Janfpf by Virginia Grogan

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contents

closeups 3

history’s stories: chatham bridge our heritage: the big fire

what’s in a bank?...the national bank of fxbg

stacy mason frontline hero

mental health

it’s all energy: wind points

dolly whitley artist, author

emancipated patients:: caregiving

art in the ’burg ...galleries in january

history in our backyard winter roads in civil war

biz notes: 2021 resolutions

Companions

astrology & you poetryman: transition to dawn

fredericksburg sketches

sue henderson artist, photographer, vocalist

Porch talk 4

on the porch...life in fredericksburg Messages

stories of FXBG....micah

everything greens: show a little (local) love

In the Garden: plant a tree

social bridging

i have a friend: a new beginning

growing & crawling....henbit

tidbits...small bites of local news

season’s bounty: southern hospitality

spirits: winter cocktails

vino: tasting the stars

16-17

Calendar of Events

...And more! 5

great lives series returns

kids & covid isolation

making fxbg bike friendly

Cover: “Rappahannock Sunrise”, By sue henderson

January 2021

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STACY MASON Local Frontline Hero by Jamie Kravitz Meet Stacy Mason, BSN, RN, an intensive care nurse and frontline worker Mary for Covid-19 at Washington Hospital, who went above and beyond to help her fellow workers and their families during the pandemic. Like many frontline workers, Stacy's extra hours on the job meant that her family members had to adjust to some additional changes at home amid the Covid pandemic. "My two children did not understand why they couldn't hug me for a while," Stacy says. "We had to have this set routine of, Mommy would come home and you could say hi, but you couldn't really touch her until I went and showered and my laundry went in the washing machine." Plus, finding necessities at the store proved just as difficult for Stacy as it was for many of us during this time, especially because she had limited windows where she could do the shopping outside of work. "I'm the main shopper in my family, so I would go get groceries when I was off or after shift. Especially after shift, you wouldn't be able to buy the things you need," she explains.

donations [and] the community support has been overwhelming. To have that support from our community means the absolute world to us," Stacy says. "Going forward, we really hope to make this a permanent fixture here at the hospital. And if it spreads further and goes to other hospitals or other organizations, we are very happy to be the catalyst for that."

"And we had other counterparts in the ICU who couldn't find things like diapers and wipes for their children. And then somebody would find them at another store and then they would bring them in and leave them for that other associate. That's really where the idea for the 'pantry' came from, was, 'What can we do to help our coworkers, what can we do to help our friends to all get through this collectively together?'"

Rach was able to thank Stacy for all that she's doing, and share the news that our friends at Mrs. Meyer's Clean Day were so inspired by Stacy's story that they surprised Stacy with a donatinion of $10,000, as well as 1,000 bottles of product, including hand soap, dish soap, multi-surface cleaner and hand lotion. to the pantry at her hospital!

"I thought, if we can do this in an intensive care setting of 70-something staff members, we can do this as a whole healthcare system," Stacy says of the Team Cupboard Pantry "It functions very much like a lending library, so we ask that you take what you need, no questions asked. And if you are able to donate, you donate what you can."

Stacy was part of Rachael Ray Show "Nice List" series, highlighting amazing people doing good in their communities this past holiday season.

Jamie Kravitz is the Rachael Ray Show Journalist

"The story broke about the pantry at the hospital and since then the

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December 2021

ON THE PORCH Brynn Pacitti

Guest Porch Editorial

Contributing Writers & Artists Rita Allan Kathy Anderson Sally Cooney Anderson Laurie Black Dianne Bachman Sarah Kay Bierle Tracy Blevins Sonja Cantu Beverley Coates Collette Caprara Mike Collins Meghann Cotter Janet Douberly Christina Ferber Frank Fratoe Bill Freehling Jon Gerlach Lisa Gillen Christina Hibbert Ralph “Tuffy” Hicks David C. Kennedy Sue Kenney Jamie Kravitz. Julie Laiacona Lucas Landott Vanessa Moncure Anna Medina Pete Morelewicz Patrick Neustatter Gerri Reid Paula Raudenbush Brad Smith Mandy Smith Tina Will Dolly Whitley 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 2021 Olde Towne Publishing Co. All rights reserved.

January 2021

how will your lemons taste? by brynn pacitti The calm after the storm. Peace following war. New love after profound loss. Restored health following serious illness. After struggling through months of this relentless Covid-19 pandemic, all of these metaphors seem to exemplify what the New Year of 2021 will mean to many of us. Hope for a renewed sense of freedom and the resumption of that wonderful joy of living a normal life. We have much to look forward to as we turn that awful page that was part of 2020. We shall raise our glasses and offer a socially distanced toast while ringing in the New Year. Though not a typical New Year, 2021 promises more hope to ALL than any New Year has over the past century. What have you sacrificed in 2020? Companionship? School and work routines? Family visits and visitors? Vacations? Wedding or birthday celebrations? Time together with family and friends to mourn the loss of a loved one? Weekly worship? Freedom to gather in your favorite public place? Your personal safety to help those in need? To every cloud there is a silver lining, and each lemon can produce lemonade. These cliches are profound in our times because they should remind us of what we DO have control over. Will your lemons sweeten this year? As we reflect on a very different and difficult year, consider this. Unquestionably, we have all learned important lessons. Some welcomed the quieter pace of a quarantined life that provided respite in a world that is often filled with an avalanching schedule. The more extraverted among us were inflicted with terrible loss and loneliness from the very beginning. However, both the good days and bad days have offered us all some personal knowledge about ourselves that will serve us well in 2021. Knowledge that will help us to become better, personally and collectively. Knowledge that can be used to make 2021 our best year yet. Perhaps you noticed every part of our Fredericksburg community rallied

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together to provide for residents in need during these unprecedented times. Or perhaps you heard your own voice reflecting on the peace and joy of a simplified routine with activities canceled and commute times extinguished leaving more quality, family time. Perhaps you were somehow reassured by a stranger who stitched your child in the E.R. sacrificing her personal equanimity for you. Quite possibly you suffered lonely times. Most introverts discovered their longing for companionship and human interaction. Conversely, many extraverts discovered or rekindled their creative side through art, writing or music that may otherwise have gone unnurtured. Most of us have dreams and hopes that have been left unrealized. Perhaps this prolonged quiet time has solidified in your mind a true calling that can no longer be neglected. With this new year we are encouraged to make a different kind of resolution. To use our new insights gained this past year and turn lemons into lemonade for ourselves and for the sake of others. Maybe you'll resolve to put yourself out more for others in need or to notice when a stranger would benefit by hearing your comforting words. Maybe you'll resolve to talk to your boss about continuing to work from home in the interest of an improved family life. Maybe you'll resolve to continue to pursue writing and will cut back on something less fulfilling. Maybe you'll resolve to do much more shopping in Fredericksburg. You might also increase your community support after noting how the Greater Fredericksburg community stood together and supported one another during this difficult time. We will all live freely again as the vaccine becomes available. Only this time, I resolve to not take this freedom and the people in my life for granted. We have much to look forward to in 2021. This year I shall raise my glass of lemonade in a toast to you, my contemporary, who, along with myself, has much to be grateful for and much to offer to others in 2021. I cannot wait for a taste of your sweet lemons.

I cannot wait for a taste of your sweet lemons while we read Front Porch cover-to-cover!

Brynn Pacitti has worked with children for 20 years as a classroom teacher, literacy coach and currently is the Director of a children's ministry program in Vienna, VA where she lives with her husband, 4 kids, 3 chickens and 1 bunny

Welcome 2021

Great Lives Series Returns Virtually By jill laiacona

In a year when many are sticking close to home, the upcoming William B. Crawley Great Lives lecture season, now in its 18th year, will be virtual and returns to its roots by featuring the expertise of University of Mary Washington faculty. Authorities in their respective fields, they will chronicle the lives of Goethe and Gandhi, St. Augustine and Sojourner Truth, Isaac Newton and I.M. Pei, among other intriguing subjects. Prerecorded lectures, which are free for the public to enjoy from the comfort of home, will be available on the Great Lives website at 7:30 p.m. Tuesdays and Thursdays from Jan. 19 to March 18. Each will feature a live Q&A with presenters, hosted by Professor of History Emeritus William B. Crawley, Great Lives founder and director. Bringing in outside biographers isn't an option due to the pandemic, but the 2021 season displays the research of "our own outstanding scholars in the Mary Washington community," said Crawley, who tapped current and retired faculty to deliver lectures. Great Lives kicks off on Jan. 19, with UMW Museums Executive Director Scott Harris providing illuminating insight into the lives of Presidents George Washington and James Monroe. Born just miles apart, these Virginians both heroically crossed the frigid waters of the

Delaware River - in separate boats, contrary to the famous painting - during the American Revolution. But in time, their relationship turned icy, and they often feuded over the direction of the new nation they had both helped build. Their "revolutionary rift" will be at the center of Harris' talk. Offering both historical and geographical diversity, other subjects include General Douglas MacArthur, Italian Baroque painter Artemisia Gentileschi, former Secretary of State Madeleine Albright, playwright Lillian Hellman, and sociologists and Black rights activists Anna Julia Cooper & W.E.B. Du Bois. The fates of Communist dictator Joseph Stalin and Soviet aircraft engineer Andrei Tupolev will be examined, as will the life of SĂźleyman the Magnificent, the longest-reigning sultan of the Ottoman Empire. The words of Harlem Renaissance author Zora Neale Hurston and Southern writer Eudora Welty will fly from the page to the computer screen. Reference and Humanities Librarian Emeritus Jack Bales, co-author of a biography on Horatio Alger, will share tales of the novelist's success in penning popular "rags-to-riches" stories for young readers.

Stephen

Professor of Political Science Farnsworth, who recently

published a book on comedy and the American presidency, will discuss late night legend Johnny Carson, who interviewed seven presidents during his three decades hosting "The Tonight Show." Local biographer Michael Hill, who often conducts research at UMW's Simpson Library, will provide highlights from his highly anticipated biography on American humorist and Washington Post columnist Art Buchwald, which will be released by Random House in 2021.

Great Lives Series Prerecorded lectures Free for the public to enjoy from the comfort of home, Available on the Great Lives website 7:30 p.m. Tuesdays and Thursdays Jan. 19 to March 18.

First introduced by the Department of History and American Studies, Great Lives became a public lecture series held in conjunction with UMW's popular course, "Great Lives: Biographical Approaches to History and Culture." Shortly after its 2004 launch, Great Lives received a generous endowment from John Chappell. His and his family's continued support, with that of local individuals and corporate sponsors, has sustained and propelled the series. For more information and a full list of lectures, visit umw.edu/greatlives or contact the Office of University Events and Conferencing at 540-654-1065.

Jill Laiacona is the Media Manager, University Relations & Communications at UMW

Highlighting Local People, Places & Events Since 1997

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January 2021

Stories

of fredericksburg

Where God Needs Us Most By Meghann Cotter Eventually, I quell the pain enough to ask the most important question, "Where is God at work in this?" It occurs to me in reflection on this recent experience that it is not uncommon for a disciple, even the original 12, to find themselves unknowingly asleep in the midst of divine activity. It is easy to grow complacent, to think we have all the answers, when we've spent so much time tracking the footsteps of Jesus. It was the disciples, after all, who fell asleep in the most critical hours preceding Christ's betrayal (Mark 14: 32-42).

After a decade and a half of caring for street people, I often like to think I have this love your neighbor thing figured out. But every time I get there, God reveals just one more thing. And I question everything. Some years ago, I assisted a homeless vet named Bryan into a house. Besides declining health, he had most things working in his favor. He liked to fish and dress nicely. He was smart, earned a service-connected pension, and if I hadn't told you he was homeless he would come across as any other retired guy. Bryan was a one-time homeless guy, briefly ending up in shelter when his health prevented him from working at the same pace. He moved into a rented room and never lost his housing again. Success, right? It had been so many years since I had heard from Bryan that when the police called a few months ago asking for his next of kin, it took me a while to place the name and the face. With Bryan gone, it wasn't long before his roommate started worrying about the other half of the rent. It isn't uncommon for us to patch a vacancy in a shared housing situation, when the loss of a roommate would cause another neighbor to lose their housing; so, she called.

