Front Porch Fredericksburg - February 2018 by Virginia Grogan

contents

closeups 5

Pam Mcleod ...a solid foundation Mats jerndal ...oddbox studio, makers district Ali Hieber Spine of the “Great Lives Series”

porch talk .

nose to toes....skin+touch therapy spa

on the porch...life in fredericksburg Messages

smart lawn...master gardeners

I have a friend: Sabina Klughardt

FXBG MUSIC: gaye & the wild rutz

Poetryman: her music

Vino: champagne or sparkling wine

season’s bounty: romance of food

cooking with kyle: lentil salad

everything greens

16-17

Calendar of events

history’s stories.: be my valentine our heritage: barry mcghee

a love story.....Rennick Bell ornament release

Senior Care: from the heart for the heart

emancipated Patients: billing madness

It’s all energy: more balance renew: nathan gist

life in motion: let’s move

art in the ‘burg: umbrellas, Just photos & grants

mYSTERY hOUSE STORIES OF FXBG: Chris

umw Great lives series opens

companions: a lifetime of love

fredericksburg sketches

from my porch: try this: it’s my job

meeganna henry... ain’t no mountain high enough.

A granddaughter’s story: A tribute to allen freeman yvonne bourne.. going out of the way to lend a hand

Cover: “Moonlight on St. George’s” By Casey Shaw

CARIBBEAN TEX-MEX RESTAURANT

Situated right in the center of the downtown retail section on Caroline Street, Skin+Touch Therapy Spa has literally had a front row seat to the many changes and improvements that Historic Fredericksburg has experienced over the past five or so years. Indeed, change has been a constant at Skin+Touch since day one, when Brian Lam (above) first opened his business in a small space within the Friends of the Rappahannock building in 2010. Since that time, Brian relocated the business to Princess Anne Street, and then purchased, renovated, and moved into the building at 714 Caroline Street. And renovated, renovated, renovated. Starting with just one staff member (himself), the business has expanded to five and now 17 employees. The space itself has also grown, to include both retail sales and skin therapy rooms, and expanding upstairs to include rooms for couples’ massages. The lobby has been transformed several times to allow for more seating and ease of movement for

staff and clients, as well as expanded retail displays. Brian also continues to hang the work of local artists, which allows him to keep a fresh look on the walls as the art rotates in and out. On a very brisk morning in January, I met with Brian to discuss (and experience!) the newest addition to the Skin+Touch Spa experience: professional, all-n natural nail services. The first thing I noticed when stepping into the freshly remodeled salon section of Skin+Touch is the light: when renovating the space, Brian had the ceiling lifted from flat to vaulted slope, and added windows on the high side. These windows, combined with the French doors opening to the back yard, add a wonderful natural lighting to the shiplap walls and black/white/chrome salon seating. The neutral palette allows Brian to have fun with color on the high wall and the seating, with a lively floral print on the high wall and pink and green cushioned chairs for the nail professionals. When I asked Brian when he first decided to add nail services, he said it was the goal

Belgian Chocolates and other Delightful Confections!

Fresh Made-To-Order Food Family Friendly Meeting Rooms/Private Parties Happy Hour/ 3 bars, 2 inside, 1 outside Outdoor Seating Overlooking Rappahannock River Catering/Take-Out www.donmoncho.com 1101 Sophia St, Fxbg, 373-0870 10151 Jefferson Davis Highway, Spotsy, 642-4204 2

February 2018

Front porch fredericksburg

TOES

by lori Izykowski

the whole package

...And more! 7

NOSE

from the start, when he first purchased the building. “I wanted to eventually provide the full day spa experience, and this service is a connection to my fashion background. It allows us to be playful and bring some color to the other services we provide.” As we sat and enjoyed pedicures by nail professionals Rachel and Rhea (above right), I commented that there were no Dremels in sight, common in most nail salon settings. Brian stressed that the nail services at Skin+Touch are all natural. There are no nail tips or acrylics used. The polishes are non-toxic. And the scrubs used during the pedicures are made inhouse…and they feel and smell wonderful! R&R are enthusiastic about creating new scrubs and in general providing a relaxing and positive experience for clients. They are both professionally trained and knowledgeable about nail care. Brian sees this aspect of Skin+Touch appealing to a variety of clients, including bridal parties, families, and a welcome diversion for

travelers in town for business or pleasure. As we relaxed while our polish dried, I asked Brian what’s next (because there is always something next!) And what’s next will be that beautiful outdoor space visible from the nail salon getting some love and attention. He envisions at least one water feature, an herb garden, space for sitting, yoga classes, and other sensory experiences for meditation and relaxation. Spring will be a busy time for Skin+Touch and Brian Lam, and Fredericksburg residents and visitors will once again benefit from the changes. Skin+Touch 714 Caroline St, Downtown FXBG skintouchtherapyspa.com; facebook

Lori Izykowski loves this town and loves seeing the historic area thrive. She encourages you to dabble in a bit of self-care at Skin+Touch for Valentine’s Day…or any day!

Large or Small, I Sell Them All! Dreaming of Fabulous City Living? Let’s Make It Happen!

SUZY STONE

817 Caroline Street 540.899.7655 thefrenchmanscorner.com

Mobile:540.847.0630 Office: 540-898-2900 suzystone22@gmail.com C21redwood.com front porch fredericksburg

February 2018

contents

closeups 5

Pam Mcleod ...a solid foundation Mats jerndal ...oddbox studio, makers district Ali Hieber Spine of the “Great Lives Series”

porch talk .

nose to toes....skin+touch therapy spa

on the porch...life in fredericksburg Messages

smart lawn...master gardeners

I have a friend: Sabina Klughardt

FXBG MUSIC: gaye & the wild rutz

Poetryman: her music

Vino: champagne or sparkling wine

season’s bounty: romance of food

cooking with kyle: lentil salad

everything greens

16-17

Calendar of events

history’s stories.: be my valentine our heritage: barry mcghee

a love story.....Rennick Bell ornament release

Senior Care: from the heart for the heart

emancipated Patients: billing madness

It’s all energy: more balance renew: nathan gist

life in motion: let’s move

art in the ‘burg: umbrellas, Just photos & grants

mYSTERY hOUSE STORIES OF FXBG: Chris

umw Great lives series opens

companions: a lifetime of love

fredericksburg sketches

from my porch: try this: it’s my job

meeganna henry... ain’t no mountain high enough.

A granddaughter’s story: A tribute to allen freeman yvonne bourne.. going out of the way to lend a hand

Cover: “Moonlight on St. George’s” By Casey Shaw

CARIBBEAN TEX-MEX RESTAURANT

Belgian Chocolates and other Delightful Confections!

February 2018

Front porch fredericksburg

TOES

by lori Izykowski

the whole package

...And more! 7

NOSE

Lori Izykowski loves this town and loves seeing the historic area thrive. She encourages you to dabble in a bit of self-care at Skin+Touch for Valentine’s Day…or any day!

Large or Small, I Sell Them All! Dreaming of Fabulous City Living? Let’s Make It Happen!

