July Front Porch Magazine by Virginia Grogan

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contents

closeups 3

history’s stories: independence day what’s in a story?.....the chimneys

mental health: anxiety disorder

The Day the Music Died a tribute to Pete Fields

it’s all energy: taming the fire of summer

emancipated patients: medical reserve corp

fxbg workshop tim eggers shares his skills

art in the ’burg ...galleries in July

bowling green scene a happening hamlet

companions

astrology & you poetryman: searchers

fredericksburg sketches

adam west b101.5 fab fill-in guy

Porch talk 4

on the porch...life in fredericksburg Messages

calling all curious minds

everything greens: tips for staying safe in hot weather

In the Garden: branching out

growing & crawling

...And More!

little moments that matter: frances dancy

friends needed at empowerhouse

tidbits...small bites of local news

season’s bounty

19 paving paradise for a parking lot

vino: vive la france

31 walk around photo challenge

16-17

Calendar of Events

art of adaptive reuse.....Ed Whelan’s vision

Cover: “Patriotism” By Norma Woodward

July 2021

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“The Day The Music Died” tribute to pete fields by archer di peppe Pete Fields was a man who gave willingly of himself without thought of return. His heart was large and wide open. Where there was a need, he was first in line and last to leave. His soul flashed through his fingertips to everything and everyone he touched.

abundance of miracles. Shout his name whether you find yourself in the lowest valley or the highest mountain. If we hold him firm in our hearts, he can't slip away. Shout his name!

Archer Di Peppe lives in Stafford County Pete's community consciousness was unsurpassed. He worked tirelessly for every cause that made our world a better place. He led us by unflinching example, and a heart that was true and sure. He gave us hope, love and music. His essence rushed over us like cool wind on a parched day. I can not begin to express what he meant to me as a steadfast friend and mentor. Pause here for a few moments friend. Pick up his spear and carry it forward. Take heart because even in a wicked world, there is beauty and an

Peter FIelds 1956-2 2021 Masterful Solo Guitarist Captivating audiences in the United Stated and in Europe His music can be heard on numerous recording projects for Polygram, various independent labels, and on television programs for Fox, National Geographic and Discovery Channels Former Stafford County Supervisor Musical Memorial Date to be Announced

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Where Fredericksburg Gets Engaged

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July 2021

ON THE PORCH Amy Bayne

Guest Porch Editorial

Contributing Writers & Artists Rita Allan Sally Cooney Anderson Megan Bixler Amy Bayne Laurie Black Dianne Bachman Sarah Kay Bierle Sonja Cantu Collette Caprara Tom Conway Archer DiPeppe Janet Douberly Christina Ferber Frank Fratoe Bill Freehling Jon Gerlach Lisa Gillen David James Ralph “Tuffy” Hicks Nancy B. Kelly David C. Kennedy Valerie Lecea Ray Mikula Cassandra Lopez-Saskowski Amanda McCreary Vanessa Moncure Pete Morelewicz Patrick Neustatter Brandi Parrish Gina Perkins Gerri Reid Paula Raudenbush Rob Rudick Mandy Smith 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 2021 Olde Towne Publishing Co. All rights reserved.

July 2021

to many more years by amy bayne Front Porch Fredericksburg Magazine is now in its 25th year this month! Twenty-five years of community centered news and features, an archive of our fair town of Fredericksburg through one of its busiest eras of growth. Front Porch has been there through it all. Rob and Virginia Bigenwald Grogan started Front Porch in the late 1990s with the mission of connecting the diverse citizenry of Fredericksburg with lively features and informative columns of interest to the community's greatest resource, its people. If you had the pleasure of meeting Rob before his untimely passing in February of 2014, you will remember a gregarious, generous community leader who actively sought connections with his neighbors in Fredericksburg in a way that honored their efforts and highlighted the best of our town. He had an uncanny knack for getting to the heart of Fredericksburg, whether behind the bar at Bistro Bethem or popping into shops around the city to hear the latest from the people he loved and considered his neighbors. Beside Rob's front-man persona was a savvy publisher and publication designer, Virginia Bigenwald Grogan. Where Rob was out seeking stories and making connections, editing and writing Virginia handled the layout and business side of Front Porch, putting in hours each month to promote the hard work of a rotating squad of volunteer writers and paid advertisers. After Rob passed, Virginia took on the monumental task of running Front Porch on her own, relying on her writers to be her eyes and ears in downtown Fredericksburg. With the help of her daughter and granddaughter, Lexi and little Virginia, she seeks out new writers and advertisers, edits and does the layout for the publication, and publishes Front Porch monthly. She's a true powerhouse of publishing experience and knowledge. With local print publication diminishing or moving online over the past ten years, a free hometown newspaper like Front Porch serves all of us in ever greater fashion, alerting us to new businesses and new opportunities for connection and fellowship with neighbors and civic leaders. Though the topics range from the broad and worldly to the close and provincial, the publication captures an overall picture of community pride in Fredericksburg. Writers passionately write

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about events, people, and history; readers benefit from a holistic view of their neighbors and city. I've written for Front Porch for nearly ten years now, and I credit my work for this publication as integral to my growth as a writer. I tell my students that writers write. Without the opportunity to practice the craft of writing, I would not have made nearly as much progress as I have to this point. Writing for Rob and Virginia has been such a joy in my life. It's pushed me outside my comfort zone in so many ways. I've met people around Fredericksburg whom I never would have had the nerve to approach. I've honed my writing skills, specifically through word limits. I branched out and ran my own publication for five years. I started a book festival with some friends in town. It's even made me a better English and writing teacher since I have concrete examples and publication experience to share with my students. Writing for Front Porch has been a highlight in my adult life, and I am a better person for the opportunities it has provided. As a community, we have been fortunate to have Front Porch during the past year and a half, a time that alienated us from one another due to pandemic and politics. Amid this swirl of illness and emotion, Front Porch has served to keep news of neighbors at our fingertips, whether as physical copy or online. It's offered us balm for mental health and wellness. It's informed us of new businesses and opportunities. It's given us a historical perspective about Fredericksburg and the surrounding area. Front Porch has unfailingly encouraged and promoted our local arts, a component of the city that enriches our lives and offers something truly special to the region. In short, Front Porch

has done what it always did; it's provided a connection that helps make Fredericksburg such a special town. So, here's to many more years of local good news. From the Grogans' front porch to my front porch, all the way over to yours, treat yourself to a cover-to-cover read of Fredericksburg's free neighborhood publication, Front Porch Fredericksburg Magazine. We'll see you between the pages.

Amy Bayne is an educator, writer, and artist who lived in Fredericksburg for 22 years and has written for Front Porch Fredericksburg for the past ten years. She now lives in Bowling Green with her wife Leah and a menagerie of animals. Photo by Cassandra Lopez-Saskowski

The Art of Adaptive Reuse Ed Whelan’s Vision for the mill district By Tom Conway

The Woolen Mill, like the Old Silk Mill, has renovated historic facilities to host weddings and events. When you walk into the Inn at the Old Silk Mill, which dates back to 1920, you are transported back in time. You notice the wide elegant staircase to the hotel's second floor, the ornate copper

ceiling, and the elegantly trimmed front desk, which retains the old mail slots and key hooks of the 1920's. The inn, and the painstakingly renovated events venue behind it, a remnant of the 1889 silk mill that gives the inn its name, are the first phase in an extensive project being undertaken by local developer Ed Whelan. "We travelled to a number of places with revitalized industrial districts, like Asheville, North Carolina, and Shockhoe Bottom in Richmond. The Mill District here as a microcosm of that. We can take these old buildings and make them into something. We want this to be something for everybody." His vision involves a lot of much needed development along Caroline and Princess Anne streets near the canal path. In addition to the Old Silk Mill, Whelan also owns the buildings most recently used by the Dowling Sign Company, which date to 1901 and originally were part of a woolen mill, at times housing a pants factory and Fredericksburg Shoe the Company. There, he has already constructed another lovingly renovated events venue, Woolen Mill, complete with a preserved freight elevator powered by a handpulled rope and pulley.

The Woolen Mill complex will eventually include an events space, apartments, and a brewery/restaurant.

"We're doing our best to preserve everything we can," Anna says his partner Sanborn. "We kept doors, windows, lighting fixtures, a lot of the original floors, and even the stalls inside the bathrooms." In addition to the event space, his plans for the complex include several apartments with river views

and a large brew pub and restaurant fronting on Princess Anne. On the other side of the canal path, he owns the 1917 grain tower used by the Germania Mill Company and several nearby buildings fronting Princess Anne Street, where he plans to build condominiums and retail space. The iconic 1901 Embrey Power Plant also belongs to Whelan. Plans for an education center and restaurant are in the There, tentative plans works for the Embrey Power Station. call for a restaurant and an education center. "We're working on how we can get people "I'd love to get the power plant out on the river to learn about the operating," says Whelan. "The feed from ecology, its history, and how it's served the canal is shut off, but it's possible we this town." can generate enough juice to get the And it has served the town well. Starting in the 1850's, water diverted from the Rappahannock Canal and the rapids above town fed textile and grain mills from the Old Silk Mill at Princess Anne and Herndon streets all the way through Old Mill Park to the Falmouth B r i d g e . Thousands of city residents over more than 100 years worked in those mills m a k i n g products sold all over the country. The area was also home to a The Woolen Mill succession of hydro-electric power plants which illuminated the town as far back as 1887. But fire, time, and changing technologies took their toll on those industries. The buildings that housed them disappeared. Today, only a handful remain, a decaying reminder of a bygone era doomed to be lost to history. Unless rejuvenated.

they

are

street lights to work. I can just see these streets lit up and people waving to each other from the rooftops and everyone enjoying this area again. That would be incredible."

& Fredericksburg Shoe Company

Tom Conway is an English teacher and writer who recently moved back to Fredericksburg after years of exile in Northern Virginia photos by Tom Conway

somehow

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July 2021

Calling All Curious Minds meet your newest partner in early education By megan bixler source of stress, either! Our Childtime team is ready to support your family, year-rround. You'll find flexible enrollment choices for all your scheduling needs, healthy meals and snacks, and elective options to take your child's learning journey to the next level. Oh, and have you heard of STEAM? It's how we bring the modern world into each classroom. Children get to dive into hands-on experiences in Science, Technology, Engineering, the Arts, and Math in our unique STEAM studio. Our hope is that little ones better understand big concepts that will serve them well in all their future endeavors. Embracing the wonder of early childhood education is our favorite topic. And nurturing little ones to create a foundation for lifelong success is what we bring to the table as your new neighbor. Childtime® of Fredericksburg is now enrolling new families, and we couldn't be more excited to serve the community with easy access along Courthouse Road, in the suburb of Leavells. We'd love to meet you and show you what we're all about. At Childtime, our teachers use an educational approach inspired by Reggio Emilia that focuses on developing the whole child. So, what does that mean exactly? Our educators believe there are many layers to successful growth, including learning methods, environmental influence, and relationship development. Here, children are encouraged to explore using their own natural curiosity. The result is confidence in seeking to understand the world around them and trust in their own independence as future leaders. Our goal is to make sure your child is safe, supported, and ready for the next step. No matter what your needs

July 2021

are, we've got you covered. We have a wide range of curriculum-based programs for Infants, Toddlers, Preschool, Pre-K Kindergarten, and Junior Kindergarten. Our child care center also offers before- and afterschool clubs for school-a age students who need a bit more attention before or after the bell rings.

