers were considered pillars of the community and will be remembered for their kindness and contributions to the welfare of Fredericksburg. Their home will be open Saturday evening, December 10, only during the evening tour. The five other neighborhood homes on the Tour will also be open December 10 and 11 during the day. Visit hffi.org/holiday-candlelighttour/ for more information on the Historic Fredericksburg Foundation, Inc. 46th annual Holiday Candlelight Tour.

Kate Schwartz doesn't just care about and know a lot about historic preservation…she wants to make an impact on Fredericksburg and its rich historic and cultural resources.

owners, community stakeholders and other staff. In this position I'm able to focus more completely on the historic preservation needs of the community and hopefully have a direct impact."

The city's historic district has evolved over the years since its inception in the early 1970's. Developments affecting the district have been overseen by the Architectural Review Board (ARB).

Fredericksburg's first historic resources planner comes to the city with extensive experience in the field and a passion for Virginia history. She was working as the preservation program director for Historic Fort Worth Inc. when she learned about the opportunity here.

She is a native Virginian and grew up in Virginia Beach. She also spent time in Williamsburg and Winchester. She earned her master's in historic preservation at the Savannah College of Art and Design.

"As a community we have the difficult task of determining what places will hold value for future generations by our choice of what we preserve, how we design new buildings and how we tell the story of these places," she said. "In Fredericksburg we need to evaluate what stories we aren't telling and how we can sensitively incorporate new uses, designs, businesses and people into a historic community without losing its distinctiveness."

"My position in Fort Worth was a bit different than my work here, as I was working with a citywide preservation nonprofit organization. My responsibilities there involved preservation advocacy, creating programs for the organization, and working closely with the community and city staff to preserve and find new uses for historic places," Schwartz said. "I was interested in moving to a city government role where I could be more directly involved with property

"My passion for historic places started with Virginia's history, so the opportunity to return as a preservationist to my home state was very attractive to me. I haven't lived in Fredericksburg previously, but I've been through it and around it many times, so I'm enjoying getting to know the city and its unique history," Schwartz said. "I'm excited to be part of this vibrant community and hopefully play some role in envisioning its future." She sees historic preservation as both opportunity-filled, yet challenging.

Schwartz's initial priorities include creating an archaeological ordinance in order to understand the history of Fredericksburg that lies hidden underground and isn't expressed in its built environment, as well as updating the historic designation for the historic district. "There are buildings and places

that may not have been considered 'historic' in 1971, but our understanding of them has changed," she said. So far Schwartz said she's learned that Fredericksburg is a tightly knit community that is deeply invested in its history. "It seems there is widespread agreement that Fredericksburg is a distinctive place with a wealth of historic and cultural resources. The challenge is agreeing on the best way to preserve that value," she said. "To me, preservation has always been about looking forward and backward at the same time, managing change in a deliberate and responsible way." Schwartz works in the city planning department and can be reached by email or at 540.372.1179.

Anita Dodd, graduate, Mary Washington College (BLS Historic Preservation), is Vice Chair, Stafford County Historical Commission & Chair, Stafford Cemetery Committee.

Central Rappahannock Heritage Center

Virginia’s only Regional Archive The Heritage Center

December 2016

Maury Commons 900 Barton St 540-373-3704; crhc@verizon.net Front porch fredericksburg

Fredericksburg

front porch fredericksburg

December 2016

history’s stories

FREDERICKSBURG CIVIL WAR ROUNDTABLE By Ralph “Tuffy” Hicks

By Anita Dodd

Kate Schwartz fxbg historic resource planner By kevin brown

Kate Schwartz doesn't just care about and know a lot about historic preservation…she wants to make an impact on Fredericksburg and its rich historic and cultural resources.

owners, community stakeholders and other staff. In this position I'm able to focus more completely on the historic preservation needs of the community and hopefully have a direct impact."

The city's historic district has evolved over the years since its inception in the early 1970's. Developments affecting the district have been overseen by the Architectural Review Board (ARB).

Anita Dodd, graduate, Mary Washington College (BLS Historic Preservation), is Vice Chair, Stafford County Historical Commission & Chair, Stafford Cemetery Committee.

Central Rappahannock Heritage Center

Virginia’s only Regional Archive The Heritage Center

December 2016

Maury Commons 900 Barton St 540-373-3704; crhc@verizon.net Front porch fredericksburg

Fredericksburg

front porch fredericksburg

December 2016

Senior Care why do some people age faster than others?

your actual age with your cellular age, which they define in TeloYears. By analyzing a drop of blood, your average telomere length can be compared to a typical male or female whose telomere length is similar to yours. So, you may be 60 years old, but your telomere length compares to a 50 or 70-year old. According to the company, this can help explain why people age faster than others. For those readers who are interested, or brave, enough to learn whether your cellular age is younger or older than your actual age, go to www.teloyears.com. You can mail in a drop of blood and get an analysis of your TeloYears for only $89. This may give you the motivation to change things like diet and lifestyle.

One interesting programmed theory involves DNA, the “molecule of life” that defines the uniqueness of each person. There’s a protective cap at the end of DNA that’s called telomere. As cells in our body divide to replace old worn out cells, these telomeres get shorter. Eventually, they get so short that cells can no longer divide. Dr. Leonard Hayflick’s research concluded that the human cell is limited in the number of times it can divide. When that Hayflick Limit (approximately 50 times) is reached the cell dies and when enough cells die, the body ages and ultimately dies. A company called Telomere Diagnostics has developed a simple genetic test that can compare

December 2016

“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

By Karl Karch

By 2050, the population of men and women aged 80 and older will hit 400 million globally, more than triple the current number. Father time has a way of catching up with us and unfortunately, none of us are spared from physical aging. But why do some people age faster than others? The answer to this question has plagued researchers for centuries. While there are many theories of aging that have been studied, they generally fall into two main categories. The first category states that aging is natural and programmed into the body, while the second category states that aging is a result of damage which is accumulated over time. One thing everyone can agree on is that aging is a combination of physical, psychological, social, and lifestyle changes that accumulate over time.

Lexi Grogan’s Pet Sitting Service

For those not so scientifically inclined to know their TeloYears, but want to look years younger, you can undergo plastic surgery, or you can simply buy Christie Brinkley’s amazing QuGenix Rx Face Cream to get rid of all those wrinkles, or any of the multitude of products on the market purported to make you look younger. How old do you feel? According to a Pew Research National Survey on aging, the older people become, the younger they feel and the more likely they are to see “old age” as a time occurring later in life. Most adults over 50 feel at least 10 years younger than their actual age. One third of those between 65 and 74 said they felt 10-19 years younger. And, one-sixth of people 75 and older said they felt 20 years younger. This study lends credence to the saying “you’re only as old as you think you are”. So, act younger, feel younger, and as one song said: “Don’t worry, be happy”. Remember this: “You don’t stop laughing because you grow old. You grow old because you stop laughing.” Happy New Year!!