January 2021

â&#x20AC;&#x153;There's just one problem," she said. "His room is a mess, and I don't know where to even begin." I've seen the worst of messes, take my word for it. And so, I didn't think anything about climbing into my cleaning gear and heading over for a Saturday morning quick fix. I had a roommate match in mind, and figured that a few hours of heavy-duty cleaning would do the trick. It was, perhaps, the 28th bag of trash that Bryan's roommate and I hauled from his apartment that my emotions got the best of me. One time homeless. No substance abuse issues. A vet. Every independently.

reason

succeed

Just one passage earlier in the book of Mark, however, we are reminded of the difficulty in attentive living. The uncertainty of when and how Christ's presence will be made known is grueling work. Keep awake. Stay alert. Remain on the watch, calls Mark 13: 24-37. Something is going to happen.

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That means there is no actual point of arrival in our coming to understand and embody the essence of discipleship. In fact, every situation has the potential to reveal not just where God is at work, but where God needs us next. I have grieved for our neighbor Bryan, and I am sad that he left this world with such despair. But I can lose myself in a pool of self-analysis, or can get to work. I can keep watch. And I can wait for the next opportunity to be an instrument in thy kingdom come. "When Lord when," will it all make sense we may sometimes wonder. While we do not know what will come and how it will happen, we know who is to come. And so, we watch. We wait. We learn. We love. We live.

And yet, his declining health and absence of community left him to die alone in a pile of trash.

Meghann Coter is the Ececutive Director of Micah Ministries

You should know, I get so freaking mad at God in these moments. I make it about me and my organization. Then, I grieve the things I wish we had known and the ways I know it could have been different.

Micah Ecumenical Ministries, a ChristCentered Community supporting people experiencing chronic homelessness and identifying pathways to sustainable housing. Contact 540-4 479-4 4116; www.dolovewalk.net; facebook

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ALL

200 William St Downtown Fredericksburg 540-373-4421 crownjewelersfredericksburg.com

Everything Greens Show a Little (local) Love Deanâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Plastering Services Plaster, Stucco, Drywall, Art 540.656.2399 540.419.8878 luckyluckydean@aol.com

By Brad Smith The Fredericksburg area is fortunate to have a huge amount of civil servants, military personnel, postal workers, and other federal employees not only serving at a national level, but integrated in our communities. The Combined Federal Campaign (CFC) provides an easy but powerful way for federal employees to donate to and volunteer with nonprofits registered in the area that support health and human services. As we face new and persistent environmental challenges, many Fredericksburg residents are able to bring a unique, local, regional, national and international perspective to meeting them. Locally, the Central Virginia Battlefield Trust, Downtown Greens, and Friends of the Rappahanock directly try to address and reverse the causes of environmental degradation; other organizations such as Loisann's Hope House, Micah Ecumenical Ministries, the

Please join with me and continue to support our Local FXBG small businesses SUZY STONE Mobile:540.847.0630 Office: 540-898-2900 suzystone22@gmail.com C21redwood.com

Where Customer Service and Title Insurance Become One

Lloyd F. Moss Free Clinic, Thurman Brisben Center, and others address many of the second and tertiary effects of environmental degradation including climate refugees, housing transiency, and a host of public health concerns. The CFC provides a simple way to finance these organizations' efforts and, hopefully, provide a bridge for federal employees to lend their skills, experience, and perspective to empower and strengthen local organizations and communities. If you are a federal employee or retiree the CFC official solicitation period ends January 15. It's easy to pledge your support. Go to cfcgiving.opm.gov and enter the number of the charity you wish to support. The directory of CFC participating nonprofits has more than 5,000 entries, all of which have passionate missions, but only 13 of them are local to Fredericksburg. By supporting a local nonprofit, you can rest assured that your dollars are making a direct impact on your community. Thank you to those who have already, and who are planning to choose a local charity to support through a donation or pledged volunteer hours. Your support for our local nonprofits is essential to the health and wellness of the community that we all love. #givelocal

Downtown Greens, Inc. - #73255 Friends of the Rappahannock #45597 Loisanns Hope House - #68604 Mental Health America Fredericksburg, Inc. - 71643

Micah Ecumenical Ministries, Inc. #17749 Rappahannock CASA, Inc. - #72940 Rappahannock Council Sexual Assault - 78223

Against

Safe Harbor Child Advocacy Center #34752 The Disability Resource Center of The Rappahannock Area, Inc. - #76880 The Lloyd F. Moss Free Clinic #30911 Thurman Brisben Center - #63436

Brad Smith, President of the Board of Directors at Downtown Greens

Founded in 1995, Downtown Greens promotes environmental care by preserving two urban garden areas, using sustainable gardening methods, teaching children through a weekly Garden Club, and raising bees with the Urban Bees program.

Fredericksburg Charities and their CFC numbers

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

Big Brothers Big Sisters Greater Fredericksburg - #13809 Central Virginia Battlefields Trust, Inc - #33689 front porch fredericksburg

January 2021

In the Garden plant more trees By Tina Will

photo by Tracy Blevins November was a lovely month, and we all enjoyed the warmth even if we are a bit suspicious of climate anomalies. New projects were tackled since the ground was still easy to dig. November's dig was the result of the Tree Giveaway offer given by Brent Hunsinger, River Steward for Friends of the Rappahannock (F.O.R.), at last January's Master Gardener 2020 Seed Swap. Chris Clark, King George County's Parks and Rec Director, took advantage of that offer to secure over 230 trees (all native species) for the area. Many volunteers and several organizations brought the effort to fruition. A great crew of 34 people came out to King George County's Cedell Brooks Jr. Park and Sealston Sports Complex to

January 2021

get the trees planted including Director Chris Clark and Master Gardeners Linda Kline, Deloris Chen, Pat Brown, Sue Carle, Susan Kenney, Joan Pope, Betsy McDonald, Carol Werle, and Tracy Blevins. MG friends Judy Brooks and Verna Asbel joined the Susan effort, and Kenney's nine year old grandson, Lucas Landolt, begged to use his grandmother's camera and took many pictures. More pictures can be seen on our webpage: mgacra.org. King George County General Properties brought three employees and a tractor with a tree auger for digging holes, which was much appreciated, and King George Garden Club provided a great lunch to sustain everyone. In one day (!) over 230 trees were planted. Several volunteers gave a second day of work to plant eight more trees at the King George Animal Shelter, tubes and all.

lawn maintenance or animal damage. The tube also provides a mini greenhouse effect in its design by using a material that lets in some Chris Clark light. The tube Photo by Lucas Landolt encourages upward growth rather than side branching, and for this reason the tubes need to be left in place Seed Swap 2021 until the trunk of the tree is wide enough and strong enough to support its height. January 23, 2021 from 10 a.m. Extensive information on trees and tree to 1 p.m. is the date and time set for the tube caveats is available at annual Master Gardener Seed Swap, but at https://extension.psu.edu/forestthis writing we are evaluating the reality stewardship-backyard-trees. of COVID-19 restrictions. King George Citizen Center, 8076 Kings Hwy, 22485 is the location, social distancing (number of people allowed in at one time) and masking will be required. Our website (mgacra.org) and Facebook (MGACRA) pages will have any change/update/cancellation information if anything changes at the last minute. Free Lance Star will also post any update information if it is known in time.

What is a Tree Tube? Tree saplings are skinny little things, but capable of mighty provision as they grow and give us oxygen, shade, fruit, nuts, beauty and majesty. They are well worth the effort to plant as many as the land can support, and they benefit from some support and protection in photo by Susan Kenney their first seasons in the ground. Tree protective tubes are often used on deciduous trees to protect saplings from

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Tina Will has volunteered with MGACRA for 17 years and lives near Ferry Farm

Social Bridging How Humans, Wildlife, Climate, & COVID may be related in Virginia

By Mike Collins

Striper caught just below Rapidan Mill Dam, 2020 In spite of COVID, 2020 has been a barrier-breaking year for the Center of Natural Capital. Since 2012, our programs have exceeded 100 jobs created for employees and contractor partners, over 100 acres of new pollinator and grassland bird habitat, over 10,000 lbs. of newly awakened soil bacteria and fungi, and over 4000 tires removed from 250 miles of rivers in the Rappahannock and Tennessee River Valley campaigns. A subject not as well understood is the power of regenerative soil programs to provide relatively inexpensive mitigation. For example, if Charlottesville homeowners converted their lawns to a SoilKeepers type of deep - rooted grasses and soil maintenance regime, and also applied biochar as an amendment, over 50% of the City's total residential CO2 annual emissions (2016) could be sequestered. There is one project that we kicked off in 2020 that is so important we feel it deserves special recognition - the Rapidan Fish Passage Project (RFPP). The goal of the RFPP is to restore 540 miles of Rockfish and American Shad (sometimes referred to as our "Founding Fish") habitat through alteration of the dam at Rapidan. Shad spawn in rivers of the Virginia Piedmont but can't jump over dams nor climb steep fish ladders. These once

plentiful fish were an essential food source for early American colonists. 400 years later, this project to bring them back has the potential to be nationally significant. By giving to the Rapidan Fish Passage Program donors are getting great work done in their own backyard. To begin execution of the RFPP, we needed to accomplish two goals - first, gain control of the dam structure itself, and second, create an advisory group providing guidance on how to move the project forward. Early in 2020, the "Rapidan Partnership" was created with members including the US Fish and Wildlife Service, American Rivers, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, the Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources, Friends of the Rappahannock, the Piedmont and Environmental Council. Shortly thereafter, through the support of generous local fishermen, the Board of Directors of the Center executed a purchase contract for the dam and adjacent property. If you've made it this far, you may say to yourself - these are some cool programs and projects, but I'm missing the overarching theme for what the Center for Natural Capital is really about. For an answer, we turn to COVID. From what we know, this is a zoonotic virus, one

that jumps from animals to people. We also understand that this phenomenon is exacerbated by reduced biodiversity and habitat destruction. Earlier this year, in the midst of the pandemic, our Directors convened a Strategic Planning Retreat and settled on the Center's core interest in launching enterprises to improve the environmental health of rural areas, and more specifically the health of humans and wildlife. No other agency or organization in Virginia understands this as their raison d'ĂŞtre. As social entrepreneurs now entering our 15th year, Center Directors and Staff will continue to create and manage our own synergized enterprises. These will span the gamut focused around our core themes of people, rivers, landscape, and wildlife. We will be especially focused on completing due diligence for the RFPP in early 2020. But with the awareness of the driving forces behind COVID, we will add one additional function we call "Social Bridging". an outreach to other

enterprises whose mission and daily activities have some substantial link to human and wildlife health, such as physicians, veterinarians, churches, youth clubs, etc. in Central Virginia. We find inspiration for this new function from the work of author and columnist David Brooks and his "Weave - The Social Fabric Project" . We will bridge with these groups where we find common ground, leveraging our own capacity, and in doing so, meaningfully and efficiently enhancing the quality of life for all people and for wildlife in this wonderfully habitable region of North America.

Michael Collins is the Executive Director The Center for Natural Capital Rural American Resilience He can be reached at 540-672-2542 (o) 540-661-7379 (c) or mike@naturalcapital.us

Become a Member

fxbgfoodcoop@gmail.com fredericksburgfoodcoop.com front porch fredericksburg

January 2021

â&#x20AC;&#x153;I Have A Friend Bring a little sunshine to a seniorâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s life! Too many seniors feel lonely and isolated.

New Beginnings By Laurie Black some things in common that they enjoyed talking about.

It can be both scary and exciting to try something new, especially amid challenges such as we all faced in 2020. Julie Maxwell and her new friend, Brenda, did not let these challenges prevent them from reaching out and becoming friends. Julie, who had recently retired from working full time, found she had a lot of free time. She read about the Senior Visitors Program in Front Porch Fredericksburg and thought the program could be a "win-win" for her. Julie said, "I don't know many people in the area and thought this was a way to help myself as well as someone else." Julie attended volunteer training in March, just before COVID pandemic restrictions put volunteer visits on hold. In late April, Julie and Brenda were introduced and began visiting by phone. It is hard making a new friend, particularly when you can not meet together face to face. However, Julie says that right away they discovered they had

Brenda says that when she was first introduced to the Senior Visitors Program she thought, "I don't need any more friends. I love all people, but it takes time to get to know someone and I am not sure I can bond with a stranger, especially right now." Brenda decided to give it a try and she is so glad she did! "I have many friends, but they all live about an hour away. They call me and check on me, but it is nice to have someone close, too. I've enjoyed getting to know Julie. We are starting a great friendship. Her calls mean so much. The hour is gone before I know it." Brenda goes on to say, "Julie is sweet, caring, and kind. She likes me for who I am. She doesn't judge me. We share what we know with each other, like gardening. Gardening is my therapy." When I asked Julie about the challenge of getting to know Brenda during the pandemic she stated, "There has really been no hurdle because Brenda is so positive and outgoing. She has lived in the area a long time. I wasn't sure she needed a new friend, but I'm so glad we've met and become friends. She has brightened my life. Brenda has given me gardening tips and suggested new hobbies. She and I are both interested in genealogy. Brenda is helping me get started on my family history again." When some of the COVID restrictions were lifted, Julie and Brenda were able to get together for some socially distanced lunch dates. Whether face to face or over the phone, they continue to

www.donatelifevirginia.org 10

January 2021

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enjoy and develop their new friendship. Both Brenda and Julie highly recommend the Senior Visitors Program as it benefits not only the individuals in the program but also the community as a whole. Julie also commented, "The training the Senior Visitors Program gives to new volunteers is very good. It really inspired me in my volunteer work."