We know restrictions are easing up after a difficult year, but safety remains a top priority in our classrooms, on our playground, and throughout our facility. CDC guidance is followed to ensure your child will thrive in a healthy, clean environment. Parents get to stay connected to all the action with access to live streaming video and updates through our family communications app. Holiday breaks, spring break, or summer break don't have to be a

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Call us to set up a virtual tour at 540.302.6833 or visit us online at Childtime.com to learn more and see all the magic for yourself. We can't wait to do our part to make your lives a little easier with high-quality care from dedicated teachers and a comfortable, nurturing space that feels like your child's home away from home.

723 Caroline St 899.8077 Daily 11-5 Sunday 12-4

Megan Bixler Marketing Manager for Learning Care Group

ChildTIme of Fredericksburg Childtime.com 540-3 302-6 6833

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

Everything Greens tips for staying safe in summer heat By amanda McCreary Dean’s Plastering Services Plaster, Stucco, Drywall, Art 540.656.2399 540.419.8878 luckyluckydean@aol.com

Summer's almost here and so is the hot weather. Everyone who's from the south knows how to beat the heat but here's some Tips from a former Floridian gardener and Park Service employee that maybe you'll haven't heard of before. 1. Wear the right clothes. Shorts and tank tops are nice for a while but for prolonged sun exposure and high humidity you're going to want to cover up. Loose fitting pants, long sleeves and hats are going to offer the best protection. Clothing that is made from nylon, polyester or synthetic fibers are best. Cotton and natural fibers tend to hold moisture and can cause rapid cooling and chafing. 2. Pick the right sunscreen. It doesn't make too much of a difference between All natural or chemical sunscreen as long as you make sure it says Broad Spectrum on the package (although there are some new interesting FDA studies coming out saying Chemical based sunscreens may have negative effects on

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

Where Customer Service and Title Insurance Become One

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hormone balance) . UV's aren't the only type of light that causes skin damage. Don't forget to protect your lips from sun damage too. Wearing a lip balm with SPF is just as important as any sunscreen because the skin on your lips is the thinnest and more prone to burning than other areas. 3. Alternate water and electrolytes You know to drink water but less people know you should alternate water and sports drinks that have electrolytes like sodium and potassium in them. You shouldn't just drink one or the other or you're going to feel like you have the flu the next day. I've made that mistake myself a couple of times. The best way to fight dehydration is to get hydrated before you plan on being in the heat. I always start my day if I know I'm going to be in the garden by drinking 16oz of room temperature water. 4. Eat foods that keep you hydrated. As someone who loves going out to eat, Fredericksburg sure makes it easy. With so many great restaurants in town I know I struggle to take my own advice, but eating to keep you hydrated is just as important as drinking enough water. Adding Berries, Citrus, Cucumbers and Greens to my diet in the summer has always helped me get more acclimated to heat and humidity and allowed me to work outside more comfortably. I suggest anyone planning to venture outdoors often do the same.

isn't gardening she can be found at home in her favorite purple armchair reading fantasy novels or playing video games.

Founded in 1995, Downtown Greens promotes environmental care by preserving two urban garden areas, using sustainable gardening methods, teaching children through a weekly Garden Club, and raising bees with the Urban Bees program. Located at 206 Charles Street downtowngreens.org. Be sure to visit Fredericksburg's Community Greespace open from sunrise to sunset 365 days per year.

5. Take it easy on yourself. Work in short bursts and give yourself-time to cool off. Gardening, working out and even running errands in the heat takes a toll on your body and you need to respect it. If you ever feel extra tired, dizzy, or confused take a break immediately and cool off. Summer heat is an endurance race not a sprint.

Amanda Mccreary is the Garden Coordinator for Downtown Greens. She is passionate about cultivating native green spaces and sharing what she knows about the natural world with visitors to the garden. When Amanda front porch fredericksburg

July 2021

In the Garden Branching Out By tina will Park is worth a visit. The new Visitor Center features local historical, geographical, and educational information. Children's books on nature and wildlife are also available. Kayaks can be rented, and there are easy walking trails around the perimeter of the area. July's Daylily 'Fireworks' I always look forward to July because my daylily areas burst forth with a progression of more than a hundred blooms over several weeks. The Double Yellow Daylily (pictured) is also fragrant, and I consider that a special treat. I keep the area small

Double Daylily so that the years when I need to divide them don't require too much effort.

Master Gardener Class Planned for Fall 2021 Begonia from Cutting Many Master Gardeners propagate plants, and you'll feel like a gardener too if you give it a try. It's not hard once you understand a few key techniques. Perhaps you want to increase the shrub border, but don't want to purchase an additional 25 plants. Perhaps you want to make gifts of a plant that a friend or family member has admired. Many shrubs and small trees root easily: Abelia, Blueberry, Boxwood, Elderberry, Begonia, Serviceberry, St. Johnswort, Maple, Lilac, and Viburnum are just a few. Timing is the first consideration, and now is a good time until about mid-July. Softwood cuttings that will root well should snap when broken. If the chosen shoot bends without breaking, then that shoot is too young. If it bends and creases, then it may be too woody, and, if so, it won't root. Long shoots can be used: use the middle of the shoot, not the tip (too

July 2021

If you are interested in getting great horticultural training, and volunteering with Extension Master Gardeners, call the Stafford VCE Office at 540-658-8000, and ask to be put on the list to receive registration information for this Fall's in-person class. Space is limited, so don't delay.

soft) and not the lower part (too woody). A list of easily rooted plants and 'how-to' information is available at this site from North Carolina State University: https://content.ces.ncsu.edu/plantpropagation-by-stem-cuttingsinstructions-for-the-home-gardener. Tutorials via You-tube are also very helpful. Widewater State Park Native Garden Project For the first time since Covid rules have been eased, Master Gardeners recently met at Widewater State Park to see the progress of the new Native Plant Garden project being led by MG Beth Daly. An extensive plant list is in the works. We were all happy to finally be able to talk to one another in person. It felt both normal, and as though it had been a long time since we'd met like that! Widewater State

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

Blueberry

Growing & Crawling yellow wood sorrel By janet douberly

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If you have ever looked at the ground you have seen this month's plant. Native to North America, Yellow Wood Sorrel grows abundantly in the garden, by the sidewalk, and even sprouting out the side of stone walls. Wherever humans have disturbed the earth this plant cheerfully pops up and takes residence. Officially known as 'Oxalis Stricta', this pretty and abundant plant is not only edible and tasty, but also packed full of Vitamin C. The heart-shaped leaves make Oxalis look like it is brother to clover though the two plants are in completely different families. The leaves, immature seed pods, and flowers are all edible. Biting down on one of the okra-like seed pods gives you a tangy burst of flavor. The sourness of the plant gives it the common names "sourgrass" or "pickle plant". Since it is high in Vitamin C woodsorrel is great for treating scurvy

and while is harmless in moderate amounts, one should avoid eating this plant in abundance daily because it has oxalic acid which can be bad for the kidneys. Not only does this make a fun little snack straight from the ground, wood sorrel can be harvested and used to flavor soups and stir fries! You can even make a tasty tea by steeping it in boiling water and adding a drop of honey. Not only is this plant edible but the flowers can be used as a dye as well!

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

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July 2021

“I Have A Friend” little moments that matter By Laurie Black senior's husband, he declared, "I am so grateful for Frances. She is so kind. Her phone calls mean so much to me. It always brings me cheer."

As I approach my tenth year with the Senior Visitors Program, I am grateful for the wonderful people in our community I have met. It is especially an honor to work alongside volunteers who are truly dedicated to helping the seniors in our area. One of those volunteers is Frances Dancy. Frances joined the Senior Visitors Program in its inaugural year, 2000; she has been volunteering for 21 years! Over those years, Frances has visited with many seniors. By the end of 2003, she was recognized for having over 500 hours of service. Today she has well over 1,000 hours of service. However, Frances does not really think about years or hours. She focuses on those little moments that bring joy to seniors. Frances recalls the first senior she visited, "He was a sweet man. He couldn't talk much [due to health issues], but we shared a love of music. When I would visit, he would sit down at the piano and play." In 2011, Frances was matched with a senior lady who she is still connected to today. In those ten years, her senior has declined now lives in an assisted living facility. Due to the COVID pandemic, Frances has not been able to visit her senior in quite a while. Frances said, "I do not feel like I'm doing much [volunteer work] these days. I still reach out to my senior's husband to offer support and check on my senior. I wish I could do more." However, when I spoke with her

July 2021

Former Senior Visitors Program Director, Virginia Whiting, said of Frances at a volunteer recognition event in 2004, "She has an exceptional talent in her manner with people. She is dedicated, warm, supportive, friendly, patient, always smiling and able to provide comfort to others in need. [She] is a true friend and advocate for the elderly." These many years later, the same can be said of Frances. Her sincerity and kindness are an inspiration! I asked Frances why she chose the Senior Visitors Program 21 years ago and why she is still with us today. She simply said, "Since I was little, I was around older people and they are my favorite people. Whether it was a grandmother, uncle, or older neighbor, I always enjoyed seniors. They have a lot of wisdom. They just want someone to listen, to hear them. I can do that." On behalf of the seniors and families served by the Senior Visitors Program, I want to give special thanks to Frances - and all our amazing volunteers who give so freely of their time. The little moments you give to seniors do matter. Thank you!

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) 371-2 2704 or visit our website at mhafred.org to download volunteer or senior applications. The Senior Visitors Program is a free community service program of Mental Health America of Fredericksburg.

Laurie Black is the Senior Visitors Program Coordinator.