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

Mind Your Mind

Emancipated Patients

you called me what? By Barbara Deal Better value, more love for your pet than if you kennel board him!

Call my name and I come out of a dream. A friend said her girlfriend had recommended they select a nickname for one another. Surprisingly, the word itself brought them closer. Love pat. What about the potency of words and names in our lives? In the Genesis Creation story, Adam ‘has dominion over them” after he ‘names’ the animals. Authority. Words have other powers, too: bringing joy, identity, remembrances, play, longing, affirmation, dignity, hope, repair. We are transported with lyrics, learning another’s language, reading prose and poetry. In some faiths, naming or depicting a god is prohibited, conveying awe and terror for the Divine. Except for Harry Potter, the characters in JK Rowling’s books show their dread with the words “he-who-must-not-be-named”, insinuating that even saying ‘Voldemort’ could evoke his malignant Presence. An incantation. Sometimes just knowing someone evokes a fond phrase that sticks. E.g My friends with differing political views-teasingly sigh and call me “that X------“ with a grin and a punch. This acknowledges who we are, simultaneously, verifying that connection and contrast. Professions have vocabularies (Sivasana, set-point, foul, toe-pick, impasto, arpeggios, PO2) Pet names too, are like ornaments. “Barb” connotes a rusted wire fence on a country road, when my friends call me that. I get their intent. But, please god, don’t call me “Barbie,” a doll scarier

than Freddie in my childhood. I am still charmed with “Ba-Ba” originally from my sister, then Pa, then my stepdaughter…See how it works? Magnetism Names demonstrate solidarity. Names echo shared understandings within groups. For example, “redneck” is one, now pejorative. Really, is it so bad to be Southern, a farmer, a lover of trucks, beer, women and mama? Would that be the image arising in your mind? Um, maybe notsomuch. It also reminds us of slavery. You see, interpretations vary across social groups and times. Think about this. Like an heirloom, the full measure of a name is hidden to outsiders. Lovers name each other. A sibling is “ Bubba” or “Sissie”. Twins are said to have their own private languages. Daddy’s son: Junior. Having had children in the fifties, spouses transformed their identities with designations “Mama and Daddy” even to each other. Parents invent affectionate summaries of charming actions, interests, phrases. A soft fondness underlies the Tommies, Jackies, Lizzies, and “Ren’s” . A “maiden name” becomes a middle name in the next generation. Relatives, noticing a cherished characteristic in a child give her a piece of history and a responsibility. In some cultures, 3 family names are combined forming one, quietly transmitting uniqueness, ethos and heritage, unknown to outsiders. Word-stumbles persist. Attempting to say “Lela,” her aunt, a child who says “Wooder”, changes her name, forever, in the family. 20+ years ago, another 4-year-old girl in a family of mostly females, misunderstood the title of a favorite lunch sandwich. To our delight, she asked for a “girl cheese”. Endearing. Enduring. Misled efforts at love and humor become self-fulfilling prophesies. Jokingly, one repeatedly called the granddaughter “mean as a snake”. Another, his daughter “Pig” If prevailing, why not go for the gusto? Establish a birthright. Choose Einstein or Sappho, Gloria, Gabriela, Dylan or Prince, Alberto. With hope, my dear Nannie ended our visits, memorably, “Be sweet”. Why not this forecast?

China Study By Patrick Neustatter, MD I was hanging out last night with a bunch who I hesitate to call food fanatics, but people who take what they eat seriously. Who are trying to bring good value, healthy food to Fredericksburg – and who introduced me to food alchemy. I was at ‘Legume Kitchen and Bar’ on Caroline street, with it’s delicious but healthy, vegetarian and vegan cuisine. The event was happy hour, sponsored by op the Fredericksburg Food Co-o There were even some enlightened healthcare providers – ones believing in the aphorism “let food be they medicine” as Hippocrates put it.

Swept Up I have been swept up by the enthusiasm of the members of this co-op. I was conscripted to talk to them about treating high cholesterol with diet, instead of those wicked statins – which was awkward as many of the members of the audience were far better informed than me. I was also persuaded to go to vegetarian/vegan cooking classes, where the alchemy came in. Liquidized cashew nuts or boiled carrots and potatoes made in to cheese - that really tasted like cheese. I was also told to read The China Study, by T. Colin Campbell, professor of nutritional biochemistry. His line is that animal protein is poison. It causes a vascular disease, cancers, auto-immune disorders, bone, kidney, eye and brain diseases. So no meat, no dairy, no eggs is his take. He also chastises the food manufacturers, and the dairy industry especially, for recruiting corrupt academicians to deny his message. There seems some opposition saying he’s FOS, and has manipulated his data. But he, and his followers, are a good example of how people can be fixated on this or that diet and follow their food guru with an intensity worthy of religious fanaticism.

And there is no shortage of diets and “gurus” willing to capitalize on this. But the conflicting advice and the U-turns can be confusing. It used to be fats we shunned, and carbs were the foundation of the food pyramid. But that’s old hat - when my elder sister and family came to stay last Christmas, we were essentially forbidden from eating carb’s.

We Need Education Campbell’s take is carbs are good, but they have to be plant based, unrefined and not have added fructose (from high fructose corn syrup) – which is a message that much of the public doesn’t know or has not taken on board. At the grocery check out I am dismayed when I see, parents in particular, with a cart full of Wonder Bread, Mountain Dew, TV dinners, Captain Crunch etc. But never quite have the nerve to tap them on the shoulder and say “excuse me, but . . .” Most of the public could do with a little more food fanaticism. Not to mention our kids are being fed highly processed, calorie dense, low fiber crap, by fast food franchises that have set up shop in our schools. The Middle Way I would find a full vegan diet hard to follow, but am inclined to the Buddhists “middle way.” Be a “flexivore.” Eat just a little meat/animal protein but keep the diet primarily plant based. I like to think my fanatical friends won’t disown me.

NOTE: The Fredericksburg Food Co-op is a local group anxious to recruit like minded people who want to be memberowners of an organization offering the best selection of locally grown, environmentally sensitive, organic, health foods at reasonable prices. For more information go to fredericksburgfoodcoop.com.

Friends will be shocked reading this. I have run out of things to say . Truly. I invite readers for suggestions. )

Helping homeless children and Deal MA LCSW is a therapist at Alliance Therapy Center

families in City of Fredericksburg, Counties of Caroline, Stafford & Spotsylvania 540 371 0831 front porch fredericksburg

December 2016

Senior Care why do some people age faster than others?

December 2016

By Karl Karch

Lexi Grogan’s Pet Sitting Service

Front porch fredericksburg

Mind Your Mind

Emancipated Patients

you called me what? By Barbara Deal Better value, more love for your pet than if you kennel board him!

