FPFMarch2019 by Virginia Grogan

contents

closeups

history’s stories: germanna heritage: it takes a village

what’s in family?....battlefield restaurant

Jaden Brown FXBG’s Got Talent

20 Senior Care: luck, genes or something else? 21

it’s all energy...get balance for spring

Norma Woodward life in monochrome

emancipated patients: should a doctor help you die?

Keith Lebor Olde Towne Butcher

meet cover artist : pete morelewicz

Porch talk 4

on the porch...life in fredericksburg Messages

master gardeners....wild about natives

On the Trails: judy muffley shares her passion

8 9

everything greens: community garage sale wild & scenic film fest

fred book fest: taking it to the streets

I have a friend Empowerhouse community network

season’s bounty: J-e-l-l-o

st pat’s day classic

vino...petit manseng

16-17

Calendar of events

mYSTERY hOUSE STORIES OF FXBG

art in the burg

astrology & you poetryman

Companions: march into spring

fredericksburg sketches #fred strong

...And more! 3 12

mirror reflects generosity taste of spice....south-asian cuisine & culture

23 art of protest....protesting from side of love

Cover: “River Otters” By Pete Morelewicz

march 2019

Front porch fredericksburg

Mirror Reflects Generosity Sammy T’s Art Sale Benefits moss free clinic Lou Gramann Rena & Al Littek, Owners of Sammy T’s The next time you visit Sammy T’s downtown, look in the mirror. A long mirror over the bar reflects the color and energy of the donated art along the restaurant’s walls. The works are for sale through April 3, with 100% of proceeds benefitting Lloyd F. Moss Free Clinic. The Free Clinic provides basic health care and non-narcotic prescriptions for low-income uninsured residents of the Fredericksburg area. These patients are not just people with a lifetime of poverty, says Executive Director Karen Dulaney. Many have jobs. “Insurance is often linked to work, but even if you are employed, there may be no healthcare option.” Including those with chronic illnesses who need medications, the Clinic serves over 1,900 patients annually, she says. Clinic Board of Directors member Angel Ramos points out that people with stable incomes and health care can still understand those situations. “We have

photo by ross mccullough Sammy’s Reflective Mrror had recent events that challenged people,” he says. He cites support businesses and contract workers not repaid for workdays missed. “It reminds

Tickets: $75 each; Two for $125

An aside: Modern impressionist Kandinsky developed his influential artistic theories while weathering decisive events in 20th century Europe. He left his native Moscow for Germany in 1917 to escape Bolshevik rule. He moved again, to France in 1933, after Nazis closed the Bauhaus School where he taught. Kandinsky died in France in 1944. Also in the show are photographer Ed Episcopo’s “Monarch on Asters at Chatham” and “Douglas Falls in West Virginia.” The latter location is accessible to the agile by climbing down a rope, he explained. Episcopo has won several photo contests and been published in National Wildlife and Virginia Wildlife magazines. “I’m impressed by the quality of the art,” says Karen O’Brien, who arranged and hung the 28 donations. Her contribution, “The Bridge of Giverny,” is a study from Monet’s garden that inspired her to try a more impressionistic style. Like O’Brien, most of the artists affiliate with familiar community groups:

you of a time when maybe you were younger and not prepared [to miss a paycheck]. It humbles you. People can relate and draw on that emotion.” Supporting Moss Free Clinic is an effective way to help. Every $100 given provides $1,400 in services. Because medical professionals volunteer their time, donations can furnish needed supplies. For example, $25 provides supplies for 3 dental patients, and $85 buys a year of diabetic test strips. "Art on our Hot Summer Streets" Fabric Art by Linda Kaup “No gift is too small,” says a clinic brochure, and it’s easy LibertyTown Arts Workshop, Brush to donate online at Strokes Gallery, Art First Gallery, www.mossfreeclinic.org whether or not Fredericksburg Center for the Creative donors visit the show. Arts, Fredericksburg Spinners and Weavers But the eclectic show is worth Fredericksburg Photography Club. All seeing. Judy Klehm’s hand-dyed silk scarf, and of the generous artists hope for a “Woven with Love,” hangs next to successful event. Crawford R. Nace’s photograph of the “I love supporting Moss Free Michigan landmark “Marquette Harbor Rena Littek, an artist and coLight.” Nearby is Eileen Carson’s painting Clinic,” says owner of the restaurant. “They provide a of a guileless local native that she calls great service to the community.” “Tranquil Duck.” That mood contrasts Kadeana Langford’s with thoughtprovoking oil portrait, “About a Girl.” Lou Gramann admires all artists and Linda Kaup’s bold fabric collage, “Art on helped organize this event as a Our Hot Summer Streets,” illustrates volunteer for Lloyd F. Moss Free Clinic. Wassily Kandinsky’s belief that music can be expressed visually, Kaup says. front porch fredericksburg

march 2019

Laurie Black

ON THE PORCH Guest Porch Editorial

Contributing Writers & Artists Rita Allen Kathy Anderson Sally Cooney Anderson A.E. Bayne Diane Bachman Laurie Black Tracy Blevins Melvin Brown Kevin Brown Marie Callahan Collette Caprara Meghann Cotter Elaine Ellis Isabel Faust Christina Ferber Madison Fernandez Frank Fratoe Mary Beth Geil Joan M. Geisler Jon Gerlach Lou Grahamm Lou Gramann Alexis Grogan Sue Henderson Cathy Herndon Ralph “Tuffy”Hicks Donna Hopkins Karl Karch David C. Kennedy Jo Loving Ross McCullough Wendy Migdal Pete Morelewicz Vanessa Moncure Patrick Neustatter Sarah Perry Michelle Pierson Gabe Pons M.L. Powers Gerri Reid Rob Rudick Casey Alan Shaw Brian Shumay Patricia Smith Josh Stansfield Georgia Strentz James Kyle Synder Tina Will Jeremiah Ward Laura Westermier Dawn Whitmore Norma Woodward Front Porch Fredericksburg is a free circulation magazine published monthly by Olde Towne Publishing Co. Virginia Bigenwald Grogan, Publisher. The mission of Front Porch Fredericksburg is to connect the diverse citizenry of Fredericksburg with lively features and informative columns of interest to our community’s greatest resource, its people. Messages from our readers are welcome. All submissions must be received by e-mail by the 19th of the month preceding publication. Writers / Artists / Photographers are welcome to request Guidelines and query the Publisher by e-mail. Front Porch Fredericksburg PO Box 9203 Fredericksburg, VA 22403 Ad Sales: E-Mail: frntprch@aol.com Web Site: www.frontporchfredericksburg.com Facebook: @Front Porch Fredericksburg The opinions expressed in Front Porch Fredericksburg are those of the contributing writers and do not necessarily reflect the opinion of Front Porch Fredericksburg or its advertisers. Copyright 2019 Olde Towne Publishing Co. All rights reserved.

