contents
closeups 7
Matt Bod & Tracy Dzibela running in the ‘burg
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giving hearts ernie & lynn ackerman
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Kerri Moran & Desiree castillo city lights
on the porch...life in fredericksburg Messages
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Gemstone creations....a local gem
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master gardeners....mulch volcanoes
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I have a friend: joy in the journey youth theatre: UMW & stagedoor collaboration
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josh stansfield: an eye for splendor
history’s stories: a remarkable group heritage: black american history
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what’s in a dairy farm?...historic elmhurst
20 Senior Care: power of touch
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Porch talk 4
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it’s all energy...bring on the joy
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emancipated patients: mindfulness medication wellness: debunking heart disease myths
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meet cover artist : Penny A. Parrish
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mYSTERY hOUSE STORIES OF FXBG
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art in the burg
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protect & preserve poetryman: singing lady
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Companions: a box of chocolates
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fredericksburg sketches 10 things requiring zero talent
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...And more!
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tidbits...small bites of local news
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season’s bounty: hearty cassoulet
10 untold stories: black history month
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cooking with kyle...perfect cheesecake
23 la cage aux folles @ riverside center
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vino...wine for abc drinkers
24 gayla lee...artist, designer & craftsman
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Calendar of events
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Cover: “Red Bench, City Dock” By Penny A. Parrish
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Jon Gerlach
ON THE PORCH Guest Porch Editorial
Contributing Writers & Artists Chuck Archer Rita Allen Kathy Anderson Sally Cooney Anderson A.E. Bayne Anna Billingsley Bill Blevins Laurie Black Cheryl Bosch Kevin Brown Collette Caprara Judy Chaimson Meghann Cotter Elizabeth Daly Barbara Deal Christina Ferber Bill Freehling Frank Fratoe k. Jeanne frazer Joan M. Geisler Jon Gerlach Lou Grahamm Alexis Grogan Ralph “Tuffy”Hicks Karl Karch David C. Kennedy Miriam Liss Jo Loving Alliaon Maybery Pete Morelewicz Vanessa Moncure Lenora Kruk-Mullanapy Patrick Neustatter Sarah Perry Penny Parrish Delaura Padovan Gabe Pons M.L. Powers Gerri Reid Rob Rudick Casey Alan Shaw Patricia Smith Georgia Strentz James Kyle Synder Christine Thompson Dawn Whitmore Tina Will Sonja Wise Norma Woodward Front Porch Fredericksburg is a free circulation magazine published monthly by Olde Towne Publishing Co. Virginia Bigenwald Grogan, Publisher. The mission of Front Porch Fredericksburg is to connect the diverse citizenry of Fredericksburg with lively features and informative columns of interest to our community’s greatest resource, its people. Messages from our readers are welcome. All submissions must be received by e-mail by the 19th of the month preceding publication. Writers / Artists / Photographers are welcome to request Guidelines and query the Publisher by e-mail. Front Porch Fredericksburg PO Box 9203 Fredericksburg, VA 22403 Ad Sales: E-Mail: frntprch@aol.com Web Site: www.frontporchfredericksburg.com Facebook: @Front Porch Fredericksburg The opinions expressed in Front Porch Fredericksburg are those of the contributing writers and do not necessarily reflect the opinion of Front Porch Fredericksburg or its advertisers. Copyright 2019 Olde Towne Publishing Co. All rights reserved.
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The Best City of All by Jon Gerlach The Past It all started in 1967 when my mom's car broke down on our way from Pennsylvania to Florida. While the mechanic fixed our ailing station wagon, we stayed at a hotel near a golf course (today, Central Park). We used the down time to visit the local battlefields, sparking my lifelong fascination with Virginia history. Later, our family vacations included stopovers in Fredericksburg because we loved it so much. As a teenager I went on annual history tours around Fredericksburg, led by my friend and renowned historian Jay Luvaas of Allegheny College. Jay's spirited teachings made history come alive for me. Eventually, I began a professional career in archaeology, an adventure that took me far and wide across the United States. After retiring from archaeology I earned a law degree at the University of Richmond. I practiced construction law, representing real estate developers and contractors in Virginia, before moving to Colorado where I acquired an insurance agency and raised my two wonderful children. Although I fell in love with the Rocky Mountains, I missed the daily reminders of history that permeate the Virginia landscape. When I was presented with the enviable opportunity of choosing a place to live for the rest of my life, I had no doubt where it would be. Nowhere else matched Fredericksburg's rich history, proximity to the mountains, easy water access for kayaking, and the world-class cultural offerings found here and in nearby metropolitan areas.
The Present I've lived in plenty of cities and towns, but there is nowhere else quite like Fredericksburg. Through my law practice at Gerlach Law Firm, PLC, I have met many diverse and fascinating people, cementing even more my love for Fredericksburg. Our 800 block of Charlotte Street, where Mitzi and I live, is a wonderful
messages Your magazine really helps citizens to feel more connected to this town. Great January issue! Tina Will
I love your magazine Amy Liles
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neighborhood. We visit with neighbors, and babysit their kids from time to time so parents can get out together. Kids love to stop in front of our house and inspect Hal, our large mechanical yard owl. His wings flap in the wind, which seems to keep the squirrels away while attracting children of all ages. Exploring downtown is our favorite pastime. We might stop for coffee, or shop in stores and chat with friends. Goolrick's has the best grilled cheese sandwiches, the restaurants downtown are fabulous, and we've taken to calling Valentine's Day "Carl's Day". A hike in the woods on the battlefield is just a few steps away. The City's Trails System and Lee Drive offer great opportunities for a lovely walk or a bike ride. River access downtown is the jumping-off point for a relaxing kayak float, courtesy of River Rock Outfitters, and Virginia Outdoor Center offers whitewater adventures further upriver.
The Future Wanting to give something back to this marvelous community, I joined the Architectural Review Board and currently serve as its chair. People think it's a thankless job, but I find the work very rewarding. I often talk about the goose that lays the golden eggs. The eclectic community-vibe and historic character of our City is the goose. Innumerable benefits come from that - economic vitality, tourism, cultural vibrancy, community cohesiveness, and quality of life - these are some of the golden eggs. We must be careful to nurture the goose. More real estate development is coming to the Fredericksburg area, creating many opportunities and challenges for the City. One challenge is to foster economic growth in ways that respect and enhance Thank you Mary Lynn Powers ("The Man Behind the Bar", December 2018) Jack Hyland Great cover! (December 2018, David C. Kennedy) Liana Pivirotto Thank you for the Shout Out (December 2018, Art in the Burg”) FCCA
those things that make Fredericksburg so special. I like to think of this ongoing work as "community preservation". One thing I appreciate most about the City is that our local government is non-partisan. We may differ on state, national and international issues, but when it comes to the City, partisan disputes are few and far between. Instead, we roll up our sleeves together as a team, from the City Manager to City Council, City Staff, its boards, committees, volunteers and the community at large, and get things done. How refreshing is that? For more than 20 years, Front Porch Magazine has been a wonderful platform for community awareness and civic engagement. I look forward to reading each issue from cover to cover, and I hope you enjoy this month's issue!
An attorney and retired archaeologist, Jon Gerlach chairs the Architectural Review Board in Fredericksburg. He frequently writes about historic properties for Front Porch Magazine.
Virginia Thanks for all you do for the Arts & our community! Lou Gramann
Virginia Greatly enjoyed article about one of our favorite fxbg food options by the very talented Collette Caprara (Juan More Taco, Dec 2018) Kevin Brown
Nancy & Craig Sheldon Gemstone creations: A local Gem by Mary Lynn Powers “Where Fredericksburg Gets Engaged” Talking with Nancy and Craig Sheldon, owners of Gemstone Creations, I learned more than you can imagine about the jewelry business. This quaint downtown spot located at 606 Caroline Street has been in existence since 1992. Nancy opened the store after working and managing retail jewelry shops, one being the first jewelry store to open at Spotsylvania Mall. Nancy is knowledgable in all aspects of the business, certified by the Gemological Institute of America and is more than willing to share her knowledge. She told me that jewelry sales is similar to being a bartender, in that you learn a lot about people’s lives by the events they are celebrating. Craig joined her in 1999 when they met and married. He handles the business side of the house to include website, Facebook page, and the bookkeeping aspect. The website is a learning experience, each month featuring a different gem. One can read about pearls this month. www.gemstonecreations.org
They have a great story as to how they met. I said after they told me, “Oh, it was a mom hook-up!” Craig’s mom having known Nancy spoke to her about her son, and also to him about who might be an interesting person for him to meet. And the rest as they say is history. Their daughter, Kimberly who is finishing high school this year is the artist who painted the mural that adorns the side of the building … “Where Fredericksburg Gets Engaged” with a silhouette of a couple, displays the tagline for the business. Not only does this refer to the engagement rings they sell, but refers as well to their sentiments about being engaged with the community itself. When you enter this cozy shop, often you are greeted by Linda who has morphed into manager extraordinaire’. Nancy said Linda is an extension of herself, remembering guests’ names and family members. She is also an accredited specialist by the Gemological Institute. Having an employee like Linda allows Nancy to focus on custom design which is her specialty. Bring her an idea and she can create. Usman, their repair specialist and engraver is gaining a great reputation in town for his handiwork. One of the fun aspects of owning a business for this long is that Nancy has seen generational engagements. In that, she designed rings for couples, and now these couples’ offspring are returning for the same service! Another interesting feature is valuation of estate jewelry. Nancy spent four days researching jewelry at an estate in Louisiana for a friend. They then brought back and sold the
merchandise locally as an estate sale where Nancy convinced the owners to donate a percentage to the Salvation Army. They are big proponents of the local community, and participate in many of the fundraisers. If you haven’t stopped in to this local treasure yet, February would be a great time to visit - Valentine’s Day and all!
Mary Lynn Powers enjoys meeting and writing about interesting people in the 'burg Gemstone Creations 606 Caroline Street, Downtown 540) 373-7 7847 www.gemstonecreations.org
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Master Gardeners in Winter help stamp out mulch volcanoes By Tina Will There are plenty of things to ponder besides seed catalogues while we wander through the winter/spring/winter weather we have been having. Our soggy ground doesn’t know what to do with all this rain, but one of these days winter will give way to Spring. Seeds will grow, and plants will flower. Until then it’s a good time to read, plan, and do what can be done. Help Prevent Mulch Volcanoes From Forming in Your Neighborhood We’ve tried for years to show and tell people how to spread mulch, but the message is not getting through to everyone. Mulch volcanoes around trees are still a common sight, so many still think it’s the way to use mulch. NOT SO! Mulch is to be spread over the roots, not piled up around the trunk of the tree. Bark protects the tree and it does not need a blanket. Mulch protects the roots by slowing water evaporation, and can help keep weed growth down. It should be a layer about two to three inches deep and spread out to the drip line of the tree if possible. Mulch piled around a tree trunk keeps moisture close to the trunk which encourages rot, which allows insects and diseases to enter more easily. Rake away all mulch that extends up the trunk of the tree, and use it to cover the root spread where it belongs. Great information and pictures of good and bad mulch application are available on the VCE publication http://pubs.ext.vt.edu/content/d am/pubs_ext_vt_edu/430/430-019/430019_pdf.pdf. http://pubs.ext.vt.edu/content/dam/pubs_ ext_vt_edu/426/426-326/426326_pdf.pdf
Oops, That Plant help themselves to Is Getting Too Big For That Space the berries on Winterberry (Ilex I received a query from a friend on how to move large shrubs. Care and verticillata), so thought needs to be given if the plant is to plant more than recover well, and it is worth the time and one or two. Groups effort to follow good advice. Penn State of three to five or Extension has an excellent publication more create a https://extension.psu.edu/transplanting- beautiful show with o r - m o v i n g - t r e e s - a n d - s h r u b s - i n - t h e - the red berries landscape. against the gray A good time for this is usually in bark. Chinese Holly the Fall because before the plant is (Ilex cornuta ) also actually lifted, branches need to be pruned back and the plant prepped by also pruning the roots. Root pruning actually cuts the roots thus diminishing the available water and nutrient support to the branches. The roots within the root ball will have a chance during winter to regrow. Heavy root balls are hard to move; plan how it will be done! There will be better plant recovery if these steps are followed. Guidelines for the size of the root ball needed are in the publication RIGHT Way to Spread Mulch mentioned above. The other important lesson: Consider the sports red berries in abundance, and set plant’s ultimate height and choose the against the evergreen foliage is a beautiful right location. favorite. Shrubs with variegated foliage and small trees with interesting bark like Paperbark Maple (Acer griseum) and Fight Dreary Winter Landscapes Lacebark (aka Chinese) Elm (Ulmus Red berries in winter stand out parvifolia) are lovely viewed from a beautifully, and lift our spirits. Birds will favorite window. Blackhaw Viburnum
WRONG Way to Spread Mulch (Viburnum prunifolium) has blue berries that birds love. Variegated foliage plants are very effective if they are winter hardy. Leucothoe (Leucothoe fontanesiana ‘Rainbow’) is one to consider. There are lots of other choices; plant something with Winter interest that will make you smile in spite of the weather!