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Supporting Non-Profits Throughout the Community

Friends Needed Bring a little sunshine to a senior’s life! Too many seniors feel lonely and isolated. YOU can make a difference by volunteering to visit a senior in the Fredericksburg area. Volunteer training is provided & no special skills are required. The Senior Visitors Program is a FREE community service program of Mental Health America of Fredericksburg. Visit mhafred.org or call 540-371-2704

HVAC System Crucial to Empowerhouse's Shelter By nancy b. kelly For over 40 years, the multiservice non-profit Empowerhouse has helped survivors of domestic violence and their children to believe in themselves and build new lives filled with dignity, respect, safety, and hope. We serve Fredericksburg City and the Counties of Caroline, King George, Spotsylvania, and Stafford and give victims the crucial resources and support to heal their hearts, restore their connections, and renew their spirits. In fiscal year 2020, we helped over 3,800 people. One of the ways we assist community members in crisis is with our 24-h hour Domestic Violence Shelter, which provides sanctuary and services for survivors and their families healing from abuse. The Shelter saw increased demand over the past year during the pandemic when many were forced to quarantine with their children in an abusive home and urgently needed safe emergency housing. While serving the families in our

Shelter's large commercial building, we identified a large project vital to everyone's continued health and safety. The COVID-19 virus showed us the importance of wellventilated spaces. That is why we are replacing the aging HVAC system at our Shelter with new more efficient systems that incorporate virus killing technology. The cost to install five big units of heating equipment, new reconfigured duct work, air conditioning equipment and the i-Wave air purifiers so critical to the Shelter's ongoing operation is $164,000. Thanks to the generosity of our community, we are over halfway to our goal. We have made great strides because of wonderful support from individuals, an anonymous grant, local Lions' Clubs, Lions Foundation match, the Fredericksburg Realtors Foundation, and two government grants. However, we need friends like you to reach the finish line on this important project that will make a huge difference in the lives of the women and children safely housed at our Shelter. Your donation will ensure that the Shelter, a lifesaving and life-giving community resource, will have fresh air, virus-killing technology and efficient cooling and heating for our families and staff. To donate to our Shelter's new HVAC system, please go to our website www.empowerhouseva.org, click the Donate button and note that your gift is for the HVAC system. To mail a gift, please make your check to Empowerhouse and note "HVAC" in the subject line and send to Empowerhouse, P.O. Box 1007, Fredericksburg, VA 22402. For questions about Empowerhouse, please call (540) 373-9372. A gift of any size will help mothers who are survivors of domestic violence, and their children rebuild their lives, renew their spirts and realize a more hopeful future. Thank you!

experiencing domestic violence, please call Empowerhouse's 24-hour confidential hotline at (540) 373-9373. You're not alone. We're here. Empowerhouse's free and confidential services to victims and their children include: 24-hour Residential Shelter and Housing Supports Emergency Shelter 24-hour Hotline Court Advocacy Crisis Intervention and Advocacy Risk Assessment and Safety Planning 911 Cell Phones Support/Education Groups for Women Groups for Children called Forgotten Victims Groups for Teen Girls Spanish Language and Culturally Relevant Services

Nancy B. Kelly is the Development Director for Empowerhouse.

Empowerhouse empowers survivors and their children to believe in themselves and build new lives filled with dignity, respect, safety, and hope. We give victims the time, space, and tools to heal their hearts, restore their connections, rebuild their lives, and renew their spirits

To make a donation mail your check to: Empowerhouse, subject note “HVAC” PO Box 1007, FXBG, VA 22402

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July 2021

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small bites of local News By Bill Freehling The shop will be open from noon to 10 p.m. daily with flavors posted to bluecowicecream.com and on Instagram at @bluecowicecream. Blue Cow Ice Cream Co. is a smallbatch artisan ice cream company founded in Roanoke that makes premium ice cream from simple, quality ingredients.

www.fredericksburgcsa.com

Jul

st 1

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

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 12

July 2021

Public Art Abounds When entering Fredericksburg's gateways or Historic Downtown don't forget to slow down and see the art. Art is all around us whether it is a larger than life mural or an eye-catching sculpture. You may ask, where do I start? Whether walking or driving we can lead the way with the newly designed Public Art webpage on VisitFred.com. Learn who, how and why as well.

Harry's coming to downtown FXBG The owner of Harry's Alehouse, a popular Spotsy Countyrestaurant, will lease the roughly 4,900 square feet of ground-level space that remains along the William St side of the Liberty Place complex. The restaurant, which will be called Harry's Downtown, will be similar to the Spotsy location, said owner Doug Welsh. It will have a warehouse-style feel, tall ceilings, a 22-seat bar, a garage door opening to the patio and plenty of great food and beverages.

"Ghost" Kitchen has opened on the University of Mary Washington campus. University Dining recently opened a chicken-focused eatery called 1301 Hen House. Like at other ghost kitchens, there are no dine-in or pickup options. Rather, all meals are delivered through Grubhub between 11 a.m. and 8 p.m. daily.

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The Royal Farms Gas Station and Store on State Route 3 in FXBG now open . Royal Farms serves its “World Famous Chicken”, snacks real fast & real fresh & gas

Haley's Honey Meadery wins approval for Princess Anne space Haley's Honey Meadery , A family owned and operated Micro Meadery ,received a special use permit from Fredericksburg City Council on Tuesday to open a tasting room at 1600 Princess Anne Street.The business will be located in a former Pure Gas Station What is mead? It is a very old alcoholic drink that is fermented honey mixed with fruits or herbs to produce different flavors. The Haleys produce one basic batch at a time which is fermented into 5 different batches, each with a distinctive flavor, and a heavy emphasis on locally sourced ingredients. Try a tasting flight to experience the differing flavors. Owned by second generation beekeeper Tonya Haley and her husband Mike, Haley's hopes to open the tasting room by mid-July following renovations. They also operate a location in Hopewell. Welcome to FXBG, Haley's! Silver Foundation. Donates Three Homes to Assist Homeless Families The philanthropic arm of the Silver Companies has now purchased and donated three homes along Lafayette Boulevard to Loisann’s Hope House an organization dedicated to ending the cycle of homelessness for Fredericksburg-area families. Blue Cow Ice Cream Shop Opens July 1 The Blue Cow Ice Cream shop in downtown Fredericksburg is at 607 William Street next to Mellow Mushroom in Liberty Place development. Blue Cow collaborated with Fredericksburg-based Spaces Design Studio on the shop's design. It includes a skateboard install from Gabriel Pons and a 24-foot-long mural portraying a joyful interpretation of regional life as envisioned by Pete Morelewicz of Print Jazz.

Heart for Art Mural @Hugh Mercer Elementary Local teen artist Sophia Pineda and the Jayem Pals club have partnered with PONSHOP owner Gabriel Pons to create a 750-square-foot mural at Hugh Mercer Elementary School in FXBG. Jayem Pals is a social club at James Monroe High School that provides for students with and without disabilities to be involved in school activities and form friendships. The theme of the mural is "In Bloom" and features a variety of colorful budding plants, which Gabriel Pons says is "an analogy for the curiosity and growth of elementary school students."

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

The Sunken Well Tavern

Season’s Bounty

Hooray for the Red, White & Blue vanessa moncure

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

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

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

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

The Fourth of July is our country's summer sparkler and fireworks holiday, celebrated by most everyone in America - this year is our 245th 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.

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).

Vanessa serves up yummy recipes for all seasons

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

front porch fredericksburg

July 2021

Join Us on the Rooftop for Chill VIbes, Tasty Eats, & Cold Drinks Open every Sat 7am-2 2pm Rain/Shine @Hurkamp Park masks & gloves recommended 314 William St..656-2500..fb@vivifyburger..vivifyburger.com

Become a Member

fxbgfoodcoop@gmail.com fredericksburgfoodcoop.com 14

July 2021

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Olde Towne Butcher

Vino

Traditional Butchery - Fresh Perspective

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

by City Vino

Join Us for Breakfast $5 Sunrise Breakfast Special 2 Eggs Your Way, Breakfast Potatoes, Choice of Toast

Mon./Fri. 6am-10:30am Carry Out Available

540-373-8300 ~ 620 Caroline St. FXBG, VA

Old Town’s Greatest Tour 35 Monuments, Markers, & Attractions AND the Fredericksburg Battlefields Weddings Reunions Shuttles Parties Group Outings Fredericksburgtrolley.com

540-898-0737

Shop Local Welcome to Downtown Fredericksburg’s Main Street District fredericksburgdowntown.org

This month we take you to on a summer tour of France. Summer temperatures in France, generally, are warm and not hot. Paris, for example, has average temperatures of 60 to 80 degrees. Along the southern coast of the country, temperatures run higher. Our first French summer wine is the 2020 Les Deux Moulins Rosé from the Brissac-Quincé area in the Loire Valley, France. Les Deux Moulin translates to Two Mills. The winery was established in 1872 and has about 178 acres of vineyards. The winery is certified sustainable and pays homage to traditional grapes from the area. This wine is comprised of 77% Grolleau, 18% Gamay, and 5% Cabernet Franc. Grolleau is native to the Loire Valley. The groll in its name comes from the word crow in French referring to the deep dark colored skins of these grapes like the color of the bird. The Les Dex Moulins is a dry rosé with aromas of fresh berries, roses, and currants. On the palate, shows pronounced flavors of watermelon, candied fruit, citrus flavors, and a hint of minerality. The refreshing fruitiness of this wine means that it pairs well with spicy dishes, charcuterie plates, tapas, and a warm summer day on the porch. The next foray in our summertime in France is the 2020 Domaine Corne Loup Blanc which comes from the Lirac area in southern Rhône Valley wine region. The "Corne Loup" translates to horn wolf from olden days when someone would sound a horn to warn if a wolf were nearby. The family has been growing grapes since the 1960s and started making wine from their own vineyards years later. The Domaine Corne Loup Blanc is a blend of 40% Grenache Blanc, 35% Viognier, and 25% Marsanne. The nose on this wine displays peach, stone fruit, sea salt, and some minerality. The Viognier and the Marsanne add weight/body to this wine making it more of a full-bodied wine.

