Front Porch Fredericksburg Magazine by Virginia Grogan

contents

closeups 6

18 history’s stories: st nick history in our backyard: plantation life 19

slice of history....john henry myer

Tracy blevins master gardener extraordinaire

20 Senior Care:you can call me.... 21

it’s all energy..healthy holiday tips

Kendra Morgan her uplifting story

biz marketing...do your homework

theresa bonilla renato’s storied proprietor

24 art in the ‘burg mystery house

26 what’s in a witness?

Porch talk 3

Lion”s Tree Sale...long standing tradition

on the porch...life in fredericksburg Messages

everything greens: celebrating 25 years

downtown buzz: holiday cheer

hen asem: Our Story

i have a friend: mary & andria

A neighborhood to explore

season’s bounty: ’snow sweets

Cooking with kyle: frittata Spirits: winter cocktails

vino...holiday picks

16-17

Calendar of events\\

Companions: let it snow

astrology & you poetryman

fredericksburg sketches

...And more! 5

on deadline!: newseum closing

tinsel town holiday sale returns

freehling on fred: fxbg ranked #1 Cover: “Grandfather Frost” by Alexis M. Grogan

december 2019

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A Long Standing Holiday Tradition Fxbg host Lions club tree sale By sally cooney anderson

The Fredericksburg Host Lions Club started selling trees in a muddy field at the southern end of the Park and Shop shopping center on Route 1 in the area that is now Eagle Village. There are a few different opinions about the year but those who were there remember standing around a fire barrel to keep warm as they told Christmas stories of days long ago. In the early years, the number of trees sold increased from somewhere in the hundreds to 3,000 at its peak. Said Lion Rick Decatur, “Boy, we were young and energetic back then.” Early on, the lot moved to the back of the motel on the east side of the Park and Shop parking lot. Two big improvements were asphalt to stand on and Lion Dick Brown provided his camper as a place to get warm.

The tradition was that, on the Friday after Thanksgiving, three Lions would make the 6+ hour drive to Musser’s Tree Farm in Indiana, Pennsylvania in a tractor trailer, leaving Fredericksburg at 4 a.m. Says Rick, “I cannot remember ever having good weather for this trip; sleet seemed to expect us and came down every year.” Several years later, the Club purchased a small construction trailer (which we still use today) to serve as the lot office. All were delighted that it came with propane heat! A few years ago, the Club started selling White House ornaments at the lot. The additional revenue has increased profits dramatically. The Club continued the tradition of setting up the lot during the first few days of Thanksgiving week. The trailer arrives. Volunteers put up fencing and signage. The port-a-potty is delivered and, on opening day, the Saturday after Thanksgiving, the holiday lights are turned on.

One thing has remained the same. Every tree and wreath delivered is sold. In the past few years, the Club has gotten 500-600 trees from the Mt. Rogers Christmas Tree Farm in Whitetop, Virginia. Said Bob Lang, “We think we could sell more but larger quantities are not always available so we take as many as we can get.” This year, the trees and wreathes will be delivered on Saturday, November 30, and sales will begin as soon as they are unloaded from the truck around 10a.m. Volunteers are always welcome (and needed) to help. Those interested should go to www.fredlionsclub.org and click on the tree. The Fredericksburg Host Lions Club was chartered on November 24, 1938. Since that time, members have served our community in a multitude of ways. On a regular basis, we provide sight and hearing screenings and help those who cannot afford them with the cost of exams, glasses and hearing aids. We support local students with an annual school supply drive, scholarships, a peace poster contest, and a music competition. We help fund camps for children with

diabetes and hearing loss. We contribute funds to organizations that support those with visual and hearing impairment as well as other organizations providing needed services in our community. And, we volunteer in our community following our motto – “We Serve!” Sally Cooney Anderson is an artist & a Host Lions Club volunteer

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december 2019

Gerri Reid

ON THE PORCH Guest Porch Editorial

Contributing Writers & Artists Rita Allan Dianne Bachman Sally Cooney Anderson Tracy Blevins Laurie Black Steve Cameli Collette Caprara Jeanne Ellis Bob Epps Sandra Erickson Christina Ferber Frank Fratoe Bill Freehling Jon Gerlach Ann Glave Alexis Grogan Ralph “Tuffy”Hicks Karl Karch David C. Kennedy Vanessa Moncure Patrick Neustatter DeLaura Padovan Russell Peteroff Penny A. Parrish Sara Poore M.L. Powers Gerri Reid Rob Rudick Paul Scott Casey Alan Shaw Mandy Smith James Kyle Snyder Toni Sorrentino Beth Stenstrom Georgia Strentz Jim Toller Jan Waltonen Tina Will Michelle Williams Nancy Williams Sonja Petersen Wise Norma Woodward

Front Porch Fredericksburg is a free circulation magazine published monthly by Olde Towne Publishing Co. Virginia Bigenwald Grogan, Publisher. The mission of Front Porch Fredericksburg is to connect the diverse citizenry of Fredericksburg with lively features and informative columns of interest to our community’s greatest resource, its people. Messages from our readers are welcome. All submissions must be received by e-mail by the 19th of the month preceding publication. Writers / Artists / Photographers are welcome to request Guidelines and query the Publisher by e-mail. Front Porch Fredericksburg PO Box 9203 Fredericksburg, VA 22403 Ad Sales: E-Mail: frntprch@aol.com

pawsitively Crazy about Fred by Geri reid When I moved to Fredericksburg in 2002, it reminded me of Alabama where I attended College. I loved to drive around and see the farms with pastures full of cattle huddled under a tree in the shade enjoying a mouth full of grass. Born and raised in Cherry Hill, New Jersey, this City Girl fell in love with the country life! Over the years of living here, I realized how rich the City of Fredericksburg was with History. I remember taking a ride on the Trolley to learn about this Little Gem called Downtown Fredericksburg. Nothing can prepare you for the vast array of stories Downtown holds. From cannon balls still stuck in the houses to haunted stories of the Beautiful Homes that adorn Downtown. In the years that I have lived here, Downtown has truly evolved. Walking down Caroline Street and venturing into the shops, you never know what you will find! As a Local Veterinarian, the one thing I love about Fredericksburg is the Community’s Love of Animals. Downtown Fredericksburg is a dog-friendly community that embraces our four-legged family members! There is not a moment that you will walk down the streets and not see someone walking their dog. Whether it is early in the morning and you stop by Hyperion Espresso for a cup of coffee, you are likely to see a dog relaxing out front with its owner enjoying the morning air. Many of the Restaurants as well as Businesses will put a bowl of water in front of their establishment so no worries about your pet being thirsty! Restaurants now have outdoor seating, so you don’t have to leave your dog at home anymore. From grooming at Handsome Hounds to pet food/treats/supplies from Dog Krazy to training by Off Leash K9 Training, Downtown Fredericksburg can be your one-stop-shop for your pets. Not only is Downtown Fredericksburg Dog-Friendly but I have noticed how the community rallies together to help pets. There is not a day

Web Site: www.frontporchfredericksburg.com Facebook: @Front Porch Fredericksburg 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 2019 Olde Towne Publishing Co. All rights reserved.

December 2019

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or weekend you will not find an event that supports the Local FredSPCA or an event t h a t proceeds/ donations will go to the local A n i m a l Shelters. You will hear about young children who have Birthday Parties and ask guests to bring food/pet supplies to donate to the shelter bypassing the presents for themselves. Local Photographers are teaming up with the non-profit organizations such as FredSPCA for the holidays doing Pet Photos and donating all the proceeds from the event. Even the local Breweries hold events to raise money to help pets in need. My own Business, Reid Mobile Veterinary Services, PLLC goes to the Chancellor Senior & Assisted Living Facility every other month to helps the Residents with their pets while waiving the Housecall Visit and Physical exam. It’s the little gestures we do as a community that makes Fredericksburg a great place to live and have pets. Being part of a Community such as Fredericksburg has enriched my professional career. As a young girl, I always dreamed of becoming of Veterinarian. Caring for animals has always been my passion and I never lost site of that dream. I come from a family full of teachers and Medical doctors, but I became the first Veterinarian. Fredericksburg has allowed me to use my knowledge and skills in so many others ways. Something as simple as writing an article for the Front Porch Magazine allows me to step away from the medical side of Veterinary Medicine and channel

my love of writing. And after work, instead of eating out at big chain restaurant, we always venture Downtown to support the local businesses and dine on some delicious food. I couldn’t ask for a better place than Fredericksburg to start my own Mobile Veterinary Business. Fredericksburg has been a place I have settled in and am proud to call it Home. I met my Life Partner, Kourtney here and with our shared love of animals starting our business was easy! But I credit the city of Fredericksburg for our success. With the support of the community and their love of animals, our business has truly flourished! And it has allowed this City Girl from Jersey make her Dream come True! So, as you sit there on your couch, under a warm blanket next to a cozy fire with your dog or cat reading this issueof Front Porch “cover-to-cover” think about what the community may have done for you and your pet. And perhaps think about what you could do to help support the pets of this Community one Paw or Claw at a time.

Dr. Gerri S. Reid and Kourtney Bumbrey are the Owners of Reid Mobile Veterinary Services, PLLC bringing Veterinary Care to the Comfort of Your Home in Stafford, Fredericksburg & Spotsylvania.

From Our Porch to Yours The Front Porch Elves wish all A Healthy, Happy & Peaceful Holiday Season

On Deadline!

WRAP YOURSELF IN FAUX FUR STYLE

interactive Newseum of news closing By Penny A. Parrish DC has dozens of museums, but my favorite one has always been the Newseum. Located on Pennsylvania Avenue, the building is easy to spot with its seventy-four foot high marble wall inscribed with the First Amendment. Many people think that the Newseum is for journalists. It is, but it is also for everyone else. As an instructor of media relations at the FBI Academy for many years, I took hundreds of law enforcement executives to this intriguing place. Our buses left Quantico with cops and grumbles to most of them the media or press was “the enemy,” a bunch of people with cameras, microphones and cell phones who got in the way at critical incidents. My hope was that the displays at the Newseum would give them another perspective, and it did.