March 2019

firmly rooted by laurie black It was with a fair amount of hesitation that my husband and I decided to move to the Fredericksburg area in 2008. We have lived on the West Coast in the Seattle area and on the Gulf Coast in the Houston area. I suppose it was the natural progression of things that we try the East Coast. So with six children in tow, we moved to Virginia. Initially it was our children who helped us become immersed in the community. We explored everything from the Rappahannock Swim League to the Rappahannock Rugby Football Club, the Commonwealth Governor’s School, recreation league soccer, school drama, choir, basketball, track, and so much more. On weekends we loved to visit historical sites and museums, walk a trail, or catch a concert. Our four boys joined a local Boy Scouts of America troop. Appreciation for the area deepened as we canoed the Rappahannock River, participated in the Ten Commandments Hike touring the beautiful historic churches of downtown Fredericksburg, and organized Eagle projects, food drives, and Day to Serve events. After several years in the area, we began to think – why would we ever leave? Our family came to love the gorgeous seasonal scenery, the variety of cultural and sporting events, the rich history, and most especially – the people. However, it was in 2011 that I really felt like I personally began putting down roots. I can almost trace it back to the moment when a friend told me about her volunteer experience with Mental Health America of Fredericksburg. I was intrigued. I felt like this was something I was missing. To be a part of the community, I felt I needed to give part of myself to the community. I applied for an administrative assistant position with MHAF’s Senior Visitors Program and was

messages I love this cover! ("Red Bench", by Penny A. Parrish, February 2019) Gerri Reid

Love your monthly publication, it's a must read Barbara Ellis

Front porch fredericksburg

pleased to go to work for Lynn DelaMer and Teresa Bowers. This was my first nonprofit experience. I was immediately impressed by the dedication of volunteers and the collaboration with other local agencies such as the Alzheimer’s Association, AARP, the disAbility Resource Center, and Healthy Generations Agency on Aging – just to name a few. I met mental health professionals, advocates, community leaders, teachers, parents, and friends – all passionate about helping those with mental illness and overcoming the stigma too often attached to mental illness. I had seen firsthand among family and friends how mental illness could cause emotional and financial strains above and beyond the day to day struggle to simply function. I was excited to be a part of changing minds and changing lives. I credit my wonderful parents for instilling in me early in life the power of positivity, generosity, and service. Now, at this time in my life, I feel like I can really use those core values and my talents to make a difference. I eagerly go to work each day in the hope that I might be able to help at least one person find the resource they need or feel less lonely or find the courage to keep trying. Undoubtedly, the Board of Directors, staff, and volunteers of Mental Health America of Fredericksburg are some of the finest people I have ever worked with. I believe this is because we are united in a common cause despite our varied backgrounds, cultures, political or religious views. We come together to serve our community. It may seem that our efforts are just a drop in the proverbial Thanks so much for giving us a shout out Matt and Tracy! Hoping that we can continue to build, maintain, and expand the trails! (On the Trails, Running in the Burg", February, 2019,) Fredericksburg Trails Alliance Hi Virginia, The poem by Frank Fratoe, ("Oh Singing Lady", Feb 2019) was so beautiful, it brought tears to my heart. Georgia Sutton

bucket. Yet, our small and simple efforts when combined - are huge! I have seen lives change. I know there are still many challenges facing our community, but I have hope and I want to share that hope. So, when Virginia asked me to write a story for the Front Porch, I jumped at the chance. I’ve been sharing stories in the Front Porch for two years now. The volunteers and seniors I write about are your coworkers and neighbors. They quietly, humbly give their time – an hour here, an hour there. The more you do a thing, the easier it becomes. Associating with these wonderful people in my community, has made it easier for me to be kinder, more tolerant, and more patient. I find it easy to see the good and focus on the positive. At last I feel firmly rooted. So, you picked up the Front Porch, read it cover to cover. Discover all that is unique and wonderful right here in Fredericksburg. Find a cause, share your passion, and help our community flourish. Laurie is the Administrative Assisant for Senior Visitors Program, FPF contributor & if that is not enough, mother to six Hi Virginia, I love what you are doing with the Front Porch. It contains so much love. Kathy Anderson Hello Virginia Thank for the article ("A Local Gem", February 2019) We liked it a lot and we have had several people come in and tell us how they liked and enjoyed it! Nancy & Craig Sheldon, Gemstone Creations

Jaden Brown fredericksburg’s got talent by Mary Beth Geil Indeed, Fredericksburg’s Got Talent. This article features a local talent, Jaden Brown. Jaden is a gifted musician who sings baritone and plays the piano and electric bass guitar. According to his resume, he has competed in musical competitions as a soloist and as part of his school choir. Recently, he received the honor of being selected to participate in the Virginia All State Choir as Bass I, second chair. Last year, he competed in the 2018 Young Artist Competition, sponsored by ArtsLIVE!. This annual competition is open to local students who play classical instruments or sing providing them an opportunity to display their talents and a chance to earn rewards. Winners receive a scholarship and are invited to perform at other local venues. One of the venues is appearing with the Rappahannock Pops Orchestra at their spring concert. Jaden will be a featured soloist at the spring concert along with Kelsey Payne, a violinist. The concert will take place on March 30, 2019 at 7:00 PM at James Monroe High School, Fredericksburg. Tickets are available online at:

rappahannockpops.org/product/popsspring-concert. According to Jaden, “I love performing and testing myself. I perform to include singing and acting.” His advice to others is to “have fun with it”. His family and numerous music teachers have provided support and inspiration. He attributes his first piano teacher, Toni Maxine, persuading him to try singing. Once he began singing, he was inspired by another teacher, Cathy Hoskins, to incorporate expressive acting as part of his performance. It is impressive how Jaden’s musical talents have developed over a short period of time. His father recalls taking the video game system away (destroying might be more accurate) due to subpar grades. At that time, Jaden was nudged to find another passion. Jaden chose learning to play the piano. Seven years ago , he started taking lessons from a local teacher and performer, Toni, (http://voicelessonsfredericksburgva.com. ) She has been a true inspiration to Jaden along with other students. She reflects that “Jaden would ride his bike over to my house for his beginning piano lessons. He would complain about how exhausted he was and how his “arthritic hands” needed a break! To say that he was thrilled with the idea of lessons would hardly be true, but over time he began to actually enjoy playing the piano. Now he will play the piano for many hours without any complaints of his “arthritic hands.” Jaden was exposed to the musical performing atmosphere at a young age. When his father filmed recitals for Toni, Jaden would assist by handing out the recital programs. He has graduated from distributing programs to being a performer with his name listed in the program.

Toni also reflects: “Since that first recital when he accompanied himself at the piano, he has grown into a young man who has sung in several musicals, studied Italian to improve his classical singing skills, performed in and won several competitions and he has added bass guitar lessons to his musical interests. He has truly embraced many aspects of music and it has been rewarding to watch him grow and develop.” Jaden plans to continue this passion after high school in the college setting. Mary Beth Geil is a student of life. She lives in Spotsylvania and works at Naval Support Facility Dahlgren. Photography by Melvin Brown & Jaden’s proud father. Rappahannock Pops Orchestra Spring Concert Saturday, March 30, 7pm James Monroe High School Tickets http://rappahannockpops.org/product/po ps-sspring-cconcert/.

Supporting Local Artists Since 1997

front porch fredericksburg

March 2019

Master Gardeners Annual Symposium wild about natives By Tina Will

photo by Laura Westermeier “Belmont” Since 2009, when the Virginia Coastal Zone Management Program launched the 'Plant Virginia Natives' campaign, huge progress has been made in educating the public on the need for, and benefits of, using native plants in the landscape. Virginia Cooperative Extension (VCE) and Extension Master Gardeners (EMG/MGACRA) are continuing to lead the way to help tip the balance in favor of planting native shrubs and trees by offering its 7th annual "Living in the Garden" symposium titled 'Wild About Natives' on Saturday, April 13, 2019 from 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. There are many GOOD reasons to join us , when the doors open at 8:30 a.m., but pre-registration is required and ongoing right now through March 31. The schedule, registration form, and speaker bios are on our website: https://mgacra.org.

Come enjoy Gari a day at Melchers Home and Studio (Belmont estate) in Falmouth, VA to hear from four excellent speakers on which plants to choose, and how and why these plants will benefit our ecosystem all the way to the Chesapeake Bay. Come for …the speakers who have great knowledge of plants, a passion for gardening and caring for our environment. They have years of experience that they are ready to share with us. Come for all of that and …for a chance to walk the beautiful grounds…for fun, gardening fellowship, and inspiration as we head into this year's prime growing season.

