Front Porch Fredericksburg - February 2014 by Virginia Grogan

YOUR GUIDE TO THE LOCAL GOOD LIFE

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

L o c a l G o o d N e w s S i n c e 1 9 97 YEAR 17 • ISSUE 200 • FEBRUARY 2014

Frontporchfredericksburg.com

Katie Hornung

Virtually Yours 3

Sam Burris

Grounded 11

Tipping Guide

Sara’s Gratuities 12

What’s Cooking?

Ky’s & V’s Cuisines 14

Dr. Urbane F. Bass Heritage Remembered 18

Equality The Turbulent 60’s 19

Sounds & Songwriters

Making Music 9, 26

Home

In FXBG. VA 30

contents

closeups 3

Our Heritage: dr. urbane f. bass history’s stories.: VA central railroad

canine companions: dental care

autoknown better: what’s next? clean, healthy, good tasting water

Katie Hornung mentoring young journalists

Senior Care: heavy hearts

wellness: living with diabetes

house about a live show? ... daniel bachman

Art in the ‘burg:open call staff. co art competition

scene & heard...in the ‘burg!

fxbg music scene: toby fairchild

community link: ......va housing coalition

my own path

porchlight: moving towards a future poetryman

hollyburg tinsel & history

sam burris ... of UMW

porch talk 4 ..5

on the porch...life in fredericksburg Messages

oh no, groundhog day again

Quiet Moments: full circle

retired on the back porch stafford 350: great train robbery

Vino: some absolutes need to go gracious gratuities

season’s bounty

Cooking with kyle

will power...all about beer

16-17

Calendar of Events

...And more! 5

clang, clang, clang: 1st friday trolley

coalition empowers children

Mentoring young journalists in a virtual world By A.E. Bayne

i gotta crow about cyt

Katie Hornung

taking a stand for equal rights

31 Cover Art byBetsy Glassie

How does one teach a subject that, in its traditional form, is slowly becoming obsolete? Or engage students who are more likely to consult Facebook for news than to pick up a reputable newspaper? Facing the immediacy of today’s world, how does a teacher make journalism relevant? These are questions that Katie Hornung, an English and journalism teacher at James Monroe High School, considers with more frequency each year, and she has discovered some cutting edge solutions along the way. Over the past few years, Hornung has noticed shifting trends in the way students access news and information. She says, “With the media at their fingertips, they really don’t pick up newspapers or magazines anymore. It’s a challenge when I’m trying to teach them an appreciation of strong journalistic writing. When I attended a workshop for journalism teachers of all levels in Florida a few years ago, we all determined that, yes, we had to accept what is happening, but we wouldn’t lower our standards. We

really advocated for the printed word as much as we could, because many avenues exist for practicing journalism in print, even online.” One solution to this modern challenge was the decision to change the format of JM’s Spotlight news source from a traditional school newspaper to a frequently updated blog accompanied by a few print publications of a news magazine. Hornung explains, “We asked the students if they currently read articles that appeared in newsprint. Really excellent copy? Maybe. But were they usually reading it? No. So we made the decision to change the Spotlight’s format. The magazine focuses more on photojournalism and telling the story of the school year through pictures. The writing is in the form of captions that run about 350 words, and it becomes complementary to the pictures and the layout, rather than driving the spread itself. That’s not for the lack of good writers on staff, but the magazine is more in line with what students choose to

Heart Throbbing Come on Over and See Us in our New Location at Eagle Village! GET 25% OFF ANY 6 BOTTLES OF WINE WITH THIS COUPON VALID IN STORE ONLY. ONE COUPON PER PERSON. EXPIRES 2/28/2014

Or Decaf ? hot, cold, decadent or sublime

To learn about our tastings and other special events: Join our email list at EJosephWines.com & Facebook.com/hop.wine

purchase today, and they can access the blog anytime on their phones.” Creating news media in these formats presents its own set of difficulties for the student staff. Blogging offers the immediacy that the public has come to expect from news sources, but that same convenience can affect the credibility of what is published, and content can become redundant. Hornung elaborates, “Kids can easily access our blog, but the question becomes one of original material. What can we produce in our news magazine that we haven’t already posted? It’s a challenge.” With students reading fewer print sources and more often choosing visual media over books, one might question how young adults learn to think critically; but Hornung insists that analysis is still a mainstay in the high school English curriculum. She says that at JM, units on persuasive technique reinforce critical thinking skills for the students. For at least 20 years persuasive speeches about taboo topics have been a

centerpiece of 11th grade English. These projects are student driven and hold deep meaning for them. As Hornung describes it, “There is always a group that is uncomfortable with taboo topics and would like to see the lesson modified; but, that’s the thing that grabs the kids. It’s a favorite because they are invested. They want to be trusted with the information, and they want to know that adults believe they can handle it. I appreciate that persuasion in all of its forms has such a key spot in our curriculum in both the media and English classes.” Whether through journalism or through the 11th grade English curriculum, Katie Hornung fosters innovation and modern solutions to academic challenges in our rapidly changing world. Send profile nominations to: baynefrontporch@gmail.com. A.E. Bayne is a teacher, writer, artist, and Fredericksburg resident.

Enjoyable Events at the Fredericksburg Courtyard Marriott

540-373-8878 1223 Jefferson Davis Hwy Fredericksburg, VA 22401

Valentine’s Day Room Packages

Enjoy the games on one of our many HDTV’s

620 CAROLINE STREET ♥ FREDERICKSBURG VA 22401 ♥ 540.373.8300

February 2014

Front porch fredericksburg

front porch fredericksburg

February 2014

contents

closeups 3

Our Heritage: dr. urbane f. bass history’s stories.: VA central railroad

canine companions: dental care

autoknown better: what’s next? clean, healthy, good tasting water

Katie Hornung mentoring young journalists

Senior Care: heavy hearts

wellness: living with diabetes

house about a live show? ... daniel bachman

Art in the ‘burg:open call staff. co art competition

scene & heard...in the ‘burg!

fxbg music scene: toby fairchild

community link: ......va housing coalition

my own path

porchlight: moving towards a future poetryman

hollyburg tinsel & history

sam burris ... of UMW

porch talk 4 ..5

on the porch...life in fredericksburg Messages

oh no, groundhog day again

Quiet Moments: full circle

retired on the back porch stafford 350: great train robbery

Vino: some absolutes need to go gracious gratuities

season’s bounty

Cooking with kyle

will power...all about beer

16-17

Calendar of Events

...And more! 5

clang, clang, clang: 1st friday trolley

coalition empowers children

Mentoring young journalists in a virtual world By A.E. Bayne

i gotta crow about cyt

Katie Hornung

taking a stand for equal rights

31 Cover Art byBetsy Glassie

Heart Throbbing Come on Over and See Us in our New Location at Eagle Village! GET 25% OFF ANY 6 BOTTLES OF WINE WITH THIS COUPON VALID IN STORE ONLY. ONE COUPON PER PERSON. EXPIRES 2/28/2014

Or Decaf ? hot, cold, decadent or sublime

To learn about our tastings and other special events: Join our email list at EJosephWines.com & Facebook.com/hop.wine

Enjoyable Events at the Fredericksburg Courtyard Marriott

540-373-8878 1223 Jefferson Davis Hwy Fredericksburg, VA 22401

Valentine’s Day Room Packages

Enjoy the games on one of our many HDTV’s

620 CAROLINE STREET ♥ FREDERICKSBURG VA 22401 ♥ 540.373.8300

February 2014

Front porch fredericksburg

front porch fredericksburg

February 2014

ON THE PORCH Rob Grogan

Editor

Associate Photography Editor Archer Di Peppe Contributing Writers & Artists Mike Appleton A.E.Bayne Emily Barker Diane Beyers Megan Byrnes Collette Caprara C.Ruth Cassell Lezlie Cheryl Ashleigh Chevalier Ryan Davis Arch Di Peppe Fran k Fratoe Betsy Glassie Cassandra Gleich Ruth Golden Glen Gray Ralph “Tuffy” Hicks Kathy Habel Katie Hornung Karl Karch David Kerr Christopher Lilis Will Loring Jo Loving Sara Mattingly Jo Middleton Gary Olsen Amy Pearce Sandi Pepper Vanessa Moncure M.L.Powers Scott Richards Kathy Rivers Wendy Schmitz James Kyle Snyder Dru-Anne Sgarlato Matt Thomas Christine Thompson Rim Vining Front Porch Fredericksburg is a free circulation magazine published monthly by Olde Towne Publishing Co., Inc. Virginia Bigenwald Grogan, Publisher. The mission of Front Porch Fredericksburg is to connect the diverse citizenry of Fredericksburg with lively features and informative columns of interest to our community’s greatest resource, its people. Messages from our readers are welcome. All submissions must be received by e-mail by the 19th of the month preceding publication. Writers are welcome to request Writer’s Guidelines and query the Editor by e-mail. Front Porch Fredericksburg PO Box 9203 Fredericksburg, VA 22403 Phone: 540-220-1922 E-Mail: frntprch@aol.com Web Site: www.frontporchfredericksburg.com The opinions expressed in Front Porch Fredericksburg are those of the contributing writers and do not necessarily reflect the opinion of Front Porch Fredericksburg or its advertisers. Copyright 2014 Olde Towne Publishing Co., LLC All rights reserved.

Robgwrites 4

I Gotta Crow

Clang, Clang, Clang Went the Trolley

February 2014

About CYT Fredericksburg !

200 January 30, 2014: I’m sitting upright in a hospital bed at Mary Washington Hospital after Virginia called 9-1-1 the night before. My stomach pain and bloating had become unbearable, so here I am writing the very final piece of issue # 200 – February 2014. For 200 consecutive months, all of the pieces have come together each time to compose an issue of the magazine. Advertising support, writers, photographers, artists, techies, production personnel, carriers, and you – our readers – have herded together to bring you your community magazine. To me, “200” is more than a big, round number. It expresses continuity, challenges met, nearly 17 years under our belts, and a celebration of all that is good about Fredericksburg. Even from a hospital bed, I am encouraged to see this issue come to fruition for you; optimistic about the

messages Dear Editor and Sara Mattingly, In your January 2014 issue on page 14, you list David Achkio as the brewer of Blue and Gray Brewery, this is incorrect. The article is two years old. David has been brewing at Lickinghole Creek Craft Brewery in Goochland since February 2013. Although the article is dated, the photo used of him is at his current place of employment, taken and posted by his employer at LCCB. I am sure the article created confusion to those who are avid beer drinkers in the area. I would also imagine the current brewer at B & G, Aaron Emory, is equally surprised to hear David is still the brewer. Kind regards, Camila Burda NOTE: Camila Thank you for your message. What happened was that Sara sent the wrong story, which was supposed to be an update on the brewery. She had kept the old one for background info. To my fault, I totally missed her error and sent the wrong story to the publisher. Thanks for reading Front Porch! Regards, Rob Grogan, Editor and Errorist Dear Rob: It is with much appreciation that I write to you today. First, having

Front porch fredericksburg

By Cassandra Gleich magazine’s future; and, committed to doing my part in the process each month. This month is a good one, with profiles of “porch people;” several winter recipes; history and health; and, compelling pieces by our stable of witty, informative, and insightful columnists and writers. It is the month we look at Black History, Presidents, a little romance, and some of the quality of life topics that invigorate our community; topics that you like and look for every month – food, wine, and beer; humorous observations and looks at local life; our “teacher of the month” by a. e. Bayne; our Calendar of Events; plus, unique to this issue, is a guide to tipping; a local youth theater; the community’s housing coalition; and, more good topics and information of value.

my photograph chosen for your January 2014 cover was just wonderful. But not many people know that this issue turned out to be a “family” issue for me. My daughter, Amy Raposo, was highlighted on page 31 as she starts work with Front Porch on the sales team. And then, on page 25, in Scene & Heard, there is mention of my son, Kelley Drake, and his participation, along with many other talented artists, in The Sunken Well Tavern Art show. How often does that happen? So again, thank you for that and all you do for our community. Ruth Golden Hi Rob, My intent this morning was to simply inquire about your health. Then as my computer was warming up I read your “Winter Morning Prayer” from the January Front Porch (On The Porch). What a beautifully written and moving piece. You are living at a deeper level than most of us and are blessed with the ability to articulate your feelings. I’m inspired to increase my efforts this year to help those in need in our community. Bruce Day Bruce Day is a downtown artist. ABOUT THE COVER: Once again, renowned painter Betsy Glassie offers us a cover we can not resist – a whimsical snowman to mark winter in Fredericksburg’s most likely snow month. Snow days and cancellations, frigid temperatures,

We invite you to light a fire, pour yourself a hot tea, cocoa, or toddy, and enjoy #200 cover-to-cover. Peace.

juxtapose the annual reopening of Carl’s in mid-month, ironically illustrating the contrast in weather in our fickle region. So Let It Snow! Take a day, build a snowman! WRITERS WANTED: Do you aspire to be published? Are you a local writer wanting to contribute to the community? Are you building your portfolio of published work? If you write and will follow our Writer’s Guidelines, then contact Editor Rob Grogan at frntprch@aol.com. Tell Rob your background, your topic interests, your passion. He will pair you with the right assignment! READERS’ NARRATIVES WANTED ! Special Theme August 2014 Issue (Deadline July 20th): “Pets & Their People” - narratives from writers, readers, and contributors about life with their Fido from the pet’s and person’s perspectives. Can you turn 300-400 words into a tell-all by your cat or dog? Or, write it from your own perspective if the muse points that way? Send a good photo of your pet along with your narrative (send your narrative as an email message — copy, cut, and paste your document’s text — and do not attach a file). Photo can include you interacting with pet(s)... High resolution jpg’s embedded in e-mail preferred! Email Rob at frntprch@aol.com when you commit to doing this. It will be fun!

Come to Never Never Land with us! CYT Fredericksburg is preparing to open Peter Pan in March and it is a MUST SEE for the whole family. CYT stands for Christian Youth Theater and ALL are welcome! CYT puts on three shows a year with a cast of anywhere from 90 to 96 kids between the ages of 8 and 18. CYT’s mission statement is “Developing character one stage at a time,” which it defiantly does! Children learn how to behave on and off stage by learning core values. Responsibility for lines, dances, and making sure they have everything for practice and the shows are taught and learned quickly. The cast practices for 10 weekends and although it is mostly fun and games when we are not working on our lines and blocking scenes; older kids will bring homework to do in free time or they will help fellow cast members catch up on dances. The 96 members of this cast become family over the 10 weeks of rehearsal. In some activities that cover such a wide range of age there is usually a gap between the younger kids and the

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ARM

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

older kids. That is not the case with CYT. Many of the older kids “adopt” a younger member of the cast and a show family begins. In 2006, “You’re a Good Man Charlie Brown” was the first show produced under CYT Richmond. In 2008 CYT Fredericksburg branched off by themselves with “Snow White.” Since then they have put on favorites like, “Willy Wonka,” “Suessical,” “Alice in Wonderland,” “Christmas Carol,” “Beauty and the Beast,” “Annie,” and now “Peter Pan”. CYT is a nonprofit 501(C)(3) organization that is able to provide tuition assistance and College scholarships to those who participate through our fund raising events, donations from local businesses and raffles during our shows. CYT Fredericksburg is thrilled to be using the same flying company, Flying by Foy, that the original Peter Pan cast used on Broadway in 1954. Peter, John, Wendy and more will captivate the audience from up above! The play will open March 7 at Spotsylvania High School and features the classic characters of Peter, Wendy, John, Michael, Tiger Lilly, the lost boys, Indians, Pirates and of course, Captain Hook! This show has the classic Broadway songs like “I won’t grow up,” “The Pirate’s Tango,” “Uga Wug,” and “I Gotta Crow”. Tickets and more information about our after school theater program can be found at www.cytfred.org LIKE our CYT facebook page and comment: “Front Porch sent me.” You could win a Family 4-P Pack of Theater Tickets ! Readers of this article who email frntprch@aol.com will also be eligible to win a theater ticket 4-p pack ! This article was written by 16-year-old homeschooler, Cassandra Gleich. This will be her 8th production with CYT Fredericksburg.

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Since 1929

601 LAFAYETTE BLVD

roxburyfarmgarden.com

February is Spring Planning Month ! Come Shop With Us

Arts Commission Launches First Friday Trolley By Collette Caprara

Clang, clang, clang” went the trolley Ding, ding, ding” went the bell Zing, zing, zing” went my heartstrings For the moment I saw him I fell. – lyrics by Hugh Martin With a special emphasis on “first,” the First Friday exhibit openings in February will feature the debut of the First Friday Trolley service, offered courtesy of the Fredericksburg Arts Commission (FAC). On February 7, from 6:00 pm to 9:00 pm, two trolleys operated by Trolley Tours of Fredericksburg will run a “circulator” route, with designated stops

that are each located no further than two blocks away from the surrounding galleries. The Commission took care to ensure that galleries that are more difficult for foot traffic to reach would be included in the route. The route will include (among other venues) Sophia Street, Lafayette Boulevard, and upper William Street, with stops in surrounding residential areas, including one on College Avenue to facilitate students’ participation in the event. The service will initially be offered on First Fridays for a three-month trial period and will be extended to subsequent months on the basis of ridership. A map of the trolley’s route will be posted on fredarts.com,visitfred.com, and arts-along-the-river.org. The idea for the First Friday Trolley was inspired by input received through FAC’s 2013 online survey about art opportunities in the Burg, and the Commission welcomes suggestions from the public on an ongoing basis atfredarts.com. Hop on and join this wonderful journey through the Arts of the Burg!