723 Caroline St 899.8077 Daily 10-5:30; Sunday 12-5

One of the most powerful displays at the Newseum is the twisted television tower from the top of the World Trade Center. My students knew that thousands of innocent people, and 412 emergency workers, died when the twin towers collapsed. They did not know that six TV engineers died while keeping their stations on the air. And the information broadcast by those stations helped hundreds of people safely evacuate the towers and the area. There are other profound displays. It holds the largest section of the Berlin Wall outside of Germany. Pulitzer Prize winning photographs show drama and pain. But there is also saw a heartwarming photograph taken in 1957 by William C. Beall called “Faith and Confidence” which shows a DC police officer bending down to talk with a little boy. It makes you smile. In Washington, there is a national memorial to law enforcement

More than 1800 names and faces honor journalists who died doing their jobs. officers who died in the line of duty, and my students attended ceremonies there every session. I also wanted them to know that there is a memorial to journalists who died in the line of duty. At this time, there are more than 1800 names and faces on the memorial wall at the Newseum. Policing is dangerous. Journalism can be dangerous too. Inside our buses on the way home the grumbles were gone. The officers admitted they both learned and benefitted from the field trips. Policing and journalism share many traits – some good and some bad – odd and long hours, PTSD from critical incidents, high levels of alcoholism and divorce, and a desire to be part of a job that helps the public. I have been to the Newseum at least 30 times. It’s for anyone who cares about how and why we Part of the TV antenna from the North Tower document our history. But it in New York City that fell on 9/11 has been losing money and will close on December 31. The building has Penny A Parrish retired from the FBI in been sold to Johns Hopkins University. 2012. She now spends her time as a fine art photographer. If you haven’t been, I urge you to Newseum: Interactive Museum of News visit (www.newseum.org). This amazing Closing December 31 Still time to Visit place had a profound effect on this former 555 Pennsylvania Ave NW, teacher and on hundreds of her students. Washington, DC 20001 The closure will be a great loss. front porch fredericksburg

December 2019

In the Garden what is your gardening Story? By Tina Will Inspiration can come from all kinds of experiences and at unexpected times in our lives. For Tracy Blevins (right), one of our long serving Master Gardeners, it came in her elementary school days through a Science teacher who taught a lesson on how trees take up water, take in carbon dioxide, and produce oxygen. That lesson led her to a life-long enjoyment of collecting trees and shrubs that also satisfies her goal of creating habitat for birds.

and to record the odyssey that drew her and her husband to choose those particular plants. She wants to encourage others to do the same. “What’s your gardening story?”, would be the question she would ask. “Is it part of a larger garden of a certain type?” “Was it given for a special occasion?” Along with the plant knowledge itself, Tracy collects and records where and why a particular tree or shrub was

expanded, it occurred to Tracy that a website on the internet was needed to share this information with Master Gardeners and the public. Her experience developing websites, and Bill’s idea of adding a plant tag came together and the Plants Map website was born. Their idea won the top prize for Start Up Weekend Fredericksburg in 2014. The website features collections of plants and their location, and the plants get to wear a QR coded tag. Visit the website at: www.plantsmap.com. Connections and Collections in Virginia For the first Plants Map Collection, Tracy sought permission from Guy Mussey, our VCE Agent, to label the trees and shrubs at Cossey Botanical Park in Fredericksburg (by the old canal pond and Littlepage Street). It was a great boon to add these well-made tags which, once scanned, give more information about the plants.

Tracy & Bill Blevin s Water Garden Trees continue to be her favorites, and she and her husband, Bill, now have several hundred shrubs and trees on their property. But she has a larger focus than just amassing all that beauty. Tracy wants to connect people with plants to share the plant knowledge

December 2019

chosen. Such a large and storied collection needs some digital management since her goal is to share it with Master Gardeners and plant loving communities. Her records have become a digital journal of all the plants and trees she and Bill continue to acquire. In 2012, as their gardens

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Dr. Eric Wiseman, a professor with the Virginia Tech’s Urban Forestry program quickly saw the benefit of Plants Map and added the ‘Virginia Big Trees Program’ as a collection on the web site. Dr. Wiseman also added another Up Virginia’ to the collection called ‘Look-U website. This collection showcases trees that are good choices to plant under Utility Lines along our streets. Intrigued by the ‘Virginia Big Trees Program,’ Tracy has kept an eye out for a tree to nominate. She recently worked with Tom Snoddy (VA Dept of Forestry) to measure and nominate a

White Ash tree (Fraxinus americana) Chatham Manor located at (Fredericksburg & Spotsylvania National Military Park) in Stafford County. It is now ranked #3 in Virginia for that species on Virginia Big Trees, and it is the only one in the top three that is in the Fredericksburg area. Habitats at Tracy and Bill’s Home On their two-acre property, Tracy and Bill have created beautiful habitats for birds and pollinating insects. Tracy also participates in The Great Backyard Bird Count for this area (www.audubon.org/conservation/aboutgreat-b backyard-b bird-ccount). They share their knowledge enthusiastically with Master Gardeners, friends, and business associates, and like nothing better than to hear about someone else’s plant acquisitions and the reasons for those choices. Tracy’s commitment to sharing her knowledge with our Master Gardener group continues to inspire us to expand our plant knowledge and to record our own gardening story.

Tina Will has volunteered with MGACRA for 15 years and lives near Ferry Farm in Stafford County. Photos by Tracy Blevins

Everything Greens celebrating 25 years in the garden By Krisztina Toth & Delaura padovan foods. Downtown Greens is committed to long-tterm success t h r o u g h conscientious strategic planning Pam Gallant and young Keisha digging comfrey root near as we nurture our Downtown Greens Red Shed in the late 1990’s. programs and It’s Downtown Greens’ 25 th year look ahead to the next 25 years. Anniversary! Well, almost. We’ll hit our To help make our Anniversary Year as anniversary in 2020, and are planning our amazing as possible, we are looking for best year yet! From our delightful day-toGarden Patrons to pledge monthly day programs to our fantastic community support to the garden for 2020. Patron: events, 2020 will be a year to remember! one who supports, protects, or champions Since 1995, Downtown Greens … something, such as an institution … or has grown from a downtown backyard cause. (theFreeDictionary.com). Garden beautification project to a full-fledged Patron: someone who cares enough to non-profit managing nearly 3 acres of pledge monthly support to Downtown park-like public greenspace in Greens for our entire Anniversary year! conservation easement which is available Downtown Greens is funded for everyone to enjoy every day of the exclusively through donations and grants year! Our garden education programs now from our local community. All income we serve 300 children each week, teaching a receive goes directly into maintaining the whole new generation of children how to gardens and funding classes and events. care for the earth and grow healthful And, while we absolutely appreciate every

donation we receive, recurring monthly pledges can greatly benefit Downtown Greens because they are considered assets of the organization and demonstrate community support as we continue to seek grant funding. Recurring monthly donations allow us to plan our cash flow and expenses with greater confidence. A few dedicated supporters already make recurring contributions to Downtown Greens each month. We wish to grow that number in celebration of our 25th Anniversary. Anyone who signs up to make a recurring monthly donation for the full year of 2020 will help solidify our planning and build a strong foundation for our next 25 years! We have exclusive giving opportunities for Garden Patrons for this special year: To get things rolling, we are offering a Garden Goodie Bag to the first 25 people who pledge a minimum of $25 a month for 2020! (This will be an annual gift of $300 or more.)

For those who pledge a minimum of $50 per month (total annual gift of $600 or more) we will create a Garden Basket just for you which will include gifts of the garden and two tickets to our Annual Down Home Ball. For those who pledge a minimum of $100 per month (total annual gift of $1200 or more) we will thank you with 4 Seasonal Garden Baskets throughout the year and 4 tickets to our Annual Down Home Ball. Want to become a Garden Patron? Please visit www.downtowngreens.org/support and sign up today! We are so grateful for the tremendous support that has brought us to our historic 25th Anniversary! It has been an amazing journey and we truly look forward to building the next 25 years with you, Fredericksburg! Krisztina Toth and DeLaura Padovan are Downtown Greens Administration Team

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December 2019

Downtown Buzz Holiday Cheer By Anne Glave Make your holidays bright with traditions, ongoing or newly created. Join us this Holiday Season in Downtown Fredericksburg!

Ann Glave is a busy elf this Holiday season for Fredericksburg VA Main Street. Graphic by Toni Sorrentino

December 6: First Friday. Visit the galleries to find your one-o of-a a-k kind holiday gifts & decorations December 7: Annual Christmas Parade, 5pm December 14-1 15: Candlelight Tour December 14 Fam Faire Kriskinglemart Traditional German Market

Downtown 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. PARKING PERKS. 1. Downtown parking limits have increased to four hours to the end of January. See the map posted on Fredericksburg Downtown facebook page. 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 with your Fred Map app or by visiting fredmap.com. 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. The Free Lance Star and the Economic Development and Tourism office, created this fun contest which has many prizes sponsored by the Economic Development Authority and numerous Downtown businesses. Pick up your form at the Visitor Center. 4. OPEN LATE FRIDAYS. There are three open late Fridays starting in December. Most downtown shops will stay open until 8 pm (or later). Look for the “Open Late” flags outside these establishments. 5. LIFE SIZED HOLIDAY CARDS. Life size cards displaying Merry Christmas, Happy Hanukkah, Happy Holidays, and

December 2019

Happy Kwanzaa are located at Hurkamp Park for instant selfie photos. This photo opp is brought by Fredericksburg Parks, Recreation and Events Department. Start a new tradition. 6. GIFT CARD HOLIDAY BONUS. For every $50 of gift cards purchased, receive a $10 gift card. It’s Main Street way of saying “Thank You” for shopping and dining Downtown. The gift card must be used by April 30, 2020. This promotion started in November’s Holiday Open House Weekend. Supplies are limited. Promotion is available on line at www.fredericksburgdowntown.org, and at the Visitor Center and LibertyTown Arts. 7.FIND FXBG FRED! An Instagram Contest featuring our 4 Freds. Four Gnomes all named Fred are discovering Downtown. Moving around every Wednesday to four new locations. Find Fxbg Fred, tag him #FxbgFred, and the location where you found Fred, for a chance to win $25 Downtown Gift Cards. Every Wednesday (except Christmas Day), we will randomly select an image. Last week of December, prize is $100 worth of Downtown Gift Cards. @FxbgFRED 8. IT”S PERSONAL! VIDEOS. Visit our FB page, Fredericksburg Downtown, to see the videos. Focusing on our local business’s stories and favorite things, it’s a great way to get to know the owners. We shop, dine and explore local because there is a connection. It’s Personal! Videos will continue through the year. Support our local businesses all year around!

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Hen Asem celebrating 400 years of african american history

In 2019, the Fredericksburg Area Museum (FAM) hosted a year-long program series titled Hen Asem. Derived from the fante/twi words of the Ghanaian language, Hen Asem means “Our Story.” Programming included a lineup of performances, workshops, lectures, events, and family programming focused on African American stories, with attention to the beginning of the passage of the trans-Atlantic slave trade.This series hoped to bring Fredericksburg closer to its African connections.

200 William St Downtown Fredericksburg 540-373-4421

This series was established by FAM in conjunction with the Congressional 400 Years of African American History Commission to develop and carry out activities throughout the United States to commemorate the 400th anniversary of the arrival of Africans in the English colonies at Point Comfort, VA, in 1619. Virginia officially kicked-off the state commemoration, American Evolution, in October 2018. The FAM’s programming supports not only the state’s commemoration, but also the Nation’s. In addition, Ghanaian President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-A Addo has

By theresa cramer

announced that 2019 is the “Year of Return” for descendants of all Africans captured and transported to the Americas as slaves. FAM’s programming aims to bring these international initiatives to the local level. Join the FAM on Monday, December 16th from 6:00 PM – 7:30 PM for the Hen Asem Reflection Event, the final Hen Asem program of 2019. The community is invited to join us for refreshments and conversation about the topics discussed in the series, including the 1619 commemoration. This event is FREE and open to the public.

Theresa Cramer is the Education and Public Programs Coordinator for FAM Hen Asem Reflection Final Event December 16, 6-7 7:30pm FAM, 815 Princess Anne St.

The Hen Asem series is graciously City of sponsored by the Fredericksburg. Support provided by the City enables FAM’s Hen Asemcommittee to present quality cultural and educational programming in an effort to unify and better understand our diverse community and history. For more information, contact Theresa Cramer (540-371-3037 x 138) or Sonja Petersen Cantu (540-3721010 x 304).

Historic Renwick Courthouse 815 Princess Anne Street, Downtown Fredericksburg front porch fredericksburg

December 2019

â&#x20AC;&#x153;I Have A Friendâ&#x20AC;? andria & mary By Laurie Black

During this time of year friends and family gather in many settings to celebrate and to continue traditions. Andria Ross and her senior friend, Mary, are preparing to go to the Senior Visitors Program Holiday Party in December which is becoming their tradition. Mary chuckled, "When the invitation came out for the holiday party, Andria asked me if I wanted to go. I said, 'Of course I do!'" They will have a special reason to celebrate at this year's Holiday Party as Andria will be recognized for giving over 500 hours of service since she joined the Senior Visitors Program in October 2013. Andria initially heard about the Senior Visitors Program through another lady at her church. "I had moved to the Spotsylvania area several years earlier, but I still didn't feel connected to the community. I thought this would be a good way to give back, but also to be more involved in my new community. The Senior Visitors Program has definitely helped me feel more connected." She also explained, "The Senior Visitors Program has introduced me to a lot of resources in the community - things I can share with Mary, but also things that will help me when I need them." Speaking of the other volunteers that she has met at events or read about, Andria also emphasized, "I love the diversity in this group. There are so many good people volunteering." Andria was matched with Mary in October of 2014. When asked what has surprised her the most about volunteering, Andria responded, "I was surprised how fast Mary became a part of our family." She went on to say, "Mary is very funny and compassionate. She tells wonderful stories. I particularly enjoy helping her celebrate her birthdays. On one of her birthdays, she bought herself a silly hat and enjoyed showing it off to me."