The palate has richness with flavors of bees' wax, peach, apricot, apple, and wet stone. Due to that richness, we suggest pairing this with rich fish like salmon or tuna, mature or hard cheeses, and cured meats. Our third destination on our summertime sojourn is again to the Loire Valley for the 2018 Château de Valmer Vouvray. The Château is modelled in the style of the Italian Renaissance with stunning gardens. This Vouvray is 100% Chenin Blanc as all wines labelled Vouvray are. Chenin Blancs from Vouvray are made in sparkling traditional style, dry, off-dry, and all the way to sweet. The Château de Valmer Vouvray dry wine with a hint of sweetness is an off-d which pairs beautifully with the nuanced mineral notes. The wine is light golden in color and has enticing aromas of crisp golden apples and Anjou pears. The orchard fruit aromas are replicated on the palate. Due to the hint of sweetness on this wine, foods with spicy heat like those from Indian or Jerk spices would pair well. Tangy goat cheese with play off the sweetness, as well. Shellfish would make a lovely pairing. The final stop on our four summer French wine tours is with the 2019 Boutinot Uva Non Grata Gamay. Boutinot Wines have fun with their wine names and labels this particular wine's name plays off the fact that the Gamay grape was in their words "for centuries maligned, mistreated and misunderstood" and was even outlawed in 1395. Some rebel winemakers hid Gamay grapes amongst their Pinot Noir. To honor that spirit, Boutinot bottled this Gamay with no appellation identity and therefore followed no established rules. The name Uva Non Grata translates to Ungrateful Grape. The Uva Non Grata is made from 100% Gamay via semi-carbonic maceration where fermentation starts due to the weight of the berries in the vat pushing on the lower berries and with the oxygen replace by carbon dioxide in the tank. That process yields a very fruity wine packed with fruit aromas and soft red berries on the palate. Since it is summertime and this is a low tannin wine, serve it with a chill. For pairings, charcuteries trays or grilled meats of all kinds will work well wonderfully. Cheers!

City Vino is located at 810 Caroline St. You can find owner Rita Allan on-site to provide answers to all your wine questions.

front porch fredericksburg

July 2021

CALEND july 2021...Celebrate the Red, White & Blue Thursday, July 1

DTG Free Farm Stand, Upper Garden, 6pm Here are other ways you can find free, fresh food in the garden: Stop by our Take What You Need plot in our Upper Garden by the bus stop to pick your own, any time of day. Visit the 14 fruiting trees/vines/bushes throughout our property, which include mulberry, grape, plum, sour cherry, serviceberry, blackberry, fig, gooseberry and raspberry. Live Music at the Co-op, 6-7:30 pm, 320 Jefferson Davis Hwy. Enjoy a special evening on the Food Co-op patio with talented local musicians Ernie Ackermann on the guitar and John McGee on the harmonica. All are welcome!

First Friday, July 2

Bluegrass on the Patio, Sunken Well Tavern 6-8pm FIREWORKS: View fireworks from Pratt Park, Old Mill Park, or Expo Center, 9:30. Bring lawn chairs, Dogs must be on leash, No alcoholic beverages, No grills, No tents, No sparklers. Fireworks @ FredNats Stadium, 9pm

Monday, July 5

Bluegrass on the Patio, Sunken We

Trivia on the Patio, Sunken Well at 6:30pm .Match wits with the 'Burgs finest minds. Prize!

Food Co-op Book Group, 1 pm or 7 pm. Meet on the patio at the Food Co-op to discuss the book Seedfolks by Paul Fleischman. Email fxbgfoodcoop@gmail.com to sign up.

"Messages in Color", All-Media National Exhibit, Frederick Gallery, "3-D Mixed Media" Members Gallery, FCCA, 813 Sophia ST Polymer Clay: Putting The Fun in Functional, Works by Linda Hess, opening reception 6-8p, Artful Dimensions, 923 Caroline St

Saturday, July 3

Friday, July 9

Sunday, July 4 Happy 4th!

Sunken Well Tavern Sunday Brunch, . 720 Littlepage til 1p Sunday Brunch at the Colonial Tavern 11:30-3p

Become a Friend Advocate ~ Donate ~ Volunteer

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

July 2021

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Sunken Well Tavern Sunday Brunch

Wednesday, July 7

"Arches & Arcs Abandoned", David Lovegrove, Opening Reception,First Friday Opening, July 2, 6-9p, Art First, 824 Caroline ST

Bowling Green Farmers Market 9 a.m. - 1 p.m., 211 N Main St

Sunday, July 11

Sunday Brunch at the Colonial Tav

Adventure Jeopardy @Adventue Brewing, Eagle Village,7:30-9p. Join us for a fun filled night of Trivia

Art in the Park at the Fredericksburg Farmers Market in Hurkamp Park9:00am - 1:00pm For more information, please visit fxbgfarmersmarket.com or call 540-372-1086.

The Recreation Center, Genosha C One Less Life & Firebrand 213 Will

Music on the Steps, 7-8pm, Summer Concert Series , Market Square, downtown, bring your own lawn chairs

"Our Town", All Member Show, Brush Strokes Gallery, 5-9pm. Celebrate the Unique Quality of "Our Town" efreshments will be served and invited guests include Mayor Mary Katherine Greenlaw who will give greetings at 7:00 pm, members of City Council, and Ann Glave, executive director of Fredericksburg Virginia Main Street. 824 Caroline St.

Farmers Market, Hurkamp Park,7a-2p, The Fredericksburg Farmers Market at Hurkamp Park an open air markets where home grown, homemade, or hand baked goods are sold by farmers and bakers. Visit The Farmer's Market website and Farmer's Market Facebook for more information

shaped, and glued to make creativ fun class, you will be making a Lechkina. The project can be hung

Open Mic & Karaoke @the Rec Center, 8:30p

Thursday, July 8

MWH Market Location: Mary Washington Hospital, 11:30am - Located on the main campus of Mary Washington Healthcare, 1001 Sam Perry Boulevard, FXBG Gaye Adegbalola performs @ Sounds of Summer Concert Series, Market Square, 6-8pm

Saturday, July 10

Bowling Green Farmers Market 9 a.m. - 1 p.m., 211 N Main St Farmers Market, Hurkamp Park,7a-2p, an open air markets home grown, homemade, hand baked goods are sold by farmers and bakers. Visit The Farmer's Market website & Facebook for more information

Monday, July 12

Music on the Steps, 7-8pm, Summ downtown, bring your own lawn ch

Wednesday, July 14

Trivia on the Patio, Sunken Well at

Adventure Jeopardy @Adventue Br

Open Mic & Karaoke @the Rec Cen

Thursday, July 15

Live Music at the Co-op, 5:30-7:30 p musicians Laurie Griffith and Pet Celtic, rock, jazz, American and ori

DTG Free Farm Stand, Upper Garde find free, fresh food in the garden: in our Upper Garden by the bus sto Visit the 14 fruiting trees/vines/bu include mulberry, grape, plum, sou gooseberry and raspberry.

Friday, July 16

Let's Do Brunch cooking de Fredericksburg Food Co-op, 6-7 pm flavorful brunch recipes with Ann fxbgfoodcoop@gmail.com for locat

Saturday, July 17

Bowling Green Farmers Market 9 a

Traveling Gypsy Flea Market, 9a-1p, Chase St & N.Main, Bowling Green

Farmers Market, Hurkamp Park,7 home grown, homemade, or han Market website and Farmer's Mark

Quilled Rainbow w/Lana, Libertytown Arts Workshop, 12-1p This activity is for kids ages 10+. Paper Quilling uses strips of paper that are rolled,

Art in the Park at the Frederick Park9am - 1pm info visit fxbgfarm

DAR of events

ve decorative designs. In this family rainbow with instruction by Lana g and framed. $

CD Release w/ Vulcanite, The Get Off, laim St, 7pm

Libertytown Arts Workshop, Family Fun Beach Theme Mugs 12-1p in our Courtyard, a great way to bond with the family DD Lecky will walk you through the steps to hand build a Beach themed mug. $

Sunday, July 18

ll Tavern 6-8pm

mer Concert Series , Market Square, hairs

t 6:30pm

rewing, Eagle Village,7:30-9p.

nter, 8:30p

pm, 320 Jeff Davis Hwy. hear talented ter Mealy, entertaining us with folk, ginal compositions.

en, 6pm Here are other ways you can Stop by our Take What You Need plot op to pick your own, any time of day. ushes throughout our property, which r cherry, serviceberry, blackberry, fig,

Sunday, July 25

Sunken Well Tavern Sunday Brunch, , & Delivery. 720 Littlepage til 1p

Sunken Well Tavern Sunday Brunch, 720 Littlepage til 1p

Sunday Brunch at the Colonial Tavern 11:30-3p

Sunday Brunch at the Colonial Tavern 11:30-3p Bluegrass on the Patio, Sunken Well Tavern 6-8pm

Woodland Hike at Gerri Melchers Home & Studio, Conducted by Virginia Master Naturalists, these walks cover a mile of trails in both woodlands and fields and also touch on the historic ruins of Belmont's past. 2-3pm.

Monday, July 19

Bluegrass on the Patio, Sunken Well Tavern 6-8pm

h, & Delivery. 720 Littlepage til 1p

vern 11:30-3p

Chain Letter Curse @The Rec Center, 7p

Music on the Steps, 7-8pm, Summer Concert Series , Market Square, downtown, bring your own lawn chairs

Tuesday, July 20

Monday, July 26

Music on the Steps, 7-8pm, Summer Concert Series , Market Square, downtown, bring your own lawn chairs

LaPetite Auberge turns 40! Come celebrate with us. Night of cocktails, hors d'oeurves, & music by Karen Jonas. All proceeds benefit Loisann's Hope House

Wednesday, July 28

Wednesday, July 21

Adventure Jeopardy @Adventue Brewing, Eagle Village,7:30-9p.

Trivia on the Patio, Sunken Well at 6:30pm . Prize!

Trivia on the Patio, Sunken Well at 6:30pm . Prize! Open Mic & Karaoke @the Rec Center, 8:30p Adventure Jeopardy @Adventue Brewing, Eagle Village,7:30-9p. Open Mic & Karaoke @the Rec Center, 8:30p

Thursday, July 22

DTG Free Farm Stand, Upper Garden, 6pm other ways to find free, fresh food in the garden: Stop by our Take What You Need plot in our Upper Garden by the bus stop to pick your own, any time of day. Visit the 14 fruiting trees/vines/bushes throughout our property, which include mulberry, grape, plum, sour cherry, serviceberry, blackberry, fig, gooseberry and raspberry.

Thursday, July 29

DTG Free Farm Stand, Upper Garden, 6pm other ways you can find free, fresh food in the garden: Stop by our Take What You Need plot in our Upper Garden by the bus stop to pick your own, any time of day. Visit the 14 fruiting trees/vines/bushes throughout our property, which include mulberry, grape, plum, sour cherry, serviceberry, blackberry, fig, gooseberry and raspberry.

Saturday, July 31

Bowling Green Farmers Market 9 a.m. - 1 p.m., 211 N Main St

Friday, July 23

Farmers Market, Hurkamp Park,7a-2p, an open air markets home grown, homemade, or hand baked goods are sold . Visit The Farmer's Market website and Farmer's Market Facebook for more information

emonstration, sponsored by the m online and live. Learn healthy and na Griffin and Teneka Trent. Email tion and registration.