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

FOX BROTHERS INC. RESIDENTIAL CONSTRUCTION AND REMODELING SPECIALISTS 540-842-6335 540-846-5536 PROVIDING

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February 2014

ON THE PORCH Rob Grogan

Editor

Robgwrites 4

I Gotta Crow

Clang, Clang, Clang Went the Trolley

February 2014

About CYT Fredericksburg !

Front porch fredericksburg

We invite you to light a fire, pour yourself a hot tea, cocoa, or toddy, and enjoy #200 cover-to-cover. Peace.

ROXBURY F

ARM

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

& GARDEN CENTER

Since 1929

601 LAFAYETTE BLVD

roxburyfarmgarden.com

February is Spring Planning Month ! Come Shop With Us

Arts Commission Launches First Friday Trolley By Collette Caprara

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

FOX BROTHERS INC. RESIDENTIAL CONSTRUCTION AND REMODELING SPECIALISTS 540-842-6335 540-846-5536 PROVIDING

TOP QUALITY WORK

AND CUSTOMER SERVICE TO RESIDENTS OF

FREDERICKSBURG

AND

SURROUNDING COUNTIES

2006 AND INSURED

SINCE

LICENSED front porch fredericksburg

February 2014

Oh NO, Groundhog Day AGAIN?

Quiet Moments

The Back Story Full Circle By Diane Beyer hedgehog in Europe) awaken on specific dates, and when Germans immigrated to the U.S., they brought the custom with them. In finding no hedgehogs in the United States, they settled on a similar hibernating animal, the groundhog! The event, in either case, celebrates the coming of more light in the spring, the halfway point of winter, and we still observe it today! So says the old German saying, the modern basis for our Groundhog Day celebrations: For as the sun shines on Candlemas Day, So far will the snow swirl until May. For as the snow blows on Candlemas Day, So far will the sun shine before May. I remember a visitor to our farm asking my grandfather about the cows lying down in a field on a sunny summer evening. “Is it true that when cows lie down, it’s going to rain?” the visitor asked. My grandfather stroked his chin and I could see the familiar gleam in his eyes surface as he answered,” Well, I don’t know about any rain a’comin’, but I do know that when the cows are tired, they lie down!” There were other, more accurate, weather prognostications handed down to me from my German farming ancestors, some of which I still rely on. But one that still fascinates the world is Groundhog Day, celebrated annually on February 2. The original Groundhog Day was celebrated in Punxsutawney, PA in 1886. So, of course, Punxsutawney Phil is the world’s most famous prognosticating groundhog. But where did he get his “powers”? An Irish Gaelic celebration, called Imbolc, has been celebrated since the Middle Ages. The date for the festival was

February 2014

set as a halfway point between the winter solstice and the spring solstice. According to Gaelic folklore, Imbolc is the day the traditional hag Caileach gathers firewood for the rest of the winter. If Caileach intends to extend winter, she apparently has the power to make this day sunny and bright, giving her a nice day to collect firewood. If the weather is stormy or cloudy, legend says she is sleeping, and thus not concerned with the collection of more wood, indicating an earlier spring season. So how did the groundhog get into this? Well, Christians celebrate a similar festival, called Candlemas Day, a day on which they believe Jesus was taken to the temple to complete Mary’s ritual purification forty days after his birth, roughly February 2. To make a long story short, today’s tradition by Christians to have candles blessed on this day for use the rest of the year stems from Jesus being the “Light of the World”. The Germans combined the two celebrations, believing that certain hibernating animals (the

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Punxsutawney Phil has been predicting spring weather for over 123 years! His apparent longevity comes from the drinking of something called “Groundhog Punch” each summer at the annual groundhog picnic. Each drink

mystically gives him seven more years of life! Pretty cool, eh? But, for some reason, it only works on groundhogs… Phil’s prognostication record? According to groundhog aficionados, it is 100%. Since beginning his career in 1886, for the record, he has seen his shadow 99 times. Whatever the source of this occasion, in Phil’s own words, “To really experience Groundhog Day, you have to BELIEVE! Come, meet strangers, sing, shiver, drink caffeine. It’s the best all night party in Pennsylvania!”

By archer Dipeppe

It’s on Diane’s Bucket list to make it to Punxsutawney at least once for Phil’s prediction!

Mrs. Tenney, my second grade teacher, taught me how to tie my shoes. Before that my mother tied them. I was at a complete loss if they became untied at school until Mrs. Tenney taught me one

day after recess. She showed me once, and then I did it. When I looked up at her, she had the biggest smile. You would have thought I’d won the “Smartest Kid in America Award.” I hope you were fortunate enough to have a teacher like her early on in your education. I think shoestrings are much longer today, and it seems to be the style to leave them untied. I often see a ten year old kid walking along kicking his shoestrings way out in front of him. If you tell him his shoe strings are untied, he looks at you like you have a screw loose. In the old days you wanted to know, so you wouldn’t fall down a flight of stairs.

When I was in college, I was concerned with much weightier questions. I wanted to know the meaning of life and my place in it. Today I have come full circle and once again I can’t seem to keep my shoestrings tied. My shoestrings for my casual shoes are rounded, and they won’t stay tied. About sixteen times a day someone points this out to me. If I were in Ancient Greece, I could call on the Oracle at Delphi. She was a wise woman who spoke for Apollo. She must have been a fancy Mrs. Tenney. I would have trusted her. Unfortunately for me, the original Mrs. Tenney passed away years ago. Without her or the Oracle at Delphi, I am stuck with the Internet. There is quite a bit of information listed. Shoestrings were either invented nearly a million years ago or in 1790, depending on who you believe. I don’t believe either because as I used to tell my high school history students, “Never ever get history confused with what actually happened. History is what politicians hope you will believe.” That may sound cynical to some, but believe me if you accept it, it will save a lot of heartache later. In my Internet search I learned many things. I quickly became sidetracked. For instance, the term “sneaker” was first coined in 1862 by female inmates at London’s Brixton Prison. They word referred to the rubbersoled shoes worn by the matrons because they allowed them to sneak up on the inmates. The word “sneak” goes back to the 1500’s. I seem to be very fond of useless information because, at any given time, I have at least three times as much of it stored in my brain as the useful kind. I don’t believe I am alone in this

phenomenon. After being lost in this type of minutia, I finally got back to my original problem. I discovered on You Tube a short video on tying shoes. It was exactly the way I tie mine. As with most columns, the comments section can be infinitely more interesting than the original piece. I discovered that rounded shoelaces are much harder to keep tied. It has something to do with their roundness. I have searched far and wide without success for flat shoestrings that will work with these shoes. The best comment on the You Tube video by far was from a fourteen year old who stated that if you just got his grandmother to tie your shoes, they would not only stay tied, it would take you an hour and a half to get the knot out. Archer Di Peppe leaves us knotted in humor and philosophy in Quiet Moments.

online: www.save7lives.org in person: Dept. of Motor Vehicles

front porch fredericksburg

February 2014

Oh NO, Groundhog Day AGAIN?

Quiet Moments

February 2014

Front porch fredericksburg

By archer Dipeppe

It’s on Diane’s Bucket list to make it to Punxsutawney at least once for Phil’s prediction!

Mrs. Tenney, my second grade teacher, taught me how to tie my shoes. Before that my mother tied them. I was at a complete loss if they became untied at school until Mrs. Tenney taught me one

online: www.save7lives.org in person: Dept. of Motor Vehicles

front porch fredericksburg

February 2014

Coalition Empowers Children Smart Beginnings In Education

Bachman Back In Town With Black Twigs

By Mary lynn powers

By Ruth Golden with Emily Barker annual enrollment day is set for April 8, 2014. The Ready Freddy initiative connects with Passport and was piloted in 4-of-5 local divisions. Freddy is based on a research study from the University of Pittsburgh. The evidence is derived from studies on parental engagement, attendance, and social-emotional readiness. It’s fun for all types of children gearing for kindergarten. While 69% of the work is funded by grants, the one thing that Sara emphasized is community involvement as the key to success. Working together provides opportunities for our children to develop life and learning skills to become better citizens and more productive workers. The more children are prepared, the better our society will become. Enough of the soapbox, but if you know anyone with small children, steer them to Smartbeginningsra.org or go to 2300 Fall Hill, S-100, in 22401 (540-479-6944). Mary Lynn Powers covers business openings for Front Porch.

The topic of education can be found daily in some publication, on some newscast, and in discussions around the globe. I found myself in one of those conversations at a social gathering of local business and career women. By chance, I was seated next to Sara Branner and Mary Podlesny, who are respectively the director and business manager for Smart Beginnings Rappahannock Area (SBRA). SBRA is a non-profit coalition of local businesses and public and private agencies dedicated to ensuring children the initial skills to start school. They address the issue of rating childcare centers and preschools on a voluntary basis, to help build programs to prepare children from birth to age 5 for future education. Gone are the days of just “let them be children for a little while.” The main reason is safety, as it is impossible to go back to the time when children just played and ran the neighborhoods as portrayed in Little Rascals. Secondly, both parents work in a majority of families, or both would like to work, if childcare were available affordably. The main motivation though for this organization is there is a collection of evidence-based studies showing that children who come to kindergarten with basic learning and behavior skills adapt easier and are prone to a successful beginning. Sara is no stranger to education;

February 2014

she comes with a rich history of teaching and administration. She taught K-3 then entered administration for 34 years before retiring into her second career. Passionate, she really believes better daycare and pre-schools enhance the quality of early childhood education. Programs include Al’s Pals, an early childhood training initiative that develops personal, social, and emotional skills in children 3-8. SBRA serves over 2,600 children in 56 classrooms and plans to extend another 12 classrooms. Al’s Pals has statistically shown improvement in pro-social skills and behaviors. Smart Beginnings partners with The Virginia Star Quality Initiative (VSQI) to assess and improve the quality of services. SBRA facilitates 19 early care and education programs servicing over 1,700 children. There are approximately 120 early care facilities, hoping to add 12 new ones this year. Another program focuses on concerns of parents. The selection of a daycare or pre-school can be daunting, and Smart Beginnings uses a screening tool called Ages and Stages Questionnaire (ASQ) to identify strengths of children and concerns of parents. This tool facilitates parental education, the plan being to double the number of community partners working with young children. Passport to Kindergarten helps prepare youngsters for the transition to school. Passport to Kindergarten’s second

Front porch fredericksburg

House About A Live Show?

While our area boasts a wealth of very talented singer/songwriter/musicians, there are several types of music we don’t hear much of around these parts. One of those is the music of Appalachia. Appalachian music can mean different things to different people. The music speaks of homelands and longing for those places. It speaks of the earth, wherever you may find yourself, whether in your home country or an adopted land. It means working hard for a living and playing hard when you get the chance. Appalachian music brings together traditional harmonies from different countries: Ireland, Wales, Scotland, England, and Africa. Whether ballads, songs of protest, or songs that spread the news, music of Appalachia brought comfort to communities uprooted from ancestral homes, whether by choice or force. Banjos and fiddles, boards and bones in hand, The Black Twig Pickers dove into a living tradition of old-time music that surrounds their homes along the

Virginia-West Virginia line and never looked back. Both scholars of the regional sounds and advocates of an ecstatic and highly personal approach to the music, the Twigs hold down local dance and bar gigs, play all manner of celebrations, and every so often, hit the road. The Twigs have the keen ability to create original music that is completely their own, yet universally understood as the music of Appalachia. The Pickers (above) are Mike Gangloff (fiddle/banjo/jawharp/vocals), Nathan Bowles (banjo/percussion/vocals), Isak Howell (guitar/mouthharp/vocals), Sally Anne Morgan and (fiddle/feet/guitar/dance calling,/vocals). Fredericksburg native Jack Rose (19712009) also played a role in Pelt, an experimental noise/drone band with Mike Gangloff as well as with The Black Twig Pickers. Daniel Bachman (above right) is a 6-string- and lap-guitar player from the Burg, currently living in Chapel Hill. From 2007 to present, he’s been releasing material of almost exclusively an instrumental nature while touring from

Istanbul to Los Angeles. Bachman began using the moniker Sacred Harp, releasing tapes, CDRs and an LP until switching over to his name after a duo record was recorded with Ryley Walker of Chicago. During the last three years, Bachman has recorded three full-length LPs and countless small batch projects, making a fairly prolific output for someone of his relative young age. The next album in this series is “Orange Co. Serenade,” which will be coming out in the

influenced by finger-style virtuosos such as Jack Rose, Leo Kottke, John Fahey, and Robbie Basho. “Daniel Bachman is a young man going places very quickly. You need to grasp the opportunity to hear him NOW. I can’t say enough about the Black Twigs as musicians and people. They are long-time friends and collaborators of Jack Rose and their joie de vivre in what they do will make you smile and cry.” — Paula Rose (Mother of the late Jack Rose)

spring through Bathetic Records, and is Daniel’s strongest work as a player and writer. Back to a minimal approach with little to no overdubs and sparse accompaniment, the album is solely about the tension and release between each song. From its ecstatic blurred moments to its loneliest gut string thud, it will help you explore the best and worst of yourself. Daniel spent his youth playing Dock Boggs-style banjo. He took up the guitar just five years ago and was heavily

House About Tonight Productions and Big Nickel Audio present The Black Twig Pickers and Daniel Bachman at Picker’s Supply Concert Hall Friday, February 7. Doors: 7P. Music: 8P. Admission: $20.

Ruth Golden operates House About Tonight Productions. Emily Barker is a singer-songwriter-guitarist-music writer, and co-host of The Rec Center’s Wed. night Open Mics.

606 Caroline Street Old Town Fredericksburg 373-7847 www.gemstonecreations.org Tuesday - Saturday 10-5 Wednesday 10-6:30

Where Fredericksburg Gets Engaged front porch fredericksburg

February 2014

Coalition Empowers Children Smart Beginnings In Education

Bachman Back In Town With Black Twigs

By Mary lynn powers

February 2014

Front porch fredericksburg

House About A Live Show?

House About Tonight Productions and Big Nickel Audio present The Black Twig Pickers and Daniel Bachman at Picker’s Supply Concert Hall Friday, February 7. Doors: 7P. Music: 8P. Admission: $20.

Ruth Golden operates House About Tonight Productions. Emily Barker is a singer-songwriter-guitarist-music writer, and co-host of The Rec Center’s Wed. night Open Mics.

606 Caroline Street Old Town Fredericksburg 373-7847 www.gemstonecreations.org Tuesday - Saturday 10-5 Wednesday 10-6:30

Where Fredericksburg Gets Engaged front porch fredericksburg

February 2014

Retired & Buck Naked

Stafford 350 Great Stafford Train Robbery of 1895

By david s. kerr

Most crime in the Fredericksburg area isn’t that original. Criminals aren’t that bright and as the result, their crimes aren’t all that remarkable. They also get caught a lot. However, there are some crimes in our history that might surprise you. One of them is Stafford’s Great Train Robbery. It was a long time ago, in 1895, but the story is worthy of a movie script. Back in those days, just like they do today, trains of all sorts ran through Stafford. This included passengers, freight, the U.S. Mail and, from time to time, special express cars carrying large amounts of cash. It’s the latter that got the attention of two criminals; Charles Searcey and Charles Morgan. One was a former cowboy and the other a gambler. Sounds like an episode of Gunsmoke. They knew that there was a train calling at Fredericksburg, and while carrying passengers, they also had learned through a friend that the train included an American Express car with a safe full of cash. The plot was complex and carried off without a hitch. The two men boarded the train in Fredericksburg and then quietly and quickly made their way forward. When the train reached Aquia they made their move. They hijacked the train at gunpoint and told the engineer to

February 2014

stop. Then they uncoupled the engine and the coal tender from the rest of the train. While one watched over the engineer and fireman, the other made his way to the Express car. Using a stick of dynamite, he blew open the door of the express car and ordered the shaken clerk inside to open the safe. Just how much money they got isn’t clear. American Express never said, but it was probably a lot. Their escape was brilliantly planned. After collecting their haul and having cowered the passengers with a volley of gunfire that convinced many that there were seven or eight robbers, not just two, they boarded the decoupled engine and headed down the line. Just south of Widewater they stopped, set the train to full throttle and jumped off. They had horses waiting. And while they doubled back to avoid an expected pursuit, the train sped off down the line. It was an ingenious distraction. The RF&P manager at Widewater Station, watching the train zoom by, telegraphed Quantico that they had a runaway. A switch set pushed the train onto a siding. It turned over and came to a stop; meanwhile, the robbers rode west. That, however, is where the intelligence of these criminals ran dry. After dividing their loot, the two robbers broke the cardinal rule of evading the law and made themselves conspicuous. One went on a buying spree. Within two weeks they were both arrested. They were tried and convicted in Stafford County Circuit Court. It was a robbery worthy of Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid, complete with dynamite, runaway trains and Pinkerton detectives on horseback. And it happened right here, on the very same train line that many of us, who ride the VRE, use every day. David S. Kerr writes about Stafford County’s 2014 Celebration of its 350 years every month here.