Friends will be shocked reading this. I have run out of things to say . Truly. I invite readers for suggestions. )

Helping homeless children and Deal MA LCSW is a therapist at Alliance Therapy Center

families in City of Fredericksburg, Counties of Caroline, Stafford & Spotsylvania 540 371 0831 front porch fredericksburg

December 2016

Renew

Wellness

you eat more when you don’t get enough sleep by Joan M. Geisler One sleepless night impairs movement and focus the same as when you're drunk. It is said that it can equate to an alcohol blood level of .08. This is legal level for intoxication in some states. There is a definite impairment of muscle coordination and driving skills. Missing two consecutive nights messes with your speech, so you start to stumble on words and forget what you were talking about. We know we eat more when we don't get enough sleep, and a new study by Nature.com, finally pinned down how much extra food we chow down on during those days when we struggle to keep our eyes open. Participants who slept fewer than five-and-a-half hours ate an average of 385 more calories than people who got enough shut-eye. To make matters worse, if you're exhausted, you're more likely to skip protein and eat foods high in fat. Need a better idea of what much 385 calories looks like? Here are some examples:

1 Medium McDonald Fries

7 Oreos

By Christine H. Thompson, D.C.

1½ Grilled cheese sandwiches

1½ Chocolate Frosted Donuts

1½ Slices of Cheese Pizza Eating a couple extra slices of pizza or an order of fries once in a while isn't a problem. But if you're chronically sleep deprived, the extra calories add up and become a seriously unhealthy habit. Nutrition and Fitness is more than just diet and exercise. It encompasses your whole lifestyle! A balanced diet includes your thoughts, your actions, who you hang around, what stresses you out, your sleep habits. 80/20 LifeFit Academy is here to Empower You To Restore Your Health. Check out our 6-minute video and take control of your health TODAY. www.8020lifefitacademy.com Joan Geisler is a personal trainer and certified nutrition counselor

Holistic Health Center

~Nature’s Sunshine Products ~Quantitative Fluid Analysis ~VoiceBio Analysis ~ionSpa Foot Detox ~Zyto Bioscan Compass Barbara Bergquist, CTN Board Certified Traditional Naturopath

891-6200

www.thenaturalpath.us

December 2016

1. Here's the straightforward, clear way to enjoy holiday gastronomic delights without seeing your waist expand. Allow yourself one meal a week where you can have whatever you would like. Mind you, there is a time limit to this meal - a normal 30-45 minute meal - and you can't save anything for later. This way you won't feel deprived but you also won't allow yourself to continue to indulge 2. Drink plenty of water between meals and especially 30 minutes prior to eating so that you are not so hungry. 3. Chew each bite twice as long as you normally would and notice (i.e. enjoy) the taste, texture and nuances of the food. 4. At the big holiday meals, go ahead and have the food you normally would, but take half the amount you usually pile on your plate. Then savor it! 5. If you really want to feel more full and less hungry and likely to indulge, have a teaspoon of coconut oil about 15 - 20 minutes before a meal. It will level your blood sugar and make you feel less hungry. 6. The most important thing is to avoid or significantly reduce the sweets and focus more on the proteins, fats and vegetables with each meal. These foods are full of nutrients and also help to maintain your blood sugar so that you don't have the peaks and valley and the tendency to produce cortisol and store fat.

Stress

ble at Availa n.com Amazo

4413 Lafayette Blvd. Fredericksburg

The holidays are upon us, whether we are excited about it or dreading it. I know we can be feeling both ways at once this time of year! Here's a list of the three issues I commonly see people suffer with during the holiday season and simple ways to avoid them. These suggestions may not be easy, but they are definitely doable with some determination and effort. The key is to make your own health and well-being a priority.

Weight Gain

The Natural Path

Natural Products for Health & Wellness

how to Avoid 3 Major Holiday Health Problems

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1. Keep up with your exercise routine! This will reduce stress, help you to sleep better and keep your brain focused. 2. Keep the situation in perspective. When you start to feel stressed, ask yourself, "How important is this going to be to me in 5 years? Will I even remember what I was so stressed about?" 3. Turn off all electronics an hour before bedtime so that you can

get adequate sleep. Without proper sleep your hormones will be off and your stress levels will rise. The blue light of electronics interrupts normal circadian rhythms and interferes with sleep cycles. 4. Use prayer, meditation, journaling and quiet, relaxing activities to trigger the relaxation response and turn off the stress response. as little as 5 to 10 minutes of relaxation can help. The trick is to schedule it right into your day just like you would any appointment.

Getting sick with a cold or the flu 1. Keep your immune system healthy with good nutrition, staying away from sugar and attending to the steps for reducing stress as mentioned above. 2. Good daily preventative immune boosters are Echinacea, Garlic and probiotics and for the times when you feel the early warning symptoms of sickness coming on, use products that mount an immediate immune response such as vitamin rich foods, zinc, homeopathic remedies and thymus gland support. 3. Stop germ phobia! We now know that the immune system likes to be challenged and needs exposure to the microbes of our environment not only to populate the gut lining and crowd out harmful microbes, but also to meet challenging microbes and grow stronger. Your immune system operates in a similar way as building muscles. It needs exposure to the population of bacteria, viruses and fungi to grow stronger and protect you from the dangerous ones.

Christine Thompson is the owner of Whole Health Solutions. Contact her at 540-899-9421

Porch Light

Perceptions

play it again, sammy?

No one need take passage half-way across the globe to find beauty’s ambience because it is right here conceived all around us wherever the mind opens.

By rob huffman The first time I remember being in Sammy T's was the night before I left for Army basic training. A couple of buddies and I were bar-hopping, engaged in one of those sentimental and sudsy exercises in male-bonding that such life-changing events like joining the service practically dictate. Sammy T's was our final stop of the evening before calling it a night, and, in my case, before heading off to Ft. Leonard Wood, Missouri, to be a non-civilian. (In those days - this was the autumn of 1984 - pub-crawling in the still sleepy 'burg required little crawling; only a handful of drinking establishments existed for the enjoyment of the non-discerning and dissolute.) The friendly barkeep that evening asked me why I was going in the Army. It was a fair question and I answered him honestly. "I want to go to Europe. The Army said they could put me there." He said I could get to Europe any number of other ways and didn't necessarily need to put myself in servitude to Uncle Sam to achieve this. The accuracy of his observation was undeniable. I believe we had another round as I forlornly mulled over what he'd said. But alas, the papers had all been signed. I left the next day, mildly hungover. But it had been the start of a beautiful friendship. For the next three decades, I spent many happy hours in Sammy T's. The last of which were last week, among many others who'd come to pay their last respects. The mood was festive bereavement, a kind of upbeat melancholy. Sammy's would have wanted it that way. But, ah, the memories stored up there. Like itting in there one winter afternoon with a friend from work, drinking beer while watching Caroline Street fill up with snow. Was there a better window in all of Fredericksburg from which to watch the passing scene, the changing seasons? If