Tina Will has volunteered with MGACRA for 13 years and lives near Ferry Farm in Stafford County. Photos by Bill Blevins (upper right) & Tina Wills (left)
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February 2019
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On the Trails
Enduring Elegance
Running in the 'Burg: Matt Boyd & Tracy Dzibela By Kevin Brown This month, let’s learn about the local running scene from Matt Boyd and Tracy Dzibela, new Fredericksburg city homeowners who put in over 2,000 miles of running together last year. Matt enrolled at Mary Washington College in 1988 and ran cross country and track all four years. After a short time away at graduate school, he moved back to the Fredericksburg area, and has worked at Dahlgren since 2000. Tracy moved to the Fredericksburg area in 2010, where she is now an optometrist at Access Eye Centers.
723 Caroline St 899.8077 Daily 10-5:30; Sunday 12-5
Matt: “The vast majority of my 50+ miles per week of running are on our local Fredericksburg trails. In the late 80s in college, we would run on the Canal Path and Quarry Trails, and also on the power line trails that used to run behind Park & Shop (now Eagle Village) and what now is the development along
Cowan Blvd. Today, thanks to the Fredericksburg Trails Alliance-led maintenance and access provided by the city/private property owners, the Quarry Trails are much expanded for the enjoyment of bikers, runners, and hikers.
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We use the local trails extensively but for different reasons. Sometimes we are out running a hard workout, oblivious to all the beauty of nature around us, but safe and appreciative to be able to avoid all the auto traffic on the roads. More often though we're jogging/walking and watching/listening to the river, looking at the ducks, geese, herons, and bald eagles, or pausing to take a view of the city from Chatham Manor or a sunrise across Pratt Park. Tracy: “After I had a health scare the first year I lived here, I began running seriously. I ran my first race in 2011, the Turkey Trot. After that I was hooked, and now use the local trails virtually every single day. A group of us run marathons and conduct the majority of our training early in the morning, sometimes completing 80 miles of running on the trails a week! This time of year, most of our running is in the dark on the Canal Path (carefully due to some uprooted areas and lack of lighting), the River Heritage Trail, the Virginia Central Railway Trail and Pratt Park. If we get lucky enough to venture out in the
daylight, we run on the Quarry trails or the trails the run along Lee Drive. Also, every day on my lunch break I go for a walk starting at Claire Brooks Park, along the trail to Pratt and back.” Matt: “We love the linkage between our urban trails and the downtown restaurants, coffee shops, and Farmer's Market. We love our downtown, and have just purchased a city home backing up to our own little wildlife preserve (Gayle's Pond), just a two block walk to the Canal Path, less than half a mile walk to the track at James Monroe High School, and only a few minute walk to restaurant/coffee shops. Tracy: “I absolutely love being in Fredericksburg, with its many opportunities for outdoor recreation in safe, natural surroundings. Well, except for one time, when a running partner and I were “chased” by a beaver along the Canal Path. It scared us because we sure weren't expecting to see a beaver there!” Thanks for shedding light into the running scene here in the Burg, Matt and Tracy! Congrats on your new home, and see you out on the trails!
Kevin Brown shares up-to-date local trail news and photos as administrator of the "On the Fredericksburg Va Trails" Facebook Group
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“I Have A Friend” joy in the journey
By Laurie Black
We often do not know where our life’s journey will take us, what surprises will be around the bend, or who we will meet along the way. Hopefully, we can find joy and laughter in our journey and good friends to travel with us. Connie Sauter and her friend, Linda, are doing just that. Linda heard about the Senior Visitors Program from a Home Health Agency. She welcomed the opportunity to make a new friend. When asked how she heard about the Senior Visitors Program, Connie explained, “I learned of the Senior Visitors Program through an ad in the local paper. It spiked my interest because I had previously done volunteer work in an assisted living facility and found seniors to be my favorite age group to work with. I have done volunteer work for various age groups over the years. Volunteer work brings so much self satisfaction.” Linda and Connie began weekly visits together in July of 2017. After their first visit Connie reported, “We had a lovely and very comfortable visit. Conversation flowed easily as we got to know each other. I really think that Linda and I are a good match. Our getting-toknow-one-another seems to be moving so effortlessly and so pleasantly.” Senior Visitors Program Director, Teresa Bowers said, “This is exactly what we hope for. We hope that our senior clients and our volunteers will enjoy the experience and be able to develop a relationship of trust and friendship.” Linda goes on to say, “I am always looking forward to seeing Connie. We like to go places. We plan one week what we will do the next week. We have fun and relax. I enjoy our close friendship.” A memorable visit for both Linda and Connie was a trip to Lake Anna. Connie said, “Linda is a lifelong
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Fredericksburg resident and she loves showing me the area and sharing its history. Our standout memory is of a trip we took to Lake Anna to celebrate Linda’s 75th birthday over lunch. We both assumed the other knew how to get there and even though I have GPS in my car, I’m embarrassed to admit I’ve never learned to use it. So, what should have been a 45 minute drive wound up taking one and a half hours – each way. Still not sure how we got there or how we got back, but we sure laughed a lot en route.” When Linda and Connie are not able to go out for a drive, they enjoy visiting at Linda’s home or keeping in touch by phone. “Linda and I are very close in age and consequently have a great deal in common. We spend hours comparing stories about our growing up years,” said Connie. “I can’t stress enough the benefits to both volunteers and their clients. Nothing is more satisfying than making someone’s life happier and brighter.”
Laurie Black is the Administrative Assistant for the Senior Visitors Program She can be reached at mhafaa@mhafred.org
To learn more, call the Senior Visitors Program at (540) 371-2 2704 or visit our website at mhafred.org. Refer a senior or sign up to be a volunteer! The Senior Visitors Program is a free community service program of Mental Health America of Fredericksburg.
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Youth Theater Workshops UMW Theater Department & Stage Door ProductionsCollaboration It was a perfect opportunity for collaboration. Miriam Liss, a professor of psychological science at the University of Mary Washington had just joined the board of directors of Stage Door Productions. Her children had been in many Stage Door plays and when she got an email that Stage Door was looking for new board members, she thought it was time to give back and joined the board. As many members of the board were stepping off, Miriam was selected as head of the Youth Division at her first board meeting. At first she was intimidated by the responsibility but began to see it as an opportunity to create a bridge between UMW and the community. President Paino had just presented his vision for UMW and community engagement was a central pillar. In fact, Miriam had been serving on a committee designed to enhance c o m m u n i t y engagement for several years and had recently been elected as chair of that committee. She hadn’t considered how her involvement in community theater was actually a community connection until she joined the Stage Door board and started thinking about expanding youth programming. Stage Door does two youth shows a year but during the months of January and February there is no youth programming. Her two children Daniel, 12, and Emily, 10, generally go through theater withdrawal during these months. What if there could be a series of workshops during those months where children in the community could enhance
their skills? Perhaps these workshops could be run by UMW theater students. Miriam contacted Gregg Stull, chair of the UMW theater department and they held a brainstorming session over a cup of coffee. She explained the need for theater workshops where children could learn skills without working specifically toward a play. Gregg said that his students would be very interested in running these workshops – many were combining a major in theater with the education program and were hoping to be theater educators. Within a few weeks Gregg had organized with his students and sent a draft schedule of a series of workshops over five weeks Workshops in the morning (from 10am-noon) would be for children ages 5-9 and those in the afternoon (13pm) would be for ages 11-14. His students planned workshops on a wide variety of topics i n c l u d i n g improvisation, monologues, scene study, and stage combat. Youth The Workshops represent a fantastic collaboration between UMW and the community. Local youth can learn about theater from UMW students and UMW students get the opportunity to refine their teaching skills. Want to learn more? Youth Workshops will be offered from every Saturday until mid March at 810 Caroline Street. See the full schedule and register at: stagedoorproductions.org/Workshops/ ~ UMW Theatre Dept. & Stage Door Productions
Josh Stansfield An eye for splendor by A.E.Bayne With its steeple-framed skyline, the natural beauty of the Rappahannock River, and its access to battlefields and historic sites, Fredericksburg readily draws amateur and career photographers alike. Josh Stansfield is a local photographer who, after dedicating the past two years to
He says, “One of the things I enjoy most is getting back to nature. It’s an escape from life’s rapid pace and pressures. I have time to play around with my equipment, and if something draws my attention I can sit with it and experiment with composition and lighting.”
200 William St Downtown Fredericksburg 540-373-4421
Lately, Stansfield has added moonscapes and shooting live concert footage to his portfolio. There are new challenges and delights to be found in the light of the moon, and he’s already got an in with the Fredericksburg music scene; in addition to dedicating time to photography, Stansfield plays guitar in a multiple local bands.
Bring a little sunshine to a senior’s life! Too many seniors feel lonely and isolated. YOU can make a difference by volunteering to visit a senior in the Fredericksburg area. Volunteer training is provided & no special skills are required. The Senior Visitors Program is a FREE community service program of Mental Health America of Fredericksburg. Visit mhafred.org or call 540-371-2704
Stansfield’s focus has primarily been landscapes where he can experiment with shadows, sunlight, and neutral density filters. He’s taken photos in Shenandoah National Park, along the Rappahannock, and at Yosemite and in Oregon out West.
“Rappahannock” study and practice, is quickly garnering attention for his breathtaking compositions that showcase beloved regional spots with a fresh eye. Stansfield says he was first drawn to photography after a friend gave him an old camera for experimentation. He started reading technical articles and watching videos online to learn techniques, stating that most of what he’s accomplished has come from motivated trial and error. Today, Stansfield says his favorite camera is his Canon 60D Full Frame, and he likes pulling out an older Minolta 35mm and his rangefinder. He acknowledges that while the advent of new photo technology on smartphones has made photography more accessible to people, there are plenty of technical skills to learn if one wishes to understand the science behind expertly crafted shots.
Stansfield says, “My goal is to eventually make photography a career. I’ve just started shooting local shows and learning about printing and framing. It’s complex and expensive. For a long time, I’d only see my images on the computer screen and online, so tangibly holding and seeing my work in print has been a big step toward my goal.”
With a first exhibit at Darbytown Art Studio in November 2018, and another slated for this coming April at Sunken Well Tavern, Stansfield is quickly making his work known to the local community, both for the detailed splendor he captures in his landscape photography and for the unique narratives he creates for familiar local imagery. Put him on your radar in 2019. A.E. Bayne is a veteran educator, writer and artist from Fredericksburg who publishes Fredericksburg Literary and Art Review and is a partner in the Fredericksburg Independent Book Festival.
Shop Local Welcome to Downtown Fredericksburg’s Main Street District fredericksburgdowntown.org front porch fredericksburg
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Untold Stories black history month special events By Barry Thompson "Looked for in the Hour of Danger but Trampled Underfoot i n the Time of Peace" Friends of Wilderness Battlefield (FoWB) is co-sponsoring a Black History Month event on February 22 (rain date, March 1) composed of four vignettes in several churches in old town Fredericksburg. Each vignette will depict a scene portraying African American involvement in one of four major wars, from the Revolutionary War to World War II (WWII). The history of the nation's response to their service is conflicted! From the outset, African Americans performed with honor, and many died in service to their country. They fought on both sides during the Revolutionary War with a promise of freedom from slavery after the conflict ended. During the Civil War, nearly 180,000 blacks served in the Union Army and Navy. Twice that number (350,000) joined the American Expeditionary Force in Europe in World War I, and over 700
This is FoWB's 2nd annual Black History Month Untold Stories event and is co-sponsored by the John J Wright Educational and Cultural Center and the churches in Fredericksburg. To attend, visit www.FoWB.org; a $10 donation is your entry fee. For more information, contact Dick Rankin at 972-2862 or Barry Thompson at 972-3757. Barry Thompson can be reached at jatbrt@gmail.com OTHER
African Americans died in the European and Pacific theaters during World War II. Many of these veterans were awarded medals for courage. Yet their brave service and sacrifices, both during wartime and after they returned home, were often not recognized. In wartime, African American
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February 2019
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participation was usually marked by prejudice and the segregation of races. After hostilities ended, they returned home to a continuation of Jim Crow opposition and enmity. It wasn't until President Truman issued Executive Order 9981 in 1948 that the Armed Forces were officially integrated. Even after that, resistance persisted. Next month, there will be an opportunity to experience some of this history "first hand". Each vignette will have local actors portraying scenes based on real people and their service before and after a particular war. Included will be a look at the relationship between George Washington and Phillis Wheatley, the first U.S. female African American poet; a view of the "lost" Camp Casey near the present day Pentagon that served as a training black 23rd U.S. Colored ground for the all-b Infantry; a moment in a foxhole in France with Dr. Urbane Bass, a Fredericksburg physician who gave his life for his country; and finally, a discussion with a local resident who served with the Navy during WWII.