Barbara W. Ellis: Diversity in the Native Garden. Gardens, large or small, should have great variety for many reasons. A range of options will be presented-from simple steps to ambitious projects-that gardeners and homeowners can take to create beautiful, more sustainable gardens and landscapes that are attractive and healthy for humans, wildlife, pets, and the environment as a whole. Beate Ankjaer-JJensen: Benefits of Using Native Grasses in Wildlife Habitats. Thanks to the dedication of Beate Ankjaer-Jensen, Cultural Resource Manager of Gari Melchers Home and Studio, Melchers estate was one of the first historic sites in Virginia to create large-scale native grass fields in 2000. Mrs.

Dr. Robert Lyons: Native Color Palette. Since many home landscapes continue to rely too heavily on non-native species of plants, Dr. Lyons, will discuss the native plant color palette, and enlarge our scope of possible native plants to enjoy. Carol Heiser: Home Town HabitatEducating Local Communities. Do you enjoy native birds and butterflies? Learn how to establish a native plant habitat in an entire neighborhood. Our landscape choices impact local wildlife; native plant species provide the right types of pollen, seeds, and fruit.

photo by Tracy Blevins

Redbud Join us on April 13th at Belmont estate and get fresh ideas and encouragement to choose some new native plant species for your landscape. Just remember to register in advance as seating is limited.

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

Beate Ankjaer-JJensen Ankjaer-Jensen will describe that process and discuss the environmental, economic, and social dimensions of using native grasses in sustainable, wildlife-friendly landscapes.

Master Gardeners 7th Annual Symposium “Wild About Natives” Pre-rregistration is required now through March 31. Saturday, April 13 Gari Melchers Home & Studio 8:30a-3 3:30p

601 LAFAYETTE BLVD

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

We Have All Your Gardening Needs Since 1929 Come Shop With Us! 6

March 2019

Front porch fredericksburg

On the Trails

Spring Sophistication

sharing her passion: judy muffley By Kevin Brown There are people who are passionate about photography, and then there is Judy Muffley, who is PASSIONATE ABOUT PHOTOGRAPHY! Judy has become a major contributor to the Fredericksburg photography scene, sharing daily testimonials to the beauty of our city and surrounding region.

Reversible Floral Tote with Removable Inner Pouch

723 Caroline St 899.8077 Daily 10-5:30; Sunday 12-5

Q. What brought you to Fredericksburg? “My husband and I are from PA and I joined him here in VA after we were married. I am a retired Medical Technologist and Craig is a retired Transit Police officer turned Pastor. We moved to Fredericksburg from Burke in 2012 after he was appointed Senior Pastor to Eastland UMC.” Q. How did you become interested in photography, and how has your photography progressed over time? “I received my first camera as a child. My parents nurtured my love of

Your Hometown Jeweler Since 1940

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

nature by exposing me to many of our beautiful National Parks. My passion for photography increased after we moved to Fredericksburg as I had more free time to travel and explore. I, like many, use Facebook as a platform to display my photography. Many family and friends tell me that I am performing a type of joyful and uplifting ministry by posting the beauty of our world as seen through my camera lens. I eventually joined the “On the Fredericksburg VA Trails” Facebook page. The friendly interactions and beautiful pictures enticed me to improve my photography skills. I also made new friends in the process!” Q. Please share a bit of technical info about what camera equipment you use, for those readers who will be interested in those details. What camera equipment do you want to add to your collection and why? “When we moved to Fredericksburg, I purchased a Sony A6000 mirrorless camera. It is smaller and more lightweight then most DSLRs. It came with two kit lenses - 3.5-5.6/1855 and 4.5-6.3/55-210. I also added a FE1.8/50 prime lens. I hope to upgrade to a better telephoto zoom lens and get a neutral density filter.” Q. What sites in the local area do you like to photograph and why? “I am drawn to the local historical sights and like to capture their beauty in different light, seasons and weather conditions. You will also find me at the beach, in the mountains (my happy place) and on local back roads, scouting for good sunset, sunrise and water perspectives. Most of the time the cloud formations, sunrises and sunsets lead me to choose my shooting location(s). Being outdoors surrounded by beauty of our world replenishes my soul. I am often out with my dog, Smokey, so am constantly seeking out new parks and hiking paths. We are so blessed to have so many recreational amenities in and around our community.”

Q. Lastly, please share your thoughts on the Trails Facebook group. “This group does an outstanding job sharing the love of the outdoors and beauty around us by the pictures that are posted, the positive uplifting comments made, and show of Kevin enthusiastic community spirit. Brown, Theresa Rasmussen, Raymie Chapman, Fritzi Newton, Erik Brito, Buddy Secor and other exceptional photographers have been very supportive by kindly sharing photography tips with me. I have also met wonderful people to hike and kayak with thanks to this great Facebook page. It is a welcoming and kind community like this that makes Fredericksburg such a great place to live.”

Kevin Brown is the administrator of the "On the Fredericksburg Va Trails" Facebook Group, a downtown resident & recently organized a 1.5 mile walking/biking parade & litter cleanup along what he’s dubbed Baseball Trail (aka the Fall Hill Avenue Trail) . Photo by Pea Ridge Photography

front porch fredericksburg

March 2019

Everything Greens interns plan community garage sale By Jeremiah Ward & Madison Fernandez

UMW Spring Downtown Greens Intern Team. (l to R): Jeremiah Ward, Madeline Ivey, Nicole Ziesing, Liz Foster, Emmy Conread, Madison Fernandez, AK Camper

Greens Community Yard Sale? You know what they say, “One man’s trash is another man’s treasure.” People can bring items to sell ranging from books (for children and adults), to old cds and movies, games, household appliances, old furniture, tools, and baby items. Who knows what treasures you’ll find to sell?

Hello! I’m Jeremiah Ward and I am working with Madison Fernandez as the new Downtown Greens Events Interns. Downtown Greens is a non-profit organization here in Fredericksburg whose vision is to promote community development through the two urban green spaces we maintain at Charles and Dixon Streets. These areas, known as the Upper and Lower Gardens, are open to the public 365 days a year, from dawn until dusk. Please come visit!

This year, Downtown Greens has a number of new events on the calendar. In response to many neighbors’ and friends’ requests, we are excited to announce our upcoming Community Yard Sale. This event will take place from 8amnoon on April 6th, 2019, rain date April 13th, in the Upper Garden at the corner of Princess Anne and Dixon Streets. It will be a great opportunity for getting to know your fellow neighbors while you clear out things you no longer want or need.

For a fee of $10, Downtown Greens will provide a 10’X10’ space for each person or group wishing to participate. These fees will go directly to Downtown Greens, helping us plan more awesome events for our neighbors in the future. Participants may reserve up to 2 spaces each. All proceeds from sales go to the participants. Sign up soon! Then bring your own table or tarp, and good stuff to sell and get ready for a fun spring-cleaning event!

Being introduced and immersed into the Downtown Greens family has been a whirlwind - but a wonderful experience. Seeing how projects come to life when they began as conversations in an office is a great sight to see!

Yard sales are a fun way to spring clean while making a few bucks! Are there multiple coats just sitting on a hanger in your closet? What about all those pairs of shoes? It’s time to get rid of them. What better way to do that than the Downtown

It’s easy to sign up! Visit https://tinyurl.com/dtgyardsale or call 540-371-7315 to get your name on our list. Then, stop by our office with cash or check or drop your payment in the mail to: Downtown Greens 206 Charles St. FBG

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

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

Where Customer Service and Title Insurance Become One

Jewell Wolterman 12225 Amos Lane, Ste 204 Fredericksburg, VA 22407 540-907-0574 www.elitetitleva.com jwolterman@elitetitleva.com 8

March 2019

Front porch fredericksburg

VA 22401. Only 50 spaces are available, so reserve your spot before they run out! Payments must be received by April 1st, 2019. We are super excited to host this first-ever event and we hope all of our downtown neighbors will get involved. We work hard to provide accessible events to our community and we are also looking for your help in spreading our mission. Be sure to invite your friends and family to events, the more people the better! Reserve your space today! We look forward to shopping with you on April 6 at the first-ever Downtown Greens Community Yard Sale!

