Front Porch Fredericksburg - July 2017 by Virginia Grogan

contents

closeups 7

history’s stories.: july 4th our heritage: pleasure island

It’s all energy: help for headaches

Anthony Silver ...It’s all in the eyes

Senior Care: prepare for emergencies

mind your mind: wake yourself up emancipated patients: spices...alternative treatment

Reframing the Future ...Cheryl & Dot

renew: food that mirrors body parts

art in the ‘burg: beverly toves the farmers Market

STORIES OF FREDERICKSBURg mYSTERY hOUSE

chris o’kelley: visible touch Poetryman: nature is newsworthy

companions: youth volunteers

7 fun summer activities for your dog building destination businesses

fredericksburg sketches

Jahnel Daliya blossoming singer/songwriter

porch talk .

A VETERAN FINALLY COMES HOME

on the porch...life in fredericksburg Messages

On the trails:: fredericksburg trails alliance

how does a master gardener grow?

I have a friend: Darby & ed

downtown greens: certified naturally grown

genius displayed...In & about flight

a real highmark....new craft brewer fred vegas beer tours

season’s bounty: red, white & blue

Cooking with Kyle: moroccan salad

wines of the world @city vino

16-17

Calendar of events

FREDERICKSBURGERS: carol & billy shelton from my porch: rain, water & other thoughts

u.s. army sgt. t. michael goodrich by brittanie clement Heart, an Afghanistan Campaign Medal with Campaign Star and the Iraq Campaign Medal with Campaign star. His healing process involved a mix of speech therapy, physical therapy and art therapy — for which he received recognition from the Pentagon. The decorated veteran can now add “proud new homeowner” to his long list of accolades as

...And more! 23

a veteran finally comes home

fxbg lifestyle...blog/fb/instagram presence

life in motion

Cover: “Flagcycle” by David C. Kennedy

At a Washington Wizards game on Veteran’s Day last year, U.S. Army Sgt. T. Michael Goodrich and his family got the surprise of their lives. Everything went quiet at the Verizon Center during halftime when a national nonprofit organization Operation FINALLY HOME announced that Goodrich, a U.S. Army Sgt. who had served tours in Iraq and Afghanistan, would receive a brand new, custom-built, mortgage-free home at Embrey Mill, a 831-acre master-planned community by Newland Communities located in North Stafford, Virginia. Goodrich, a wounded Iraq and Afghanistan veteran, served his first tour in Iraq and later volunteered for his second tour in Afghanistan as a PsyOp team sergeant in 2011. Only 10 days after his son was born, Goodrich’s outpost was attacked and the Army sergeant sustained severe injuries to the right side of his jaw and body. He received a Purple Heart, an Afghanistan Campaign Medal with Campaign star and the Iraq Campaign Medal with Campaign Star for his service. Upon returning to the United States, Goodrich received a flurry of medals for his service, including a Purple

Operation FINALLY HOME worked with a unique network of experienced builders, suppliers, including Miller & Smith, Embrey Mill by Newland Communities, Atlantic Builders, Drees Homes, Integrity Homes, K Hovnanian Homes, Lennar, and Stanley Martin Homes to build the custom home for the Goodrich family. “It is an honor and a privilege to build a home and provide a foundation for Sgt. Goodrich and his family to move

What's On Sale This Week @ Every Wednesday in July & August Noon to One ~ 25% Off Different Categories of Items Each Week

July 2017

Front porch fredericksburg

A New Community to Call Home The site of the Goodriches’ new home is Embrey Mill, a master-planned community in North Stafford, Virginia which features 831 acres of homes, parks, a café, and other family-friendly c o m m u n i t y amenities. In February 2017, following t h e groundbreaking of the new home, the Goodrich family took a first walk

chapter of their family history. The home dedication ceremony held on May 19, 2017 and attended by more than 100 guests, including family, friends, community members and General Ron dignitaries, including Christmas, USMC (Retired), COL (R) Raymond T. Horoho and Laura Sellers, Stafford County Board of Supervisor, Garrisonville District. “I am overwhelmed and excited—who gives away a house?” Goodrich said at the event. “But it is not about the house; it is the actions of the people. It takes good people with great hearts to do things like this. Each person here today will hold a place in our lives forever.”

Brittanie Clement is the Director of Public Relations at Delucchi Plus Photos by Jim Kirby

“I’m Finally Home”, Tag, Lucy, Jacqueline & Michael Goodrich’s first tour of their new home

Mid Week MARKDOWN

374-00443

forward,” says Dale Hall, vice president of Miller & Smith. “With the guidance of Operation FINALLY HOME and the support of Newland Communities and several other builder partners in Embrey Mill and the community at large, we look forward to addressing the most pressing need of our returning heroes and their families – a home to call their own.”

shopwhittingham.com

1021 Caroline Street

through the unfinished property as their new neighbors welcomed them with notes of love, inspiration and gratitude signed across the unfinished home’s bare studs, headers and beams. The “Notes of Love” ceremony was a fitting welcome to this heartening

Goodrich Family’s first tour of the home with General Ron Christmas, USMC (Retired), & Raymond T. Horoho and Guardian Angels Service Dog, Maci

Your Hometown Jeweler Since 1940

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

July 2017

contents

closeups 7

history’s stories.: july 4th our heritage: pleasure island

It’s all energy: help for headaches

Anthony Silver ...It’s all in the eyes

Senior Care: prepare for emergencies

mind your mind: wake yourself up emancipated patients: spices...alternative treatment

Reframing the Future ...Cheryl & Dot

renew: food that mirrors body parts

art in the ‘burg: beverly toves the farmers Market

STORIES OF FREDERICKSBURg mYSTERY hOUSE

chris o’kelley: visible touch Poetryman: nature is newsworthy

companions: youth volunteers

7 fun summer activities for your dog building destination businesses

fredericksburg sketches

Jahnel Daliya blossoming singer/songwriter

porch talk .

A VETERAN FINALLY COMES HOME

on the porch...life in fredericksburg Messages

On the trails:: fredericksburg trails alliance

how does a master gardener grow?

I have a friend: Darby & ed

downtown greens: certified naturally grown

genius displayed...In & about flight

a real highmark....new craft brewer fred vegas beer tours

season’s bounty: red, white & blue

Cooking with Kyle: moroccan salad

wines of the world @city vino

16-17

Calendar of events

FREDERICKSBURGERS: carol & billy shelton from my porch: rain, water & other thoughts

...And more! 23

a veteran finally comes home

fxbg lifestyle...blog/fb/instagram presence

life in motion

Cover: “Flagcycle” by David C. Kennedy

What's On Sale This Week @ Every Wednesday in July & August Noon to One ~ 25% Off Different Categories of Items Each Week

July 2017

Front porch fredericksburg

Brittanie Clement is the Director of Public Relations at Delucchi Plus Photos by Jim Kirby

“I’m Finally Home”, Tag, Lucy, Jacqueline & Michael Goodrich’s first tour of their new home

Mid Week MARKDOWN

374-00443

shopwhittingham.com

1021 Caroline Street

Goodrich Family’s first tour of the home with General Ron Christmas, USMC (Retired), & Raymond T. Horoho and Guardian Angels Service Dog, Maci

Your Hometown Jeweler Since 1940

July 2017

Chris Jones

ON THE PORCH Guest Porch Editorial

Contributing Writers & Artists Candice Armstrong A.E.Bayne Laurie Black Kevin Brown Collette Caprara Ashleigh Chevalier Brittanie Clement Barbara Deal Stavroula P. Conrad Charity DellaCamera Christina Ferber Frank Fratoe K. Jeanne Frazer Joan M. Geisler Alexis Grogan Ralph “Tuffy”Hicks Lori Izykowski Chris Jones Jim Kirby Karl Karch David C. Kennedy Jo Loving Wendy Migdal Kerry Mulhern Vanessa Moncure Patrick Neustatter M.L. Powers Scott Richards Suzanne Scherr Casey Alan Shaw Sue Stone Travis H. Stoner Georgia Strentz Jeremy Sutton James Kyle Synder Christine Thompson Dawn Whitmore Tina Will 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 2017 Olde Towne Publishing Co. All rights reserved.

July 2017

On the Trails

i love the american dream

Introducing Fredericksburg Trails Alliance

BY chris jones

By Kevin Brown

When I sit on my front porch after a day of helping my clients live their dreams, I think of how amazing it is that we live in a country that honors ambition. When I look at my wife and children engaged in laughter and play, I think of how someone else’s American Dream made that possible for me and countless others. I think of how people have overcome hardships, failures, loss, and rejection only to find that those things became the catalyst to them reaching their dreams. It makes me giddy. Our land is full of amazing opportunity if you have the fortitude to seek it. My first brush with the American Dream happened in the back of my 7th grade Communications Core class. My friend, Jerry, and I had compiled a list of our 30-some-odd combined Nintendo games on the front and back of a sheet of college-ruled loose-leaf notebook paper. We settled on a daily rental price of $2 per game—the amount of cash most kids brought in for school lunch. I purchased some clear plastic game cases from an Ames department store to house the cartridges and Jerry tracked the rentals. Before long, we were renting and eventually selling games—$15 each—and enjoying our returns. That was until Jerry learned that his family was moving to Lexington, Virginia. Since Jerry was the organized one, our business folded, but I learned a valuable lesson: if you have something of value, people will buy it. I carried that lesson on to my next endeavors — peddling blow pops and fireballs for quarters, washed car windows at the shopping center for a couple of bucks, and trading and selling sports cards. Sales is in my DNA. As an adult, I’ve continued enjoy the freedom of entrepreneurship. While I’ve had career-type jobs — newspaper editor, graphic designer, marketing copywriter, magazine editor — the end game for me has always been the same. There is a saying that says, “Whoever watches the wind will not plant; whoever

messages Virginia It has been wonderful working with you! Thank you for your support over the years. Fondly, Kitty Wafle

Front porch fredericksburg

looks at the clouds will not reap.” I find that to be true. If you live in fear of pursuing your dream, you’ll find every reason not to chase it. But if you’re willing to sacrifice a few hours of your morning or evening while you still have your full time job, you can minimize risk and start on the path of living your American Dream today. It’s something I encourage you to explore if you have a product you want to introduce to the market, a service that will add value to people’s lives, or information that will improve situations or help others to reach their goals. I read a biography of Theodore Roosevelt last year. As I recently turned 41, I'm amazed by what Roosevelt was able to accomplish before age 40. Here's the list: Deputy sheriff in the Dakota Territory U.S. Civil Service Commissioner Colonel in the "Rough Riders New York State Assemblyman Police Commissioner of New York City Governor of New York Assistant Secretary of the Navy Vice President of the United States It's no surprise that he had a wildly successful presidency in the eyes of many historians, which also included him being the first American to win the Nobel Peace Prize (1906), the first sitting president to leave the continental U.S. and the president credited for ushering the U.S. into a position of global power. He was also a prolific author and avid outdoorsman. And because of that “bull moose” mentality of knowing what he wanted out of life and pursuing every dream on his heart that his face is

Hi Virginia The new cover (May 2017, by David C. Kennedy) is stunning!!

Sonja Wise What a great May Issue! Marise, Crown Jewelers

immortalized with the Founding Fathers and Abraham Lincoln on Mount Rushmore. In his book, Theodore Rex, Edmund Morris said that no man wanted the presidency more and no man was more qualified or groomed to take it as Roosevelt. He spent his entire life preparing for the job. It was his dream. So what dreams do you have? Where is the work that you've so diligently committed to leading you? What have the sum of your life’s experiences prepared you for? When you live in a land where you can become anything you want to be and where the next great product, service or innovation could pop into your head while you’re out jogging the Heritage Trail, or over your bowl of Lucky Charms, it’s flat out awesome to think that you could be dirt poor today and filthy rich tomorrow. Ain’t that America? Chris Jones is an Award-Winning Journalist, Editor, and Graphic Designer

Yahoo, Virginia! I just felt I'd win when I rushed to send in the answer. I've read the Front Porch for all those 20 years, even when I was living in CA. You've made my day! What a great way to start off Memorial Weekend. Kaye Kingsbury NOTE: Kaye was the May Mystery House winner

In response to the growing outdoor trail using community, two dedicated and well-known local allvolunteer nonprofit service organizations, the Fredericksburg Area Mountain Bike Enthusiasts (FAMBE) and the Fredericksburg Area Trail Management & User Group (FATMUG), have recently merged to become the Fredericksburg Trails Alliance (FredTrails). So what will this new organization provide our community? According to their Mission Statement, FredTrails will “Protect and expand bicycle and pedestrian access to off-rroad trails in the greater Fredericksburg Virginia Region, by means of advocacy, communication, education, recreation and trail work, promoting health, wellness, community involvement and fun.” How will FredTrails accomplish its mission? First, the organization will continue to ADVOCATE across the full spectrum of local trail concerns. In accomplishing this goal, FredTrails, with the help of volunteers, will (1) maintain the integrity of existing trails while identifying areas for improvement on existing trails and execute sound practices to reduce impact on surrounding environment; (2) design and construct trail terrain opportunities for all skill level of users - maximizing access and minimizing both risk of user harm and environmental impact from all reasonably anticipated trail use for the life of the trail; (3) collaborate with local historical, cultural and environmental experts in the design, construct and modify trails, while minimizing the impact of access upon historical features and related landmarks; and (4) repair trail damage from weather events (i.e.: Tree deadfall, debris, erosion, etc.) and improper trail use (i.e.: riding muddy surfaces, unauthorized routes and re-routes, etc.) A second goal of FredTrails’ will be consistent and improved COMMUNICATION. This will be accomplished by FredTrails to (1) developing strong working relationships

through collaboration with local municipalities, land owners and managers, various public and private entities, all trail users and visiting groups - while advocating and encouraging outdoor recreation in an open forum of discussion; (2) regulating trail user access during periods of sensitive soil conditions or use by competing trail using groups for purposes of stewardship and safety; and (3) Recognizing all supporters, volunteers and donors through any means open to the organization. The organization’s third Goal is a focus on EDUCATION. FredTrails plans to provide opportunities to (1) educate trail users, including proper trail practices and relevant etiquette; and (2) offer educational skills development for riding, hiking and running while simultaneously nurturing and growing the base of respectful trail users. FredTrails’ fourth goal will be COMMUNITY involvement and unique social events. The group intends to (1) offer a variety of events (group rides, hikes, gatherings) that will appeal to all trail users; (2) create a centralized opportunity to meet, greet and enjoy the outdoors across the entire community; (3) foster healthy living by offering and supporting social events that promote staying active while maintaining and introducing fitness and wellness into our community; (4) support and provide various rides, encouragement, fun, skill development, socializing and the opportunity to experience trail racing as a team; and (5) provide a centralized webbased forum for trail users to interact in the community. Presently, FredTrails is focused on achieving all the above goals and objectives and asks for your help by volunteering when you can, to include improving and expanding our popular Quarry Trails and Motts Run Reservoir trails. Please check out the FredTrails page on Facebook, or at www.fredtrails.org, for more information.

25% OFF All Clothing, Footwear & Handbags 723 Caroline St 899.8077 Daily 10-5:30, Sunday 12-5

THE

FREDERICKSBURG LAMP Only Available At

The Copper Shop 371-4455 1707R Princess Anne

Behind Silk Mill Like Us on facebook

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

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

front porch fredericksburg

July 2017

Chris Jones

ON THE PORCH Guest Porch Editorial

July 2017

On the Trails

i love the american dream

Introducing Fredericksburg Trails Alliance

BY chris jones

By Kevin Brown

messages Virginia It has been wonderful working with you! Thank you for your support over the years. Fondly, Kitty Wafle

Front porch fredericksburg

Hi Virginia The new cover (May 2017, by David C. Kennedy) is stunning!!