EVENTS IN AREA
African American Inventors In February, all CRRL branches will be rotating a series of self-guided activities focusing on African American inventors. These inventors have contributed greatly to the fields of science and technology, despite hardships in their personal and professional lives. Inventors and their inventions: Sarah Boone: Improved the ironing board Philip Downing: Letter (postal) box Dr. Charles Richard Drew: Blood preservation John Lee Love: Portable pencil sharpener Jan Ernst Matzeliger: Shoe lasting machine Garrett Morgan: Automatic traffic light William Purvis: Self-inking stamp Lloyd Ray: Long-handled dustpan Enslaved Experience and History Tour February 1 -28 9221 Belle Grove Dr Belle Grove Plantation at Port Conway Tour of the experiences that slaves endured See artifacts, both from other areas as well as Belle Grove Plantation with known slave connections. Learn about how Africans changed the way we ate with foods and cooking techniques they brought with them.
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Everything Greens Giving Hearts Lynn & Ernie Ackerman By DeLaura Padovan One of the hallmarks of Fredericksburg is that it is home to many giving individuals. I had the honor to interview Lynn and Ernie Ackermann, long-time Downtown Greens supporters and two of the most generous people I know, about their philanthropy. How did you become so philanthropically oriented? EA: Wow. I’ve never thought about it, really, it’s just the right thing to do. Every non-profit out there needs as much help as it can get. What’s been interesting is that we decided about a dozen years ago to focus our giving locally and amazing things have opened up—we became more involved, started volunteering, and learned we have important skills to share with the groups we support. LA: Ernie has always been generous and very giving. But it is only since we made our Giving Fund that I have become much more giving and philanthropic. Can you tell me more about the Lynn and Ernest Ackermann Giving Fund you recently created?
EA: Well, all the financial companies have offerings of this type now. Basically, you set yourself up as a 501 C 3 from which you can make donations to other 501 C 3 organizations. Ours required $10,000 minimum start up. It’s so easy to set up. All the donations are done online. LA: It is a Mutual Fund that actually grows on its own. Plus, there is a $250 minimum donation draw down, which we have to do - RMD’s Required Minimum Distributions. It takes donations that would normally be taxed and puts them in this Giving Fund, so they are donated directly to non-profits and they are not taxed. It makes it so easy to give! EA: We can only use it for “Pure Donations,” so we cannot buy things with the money. LA: And our financial advisor helped us create a fund that is managed in a Socially Responsible way. Besides Downtown Greens, what are some of the organizations that benefit from your fund? LA: Micah House, Mental Health America, and Fail Safe ERA. EA: Fail Safe ERA is a very low key group doing great work. They help people when they get out of jail and help keep them out. Tell us what to expect at the upcoming Spencer Devon Beer Dinner on February 18 to benefit Downtown Greens? EA: Oh, there are long tables, you just mingle, and talk to people you don’t know – like one time we sat and talked all night with Keller Williams’ parents, and we never found out until the end of the evening
that’s who they were! LA: There are 5 courses each paired with a different beer. It’s like a tapas meal, it’s a little bit of this and a little bit of that but it is ENOUGH! EA: They will introduce each course and each beer: how it is brewed, which flavors it has, and so on. LA: This meal will be a vegan entrée (with an omnivore option) and will include honey and dried herbs from Downtown Greens – it’s going to be fantastic!
DeLaura Padovan is the Administrative Assistant at Downtown Greens Spencer Devon Benefit Dinner Feb. 18, 7-1 10pm, 106 George Street A vegan feast. Don't worry omnivours...we will have an option for you too. Dinner will include honey and dried herbs from the Downtown Greens garden which will be amazing!!!!
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FREDERICKSBURG LAMP Only Available At
The Copper Shop 371-4455 1707R Princess Anne
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TidBits Wills and Trusts Provide for Incapacity Trusts for Minor Children Wealth Preservation Trusts Avoid Probate AhearnEstateLaw.com
small bites of local biz News
540/371-9890
Where Customer Service and Title Insurance Become One
Service Managers - Jason Anderson, Stacey Woodward & Dave Elphee Appleton Campbell Wins Angie’s List Award
Jewell Wolterman 12225 Amos Lane, Ste 204 Fredericksburg, VA 22407 540-907-0574 www.elitetitleva.com jwolterman@elitetitleva.com
Appleton Campbell Earned the coveted 2018 Angie's List Super Service Award for the eighth year in a row. This award honors service professionals who have maintained exceptional service ratings and reviews on Angie's List in 2018. "Service pros that receive our Angie's List Super Service Award represent the best in our network, who are consistently making great customer service their mission." said Angie's List Founder Angie Hicks. Angie's List Super Service Award winners have met strict eligibility requirements, which include maintaining an "A" rating on overall grade, recent grade and review period grade. The SSA winners must be in good standing with Angie's List and undergo additional screening. "Appleton Campbell's motto is exceptional customer service. Our customers as well as employees know that they are paramount to our success," says Service Manager, Jason Anderson. ~ Heather Appleton appletoncampbell.com. Fredericksburg Main Street Receives Check from Oktoberfest Capital Ale House last month presented Fredericksburg Virginia Main Street with a check for $7,736.67, which the restaurant generated from admissions proceeds from last year's annual Oktoberfest event. Capital Ale has donated the proceeds to Main Street for several years. ~Ann Glave Fredericksburg Main Street fredericksburgdowntown.org
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February 2019
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Tapa Rio opening in Don Moncho location The Don Moncho restaurant at Sophia and Amelia streets is now closed and will reopen later this month as Tapa Rio. The restaurant will feature small plates and oven-roasted cuisine with an Italian flare. ~Bill Freehling FXBG Dept. Of Economc Development
UMW Honored Among “Colleges of Distinction” University of Mary The Washington has been recognized as one of the nation's Colleges of Distinction. This honor comes as a result of UMW's success in four key areas: engaged students, great teaching, a vibrant community and positive outcomes. “Colleges of Distinction is far more than a ranking list of colleges and universities,” Tyson Schritter, CEO, Colleges of Distinction, said. “We seek out schools that are wholly focused on the student experience and are constantly working to produce graduates prepared for a rapidly changing global society.” In recent years, the university has seen its academic reputation garner national recognition in numerous selective guidebooks, including Forbes, the Fiske Guide to Colleges and the Princeton Review’s edition of 150 “Best Value Colleges” and “The Best 376 Colleges.” ~Anna Billingsley UMW Dept of University Relations
Season’s Bounty
Fredericksburg’s Hometown Irish Pub & Restaurant Since 1961
HEARTY GRATIN, RAGOUT AND CASSOULET SUPPERS By vanessa moncure
Mon-Thurs, 11am-9pm Fri & Sat, 11am-10pm Sun, 11am - 9pm Bar open until 2am everyday
200 Hanover St. ~ 373-0738
The Sunken Well Tavern
When I think of a satisfying winter supper, my mind doesn't turn to chilled meat platters, watery iceberg lettuce salads, tuna cold plates or grim, tasteless out-of-season fruits or vegetables ("fresh" tomato, I'm talking to you!) This is the best time of year for soups, stews and suppers with stick-to-your-ribs heartiness, deep winter roasted vegetables, garlick-y, onion-y, cheese-y, long-simmered, warming and aromatic dishes. Soups can be broth-based or a deep cream - stews a concoction of meats, vegetables and starches - an easy cassoulet is simply layers of poultry, sausages and beans braised in a Dutch oven - a simple and delicious ragout is but a seasoned meat dish with vegetables - and you can fancyup winter dishes from vegetables to eggs with a simple gratin or gratine (meaning "crusted" in French) and this can be any dish which comes out of the oven with a crust on top, be it cheese, a sauce or dessert meringue. For the following recipes, use a covered roaster, Dutch oven
The Soup & Taco, Etc. 813 Caroline St. 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
or reheat in a slow cooker. RAGOUT The word "ragout" and "ragu" are pronounced similarly - ragout is a rich, deeply flavorful French comfort food made from highly seasoned meats and vegetables. Ragu, the tomatobased meaty comfort food, is known as Sunday gravy to our I t a l i a n grandmothers. I like a sausage ragout with polenta as its side, to absorb all the rich pan juices. In a deep skillet, heat 4 T. olive oil over high heat and stir in six-eight cups of mixed fresh or reconstituted mushrooms, one cup minced onions, onehalf cup green onion tops, two grated garlic cloves, two tablespoons minced fresh parsley and one T. minced fresh thyme and stir constantly until the liquid has boiled out of the mushrooms. Reduce heat to medium low and heat six sweet and/or hot Italian sausages until they are browned and cooked through. Stir in quarter-cups of chicken or vegetable broth to keep the mushrooms and sausage moist. Scrape up the dry bits and deglaze pan with two T. of a dry red wine, adding a bit more broth to make a thin sauce. Remove to a shallow baking dish and top with freshly grated Parmesan reggiano cheese, grated stale French bread and drizzle with clarified butter. Place on top rack of oven and broil, watching carefully, until the top is gratin, or has formed a golden crust. Spoon over hot polenta. CASSOULET Whenever I'm in an authentic country French restaurant (not very often lately! But I have wonderful memories!) I'm immediately drawn to the cassoulet. Rich, slow-cooked traditional dish originating in the South of France, it is not named after an American casserole, but the cassole, its deep and round cooking vessel with slanting sides, all the better to hold the duck, pork sausages, and white haricot beans. And if authentic is what you crave, you don't have to travel all over Northern Virginia any more searching for
garlic sausages, duck legs and Tarbais beans - but as the noted "Bon Appetit" recipe demonstrates, an authentic French cassoulet still requires two days of preparation. My more time-friendly chicken cassoulet is simplified, but still hearty and satisfying. Begin with a whole chicken. Remove the skin and place it flat on a large rimmed pan. Sprinkle the skin with salt and pepper and bake along with the cassoulet, thirty minutes or so, turning if necessary, until crisp and brown. Set aside. Cut the whole chicken into eight to twelve pieces. Place in a roaster along with two cans white navy or cannellini beans, drained and rinsed, two large chopped onions, one-half pound peeled and roughly chopped carrots along with two chopped ribs of celery, four garlic cloves,one bay leaf, four cups chicken broth, one tablespoon minced fresh thyme, one-half cup chopped fresh parsley, 8 oz. crushed tomatoes and one half teaspoon coarsely ground black pepper. Cover roaster and roast 350F 60- 90 minutes. When cool enough, remove meat from chicken bones, chop into bite-size pieces and place into casserole (or cassole dish)spooning the other ingredients around the chicken. Brown 6-8 garlic sausages, cut them on the diagonal and add to the casserole. Cut the set-aside cracklings into ½" squares and sprinkle a bit on each serving. And just wait until a snowy day, when you walk into your home and smell this wintertime deliciousness!
Vanessa brings us delicious recipes f or all seasons
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Cooking With Kyle perfect cheesecake
Monday – Friday at 6 am Saturday – Sunday at 7 am Serving Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner $5.00 Weekly Lunch Specials
by james kyle snyder
I have never been very good at alchemy. It is a very difficult skill to master, especially when it involves taking into consideration all the ever-changing naturally occurring variances. One day might be hot and humid while another cool and dry. To those who can consistently bake year-round and produce the same product every time, I solute you! Gavin, my son, has a skill which far surpasses mine. A perfect cheese cake.