Jeremiah Ward and Madison Fernandez are part of Downtown Greens fabulous spring intern team from UMW.

Wild & Scenic Film Fest Shake out the Winter Blues By isabel faust Are you a movie buff? Do you love the outdoors? Always looking for a new adventure? Come get inspired Friends of the at Rappahannock’s 9th annual Wild & Scenic Film Festival! This year’s festival is sponsored and hosted by the University of Mary Washington. Wild & Scenic is a part of the largest environmentally-focused film festival in North America, joining with more than 200 festivals nationwide. The festival presents the most inspirational adventure and environmental films of the past year. The films showcase the juxtaposition of our beautiful, yet rugged environment, the unique plants and animals that inhabit it and the people who work to protect it! Climate change, plastic waste, invasive species and mining are addressed in a manner that will leave you empowered to confront threats facing our rivers, oceans, forests and deserts. The adventure films will encourage you to

Fredericksburg’s Rappahannock River works to protect the health and scenic beauty of the river from the Blue Ridge Mountains to the Chesapeake Bay. The river is the source of our drinking water, it is a place we go to relax and to play It is a vital wildlife corridor that has seen the resurgence of once endangered

explore these fragile and resilient ecosystems.in your own backyard and around the world. Through Wild & Scenic you will learn about sustainable farming practices, the magic of wetland mud and life at the bottom of the Grand Canyon. Come and run up Mount Washington with 96 year old George Etzweiler, track animals in the snow using DNA, sail to Hawaii on a raft of recycled water bottles and visit the sand dunes of Hammocks State Park in North Carolina. Wild & Scenic will show you how the everyday actions of people like you can overcome seemingly overwhelming environmental challenges facing our planet.

bald eagles and atlantic sturgeon. Your support of this festival will help FOR continue this important work. So shake of your winter blues and join us at the 9th Annual Wild and Scenic Film Festival on Saturday, March 23 from 5:30 - 8:30 p.m. in Chandler Ballroom in the University Center of UMW. Admission is $15 paid in advance at riverfriends.org or $20 at the door. Students are free of charge. See you there.

Isabel Faust, is the Earth & Environmental Science Intern from University of Mary Washington

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

March 2019

Fred Book Fest taking it to the streets in 2019 By a.e. bayne

Thank You Fredericksburg for Your Support Since 1997 Accepting New Patients Emergency Patients Welcome Participant With Most Major Insurance Plans Chris McClean displaying his series, “Crimefighters, Defenders of Justice”, @2018 Fred Fest This year on Saturday, September 21, 2019, we have paired with Art Attack and the Fredericksburg Wine Festival for a truly epic day of arts and culture in Fredericksburg. We’re taking it to the streets and hosting the festival directly on Sophia Street between Hanover and Charlotte Streets, as well as a portion of Riverfront Park. This will allow for easier access, clearer pathways, and cross traffic between Art Attack on Caroline Street and FIBF on Sophia. Registration is open and limited spaces are available. As in years past, FIBF will host panel discussions and speakers, offer giveaways from our vendors, and create a space for open dialogue between authors and readers, promoting literacy and learning about authorship and the writer’s craft. We’ve some exciting new ways for bibliophiles of all ages to interact directly with FIBF throughout the year. Organizing partner Chris Jones says, “It’s exciting to take the streets with Art Attack and the Fredericksburg Wine Festival, two groups who have amassed a great following. We see ourselves evolving into that next big culture in Fredericksburg as we continue to create opportunities for writers, authors, and book lovers." In the months leading up to the festival, FIBF has partnered with area businesses to hold genre-related readings from some of our returning authors. We started with a night of thrills, chills, and terror in February at Curitiba Art Cafe. If you missed out on the first event, be sure

March 2019

to set your reminders for these future opportunities to meet local authors and hear them read and talk about their books as process: Mystery, Thriller, and Suspense @Red Dragon Brewery March 10, 4-6 6 p.m. Non-ffiction and Historical Fiction @Red Dragon Brewery April 14, 4-6 6 p.m. Children’s Book Authors @Wiggle Worms May 5, 2-4 4 p.m. We’re excited to return to the downtown area with new ways for the community to interact with local authors throughout the year and continuing support for independent publishing in our region. Register your space today at www.fredbookfest, and follow us on Facebook and Instagram to get the latest information as it’s happening. A.E. Bayne is an organizing partner in the Fredericksburg Independent Book Festival and the publisher of Fredericksburg Literary and Art Review. Photos by Michelle Pierson.

Front porch fredericksburg

131 Park Hill Dr, FXBG, 22401 540-373-0602 fdadental.com

“I Have A Friend” age gracefully

community network By Kathy Anderson

By Laurie Black

Marietta and Mike D’Ostilio already felt like close friends when they joined the Senior Visitors Program in 2017. Marietta said, “I have known Teresa Bowers for several years through my AARP Fredericksburg Chapter #3396 affiliation when the chapter and the Senior Visitors Program began to partner with Soup for Seniors and with AARP’s yearly Statewide Community Food Drive. I saw a brochure in their Princess Anne Street office for the Senior Visitors Program, and it peaked my interest. I brought the brochure home and shared it with my husband, Mike. Teresa said she was also looking for male volunteers, so Mike and I decided to take the orientation course together and share the experience with the idea of volunteering as a team for a senior in our community. In January of 2018, Teresa said she had a senior who was looking to be paired with a volunteer. She told us her name and we both smiled because Evadine was also an AARP chapter member. Even though we did not know her well at the time, over the past year we have developed a strong bond with our new friend.” Evadine also heard about the Senior Visitors Program through AARP. Evadine recalled, “I thought I would have a female volunteer, but instead I got a husband and wife team, and this was a good thing especially since I put Mike to work pulling weeds in the flower beds in my front yard. He also reset my bricks to make my front yard look better. He did such a good job that a couple who had driven by my house stopped and asked me who worked on my front yard, and would he be available to work on their yard. Thinking of Mike’s weeks of hard work, I said, “I don’t think so!” ” Mike, Marietta, and Evadine all describe their typical visits to be talking, laughing and sharing stories, though they

Empowerhouse

also enjoy shopping in downtown Fredericksburg on Caroline Street, going to the library, and going out to lunch. “I think we agree that our visit to Eileen’s Bakery and Café for lunch was a favorite for us,” said Evadine. Marietta added, “The flowers were in bloom and it was a nice spring day. Evadine had never been to Eileen’s before, but upon entering the building she smiled and proceeded to give us a history lesson, telling us that years ago this building was the First Christian Church where she was baptized and attended services. Evadine is one fine lady. She is gracious, kind, intelligent, and full of wonderful stories of living in Fredericksburg for the last 73 years. Evadine’s stories are limitless.” With regard to the Senior Visitors Program Evadine declared, “There are no negatives. I am not homebound so I am able to enjoy the outdoors with my volunteers. This program gave me the opportunity to get to know Marietta and Mike who have become my friends. I like this program so much that I have told my friend about it.” Marietta remarked, “We would definitely recommend the Senior Visitors Program to anyone who is looking to contribute to the community. It really is a win-win opportunity for everyone involved. Evadine has shown us what it means to age gracefully and do it with a sense of humor, adventure, and dignity.” Laurie Black is the Administrative Assistant for the Senior Visitors Program She can be reached at mhafaa@mhafred.org To learn more, call the Senior Visitors Program at (540) 371-2 2704 or visit our website at mhafred.org. Refer a senior or sign up to be a volunteer! The Senior Visitors Program is a free community service program of Mental Health America of Fredericksburg.