December 2019

Mary came into the Senior Visitors Program in 2012. She enjoyed two other volunteers before being matched with Andria, but says "I've been with Andria so long now, that's all I remember." Mary cannot speak of Andria without a huge smile. "She's just so nice. Usually we just sit and talk. I talk about my yesterdays and sometimes Andria doesn't even have a chance to talk," says Mary. "We sometimes go out to eat and we've been to the movies before. Andria's work schedule has changed, so we can't visit as often, but she always calls me once or twice a week just to check on me. She asks me if I'm alright and if she can run an errand for me." Mary also spoke of Teresa Bowers, the Senior Visitors Program Director. "When I've had a problem or something goes wrong at home, Teresa is so willing to find someone to help me." Teresa Bowers explains, "In addition to matching seniors with a volunteer who visits weekly, the Senior Visitors Program provides seniors with community resources to help meet their varied and changing needs as they age." Andria concluded, "If you want to warm someone's heart on a weekly basis, if you want to find joy, this is the thing to do! I recommend volunteering for the Senior Visitors Program." Though the lights and sounds and smells of the holidays excite the senses and create a festive spirit, the holidays are a difficult time for many, especially those who are lonely. The Senior Visitors Program is one local program trying to help alleviate that loneliness, all year long.

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Laurie Black is the Administrative Assistant for the Senior Visitors Program

To learn more, call the Senior Visitors Program at (540) 371-2 2704 or visit our website at mhafred.org. Refer a senior or sign up to be a volunteer! The Senior Visitors Program is a free community service program of Mental Health America of Fredericksburg.

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Jewell Wolterman 12225 Amos Lane, Ste 204 Fredericksburg, VA 22407 540-907-0574 www.elitetitleva.com jwolterman@elitetitleva.com

A Neighborhood to Explore 49th annual candlelight tour By Jan Walton

49th Annual This year’s Candlelight Tour, to be held December 14–15, explores a neighborhood whose history began more than a hundred years before the American Revolution. It barely survived the devastation of the Civil War but recovered to become one of Fredericksburg’s iconic neighborhoods. What we know today as the Upper Caroline Street neighborhood, has its roots in a 17th century land patent of 812 acres granted to Captain Thomas Hawkins, a close friend of the earliest Washingtons. George Washington’s brother-in-law, Fielding Lewis, and brother, Charles Washington, owned property in the neighborhood. Charles Washington’s home is now a tourist attraction—the Rising Sun Tavern—and Lewis’s store is headquarters of Historic Fredericksburg Foundation.

In the e a r l y nineteenth c e n t u r y , s e v e r a l p l a n n e d suburbs were laid out on the fringes of Fredericksburg and named after the land speculators who developed and financed them. Henry Fitzhugh was among those investors. He divided his land into residential lots, naming the area “Fitzhughtown.” Two houses on this year’s Candlelight Tour, 1513 and 1517 Caroline Street, are on Fitzhughtown lots. Upper Caroline continued to develop as a diverse neighborhood in the 1800s. The 1860 Census reveals that individuals working as shoemakers, washwomen, plasterers, weavers, and stone masons lived side by side with more affluent residents, including a carriage maker, barrel maker, loom boss in a factory, and a dry goods merchant. The impact of the Civil War on the upper Caroline neighborhood was

devastating. On December 11, 1862, Union engineers attempted to build three pontoon bridges across the Rappahannock. The northernmost crossing terminated at Hawke Street, just one block south of this year’s Candlelight Tour properties. As Confederate riflemen fired on the bridge builders, Union commanders responded with a massive artillery bombardment. The shelling of Fredericksburg destroyed about 100 structures. Two beams in the Rising Sun Tavern’s roof were cut through by artillery fire. Despite the bombardment, Confederate sharpshooters, entrenched in cellars and doorways, could not be immediately dislodged. When Union infantry finally crossed the river, intense street fighting ensued, along with indiscriminate looting. Among the streets most closely associated with the fighting were those on this year’s tour—Fauquier, Hawke, Pitt, and Canal. After the war, Frederickburg’s residents were left to rebuild in a shattered economy. It took nearly a generation for the town to begin to prosper again. The houses on this year’s

tour—built between 1870 and 1911— echo that slow recovery. They illustrate not only Fredericksburg’s eventual renewal but also the contrasts that came to define Upper Caroline’s character. 1513 Caroline, constructed shortly after the war in 1870, was built for James Ryan, an Irish immigrant and stone mason. It represents the many post-war working-class residences of this diverse neighborhood. In contrast, in 1911, the late Victorian homes at 1308 and 1310 Caroline were built by G.B. Wallace, a prominent Fredericksburg citizen who served as Commonwealth’s Attorney for 20 years. These properties symbolize the neighborhood’s wide diversity of architectural styles and residents’ socioeconomic levels, offering a vivid glimpse into a rich history.

Jan Waltonen is a vplunteer on the HFFI Marker Committee, photo courtesy of HFFI Candlight Tour , Dec 14-1 15 Upper Caroline Neighborhood tkts: hffi.org ; office,:1200 Caroline St

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December 2019

Tinsel Town

The Sunken Well Tavern

annual holiday craft market , Eat, drink and be merry at the Sunken Well Tavern for the annual craftsravaganza, “Tinsel Town”, Showcasing one-of-kind gifts and holiday decor from local artists this annual event is now in its9th year.

Artists include Emma StoddardEma’s Dough; Scarlet Pons- Scarlett Wears/Pons Shop; DD Lecky-D.D. Lecky Pottery/Liberty Town; Van Anderson-Art by Van Anderson; Pete Morelewicz-Print Jazz; Cameron Salisbury-Fraser Wood Elements ; Jeannie Ellis-Darby Town Art Studio; Joelle Gilbert Joelle Cathleen Studios Meet the artists, imbibe the drink specials, savor complimentary hors d’oeuvres & and enjoy a friendly crowd…oh, and buy some fantastic gifts ~ Contributed by Steve Cameli

Pete Morelewicz

Joelle Cathleen , & her artisian jewelry

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

Tinsel Town December 5, 6-9 9pm Sunken Well Tavern, 720 Littlepage

Cameron Salisbury & Fraser Wood Elements Tree Topper

December 2019

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Season’s Bounty

Fredericksburg’s Hometown Irish Pub & Restaurant Since 1961

snow sweets vanessa moncure

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

200 Hanover St. ~ 373-0738

The Soup & Taco, Etc. 813 Caroline St. Fredericksburg, VA

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

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

Another holiday season! It seems trite to say, but wasn’t last Christmas just a few weeks ago? I still have the window candles stashed in a kitchen drawer, an elementary-school painted sleigh napkin holder has held sway on the sideboard all year and a stash of holiday antique cake and cookie tins stare balefully down on me from the very top shelf of a very tall cabinet - it’s that time of year again! Fill us up! If there’s anyone in the family to blame for extra avoirdupois buildup over the holidays, it has to be me. Those tins aren’t waiting to be filled with celery sticks and fizzy flavored water - no, no. Carbohydrates galore, butter cookies, brittle, fruitcake and tatties - chocolate fudge and macaroons and mincemeat, oh my. Summer baking, sure, a pan of brownies or some offhand chocolate chip cookies. But for the holidays! December just wouldn’t be December without my grandmother’s applesauce raisin black walnut cake, her date and walnut cake with a small glass of sherry in the tin to provide “atmosphere”, cut-out sugar cookie Santas and sleighs, the dipped teaspoons of dark, dark nutty fudge - well, I believe there might have been a cicerone further up in the family tree guiding me through each year of baking traditions - I hope you will celebrate the holidays with some snow sweets of your own! MORAVIAN COOKIES My parents retired to North Carolina near a large Moravian community and my mother was given this traditional Christmas spice cookie recipe these are traditionally known as the “World’s Thinnest Cookie” and should be rolled out to 1/8” or less Sift together 4 ½ cups flour, ¼ tsp. baking soda, ½ tsp. salt, ground cloves and ginger, 1 tsp. cinnamon. Stir in one cup light brown sugar. With a pastry blender (or food processor) cut in one cup butter, then add 1 ½ cups molasses. Mix thoroughly, wrap and chill four hours or overnight, or until firm enough to roll out. Use a small amount of dough and roll out 1/8" cut

into rounds or any desired cookie cutter shape. Bake on parchment-lined baking sheets in preheated 350F oven for 8-10 minutes, then cool on a wire rack. Must be stored airtight - they keep well, but handle with care as they are fragile. This recipe makes about six dozen rounds. NUTTY FUDGE This is an easy fudge recipe that can be made without a candy thermometer. Make sure to use a deep, heavy saucepan. Mix together 4 cups sugar and one 13-oz. can evaporated milk. Bring to a rolling boil over medium heat (which cannot be stirred down) and boil for 8 minutes, stirring often. Pour over mixture in large bowl of : 3 cups chocolate chips (milk chocolate, semisweet or dark), 2 cups chopped nuts, 1 cup butter, 2 tsp. vanilla and 20 large (about one bag) marshmallows. Beat well, making sure all marshmallow is incorporated. Pour into a buttered or lined 11”x15” pan, or let cool slightly and drop by teaspoonfuls onto parchment paper. Cool, then refrigerate overnight. TRADITIONAL SUGAR COOKIES Sift together 2 2/3 cups allpurpose flour with one teaspoon baking powder and one-half teaspoon salt. Set aside. Beat ¾ cups butter with one cup sugar until light. Beat in two eggs and two teaspoons of flavoring - vanilla, or a mixture of vanilla and almond flavorings or citrus. Stir in the flour mixture and mix until smooth. Wrap and chill several hours

until the dough is firm enough to roll out onto floured surface. Cut into desired shapes, then bake on parchment-lined baking sheets in preheated 375F oven 810 minutes or until they just begin to color. Cool on wire racks. Decorate with a confectioner’s sugar frosting (tinted with gel food coloring if desired) and decorated with colored sugar and candy shots. Frostings, icings and glazes are of three different consistencies and have differing ingredients - frostings being thicker and richer, having a butter or cream base. Icings and glazes are usually made from confectioner’s sugar with juice or water. AND A KETO BROWNIE FOR MY BETH Butter an 8” cake round. Stir together and set aside 1 ½ c. almond flour, ½ c. flax meal, two teaspoons baking powder, 2/3 cup cocoa powder, 1/2 teaspoon salt and one teaspoon espresso powder and 2 teaspoons vanilla. Mix together 8 T. melted butter with ½ -2/3 cup xylitol and three beaten eggs, then fold in the dry mixture. Spoon into cake round and bake in preheated 350F oven about 10-16 minutes, or until it is a bit firm. Overbaking it will make it indistinguishable from your kitchen sponge in taste and texture! Let cool. Frost with cocoa cream cheese frosting. Mix together ½ cup butter with 8 ounces cream cheese until smooth - add ½ cup powdered xylitol, 6-8 T. cocoa (or more), one teaspoon espresso powder, two teaspoons vanilla and enough heavy cream (add by the teaspoonful) to make of spreading consistency. I’m adding this to my list, but it’s still a work in progress!