Sonja Wise What a great May Issue! Marise, Crown Jewelers

25% OFF All Clothing, Footwear & Handbags 723 Caroline St 899.8077 Daily 10-5:30, Sunday 12-5

THE

FREDERICKSBURG LAMP Only Available At

The Copper Shop 371-4455 1707R Princess Anne

Behind Silk Mill Like Us on facebook

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

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

front porch fredericksburg

July 2017

How Does A Master Gardener Grow Of Hissing Cockroaches, Watersheds, and Fairy Gardens

By tina will of the six chose to steal the show by nearly escaping! Children (and most MGs) are fascinated with bugs, and Guy and the MGs had the opportunity to talk about the good that insects, bees, and other pollinators do and to encourage kids to let the insects live and do their work. Holy Cross Academy “Does anyone know what a watershed is? Is it a building where they keep water?” “Let’s use some spices and food coloring to mimic the soil and air pollutants that can end up in our waterways.” So might begin a Master Gardener’s chance to “Hissing Cockroach” Photo by Susan Kenney engage the students at Holy Third in a Summer series about Cross Academy’s 6th grade Nature Club. Master Gardener Volunteers: MG Susan Kenney used the Enviroscape What does a Master Gardener do? Rock Hill Elementary School Master Gardeners (MGs) are volunteers for Virginia Cooperative Extension, and they love what they do especially when they can do it with children. And when children and bugs get together there is always a great reaction. Some will be excited, and some might rather squeal and run away, but when Guy Mussey, VA Cooperative Extension Agent for this area, brings his bug collection to the Elementary Schools, all the kids crowd around to see it. Twenty five children at Rock Hill Elementary were fortunate to have Carol O’Hagan and five Master Gardeners start a Junior Garden Club in January 2017, and Guy brought in his bug collection one day. He brought six(!) Madagascar hissing cockroaches which are extra large insects native to Madagascar (Africa). Some of the children wanted to handle them, and one

Guy Mussey & Susan Kenney with Bug Collection at Holy Cross Photo by Susan Kenney

demonstration kit to graphically illustrate how everything we apply to our gardens can be washed into our public water system which leads to our Rappahannock watershed and eventually out to the Chesapeake Bay. Such a visual representation stays with the children long after the discussion. Once all the pollutants are sprinkled over the farm, field, woods, town, and landscape, a watering can rains over it all washing everything into one “lake” area. No one wanted to sample the “water” that was collected therein. The students also went outside and tested the water from a stream on school grounds; they found it to be healthy! Heartfields Assisted Living Community “Wow! Look what’s in the Garden now!” It seems everyone loves a Fairy Garden. At Heartfields Assisted Living Community in Stafford County even those who can’t garden outside have a chance to garden indoors and to share it with their visiting grandchildren and families. Master Gardener Merilyn Highfield loves to garden and loves to volunteer at Heartfields. She has built an open garden box and meets with the residents to discuss and suggest small living plants. Visiting families, especially grandchildren, love to see what’s currently growing. The addition of a few seasonal figurines add fun storytelling interaction. One may wonder at hissing cockroaches, spices as pollutants, or an indoor fairy garden, but a primary goal and purpose of the Master Gardener program is to reach all ages and educate the public about anything related to the horticultural world. There are about 100 MG volunteers who have been

successful in reaching the very old, the very young, and everyone in between.

Citizens can meet Master Gardeners at one of the eight different Plant Clinics that we run during the Spring and Summer. Others know they can call one of the Virginia Cooperative Extension offices in the area with questions about lawns or other landscape issues. Even those who can’t garden outdoors have found a Master Gardener friend in Merilyn Highfield. Those with a heart for gardening never lose the love of it, and enjoy being able to talk about their own gardens.

Anthony Silver We offer private lessons for string, woodwind and brass instruments, as well as guitar, bass, piano and voice.

It’s All in the eyes

Located in "The House on the Corner at the Crossroads of Music" where Route 3 meets U.S. Highway 1. 540-899-6787

By A. E. Bayne Silver finished his studies at the University of Mary Washington with a fine arts degree.

Supporting The Arts Since 1997 Local artist Anthony Silver says it’s all in the eyes. They are the seat of the personality, the soul. With a tweak of a line and the eyes as his starting point, Silver captures something slightly more alive in his portraiture, a quality that frequently draws patrons to his deft application of pencil to paper.

Tina Will is a Master Gardener and lives in Stafford County. She can be reached at brianandtina.will@gmail.com

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

SUZY STONE Mobile:540.847.0630 Office: 540-898-2900 suzystone22@gmail.com C21redwood.com

Since his faith influences his life in all areas, Silver sees no distinction between his artistic talents and his beliefs. Every element of his art life is a reflection

601 LAFAYETTE BLVD

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

July 2017

Front porch fredericksburg

test the waters…Even if they never try it again, it gives people a sense of what goes into making a piece of art. I think people come away with a little more appreciation of what artists put into their art.” Silver was inspired and mentored locally by Johnny Johnson, an artist Silver says he greatly admires and respects. He is also influenced by the work of artist Eddie Barnes, best known for his signature bold style and elongated figures. Silver has plans to work with the style as he develops art based on Bible stories with a fresh perspective.

roxburyfarmgarden.com

Silver continues, “When my mom passed away a few years ago, I did a drawing of her. It was as if she was still here as I worked on that portrait. I captured her smile as I remembered, and what I remember most were her eyes. It was very rewarding and made me really joyful. I keep that one at the studio with me. She really pushed me to draw, and I respect that. That portrait is kind of like having her with me again.”

While music was his first creative passion, one that he has enjoyed since the age of nine, Silver says he also had a desire to draw and illustrate throughout his youth. He pursued the technical study of Germanna illustration through Community College in 2009 and developed an interest in portraiture work. He says, “Once I got the hang of it, I was really excited and I kept drawing portraits. We were only supposed to do three or four drawings for the entire semester, and I ended up doing sixteen.”

Fairy Garden at Heartfield by Merilyn Highfield

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

Like most working artists, Silver promotes his work in a variety of ways. He showcases his talents with images of favorite celebrities, he records himself for a Tuesday video blog showing his technique to the public, and he hosts “sip and paints” with non-alcoholic refreshments to share the joy of freedom of expression with his clients. He says, "A lot of people want to get involved with art, but they don’t know how. These events are a good way for people to feel involved and

of his faith. He appreciates as gifts from God. Silver’s practice includes prayer and meditation, especially focused on Bible scripture. He says, “I definitely carve out time to tune in and listen for Him…I do a lot of praying before and during drawing, because I feel like a lot of what I do is being led by God, so I’m acting as his instrument. Sometimes, I’ll be doing a drawing and I won’t really like it, but the person who gets it is completely blown away at what I do with the pencil. It’s not me; it’s because of my prayers.”

Silver muses about opening a museum gallery in the future, perhaps somewhere between Fredericksburg and North Carolina where his extended family lives. For now, he says, “I’m still on the path and going in the same direction I wanted to be on. God has given me many gifts, and I try to use them for the good of my community.” Read more about Anthony Silver in the spring edition of Fredericksburg Literary and Art Review. Visit him on Facebook @AJ Silver Art. A.E. Bayne is a writer, artist and veteran educator living in Fredericksburg. She publishes Fredericksburg Literary and Art Review.

front porch fredericksburg

July 2017

How Does A Master Gardener Grow Of Hissing Cockroaches, Watersheds, and Fairy Gardens

Guy Mussey & Susan Kenney with Bug Collection at Holy Cross Photo by Susan Kenney

successful in reaching the very old, the very young, and everyone in between.

Anthony Silver We offer private lessons for string, woodwind and brass instruments, as well as guitar, bass, piano and voice.

It’s All in the eyes

Located in "The House on the Corner at the Crossroads of Music" where Route 3 meets U.S. Highway 1. 540-899-6787

By A. E. Bayne Silver finished his studies at the University of Mary Washington with a fine arts degree.

Tina Will is a Master Gardener and lives in Stafford County. She can be reached at brianandtina.will@gmail.com

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

SUZY STONE Mobile:540.847.0630 Office: 540-898-2900 suzystone22@gmail.com C21redwood.com

Since his faith influences his life in all areas, Silver sees no distinction between his artistic talents and his beliefs. Every element of his art life is a reflection

601 LAFAYETTE BLVD

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

July 2017

Front porch fredericksburg

roxburyfarmgarden.com

Fairy Garden at Heartfield by Merilyn Highfield

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

front porch fredericksburg

July 2017

“I Have A Friend”

Reframing the Future

Darby & Ed

Cheryl Bosch & Dot Meyers

By Laurie Black

BY Lori Izykowski Unfortunately, the 2008 economic downturn affected small businesses particularly hard, so the search was put on the back burner. When Bill Kertsos, owner of the two properties, announced he would be retiring in the next few years, they took up the search again, this time working with an agent.

The board is on the table, the pieces in place, white moves first. It is all about strategy and position, concentration and patience.

everything just fell into place. Like a game of chess, all of the pieces were in the right position for success. Check mate! Ed was delighted to talk about Darby and to have Darby recognized for his volunteer work. “I think the world of Darby. He is always there when I need him. He is very reliable and conscientious. We are such good friends and his visits are something to look forward to.”

Chess is a serious game between these two friends, Darby and Ed. They have been meeting weekly for the past six years, usually playing two or three chess matches and then just talking. They talk about chess strategies and what’s going on in their lives. Darby Darby and Ed, like other remarks, “For me it’s “Senior Visitors Program Senior Visitors Program about sharing a love for volunteers and seniors, volunteers and seniors, a game and a friendship. have found success in have found success in their It helps us keep our their visits because they visits because they have minds sharp, and for an found common ground have found common hour or two each week, and common interests to get our minds off our ground and common aches and pains and interests to build upon”. build upon. The Senior Visitors Program Director, other struggles. I am Teresa Bowers, indicates glad to have a chance to “the needs, backgrounds, bring a smile to this man through our time together.” When asked and interests of both the volunteer and if they keep track of who wins or loses, the senior are taken into consideration when we make a match. We want them Darby explains, “Edmund is happiest to enjoy their time together. We want when he gets me into a position where I their visits to benefit them both.” have to do a lot of thinking about the move I am going to make. For us it’s not about wins and losses, but sharing a love for a game and challenging the other person. He loves watching the wheels turn inside my head, reacting to a move that he made that interferes with my attack; that’s how he knows he made a good move, the longer I sit and ponder, the better the move.” Consequently, over time, their friendship has deepened and their chess skills have sharpened. Darby heard about the Senior Visitors Program from someone at his church. He had been looking for community volunteer work and had tried several other things. When he signed up for the Senior Visitors Program, he was immediately matched with Ed and

July 2017

If you know a senior who could benefit from having a weekly, friendly visit OR if you would like to volunteer to visit a senior, call the Senior Visitors Program at (540) 371-2704 or visit our website at mhafred.org to download volunteer or senior applications. Laurie Black is the Administrative Assistant for the Senior Visitors Program She can be reached at mhafaa@mhafred.org

Front porch fredericksburg

When Cheryl Bosch and her mom, Dorothy “Dot” Meyers, purchased Frame Designs in 1986, they were taking a leap of faith. They were both at a crossroads in life, Cheryl after graduating college and trying her hand at teaching in Baltimore, Dot after her husband died. Dot came to Fredericksburg from Pennsylvania so she could be near her adult children (Cheryl has two siblings, Charlie and Carolyn), and Cheryl soon followed from Baltimore. The night Cheryl joined her mom in Fredericksburg, they discussed what they wanted for the future. From this conversation it became clear that they both wanted to own a business. The very next day they saw an advertisement in the Free Lance-Star for the sale of Frame Designs. With Dot’s family background in art galleries and Cheryl’s status as a Certified Picture Framer, they sensed that opportunity was knocking. It was decided, however, that a final decision would wait until Dot returned from a trip abroad. Upon her return and realizing the business was still available for purchase, Cheryl and

Dot made the exciting but terrifying decision, and leaped. Thirty years later business is great…and growing. Since purchasing Frame Designs in 1986 Cheryl, Dot, and their employees have consistently fulfilled their goal of providing quality art framing services, while ensuring their customers receive the very best in customer service. “We treat our customers how we wish to be treated, and we care for their work as if it were a masterpiece.” Cheryl is also an active member of the art community, and regularly hosts local artists for shows. She has also held DIY and art classes at the facility, but these events have been constrained by the chopped up nature of the space. Frame Designs’ quaint cottage home, located on College Avenue next door to The General Store, has always been a leased location. As the business grew, Cheryl and Dot started keeping their eyes out for purchase possibilities.

As it turned out, another small business owner was about to retire: Ken Toombs, owner of Ken’s Tackle Shop, is closing up after almost 40 years. The shop, located off Lafayette Boulevard at 105 Hill Street, has provided live bait, tackle, and fishing advice for community anglers. The property is 2200 square, one level, and wide open. This provides Cheryl and Dot the opportunity to design the space to fit the needs of the business. “I want the space to be a hub of the artistic community…artists, art lovers, and the art curious. I want to have classes, shows, and events. Showcasing art properly, whether for an individual’s home or an exhibition, is so important to me. I hope to keep those skills alive and teach others how to preserve their art. The new location will afford the space needed for all these activities, as well as larger framing orders and the ability to work at a larger capacity than our current location.” Cheryl stated. Cheryl wants to avoid being closed for too long. Starting Saturday, June 10, Frame Designs will focus on completing current orders and preparing for the move. Any orders taken after that date will be due July 15. The College Avenue location will officially close on June 24, with a soft reopening at the new

location scheduled for July 11. Feel free to stop by College Avenue and offer your well wishes, and keep an eye on the calendar of Front Porch and the Frame Designs web site for information about the grand reopening at the new location! If you would like to stay up to date on all the exciting things happening at Frame Designs, you can join their mailing list. Simply email Cheryl at cheryl@framedesignsgallery.com to receive the monthly newsletter. You can also follow their blog for fun framing tips and tricks, and check out the website for a portfolio of framed work, as well as more information about the business, at www.framedesignsgallery.com. "We would like to express our gratitude to our customers and friends that have been with us for 30 years. Please join us in our journey, as we work to create a bigger and better Frame Designs that will continue to serve our art community well."

Frame Designs Reopening July 11 105 Hill Street (off Layayette Bvd) framedesignsgallery.com

Lori Izykowski, a 22405 resident, is currently working at Frame Designs and is thoroughly enjoying learning the craft and serving the community.

Spiritual Supplies for Spiritual People Raw and Tumbled Stones Energy and Healing Wands Herbs, Incense and Resin Books, Candles Salt Therapy Room AND SO MUCH MORE!

The Shoppes @ 914 Caroline 540.273.2778 front porch fredericksburg

July 2017

“I Have A Friend”

Reframing the Future

Darby & Ed

Cheryl Bosch & Dot Meyers

By Laurie Black

The board is on the table, the pieces in place, white moves first. It is all about strategy and position, concentration and patience.

July 2017

Front porch fredericksburg

Frame Designs Reopening July 11 105 Hill Street (off Layayette Bvd) framedesignsgallery.com

Lori Izykowski, a 22405 resident, is currently working at Frame Designs and is thoroughly enjoying learning the craft and serving the community.

Spiritual Supplies for Spiritual People Raw and Tumbled Stones Energy and Healing Wands Herbs, Incense and Resin Books, Candles Salt Therapy Room AND SO MUCH MORE!

The Shoppes @ 914 Caroline 540.273.2778 front porch fredericksburg

July 2017

FXBG Lifestyle Where Community Comes Together interview by kevin brown

Our city has an exciting new “on-line” gathering place, FXBG Lifestyle, celebrating all things Fredericksburg living, dining, shopping and more. We asked creator, Kerry Mulhern, to share more about herself, the #fxbgTEAM, and the platform itself. In March 2007, Dan and I moved into our Cape Cod-style home nestled in the city of Fredericksburg. That night, Dan proposed in our little kitchen, we ate pizza using Dan's guitar case as a table, and drank champagne out of red solo cups. It was PERFECT. As newly engaged townies, we began exploring downtown and fell in love with the community. Our weeknights usually ended with a stroll downtown, dinner at Sammy T's (or if we were feeling fancy, La Petite Auberge, and ended with us popping into Kybecca to grab a bottle of wine and some hummus back when Kybecca was a small wine store. A lot has changed over the years. Downtown Fredericksburg has grown, our family has grown and our connection to this city has grown. It's been the perfect place to live for progressing through stages of life - from care-free and kid-less to looking for family fun, and owning a small business. So what is FXBG Lifestyle? It’s a Blog/Facebook/Instagram presence dedicated to finding out about what is happening in Fredericksburg, learning

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

540-373-8300 www.marriott.com/fkrcy 620 Caroline St. FXBG, VA

July 2017

about business owners, keeping up with events, and giving back/feeling like being part of a community. FXBG Lifestyle consists of the following themes: #fxbgWORKS highlights the people, the REAL people, behind the store fronts we love so much. It will allow us to connect on a more personal level, learn fun facts about their lives and strengthen our sense of community. From Boutique owners to Fitness instructors, supporting our local businesses would now feel like cheering on old friends. #fxbgGIVES highlights the many nonprofit organizations in our area. Not only will we fill you in on all the amazing ways THEY are giving back, we'll share with you ways in which YOU can give too. #fxbgEATS gets you back into the kitchen of the extremely talented Chefs and restauranteurs we are so lucky to have. And you'll know the perfect place to go for your next Date Night! #fxbgCREATES gives you an opportunity to meet the many creatives that make our city so beautiful! From potters to water color artists, you'll be amazed by the talent this little city holds. #fxbgPLAYS keeps you up to date on all the happening downtown for kids and adults alike. From local activities that are perfect for young families to the best happy hours that end with a late night of dancing. The calendar is where you'll go to check out upcoming events or if you know of an upcoming event, it will allow you to add your own! Our #fxbgTEAM of contributors are business owners and residents who are passionate about our community and who want to share content, ideas and information to promote Fredericksburg. We are always looking for ways to collaborate, for stories to highlight, and for people to join us. Our current team members are Catherine Sullivan, owner of Monkee's of Fredericksburg; Catesby Payne, owner of FLY Fitness Inspiration Studio; Johnna Hetrick, owner of Twila & Co and Love Virginia Gift Boxes (formally 'Burg Boxes); and Stephanie Maxwell, mother of two and a President of the Fredericksburg Area Service League and a member of the Children's Museum of Richmond - Fredericksburg Advisory Board. If you're interested in being a part of the #fxbgTEAM, please email me at kerrymulhern@yahoo.com. And please check out our blog at .fxbglifestyle.com , Facebook/Instagram pages, and help celebrate our amazing FXBG Lifestyle.” hello@fxbglifestyle.com

Kerry, husband Dan & children Kennedy & Hadley,are “townies”. Kerry is a professional photographer at Kerry Renee Photography.