SUZY STONE

817 Caroline Street 540.899.7655 thefrenchmanscorner.com

Mobile:540.847.0630 Office: 540-898-2900 suzystone22@gmail.com C21redwood.com front porch fredericksburg

February 2018

Cedric Rucker

ON THE PORCH Guest Porch Editorial

Contributing Writers & Artists Rita Allen Laurie Black Collette Caprara TaLisa Cummings Renee Dunn Frank Fratoe K. Jeanne Frazer Joan M. Geisler Ralph “Tuffy”Hicks Karl Karch Lori Izykowski Jo Loving Pete Morelewicz Patrick Neustatter Gabe Pons Cedric Rucker Casey Alan Shaw

A.E. Bayne Kevin Brown Tara Chipps Cait Daly Christina Ferber Jenna Freeman Rich Gaudio Alexis Grogan Ali Heiber David C. Kennedy Lisa Marvashti Vanessa Moncure M.L. Powers John Reifenberg Suzanne Scherr Georgia Strentz James Kyle Synder

Christine Thompson Tina Will

Laura Westermeier Norma Woodward

Front Porch Fredericksburg is a free circulation magazine published monthly by Olde Towne Publishing Co. Virginia Bigenwald Grogan, Publisher. The mission of Front Porch Fredericksburg is to connect the diverse citizenry of Fredericksburg with lively features and informative columns of interest to our community’s greatest resource, its people. Messages from our readers are welcome. All submissions must be received by e-mail by the 19th of the month preceding publication. Writers / Artists / Photographers are welcome to request Guidelines and query the Publisher by e-mail. Front Porch Fredericksburg PO Box 9203 Fredericksburg, VA 22403 Ad Sales: E-Mail: frntprch@aol.com Web Site: www.frontporchfredericksburg.com Facebook: @Front Porch Fredericksburg The opinions expressed in Front Porch Fredericksburg are those of the contributing writers and do not necessarily reflect the opinion of Front Porch Fredericksburg or its advertisers. Copyright 2018 Olde Towne Publishing Co. All rights reserved.

February 2018

Pamdora

Bobbie Bow Dress

A solid foundation

tethered to the ‘burg

By A.E. Bayne

by Cedric Rucker Growing up in the inner city of Richmond, VA, my mother - like many hard-working parents on a tight budget – found a way to set aside enough money to buy World Book Encyclopedia one volume at a time. Gleefully, after each hardbound treasure arrived, I would spend hours sitting at the kitchen table poring over pages full of magical faraway places and exclaim, “I want to go there, and there, and there!” I also remember watching the Price is Right with Mom, and when people won exciting trips, she would exclaim, “I would love to go there, and there, and there!” Little did Mom realize that encyclopedias and Price is Right dreams would lead her son to a life-long pursuit of education and travel, to include 29 years (and counting) at the University of Mary Washington, and a passionate love of travel – with visits to 110 countries (and counting). After years of studying and work, I was finally able to afford to start traveling. One day, I told Mom we were going someplace warm, but didn’t tell her where. My sister took us to the airport, but Mom still did not know where we were going and assumed Florida. We went to the counter. Mom handed the counter attendant her ID, and in return was handed tickets to Hawaii. She started crying. Ever since I was a kid, Mom always said that she wanted to see Hawaii. To be able to share this adventure with her was an experience I will always treasure. Education has provided me with the ability to travel the world, take care of my mother, and so much more in life. This explains why I am so passionate about inspiring the next generation to pursue college and advanced degrees or vocational training in whatever field they choose. As Mary Washington’s Dean of Student Life, I have the opportunity to observe students advance through academic programs and accomplish lofty goals, and then follow their successes postcommencement. As a product of UMW myself, I can personally attest that an investment in education truly impacts lives and provides amazing opportunities. People ask me how I’m able to travel so much. Well, other than spending money on travel, I am a very frugal person. And fortunately, the academic calendar allows me to often travel in offpeak periods when the best travel deals can be found. I am always ready to travel when the opportunity arrives, with two

Front porch fredericksburg

Perfect for Any Occasion

723 Caroline St 540.899.8077 Daily 10-5:30, Sunday 12-5

Cedric in Antigua Guatemala, December 2017 packed bags (one each for warm and cold climates). Sometimes before I leave, I will go to a thrift store and buy clothing to take that I don’t mind leaving behind, freeing up room to bring home new-found treasures. An interesting product of my world travels is the renewed appreciation I have for the Commonwealth and city of Fredericksburg. Comfortably nestled between the Blue Ridge Mountains and Atlantic beaches, and conveniently midway between Washington DC and Richmond, Fredericksburg is a well-placed jewel. Our city is filled with vibrant shopping and robust cultural experiences, whether it be listening to live music, visiting a museum or historic site. Our easily-accessible rail system allows commuters to travel north for work, then return here for small town charm and keen sense of community. People have always flocked to our historic city for its Revolutionary era legacy, Civil War Battlefields and antiquing, which re unparalleled. But there is so much more to be experienced, we have a first-class university and thriving community college, as well as a phenomenal restaurant scene, along with a growing number of coffee shops and craft breweries. I love the walkability of downtown Fredericksburg and our trail

system. Pathways like the popular River Heritage Trail along the scenic Rappahannock River are such a gift. Walking the Canal Path is an allencompassing natural experience. On my morning strolls, as well as many familiar faces, I often spy deer, an eagle majestically soaring overhead, and other wildlife. These are the small wonders in life that you can’t trade. To have such closeness to nature within a city is very special. No matter where I find myself in the world, my heart is ever tethered to the city of Fredericksburg, my neighbors and UMW family. We are truly a friendly community where people talk to one another. When I return from my morning walks on the Fredericksburg trails, I often enjoy a comfortable chat on the porch with my neighbor Neil Walsh, the sage of Prince Edward Street, before heading to work or other daily activities. Or I might sit back and read the educational Front Porch magazine cover to cover. Life is good. Thanks Mom.

Cedric Rucker is University of Mary Washington’Associate Vice President for Student Affairs and Dean of Student Life

We build life piece by piece, sometimes alone and other times in congress with friends and family. We do all the right things, make all the right connections, and secure all the right pathways to success, but inevitably we will face challenges at times that destroy our well-constructed lives in one fell swoop. If we’re lucky, we find that our foundation is strong, that long buried dreams can be rekindled, and our roots are never as far away as we believe. Coming home can feel a little bit like salvation. This is where artist Pam McLeod found herself six years ago after her beloved husband died and her children headed off to college. As she contemplated retirement alone and moving from Maryland, McLeod says, “I realized wherever I moved had to have an active music scene. My husband was a bluegrass musician, and I didn’t want to give up that part of my life. Music is in my family’s blood. The place also had to have an active arts scene because of my pottery. It had to be scenic. I wanted there to be a college so there’d be people to engage with culturally and intellectually, and I wanted to be able to walk to really good restaurants. I realized I was describing my home town.” McLeod turned to her family in

Fredericksburg, a place vastly different now than when she had grown up. Gone were the sketchy, struggling and empty storefronts along Caroline Street. Fredericksburg had experienced a citywide community revitalization effort. From the depths of devastation, McLeod felt she might have a hand to play in that effort as well. McLeod noticed the sale sign in the shuddered Bazzanella Fur Shop at 1109 Caroline Street in 2011, so she

sought more information during an online search. On a whim, McLeod approached the agent in charge of the sale, a former classmate from high school. The building was in a state of disrepair with termite damage and dry rot. It was a structural mess and much of it needed gutting. Like the city itself, the property required investments in elbow grease, money, and TLC. She decided to buy it in 2012 with plans to restore the space and open an art gallery and studio when she retired from the government. The transformation of 1109 Caroline Street started with McLeod’s move to Fredericksburg. She began work on the building with an eye toward historical restoration, and her plan was to divide the quarters into an upstairs living space and a downstairs gallery, teaching, and music space. The restoration forced McLeod to make choices both satisfying and heartbreaking. Would she be able to restore the fireplaces? Yes. Should she stick with heart of pine on the floors? Of course. Would the historical fur vaults behind the house be salvageable? Sadly, no. More importantly, McLeod found herself answering difficult questions

during the process about her own future. Would she be able to move past the monumental changes to her well-planned and cherished life? She still didn’t know, but she says, “There’s nothing like hitting a plaster wall with a sledgehammer to take care of any stress or angst you might have.” McLeod officially opened Pamdora gallery ahead of schedule just before the holidays in 2017. She carries a variety of two- and three-dimensional works of art and textiles, mush of which is made regionally. Eventually, she would like to offer classes and hold house concerts in the large back room. Today, Pam McLeod is excited about retirement. Just as she restored 1109 Caroline Street to its former structural beauty, she says, “This project really saved me in many ways. The future is full of promise and I’m excited to spend it here in the place where I started, giving back and improving my hometown.”