there was, I never gazed through it. Another time a friend and I sat in Sammy's howling with laughter (Who can ever remember what struck you as particularly hilarious in your free-andeasy youth? Illicit substances may have been involved; beer certainly was.) I just remember the laughter. And the happiness of being in a place that allowed - maybe even encouraged - such laughter. There was something homey and unpretentious about Sammy T's that made it irresistible to its adherents. Although even its most rabid devotees would never claim its fare to be haute cuisine, it was still delicious, even introduced revolutionary, since it vegetarian dishes to Fredericksburg. In my memory's taste buds, I can still savor the chi chi dip and falafel, two house favorites. And who was not cheered by that long queue of beer offerings arrayed across the top of Sammy's long bar? Sammy T's was there as the circumstances of my life changed. After our pre-Army introduction, it was still there when I returned from Germany with my new wife Vera. It was probably one of the first places I took her in Fredericksburg, too, as a primary example of Yankee excellence. Later our kids Emma and Rory came to love the place, too. What kid wouldn't like their chocolate mousse? Like any place (or person) of great individuality, Sammy's had its quirks. There was a bathroom that would have shamed a flophouse and these weird, confessional-like wooden booths where my wife Vera unfailingly cracked her head at least once per visit. Indeed a meal there would have seemed incomplete if she didn't throw her head back in laughter at some point and thump her cranium a good one. When I told Vera that Sammy T's was closing down, she said it felt similar to

The ugliness men allege comes from their behavior that rancor has produced when enemies ignore truth to war against each other driven by fear and anger. A Limited Edition Sammy T’s Poster Anyone Know the Year? when Bowie passed away. The end of an era, one more thing deeply connected to your life that was no more. Ch-ch-ch-chChanges - who needs them? I always hoped that Sammy's would survive long enough to see the city of Fredericksburg come to its senses and close down Caroline Street to thru traffic. Make if a pedestrian mall, a la Charlottesville or Winchester. (I think the city's tourist chops - its lazy, Southern, colonial feel -would be greatly enhanced by this move.) There could have been more outdoor seating. Happy people eating grain burgers and camper specials al fresco. More people - young people, married people, people with kids, old people - enjoying Sammy T's. It was good news to hear that the new owners of the building housing Sammy T's also purchased the name and the recipes of the restaurant, too. Seems like a good omen, the foresight of owners who might, after a period of renovation and reflection, might resurrect the beanery (I use the term affectionately, with love). Let's hope so. Old times there are not easily forgotten. Rob Huffman, a FXBG resident, is a frequent contributor to FP

Cloudbanks part overhead and announce the aurora which brings forth dawn to make us choose between keeping a mind closed or lifting our eyes upward. Frank Fratoe lives & writes in the city. He has written poems from the heart for Front Porch for the past 7 years.

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.

Give a Child Something to

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- By Frank Fratoe

Stories that shine a light on life

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Think About

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

810 Caroline Street (540) 371-5684 front porch fredericksburg

December 2016

Renew

Wellness

1 Medium McDonald Fries

7 Oreos

By Christine H. Thompson, D.C.

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www.thenaturalpath.us

December 2016

Stress

ble at Availa n.com Amazo

4413 Lafayette Blvd. Fredericksburg

Weight Gain

The Natural Path

Natural Products for Health & Wellness

how to Avoid 3 Major Holiday Health Problems

Front porch fredericksburg

Christine Thompson is the owner of Whole Health Solutions. Contact her at 540-899-9421

Porch Light

Perceptions

play it again, sammy?

No one need take passage half-way across the globe to find beauty’s ambience because it is right here conceived all around us wherever the mind opens.

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.

Give a Child Something to

Essential Oils Liquid Herbs Reiki Reflexology Aromatherapy Custom Blending Aroma-Therapeutic Massage Harmonic Resonance Therapy

907 Charles Street, Downtown thescenteroftown.com

- By Frank Fratoe

Stories that shine a light on life

It’s always more fun in the Scenter of Town!

Products ~ Services ~ Classes

THE POETRY MAN

Think About

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

810 Caroline Street (540) 371-5684 front porch fredericksburg

December 2016

Art in the Burg

Stories

of fredericksburg

have a holiday with art!

That's when I became homeless. I stayed homeless for a long time. It's hard to take care of yourself when y o u ' r e homeless…especially when you're disabled and in a wheelchair. It messed up my memory when I fractured my skull. It messed up my brain and my balance. Not all of us are there because we want to be. I have no family to take me in.

photo by david kennedy

“ Morning Glory” Ken Searles “Filter Polygon”, Patti Orsmby

FCCA is located at 813 Sophia St ~ Dawn Whitmore

December 2016

“Red Bench, City Dock”, Penny Parrish “Deck the Walls” Member Show @ Brushstrokes Gallery 'Tis the Season to be Jolly! Come to Brush Strokes Gallery and celebrate the holidays with us! Select a gift from the heart for your special someone from our Holiday selection of art, beaded jewelry,

Front porch fredericksburg

A Holiday with Art at Art First Gallery Art First Gallery will overflow with one of a kind gifts this season. Original and limited edition townscapes, landscapes, fused glass and beaded jewelry, as well as clay sculptures enable a personal touch.

Twenty six local artists are represented. Many have long term recognition in the local art scene, including: Johnny Johnson, Gloria Affenit, Casey Shaw, Barbara T. Hall, Carol Crawford, Ariel Freeman, Linda Warshaw and Sheila Jones. As of last month, bead artist Sharon Osmon and painter Ken Searles joined the group. The gallery will be open late on First Friday, and will have expanded hours* for holiday shoppers. Examples of artists' work are available at www.artfirstgallery.com. Opening Reception: First Friday, December 2 from 6 pm to 9 pm, Exhibit on View: through Monday, January 2 from 11 am to 5 pm* Art Fist is located at 824 Caroline St, 540-371-7107 ~ Suzanne Scherr

Scott Butts, 50, previously owned a home in Spotsylvania, but ended up homeless after a divorce and traumatic brain injury. "I've got 2 brothers and a sister. I was the oldest. I was born and raised in Alexandria up until when I was 7 years. Then we moved to Prince William County because my dad was a county police officer. I come from a good family and that's my upbringing. My dad died of a heart attack when I was 9 years old and he was 31. My mom got another boyfriend after him. I worked for him until I was about 17 years old at a carpet store, then I got a job in commercial printing. It's like a museum kind of trade. I was a bookbinder, paper cutter operator and paper folder operator. I was also a supervisor here and there from June of 1983- March of 2009. The place I was working at had been in business over 50 years when I got there and they shut the place down in March of 2009 because of the economy and change of technology. Everybody is advertising online now instead of on paper. It costs a lot of money to print it and mail it through the postal service. I tried to get another job in printing and people kept telling me to 'check back in 6 months.' I was about 44 years old and I would have taken a job doing anything.

win downtown gift certificate Identify this mystery house and you could win a gift certificate from a downtown merchant.