Laurie Black is the Administrative Assistant for the Senior Visitors Program

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

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

Growing & Crawling Henbit: weed or nutritious feed? By janet douberly As winter enters full swing, a lot of our plants, even the weeds, have called it quits for the season, but not henbit! Henbit, or 'Lamium amplexicaule', is a nutritious wild edible that thrives in the cooler temps. A member of the lamiaceae family, henbit shows up in the fall and sticks around through the spring until summer's hotter temperatures kill it off. Because it is in the mint family it can be a hardy spreader.

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As weeds go, this one is easy to pull, but stop before tossing it into the compost! Native to Europe, Asia, and Northern Africa, henbit was brought to the colonies as a popular fodder for, you guessed it, chickens, and despite its popularity with hens, it is actually a tasty and very nutritional addition to the human diet as well! Henbit is chock full of iron, minerals, and antioxidants. The leaves, stems, and flowers can be enjoyed raw or added to soups and stir frys. Despite being

in the mint family, henbit does not taste minty but instead has a mild herbaceous flavor that pairs well with chickweed, wintercress, and wild garlic (which conveniently grows the same time of year). With weeds like henbit, we (and the chickens) will be able to enjoy fresh greenery from our yards all winter long!

Janet Douberly is Program Coordinator at Downtown Greens. If you'd like to learn more about things growing and crawling in Fredericksburg, check out Downtown Greens on Facebook and Instagram.

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January 2021

TidBits small bites of local News By Bill Freehling

Become a Member "The 'Burg in a Bag.

www.fredericksburgcsa.com

Winter Restaurant Week is returning to Fredericksburg Jan. 15-24 with an expanded territory and a different focus. This year's promotion is open to restaurants throughout the City of Fredericksburg, including the traditional downtown footprint. Because of the COVID-19 pandemic, this year's focus will be on takeout and delivery meals from Fredericksburg's fabulous restaurants. We're calling it "The 'Burg in a Bag." "Restaurants need our support more than ever, and we hope that people

will come out in droves this Winter

Restaurant Week to show how much we value their d e l i c i o u s products and commitment to the community," s a i d Fredericksburg Visitor Center Manager Danelle Rose. Thanks to the generous support of the Fredericksburg Economic Development Authority, the Fredericksburg Visitor Center will be selling 20 percent discounted gift cards to restaurants participating in this year's promotion. The cards will be sold at the Fredericksburg Visitor Center (706 Caroline Street) and online. List of participating restaurants at FredericksburgRestaurantWeek.com.

sculpt and yoga classes that she offered at the downtown location. White said she will add a bathroom to the space and hopes to open as soon as possible. Welcome back to FXBG, Fly Fitness!

T-M Mobile helps City bring Outdoor Movies to Community The City of Fredericksburg is proud to announce and highlight the ongoing community support of T-Mobile. Thanks to T-Mobile's generous support, the City's Parks, Recreation and Events Department was able to purchase a new, commercial-g grade, 32-ffoot inflatable outdoor movie screen. Additionally, the department was able to host a free Halloween socially distanced, double-

Rey Azteca Mexican Restaurant now open A new restaurant has opened in the former Home Team Grill space in Fredericksburg's Eagle Village shopping center. Rey Azteca Mexican Restaurant is now open in the nearly 5,000-square-foot space at 1109 Jefferson Davis Highway. The space fronts U.S. 1 and is directly across the pedestrian bridge from the University of Mary Washington.

Fly Fitness Inspiration will make a comeback in 2021 in Fredericksburg. The fitness studio, which had been located on William Street in Downtown Fredericksburg before closing earlier this year, plans to open a new studio at 1623 Princess Anne Street in a space formerly occupied by All About the Garage next to Bio Community Fitness Fly Fitness owner Catesby White said she loved the space's garage door and outdoor area, giving them ample air flow. She plans to have the same spin, barre,

feature movie night with free food, photo booth and candy. And the City is planning a free drive-in movie series . "The new movie screen opens so many opportunities for our programming," said Jennifer Casarotti, Superintendent of Leisure Services. "We had frequent requests for outdoor movies even before the pandemic. But here and now there is something even more special about bringing people together to watch a movie while keeping safely distant in the open airâ&#x20AC;Ś there is a feeling of togetherness at these events and we are truly grateful." Stay tuned for

606 Caroline Street Old Town Fredericksburg 373-7847 www.gemstonecreations.org

Tues-Fri: 11a-4p Sat By Appointment

Where Fredericksburg Gets Engaged 12

January 2021

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Bill Freehling, Fredericksburg's director of economic development and tourism, lives with his wife, Emily, two children, Abby and Andrew, and cockapoo, Chessie, in downtown Fredericksburg.

Season’s Bounty

The Sunken Well Tavern

southern hospitality vanessa moncure

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

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

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

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

Here in Virginia, variously known as the Mother of Presidents, the Old Dominion, The Cavalier State, and "Down Where the South Begins", traditions die hard - particularly in the culinary world. Our foods are intertwined with our history, and with our outstanding natural resources. Oysters, blue crab, shad roe, herring, mountain trout, sweet shrimp from the Bay, and rockfish are just a few of the local delights for pescatarians. Oysters were the first food mentioned by the original 1607 Jamestown settlers as shellfish formed a large part of their diet. Venison, squirrel, rabbit, wild turkey, grouse and even bald eagle provided protein for the first settlers. Hunters today have the choice of hunting with muzzleloader or black powder, archery and crossbow, rifles and shotguns with seasons and hunting licenses available for each type. A recent survey by the U.S.Fish and Wildlife Service found that only about 5% of eligible Americans over 16 years old actually hunt, and the number is continuing to decline. Culling of all herbivores in the US are actually beneficial to their population as in many areas the population is greater than the food supply to sustain them. It seems contradictory, but hunters, through license fees, permits and taxes actually help sustain funding for animal protection and conservation. If you do hunt, or are fortunate enough to share in game, I hope you'll enjoy the following recipes. If not, substitute pork tenderloin for venison, beef shank or pork shoulder for venison shoulder and chicken or turkey for duck, goose, wild turkey or squirrel. Grocery meats don't require the long marinating times to tenderize game, so shorten that step or possibly skip altogether. Did I say squirrel? My grandfather used to fry it all the time - I wish he was still with us as my property is overrun with those rats with tails (sorry, squirrel lovers. I used to think their antics were cute until four took up housekeeping in my attic. Now, NIMBY). VENISON BBQ Some people object to what they consider the strong flavor of venison. Marinating it for at least 24 hours, cooking it until tender and then slathering it with a spicy BBQ sauce, well, you can't go wrong. With a shank, rump roast or shoulder, brine in a solution of water, ¼ c. salt to 2 qts. of water and cover. After a day or so, pour off the brine, rinse and pat dry. In a large Dutch oven, brown in butter on all sides over medium high heat. Add in two peeled and quartered onions, 4

peeled garlic pods, S&P, one cup beer (I like dark), then stir together 1 c. ketchup, ¼ c. dark brown sugar, a bay leaf or two, one teaspoon each onion powder, garlic powder, ground mustard, then one T. lemon juice, hot sauce and Worcestershire sauce and cover the meat. Braise covered in a low oven 275F or low on stovetop (or wood stove) about 3-4 hours or until the meat shreds easily from the bone, or with two forks. Serve as BBQ on buns with cole slaw and fries. TOO MUCH GROUND VENISON? Make sausage! This is also great using pork or ground poultry with pork. Poultry on its own doesn't have enough fat. I have a sausage stuffer attachment so I can make sausage links with sheep casings, but otherwise you can fry as patties or meatballs. Begin with two pounds ground venison (or pork, beef or pork/poultry combo). Partially freeze a block of plain, unsmoked pork fat, about 5-6 ounces. Either run it through a grinder if you have one, or grate it if not. Put the meat and fat in a large bowl or in bowl of stand mixer. Stir in 1T. each salt and pepper, scant ?c. hot water with 3 pods puréed garlic, ½ tsp. ground sage, 2 tsp. whole mustard seeds and four bay leaves, ground to a powder. Mix well until everything is evenly incorporated. Chill. You can either fill casings or shape into patties or meatballs and fry. Delicious served with a whole grain mustard sauce for dipping or as a major part of the next recipe!

bought until browned all over, with two minced shallots, two pods of grated garlic, one bay leaf, two sprigs fresh thyme (½ tsp. dried), ground pepper, chopped fresh parsley, and one large peeled carrot, chopped. Return duck mixture to the pan along with two 15-oz. cans white cannellini beans with liquid (or use prepared dried beans)and about two cups of chicken stock and 2T. tomato paste. Cover and cook until meats are cooked through and tender. Meanwhile, sauté together in a large saucepan 6 T. butter, about two cups coarse breadcrumbs (best from half-stale bread like baguette), 3T. chopped fresh parsley and one tsp. garlic powder. Set aside until your cassoulet is done, then top with breadcrumbs and either broil or heat in very hot oven, 450F, until browned and crisp. Yum.

Vanessa shares her fabulous recipes , with a bit of southern charm & wit, each month in FPF

QUICK DUCK CASSOULET Duck and goose breast are extremely fatty, and you need some fat for this recipe. If substituting chicken or pork add a bit more butter or pork fat. In a heavy Dutch oven, melt two T. of butter and sauté until browned two duck breasts or 4 duck legs and thigh, cut into ½ cubes - along with about 8 ounces of pancetta, cubed, or better yet a cubed chunk of prosciutto. Remove from pan and sauté in butter either 4 of your garlic sausages or store-

front porch fredericksburg

January 2021

SpiritS

Join Us on the Rooftop for Chill VIbes, Tasty Eats, & Cold Drinks

winter cocktails Hot buttered rum is also a great excuse to use some of those liqueurs gathering dust on your bar cart

Ã 1 stick (4 ounces) unsalted butter Ã ½ cup light brown sugar Ã 1 teaspoon vanilla extract Ã 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon Ã 1 teaspoon ground cloves Ã 1 teaspoon ground nutmeg Ã 1 teaspoon ground allspice Ã Pinch of salt Ã 2 ounces dark or aged rum Ã 6 ounces hot water Ã Cinnamon stick, for garnish

Perfect Hot Toddy The Hot Toddy cocktail is the grandfather of hot drinks. Equally at home in a snowbound mountain cabin as it is on an acclaimed cocktail menu, the classic Hot Toddy has one job that it takes quite seriously: warming you up. Ã boiling water, to fill a mug Ã 4 cloves Ã 1 lemon peel or wheel Ã 2 teaspoons demerara sugar or brown sugar Ã 1/4 ounce lemon juice, freshly squeezed Ã 2 ounces whiskey (bourbon, rye, Irish or scotch) Fill a mug with boiling water and let stand for a minute or two to warm. Meanwhile, stick the cloves into the lemon peel or wheel and set aside. Empty the mug and fill about halfway with fresh boiling water. Add the sugar and stir to dissolve. Add the prepared lemon peel or wheel and stir. Add the lemon juice and whiskey, and stir again. Now sit back, relax and enjoy!

Hot Buttered Rum Nothing helps melt through seasonal malaise like a cocktail classic: hot buttered rum. This hearty, warming drink is pure cocktail comfort food.