MWH Market@ Mary Washington Hospital, 11:30am - on the main campus of Mary Washington Healthcare, 1001 Sam Perry Boulevard,

Family Fun-Rainbow Tapestry with Crystal! Crystal Rodrigue will walk you through the steps to hand weave a Rainbow Tapestry, and keep the sunny, happy days of summer around all year! 12 PM- 1 PM, 2pm-3pm and 4pm-5pm $

a.m. - 1 p.m., 211 N Main St

Farmers Market, Hurkamp Park,7a-2p, an open air markets home grown, homemade, or hand baked goods are sold Visit The Farmer's Market website and Farmer's Market Facebook for more information

7a-2p, Tan open air markets where d baked goods Visit The Farmer's et Facebook for more information

Bowling Green Farmers Market 9 a.m. - 1 p.m., 211 N Main St

ksburg Farmers Market in Hurkamp ersmarket.com or call 540-372-1086.

FXBG Summer Restaurant Week Begins! Check participating restaurants & menus @fxvbRW.com. Thru August 1

Saturday, July 24

Libertytown Arts Workshop, Family Fun Chinese Landscapes w/ Hsi-Mei Yates will guide you through the steps to create your own Chinese Watercolor Landscape Painting. 12 PM- 1 PM, 2pm-3pm and 4pm-5pm

If you are reading this 288th issue of FPF, thank an advertiser as we celebrate our 25th year of continuous publication! List your events email frntprch@aol.com: subject Calendar Deadline for August 2021 issue is July 20th.

Dog Walking Pet Sitting Companion Play Time & Mini Furies, Too!

540-735-8228 On facebook as “City PetSitting” front porch fredericksburg

July 2021

history’s stories

Independence Day

What’s in a Story?

By Ralph “Tuffy” Hicks

the chimneys By jon gerlach

Independence Day also known as July 4th, was one of the most exciting days of the year I recall growing up in the 1950's. The day started out with much excitement, as the National Guard local would have a parade and show off and demonstrate their equipment, such as the weapons and large tanks and jeeps, allowing us kids to climb on them. All the local politicians including Spotsylvania and Stafford would be making speeches and the local fire, rescue units and police would have displays. We seem to have lost much of the TRUE MEANING of the holiday that came to be on July 4, 1776, however, the day was not declared an official Federal holiday until 1941, with paid leave for government employees. The Revolutionary War was not over until the surrender of the British at Yorktown in 1781. General Washington issued double rum rations to his soldiers in 1778 and 1781 to mark the signing of the Declaration of Independence in 1776. Many colonists who desired total independence from Britain were considered to be very radical, however, pamphlets such as "Common Sense" by Thomas Paine changed many of their opinions. It was not until 1870, that Congress made July 4th a national holiday.

July 4th still remains a symbol patriotism in the United States.

Many families still choose the 4th, as a date for family reunions with cook outs, ending with flags on display and fireworks. The early 1950's and 60's was considered the days of largest celebrations of July 4th, as millions of Americans had served in World War II and Korea with many older veterans of World War I, were still alive. Patriotism was at its height during these years. The Viet-Nam era saw a time of mixed emotions with large demonstrations in the streets against the United States being involved and unrests similar to what we have seen in recent years. Most of the stories we read are about individuals such as Thomas Jefferson and John Adams both of whom died on the 50th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence, July 4, 1826. I think of our own local hero's that made Fredericksburg what it is today, many of them have long past and a few live on to celebrate another July 4th. We all have our own heroes to remember on this special day of the year. Many of them are family members or veterans of wars past and present. We all have those special people that helped make us what we are today. We should probably send them a note of "just thanks", or a relative we can give a "Hug" that will last a lifetime. I recall I sent a teacher a note of thanks, 30 years after graduation and receiving a reply that I have kept to this day. Make this July 4th a "SPECIAL DAY". HAPPY WALTERS!

90TH

BIRTHDAY

MR.

DEDICATED TO: Barbara Willis, Harold Powers, and Charlie Beckham

Tuffy is Front Porch’s Resident Historian

July 2021

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This is a story about The Chimneys. Mark Twain would have had fun with it. I can't write nearly as well as he did, but please humor me. I'll try to keep it brief. Once upon a time, a Scottish merchant by the name of John Glassell build a stately home in Fredericksburg just before the Revolutionary War. It was flanked by two massive chimneys. Some folks thought John was a Loyalist, meaning he favored the British in a private way. He left Fredericksburg when the war started, crossed the pond, and little was heard from him after that. In the magnificent house that John built, there lived a little girl named Nell Herndon. She was known for her beautiful singing voice and "ethereal presence". As a young socialite with promising dreams, Nell would fall in love with a rising star from New York, named Chester Arthur. By all accounts it was a very good marriage. Unfortunately, Nell died of pneumonia. This was a common and oftentimes fatal - situation in the 1800s. A single parent now, within the year he would become Vice President of the United States. His sidekick, James Garfield, was assassinated soon afterwards, so Arthur assumed the Presidency. By that time there were three Presidents who were widowed when they took the oath of office (Jefferson, Jackson and Van Buren), and Arthur made it four. There was a roundtable in the White House, but wait … this is a story about The Chimneys. So … Nell's father (remember Nell?) was a gentleman by the name of William Lewis Herndon. He was captain of the mail steamship Central America. In 1857 William went down with his ship off Cape Hatteras, North Carolina, lost at sea

in a ferocious storm. Besides the mail, he was transporting tons of gold coins and bullion, valued today at well over $100 Million. The shipwreck might just be the most talked about treasure in American history. The "Ship of Gold" was the subject of furious litigation over ownership and profit rights. The wreck was salvaged using cutting-edge ROV technology, designed to lovingly retrieve stacks of uncirculated gold coins in an undamaged state. Naturally, a single scratch devalues a rare coin. The significance of this wreck to coin collectors, investors (and old story-tellers like me) cannot be overstated. Remember The Chimneys? This is a story about The Chimneys. At 623 Caroline Street, it's a fine example of Georgian architecture and an icon in Fredericksburg's preservation movement. Historic Fredericksburg Foundation, Inc. (HFFI) bought the building and put a preservation easement on it. Successive owners Bill Vakos and Tommy Mitchell have maintained The Chimneys in good condition, reflecting their commitment to historic preservation. Today, Billiken's Smokehouse at The Chimneys offers delicious barbeque, hand-smoked in the back yard. Rooms can be rented for private parties. Bands play Rock & Roll covers on the brick patio. When nostalgic tunes waft on the fragrant breeze, do you ever wonder what Arlo Guthrie's song "Alice's Restaurant" was really about? That's a story for another day. So … what's in a Story? Well … here it's about a little girl who … An attorney and retired archaeologist, Jon Gerlach chairs the Architectural Review Board in Fredericksburg Photo courtesy City of Fredericksburg

OUR HERITAGE “they paved paradise & put up a parking lot...” By david james Dixon House One of the main goals of the Historic Fredericksburg Foundation Inc. is and has been to protect and preserve our city's historic fabric. The organization was founded in the wake of the demolition of the Mathew Fontaine Maury House on Charlotte Street in 1953. A small monument adjacent to the downtown Post Office marks the spot where the building once stood. In the past, Histori Fredericksburg has saved one significantly important building every ten years. It's a laudable accomplishment, but we continue to lose the historic fabric of our community. Between 1953 and 1973, ten buildings more than 100 years old were demolished. Here's a list: 306-308 Charlotte Street (1830s Mathew Fontaine-Maury House), 1953. 1001 Caroline Street (1884 Opera House), 1950s. 203 Charlotte Street (Governor Hill), 1955.

320 William Street (Early 1800s, Chancellor House &amp; Store), 1957. 607-609 Sophia Street, 1958. 714 Princess Anne Street (1790, Forbes House), 1960. 601 Caroline (Master's Lumber Store), 1960s. 300 Hanover Street (1786), 1961. William Street (C. 1800), 1970. 607 Sophia Street (Old Long House), 1973.

1407 Caroline Street

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

Through 2006, another 17 historic properties were lost: 610 Princess Anne Street,1973. 606 Princess Anne Street, 1973. 420-422 William Street (1800s, Willis Feed Store, Virginia Shoe Company). 414 William (C. 1800s, Caple's Building), 1974. 415 Princess Anne Street (1890),1976. 413 Princess Anne Street (1850 -m 1870),1976. 520 Princess Anne Street (1890s). 1981. 1408-1410 Princess Anne street (Late 1800s),1989. 510- 516, 536 Willis Street.1996. 1314 Charles Street, 2004. 306, 308, 310, 314 Wolfe Street (1890s), 2004, 2006. Another 15 historic buildings were gone by 2010. 519 Princess Anne Street (1846 or 1870-75 Fed Style Townhouse), 2006. Sophia Street (Frame next to ShilohOld Site), 2006. 813 Sophia Street, 2006. 308-310 Charles Street, (1830 1860), 2006. 519 Princess Anne Street (Brick Townhouse), 2006. 105 Lafayette Blvd (1910), 2007. 1108 Winchester Street (1889), 2008. 601 Amelia Street (1909), 2008. 1317 Charles Street (1890s), 2009. 209-211, 213-215 Forbes (1910), 2010. 203 Forbes Street (Pre 1860), 2010. And still it continued--a another 14 historic structures were destroyed through 2018. 1104 Douglas Street (1909), 2011. 513 William (1849, Fredericksburg Hardware), 2011. 1900 Caroline Street (1780s), 2010. 1305 Charles Street (C. 1880), 2011. 901 Barton Street (1889) 2011.

401-4 401 Sophia Street 1407 Caroline Street (1780s Danny Mitchell House), 2012. 308 Pitt Street (1910), 2012. 612 George Street, 2012. 609 Sophia (Prince Hall Masonic), 2014. 401-403 Sophia Street (1843), 2015. 718 Sophia Street (Barn), 2017. 1210 Sophia (Next Wallace Library, 1890s), 2018. 1616 College Ave (Alms House, 1877), 2018. Not all old buildings can be saved. We must pick and choose our battles. Some were removed to make way for useful new buildings. Others were allowed to deteriorate, leading to demolition by neglect. In fact, 1407 Caroline Street and 401 Sophia Street were torn down without Architectural Review Board approval. Here is the encouraging news. The city's Historic Resources Planner Kate Schwartz, the city building code official, and preservation groups are working on changes to the Historic District Handbook that would require full review of requests for demolition of historic properties. David James, is the President, of the Historic Fredericksburg Foundation, Inc Subtitle lyrics by Joni Mitchell Photos HFFI Archives

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July 2021

Mental Health anxiety disorder By gina perkins

"I'm dying. Right here on this sidewalk. Alone. I'm going to die." That was the narrative running through my mind during my first panic attack when I was 20 years old. I had been enjoying dinner with my family at an Italian restaurant, when out of nowhere the restaurant started getting darker, and my peripheral vision was blurring. My heart started racing, my hands and feet turned ice cold. My whole body began shaking, and my jaw clenched up and trembled. I couldn't breathe. I stood up from my seat and hazily made my way out of the restaurant and to that harrowing sidewalk, where my mom found me and drove me to the emergency room. As the doctor on-call that evening explained, my symptoms were mental health related. He would try to offer some reassurance by stating, "it was just a panic attack." That one word, "just," would stay with me for years. When I began to experience a phobia of restaurants for fear of another panic attack, I would just push through the fear. I saw a therapist for the first time, and in conjunction with my primary care physician, was finally diagnosed with generalized anxiety disorder and panic disorder. With a combination of medication and cognitive behavioral therapy, I have learned that despite my anxiety and panic disorder, I can live a fulfilling life full of adventure, joy and resilience. I have learned that facing my anxiety and pushing through my fear each day - going to a restaurant even when I'm afraid - is a form of courage. With Anxiety, Every Day Life Takes Courage When I became a mom it didn't take me long to realize that my daughter was, inherently, a highly anxious person, too. She startled easily, had unwavering separation anxiety and struggled with sleep. As she grew into a toddler, I'd notice her resistance to trying new things, her caution and her keen observation of the world around her. When she entered preschool, we struggled with her unwillingness to leave me, and eventually, her refusal to attend school altogether.