Front porch fredericksburg

On The Back Porch washington, a life by jo middleton

When I was a kid, February was cherry pie month in honor of George Washington, who had admitted to his Dad that he hacked down Pop’s favorite cherry tree. Those of the “Let’s de-Weems the cherry tree chopping” from Washington’s biography, have also deleted delicious cheery, cherry pie of February. Weems was a Parson who wrote tales of good little boys for children’s edification. February 22, 1732 is absolutely the birth date of George, who was born at his family’s Pope’s Creek Estate near the current town of Colonial Beach, VA. Not only was George’s good deed of telling the truth to Pop cut out of good stories about our first forefather, but George himself has been deleted from the February calendar. All Presidents are now honored on the third Monday in February. President Generic day, or let’s be real here, February store sales day, and many folks get the day off from work to celebrate their ability to buy yet more they do not need, thereby elevating the charge card bill. Some say it was car dealers who started this February sales day in order to get rid of the old models and bring in the new. The Japanese auto retailers, who usually hire ad agencies, not from the land of the rising sun but staffed by Americans who should know better, have “Presidents Day” ads with a cartoon of George Washington hip-hopping and jive talking across the TV ad screen. Every February advertiser, not just those of the auto industry, should be required to read and be tested on Ron Chernow’s 800+ page tome, Washington, A Life, to assure that all advertising accurately portrays Washington — who knew how to inspire people; gather around himself foremost figures of the age: James Madison, Alexander Hamilton, John Adams, and Thomas Jefferson; and brilliantly orchestrate their actions to shape the new federal government, define the separation of powers, establish the office of the presidency, and forge a nation. This truly inspirational American should not be deleted from children’s books and calendars. We may now be a melting pot of various persons, but the reason they are here hearkens back to the brilliance of the founding fathers, especially the first President, who deserves the reverence he was once accorded.

In the 1960’s, Hudson Institute’s John Fonte wrote that “Tennessee Rep. Dan Kuykendall argued prophetically: ‘If we do this, (change Washington’s birthday celebration) 10 years from now our schoolchildren will not know what Feb. 22 means. They will not know or care when George Washington was born. They will know that in the middle of February they will have a three-day weekend for some reason. This will come.’” It has come. So, to the back porch I go knowing that on February 22 I will celebrate the birth of George Washington, by taking a walk at Ferry Farm, his childhood home still part of the historic landscape in Virginia, and I will be very glad I’m of the generation who knows who he was. Jo Middleton is a good American.

Sam Burris: The Man Behind The Battleground By Glenn Gray Arriving at the University of Mary Washington (UMW) in early 2007, Sam Burris was excited by the challenge of leading his own team of groundskeepers. He had just served as a private sports turf contractor for the NFL’s Pro Bowl in Hawaii and was eager to put his stamp on the collegiate level. The native of Bellefonte, Pa. was hired by UMW as the Athletic Fields Supervisor. Burris stood out among the candidates due to his wealth of knowledge and experience in sports turf. He first obtained his love for grass growing near Penn State University, where his parents held season tickets at Beaver Stadium. Burris enrolled at PSU and helped manage the same field he so admired. While there, the prestigious turfgrass management program landed him his first internship (the Jupiter Hammerheads, Class A, Florida – Miami - Marlins). His first full-time position came with the Baltimore Orioles as an assistant groundskeeper. In 2002, he was hired by the Washington Redskins during Steve Spurrier’s first season in the nation’s capital. When Joe Gibbs took over in 2004,

Burris remained and received even more responsibility outside of turf management. He traveled to away games to set up press conferences and helped reenact “crowd noise” at training camp by operating large speakers to simulate opposing NFL stadiums. Nowadays, Burris’ watchful eye is on UMW’s 45-acre Battleground Athletic Complex, located in downtown Fredericksburg. It might not be as wellknown as Lambeau Field or Yankee Stadium, but Civil War buffs would argue it’s one of the most historic U.S. sports facilities. “The Battleground” sits on the site of the “Battle of Fredericksburg,” fought December 11-15, 1862. Some 200year-old oak trees can be found nearby. During construction and maintenance of the fields, Burris’ and crew have discovered several Civil War artifacts. Peaking inside the antique stone walls adjacent to Hanover Street, the Battleground features two natural grass Bermuda fields with a 1,000-seat stadium for fans of men’s and women’s soccer and lacrosse. V. Earl Dickinson Stadium can be seen from Route 3 and serves as a crown

jewel of the complex. The Battleground has hosted numerous NCAA Division III Championship events in men’s and women’s soccer, baseball and field hockey. All fields are within a short walk of each other, allowing one to easily watch three or four collegiate competitions the same day. Burris also takes care of the tennis center (six indoor, 12 outdoor courts), track facility, softball stadium and campus recreation fields near Route 1. Overseeing five employees, Burris has managed several large projects the past few years, including installing two artificial turf fields (one with lights), transitioning all natural grass fields to warm season Bermuda grass and cultivating a new rugby pitch. Athletes were recently treated to another surprise when Burris began painting mascot and conference logos on the soccer, lacrosse, baseball, and softball fields. His crew is well educated in sustainability practices that reduce water use. With the Rappahannock

nearby (a Chesapeake Bay watershed), he refuses to use fertilizers when a storm is forecast, for fear of run-off. Well known in turf industry circles, Burris currently serves as VP of the VA Sports Turf Managers Association chapter; of the 2,600-member national organization he’s been part of since his college days. For the last 7 years, UMW athletes and opponents have competed on safe, reliable, and visually appealing surfaces managed by Burris and team. Now there’s a face and story to the man behind the Battleground. Glenn Gray is PR Manager for Buffalo Communications. BuffaloCommunications.com

Jewel Box Since 1940 Your Hometown Jeweler On-Premise Jewelry Repair Watch Batteries Gold Buying Engraving 212 William Street,Fredericksburg 540-373-5513 Mon-Fri 9-5:30; Sat 9-5 front porch fredericksburg

February 2014

Retired & Buck Naked

Stafford 350 Great Stafford Train Robbery of 1895

By david s. kerr

February 2014

Front porch fredericksburg

On The Back Porch washington, a life by jo middleton

February 2014

Gracious Gratuities Who To Tip And How Much

Vino some absolutes need to go By scott richards

By Sara Mattingly assistant - $2-$5 per person given directly to each one… Manicurist – 15%... Spa services – 15-20%. Car wash - $2-$3 for a car; $3-$5 for SUV or large vehicle... Furniture/Appliance Delivery - $5-$10 per person minimum. Up to $20 if delivery is large, heavy, or difficult…Pet Groomers – 15% of bill or $2/pet.

Hotel Services: Doorman - $1 per bag for help with luggage; $1 per person in your party for hailing cab… Bellman/Porter - $1-$2 per bag or $2 minimum… Housekeeper $2-$5 per night; Tip daily and leave it on pillow… Concierge - $5-$20 depending on the service; Nothing for directions… Room Service Waiter – 15% of bill.

Travel Services: I travel a lot, dine out, take cabs, use a lot of different services staffed by people at minimum wage who need more and deserve more. A fair look at gratuities may help balance their needs with your fairness:

Skycap at airport - $1 per bag for curbside check-in; $2 per bag taken to check-in counter… Car rental shuttle bus driver - $1-$2 per bag if help with the luggage… Taxi, limo, paid shuttle, or van driver – 15% of the total fare; Up to 20% if helps with luggage or makes extra stops.

Dining:

Yearend Holiday Tipping:

Waiters and waitresses 15% for adequate service; 20% for exceptional service. I’m generous on this because I round up the final total – including those hefty state and meals taxes – to determine my basis for the tip, then I do the 20% whenever possible without rewarding mediocrity but without being silly picky snobby. Decide for yourself what you expect from good service and let that be your guide. Just remember, without tips, servers receive just over $2/hour and can have short days when their restaurant is slow… Buffet/Self-serve Restaurant – Nothing unless there is some service; 10% if server delivers food/ keeps drinks refilled... Busboys – Nothing; $1-$2 for cleaning up a big mess… Bartender – 15-20%; $1 minimum per drink; and don’t be a rude hater at the bar. It is hard work, so be patient and civil... Cocktail Server – 1520%… Parking valet - $2 when car is retrieved… Takeout service – No tip unless something special is done… Food delivery – Give your pizza guy 10%, or $2 minimum.

Personal Services: Barber - $2-$3 or 15%… Hair Stylist – 15-20%; $3-$5 extra for lastminute service… Shampoo or other

February 2014

Babysitter – 2 day’s pay… Gardener - $20-$50 or one week’s pay... Housekeeper – 1 week’s pay… Nanny – 1 week’s pay and a gift from your child… Day Care Service - $15-$20 and a gift from your child… Teacher - $25-$100 gift certificate or gift card… Hairstylist, other personal services attendant - $15 per person… Massage Therapist/Integrative Health Practitioners - $15 or more… Dog Walker/Pet Sitter – 1 week’s pay… Dog Groomer – Half of session cost… Personal Trainer - $25-$75… Newspaper carrier – Daily delivery $15-$25; Weekend delivery only $5-$15… Mail Carrier – Non-cash gift up to $20. This can add up to some cost, but is the right thing to do - just think about what you’d do without their services! So plan to withdraw cash from your bank to cover it, get your gift cards in order, and set aside an envelopes/card for each. If you miss someone, hold it until you see them in the new year.

Sara Mattingly has worked in several of these service professions and prefers being on the receiving end.

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This month’s trivia question (courtesy of Hop & Wine in Eagle Village): There are nine wine grapes universally considered classic. What are they? (Answers at end of column) Anyone who writes about wine at one time or another has written how well white wine goes with summer and red wine with winter. In fact, as I was looking over past columns I have written for Front Porch, I noticed that in June of 2013, I wrote a column titled, “The White Wines of Summer.” Getting older seems to have done more than just gray my hair. I have come to conclude there are some absolutes that need to be abandoned. When it comes to drinking wine, the redwhite seasonal thing was the first to go. This has been a winter of whites at the Richards’ household. Not that reds have been ignored, mind you, but more whites have been drunk than usual. This is due largely to the fact that my fatherin-law and daughter-in-law, both of whom stand out in my mind, are both white wine drinkers. Aside from the fact that he is from West Virginia and she is an ardent Green Bay Packers fan (and part owner), they both prefer white wines. Whenever there is a family gathering, whites are to be supplied. When white wine is mentioned, of course the first thing that comes to many people’s mind is Chardonnay. Known primarily for its oaky, buttery taste, there is change even here. In the last number of years there has been a growing movement among Chardonnay drinkers who are tired of the oak taste, and now it is not uncommon to find unoaked chardonnays. For those wines that are oaked, the oaking is not as prevalent as it used to be. In America, enologists are learning to use oak properly. Pinot Grigio, an Italian unoaked that has found its way into the hearts and palates of many, offers a tart, crisp semifruit taste that is perfect for sipping solo, as is done often, or with a poultry or fish meal. Because it is not oaked, the clarity of flavor with a medium finish appeals to many, whether the outside is cold or warm. The French counterpart, Pinot Gris, is a white wine aged in French oak. It

should be indicated that French oak is very different from the American oak wine drinkers in the US are accustomed to. French oak provides a subtleness to the oaking that ends with just a hint of sweetness in the finish, more discerned than tasted. Add this oaking to the Pinot Gris and one is transferred to a world of silky smoothness of the taste of the fruit. Like Pinot Grigio, Pinot Gris pairs well with fish and poultry. Both of these wines add to the coziness and comfort of a warm fire on a cold night accompanied by a plate hors d’oeuvres or tapas. The use of Vidal Blanc adds another dimension to wine making and is becoming very prevalent in Virginia. Not only does it grow well, its taste as a finished wine is something not to be missed, no matter what the season. Vidal Blanc offers a depth of character that goes beyond the fructose flavors one expects from whites. Often used in white blends, the Vidal Blanc flavor barely comes through, yet it adds a presence that lends a certain elegance to the finished product. A popular blend of this wine includes Viognier and Chardonnay. A lovely presentation, not too heavy, this wine goes well with shrimp or raw oysters. Rogers Ford Winery does an excellent job with this blend calling it “Lily Grace” after John Puckett’s wine founder granddaughter. Wineries in Virginia have made some wonderful whites that really need to be tried. As I often tell people, drink what you like, but try Virginia wines. Also, bear in mind, one does not have to wait until the weather breaks this spring to try one of Virginia’s fine white wines. Answers to Trivia Question: RedsCabernet Sauvignon, Pinot Noir, Syrah, and Merlot. Whites- Chardonnay, Riesling, Sauvignon Blanc, Chenin Blanc, Semillon. Scott Richards owns Loch Haven Vineyards, is a member of VA Vineyards Association, blogs at fromthevine.wordpress.com

Season’s Bounty let it snow

By vanessa moncure with chopped fresh parsley and serve with… LOUISE’S MOTHER’S WORLD’S BEST GRILLED CHEESE

As a child growing up north of NYC, there was never a winter question Will it snow? Just WHEN will it snow? All the school buses had chains on their tires so even in half-blizzard conditions, my hatted, booted and muffled elementary school group huddled en masse waiting to hear the snapping metal long before we’d see the bus. We lived on a lake and usually by Christmas our neighbor with his miniZamboni would be clearing a not-quiteregulation size ice hockey arena, mostly for the boys. No white skates allowed. Huge treeless hills on the nearby golf course were overrun with sleds, toboggans, inner tubes - even a few pizza pans. Excitement and activity kept you warm at first, but it was time to drag yourself home when you finally couldn’t feel your extremities any more. The greatest feeling was getting home, banging in the door and shedding pounds of sodden cold garments and pools of melting snow, changing into warm, dry clothes and a pair of scratchy woolen socks. Then a big bowl of soup with Louise’s Mother’s Worlds Best Grilled Cheese. My Mom’s was OK, but hers was, well, the Best. Sorry, Mom. HAM AND POTATO CHOWDER Melt 4 T. butter in large saucepan, soup pan or Dutch oven. Chop 1 medium onion and two large peeled potatoes, then sauté over medium low heat until softened, not browned. Stir in 4 T. flour to make a roux, then slowly add 2 c. chicken broth, a sprinkle of thyme, some garlic powder, ½ tsp. black pepper and 2 c. chopped ham (you can use uniformly pre-chopped ham found in plastic containers if you don’t have leftovers from a cooked ham). Simmer until potatoes are tender, then add 2 more cups chicken broth and 2 c. half and half. Bring to a low boil and thicken with a flour and water (or milk) slurry, stirring constantly. Sprinkle the top

Really being from the South (I was born in MS) pretty much the only cheese I knew anyone cooked with was either Velveeta or yellow American. My taste buds were in for a shock when Dad was transferred to NYC. I can still smell the tangy, garlicky, waxy, spicy, yeasty aroma from our local Italian market. Louise’s mom would buy the braided provolone and hand-slice it, removing the wax. Then she would preheat her broiler, cut slices of crusty Italian loaf on the bias, sprinkle with olive oil (maybe the oil from calamata olives and toast on both sides - then she would top each piece with several slices of the aged provolone and hand-cut thin slices from a Parmesan wedge and grill until the cheese was lightly browned and bubbly - then she placed fresh basil leaves on each piece and put two pieces together to make a sandwich - the Best! Louise liked her Mom’s pickled eggplant in the middle, but I loved to dip mine in

Olde Towne BUTCHER We Have Live Maine Lobsters & Tenderloin Steaks! Corner of William & Charles Street 540.370.4105 www.oldetownebutcher.com

Winter Hours: 9am - 7pm Monday through Saturday 11am - 6pm Sunday Lee Russell Proprietor

her Tomato Soup… LOUISE’S MOM’S TOMATO BASIL SOUP Chop one large onion and sauté with several cloves of garlic in olive oil, over medium heat in Dutch oven until onion is just soft. Stir in one large can of Italian pureed or crushed tomatoes and one large can of whole or chopped Roma tomatoes, with juice. Add 2 c. chicken broth, ¼ tsp. each basil and thyme leaves, 1-2 T. sugar, S&P to taste and a chunk of Parmesan cheese edge if available - remove before blending, though. Simmer 15 minutes, then puree with hand-held blender or blend in batches until smooth. Stir in 1 to 1 ½ c. heavy cream; bring to a slow simmer (so cream will not curdle). Thicken soup with tomato paste if necessary, ladle into deep bowls, then top with fresh basil leaves cut into a chiffanade and croutons of Italian bread. This is a thick soup, so add more chicken broth if you like a lighter tomato flavor.