It is with community support that we at Empowerhouse sometimes have aspirations and successes that we did not know were possible but with a little help, we move forward. We believe that individuals who support us have similar excitement in their giving as we do in our doing, they wish to be a part of the good; they believe it is possible to move things forward; and they delight in seeing the good results of their efforts and financial investments in our community. One of the survivors of domestic violence who moved forward with our collective help said, “I am doing things now that I never had the chance to do.” Her personal growth and discovery resonates well with us as an organization in that we too feel the excitement of our growth of doing more. At Empowerhouse, as an organization, we are doing things that we never had the chance to do also, as with the individual mentioned above, thanks to the great people in our community and our collective moving things forward through planning, accomplishments, continuing support, new support, and the collective good network of our community’s people. Having collectively achieved gaining ground on having more safety provided more often to more survivors and their children through our new expanded domestic shelter we opened in 2016, we have the opportunity to expand our reach and scope of programming for our community’s children. Again, because of our community’s help. Thanks to everyone for helping the Empowerhouse 2018 Give for Children and Youth Campaign – Our Future is Bright! This month, Dr. Rick reached out to Byron and said, hey, would Empowerhouse like to benefit from one of my piano bar concerts at Curitiba? Our community’s people want to help, think of ways to help, and initiate help using their own talents, skills, and network to do some good. Our community’s network is ever reaching and continuously expanding and renewing. While all of us do not see all the threads, I remember at least one thread linking Dr. Rick to Empowerhouse back in 2012. Initiated by another artist, Megan Hicks, a storyteller in our community at the time, Gutsy Broads was a storytelling performance to benefit Empowerhouse. Our new brand was launched just one year later thanks to a big gift from Byron Glaser and Sandra Higashi of Higashi/Glaser. After Megan’s performance, attendee Rosemary O’Grady was inspired to give big by opening her home and underwriting a fundraising party to raise big funds for Empowerhouse rather than spending the funds she had planned on a big trip with friends to celebrate her birthday. After

Megan performed, Rosemary listened to former Empowerhouse Board member, Whitney Riley, talk about the many ways people could support Empowerhouse including donating simple items like toilet paper. Rosemary reflected and thought she would help in a much bigger way. She initiated the annual Night of A Thousand Pies that year with her friend Byron, and the help of many including friends Virginia and Richard Lewis to benefit Empowerhouse. A lot of the Empowerhouse friends get to know us through their friends and events like the one Drs. Rosemary O’Grady and Mitchell Sojack host. Dr. Rick’s Piano Bar concert benefitting Empowerhouse is the most recent example of an individual joining with his friends to support Empowerhouse and help us “do things we have never had the chance to do” including facilitating that opportunity for the next survivor of domestic violence who takes the gutsy step to seek help from strangers in the midst of very difficult circumstances. Kathy Anderson is Executive Director of Empowerhouse Empowerhouse 540-3 373-9 9372 for info or 24 hours, 540-3 373-9 9373, for help. www.empowerhouseva.org. . Dr. Rick’s Piano Bar Concert Benefit of Empowerhouse March 27, 5:30-7 7:30p, Curitiba Cafe

THE

FREDERICKSBURG LAMP Only Available At

The Copper Shop 371-4455 1707R Princess Anne

Behind Silk Mill Like Us on facebook

front porch fredericksburg

March 2019

Taste of Spice experience south-asian cuisine & Culture By Collette Caprara

photo by Sue Henderson

Left to Right: Sony Dahal Bista, Mausam Shrestha, Mary Katherine Greenlaw, Bhim Dahal and Ujjwals S. Thukari The newest Indian/Napalese generous servings of dal bhat and chicken and vegetable curries to offer to the 22 restaurant in the Fredericksburg Area, Taste of Spice, offers families an University of Mary Washington students opportunity to experience not only the who attended a class presentation he was finest cuisine of once invited to the South-Asian give on the "Perspective of region but also Nepal." the generosity Yet and care of its Bhim had culture. always yearned L o c a l to extend that Bhim resident outreach and Dahal is always offer an inspired to share experience of the unique and N e p a l e s e delightful tastes photo by Cathy Herndon culture and of food from his Apple-S Swans carvings exhibit the care and pride of cuisine to the homeland, and b r o a d e r the restaurant owners he has typically community and arrived at any gathering he is invited to his dream was to one day open a attend with a generous donation of restaurant here. mouth-watering dishes created by his As fate would have it, in 2018, he mother and family. This included bringing learned that restaurateur Mausam Sreshtha was planning to do just that. With joyful anticipation, Bhim immediately picked up the phone and contacted him to introduce himself and his vision. On the basis of that spontaneous call, a friendship began, as well as an agreement to become partners in what was soon to become the "Taste of Spice" restaurant. The restaurant celebrated its ribbon-cutting ceremony on February 7, featuring presentations by Mayor Mary Katherine Greenlaw (who had been quite a hit in her 2017 journey to Nepal with Fredericksburg's sister-city contingent!) and Nepali 6th degree Karate black-belt master and three-time Guinness Book of Records holder, Ujjwals S. Thukari. Many of those who attended the

March 2019

Front porch fredericksburg

celebration gave tributes from their personal perspective to Bhim, with heartwarming accounts of his caring and visionary personality. For example, Mark Hines, Assistant Dean of Student Development at Germanna Comunity College--which Bhim attends and serves as treasurer of the Student Government Association--depicted him as a man who not only dared to dream but had the determination to bring his dreams into reality. Dean Hines said that, years ago, when Bhim first shared his hope to open a restaurant, he wished him well but, in the back of his mind, wondered if he could do it. Then he recalled how, before that, Bhim had shared another dream--to provide his mother with a beautiful home and acreage in the area--and that he had seen how that vision had been realized through planning, hard work, and undaunted commitment. Another attendee at the restaurant's grand opening was a neighbor of the Dahal's, musician Elaine Ramos,

who, with tears welling in her eyes, testified that Bhim had always been ready and eager to provide help and support when she needed it. It seems that all those qualities add to the atmosphere of the wellappointed, colorful design of the restaurant's dining area, so that all those who enter feel joyful and uplifted as they partake in some of the finest cuisine from India and Nepal. Offerings include a spectrum of chicken, seafood, lamb and goat dishes as well as vegetarian and nonvegetarian entries and appetizers in a full gradient of spiciness, according to customers' desires. Collette Caprara is a local author and artist. Taste of Spice 9819 Jefferson Davis Highway (Cosners Corner) Fredericksburg, VA 22407 Open Daily: 11:00 am-2 2:30 pm and 5:00 pm-1 10:00 pm540 993-4 4698 TasteOfSpiceUSA.com

Season’s Bounty

Fredericksburg’s Hometown Irish Pub & Restaurant Since 1961

J-e-l-l-o

vanessa moncure

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

200 Hanover St. ~ 373-0738

The Sunken Well Tavern

The history of “Jell-O” as we know it today, the contents of those brightly colored boxes which you open, pour, add water, stir and chill - and then, through culinary magic, end up with a bowl of rainbow wiggly, jiggly sweet dessert - is just over one hundred years old and is as much a result of advertising and merchandising methods as the product itself. There is even a museum in LeRoy, O Gallery Museum, New York, the Jell-O offering a guided tour through Jell-O history! And a gift shop! You can bring home a Jell-O chef’s hat, logo apron and stuffed animals, a biography, plenty of cookbooks, magnets, shot glasses, plates even boxer briefs and a fuzzy blanket throw. Patented in 1897, “Jell-O” was a mixture of granulated gelatine and