Front porch fredericksburg

Everything Greens

Genius Displayed

certified naturally grown

in and about flight

By Stavroula P. Conrad ~The Grassroots Alternative to the USDA National Organic Program Prior to World War II most farms in the United States were small, family-run operations. They supplied a variety of crops to local consumers, and food was grown using sustainable, non-polluting methods, without synthetic inputs. After the War, the proliferation of chemical pesticides, herbicides, petroleum-based fertilizers, and low transportation costs, profoundly altered farm operations. We reached a point where the act of producing and distributing our food became the greatest source of pollution and the grandest destruction of our natural environment. In the midst of this crisis, a grassroots movement--initiated by farmers themselves, not by the government -- emerged to return to traditional growing methods. Under the general term "organic farming," these growers began using non-chemical growing practices that nourish and enrich the soil. Independent certifying organizations formed within farming communities to establish growing guidelines and rules for organic production. Most tended to be private nonprofit groups of member growers. As consumers became increasingly concerned with the safety of the chemically produced food, the organics market soared to several billion dollars in annual sales, attracting the attention of agribusiness interests. These interests petitioned the federal government to standardize the definition of the word "organic" to facilitate market expansion, both nationally and internationally. Most Fredericksburg-area organic growers, including recently certified Downtown Greens, Inc., do not participate in the government's standard, but rather follow the growing guidelines established by the Certified Naturally Grown (CNG) program. According to the CNG website,

there are 39 farms within 100 miles of Fredericksburg that are Certified Naturally Grown. Fredericksburg Area CSA Project (FACSAP) growers were among the first in the USA to adopt CNG certification. A complete list of Fredericksburg's Certified Naturally Grown farms can be found at www.cngfarming.org. What does "Certified Naturally Grown" mean? CNG farmers don't use any synthetic herbicides, pesticides, fertilizers, or genetically modified organisms. CNG livestock are raised mostly on pasture and with space for freedom of movement. Feed must be grown without synthetic inputs or genetically modified seeds. Is your program for farmers who are 'almost organic,' but don't qualify for the USDA Organic Certification? No! CNG participation requires a full commitment to robust organic practices. Our standards for produce and livestock certification are based on the standards of the National Organic Program. How is CNG different than Certified Organic? CNG is a private non-profit organization that's not affiliated with the USDA's National Organic Program. CNG's certification approach is based on the participatory guarantee system (PGS) model that relies on peer reviews in which inspections are typically carried out by other farmers. The PGS model promotes farmer-to-farmer knowledge sharing about best practices and fosters local networks that strengthen the farming community. This model minimizes paperwork and keeps certification dues affordable. Another difference is that Certified Naturally Grown's certification process is transparent and open to the public. Stavroula P. Conrad is president and founder of the Fredericksburg Area Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) Project, established in 1997. www.FredericksburgCSA.com

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

By Collette Caprara Banks we were looking forward to showing my sister one of our favorite sites—the Wright Brothers National Memorial in Kill Devil Hills. Under the care of the National Park Service, the site had an impressive visitors’ center that featured a life-size replica of the Wright Brothers’ Kitty Hawk flying machine, a hall of fame portrait gallery of aviators, and even a piece of fabric from the Wrights’ plane.

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 540-371-2701

Orville and Wilbur Wright, 1903 For many folks, putting the words “flying” and “bicycle” together might conjure up the image of ET’s silhouette against the full moon. But for those in the arena of aviation, it might connote two brothers who owned a bicycle shop in Ohio and whose genius resulted in the first flight of a “heavier than air” machine—Orville and Wilbur Wright. On a recent trip to the Outer

Where Customer Service and Title Insurance Become One

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

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

540/371-9890

But when we arrived at the memorial park, we were disappointed to find that the visitors’ center had been closed for renovation. As we were about to return to the car, we noticed that a group of visitors had gathered in front of two replicas of sheds that the Wright brothers had used as a hangar and living quarters and that a ranger was delivering some kind of explanatory presentation of the site. We followed our curiosity, joined the group, and were not disappointed. Just as the Wright Brothers had followed a passion for accomplishing their dream of flight, the parks’ historian and interpretive ranger, Dan Shook, invested his whole heart and spirit in his vivacious depiction of the scenario that unfolded in December 1903 and opened the threshold for the milestones in aviation that would follow throughout the 20th Century. It suddenly didn’t matter if the visitors’ facility was closed. In his vibrant depictions, the audience’s imagination was sparked to convincingly co-create the scenes that took place at the site. While Ranger Shook’s presentation was chock full of information--such as the genius of the Wright Brothers’ construction of a wind tunnel and their calculations that are very close to those that guide our flight today and their application of lessons of lift, pitch, and yaw that were based on their knowledge of bicycle locomotion—it was his animated descriptions of the brothers’ relationship with the locals that made his talk memorable. We were introduced to townsfolk who offered support for the Wright Brothers’ determined experiments, including ten-year-old Tom Tate, who was launched off a 90-foot mound in a test of the first glider. We were even treated to a photo of Tom the day he dragged his prize catch, a huge Drum fish, to the site to show the Wrights. We could experience the excitement of that 1903 December day when the first powered flight took place, with only five witnesses—locals who included John Daniels from the local lifesaving station who was dumfounded at the site and unsure if he accomplished his

assignment of squeezing the bulb of the camera positioned to capture the moment. The group also included a local teenager who had skipped school that day and arrived barefoot so his wet shoes would not clue his mother to his transgression. Ranger Shook’s finale was his presentation at the huge granite stone that memorialized the flight. He declared that the stone commemorated a death that took place with that very flight: “The

Dan Shook, National Park Service Interpretive Ranger.at Kitty Hawk Death of Impossibility!” As if that declaration was not emotional enough, he went on to describe visitors who had felt compelled to visit that site and touch that stone. These included the mother of the pilot of one of the first helicopters that went down in Afghanistan, a make-a-wish visit by a little boy who later succumbed to his cancer, and a WWII veteran with Alzheimer’s whose memory was sparked so that he regaled fellow visitors with detailed accounts of his own flights. There was hardly a dry eye in the crowd, and many of those who had heard Ranger Shook’s presentation quietly approached to touch the granite stone. Hats off to park rangers who prevail in their duties regardless of any obstacles!

Collette Caprara is a local writer and artist.

front porch fredericksburg

July 2017

FXBG Lifestyle Where Community Comes Together interview by kevin brown

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

540-373-8300 www.marriott.com/fkrcy 620 Caroline St. FXBG, VA

July 2017

Kerry, husband Dan & children Kennedy & Hadley,are “townies”. Kerry is a professional photographer at Kerry Renee Photography.

Front porch fredericksburg

Everything Greens

Genius Displayed

certified naturally grown

in and about flight

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

Where Customer Service and Title Insurance Become One

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

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

540/371-9890

Collette Caprara is a local writer and artist.

front porch fredericksburg

July 2017

All Aboard FredVegas Brew Tours By charity dellacamera

(l to r) Erin Duggins, Charity DellaCamera, Bob Knutti, Michelle Duggins, Stasia Jolley Hello Fred Vegas! My name is Charity DellaCamera and I'm the owner of Fred Vegas Brew Tours here in Fredericksburg, Virginia. I fell in love with craft beer while I was living in California for a few years. I came back home to this wonderful city and was so delighted to see the growth of the craft beer industry in the area. I was on a beer tour in Richmond with my brother-in-law and some friends when the idea started to become a reality. The more we talked about how much we needed this in Fredericksburg, the more excited I became. Within a week we were officially an LLC, shopping for our bus, and preparing to meet with the breweries in the area. I was so motivated to bring this experience to FXBG and couldn't wait to get started! We at FVBT are thrilled to be able to provide weekly trips to the local breweries including both public and private tours. Each tour will start at Sedona Taphouse on William Street and will feature three different breweries, where all passengers will enjoy a beer tasting of locally brewed craft beer. At least one stop on each tour will consist of a guided behind the scenes look at the brewing process. I decided to launch this business to help bring awareness to the incredible craft beer scene that has developed here in our own city, as well as to create a safe and entertaining way for people to enjoy the breweries around us. I have the privilege to work with an amazing team including: my dad, Bob, who will be driving the bus, Erin who will be our other tour guide aside from myself, and Michelle and Stasia who help with EVERYTHING else that comes along with making Fred Vegas Brew Tours successful! I am so thankful for the support from this incredible group of people and the rest of

July 2017

our family. It's truly been a team effort, and I would like to think I have the best team around. We all love Fredericksburg so much, which is why this company is so special to us. We have the opportunity to support not just our local breweries, and may I add several AWARD winning breweries, but we have been able to be involved with local small businesses and community organizations as well. We will be featuring a local Charity each month where part of our proceeds from our tours will go to support a need in our community. FVBT has had such a blast the last two months getting to know the brewery owners, brewers, and staff, and seeing how truly passionate they are about bringing quality craft beer to our area….oh, and it’s been very nice to get to enjoy some of that delicious beer as well. The support and encouragement we have received from other businesses has been above and beyond what I ever expected, and I’m so thankful to be a part of a group of people that remember what it’s like to be starting out and have been so happy to help! We truly love the beer, the restaurants, and the people of this town, and you can (far too) often find us restaurant hopping downtown and enjoying everything this city has to offer! We are currently running two tours on Saturdays at 11:30 and 4:30. Soon expanding to Sundays. Private tours are available on any day, and people can email for customization requests including custom pick ups / tour stops / etc. fredvegasbrewtours@gmail.com www.fredvegasbrewtours.com 540.846.0904 facebook and instagram

Front porch fredericksburg

A Real High Mark craft brewer enters local scene By jeremy sutton At some point, you should own up to your success. We’re to the point now that it isn’t really a “revolution” any more. Craft beer has firmly established itself in the American drinking repertoire. The allure of craft beer is immediate and particularly geared to changing American drinking & dining habits: it places a premium on local economics and supporting your neighbors, it’s about freshness and seasonality, and maintains the classic American aesthetic of a simple, well-earned pleasure. Highmark Brewing in south Stafford is quickly becoming its own wellearned pleasure. Located at 390 King’s Highway at the end of a short strip of stores, Highmark is the most recent addition to Fredericksburg’s burgeoning brewing scene (a quick, off-tthe-ttop count puts us at no less than 8 craft brewers within about a 20-m minute drive of downtown). A group of 5 owners highlighted by local artist Brandon Newton, Highmark opened their doors in February 2017. Highmark hits all the craft brewery staples: an open, airy taproom that’s comfortable and free for improvisation (a recent group of patrons set up long table for themselves right at opening, and proceeded to put on a crockpot for a full family meal that afternoon), plenty of outside picnic tables for al fresco alcohol consumption, a kidfriendly vibe that sees as many families as beer geeks coming in to get comfortable with a pint and food trucks to help with any other cravings you might have while enjoying your brew. Highmark is also setting the bar for cool brewery events, running with Saturday “drive-in movie nights” that allow customers to watch a classic movie (Back to the Future and Goonies were recent features) in lawn chairs on a big screen outside the brewery, a crab-picking for Father’s Day, a Larry Hinkle-led open mic night on Thursdays and beginning a Wednesday night trivia game. Brandon Newton even lends his artistic talents to the list with a group painting class. Currently, Highmark is putting out 6 strong year-rounds (the Freshwater Blonde and the Lone Wolf IPA lead the sales, but this reporter will tell you that the Gingerfarm Saison is a wonderful weekend quaffer), and has brewed as many as 20 beers in the short 4 months of operation. The beers here are about balance and grace, and reflect a more European slant that nods to easy and pleasurable drinkability over pomp and

circumstance. Head brewer Andy Turlington (above) was kind enough to take some time on a recent Friday afternoon to speak to his creations. “We’re currently using a 5 barrel brewing system, 4 batches at a time. 6 fermenters with plans to go to 8.” The brewery is already working at near capacity. “We have high enough demand at the brewery that we’re selling everything out of here. Maybe some local events, and hopefully expanding to some select local restaurants for added exposure in the near future.” When asked about the jam-packed craft scene, and any concerns that eventually that bubble has to burst, Andy had this to say: “If you look at the 1920s, preprohibition, there were about 4,100 breweries in the United States. We’re at around 3,000 today. Of course, the population has increased dramatically in that time as well. Historically speaking, we’re far from saturation.” Most of those pre-prohibition breweries were of course just like Highmark: serving a mostly local clientele with small productions. For very different reasons, brewing and selling small-batch beer has come back to American culture, and that’s a very great thing. Supporting each other has always been a Fredericksburg strong point. This community takes care of its own, and all that caretaking is eventually going to require somebody to show up with the beer. And if that somebody shows up a growler of Highmark on them, you’ll know you really are being taken care of. Check out this wonderful example of American community during this most American of months, whether from your front porch or straight from the brewery itself. Cheers! Highmark Brewing 390 King’s Highway, FXBG ,22405 http://highmarkbrewery.com/ for hours, events and more Jeremy Sutton is a beverage alcohol industry professional, but still encourages you to try this at home.