July 2021

We learned through much patience and supportive conversation, that her reluctance was fear-based, often rooted in unrealistic (but all too real for her) scenarios. My daughter, now 10 years old, has learned to navigate life beautifully. Through formal therapy, and tireless work at home, she has learned the tools necessary for facing uncomfortable situations head on. Parenting an anxious child is a gift. It's also exhausting. I will never claim to have made peace with all the struggles. Rather, I have learned to embrace my daughter's mental health issue as an opportunity to teach her about courage. Had it not been for anxiety, I may have never come to understand that courage is subjective. That for her, sometimes going to school is not just going to school - it is feat of bravery. With Anxiety, Speaking Up Takes Courage I believe that a certain amount of fear is healthy. Fear forces us to take pause, to assess the situation, to weigh the risks and determine the best next steps for our own well-being. Sometimes, we have to push through the fear in order to move forward. I often tell my daughter that she is brave even when she decides not to push through the fear. She is brave when she has the courage to tell others around her, those who are cheering her on to take that hard step forward into the unknown, that she isn't ready yet. I let her know that she has the power to say "no." She has the power to say "not yet." Courage is selfadvocacy and the strength to stand up in the face of others and say "I'm just not comfortable with that." If I can teach my daughter that anxiety serves as her super power, equipping her with a steady inner compass, maybe she will be brave enough to push through her fear or brave enough to stand up for herself when the fear is too much. Maybe she will be brave enough to stand in solidarity with so many others fighting for mental health awareness, for people to understand that anxiety and panic is more than just a little fear - that many of us who experience these disorders are among the bravest of us all. Gina Perkins, a former primary school paraeducator, is the co-author of Katie Not Afraidy, a children's book about overcoming anxiety, and is a certified Anxiety & Stress Management Specialist Follow Gina on Facebook and Instagram @GinaMPerkins.

To learn more NAMI programs, visit Website namirapp.com

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Donate to a Cancer Organization Let’s Find a Cure!

Have You Tried Acupuncture?

It’s All Energy taming the fire of summer by christina ferber

Call Now to Schedule 540.847.6985 AcupunctureFredericksburg.com

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

There is no doubt that summer is upon us, and according to the Five Element or Rhythm concept in Traditional Chinese Medicine, we are in what is called the Fire Element right now. Many integrative modalities, such as Acupuncture, Qigong, and Eden Energy Medicine (EEM), embrace the Five Element tradition to balance the energy systems of the body in order to achieve good health and wellness. There are four meridians (energy pathways in the body) associated with the Fire Element: Heart (HT), Pericardium, Triple Warmer (TW), and Small Intestine. When we work with points associated with these meridians or perform EEM exercises that calm them, we can balance the Fire Element, and feel more inspired, playful, and joyful in what we do.

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ble at Availa n.com Amazo

Taking Down the Flame not only helps to balance the Fire Element, but it also calms emotions, helps to create a sense of well-being, and can help to lower blood pressure if it is done regularly. Take a deep breath in and out with your hands on your thighs. On the next inhale, raise your hands on either side of your body and connect them above your head so that your fingers and thumbs meet, and on an exhale, touch your thumbs to the top of your head. Inhale and on an exhale, bring your thumbs to the middle of your forehead. Inhale and on the exhale, bring your thumbs to your heart area. Inhale and on the next exhale, bring your thumbs to your naval and flatten your hands. Inhale, and on the next exhale, bring them to their original position on your thighs. Finally, on the next exhale, move your hands down your legs, and off your toes. Then trace your hands up the inside of your legs, and finish with your hands over your heart. If you want to add even more balance to this exercise, you can exhale each time with the "Haaaa" sound.

Holding the Heart Meridian Source Point can balance the Heart Meridian (and the Fire Element) and help calm and center us. Simply hold or rub the point called Heart 7, which is located on the inside of your wrist in line with your pinky finger where your wrist and hand meet. Do this on both sides of the body for a few minutes on each side. (see diagram). up The 2nd & 4th Chakra Hook-u also helps to balance the Fire Element by working with the HT and TW Meridians. Place a flat hand over your heart area and the other hand flat across the area beneath your belly button. Do this whenever you feel disconnected with yourself and need to feel more centered. Another way to balance the Fire of Summer is by holding the Neurovascular Reflex Points (NV) associated with this element. Hold the points above your eyebrows, called the Main NVs, along with the area on the back of your head directly behind your eyebrows. Breath into this a few times as you hold these two areas with a light touch (see diagram). I hope these techniques bring a little more calm to you and cool down the energetic heat that the Fire Element can often bring during this time of year. For more exercises to balance your energies, visit www.itsallenergywellness.com.

Christina Ferber is a Certified Eden Energy Medicine Practitioner

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July 2021

Emancipated Patients Medical Reserve Corp By Patrick Neustatter, MD The Rappahannock Area Health District could have only done half as many vaccinations if it hadn't been for volunteers helping out. This is the assessment of Jennifer Shiflett, RN, BSN, Public Health Manager and Incident Commander of the Medical Reserve Corp. "What would have happened if there hadn't been any volunteers?" I asked her.

"We would only have been able to do half as many vaccines" she told me, making me feel chuffed that I had helped

make a significant contribution by being an MRC volunteer myself. Though feeling proud about just turning up and administering shots doesn't acknowledge how miraculously there were syringes, needles, vaccine, gloves, wipes, Ban-Aids, screeners, computers, tents, tables, lead nurses, National Guard and everything else that is needed to make a vaccination clinic happen - all that stuff that the RAHD Incident Command Structure helps put together. "Sounds like a military operation" I suggested. "Well, we do have to do command structure training" she told me. The What and Where of the MRC The MRC is an organization I was blissfully unaware of until I started looking around to see if there was

An effective assault, according to the RAHD - reporting a drop in the positivity rate from 20 per cent in December/January to 2.9 per cent now.

Dear Virginia, As siblings, we have alway s liked to tease one another but not today! Instead, your three bro thers want you to know of the admiration and pride we hold for you. You continue to promote Frederic ksb urg as a wonderful place to conduct business and to call home! Yo ur talent and dedication have contributed much to Fredericksburg's an d Front Porch's success. As you commemorat e the jubilee of your gracious and upscale publication … our warmest congratulations! Two and a half decades ago, Rob and you envisioned a ma that would share local, uplif gazine ting news with your commu nity. Sadly for all of us, Rob is gone, but by tir eless and passionate commitm ent, you have kept his dream alive. While he beg an as your partner and editor , Rob would now be your cheerleader …echoin g our sentiments by applaud ing your success in carrying on the legacy of Front Porch Fredericksburg . He would enthusiastically en dorse our words and would deliver his approval with tha t endearing grin of his. Man y folks would say that Rob is well aware of your devoted stewa rdship. We send our love and wishe s for yo ur con tin ue d happiness and success. ~ Jay, George, Myles

July 2021

Now I find it's a nationwide organization with 839 units and more than 175,000 volunteers. It grew out of the Freedom Corp, set up by President Bush after 9/11. All local MRC volunteers are under the auspices of the RAHD and its Health Director, Dr. Olugbenga Obasanjo. I had to undergo some rudimentary training in the specifics of COVID vaccine administration, then I got to help at clinics, in such exotic places as the Dominion Raceway and the Rappahannock Regional Jail. Together with a lot of volunteers and RAHD nurses, who seemed to also be excited about helping out. About combating this scourge.

An Open-Letter Tribute, Ce lebrating Front Porch’s 25th Year

anything I could do to combat this pesky corona virus last fall.

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The Good of Doing Good I have always told my patients I believed in what I call "helpfulness therapy." When you do something to help someone else, it does you good. But this isn't just my wacky idea. There's a scientific basis for this. The mesolimbic system release oxytocin and vasopressin, and this appears to lower mortality, improved immunity, improve weight control, reduced blood pressure, and speed recovery from surgery. Whether people understand the neurochemistry or not, the Journal of Health and Social Behavior notes when

people are praised for their philanthropy, they often respond with something like "oh, no, what I do is actually selfish. I get so much more out of it than I give." An impression backed up by a survey done by the non-profit agency OASIS who noted in a survey, 80% of volunteers reported an increase in wellbeing, an increased circle of friends and a perception that their lives were more productive. Be a Volunteer Even though the demand for mass vaccine clinics is diminishing - partly because a proportion of the population won't do their part, thinking they can get a "free ride" off those that have taken the trouble to get vaccinated. Or misguidedly put off by misinformation. The MRC is always in need of volunteers. We need volunteers "for the next nuclear exposure. The next salmonella outbreak" or any other disaster says Jen Shiflett told me. Or for their everyday running of health education sessions, other kinds of vaccine clinics, and a whole lot more. Having found it, I'm impressed that the MRC seems a good number. But they need volunteers.