scott butts

glass works, photography and unique gift ideas displayed on our Christmas table. Enter to win a complimentary piece of original art each Friday throughout the month Brush Strokes Gallery, located at 824 Caroline Street in downtown Fredericksburg, is open from 11 am to 5 pm daily ~ Norma Woodward

Patti Orsmby Wins 1st Place The Fredericksburg Center for the Creative Arts (FCCA) announces juror Heide Trepanier selected the award winning artwork for the 2016 "Touch of Blue" national exhibit Trepanier awarded 1st place to "Filter: Polygon" mixed media by Patte Ormsby of Fredericksburg; 2nd Place to "Discovery of Water" markers on paper by Gill Alexander of Miami Beach, Florida; 3rdPlace to "Joy of Freedom" oil painting by Collette Caprara of Fredericksburg. Honorable Mention Recognition awards chosen by Trepanier: were "Moving On" alcohol ink on Yupo painting by Ginna Cullen of Louisa, Virginia; "Teklanika" acrylic painting by Brian Huber of Sausalito, California;; "At Full Tilt" oil painting by Charlotte Richards of Fredericksburg; and "Turbulence" watercolor on Yupo painting by Rae Rose ad Rita Rose of Spotsylvania, Virginia. All Member Holiday Show in the members gallery now thru Jan 2

Name This House

When I was homeless, my camp was over there in Spotsylvania on route 2 right behind Simms Furniture out by Shannon Airport. I was sitting there underneath a young shade tree. It didn't have a lot of leaves on it, but it was better than sitting out in the sun. One day, someone from Micah just pulled up right next to the tree I was under and said 'sir, we'd like to give you some food and put you up in a hotel room until Monday if that would be all right with you.' I thanked her very much…and that's exactly what she did. Social services kept me off the street another week or so and then it was right back on the street again. Soon after that, the lady from Micah told me they had a place for me to go. That was last August.

Here’s how: Email frntprch@aol.com, Subject: mystery house Identify house address Your name, address, email. The poem below is a hint of the location of the mystery house. Good Luck! Last Month’s House: 808 Cornell Ave Winner of a Gift Certificate from Yoga Foundation of Fredericksburg, 1403 Franklin St. Judith A. Hansen, FXBG My old street at the end of town, where soft footsteps of a boy named George, still can be found. My chimneys stand tall with the river below, called the jewel of the block by the people who know. I was a school during my long life, until the war brought me pain and strife. As it tore me apart with shells and flames, Burnside's name was burned into my beams. Many young men who were schooled in my halls, were killed and buried near my tear-stained walls. I stand magnificently, beautiful and ready, to welcome new life, sheltering young and old without prejudice or bile. We survivors amidst this street so old, like living life so bold.

I'm glad to be off the streets. I'm happy. I really love all the people at Micah. I really do. They are the way God wants us to be on earth. All we can do is try to set an example--can't really change people. People are going to be the way they are."

Michah Ministries is a Christ-centered community supporting people experiencing chronic homelessness and identifying pathways to sustainable housing. Michah’s Executive Director is Meghann Cotter. She can be reached at 540-479-4116

front porch fredericksburg

December 2016

Art in the Burg

Stories

of fredericksburg

have a holiday with art!

photo by david kennedy

“ Morning Glory” Ken Searles “Filter Polygon”, Patti Orsmby

FCCA is located at 813 Sophia St ~ Dawn Whitmore

December 2016

Front porch fredericksburg

win downtown gift certificate Identify this mystery house and you could win a gift certificate from a downtown merchant.

scott butts

Name This House

front porch fredericksburg

December 2016

Showcasing Local Art

Art is a Gift from the Heart

Community Bank of the chesapeake

Downtown Buzz making spirits bright

By dawn whitmore with organizations in their community; which in turn raises awareness of the bank and their dedication to their communities. Hicks states, “The desired outcome for the bank is to enjoy the opportunity to have rotating art within our branches and share this with the community. It is also a great way to connect with our customers as they ask and talk about the artwork. The partnership in turn brings awareness to the different art organizations throughout our communities. It brings discussion about the organization and artists, as well as, sales for the artists. The mutually beneficial partnership is a fun and creative way to showcase local art and gets neighbors helping neighbors.”

Local Artist, Becky Heyes with her artwork at Community Bank of the Chesapeake Community Bank of the Chesapeake Bank (CBTC) and Fredericksburg Center for the Creative Arts (FCCA) has created another opportunity for our area to see local artist work. The program of satellite galleries actually became to be with the La Plata branch of CBTC back in 2014.

“The focus of the partnerships is to connect with our community. They (the satellite galleries) provide an opportunity to share the unique beauty that local people are creating. As a Community Bank, it is wonderful to feature community places,” says Diane Hicks, Assistant VP Marketing Manager.

The branch had major renovations, which left open wall space. The bank wanted a creative way to fill the walls. Their solution would be the “Community Art Series.” Mattawoman Creek Art Center, located in Maryland, would be the first partnership. The featured work rotates and is available for purchase with prices ranging from $50.00 up to several thousands.

Currently, the majority of the work in the Fredericksburg satellite galleries has been 2-D work. However, various mediums are showcased depending on the branch, with some featuring ceramics, pottery and more.

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

December 2016

Front porch fredericksburg

The marriage of the bank’s wall space and the artwork of members benefit both parties. Extra eyes see the artwork of local artists and the bank is able to work

CBTC and FCCA have partnered on two satellite galleries, one at the Central Park branch and the other at their new William Street branch. The bank holds a First Friday afternoon reception at the William Street branch from 2pm-5pm to coincide with exhibition rotation. However, the current exhibit of work can viewed during regular bank hours at both branches.

Dawn Whitmore is a landscape photographer and writer who lives in Spotsylvania. facebook.com/dewphotographypage website at www.dewphotographyva.com

By Ann Glave Artists: Lynn Abbott Jen Callahan Penny Parrish, Beverley Coates Daily hours 10 to 6. Artist on site Saturdays 810 Caroline Street, Downtown Fredericksburg

D o w n t o w n Fredericksburg is THE place to be this Holiday Season! Numerous partners and volunteers have put together a delightful variety of events and activities for residents and visitors of all ages. 1. PARKING PERKS. Downtown parking limits have increased to four hours to the end of January. See the map posted on fredericksburgmainstreet.org for all the details. 2. FIND 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 android. 3. RIDDLE ME THIS. Window Wonderland display and riddle contest is underway. Find the riddles in Downtown business windows. Sponsored by the Free Lance Star and the Economic Development and Tourism office, this new tradition, has many prizes. Pick up your form at the Visitor Center. 4. ARE YOU ALL THUMBS? Have your presents wrapped at the gift-wrapping station located at the rose garden at the Fredericksburg Area Museum and Cultural Center's William Street entrance. Supported by the Economic Development &Tourism office. Girl Scout Troops 468 and 3786 will be alternating Saturdays on December 3, 10, 17 from noon to 4pm. 5. LATE FRIDAYS. There are four 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. 6. LIFE SIZED HOLIDAY CARDS - Life size cards displaying Merry Christmas, Happy Hanukkah, Happy Holidays, and Happy Kwanzaa are located at Riverfront Park for instant selfie photos. This photo opp is brought to you as part of Downtown31 and by NSWC Federal Credit Union. 7. GIFT CARD BONUS. For every $50 gift card purchase, you will receive a $10 gift card from Main Street as our way of saying "Thank You" for supporting Downtown. This promotion is limited to the first 400 purchases starting December 2. If you have an old Experience Fredericksburg Gift card, please go to Visitor Center or LibertyTown Art Work Shop to exchange it for a check of the remaining balance or new gift cards. Unfortunately, the vendor, Omni Cards, closed out the program. 8 FA-L LA-L LA. Merry Carols in Market