Vanessa brings us some of her favorite recipes each month in this space

Shop Local Welcome to Downtown Fredericksburg’s Main Street District fredericksburgdowntown.org front porch fredericksburg

December 2019

SpiritS

Cooking With Kyle

winter cocktails

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, I decided to clear the refrigerator. Imagine using last night’s leftover steak to make a steak and egg frittata – whoa! We didn’t have one –

December 2019

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. Have a great holiday season and a happy new year. Keep it simple, easy, and delicious. Be well!

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

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By A. Smith Bowman Distillery Warm up this winter with these so tasty cocktails They will help you get through the cold....or the holiday madness! Happy Holidays!

Southern Hospitality ·3 oz. Mary Hite Bowman Caramel Bourbon Cream Liquer (Chilled) ·3 0z. Root Beer ·Whipped Cream (Optional) ·Chocolate Syrup (Optional) ·Pour cream liquer into a glass of your choice. ·Top with root beer. ·Garnish with whipped cream and a light drizzle of chocolate syrup if desired. Enjoy!

Maple Cinnamon Bourbon ·1.5 oz. Bowman Brothers Bourbon ·1 oz. Fresh Lemon Juice ·.5 oz. Maple Syrup ·Pinch Ground Cinnamon (optional) ·Fill a cocktail shake two-thirds full with ice. ·Pour in bourbon, lemon juice, maple syrup and pinch of ground cinnamon. ·Shake well and strain into oldfashioned glass with ice. Enjoy!

Winter Bourbon Smash ·1.5 oz. Bowman Brothers Bourbon ·2 tbsp. Jam/Preserves of choice ·.5 oz. Triple Sec ·1 oz. Orange Juice ·Orange Segments

·Add all ingredients to a shaker half full with ice. ·Shake vigorously for 15 seconds. ·Strain into a chilled glass with ice. ·Top with a splash of club soda. ·Garnish with orange segment. Enjoy!

Vino

Join us for

COURTYARD COMEDY! New Year’s Eve Show Times – 7pm & 9:30pm Tickets: Rahmein.com

holiday picks

New Year’s Day

by City Vino

BRUNCH

9am-1pm Call for Reservations 540.373.8300 620 Caroline St

Olde Towne BUTCHER Corner of William & Charles Streets Downtown Fredericksburg 540.370.4105 www.oldetownebutcher.com Monday to Thursday, 10am to 7pm; Friday 10am to 8 pm Saturday 9am to 8pm, Sunday, 11am to 6pm Keith Lebor Proprietor

Become a Member

fxbgfoodcoop@gmail.com fredericksburgfoodcoop.com

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

540-898-0737

This time of year, there are many articles written about what wines to pair with your holiday meal. To add an interesting international spin to your table, City Vino is taking you across the globe to Italy. Italy is the home to many different wine regions, and many indigenous grapes, and its wines vary greatly in grapes and styles. Here are some recommendations for : For a nice aperitif or pre-meal toast, try the Ca del Doge Prosecco Extra Dry. Prosecco is made from the Glera grape, via the tank method, where the second fermentation occurs in a pressurized tank, rather than in individual bottles like Champagne, Crémant and Cava. Making the wine in this method helps to keep the price affordable. Prosecco usually exhibits bright fruit and floral aromas, due to the Glera grape, and the wine has lighter, more frothy bubbles than other sparkling wines, due to being fermented in tank. The Ca del Doge is dry with notes of orchard fruits, like apple and pear, along with a hint of lemon zest. For your holiday white wine drinkers, our first white wine suggestion is the 2018 Cavaliere Vernaccia Di San Gimignano. This wine hails from Tuscany, and is made from the Vernaccia grape. This wine is bright, crisp with lovely floral aromas, and a hint of minerality with a slight almond finish. Another choice for a white wine for your holiday table is the 2017 Prà Soave Classico Otto. This wine is from the Veneto region of Italy, and is made from the Gargenga grape. This is another great wine to drink alongside a cheese-andcharcuterie board, and would also pair nicely with vegetable side dishes.

Red wine drinkers don’t despair. There are red wines that can sit on the table astride the white meat turkey and all the sides. One red wine option is the 2016 Fazio Gabal Nero d’Avola. Nero d’Avola is the most important red grape from the island of Sicily, and ranks high on the list of important indigenous varieties in all of Italy. The wine has delicate notes of blackberries, blueberries, raspberries, and cherries, and is velvety on the palate. This wine pairs well with savory meat dishes and bacon, so drink this one with those brussel sprouts cooked with bacon, or that corn bread stuffing made with sausage. And our final red wine is the 2016 Dievole Chianti Superiore Le Due Arbie. This wine is from the Chianti Classico region in Tuscany, and is made from 80 percent Sangiovese and 20 percent Merlot. It has aromas of ripe red cherries, with a hint of dried violets. This wine would pair well with olives on a relish tray or antipasto plate, but should also stand up with a roasted turkey with a rich gravy, as well as herbaceous side dishes, like stuffing. Ending with a wine to pair along with dessert, we suggest 2018 Lodali Moscato D’Asti, which is from the Piedmont region of Italy, and made from the Moscato grape. The wine is sweet and lightly bubbly, with fresh peach and floral aromas. This wine would be lovely when paired with a slice of homemade apple pie, or some fresh berries and cream. City Vino is located at 810 Caroline St. You can find owner Rita Allan on-site to provide answers to all your wine questions photo courtesy of City Vino

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December 2019

CALEND December 2019â&#x20AC;ŚJoy & Peace Sunday, December 1

Open Mic with Larry Hinkle Highmark Brewery!, 390 Kings HWY, Happy hour -4-6p

Lions Xmas Tree Sale Lot open til Christmas, selling wreaths, trees & White House Ornaments Big LotsParking Opens 10am

Live Music at 7:30 Kenmore Inn. featuring amazing live performances with an eclectic range of musical styles - from soft jazz, blue grass and country, to pounding rock and roll..

FCCA Members Annual Holiday Show, throughout the month. Fine art, Jewelry, crafts, cards & more. 813 Sophia St

First Friday, December 6

Open Jam Recreation Center FXBG, 2pm Rappahannock Group Sierra Club, Holiday Membership Open House 2 - 4pm American Legion Building, 461 Woodford St Free , door prizes, refreshments and a presentation by UMW Prof. Dr. Pam Grothe: on mpacts of coral depletion Holiday Open House, 4:30pm - 7pm at the Mary Washington House, 1200 Charles Street, Tour by candlelight in the spirit of an 18th century Christmas. Home for the Holidays, Gari Melchers Home & Studio, Enjoy the house and studio decorated for the holidays i Artful Dimensions Holiday Show, thru December 30, find one-pf-a-kind gifts & ornaments, 922 Caroline St

Monday, December 2

"Deck the Walls" Brush Strokes Gallery Annual Holiday Show, 824 Caroline St. fine art, jewelry, & more.Give the gift of art this year.

Tuesday, December 3

Kwanzza, UMW Ballroom, 7:30pm, join us as we partake in the activities and rituals of Kwanzaa and enjoy a feast together.

Wednesday, December 4

Sunken Well Trivia tonight starting at 7:45pm, 720 Littlepage,

Thursday, December 5

Tinsel Town Holiday Craft Show, Sunken Well Tavern, 720 Littlepage St, 6-9pm Featuring local artists, drink specials, & complimentary hors d'oeuvres

11th Annual Holiday Craft Show, FXBG Expo, unique holiday gifts and decorations, 10-6p Canal Quarter Arts featuring Gaye Adegbalola for the official opening, 6-9pm. meet all the resident artists and enjoy some refreshments while listening to Gaye perform. 1517 Princess Anne St. Candlelight Open House 5:30pm - 8pm at the Rising Sun Tavern, 1304 Caroline St tour this historic property, free of charge, beautifully decorated for the season and vibrant with holiday activity. Taste seasonal treats and beverages, including Glasgow Punch , see live vignettes of Tavern life, and enjoy the period of tunes of Colonial Faire in the Taproom Merry Trees Opening, 5 - 8 PM: Celebrate the holiday season by coming to see FAM's fourth annual "Merry Trees" exhibit. gallery spaces will be filled with trees decorated by the Hugh Mercer Elementary School students. Each tree is inspired by a book the students have read in the classroom. Grandparents Holiday Dance Girls & boys 4-12 invited to take their grandmas and grandpas on a special holiday date night! professional photographer Attire is everything from dress casual to fancy. Be ready for a fun evening out together! Pre-registration is required. Dorothy Hart Community Center Stafford High School Drama Students Perform "The Phantom Tollbooth" , 7p Libertytown Arts Workshop holiday open house, 68pm Art Battle @Katora Coffee Join us for our second year of Art Battle FXBG where two (or more) local artists compete head-to-head for four-hours of live art.

Become a Friend Advocate ~ Donate ~ Volunteer

540~479~4116 1013 Princess Anne St , FXBG 16

December 2019

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Laurie Rose Griffith Trio, Live Music @LaPetite Auberge, 311 William St, 8-10. . No cover. lapetiteaubergefred.com

Saturday, December 7

Spotsylvania Farmers Market Commuter Lot at Route 3 West / Gordon Rd, 9 -1pm rain or shine. Shop local and pick up some of the healthiest, freshest, most delicious ingredients the area has to offer. Info facebook: spotsyFarmersMarket 11th Annual Holiday Craft Show, FXBG Expo, unique holiday gifts and decorations, 10-6p Mistletoe Market - Visit the farmers market and a special Art in the Park for holiday decor items, to order food for your holiday parties, and select thoughtful, locally made gifts Virginians Barbershop Chorus and Quartets Annual Christmas Concert at the Hershey Oates Theatre campus of the Collegiate School. A variety of Christmas music 2:30pm FXBG Christmas Parade, Historic downtown, 5:30pm Parade route is on Caroline Street and Princess Anne Street between Wolfe and Amelia Streets in downtown Fredericksburg. Parade will be held rain, shine or snow. Stafford High School Drama Students Perform "The Phantom Tollbooth" , 2& 7p

Sunday, December 8

11th Annual Holiday Craft Show, FXBG Expo, unique holiday gifts and decorations, 11-4p 33rd Annual Gingerbrad House contest & Exhibit, George Wasington Ferry Farm, through Jan 8. $ A We Christmas Dollhouses & Miniatures, Historic Kenmore, exhibit of highly detailed, replica dollhouses, thru Jan8 Holiday Shopping Bazaar. Beth Sholom Temple, across from Howell Library, Artistic works and clever crafts, home-based business gifts, Judaica Shop treasures, and even a book signing by a local author. 9a-3p Celtic Christmas @Red Draon Brewry, 5:30-7:30p Grab a beer & join us performance by Moch Pyderi

Tuesday, Decemb

Amy Cox Live Holiday Se

Wednesday, Dece

Sunken Well Trivia ton 720 Littlepage,

Thursday, Decemb

Stafford High School D "The Phantom Tollbooth

Comedy Open Mic @Rec

Live Music at 7:30 Kenm

Friday, December

Holiday Art Sale & Se Aliance @Jarrett Thoe Taylor St #101, Colonial

The Blues Brothers Live 311 William St, lapetiteaubergefred.com

Rapidan Ridge Band@Re

Saturday, Decemb

Annual FAMFaire: KrisKr historic Market Square 1 outdoor shopping exper style markets will i traditional crafts and filled with gifts and treat by local choirs and scho

49th Annual Candleligh Street. tours of histo decorated for the ho Fredericksburg Foun www.HFFI.org.