January 2021

314 William St..656-2500..fb@vivifyburger..vivifyburger.com

In mixing bowl, combine butter, vanilla extract, sugar, spices and salt. Beat until well combined. In heat-proof glass or mug, combine aged rum with 1 ounce (2 tablespoons) spiced butter mixture. Remaining batter can be stored in airtight container in refrigerator for future use. Top with hot water and stir until ingredients are well incorporated. Garnish with cinnamon stick

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

Spiced Apple Cider. Warm-up this winter with the iconic Spiced Apple Cider. Make it kid friendly by omitting the bourbon

Ã Ã Ã Ã Ã Ã Ã Ã

16 cups (1 gallon) apple cider 1/4 cup light brown sugar 1 teaspoon allspice Pinch grated nutmeg 2 teaspoons whole cloves 1 orange Cinnamon sticks, for garnish 2 cups bourbonl

. In a large pot over medium heat, add the apple cider. Stir in the brown sugar, allspice and nutmeg until the sugar is dissolved and bring to a low boil. . Stick the pointy ends of the cloves into the orange so that just the buds of the cloves are visible. The entire orange should be covered with the cloves. . Add the orange to the cider and reduce the heat to simmer. Cover and continue cooking for 20 minutes. . Serve in warm mugs with a cinnamon stick garnish.

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Become a Member

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

Locally Owned Irish Pub and Restaurant www.fredericksburgcsa.com

200 Hanover St. ~ 373-0738

Olde Towne Butcher

Vino

Traditional Butchery - Fresh Perspective

i am tasting the stars by City Vino

Clean, local, sustainable, humane foods prepared fresh. Better for you and your family, better for our planet, better for local economy, better food! 401 William St - Fredericksburg 540-370-4105 - OldeTowneButcher.com

Join Us for Breakfast $5 Sunrise Breakfast Special Two Eggs Your Way, Breakfast Potatoes, Choice of Toast Mon./Fri. 6am-10am Carry Out Available 540-373-8300 ~ 620 Caroline St. FXBG, VA

Become a Member

fxbgfoodcoop@gmail.com fredericksburgfoodcoop.com

Champagne dates back centuries to the days when Benedictine monk Dom Pérignon was the cellar master at the Abbey of Hautvillers, assigned to oversee wine production. One of his duties was to try to prevent wine from becoming bubbly, which at the time, was thought to ruin the wine. He and his fellow monks altered the grapes used in the wine production and eliminated skins to see if that made a difference. Due to the temperatures in France at the time, it was too cold to leave the wine in barrels, so it was often bottled before full fermentation could be completed. Pérignon and the monks failed at preventing the effervescent wine; however, when he tried the "ruined" wine, he found the taste to be delightful and even a bit celestial. His fellow monks shared his opinion and the abbey's winemaking method spread throughout the land and Champagne production increased. Back in those days, bottles were not specifically made to withstand the atmospheres of pressure trapped within, so bottles often exploded in the French wine cellars and it is rumored that nearly 20 percent was lost due to explosion. The exploding bottles were called "le vin du diable" or "the devil's wine." The sparkling wine's popularity spread, and English scientist Christopher Merret discovered that sugar played an important role in creating Champagne's effervescence. He found that too much sugar caused the bottles to explode, and too little sugar meant that the resulting wine wasn't quite effervescent enough. The cost of exploding bottles and the ongoing research into creating the perfect sparkling wine were expensive, and the cost of Champagne soared. Due to the high cost and uniqueness of the wine, Champagne became the favorite drink of the royals in Europe. Champagne was served for royal

festivities at the Palais Royal in Paris, where entertainment was always important, as the guests loved seeing the cork jump out of the bottle. In the 18th century, Madame de Pompadour ordered Champagne by the gallon for her extravagant parties. Rumors were that during one of her parties, in 1732, that over 1,800 bottles were consumed in a single evening. The 18th venture rise of the big houses like Moët et Chandon, Louis Roederer, Veuve Clicquot, and Tattinger helped seal Champagne's reputation as a wine of status and prestige. The wines were taken to various royal courts for their consideration, and marketing began Lautrec, Cézanne, as artists like Toulouse-L and Manet were hired to paint images of champagne bottles and people enjoying Champagne. Over time, Champagne has become the beverage synonymous with celebrating royal, political, national, fashionable, and sporting events, as well as celebrating life's best moments. Whether it is christening a brand-new ship, christening a new addition to the family, the first toast as man and wife, or the toast as the clock strikes midnight on New Year's Eve, Champagne is there. “The thing about champagne, you say, unfoiling the cork, and unwinding the wire restraint, is that is the ultimate associative object. Every time you open a bottle of Champagne, it's a celebration, so there's no better way of starting a celebration than opening a bottle of Champagne. Every time you sip it, you're sipping from all those other celebrations. The joy accumulates over time." - David Levithan, "The Lover's Dictionary" City Vino is located at 810 Caroline St. You can find owner Rita Allan on-site to provide answers to all your wine questions

front porch fredericksburg

January 2021

CALEND january 2021... Out with the Stink, Stank, Stunk 2020....In the New (hopefully better) Year! Friday, January 1

Thursday, January 7

First Day Hike. Start the new year off right by spending the first day out in Nature! Bring out the whole family to take a hike on one of the many trails at Motts Run Reservoir and enjoy a fun activity along the way. Come out to this event anytime between 9 a.m. - 12 p.m. free! Don't miss out on this fun opportunity to kick off the year on the right foot. : Motts Run Reservoir For information please call Fredericksburg Parks, Recreation and Events at 540-372-1086.

"Ironworks" Spotsy Furnances. Spotsylvania 300th Tricentennial Celebration Lecture Series. With the help from The Germanna Foundation and Central Rappahannock Regional Library, we will explore Spotsylvania County's rich history. 6:30pm

James Ford @ Highmark Brewery, 6pm. Ringing in the New Year with his electri performance style

American Legion Post 320 is pleased to announce that Bingo is back!! Every Thursday, starting September 10th! $15 (first playbook) + $2 COVID-19 surcharge (for sanitization). Additional books $10. Pull tabs: $5 for 5-pack. Masks required. Social distancing will be enforced. No outside food or drinks. 6:30-9pm

Saturday, January 2 FCCA MAembers Galery Rebecca Womble Carpenter, "A Different Perspectiver" Brush Strokes Gallery, "Let it Snow", Open Friday-Saturday, 11-5, also by appointment "Going Out in 2021" Featuring "Little Black Dress"Works by Sally Cooney Anderson Artful Dimensions Gallery 922 Caroline Street Let's Create Kindness" An All Member Show, Art First, 824 Caroline ST Exhibit on View through January 31st Darcy Dawn , country music & southern charm, Highmerk Brewery, 390 Kings Hwy, 6pm

Open Mic with Larry Hinkle @Highmark Brewery, 7-10pm, 390 Kings Hwy

Friday, January 8 Twelth Night @Kenmore. Historic Kenmore serves as the backdrop as we meet revelers to hear their hopes and fears before they go inside for the Twelfth Night ball. This year, three dramatic scenes will be performed outdoors. The audience will move to three different locations near the house to watch each scene so bringing chairs is not necessary. The house will be closed on these evenings. Performances will be held January 8-10. Masks are required and social distancing will be maintained. Purchasing tickets in advance is required. Visit https://kenmore.org/holidayevents/ for more information and to get tickets. Performancse will be held in time slots from 3:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. on January 8, 9, and 10. "Hinklele," with Uke man Larry Hinkle, Colonial Tavern, 4-6p

Sunday, January 3 Colonial Tavern Sunday Brunch11:30-3PM Sunken Well TAVERN, 720 Littlepage Sunday Brunch til 1p Colonial Tavern Sunday night trivia runs from 5-6:30 p.m. ;

Wednesday, January 6 Finding Friends Preschool Playgroup 1:00 pm - 2:00 pm Massad Family YMCA, 212 Butler Rd., Falmouth,"Finding Friends Playgroup" is a fun, weekly, playgroup designed specifically for children ages 2 to 5 with special needs and their siblings. The fun takes place in room 3 of the Massad Family YMCA from 1 p.m. until 2 p.m. on Wednesday of each week. Communication, socialization, and play skills are facilitated by the Director of Community Outreach and Education for Paragon Autism Services and the Special Needs Coordinator for the Rappahannack Area YMCA. The event is FREE of charg Sunken Well, Trivia on the Patio, at 6:30PM, 720 Littlepage

Become a Friend Advocate ~ Donate ~ Volunteer

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

January 2021

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Saturday, January 9 Looking for a night out sans kiddo(s)? The Fredericksburg Field House has the solution! The second Friday of each month, we offer a Parents' Night Out from 6:30pm - 10:30pm. We provide your child(ren) with dinner and popcorn, as well as a movie, crafts, and activities that'll leave them happy and tuckered out! $20 per child ($5 sibling discount!) No membership or registration fees required! Twelth Night @Kenmore. Historic Kenmore (see January 8 listing)

Sunday, January 10 Colonial Tavern Sunday Brunch11:30-3PM Sunken Well TAVERN, 720 Littlepage Sunday Brunch til 1p Colonial Tavern Sunday night trivia runs from 5-6:30 p.m. ; Twelth Night @Kenmore. Historic Kenmore (see January 8 listing)

Wednesday January 13

MWH Home Health Caregivers Sup caring for an ill or homebound lov your life and manage caregiver st resources available for caregive meeting virtually. Please call ahead Our home health social worker is M

Sunken Well, Trivia on the Patio, a

Thursday January 14

American Legion Post 320 is pleas Every Thursday, starting Septemb COVID-19 surcharge (for sanitizati $5 for 5-pack. Masks required. So outside food or drinks. 6:30-9pm

Open Mic with Larry Hinkle @Hig Hwy

Friday, January 15

The Burg in a Bag, FXBG Annua January 24 It's the best time of t Restaurant Week! This semi-annua sample some of Downtown Frederi Price points range from $6.20 - $3 Participating restaurants will offer options. To view more info and me

Sunday, January 17

Colonial Tavern Sunday Brunch11: Sunken Well TAVERN, 720 Littlepa

Colonial Tavern Sunday night trivi

Tuesday, January 19

The University of Mary Washingto Lives Lecture Series James Monroe Scott Harris a pre-recorded Zoo available. Following each lecture w with the speaker available to answ will all be current and retired UMW p.m. and be archived on the UMW

DAR of events

pport Group11 AM - 12 PM Are you ed one? Do you need ways to balance tress? Could you use information on rs? Support groups are currently d to register for the virtual meeting. Margaret Kenerly- 540-741-1864 '

at 6:30PM, 720 Littlepage

sed to announce that Bingo is back!! ber 10th! $15 (first playbook) + $2 ion). Additional books $10. Pull tabs: ocial distancing will be enforced. No

ghmark Brewery, 7-10pm, 390 Kings

l Restaurant Week Begins! Through the yearâ&#x20AC;Ś.Downtown Fredericksburg al event is the perfect opportunity to cksburg's local dining scene. 30.20. You can enjoy 2 or 3-courses. r breakfast, lunch, drinks, and dinner enus, visit: fxbgrw.com

:30-3PM

ge Sunday Brunch til 1p

a runs from 5-6:30 p.m.

on's annual William B. Crawley Great e / George Washington, Presented by om webinars, with closed-captioning will be a question-and-answer section, wer audience questions. The speakers W faculty. Lectures will begin at 7:30 website for later viewing

Wednesday, January 20

Wednesday January 27

Sunken Well, Trivia on the Patio, 6:30PM, 720 Littlepage

MWH Home Health Caregivers Support Group Are you caring for an ill or homebound loved one? Do you need ways to balance your life and manage caregiver stress? Could you use information on resources available for caregivers? Support groups are currently meeting virtually. Please call ahead to register for the virtual meeting. Our home health social worker is Margaret Kenerly- 540-741-1864 '

Thursday, January 21 The University of Mary Washington's annual William B. Crawley Great Lives Lecture Series Sojourner Truth, presented by Claudine Ferrell a pre-recorded Zoom webinars, with closed-captioning available. Following each lecture will be a question-and-answer section, with the speaker available to answer audience questions. The speakers will all be current and retired UMW faculty. Lectures will begin at 7:30 p.m. and be archived on the UMW website for later viewing Open Mic with Larry Hinkle @Highmark Brewery, 7-10pm, 390 Kings Hwy American Legion Post 320 is pleased to announce that Bingo is back!! Every Thursday, starting September 10th! $15 (first playbook) + $2 COVID-19 surcharge (for sanitization). Additional books $10. Pull tabs: $5 for 5-pack. Masks required. Social distancing will be enforced. No outside food or drinks. 6:30-9pm

Saturday, January 23 Master Gardners Annual Seed Swap King George Citizen Center, 8076 Kings Hwy, 22485 is the location, social distancing (number of people allowed in at one time) and masking will be required. Our website (mgacra.org) and Facebook (MGACRA) pages will have any change/update/cancellation information if anything changes at the last minute.