Square. On Friday, December 16, there will be a community sing-a-long from 7 - 8 pm with The Spotsylvanians leading our voices in Christmas carols. Hot beverages donated by 25 30 Espresso and Agora Downtown should make it a fun night! Come out beforehand starting at 5pm to visit the newly opened Fredericksburg Area Museum & Cultural Center prior to caroling. 9 Downtown 31. It's a month-long celebration to close out 2016 and bring in 2017. Fredericksburg Parks & Rec has partnered with Economic Development Authority and Main Street with family friendly activities. Go to downtown31.com for all the details. One of the highlights is the holiday movies at 7pm at Hurkamp Park starting Friday, Dec. 9 with "Elf", December 16 with "Polar Express" and Dec. 23 with "A Christmas Story." And who doesn't enjoy a snowball fight? For $5 get a bucket full of snow balls and have fun. This is broken down by groups to keep it fair - Dec. 26 Kindergarten to 4th grade 6pm to 8pm, Dec. 27 grades 5th to 8th 7pm to 9pm, Dec. 28 grades 9th to 12th 7pm to 9pm and adults Dec. 29 from 7pm to 9:30pm. Close out the year on December 31 (New Year’s Eve) with music, interactive activities, dancing, games and more from 5pm to 9pm at Riverfront Park for adults and kids, and a separate venue for teenagers at Market Square. End the evening with a 3,000+ Ping Pong Ball Drop. Who will find one of the 100 prize balls? Make your holidays bright with traditions, ongoing or newly created. Join us for Historic Holidays in Downtown Fredericksburg!

front porch fredericksburg

December 2016

Showcasing Local Art

Art is a Gift from the Heart

Community Bank of the chesapeake

Downtown Buzz making spirits bright

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

December 2016

Front porch fredericksburg

The marriage of the bank’s wall space and the artwork of members benefit both parties. Extra eyes see the artwork of local artists and the bank is able to work

Dawn Whitmore is a landscape photographer and writer who lives in Spotsylvania. facebook.com/dewphotographypage website at www.dewphotographyva.com

By Ann Glave Artists: Lynn Abbott Jen Callahan Penny Parrish, Beverley Coates Daily hours 10 to 6. Artist on site Saturdays 810 Caroline Street, Downtown Fredericksburg

front porch fredericksburg

December 2016

Companions your wildlife friends By Alexis grogan

People have always said you shouldn’t feed wildlife and its true you probably shouldn’t feed wildlife because you don’t want the animals to become dependent on humans for food, but when their natural food source is being cut down and you see a deer or a fox wander into your back yard for food, you cant help but to give them some hope and solace, and something yummy to munch on. Now you normally wouldn’t think of wildlife as companions but I do, so why not treat them as such? I do have to say if you are to feed wildlife please check your local laws and regulations, I wouldn’t want someone to get in trouble just for feeding a furry wildlife friend. There is so much wildlife around us, from birds to squirrels to deer, foxes, and raccoons, now raccoons are scavengers so they can pretty much fend for themselves but why not leave an apple core or two out for them during the night to munch on. Now deer tend to be different than other animals, their digestive system is very sensitive they normally eat greens, berries and bark from their natural environment. During the winter months their food supply can decrease significantly if not completely, so when introducing new foods you want to do it slowly and in small amounts to give their digestive system time to adjust to the change in diet. Some of the things you can do to feed the deer, there are formulated foods you can buy from feeding mills and pet supply stores, and they consists of, alfalfa, oats, soy beans, molasses and vitamins and minerals. If you are unable to get a formulated food there are other things that you can give them such as, apples, grapes, cherries, pears, carrots and snap peas. The safest and most natural way to feed them is from their environment, before winter hits cut down branches that are out of their reach and

December 2016

leave them near by for them to access and for you to watch. Now on to those more humorous companions that are in our yards, the squirrels, they are probably one of the funnier animals to watch in the yard from the way they eat to how they chase after each other running one up a tree. Now you would think that squirrels only eat nuts right? Wrong. They eat various different things, for example the Eastern Gray Squirrel will eat insects, amphibians, small mammals, bird eggs, young bird nestlings and even bones (gross). Still plant based foods still make up a majority of their diet, in a normal wildlife setting where humans do not reside a squirrels normally enjoy nuts, seeds, tree flowers and tree buds from a variety of trees, when human interaction is involved the foods that are safe for squirrels are peanuts, peanut butter, pecans, pistachios, grapes, corn (which is the most common), squash, zucchini, pumpkin, strawberries, carrots, apples, sunflower seeds and even snack items a favorite for all apparently and that is oreo cookies. Who doesn’t love those? And lets not forget the birds! Don’t trash your Christmas tree on December 26th...give it to the birds! Stand your tree outside, and adorn tree with pine cones covered with peanut butter and dip them in birdseed or sunflower seeds. Or Make dried bagel wreathes—cut the bagels in half, smear the sides with peanut butter, dip them in seed and tie them securely to the tree with string. String popcorn, cranberries, oranges, peanuts in the shell and other bird goodies to hang in the tree Caution: Make sure the tree has no tinsel on it before you incorporate it into your landscape. When the birds are finished feasting, lie the tree down to provide a wildlife shelter for foxes, and other wildlife friends. . These are just the few things you can do to interact with your wildlife companions just be cautious and know your local laws and regulations, and always be sure the animals that you are feeding are not sick, you do not want a sick animal near your house or your own pets, more often than not if a wild animal is sick it is contagious and can be passed to your own pets. So always, be cautious but have fun seeing and learning about the companions in your own back yard. Alexis Grogan is the owner of Lexi Grogan's Pet Sitting Services, Contact her at Lexig0892@gmail.com; 540-9030437; or on facebook

Front porch fredericksburg

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

A different approach to foster care

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

Old Town’s Greatest Tour 35 Monuments, Markers, & Attractions AND the Fredericksburg Battlefields Weddings Reunions Shuttles Parties Group Outings Fredericksburgtrolley.com

Embrace

540-898-0737

Every child in Virginia deserves a safe place to call home, wouldn't you agree? Unfortunately this is far from the case. Every night children in Virginia go to sleep hungry, abused, and neglected. When these children are removed from these desperate circumstances they are placed in a foster home. For most children this home is the first time they will ever experience stability, trust, and love. Families who display these qualities are always in high demand. Here at Embrace, we offer training to help you to meet the needs of children who may come from a wide range of backgrounds and match children to a home which meets both the child's needs and the foster parent's level of comfort and experience. We pride ourselves in helping families be equipped, empowered, and educated with the necessary skill set to provide a safe, stable and nurturing home for youth brought into foster care, and we support foster parents completely through their journey. Our mission is to "improve lives" and by partnering with families like yours we are able to accomplish this mission for children in foster care in our community. Embrace is a leader in changing the way you experience behavioral healthcare. We are committed to the well being of foster children from around the Commonwealth. Every day we strive to find these children homes where they will experience love and stability for the first time.