A 19th Century Christm Manor visit with Santa arts and crafts. FRE Ellwood@FoWB.org

Spotsylvania Farmers Commuter Lot at Route open 9 -1pm rain or shin some of the healthiest ingredients the area ha spotsyFarmersMarket

DAR of events

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Drama Students Perform h" , 7p

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easonal Art Show, Aetists' Fine Arts,6-9pm, 100 l Beach. Show thru Dec. 29 Music @LaPetite Auberge, 8-11. . No cover.

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ringlMarkt Holiday Market, 10 am to 5 pm. spectacular rience traditional Germaninclude vendors selling foods. stroll along tents ts. entertainment provided ol music groups. Free

t Tour on Upper Caroline oric homes professionally olidays. Tickets Historic ndation, Inc. website

as, Annual event at Elwood and enjoy making period EE For event schedule:

Market located at the 3 West and Gordon Road, ne. Shop local and pick up t, freshest, most delicious s to offer. Info facebook:

Spotsylvanians Community Chorus Christmas Concerts, Freedom Middle School in Fredericksburg, 7pm Free admission for all. Santa Claus and the Grinch will be making appearances Rappahannock Model Railroaders 22nd Annual Christmas Train Show featuring: Operating Layouts, train vendors, kids activities 9am-5pm Eagles Lodge, 21 Cool Springs Road, info. at www.rmrailroaders.com Christmas in Safford Pictures with Santa, Ie Skating Rink ($10), Food Trucks, -DJ featuring holiday music, -Christmas Marketplace to shop for last minute Christmas gifts, -Carnival Games, Picture Stations, -Annual Frosty 5K and Reindeer Run, -Christmas Tree lighting at Jeff Rouse Swim & Sports Center , 11:30- 4:30pm

Rappahannock Model Railroaders 22nd Annual Christmas Train Show featuring: Operating Layouts, train vendors, kids activities 10am-4pm Eagles Lodge, 21 Cool Springs Road, info. at www.rmrailroaders.com

Hen Asem Reflection Final Event, FAM, 6-7:30pm, Join us for refreshments and conversation about the topics discussed in the series, including the 1619 commemoration. InfoTheresa Cramer (540371-3037 x 138) or Sonja Petersen Cantu (540372-1010 x 304)

Thursday, December 26

Wednesday ,December 18

Live music @Red Dragon Brewry Grab a beer, sit back, and enjoy the live musical performance by American singer/songwriter Karen Jonas

Book Signing: Mary Ball Washington, The Untold Story of George Washington's Mother, with author Craig Shirley 1:30pm - 3pm at the Mary Washington House, 1200 Charles Street Sunken Well Trivia tonight starting at 7:45pm, 720 Littlepage,

Rappahannock POPS orchestra annual Holiday Concert, James Monroe HS, 7-9pm, $

Thursday, December 19

Sunday, December 15

49th Annual Candlelight Tour on Upper Caroline Street. Enjoy tours of historic homes professionally decorated for the holidays. Tickets and information available at the Historic Fredericksburg Foundation, Inc. website www.HFFI.org. Ellwood Manor open to enjoy the beautiful period decorations . Manoropen through December 20th. FREE Fxbg United Methodist Church Children's christmas musical "We Three Spies" at 9:45am Handel's Messiah performed by the FUMC Choir and orchestra 8:30am and 11am services Spotsylvanians Community Chorus Christmas Concerts, Freedom Middle School in Fredericksburg, 2:30 Free admission for all. Santa Claus and the Grinch will be making appearances

Wednesday, December 25 Merry Christmas

Monday, December 16

Stafford High School Drama Students Perform "The Phantom Tollbooth" , 2& 7

Chamber Chorale annual holiday concert, Trinity Episcopal Church, 7:30p

Spotsy Farmers Market lCommuter Lot at Route 3 West / Gordon Rd, 9 -1pm rain or shine. . Info facebook: spotsyFarmersMarket

Carols in the Taproom @Red Draon Brewry, 6:308:30 Bring your voice and grab a beer for a evening singing Christmas carols in the taproom. Join local musician James Rollins as he plays carols on his keyboards and leads you through the music.It will be a great evening to enjoy the spirit of the season! Live Music at 7:30 Kenmore Inn. featuring amazing live performances with an eclectic range of musical styles - from soft jazz, blue grass and country, to pounding rock and roll..

Friday, December 20

The Acoustic Onion, The Blues Brothers Live Music @LaPetite Auberge, 311 William St, 8-11. . No cover. lapetiteaubergefred.com

Saturday, December 21

Cookies with Santa, s time to tell Santa about all the nice things you have done this year! Meet Santa and decorate a cookie, for the long nights ahead! Bring your camera or let our professional photographer capture the moment. (Pictures will be available for purchase.) Register online, 13:30p, Dorothy Hart Community Center $

Live Music at 7:30 Kenmore Inn. featuring amazing live performances with an eclectic range of musical styles - from soft jazz, blue grass and country, to pounding rock and roll..

Friday, December 27

Sunday, December 29

Guided Woodland Hikes, Gari Melchers Home & Studio, Conducted by Virginia Master Naturalists, these informative walks cover a mile of trails in both woodlands and fields and also touch on the historic ruins of Belmont's past. Please wear sturdy footwear. Meet outside the Visitor Center. Free.2pm

New Years Eve, December 31

Karen Jonas, The Blues Brothers Live Music @LaPetite Auberge, 311 William St, 8-Midnight. . No cover. lapetiteaubergefred.com Courtyard Comedy! Show Times â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 7pm & 9:30pm Tickets: Rahmein.com. Stay for New Yearâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Day Brunch 9am-1pm Call for Reservations

If you are reading this 269th issue of FPF, thank an advertiser as we celebrate our 23rd year of continuous publication! If you are an advertiser, list your events. Deadline for January2020 issue is December 20th. To submit events email frntprch@aol.com: subject Calendar

3578 Fans (& Growing) Want You to Join

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front porch fredericksburg

December 2019

history’s stories

St. Nick By Ralph “Tuffy” Hicks

plantation life in the Wilderness

By bob epp

Santa Claus also known as Kris Kringle, Father Christmas and Saint Nicholas has an interesting history. Nicholas was actually a Bishop living in the fourth century. He was born into a family of wealth in a country called Asia Minor or now known as Turkey. In his youth Nicholas had the reputation of helping those in the community that were poor. His town was called Myra and he was always leaving secret gifts at the homes of those in need as the legend is written. The tradition of hanging stockings on the mantle of the fireplace is said to have developed by his giving. The story is told that he once dropped a gift down a chimney and it landed in a stocking left on the fireplace to dry, so developed hanging stockings on the fireplace for gifts. The idea of Santa coming down the chimney developed from this story. It was not until many years later in America that the Reindeer and Sleigh came into the legend.

In England in the 16th century the idea of Father Christmas was known to deliver presents to the good boys and girls at Christmas time he was also called Old Man Christmas and across the English Channel in France he was called Pere Noel. In Colonial America he was called Kris Kringle among the Dutch settlers. There were many different variations throughout the colonies with Saint Nicholas being also called Santa Claus. Santa Claus has been around for over three centuries. It was not until the time of the Civil War that Thomas Nast drew the illustration of Saint Nick that was published in Harpers Weekly (1863) and he continued to draw Saint Nick every year for over twenty-years. The most famous image was in 1881.(above) This image is used currently in many stories about Christmas. Clement Moore wrote a Poem in 1823 titled Night before Christmas, this became the most read story about Santa Claus and his Reindeer. It would be another hundred years in 1939 that the Reindeer would become known as the Montgomery Ward’s department store would print the book as a gift for children visiting the store. The story by Robert May of Santa and Rudolph the red nose reindeer was liked by everyone. The book is a collectible today and I am fortunate to have a copy, Montgomery Ward’s gave out a total of 2.4 million copies. Robert May was amazed that his story had become a national treasure of modern folklore and he was honored and recognized prior to his death in 1976. It was not until 1947 that the song Rudolph the Red nosed Reindeer came out. Bing Crosby who is famous for singing White Christmas turned down the offer to sing the song and the singing cowboy Gene Autry sang it and sold over two million copies, which was the top selling song ever up until that 1947. Cola Company came out with the Coke Santa, an image In 1931 the Coca-C drawn by Haddon Sundblom, showing Santa Claus dressed in a red suit with a glass of Coke. Coke still uses Santa currently in its holiday advertising. The newest most watched advertising is Santa in a red Mercedes with a dog, It is my wish that Santa Claus will visit each and everyone of you this Christmas. Merry Christmas and have a safe and healthy holiday season. Dedicated to the Memory of:John Pearce, ugh Fleming, Carl Bishop, Helen Ambrose, & Russel Newton

Tuffy is the Front Porch resident FXBG historian

History in Our Backyard

December 2019

Front porch fredericksburg

The plantation system was fully established in Virginia well before our independence from England. Plantations often included several tenant farms and almost certainly used slave labor to work the land. Tenant farmers frequently hired laborers to work the land with the family. If they could afford it, they would choose to purchase slaves, which would be a step up prestige wise, but they had to provide for their basic needs. Plantations with a significant slave population hired overseers to manage the slave workforce. The overseers were usually experienced farmers and in most cases their abuse of slaves was rampant. Both the owner and the overseers regularly carried large whips to "encourage" higher rates of work. They worked the slave labor force tirelessly usually 6 days a week - and the daily routine rarely varied: rising at sunrise, working all day, and returning at dusk. On larger plantations, slave labor was also used to support the owner and his family as cooks, maids, and nannies. The lady of the manor organized the supervision of her children, the preparation of family meals, and upkeep of the gardens while the actual work fell to the house servants. Other female slaves worked in the fields. Slaves also became skilled craftsmen in such fields as blacksmithing that allowed the plantation to become nearly selfsufficient. Weekly activities included market days - usually Wednesday and Saturday when produce would be transported to town; plantation owners often used trusted help, including slaves, to conduct varied business activities in town. During the winter months after harvest, the plantation owner often provided slave labor to court-ordered road construction gangs. Otherwise, the owner would focus on further developing his acreage. Sundays, for a plantation's white residents, were for worshiping and socializing with friends and family. Organized social activities included events

such as county fairs, weddings and horse races. Slaves' Sunday activities were much more limited; that day was a time to rest, socialize with other slaves, tend their small garden plots, when allowed, and hold religious services. Slaves' lives were extraordinarily difficult. Life expectancy - to mid-30s was about half that of the white citizenry. Their homes were crude dirt-floored cabins with little furniture. Tattered handme-down blankets, course fabric materials fashioned into apparel, and basic foods usually lacking in real nutritional value were the norm. In a benevolent plantation environment, slave children might be able to play with non-slave children, even the owner's children, but generally they were pressed into labor at an early age and abuse was prevalent. In its ugliest forms, young slave girls served as mistresses to the plantation's white population. As a result, the number of "mulattos" in the slave community rose rapidly. This plantation system persisted in Virginia and the Wilderness with only slight variations for 150 years until the Civil War in the 1860s brought an end to plantation life and slavery. Bob Epp is a Friends of the Wilderness volunteer