Season’s Bounty

Hooray for the Red, White & Blue

Olde Towne BUTCHER Corner of William & Charles Streets Downtown Fredericksburg

By vanessa moncure

The Fourth of July is our country’s summer sparkler and fireworks holiday, celebrated by most everyone in America - this year is our 241st Independence Day. Colorful painted trailers full of pop-rockets, smoking tanks and snapping firecrackers appear in local parking lots, expensive cellophanewrapped packages looking tremendously appealing to the grandchildren-crowd. And the parades! All over the country, community parades of miniature tophatted versions of Abraham Lincoln and Lady Liberty with torch in hand march next to red, white and blue crepe-paper festooned bicycles, strollers and wagons televised versions of America’s larger parades feature floats honoring our service members, marching bands play patriotic tunes and of course the day would not be complete without a dazzling nighttime fireworks display. Traditional picnics, cookouts and cook-offs sprout in back yards, parks and communities all over the country - and for many workers, the Fourth of July is an extended three-day weekend. Every year our family combines the Fourth with the Third of July, my husband’s birthday - the annual theme and decorations are so easy! Several dozen American flags planted outside around the house, balloons and a trip to the fireworks trailer complete the arrangements. A simple hot-dog and hamburger menu rounds out our backyard food festival that and the homemade ice cream alongside the birthday cake! probably the best and easiest dessert to make are bar cookies. Easy to bake, easy to transport and exceptionally yummy. MUD HENS This is a really old family recipe with an unusual name. I still don’t know how this name came about, but they are easy and delicious. Let them sit out overnight to crisp up the top, or the meringue will become soggy. Preheat oven to 350F. Butter a 9”x13” baking pan. Beat together one-half cup softened butter with one cup sugar, then add one egg and two egg yolks (save the whites for the topping), one teaspoon vanilla and two tablespoons half and half. Whisk together one and one-half cup flour with a dash of salt and one teaspoon baking powder along with one and one-half cup chopped pecans and stir into mixture. Spread into

baking pan and bake ten minutes. While crust is baking, whisk the remaining two egg whites until foamy, add a pinch of cream of tartar and beat until stiff. Whisk one cup tightly packed light brown sugar until there are no lumps, and gradually fold into the beaten egg whites. Spread over cookie layer and bake an additional twenty to twenty-five minutes or until golden brown. The top will crumble a bit as it cools - wait until the cookies are cool to the touch to cut and serve. SEVEN LAYER BARS I have a grandson who is severely allergic to tree nuts, so I leave them out and call them six-layer bars for him. Use either regular sweetened condensed milk (NOT evaporated) or the newer chocolate flavor. Either way, cut them into tiny squares to serve as they are SO sweet. Wait for these to cool before cutting as well. Preheat oven to 325F. Melt one-half cup butter in a 9”x9” square baking pan (easy to do in microwave if using a glass or microwave-safe pan). Layer in the following order - one cup of graham cracker crumbs (or if you are a complete chocoholic, use crushed oreo cookies instead, along with one can of the chocolate condensed milk) - one cup shredded coconut one-half cup butterscotch chips - one-half cup semisweet chocolate chips - one cup chopped pecans. Open the can of condensed milk and pour evenly over the top of the bars, do not try to spread it or you will end up with a very messy bar cookie. Bake for thirty-five minutes, or until golden brown all around the edges and shiny on top. Let cool before cutting. KEY LIME BARS These are really cool and refreshing - and quite different than lemon bars, although they are based on the same recipe. Preheat oven to 350F. Cut in one cup butter into two cups flour and three-quarter cups confectioner’s sugar until the mixture resembles cornmeal and clings together. Spread evenly into bottom of 9”x13” pan and bake for twenty minutes or until lightly browned. While the cookie base is baking, combine four eggs, two cups sugar, onethird cup Key Lime juice (you can find this bottled in most grocery stores, or you can juice regular limes), one tablespoon finely shredded lime zest, one-half cup flour mixed with one-half teaspoon baking powder. Pour over crust and return to oven for an additional fifteen minutes or so until the filling is set. Sprinkle with one cup shredded coconut and return to oven until coconut is lightly browned. Again, wait until the bars are cool before cutting. (If you like the idea of a greener filling, just add a drop or two of green food coloring to the filling mixture before baking).

540.370.4105 www.oldetownebutcher.com Hours Monday - Saturday, 9am to 9pm; Sunday, 11am to 6pm Keith Lebor Proprietor

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

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

540-899-0140 (ph)

540-899-0141 (fax)

Rand Sompayrac & Richard Moncure, Proprietors front porch fredericksburg

July 2017

All Aboard FredVegas Brew Tours By charity dellacamera

July 2017

Front porch fredericksburg

Season’s Bounty

Hooray for the Red, White & Blue

Olde Towne BUTCHER Corner of William & Charles Streets Downtown Fredericksburg

By vanessa moncure

540.370.4105 www.oldetownebutcher.com Hours Monday - Saturday, 9am to 9pm; Sunday, 11am to 6pm Keith Lebor Proprietor

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

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

540-899-0140 (ph)

540-899-0141 (fax)

Rand Sompayrac & Richard Moncure, Proprietors front porch fredericksburg

July 2017

Cooking With Kyle

Vino

The Soup & Taco, Fresh Local Organic

Moroccan Carrot Salad

Etc.

Since 2004 309 William Street

by james kyle snyder

Wines of the World @ City Vino

813 Caroline St.

by scott richards

Fredericksburg, VA

540.371.9999 BISTROBETHEM.COM

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

photo by j.k. snyder Salad season has officially begun. And so have the salad games! Aunt Betty will bring her famous potato salad; she will never share the recipe. The secret ingredients for Mrs. Thompson’s incredible coleslaw shall remain a secret forever. An endless number of macaroni salads will be entered as competitors. These three salads will be the most prevalent entries, and are, therefore, common salads. It can be a fun game of suspense and intrigue – guessing the ingredients only to receive a deadpanned “nope” accompanied by a slight grin. The Fourth of July will be center stage for the games again this year. Gatherings and picnics will provide the elite of the competitors the perfect stage from which to show their salad superiority another year. Like The Front Porch’s August 2013 Corn and Tomato Salad pp 14 or March 2015 Kale Beet Salad pp 14 with Jay and Katie Dunn, these salads are a diversion from the common attempt to make the best potato salad, macaroni salad, or slaw - for which there will be many contenders. The yet-tobe-written Lentil Goat Cheese Salad will be a future treat in the same category – Not a Common Salad. Bucking the trend can give you, the salad competitor, the chance to stand out. This one is truly simple, easy, and delicious. Using a box grater, shred 1 pound of larger cleaned carrots. Add 4 cups of veined and roughly chopped kale (any coarse bitter green will do). Coarsely chop 1 cup of loosely packed parsley leaves. Combine these in a large mixing bowl. Add 2 - 15.5 oz cans of well-rinsed chickpeas. If you are not a chickpea fan, only add one can or add more carrots and parsley. Here is a chance to adjust quantities to your liking. Next, zest a large lemon in a medium bowl. Then, whisk in 3 TBS of harissa (from the grocery store), 1 TBS

July 2017

rice wine vinegar, and 2 TBS lemon juice, the lemon zest, and 1 tsp cumin. Add 2 tsp of coriander, if you are a coriander fan. While quickly whisking, slowly add 3 TBS of EVOO. A small food processor with the holes in the lid is a perfect tool for the job. The attempt is to emulsify the oil. Fold this dressing into the rest of the ingredients. Now, find a not-ccommon vessel to present the salad in. Morocco was originally populated by nomadic tribes, the Berbers and Bedouins, traveling across the fertile North African coast from what is now Morocco, through northern Algeria, to Tunisia. Although, Bedouins are generally associated with the Middle East, Bedouin dialects are still spoken in Morocco today. The nomadic Berbers would use tagines, clay plates with clay cone-shaped lids, to cook their food by setting the covered clay vessel on or near the fire. The earthenware gives the food an amazing flavor – like the Tagine Lamb in The Front Porch May 2015 pp 14, which has a great picture of a tagine. (I am totally enjoying looking at some of the older recipes! Yum!) Use the regionally correct bottom plate of the tagine to present this Berber treat! Other fancy clay bowls, made by local artists, to show off the Not Common Salad can be picked up Ponshop, Art at Liberty Town, Dimensions and many other fine potters in art galleries throughout town. (Sorry I can’t mention you all….Virginia gives me a word count) Make the table festive and claim the honor of Best Salad! Unlike the aforementioned salad competitors, I was raised in a community that shared recipes and techniques for making delicious food. Here at the The Front Porch, I am carrying on that tradition and trying to keep it simple, easy, and delicious. Be Well!

Front porch fredericksburg

Edited by K. Jean Fraser

photo

Phone: 540-899-0969

Snead’s Farm

Support Local Green Space & Local Farmers

July Roadside Stand

soupntaco@yahoo.com

Summertime is here, the time when everyone thinks of vacations and traveling to different destinations, from tours of Virginia sites to cruises showing off international places many only hear about. In Fredericksburg, there is a

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

The Sunken Well Tavern

Raspberries, Blackberries, Blueberries, Peaches Tomatoes, Sweet Corn, Squash,Cucumbers, Peppers Yukon Gold Potatoes Seedless Watermelons Cantaloupes

PLUS Snead’s Raspberry & Blackberry Preserves & Free Range Eggs

SUMMER FLAVORS FESTIVAL July 1-2 The WELL AT SNEAD'S FARM Open serving farm-fresh fare Snead's Farm Blackberry Beer on-tap No farm entry fee A Family Affair Dogs on leash welcome. 10 mi. S.E. of downtown on right side of Rt. 17 Open 9-5 Daily 540/371-9328 www.sneadsfarm.com Enjoy Snead Farm Produce at Sunken Well Tavern, LaPetite Auberge, Bistro Bethem, J Brian’s, Vivify, Kybecca, Castigllias Spencer Devon Brewing, Cork and Table & Olde Town Butcher

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

Locally Owned Irish Pub and Restaurant 200 Hanover St. ~ 373-0738

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

destination that can whisk one away on an international tour in a matter of minutes. Renee Dunn and Rita Allan, (left) the owners of the newest wine store in Fredericksburg, City Vino, offer a tour of wines of the world, bringing together an array of international and Virginia wines that one would be hard pressed to find elsewhere in the Burg. Located at 810 Caroline Street, City Vino held its grand opening and ribbon by david c. kennedy cutting ceremony June 9. There was an excitement as people gathered to witness this welcome and needed addition to the Caroline Street retail market. The festive mood found friends greeting friends, and strangers becoming friends, as the opening celebration gave way to conversation and questions concerning the many different wines that were available. After the ribbon cutting, there was a tasting given of a Rosé de Saignée Pinot Noir and Pinot Mainier sparkling wine produced by Champagne RogerConstant Lemaire. Served chilled, it was an excellent accompaniment to the humidity that was waiting outside for those unfortunate enough to have to leave the City Vino festivities. A non-vintage rosé, that underwent a scant 24-48 hours of maceration before the process of fermentation was completed (there was no secondary fermentation in the bottle…go figure) and then aged in stainless steel for four to six years, there is plenty of room for this bottle to be cellared for some time. The tasting was a nice addition to an already enjoyable welcome for this joint venture of Dunn and Allan. Although the retail space is small, City Vino offers a large variety of tastefully displayed wines from California to Virginia on a domestic scale, and from South America to South Africa and most of Europe on the worldwide scale. As varied as the origins of the wine are, so too is the knowledge of the proprietors. They provide excellent customer service with knowledge that is not overly technical, giving those who visit this establishment a taste of their wines, in addition to a pleasing exposure to the wine culture in Fredericksburg. Most of the wines sold are from smaller handcrafted producers that are exemplar of the region in which they

come. The Virginia wines were award winners, as many Virginia wines are. Displayed bottles came from all over the state, not just any one locale. In addition to the many and varied wines, there was an impressive array of cheeses and deli meats available waiting to be paired one's favorite varietal. Renee Dunn, a former web developer, is an active member of the King George Wine Society, which is a chapter of the American Wine Society, and a Certified Specialist of Wine, holding a Wine and Spirit Education Trust (WSET) Level 2 certification. Having begun her journey at local establishments, found herself intrigued with wine and wanted to know more. To do so, she had to travel to Northern Virginia to attend classes. A UMW alum, with an understanding and love for the Fredericksburg area, she hopes to bring classes to this region. Rita Allan, a George Mason graduate, has a background in financial management, and now, wine. She is, as is Dunn, an active member of the King George Wine Society. In addition, Allan has a WSET Level 1 certification. Dunn said that this store is just the beginning of what she hopes to be a rise in the wine culture locally. She noted that wine drinkers in the area are becoming more educated. Fredericksburg is an area that is very open to learning more. To that end, Dunn hopes to bring WSET classes to this area in the near future, so that City Vino becomes more than just a retail outlet, but in fact, becomes a place where people can obtain a greater degree of understanding of wine and wine pairing. At present, there are people who travel to Northern Virginia from Richmond because there are no classes offered anywhere else. Dunn and Allan are already looking at locations where there will hopefully be WSET classes provided soon. Both Dunn and Allan have put together a masterful display of excellent wines from all corners. I purchased a Gigondas that was amazing. Velvety on the pallet, this 2013 varietal from the Southeast corner of France, had a mature and sophisticated nose that matched its medium taste, and begged to have a nice piece of London broil to come along side to complement the experience. It is not a stretch to say there is something for everyone at City Vino. If you cannot find it, the staff has more than enough knowledge and understanding to help you make a quality decision. Sparta is a ways from the Burg, but I guess I will be making the trek to see more of this place, it is definitely worth it. Scott Richards is owner of Loch Haven Vineyards

front porch fredericksburg

July 2017

Cooking With Kyle

Vino

The Soup & Taco, Fresh Local Organic

Moroccan Carrot Salad

Etc.

Since 2004 309 William Street

by james kyle snyder

Wines of the World @ City Vino

813 Caroline St.

by scott richards

Fredericksburg, VA

540.371.9999 BISTROBETHEM.COM

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

July 2017

Front porch fredericksburg

Edited by K. Jean Fraser

photo

Phone: 540-899-0969

Snead’s Farm

Support Local Green Space & Local Farmers

July Roadside Stand

soupntaco@yahoo.com

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

The Sunken Well Tavern

Raspberries, Blackberries, Blueberries, Peaches Tomatoes, Sweet Corn, Squash,Cucumbers, Peppers Yukon Gold Potatoes Seedless Watermelons Cantaloupes

PLUS Snead’s Raspberry & Blackberry Preserves & Free Range Eggs

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

Locally Owned Irish Pub and Restaurant 200 Hanover St. ~ 373-0738

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

front porch fredericksburg

July 2017

july 2017…Savor Your Freedom Saturday, July 1

Art In The Park @ Hurkamp Park, 9a-1p. Browse and shop local artists and crafters on display at the Farmers Market. Free admission. Farmers Market, Hurkamp Park, 9am-2pm Celebrate America's independence at the Mary Washington House with colonial games for all ages of the family in our gardens. 11a-2p Deadline Juried Outdoor Sculpture Competition. for the display of public sculpture from Oct ‘17 to Sept, ‘18. nfo at: www.fredarts.com/sculpture Spotsylvania Farmers Market @ Commuter Lot at Route 3/Gordon Road, 8a-1p. berries, peaches, cantaloupes, tomatoes, corn and a bounty of midsummer produce - all freshly picked, all local. City Vino Wine Tasting Sample featured wines of the week. 12-4p The Shoppes @810 Stars & Stripes Spectacular @ Spotsylvania Courthouse Towncenter, 7p FREE Bluegrass Music @ Highmark Brewery, 5-8p 390 Kings Hwy. Fredericksburg, VA 22405 Southern Small Plates, Wine, and Live Music @Hot N Fluffy, 308 Worth Ave #117, Stafford, VA 22556 Join the Stafford Regional Choral Society summer concert, From Sea to Shining Sea, with songs representing Americana and honoring those who serve. 730pm at St. Peter's Lutheran Church, 1201 Courthouse Road, Stafford;

Sunday, July 2

Sunken Well Brunch from 9am-2pm, ! Join the Stafford Regional Choral Society summer concert, From Sea to Shining Sea, with songs representing Americana and honoring those who serve. 2pm at the National Museum of the Marine Corps in Triangle near MCB Quantico. Yoga in thein Market Square! 9am stay active this summer with fellow FXBG yogis! For more info, contact Denise Smith at (540) 371-3037 ext 130 dsmith@famcc.org

CALENDAR of events

Independence Day, Tuesday, July 4

Music Fridays @ Legume, 9-11p, 715 Caroline St

Open Mic at the Rec Center 8 pm .S Sign up starts at 7, music at 8. 213 William St.

Heritage Day Children's Parade @ Fredericksburg Downtown VRE, 9:30am. Kids to dress in uniform or patriotic outfit. Prizes For more information, contact mlb5775@live.com

Sounds of Summer Concert Series @ Market Square, 7-9pm. Free ends in sept

Heritage Festival of the Streets, Downtown 10a-4p

Farmers Market, Hurkamp Park, 9am-2pm

Public Reading of the Declaration of Independence@ Hugh Mercer Apothecary Shop, 13pm

Spotsylvania Farmers Market @ Commuter Lot at Route 3/Gordon Road, 8a-1p. all freshly picked, all local. also meat and eggs, breads and pastries, honey, herbs, spices, jams and salsas, and more!

9:30 pm: FIREWORKS (Sponsored by City of Fredericksburg & Stafford County). Fireworks can be viewed from Pratt Park and Old Mill Park.

Dave Goodrich, 1- 5 PM, Barrel Oak Winery, 3623 Grove Lane, Delaplane, VA 20144, 540.364.6402

Tastings Tuesday in the Bar @Legume. Taste featured wine &/or draft beer, 3-6p

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

Close to Home, An Art Exhibit by Kathleen Walsh @ JarrettThor Fine Arts, 100 Taylor St, Colonial Beach

Sunday July 9

Music Fridays @ Legume, 9-11p, 715 Caroline St

Legume $3 Taco Tuesday in the Bar All Day @ Legume

Wednesday, July 5

Open Mic at the Rec Center 8 pm .Sign up starts at 7, music at 8. 213 William St. Sunken Well Trivia tonight starting at 7:45pm ~ Come and match wits against the finest minds in FXBG! Compete for Honor, Glory, and Prizes!!