Why We Need You Every year, many thousands of children experience joy, growth, and healing in the homes of very special parents like you. These parents happily share their homes, time, energy, and love with children who have therapeutic needs due to abuse and neglect. With proper training, support, and collaboration, the relationships within these families thrive. By working as a team, Embrace and its network of treatment foster families achieve great success and ensure that Embrace’s families are the happiest and most laugh-filled families in the world. We provide case management and coordinate with local Departments of Social Services in order to meet the needs of children that have been removed from

their home. We receive referrals to our foster program weekly and at times, daily; however, we do not have enough foster parents to meet this demand. Because we do not have the homes to accommodate these children we turn away 8-10 children a week.

What is Treatment Foster Care? Treatment foster care, also called therapeutic foster care, involves placement of children with foster families who have been specially trained to care for children with certain medical or behavioral needs (therapy or psychology). Examples include medically fragile children and children with emotional or behavioral disorders. Our office is located at: 10705 Spotsylvania Ave, Suite 101 Fredericksburg, VA 22408 Office Phone: (540) 446-5144 Serving children and families in Stafford, Fredericksburg, Spotsylvania, King George, and Caroline Counties.

Christmas Campaign Every year Embrace Treatment Foster Care is responsible for providing 75 foster children in Virginia with the toys that they will find under their tree on Christmas morning. We need your help to achieve this goal. The FXBG community can help children in need. Visit our Go Fun Me page to make a donation to our campaign. www.embracetfc.com/christmas or www.gofundme.com/a-v very-m merry-ffostercare-cchrsitmas This is a unique way for people to give back to their community during the holiday season, they know that the child they donate towards lives in their community and that without their help, these children will have no presents under the tree. Any questions? Please contact Gretchen Rusden at: gretchen.rusden@embracetfc.com or 540613-5120.

Gretchen Rusden, Recruitment Coordinator can be reached at: gretchen.rusden@embracetfc.com. or 540-613-5120

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December 2016

Companions your wildlife friends By Alexis grogan

December 2016

Front porch fredericksburg

A different approach to foster care

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

Old Town’s Greatest Tour 35 Monuments, Markers, & Attractions AND the Fredericksburg Battlefields Weddings Reunions Shuttles Parties Group Outings Fredericksburgtrolley.com

Embrace

540-898-0737

Gretchen Rusden, Recruitment Coordinator can be reached at: gretchen.rusden@embracetfc.com. or 540-613-5120

front porch fredericksburg

December 2016

A 19th Century Christmas at ellwood manor

Fredericksburg Sketches A visual Celebration of our community

By Casey Alan Shaw

by Beth Stenstrom

On Saturday, December 17, Friends of Wilderness Battlefield will host A 19th the 8th annual event called: 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. Friends of Wilderness Battlefield volunteers will be on hand to welcome all visitors. Santa will welcome children of all ages from 9:00 A.M. - 12:00 P.M only. A special arts and craft area will be available for children to enjoy while they wait their turns to see Santa! Don't forget to bring your camera! After Santa leaves, live music will be performed by Evergreen Shade from 12:00 P.M. - 2:00 P.M. Friends of Wilderness Battlefield volunteers will be available to talk with visitors about the history of the house and volunteer opportunities with the organization throughout the day. As always, this event at Ellwood is free and open to the public. Donations are always welcome and appreciated. ELLWOOD’S HISTORY 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. 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. A 19th Century Christmas at Ellwood Manor 36380 Constitution Highway (Route 20), Locust Grove, VA 22508 Saturday, December 17, 2016 9:00 A.M. - 2:00 P.M. FREE and Open to the Public For additional information contact Bob Lookabill at ellwood@fowb.org

SKETCH #25: Snowy Rappahannock Bridges I think this particular Fredericksburg image is appropriate for the holiday season. I hope you enjoy it. In fact, this image leads me to a tip that will be my little gift to fellow Fredericksburg artists … and I am constantly amazed by the huge number of truly talented artists that call this area home. This image began life as part of a show I mounted at Art First a couple of years ago. At that time, it was a “summer” image with blue sky and green trees in the background. Later that year when it was getting to be mid-December and still I needed to create an image to use for my annual family Christmas card, my wife suggested that I adapt this bridge scene and paint over it to create a “winter” effect. She was right (as she usually is) and the painting worked much better as a winter scene. In fact, it proved popular enough that when Art First members voted on which image to use on a Christmas card to raise funds for the gallery, this painting was chosen. Those fund-raiser cards are available again this year at Art First, as well as prints of this iconic scene. And now, I’ve been given the opportunity to share it here for the holidays with Front Porch readers as part of my “Sketches” column. So my tip to fellow artists: At the same time you are working on new paintings, don’t forget about works you created earlier. With a little tweaking, they can see new life and new audiences in ways that you never imagined when you originally created them! Casey Alan Shaw is a local artist and Realtor. He exhibits his original artwork and limited-edition prints at Art First Gallery in downtown Fredericksburg and at www.caseyshaw.com.

606 Caroline Street Old Town Fredericksburg

Beth Stenstrom is Communications Chair for Friends of Wilderness Battlefield

Introducing

Frontporchfredericksburg.com FB@FrontPorch Magazine 30

December 2016

Front porch fredericksburg

“Pebbles” by Gemstone Creations Handcrafted Jewelry Featuring Natural Rough Diamonds

373-7847 www.gemstonecreations.org Tuesday - Saturday 10-5 Wednesdays until 6:30 and by appointment

Where Fredericksburg Gets Engaged

From My Porch

FXBG’ERS Ron & michele utt

existing in pictures, a day at a time

by georgia Lee Strentz

By Jo Loving

"Our human compassion binds us one to the other-not in pity or patronizingly, but as human beings who have learnted how to turn our common suffering into hope for the future." ~ Nelson Mandela A parking lot full of cars at beautiful Belmont, in Falmouth, at seventhirty in the morning. Who could be there or want to be there so early? I walked into the room adjoining Gary Melcher's studio, which was filled with positive vibrations. These wonderful, giving people, believe and live the words of Nelson Mandela, giving vast amounts of time, energy, compassion and hope to the children of our Fredericksburg community. An invitation to join the breakfast meeting from Ron Utt, who is a volunteer big brother for Rappahannock Big Brother and Big Sister, and who is also a member of their Board of Directors, and his wife Michele, who is a volunteer big sister. Michele was named, Big Sister of The Year in 2016. Michele has mentored her two little sisters for ten years, and they are now lovely young women of fifteen and sixteen. She said,she thought her trip with them to New York City and watching them enjoy the plays, sights, and the city culture, was a high point in her life with them. Michelle and Ron have been active in this organization for ten years here in our "Burg." Ron said he got so emotional, when his second little brother told him he hoped Ron could be in his life for eight years, just like Ron's previous little brother.