He said, "its easy dad" After setting the oven to 350 to preheat, and setting a pan large enough for the spring-form to fit in as a water bath ¼ full of water on the stove top - he started with the crust by gently wrapping a springform pan with foil reminding me the key is to be gentle so that you don't create holes that will ruin the crust. Next, in a bowl, he combined 15 crushed Graham crackers with 2 Tbs sugar, a pinch of salt, and 4 ½ Tbs of butter . Gavin meticulously pressed the mixture into the bottom of the spring-form then into the oven for 10 minutes. While that was baking he blended 2 pounds of room temperature cream cheese, 1 1/3 cup granulated sugar, a heaping teaspoon of vanilla (or a little more if you like), 4 large eggs, 2/3 cup sour cream, and 2/3 cup heavy cream until smooth. He removed the crust and lowered the oven to 325. Gavin poured the creamy concoction into the spring-form and smoothed it with the spatula. Next, he gently lowered the almost-done combination into the simmering water and then moved the water bath to the waiting oven. He was careful to ensure the water went up half way on the spring-form - no more, no less. After 1 ½ hours he simply turned off the oven and cracked the door. What a great idea! The slow cooling prevented the cracking I could not avoid. He noted that it needed to cool for at least one hour. My patience grew thin. After the hour Gavin removed the prize and grabbed another piece of foil to cover it. "hang on a second," I protested noticing that there was still more wait time ahead. Gavin laughed and reminded me that the cake was for Her Majesty and his only way into the kingdom. As I dove a large spoon into the corner I reminded him that it was my duty to ensure there were no poisons in the gift - him being an alchemist and all! The cheesecake was accepted and more laughter ensued. I encouraged another attempt of sorcery - adding one cup of Nutella and an extra egg. Voila! Another entrance to the kingdom. We have immeasurable fun surrounding food. Hope you do too. Simple-ish, easy (if Gavin is home), and delicious. Be Well! Kyle Snyder is a gourmet chef, jack-ofall trades, and an all-around happy guy Photo by Kyle Snyder
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February 2019
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540.373.8300 www.marriott.com/fkrcy y
620 Caroline Street
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
Become a Member
fxbgfoodcoop@gmail.com fredericksburgfoodcoop.com
Vino wine for “abc” drinkers by City Vino
Olde Towne BUTCHER Corner of William & Charles Streets Downtown Fredericksburg 540.370.4105 www.oldetownebutcher.com Monday to Thursday, 10am to 7pm; Friday 10am to 8 pm Saturday 9am to 8pm, Sunday, 11am to 6pm Keith Lebor Proprietor
There are Chardonnay lovers and Chardonnay haters around us all. You know them - the ABCs; people who will taste, order, and drink “Anything But Chardonnay” (ABC). To a percentage of the population, Chardonnay is one type/category of wine that they just will never, ever order. Often this is the result of them viewing Chardonnay as one style of wine, say a big butter oak-bomb of a wine. On the other side of the coin, there are people who think Chardonnay is light uninteresting wines with no personality because that style is unoaked. This brings us to Chablis, the most northerly subregion of Burgundy France. In Chablis, the only grape permitted by law is Chardonnay. The wines from this region are different from Chardonnay made elsewhere in the world. The vineyards in Chablis are much closer to Champagne than to the rest of Burgundy, which is 60 miles away. The region has cold winters and cool summers. A consistent characteristic of Chablis is high acidity due to this cool climate. (Acidity in grapes diminishes quickly in hot climates.) Much of the soil in Chablis is like that of Champagne, providing excellent sources of minerals to the vines. The basic village level wine in Chablis is grown on north facing slopes, which get less sun, and wines produced from these areas have less concentrated flavors and less riper fruit characteristics such as apple or pear. The wines produced from fruit grown on the best vineyards, which have south facing slopes, have higher designations like Chablis Premier Cru or Chablis Grand Cru. These wines have flavors of riper, more concentrated
fruit. Citrus aromas and flavors are often present and may have some hints of chalk, slate or flint on the palate. Most Chablis wine is aged in stainless steel or concrete tanks in order to retain the purity of the fruit flavors. Some Premier Cru or Grand Cru wines are aged in old oak vats or barrels, which can give the wine a rounder texture and some additional subtle flavors. Even if you consider yourself an ABC wine drinker, consider giving Domaine William Fevre Chablis Champs Royaux 2015 a try.
City Vino is located at 810 Caroline St. You can find owner Rita Allen on-site to provide answers to all your wine questions
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CALEND february 2019‌ Celebrating Black History Month, Presidents & Lovers First Friday, February 1
Ben Childers's "Pandemonium!" opening reception, Brush Strokes Gallery, 6-9p, 824 Caroline St. FCCA All Photography Exhibit, 813 Sophia St, opening reception Art First All Member Show, Collection of Works by FXBG-area Artists. Opening Reception: 6 to 9p.m. Exhibit thru Feb 24. 824 Caroline St 8th Annual Jewelry Show PONSHOP 712 Caroline St, features latest pieces from our favorite local jewelers: Opening Recepion, 6-9p "The Flow of Nature" Jane Forth and Marilyn Hayes duo exhibit fcca 813 Sophia St Virginia Craft Spirits Roadshow, 12-5p, A. Smith Bowman Distillery. samples of artisan spirits, craft cocktails from VA distilleries, as well as local brews! Jon Wiley & Brandon Snellings, 9-11p @La Petite. Live music, Bar menu starts at 4pm\
Thursday, February 7
"Jane Goodall", William B. Crawley Great Lives Lecture Series free 7:30 p.m. in Dodd Auditorium lecture concludes with Q&A and a book-signing.
Friday, February 8
The Artists' Alliance (AA) at Jarrett Thor Fine Arts Collaborative Valentine's themed exhibit, new art fincluding: painting, photography, encaustic, basketry, jewelry, and pottery.
Saturday, February 9
Kid Curator: Go behind the scenes and see what it takes to design a museum exhibit! Participants will tour FAM, get a sneak peak of the new exhibits, and create their own exhibit model.11-Noon Info: Theresa Cramer, tcramer@famcc.org, or 540-3713037, ext. 138. Winter Wellness Weekend at Unity of FXBG, 3451 Jeff Davis Hwy, Fredericksburg 22408. 1-5 pm natural and holistic tips and tools to live your best life. Mini-class topics include Herbal Medicine, Feng Shui, and Eden Energy Medicine, with a sound healing session beginning at 4. All events are free (continued on Feb 10th)
Laurie & Pete @Curitiba Art Cafe, Caroline St Father Daughter Dance, Dorothy Hart Center, 6:30
Sunday, February 3
Hearts for Fashion, Spotsylvania Regional Medical Center, 4600 Spotsylvania Pkwy, 22408., 1-3pm fashions from Monkees of Fredericksburg. Benefit American Heart Association
Super Bowl
Tuesday, February 5
Opening Reception, Benefit Art Show for Lloyd F. Moss Free Clinic, Sammy T's, 5pm-7pm. Paintings, prints and photographs for sale, donated by local artists, Feb to April 3 "Benedict Arnold", William B. Crawley Great Lives Lecture Series open to the public free 7:30 p.m. in Dodd Auditorium lecture concludes with an audience Q&A session and a book-signing. Red Dragon Brewery Beer & Trivia night . 1419 Pr.Anne St. 6:30-8:30p
Wednesday, February 6
Sunken Well Trivia tonight starting at 7:45pm, 720 Littlepage
It's all about kids at the 6th Annual Kid Expo activities set up throughout the Expo Center, including four new attractions: realistic and active Dinosaurs, Find Fossils, Feed Butterflies and a Musical Petting Zoo. Expo Center, 10:m - 5:pm. $
Sunday, February 10:
Winter Wellness Weekend at Unity of FXBG, 3451 Jeff Davis Hwy, Fredericksburg 22408. Continues See Feb 9 Sweet History , 3pm & 4:30pm at the Rising Sun Tavern, Connect your favorite Valentine's treats with their remarkable histories. Learn the tantalizing stories of how each of them came to be true American sweethearts. Hosted by candy historian Susan Benjamin, Info 540-371-1494. Kids Expo continues... 11am - 4pm. see Feb 9
Become a Friend Advocate ~ Donate ~ Volunteer
540~479~4116 1013 Princess Anne St , FXBG 16
February 2019
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The Acoustic Onion, 8-1 music, Bar menu starts
Tuesday, February 12
Red Dragon Brewery Beer & Trivia night .1419 Pr.Anne St. 6:30-8:30p Fredericksburg Photography Club welcomes new members. 7pm at the Dorothy Hart Center.
Wednesday, February 13 Sunken Well Littlepage!
Trivia
tonight
7:45pm,
720
Thursday, February 14
Valentine's Day: Hug those you love "Billie Holiday", William B. Crawley Great Lives Lecture Series This series is open to the public free of charge and no admission tickets are required. Programs begin at 7:30 p.m. in Dodd Auditorium in George Washington Hall. Each lecture concludes with an audience Q&A session with the speaker and a book-signing.
Friday, February 15
Adaptive Family Dance Party, Let's get all dressed up and practice our favorite dance moves! Designed for children with special needs and. their families. We'll play your favorite tunes, make crafts, and eat snacks, 6:30pm-8:30pm, Dorothy Hart Community Center "Mulan JR". presented by CYT Fredericksburg! Based on Disney's Oscar-nominated film, come see this heartwarming celebration of culture, honor and the fighting spirit. The Huns have invaded, and it is up to the misfit Mulan and her mischievous dragon sidekick, Mushu, to save the Emperor! Fred Academy, infocytfredericksburg.org/shows/). Show thru Feb 24 Community Outreach and Resources 10th annual Variety Show Dodd Auditorium in George Washington Hall, doors open at 6PM Event supports UMW's Alternative Service Breaks with Habitat for Humanity. raffle & silent auction items include signed sports memorabilia, merchandise from local and national stores, gift cards, and themed gift baskets. All proceeds from ticket sales and raffle and auction items go to Habitat for Humanity. $
Saturday, Februar
Preserve, Protect && P Class on do's & don'ts of Design Gallery, 105 Hill Highmark Brewery Ann by the Brokedown Boys
Sunday, February 17 Chamber Series:The Orchestra. 3-4p "beaut space". Admission is free at the door.
Monday, February Presidents' Day
Presidents' Day - Pay H normal business hours Museums' sites in hono receive half-price standa normal business hou Heritage Passes.
Art Alliance, Colonial Be Vibrant Color Harmony Vicki Marckel. Paintin fundamental elements o 6331, info@vmarckel.co
Spencer Devon Benefit D vegan feast. Don't worry an option for you too. and dried herbs from garden . It will be amazi
Thursday, Februar
"Gari Melchers", William Lecture Series This serie of charge and no admis Programs begin at 7:30 in George Washington H with an audience Q&A se a book-signing.
Red Dragon Brewery Be Pr.Anne St. 6:30-8:30p
DAR of events
11p Hour @La Petite. Live at 4pm
Wednesday, February 20
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resent with Cheryl Bosch. f exhibiting artwork. Frame St, 3-5p
iversary Party, Live music
St. George Chamber tiful music in a beautiful e with donations accepted
Thursday, February 21
Art Alliance, Colonial Beach, Workshop: Painting Outside The Box - with artist Kathryn Murray. Exploring what is possible with an open mind, an eye for abstraction and a fun approach to collage and painting. Info :804 450 4442, kam129@aol.com. Downtown Greens Garden Hours 3pm til 6pm Help us work the soil, pick weeds, plant saplings or bulbs, move mulch, and so much more!
y 18
Half Price! All sites during Visit Washington Heritage or of Presidents' Day and ard admission rates during rs. Exclusions apply to
each, Workshop: Capturing y In Painting - with artist ng workshop emphasizing of color. , Info: 240 233 m
Downtown Greens Dinner a y omnivours...we will have Dinner will include honey m the Downtown Greens ing!!!! 7-10pm
ry 19
m B. Crawley Great Lives s is open to the public free ssion tickets are required. 0 p.m. in Dodd Auditorium all. Each lecture concludes ession with the speaker and
eer & Trivia night
Sunken Well Trivia tonight starting at 7:45pm, 720 Littlepage, ~ Come and match wits against the finest minds in Fredericksburg! Compete for Honor, Glory, and Prizes!!
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"Dale Carnegie", William B. Crawley Great Lives Lecture Series This series is open to the public free of charge and no admission tickets are required. Programs begin at 7:30 p.m. in Dodd Auditorium in George Washington Hall. Each lecture concludes with an audience Q&A session with the speaker and a book-signing.