Vanessa Moncure requests “just a bit of snow, not like our Feb 2010 back-toback-to-back storms that brought down the flat roof. But any day you see snow, you’ll know I’ll be making soup!”

~ Daily Specials ~ Mom’s Mondays: Free dessert for all moms Two For One Tuesdays: All beverages & appetizers are two-for-one. Washington Wednesdays: All food 50% off with Mary Washington University id Throwback Thursdays: Burgers any way $5.00. Dine in Only ~ Limited Time ~ Subject to Change

801 Caroline Street

(540) 371-2008

front porch fredericksburg

February 2014

Gracious Gratuities Who To Tip And How Much

Vino some absolutes need to go By scott richards

Dining:

Yearend Holiday Tipping:

Personal Services: Barber - $2-$3 or 15%… Hair Stylist – 15-20%; $3-$5 extra for lastminute service… Shampoo or other

February 2014

Sara Mattingly has worked in several of these service professions and prefers being on the receiving end.

Front porch fredericksburg

Season’s Bounty let it snow

By vanessa moncure with chopped fresh parsley and serve with… LOUISE’S MOTHER’S WORLD’S BEST GRILLED CHEESE

Olde Towne BUTCHER We Have Live Maine Lobsters & Tenderloin Steaks! Corner of William & Charles Street 540.370.4105 www.oldetownebutcher.com

Winter Hours: 9am - 7pm Monday through Saturday 11am - 6pm Sunday Lee Russell Proprietor

Vanessa Moncure requests “just a bit of snow, not like our Feb 2010 back-toback-to-back storms that brought down the flat roof. But any day you see snow, you’ll know I’ll be making soup!”

801 Caroline Street

(540) 371-2008

front porch fredericksburg

February 2014

Cooking With Kyle

The Soup & Taco, Etc. Fredericksburg, VA

by james kyle snyder While the squash are roasting, melt 6 Tbs butter in large sauce pan over medium heat. Turn heat to medium high and add 1 large diced onion, 3 large leeks halved and diced (light green and white parts only), 6 medium chopped carrots, and 1 Tbs fresh ground ginger. Stir occasionally until vegetables are caramelizing, 6-10 minutes, making sure something sticking to the bottom of the pan. Turn off flame and deglaze with ounce of brandy, making sure to get all the tasty goodness off the bottom of the pan. Add the entire mixture to the warm chicken stock. Remove the squash from the oven and let cool, cut side up. When cool enough to handle, scrape the flesh away from the rind. Add the squash to the broth, insert the emersion blender (if you have one), and start 30 a minute timer. If you do not have an emersion blender, use a regular blender in batches to puree the soup then remix in the pot. Bring the

February 2014

flavor combinations. Although it takes a little time, the final product is well worth it. Preheat your oven to 550. Place eight quarts chicken stock with 3 Tbs of fresh chopped sage and 3 bay leaves in a large stock pot and heat to a simmer. While that is heating, in a small food processor, puree 3 Tbs olive oil, 12 cloves of garlic, 2 Tbs coriander seeds, and 2 Tbs fennel seeds until they resemble a coarse paste. Split 3 six pound Hubbard squash in half and remove the seeds. Rub the spice mixture on the flesh of the squash halves, making sure to get the edges, and place them, cut side down, on a full sheet pan. Place them in the oven and roast until tender when pierced with a fork, about 1 hour. (Turn pan half way through).

Front porch fredericksburg

Something New

813 Caroline St.

Simple, easy, delicious

Back in balmy November, we talked about the lack of fresh vegetables in February; Squash could fill that void in this coldest month of the year. Overwintering squash is simple to do. Carefully place cleaned, undamaged squash picked in October / November in a cool (55°F) dark place, uncovered until you are ready to eat them (hint for next fall). They will be almost as fresh as the day you put them in the dark. I did a Hubbard and Acorn. On to the soup! As winter drudges on, I grow tired of the traditional “pumpkin pie” spices used with squash. I want a more savory meal that will warm me up from the inside out. Here is one of my favorite recipes that will yield enough soup (if you freeze it) to get you to spring. This recipe will teach you some new techniques and

Will Power

mixture to a boil over high heat. Reduce the heat to a low simmer, cover, and cook for the remainder of the 30 minutes, stirring frequently to prevent burning and to develop the soup’s flavor. Add 2 cups of heavy cream and stir for another 2 minutes. Season to taste with salt and pepper. To serve, garnish with chives and Roasted garlic parmesan crouton. Portion the soup into pint containers to help cool it more quickly and make for perfect portions later in the season. Once cooled, freeze the portioned soup. Not everyone wants five gallons of soup. No problem. You can roast the squash and freeze the meat to prepare smaller batches later. Cooking by seasons and harvesting is all about planning. If done correctly, delicious meals are available all year round. Be well!

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

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

Chef Kyle Thomas Snyder knows that the way to a person’s heart is through their palate.

The Sunken Well Tavern

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

By Will Loring Well, 2013 is in the rear view mirror, and 2014 is just getting warmed up (hopefully in temperature as well). So, let’s take a look at what the coming year has in store for craft beer. More breweries, everywhere. Right now, there are approximately 28 breweries planning to open in the state this year. While all of these won’t necessarily be production breweries, there will be more places than ever before to try a pint of IPA, Brown Ale, or a soured Saison! Overall, most in the industry see this as a good thing. While a rising tide may lift all boats, it can also show the flaws in those that may have just been resting near shore. Competition can breed many things; excellence, innovation, and failure. With the demand for more quality craft beer, those just coasting by on established brands and years old recipes are going to be in for a rude awakening. The new guys aren’t starting a business because they are content with what is offered at the local watering hole; they think they can make something better. The American IPA. The poster child for the craft beer movement is now a full-grown adult. It has new wants and needs. All those varieties of hops you’ve never heard of? Start using them. Mikkeller started the trend a few years ago by using a single variety of hop for the boil, late boil addition, hopback, torpedo, dry-hop, etc, etc. Want to know what Cascade smells and tastes like? How about Chinook, Citra, Saaz, Nelson Sauvin, Simcoe, Galaxy or Mosaic? While it may seem like a marketing gimmick to some, it can play a practical role to those who want to know why they enjoy a certain IPA. And guess what, most craft beer drinkers like themselves a dang good IPA! Seeing as there are about 5,000 different IPA’s produced in the U.S. this is not a trend going away anytime soon. Do you own a bar/brewery? Do you sell an IPA, or have multiple offerings? If you said no, you’re bar/brewery is uninteresting to a growing segment of the population. Sours. While one of the most polarizing of beers styles, they are here to stay. Berliner Weisse, Gose (gos-uh), Traditional Lambic, Geuze (gooz-uh) or anything with Brettanomyces/Aged in an oak barrel to impart funkiness. Though often more expensive than other styles of beer, the juice is worth the squeeze to the initiated. So, how can you get into these mysterious bacteria ridden wild beers? At New Belgium brewing, makers of La Folie, a very popular and tasty Sour Brown Ale, they explain the best way to try a sour. Take a sip, swallow. Take another sip, swallow. Take another sip, swallow. The

tartness, though strange at first, can become quite the thirst quencher! It is easier to start with a style that is on the lighter side of tart. Berliner Weisse and Gose, both German wheat beers with Lactobacillus added, are good starting points. From Belgium, Flemish Red and Oud Bruins can be easier to get into as well. There is still some malt body to balance the sour imparted through aging in oak foudres. Duchesse De Bourgogne, Liefmans Goudenband, Allagash Midnight Brett and Wild Wolf Berliner Wolf are exemplary (and easy enough to find) for the styles they represent. With sour beers, if at first you don’t succeed, try, try, again. It’s worth it. The brewing field is getting larger by the day; that’s good for beer lovers and their communities. The IPA is still king, while constantly evolving to satiate hop lovers. And sour beers are here for the long haul. So, what’s the worst that can happen? You enjoy something new this year! Will Loring is the Beer Guy at Olde Towne Butcher.

The General Store

Restaurant

Since 1978

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

371-4075 2018 College Ave. Fredericksburg

front porch fredericksburg

February 2014

Cooking With Kyle

The Soup & Taco, Etc. Fredericksburg, VA

February 2014

Front porch fredericksburg

Something New

813 Caroline St.

Simple, easy, delicious

Will Power

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

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

Chef Kyle Thomas Snyder knows that the way to a person’s heart is through their palate.

The Sunken Well Tavern

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

The General Store

Restaurant

Since 1978

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

371-4075 2018 College Ave. Fredericksburg

front porch fredericksburg

February 2014

CALENDAR of events

february 2014… Snow or bust ! saturday, february 1

*International Women’s Day is March 8, so Ten Thousand Villages is collecting donations of gently used jewelry and personal accessories to benefit survivors of domestic violence in our community through Empowerhouse. Necklaces, earrings, scarves, handbags thru Mar 8 UMW Gospelfest! Join UMW’s Voices of Praise & Praise Dance Team with local gospel choirs in an evening of spiritual uplift. 3P. Free. Dodd Auditorium

sunday, february 2 Groundhog Day

*AM1230 WFVA Community Link 8-830A. UMW Professor Bill Crawley - Great Lives series - is guest with host Ted Schubel. Listen at newstalk1230.net Donations: 15% net sales at Ten Thousand Villages to Pillowcases of Love, whose volunteers make hand-sewn pillowcases for homeless shelters, hospitals, nursing homes, cancer centers. Thru Mar

monday, february 3

Lecture, The Search for Statesmen: The Quest for Leadership in James Madison’s Democracy, by Michael Signer, professor at School of Public & International Affairs at VA-Tech. Lee Hall, Rm 411. 4P. Free Film/Discussion, An Ordinary Hero, by Joan Mulholland, one of the Freedom Riders, and film’s director, Loki Mulholland. Lee Hall, Rm 411. 7P. Free. (540) 654 -1044 or umwjfmc@gmail.com Foreign Film Series, Inch’ Allah, French and Arabic film w/ English subtitles about French-Canadian doctor tested while working in conflict-ravaged Palestinian territories. George Washington Hall, Dodd Auditorium. 730P. Free. (540) 654-1995 or spowers@umw.edu

tuesday, february 4

Art First Gallery’s “February, the Month of Romance!” All-Members Show. Open late Feb. 13, Valentine’s Eve, for special “Men’s Night” lastminute shopping. Show up thru Feb 24 featuring painting to jewelry, w/ special emphasis on smaller, more affordable art PFLAG (Parents, Familes & Friends of Lesbians and Gays) F’burg Monthly Meeting. 1-hr Education, 1hr Support Circle. Christ Evangelical Lutheran Church 630-730P. Door behind construction fencing on side *Skiffle Lounge Sound plays Bistro Bethem 8-11P. No cover. $3 specials. 309 William

wednesday, february 5

*La Petite Auberge: Live Guitar Accordion Jazz Music tonight in the Lounge 8P. Featuring Chris, Phil, Andy & Harry. No cover as always so come in for dinner or a cocktail or two and enjoy the show. 2/5, 2/12/, 2/19, 2/26. Also on Thurs 2/6, The Abbe Buck Trio, 8P. No cover charge Whole Health Chiropractic, Inc. Detoxification & Weight Loss class. 630-830P. 434 Bridgewater Street. $15 Pre-register: 5409-899-9421 *Miss Lady & Mr. Man’s Open Mic Jam 8-11P every Wed. The Rec Center, 213 William Foreign Film Series, Valentín, Spanish film w/ English subtitles about 8-year-old boy raised by his grandmother, who is surrounded by problems. George Washington Hall, Dodd Auditorium. 730P. Free. (540) 654-1995 or spowers@umw.edu

thursday, february 6

*Live Music every Thursday at the Kenmore Inn. 1200 Princess Anne. 730P La Petite Auberge:

cover charge

The Abbe Buck Trio, 8P. No

Film Lecture: Gary Olsen examines the Academy Award-nominated movies for Best Picture (between 1965 & 1969), including 1966’s Who’s Afraid of Virginia Woolf?, and Blow-Up; the 1967 movie, Guess Who’s Coming To Dinner at the Central Rappahannock Regional Library Theater, 1201 Caroline, 630P. See article *FXBG Jazz Collective’s open jazz jam twice monthly: 1st & 3rd Thurs. Live bebop, Latin jazz, fine cocktails. Musicians, bring instruments (no large amps). fredericksburgjazzcollective.org *Reading, Thurs Poem Series, by Andy Duncan; Combs Hall, Rm 139. 5P. Free. 654-1545/1393 Black History Month Lecture, Civil War to Civil Rights: Trail to Freedom Teacher Resources Toolkit, by Tramia Jackson, director education/public programs, FAMM & Cultural Center, and Eric Powell, instructional coordinator at Post Oak M.S., on Trail to Freedom Group & Trail to Freedom Teacher Resources Toolkit. Lee Hall, Rm 411; 7P. Free. gfrankli@umw.edu The Chappell Great Lives Lecture Series: Bob Dylan, by Sean Wilentz, author of “Bob Dylan in America” and professor of history at Princeton; George Washington Hall, Dodd Auditorium. 730P. Free. 654-1065

*Performance, Always…Patsy Cline. duPont Hall, Klein Theatre; Feb. 6-8, 13-15, 20-22 @ 8P. Feb. 9, 15, 16, 22, 23 @ 2P. AfterWords discussion following afternoon performances Feb. 9, 15. $24. 654-1111

first friday, february 7

PONSHOP Studio and Gallery Group Show for Feb: two new jewelers to the shop - Elisa Shere and Elaine B Jewelry. Gallery showcasing new artwork by our artists Leslie Brier, Cameron Limbrick, Crystal Rodrigue, Nicholas Candela, James Walker, with new ceramics by co-owner Scarlett Pons. 610P. 721 Caroline FCCA Members’ Gallery features art by Guerin Wolf & Don Young, plus a Regional Exhibit w/ Karen Stinnett, Juror. 540-373-5646 at 813 Sophia. fccava.org. Wed-Mon 12-4P; Sat 11A-4P Brush Strokes Gallery Opening Reception 5-9P for Out of Our Comfort Zone All-Member Show thru Mar 2 *LTAW Art: In Main Gallery at LibertyTown, 59P for Opening Reception for: Frozen, a National Juried Exhibition. Celebrating all things cold, icy, and barren. Because if you can’t beat it, join it! Ends Mar 1 Art First Gallery’s “February, the Month of Romance!” All-Members Show Opening Reception. See Feb 4 In Concert: The Black Twig Pickers and Daniel Bachman at Picker’s Supply Hall, 921 Caroline. 730P. $20 Cabaret at Sophia Street Studios 6-9P: Celebrating the romantic hits of the great American songbook to warm your winter evening. With Sue Henderson and Ray Dempsey

saturday, february 8

Blues Guitar Workshop hosted by Bruce Middle, presented by FXBG Blues Society. Picker’s Supply Concert Hall, 902 Caroline (up stairs). 12N-130P. 540-371-4669 Blues Jam, Acoustic: Blarney Stone, 715 Caroline. 2P-5P. Bring instrument or come listen. 3717468

will have costume contest w/ awards for Best Male, Best Female, Best Group (up to 8), Most Patriotic, Funniest, Crowd Favorite. Register: $75. 8A-11A. City Dock

Live Comedy: Courtyard Marriott Downtown at 7P. Headliner is Alex Koll (Comedy Central, Conan O’Brien). $10 online pre-sale, $15 cash at door; Full service food, beer, wine avail on site; 18+ Art Opening: Bistro Bethem. Christopher Thomas Limbrick presents his personal artist selections of original work from “The Departure Collection,” Abstract Expressionism. Thru March. 309 William

monday, february 10

Workshop, With Needle and Thread: Beginner’s Class in Sewing: Hands-on workshop on basics of personal sewing and small repairs, basic sewing kit included. Gari Melchers Home/Studio, Belmont, 224 Washington, Falmouth. 2P. $35. Registration: 654-1843

*North Stafford MOPS Moms Club - 2nd/4th Thurs each month (Sept-May) FJC Open Jazz Jam at The Colonial Tavern: Join us on the 2nd Thurs every month for live bebop, swing, Latin standards. Musicians, bring your axes! Event free to public *Live Music every Thursday at Kenmore Inn. 1200 Princess Anne. 730P

friday, february 14 Valentine’s Day

Foreign Film Series, Westwind, German film w/ English subtitles about twin sisters training at summer camp meet young men on vacation. GW Hall, Dodd Auditorium. 730P. Free