Patrick Neustatter, MD is the Medical Director of the Moss Free Clinic. & Author of Managing Your Doctor The Smart Patient’s Guide to Getting Effective Affordable Healthcare. managingyourdoctor.com

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July 2021

Art in Burg Art Galleries in July “Our Town” All Member Show Brush Strokes Gallery Opening July 2, 5-9 9pm 824 Caroline St. Friday- Sun 11am - 5 pm. & Appointment Celebrate the Unique Quality of "Our Town" Throughout July, as we celebrate the spirit of the Burg and its resilience, rich history, and mutually supportive community in a special exhibit, "Our Town," with an opening reception on July 2 Refreshments will be served and invited guests include Mayor Mary Katherine Greenlaw who will give greetings at 7:00 pm, members of City Council, and Ann Glave, executive director of Fredericksburg Virginia Main Street. Artwork celebrating the enchanting atmosphere of Our Town includes images of iconic sites such as Carol Waite's depiction of St. George church in "Fredericksburg Steeple," a montage of classic scenes featured in Danette Taylor's colorful collage "The Burg," and Marianna Smith's vintage "The Purina Grain Tower." The energy of our community is conveyed in Nancy Williams' "Parking on Princess Anne Street," Penny A Parrish's "Fred Nats Kids," and the vitality of Hyperion's coffee clutch in Collette Caprara's "The Daily Bustle." In addition, the serenity and allure of the Rappahannock is celebrated in Denise Denecke's "Down by the River" and Stacy Gaglio's "Bohemian Rapp-ahannock," while Norma Woodward's "Garden Tour" is a tribute to a favorite annual tradition of The Burg. exhibit runs through August 1. ~Collette Caprara

“The ‘Burg”, D.R.Taylor @Brush Strokes Gallery

The Artists' Alliance 100 Taylor St, Suite 101 Colonial Beach website artgallerycolonialbeach.com, Facebook :cbartistsalliance Our artists show a terrific array of paintings, photography, pottery, sculpture, furniture, jewelry, and basketry. Art Walk, on Friday, July 9, from 6-9. ~ Rob Rudick

Canal Quarter Arts 1517 Princess Anne Street Darbytown

“Parking on Princess Anne Street Nancy Williams @Brush Strokes Gallery “Arches & Arcs Abandoned”, David Lovegrove Opening Reception,First Friday Opening, July 2, 6-9 9p Art First, 824 Caroline ST

Darbytown Art Studio 241 Charles Street ~Jeannie Ellis

“Hyperion Bustle”, Collette Caprara@Brush Strokes Gallery

LibertyTown Arts Workshop Workshops, Sales, Exhibits 916 Liberty St Mon-S Sat, 10-8 8, Sun 10-6 6 ~ D.D.Lecky

Congratulations To Front Porch For 25 Years of Community Treasures From

“Arches & Arcs Abandoned”, David Lovegrove @Art First

"Works by Linda Hess ", @Artful Dimensions Polymer Clay: Putting The Fun in Functional, Works by Linda Hess, opening reception 6-8 8p, Artful Dimensions, 923 Caroline St

July 2021

The exhibit is comprised of three of an ongoing series of artworks. The series are derived from photos and drawings of a park in Richmond, the abandoned water works structures in the Fredericksburg Old Mill district, and an old fort in San Juan, Puerto Rico called El Morro. Art media: digital photographs, acrylic drawings, photo transfer drawings ~Lisa Gillen “Messages in Color” All-M Media National Exhibit, Frederick Gallery “3-D D Mixed Media” Members Gallery FCCA 813 Sophia ST Th-F Fri, 12-4 4p; Sat 11-4 4, Sun, 1-4 4p ~Valerie Lecea

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“Summer Favorite” Beverley Coates

“Shelter From The Storm” Lynn Abbott

“A Widewater Shore”, Penny A Parrish

Fredericksburg Workshop Summer of special Offerings By Collette Caprara quality lumber. In addition, introductory classes are offered for those desiring to take their first venture into the fulfilling realm of woodworking. "The majority of people come in to take an introductory class and we will teach them how to safely use the majority of the tools that they will ever need in woodworking. They will go from fear to a healthy respect for the equipment as they learn how to operate it correctly and how to process wood through a given machine," said Tim Eggers, co-founder of the Workshop and the Fredericksburg Area Woodworkers Guild.

Workshop founder, Tim Eggers, instructs a young woodworker on proper hand plane technique To meet the spirit of the season as well as the special needs of the times, the folks at the Fredericksburg Workshop have launched a new campaign dubbed "The Summer of Making Things."

The summer offerings include membership specials, and lumber discounts, as well as special summerthemed classes for experienced woodworkers and novices alike, each of which takes participants on a step-by-step creative venture that results in a keepsake of functional art, such as a breadboard or raised-bed planter for a deck garden, and one introductory class will climax with the creation of an Adirondack chair. The Fredericksburg Workshop first opened its doors in 2017, with a goal of providing woodworkers in the area with a venue equipped with tools including band saws, table saws, miter saws, and lathes, as well as providing a hub for sharing ideas, tips, and inspiration among members of a like-minded community. Participation on a membership basis functions much as membership in a gym, where artisans can ply their skills on a drop-in bases, take classes, and purchase

All of the Workshop's offeringsand its very existence-were inspired by a sense of mission to revive what has become a steadily waning arena of handson creation and craftsmanship. "Throughout the pandemic, people have had time to slow down, and, as the busyness of life has decreased, a desire has emerged to experience the satisfaction of creating things with their own hands. But within the last few decades, many of those skills have been lost. We are trying to bring them back to life and share them with people. We have many extremely talented woodworkers in the area who are willing to share their skills and abilities and pass them on to a new generation." In addition, Eggers notes that, as more people have transitioned to working from home, there has been a shortage of home-office furnishings, including desks. "You can order one on-line or get a storebought desk or get your hands dirty and create your own," he said.

Eggers recounts the story of one woman who had asked him to make a desk for her daughter. Instead, he offered to teach her how to create one herself. "I told her that it would become an instant family heirloom and that her daughter will always treasure it and that if she one day gives it to her own daughter, it will have special meaning because Grandma's hands and heart went into making that piece." He says that he tells all those who take a dining-room table class, "The food you eat off the table that you made with your own hands is going to taste better." Eggers also notes that woodworking is an art where the medium itself is, in a sense, a work of art. "We are taking God's handiwork and exposing it to the world," he said. "We say we are finding the Beauty Behind the Bark." "We hope people will enjoy the experience of taking something rough and turning it into something beautiful and functional with their own hands," he adds. "Today people spend a lot of time pushing buttons and punching keys, but there is so much more to life. I urge them to get out there and express their creativity and come up with something that is beautiful, unique, and singularly theirs."

Collette Caprara is a local artist and writer.

Fredericksburg Workshop Sales, Classes, Membership FredWorkshop.com 540 358-5 5418 1104 Summit Street, FXBG,, VA 22401.

Give a Child Something to Think About

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

810 Caroline Street (540) 371-5684

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July 2021

The Bowling Green Scene Happening Hamlet in the Heart of Caroline County

By amy bayne

In a rural gem like Bowling Green, the number one detail that may cinch the deal on making or breaking it as a new business is the unique products it offers to the community and out of town Langhorne and Kevin visitors. Mary-L McManus knew this when they opened The Corner Store in 2020. Located in one half of a former bank building at the corner of North Main and Milford Streets, The Corner Store provides true farm-tto-ttable fare made seasonally fresh daily. It's one of the tastiest additions to an on-going revitalization in downtown BGVA. Mary-Langhorne McManus says that she and Kevin were looking for a small kitchen in town where they could craft and package their award-winning pickled vegetables when they came upon the space in the old bank building. They had lived in New York City for twenty years and had returned to Virginia, MaryLanghorne's home state, to run an organic farm at the southern end of Caroline County. After a decade of growing microgreens, specialty tomatoes, and heirloom zucchini, all of which formed the base for their pickling and fermenting

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business, MaryLanghorne claims the space on the corner of North Main Street called to them. She says, "When we saw this space, we felt like it needed to be a food hub. We wanted to promote all the amazing products we had found through the farmer's market circuit and to create a place to sell our vegetables year-round, but one that also had a great kitchen. When you are trying to get a foothold in a small town, you've got to show that you're different, that you're worth spending money on. Everyone has a limited budget and works within the means that they have, so for us it's about making the experience special. Great food options are there but limited in small towns. We wanted to provide something a little different than what people had seen before, something that was familiar but new. And, as a working mom with two kids, I know what it's like to not want to cook every day, but I also don't want to feed my family fast food when I'm not feeling like making a meal. Our store and deli offer healthy solutions." Mary-Langhorne and Kevin both see farming as a way to push people to work with the land and the seasons, to cook close to the earth. As farmers, the McManuses work with what is seasonably available from their farm. Mary-Langhorne laughs, "If tomatoes are in season, there will be

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tomatoes in most of the deli salads." "Living in New York, it's half your social life picking out what food you're going to try next," Mary-Langhorne says. "Kevin and I have always cooked together and explored together. We realized we were making meals with common ingredients, ingredients people saw at the grocery and the farmers market, but we were pushing ourselves to do interesting and different things with those ingredients. We wanted to bring that enthusiasm for local seasonably fresh ingredients back home to Virginia." Of Bowling Green, MaryLanghorne says, "We're really lucky. People are so supportive, and from top to bottom the town is so invested in every new business that wants to get a start here. We could not feel more at home or luckier to be in a town where the mood is that everybody just wants everyone to succeed." The McManuses are working toward being open seven days a week and are actively looking for committed food people to join their team. Until that time, their hours of operation are Wednesday

through Friday from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Saturdays from 12 p.m. to 6 p.m. Check them out @TheCornerStoreBG on Facebook and @thecornerstore_bg on Instagram. Contact them at (917) 5235043. Visit them at 100 N. Main Street, Bowling Green, Virginia. Amy Bayne is an educator, writer, and artist who lives in Bowling Green with Leah, Atticus, Sophie, Chonky, Bella Bean, and Sweetpea, some of whom are humans and some who just think they are. Bowling Green Events in July 2021 Nautical Art Show and Classes Thru July at The Painted Horse Gallery, 114 N Main Street Bowling Green Farmers Market Every Saturday, 9 a.m. - 1 p.m., 211 N Main Street The Traveling Gypsy Flea Market - July 10th, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., Chase Street and N Main Street Small town Friday Nights - July 16th, 4 p.m. to 9 p.m. - Small businesses in town join forces to create an evening of fun at their locations around town.

SpotLight all about adam west by Mandy Smith had a love for radio and found out that B101.5 was hiring part-time Promotion Assistants, so he applied. Adam worked as a Promotion Assistant for several years before being asked if he would be interested in being on the air. That was the birth of his on-air persona, Adam West. He has an absolute blast being the fill in guy for Dee and Trapper. Adam has been with B101.5 for over 18 years and has fun with everyone who works here! Adam says, "My goal is to make you smile when I'm on the air. If I can do that, then I've done my job."