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

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

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

11am-9pm Sunday 11am-6pm

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

flavorings and was not an early success until purchased by the Genesee Pure Food Company, which eventually became General Foods Corporation. Salesmen, pictures, posters, billboards, ads and in 1904 a toddler “Jell-O Girl” was introduced - by 1934, Jack Benny pioneered the radio ditty “J-E-L-L-O” and as many as 15 million recipe booklets were distributed annually. If you are a baby boomer, you may recall Jell-O desserts as a staple of your childhood church socials, dinner desserts, bridge luncheons, snacks, salads, vegetable and meat molds. Fortunately for me, my family must have saved every recipe booklet ever published. Not only the original Joys of Jello, but Aunt Jenny’s 1937 Spry Shortening (Yum! Can’t wait to try Aunt Jenny’s Potted Beef), USDA advice on stretching WWII rationing, 1957 Wise Potato Chip Recipes with an entire chapter on making potato chip candies (really) and a 1943 Extension Office booklet chock-full of tasty dinners like Woodchuck Meat Patties. My grandmother must have taken advantage of Jell-O’s offer to obtain six bright aluminum molds (I have 24) by sending $.50, your name and address to P.O. Box 1372, Kankakee, Illinois (sorry, expired in the 1950s before zip codes were invented). CRANBERRY JELL-O O I can't WAIT to introduce you to some of the meat and veg recipes….but this is actually a delicious addition to your turkey dinner. I always made it with raspberry flavor (Trivia-the first four flavors were orange, lemon, strawberry and raspberry) but now I use cranberry instead. Dissolve one 3-oz. pkg. Jell-O in ¾ cup boiling water, stirring well. Put whole orange through food processor, removing any seeds first. Stir orange and one can of whole berry cranberry sauce into Jell-O. Chill until firm - can be chilled in 3 cup mold and unmolded before serving. Interestingly, gelatine dishes were served as savories until the first commercial gelatines were patented in the late 1800s. I have a cookbook published in 1883 in which the cook still had to boil animal bones, skin and connective tissue to form a glutinous material. This was then strained and either served as a clear aspic or other ingredients added to make glazes for cold dishes of fish, poultry, meat or eggs - also known as chaud-froid. The 1933 Congressional Club Cookbook has almost an entire chapter based on savory and sweet congealed dishes, as by this time granulated gelatine and leaf or sheet gelatine sheets were commercially

available - the commercial variety is odorless, tasteless and mostly colorless. A sample recipe from this cookbook. ROQUEFORT MOUSSE from Mrs. S. Otis Bland, wife of VirginiaCongressman Bland 1933 ¼ lb. Roquefort cheese blended with 8 oz. cream cheese - place in mold and chill. Make 2 cups of jelly by dissolving gelatine in one cup cold water then adding canned beef bouillon. Heat to boiling point. Chill until almost congealed. Turn out cheese mold, then cover with jelly, pouring it down the sides. Chill. To serve: turn out onto platter lined with heart lettuce and Russian dressing, add bits of extra jelly, chopped. I think this would go well with grilled tenderloin of beef. FRUITY JELL-O O AND VEGETABLE JELL-O O My ancient recipe book suggests all flavors of Jell-O with most fruits - you cannot use raw pineapple as it will not gel. This CAULIFLOWER RADISH SALAD recipe is real. I’m wondering if the testers actually tasted! “A colorful jewel of a salad that will crown your meal regally!” Dissolve 3-oz. pkg. Lemon gelatin with ½ tsp. salt in one cup boiling water. Add ¾ c. cold water, chill until very thick. Combine one cup diced radishes, ¾ cup chopped raw cauliflower, 4 tsp. Vinegar and one tsp. grated onion and let marinate about 20 minutes. Pour into six individual molds and chill. Unmold onto salad greens. AROUNDI’m hoping to see RING-A THE-T TUNA on everyone’s spring buffet luncheon table. You may see your guests running from the table, however. “A beautiful jewl-like entree salad for your luncheon or buffet table.” Dissolve one 3oz. pkg. lemon gelatin and ¼ tsp. salt in one cup boiling water. Add ¾ cup cold water, 2 T. vinegar, 2 tsp. grated onion. Chill until very thick. Stir in ½ cup each diced cucumber and celery, 2 T. each pimientos and stuffed olives and one 7-oz. can drained tuna. Pour into 4 individual or one quart ring molds. Chill until firm. Unmold onto crisp salad greens. Spoon additional tuna in center and top with mayonnaise. Really. Straight from First Edition “Joys of Jell-o”.

Vanessa wants to hear from anyone who has a favorite Joys of Jell-o recipe...seriously!

front porch fredericksburg

March 2019

St. Pat Day Classic corn beef & cabbage

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

by marie Callahan

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

You can make this St. Patrick's Day classic in under two hours, thanks to the pressure-cooker setting on the Instant Pot. It yields succulent corned beef and tender cabbage every time. Serve with rye or rustic bread for sopping up all the delicious juices. 1 flat -cut corn beef brisket, trim excess fat 1 teaspoon mustard seeds 1/2 teaspoon juniper berries 2 dried bay leaves 1 yelllow onion peeled & quartered 1 ½ pounds carrots, peeled & cut into 3 inch pieces ½ head green cabbage (approx 12 lb) quartered lengthwise 1 teaspoon black peppercorns ¼ teaspoon allspice berries (approx 6-7 berries) 3 cloves garlic peeled & smashed 1 ½ lbs small red potatoes whole grain mustard 1. In a mortar and pestle, coarsely crush mustard seeds, peppercorns, juniper, allspice, and bay leaves (alternatively, place in a resealable bag and crush with a rolling pin). Add to the bowl of a multicooker, along with brisket, onion, and garlic. Add enough water to completely cover brisket, about 8 to 10 cups. Secure lid of multicooker. Cook on high "Pressure Cook" setting for 1 hour, 25 minutes. Once time is complete, turn off machine and manually release pressure; carefully remove lid. Using tongs, transfer brisket to a cutting board; tent with foil to keep warm. 2. Add carrots, potatoes, and cabbage to bowl of multicooker. Secure lid, readjust pressure valve, and cook on high "Pressure Cook" setting for 5 minutes.

March 2019

Once time is complete, turn off machine and manually release pressure; carefully remove lid (do not let vegetables sit on the warming setting). Using a slotted spoon, transfer vegetables to a platter. Thinly slice brisket against the grain and transfer to platter. Spoon some of the cooking liquid over brisket and vegetables; Serve with mustard & rye bread Makes 8 servings

C L THE HAPPY M

And end with.....Irish Coffee Irish Coffee is one of the simplest and oldest recipes for a coffee drink. It blends coffee with Irish whiskey and either sugar or Irish cream. It's a wonderfully bittersweet hot cocktail that's perfect for after dinner or as a nightcap (but you might want to make it with decaf coffee). Ingredients 1 1/2 ounces Irish whiskey 6 ounces of hot, strong coffee Whipped cream Optional: 3/4 ounce Irish cream, or a teaspoon of brown sugar Pour the whiskey into an Irish coffee mug. Put a spoon in the mug and pour in the hot coffee - the spoon somehow magically keeps the glass from breaking due to the hot liquid (don't ask me how, just enjoy the laws of physics). If you're adding sugar, do it now and stir until it dissolves. Add the whipped cream on top. Garnish with coffee beans, coffee grinds or brown sugar sprinkles.

Marie Callahan hails originally from the “Irish part” of Buffalo NY

Front porch fredericksburg

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

540-899-0140 (ph)

540-899-0141 (fax)

Rand Sompayrac & Richard Moncure, Proprietors

Become a Member

fxbgfoodcoop@gmail.com fredericksburgfoodcoop.com

Vino Petit Manseng by City Vino

Olde Towne BUTCHER Corner of William & Charles Streets Downtown Fredericksburg 540.370.4105 www.oldetownebutcher.com Monday to Thursday, 10am to 7pm; Friday 10am to 8 pm Saturday 9am to 8pm, Sunday, 11am to 6pm Keith Lebor Proprietor