Saturday, July 8

Sunken Well Brunch from 9am-2pm, $5 Bloody Marys and Mimosas. Bluegrass night from 7-9pm. Usually a good idea to reserve a table! Dave Goodrich, Gray Ghost Vineyards 23rd Anniversary Celebration, 1-4pm , 14706 Lee Highway, Amissville, VA 20106, 540-937-4869

Live Music @LaPetite Auberge, 311 William St, 8midnight. . No cover. lapetiteaubergefred.com

Yoga in Market Square! 9am stay active this summer with fellow FXBG yogis! For more info, contact Denise Smith at (540) 371-3037 ext 130 dsmith@famcc.org

Friday, July 7

Monday, July 10

All Member Show at Artful Dimensions Gallery 69pm, 911 Charles St First Friday @ Community Bank of the Chesapeake, 2-5pm. stop by our branch to welcome our local artists at this meet and greet event. 425 William St PONSHOP Seven Year Anniversary Party, 6-9p. The gallery features "Currents" - a collaborative fishthemed exhibition with paintings by Joan Limbrick and ceramics by Scarlett Pons. 712 Caroline St. Visible Touch by Chris O'Kelley @ Art First Gallery. Opening reception abstract paintings with energetic brushwork 6-9pm. 824 Caroline St Full Moon Paddle @ City Dock, 7:30-10pm Join Friends of the Rappahannock,, Paddle on the Rappahannock River. The min age is 12 years Info 540) 373-3448 x. 117. $

Music on the Steps.Summer Concert Series at Hdqrtrs Library 7-8pm , Angela Easterling., Homespun Music/ folk & country Nerd Nite @ Red Dragon Brewry, 7pm, contact sandrafedowitz@gmail.com."It's like the Discovery Channel…with beer

Tuesday, July 11

Tastings Tuesday in the Bar @Legume. Taste featured wine &/or draft beer, 3-6p Legume $3 Taco Tuesday in the Bar All Day

Wednesday, July 12

Spotsylvania Farmers Market at @ Spotsylvania Regional Medical Center, 2-6pm. berries, peaches, cantaloupes, tomatoes and corn and a bounty of mid-summer produce, as well as locally raised meat and eggs, delicious cookies and pastries, ice cold lemonade, sweet-salty kettle corn and more!

Sunken Well Trivia tonight starting at 7:45pm ~ Come and match wits against the finest minds in Fredericksburg! Live Music @LaPetite Auberge, 311 William St, 8midnight. . No cover. lapetiteaubergefred.com

Thursday, July 13

Snowball Fights In July @ River Front Park, 5:307:30p

Friday, July 14

Sounds of Summer Concert Series @ Market Square, 7-9pm. Free ends in sept

Saturday, July 15

Sunday, July 16

Sunken Well Brunch from 9am-2pm, $5 Bloody Marys and Mimosas. Bluegrass night from 7-9pm. Usually a good idea to reserve a table! Yoga in the 9am in Market Square! stay active this summer with fellow FXBG yogis! info, Denise Smith at (540) 371-3037 ext 130 dsmith@famcc.org Grow Our Fredericksburg Food Co-op @ MarstelDay, 417 Wolfe St, An orientation for members and prospective members to learn more about food co-ops and ways to volunteer. fredericksburgfoodcoop.com. 3-4:30p

Monday, July 15

Music on the Steps.Summer Concert Series at Hdqrtrs Library 7-8pm , The Kingbolts, Rock n'Roll

Tuesday, July 14

Tastings Tuesday in the Bar @Legume. Taste featured wine &/or draft beer, 3-6p

Farmers Market, Hurkamp Park, 9am-2pm

Legume $3 Taco Tuesday in the Bar All Day

Spotsylvania Farmers Market @ Commuter Lot at Route 3/Gordon Road, 8a-1p. berries, peaches, cantaloupes, tomatoes, corn - all freshly picked, all local. You will also find meat and eggs, breads and pastries, honey, herbs, spices, jams and salsas, and so much more!

Wednesday, July 19

Art In The Park @ Hurkamp Park, 9a-1p. Browse and shop local artists and crafters

Jason Coiner of Bartlett Tree Experts will discuss tree pruning and tree care @ CRRLibrary 1201 Caroline St, 7pm

City Vino Wine Tasting Sample featured wines of the week. 12-4p. The Shoppes @810 Ladies' Tea @ Rising Sun Tavern, don a hat and summer dress and join us for tea and refreshments in the tented garden of the Rising Sun Tavern. Reservations are required. $. 540.371.1494

Spotsylvania Farmers Market @ Spotsy Regional Medical Center, a bounty of mid-summer produce, as well as locally raised meat and eggs, delicious cookies and pastries, ice cold lemonade, sweet-salty kettle corn and more! 2:30-5pm

Open Mic at the Rec Center 8 pm .S Sign up starts at 7, music at 8. 213 William St. Sunken Well Trivia tonight starting at 7:45pm ~ Come and match wits against the finest minds in Fredericksburg!

Ziggy Marley @ Celebrate Virginia After Hours, 5:30p. Marks and Harrison Amphitheater www.CelebrateVirginiaAfterHours.com, $

Live Music @LaPetite Auberge, 311 William St, 8midnight. . No cover. lapetiteaubergefred.com

Bluemont Summer Concert with the Mary Ann Redmond Band @ Maury Stadium. 7:30p. All are welcome, bring lawn chairs, blankets and picnics; no pets, alcohol, or smoking allowed; refreshments are available .bad weather, the indoor location will be James Monroe High School. $

Green Talks: Pitcher Plant Tour@ Meadowview Biological Station. See Pitcher plants and other carnivorous plants in all their glory at this research station, and learn how to grow them in your own bog garden. 10a. 8390 Fredericksburg Turnpike, Woodford, VA 22580

Thursday, July 20

Friday, July 21

Music Fridays @ Legume, 9-11p, 715 Caroline St Sounds of Summer Concert Series @ Market Square, 7-9pm. Free ends in sept

Saturday, July 22

Farmers Market, Hurkamp Park, 9am-2pm Spotsylvania Farmers Market @ Commuter Lot at Route 3/Gordon Road, The month of July brings berries, peaches, cantaloupes, tomatoes, corn and a bounty of mid-summer produce - all freshly picked, all local. You will also find meat and eggs, breads and pastries, honey, herbs, spices, jams and salsas, and so much more! 8a-1p Bluemont Summer Concert with the Susan Greenbaum Band @ Maury Stadium, 7:30p. Susan Greenbaum delights audiences with her powerful and versatile voice, her lively combination of acoustic rock and pop music, and her energetic onstage presence. Greenbaum is a songwriter as well as a singer, and has received Finalist awards in both the John Lennon Songwriting Contest and the U.S.A. Songwriting Contest. All are welcome, bring lawn chairs, blankets and picnics; no pets, alcohol, or smoking allowed; refreshments are available for sale by local community organizations. In the event of bad weather, the indoor location will be James Monroe High School. $

Sunday, July 23

Wednesday, July 26

Open Mic at the Rec Center 8 pm .Scott Wagner hosts the coziest and best sounding open mic in Fredericksburg. Sign up starts at 7, music at 8. 213 William St. Sunken Well Trivia tonight starting at 7:45pm ~ Come and match wits against the finest minds in Fredericksburg! Compete for Honor, Glory, and Prizes!! Live Music @LaPetite Auberge, 311 William St, 8midnight. . No cover. lapetiteaubergefred.com

Friday, July 28

Music Fridays @ Legume, 9-11p, 715 Caroline St Sounds of Summer Concert Series @ Market Square, 7-9pm. Free ends in sept

Saturday, July 29

Farmers Market, Hurkamp Park, 9am-2pm

Sunday, July 30

Sunken Well Brunch from 9am-2pm, $5 Bloody Marys and Mimosas. Bluegrass night from 7-9pm. Usually a good idea to reserve a table!

Monday, July 31

Music on the Steps.Summer Concert Series at Hdqrtrs Library 7-8pm , Moch Pryderi Wesh American band with traditional music from Ireland, Scotland, Turkey, and the Appalachians.

Sunken Well Brunch from 9am-2pm, $5 Bloody Marys and Mimosas. Bluegrass night from 7-9pm. Usually a good idea to reserve a table! Yoga in the 9am in Market Square! Enjoy a refreshing juice, hot coffee, and stay active this summer with fellow FXBG yogis! For more info, contact Denise Smith at (540) 371-3037 ext 130 dsmith@famcc.org

Monday, July 24

Music on the Steps.Summer Concert Series at Hdqrtrs Library 7-8pm , FXBG Jazz Collective

Tuesday, July 25

If you are reading this 240th issue of FPF, thank an advertiser as we celebrate our 21st year of continuous publication! If you are an advertiser, list your events. Deadline for August 2017 issue is July 20th. To submit events go to frontporchfredericksburg.com/submit

Tastings Tuesday in the Bar @Legume. Taste featured wine &/or draft beer, 3-6p Legume $3 Taco Tuesday in the Bar All Day

3133 Fans (& Growing) Want You to Join

Front Porch on 540-8 899-6 6787 16

July 2017

Front porch fredericksburg

fortemusicstudios.com front porch fredericksburg

July 2017

july 2017…Savor Your Freedom Saturday, July 1

Sunday, July 2

CALENDAR of events

Independence Day, Tuesday, July 4

Music Fridays @ Legume, 9-11p, 715 Caroline St

Open Mic at the Rec Center 8 pm .S Sign up starts at 7, music at 8. 213 William St.

Heritage Day Children's Parade @ Fredericksburg Downtown VRE, 9:30am. Kids to dress in uniform or patriotic outfit. Prizes For more information, contact mlb5775@live.com

Sounds of Summer Concert Series @ Market Square, 7-9pm. Free ends in sept

Heritage Festival of the Streets, Downtown 10a-4p

Farmers Market, Hurkamp Park, 9am-2pm

Public Reading of the Declaration of Independence@ Hugh Mercer Apothecary Shop, 13pm

Spotsylvania Farmers Market @ Commuter Lot at Route 3/Gordon Road, 8a-1p. all freshly picked, all local. also meat and eggs, breads and pastries, honey, herbs, spices, jams and salsas, and more!

9:30 pm: FIREWORKS (Sponsored by City of Fredericksburg & Stafford County). Fireworks can be viewed from Pratt Park and Old Mill Park.

Dave Goodrich, 1- 5 PM, Barrel Oak Winery, 3623 Grove Lane, Delaplane, VA 20144, 540.364.6402

Tastings Tuesday in the Bar @Legume. Taste featured wine &/or draft beer, 3-6p

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

Close to Home, An Art Exhibit by Kathleen Walsh @ JarrettThor Fine Arts, 100 Taylor St, Colonial Beach

Sunday July 9

Music Fridays @ Legume, 9-11p, 715 Caroline St

Legume $3 Taco Tuesday in the Bar All Day @ Legume

Wednesday, July 5

Saturday, July 8

Live Music @LaPetite Auberge, 311 William St, 8midnight. . No cover. lapetiteaubergefred.com

Yoga in Market Square! 9am stay active this summer with fellow FXBG yogis! For more info, contact Denise Smith at (540) 371-3037 ext 130 dsmith@famcc.org

Friday, July 7

Monday, July 10

Tuesday, July 11

Tastings Tuesday in the Bar @Legume. Taste featured wine &/or draft beer, 3-6p Legume $3 Taco Tuesday in the Bar All Day

Wednesday, July 12

Thursday, July 13

Snowball Fights In July @ River Front Park, 5:307:30p

Friday, July 14

Sounds of Summer Concert Series @ Market Square, 7-9pm. Free ends in sept

Saturday, July 15

Sunday, July 16

Monday, July 15

Music on the Steps.Summer Concert Series at Hdqrtrs Library 7-8pm , The Kingbolts, Rock n'Roll

Tuesday, July 14

Tastings Tuesday in the Bar @Legume. Taste featured wine &/or draft beer, 3-6p

Farmers Market, Hurkamp Park, 9am-2pm

Legume $3 Taco Tuesday in the Bar All Day

Wednesday, July 19

Art In The Park @ Hurkamp Park, 9a-1p. Browse and shop local artists and crafters

Jason Coiner of Bartlett Tree Experts will discuss tree pruning and tree care @ CRRLibrary 1201 Caroline St, 7pm

Open Mic at the Rec Center 8 pm .S Sign up starts at 7, music at 8. 213 William St. Sunken Well Trivia tonight starting at 7:45pm ~ Come and match wits against the finest minds in Fredericksburg!

Ziggy Marley @ Celebrate Virginia After Hours, 5:30p. Marks and Harrison Amphitheater www.CelebrateVirginiaAfterHours.com, $

Live Music @LaPetite Auberge, 311 William St, 8midnight. . No cover. lapetiteaubergefred.com

Thursday, July 20

Friday, July 21

Music Fridays @ Legume, 9-11p, 715 Caroline St Sounds of Summer Concert Series @ Market Square, 7-9pm. Free ends in sept

Saturday, July 22

Sunday, July 23

Wednesday, July 26

Friday, July 28

Music Fridays @ Legume, 9-11p, 715 Caroline St Sounds of Summer Concert Series @ Market Square, 7-9pm. Free ends in sept

Saturday, July 29

Farmers Market, Hurkamp Park, 9am-2pm

Sunday, July 30

Sunken Well Brunch from 9am-2pm, $5 Bloody Marys and Mimosas. Bluegrass night from 7-9pm. Usually a good idea to reserve a table!

Monday, July 31

Music on the Steps.Summer Concert Series at Hdqrtrs Library 7-8pm , Moch Pryderi Wesh American band with traditional music from Ireland, Scotland, Turkey, and the Appalachians.

Monday, July 24

Music on the Steps.Summer Concert Series at Hdqrtrs Library 7-8pm , FXBG Jazz Collective

Tuesday, July 25

Tastings Tuesday in the Bar @Legume. Taste featured wine &/or draft beer, 3-6p Legume $3 Taco Tuesday in the Bar All Day

3133 Fans (& Growing) Want You to Join

Front Porch on 540-8 899-6 6787 16

July 2017

Front porch fredericksburg

fortemusicstudios.com front porch fredericksburg

July 2017

history’s stories

JULY 4TH By Ralph “Tuffy” Hicks

On July 4, 1776, a group of American Colonist assembled in Philadelphia to declare independence from the British Crown. July 4th for many Americans is just another summer holiday to spend at the beach or a backyard cookout and an evening with fireworks. I can remember the excitement of my childhood looking forward to the local downtown parade with many older soldiers from earlier World Wars and Korea marching along waving at the large crows waving "old glory" with local and calling their names. The local bands were playing and all the politicians were riding behind them on firetrucks. I remember my dad with his hat over his heart and mom with a tear in her eyes as a plaque with names of relatives that died in the wars passed in front of us. The streets are vacant now without the parades, but my memories linger July 4th 1776, America started a war with England that would last for seven long years until the British surrender at Yorktown in 1781. The treaty in Paris in 1783 would finally recognize America as an independent nation. We celebrate one day annually a struggle for independence that began1763 until 1783, a twenty-year period. I firmly believe that the most important wording from the Declaration of Independence is: "We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights; that among these are Life, Liberty and the Pursuit of Happiness." Today many individuals take these words for granted, however, back over two hundred years ago they were powerful words. Never had the idea of personal rights and freedoms been declared, as only the king could declare such for the people. Today the idea of this truth of unalienable rights that we all have is often mocked and ridiculed, as America is hated by some groups. This also holds the basis for our separation of powers in government, and has been self-evident in all movements for equal rights of our citizens. The idea of free and equal is forged in hard fought freedom that we all should hold dear. It takes individuals of strong character to continue with this today. Lines of right and wrong are diminished with actions by those in the news media and even elected officials, local, state, and federal that seem to have forgotten the lessons from our founding fathers on the principals of truth and honesty. The Red-White and Blue is a symbol of us AMERICA. We the people, not the borders, not the government or entitlements, just US. If we refuse to support our flag, then how can we support ourselves? We Americans have fought hard and far too many have died for us to gain these rights that ALL of us enjoy. We have many men and women in uniform fighting today against those powers that continue to mock and want to destroy our freedoms As we celebrate this July 4th, we should reflect on the uniqueness of America arising from the Declaration of Independence. We have no always lived up to the document, however, the love of freedom expressed by all of us Americans who love America and the individual freedoms is what the true meaning of July 4th. I wish each one of you a Happy and Safe July 4th Dedicated to the memory of: Lee Harris, Royal Schmidt,Sr., Marie Savage, & Carrol Cox, Jr