Adam grew up in Prince George County which is just south of Richmond. He lived out in the country where he rode a bus an hour one way to get to elementary school. Growing up Adam always loved music and listened to the big station in Richmond Q94. He had the boombox that had 2 tape players and you could play them at the same time. So, Adam would cue up the next song on one of the tapes while the other was playing and go right into the next song with no dead air. He always listened to the top 5 songs of the day and hope the DJ would not talk into the song so he could have the whole song recorded on his cassette tape. Adam always loved music and radio. He really wanted to go into communications and got accepted to colleges known for their communication degrees. After he graduated high school, Adam attended New River Community College in the small town of Dublin, Virginia. He received a degree in instrumentation and electronics and was hired before he graduated with a company that sold instrumentation to plants and factories. Adam worked for that company in Roanoke, VA until 1996. Then moved to Fredericksburg, VA to pursue another career. He has been with the same company for the past 25 years. Adam still

Adam has been married for 21 years and they have 2 teenagers. He loves being outside and has a hard time sitting still for a long period of time. You might see him out on the trails riding his bike, which is his favorite thing to do. Adam did the C&O Canal Trail last year which was 195 miles in 3 days. Always up for an adventure, he did the spartan race a few years ago at Nationals Stadium. Adam enjoys a good Netflix show, and he is always up for suggestions. His favorite show is Ozark and he cannot wait for the final season! Adam said, "Thank you for listening when I'm on the air and for all the phone calls and texts. Keep smiling and enjoy life! Who knows, I might see you on the radio or out riding my bike."

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

Adam West B101.5’s fab fill-iin guy! Dee in the Morning & Trapper Young Drive Home

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July 2021

Companions A stroll downtown by Gerri Reid dvm

Summer is here! And it is time to get those doggies out and about for their walks. Whether it is enjoying a walk during the morning sunrise or the cool evening stroll, walking your pets is great exercise. From hiking trails to dog parks, Fredericksburg is definitely a city that is Dog-ffriendly. No need to leave your pet at home as you venture Downtown. There are many dog-friendly places to enjoy with your pooch. Downtown Fredericksburg is a great place to spend your day exploring the shops and the sights. Many stores have bowls of water outside their business, so no need to worry about your dog getting thirsty. Or if you decide you want to bring your own bowl, many places will fill up your bowl for you. It is still important to remember when Downtown to bring some Dog Waste bags as no one likes stepping in pet waste. There are plenty of trash bins/receptacles for you to

Donate to a Cancer Organization Let’s Find a Cure! 28

July 2021

throw away your bags. And this may be silly to say but all dogs need to be on a leash. We want your pet not only to enjoy itself but we also want your pet to be safe. There are 3 Dog Friendly activities in Fredericksburg for pet owners. The Fredericksburg Farmer's Market is held at Hurkamp park every weekend during the summer. The Market offers local produce, craft vendors and local community events. It is great to pick up some fruits and vegetables for yourself. And your dog may love feasting on a few of them. Duff Park is a dog park that offers 3 Off leash areas. There are areas for dogs under 30 lbs, dogs over 30 lbs and a large area of almost 7 acres for all dogs. There is agility equipment, toys, water and bag dispensers available. Lastly, for the Residents of Fredericksburg City only, there is the Dog Park at Kenmore Park. It provides an off-leash area and water as well. When taking your pet to any dog park, I highly recommend you proceed with caution and to monitor your pet closely. If you feel that your pet does not play well with other dogs, then this may not be the right setting for your pet. After your stroll around town or some time at the Dog parks or Farmer's Market, you may find yourself a bit hungry. Well, no worries. The restaurants/coffee shops are happy to welcome you and your pet. So, here is a Guide of a few Pet-Friendly Restaurants that offer outdoor seating. For coffee/tea and other goodies, many people will frequent Hyperion Espresso to enjoy a good cup of Joe. For Breakfast/Brunch, Dixon Café and the Sunken Well try Mason-D Tavern. Other restaurants include Castiglia's Italian Restaurant & Pizzeria, Sedona Taphouse, J. Brian's Tap Room, Fahrenheit 132. All these places have amazing food and are happy to accommodate you and your pet. Historic Downtown Fredericksburg is a wonderful place to spend a weekend exploring all the shops and history. You can enjoy the Farmer's Market as well as have lunch with your four-legged pal. And while your there, take your pet to Dog Krazy for some delicious treats to celebrate the day. This town is known for George Washington and his Boyhood home. But did you know that President Washington had English Spaniels, Terriers, and American Foxhounds? So, it is no wonder that the City of Fredericksburg would be so DogFriendly! Dr. Gerri S. Reid is the Owner/Veterinarian of Reid Mobile Veterinary Services. 540-623-3029 or reidmobilevetservices.com or facebook @ReidMobileVetServices

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Astrology & You THE POETRY MAN

saturn uranus square: Are we there yet?

By Frank Fratoe

By Dianne Bachman

Searchers

Pine-hills cover the coast where a path weaves inland sheltered against the wind which has spurred breakers to dash cliffs of limestone left here from another age. And we can follow the trail under an overhang of vines continuing our walk onward and not stop until we reach someplace to share together moving forward hand-in-hand. A beacon runs over the edge toward forest imbuing dark while shoreline glows again and we discover our passage to advance us through time within the realm of beauty. Frank Fratoe lives & writes in the city.he loves.

I think every kid who has been a backseat passenger on a long road trip has asked that question. I know I did, and I also recall the voices of my own restless children from the backseat of our minivan. The answer is: We have a way to go yet. Be patient and keep your seatbelts on. For 2021 an important part of the astrological landscape has been the Square between Uranus and Saturn. The first exact square was in February, the

second exact was last month, and the third will be coming up in December. It is the old clashing with the new, it is the winds of c h a n g e sweeping the attic free of ancient dust. For some of us it is the feeling that our lives are being upended, jarred, or forcing us to change in some major ways. To get an idea of how this aspect may have a personal impact for you, look at your natal chart. You will tend to feel this more if: --Capricorn or Aquarius are on the Ascendant in your birth chart --Personal planets (Sun, Moon, Venus, Mercury, or Mars) are between 6 and 14 degrees of Taurus, Leo, Scorpio, or Aquarius) You can also look back to 1999/2000 and again in 2008 to 2010, where Saturn and Uranus were in the first square, then in opposition, respectively. The energies of these two planets can create a bit of a clash. The old ways can become like a comfortable old pair of shoes. When we try on something newer, we can feel the pinch. Uranus says, "Step back, I'm coming through", and Saturn says, "But we've always done it this way and just so you know, I've constructed this nice brick wall to keep it all together." Bottom line: something must give! You may want to take some time to consider where you feel stuck. What would it mean to embrace the new? Do I honor my 'aha' moments or relegate them to the 'that would be nice' pile of missed opportunities? So, we are not there yet. Stay strong and forge on! Here are some of the other astrological trends for July 2021. In the beginning of the month Mars and Venus are together in the sign of Leo and they oppose Saturn in Aquarius. Stand your ground but be practical in your approach to money and relationships. Be sure to reflect on where you need to take personal responsibility. Mercury and Neptune square

each other around the 5th of the month, making it a good time to take a vacation, relax, let nature nurture, and inspire you. On the 7th, Mercury forms a Quincunx with Pluto, which could stir up some fears or worries. This will pass rather quickly, so try this: Ask yourself: Is there anything I can do about this (worry) now? If the answer is 'no', then make a plan or at least write it down. If the answer is 'yes', then attend to the matters at hand. This is an excellent time to recite the Serenity Prayer! July 9 brings a New Moon in Cancer. Try focusing on home, family, and your own self-ccare regimen. If you don't have a self-care routine, you may benefit from developing a list of things that nourish your spirit. July 11 Mercury enters watery Cancer, and we can take a deeper dive into communication beyond words. Intuition may run high for some. On the 15th, Mercury trines Jupiter which brings excellent conditions for learning new things. July 16 to the 23rd Neptune trines the Sun (and the Sun enters Leo on the 22nd-bringing fun, playfulness, and passion to the mix). Try this: Create a dream board using photographs, collage, mixed media. Be playful with it and let your imagination go with brainstorming for the future. July 23 Full Moon in Aquarius. Let your freak flag fly! Follow your instincts and dare to be different and maybe even a bit rebellious. This moon fuels our individuality and our desire to be loved unconditionally, just as we are. July 27 Mercury enters Leo. A fun time to be entertained and to entertain, to get playful. July 28 Jupiter stations retrograde back into Aquarius, bringing the spotlight onto the collective, social causes and independent thinking. July 29 Mars enters Virgo. Try not to get bogged down in perfectionism or self-criticism. This can be an excellent time to focus on efficiency, realizing goals and helping each other.

Diane Bachman is a psychotherapist & astroger practicing in FXBG. She can be reached at dbachmanlcsw@gmail ..com

front porch fredericksburg

July 2021

Fredericksburg Sketches A visual Celebration of our community

By Paula Raudenbush

Richard “Dick” Walters Happy 90th Birthday! ~ "Tuffy" & Anne Kathyrn’s Glider Sometimes things happen that just beg to be documented in a sketch. I mentioned recently in a Facebook post that I would love to have an old-fashioned porch glider like I remember on my grandparents' farm. A friend saw the post and offered me hers. She graciously refused to accept any money for it so I made this little sketch for her. I bartered a sketch for some yard work recently, too. It's lovely to have a skill that people value. When I want to emphasize the main subject of a sketch, I will sometimes color only that part, leaving the rest as a simple line drawing as I have done here. This glider has a lovely patina to its old green paint and the rust spots endear it to me. I'm feeling a bit rusty myself lately.

Paula Raudenbush is a local artist and organizer of the Fredericksburg Chapter of Urban Sketchers International (on Facebook at Urban Sketchers Fredericksburg.

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July 2021

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Walk Around Photo Challenge finding beauty all around us 2021 Walk Around Photo Challenge with B101.5, America's Choice Mortgage, and Front Porch Magazine Thank you to everyone that participated! Here are some of our favorites photos. Each of your pictures really showcased the beauty of Virginia!

“Spring Flowers”, Lindsey S.

“#FindYourFamilyFun”, Jenny S.

“Peaceful Valley Donkey Rescue”, Sarah A.

“Love is Everywhere” Bryan F. “Sun Rays”, Kelly P WINNER: “Walking on the Water”, Julie S.

“Baby Fox Siblings Enjoying a Beautiful Day” Kathleen M. “Hoping for Better Days”, Julia

“Adventures”, Michael P

front porch fredericksburg

July 2021

July Front Porch Magazine

Articles inside

walk around photo challenge

astrology & you poetryman: searchers

bowling green scene a happening hamlet

companions

adam west

fxbg workshop

art in the ’burg

mental health: anxiety disorder

it’s all energy: taming the fire of summer

little moments that matter frances dancy

In the Garden: branching out

Calendar of Events

history’s stories: independence day

paving paradise for a parking lot

calling all curious minds

growing & crawling

art of adaptive reuse.....Ed Whelan’s vision