Petit Manseng is a high-acid white grape that has its origins in southwestern France in the region of BĂŠarn. Petit Manseng is the main variety of the JuranĂ§on and Pacherenc du Vic-Bilh appellations in France. It has likely been grown in the JuranĂ§on since the mid-16th century. The grape also has an established home in the Basque region of Spain, where it was said that a few drops of the wine was used to baptize a future king of France, Henry IV, in his home in Navarre. While southwestern France calls Petit Manseng its own, there are increased plantings of the grape in the Languedoc in France, Piedmont of Italy, and Uruguay, where it was brought by Basque colonists. In the United States, the grape is planted in California and Virginia. Petit Manseng was brought to Virginia by Tony Wolf of Virginia Tech in 1987, along with other varieties, to see how they would adapt and grow in Virginia's climate. The grapes are small, thick-skinned, cold-hardy, and grow in loose clusters which allows for drying in Virginia's humidity, and lessening the risk of mold and rot. Thirteen years after Tony Wolf brought Petit Manseng to Virginia, Horton Vineyards released the first commercially made wine made from the grape in the state. As of the 2017 Virginia Commercial Grape Report, there were 62 fruit-bearing acres and 14 acres not mature enough to bear fruit in the state. Wines made from Petit Manseng have high acidity which is a hallmark of this grape. The high acidity also makes them a great candidate for making an offdry or sweet wine, as the acidity can be countered with sweetness to create a beautifully balanced wine. Also, the high

acidity means that the grape can hang late in the vineyard while retaining that acidic brightness as the grapes become shriveled and the sugars concentrated. The lateharvested grapes can be made into outstanding dessert wines. Wines from Petit Manseng will usually be highly aromatic, with aromas and flavors of peach, citrus, mango, passion fruit and pineapple. There are many producers of Petit Manseng in Virginia including Michael Shaps, King Family Vineyards, Stinson Vineyards, Lovingston Vineyards, Glen Manor Vineyards, Grace Estates, Linden Vineyards, Granite Heights and many more.

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

front porch fredericksburg

March 2019

CALEND march 2019â&#x20AC;Ś Mardi Gras, Daylight Savings & St. Patâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Day.... First Friday, March 1

Brush Strokes Gallery featured artist Norma Woodwad, "Life in Monochrome", opening reception, 6-9pm, 824 Caroline St.

St. George's organists Trystan Bennett, Achim Loch, and John Vreeland. Admission is free with donations accepted at the door. #downtownfxbg #stgeorgesmusic #organ

WORKSHOP, Individual attention and critique by outstanding artist/teacher/juror Joseph DiBella, Bring two artworks for critique. Snacks & beverages furnished. Lunch on your own. Class limited to 15. 9am-3pm. Info: Joseph DiBella 703855-1951 jdibella@umw.edu. FCCA 813 Sophia St.

Art First featured artist Ben Searles, "The Journey". Also BONUS, legendary musician Gaye Abegbalola will be performing!

"Art of Protest: Protesting from the Side of Love" thru April 28, Unitarian Universalist Fellowship Gallery., 25 Chalice Circle, Opening reception 11:30 AM -1:30 PM. free, open to the public.

"Jon Wiley & Brandon Snellings,"Live Music @LaPetite Auberge, 311 William St, (-11p. . No cover. lapetiteaubergefred.com

Artful Dimensions Gallery, "Something Fishy" 922 Caroline Street, artfuldimensions@verizon.net , artfuldimensions.com

Thursday, March 4

Mystery, Thriller, and Suspense, @Red Dragon Brewery, 4-6 p.m. Fred. Independent Book Fest genre-related readings from some of our returning authors

FCCA Faces & Figures exhibit, Ed King juror & members Gallery, Ray Abell &Millie Abell, 813 Sophia St. Kristopher Patterson Featured Artist, Darbytown Art Studio, 241 Charles St. reception, Darbytown Art Studio, 6-9pm "Colonial Seafood" Live Music @LaPetite Auberge, 311 William St, 9-11p. . No cover. lapetiteaubergefred.com Fredericksburg RV Show marks the unofficial start of the Camping season. top RV dealers under one roof at the Fred Expo Center 1pm-7pm

Saturday, March 2

Friends of the Rappahannock Spring Spruce Up, 9a-1p Fredericksburg RV Show marks the unofficial start of the Camping season. top RV dealers under one roof at the Fred Expo Center 1pm-7pm "Low Country Boil", Zion United Methodist Church, 8700 Courthouse Rd, Spotsy Feast of Shrimp, Corn, Kielbasa, Redskin Potatoes. Carry out Dinners available. 4-6pm 540-295-6228 Winter Soup & Song Series, Lake Anna Winery, 14pm. Come on by, keep warm by the fire, and listen to your favorite tunes

Sunday, March 3

Afternoon Organ Concert Venue: St. George's Episcopal Church - Fredericksburg 3pm - 4:pm Join us for an afternoon of organ music, performed by

Children"s Art Show entry deadline thru March 8. Kids 4 years old through 12th grade, For more info call 540-372-1086 or email fredprpf@fredericksburgva.gov. www.FredParksRec.com

Wednesday, March 6

"League of Earth's Angels - Kickoff meeting welcomes new members and participants. The League of Earth's Angels is a local women's circle of the GlobalSisterhood.com community. Our motto is: "Women who protect the Earth and uplift each other in spirit". 7:30pm at the Howell Branch Library, 806 Lyons Boulevard, Room #5."

Thursday, March 7

Speakers Series, CRRL, Main. Mark Maloy, a historian National Park Service "Hugh Mercer and the battles of Trenton and Princeton in the Revolutionary War" 10am Theater Room.

Friday, March 8

The Artists' Alliance (AA) at Jarrett Thor Fine Arts opening reception "Transparent Watercolor", Amanda Lee, , Colonial Beach's Second Friday Art Walk. 100 Taylor St, Colonial Beach

Saturday, March 9

Painting Old Buildings workshop by artist Barbara Brennan 9:30 am -4 pm, $ Artists Alliance Gallery, 100 Taylor St Colonial Beach, Va, Info: brennanbe@verizon.net, 703-402-7164. Motts Ice Breaker Tournament, 8am- 3m. Weekend Bassers Fishing Club Motts Run Reservoir. Proceeds will benefit the Kids' Fishing Derby in June. Boat rental available. Bring own fishing gear. info call: Ray Thomas (540-898-7542) or Dickie Musselman (540-785-8087)

Become a Friend Advocate ~ Donate ~ Volunteer

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

march 2019

Front porch fredericksburg

Sunday, March 10

Painting Old Buildings - Painting workshop by artist Barbara Brennan 9:30 am -4 pm, $ Artists Alliance Gallery, 100 Taylor St Colonial Beach, Va, Info: brennanbe@verizon.net, 703-402-7164. Past, Present & Future. It's an exciting time for the Fredericksburg Food Co-op. Find out more! Enjoy coffee & home-made cookies. 2-3:30 pm, CRRL, Main. fredericksburgfoodcoop.com

Tuesday, March 12

Food as Medicine. Local Registered Nutritionists will share ways to use food health. Sponsored by Fred. Food Co-op Washington Healthcare.7-8:30 pm, Hospital, 101 Hospital Center Blvd, fredericksburgfoodcoop.com

Dietitian for better and Mary Stafford Stafford.

"Lucille Ball" William B. Crawley Great Lives Lecture Series This series is open to the public free of charge and no admission tickets are required. Programs begin at 7:30 p.m. in Dodd Auditorium in George Washington Hall. Each lecture concludes with an audience Q&A session with the speaker Red Dragon Brewery Trivia night . As always you can battle the bartenders or sit at the bar & join their team!. 1419 Pr.Anne St. 6:30-8:30p

Wednesday, March 13

"The Color Purple", stirring family chronicle follows the inspirational Celie as she journeys from childhood through joy and despair, anguish and hope to discover the power of love and life. Riverside Center Thru May 5

McTell Brothers all-acou the spacious atrium at t downtown Fredericksbur

Thursday, March

"Radium Girls", William Lecture Series This serie of charge and no admis Programs begin at 7:30 in George Washington audience Q&A session

Friday, March 15

Fredericksburg Fine Art Friday Evening Champa Dorothy Hart Communi Portion of the procee Harbor Child Advocacy C

"The Acoustic Onion" Auberge, 311 William lapetiteaubergefred.com

Saturday, March 1

Capturing Vibrant MarketingPainting Wor Marckel, 10 am - 4 pm, 100 Taylor St Co info@marckel.com, 240-

Fredericksburg Fine Art Dorothy Hart Communi Portion of the procee Harbor Child Advocacy C

Art Marketing Dawn W the "MPH's" of mark Statement, Press Rele Website. Understand the work. Part of fee is dona Program. 11am-1pm. In 349-9866 dewphotograp

Winter Soup & Song Se 4pm. Come on by, keep w to your favorite tunes

Sunday, March 17

The Fredericksburg S Episcopal Church Chamb music in a beautiful spa St. George's, 905 Princes

DAR of events

ustic show in the bistro in the Courtyard Marriott in rg! No cover!, 6-9p

m B. Crawley Great Lives s is open to the public free ssion tickets are required. 0 p.m. in Dodd Auditorium Hall. concludes with an

Show & Sale, 10am - 8pm agne Reception 6pm-8:pm, ity Center, 408 Canal St. . eds will benefit the Safe Center.