A Slice of History John Henry Myer By Paul Scott & Sara Poore Spotsylvania Court House. The hill, having strategic value, pitted NY, PA and NJ regiments against GA, Miss. and VA units. Artillery and cavalry from both sides soon joined in. The Myer house unfortunately did not faire well, and after the caretaker Myer Children, John Jr., Mary Elizabeth & Annie fired at the Federals, they responded by burning it to the John Henry Myer and his wife, ground. The hill upon which the Myer Mary Elizabeth Kohler Myer, of the house stood traded hands three times in kingdom of Hanover, emigrated to Virginia succession, with the Federals being the in 1847 and settled in Fredericksburg. He final victor. opened a bakery business believed to be Myer, called to active duty with located at 212 William Street, which th the 40 VA Inf, fought at the Battle of prospered until the Civil War. Spotsylvania Court House. One can On December 10, 1862 the Union imagine the anxiety and the uncertainty army shelled the town and assaulted the he felt for his family’s safety, as he could hills at Marye’s Heights. Much of the certainly see the flames engulfing his town’s citizenry took refuge westward in home from where he was. On May 22, 1864, Myer was captured and sent to Point Lookout Prison in Maryland. At the end of the war and his release from prison, he took the oath of allegiance to the United States (required of Confederate soldiers) and returned home. With little left Myer House Rock Lined Well Remains of his home at Bleak Hill, he Spotsylvania County, including the Myer moved back to the city with his wife and family. three children, John Junior, Mary and After the battle, Myer purchased Annie. In 1866, he formed a partnership a farm known as Bleak Hill (later Myer’s with Frederick Brule and built the Hill) in Spotsylvania County and promptly Germania Flour Mill at 317 William Street. moved his family out of harm’s way. He, again, became prosperous, was active Unfortunately, fighting followed on May in community affairs and served on the 14, 1864, during the Battle of

Town Common Council for thirty years, passing away on December 5, 1909. The Fredericksburg Area Museum has a collection of Myer memorabilia on display in the Heirlooms and Relics exhibit. Visitors can see photographs of Myer, Mary Elizabeth and the three children, many family relics to include Noah’s Ark with wooden birds and animals originally carved in Germany, and the

the home, the well and the foundation of the ice house all of rock and laid by hand in the usual construction of the day. In August of 2019, Central Virginia Battlefields Trust acquired the Myer’s Hill tract of 73.3 acres. At the time of purchase, the president of CVBT, Thomas Van Winkle, noted that the acquisition “is an increasingly rare opportunity to preserve an almost

Noah’s Ark with wooden birds and animals originally carved in Germany, a Myer Family memorabilia can be seen in FAM Heirlooms & Relics Exhibit original book of Recipes and Remedies for friends and family handwritten by youngest daughter, Annie. Annie lived in Fredericksburg her entire life, unmarried, and, like her father, was devoted to the community. Myer’s Hill remains today, hardly touched since the war, with rifle pits at the house site and breastworks traversing much of the southeastern section of the property. One can walk the property today and clearly see the foundation of

completely intact battlefield.” For more information www.cvbt.org and www.famva.org.

see

Paul Scott is a retired attorney having practiced law in the Fredericksburg area for forty-four years. He has been a member of the Board of Directors of The Central Virginia Battlefields Trust since 2017. Sara Poore is the President & CEO of the Fredericksburg Area Museum. Photos provided by FAM & CVBT

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December 2019

Senior Care You can call me..... By Karl Karch

Dog Walking Pet Sitting Companion Play Time & Mini Furies, Too! (540-903-0437; lexig0892@gmail.com) On facebook as “City PetSitting”

“What’s in a name? That which we call a rose by any other name would smell as sweet” (Shakespeare). But, as we are witnessing with increasing frequency and intensity, language does matter.

to grow old, but they also want to live a long time. However, adding an “er” at the end of old sounds less offensive. They don’t want to be called “senior citizen”, but they sure do love the “senior discounts” they get. “Elderly” connotes And so, the politically correct frailty so don’t use that unless, as the AMA (PC) police have finally caught up with the Manual says it’s in reference to an entire aging population. So, what is the correct population. It’s not the word or term we way to describe those 65 years of age and use to describe older adults, but how we older. Thankfully (or not), the American think about aging. Maybe the term Medical Association (AMA) has come to “chronologically superior” is a better the rescue. In the AMA Manual of Style, descriptor for some. they note: My preferred terms “Discrimination based Most people don’t think of to describe those 65 on age (young or old) is and older are “older themselves as old, ageism. Because the adult”, “older so don’t call them old. term elderly connotes a population”, or stereotype, avoid using “senior”. While some it as a noun. When polls reject “senior”, I prefer it for two referring to the entire population of reasons: my company name is Home elderly persons, use of the elderly may be Instead Senior Care not older adult care, appropriate (as in the impact of and it’s also an expression of respect, life prescription drug costs on the elderly, for experience, and wisdom such as senior example. Otherwise, terms such as older leadership. persons, older people, elderly patients, geriatric patients, older adults, older On a personal level as a first year patients, aging adults, persons 65 years Baby Boomer, I am just not PC correct or and older, or the older population are sensitive. As I age, my skin gets thinner, The American Geriatric preferred”. but I am not “thinned skinned”. My Society (AGS) adopted the AMA term feeling on this topic can be summarized by “older adult” or “older people” when the classic Anheuser-Busch Natural Light describing individuals aged 65 and older beer commercial of the early 1980s where Raymond J. Johnson, Jr. was sitting at the and wants authors in the Journal of American Geriatrics Society to add specific bar and said: “You can call me Ray, or you age range when possible. So, there you can call me Jay, or you can call me….”. have it readers. I’ll add, you can call me anything except “no longer living”. Happy Holidays!! While language matters, we sometimes carry things too far. Most people don’t think of themselves as old, so don’t call them old. While some say it’s a Karl Karch is a Gerontologist and local recognition of achievement considering franchise owner of Home Instead Senior the alternative, others take offense to Care, a licensed home care organization being called old because it is often providing personal care, companionship and home helper services in the combined with other words like “old man” Fredericksburg and Culpeper region. or “old geezer”. They say they don’t want

December 2019

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Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s All Energy HEALTHY TIPS FOR THE HOLIDAYS by christina ferber

Astrology for You Natal Charts Transits Consultations Diane Bachman 540.845.7622

Donate to a Cancer Organization

Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s always more fun in the Scenter of Town!

Essential Oils Liquid Herbs Reiki Reflexology Aromatherapy Custom Blending Aroma-Therapeutic Massage Harmonic Resonance Therapy Products ~ Services ~ Classes 907 Charles Street, Downtown thescenteroftown.com

ble at Availa n.com Amazo

'Tis the season for celebrations, parties, and fellowship with family and friends, but as we deck the halls, sometimes stress and overall busyness can take over our lives leaving us feeling run down and vulnerable to sickness. Luckily, Eden Energy Medicine has some tools and exercises to help you build your immunity and find a sense of peace this season. Calming the TW Neurovascular Points can help to calm our stress response and help us maintain balance and wellness during this busy season. Place your thumb, first and middle fingers in a cluster together (called a 3-finger notch). Put those fingers at the "V" at the bottom of your throat above your collarbone (you can use a flat hand if that is more comfortable). Then, place the other hand on the side of your face with your fingers flat at your temples. Take some deep breaths and then switch sides. Another way to take a pause on any anxiety that rears its ugly head is by tapping on the TW "Gamut" Point. Place one hand over your heart area and tap on the back of your hand between your ring finger and little finger. Breathe deeply as you do this and tap for 10 taps, pause, take a deep breath and then tap about 30 more times. Repeat on the other side. Performing the Spleen Radiant Circuit Activation exercise can help to boost an energy pathway that oversees our metabolism and supports our immune system. Place a three-finger notch (see above) at the center of your chest and with the other hand, place a three-finger notch on the side of your body toward the bottom of the ribcage, about four inches from the armpit. Hold these points and take deep breaths for as long as it feels good.

Freeing the Diaphragm is an exercise that oxygenates the blood and can help build our immune system. Place your left hand under the center of your rib cage with your right hand on top of it and pull your elbows in close to your body. Breathe in deeply while pushing your hands against your body and your belly out. Hold your breath for as long as you can and then release and relax. Repeat this process about two to three more times. Then on an in-breath, reach your right hand around to the left side of your body at your waist and on an out breath pull your fingers to the front of your body to your naval with pressure. Repeat a few more times and then switch sides. Finally, starting with your hands at your hips, smooth the energy down your legs and off your feet. Tapping on points that strengthen your Thymus and Spleen can help to metabolize anything that threatens your health, build your immunity, and help protect you during stressful times. Simply tap on the points with your fingers or your knuckles. The Thymus point is located at the center of your chest, and the Spleen points are on both sides of your body on the side of your ribcage at the same spot as the Spleen Radiant Circuit Activation point. Doing The Daily Energy Routine (Front Porch January/February 2016 issues) on a regular basis is also an important step to building your energetic strength and boosting your resilience when things don't go your way. For a video of it and other exercises to help balance your energy, visit www.itsallenergywellness.com and stay healthy this holiday season.

Christina Ferber is a Certified Eden Energy Medicine Practitioner

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December 2019

Emancipated Patients The Uplifting Story of Kendra Morgan’s Colon Cancer By Patrick Neustatter, MD

In contrast to last year when my contribution to Front Porch for the festive season was to write about end of life care (though with an apology), this year we have an uplifting story. It’s about Kendra Morgan getting colon cancer. “Now hang on” you might say. “How is that uplifting?” To quote Kendra, “it’s the best thing that ever happened to me.”

A Cancer Story With a Twist Kendra was working for a government contracting agency providing services to the Marine Corps and other government agencies. “I would meet with senior military and corporate leaders “ she told me when we met at Agora for me to hear her story. “We were dealing with contracts worth millions of dollars. It was very rewarding but could be very stressful at times.” She’d had some intestinal distress symptoms since adolescence, diagnosed as irritable bowel syndrome. When she had similar symptoms in July of 2014, she thought it was just more of the same, now enhanced by her stressful job and busy life as a Mom with two active kids. “I was a type A personality and never took time to relax” she told me. But a colonoscopy revealed a colon cancer, and she underwent surgery to remove it. A twist in her story, that appeals to me as it shows her to be a smart, empowered, emancipated patient, was that when she went to the oncologist after surgery to discuss further treatment, she asked “what if I do nothing?” “He was taken aback” she told me. And told her “no one ever asked me that before.”

December 2019

At the time of her surgery, samples from all the local lymph nodes had been taken to look for spread, and 1 out of 22 were reported as showing cancer cells resulting in a Stage 3 diagnosis. The oncologist had been proposing a course of chemotherapy. After doing some research he got back to her and told her she had a 71 per cent chance of survival if she did nothing. “That was pretty darn good” Kendra told him. “I’ll take it.” The oncologist wasn’t so happy and asked to have her case reviewed by the Tumor Board - a board of seasoned oncologists who put their heads together to figure out a strategy for difficult cases. A consequence of this was that the histology slides were reviewed, and when looked at again, it was found there had been a mix up in the case numbers. There were no cancer cells in any of her lymph nodes. Her oncologist told her “it’s divine intervention.”

Relying on More Than Divinity The real point of the story, and why Kendra says it’s the best thing that happened to her is that it prompted her to make a total change in her life. She quit her job – which phased her husband a bit “as I was making good money.” She did lots of reading about being well – “over a hundred books” she says. She adopted a clean vegetarian diet; started to exercise every day again; meditate; and practice Reiki. She went to see Dr. Yvonne Villarreal who helped her with her elevated cholesterol as well as her GI problems and building up her immunity. She lost 25 lb - which she says worried family, but it took her back to her ‘normal’ weight back in High School. She has joined the Fredericksburg Food Coop – which is where I met her and is growing her own herbs. She says “it took a hit on the head to change” but that’s what her colon cancer was. Now she’s looking for a “second chapter” to her life but feels “I can do whatever I need to heal myself.”

Patrick Neustatter is the Medical Director of the Moss Free Clinic. author of "Managing Your Doctor, The Smart Patient's Guide to Getting Effective, Affordable Healthcare", at Amazon

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Biz Marketing advertising: do your homework By Mandy Smith come.