Pamdora 1109 Caroline St pamdora.com & facebook Open Friday 4 to 8 Sat. 10 to 6 Sun. 11 to 5. Handmade, Artisan Gfts by local artists. A.E. Bayne is a writer, visual artist and veteran educator who publishes Fredericksburg Literary and Art Review twice a year. Read it free online at fredericksburgwriters.com.

front porch fredericksburg

February 2018

Cedric Rucker

ON THE PORCH Guest Porch Editorial

Christine Thompson Tina Will

Laura Westermeier Norma Woodward

February 2018

Pamdora

Bobbie Bow Dress

A solid foundation

tethered to the ‘burg

By A.E. Bayne

Front porch fredericksburg

Perfect for Any Occasion

723 Caroline St 540.899.8077 Daily 10-5:30, Sunday 12-5

Cedric Rucker is University of Mary Washington’Associate Vice President for Student Affairs and Dean of Student Life

front porch fredericksburg

February 2018

On the Trails

How Does A Master Gardener Grow? A smart Lawn for You

ain’t no mountain high enough

By Tina Will

A Master Gardener will come to your home, measure and assess your lawn, record your questions, and take a soil sample to send to Virginia Tech for analysis. Looking out the front window at our lawns in early Spring we are often faced with the realization that the great lawn we envision just isn’t there, and many of us don’t really know what to do to achieve it. We need specific information about our own mix of soil, weeds, and turf. Adding fertilizer and lime, and applying chemicals for weed and insect control has become a predictable routine, but hasn’t brought lasting results for too many of us (I dare say). Do you know your soil’s pH? Some do, many don’t, and don’t know that it is the place to start when planning improvements. Applying fertilizer, herbicides, and pesticides should be done as a result of understanding the type of soil and climate we have here, and accurately identifying insects and lawn diseases. There is a way to have a great looking lawn, and there is specific advice for you and yours. It’s available through

the Virginia Cooperative Extension’s (VCE) Smart Green Lawn (SGL) program that’s been developed through VCE research at Virginia Tech, and it’s administered by our VCE Agent, Guy Mussey with the help of Master Gardeners. The genesis of the Smart Green Lawn program came with the realization that the Chesapeake Bay and watershed rivers were being overwhelmed by run-off from lawn fertilizer applications, and that pesticide run-off was also harming water organisms. It became clear that lawn care practices had to change. New guidelines have been developed, and are being followed statewide. Research has shown that root growth is more abundant and better achieved by fertilizing in Autumn. Roots have the chance to grow slowly between September and March which results in a stronger plant and plenty of new growth come Spring. This will occur best if the

topsoil layer is deep enough (about 2” at least), high in organic matter, and at a pH that allows nutrient uptake by the root system. Improving the soil strengthens the root system. It also means that applying lawn fertilizer in Spring is not always necessary and is no longer encouraged because of the run-off effect on our waterways. A benefit to this is that less mowing is needed! Want to get yours done? A Master Gardener will come to your home, measure and assess your lawn, record your questions, and take a soil sample to send to Virginia Tech for analysis. Once that analysis is received (takes about two weeks) Guy Mussey will review it and write a report answering the homeowner’s questions, and writing up the recommendations indicated by the soil report. The advice is very specific, and the report is comprehensive. Homeowners who have followed the instructions have seen their lawns return to health and thrive. They have also had the satisfaction

of knowing that they are reducing the amount of fertilizer run-off from their properties. The program runs from March to November. Beginning in March citizens can contact our VCE office (540-658-8000), request and fill out a Smart Green Lawn application, pay the $45 fee (which includes one soil test sample), and have an initial assessment scheduled to be done by a Master Gardener. VCE Agent Mussey will review the soil test results and address the homeowner’s questions with a detailed report and instructions on how to proceed. Less mowing, more growing, and more time to play in, or fish in, cleaner water! Smart, clean, and green. It is a great way to go!

Tina Will has volunteered with MGACRA for 13 years and lives near Ferry Farm in Stafford County. Photo by Laura Westermeier

Getting to know Meegana Henry “Meegana Henry is passionately dedicated to our local trails and spends hours cleaning and maintaining them. Much of the selfless work she does goes unnoticed by the general public.” ~ April Peterson, River Rock Outfitter Who is Meegana Henry? Well, she’s a guide certified through the National Hiking Guide Association; a No-T Trace Trainer; a Winter certified Leave-N Survival and CPR/AED training graduate; and a recipient of the "Figure Foundation Moving Hands Scholarship" to attend the National Outdoor Leadership School Wilderness Medicine First Responder course in 2018. Meegana also devotes a lot of time to picking up other people’s

trash along our trails. For her credentials and community service, Meegana Henry is certainly worthy of public notice. So let’s find out more about this remarkable young lady. “I’ve always enjoyed hiking even at a young age. After completing the Appalachian Trail in 2014, I felt a calling to help others experience the wonders of hiking. So, I left a corporate job and joined the team at River Rock Outfitter. I have been happily married to this company ever since I walked through the front door! At RRO, I am fulfilling my dream of helping others experience the great outdoors by guiding local and regional hikes for individuals and groups, tailored to various skill levels. “The Fredericksburg region has a wealth of hiking trails. I'm always discovering new routes whether it be next

By Kevin Brown

to a pond, by the road, or through a neighborhood. My favorite trail is the River Heritage Trail/Canal Path loop, which brings back memories of walking with my grandfather while enjoying the amazing river view. I also enjoy the challenging Ridgeline segment of the Quarry Trails, which provides steep and undulating terrain similar to the Shenandoah National Park. “I LOVE seeing people outside and enjoying the Fredericksburg area outdoors environment, but there is one major area for improvement - picking up trash. At RRO, we host cleanups multiple times throughout the year, and many individuals contribute on their own. If anyone wants to find out more about “Leave No Trace”, please stop by and talk to our RRO staff. “In conclusion, I’d like to share a few lessons that I have learned “on the trails.” First, everybody's pack is different. By this I mean our gear is not going to look exactly the same because

we each prefer different things. Maybe you want to carry a spoon and a fork and I prefer my spork, or the “luxury” item you can live without may be an essential item in my pack. Second, if you don't enjoy your gear, do something about it. If you feel your pack is too heavy, lay out everything and take out unnecessary items. Color isn't everything, but if it makes you happier having an item in your favorite color (the very reason I received the trail name "Violet"), then do so. Third, hike your own hike. Each trail may have the same amount of miles but we do not all have the same pace. I may need an extra snack break, while my friend may want to continue hiking on. I say - do so. When you are on a hike, take time to relax and enjoy the views. You never know what is going to happen tomorrow, so enjoy today as much as possible.” Kevin Brown shares up-to-date local trail news and photos as administrator of the "On the Fredericksburg Va Trails" Facebook Group

601 LAFAYETTE BLVD

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

We Have All Your Gardening Needs Since 1929 Come Shop With Us!

donatelifevirginia.org dmv.virginia.gov/drivers/#organs.asp 6

February 2018

Front porch fredericksburg

front porch fredericksburg

February 2018

On the Trails

How Does A Master Gardener Grow? A smart Lawn for You

ain’t no mountain high enough

By Tina Will

Tina Will has volunteered with MGACRA for 13 years and lives near Ferry Farm in Stafford County. Photo by Laura Westermeier

By Kevin Brown

601 LAFAYETTE BLVD

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

We Have All Your Gardening Needs Since 1929 Come Shop With Us!

donatelifevirginia.org dmv.virginia.gov/drivers/#organs.asp 6

February 2018

Front porch fredericksburg

front porch fredericksburg

February 2018

“I Have A Friend”

THE

FREDERICKSBURG LAMP Only Available At

more than a friend By Laurie Black to attend together. “Evelyn and her husband, James, have a very good sense of humor and are very positive people. That makes them fun to be around. “ Both Evelyn and Sabina recommend the Senior Visitors Program to others. “I think that while giving your time, you receive a new friendship,” says Sabina. Their remarkable friendship continues to grow and touch the lives of those around them.