Sunday, January 24 Colonial Tavern Sunday Brunch11:30-3PM Sunken Well TAVERN, 720 Littlepage Sunday Brunch til 1p Colonial Tavern Sunday night trivia runs from 5-6:30 p.m. ;

Tuesday, January 26 The University of Mary Washington's annual William B. Crawley Great Lives Lecture Series SĂźleyman the Magnificent, Presented by Nabil alTikriti, a pre-recorded Zoom webinars, with closed-captioning available. Following each lecture will be a question-and-answer section, with the speaker available to answer audience questions. The speakers will all be current and retired UMW faculty. Lectures will begin at 7:30 p.m. and be archived on the UMW website for later viewing

Sunken Well, Trivia on the Patio, 6:30PM, 720 Littlepage

Thursday, January 28 Open Mic with Larry Hinkle @Highmark Brewery, 7-10pm, 390 Kings Hwy The University of Mary Washington's annual William B. Crawley Great Lives Lecture Series, Andrei Tupolev / Joseph Stalin, Presented by Steven Harris a pre-recorded Zoom webinars, with closed-captioning available. Following each lecture will be a question-and-answer section, with the speaker available to answer audience questions. The speakers will all be current and retired UMW faculty. Lectures will begin at 7:30 p.m. and be archived on the UMW website for later viewing American Legion Post 320 is pleased to announce that Bingo is back!! Every Thursday, starting September 10th! $15 (first playbook) + $2 COVID-19 surcharge (for sanitization). Additional books $10. Pull tabs: $5 for 5-pack. Masks required. Social distancing will be enforced. No outside food or drinks. 6:30-9pm

Saturday, January 30 The Frosty Brew Thru RETURNS for 2021!!! FXBG Fairgrounds. An Exclusive INDOOR Craft Beer/Wine/Cider and Spirits Unlimited Tasting Event. 11a-2p & 3-6p $

Sunday, January 31 Colonial Tavern Sunday Brunch 11:30-3PM Sunken Well Tavern, 720 Littlepage Sunday Brunch til 1p Colonial Tavern Sunday night trivia runs from 5-6:30 p.m. ;

If you are reading this 282nd issue of FPF, thank an advertiser as we celebrate our 24th year of continuous publication! List your events email frntprch@aol.com: subject Calendar Deadline for February 2021 issue is January 20th.

3706 Fans (& Growing) Want You to Join

Front Porch on

front porch fredericksburg

January 2021

history’s stories

Chatham Bridge By Ralph “Tuffy” Hicks

During a recent conversation with my Keith longtime friend Littlefield, who like myself has a vast collection of information and artifacts on Fredericksburg history, we discussed the Chatham Bridge, carrying over 16,000 vehicles per day, which has been closed since June for rebuilding. The City of Fredericksburg has an excellent blog on “Spanning the Chatham Bridge's History," by Lily Eghtessad, and Keith's research provides unique insight into this historically significant bridge. I can recall when I was growing up the bridge, which was built in 1941 and in constant use for the past 79 years, was referred to by local citizens as the "Free Bridge." The bridge that was destroyed in the flood of 1939, had been originally build in 1890. In 1920 it was completely renovated, given the wear of carrying over 1000 vehicles per day. The toll was placed on the bridge to pay for its construction and maintenance as there were no local or state funds available. This is similar to the antebellum Fredericksburg & Valley Plank Road (route 3). The Chatham Bridge tolls lasted from January 1921 until August 1922 when the repair cost had been recouped. The tolls were, for one-way traffic only, was complicated: 8 cents per four wheeled vehicle, 6 cents per 3 wheeled vehicle, 4 cents per 2 wheeled vehicle, horse rider or bicycle, Horse hitched to a wagon 2 Cents, 1.5 cents per head sheep or hogs, 1 cent per cow or person walking. Metal tokens were used and only a few have survived. The first Chatham Bridge was started in 1821 by Churchill Jones who had received building authority by the Acts of Assembly in 1818, that stated by law that he must start construction within two years and finish within seven. Churchill died in 1822 during construction and Judge John Coalter acquired the Jones estate. Judge Coalter finished the building of the toll bridge in 1823. The bridge had a short life as it was destroyed by the flood of 1826 and would remain in ruins until Judge Coalter completed a new "Chatham Bridge " in 1832 often referred to as Coalter's Bridge. The bridge would be in existence for 30 years, until it was destroyed by the Southern Army to slow the invasion of the Union Army into the Town and allow the citizens time to evacuate their homes and Southern troops to build defenses. The three bridges destroyed were the, Falmouth Bridge, Chatham Bridge, and the RF&P Railroad Trestle Bridge. The Union Army would construct Pontoon bridges across the Rappahannock, at Hawke Street, Town Wharf, and at what is the Fredericksburg Country Club today for thousands of troops to cross over the Rappahannock River. They would also construct bridge on the Chatham Bridge site using a wire rope that was completed in less than a month, that bridge would be destroyed as the Union Army abandoned the area. After the Civil War in 1866 construction was begun on a new bridge that would last until the flood of June 1889. This takes us back to where we began. The first known interest in building a bridge over the Rappahannock at Fredericksburg was in 1797 by Carter Beverly. He wanted to build a toll bridge upriver as referred to north branch. No record of any activity available. In 1814 Robert Lewis wanted to build a toll bridge that did not take place. In 1817 the Rappahannock Toll Bridge Company with several investors explored the project just prior to Churchill Jones starting the project. No further record on the Rappahannock Toll Bridge Company exist. Chatham, which was built Circa 1770 by William Fitzhugh, was named after William Pitt Earl of Chatham in England. They had to use a boat or ferry to cross to Fredericksburg and return for 53 years before the first bridge was constructed. Thanks to Keith Littlefield for his records. Happy New Year 2021 Dedicated to : Richard “BAngie” McCalley, Joe Torrice, David Lough & Trudy Psayne Tuffy is the Front Porch resident FXBG historian

OUR HERITAGE

January 2021

Front porch fredericksburg

the big fire By John Reifenberg

An article dated July 10, 1919 in The Daily Star, a local newspaper in Fredericksburg, caught the attention of another volunteer and myself. Located at The Heritage Center, in a bound volume, it is simply titled "A Big Fire", and it piqued both our interests. In reading the article, some interesting facts and historical tidbits emerged. We started digging through the archives to locate additional pieces of information. Around 11:30 a.m., a fire began in the rear of the J. Willard Bookstore. (above) During that time, the bookstore was located between Goolrick's Drug Store and Kaufman's Jewelry Store on Main (Caroline) St. (This from an April 14th, 1915 plat, also archived at The Center). Quoted from the article: "The fire is said to have started from a bit of lighted wax which dropped while a can was being sealed where 3 barrels of turpentine or paint were stored...". "Barrels of paints and oils exploded, adding to the flames". "The fire truck, (authors italics), made many trips to the firehouse for extra hose...". At a certain point during the fight, Mayor J. P. Rowe, in consultation with a few leading citizens, including City Manager L. Houston, decided to contact Richmond for assistance. They were to arrive by rail. However, before they could get to the city, the fire was controlled and the ensemble from Richmond was turned around. The article goes on to describe damage to the adjacent buildings, all the affected stores and their inventories, and

the fires effects on tenants living above the merchants. There were no reported injuries and a cheery note to end with was the last sentence in the story, "It is expected that all those that were burned out will rebuild". An interesting side note was uncovered; in a document titled "City Report of Fredericksburg, Va.", for the years 1918 and 1919, it made mention of the fire. "The Fire Department maintained its usually high efficiency, and was able to keep the fire losses down to a very small percent, except in one instance". It then describes some additional details of the July 10th blaze. An example from the document is the reporting that the Richmond firefighters were alerted to the success of the Fredericksburg fighters and were turned around in Ashland. As mentioned earlier, as with many endeavors, the pieces come together from various sources, and this is no exception. We have yet to examine any insurance documentation. And I am sure there is still more to be uncovered at The Central Rappahannnock Heritage Center. John Reifenberg Retired from the National Park Service after 31 years of service. He has been volunteering at the Center since the fall of 2011.

What’s in a Bank? the national bank building By jon gerlach Million. The "Ship of Gold" became the most talked-about sunken treasure in American history, and the subject of furious litigation over ownership and profit rights.

The magnificent Federal style brick building at 900 Princess Anne Street is steeped in history. Built in 1819-20 at a cost of $10,000 by Robert and George Ellis, this architectural gem has stories to tell about slavery, the local economy, and politics. Remarkably, the building was continuously used as a bank for 194 years. At first, it was the Farmers Bank of Fredericksburg. Its first president was John Taliaferro Brooke, who served in the Revolutionary War as an American officer. The bank's first cashier was Dabney Herndon, who had nine children, all born in Fredericksburg. His son, William Lewis Herndon, was the captain of the ill-fated mail steamship Central America. In 1857 William went down with his ship off Cape Hatteras, North Carolina, lost at sea in a ferocious storm. Besides the mail, he was transporting tons of gold coins and bullion, valued today at well over $100

Dr. Brodie Strachan Herndon, another of Dabney's sons, is believed to be the first American surgeon to do a cesarean operation. John Minor Herndon, also a Dabney son, served as the Secretary of the Commonwealth of Virginia. A fourth son, Charles Herndon, served in the Virginia House of Delegates.

bank building for many years. Taught to read and write by his mother, Washington's memoirs are a rare and vivid glimpse into the lives of enslaved African Americans. The window directly over the George Street entrance is believed to have been Washington's bedroom. Here, he was separated from his mother and siblings who were hired out to work in Staunton. Just five weeks before Lincoln addressed the troops from the bank's steps, Washington walked out of the bank building and down those steps - one last time - making his way to the Rappahannock River where he crossed to freedom on the other shore. Farmers Bank failed near the end of the Civil War, with significant investments tied up in worthless Confederate bonds. In October 1865, the National Bank of Fredericksburg was chartered, operating there for nearly 150 years.

In 2014 the building stopped being a bank, and today it houses the popular minority-owned restaurant, Foode, which is one of our favorite places for dinner. A beautiful interior pays homage to the fascinating past. Curbside pick-up is available during the pandemic, and they offer cozy fire-hearth seating outdoors. Foode's Executive Chef, Joy Crump, was a contestant on the Emmy Award-winning "Top Chef" television show. So … what's in a Bank? Here, a rich, constantly unfolding history, and a great place to eat!