July 2017

Front porch fredericksburg

OUR HERITAGE pleasure island By Sue Stone

It’s All Energy help for headaches by christina ferber ble at Availa n.com Amazo

Tucked inside one of many archival boxes at Historic Fredericksburg Foundation, Inc., is a 1924 photograph of a building on Pleasure Island. What type of building was this? What was Pleasure Island? What activities occurred here? Where was it? Was it always called Pleasure Island? The easiest questions are the location and whether it was always called Pleasure Island. This river island sits close to the Fredericksburg shore of the Rappahannock with Chatham Bridge crossing over its middle. In 1854, this fiveacre island became known as Scott’s Island. In local historian Robert Hodge’s The Island: Brown’s or Scott’s, Fredericksburg, Virginia 1805–1924, we learn Pleasure Island was a short-lived enterprise of Richard Southworth from 1919–1924. At some point after 1924, it became Scott’s Island again. (On today’s maps, it is still called Scott’s Island.) Volume 21 of Fredericksburg’s City Council Minutes (December 9, 1919), states: “Mr. R[ichard] L. Southworth asking a lease on Scott’s Island for two years….” By July 3, 1920, the Free Lance advertised a picnic on Pleasure Island for July 5, 1920. (Because July 4, was a Sunday, patriotic events were postponed until the next day.) The events to celebrate Independence Day began with a morning parade to the island. Throughout the day, visitors heard various speakers and multiple band concerts. Round and square dancing were ongoing events. Is it possible the pavilion captured in the 1924 photograph was the venue for the concerts or dancing? The Free Lance advertisement listed the day’s activities for visitors to Pleasure Island as including a free dinner at noon, a greased-pig-catching contest, greasy pole climb, pie-eating contest, potato racing, diving from the bridge into the river, and a boat race. By 9 p.m., there was a gig [jig] dancing contest followed at 11:30 p.m. with a boxing exhibition. On July 8, 1920, the Free Lance described the events of July 5:

The workmen’s parade, starting at 10:30 a.m., headed by a good band from Quantico, attracted attention over the long route it marched, and when it ended at Pleasure Island, it was the signal for the opening up of business at this attractive spot in the Rappahannock, so close by and so easily reached. All day long and until a late hour at night, there was a constant stream of people going to and coming from the island. Business was good in the refreshment line; all of the devices were patronized and the day’s program included several speeches by visitors, music and dancing. Altogether Pleasure Island was a popular resort on Monday. Pleasure Island was a short-lived amusement park venue easily accessible to locals in the 1920s. The research on this fascinating bit of Fredericksburg history was stimulated by the discovery of the photo of one of the buildings that Southworth maintained through multiple summer seasons. It came from one of many HFFI boxes that undoubtedly contain undiscovered, treasures. Volunteers are always welcome to assist in finding other gems of Fredericksburg history. Visit our website to see whether volunteering might interest you. http://hffi.org/ Sue Stone is a HFFI volunteer researcher & a member of the Marker Committee

Headaches affect all of us, and can range from a nuisance that won’t go away to full blown pain that stops us in our tracks. However, there are ways to naturally relieve a headache using acupressure points and simple energy medicine exercises. The next time you feel a headache coming on; try one of the following techniques before you reach for that aspirin. Massaging the Occipital Ridge at the back of your head is a good place to start. This is the area where your spine and head meet, and rubbing along it can help to relieve tension associated with a headache. Start in the middle at the top of your spine and work your way along this ridge to the hollow right behind your ears. Be sure to pay special attention to the Traditional Chinese Medicine Headache Points, which are located about 1 inch from either side of your spine. Find the places where you feel an indentation and rub and massage them deeply while breathing. These can also help to calm you down as they plug into your nervous system. If you have a headache that is located at the front of your head, try spreading your fingers apart and placing them above each eyebrow. With pressure, pull or rake your fingers up toward your hairline. Use only the amount of pressure that is comfortable. This helps blood to circulate in this area, and can help you feel better quickly. A similar exercise called The Crown Pull helps make space for energy and blood to circulate and can also help you think more clearly. Start with your thumbs on your temples and your fingertips in the middle of your forehead. With pressure, stretch your forehead by moving your fingers to your temples.

Supporting Historic Preservation Since 1997

Repeat at your hairline and move over your head until you reach the base of your neck. Pull across it, and place your fingers behind your shoulders, and then squeeze your shoulders and pull your fingers over them to the front. Take a deep breath and pull your hands off. Scratching and massaging your head can also help. Meridians are energy pathways in the body and working with these points can bring relief for many types of ailments. One of the most common points used to relieve headaches is along the large intestine meridian. In the webbing between your index finger and thumb lies the Large Intestine 4 point. Press, rub, or massage this point until any tenderness goes away. Do not use this point if you are pregnant, as it can cause contractions. Simply rubbing your temples can also bring relief, help with allergies and loosen up the TMJ joint, as this area works with a meridian called Triple Warmer which governs our stress response. A few other points that are on meridian pathways to try are located right outside the bridge of your nose at the inside of your eyebrows, and points right underneath your cheekbones in line with the center of your eyes. With all of these exercises, do the one that feels right and if one doesn’t work, try another. Headaches are unique to each of us, just as the remedy is. For more information and to view other great techniques to help you feel better, visit www.itsallenergywellness.com .

Christina Ferber is a Certified Eden Energy Medicine Practitioner. You can find out more at www.itsallenergywellness.com

Energy Healing Modalities to Assist You and Your Animals to Improve and Maintain Health in Body, Mind and Spirit 540.656.2201 ~ 877.534.5534 ~ Sherry@healingateway.com ~ facebook

front porch fredericksburg

July 2017

history’s stories

JULY 4TH By Ralph “Tuffy” Hicks

July 2017

Front porch fredericksburg

OUR HERITAGE pleasure island By Sue Stone

It’s All Energy help for headaches by christina ferber ble at Availa n.com Amazo

Supporting Historic Preservation Since 1997

Christina Ferber is a Certified Eden Energy Medicine Practitioner. You can find out more at www.itsallenergywellness.com

Energy Healing Modalities to Assist You and Your Animals to Improve and Maintain Health in Body, Mind and Spirit 540.656.2201 ~ 877.534.5534 ~ Sherry@healingateway.com ~ facebook

front porch fredericksburg

July 2017

Senior Care get ready now By Karl Karch a copy of your prescriptions, a current list of medicines and dosage/treatment information. Include copies of important documents in a waterproof container, especially contact lists, doctors, any advance medical directives or medical device information, Medicare card, and/or other insurance information. Other important items to include: an extra pair of eyeglasses, hearing-aid batteries, an adequate supply of oxygen, and one week supply of sanitation and personal hygiene items (adult depends, disposable rubber gloves, antibacterial gels, sanitary wipes, skin creams, and plastic bags to dispose of waste materials). If your loved one is cognitively impaired they should wear a medical alert bracelet or include pertinent information with the other documents.

Make a plan with other family members.

As older adults, we are often encouraged to prepare/update a will, advance directive, designate a power of attorney, and other legal aspects associated with aging. However, how many times are we encouraged to prepare for an emergency? We Virginians are fortunate in many ways. While we do have hurricanes, tornadoes, earthquakes, and floods, we have few major natural disasters. The 2011 magnitude 5.8 earthquake whose epicenter was in Mineral exposed our vulnerability. According to Wikipedia, the quake was felt across more than a dozen U.S. states and in several Canadian provinces, and was felt by more people than any other quake in U.S. history. Because some older adults have physical and other limitations, a weather emergency can leave many families unprepared to help a senior react quickly to ensure their safety. That's why it’s important for families to talk with their senior loved ones and begin preparing in advance for any kind of emergency that could threaten their health or safety. Consider this checklist:

Make a Get Up and Go Kit This is always at the top of the preparedness list. In addition to the typical list of supplies (food, water, flashlight, change of clothes, etc.), seniors should make certain they have on hand at least one week’s supply of medicines in one location. We frequently see some meds in the bedroom, some in the bathroom, and some in the kitchen. You also should have

July 2017

Who will take the leadership decision making role (chain of command)? Who will go to be with the loved one? Who will be responsible picking up and moving the loved one should it become necessary? How will you contact one another (make a call list of who calls who)? Create a personal support network of friends and neighbors, which is especially important if no family lives nearby. Develop primary and alternate escape routes with the help of local officials. If you have pets, include them in your emergency kit and plan.

Tune in. Sign up for Fredericksburg Public Alert system for weather, crime, and other alerts at https://member.everbridge.net/index/453 003085611679#/signup. Get a battery radio. Have a list of emergency telephone numbers, local radio stations, and designated emergency shelters. I encourage everyone to go to the FEMA (Federal Emergency Management Agency) website w w w . f e m a . g o v / m e d i a library/assets/documents/90375 and download the 2-page PDF brochure “Prepare For Emergencies Now: Information For Older Americans”. This brochure goes into more detail. “The likelihood that you and your family will recover from an emergency tomorrow often depends on the planning and preparation done today” (quote from brochure). So, why wait? Get ready now. Karl Karch is a local franchise owner of Home Instead Senior Care, a licensed home care organization providing personal care, companionship and home helper services in the Fredericksburg and Culpeper region.

Front porch fredericksburg

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

Emancipated Patients spices: alternative treatment

Mind Your Mind wake up to yourself

By Patrick Neustatter, MD told me. And, “they’re raving about it.” As a conventional allopathic doctor, I am a bit skeptical when I hear about this kind of weirdo stuff. So when I was working at Moss last night, and happened to see a patient I knew, who had curcumin on her medication list, I asked her how she was doing. She was raving as well. She told me her joint pains were so much better she had been able to stop taking her pain medicines – though “her” pain medicines were her boy friend’s Dilauded (a form of morphine), which, in this day and age of opiate epidemic, is not the kind of story you (or the FDA) want to hear.

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

Panaceas? Let me tell you about the spice girls. Not “Scary,” “Sporty,” “Baby,” “Ginger” or “Posh” (though I guess you spring chickens out there will have no idea what I’m talking about). Rather I refer to the “girls” of the Lloyd Moss Free Clinic who are using spices as an alternative to conventional medicines. Prompted by the Moss pharmacy ceasing to carry the pain medicine tramadol, because it was upgraded to schedule IV by the DEA, the clinics psychiatric nurse practitioner, Marsha Stonehill N.P was hearing a lot of complaints. “Pain affects peoples’ mental health. They get discouraged then they get depressed” she explained to me. So when she saw a flyer for a conference on use of spices as an alternative treatment, she, and other members of the Moss staff went to to see what was up. “They brought back information on hundreds of spices” notes Mental Health Program Coordinator, Carolyne Ashton PhD, who helps coordinate the program and pulled together specific prescribing information on five spices cinnamon, curcumin, ginger, green tea, and deglycrrhizinated licorice (more commonly, and less tongue-twistingly, known as licorice DGE). Most popular so far is curcumin – the ingredient that gives the rich and indelible yellow color to the herb turmeric, that anyone who’s dripped curry down their shirt front will be familiar with.

Raving The primary property of curcumin is its anti-inflammatory effect and inflammation is that ubiquitous process that is beginning to be thought of as the root of all evil (forget money). Not just of obvious inflammatory processes like arthritis and allergies, but hokey stuff like Alzheimer’s, high blood pressure, heart disease and diabetes. To see how it’s working, “we call the patients every 2 months” Carolyne

The information on these spices seems to suggest they are virtual panaceas, that will treat a massive number of maladies – green tea especially. There is, however not a lot of good hard evidence. Very few formal clinical trials on humans (which is the gold standard that sticklers for evidence based medicine insist on). This is an issue with many “alternative” treatments – that there’s no patent to be had. No boat-load of money to be made. So no one is interested in doing expensive clinical trials. Sometimes spices can make things worse, or interact with conventional medicines (curcumin can interact with anti-inflammatory NSAID’s like ibuprofen, blood thinners, cancer drugs and others). This is not a reason not to use them, but it is important for anyone taking them to be sure their doctor is informed.

Practice What You Preach Marsha and Carolyne are unquestionable enthusiasts about spices – partly through having practiced what they preach. Carolyne told me she was taking curcumin and ginger, both of which are beneficial in treating her gastroesophageal reflux. So much so, she has been able to drastically cut back on her pantoprazole – with the approval of her gastroenterologist (who she notes is cool because he uses peppermint to treat GI distress). Marsha told me how she had used flax seed, which is used in the treatment for irritable bowels syndrome, to instantly cure chronic daily diarrhea – in her horse. So know that at the Moss Clinic, actual spices, rather than music, seem to be the “spice of life.” And Carolyne and Marsha are not just ditzy, provocative air-head “spice girls.” NOTE: Many of these spices can be purchased locally at The Scenter of Towne & Cowan Pharmacy & Compounding Center

By Barbara Deal Stress talk, here. I have said this before, “throw out that list from the magazine.” Really. Do that. Ease yourself out of feeling guilty that you do not have that energy. Probably a person’s Truth is tangled up with personality style. Maybe, think “introvert/extrovert”. One goes away, one goes outward. In terms of diagnostic trends, a person with ADHD may become more scattered. A person with depression goes deeper still. A person with mania, more so. With unresolved trauma, or issues, becomes more vulnerable to triggers. A person with autistic traits can become more easily overstimulated, yelling, flapping. A person with tendencies to over drink or turn to drugs for relief goes there. Carrie Fisher, reportedly in the post mortem, had cocaine and another drug in her system at the time of her death. Even our s/heroes remain vulnerable to their personal demons. You get it. Or maybe it takes awhile for you to become more visible to yourself. Maybe you need a loved one to point it out to you. Maybe it’s a near car accident in which you were just thinking about a nightmare situation. So really, you see this in yourself. Go inside yourself. It is the only place, isn’t it? In a sense, you have to wander around until you notice a slight perk up. A teeny, tiny, brief second. A tiny shift. Oh, a bird’s song. Oh. That look of wonder and a frozen body of a child waiting for the butterfly in hopes she will land on her finger. A soap bubble rising from the breath through the wire hole. The touch of fabric of a piece of clothing, a satin shoe, a bedspread, a leather easy chair. The salt of the ocean water in your mouth. Maybe you remember the love of violins and isn’t there a Vivaldi piece on summer in Seasons?

It’s always more fun in the Scenter of Town!

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

Those small moments, however temporary, can be refreshing and satisfying. Let your sense of yourself wake you up, ever how briefly from your struggle. This is the reminder that there is a core in you. A core of beauty and resilience untouched by the world’s tragedies and pull of suffering. You have a place, known only to you. There IS that private place of private. Wordless and profound. Be in that. Whew, welcome home. Then like that archetype, Scarlett O’Hara, perhaps, in that homemade dress from drapes (was it red or green velvet?) abandoned and likely homeless, say :”Tomorrow is another day”. Remind yourself that your “home”, your Truth is still within you, accessible and a respite. And why not? Chances are, that source of stress with still be there when you come back.

Barbara Deal MA, LCSW is a psychotherapist at Alliance Therapy Center, (540) 373-9577

The Natural Path Holistic Health Center

~Nature’s Sunshine Products ~Quantitative Fluid Analysis ~VoiceBio Analysis ~ionSpa Foot Detox ~Zyto Bioscan Compass Natural Products for Health & Wellness Barbara Bergquist, CTN Board Certified Traditional Naturopath

891-6200

www.thenaturalpath.us

4413 Lafayette Blvd. Fredericksburg

front porch fredericksburg

July 2017

Make a plan with other family members.

July 2017

Front porch fredericksburg

Emancipated Patients spices: alternative treatment

Mind Your Mind wake up to yourself

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

It’s always more fun in the Scenter of Town!

Barbara Deal MA, LCSW is a psychotherapist at Alliance Therapy Center, (540) 373-9577

The Natural Path Holistic Health Center

891-6200

www.thenaturalpath.us

4413 Lafayette Blvd. Fredericksburg

front porch fredericksburg

July 2017

Renew

Life in Motion making your day a little easier

Food that looks like body parts: Pt 2 by Joan M. Geisler Grapefruit, oranges, and other citrus fruits resemble female mammary glands and help the movement of lymph in and out of the breasts! According to Dr. Moulavi, "Grapefruit contains substances called limonoids, which have been shown to inhibit the development of cancer in lab animals and in human breast cells."

By Travis H. Stoner

centuries as a natural remedy for stomach health. Gingerol, the ingredient that gives ginger it's strong scent and taste, is listed in the USDA database of phytochemicals as having the ability to prevent nausea and vomiting. That is why your mother gave you ginger ale when you were sick. Moms are so wise!