Ron and Michele moved to Fredericksburg from D.C. three years before retirement. Ron was an economist, in D.C., Michele was Executive Director of the Legislative Studies Institute, on Capital Hill for 33 years. They decided they has been so fortunate, as they have three successful grown children and 6 grandchildren, that it was time to give back. How fortunate for us they decided to settle here and become Fredericksburgers. A young, poised,well-spoken (and brave) seventeen year old boy from Stafford High School, spoke movingly in front of the large group of adults and shared memories of time spent with his Rappahannock big Brother. The museum trips, eating dinner out, sporting events, just hanging out talking, getting advice, taking family vacations with his big brother's family, bonding with a grown-up guy. His wonderful, supportive mother spoke about the value of a male figure in a boy's life, even though he comes from a successful family setting. A male figure fills in so many basic gaps that are so very important in a boy's life, and a mother may not be able to manage these transitions for a son. Our community support for Rappahannok Big Brother, Big Sister organization, headed by Executive Director, Michelle Hedrich, in our familyoriented, humanistic town, was reflected in the faces of the many men and women in the room,filled with compassion and determination. Working with Rappahannock Big Brother, Big Sister, has been a huge and enjoyable part of Ron and Michele's life, and they highly recommend it for anyone like themselves, who have "giving back" on your mind. We are so grateful here at Front Porch, for the may volunteers who through their compassionate living, make our "Burg" by the river, the best place in the U.S.A, to raise a kid and kiss a fish.

It’s one thing to make a picture of what a person looks like, it’s another thing to make a portrait of who they are. ~Paul Caponigro Do you remember the column I wrote a couple of months ago, about my grandmother in her jaunty hat, and the life she lived? Well, what led to that piece was a box of photographs that I had borrowed from my mother. It was a treasure trove of family history. Sepiatoned photographs from people long forgotten, some of whom I had never known and never will – women in beautifully detailed dresses, children with vintage toys and babies in prams, men in waistcoats with pocket watches, some who looked stern, and some whose faint smiles betrayed bemusement beneath their fanciful moustaches. These were my ancestors, my family. About a month after I wrote that column, I was poring through my own family photographs – of my children and grandchildren, and came to a realization. As a person who cherishes capturing a moment, particularly candid moments that reveal the persona of the subjects, one thing was missing. Me. There were a few candid shots that my children have taken of me with my grandchildren – images that capture the joy of being with them, and our mutually shared adoration of one another. But there are no portraits of me alone, save for one mall studio glamour shot from a “girls day” with my daughters when they were pre-teens, and school photos. As glamour shots go, it was ok. But it doesn’t show who I am, or even who I was. As a writer, I need stories – I always want to know the story behind a picture. A glamour shot doesn’t cut it – not in telling my great-grandchildren someday about their GaGa. There are reasons why there are not many photographs. I’ve never thought I was a good photographic subject. There are always pounds that need to be lost,

hair that isn’t just right, an outfit that I don’t thing looks perfect, or whatever other issue I can think up in the moment. The bottom line: it is all about my own self-image, or lack thereof. I look back at the few candid photos that exist, and think to myself, “Hmmm, I looked pretty good then, and I thought I was fat, or frazzled, or ill, or …,” well, you get the idea. So I’ve made an effort of late to hop back into photographs, because I know how important they are in understanding the engagement of a person in their family, in their lives, in the larger world. Today, I’m taking a larger step. Unbeknownst to my family, on my little vacation to the Virginia mountains, in the few days of solo time before I am joined by my son and his family, I have hired a photographer to record me as I am today – in my favorite setting, outside, near a mountain stream, in the Fall, my favorite time of year. I told her I would like something that shows my personality, somewhat outdoorsy, somewhat sophisticated, somewhat offbeat, just me in the beautiful place that is the home of my heart. We will likely do a couple of writerly head shots, but those aren’t the ones I’m truly after – I hope she finds a way to capture something that, one day in the future, when those grandchildren are looking at the photo, sparks a story. “This was GaGa – she loved nature. Did you know that after she retired, she was a Park Ranger with AmeriCorps? She taught Master Naturalist courses, was a Wildland firefighter, and when she was a young mother, taught my mother how to climb a tree…she jumped out of airplanes 43 times…she was an adventurer, like me…like you will be someday.” Jo Loving is preparing for her afternoon with the photographer, in her beloved mountains, hoping that there will be one image that inspires one of her grands to share stories with future generations, & that they will feel that they know a little something about her – something that an updo, pearls, & a drape in a glamour shot will never tell.

Become a Friend Advocate ~ Donate ~ Volunteer

Rappahannock Big Brother Big Sister can be reached at 371-7 7444

Our downtown girl, Georgia, is running around making warm beds for homeless cats (and also a raccoon or two) and finding a sunny warm window, where she can read Front Porch Magazine, cover-to-cover.

540~479~4116 1013 Princess Anne Street , FXBG

front porch fredericksburg

December 2016

A 19th Century Christmas at ellwood manor

Fredericksburg Sketches A visual Celebration of our community

By Casey Alan Shaw

by Beth Stenstrom

606 Caroline Street Old Town Fredericksburg

Beth Stenstrom is Communications Chair for Friends of Wilderness Battlefield

Introducing

Frontporchfredericksburg.com FB@FrontPorch Magazine 30

December 2016

Front porch fredericksburg

“Pebbles” by Gemstone Creations Handcrafted Jewelry Featuring Natural Rough Diamonds

373-7847 www.gemstonecreations.org Tuesday - Saturday 10-5 Wednesdays until 6:30 and by appointment

Where Fredericksburg Gets Engaged

From My Porch

FXBG’ERS Ron & michele utt

existing in pictures, a day at a time

by georgia Lee Strentz

By Jo Loving

Become a Friend Advocate ~ Donate ~ Volunteer

Rappahannock Big Brother Big Sister can be reached at 371-7 7444

Our downtown girl, Georgia, is running around making warm beds for homeless cats (and also a raccoon or two) and finding a sunny warm window, where she can read Front Porch Magazine, cover-to-cover.

540~479~4116 1013 Princess Anne Street , FXBG

front porch fredericksburg

December 2016