Performance, UMW Chamber Festival; Pollard Recital Hall, Rm 304. And Feb 15. Free. Times: 654-1012

tuesday, february 11

saturday, february 15

*Karen Jonas plays Bistro Bethem 8-11P. No cover. $3 specials. 309 William

wednesday, february 12 Abraham Lincoln’s birthday

Black History Month Keynote Speaker Angela Rye, founder of IMPACT Strategies: Young professionals for economic empowerment, civic engagement, political involvement. Lee Hall, Rm 411. 7P. Free *La Petite Auberge: Live Guitar Accordion Jazz Music tonight in the Lounge 8P. Featuring Chris, Phil, Andy & Harry. No cover as always so come in for dinner or a cocktail or two and enjoy the show. 2/19, 2/26 *Miss Lady & Mr. Man’s Open Mic Jam 8-11P every Wed. The Rec Center, 213 William

thursday, february 13

*AM1230 WFVA Community Link 8-830A. Kathy Anderson and Jen Galatro of EmpowerHouse get ready to open a second transition house with host Ted Schubel. Listen at newstalk1230.net

Event, Health & Wellness Fair, info, demos, door prizes from physicians, nurses, chiropractors, life coaches, salons, spas, massage therapists. Mindful cook-offs, demos by UMW Chefs. Seacobeck Hall. 430-730P. Exhibits Free. Exhibits/Dinner $10.75 plus tax; rbenedic@umw.edu or 540-654-2169

Polar Bear Plunge: Brave enough to endure the icy waters of the Rappahannock? Join us for the EOD Warrior Foundation! Along with our plunge, we

*Reading, Thurs Poem Series, Tim Waltonen reads Seamus Heaney; Combs Hall, Rm 139. 5P. Free. 654-1545 or 1393

sunday, february 9

Lecture, Black History Month Keynote Speaker: Angela Rye, youngest female executive director, first general counsel to Congressional Black Caucus; Cultural Awareness Series/Black History Month event. Lee Hall, Rm 411. 7P. Free. 6541044

At FAMCC: Women Adorned Workshop “A New Way to Play.” 9-1030A. “Mask and Mirror” workshop; “Button, Button, Who’s Got the Button” – Accessorizing. 12N-130P

Meeting, 7-8P. 3rd Tue monthly. All County Residents welcome. Stay informed of trends/law enforcement activity. Sheriff’s Sub-Station, Spotsy Towne Centre *M-Law & The Modern Prophets of Jazz play Bistro Bethem 8-11P. No cover. $3 specials. 309 William

wednesday, february 19

*La Petite Auberge: Live Guitar Accordion Jazz Music tonight in the Lounge 8P. Featuring Chris, Phil, Andy & Harry. No cover as always so come in for dinner or a cocktail or two and enjoy show. 2/19, 2/26 Opening Reception 5-7P. Senior Exhibition I. duPont Gallery, College Ave & Thornton St. TueFri 10A-4P.; Sat & Sun 1-4P. Free. 654-1013. Thru Feb 28 Landscaping for 2014: Free lecture by Master Gardeners of Central Rappahannock Area. Bob Busick, Bay Haven Landscapes. 7P. CRRL, 1201 Caroline

thursday, february 20

*FXBG Jazz Collective’s open jazz jam twice monthly: 1st & 3rd Thurs. Live bebop, Latin jazz, fine cocktails. Musicians, bring instruments (no large amps). fredericksburgjazzcollective.org

Step Show Competition, featuring area high school step teams; a Cultural Awareness Series and Black History Month event; George Washington Hall, Dodd Auditorium. 7P. $7 general admission. 6542000

sunday, february 23

*AM1230 WFVA Community Link 8-830A. Ann Glave, Executive Director, F’burg Main Street program, with host Ted Schubel. Listen at newstalk1230.net Woodland Hike, by members of Central Rappahannock Chp. of VA Master Naturalist program. Gari Melchers Home & Studio at Belmont, 224 Washington, Falmouth. 2P. Free. 654-1839

tuesday, february 25

Pillowcases Of Love Ministry: Monthly Community Sewing Day. For nursing homes, hospitals, Ronald McDonald Houses. 9A-12N. Salem Church Library

wednesday, february 26

*La Petite Auberge: Live Guitar Accordion Jazz Music tonight in the Lounge 8P. Featuring Chris, Phil, Andy & Harry. No cover as always so come in for dinner or a cocktail or two and enjoy the show Poetry Reading, The Poetry of Micheal O’Siadhail, Micheal O’Siadhail gives poetry reading. Lee Hall, Rm 411. 730P. Free. (540) 654-1339, (540) 654-1023 or dcain@umn.edu

“Love – Notes” A Valentine Event of Poetry & Music. 3-5P. Porter Library, 2001 Parkway Blvd. Live music, Love poem dedications, food, beverages

The Chappell Great Lives Lecture Series: Jim Thorpe, by Kate Buford, author “Native American Son: The Life & Sporting Legend of Jim Thorpe.” GW Hall, Dodd Auditorium. 730P. Free. 654-1065.

sunday, february 16

friday, february 21

thursday, february 27

Performance: UMW Concert Band. GW Hall, Dodd Auditorium. 730P. Free. 654-1012

Blues Jam Electric, Colonial Tavern, 406 Lafayette. 7P. FBS board members available for questions, comments, membership sign-up. 8P-12MN. Bring instruments or come listen. 373-1313

*AM1230 WFVA Community Link 8-830A Meghann Cotter of Micah Ministries/ Connie Jones of the Central Virginia Housing Coalition, with host Ted Schubel. Listen at newstalk1230.net Film, World Fair, a documentary film about 1939 New York World’s Fair w/ discussion by Film Director Amanda Murray. Gari Melchers Home/Studio at Belmont, 224 Washington, Falmouth; 2P. Free

monday, february 17 President’s Day

Lecture, African Sovereignty in the British Atlantic World, by Catherine Molineux, associate professor of history, Vanderbilt University, reception to follow; Lee Hall, Rm 411. 4P. Free. grichard@umw.edu

tuesday, february 18 Spotsylvania

County

Neighborhood

Watch

3rd Fri, 830A business ladies’ free networking “TIPS.” Ellen Baptist, 548-0652

saturday, february 22

George Washington: born today at Pope’s Creek, Westmoreland, VA, USA Foreign Film Series, Le fils de l’autre, French, Arabic film w/ English subtitles about two young men, one Israeli and one Palestinian, who discover they were accidentally switched at birth. George Washington Hall, Dodd Auditorium. 730P. Free. (540) 654-1995 or spowers@umw.edu Event, Admissions Destination UMW, targeting admitted students and families, featuring classroom visits, faculty and student panels, campus/residence hall tours. 9A–2P. Free. Registration: 654-2000

UMW Jazz Ensemble: Evening of Jazz. Works by African-American musicians. 730P. Underground, Lee Hall *North Stafford MOPS Moms Club - 2nd/4th Thurs each month (Sept-May)

friday, february 28

63rd annual FXBG Fine Art Exhibit: Arts showcase a judged event w/ cash prizes. Dorothy Hart Community Center thru Mar. 9 If you are reading this 200 th issue of FP, thank an advertiser. If you are an advertiser, list your event. Deadline for our March 2014 issue is February20. To submit events, follow link: http://frontporchfredericksburg.com/how-ttosubmit-o online/

~ Peggy Wickham Art ~ Companionship Meal Preparation Medication Reminders Laundry

Light Housekeeping Shopping/Errands Personal Care Flexible Hours

540.899.1422 Each HomeInstead Franchise Office is Independently Owned & Operated

February 2014

Front porch fredericksburg

Peggy Wickham Art at Brush Strokes Contact Peggy at 2191 Sebastian Road Fredericksburg, VA 22405 540-446-5639

Call for a free, no-obligation appointment

2061 Fans (& Growing) Want You to Join

Front Porch on

homeinstead.com front porch fredericksburg

February 2014

CALENDAR of events

february 2014… Snow or bust ! saturday, february 1

sunday, february 2 Groundhog Day

monday, february 3

tuesday, february 4

wednesday, february 5

thursday, february 6

*Live Music every Thursday at the Kenmore Inn. 1200 Princess Anne. 730P La Petite Auberge:

cover charge

The Abbe Buck Trio, 8P. No

first friday, february 7

saturday, february 8

will have costume contest w/ awards for Best Male, Best Female, Best Group (up to 8), Most Patriotic, Funniest, Crowd Favorite. Register: $75. 8A-11A. City Dock

monday, february 10

friday, february 14 Valentine’s Day

Foreign Film Series, Westwind, German film w/ English subtitles about twin sisters training at summer camp meet young men on vacation. GW Hall, Dodd Auditorium. 730P. Free

Performance, UMW Chamber Festival; Pollard Recital Hall, Rm 304. And Feb 15. Free. Times: 654-1012

tuesday, february 11

saturday, february 15

*Karen Jonas plays Bistro Bethem 8-11P. No cover. $3 specials. 309 William

wednesday, february 12 Abraham Lincoln’s birthday

thursday, february 13

*AM1230 WFVA Community Link 8-830A. Kathy Anderson and Jen Galatro of EmpowerHouse get ready to open a second transition house with host Ted Schubel. Listen at newstalk1230.net

Polar Bear Plunge: Brave enough to endure the icy waters of the Rappahannock? Join us for the EOD Warrior Foundation! Along with our plunge, we

*Reading, Thurs Poem Series, Tim Waltonen reads Seamus Heaney; Combs Hall, Rm 139. 5P. Free. 654-1545 or 1393

sunday, february 9

At FAMCC: Women Adorned Workshop “A New Way to Play.” 9-1030A. “Mask and Mirror” workshop; “Button, Button, Who’s Got the Button” – Accessorizing. 12N-130P

wednesday, february 19

*La Petite Auberge: Live Guitar Accordion Jazz Music tonight in the Lounge 8P. Featuring Chris, Phil, Andy & Harry. No cover as always so come in for dinner or a cocktail or two and enjoy show. 2/19, 2/26 Opening Reception 5-7P. Senior Exhibition I. duPont Gallery, College Ave & Thornton St. TueFri 10A-4P.; Sat & Sun 1-4P. Free. 654-1013. Thru Feb 28 Landscaping for 2014: Free lecture by Master Gardeners of Central Rappahannock Area. Bob Busick, Bay Haven Landscapes. 7P. CRRL, 1201 Caroline

thursday, february 20

*FXBG Jazz Collective’s open jazz jam twice monthly: 1st & 3rd Thurs. Live bebop, Latin jazz, fine cocktails. Musicians, bring instruments (no large amps). fredericksburgjazzcollective.org

Step Show Competition, featuring area high school step teams; a Cultural Awareness Series and Black History Month event; George Washington Hall, Dodd Auditorium. 7P. $7 general admission. 6542000

sunday, february 23

tuesday, february 25

Pillowcases Of Love Ministry: Monthly Community Sewing Day. For nursing homes, hospitals, Ronald McDonald Houses. 9A-12N. Salem Church Library

wednesday, february 26

*La Petite Auberge: Live Guitar Accordion Jazz Music tonight in the Lounge 8P. Featuring Chris, Phil, Andy & Harry. No cover as always so come in for dinner or a cocktail or two and enjoy the show Poetry Reading, The Poetry of Micheal O’Siadhail, Micheal O’Siadhail gives poetry reading. Lee Hall, Rm 411. 730P. Free. (540) 654-1339, (540) 654-1023 or dcain@umn.edu

“Love – Notes” A Valentine Event of Poetry & Music. 3-5P. Porter Library, 2001 Parkway Blvd. Live music, Love poem dedications, food, beverages

The Chappell Great Lives Lecture Series: Jim Thorpe, by Kate Buford, author “Native American Son: The Life & Sporting Legend of Jim Thorpe.” GW Hall, Dodd Auditorium. 730P. Free. 654-1065.

sunday, february 16

friday, february 21

thursday, february 27

Performance: UMW Concert Band. GW Hall, Dodd Auditorium. 730P. Free. 654-1012

Blues Jam Electric, Colonial Tavern, 406 Lafayette. 7P. FBS board members available for questions, comments, membership sign-up. 8P-12MN. Bring instruments or come listen. 373-1313

monday, february 17 President’s Day

tuesday, february 18 Spotsylvania

County

Neighborhood

Watch

3rd Fri, 830A business ladies’ free networking “TIPS.” Ellen Baptist, 548-0652

saturday, february 22

UMW Jazz Ensemble: Evening of Jazz. Works by African-American musicians. 730P. Underground, Lee Hall *North Stafford MOPS Moms Club - 2nd/4th Thurs each month (Sept-May)

friday, february 28

~ Peggy Wickham Art ~ Companionship Meal Preparation Medication Reminders Laundry

Light Housekeeping Shopping/Errands Personal Care Flexible Hours

540.899.1422 Each HomeInstead Franchise Office is Independently Owned & Operated

February 2014

Front porch fredericksburg

Peggy Wickham Art at Brush Strokes Contact Peggy at 2191 Sebastian Road Fredericksburg, VA 22405 540-446-5639

Call for a free, no-obligation appointment

2061 Fans (& Growing) Want You to Join

Front Porch on

homeinstead.com front porch fredericksburg

February 2014

history’s stories

Virginia Central Railroad By Ralph “Tuffy” Hicks

OUR HERITAGE

A monthly look at the Central Rappahannock Heritage Center collection

Dr. Urbane F. Bass, A Hero In Our Time

By Kathy Habel

I became interested in trains at a very early age when like most young boys the wish of having a Lionel train for Christmas was a dream comes true on Christmas day of 1950 for me.

In 1958 as my father and I were walking along what was once the Virginia Central track bed near Hazel Run behind what is now Altoona, dad was talking about how over a hundred years previously a rail line was being built from Fredericksburg to Orange. My father was well versed in the history of the railroads due to the fact that he and Edward Cann, the ticket agent for the R F & P, were friends and Ed knew the history of the Virginia Central. During the next several years we walked the track bed many times going back and forth to search the many Confederate encampments along the Virginia Central from Fredericksburg to Chancellorsville, with our metal locaters. In 1853 the General Assembly by charter authorized the building of a rail system from Fredericksburg to Gordonsville with a cost estimate of $500,000, which was considered a large expenditure at that time. There are no accurate records prior to 1870’s other than local newspaper accounts. Many local officials referred to it during the Civil War as the “UNFINISHED RAILROAD.” It has been written that the railroad had no value during the Civil War due to its unfinished condition; however, I disagree with this assessment since having found many artifacts - i.e., bullets, buttons, canteens - in its path. This shows that the troops used the rail bed as a road. There is one recorded account of General Longstreet using the rail bed for movement of troops that helped secure a Southern victory in May 1864 in the Wilderness. Construction resumed with much confusion in 1869. Finally in 1876 the narrow gage line known as “THE SNEDEKER LINE” - one of many names - was completed to what was then Parkers Store (Orange). Records available indicate that in 1877 the first train reached Orange 24 years after the General Assembly granted the Charter. After a year of operation the line was again sold and the name changed to Potomac, Fredericksburg & Piedmont Railroad P F & P. I found it interesting that the P F & P had many problems with livestock being hit on the track, and during settlement it was always a “Blue Ribbon” cow or bull that was worth twice the normal settlement fee, according to the owners. The P F & P operated until 1925 when it exchanged hands several times until 1926, when it was purchased and made a standard gauge line and the name changed to VIRGINIA CENTRAL. After over ten years of operation the Virginia Central was granted permission to abandon all but one mile of the Rail service. In January 1938, it became the shortest switching railroad in the United States operating within the City of Fredericksburg. Today, the Virginia Central is long gone; however, it lives on as a beautiful walking path 161 years later. I hope this gives you something to think about as you walk along its historic path that was started so long ago.