Figs are full of seeds and hang in twos when they grow. Studies have shown that figs increase the mobility of male sperm and increase the sperm count as well as overcoming male sterility.

A sliced mushroom has the shape and resemblance of a human ear and mushrooms are good for ear health! They are a great source of vitamin D, which is essential for preventing hearing loss. Avocados & pears are shaped like

A sweet potato has a striking resemblance to the pancreas, and has been shown to help the pancreas do its job by helping to stabilize blood sugar levels. Sweet potatoes are also naturally high in Vitamin B6, which studies have shown inhibits the growth of pancreatic cancer! Take a close look at the tiny green tips on a broccoli head and notice how they look like 100's of cancer cells. A team of researchers at US National Cancer Institute found that a weekly serving of broccoli was enough to reduce the risk of prostate cancer by 45%.

Take a look at a bunch of red onions on display at the grocery store.

They look like red blood cells. Research shows onions ability to clear waste materials from the body's cells. They even produce tears which wash the epithelial layers of the eyes. Epithelial tissue covers the front of the cornea. It acts as a barrier to protect the cornea. To learn more about this, study The Doctrine of Signatures or Teleological Nutritional Targeting. It is the study of the relationship between the attributes of fruits, vegetables and herbs and how they closely relate to the organs and body parts they help. When you need help implementing your new healthy habits, give me a call. Joan is the Director of MedFit, Medically Integrated Nutrition and Exercise at Truong Rehabilitation Center

care more about what insurance the caller has than why the person is calling. I have spent my career in many different settings and have seen L to R: Rich Gaudio, PT Clinic Operator the pros and cons of each, and Dr. Travis Stoner, DPT Clinic Owner but the one thing I noticed in each setting is Publisher’s Note: A friend of mine was no one was listening to the patient, no visiting last month and began raving conversations were being made, and no about her new physical therapist. Having one was having any fun. There may have gone through physical therapy last year, been laughs here and there, but overall, I I was intrigued to learn why this place still got an institution feel to every place I was so different. So we asked worked, and I wanted to change that. I Dr. Stoner of Fusion Physical Therapy wanted my patients to have as much fun to explain. and be as comfortable in my clinic as I was, and I realized that the only way to do that Physical Therapy can mean a lot was to open a facility of my own. I wanted of things to a lot of different people. To to have a facility that people wanted to some it is pain and torture, others it is come to, not dread; a place that felt more exercises you can look up on you tube, and like a family get together where people to others it is a vital part of the health chatted, made friends, all while the care continuum. Just as peoples’ therapist made their day a little easier. perceptions of physical therapy can be I knew I wanted to go into vastly different, so can physical therapy physical medicine by the time I was in high offices. Most I know of are littered with school. I volunteered at a Chiropractic sports memorabilia, muscle charts, and

office, a hand therapy clinic, and finally a physical therapy office. I fell in love with the idea of being able to treat back pain, cure vertigo, and teach someone to walk again after a stroke. I went to Shenandoah University in the fall of 1998 to start my college education and to play lacrosse. I learned many valuable lessons in college, mostly about the importance of community and friendship. I carried that into my graduate studies, also at Shenandoah University, graduating with my Doctor of Physical Therapy in 2005. I began working for Valley Health in an outpatient neurological facility treating patients that have had strokes, spinal cord injuries, Parkinson’s, vertigo, and total joint replacements. I became director of Aquatic Therapy, did some Home Health and covered inpatient Rehab on weekends. One of the great things about Valley Health was their cooperation with the PT school, so after one year I became an adjunct faculty at the university teaching students alongside the professors of basic and advanced musculoskeletal skills. After three years in Winchester, I realized I needed a change of landscape and began

my journey back into orthopedics and my path toward Fusion Physical Therapy. People often ask me “what makes your clinic different from the others?” My answer is very simple, we aren’t here to fix a diagnosis, we are here to make your day a little easier. We want to get to know you as a person, your family, and your total environment, to come up with a treatment plan that is specifically suited to you and your individual needs. Although we all may look the same from the outside, its what’s on the inside at Fusion that really makes the difference. We all believe in the same vision at Fusion, to make everyone part of the team. It’s not just the staff we have that makes up the Fusion community, it’s the patients and their families as well.

DR. Travis H. Stoner, PT, DPT, COMT Is the owner of Fusion Physical Therapy at 4701 Spotsylvania Parkway Suite 106 Fredericksburg, VA 22407 (540) 710-0100. www.fusionptcr.com

the uterus and cervix. Avocados have been shown to balance hormones and prevent cervical cancer. Just as it takes exactly 9 months for a baby to fully develop in the womb, it takes an avocado exactly 9 months to grow from a blossom into a ripened fruit! There are said to be over 14,000 photolytic chemical constituents of nutrition in each one of these foods. Ginger looks like the stomach and aids in digestion. Ginger has been used for

July 2017

Front porch fredericksburg

front porch fredericksburg

July 2017

Renew

Life in Motion making your day a little easier

By Travis H. Stoner

Figs are full of seeds and hang in twos when they grow. Studies have shown that figs increase the mobility of male sperm and increase the sperm count as well as overcoming male sterility.

Take a look at a bunch of red onions on display at the grocery store.

DR. Travis H. Stoner, PT, DPT, COMT Is the owner of Fusion Physical Therapy at 4701 Spotsylvania Parkway Suite 106 Fredericksburg, VA 22407 (540) 710-0100. www.fusionptcr.com

July 2017

Front porch fredericksburg

front porch fredericksburg

July 2017

Art in the Burg Sights, Sounds & Flavors of the Farmers Market

Art is a Gift from the Heart

Stories

of fredericksburg I moved into the woods off of Garrisonville Road behind the Wawa and I lived there for 5 years. I would do little jobs here and there and panhandle to get money. After time went on, I started meeting a whole bunch of different people and they would give me propane for my heater during the winter and buy me blankets and food- stuff that I needed. Sometimes they would get me a hotel room so I could stay all night and to shower, clean up, and have a real bed to sleep in…. but that was only once in a while. I would go to Micah too during the week (if I could get there) and I would get a shower and then they helped me get through Moss Clinic so I could get some medical help and stuff that I needed.

Artists: Beverley Coates Lynn Abbott Penny Parrish

In her Farmers Market series, Brush Strokes Gallery’s Featured Artist Beverly Toves has used her artistic gifts to capture the sights, sounds and flavors of Fredericksburg’s open-air markets. Through Toves’ rich and vibrant work vicariously enjoy eating cold ice cream on a sizzling summer day or choosing the right fall produce or décor on a frosty October day. Beverly's love of creativity began as early as age five and never faded. In fact, it only grew stronger. “All throughout my school years I favored art in many forms and went on to receive my Bachelor of Fine Art in both painting and sculpture from the Maryland Institute College of Art.

“Upon graduation, my career path took a slightly different twist as I decided to become a professional portrait and wedding photographer under the name Portrait Excellence by Beverly. My exposure to the Old Masters played a big influence on my portrait style ” . Having retired recently after 40 years as a portrait photographer, Beverly has returned to her easel. “Last July 2016, I took my trusty old camera and 40 years of experience and spent the next three seasons, almost every weekend, documenting the Fredericksburg Farmers Markets on both Rt 3 and at Hurkamp Park. After capturing thousands of images, I have painted only a fraction of them…only the best! Once again, my skills as a figurative sculptor, portrait photographer, journalist and artist have enabled me to create what I feel is the culmination of my new "voice" as an oil painter. I was able to use the rich textures and vibrant fluidity of my pieces to place the viewers in the moment, and enable them to vicariously enjoy sipping lemonade, eating cold ice cream on a hot summer's day or choosing the right fall produce or décor on a frosty October day” Beverly reflects, “Life’s road is full of twists and turns and my desire is to find the beauty in each new bend.” First Friday Reception, July 7,6–9pm Brush Strokes Galery 824 Caroline Street, Throughout the month of July, visit Brush Strokes Gallery for a taste of all that makes Fredericksburg an extraordinary hometown.

“Lemonade on a Hot Summer Day”

July 2017

win downtown gift certificate

Carl

Artist Beverly Toves

“Kim Sawyer Ice Cream”

Name This House

Daily hours 10 to 6. Artist on site Saturdays 810 Caroline Street, Downtown Fredericksburg

Carl, 52, moved out of the woods and into housing in Stafford County in October 2015. He remains housed today, now has income and is dealing with his many medical issues. "I met a girl in Stafford and it turned out real bad. This was back in 2007 and me and her got into it over a guy who was trying to get between me and her…but me and him got into it and I ended up putting him into the hospitalalmost killed him. Then I stayed a year in jail until I went to trial and then they dropped it all because it was self-defense. I did a whole year in jail for really nothing. So when I got out I didn’t have anything. I didn’t have nothing. Everything was gone. I still had my truck so I was going around doing side jobs here and then I started drinking because everything was just going downhill. Then I got a DUI and a month later I got another DUI….so I couldn’t drive no more and I had to sell my truck. That was in 2009 Right at the beginning of 2010 I became homeless- completely homeless. So

The worst part about being in the woods was not having no one to talk to - being depressed all the time and just not knowing what the next day is going to bring….I had to take it day by day. I spent my time listening to the radio and drinking. That’s pretty much it. It’s very depressing. The only time I would feel good is when my friends would come by and hang out…but that was just a one night fix and as soon as everyone was gone I’d go back to being depressed again. But I made it, I got over it. I am most thankful that I have a couple new friends; I have a roof over my head, a stove, refrigerator, tv, shower, food…I’m doing alright right now. I survived living in the woods. I made it. I had help.”

Identify this mystery house and you could win a gift certificate from a downtown merchant. Here’s how: Email frntprch@aol.com, Subject: mystery house, Identify house address, Your name, address, email. The poem below is a hint of the location of the mystery house. Good Luck! Last Month’s House: 1311 Washington Ave. Mary Martens is the Winner of a Gift Certificate from Roxbury Farm & Garden Center

My How You Have Changed You sat so many years ago in your spot in the city, your backyard looking out on Gayle's pond aplenty. Birds sang by your windows, disguised as you were, as a squat, yellow, Dutch Colonial, diminutive as can be. Then came some souls we knew them not, who hid your face from us with boards and nail and such. You sat for years in this spot of beauty, with your eyes shuttered, as those without shelter, warmed themselves inside your fearful bones. Everyone cheered when we saw you again, your beautiful eyes open, a family, a family who gave you a fantastic new look, and oh my gawd......a yellow dawg.

Submitted by Micah Ecumenical Ministries, a Christ-Centered Community supporting people experiencing chronic homelessness and identifying pathways to sustainable housing. Contact 540479-4116; www.dolovewalk.net; facebook

Become a Friend Advocate ~ Donate ~ Volunteer

540~479~4116 1013 Princess Anne Street , FXBG

~Contributd by Norma Woodward

Front porch fredericksburg

front porch fredericksburg

July 2017

Art in the Burg Sights, Sounds & Flavors of the Farmers Market

Art is a Gift from the Heart

Stories

Artists: Beverley Coates Lynn Abbott Penny Parrish

“Lemonade on a Hot Summer Day”

July 2017

win downtown gift certificate

Carl

Artist Beverly Toves

“Kim Sawyer Ice Cream”

Name This House

Daily hours 10 to 6. Artist on site Saturdays 810 Caroline Street, Downtown Fredericksburg

Become a Friend Advocate ~ Donate ~ Volunteer

540~479~4116 1013 Princess Anne Street , FXBG

~Contributd by Norma Woodward

Front porch fredericksburg

front porch fredericksburg

July 2017

FXBG Music Scene Jahnel Daliya by Ashleigh Chevalier Jahnel Daliya is a blossoming singer and songwriter who lives with her husband and two sons in Stafford, Virginia. Her trio breathes a powerful indie-rock pop sound, with Elena Lacayo on drums and John Wooten on bass. Jahnel Daliya released her first EP, Chase the Moon, in June with a release show in Arlington, Virginia at Iota Club & Café. Jahnel Daliya’s lyrics are poetic, and gripping. Her melodies cascade with her fragile, yet strong vocals. Read. .....

Chase the Moon It's after midnight, and I am alone with you. You hold me so close and so tight, I am a part of you. I called and you came to my rescue. Let's not waste the night, Let's chase the moon.

Our world comes alive, when we open our eyes. Under the moon, We will be whole. It's a race to HAVE FUN Before the morning comes. WE'LL CHASE THE MOON AND OWN THE NIGHT

We can chase the night. We can run away from the daylight. We won't be young forever. DON'T YOU KNOW We're lovers of the night. Let's chase the moon. The light will cripple our senses. Going to bed at dawn. TO SOME IS MADNESS.

Chris O’Kelley

THE POETRY MAN - By Frank Fratoe

visible touch

Nature is Newsworthy Turn off all noise and talk of people arguing politics as though it somehow banned everything else on the news.

by Suzanne scherr O'Kelley has been a visible member of its art scene since receiving a degree in Art History from Mary Washington University in 2012. His intensive study of master painters, especially the Impressionists, can be seen in his ever-growing body of work. “In my spare time I like to go to museums like the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts or the National Gallery of Art in order to take in the tradition and artistic merit of past genius. While wandering the galleries I feel connected with the impetus behind great art and it gives me the tools I need to venture forward into the great realm of artistic expression. My art has an aesthetic as well as a philosophical bent. For me, brush strokes are like rays of light that are diffused

Instead walk along the river where another golden morning has inspired our admiration if we consider what is there. A front of pines looms over the shore’s edge this hour and joins a cloud above it to impart brilliance rising. Oh pay attention my friend to the lucid assurance that water and cloud will be here when quarrels are forgotten.

Frank Fratoe lives & writes in the city. He has written poems from the heart for Front Porch for the past 8 years.

Ashleigh Chevalier is a Blues/Jazz/Rock MusicanVocalist, Songwriter, Music & Media Journalist, Entertainment & Marketing Consultant, Events Management & Support and, a mother living in Fredericksburg

2015, and has been elected to its board for the past two years. Since 2005, O'Kelley has also worked at an holistic, complementary health center in Fredericksburg. In this show, an interest in the effects of meditation, yoga and music translates to a rhythmic and intuitive application of paint. Art First Gallery “Visible Touch”, Chris O’Kelley Opening Reception: First Friday, July 7, 6 pm - 9 pm Exhibit on View: July 4 - July 30 For additional details, please visit www.artfirstgallery.com 540-371-7107

With energetic brushwork and thick oil paint, artist Chris O'Kelley shares imagined worlds. Primary colors seem to explode in this series of new canvases. Through abstraction, he encourages the viewer to create a personal narrative among and within the paintings.

The world comes alive in the twilight. 'Til dusk comes again, I'll see you then.

“ The Shore”, Chris O’Kelley

We can chase the night. We can run away from the daylight. We won't be young forever. We're lovers of the night. Let's chase the moon.

Native

Fredericksburg,

Central Rappahannock Heritage Center

Virginia’s only Regional Archive The Heritage Center

July 2017

Front porch fredericksburg

Maury Commons 900 Barton St 540-373-3704; crhc@verizon.net

Fredericksburg

upon the canvas. I like to produce strokes that dance with radiant colors and absorb the viewer’s attention so that all thought is intertwined within the painting. This absorption of the viewer’s attention is meant to elicit an ecstatic response that illuminates the eyes and minds of those that experience it. I believe that aesthetic beauty is an ideal that all artists should aspire toward. Beauty will save mankind, and I would like to take part in that salvation.”, says O’Kelley Halfway through painting this show, he was struck by how a founding Art First Gallery member, Johnny P. Johnson, has been a positive influence. Johnson is known for his use of a limited, primary color palette to depict imaginary landscapes and for his long term impact on arts education in the local area. At 32, O'Kelley is the youngest and one of the most active members of Art First. He was juried into the gallery in

Suzanne Scherr is an artist & a member of Art First GalleryY

Supporting Local Artists Since 1997

front porch fredericksburg

July 2017

Our world comes alive, when we open our eyes. Under the moon, We will be whole. It's a race to HAVE FUN Before the morning comes. WE'LL CHASE THE MOON AND OWN THE NIGHT

Chris O’Kelley

THE POETRY MAN - By Frank Fratoe

visible touch

Nature is Newsworthy Turn off all noise and talk of people arguing politics as though it somehow banned everything else on the news.

Frank Fratoe lives & writes in the city. He has written poems from the heart for Front Porch for the past 8 years.