Friday, February 22
Friends of Wilderness Battlefield second Untold Stories event, in appreciation of Black History Month. Four vignettes, one from the Revolutionary War, one from the Civil War, one from WWI and one from WWII. tours will begin at 6:00 PM at St. George's Episcopal Church, and then will proceed to the Presbyterian Church, Fredericksburg United Methodist Church and end at Shiloh Baptist where guests may enjoy some light refreshments and visit with members of the various host orgainzations. For tkts & info WWW.FOWB.ORG
Art Alliance, Colonial Beach, Workshop: Basket Weaving Brenda Fairweather. Complete a 5"x 9" "Cracker Basket" in the Appalachian style. Supplies included Info: 540 810 3229, bbfairweat@aol.com. Happy Birthday, George! 11-4pm at the Mary Washington House Enjoy cake, punch and children's activities while honoring George Washington and his wonderful legacy. Celebrate his birthday with a tour of the Mary Washington House where you will learn about the woman who raised him. Peter and Will Anderson Trio with Alex Wintz, St. George's Episcopal Church Chamber Music Series. This season of "beautiful music in a beautiful space" will be offered free to the public. All concerts are at 3 pm and take place in the Nave of St. George's, 905 Princess Anne Street, Fredericksburg, Virginia 22401
Wednesday, February 27
Civil War Round Table of Fredericksburg hosts NPS historian Donald Pfanz who will give a presentation on "Clara Barton". Meeting at University of Mary Washington Jepson Alumni Center, 6-9pm. Sunken Well Trivia tonight starting at 7:45pm, 720 Littlepage, ~ Come and match wits against the finest minds in Fredericksburg! Compete for Honor, Glory, and Prizes!! Open Mic at the Rec Center 8 pm .Scott Wagner hosts the coziest and best sounding open mic in Fredericksburg. Sign up starts at 7, music at 8. 213 William St.
Sunday, February 24 Sunken Well Brunch 9a-2p
City Vino Wine Tasting Sample featured wines of the week. 12-4p The Shoppes @810 Art Alliance, Colonial Beach, Workshop: Art As Therapy In Your Everyday World - with artist Connie Canby. No art experience necessary. This is a very playful class taught for many years to all ages. Supplies included Info: 540 454 0524, cnbearts01@gmail.com.
Art Alliance, Colonial Beach, Workshop: Beginning Watercolor - with artist Connie Canby. Beginning Watercolor. For absolute beginners at art or artists beginning this media. Supplies included. Info: 540 454 0524, cnbearts01@gmail.com
Motts Ice Breaker Tournament, Weekend Bassers Fishing Club is holding a winter open Ice-Breaker Fishing Tournaments at Motts Run Reservoir. Proceeds will benefit the Kids' Fishing Derby in June. Boat rental available. Bring own fishing gear. Park open to Public during tournament hours. For more info call: Ray Thomas (540-898-7542) or Dickie Musselman (540-785-8087), 8a-3p. More prize details and tournament rules available online at www.FredParksRec.com.
Saturday, February 23
Tuesday, February 26
Downtown Greens Garden Hours 9-12noon. Help us work the soil, pick weeds, plant saplings or bulbs, move mulch, and so much more!
" Nelson Mendela", William B. Crawley Great Lives Lecture Series This series is open to the public free of charge and no admission tickets are required. Programs begin at 7:30 p.m. in Dodd Auditorium in George Washington Hall. Each lecture concludes with an audience Q&A session with the speaker and a book-signing.
Red Dragon Brewery Beer & Trivia night . As always you can battle the bartenders or sit at the bar & join their team!. 1419 Pr.Anne St. 6:308:30p
Thursday, February 28
Downtown Greens Garden Hours 3pm til 6:00pm Help us work the soil, pick weeds, plant saplings or bulbs, move mulch, and so much more! "Oscar Wilde", William B. Crawley Great Lives Lecture Series This series is open to the public free of charge and no admission tickets are required. Programs begin at 7:30 p.m. in Dodd Auditorium in George Washington Hall. Each lecture concludes with an audience Q&A session with the speaker and a book-signing.
If you are reading this 259th issue of FPF, thank an advertiser as we celebrate our 22nd year of continuous publication! If you are an advertiser, list your events. Deadline for March 2019 issue is February 20th. To submit events go to frontporchfredericksburg.com/submit
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February 2019
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history’s stories
A REMARKABLE GROUP 1789 By Ralph “Tuffy” Hicks
A look at the Central Rappahannock Heritage Center collection
African American History By Elizabeth Daly
Fredericksburg Courthouse under Union occupation, 1862
In 1937 a book was published by the Old Dominion Press titled, History of Fredericksburg Virginia by Alvin T. Embrey. One quotation by Mr. Embrey still in my opinion is important in our times; “When source material is available, then tradition, so-called, must give away to evidence, and what is not bourne out by the evidence, or is contrary to the evidence must be rejected”. Fortunately, much of the history of Fredericksburg is recorded and in safe keeping in the Clerk of the Court’s office located in the Fredericksburg Court. This rare eighty-two year old book is still useful today and I am fortunate to own one of the originals that was signed by Mr. Embrey. Fredericksburg is known to have been the “first” for many events, especially in the Colonial period. Seven Generals in the Revolution were from the Fredericksburg area, George Washington being the most famous, who was also a member of the Fredericksburg Masonic Lodge, with his mother living on Charles Street along with other relatives at Kenmore. In 1789, the author speaks about a group of young lawyers seeking licenses to practice law in Fredericksburg on April 30, 1789. The Judges in the Fredericksburg District Court were Richard Parker and James Mercer. Appearing before them were Attorneys James Monroe, John Marshall, John Taylor, John Brooke, Robert Brooke, John Minor, John F. Mercer, Oliver Towles, William Hening, James Moand, Bushrod Washington, Richard Brent, Charles Simms and Andrew Buchanan. Fredericksburg Judges Parker and Mercer approved the applications for the group. The expectation for these lawyers was unknown. James Marshall would be known as the most famous constitutional lawyer and Judge in America. James Monroe, would become a President and have a shrine named for him, located in Fredericksburg where his career had started. John Taylor of Caroline County would become a United States Senator from Virginia. Robert Brooke would become a Governor of Virginia. Bushrod Washington, would go on to become a member of the Virginia House of Delegates and then be appointed to the Supreme Court by President Adams. Richard Brent from Stafford County would serve in Congress. John Minor would serve as an officer in the War of 1812 and died as he cast a vote for his longtime friend, James Monroe for President as the electors in Richmond. John Moand and Charles Simms, it appears left their law practices and returned to the farming and agriculture ventures along with Major Andrew Buchanan who owned a large estate near Fredericksburg. George Washington, Hugh Mercer and James Monroe, are the most recognized names from the area, however, there are countless others that have come from Fredericksburg and the surrounding areas that deserve recognition for their contributions to the area, state and nation.
Dedicated to Mike McGee, Eric Browne, and Kathryn Quarles Tuffy is the Front Porch resident FXBG historian
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OUR HERITAGE
February 2019
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Black History Month grew out of Negro History Week. Carter G. Woodson, a Harvard-trained historian and the Reverend Jesse E. Moorland established the Association for the Study of Negro Life and History, dedicated to researching and promoting achievements by people of African descent. They chose the second week of February in 1926 to coincide with the birthdays of Abraham Lincoln and Frederick Douglass. In 1976 President Gerald Ford officially recognized Black History Month as has every president since. The Heritage Center has African American History resources ranging from Ruth Coder Fitzgerald’s extensive notes and photos for her book, A Different Story, to Gaye Adegbalola’s voluminous materials on local Civil Rights history and her teaching and entertainment career. Here are descriptions of some lesserknown items of African-American history included in the Center’s collections. Daisy Turner’s (1883-1985) father, Alec, was enslaved in Caroline county. Jane C. Beck, a folklorist from Vermont became acquainted with Daisy Turner when Daisy was about 100 years old. Daisy was known as the Turner family’s griot – an African word meaning family historian. Their oral history included an African prince and an English woman who had been shipwrecked on the African coast. Alec escaped slavery and eventually settled in Vermont where Jane Beck was chosen by Daisy to tell her family story. Jane researched Alec’s life in Caroline County using resources at the Heritage Center, and thirty years after Daisy’s death, Daisy Turner’s Kin: An African American Family Saga was published. Palmer C. Hayden (1890 – 1973), and artist who was part of the Harlem Renaissance, was born Peyton Coleman Hedgeman in the Widewater section of Stafford County. His name was changed while he was in the Army. Hayden was virtually unknown in the area until 1996 when Janet Payne, retired fine arts coordinator for Stafford County schools, discovered his work at the Hampton University Museum and eventually arranged an exhibition of his work at Belmont. Many of Hayden’s paintings depict memories of his youth in Widewater and baptisms in Aquia Creek. Hayden’s father told him stories of John Henry and inspired a series of paintings about the legendary steel-drivin’ man. “Baptism”, painted in 1958, hangs in a church in Widewater. Palmer Hayden left Widewater as a young man for Washington, DC, where he worked a variety of jobs and found time to paint.
He studied at Cooper Union in New York City and lived in Paris for a time. The Rosenwald Schools were built in the first part of the twentieth century with the financial assistance of philanthropist Julius Rosenwald who partnered with Booker T. Washington to provide educational opportunities for African Americans living in the segregated South. Frank White, an African American historian from Stafford, has located and visited Lamb’s Creek School, a Rosenwald school in King George. Little of the original structure remains, and it is now a private home. In the Heritage Center’s library is a book, You Need a Schoolhouse, by Stephanie Deutsch, a writer, researcher and wife of Julius Rosenwald’s greatgrandson. For more information about these and many, many other aspects of local African-American history, come and spend a few pleasant hours at the Heritage Center. Volunteers are here to assist you on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
What’s in a Dairy Farm? historic elmhurst Supporting Historic Preservation Since 1997
By jon gerlach Once upon a time, a sprawling 1,100-acre tobacco plantation occupied part of Spotsylvania County. Owned in the 1700's by Fielding Lewis, husband of Betty Lewis and brother-in-law of George Washington, the plantation gradually was subdivided over the ensuing two centuries. One tract became a 25-acre dairy farm, which was further subdivided in the 1930's, developing into what we know today as the Elmhurst Neighborhood. The land was annexed by the City of Fredericksburg in 1945. The owner of the 25-acre dairy farm, Washington Elms, of Saratoga Springs, New York, built a stately home in 1871 called "Elmhurst" that still stands to this day. Located at the corner of Fall Hill Avenue and Bunker Hill Street, "Elmhurst" is an architectural gem. In the South, examples of high-style Italianate residential architecture are rare, and "Elmhurst" is one of the finest in Virginia. Mr. Elms frequently climbed up to the home's striking belvedere, to get a commanding view of his herd of Guernsey cows. He operated his dairy business until his death in 1895. The property was then sold to C.W. Jones, a prosperous merchant and City Councilman, who added a threestory addition on the north side of the residence and the front porch. Later in the 20th Century, "Elmhurst" was used as a boarding house for nurses, a private home, and a four-unit apartment building. With the many uses this property experienced, it is not surprising that the house had undergone some rather significant changes before Susan and Jim Pates bought the property in 2006. Fortunately, all of the exterior modifications respected the original style of the house. Inside, the house had been divided up into four apartments in the 1980's, but in a way that did not destroy the building's underlying fabric. The Pates did a magnificent job restoring "Elmhurst". They returned the building to a single-family home, and removed two roofs which covered the original lowpitched tin roof and the belvedere. Today, the building retains almost all of its historic integrity. The interior is stunning: floor boards, baseboards,
moldings, doors, plaster walls, and windows are all original. The 49 windows throughout the house create a "celebration of light", and the marvelous front porch is the largest in Fredericksburg. According to Dovetail Cultural Resources Group, who studied "Elmhurst" in depth as part of the Pates' application to have it listed on the National Register of Historic Places, the history of this parcel of land reflects the economic ebb and flow of the Fredericksburg region over the past three centuries. In the antebellum years, the region around Fredericksburg was occupied by large plantations that depended upon slave labor. In the 1700's, tobacco was the favored crop, but as soils became depleted over the years, many plantations switched to growing wheat. This too happened on the "Elmhurst" farm. As a result of the Civil War and the freeing of the slaves, there was an exodus of people from the region. Large tracts of land were broken up into small family-run farms. Near the turn-of-the-century, residential subdivisions also began to appear as farms were sold off. This economic shift - from large plantations to family farms and residential subdivisions - accounts for how the "Elmhurst" tract came to be a dairy farm, and later, in 1933, the foundation for development of the Elmhurst Neighborhood along Fall Hill Avenue. So ‌ what's in a Dairy Farm? Here, a magnificent home, and enduring witness to our region's evolution.