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

Photo Collage by Jon Gerlach

Dabney's granddaughter, Nell Herndon, married Chester Arthur who, shortly after her untimely death from pneumonia, became Vice President of the United States and ascended to the Presidency four months into his term when James Garfield was assassinated. As you can see, there are many stories to tell … so back to the building. During the Civil War, it served as a Union headquarters. President Abraham Lincoln visited the site in the Spring of 1862 and addressed his troops from the George Street steps. Today, the steps are on display outside the Fredericksburg Area Museum. John Washington, an enslaved servant of Catherine Taliaferro of the Ware family (bank managers), lived in the

The Central Rappahannock Heritage Center is a non-profit, all-volunteer archives whose mission is to preserve historically valuable material of the region and make it available to the public for research 900 Barton St #111, Fredericksburg, VA www.crhcarchives.org contact@crhcarchives.org 540-373-3704 Volunteers Wecome! Contact us about donating collections of documents and photographs

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January 2021

Mental Health get & stay moving By christina hibbert, PsyD Mental illness has deeply impacted my life. I have experienced the flooding of anxiety and the drowning of depression. I have waged, and won, several battles with postpartum depression and been through loss and grief. I know how painful it can be to find oneself in the throes of mental illness and how helpless it can feel when a loved one is caught in its grasp. As a clinical psychologist, I have witnessed the sting of mental illness and the struggle to find healing. People come desperate to learn the tools that can break the chains of mental and emotional symptoms. Too often, individuals and their friends and family are ready to seek and find help, only to find barriers halting their progress. .Benefits of Exercise for Mental Health Exercise has been researched and validated for treating a variety of mental issues and mental health conditions, including depression, anxiety, eating disorders, bipolar disorders, schizophrenia, addictions, grief, relationship problems, dementia and personality disorders. Additionally, exercise alleviates such conditions as bad moods, stress, chronic pain and chronic illnesses. Exercise is not only free from negative stigma, it is safe when done appropriately, with a doctor's approval. Any side effects are ultimately positive, and even better, exercise is free of charge, easy to access and available for everyone. Exercise can be used as a stand-alone treatment for some mild-to-moderate conditions or, more effectively, in conjunction with other mental health treatments. Like medicine in the treatment of mental illness, exercise can increase levels of serotonin, dopamine and norepinephrine in the brain. It improves and normalizes neurotransmitter levels, which ultimately helps us feel mentally healthy. Other important benefits include enhanced mood and energy; reduced stress; deeper relaxation; improved mental clarity, learning, insight, memory and cognitive functioning; enhanced intuition, creativity, assertiveness and enthusiasm for life; and improved social health and relationships, higher self-esteem and increased spiritual connection. Keys to Mental Health through Exercise If exercise is so good for physical and mental health, why aren't more of us exercising for mental health? . 1. Heal Your Mind and Body with Exercise To receive the benefits of exercise, however, we must first believe that exercise can heal body, mind and soul. 2. Improve Your Self-E Esteem with Exercise Exercise improves self-esteem, which is

January 2021

associated with greater mental health, . increasing self-confidence, self-efficacy, self-acceptance and self-concept. When we exercise, we feel more loving, positive and confident. 3. Exercise as a Family Family has a big influence on how we perceive exercise and mental health. Exercising as a family not only gets the entire family moving to reap the benefits of exercise but also models healthy beliefs about physical activity and improves family relationships. 4. Get Motivated Motivation, or rather lack of it, is probably the biggest block to exercise for mental health. . 5. Change How You Think about Exercise What thoughts do you have about exercise? What promotes physical activity? What holds you back? As we identify these thoughts, we can choose to change them. One tool for this is called a "thought record." As we list our thoughts and feelings about exercise we have the power to question and change our thoughts. We can put new, healthier thoughts into our brains-thoughts like, "I know if I go for a walk, I will feel more energized and less depressed." 6. Overcome Roadblocks While exercising can be physically challenging, exercise is just as much, or even more, about mental fortitude. What are your biggest roadblocks to exercise? If you look carefully, you'll see that almost all of them have to do with mental perceptions and beliefs. Whatever the roadblocks, you can overcome them as you acknowledge and challenge them. 7. Get FITT-P Physically and Mentally To stay with exercise for mental health, you must first build mental fortitude. The FITT Principle shows how. FITT stands for Frequency (how often you exercise), Intensity (how hard you exercise), Type (of exercise you're doing) and Time (how long you exercise). Through FITT, you can create a tailored program for your unique needs. 8. Implement Your Vision and Flourish Finally, we need a long-term vision of health and wellness to keep exercising for mental health for the rest of our lives. . Christina G. Hibbert, Psy.D. is a clinical psychologist specializing in women's mental health, motherhood, grief/loss, selfesteem and personal growth. She is the author of This Is How We Grow, Who Am I Without You? and 8 Keys to Mental Health Through Exercise , and host of the weekly series "Motherhood" on WebTalkRadio.net. For more on this topic, visit www. DrChristinaHibbert.com and www.Exercise4MentalHealth.com.

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Have You Tried Acupuncture?

Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s All Energy wind points by christina ferber

Call Now to Schedule 540.847.6985 AcupunctureFredericksburg.com

Astrology for You A language of planetary patterns that connect us with universal energies. We are born with unique configurations that can advise us, guide us, help us grow to our highest potential Consultations by Dianne Bachman 540.845.7622 dbachmanlcsw@gmail.com diannebachman.com

Donate to a Cancer Organization

ble at Availa n.com Amazo

As January begins, one way to start the year off right is to adopt some new habits that can keep us healthy and resilient throughout the year. Eden Energy Medicine (EEM) is one natural way to do that. EEM works with simple techniques and exercises to balance the energies of the body for maximum health and wellbeing. This month's topic is about the Wind Points and how to balance them using EEM techniques. In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), "The Five Winds" or "The Five Devils" are outside forces, or raw energies, that can enter our body through something called the Wind Points. Just as a house may have cracks in windows or doors where the wind or cold can enter, our body has similar places where these forces can cause disruption in our energies and can ultimately be one of the reasons we develop illness. Depending on the types of external energies or "Disruptive Forces" that enter through our Wind Points, we can experience a variety of symptoms including sudden chills, colds, fever, the flu, joint pain, and stomach aches and pains. We can also develop fatigue, mood swings, sudden anxiety or depression, and skin eruptions among other things. Our goal is to maintain them and keep them strong and resilient so that these energies do not have a place to enter the body. There are ways that an EEM Practitioner can test the body to find any weaknesses in these Wind Points, but there is also a way for you to work with them yourself. You can simply hold or rub the area on the skin over the locations, and even better, trace figure eights on the skin over the points described below (some are also noted in the diagram). You can imagine that you are sealing them up as you work with each area, and you may notice that it feels pretty good to work with them.

head at the top of the neck. If you like to wear scarves, you are also doing double duty by protecting these points on the neck from external energies entering your energy field. Other points are located on the top of the head (a good reason to wear a hat in the winter), on the top of the shoulders, and in the middle of the base of the neck at the bottom of the cervical vertebrae. The entire Latissimus Dorsi muscle can also be a place where external energies can enter, along with the front, back, and sides of the knees. The bottom of the feet and toes, as well as the inside of the hands and fingers can be other spots to work with. You may also want to rub or figure eight any scars on the body, as well. If you would like to find out more about these points and see a video of how to work with them, visit www.itsallenergywellness.com. I am wishing you a year filled with wellness and good health! Christina Ferber is a Certified Eden Energy Medicine Practitioner

The bone below the ear is one spot (both sides of the body), as well as some points behind the head where the neck and head meet. You can access these points by rubbing behind the ear (near the bottom) and along the entire occipital edge at the base of the skull. A point called the PowerPoint is another spot. This point is located in the middle of the back of the

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January 2021

Emancipated Patients caregiving By Patrick Neustatter, MD the phone for 9 hours one day, and then took 5 months for them to come to the conclusion her husband was 100 per cent disabled. The emotional toll on caregivers is reported in various studies. Feeling sad, angry, tired, worried and losing interest in life - a study of partners of stroke sufferers reported "reduced vitality and social function" for example.

Surveys asking people where they want to die overwhelmingly indicate dying at home is their preference. The downside is that it puts enormous strain on caregivers - an area of healthcare that gets all too little attention. At one of the recent discussions held by our end-of-life positive planning group we featured caregiving. Linda Vinnedge, who cared for her husband dying of ALS, shared her story as a good example of all the ramifications of this taxing job. Her husband, Phil a 64 year old Market Researcher had always been super healthy, but started to complain he was having trouble buttoning his shirt. "We just attributed it to arthritis" Linda told us. When things got worse, they investigated first with a local neurologist, then at UVA they confirmed the grim diagnosis. Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (also known as Lou Gehrig's after this famous New York Yankee's baseball player who died of it in 1941) is a relentless degeneration of the nerve cells that leads to progressive weakness with inability to move, talk, swallow, and finally breath. Effects on the Caregiving Caregiving takes a physical toll, Linda found when she had to dress, feed and help Phil out of bed and to the bathroom while "running on about twoand-a-half hours sleep a night." She had to leave her job. Had to give up running - though from the workout "I developed a six pack." There was the business side of things to handle. Fighting with Social Security, which involved being on hold on

January 2021

"No matter how hard you work at it, it's heart breaking" Linda told us. And there were the more subtle stressors like grieving for the loss of her marriage and the loss of all the plans for a happy retirement together. The realization she was going to be a widow. One of the bad features Linda found about ALS is "the mind is still functional." The children came when he was at the end and would take turns reading to him. The Federalist Papers always Phil's favorite. Help Many people offered to help, but often "I was too tired to think of something for them to do" Linda said. "The more helpful people were those who decided for themselves and just came and did some specific task." Like so many specific conditions, ALS has its own support group - the ALS Association (https://www.als.org). There are other organizations to help caregivers of any kind, like Area Agency on Aging or Eldercare Locator Caregiver Corner (https://eldercare.acl.gov/Public/Resource s/Topic/Caregiver.aspx) General advice (from the Mayo Clinic website) is accept help; focus on what you are able to provide; set realistic goals; get connected; join a support group; seek social supports; set personal health goals (lack of sleep seems to be the most pervasive problem). Although it was "a kick in the head" she told us, "and I would like to be doing what others are able to with their spouse" she feels glad she was his caregiver. "I have peace of mind I did the right thing" she said. Patrick Neustatter is the Medical Director of the Moss Free Clinic. & Author of Managing Your Doctor The Smart Patientâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Guide to Getting Effective Affordable Healthcare. managingyourdoctor.com

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Kids & COVID Help Your Child Manage Depression from Cooronavirus Isolation by Anna Medina Children and adolescents are currently more vulnerable to depression due to the prolonged isolation from this pandemic. However, parents can help their child prevent or manage symptoms of depression by noticing the warning signs, being there for them and encouraging the use of healthy coping skills. Warning Signs to Look Out For Not all parents know when their child needs help with their mental health. So, let's look at some of the warning signs for the onset of depression. Mood changes that are unusual for your child. For example, it could be an increased feeling of irritability, anxiety or anger. Behavioral and communication changes. For example, you may notice that your child has begun to communicate less with peers, avoids communication on social networks or does not want to communicate with relatives for no apparent reason. Lack of interest in usual activities. For example, if your child abruptly abandons their hobbies for no reason. Trouble falling asleep and waking up. Physiological change, such as weight gain or loss due to increased appetite or lack of it. Unwillingness to study and a decline in academic performance. Bad memory and concentration. The above symptoms may indicate that it's time to get your child professional help. You can start by talking to them about how they are feeling, and if your suspicions are confirmed, getting them professional help. While you may not want to have them go to a mental health professional in-person, there are many

that are seeing people remotely and most insurers are covering teletherapy the same as they would for in-person care. How to Help Them Cope In addition to getting them professional help, you can also help your child learn and practice healthy coping skills. Establish Trust The relationship with your child plays a significant role. You need to establish trust with your child, and for that, you need to be able to talk openly with them and show that you can help. It will also show them the value and benefit of speaking openly about their mental health, which is a very important coping skill. Start with Yourself If you are lamenting every day that you are tired of self-isolation, or you tell the whole family how many infections there were per day, it might negatively impact your mental health. It's important that you practice healthy coping skills to set a positive example and to be more emotionally available to help your child. Find Alternatives It can be stressful and overwhelming for a child that the usual way of life is not available. It is vital here to explain that there are potential benefits during this isolation as well as many alternatives to their normal activities. For example, if your child is very socially active and cannot do without communication with peers, tell them can stay up later than their normal bedtime if they want to talk to their friends on the phone or over Zoom. Set a Social Media Schedule Isolation has digitized almost all interactions and it is important to remember that social networks can be harmful to a child or teenager's mental

health. Talk to your child about creating a social media schedule so that it will be easier for them to return to the old schedule after the end of quarantine. It is also important to give your child attention. The more live communication you provide, the less desire the teen will have to disappear on the Internet. Create evening entertainment for the whole family. This can be board games, table tennis, cooking and so on. The key is to find entertainment that will interest them. Reward Your Child for Academic Success If you notice that your child is losing the desire to learn because of distance learning, then come up with good motivation or encouragement. For example, you can incentivize your child by offering gifts, prizes or their favorite meal at the end of the school week if they stay on task.