Hidden in the archives at the Heritage Center are the life stories of residents of our region from the 1700’s to the not so distant past. Sifting through personal diaries, letters, newspaper articles, and court documents brings us closer to our past and to those who shaped the Rappahannock region and gave it a distinct and fascinating aura. With the coming of Black History month, one individual stands out. Dr. Urbane F. Bass, the first African-American doctor in the Fredericksburg region since the Civil War, came to Fredericksburg around 1908. In addition to practicing medicine, Dr. Bass was in partnership with Warren W. Lee in the Commerce Street Pharmacy. Dr. Bass was born in Richmond in 1880. He graduated from the Leonard Medical School of Shaw University in 1906. With the onset of World War I, Dr. Bass wrote a letter to Secretary of War Baker stating: “Realizing that patriotism and loyalty should be paramount in the breast of all American citizens at this time, and feeling that loyalty for my country and the desire to serve her in the critical period, I am herewith offering my services for the army Medical Corps should there be a need for a negro physician for that branch. Dr. Bass then enlisted in the army, was assigned to the medical research corps, and received training at Fort Oglethorpe, Georgia. Before leaving for training, he was honored with a reception at Shiloh New Site Baptist Church. He was sent to France in early 1918 and was promoted to the rank of First Lieutenant. On October 7, 1918, while on the battlefield dressing wounds, he was hit by shrapnel. Although attended to at the scene, he died before reaching a hospital. He was survived by his wife, Maud, and four children. Mrs. Bass left Fredericksburg in December 1922 to be with her brother, Dr. R. Vass of Chicago and her father, the Reverend S. N. Vass of Chicago, who was secretary of the

educational board of the National Baptist Convention. Dr. Bass was the first AfricanAmerican commissioned officer to be buried at the National Cemetery in Fredericksburg. He was posthumously awarded a Distinguished Service Cross. He was also honored with a stained glass window at his church, Shiloh New Site Baptist Church in 1920. The BassBrittenham-Bundy American Legion Post 142 for black servicemen was named in honor of three who died in the war. Much of the research for this article comes from the papers of Ruth Coder Fitzgerald and from clippings of the Free-Lance-Star. The Central Rappahannock Heritage Center was recently given notes, letters, photographs, and research from the Fitzgerald estate. Mrs. Fitzgerald was the author of A Different Story: A Black History of Fredericksburg, Stafford, and Spotsylvania, Virginia. Similar stories can be found in the vast archives preserved at the Central Rappahannock Heritage Center, located at 900 Barton Street. Kathy Habel is a dedicated volunteer at the Central Rappahannock Heritage Center.

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

February 2014

Front porch fredericksburg

By Ryan Davis

1960

Central Rappahannock

The Heritage Center

The Lunch-Counter Sit-Ins it was exemplified in the fact they had to walk considerable distances to reach downtown, since no public transportation was made available to them. Through the guidance of wellknown community activists Philip Wyatt,

Tuffy Hicks wrote this column “In memory of Anne’s father Dr. Anthony Slivinski & Virginia ‘Giga’ Rose.”

Taking A Stand For Equal Rights

Maury Commons

900 Barton St

Fredericksburg

The year marks 2014 and it’s now socially acceptable for a blacks and whites to sit together in a restaurant enjoying each other’s company and savoring a good meal. This is commonplace now, but in 1960, this would not have been allowed in Fredericksburg, Virginia. At the time Fredericksburg was in the grip of segregation—both blacks and whites separated from one another in the public square. On July 1, 1960 that would begin to change. Through non-violent demonstrations, blacks in the community sat-in at “Whites Only” lunch counters of local departments stores, most notably, F.W. Woolworth & Co. on Caroline Street (where R & R Antiques currently stands). According to the staff of the Free LanceStar covering the event, “It was the first in Fredericksburg, although sit-ins had been held in various cities in a campaign to win equal service for Negroes.” Although young people primarily orchestrated these demonstrations, the sit-ins were not characterized by chaotic, explosive, knee-jerk reactions. Instead they were marked by discipline, organization, and focus. For starters, the students were committed to the cause and

students and white restaurant employees took place. “Instead, they sat in silence, some reading books. They did not order,” John Hennessey said. “The students were dressed neatly and learned not to touch merchandise—lest they be accused of theft.” The students experienced the glares, smoke in their faces, and comments from other patrons. But they continued on.” The protesters learned they could be more effective with less people because whites did not want to sit with them. The students rotated between hour-long shifts between the major department stores. Staff would inevitably close the stores for the hour that the black students were there, and as soon as they left, the staff would reopen the counters for white customers. After a month, the establishments took a severe financial hit felt by the owners, Today employees, the vendors and customers alike. In the fight for Gladys Todd and Mamie Scott, with the equality, the motivation for initial change help of many, meetings established that the demonstrations could be organized. Scheduling, personnel and an adherence to a peaceful code of conduct were all discussed and organized at the initial gatherings. “To be honest, there were only a few meetings, but they were strategic,” Adegbalola said. “In order to prepare the young people, there would be role-playing events where you would get smoke blown in your face and you would be called a ‘nigger’… so you would know what to expect.” The protests began on Friday, July 1, 1960 at 1 p.m. when students took their seats at the Woolworth’s lunch counter. No interaction between the black

on the part of whites was not necessarily a primary concern for blacks, because as Adegbalola aptly noted, “When you hit people in their pocketbooks, their heart will inevitably follow.” The sit-in movement lasted a full month ending on Saturday, July 30, 1960, before storeowners finally made a decision to end segregation at the lunch counters. The movement appeared to conclude with a similar measure of pacifism that it began with when the Woolworth and Grants stores “dropped the color restriction quietly by prearrangement at 4 p.m.” While this step in the Civil Rights movement was important for Fredericksburg, the black students did not revel in celebration or rest on their laurels. They felt there was more to be done then and likewise there is more to be done today. Ryan Davis resides in Fredericksburg, Virginia. He has future aspirations of becoming a published author.

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

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

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February 2014

history’s stories

Virginia Central Railroad By Ralph “Tuffy” Hicks

OUR HERITAGE

A monthly look at the Central Rappahannock Heritage Center collection

Dr. Urbane F. Bass, A Hero In Our Time

By Kathy Habel

I became interested in trains at a very early age when like most young boys the wish of having a Lionel train for Christmas was a dream comes true on Christmas day of 1950 for me.

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

February 2014

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By Ryan Davis

1960

Central Rappahannock

The Heritage Center

Tuffy Hicks wrote this column “In memory of Anne’s father Dr. Anthony Slivinski & Virginia ‘Giga’ Rose.”

Taking A Stand For Equal Rights

Maury Commons

900 Barton St

Fredericksburg

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

front porch fredericksburg

February 2014

AutoKnown Better

Canine Companion Canine Dental Care

by sandi pepper, DVM

Home of great Food & great Art!

What next? Let me count the possibilities...

720 Littlepage Sunkenwelltavern.com

By Rim Vining

EAT WELL DRINK WELL LIVE WELL

I am not sure if the word is out, but February is Pet Dental Health Month. I encourage you to take a moment and look at your pet’s teeth. Often a glance at the front teeth can fool you. Be sure you slide the corner of the mouth back so you can see the back teeth. This is where trouble often hides. Dental disease is the most common disease I diagnose as a vet. Many owners have minimal interest when I bring up this problem unless I can show them a rotten tooth. I want to impress upon pet owners that dental disease is totally preventable. I would love to see more people willing to address dental health in their pets at the stages where I can reverse the disease instead of having to pull a rotten tooth. Nearly every vet I know feels pulling teeth is one of their most hated procedures. There is a reason the phrase “it’s like pulling teeth” came about. There is nothing pleasant about it for either party! So please consider regular dental care for your pet. So back to my point — February is pet dental health month. Many

veterinarians offer discounts on dental cleanings in February, so now is the time to take action. Stinky breath and bacteria laden kisses can be a thing of the past. A pet dental cleaning is a simple, same day procedure with ultrasonic scaling of the teeth above and below the gum line, polishing of the teeth, and application of sealants to prevent plaque. Your pet will go home with a glowing smile. How often your pet needs a dental cleaning is determined by the amount of home care you can do and your pet’s genetics. Certainly every pet is different, but in general toy breeds will require the most home dental care. Brushing teeth at least 3 times weekly is the gold standard. Anti-plaque dental rinses, water additives, and chews are all great tools to prolong the time needed between professional dental cleanings. Let your veterinary team help prevent needing to pull your pets teeth and we will all have a happier 2014!

Full Service Hospital featuring: Grooming Salon Canine Boarding in Our Indoor/Outdoor Runs Dog Training & Behavioral Consults with certified dog trainer Feline Boarding in Our Spacious Multi-room Condos

Sandi Pepper, DVM, practices at White Oak Animal Hospital.

Serving you & your companion animals for 16 years Stacy L. Horner, DVM; Gary B. Dunn, DVM; Melanie Bell, DVM; Sandi L. Pepper, DVM; Melissa A. DeLauter, DVM ; Arlene Evans, DVM; Jennnifer Skarbek, DVM

540/374-0462 www.woahvets.com 20

February 2014

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10 Walsh Lane

I have interests beyond cars. There! I said it. I feel so much better. No more closet cooking or playing guitar in darkened rooms and dingy side street bars where no one will recognize me. Bring out the carpentry tools I am coming out at sixty… I guess it’s time. It is liberating. I have officially left the Classic Car Center after eight great years. It was a really good ride. I learned a lot, drove some great automobiles, and made many good friends. Marty & Garland and all the others I have worked with will still be there taking care of your classic automotive needs. Me? I am taking some time off and then… Perhaps some cooking and catering would be fun. I was working cocktail parties before I could drive. Maybe there is a need for that old school attention to service that seems lacking in many events and there is so much more to work with now days. When I started, the closest you came to serving wine at a party was vermouth in the gin. The same bartenders worked every party and knew all the guests by name. It was like a country club on wheels. But good food is good food and if it were served properly, imagine! Maybe I’ll take a few guitar lessons from my son Patrick at Picker’s Supply (371-4669) and knock a few years of rust off the fret board. Kathy and I actually chose the Fredericksburg area 25 years ago because it was a musician’s town and centrally located to many venues. A good portion of our income at the time came from playing as Ticket Back. We called it Power Folk! Kathy, me and a harmonica player named Gary Green. Pete Mealy even played bass for us for a while. The keys may have dropped a half step or more since then but there are a few good nights left in us.

I also have a day a week to give away. About a decade ago I decided I could live on four days work and gave a day a week to Habitat for the Amelia Street house. I met great people, helped a family get their own place, and was in a better frame of mind every day. I need to do that again. I’m looking forward to finding a good match. It will be good for me. And yeah, there are still cars. I have three MG’s and a Triumph to either crush, finish and drive, or move on to new homes. Cars, especially British, have been part of my life forever. One of the first rides I ever drove was a Hillman Minx. I try to envision my great-aunt Kitty driving from Florida to Baltimore up Route-1 in the mid-sixties in that little sedan. Amazing! So yeah, that kind of work will find me, and it probably stands a better chance of putting food on the table than playing hot-rod folk music. Still others, including our esteemed Ed, think I could write something else along with Autoknown. Perhaps there is that enlightened angle to the Fredericksburg scene that hasn’t been properly represented. Maybe I could sample and expound on all the Scotches in all the bars on all the streets within the city limits. I could also try that within all the houses on all the streets within the city limits and write about the Scotch drinkers as a breed or cult or clot. Then again there is that hitchhiking escapade with Arch Di Peppe in our college days… I’m open to suggestions so send them to autoknown@aol.com

Clean, Healthy, Good-Tasting Water Water Filtration & Treatment Solution By Mike Appleton Good water is essential to you and your family, your plumbing system, and appliances that use water. Whether it comes from a private well or a municipal water supply—it is important to test your water quality, and to filter and treat it, if necessary, to ensure the quality you need A professional water test identifies your water’s: Acidity, Unwanted Minerals and Compound, Microorganisms, & Hardness Acidity Acidic water can be harmfully corrosive to your entire plumbing system; can leach metals from pumps, piping, and fixtures; and, if not treated, can cause leaks in your copper pipes and fixtures. Acidity is measured on a scale of 0-14 with 7 being neutral. Water less than 7 is acidic. Blue green stains often indicate acidic water. Unwanted Minerals and Compound A number of minerals and a compound when found in excessive amounts will cause water problems. One commonly found in well water is iron, which can come in three different forms: Ferrous Iron (Dissolved)—Although not visible, this is the most common iron. When oxygen is mixed with ferrous iron it stains sinks, toilets, and laundry (especially when bleach is added). Ferric Iron (Suspended)—Ferric iron or brown water iron is oxidized and forms particles that can be seen once water settles in a glass. Particles too small to be seen can be difficult to remove. Iron Bacteria—This is a general term for iron that can leave a slimy growth or build-up in toilet tanks and sometimes clog filters, softeners, and pipes. This bacteria is not harmful but can be a nuisance. Manganese—Brown or black stains found in the dishwasher are usually caused by high levels of manganese, which when dissolved in water can stain if the level is above .05mg/l. Because the dishwasher heats, agitates, and mixes the water with air—it is the perfect location to see the results of high levels of manganese. Also, manganese can stain clothes in the washing machine. Adding bleach makes the staining worse. Nitrate—This is a naturally occurring

compound formed in the soil when nitrogen and oxygen combine. Small amounts are normal but excess amounts pollute groundwater. The presence of excess nitrate in the soil is usually found in rural and agricultural areas. Common sources of nitrate include fertilizers, livestock waste, and septic systems. Filter systems are available that resolve all of the water problems discussed above. Microorganisms E. coli, Cryptosporidium, Giardia, algae, and mold are microorganisms that contaminate water. UV disinfection is a simple, safe, and effective solution - it destroys a minimum 99.99% of harmful microorganisms. A high-powered ultraviolet (UV) light is used to disinfect the water. The UV-C rays penetrate the microorganisms and destroy their ability to reproduce. UV water treatment does not change the taste, color, or odor of water. Hardness Hard water is caused by high concentrations of calcium and magnesium in ground and surface water. Calcium and magnesium come from sedimentary rock such as limestone that dissolves into our water. Hard water results in difficulty making lather or suds for washing, and it builds up minerals on faucets and fixtures. Sodium or potassium can soften your water. Solutions The good news is there are many effective, user-friendly, affordable water filtration and treatment solutions to unfavorable aspects of water. These customized solution systems are manufactured to use water efficiently, conserve your water supply and, if you are on a well, preserve the components of your well. Having your water professionally tested and analyzed is the first step toward ensuring yourself of quality water. Mike Appleton is President of Appleton Campbell, a local, family owned plumbing, heating, air conditioning, & electrical installation and service repair business. Appleton Campbell provides the Greater Piedmont Region and Northern Virginia with honesty, integrity, and experience since 1976. Reach Appleton Campbell at 540.347.0765 or appletoncampbell.com.

Rim Vining embarks on a life-living moment every month in this space.

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February 2014

AutoKnown Better

Canine Companion Canine Dental Care

by sandi pepper, DVM

Home of great Food & great Art!

What next? Let me count the possibilities...

720 Littlepage Sunkenwelltavern.com

By Rim Vining

EAT WELL DRINK WELL LIVE WELL

Sandi Pepper, DVM, practices at White Oak Animal Hospital.

540/374-0462 www.woahvets.com 20

February 2014

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10 Walsh Lane

Rim Vining embarks on a life-living moment every month in this space.

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February 2014

Wellness

Senior Care Heavy Hearts

Welcome to the Club

By Karl Karch

By Dru-Ann Sgarlato

February is National Heart Month. Cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of death in America. One in every three deaths is from heart disease and stroke averaging 2,200 deaths per day. I’m not equipped to adequately cover the disease or preventive measures. I’ll leave that for you to discuss with your doctor. I want to focus on the emotional stresses facing seniors and their families causing what I’ll call “heavy hearts.” One couple in their 90s living in rural Rappahannock County asked me to install Philips Lifeline medical auto-alert buttons. Soon after, they were both hospitalized with numerous physical issues. The husband (John) is being released, but his wife of over 60 years (Jane) will not be coming home. Her care needs now warrant placing her in a skilled nursing facility. Their only daughter (Susan) lives in Massachusetts and is troubled about her parents’ situation. John is still very weak and should not be driving, but he wants to be with Jane daily in the nursing home 20 miles away. Susan doesn’t want to rely daily on friends or neighbors, but hiring a taxi, agency, or other service twice per day is costly. The emotional stresses on John and long distance caregiver Susan are great. An infrequent client came to our office to have me complete some paperwork for his long term care insurance. His wife’s Alzheimer’s disease is progressing. He leaves her alone for two hours, but asks us to help when he needs to be away longer. As I was completing the paperwork, I could see he was troubled and wanted to talk. His children want to put his wife in an Alzheimer’s facility near them in Maryland where they could visit her more often. He left Maryland over 20

February 2014

years ago and doesn’t want to return and he asked me what I would do in that situation. I said I felt his children had good intentions of wanting to help ease the burden of caring for his wife. However, they probably will not visit her as often as he will. So, as long as he is able to care for her at home, that may be the better option. When the time comes where he can no longer manage and decides to place her in a facility, there are options close to his home. I could see his relief, like a burden was lifted, because that is exactly what he wanted to do but needed a little reassurance. I share these stories because these and similar stories are becoming more common as our population ages. Couples are facing hard decisions of what to do when their loved one’s condition declines to where they can no longer manage and their children are separated by long distances. In past articles I talked about “rest of life” planning. Let this serve as a reminder of the importance of planning. Valentine’s Day is a special day that makes us think of love and relationships. So, don’t overlook the opportunity to show your love and gratitude to your senior loved ones. Love always helps lift up the “heavy hearts.”