We all need friends. We all need that special someone we can count on to be a listening ear or inspire us or simply make us smile. This is the kind of friendship that makes us happier, healthier people and communities. This is the kind of friendship that Sabina and Evelyn share. Sabina Klughardt, a native of Germany, says “Since my own mother is in Germany and I cannot visit her on a weekly basis, I decided to volunteer to visit a senior here.” She heard about the Senior Visitors Program in 2013 at the annual Women’s Forum in Fredericksburg. Sabina attended volunteer training and was matched with Evelyn in 2014. Sabina goes on to say, “Evelyn and I were a perfect match from the beginning. When we met, she and her husband, James, were new to the area. They have their son and daughter-in-law right around the corner. However, when people get older, it gets harder to make new friends. Evelyn and my mother are only one year apart in age. We talk about everything going on in our lives and have developed

a very close bond. Evelyn has a lot of wisdom and it is always interesting to hear her point of view.” Sabina explains that Evelyn always understands when she needs to make a trip back to Germany. Evelyn heard about the Senior Visitors Program from her daughter-inlaw. Both Evelyn and her husband, James, joined the program and enjoy having a volunteer visitor. Evelyn says of Sabina, “She is a very nice person. She is very kind and very understanding. She is more like a family member. Sabina sits and lets you talk and she listens to what I have to say. We go walking, shopping and we have lunch. She always has a smile. She makes me very happy.” On one occasion, Evelyn and Sabina attended a Picnic in the Park concert hosted by Fredericksburg Parks, Recreation & Events. “Evelyn loves music and it is nice to see her sing along and tap her feet to the music,” says Sabina. Evelyn smiles, “I was trying to sing along. She thinks I can, but I can’t.” Sabina says they will have to find more music events

A Granddaughters Story

The Copper Shop 371-4455 1707R Princess Anne

Behind Silk Mill Like Us on facebook

If you know a senior who could benefit from having a weekly, friendly visit OR if you are ready to volunteer to be a friend to a senior, call the Senior Visitors Program at (540) 371-2704 or visit our website at mhafred.org. The Senior Visitors Program is a free community service program of Mental Health America of Fredericksburg. Laurie Black is the Administrative Assistant for the Senior Visitors Program She can be reached at mhafaa@mhafred.org Photo by Tara Chipps, Zoom With A View Photography, LLC

Supporting The Non-Profits Since 1997

tribute to Allen Freeman, 1946-2017 By Jenna Freeman Dear Grandpa, Thank you for your Service in the Air Force. You did such a great job repairing and servicing those airplanes. I’m proud to have such an awesome Air Force grandfather like that. I’m also proud that you served our country. You certainly deserve this letter for Veteran’s Day. I can tell that working on the Air Force helped make you the grandfather you are today. You are a very kind, generous, and helpful person and I love you very much. You also did a great job with your automotive repair business. You did an awesome job with the deli when it was on the corner of Sophia & William Street, as well as with the transition to the corner of Caroline and George Street in 2014. You still are doing a great job with the deli where it is, and I hope you continue. I am grateful that you come over with Granny for dinner on Sunday, dinner on Wednesday, now that we have dog training on Wednesday, Thursday, Christmas, Easter, Thanksgiving, and that one Hannukah. I look forward to five of the above-listed “special days” every week and year. I like all the cards you and Granny give me, as well as the desserts and candy. I also like all the dog books you and Granny gave me back in February. I am also grateful for those brunches that we used to have. I am also grateful for all the toys that you and Granny would buy me at Target. When I was in third grade, you would come over with Granny for us to go to Cici’s, and I am grateful for that as well. I am also grateful for all those stuffed dogs you and Granny gave me back in 2015. Love, Jenna

Allen Freeman, owner of the Virginia Deli, on Caroline Street, Downtown, passed away on December 12, 2017.He was 71 years old. Allen was a loving husband and a dedicated father to three children. He and his wife Linda have five grandchildren & one great grandson. Allen and Linda celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary last year. His friendly, welcoming presence will be missed downtown. Memorials may be made to the American Cancer Society, South Atlantic Division Inc., 4240 Park Place Ct., Glen Allen, Va. 23060-9904.

Donate to a Cancer Organization

Your Hometown Jeweler Since 1940

On-Premise Jewelry Repair Large Selection of ESTATE JEWELRY 212 William Street,Fredericksburg 540-373-5513 Mon-Fri 9-5:30; Sat 9-4 jewelboxfredericksburgva.webs.com jewelbox14k@yahoo.com

February 2018

Front porch fredericksburg

front porch fredericksburg

February 2018

“I Have A Friend”

THE

FREDERICKSBURG LAMP Only Available At

A Granddaughters Story

The Copper Shop 371-4455 1707R Princess Anne

Behind Silk Mill Like Us on facebook

Supporting The Non-Profits Since 1997

Donate to a Cancer Organization

Your Hometown Jeweler Since 1940

On-Premise Jewelry Repair Large Selection of ESTATE JEWELRY 212 William Street,Fredericksburg 540-373-5513 Mon-Fri 9-5:30; Sat 9-4 jewelboxfredericksburgva.webs.com jewelbox14k@yahoo.com

February 2018

Front porch fredericksburg

front porch fredericksburg

February 2018

FXBG Music Scene

The Makers District THE POETRY MAN

Gaye & The Wild Rutz

meet mats jerndal & oddbox studios

- By Frank Fratoe

BY Collette Caprara

Her Music

more element was added to their lives in June, 1997, with the birth of their son, Luc (pictured with Mats left). The couple's experience with portraying exaggerated, masked characters went with them as they traveled to the metropolitan New York area, where the Comedie Dell’Arte morphed into performances from their home-base in Jersey City that ranged from corporate-crowd-pleasing entertainment "complete with a moonbounce, cotton candy and popcorn machine" to street performances of juggling and stilt-walking. During that period, the beginnings of Oddbox studio also started to gel as Jerndal tapped the photography and design skills he had learned from his father in his homeland. But--be it through bad luck or

(For Jane)

Out of all the emptiness we had borne in our lives during years often alone which kept us wondering if silence held a secret, to my great astonishment what brought us together was something in a lyric she sang with tenderness while playing the piano, that told me our children would be welcomed and loved whenever they came alive after I proposed to her and all the encores began.

Tanyah Cotton, Gloria Jackson, M.D., Marta Fuentes (back L-R R) and Gaye Adegbalola

Where Customer Service and Title Insurance Become One

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

Wills and Trusts Provide for Incapacity Trusts for Minor Children Wealth Preservation Trusts Avoid Probate AhearnEstateLaw.com 10

February 2018

540/371-9890

Front porch fredericksburg

Gaye Adegbalola & The Wild Rutz (pronounced ROOTS) ) is an a cappella blues quartet complemented by percussion and occasional guitar. For many locals, Gaye needs no introduction. She was born and raised in Fredericksburg and graduated as valedictorian of the then-segregated Walker-G Grant High School. She has a Master's degree in Educational Media (with a concentration in photography) from Virginia State University Gaye has performed all over the world individually and as part of the group Saffire The Uppity Blues Women. Gaye has won numerous awards including the prestigious Blues Music Award (formerly the W.C. Handy Award) - the Grammy of the blues industry. Saffire ended in late 2009, after making music together for 25 years. Gaye & The Wild Rutz formed and started touring in 2014. In April 2015, their first CD, "Is It Still Good to Ya?” was released. “Gaye, continues her signature "Saffire sassiness" and topical commentary in her songwriting on this CD of all original songs. Gaye's songs, as always, reflect her left-of-center sense of humor, her love of life and deep commitment to social activism including feminism, gay rights, and personal liberation.”, says Amazon Reviews

Gaye, the Rutz front woman, is a multi Music Award winner Gaye plays guitar, harmonica and is best known for her profound songwriting. The other members of the group - Tanyah Cotton, Gloria Jackson, M.D., and Marta Fuentes - have extensive and varied musical credentials, including decades of work with other brilliant musicians in a multitude of genres. Aside from their musical talents, these women are historians, healers, activists and visionaries.