An attorney and retired archaeologist, Jon Gerlach chairs the Architectural Review Board in Fredericksburg. Photo courtesy of Susan Pates
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Senior Care power of touch Dog Walking Pet Sitting Companion Play Time & Mini Furies, Too!
By Karl Karch
(540-903-0437; lexig0892@gmail.com) On facebook as “City PetSitting”
If you are a Baby Boomer or older, you probably remember this: “Reach out, reach out and touch someone”, one of the most successful advertising slogans ever written. While competitors were focusing on technology, AT&T appealed to customers’ strong emotions of connecting people to loved ones: “Reach out, call up and just say: hi!” There are many ways to reach out. February 14th is Valentine’s Day, a time to celebrate romance and love, with cards, flowers, candy, dinner, and/or phone calls made to loved ones. February is also American Heart Month, a time where the American Heart Association reaches out to raise awareness to show some love to your heart. Cardiovascular Disease (CVD) is the number one killer for men and women in the U.S. and is a leading cause of disability. CVDs including heart disease, stroke, and high blood pressure can be prevented by healthy habits like diet and exercise and not smoking. The CDC offers some great tips to improving heart health, so check out their website for more detailed information. I am in the relationship business so rather than focus on what you can do medically and physically for your heart, I want to focus on the “touchy, feely” emotional, psychological and social aspects of heart health. I know first-hand that people still make a difference. A text message with a smiley-face emoticon is cute, but it could never replace the grin and smiling eyes of a loved one. Technology helps us be more efficient but not necessarily happier. Fortunately, there are technologies such as Skype and Facetime for those unable to connect in person. However, while verbal and/or visual touch are certainly important ways to stay connected, there is
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significant value in personal physical touch which is perhaps the most powerful sense of all. Studies have proven that physical touch is essential to our human development. From the moment we are born we need touch to grow, learn, and literally to survive and thrive. Humans, regardless of age, want to know that there is some person who cares enough about them to help and spend time with them. While the frequency of touch may decline with age, the need for touch does not. Even though research cannot prove exactly how touch positively affects us, it has shown that those who are physically touched on a regular basis experience higher levels of oxytocin, the “bonding hormone” (NOT to be confused with the narcotic OxyContin). According to the National Institutes of Health, oxytocin lowers stress hormone levels and, by doing so, plays a part in lowering blood pressure, maintaining good moods and increasing pain tolerances. Paul Zak, Ph.D., director of the Center of Neuroeconomics Studies at Claremont Graduate University, said that “Physical touch can instantaneously boost our mood, strengthen our immune system, and reduce stress.” Touching someone you love often conveys a message in a way words cannot. You may remember Diana Ross’s 1970 hit single “Reach Out and Touch (Somebody’s Hand)”. So, the next time you spend time with your elderly loved one, reach out, reach out and touch them. Make their world a better place if you can. You have the power to bring a smile to their face, as well as your own. Karl Karch is a Gerontologist and local franchise owner of Home Instead Senior Care, a licensed home care organization providing personal care, companionship and home helper services in the Fredericksburg and Culpeper region.
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It’s All Energy bring on the joy by christina ferber
THE
FREDERICKSBURG LAMP Only Available At
The Copper Shop 371-4455 1707R Princess Anne
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Helping homeless children and families in City of Fredericksburg, Counties of Caroline, Stafford & Spotsylvania 540 371 0831
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We are hardwired for joy, so it is a shame that life and our reactions to it can sometimes take us to places that feel less than joy-filled. Though I have written about them before, The Radiant Circuits deserve another round of techniques, so they can help us live a joy-filled life. Mapped out in Ancient Chinese Medicine texts thousands of years ago, these "circuits" distribute healthy energy wherever they are needed in the body bringing vitality, resilience, strength, and healing with them. Though they are naturally activated by living your life from a place of joy and gratitude, you can also turn them on with Eden Energy Medicine (EEM) exercises that make space in the body so they can easily get where they need to go. The Crown Pull is an exercise that can help to relieve mental congestion and is also a great way to make space in your head for the Radiant Circuits to flow. Start with your thumbs on your temples and your fingertips in the middle of your forehead. With pressure, stretch your forehead by moving your fingers to your temples. Repeat at your hairline and move over your head until you reach the base of your neck. Pull across it and place your fingers behind your shoulders. Squeeze your shoulders and pull your fingers over them to the front. Take a deep breath and pull your hands off. Connecting Heaven and Earth also makes room for healing, radiant energy to travel where it needs to go. Rub your hands together vigorously and shake them off. Place them on your thighs with your fingers spread and take a deep breath. On the next inhale, circle your arms out and bring them to a prayer position in front of your heart. Exhale out. On the next inhale, stretch one hand up and one down, stretching as far apart as you can, and hold your breath. Come back to prayer position on the exhale and
repeat on the other side. Do this twice on each side and after the last stretch, bend down as far as you can, letting your arms hang in front of you. Take two deep breaths, and then swing back and forth making sideways figure eights all the way up your body. Leaning and Stretching can also help these circuits move to where they are needed most. Place your hands on a wall or chair and lean against it with your legs straight. Then alternatively lift one leg back and then the other, stretching your stomach as you lift. The Belt Flow helps to make space by opening the connections between the top and lower halves of your body. One easy modified way to do this exercise is to place both hands on your back in line with your belly button. Then with a little pressure drag both hands around to the front of your waist, cross them over and trace down your legs and off your toes. Repeat this a few times starting a little higher and a little lower on your back. To view these and other EEM exercises, visit www.itsallenergywellness.com or come to my mini-class on Radiant Circuits at 2 pm on Feb. 9th at Unity of Fredericksburg (see calendar for more information). I hope these help you ignite your joy to make 2019 your best year yet!
Christina Ferber is a Certified Eden Energy Medicine Practitioner. www.itsallenergywellness.com
Winter Wellness Weekend Natural and Holistic tips and tools to live your best life Unity of Fredericksburg 3451 Jeff Davis Hwy, FXBG 22408 1-5 5pm
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Emancipated Patients mindfulness medication By Patrick Neustatter, MD
Awareness and practice of mindfulness is catching on as an antidote to the crazy lives so many of us lead. Among it’s many benefits it has a place in pain control notes Bill Brooks, teacher of mindfulness, meditation and yoga at Manse Fields in Fredericksburg (http://www.mansefields.com). He relates an episode where he had burned his hand with hot water, but was able to reduce the intensity of pain by sitting and being mindful – a notion where you pay attention to your sensations, thoughts, emotions, and environment in the present but without judgment. A guy with his finger in many pies, Bill lives a country life in Hartwood with a big garden, is very involved with several farmers markets, teaches yoga, holds dinner parties and concerts at his house and favors bare feet (he got married barefoot in his own yard). He comes from a background of 25 years of design, development and delivery of enterprise class software. But found himself more interested in teaching meditation and mindfulness, prompting him to take a 2 year course to train as a meditation teacher. I had this idea that now he’s writing software for mind/brain function.
“The one commonality that has occurred to me” he told me “is that they both involve an inquiring mind.” Mindfulness And Meditation There’s a lot of confusion about the difference between mindfulness and meditation – and a lot of overlap. Some people seem to use the terms almost interchangeably. “Mindfulness is intentionally paying attention to what is happening without judgment” Bill explained, and is a state where you try to be in the present moment and is “how you want to be always.” Meditation is “when you are putting time aside and retreating” and is a practice of focusing attention on something like breathing, a mantra (word or words of spiritual significance, that you repeat) to achieve a heightened level of spiritual awareness. Regular meditation will help you be more mindful. He now teaches classes in both meditation and mindfulness – which includes a so called ”telesangha” (sangha is a group of people coming together in some spiritual practice). “When my phone rings at 9 a.m., I am ready to practice in the comfort of my home. PJ's allowed!” notes Suzanne Mears, one of Bill’s students who has enjoyed significant improvement in her chronic fatigue and pain of fibromyalgia that had rendered her virtually bed ridden. “It has also helped my blood pressure and outlook on life” she told me. It’s a similar story with student Trish Parker, aged 67, suffering from degenerative arthritis. “I had been to many specialists, worked out, done physical therapy, cortisone shots, massage, and was frustrated and furious at my inability to ‘conquer’ this disease. I was scared of the future, visualizing sliding downhill and unable to care for myself. Now I have learned suffering is optional.” Mindfulness Medication There is a significant body of respectable research documenting the benefits of mindfulness to help anxiety, depression Heart disease, and hypertension and to enhance immunity. The ability to help people tolerate pain by detachment is a feature with great potential benefit in this era of opiate epidemic. Apart from it’s benefit as a medicine, mindfulness can be beneficial to leading a more mellow, contented existence. “We are hard wired for survival” notes Bill. “Many people have never experienced stillness.” Patrick Neustatter is the Medical Director of the Moss Free Clinic.
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Wellness debunking heart disease myths By christine H. Thompson, D.C. In honor of the most amazing muscle in our body, the heart, I propose to clear up a little of the confusion around what actually causes heart disease. The official top three risk factors for heart disease are still listed as high blood pressure, high LDL cholesterol, and smoking. It is estimated that nearly half of all Americans have at least one of these risk factors. I have reviewed countless books and articles citing the research on heart disease, cholesterol and diet, and I have to say I get more confused the more I read. With so much conflicting advice, I fall back on my knowledge of how the body works, historical evidence and, well, just common sense. The government’s Centers for Disease Control (CDC) estimates 43 million people took cholesterol medication in 2012 and that heart disease costs an estimated $200 billion each year in health care services, medications, and lost productivity. Despite this, there has been no detectable change in the number of deaths from cardiovascular diseases between 1990 and 2013. Heart disease is still the leading killer in our country and in the world. As of 2017, the American Heart Association reports that heart disease is responsible for 1 out of every 3 deaths in our country – over 800,000 people each year. The tragedy is that heart disease is preventable in most cases. Let’s be clear, cholesterol does block arteries and people with high cholesterol do have heart attacks. However, according to multiple studies done in multiple countries, just as many people with low to normal cholesterol have heart attacks. There is also much evidence that reducing saturated fat in the diet does little to reduce cholesterol or heart disease. That is because the real culprit in heart disease and virtually all
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inflammatory and degenerative health issues is damage to arteries from free radicals or oxidative stress (technical words for molecules that damage our cells.) Cholesterol blockages are the body’s attempt to repair damaged arteries. As for elevated blood pressure, most of the time it is caused by the stress response or weight gain. Simply stated, it’s just physics: to pump blood to more tissue, there has to be more pressure in the arteries. Your body knows that more blood is needed in stressful situations and when there is more of you to supply oxygen to. So, how do you protect your arteries and heal the damage done? Unless you are in the midst of life-threatening damage or blockage in the arteries, it’s pretty simple and you’ve heard it before increase your antioxidants and reduce your exposure to potentially damaging chemicals. Yes, you got it, the answer is: eat plenty of fruits and vegetables containing antioxidants, drink plenty of filtered water, avoid processed foods (anything in a box or bag from the grocery store), avoid inflammatory refined sugar, exercise (for oh so many reasons!), shed extra weight, effectively manage stress and reduce your exposure to chemicals at home and in your daily life. Christine Thompson is the owner of Whole Health Solutions. Contact her at 540-899-9421
La Cage Aux Folles at riverside center By Allison Mayberry
The Riverside Center for the Performing Arts is excited to present The Tony award winning La Cage aux Folles running until Sunday, March 3rd. The original 1983 Broadway production received nine nominations for Tony Awards and won six. Based on the French play and retold in the Robin Williams classic movie, The Bird Cage, the Jerry Herman Broadway musical La Cage aux Folles is the story of a gay couple who must pretend to be straight for one night - with one of the men in drag - to dupe the conservative political family of their son's fiancĂŠe. Featuring songs, "I Am What I Am," "With Ann on My Arm," and "The Best of Times." "You'll definitely walk away from this one saying, 'boy, wasn't that entertaining?'" said Patrick A'Hearn, Riverside Center for the Performing Arts Producing Artistic
Director. "Get ready to laugh like you've never l a u g h e d before and leave with such a warm feeling." T h e Riverside production is based on the 2010 version, w h i c h comprises a tighter cast of 16. starring Gabe Belyeu as Albin, and Christopher Sanders as Georges. The cast also includes John Matthew Flemming (Jean-Miche), Anthony Cosby (Jacob), Stephanie Wood (Anne), Robert
Beard (Edouard Dindon/Monsieur Renaud), Carol Hagy (Marie Dindon/Mme. Renaud), Andrea Kahane (Jacqueline), Colby LeRoy (Francis), Sally Roehl (Collette), Alan Hoffman (Tabarro), Benjamin Brackley (Chantal), Joshua James Crawford (Phaedra), Thomas Delgado (Mercedes), Andrew Prowant (Angelique), Kevin Taylor (Hanna), and Kyle Fleig (Bitelle). The creative team is led by Director/Choreographer and Broadway veteran, Patti D'Beck with Music Director and Conductor Garrett Jones. Costumes designed by Kyna Chilcot, with Sound Designs by George Ligon. The Production Stage Manager is RaeAnna Hammerbacker, and Ronald Keller is the Scenic Designer. The creative team is complete with Lighting Designer, Mike Jarett, and Properties Master & Set Dresser, Bridgid
Burge. "The show is a window into other people in the world... how people love and what's important to them," said D'Beck. "At the end of the day, we are all similar with similar wants. We want to be loved and we want to have a connection to someone." For tickets, contact the box office at (540) 370-4300 or go online at riversidedt.com. Regular price tickets: $40-$69. Discounted senior and group rates are available, as well as student rush tickets (with valid student ID). Evening performances start at 7:30pm with dinner service beginning at 5:30pm on Thursday, Friday and Saturday. Matinee performances start at 1:30pm with dinner service beginning at 11:30am on Wednesday and 3:00pm on Sunday with dinner service beginning at 1:00pm.