The Natural Path Holistic Health Center

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891-6200

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4413 Lafayette Blvd. Fredericksburg

Life with D. That’s what those of us in The Club call life with Type 1 (T1) Diabetes, not to be confused with Type 2, which Wilfred Brimley famously refers to as “Diabetus”. Type 1 means your pancreas goes on a permanent vacation and stops producing insulin. My son, Devin was diagnosed almost 8 years ago, at the age of 4 on St. Patrick’s Day. This is the only life he remembers. Life with D. There is a clear line of demarcation between Before diagnosis and After diagnosis. It is as abrupt, painful, and shocking as running into a concrete wall at Welcome to the 100 miles an hour. Club. We were card-carrying members before we even knew what Type 1 diabetes was. Life with D. I was like most people and assumed Diabetes was fairly simple to manage. It’s a sugar allergy right? Wrong. The ideal range is 80—180 but so many things can impact those numbers: exercise, food, illness, stress, being tired, change in weather, hormones, growth spurts and the list goes on. Vigilance and management is critical. Diagnosis taught us how little control we have in this life. Life with D. Job Description: 24/7/365 job with no vacation. I visualize walking a tight rope; holding my son in my arms. Precariously perched between high and low blood sugars with the worst-case scenario death. At night, when I am leaning over his tired, growing body, a tiny flashlight clenched in my teeth, I feel like a miner harvesting drops of precious blood. During these silent nights when I am the only one awake in my house, I imagine all the other parents of T1D up too; on the tightrope with me, holding their breath, fearing my fears, dreaming

Healthcare For the Whole Person SPECIALIZING IN: ` Gentle, Individualized Chiropractic Care ` Cranio-Sacral Balancing (Sacro

Karl Karch is a local franchise owner of Home Instead Senior Care, a licensed home care organization providing personal care, companionship and home helper services. Please go to www.homeinstead.com/614.

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Occipital Technique - SOT) ` Addressing Your Total Health Needs with Natural, Holistic Treatment Methods ` Detoxification/Weight Loss Nutritional Programs

Dr. Christine Thompson

online: www.save7lives.org in person: Dept. of Motor Vehicles

my dreams, and holding their tiny flashlights, as we; little twinkling stars, ward off the darkness. Life with D. While Devin doesn’t remember much about life Before diagnosis, it still means 24/7/365 responsibility. He can’t run out the door to play, ride bikes, or walk the dog without taking his blood glucose kit with him. In short, it means thinking about everything he puts in his mouth and dosing correctly; interrupting play to check blood sugar; knowing the school nurse really well; wearing an insulin pump 24 hours a day; and having friends sleep at his house. It means educating those around him all the time. It means having to always think about his disease while trying not to let it define who he is. Life with D. One night, when I was feeling particularly overwhelmed with inexplicable numbers, I whispered to Devin, “Oh, I wish there was a cure. Don’t you wish there was a cure?” He looked at me very sincerely and said, “If there was a cure, I’d give it to another child because me and you are doing alright. We know how to handle it!” In his mind, there was only one cure for one child. I stayed awake a long time that night and marveled at the maturity and fortitude and resilience of my then 9 year old. I was shamed by my lack of character in the face of this challenge. I put my big girl panties

back on and kept on going. I often return to that moment when I feel like I just can’t do it anymore. Life with D. Insulin is not a cure. It is life support. There are wonderful advancements in technology which make living with D much easier to manage but nothing can replace the pancreas. We have become so used to living in the shadow of fear, we no longer see the cloud; we continue to focus on the sun. This is life with D. I would gladly turn in my card and quit The Club, where membership has so few privileges!

Dru-Ann Sgarlato spends way too much time preparing for the zombie apocalypse, loves camping in her RV, and is perfecting her skills as an artificial pancreas. Her life philosophy is to find at least one thing to laugh at each day, and if it’s yourself, that’s even better!

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February 2014

Wellness

Senior Care Heavy Hearts

Welcome to the Club

By Karl Karch

By Dru-Ann Sgarlato

February 2014

The Natural Path Holistic Health Center

891-6200

www.thenaturalpath.us

4413 Lafayette Blvd. Fredericksburg

Healthcare For the Whole Person SPECIALIZING IN: ` Gentle, Individualized Chiropractic Care ` Cranio-Sacral Balancing (Sacro

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Occipital Technique - SOT) ` Addressing Your Total Health Needs with Natural, Holistic Treatment Methods ` Detoxification/Weight Loss Nutritional Programs

Dr. Christine Thompson

online: www.save7lives.org in person: Dept. of Motor Vehicles

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February 2014

Art in the ‘Burg

Bruce Day Fine Art by megan byrnes

Open Call: Stafford County Art Competition By lezlie cheryl Stafford County celebrates its 350th anniversary this year and invites all artists to submit works to commemorate this significant and historic event. “Celebrate Stafford 350!” is an on-going year-long celebration showcasing Stafford’s illustrious past, highlighting its present and saluting its future. The 350th Anniversary Blue Ribbon Committee in partnership with the Professional Artists and Artisans Association of Stafford County (PAAASC) sends out a special Call-For-Entry for submissions to commemorate the county’s anniversary celebration, to salute its past, present and future. Artists are asked to design, paint, and submit original twodimensional compositions focused on the history of Stafford County, evoking a sense of community celebrating Stafford’s contributions to past and present culture and prosperity. The competition is open to all professional artists, not exclusive to artists residing in Stafford County, and there is no fee to participate. Deadline for submissions is March 1. Per the county’s website, all submissions will be judged by a juried panel of history and art experts from the region, final decisions to be based upon the criteria of how designs relate to the theme, and strength of composition, use of elements, and principles of design. The winning artist will be awarded $1,000, and his/her work will be featured in the year-long celebration. The winning piece will also be displayed in the George L. Gordon, Jr. Stafford County Government Center. Additionally, the competition’s second place winner will receive $250, third place $100, and all

finalists will be considered for other projects developed in support of the 350th anniversary celebrations. All submissions should illustrate the history of Stafford, its sense of community, the county’s role

Stafford’s 350th Anniversary Commemorative Coin replicas (designed by Stafford artist Jason Breidenbach) are available for purchase at the Stafford County Government Complex and at all celebratory events throughout the year. The 1-1/2” diameter keepsake is priced at $10 (pictured), and additional commemorative merchandise is available online at www.Stafford350.com. The Professional Artists and Artisans Association of Stafford County (PAAASC) – partner of Stafford County’s 350th Anniversary Celebration – presents “Sweet Hearts or Sweet Tarts?” art show this month at the Stafford Hospital Auxiliary Gift Shop, 101 Hospital Center Boulevard in downtown Stafford.

i n p a s t , present, and/or future cultural and/or economic developments. The theme might be interpreted in a wide variety of ways but should be recognizable within the composition. Size of finished work is to be between 16”x20” and 36”x48”, and must have been produced between March 1st, 2014 and March 1st, 2012. For complete submission guidelines and full details visit www.Stafford350.com. Submit any inquiries to info@stafford350.com or call PAAASC at 540.752.2732.

Look for the upcoming Stafford County events including, Founder’s Day on May 3 featuring a parade, historical reenactments and the Stafford County Public Schools Fine Arts Festival. Fall 2014 brings the unveiling of the Rowser African-American History Wall art mural at the Rowser Building in Stafford chronicling the lives and contributions of African-Americans to Stafford’s history; And, the England Run branch of Central Rappahannock Regional Library (CRRL) hosts “Uniquely Stafford” exhibition focusing on art by and about Stafford County.

Always From Life Original Oils brucedaystudio.com thefigureblog.blogspot.com

540 376-1676

When I was at Mary Wash, one of the only stores I ever visited downtown was Glave & Co mostly because I really didn’t get downtown at the time and also because I was a poor college student. Anyway, it was my go-to place for gifts and jewelry so I was extra pleased to hear that the former shop’s owner, Anne Glave, was named Fredericksburg Main Street Initiative’s new director. Anne is currently the director of the Montpelier Center of Arts and Education and will be coming to her new post with a bounty of non-profit expertise, retail smarts, creative energy, and marketing savvy. So, basically, a perfect match for FMSI. I love a good pop-up shop. Food, shopping, art – if it’s super temporary hosted by another business and trendy, I’m there. Last month, Spaces Design Studio and FoodE hosted Sprelly, (below) a literal peanut butter and jelly restaurant concept, for a single afternoon. The event was held in conjunction with FXBG StartUp Weekend and Sprelly’s founder, Adrian M. Silversmith, took home 3rd place in the weekend’s awards.

Photo: Stafford County 350th Anniversary Commemorative Coin by Stafford artist Jason Breidenbach Lezlie Cheryl writes Art in the ‘Burg. Contact: lezliecheryl@gmail.com.

Betsy Glassie STUDIO: LIBERTYTOWN 916 LIBERTY ST. FREDERICKSBURG, VA

Scene:

Brian Downing in town

for a hot second; Eddie Crosslin trading the driver’s seat of Beach Fries truck for a bar stool at Vivify for happy hour one January evening; Christy Clark Escher and daughter Anysleigh doing a little boot shopping downtown; Kerry Devine at the Governor’s Ball in Richmond; hotelier

Ronnie James and Diamond Nation Reps meeting in the burg to work on baseball stadium things.

Newly married couple Alex Hanisch Alex and Capshaw-T Taylor (above) lucked out in the love, friendship, mutual respect and common dreams department – the two are perfectly suited for each other and I couldn’t have been happier to be a guest at their morning, brunch-fueled, DeVotchKa soundtracked Kybecca wedding last month. Other guests included Ian and Jamie Soper, Kellie Walsh, Rebecca Thomas, Danielle and Mike Payne, Betsy and Ben Park, Alicia and Jake Morgan, Laura and Mike Craig, Ashley and Ryan Poe, Claire and Kenny Ellinger, Brian Lam and Will Mackintosh, Rachel and Brian Anderson. Oh, and why don’t you go hit up the #alexsquared (perfect, no?) hashtag on Instagram and Facebook so you can see the bride’s dress that she knit in its ENTIRETY by herself.

Oh, so pretty:

Horseshoes

and Hand Grenades got a bit of a makeover to usher in 2014. The coolest shop in town got a bit cooler with a simplified, streamlined cash wrap area and loads of DIY displays. A reason to celebrate: 222 acres of Fredericksburg Battlefield land was saved in 2013 due to the tireless hard work of the Civil War Trust, which has saved 38,552 acres of land in 20 states since its inception.

Scene: Charlie Payne and Katie Taylor-P Payne enjoying brunch at Bistro Bethem with friends; Ashley Carpenter fulfilling her life’s singular goal seeing Jay Z live at the Verizon Center; Spotsylvania Sheriff Roger Harris at La Petite for lunch; Maggie Mcgraw and Dave Guzman at Kybecca for Restaurant Week. Don’t tell my nana, but I got my first tattoo on my 30th birthday last year. And, as everyone with a tattoo will tell you, it has its addictive qualities. So, if you’re like me and have ink on the brain (not literally, of course – it hasn’t gone that far) or you just love seeing local talent succeeding in cool new ways, be sure to tune into the reality TV show, “Ink Master” on Spike TV (it begins Feb 25th) to catch Fredericksburg’s own David Bell (below) as one of the show’s competitors. David owns TLA Tattoos in town and has been in the inking biz for over 20 years.

Local photographer and hair stylist Morgan Forrest (above) became Morgan Hockensmith in an intimate, winter wonderland wedding, sharing vows with her longtime beau, Joey Hockensmith just days before Christmas.

Happy January birthday

Olivia Reid Cooper, Ken Crampton, Amy Carlson, Mike Skinner, Joey Nelson, Alyssa Brown, John Eskam, Mary Lynn Powers, Jacquie Damm, Carole Garmon, Scarlett Payne, Dan Telvock, Scarlett Suhy-P Pons and Laura Tenekjian.

BETSYGLASSIE.COM BGLASSIE@AOL.COM

540-899-6556

February 2014

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February 2014

Art in the ‘Burg

Bruce Day Fine Art by megan byrnes

Always From Life Original Oils brucedaystudio.com thefigureblog.blogspot.com

540 376-1676

Photo: Stafford County 350th Anniversary Commemorative Coin by Stafford artist Jason Breidenbach Lezlie Cheryl writes Art in the ‘Burg. Contact: lezliecheryl@gmail.com.

Betsy Glassie STUDIO: LIBERTYTOWN 916 LIBERTY ST. FREDERICKSBURG, VA

Scene:

Brian Downing in town

Ronnie James and Diamond Nation Reps meeting in the burg to work on baseball stadium things.

Oh, so pretty:

Horseshoes

Happy January birthday

BETSYGLASSIE.COM BGLASSIE@AOL.COM

540-899-6556

February 2014

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February 2014

COMMUNITY LINK

FXBG Music Scene

Courtesy of WFVA and Front Porch

Connie Jones of the Central Virginia Housing Coalition

toby touring by ashleigh chevalier

Toby Fairchild is one of Fredericksburg’s first call drummers in town, and happens to play all over the world. He is truly a musical self starter and entrepreneur teaching private drum lessons and clinics, recording studio drum tracks, and of course, performing live. He also does a little photography and video work on the side. I had the opportunity to chat with Toby for a few minutes while he was on tour with Keller Williams, a funkadelic artist who got his start in the old Irish Brigade downtown on Princess Anne Street. (No, it isn’t around anymore, but that owner, Brian Hyland, now owns the rock lounge restaurant and bar, 909

Saloon on Caroline Street). Thirty-four years and still jamming, Toby is a down to earth and practical businessman, and phenomenal percussionist, performing and recording everything from rock to experimental jazz. Toby tours regularly with Keller Williams, plays with Third Stream Giants, with Anthony Campbell on vocals and Matt Montoro on guitar. He often performs monthly with Jon Wiley’s fonkay fresh jazz trio, and songwriter Clay Motley. He has also performed with saxophone legends Eric Marienthal, Ron Holloway, and James Moody. After his winter and early spring touring, Toby will head into the studio

with Scott Shirk to record a smooth jazz record. Scott Shirk is a sax player done dentist, still playing sax. “I am really excited about that project,” Toby stated. That is one of the cool things about playing an instrument and being so darn good at it - Toby gets to be a part of a lot of cool projects as well as share his music through teaching. Toby teaches drums at Roberson’s Music on Route 1 and at BANG! Music in Stafford. I actually took lessons from Toby at Roberson’s when I was a freshman in high school. If you want to get the basics, and play efficiently quickly, it will not take long. The man knows what he is doing and he makes learning easy and fun. You can email him about photography and video options as well. Toby will be on tour again with Keller Williams for most of February, but be sure to check his website for his upcoming shows. He leaves you with this quote by Berthold Auerbach: “Music washes away from the soul the dust of everyday life.” Learn more about Toby at TobyFairchild.com, Facespace, Tweeter birds, and YallsTube.Love.

Advanced Dental Care of Fredericksburg 540-891-9911

Ashleigh Chevalier is a Raw Blues Rockfor-Your-Soul performer, and a music writer.

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

Home of great Food & great Art!

AND the Fredericksburg Battlefields Weddings Reunions Shuttles Parties Group Outings

720 Littlepage Sunkenwelltavern.com

EAT WELL DRINK WELL LIVE WELL 26

February 2014

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Fredericksburgtrolley.com

540-898-0737

$79

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New Patient Special Includes Exam, X-Rays and Cleaning

Per Arch Full AcrylicDenture or Partial

With this Coupon only for non-insured patients. Not valid with other offers or prior services. Offer Expires 3/1/14 A $239.00 Value

With this Coupon only for non-insured patients. Not valid with other offers or prior services. Offer Expires 3/1/14 A $1100.00 Value

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

Central Virginia Housing Coalition improves the regional quality of life by providing affordable housing to low income families through coalition, education, counseling and financial assistance. CVHC serves individuals and families of low to moderate income. A volunteer Board of Directors, one third of who lives in low-income areas or qualify as low to moderate income wage earners, directs CVHC.

The Lend-A-Hand program is open Wednesdays & Fridays from 9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. You must apply in person. You can fill out an application and bring it with you. The application and guidelines can be downloaded at our website. Please contact Connie Jones at 540-604-9943 ext. 215 for further information. Currently funds are only available for Fredericksburg City residents, who must reside in the 22401 area. Coming classes at the coalition include:

The Coalition began with an allvolunteer staff and one program. Today, CVHC is fully staffed and offers many programs geared towards providing affordable housing. To see a complete catalogue of the many services CVHC provides, you can download it here at our website. CVHC is a 501c(3) non-profit organization that addresses housing issues in Stafford, Spotsylvania, Fredericksburg City, Caroline, King George as well as Orange, Culpeper, Fauquier and Westmoreland. Lend-A A-H Hand Are you in fear of eviction or foreclosure? CVHC has grants available through the Lend-A-Hand program for those needing assistance. If you qualify and if funds are available, you could receive help with rent or mortgage payments to avoid eviction or foreclosure. Assistance with a security deposit is also available. Counseling on debt management, budgeting, and other areas is provided through the Self Sufficiency Program.