Spend Time Outdoors Spending time in your backyard during isolation can be helpful to boost their mood. But it will be even better if you arrange a family trip outside your home at least once a week. Go to the forest or river, where it will be safe to spend some time, take a walk and get some fresh air. It can help your child feel less isolated to go out into the world. Time outside also reduces stress and is a great way to spend quality time as a family. Remember that a period of isolation is a good opportunity to improve your relationship with your children and give them the attention they need. If they are struggling with their mental health, don't lose hope, you can help them get through the tough days of this pandemic. Anna Medina is a specialist at writing service review websites, and basic writing tips for students all over the world. She is a blog writer for the National Alliance on Mental Illness `

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January 2021

Art in Burg Art Galleries in January

“Let it Snow" Exhibit Brush Strokes Gallery 824 Caroline St. Friday- Sun 11am - 5 pm. And, By Appointment

“Earl, Stanley & Bill”.Kit Paulsen @Art First

"Going Out in 2021" Featuring "Little Black Dress" Works by Sally Cooney Anderson Artful Dimensions Gallery 922 Caroline Street In 1926, Gabrielle "Coco" Chanel published a picture of a short, simple black dress in American Vogue, saying that the "LBD" would become "a sort of uniform for all women of taste." The little black dress continued to be popular since that time, predominantly because of elegance and economy. Hollywood's influence on fashion helped the "LBD's" popularity. The rise of Dior's new look in the postwar era returned the "LBD" to its roots as a "uniform" and helped it become a symbol of the dangerous woman. The black Givenchy dress worn by Audrey Hepburn in Breakfast at Tiffany's cemented the "LBD" into an icon position. ~Sally Cooney Anderson

The all-members exhibit for January 2021 resonates with a theme of "Let It Snow." A number of artists have created artwork featuring winter themes such as Sarah Flinn's nostalgic "The Swing," Penny A Parrish's intriguing "Belmont Plow" and Stacy Gaglio's thoughtprovoking "Dead of Winter." Other artists will exhibit artwork that reflects the spirit of the phrase-the determination and desire to rise above the limitations of the current climate of the times as well as memories of earlier times . These include Beverley Coates "Lily of the Valley," Buddy Lauer's "Bye Bye Starfish," Norma Woodward's "Magnolia," Nancy Williams' "Some Are Lucky," Marianna Smith's whimsical "The Velveteen Rabbit" and Collette Caprara's uplifting duet of "Together in Flight." ~Collette Caprara

Canal Quarter Arts 1517 Princess Anne Street Darbytown Darbytown Art Studio 241 Charles Street ~Jeannie Ellis

“Let's Create Kindness" An All Member Show Art First, 824 Caroline ST Opening Reception: No First Friday, Closed for New Year's Day Exhibit on View through January 31st Open Thurs-S Sun 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Leave 2020 behind and bring in the New Year with Kindness!!!! Art First would like to express their sincere appreciation to all their loyal patrons in 2020!!! With your support we made it through all the obstacles and challenges put before us! We look forward to 2021 and want to start the year off with promoting one of the most basic human virtues, kindness. Kindness cost nothing but it's worth is priceless. If 2020 has taught us anything it is to slow down, be kind, and help those in need. Let's create kindness and follow the kind words of the American author, Leo Buscaglia, "To often we underestimate the power of a smile, a kind word, a listening ear, an honest compliment, or the smallest act of caring, all have the potential to turn a life around." We would love to see you in the New Year!!!! ~Lisa Gillen

“The Swing”, Sarah Flinn @BSG FCCA Members Gallery, Rebecca Womble Carpenter All-M Media National Exhibit. 813 Sophia ST Th-F Fri, 12-4 4p; Sat 11-4 4, Sun, 1-4 4p

Libertytown Arts Workshop 916 Liberty St Mon-T Thurs, 10-6 6; Fri/Sat 10-8 8, Sun 10-5 5 Something going on all month...classes, lots of art & more!

“Little Black Dress”, @Artful Dimensions Sally Cooney Anderson

The Artists' Alliance 100 Taylor St, Suite 101 Colonial Beach The Artists' Alliance (AA) Gallery

“Hope”, Mary Wenz @Artists’ Alliance at Jarrett Thor Fine Arts, in Colonial Beach, is excited to be showing a full-size driftwood sculpture of a horse, by multifaceted artist Mary Wenz. The sculpture is named "Hope", after her favorite horse. Mary states she feels the movement of the driftwood, and that she views the individual pieces of wood as seeking connections through her work. Also, view an array of painting, photography, pottery, sculpture, jewelry, wood furniture, and basketry from AA artists ~ Rob Rudick

810 Caroline Street, Downtown 540.371.4099

“Goolricks After Hours”, Penny A Parrish 24

January 2021

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Beverley Coates

“Rappahannock Winter”, Lynn Abbott

Artist on Site Saturdays

Juniper Lou to the Rescue helping kids cope with pandemic isolation By dolly whitley After focusing on children's illustration while earning my master's, my ultimate goal was always to be an illustrator, and as an avid reader and artist, writing/illustrating my own books was the ultimate dream job. However, parenting young children, work life, and health issues kept delaying my ability to achieve that goal. I had started and stopped countless times, a wall of anxiety and self-doubt blocking my path. Enter global pandemic. Apparently I needed to be pushed (or perhaps locked away in my home for three months.) Within the first week of lock down with two kids, I knew what I wanted and needed to do to stay sane, pass the time, and document what was happening in the world. I desperately needed to create in order to process what we were all experiencing. I also knew this was a big moment in history I wanted to record in terms children could understand. The story came to me in the middle of an anxious sleepless night, and I began excitedly illustrating the next day. I was on a mission. My family, town, and current events influenced so many of the little details I put into each page. I worked long hours getting it done as quickly as I could knowing this was a timely subject. Being hyper focused on one thing helped pass the time, although being interrupted constantly by real life obligations definitely proved challenging. When I grew overwhelmed, my kids laughter over each new illustration spurred me on. I made a lot of mistakes along the way, and shed many frustrated tears from trying to parent, create and publish a book during an already stressful time, but ultimately I

knew I had to complete it. I've had many different jobs along the way to prepare me for this challenge, and was able to write, illustrate, layout, design and self-publish the book fairly quickly because of that, although there were several hiccups along the way that taught me even more about the process. I know this is no big thing to many, but I'm proud of this accomplishment, and hope to make more books in the future. My biggest hope for this book is that it brings a smile and a sense of togetherness in this shared experience. It's a bit like a little time capsule, and I'm really thankful for what I learned through the experience.

alone, and that it's okay to ask for help sometimes. The funny details in each page are relatable for different ages, and the ending is a great surprise. The entire book was illustrated digitally using ProCreate on my iPad. Juniper Lou to the Rescue can be purchased locally at Agora Downtown Coffee Shop or Riverby Books, as well as online on Amazon, & Etsy

In Juniper Lou to the Rescue, Juniper is faced with new challenges as everyone around her falls mysteriously ill. She has to learn how to pass the time

Dolly Whitley is an artist, illustrator, and writer living in Fredericksburg. She enjoys creating whatever inspires her. Find her on facebook , or www.dollywhitley.com

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January 2021

History in Our Backyard winter roads in civil war central virginia By Sarah Kay Bierle Icy roads are a challenge in any era, and winter travel could be quite hazardous during the Civil War era. In December 1862, a set of Confederate cavalry officers made the trip out to a home near Chancellorsville for a country dance. Five officers, a visiting British officer, and several musicians piled into an old yellow wagon to make the drive. A self-proclaimed skilled driver held the reins and hurried four mules along the road in the evening's gloom. According Heros Von Borcke, one of the adventurers: "Our rate of progress now became greatly accelerated, and the rapid clatter of the hoofs of our fleet animals on the hard-frozen road, just covered with snow, struck pleasantly on the ear, as all began to partake of the agreeable excitement which great velocity of movement generally produces; when suddenly, with a loud crash and a

freezing weather. Some men rode the mules while others tried to perch on the broken remains of the wagon. Finally, the bright lights in the windows of the welcoming house could be seen, and the country dance started as planned. They danced for hours, then borrowed a wagon to go back to camp just before daybreak. There were no recorded accidents on the return trip. The slightly humorous story illustrates the dangers of frozen roads for Civil War transportation and logistic challenges. Thawed, muddy roads also presented troubles during the winter and early spring. During Union General Burnside's infamous "Mud March" in January 1863, Corporal Dayton Flint of the 15th New Jersey Infantry wrote: "The day we started the weather was cold, the ground frozen hard, and the roads

Union soldiers struggling along a difficult road during January 1863 heavy thump, the wagon overturning, projected its inmates in various directions fully ten paces out upon the snow." After seeing that no one was seriously injured, they climbed back in and continued the rattling journey. Further down the road, another mishap occurred. William Blackford, another passenger that night, later wrote: "All went merrily until within a couple miles of the place, when the hind axel snapped off at the wheel while we were in rapid motion, letting the end on that side fall on the ground with a fearful bump." Blackford was hurt in the accident when the broken wheel whacked his head as lay on the ground after his tumble. This time the old yellow wagon completely broke apart and creating a transportation problem. Still a few miles from their destination, the officers decided to press on, rather than risk the

January 2021

smoothâ&#x20AC;Ś. About dark it commenced raining, and rained steadily all night. As if by magic there was a sudden transformation in the surface of Virginia. The mud was knee deepâ&#x20AC;Ś." Historic roads were important for the movement of troops (or party attenders), but the condition of the roads could have significant impact on a campaign or evening's adventure. Perhaps it's a little reminder that some things don't change, and we can all use a little extra caution on the wintry roads of Central Virginia. Stay safe and keep exploring the stories from the past! Sarah Kay Bierle serves on staff at Central Virginia Battlefields Trust; when not at work preserving historical sites, she is often reading or hiking. Graphics from Libary of Congress

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Central Virginia Battlefield Trust seeks to preserve battlefield land to protect the memory, meaning, sacrifices, and stories of the Civil War soldiers who fought and fell here.

To learn more about this grassroots preservation organization and their 24 years in the local community, please visit: www.cvbt.org

Biz Notes

About Town

business resolutions for 2021 by Mandy Smith 2020 was an unprecedented year. Businesses had to adapt and figure out new ways to reach their consumers. Now that it's 2021, what business resolutions do you have? Here are some ideas on how you can grow your business in 2021. Customer Service Is Key It's no secret that businesses had to adapt to survive in 2020. Maybe you had to develop an online marketplace, spruce up your website, or add curbside pickup and delivery. These little changes helped you create a positive customer experience. In 2021, how are you going to WOW your customers? Think about special ways you can give your customers a memorable experience. Maybe it's a bounce back gift card, free sample, or a handwritten Thank You postcard. These small gestures of gratitude are a great way to create a customer for life!

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Small Business Partnerships We are fortunate to have a bunch of amazing small businesses in our area. If you have a small business, it's a good idea to talk with other business owners. See what works and doesn't work for them. You may even be able to cross promote each other. Let's say you own a boutique in Fredericksburg, you can cross promote a coffee shop by adding a coupon for a free coffee when the purchase is over $50.00. Change your mindset. Stop thinking about your business as a singular entity and start thinking about it as part of a whole network. Get outside of your 4 walls and work with your neighboring businesses. If you do so, great things will happen. Up Your Marketing Game KEEP MARKETING,

KEEP

ADVERTISING, KEEP PROMOTING YOUR BUSINESS. Don't get complacent when it comes to marketing your business. There's a lot going on in the world and people can get very distracted. Make sure your business is top of mind. Talk about it, post about it, budget for radio, print, digital, and other marketing mediums. Don't hesitate to be an ambassador for your brand. Additionally, be sure to empower your employees to be ambassadors as well. Practice Self-C Care You work 24/7 to make your business thrive. No vacation, little breaksâ&#x20AC;Ś lack of sleep. Your business is your passion, but you also need to make sure you take care of YOU! What is selfcare, according to VeryWellMind.com, "Self-care describes a conscious act one takes in order to promote their own physical, mental, and emotional health.

There are many forms self-care may take. It could be ensuring you get enough sleep every night or stepping outside for a few minutes for some fresh air." We're in a place in time where it's hard not to get rundown, depressed, or be filled with anxiety. Be sure to take time for yourself. Build it into your day and make it a habit. You can't pour from an empty cup. Taking care of yourself ensures that you can put your best self out there and your best business forward in 2021.