Allison Mayberry is the Marketing Associatefor Riverside Center for the Performing Arts Photos courtesy of Riverside Center
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Penny A. Parrish
Gayla Lee artist, designer & craftsman By Alexis Grogan Corradetti. After studying with many glass artists at Corning Museum of Glass, the Pittsburgh Glass Center, and The Glass Furnace in Istanbul, Gayla has shredder skills in both glassblowing and kiln-forming. From 2012 to 2014, she created and managed the glass program at the Maryland Hall for the Creative Arts in Annapolis, Maryland. "I have always been interested in patterns, the more geometric and complex, the better." In 2014, Gayla moved to Fredericksburg, Virginia where she now teaches and exhibits her work at the LibertyTown Arts Workshop,
Gayla Lee, a glassblowing and glass fusing artist , comes from an artist family. Her mother is naturally creative and artistic, "there was always art projects in the house anywhere from drawing and painting to piano and polymer clay" Gayle says. Her father was a cabinet maker for many years, also a painter and a pianist in his younger years (he once opened for Jimi Hendrix), Gayla's grandparents lived next door while she was growing up, her grandmother had many creative hobbies and her grandfather tinkered with building things throughout the house. "Everyone was making something at any given time" comments Gayla. No wonder she is an accomplished artist herself! On a family trip to a renaissance fair she discovered glassblowing, "I was initially seduced by the fluid nature of glassblowing, but found Kiln-forming to be a better way to explore my ideas." Gayla uses glassblowing, Kiln-forming and cold-working techniques to explore patterns and geometry, she began her career in 2001, Gayla apprenticed with Baltimore glassblower, Anthony
"whenever possible, I use both techniques. Kiln working helps to crate strong lines and precise shapes, while glassblowing adds an element of fluidity and unpredictability." A few year back Gayla was asked to make awards for the Economic Development Agency here in Fredericksbrug. "With such pervasive mass production and impersonalization in our world, I want to focus on making beautiful unique objects that have a place in everyday life. Art has a huge impact on a small community, the great thing about Fredericksburg is the art community is highly supported, looking at an art piece is like looking at a familiar face." Gayla offers classes to anyone, "I really mean anyone, kids are welcome with the help of a parent, you could even do a partner piece” Her glass course introduces students to the possibilities of fused glass. Over 4 weeks, students will learn to cut, fuse and slump glass. Many techniques will be cover to create jewelry, functional dishes, wall hangings and decorative art. The class is ideal for beginners and new glass fusers who want to improve their technique and understanding of fused glass. Contact Gayla at LibertyTown for registration. Alexis Grogan is a acrobatics coach, a professional pet-sitter/walker, a mother & a FPF contributor
Cover Artist After careers in journalism and law enforcement, Penny A Parrish enjoys the solitude of working alone with a camera. She is inspired by simple scenes: the colors of the seasons, architecture, and abstract photography. Penny, who moved to Fredericksburg from Minnesota, is intrigued by the history of Virginia and the images it creates for a photographer. She says she still thinks like a film photographer, looking for good angles and setting up individual shots rather than putting the camera on burst and capturing multiple images. Penny also does her best to "repurpose" old frames, giving them a second life with many of her photos. Her cameras range from a Canon and Nikon to her iPhone. As to "Red Bench, City Dock", February FPF Cover, Penny says "Nothing is more beautiful than a fresh snowfall. I got to City Dock before anyone else and was able to capture this image without footprints. The actual bench, as Fredericksburg residents know, is black. But that didn't make a very dynamic
photo so I used software to make it red. I love the contrast and am thrilled that this picture recently took first place in photography at the "Uniquely Fredericksburg" show sponsored by CRRL (Central Rappahannock Regional Library)." Her work can be seen at Brush Strokes Gallery, 810 Weekend Gallery and FCCA.
“Aura of Roses” by Beverley Coates
810 Artists: Beverley Coates, Watercolorist Penny A. Parrish, Photographer; Lynn Abbott, Oil Painter Daily 10 to 6.
Artist on site Saturdays
540.371.4099
810 Caroline Street, Downtown Fredericksburg 24
February 2019
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Name This House
Stories
of fredericksburg
win downtown gift certificate
john
John, 55, spent 15 years living in tents, sheds, garages and wherever he could settle, but has lived in the last several years in a housing program operated by Micah. John and his sister were adopted out of Germany in the late 1950s. As both of his parents served in the air force, the family bounced around the country for much of John's childhood. The family decided to adopt after John's mother gave birth to a stillborn child. "Instead of trying to go through that again, they would adopt me out of Southern Germany and my sister out of Wiesbaden, Germany," John said. "The parents who adopted me...I couldn't ask for better. Couldn't." The children were so young when they were adopted that they didn't know until they were much older. At one point John tried to find his biological mother, but there were no records. Today John's father, sister and her family all live in Pennsylvania. His mom passed away a few years ago.
As a child, John fondly remembers trips to the San Diego Zoo and skiing in Pennsylvania. Although both of his parents had doctorate degrees, John's mother retired to raise the children. After High School, John went into the Navy and became a deck seaman, otherwise known as a deck mate. He spent two and a half years in the Navy, then went home to his family. "I just didn't like it up in Pennsylvania”, he said. “I was trying to work two jobs and not going anywhere and said 'I got to get out of here," he said. John came to Virginia more than 20 years ago. Although he has had more jobs than he can remember, he usually maintains steady side work in landscaping and carpentry. Consistent full-time employment, however, has been a struggle ever since he got in some trouble in 1995. "I did a lot of messed up stuff when I was a kid, and I guess you just get tired of it and you move on," John said. He spent many years on the street, often moved from place to place and surviving on minimal resources. "My homeless experience was just to stay to myself and find a place to hide where the cops aren't chasing you off all the time," John said. "I had a little portable generator and a little kerosene heater and a bunch of tarps over the tent." Since getting back into housing, John has worked on obtaining full-time employment. He hopes that his pursuits will lead him to a job working outdoors.
Submitted by Micah Ecumenical Ministries, a Christ-Centered Community supporting people experiencing chronic homelessness and identifying pathways to sustainable housing. Contact 540479-4116; www.dolovewalk.net; facebook
Identify this mystery house and you could win a gift certificate from a downtown merchant. Here’s how: Email frntprch@aol.com, Subject: Mystery House, Identify house address, Your name, address, email. The poem below is a hint of the location of the mystery house. Good Luck!
Last Month’s House: 724 William Street The Winner of a gift certificate from Roxbury Farm & Garden is Melissa Blasiol A Home and Family to Remember You were so very loved, by your boisterous, loving, family, but time moves on, needs change, and here you sit today, empty and alone. The happy sounds came from your yard, for so many, many years, loved ones, the lives so full of promise, watching them grow such pleasure. Neighborhoods, people are so close, down below the college proper, like family, they become our roots. Waiting,waiting for new life, on your sunken road, good luck my beautiful neighbor, I say good morning again.
THE
FREDERICKSBURG LAMP Only Available At
The Copper Shop 371-4455 1707R Princess Anne
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February 2019
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Art in the Burg February in the Galleries Benefit Art Show for Lloyd F. Moss Free Clinic Sammy T's, 801 Caroline St.
the Gallery's 24 member artists. Art First is oldest area artists coop and offers a wide variety of professionally created paintings, jewelry, photography and sculpture. Take this opportunity to enjoy the abundance of great art created by local area artists. Opening Reception: Feb 1, 6:00 to 9:00 p.m. Exhibit thru Feb 24 ~ Casey Shaw Members Collaborate Show Artful Dimensions Gallery, 922 CarolineSt Come see what we created together. Our members were randomly matched and each pair is exhibiting their creations. ~Sally Cooney Anderson 8th Annual Jewelry Show PONSHOP Studio and Gallery 712 Caroline Street Each artist brings their own unique style to the mix, using materials such as semi-precious stones, wood &
“Maine Boat”, Sharon Blancard @Sammy T’s Thru March, more than 26 artists will hold a show and art sale to support Moss Free Clinic, with 100% of the proceeds going to the Clinic. Paintings, prints and photographs for sale. In 2019, the Lloyd F. Moss Free Clinic begins its 26th year providing care to low-income, uninsured patients from the Fredericksburg area. Many local health professionals volunteer at the Clinic, because they believe in its mission to provide "quality health care delivered in an atmosphere of dignity and respect." Opening reception Feb 5, 5 to 7pm. ~ Lou Gramann
Jewelry by Lisa Latendress @Ponshop
All Member Show Art First Gallery, 824 Caroline St. Art First All Member Show, A Collection of Works by Fredericksburgarea Artists.highlighting new works from
resin, copper, sterling silver & gold, found objects, stainless steel, and enamel. Exhibition features latest pieces from our favorite local jewelers: Cindy Liebel, Leslie Brier, Terresa Buelow, Lisa
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Latendress, Trish Schornagel and James Williamson. In addition, the show includes regional and national artists Elaine B and Lauren Pratt Opening reception , Feb 1 6-9pm. Show thru March ~ Gabe Pons Collaborative Valentine’s Exhibit Artists' Alliance at Jarrett Thor Fine Arts 100 Taylor St., Suite 101, Colonial Beach The show will feature a collaborative Valentine's themed exhibit, as well as new art from all 22 member artists including: painting, photography, encaustic, basketry, jewelry, and pottery. opening reception on Friday, February 8th, from 6-9. ~ Rob Rudick
“RedRose”, Rob Rudick @Art Alliance
"The Flow of Nature" Jane Forth & Marilyn Hayes Duo Exhibit Fred Center for the Creative Arts (FCCA) 813 Sophia St
Ben Childers's "Pandemonium!" exhibit Brush Strokes Gallery, 824 Caroline St “Pandemonium!” Ben presents paintings in bright, swirling colors. Many of the pieces in the show are painted on old vinyl records Childers’ is known for his fused glass vases, plates and bowls.. Working in acrylics is a departure from everything Childers has done before Ben Childers will donate all proceeds from his show to the Fredericksburg Area Food Bank. Opening reception,, 6-9p ~ Norma Woodward
“Encaustic Poplar”, Jane Forth @FCCA
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The encaustic monotypes in Hayes exhibit examine her experience of the invisible and constant flow of energy in nature. Forth’s work shares with Hayes a complimentary aesthetic expression that is abstracted, coloristic work of subjects of the natural world and we invite you to experience our exhibit in this way. ~ Dawn Whitmore “Mosaic”, Ben Childers @Brush Strokes
THE POETRY MAN
Preserve & Protect save your treasures
By Frank Fratoe
By cheryl bosch
Oh Singing Lady!
(To Remember Jane)
Mind so passionate to share her music, hands which guided every choir she led, rays of brown hair falling on a cheek, ebb and flow dancing in expressive eyes. Awakened to a dream I see my wife there, whose voice and love made heartfelt songs, her presence vivid enriching the hours, for we are together passing through time. Frank Fratoe (Pop-Pop) lives & writes in the city. He has written poems from the heart for Front Porch for over 10 years.