Feb 11 - Homeownership Education Class @ Central Virginia Housing Coalition, 6:00 pm – 9:00 pm Feb 13 -Homeownership Education Class @ Central Virginia Housing Coalition, 6:00 pm – 9:00 pm Feb 18 - Homeownership Education Class, 6:00 pm – 9:00 pm Feb 20 - Homeownership Education Class, 6:00 pm – 9:00 pm CVHC Fredericksburg 208 Hudgins Road Fredericksburg, VA 22407 540-6 604-9 9943 E-m mail: centralvirginiahousing@ centralvahousing.org Community Link, hosted by Ted Schubel, broadcasts on WFVA and at newstalk1230.net every Sunday at 8 a.m. in partnership with this magazine. Connie Jones of CVHC will be Ted’s guest on February 16th.

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February 2014

COMMUNITY LINK

FXBG Music Scene

Courtesy of WFVA and Front Porch

Connie Jones of the Central Virginia Housing Coalition

toby touring by ashleigh chevalier

Advanced Dental Care of Fredericksburg 540-891-9911

Ashleigh Chevalier is a Raw Blues Rockfor-Your-Soul performer, and a music writer.

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

Home of great Food & great Art!

AND the Fredericksburg Battlefields Weddings Reunions Shuttles Parties Group Outings

720 Littlepage Sunkenwelltavern.com

EAT WELL DRINK WELL LIVE WELL 26

February 2014

Front porch fredericksburg

Fredericksburgtrolley.com

540-898-0737

$79

$650

New Patient Special Includes Exam, X-Rays and Cleaning

Per Arch Full AcrylicDenture or Partial

With this Coupon only for non-insured patients. Not valid with other offers or prior services. Offer Expires 3/1/14 A $239.00 Value

With this Coupon only for non-insured patients. Not valid with other offers or prior services. Offer Expires 3/1/14 A $1100.00 Value

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

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February 2014

My Own Path

Porch Light

For Sale Now at Amazon.com

that’s not my child (Personality clashes among parents & children)

Stories that shine a light on life

moving toward a future

By c. ruth cassell

By jo loving Today I wake up empty and frightened. Don’t go to the door of the study and read a book. Instead, take down the dulcimer; let the beauty of what you love be what you do. There are a thousand ways to kneel and kiss the ground; there are a thousand ways to go home again.” – Rumi

Toys litter almost every room of the house and I just sit there. For those of you who know me, or someone like me, you know it’s hard to even admit my house may have been a disaster. Much more difficult to sit amongst the mayhem, enjoying small talk with friends and stifling the urge to pick up behind anyone. (Except I did clear the table of spaghetti plates, and tried to sweep Playdoh off the floor.) When a child is born, everyone wants to know who the baby looks like. A toddler misbehaves and caregivers point out who her actions mimic. A school child excels, and parents credit their own mental fortitude or their spouse’s. Parents often want to claim responsibility for a child’s strengths and blame any weaknesses on someone else. It can be especially challenging to know and nurture a parent/child relationship if there is a strong difference in personality. Parents must set aside their own ideals and embrace who the child truly is, even if it means stretching their own boundaries. My son and I differ in our approach to life. A free spirit and not as concerned by the right or normal way to do things, he is often hurt by my attempts to get everything in order and hurry to the next task. Recently, he came home asking for a rubber band loom. I purchased a kit at Toys ‘R Us while Christmas shopping. He dumped many rubber bands in the case and began twisting bracelets of “random” colors and design. Quickly engulfed in what I soon found out is a craze, he loves making rainbow bracelets and necklaces for people. I love how he is focusing on a task and his self-pride in what he’s creating. He feels some competition with

February 2014

other children, but overall it is an extremely positive experience. Watching him take on this new activity, I have to hold back my tendency to help him do it right. I’ve influenced him to be a little more organized, but more than anything, I want him to enjoy his own creativity and sense of style. Some of our differences come from his playfulness and my sense of duty. I want him to take responsibility but also to retain his unique spirit. As years pass and he makes more personal choices—how to wear his hair, whether to show respect, how to study— the more I should seek to empower him. The guiding force behind my parental decisions should be how best to teach him good decision-making and accepting responsibility for failed or bad decisions. I am uncomfortable with messes, very task-oriented, and a self-professed (somewhat recovered) people-pleaser. My son never met a distraction he didn’t love, craves stomping in mud puddles, and is motivated by helping others but not by pleasing them. My dear six-year-old (now 8) didn’t inherit my hang-ups. And, that’s a good thing.

C. Ruth Cassell intends to write My Own Path in 2014 as a way to share lessons in parenting with the many readers of The Front Porch who desire to raise well adjusted, respectful, and respectable children, but who are also on a continual path of personal healing. Please share comments, suggestions, and column ideas at ruth3of5@gmail.com.

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As we went to press, a fire at the Inn at the Old Silk Mill on Princess Anne caused an estimated $50K in damages. The fire began in a small space beneath a floor at about 5:30 p.m. Friday, Jan. 24. Firefighters cut through floors with a chain saw. The OSM reopened immediately after the firefighters left at approximately 8 pm. Cause of the fire is under investigation. Photo courtesy of FFD. – A. Pearce

Serving Up Local “Good” News Since 1997

Front Porch Fredericksburg

Give a Child

Master the art of Cooking with a Cooking Class at

Dearly Wanted: Fredericksburg's Oldest Residents For Our Oral History -A Fredericksburg Treasure Front Porch is calling for Our Town's Ageless Citizens to let us know who they are so our writers can sit and hear their wonderful stories. We treasure your lives and memories.

Author: J Robert Du Bois Edited by Rob Grogan

374-0443 www.shopwhittingham.com 1021 Caroline Street

Home. Such a small, one-syllable word. To me, home is where my heart feels happy – where my soul is full. I grew up in the South. Sunshine, beaches, warm temperatures, rivers, and ponds, fishing and family gatherings – all of these were my understanding of home. I had a happy life there, surrounded by family and friends, the beautiful Gulf of Mexico, and the bounty and beauty of the coastal way of life. As idyllic as life in Northwest Florida was, I always had longed to spread my wings and explore the world. In the 80’s, I moved with my children and husband from Florida to

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810 Caroline Street (540) 371-5684

Virginia. The journey from the familiar to the unknown was both exhilarating and daunting, as we were leaving behind a wonderful group of family and friends, while unleashing an exciting new chapter in our lives. My emotions were running high as we drove those 950 miles with three small children, and I wondered if we had made the right decision. Doubts crept

:Our philosophy was that we were moving toward a future, not away from a past. in as the mile markers flew by, and my thoughts reflected that doubt, my mind moving as quickly as the flash of fields as we drove. The thoughts came in as a flood of unspoken questions – “Shouldn’t we stay in Florida until the kids are grown?” “Will it forever damage them to move them away from their extended family?” “Have we completely lost our minds?” “How will we make it without our support system?” “How can I possibly go every day without seeing my family?” For all my doubts, I was comforted by thoughts of what might lie ahead. :Our philosophy was that we were moving toward a future, not away from a past. We would keep our ties to the Florida family, and build strong ties with each other as a family in Virginia. Still, I could taste the salt of my silent tears for the first hundred miles. I came to know firsthand the meaning of the word bittersweet – bitter to leave behind that wonderful life and sweet to be building another. For me, as much as for the kids, at various points along the way I would say, “This will be a great adventure,” or, “We will have fun,” or “We are going to LOVE Virginia!” We rolled down the windows once we were far enough north to turn off the AC. As we crossed the North CarolinaVirginia border, I could literally smell the earth. It is difficult to describe perfectly, but I found the damp, leafy, musky smell intoxicating. We settled in Fredericksburg, and I found there the center of my heart – my soul’s home. It was here that my spirit felt free, and light, and right. Throughout the decades that followed, my love and connection to the area grew – hiking the trails, canoeing the Rappahannock, picnicking in Olde Mill Park

with the kids. Even after a long day’s commute into and out of DC, I could relax again once I hit the Fredericksburg exit. It smelled like home. Fredericksburg’s scent may not be obvious to everyone, but to this girl, who had inhaled salt air for her entire life, the woodsy scent filled my head. The battlefields, Alum Springs, River Road, the fields near Spotsy Courthouse, the hill and gardens at Belmont – all had that same perfume. It is as though this smell had burrowed into my brain, calling forth every olfactory nerve to signal to me – “girl, you are HOME.” And I was.

Jo Loving is at home in Fredericksburg and will write often for Front Porch.

THE POETRY MAN - BY FRANK FRATOE

Marsh Water in F og Stalking fish on knotted legs, the blue heron arches his neck and stands erect, peering down at the water just beneath him. I squint to see his technique as a film of mist slants across, like wipers that cannot clear windshields in a tenuous vapor. Blue is aware of being watched, as he elevates a featherhead pointing his bill cautiously, not thrilled with my intrusion. But after vigilance is complete he resumes prospecting a meal, so I withdraw from thicker fog and bid him luck to try again. 2014 Frank Fratoe lives and writes in the city

front porch fredericksburg

February 2014

My Own Path

Porch Light

For Sale Now at Amazon.com

that’s not my child (Personality clashes among parents & children)

Stories that shine a light on life

moving toward a future

By c. ruth cassell

February 2014

Front porch fredericksburg

Serving Up Local “Good” News Since 1997

Front Porch Fredericksburg

Give a Child

Master the art of Cooking with a Cooking Class at

Author: J Robert Du Bois Edited by Rob Grogan

374-0443 www.shopwhittingham.com 1021 Caroline Street

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

810 Caroline Street (540) 371-5684

Jo Loving is at home in Fredericksburg and will write often for Front Porch.

THE POETRY MAN - BY FRANK FRATOE

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February 2014

HollyBurg

CALL FOR AUGUST NARRATIVES: Special Theme August 2014 Issue (Deadline July 20th) “Pets & Their People” narratives from writers, readers, and contributors about life with their Fido from the pet’s and person’s perspective. Can you turn 300-400 words into a tell-all by your cat or dog? Or, write it from your own perspective if the muse points that way. Send a photo of your companion pet with the story, or — better yet! – email frntprch@aol.com to get a copy of Photographer Bob Martin’s Photo Request form,,, This August issue will break up the doldrums of summer and offer a great opportunity for businesses within the community of pet ownership and care to male their presence known to the Fredericksburg region’s best readers and consumers of quality work. The theme is dear to so many hearts in FXBG. We love our companions and vice versa here in the Burg!

February 2014

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connecting with tinsel & history

By gary olsen While researching my monthly film lectures on the Academy Awards Best Pictures that I give at the Central Rappahannock Regional Library Headquarters, I have noticed a connection between the Fredericksburg area and Hollywood in several movies of each timespan under discussion. This seems to be highly unusual since no area could be more geographically distant in the continental United States then America’s Most Historic town is to Tinseltown. A case in point: My next lecture, on February 6th, will examine the Academy Award nominated movies for Best Pictures between 1965-1969. In 1976, the famous actress Elizabeth Taylor married former Navy Secretary Virginia resident John Warner. Ms. Taylor, wedded for the seventh time, became a familiar face in Virginia circles as a campaigner and wife of Warner as he ultimately gained the Senate seat in 1978. The two shared his Middleburg, Virginia, farm as well as his Georgetown townhouse in the six years they were married. In an October 20, 1980 People Magazine interview, Warner relates how, despite waking up at 6:15 in the morning to go to the capitol, when one of Liz’s movies was being shown late at night (this was before VHS), she would force him to watch it. His favorite that his blurry eyes had seen was 1966’s Who’s Afraid of Virginia Woolf, a curious choice for a Republican from Virginia. “There’s no question about it. It’s a very dynamic and moving piece,” Warner told People. Who’s Afraid of Virginia Woolf was a groundbreaking film in vulgarity and sexual innuendoes unheard of on the screen up to that time. One of the movie studio’s high executives, upon viewing the preview, exclaimed, “My God! We’ve got a seven million dollar dirty movie on our hands!” This and the Up, produced the same year, film Blow-U were instrumental in making the Motion Picture Production Code, effective since the mid-1930’s, obsolete and was replaced by the film ratings system that is still in effect today. Warner’s selection of his favorite Taylor movie is reflective on his rather moderate Republican positions throughout his Congressional career, especially in contrast to his fellow GOP Senators from the South. On June 12, 1967, the United States Supreme Court struck down a law in 17 states that had been criminalizing interracial marriages. The Loving vs. Virginia decision was a direct result of a Caroline County, VA couple that was sentenced and subsequently banned from the state because Richard Loving was white while his wife Mildred was black.

To Fill An Empty Bowl There is no place like home by christopher lilis, MD The Year 2013 saw all sorts of records come and go, and the same can be said about Empowerhouse. Last year, Empowerhouse provided shelter housing for 141 survivors of domestic violence along with their 143 children, more than ever before. While we are proud of the services we provide, it is sobering to see the need for our services rise so much in the last several years. Our shelter nights, however, do not begin to tell the story of Empowerhouse’s housing assistance. Since 2010, we have helped 184 survivors of domestic violence obtain and get into their own permanent housing. Empowerhouse provides a hand up, not a hand out. Our case managers and employment specialists work with survivors to become financially stable and self-reliant. Part of healing from the trauma of domestic violence is the restoration of a sense of safety, dignity, respect, and hope.

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540/371-9890

FREDERICKSBURGCOLLABORATIVE The 1967 movie, Guess Who’s Coming To Dinner, just completed filming when the verdict was announced. Stanley Kramer, one of Hollywood’s more liberalminded producer-directors and very mindful of the Loving case, wanted to make a movie on interracial marriage, and all principle actors, including Spencer Tracy, Katherine Hepburn and Sidney Poitier, signed on before they even read the script because they believed so strongly in the premise. In fact, Tracy, in failing health, gave his last speech ever on the screen about the impending marriage of his (his film’s character) white daughter to Poitier and how life for them was going to be difficult in the extreme. Tracy would die two days before the Supreme Court verdict, a case focused on the couple from Caroline County. These and other fascinating movie facts will be unveiled in The Academy Awards Best Pictures and the Nominees—1965-1969, on February 6th at the Central Rappahannock Regional Library, 1201 Caroline Street, beginning at 6:30 p.m. If you miss this one, the next lecture is on March 6th when we look at the Academy Watergate Era.

Awards

during

the

Gary Olsen is a retired federal government producer/director/editor in video who is lending his passion to the celluloid screen by giving film presentations in the local area on the history of film and its techniques. His next lecture at CRRL is March 6 when he looks at the Academy Awards during the Watergate Era.

ARCHER DI PEPPE CAGA

CERTIFIED APPRAISER

While the graph above shows how we have been growing in order to meet the rising demand for services, it does not show the tragedy of turning families away. In 2013, we had to turn away 56 families, 34 of which were local, due to a lack of space. With this heart breaking rise in demand for crisis services, shelter nights and housing, we are more determined than ever to grow and meet our community’s need. In 2013, we increased our housing capacity, and with new gifts we will open yet another house in 2014. We are aggressively pursuing new capacity, and this is at the heart of our commitment to reach a point when we never are forced to turn someone away. We have been awe struck that as the needs of the community rise, so does the generosity of this community. Our annual “Empty Bowl” fundraiser has always been a time for our community to get together to serve this cause. We thank everyone who helped us on January 26. At this special event we again increased awareness of domestic violence and its trauma for survivors and their children, and helped fund (raised over $50,000) the services we provide. Empowerhouse provides “wrap-around” services for survivors: from our 24 hour crisis hotline/crisis shelter, counseling, and our Forgotten Victims program for children, to court advocacy, medical companionship, follow-through permanent housing, and employment training. While attending medical school at Georgetown, I was introduced to the phrase, cura personalis. In Latin, this means “care for the whole person.” As a board member of Empowerhouse, I feel this organization is the epitome of cura personalis, and I could not be more proud of the work we do for this community. You can help Empowerhouse care for this community: Contact Empowerhouse at 540-372-9372 or www.empowerhouseva.org for information on how you can help.

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Certified Appraiser Certified Appraiser’s Guild of America

adipeppe@aol.com

(540) 373-9636

Christopher Lillis, MD, is a Member of the Board of Directors of Empowerhouse.

front porch fredericksburg

February 2014

HollyBurg

February 2014

Front porch fredericksburg

connecting with tinsel & history

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

540/371-9890

Awards

during

the

ARCHER DI PEPPE CAGA

CERTIFIED APPRAISER

Insurance Riders Estate Settlements Divorce Cases Damage Claims Oral or Written Appraisals SPECIALIZING IN ANTIQUES & COLLECTIBLES

Certified Appraiser Certified Appraiser’s Guild of America

adipeppe@aol.com

(540) 373-9636

Christopher Lillis, MD, is a Member of the Board of Directors of Empowerhouse.

front porch fredericksburg

February 2014