Frank Fratoe lives & writes in the city. He has written poems from the heart for Front Porch for the past 10 years.

Own The Movie A 40-minute film with aerial and underwater photography that tells the story of the Rappahannock River from the Blue Ridge Mountains to the Chesapeake Bay.

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

Local Performances Fredericksburg Songwrites Showcase, February 23, at LibertyTown Arts Workshop, 916 Liberty Street, 8 pm Info: burgsongs.org or 540-429-0999 ArtsLive! will host the group on March 3, 7-10pm at the at the Fredericksburg Country Club, 11031 Tidewater Trail . Info: thearts@artsliveva.org, 540-374-5040

Open Monday – Friday at 6am Open Saturday – Sunday at 7am Serving Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner $5.00 Weekly Lunch Specials

Check Out Our NEW Bistro Menu! 540-373-8300 www.marriott.com/fkrcy 620 Caroline St. FXBG, VA

A magical realm within the Burg, the neighborhood near the intersection of Wolfe and Jackson Streets might appear to be quiet from the outside but it is bustling with activity, creativity, and innovation within, as artists and artisans (some acclaimed nationally and internationally) go about their work. Discover The Makers District

While each door of the workshops and studios in the Makers District at Wolf and Jackson Streets is a threshold to a surprising creative environment, the person behind the door at OddBox Studios is, himself, quite a surprise. From his first "Hello," it's quite clear that Mats Jerndal hails from Sweden--the homeland where the seeds were sown in the University of Gothenburg for what would become his 25-career in the performing arts. Mats' experience on-stage ranged from drama and Shakespearean plays to musicals, children's theater, and even the realm of Commedia dell'arte, with training at the esteemed Dell’Arte International in Humboldt County, CA, where he met his wife, Jackie. From that point on, the Jerndal's journey was a tale fitting of a dramatic production itself--the saga of a couple striving to balance the three key elements of their lives: the desire to express their artistic creativity, the need to make ends meet, and their involvement and relationships within a community. Yet one

fate that was to destine the Jerndal's to come to the Burg--sharp budget cuts in government funding for the arts reduced the percentage of support their performances received in New Jersey from 100% to zero. Mats and Jackie sold their company, packed up their belongings, and traveled to Virginia--a trek they had often made in the past to visit Jackie's sister. They rented a small home on lower Caroline Street and Mats did the work needed to set up a small photography and video studio in its basement. At the time, a small community newspaper called Snap! covered local entertainment and happenings in the business realm and Mats took the opportunity to use his photography, video, and broadcasting skills as a "Snapper" for the publication. In that capacity, as he came to know and befriend networks of overlapping communities within the city, Mats had first-hand experience of the generosity and mutual support that are hallmarks of the Burg. "I will never forget the time when we were living on Caroline Street and it was Jackie's birthday. I

wanted so much to host a celebration for her but we were so poor!" he said, "Then musicians Don Brown and Harry Wilson stepped up and offered to provide entertainment in our backyard for free. I will always remember how much that meant and I will always be there for them." Mats also makes a practice of "paying it forward" with similar generosity for those who are in need. Since those days, Oddbox found its current location on Wolfe Street and his son, Luc, came by Mats' side as his trusty assistant. Now in its fifth year, the studio has garnered state-of-the-art equipment--from computers, to audio, to software and photography/videography equipment, including broadcast, cinematic and aerial-imaging cameras. The company offers a spectrum of services, including media transfer, portraits product photography, real-estate footage, and wedding documentation and rents out its Cylcodrama, "Infinity Cyc," to videopgraphers and photographers. But the special touch of OddBox goes beyond its equipment and taps the well-spring of Mats' 25year career in the arts and the empathy he developed which enable him to recognize and convey the heart and essence of his subjects, with his masters' touch in cutting, close-ups, and carefully selected musical accompaniment. Next on the horizon for OddBox is the production of a feature/drama, Shane's Story, which chronicles one young man's victory over seemingly debilitating odds. The trailer will be released early this month at shanesstorymovie.com. Mats is also working on a documentary of a local band, "Swamp trash Band USA," which will premiere in 2020. Oddbox Studios 526 Wolfe St, Fredericksburg, VA (540) 268-0 0190 oddboxstudios.com; facebook OddBox Studios is a full-service video and photography provider With a fully equipped studio on-site, offering: Videography, Photography, Audio Webmercials, Music Videos, Weddings, All Special Events, Documentaries, Actors Reels, Portraits Collette Caprara is a local writer and artist

front porch fredericksburg

February 2018

FXBG Music Scene

The Makers District THE POETRY MAN

Gaye & The Wild Rutz

meet mats jerndal & oddbox studios

- By Frank Fratoe

BY Collette Caprara

Her Music

(For Jane)

Tanyah Cotton, Gloria Jackson, M.D., Marta Fuentes (back L-R R) and Gaye Adegbalola

Where Customer Service and Title Insurance Become One

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

Wills and Trusts Provide for Incapacity Trusts for Minor Children Wealth Preservation Trusts Avoid Probate AhearnEstateLaw.com 10

February 2018

540/371-9890

Front porch fredericksburg

Frank Fratoe lives & writes in the city. He has written poems from the heart for Front Porch for the past 10 years.

Own The Movie A 40-minute film with aerial and underwater photography that tells the story of the Rappahannock River from the Blue Ridge Mountains to the Chesapeake Bay.

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

Open Monday – Friday at 6am Open Saturday – Sunday at 7am Serving Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner $5.00 Weekly Lunch Specials

Check Out Our NEW Bistro Menu! 540-373-8300 www.marriott.com/fkrcy 620 Caroline St. FXBG, VA

front porch fredericksburg

February 2018

Season’s Bounty

Vino Champagne or Sparkling Wine?

Fredericksburg’s Hometown Irish Pub & Restaurant Since 1961

romance of food

by City Vino

By vanessa moncure Happy HeartHealthy Valentine's Day to you! PS Perhaps the most romantic of three versions of St. Valentine - the original St. Valentine was a priest during the reign of Emperor Claudius. He ruled that unmarried men must serve in his army, and to that end banned all marriages. Valentine performed marriages in secret, but was discovered, jailed and sentenced to death. Young lovers felt the injustice and visited the prison with gifts of flowers and loving notes. After Claudius was put to death February 14, 269AD, the ban was overturned. Since then, poems, notes, flowers and love tokens prove true love is sacred; St. Valentine's sacrifice is memorialized annually.

Olde Towne BUTCHER Corner of William & Charles Streets Downtown Fredericksburg 540.370.4105 www.oldetownebutcher.com Champagne is a sparkling wine, but not all sparkling wine is Champagne. Champagne refers to a wine made using a specific process from a specific set of grapes grown in a specific region in France. The Champagne region is east of Paris, in northern France. Champagne is made from Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and/or Pinot Meunier. The process to make Champagne is long and complicated. First, a standard base wine is made and bottled. Into each bottle, a combination of sugar and yeast is added and the bottle is sealed. The yeast eats the sugar, producing carbon dioxide and some additional alcohol. When the yeast has finished eating all of the sugar, it dies and begins to break down. These broken down yeast cells are called "lees." The lees are left in the wine for months or even years and add bread-y, toast-y notes to the wine. During this lees' aging process, the bottles are slowly rotated and angled so they are neck-down. This process forces the lees to ultimately collect at the opening of the bottle. When the lees' aging

is complete, the bottles are quickly opened to remove the collected lees and a small amount of wine is added to the bottle to fill the space. This added wine may contain some sugar to add sweetness. At this point the bottle receives its final cork and seal. The wine will then undergo some amount of bottle aging before being released for sale. This elaborate process, known as the traditional method or methode champenoise, is used in other parts of the world, but the wine is not called Champagne. Cava from Spain, and some sparkling wines from other parts of France, the US, and even England, are made using this process. This method of making sparkling wine was actually developed in Limoux, in southern France, when the monks of Saint-Hilaire noticed that their wines would develop bubbles after being bottled. Not all sparkling wines go through such an elaborate process. Prosecco, from Italy, starts similarly, but the secondary fermentation to create the carbon dioxide happens inside a large pressurized tank, instead of in the individual bottles. The large tanks do not provide as much lees contact, so the resulting wine tastes much fruiter than champagne and does not have as much of the bread-y, toast-y notes. Some sparkling wines are made by simply injecting carbon dioxide, as is done with soda. This provides a much less expensive alternative to other methods, but the bubbles fade quickly leaving the wine flat.