Ashleigh Chevalier is a Blues/Jazz/Rock MusicanVocalist, Songwriter, Music & Media Journalist, Entertainment & Marketing Consultant, Events Management & Support and, a mother living in Fredericksburg

The world comes alive in the twilight. 'Til dusk comes again, I'll see you then.

“ The Shore”, Chris O’Kelley

We can chase the night. We can run away from the daylight. We won't be young forever. We're lovers of the night. Let's chase the moon.

Native

Fredericksburg,

Central Rappahannock Heritage Center

Virginia’s only Regional Archive The Heritage Center

July 2017

Front porch fredericksburg

Maury Commons 900 Barton St 540-373-3704; crhc@verizon.net

Fredericksburg

Suzanne Scherr is an artist & a member of Art First GalleryY

Supporting Local Artists Since 1997

front porch fredericksburg

July 2017

Companions Youth Volunteers By Candice Armstrong .....Make a BIG Difference at the Fredericksburg SPCA

embark on a Compassionate Care Summer Camp program that will kick off in late June 2017 for elementary, middle and high school students. These camps will consist of a variety of educational, recreational and animal care components that are sure to make every young animal lover a happy camper! Here at the Fredericksburg SPCA, we not only want to embrace the enthusiasm of our young, animal-loving community – we want to engage them in meaningful, humane education programs that will help them share our mission of “live and let thrive” with a

In the animal shelter community, one of many things that makes the Fredericksburg SPCA unique is our recent focus on youth volunteers. We just wrapped up a very successful pilot program that saw 20 middle school and several high school students working for two hours every other week to help care for the animals housed at our shelter. They washed dishes, did laundry and spent lots of time socializing our curious feline friends! These young advocates for animal welfare

didn’t just stop with basic (although critical) shelter tasks, they also used their creative, tech-savvy minds to make adoption promotion videos of available animals which can ultimately help them find forever homes much faster. Additionally, the SPCA will also

July 2017

7 Fun Activities make this your dog’s best summer yet

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

“One of the advantages of being a Main Street community, is taking advantages of workshops & seminars that benefit Downtown businesses,” states Ann Glave, Executive Director of Fredericksburg Main Street Initiative, “With Virginia Main Street’s financial support, Fredericksburg Main Street was able to send 6 business owners to Jon Schallert’s class in Short Pump. Without their support, we wouldn’t have been able to accomplish that goal.”

540-898-0737

If you are like me, you feel guilty about working all day while your dog stays home, then leaving Fido at home again when you go out for entertainment. Or maybe you want him to experience more in life than his fenced-in yard. Fortunately summer provides a lot of great opportunities for mental stimulation and a change of scenery. There are many options, both for those who like a little action and those who like to take it easy. Make sure your dog gets his monthly flea and tick preventative, and ask your vet about Lyme's and Lepto vaccines.

variety of audiences. We are thankful for families who are teaching their children the importance of caring for vulnerable animals and encouraging them at such a young age to become engaged citizens and volunteers for important causes like ours. These young volunteers are the future of animal welfare and the Fredericksburg SPCA! Are YOU or someone you know interested in becoming a FredSPCA Youth Volunteer? Check out our website (https://fburgspca.org), where you can read more about our volunteer programs and sign up to receive more information!

1. Canoeing/kayaking/stand up paddle boarding. Both River Rock Outfitters and the Virginia Outdoor Center rent boats and allow dogs to come along. Stand up paddle boarding, or "SUP with your pup" is becoming a big trend. Life jackets are recommended for both you and your dog anytime you are on water that flows. You can purchase a canine life jacket at River Rock, Dog Krazy, or Petsmart, and it's best to get it fitted in person. Avoid buying online on this one.

Candi Armstrong, MSW is the Community Outreach and Volunteer Coordinator, for the Fredericksburg Regional SPCA. She can be reached at 540-898-1500 x17 (o), 270-250-5455 (c) candifredspca@gmail.com

3. Guided hikes. The National Parks Service offers "History at Sunset" hikes on Friday nights throughout the summer. Call ahead, since some hikes are on private property and won't allow dogs. At Gari Melcher's Belmont, volunteers lead

Front porch fredericksburg

By Dawn whitmore

35 Monuments, Markers, & Attractions

Fredericksburgtrolley.com

Building a Destination Business

By Wendy Migdal

Old Town’s Greatest Tour AND the Fredericksburg Battlefields Weddings Reunions Shuttles Parties Group Outings

Constructing Vibrant FXBG Businesses

2. Swimming at Falmouth Waterfront Park. Sandy (ok, rocky too) beaches and shallow water make this a great spot for both of you. Again, wear the life jacket. An umbrella will allow hours of comfort in the sun. Weekends are crowded; arrive by 11:00 AM to be sure of a parking spot.

business and is known for his Retail Destination Boot Camps,” explains Glave, “The workshop was an opportunity that Main Street felt would be beneficial to our businesses.” I will leave you with a takeaway shared by Catherine Sullivan of Monkees in Fredericksburg: “The best take-way that I plan to incorporate into my business is to use more testimonials on my website and emails.”

a hike through the trails on the last Sunday of every month. Exercise and education at the same time. 4. Biking. You may attract some stares on this one. Buy or borrow a child trailer and put your dog in it! Then take him for a spin on a paved path like the Riverfront Heritage Trail/Canal Path, or the Virginia Central Rail Trail. 5. Wineries. Wineries know that many wine lovers are also dog lovers, and all the local ones (Lake Anna, Mattaponi, Wilderness Run, Old House, Hartwood, Rogers Ford, Potomac Point) allow dogs on the property, although state law prevents them from coming into the tasting rooms. Bring a picnic lunch and while away a nice afternoon. 6. Restaurants. It's no secret that many downtown restaurants allow dogs on the sidewalks. To have a little more room and avoid the pedestrian traffic, try J. Brian's and Deutschland Downtown, because both have backyards and patios. Try the late afternoon before the dinner rush, just for a drink. Relaxing on a restaurant's back patio with your dog, a book, and a cool drink is a fantastic way to spend an hour. 7. Antique stores. Just about all of the antique stores downtown (and many others as well) allow you to bring dogs inside. It's a great way to beat the heat. Come and see why House Beautiful listed our town as Virginia's best in "50 Best Small Towns For Antiquing"! Wendy Migdal is a teacher who may be found out and about with her dog on any given day.

photo by dawn whitmore

Jon Schallert (Destination Business Presenter), Keith and April Peterson of River Rock Outfitter, MJ Stone of Agora Downtown, Crystal Wellman of Ladyburg and Tamara Villegos of Frenchman Corner Fredericksburg Center for the Creative Arts (FCCA) was one of the 6 scholarship provided for the Schallert workshop on creating a ‘vibrant destination’ business. This writer went as FCCA’s representative. There were 8 businesses listed as participants from Fredericksburg on the workshop roster. My plan to reach out to each business to discuss their take-away from the workshop, how they have integrated the take-away, and the result of their instituting their knowledge. However, with it being less than a month since attending the workshop…. the businesses may have a take-away or two, but the results would not be visible yet. Therefore, the plan is to stay in touch with the businesses. Over the next six months or so, I will check back and see how the implementation of the knowledge is coming along. Why Schallert’s workshop? “I saw Jon at both the National and State Main Street conventions. He is all about being retail destination

Dawn Whitmore, The “Old Barn” Lady is a landscape photographer and writer who lives in Spotsylvania. Learn more by visiting her own FB: facebook.com/dewphotographypage or her website at www.dewphotographyva.com

Supporting Local Business Since 1997

front porch fredericksburg

July 2017

Companions Youth Volunteers By Candice Armstrong .....Make a BIG Difference at the Fredericksburg SPCA

July 2017

7 Fun Activities make this your dog’s best summer yet

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

540-898-0737

Candi Armstrong, MSW is the Community Outreach and Volunteer Coordinator, for the Fredericksburg Regional SPCA. She can be reached at 540-898-1500 x17 (o), 270-250-5455 (c) candifredspca@gmail.com

Front porch fredericksburg

By Dawn whitmore

35 Monuments, Markers, & Attractions

Fredericksburgtrolley.com

Building a Destination Business

By Wendy Migdal

Old Town’s Greatest Tour AND the Fredericksburg Battlefields Weddings Reunions Shuttles Parties Group Outings

Constructing Vibrant FXBG Businesses

photo by dawn whitmore

Supporting Local Business Since 1997

front porch fredericksburg

July 2017

Fredericksburg Sketches 606 Caroline Street Old Town Fredericksburg 373-7847

A visual Celebration of our community

By Casey Alan Shaw

From My Porch

FXBG’ERS Carol & Billy Shelton

Rain, Water, & Other Thoughts

www.gemstonecreations.org

Let the rain kiss you. Let the rain beat upon your head with silver liquid drops. Let the rain sing you a lullaby ~ Langston Hughes

Where Fredericksburg Gets Engaged

Give a Child Something to Think About

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

810 Caroline Street (540) 371-5684

SKETCH #33: Gari Melcher’s Studio at Belmont I’ve sketched at the Gari Melchers estate, Belmont, (just across the river in Falmouth) many times. As a source of inspiration, it can’t be beat. There is a terrific restored home, fabulous gardens, long lawns overlooking the Rappahannock and then there is always Melchers’ paintings to admire. This sketch is Melchers’ stone studio with the huge north-facing window. What a great environment he built for the creation of art. I can only dream of having such a wonderful studio. But what I do have in Fredericksburg is an incredible community of other artists who all support and encourage each other. I guess this camaraderie is sort of my “studio.” Especially when we gather to go out and create art together. This sketch was created at one of the quarterly get-togethers of the local chapter of Urban Sketchers, which is part of an international group of artists who gather locally across the world to sketch on a particular date and then eat lunch together and share their morning’s creations. In Fredericksburg, some of the local “sketchers” have even begun meeting weekly on Sundays to sketch. If you’d like more info, send me an email at casey@caseyshaw.com. It’s VERY casual. You can be at any art level to enjoy the outings. And it’s a great way to get to know your town better and meet a couple of great folks at the same time!

Casey Alan Shaw is a local artist and Realtor. He exhibits his original artwork and limited-edition prints at Art First Gallery in downtown Fredericksburg and at www.caseyshaw.com.

July 2017

Front porch fredericksburg

By Jo Loving

by georgia Lee Strentz

Tuesday - Saturday 10-5 Wednesdays until 6:30 and by appointment

Do all the good you can and make as little fuss about it as possible. ~ Charles Dickens A stunning couple, their lives spent living by this motto. Carol, an uptown girl from Fairfax, who volunteered in the 1980's for the Fairfax Fire and Rescue Dept.,whose sidekick was her white poodle, Pierre, met Billy, a native of Stafford, also traveling a fire and rescue career path. Both compassionate and both movers and shakers, a life-team formed and they settled here, which was lucky for our "Burg." Carol and Billy Shelton married in their equally stunning, newly built home on their farm in Hartwood in 1989. Since then, both have spent their careers in the business of fire and rescue work, and helping others, truly making our corner of the world a better and more compassionate place. They both retired in 2016, with over 30 years as Civil Servants, with the Fire and Safety Service. Since then, they have together as usual, lived much of their personal and public lives helping others. Carol's latest project is a wonderful, compassionate children's book, "The Adventures of Hot Cocoa and Salt Water Taffy," (Searching for a Forever Family) written by Carol (Alias Marla Beagle) and Illustrated by our very talented local artist, Joan Limbrick. This is a true story which follows Cocoa and Taffy through Texas to Virginia by train, plane and lots of compassionate people with poodle taxi's. This book and Carol and Billy's work with poodles was inspired by Pierre, her 15 year Standard poodle, who died at 15,when they married. Since Pierre died,they have shared their home with 13 poodles. They have now

turned their 2 car garage into a facility called, The Hartwood Pet Lodge. It is a place to help poodles, where they can stay when families need to surrender their dogs and Carol and Billy will help find them new forever homes. Carol and Billy are both volunteers with Delmarva Poodle Rescue, Inc., a non-profit, who places homeless poodles, which also treats medical problems prior to placement. The profits from their book will be donated to the non-profit to help homeless poodles. Also their time is given to, Above and Beyond English Setter Rescue, plus both Carol and Billy are current members with the Stafford Ruritans. Billy is also a volunteer with the Armed Services Memorial Commission, which when the memorial is built, will honor the loss of Stafford's brave sons and daughters, who gave their lives for our country. Billy is also a life member of Hartwood Volunteer Fire Department. Their similar interests and careers brought them together, and has kept them on their dual life track since they married those 30 years ago. Looking forward to, "The Adventures of Hot Cocoa and Salt Water Taffy," at our local library. Wow,we are so lucky to live in our sweet little town by the river, meeting so many wonderful, creative citizenvolunteers like Carol and Billy, month after month in our newsy hometown paper, "The Front Porch."

Have you ever walked in the rain? If not, do. There is nothing quite like it – a gentle rain can be invigorating, and walking a path in the rain can awaken all your senses. The smell of rain, petrichor, is fresh, earthy, and like no other scent. As you walk, look around. Everything is greener, the scent of flowers sweeter, and the rain itself is life-giving. Some trees turn their leaves into little cups, to capture more of the rain. If you are attuned to them, you can predict that a shower is coming, as the silvery side of the leaves turn up before the rain comes. When we were children, my younger sister and brother and I couldn’t wait until it rained! We didn’t wear rain boots, and had never even seen such things. In Florida, we preferred to be barefoot. As soon as the rain slowed, we would beg to go outside. Our mother, who had the dubious task of entertaining us inside during storms, must have felt great relief when she could finally answer, "yes," to the question we asked non-stop during a storm, “Mama, can we go outside, yet?” If there was no lightning, she let us go outside to play. What was our first destination? The end of the street, where the largest puddles could be found. We created games – a favorite was “who could make the biggest splash in the puddle,” which involved running, jumping as high as we could, and coming down, hard, into the deepest part of the puddle. There was no referee to determine what constituted the “biggest splash,” but we had our own criteria, and announced the winner, before we would go off in search of the next “big puddle.” Most of the time, these feats

were accomplished while a gentle rain was falling. It had no deterrent effect on us at all. We didn’t care that we were wet. We were singularly focused on our puddle jumping. Later, when we were a little older, we used bicycles – “who can ride through the deepest part and not lose speed,” the more dangerous “who can jump the puddle with their bicycle” (I was not very skilled in this regard), and whatever other games we could concoct. As we grew into our teen years, we each thought that we were too old to be playing in the rain. I guess our grandparents and parents had convinced us that we needed to “have enough sense to come in out of the rain,” so we did. But still, I always loved a good walk in a gentle rain. Even today, it is one of my favorite pastimes. I’ll look out the window, consult the weather report, and determine my path. Off I go, sometimes with an umbrella, sometimes without, to drink it in. It makes me feel invigorated, alive, and in touch with something over which I have no control – something to be enjoyed. It relaxes me. When I don’t take these walks, I sit on the porch and watch the rain, something I did with my grandmother, with whom I spent a great amount of time when I was a child. So, when I sit on the porch in a rain, I think of those days with my Nanny, and take it in – listen to the rustling of the birds in the branches of the trees, or inside their nests in the nearby shrubs, breathe deeply the scents of the rain, the flowers, and grasses, and relax as the drops hit the roof of the porch. Ahhhhh . . . I hope you’ll enjoy a walk in a gentle rain soon, or a jump in a puddle. Jo Loving is on the porch today, her beloved dog at her feet, listening to the rain, relaxing, and strategizing which puddle will get her attention when the lightning moves on.

This Downtown Girl wishes everyone a lovely summer!

front porch fredericksburg

July 2017

Fredericksburg Sketches 606 Caroline Street Old Town Fredericksburg 373-7847

A visual Celebration of our community

By Casey Alan Shaw

From My Porch

FXBG’ERS Carol & Billy Shelton

Rain, Water, & Other Thoughts

www.gemstonecreations.org

Let the rain kiss you. Let the rain beat upon your head with silver liquid drops. Let the rain sing you a lullaby ~ Langston Hughes

Where Fredericksburg Gets Engaged

Give a Child Something to Think About

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

810 Caroline Street (540) 371-5684

Casey Alan Shaw is a local artist and Realtor. He exhibits his original artwork and limited-edition prints at Art First Gallery in downtown Fredericksburg and at www.caseyshaw.com.

July 2017

Front porch fredericksburg

By Jo Loving

by georgia Lee Strentz

Tuesday - Saturday 10-5 Wednesdays until 6:30 and by appointment

This Downtown Girl wishes everyone a lovely summer!

front porch fredericksburg

July 2017