Mandy Smith is the Promotions & Marketing Director for B101.5. AKA "AJ" Weekend Air Personality

Give a Child Something to Think About

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

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January 2021

Companion goodbye 2020.....hello 2021 by Gerri Reid dvm

This has been the toughest year for most of us. COVID-19 has changed our lives, I feel, forever. My heart goes out to all who have lost friends, family and loved ones. It's a new year and hopefully it will be better. New year is a time to revamp ourselves, reevaluate our life and attempt to just do better. But why do we make Resolutions? As a History Lover, I am always researching the origins of things or traditions. So, here is what I discovered. The Babylonians were the first known to make resolutions. They would celebrate the first of the year not in January but in mid-March. They made promises to the Gods that they would pay their debt or return something they borrowed. But it was the Romans who changed New Year a bit more. Julius Caesar established January 1st as the beginning of the New Year. Named for Janus, a two-faced God, whose spirit would inhabit the doorways. January was very significant to the Roman as Janus symbolically looked back to the previous year and ahead into the future. Romans would make sacrifices and promise of good conduct in the upcoming new year. The Christians celebrated New Year's as we do today but just a bit different. They would start to think about their mistakes and make resolutions to do better in the future. This was comprised of praying and singing hymns the night before. Despite the religious roots to New Year's Resolutions, instead of making promises to God, we make promises to ourselves. We strive for self-improvement and attempt to change our habits. This can include a resolution to be healthier, more activity, or just go for a walk each day. So let's talk about resolutions for our pets. If you have taken your pet for a checkup lately, the Veterinarian may have made some recommendations. You may have been told that your pet is a bit overweight. There's a resolution! Cut

January 2021

back on your pet's food intake and limit treats. This is a great opportunity to get your pet as well as yourself outside and go for a walk. Easy, right? Well, it is not always easy to set resolutions and actually fulfill them. Here are some simple suggestions: Schedule your pet's next Annual exam/Wellness Check. For older pets, I recommend 6month checkups. Choose to do a full workup that includes blood test, radiographs, and dental exam. And plan to do it every year for your pet regardless of its age. Think about putting your dog on a joint supplement/support when your pet is young instead of waiting until they are older and arthritic. This resolution is one that can be made each year and one that you can achieve the health of your pet. I pray 2021 will be filled with happy thoughts and memories. We have been subjected to some experiences that has challenged all of us, young and old. For many people, having their pets with them during this pandemic has probably been the best therapy you can get. Our lives feel like it is "Groundhog Day" every day just like in the movie with Bill Murray. But our pets definitely sooth our souls and remind us that there are things to look forward to. It's that wet nose on your hand to tell you to pet them or that sweet little purr at 5 am in the morning to wake your up for food. It's the days of cuddling on the couch with a cozy blanket and your four-legged best friend snuggled right next to you. So, Resolutions just don't have to be for you. Make a list of Resolutions just for your pets and I bet you this will be the first time you have ever accomplished your New Year Resolutions!

Gerri S. Reid is the Owner/Veterinarian of Reid Mobile Veterinary Services. has been named â&#x20AC;&#x153;2020 Best Veterinarian in the â&#x20AC;&#x153;Burg, 540-623-3029; reidmobilevetservices.com

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Astrology & You

THE POETRY MAN

new year at the crossroads

By Frank Fratoe

By Dianne Bachman

Transition to Dawn

change during the past year. But the party began to break up in midDecember 2020 when Saturn and Jupiter moved into the sign of Aquarius. So, what does this mean? It depends on who you ask because every astrologer will have their own take, but here are my thoughts.

I lie awake unable to rest although the room is quiet as a half-moon bears upon forestland hushed outside until I shiver in darkness feeling a dread within me. Suddenly the weather turns to pitch sleet on my roof and wind runs along boughs closing and then widening the interplay between them while a storm goes through. Morning brings sun radiant underneath a cloudbank to heighten gaps and veneers with glorious amber shine which spreads upward where a cumulus-tower is soaring.

Frank Fratoe lives & writes in the city.he loves.

A new year, a fresh startâ&#x20AC;Ś.I don't know about you, but the New Year holiday always brings me to a crossroads. It can be a time to both reflect on the past and to look forward, all at once. Reflection can be a good thing, though Kurt Vonnegut once wrote, "Plato says that the unexamined life is not worth living. But what if the examined life turns out to be a clunker as well?" Maybe the trick for the beginning of this new year is balance, a lively blend of replay (bloopers included) and coming attractions. If we can learn to laugh at ourselves, the bloopers of life become the gold in the grit, our learning. If we can't laugh, well, I guess we put it in the 'for future reference' file and move along. Or maybe we put it in the shred pile. 2020 sure was a rough one! Because there are so many perspectives and nuances in the language of astrology, I believe it is impossible to predict whether our world conditions will go even farther south in 2021. What we do know, though, is that what I call the 'trying trio' (Saturn, Jupiter, and Pluto) will be breaking up and moving from Capricorn into Aquarius. These three planets reflected the massive turmoil and

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I believe we could do well if we continue to focus on social r e s p o n s i b i l i t y , innovation in communication and technology, and a potential reset of ideological direction. In mid-January Mars will join up with Uranus in Taurus, bringing some super charged energy to the realm of values. These two planets will make a 90-degree angle with Saturn and Jupiter in Aquarius. This could bring insight into our personal and collective values, disruptions, or changes in monetary values, or could be related to climate change and the future implementation of new structures related to how we care for our environment. The new Moon Eclipse back in December 2020 set the stage for the potential to examine our philosophies, our beliefs and these planetary energies support making a choice. The question comes down to: How do we want to live together on this planet and what do we truly value? The sign of Aquarius is independent, can be rebellious or revolutionary and is focused on the collective rather than the individual. Uranus, Saturn, and Mars working together bring the potential for powerful change in the structure of things. The USA will have a big change in 2020, with the inauguration of a new administration, one quite different than the one leaving office.

Adding to the mix is the 90degree angle between Neptune in Pisces and the North Node in Gemini, which have been at a close square since late November 2020. The energies of these two very slow-moving points on the chart can either bring a spiritual renewal, a oneness, or can bring illusion. The North Node of the Moon is what we are evolving toward and Neptune in Pisces is a very wide open, watery place where one can either find unity through unconditional love or the undoing of going down the rabbit hole of falsehoods and self-delusion. Perhaps this speaks to the stark differences in our perceptions regarding the truth and what is a fact. Many times, I feel like I am living in a different world than some of my neighbors when we try to discuss current events. Certainly, Neptune in Pisces could open the way to unity if we pause to reflect and give thought to what is being fed to us through the media (Gemini rules information, media and thought). Now here are other planetary happenings in January 2021: January 6: Mars enters Taurus January 8: Mercury enters Aquarius, Venus enters Capricorn January 13: Capricorn

New Moon at 23 degrees

January 14: Uranus stations direct at 6 degrees Taurus January 19: Sun enters Aquarius January 28: Full Moon at 9 degrees Leo Diane Bachman is a psychotherapist & astrologer practicing in FXBG. Reach her at dbachmanlcsw@gmail.com "Winter Sunrise", by Maxfield Parrish

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January 2021

Sue Henderson

Fredericksburg Sketches A visual Celebration of our community

Cover Artist Area Museum and Friends of the Rappahannock. She spent 10 years as a Vocal Director for Royal Caribbean Cruise Lines and several years with Riverside Dinner Theater. Sue continues to perform periodically in the region.

By Paula Raudenbush

"Sometimes the most important part of a photo is what's not in it”, says Henderson. “The essence of the moment. The way the air smells. Feeling connected to that place and moment.”

Local artist and photographer Sue Henderson usually “captures winter sunrises on the Rappahannock River in her nightgown” Being an early riser, she sees the glow arriving on the horizon and throws open the door before racing back to snuggle in. (You can find her Daily Breather images on Facebook at "Focus on Travel with Sue Henderson" or www.focusbyhenderson.com) After service in the USAF as a Master Instructor of Electrical Systems Technology, Sue earned degrees in Music and Liberal Arts from Eastern Illinois University and began government service as a performing arts and recreation events planner overseas for 10 years. She and her husband "retired" from DOD and moved to the Fredericksburg area in 1995. Sue has extensive background as an arts events planner locally including contracted service for Historic Fredericksburg Foundation, FAC, Fredericksburg SPCA, Fredericksburg

Sue is the CEO of Henderson Productions as a professional photographer and fine artist with ties to FCCA, Sophia Street Studios and the Professional Artists of Stafford. She has studied under local artist Johnny Johnson for many years and regularly shows in the region. Sue is a regular photo contributor to Front Porch Fredericksburg as well as other regional periodicals. Her fine art and photography are showcased in several area businesses and restaurants including CCTV and the Grille at Leeland Station. For more information, visit her site at www.FocusbyHenderson.com

FXBG Alley There have still been a few warm days as I was deciding what to sketch for this month's column so I walked around my neighborhood and found myself intrigued by the alleys that run down the middle of many of our city blocks. Often when folks think of urban sketches, we imagine the beautiful places in a town, or the great architecture, or places of high activity. I like to look for the beauty in the mundane. I've sketched many trash cans, fire hydrants, and falling down buildings so why not the alleys? They give us a glimpse of people's back yards, the not-for-company places hidden from view. I find all that fascinating.

“Ephesian”

This particular alley caught my attention because of the morning shadows falling across it. Seldom paved or gravelled, most of the alleys are wide enough to drive a vehicle through though some, I've noticed, have be assimilated into a few back yards and no longer go all the way through the block. Most have the back sides of garden sheds or old garages exposed between rows of privacy fences like this one. Next time you're out for a walk in town, try some of these interesting byways. You may just find a Fredericksburg you never knew before. . Paula Raudenbush is a local artist and organizer of the Fredericksburg Chapter of Urban Sketchers International (on Facebook at Urban Sketchers Fredericksburg).

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January 2021

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bike FXBG Bike accessibility study Rolls Into Fredericksburg By Jill laiacona mindset, the Social Good Lab gives students the opportunity to apply design thinking to a real-world problem," said Associate Professor of Economics Shawn Humphrey, who teaches the experiential learning course, now in its second year.

Most children learn how to ride a bike around the same time they lose their Lucas first tooth. For Olivia Mason-L (above), the memory is more recent. She first got on two wheels at age 15, when her father taught her to ride so she could visit a friend. "I still remember feeling nervous because the parking lot was uneven," said Mason-Lucas, now a senior international affairs major at the University of Mary Washington. "But once I finally got the hang of it, it was really liberating." These days, Mason-Lucas borrows friends' bicycles to get around campus and downtown and knows the challenge of finding a safe place to park a bike. She's among a group of UMW students working to make the City of Fredericksburg more accessible for area cyclists through Bike FXBG, a collaboration between UMW's Social Good Lab and Fredericksburg Main Street. This semester, they've surveyed local residents and small business owners about plans to install bike racks, shelters and corrals around town. Their efforts will not only make a positive environmental and economic impact on the community, but also give the students consulting skills that will benefit them in their future careers. "With its team-based approach, project-specific focus and design sprint

Their partner for the semester, Fredericksburg Main Street, was awarded a $25,000 downtown investment grant from Virginia Main Street for a beautification project, which will pay for the bike infrastructure, as well as planters, benches and trash cans. An in-kind installation from the city and donations from a recent social media fundraiser will fill in the gap for the project, which will total $38,000. The goal is to preserve the city's rich history and culture, while also creating a more vibrant economic future for downtown businesses, said Fredericksburg Main Street Executive Director Ann Glave. Introducing a bike infrastructure goes "hand-in-hand" with Fredericksburg's interest in sustainability, said Glave, citing the city's recent resolution to commit to 100 percent clean, renewable energy by 2050. Furthermore, it addresses a growing need in the community for more bicycle storage space, she added. "Look around right now and you'll see bikes attached to trees and traffic signs and laying on the ground." After researching bike accessible cities like Portland, Oregon and Chapel Hill, North Carolina, UMW students designed a short survey for Fredericksburg area residents. More than 200 community members have responded, with many selecting Riverfront Park, the train

station, and storefronts and restaurants as desired locations for bike racks, shelters and corrals. Surveys were also submitted by small business owners, who stand to benefit considerably from having more bicycle structures near their establishments. Shoppers arriving by bike or on foot spend anywhere from 8.5 to 25 percent more at local businesses than car drivers, according to a study by Community Builders and Colorado Department of Local Affairs. This work will be a plus for Mary Washington students, too, Mason-Lucas said, "as a sizeable number keep bikes on campus, while a smaller portion have scooters" that also need to be secured when visiting downtown. With plans to study international development in graduate school, MasonLucas said she's gained hands-on

experience in consulting, tailoring social media posts for specific audiences, creating presentations for clients and collaborating on a team. "These students are seeing in real time how their work benefits a community," Glave said. "What a great experience to be invested in an actual project rather than just a case study." And next time, it will be just like riding a bike. Visit http://bikefxbg.org/ to learn more or participate in the local resident or small business owner surveys.

Jill Laiacona is the Media Manager, University Relations & Communications at UMW

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January 2021