ADVERTISING! To some people it makes them think of creativity and reaching the masses. To others, they might just cringe at the thought of money going out, not coming in. When you get right down to it, advertising is essential to let the community know about your business. It is important when planning your yearly budget to add a line for advertising expenditures. That way, when faced with the decision as to which medium to spend your advertising dollars, you know exactly how much you have to use. There are a lot of advertising options in the Fredericksburg Region. DO YOUR HOMEWORK. Listen to the different radio stations, visit the billboard locations, pick up copies of local publications, pay attention to local cable TV ads, etc. Consider this preparation before you meet with a sales representative. When it comes to radio

advertising, your first meeting with your radio sales representative is most likely a “get to know you” kind of meeting. If you have not had discussions about your business needs and they present you with a proposal during the first meeting, take that as a sign that they care more about the “sale” than about you. Unless provided during your first meeting, there are several documents you should ask them to bring to your second meeting. First Meeting 1) Radio Station Information – Type of music, who the jocks are, and what the station is all about. 2) A Coverage Map – This shows how big the listening area is for the radio station. 3) Demographics – This shows who is listening to the radio station. 4) Generic Rates – There are many variables when it comes to rates, this will just give you a good baseline for what is to

Ask them what their experience is with your type of business and if they can provide you with any testimonials. Take a mental note about whether your sales representative is listening to what your needs are and taking notes. This will help you identify whether they care about helping your business grow or not. During your second meeting, your sales representative should present you with a proposal or advertising plan along with all the documents you requested. I cannot stress this enough. DO NOT ACCEPT A VAGUE PROPOSAL OR ADVERTISING SCHEDULE. If this is what you receive, the representative did not take the time to present you with a worthy proposal. It shows a lack of caring and follow-through. If the representative cannot present a detailed advertising plan/proposal, I would then question their ability to manage business account. Second Meeting – Questions How many commercials are you getting?

What times are they airing? How long are the commercials, 60, 30, or 15 seconds? Are the commercials spread out over multiple stations? If so, what is the breakdown? It is important to remember that you are PAYING to advertise your business. Therefore, you have every right to ask for detailed information about what you are getting. If you do not understand the information being provided, ask for an explanation. There is no reason the information you asked for cannot be provided. Advertising is so important to education the community about your business, just remember always beware of vague adverting plans and proposals. And don’t forget the multiple impressions theory: advertise in all forms of media is your best bet for maximum exposure. Mandy Smith is the Promotions & Marketing Director for B101.5. AKA "AJ" - Weekend Air Personality

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December 2019

Art in the Burg December Holiday Shows in the Galleries Member Exhibit "Deck the Walls," an All-M Brush Strokes Gallery 824 Caroline Street Opening Reception First Friday, Dec 6 Throughout December, with its "Deck the Walls" all-member exhibit, the artists of Brush Strokes Gallery are pleased to provide a venue where people can select just the right one-of-kind holiday gift for those special friends and family members. The display features our artists' creations in a wide array of mediums and techniques, including handcrafted jewelry, unique glass art, charcoal drawings, pastels, photography, and paintings in oils, watercolors, acrylics, and mixed-media, and even welded sculptures. In addition, festively decorated tables will feature smaller works-from tree

Stop by to meet all the resident artists and enjoy some refreshments while listening to Gaye perform. ~ Jeannie Ellis

"Holiday All Member Show" Art First Gallery 824 Caroline St First Friday, December 6, 6-9 9pm

Annual December Holiday AllMembers Show. It's that special “Winter Sunrise” time of year when the front Barbara Brennan@ Artists Alliance "featured" part of the Gallery is opened up to all the members to Annual Holiday Sale & Show bring extra works -- everything from Artists Alliance, paintings to scuplture to jewelry -- that 100 Taylor St, Suite 101, Colonial Beach would make thoughtful perfect gift-giving December 13, 6-9 9pm opportunities for this time of year. Among this year's offerings are Casey Shaw's Holiday Sale & Show Opening, in newest Christmas cards, this year conjunction with Colonial Beach's featuring an homage to Van Gogh's Second Friday Art Walk will famous Starry, Starry Night (but with a feature matted and smaller Fredericksburg twist). framed works, appropriate for .~Casey Alan Shaw gift giving. These works will be available for the entire month. The Art Walk reception will run from 6-9 pm. Additionally, AA will present a combined “Goolricks After Hours”, exhibition of Penny A. Parrish@ Brush Strokes Gallery seasonally themed works from the decorations to original miniature membership, as well as the paintings and drawings-the perfect "find" regular displays of artwork for teachers, neighbors, and all those who in the media of painting, contribute to the quality of our lives. photography, encaustic, “Forgotten Truck”, Sarah Linn Deck the Halls exhibit will be glass, basketry, jewelry, and @Brush Strokes Gallery displayed from December 2 through pottery. December 29, and visitors will have an ~Rob Rudick opportunity to meet and chat with the gallery's artists at the exhibit's opening Offical Opening Featuring Gaye Adegalola reception Canal Quarter Arts, 1517 Princess Anne ~Collette Caprara December 6, 6-9 9pm

“Starry, Starry Fredericksburg”, Casey Shaw @Art First Gallery

“Snowflakes”, Scarlett Pons @Tinsel Town, Sunken Well

Tinsel Town Annual Holiday Show Sunken Well Tavern December 5, 6-9 9 Showcasing one-of-kind gifts and holiday decor from local artists, drink specials, & complimentary hors d'oeuvres

Artists: Penny A Parrish, Lynn Abbott, Beverley Coates “Virginia Seasonal Gretings”, Beverley Coates 24

December 2019

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“Goolrick’s & Tree”, Penny A. Parrish

810 Caroline Street, Downtown, 540.371.4099

Name This House win downtown gift certificate

Identify this mystery house and you could win a gift certificate from a downtown merchant. 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: 707 Weedon Street Winner of a gift certificate from “Shoppes at Caroline Street: is Paula Chow Memories Perched on your tiny spot yellow fellow, of green and shrubbery, below the historic hill, where we all sit to watch the fireworks, each and every year. One evening I sat at my daughters house, Not far away looking down at you, and celebrated my sixth decade, today we celebrate you. The man who built you with his young hands, mixing mortar and stone, came to visit you one last time, to stroke your lovely wooden banister. How fast time flies, he told your loving owner, it seems like only yesterday, this wood and I were new.

Dogs About Town

A few of our local canine downtowner ladies, waiting for their loved ones to finish getting beautiful at "City Lights" salon on Prince Edward St front porch fredericksburg

December 2019

What’s in a Witness? Bring a little sunshine to a senior’s life! Too many seniors feel lonely and isolated.

the innis house By jon gerlach The last surviving building along the Sunken Road is the Innis Hall House (the House, Stephens House, and Ebert House are gone). Approaching on foot toward the head of Mercer Street, the Innis House greets visitors as they enter the battlefield. This modest one and onehalf story woodframed clapboard building dates to just before the war. Owned by Martha Stephens during the battle, it sustained heavy damage as rifle and artillery fire tore through its walls.

One of my great joys is to walk a couple blocks from our house on Charlotte Street to the battlefield, then up to the top of Marye’s Heights and around the National Cemetery. When the ground is blanketed in a fresh snowfall, the scenery is magnificent. If you get there early enough, yours will be the only footprints in this winter wonderland. All is quiet, peaceful, and only the sound of your muffled footsteps is heard. A pleasant walk in the snow is a far cry from what happened many years ago. On December 13, 1862, Union and Confederate armies were locked in mortal combat here. The heavy footfalls of around 35,000 Union troops churned the fields to mud in successive Union assaults. After the war those “Killing Fields” leading up to the Stone Wall and Sunken Road succumbed to urban development, known to us today as the Fairview Neighborhood. However, a few surviving dwellings can still be seen, including the Stratton House, the Rowe House, and the Innis House, along with an original portion of the famous Stone Wall.

December 2019

The building continued to serve as a private residence long after the war. In 1969, it was acquired by the National Park Service, which restored the house to its wartime appearance using period photographs and archival research. Visitors who peer through the windows of the Innis House today will see numerous bullet holes along the first floor partition and door, mute witness to the battle’s ferocity. In summertime, the Park Service periodically gives interior tours. Recent restoration work at the Innis House has uncovered more bullet holes, artillery damage, and most interesting: graffiti hiding behind the wallpaper on the upper level. Apparently two soldiers wrote their names in pencil on the wall, when their unit was stationed nearby. For more on this, see the fascinating article this past October by Eric Mink entitled “If these signatures could talk”, in the online Mysteries & Conundrums series at npsfrsp.wordpress.com. In the simple penciled scrawls of those two soldiers, faint whispers of history can be heard across the ages.

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So … what’s in a witness? Here, a humble survivor evoking a poignant sense of time and place.

An attorney and retired archaeologist, Jon Gerlach chairs the Architectural Review Board in Fredericksburg

“Silent Witness” by Jon Gerlach, photo courtesy National Park Service

YOU can make a difference by volunteering to visit a senior in the Fredericksburg area. Volunteer training is provided & no special skills are required. The Senior Visitors Program is a FREE community service program of Mental Health America of Fredericksburg. Visit mhafred.org or call 540-371-2704

Supporting Historic Preservation Since 1997

Freehling on Fred fxbg ranked #1: quality of life By Bill Freehling

Give a Child Something to Think About Fredericksburg residents already knew that our city has a high quality of life. A new study published late last month by personal finance website WalletHub confirmed it. Fredericksburg finished in the 98th percentile nationwide and tops in Virginia for quality of life in WalletHub’s 2019 “Best Small Cities in America” study. It placed 23rd among 1,268 U.S. cities with populations between 25,000 and 100,000 used in the study. Fredericksburg outranked other Virginia small cities on the list for quality of life including Charlottesville, Winchester, Roanoke, Harrisonburg, Lynchburg, Leesburg, Sterling and Blacksburg. The study provides a good opportunity to ask: What makes it nice to live in Fredericksburg? Here are a few attributes of this city that I’m thankful for in my day-to-day life. Walk- and Bikeability The city’s compact size, paired with a growing trails network, mean we don’t have to spend our lives in our car when we put a priority on doing business in 22401. Last month, I spent a day volunteering at Hugh Mercer Elementary School, and my son and I were able to ride bikes to and from school. We even stopped in at Katora Coffee’s new location on the University of Mary Washington Campus for an after-school treat. New trails have opened up more possibilities to do more by bike and on foot. I’m not ignoring the fact that we have a large population that commutes up I-95 to work every day, but as a growing number of contractors take advantage of our HUBZone, Opportunity Zone and Technology Zone programs to bring jobs to the city, I hope we can erase commutes for as many people as possible in the coming years.

Community Support for nonprofits like the SPCA and the Fairy Godmother Project in this community is phenomenal. When someone is in need in Fredericksburg, everybody pitches in, and things get done. It’s important that we don’t take this for granted, because this dynamic doesn’t exist everywhere. Part of the joy of a small town is the connection we all feel to each other. I’m thankful for that every time I walk down the street. The Outdoors I often make the mistake of thinking I need to drive an hour down the road to go for a good hike with my family. Just this past month, though, after enjoying the grand opening of the city’s new roller-hockey rink in Dixon Park, my family parked on Riverside Drive and spent a few hours exploring Ficklen Island on the Rappahannock River. We saw a blue heron, enjoyed the soothing sound of a rushing river and went home with that satisfying feeling of having spent time outside. And the whole time we were less than 2 miles from our house. Food and Fun Fredericksburg has a vibrant and growing restaurant scene, with cuisines from around the world represented. Food and fun go hand in hand, and the variety of special events available in this town on any given weekend continues to amaze me. One of the biggest upcoming ones is the annual Christmas Parade downtown on Dec. 7, and every weekend brings something new. So, yes, I agree with the WalletHub conclusions and continue to #lovefxbg.