City Vino is located at 810 Caroline St. You can find owners Renee Dunn & Rita Allen on-site to provide answers to all your wine questions

February 2018

Front porch fredericksburg

Hours Monday - Saturday, 9am to 9pm; Sunday, 11am to 6pm Keith Lebor Proprietor Flowers and velvet-flocked chocolate boxes; a hand-crafted paper doily Valentine; romantic dinners a deux; poems, gifts of lace, perfume and glints of gold - a shining day in the midst of winter dark meant for love for that special someone. But did you know that February is National Heart Month? And Valentine's Day can be the perfect day to begin (or continue) eating a heart-healthy diet. Plenty of exercise and a continuing diet of moderation will ensure many years with your Valentine. Following is a romantic meal to show your Valentine you care about their healthy heart, and you won't have to sacrifice deliciousness!

DILLED SALMON Purchase wild-caught salmon, either in steaks or a 12-oz filet, both with skin on. Mix together 1 tsp. each dried dill weed, tarragon leaves and garlic with 1 tsp. olive oil. Brush top of salmon with mixture and preheat broiler. Broil salmon on metal pan until browned, then reduce oven to 350F and cook through. (Should only be an additional 5-7 min. after browning, but depends on thickness of fish). Remove from heat, squeeze fresh lemon juice (1 tsp) over fish. Serve w/ sauce made from dijon mustard and fresh dill.

GRILLED ASPARAGUS Toast ¼ c.pine nuts over medium-low flame in non-stick skillet - when they just begin to brown, watch them carefully as they can easily burn. When they color, turn out of pan onto paper towel. Let cool. Wash and cut woody ends of asparagus - use a narrow or

medium-stalk. Brush 8 oz. of asparagus with olive oil, place on metal pan and broil along with the salmon, turning if they get too browned (or grill). If they're not yet tender, continue at 350F w/ salmon. Place asparagus on plate, sprinkle w/ pine nuts.

WILD RICE

Vanessa Moncure, a Cupid at heart, combines romance with culinary delights.

The Sunken Well Tavern

Actually not rice, but seeds of a grass plant. Purchase the dark rice and cook in chicken broth as package directs for broth amount and time (usually 45 min.).

200 Hanover St. ~ 373-0738

The Soup & Taco, Etc. 813 Caroline St.

FLOATING ISLANDS Prepare early in the day. Beat 3 egg whites with ¼c. Splenda until they form very stiff and glossy peaks; fold in 1 tsp. vanilla extract. Place in 2-inch mounds on parchment-covered baking sheet, then place in preheated 300F oven for 1 ½ - 2 hours or until dried and very lightly browned. Let cool on a rack. When ready to serve, mix 1 ½ c. lowfat raspberry yogurt with enough pure pomegranate juice to make a creamy consistency, like soup. Place yogurt mixture in bottom of cream soup bowls, place 1-3 meringues atop the mixture, then sprinkle with fresh raspberries. This meal is filled with heart nutrients - antioxidants in the fish, olive oil, asparagus, pomegranate juice and nuts - fiber reduces levels of harmful LDL cholesterol, found in rice and nuts electrolytes and phytonutrients, ensuring healthy heart rhythm and having antiinflammatory properties.

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

Fredericksburg, VA

Serving Traditional Mexican, Tex-Mex Food and Something More!! Tuesday to Saturday

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

11am-9pm Sunday 11am-6pm

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

front porch fredericksburg

February 2018

Season’s Bounty

Vino Champagne or Sparkling Wine?

Fredericksburg’s Hometown Irish Pub & Restaurant Since 1961

romance of food

by City Vino

City Vino is located at 810 Caroline St. You can find owners Renee Dunn & Rita Allen on-site to provide answers to all your wine questions

February 2018

Front porch fredericksburg

WILD RICE

Vanessa Moncure, a Cupid at heart, combines romance with culinary delights.

The Sunken Well Tavern

Actually not rice, but seeds of a grass plant. Purchase the dark rice and cook in chicken broth as package directs for broth amount and time (usually 45 min.).

200 Hanover St. ~ 373-0738

The Soup & Taco, Etc. 813 Caroline St.

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

Fredericksburg, VA

Serving Traditional Mexican, Tex-Mex Food and Something More!! Tuesday to Saturday

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

11am-9pm Sunday 11am-6pm

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

front porch fredericksburg

February 2018

Cooking With Kyle

Everything Greens bloom where you are planted

Turkey Sausage Lentil Salad

By cait daly

by james kyle snyder

Horticulture Director Sarah Bachman planting some of the many bulbs donated by Roxbury Farm and Garden. Italian seasoning. What’s in it? If you’re like us, we prefer to blend our own spices, garam masala, steak seasoning, Italian seasoning, etc. The benefit is twofold: first – the blend is balanced to our preference, second it’s possible to save a ton of money by buying bulk spices at international markets. Why buy a .95oz bottle of Italian seasoning at $5.95 (about $100 per pound) when each of the spices can be picked up for $5-6 for a pound or home grown and made for pennies? The plants are easy to tend and you only need a newspaper in a wellventilated area to produce bags of freshly dried herbs you can share with friends. You can make your own onion powder, garlic powder, powdered fennel, and red pepper flakes too. It’s February so start seedling herbs now for the summer crop! One delicious Italian Seasoning blend combines 2 TBS each of: basil, oregano, minced dried rosemary, powdered marjoram, dried thyme, dried minced cilantro, savory, and red pepper flakes. I purchased the savory only because I didn’t grow it last summer. With all the dried spices, it’s easy to make your own unique sausage especially if you took advantage of purchasing meat on sale like turkeys after Christmas. If you’re making loose sausage, there is less chance of botulism, especially if you’re freezing it or using it immediately. Make the sausage the day before; the flavors will infuse the meat and balance out. In a bowl combine: 2 tsp dried minced parsley, 2 tsp of your Italian seasoning, 1 TBS of your dried minced garlic, 1 tsp of your onion powder, ½ tsp powdered fennel seed, 1 ½ tsp ground black pepper, ½ tsp paprika, 1 tsp of your flaked red pepper, and 2 tsp kosher salt. Add this blend to 2 pounds of whatever meat you want, mix well by hand, and wrap in plastic wrap overnight in the

February 2018

refrigerator. Voilà – Spicy Italian sausage. Now when to use it? Many colder weekend days, Mitzi and I spend time prepping meals for the week – roasting and portioning chickens, ready-to-go chicken tikka masala, chili, saag, spicy fish soup, or lamb shanks to name a few. Recently we ran across a lentil recipe on eatwell.com that we adapted and are passing along to you. In a medium saucepan bring a quart of water to boil. For the dressing, whisk together 3 TBS EVOO, 2 TBS red wine vinegar, 1 TBS Dijon mustard, and ½ tsp each kosher salt and ground black pepper. In a large skillet brown 1 pound of your Italian Sausage breaking it up completely; drain on a paper towel. Finely dice: one small bulb of fennel, your favorite apple, and 2 stalks of celery with the leaves. Once the water boils, add one cup of lentils. Cook until al dente (definitely not mushy) 15-30 minutes depending on the lentil. Strain and rinse in cold water until cool. I used small green lentils here because I had them. Now make your salad! Toss all the ingredients with the dressing and place them on a bed of greens. Arugula is great with this dish if you have it. I had spinach, kale, and a mescaline mix so that’s what we used. The clementine is a favorite citrus throughout the winter so one joined the party! Healthy sausage is super simple, easy, and delicious to make and it stores in the freezer for months. If you’re uneasy about making your own, take a class with Keith at Olde Towne Butcher. He’s a great resource for everything having to do with meat! Be well! Kyle Snyder appeals to your palate and your other senses when it comes to good, simple, healthy eating Edited by the protector of the well-read eye K. Jeanne Fraser