Do you have your grandparents’ wedding certificate, or that signed concert poster from your favorite band....or a signed original drawing by Da Vinci that you need to store for a bit before framing? Storing fine art properly is important in order to keep it in its original condition, or as close as possible. If you have the Da Vinci you can probably pay someone to take care of it for you, but the rest of us can easily create a safe storage method for valuable works on paper. You’ll need to prepare the work and then create an acid free environment for it. Preparing the work will depend on its condition. Artwork should never be stored in acidic materials. If your artwork is already framed, it could have acidic mats or backing board. If the artwork is touching the glass, it should be removed from the frame. Warning, this is a delicate operation. The work could be stuck to the glass or glued or taped to the mat or backing. Always lift a corner slowly until you can tell if it’s stuck, prying gently with a palette knife or your fingernail. How do
you know if the materials are acidic? If the bevel of the mat is a shade of brown it’s acidic, unless it was painted that color. Examine the backing board, if it’s corrugated cardboard you will hear framers scream all over the world. If it’s shiny foamcore or a mat that has turned brown it is probably acidic. If you’re not sure, ask a framer or buy a PH testing pen. Once the art is removed from the old frame, it can be lightly brushed off, UNLESS it is a pastel. If the art has been stored rolled in a tube, the sooner you can get it flat the better. In order to do this, it must be backrolled. Start to unroll it so that it wants to curl down toward the table. When you have an edge on your clean flat surface, lay the tube on it. Bring the paper up onto the tube while slowly turning it away from you. Be careful to make sure the edges go in smoothly when they overlap. When fully around the tube, wrap a piece of paper around it and tape that. Thin paper can be backrolled flat in 15 minutes; thick paper should stay around the tube at least an hour. Once you have a flat, clean piece of artwork, you are ready to create a box sleeve to store it in. Use two pieces of acid free foamcore cut to about 2 ¼” bigger than the art forms the sleeve. Attach one inch wide strips of acid free board to the edges. The depth should be slightly taller than the paper, much taller for a pastel. The paper will nestle into the center of those spacers. Lay a piece of acid free tissue paper over your treasure, UNLESS it’s a pastel or a celluloid photo. Attach your lid with acid free tape. A box is like a sleeve except acid free foamcore is used on
the sides to create depth. Your packaged art should be stored flat in a safe place. It needs to be in a place with controlled heat and air conditioning, NOT in a basement, attic, or bathroom. You can place a loose sheet of plastic over it but do not wrap it in plastic. Keep your art safe until you’re ready to frame it, then carry it in the protective sleeve to have it framed. Interview your framer. Ask if they are a certified picture framer. This designation is issued by the Professional Picture Framers association after the recipients are trained and tested in the proper care and presentation of your work. Does your framer have experience in the design aspect of framing your work? Do they have a large variety of styles, materials, colors, etc. Do they know their products? Before you head to the frame shop it’s often a good idea to decide on where you’ll be displaying it. Measure and notate any size restrictions. Is there a color in the artwork that works better than others? Will the art be near to cooking fumes or splatter; the heat or smoke from a fireplace; condensation from a bathroom or an exterior plaster wall? All of these events can be minimized by methods and materials in framing, but if possible avoid them. Go to the framer with an idea of how formal or casual; contemporary or traditional; colorful or understated your decor is. Your investment is worth taking the time and effort to preserve, prepare, and protect it for years to come. Cheryl Bosch, CPF, has owned and operated Frame Designs Gallery since 1986. She is an artist and signs her art with her nickname of ceebs. Frame Designs Gallery 105 Hill St, FXBG, 22408 (540) 371-0 0567 framedesignsgallery.com
Old Town’s Greatest Tour 35 Monuments, Markers, & Attractions AND the Fredericksburg Battlefields Weddings Reunions Shuttles Parties Group Outings Fredericksburgtrolley.com
540-898-0737
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Companions love is a box of chocolates ? by Gerri Reid dvm
Love is in the air! February is not only Heart Health Month but Valentine’s Day. We take the time to recognize our loved ones and lavish them with gifts such as Roses and of course, Chocolate! This is the month Veterinary Hospitals see numerous cases related to ingesting chocolate. So, as pet owners, we need to know what chocolate toxicity is and what to do when your pet ingest chocolate. People always worry when their pet accidently eats a few Hershey Kisses or get a piece of their candy bar. The severity of chocolate toxicity depends on the kind of chocolate, the amount ingested and the size of the pet. Chocolate that is dark and is less sweet or bitter tend to be the chocolate we worry about. Dark Chocolate and Baker’s chocolate are high in methylxanthines, specifically theobromine and caffeine. Ingestion and high levels of these can lead to vomiting, diarrhea, elevated heartrate, hyperactivity, abnormal heartrate, tremors, seizure and even death if untreated. What do you do if your pet ingest chocolate? Call your Veterinarian immediately or if it is after hours, call the local Emergency Clinic. They can advise you if your need to bring your pet in immediately for treatment. Treatment commonly done if treated soon after ingesting chocolate is removing the
Dog Walking Pet Sitting Companion Play Time & Mini Furies, Too! (540-903-0437; lexig0892@gmail.com) On facebook as “City PetSitting” 28
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contents of the stomach with medications that induce vomiting. This will prevent the absorption of the chocolate into your pet’s body. It is very common to provide supportive treatments such as intravenous fluid therapy to help stabilize your dog and promote theobromine excretion. Often, medications to slow the heart rate may be necessary to treat the elevated heart rate and rhythm. The size of your pet, type of chocolate ingested and the amount of chocolate is important when determining the severity of toxicity. A large breed dog that eats a few milk chocolate candies, this may not be an emergency due to the small amount that was ingested. But a small dog may ingest the same amount and need immediate treatment. You can calculate if the chocolate your pet ingested is a mild concern or a severe concern by using the chocolate toxicity calculator atwww.petmd.com/dog/chocolatetoxicity. But it is always recommended to seek the advice of a Veterinarian. Other foods that can be of concern if your pets ingest them are food or candy that contain nuts. Also, be aware that some chocolate-containing products may contain other toxins such as macadamia nuts, raisins, coffee or espresso beans, or xylitol. The candy or food may have milk chocolate in it but if they contain these ingredients, it can be toxic to your pet. With Valentine’s Day fast approaching, we can’t wait to indulge in a good box of chocolates! We sit down and savor that tasty, sweet little morsel of goodness. While some of us love chocolate, be aware that chocolate ingestion can be a medical emergency for your pet and even lead to death. Keep those chocolates tuck away somewhere safe where your pets cannot get them. Lastly, always consult with your Veterinarian if your pet has consumed any amount of chocolate.
Dr. Gerri S. Reid is the Owner/Veterinarian of Reid Mobile Veterinary Servicess 540-623-3029 or reidmobilevetservices.com
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#FredStrong 10 Things That Require Zero Talent
A visual Celebration of our community
By Casey Alan Shaw
By Joan Geisler My son had a slogan taped to his bedroom wall "Hard work beats talent when talent won't work hard." He became a professional athlete. You might think you do not have talent but everyone has the ability to work hard. We all know that most of the things we want in life can be acquired with-out much talent but requires a lot of hard work. When you do need talent, it can be acquired through hard work. With 2019 well on its way, use this list to achieve your goals, dreams and resolutions.
Fredericksburg Sketches
Whether you are formally educated or not, whether your career requires a formal education and training, like brain surgery (I know, there are others, but really, many careers and education can be taught on the job, not surgery tho!), most careers can be achieved with these characteristics and being at the right place at the right time. All who are employers reading this, let me ask you this, "Would you rather have an employee with a degree but lacks these 10 characteristics or an employee with these characteristics with
SKETCH #51: Ulman’s and Goolrick’s I stumbled upon this sketch the other day while looking for something else. I barely remember drawing it. I think it was done during one of those phases while trying stuff to see what sticks. Mostly I think I was just having fun … which is, I think, the point sometimes. l look back fondly on this scene now for the way it reminds me of my friends, Jerry and the gang at Ulman’s and Chris and company at Goolrick’s, as much as I do for the silly swirls that streak across the sky.
How do these characteristics influence your path to success? 1. Being on time shows that you have respect for those around you. 2. Work ethic shows that you value yourself 3. Effort will show others that you will walk your talk 4. Body language shows how much selfcontrol that you have 5. Energy can often mask lack of knowledge in a subject 6. Attitude will get you on the team when your skills may be inadequate 7. Passion cannot be taught, you either have it or you don't 8. Being coachable shows eagerness to learn and develop deficiencies 9. Doing extra indicates that you are not afraid of long work 10. Being prepared shows tenacity and resourcefulness
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little knowledge or skill sets." These 10 characteristics ARE A skill set AND most had to be taught in the home before the little birds were launched. No matter your age, no matter your socio-economic status, no matter your health, EVERYONE can develop and improve upon these 10 characteristics. Just think how developing these characteristics could enhance your relationships! Give it a shot, you have nothing to lose.
I recently did another “swirly sky” painting (a Fredericksburg twist on Van Gogh’s “Starry Night” that graced Front Porch’s cover last month). That one was fun, too. I may be sensing a trend here … full of swirly skies and Fredericksburg friends … and, hopefully, an upcoming spring full of new art celebrating both! Casey Alan Shaw is a local artist. He exhibits his original artwork and limited-edition prints at Art First Gallery and at www.caseyshaw.com.
606 Caroline Street Old Town Fredericksburg 373-7847
Be inspired visit Joan’s website www.8020healthyhabits.com
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www.gemstonecreations.org
Just arrived, petite white or yellow gold necklaces in new designs. Perfect for Valentine's Day or any day!
Tuesday - Saturday 10-5 Wednesdays until 6:30 and by appointment
Where Fredericksburg Gets Engaged
DOWNTOWNERS City Lights by georgia Lee Strentz Where relationships are Created
Give a Child Something to Think About
Books, Games, Amusing Novelties M-Sat. 10am-6pm; Sun. 1pm-4pm
810 Caroline Street (540) 371-5684
There is just no comparison shopping at a downtown store, warm next door to door shops, to a suburban shopping center. In town, no icicles on your nose, no walking in a vast asphalt jungle parking lot, commercial look-alike stores, losing your car! Also,the stores downtown have any item you could buy out in the far off shopping centers, but more, much more. Unique hand- made in Va., items, many warm places to eat around every tree or corner with good food,no fast food in town!. The store owners downtown are actually waiting for you with treats, coffee, tea, free samples, You will love it when you get to know the store-owners, when they call you by name and you become a real "Fredericksburger." Visiting one of my favorite "hangouts," on this cold, blustery day, behind our local Olde Towne Butcher shop, is "City Lights," 1004 Charles St. It is a fantastic beauty salon, with three talented ladies. Kerri Moran (above), who has kept me lookin' good for 20 years, with her always superb cuts and color, and her wonderful smile, which warms my heart. As a plus, she has given me good advice and friendship.(It's a woman thing) Kerri has had extensive training over the years in styling, cuts and colors, in the U.S.,Hawaii, and England. Kerri's superb creative talents, always beautiful presence, and compassionate handling of my personal hair "challenges," has helped me look my best, face personal challenges, and feel my best over these many years, thanks Kerri. Desiree Castillo (right), the owner, a self made woman, who thrives on helping others, whose smile welcomes everyone so fantastically. Her dream was to open her own beauty salon. She has had her dream come true,as she has been open
since 1999. She uses her artistic talents(which she says she gets from her mom!) not only for her creative hairstyles, but she decorates her shop beautifully each season, which usually take a weekend to engineer and always looks gorgeous.! Desiree moved here with her Marine Corps family, and went through school here in Spotsylvania. She loves the people in Fredericksburg, and she describes her hometown people as "genuine, honest, and gentle, they like each other." She sounds like a real Fredericksburger! Desiree's philosophy is that if you give the best to everyone around you, this allows them to give their best back to you. Yes, Desiree lights up any room she enters, she truly loves people. she says her customers give her
inspiration in her life. From Desiree, and Kerri, "We thank God every day for this little piece of heaven on earth, our City Lights. To us, it is a gift, where we get to enjoy our daily work, family and friends. We give our best everyday. We are grateful our customers put their faith in our craft. “Our services are offered in an old school,contemporary style,using old school style communication,phone, paper and pen. Our customers are comfortable with this.. Come on in to the shop , stay awhile,have a coffee and a donut.� Just a note... your bike hooks up very nicely to the railing out front or out back, mine does! Parking easy for cars too! Visiting "City Lights," Desiree, Kerri,a nd Loretta, is like, "'coming home!" Georgia is our favorite Gal About Town greeting everyone she sees in her favorite place, Downtown! City Lights Hair Salon 1004 Charles Street, Downtown 540-6 656-2 2711
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