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

810 Caroline Street (540) 371-5684

Bill Freehling is the Director of Fredericksburg Department of Economic Development and Tourism

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December 2019

Companions Let it snow by Gerri Reid dvm

“Oh, the weather outside is frightful, But the fire is so delightful, and since we’ve no place to go Let it snow, let it snow, let it snow!” Well Winter is upon us and the weather sure turned cold fast this year. We all wonder if we will have a White Christmas. Time for building Snowman and having snowball fights. Not only do the pets enjoy the cold weather but some of our pets are crazy about snow! For those who have Siberian Huskies or other cold -loving breeds, this is their kind of weather! For older pets with arthritis, cold weather with ice/snow can be difficult. Here are some tips to help your “Seasoned” pets survive Old Man Winter and Jack Frost! Supplementing your pet with glucosamine/chondroitin is a good place to start. This supplement will help lubricate their joints as joints tend to become stiff in the winter. Many diets have some amount of joint supplement in it. But to help support your pet’s joint a bit more, aske your regular Veterinarian about their recommended joint supplement. Joint supplements come in flavorful chews which helps with the ease of your pet taking the supplement more. And for those picky pets, there are joint supplements that can be sprinkled on to food. Lastly, if you find that after implementing these supplements still leaves your pet stiff and painful, consider talking to your Veterinarian about pain medication. Healthy joints don’t just happen with joint supplements. During the cold months, we need to remember to keep our

December 2019

older pets in motion. If the weather permits, take your pet for a brief walk each day. Daily walks will help loosen up stiff joints and relieve tight muscles. Even a good throw of the ball has its benefits too. Plus, not only will your pet get some exercise but it can also benefit you as well. As a Mobile Veterinarian, I am able to go into pet owner’s homes and see my patients living conditions. Many homes being built today have mostly hardwood or tile flooring. Gone are the days of carpet! So, when it comes to older pets, this type of flooring is not ideal for them. I have had to make recommendations to owners for pets with arthritis or difficulty walking to provide some form of traction. This includes placing runners or extra rugs in the common walkways to help your pet get around easier. Also, if the walkway outside is wet or slippery, consider putting boots on your pet’s feet to prevent any injury/trauma. As you shop for some footwear for your pet, don’t forget to get them a warm jacket. Cold weather tends to make joints hurt a bit more. Keeping your pet warm during the winter is essential as they tend to get cold too. Keeping a fire going in your house or just keeping the house warm will also comfort your pet. Self-w warming orthopedic beds are available which help reflect your pet’s body heat. It is Christmas time, so why not put these items on the Christmas List for your pet! The Holiday season is here! Time for gatherings around the dinner table with our Family and Friends and “Caroling through the night”. We all love to see the first signs of snow but all that flurry stuff can take a toll on our pets. Follow these recommendations for your older pet and they are bound to have a Very Merry Christmas! Wishing All of You a Very Merry Christmas & a Happy New Year!

Dr. Gerri S. Reid is the Owner/Veterinarian of Reid Mobile Veterinary Services. 540-623-3029; reidmobilevetservices.com ; facebook eVetServices Photo of BunBun by Reid Mobile Services

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Astrology & You

THE POETRY MAN

december solar eclipse

By Frank Fratoe

Walking Into Light

By Dianne Bachman

A veneration is felt when I track ahead under expansive sky and look up to enjoy luminescence over me yet share the ridge which buoys my feet. Or catch the sparkle of an eternal hour continuing beyond me or circuit a field wherever wildflowers are pushed from soil to renew themselves. For in those minutes something comes that was there all along as I respect the awe within creation and discover immensity becoming one with it. Frank Fratoe lives & writes in the city.he loves.

Do you remember playing the computer game, Oregon Trail? The goal was for wagon loads of pioneers to successfully complete a trek from Independence, Missouri to Willamette Valley, Oregon. They negotiated broken wheels, swamps, sicknesses, and the like, making the journey challenging and sometimes perilous. Along the way, though, there were also frontier posts that offered an opportunity to rest, evaluate the route, re-stock supplies, and perhaps learn of the condition of the trail for the next leg of the journey. Just as these outposts provided a pause for the travelers, the Solar eclipse on December 26 provides us with an opportunity to examine our own journeys. I’ll explain how this eclipse might impact us, but first let’s look at how an eclipse fits into astrology. In an astrological chart, eclipses activate the North and South Nodes of the Moon. The nodes are two points on the astrological chart where the Moon’s orbit intersect the path of the Sun. Astrology is geocentric, so the earth is at the center of the chart and the planets, including the Sun and the Moon, orbit the Earth. The path of the Sun and other planets as they circle the chart is called the ‘ecliptic’, but

the Moon’s orbit is not the same. Imagine two rings that can fit inside each other. One represents the Sun’s orbit and the other, the Moon’s. These orbits intersect at an angle. The intersection creates the Lunar North Node and South Node. The North Node is where the orbit of the Moon crosses the ecliptic going into the Northern Hemisphere and the South Node is where the Moon’s orbit crosses the ecliptic, headed toward the Southern Hemisphere. About every nine years, the eclipse cycles repeat themselves with the nodal cycles changing signs every 18 months. Our current eclipse cycle is a Cancer/Capricorn axis that began on January 5, 2018, with a Solar Eclipse. This cycle will come to an end on January 10, 2020, with a Lunar eclipse, though the impact of the eclipse can be present until the next cycle commences (in the signs of Sagittarius/Gemini). On December 26, the Sun will be at 5 degrees of Capricorn, conjunct the South Node and the North Node will be in Cancer. The Sun represents our will, our conscious self, and the Moon represents our feelings, our internal world and sometimes what has been unseen (or even hidden). This eclipse may be asking us to look at our past actions and how they have led up to our current situation, and to take responsibility for ourselves, versus blaming or feeling victimized. We take stock, change what we can, get back on the wagon and enter the Oregon Trail, a bit wiser. Again, this eclipse energy is a process, so we may see it unfold well into 2020.

The areas of life impacted depend on where the Sun, Moon and the Nodes are in our birth charts. Anyone born with the Cancer/Capricorn axis will experience this more intensely, so look at your birth chart to see what houses they inhabit as well as which planets (if any) form an aspect to the Sun or the Moon. Look at where 5 degrees Capricorn falls in your chart and this will give a clue to what aspect of your life this eclipse might activate. Finally, think back to 2010 and what themes were prominent in your life. The current cycle is related to the last Capricorn/Cancer cycle and may give you some clues about how the eclipse might manifest for you at the present time. Here are some other planetary transits for December : Jupiter will enter the sign of Capricorn on December 2, Chiron will go direct in Aries on December 12, and the Sun will enter the sign of Capricorn on December 22. Jupiter aligning with the Sun in Capricorn helps us overcome any self-cconfidence issues as they relate to authority figures or any type of hierarchy. Jupiter gives us that shot of cosmic B12, energizing us for life’s adventures. With Chiron going direct, we are ready to get beyond what has held us back. We can feel freer to express our truths and take bolder steps in the evolution of our genuine selves. The Sun’s entry into Capricorn shines the light on our talents and abilities and shows us a path, a plan, to realize our potential in a practical and responsible sense. Overall, December may prove to be a very powerful month, with lots of potential for personal growth! Diane Bachman is a psychotherapist & astroger practicing in FXBG. She can be reached at dbachmanlcsw@gmail ..com Painting is one of 29 celestial charts from Andreas Cellarius' "Harmonia Macrocosmia", circa 1660

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December 2019

Fredericksburg Sketches A visual Celebration of our community

By Casey Alan Shaw

A 19th Century Christmas at Ellwood Manor Saturday, December 14: 9:00 A.M. - 12:00 P.M. Santa and Crafts. 12:00 P.M. - 2:00 P.M. Open House Sunday, December 15: 12:00 P.M. - 3:00 P.M. Open House with Live Music 36380 Constitution Highway (Route 20), Locust Grove, VA 22508 FREE and Open to the Public Info: www.fowb.org. or ellwood@fowb.org

SKETCH #60: Guest Artist Russell Petcoff; Kitchen at Chatham Manor I’d like to introduce a drawing by local sketcher Russell Petcoff. Russell has earned the term “local” even though he lives in Haymarket, near Manassas. But you’ll see him with sketchbook in hand joining Fredericksburg’s Sketchers group as often as anyone. If you catch up with Russell on Facebook, you can also see him filling sketchbooks with observations from many other places around Virginia, too. Surprisingly, Russell didn’t begin sketching until about two years ago. So that goes to show, it’s never too late to head out with pad and pencil to record your personal observations. Before that he was already a fan of old Bob Ross shows and had filled his home with paintings. Petcoff took up sketching he says jokingly because, “I only needed so many paintings.” “At first I hated how I couldn’t draw a straight line,” Petcoff continues, “but people encouraged me saying that’s my personal style. Besides, if I wanted an accurate representation then take a photo.” That thought actually sums up the goal of what personal sketching is all about pretty well.

2nd Annual KrisKringlMarkt Holiday Market Historic Market Square December 14, 2019, from 10 am to 5 pm. A spectacular outdoor shopping experience in one of the most beautiful parts of our notable town. Traditional German-style markets are based on the holiday tradition that began in Nuremberg, Germany, dating from the 16th century. Our holiday market will include vendors selling traditional crafts and foods. It is the perfect environment to invoke the holiday spirit while friends, families and neighbors stroll along tents filled with gifts and treats. This event is all about bringing people together and our community with entertainment provided by local choirs and school music groups. 30

December 2019

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Casey Alan Shaw is a local artist. He teaches art at James Madison University and Germanna Community College and exhibits his original artwork and limited-edition prints at Art First Gallery and at www.caseyshaw.com.

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Where Fredericksburg Gets Engaged

DOWNTOWNERS Renato’s Theresa Bonilla by Georgia Strentz

Forty-five years ago, when Fredericksburg’s downtown was know as, “dead Fred,”(wow,look at her now) our family was new here, and we discovered our favorite restaurant on William Street called, Renato’s. Week after week, we were drawn to the beautiful interior, spotless table clothes, not to mention the simply delicious menu, even kids love the food. Each menu selection is exquisite, never a disappointment. The staff gives such special service, it is as though every customer were part of Renato’s family. Forty-five years later with multitudes of eating places to choose

from, it is still our family favorite. The story of the beginnings of Renato’s, is the story of all of us, our families who migrated to America from all over the world for their children and themslves, for a better life through hard work and a dream. In 1976, Theresa and Jose Bonilla, the owners of the Renato’s buildings and business, came from El Salvador with a determination to make a new life, in a country where hard work was rewarded fairly. They found work in Washington D.C. in the kitchen of the, Romeo and Juliet’s Italian Restaurant. Their employer decided to come down to tiny Fredericksburg, south of D,C, and open a restaurant. Jose and Theresa said they would move also and help him start the new venture.

own came on the market. They had no money, no assets,but their dream of a good life was still alive! In those days, there was a wonderful bank in Fredericksburg, called Fredericksburg Savings and Loan, and an equally wonderful man, Mr. McMurtry, who was president of the bank. He said he knew Theresa and Jose were fine, hardworking people, with a good plan,and as we say, the rest is history. He gave them a loan,and signed up for a family table at Renato’s for every Christmas!. Theresa and Jose love their hometown, the people, and they have a son, daughter, and four grandchildren. Their daughter Elisa is the decorator, who

makes everything beautiful in Renato’s, and creates all the desserts, making everything home-made delicious!! Theresa is so warm and nurturing, even with her busy day approaching, she wanted me to eat and drink! I am going back with my daughter and grandchildren this weekend for sure!

Renato’s 422 William St, Menu: rrenato.com facebook: ristoranterenato78

Bailey with her mom, the gal about town, says.” Merry Christmas ”!! Her auntie Carol, gave Bailey the Santa hat to keep her ears warm.

Their employer soon decided he did not want to live in Fredericskburg, Jose and Theresa loved it and the people here. They had no jobs, but Fredericksburg shined on them, as the building they now

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December 2019