Front porch fredericksburg

C L THE HAPPY M The Only Thing We “Overlook” is the Rappahannock! Monday ~ Saturday: 11am ~ 9pm Sunday: 12-8pm 1017 Sophia Street

540-899-0140 (ph)

540-899-0141 (fax)

Rand Sompayrac & Richard Moncure, Proprietors

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

Thanks to our friends at Roxbury Farm and Garden Center, Downtown Greens will be vibrant and beautiful this Spring 2018! Andy Lynn, owner of Roxbury Mills in downtown Fredericksburg, donated over 1,000 bulbs of varying species to spruce up the Downtown Greens building and property located at 206 Charles Street. This donation is awesome in part because the green space will be filled with floral scents and blooming beauties, and also because this garden brings the community joy in so many ways. For example, did you know that we offer opportunities to learn about gardening and to connect with other like minded people? In January, we had a bulb planting party! A total of 630 bulbs went into the ground, and there are still so many left to be planted! Do you have a green thumb or, like so many of us, is gardening a relaxing activity for you and your family? Well, come join us for Garden Hours starting back up after a winter hibernation period, this month (February) through November l on Thursdays from 3 til 6pm and Saturdays from 9am til Noon. Help us work the soil, pick weeds, plant saplings or bulbs, move mulch, and so much more! If you're not into getting your hands dirty, that is fine! Our gardens are open 365 days a year from sun up til sun down for your enjoyment. Watch our organic fruits and veggies grow in the upper garden and watch the community children plant and learn. Enjoy all of the beautiful blooms and majestic sycamore tree in the middle garden beside the headquarters building. Sit among the fragrant herbs and flowers and watch the bees buzz around on the patio in the lower garden behind the building- a perfect spot to sip tea and reflect all year round. Do you need a spot to study? Look no further. A study at The Royal College of Agriculture in Circencester, England,

found that students demonstrate 70 percent greater attentiveness when they’re taught in rooms containing plants (“5 Benefits of Houseplants.” 5 Benefits of Houseplants | Bayer Advanced, 12 Jan. 2018, www.bayeradvanced.com/articles/5benefits-of-houseplants.). Plants are also proven to lower stress and purify the air around us. Our lower garden also offers compost options if you've been wondering what to do with leftover coffee grounds or produce. The best part is, we use the compost to nourish the gardens and help all of the different species of plants thrive. Are you interested in helping out in other ways? Perhaps you'd like to donate needed items for our youth programs or maybe you'd like to make a monetary gift to help us fund much needed maintenance for our building or farm equipment? Maybe you're interested in donating time or your professional services? We appreciate any and all help from our generous community members. Learn more by visiting our www.downtowngreens.org Cait is the director of the area's SPCA and board member of Downtown Greens.

Become a Member

fxbgfoodcoop@gmail.com fredericksburgfoodcoop.com

front porch fredericksburg

February 2018

Cooking With Kyle

Everything Greens bloom where you are planted

Turkey Sausage Lentil Salad

By cait daly

by james kyle snyder

February 2018

Front porch fredericksburg

C L THE HAPPY M The Only Thing We “Overlook” is the Rappahannock! Monday ~ Saturday: 11am ~ 9pm Sunday: 12-8pm 1017 Sophia Street

540-899-0140 (ph)

540-899-0141 (fax)

Rand Sompayrac & Richard Moncure, Proprietors

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

Become a Member

fxbgfoodcoop@gmail.com fredericksburgfoodcoop.com

front porch fredericksburg

February 2018

CALENDAR of events Great Lives Lecture Series, "Nikola Tesla" , UMW, Dodd Aud. 7:30 pm

Live Music, Karen Jonas @ Legume Kitchen & Bar, 8-10p, 715 Caroline St

heard in years. Full bar, great food, TV's, kid friendly. Courtyard Mariott Historic Disteict, 620 Caroline St, 6-9pm

Open Mic Night @ Legume w/Mark Vollen 715 Caroline St

Live Music @ Adventure Brewing, Fall Line Bluegrass Band, 8-10p, 33 Perchwood Dr

"Vamos" Music Fridays @ Legume,"Vamos" 8-10p, 715 Caroline St….check their web

Open Mic with Larry Hinkle every Thursday at Highmark Brewery!, 390 Kings HWY, Happy hour 6:30-10p

Sunday, February 11

Fredericksburg Kids Expo @ Fredericksburg Expo & Conference Center, 10-4p

Great Lives Lecture Series, "Sam Phillips" , UMW, Dodd Aud. 7:30 pm

Live Music @Kenmore Inn, "Revelator Hill",Blues Rock 1200 Princes Anne, 7-10p

Sweet History @Rising Sun Tavern enjoy Valentine candy, learn the stories of how each to be true American sweethearts. Event hosted by Susan Benjamin, a candy historian and author of numerous books 2-3:30p, 1304 Caroline ST

Open Mic with Larry Hinkle every Thursday at Highmark Brewery!, 390 Kings HWY, Happy hour 6:30-10p

february 2018….Celebrating US Presidents, Black History, & Heart Month Thursday, February 1

Downtown Greens Garden Hours 3:00pm til 6:00pm Help us work the soil, pick weeds, plant saplings or bulbs, move mulch, and so much more! Justin Trawick & the Common Good, Live Music at 7:30 Kenmore Inn. Open Mic with Larry Hinkle every Thursday at Highmark Brewery!, 390 Kings HWY, Happy hour 6:30-10p

First Friday, February 2

Live Music @ LaPetite Auberge Bar, "Kurt Crandall", 8-10p, 311 William St. "Swamp Trash" live music @ Adventure Brewing Co, 33 Perchwood Dr., 8-10p

Saturday, February 3

Groundhog Day….will he see his shadow? Meet the Artists at Community Bank of the Chesapeake, Amanda Carter, 2-3pm; Ina Moss, 34pm; Katherine Arens, 4-5pm.

Highmark Brewery 1st Anniv celebration t-shirt and gift card give away Live Music Laurie Rose Griffith, & Peter Mealy, Brokedown Boys, Juan More Taco Food Truck. MANY MOONS - Beer Release Brewed w/ Mosaic Hops Noon-10p

Threads of History: Elizabeth Monroe's Wedding Dress. Textile historian Colleen Callahan discusses the dress Elizabeth Kortright wore on the day she married a future president, James Monroe Museum

City Vino Wine Tasting Sample featured wines of the week. 12-4p The Shoppes @810

The month of love. red & pink abound. Visit Artful Dimensions gallery all month. And take a look around! All member show opening reception, 6-9p, 922 Caroline St. Music As Muse @ Art First Gallery 26 artists of Art First Gallery showing work with a music-related theme. month long show kick offs with open reception 824 Caroline St Celebrating a "Love Story" Renwick Bell Ornament Release Opening Reception: Friday, February 2, 69pm Exhibition Dates: February 2-February 28 All Photography Exhibit, FCCA, 813 Sophia St, in Member's Gallery, Millie & Ray Abell "Umbellas", Brush Strokes Gallery, reception 6-9pm, 824 Caroline St.

opening

Father( or uncle, grandpa, stepdads) and Daughter Dance @ Dorothy Hart Community Center,6:30-8:30p "Wave on Wave' Gina Clark and Doyle Green playing all your favorites and some you haven't

Bart Balderson @Adventure Brewing South, great Blues , 33 Perchwood Dr. 8-10p

Sunday, February 4

Super Bowl 52 Sunday Party @Grapevine Café, 211p. Join us watching Super Bowl playing live on the BigScreen. Happy hour, drinks & food specials all night long.

Tuesday, February 6

Great Lives Lecture Series, "The Women Soldiers" , UMW, Dodd Aud. 7:30 pm Red Dragon Brewery Beer & Trivia night hosted by Donald Heinlein ! Bring most knowledgeable friends for 5 rounds of mind-numbing movies, tv, history, and pop culture trivia questions.

Wednesday, February 7

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

Thursday, February 8

Downtown Greens Garden Hours 3- 6pm Help us work the soil, pick weeds, plant saplings or bulbs, move mulch, and so much more!

7-9p,

Friday, February 9

Variety Show @Dodd Auditorium, UMW, 6:30p. The show will feature performances from various UMW student groups, including the UMW Dance Team & acapella groups. Raffles, silent auctions proceeds go directly to UMW's Alternative Service Breaks program, which enables UMW students to travel to different locations to build houses with Habitat for Humanity. Sweet Heart Swing Dance @ Central Station Banquets, 1917 Princess Anne St, 8-11p.Learn how to Swing Dance with your Sweetie or Yourself! Hosted by Central Station and Dance FXBG Live Music @ Legume "The Kingbolts" 8-10p, 715 Caroline St Live Music @ Adventure Brewing, "Gary Lekas" 810p, 33 Perchwood Dr

Saturday, February 10

Fredericksburg Kids Expo @ Fredericksburg Expo & Conference Center, 10-4p

Monday, February 12 Lincoln's Birthday

Downtown Greens Garden Hours 3:00pm til 6:00pm Help us work the soil, pick weeds, plant saplings or bulbs, move mulch, and so much more!

EP Jackson & A Songwriter Showcase @Kenmore Inn, 7:30-10p

Friday, February 16

UMW Jazz Ensemble celebrates Black History Month, 7:30 p UMW HCC Digital Auditorium Nerd Nite @ Red Dragon Brewry, 7pm, contact sandrafedowitz@gmail.com."It's like the Discovery Channel…with beer™

Tuesday, February 13 Shrove Tuesday, Mardi Gras

Great Lives Lecture Series, "The Tuskegee Airmen" , UMW, Dodd Aud. 7:30 pm Red Dragon Brewery Beer & Trivia night hosted by Donald Heinlein ! Bring most knowledgeable friends for 5 rounds of mind-numbing movies, tv, history, and pop culture trivia questions.

City Vino Wine Tasting Sample featured wines of the week. 12-4p The Shoppes @810

Wednesday, February 14

Mardi Gras @Adventure Brewing, 7-10p, 33 Perchwood Dr We'll be tossing beads and trinkets out all night from the bar, giving a prize for best costume, and there's a special treat in store for the lucky guest who finds the baby in their slice of King Cake. Just like in The Big Easy, we'll have awesome live music from Fall Line Bluegrass Band and delicious food, courtesy of The UFO Truck

Stupid Cupid Singles Party @ Adventure BrewingCo, 7-10p, 33 Perchwood Dr. Sip a Choc Raspberry Stout play a hilarious round of speed dating, groove to local live music, and take a crack at our Stupid Cupid pinata at this ultimate celebration of the single life.

Sydney Murray Music ~ soulful indie from Soulegacy & Em ~ neo-soul from fburg Megan Miller ~ indie acoustic from fburg. CRRL main branch, 7p

Thursday, February 15

Happy Valentine's Day

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

Live Music @ Legume "Not at Liberty" 8-10p, 715 Caroline St

Saturday, February 17

Dirt! The Movie A story with heart and soil. This award-winning documentary significance of dirt, the precious soil which is fundamental to our very existence. Refreshments will be provided by Katora Coffee and Mandala Pies. Sponsored by the Fredericksburg Food Co-op and Downtown Greens.@ Unity of Fredericksburg , 2217 Princess Anne St, #101

Rising Sun Tavern, tour in honor of our first president, George Washington, pay what you can as long as a president is on the bill! 11-4p

Tuesday, February 20

Red Dragon Brewery Beer & Trivia night hosted by Donald Heinlein! Bring most knowledgeable friends for 5 rounds of mind-numbing movies, tv, history, and pop culture trivia questions.

Wednesday, February 21

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

Thursday, February 22

Downtown Greens Garden Hours 3:00pm til 6:00pm Help us work the soil, pick weeds, plant saplings or bulbs, move mulch, and so much more! Great Lives Lecture Series, "Ernest Hemingway & John Dos Passos" , UMW, Dodd Aud. 7:30 pm

St. George Chamber Orchestra afternoon of music, 3-4p, St. Geo Episcopal Church, 905 Princess Anne White Like Me Screening @ Unity of Fredericksburg join Unity of Fredericksburg and other Unity churches nationwide a film explores race and racism in the U.S. through the lens of whiteness and white privilege. A local and national discussion will follow. 2217 Princess Anne St Curator's Tour, The public is invited to a behind the scenes tour of the museum operation at Gari Melchers Home and Studio led by 35 year veteran at the property, Joanna Catron. 224 Washington St. Info 540) 654-1848, mpcsolya@umw.edu, garimelchers.umw.edu/

Monday, February 26

Fredericksburg Fine Arts Show Call for Artists Entry Deadline @ Dorothy Hart Community Center, Find entry information online at www.FredParksRec.com or call 540-372-1086.

Open Mic with Larry Hinkle every Thursday at Highmark Brewery!, 390 Kings HWY, Happy hour 6:30-10p

Tuesday, February 27

Friday, February 23

Red Dragon Brewery Beer & Trivia night hosted by Donald Heinlein ! Bring the most knowledgeable friends and family you can find as you journey through 5 rounds of mind-numbing movies, tv, history, and pop culture trivia questions. Compete to stand tall as the top team of the night and go home with a prize!

City Vino Wine Tasting Sample featured wines of the week. 12-4p The Shoppes @810

Fredericksburg Songwriters' Showcase concert series presents original acoustic music line-up includes special guest Gaye Adegbalola. LibertyTown Arts Workshop, 916 Liberty Street, 8 pm , www.burgsongs.org or 540-429-0999

Sunday, February 18

Saturday, February 24

Great Lives Lecture Series, "George Orwell" , UMW, Dodd Aud. 7:30 pm

Fredericksburg Big Day Bridal show @ Fredericksburg Expo & Conference Center, 11-4p

Kitchen Table Stories: Aaron Anderson - African American Civil War Hero and Medal of Honor Recipient @ Stratford Hall 10-Noon

Happy Birthday, George! @ Mary Washington House,1200 Charles St refreshments, decorate cupcake & honor George Washington take a tour learn about the woman who raised him! Noon-4p

City Vino Wine Tasting Sample featured wines of the week. 12-4p The Shoppes @810

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

Belmont Woodland Tours 2 PM. by Virginia Master Naturalists, a mile of trails also touch on the historic ruins of Belmont's past. wear sturdy footwear. Meet outside the Visitor Center. Free.

If you are reading this 247th issue of FPF, thank an advertiser as we celebrate our 21st year of continuous publication!

Ice-breaker Bass Tournaments @ Motts Run Reservoir, 8am Bring own fishing gear. open to the public and renting boats info call: Ray Thomas (540-898-7542)

If you are an advertiser, list your events. Deadline for March 2018 issue is February 20th. To submit events go to frontporchfredericksburg.com/submit

Monday, February 19

Presidents Day & George Washington Birthday Presidents' Day - Pay What You Can! @ Mary Washington House, Hugh Mercer Apothecary Shop,

Wednesday, February 28

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

Sunday, February 25

Become a Friend Advocate ~ Donate ~ Volunteer

3258 Fans (& Growing) Want You to Join

Front Porch on 540~479~4116 1013 Princess Anne St , FXBG 16

February 2018

Front porch fredericksburg

540-8 899-6 6787

fortemusicstudios.com front porch fredericksburg