", Live Music @LaPetite St, 8-11p . No cover. m

Color Harmony Art rkshop by artist Vicki L. $, Artists Alliance Gallery, lonial Beach, Va, Info: -233-6331

Show & Sale, 10:am - 8pm ity Center, 408 Canal St. . eds will benefit the Safe Center

Whitmore workshop. Learn keting including: Artist eases, Social Media, and e aspects of marketing your ated to the FCCA Youth Art nfo: Dawn Whitmore 252phyva@gmail.com

ries, Lake Anna Winery, 1warm by the fire, and listen

String Quartet, George's ber Music Series. "beautiful ace" will free 3 pm Nave of ss Anne Street

Fredericksburg Fine Art Show & Sale, 10am - 4:pm Dorothy Hart Community Center, 408 Canal St. . benefit the Safe Harbor Child Advocacy Center

Winter Soup & Song Series, Lake Anna Winery, 14pm. Come on by, keep warm by the fire, and listen to your favorite tunes Capturing Vibrant Color Harmony - Painting Workshop by artist Vicki L. Marckel, 10 am - 4 pm, $, Artists Alliance Gallery, 100 Taylor St Colonial Beach, Va, Info: info@marckel.com, 240-233-6331

Tuesday, March 19

Wilderness Toastmasters Open House Kick Off Meeting, 6:30-8p, Laje of the Woods 110 Sweetbriar Park Dr., Locust Grove. There will be a demonstration Meeting with a q&a Light refreshments wildernesstoastmasters@gmail.com or call 540-842-9482 for information or directions for entering the LOW Community. All are welcome. Bring a guest. "J. R Tolkien, William B. Crawley Great Lives Lecture Series This series is open to the public free of charge and no admission tickets are required. Programs begin at 7:30 p.m. in Dodd Auditorium in George Washington Hall. audience Q&A session with the speaker and a book-signing Red Dragon Brewery Beer & Trivia night . As always you can battle the bartenders or sit at the bar & join their team!. 1419 Pr.Anne St. 6:308:30p

Thursday, March 21

Children's Art Show. 10am-8pm, Dorothy Haart Community Center, 409 Canal St.

Friday, March 22

Painting for the Birds - Mixed media class by artists Karen Julihn, using provided source material of birds to create 2 paintings. Artists Alliance Gallery, 100 Taylor St Colonial Beach, Va, Information: kjulihn@gmail.com, 540 207 0814 Children's Art Show. 10am-4m, Dorothy Haart Community Center, 409 Canal St.

Saturday, March 23

Children's Art Show. 10am-3p Dorothy Haart Community Center, 409 Canal St. Painting for the Birds - Mixed media class by artists Karen Julihn, using provided source material of birds to create 2 paintings. Artists Alliance Gallery, 100 Taylor St Colonial Beach, Va, Information: kjulihn@gmail.com, 540 207 0814 Winter Soup & Song Series, Lake Anna Winery, 14pm. Come on by, keep warm by the fire, and listen to your favorite tunes

Saturday, March 23

Wild & Scenic Film Fest, showcasing the best & most inspiring environmental & adventure films of the past year. 5:30 - 8:30 p.m. in Chandler Ballroom in the UMW University Center 4th Annual Casino Night , Fred. Expo Center, 711p, Join us for exciting evening of casino games, cocktails, fod, fun & pries. Presented by th Stafford Totary. Inf: dtaffordcasinonight.com

Tuesday, March 26

"Laura Engels Wilder", William B. Crawley Great Lives Lecture Series This series is open to the public free of charge and no admission tickets are required. Programs begin at 7:30 p.m. in Dodd Auditorium in George Washington Hall. concludes with an audience Q&A session with the speaker Red Dragon Brewery Beer & Trivia night . As always you can battle the bartenders or sit at the bar & join their team!. 1419 Pr.Anne St. 6:308:30p

Wednesday, March 27

Eating for the Earth. Learn how yummy plantbased stir fries can be prepared without oil. Vegan potluck follows the class. St. George's Episcopal Church, 905 Princess Anne St, Fredericksburg. 5:30-7:30 pm. fredericksburgfoodcoop.com Dr. Rickâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Piano Bar Concert, Benefit Empowerhouse, 5:30-7:30p, Curitiba Cafe

Thursday, March 28

An Evening with Dr. Rick @Curitiba Art CafĂŠ, 919 Caroline St, 5:30-7:30. Proceeds benefit Empowerhouse

Saturday, March 30

"The Color Purple", Riverside Center, 5:30p. Sponsored by Rapp/Arts committee a fundraiser to support5 our honoring the African American experience.initative. Blue Star Mothers of Fredericksburg celebrating 10 years of service as a Veteran Service Org. The 10th Anniversary 6:30p - 11p Fredericksburg Hospitality House, 2801 Plank Rd, contact: Normine Brown,Normineaallenbrown@msn.com or Karen Taylor, KTaylor@mayerbrown.com The Rappahannock Pops Spring Concert 7:pm at James Monroe High School The concert will feature Young Artist Competition winners Kelsey Payne, violin, and Jaden Brown, voice. Come out to be inspired and amazed by these talented young musicians. Tickets available online at http://rappahannockpops.org/product/popsspring-concert/

Sunday, March 31

Wellness through Cooking. Local pediatrician Nimali Fernando MD, MPH will lead an interactive discussion on making cooking fun with taste-tested recipes, free e-tools, and hands on classes. Learn to make tastier, easier, budget-friendly food with the Dr. Yum Project. Sponsored by Fredericksburg Food Co-op and Central Rappahannock Regional Library, Sunday, March 31, 2-3:30 pm at the Fredericksburg Branch Library, 1201 Caroline St, Fredericksburg. fredericksburgfoodcoop.com

If you are reading this 260th issue of FPF, thank an advertiser as we celebrate our 22nd year of continuous publication! If you are an advertiser, list your events. Deadline for April 2019 issue is March 20th. To submit events go to frontporchfredericksburg.com/submit

3404 Fans (& Growing) Want You to Join

Front Porch on

front porch fredericksburg

March 2019

history’s stories

GERMANNA By Ralph “Tuffy” Hicks

I was recently asked the question by a local college student how did the area in Orange County get the name Germanna? That question became the story for the March story for FP, and I would hope that more local history would be taught in the schools and colleges. On June 20, 1710 Alexander Spotswood arrived in Virginia as Lieutenant Governor at the age of 33. The population of Virginia at the time was 90,000, with planters seeking lands into the wilderness westward along with the fur trade. Iron ore had been discovered less than 40 miles west of Fredericksburg that was promising for England. Governor Spotswood took advantage of his public office and became involved in not only land speculation but also iron ore mining. In 1713 while doing a survey of the frontiers for defense against the Indians, the discovery of large iron ore deposits was made in the Rappahannock falls area above Fredericksburg. Spotswood along with several of his close associates decided to risk in the industrial venture of iron and requested aid from the Queen in England. An interesting point was that the investors used the word "silver" in place of "iron" when speaking to the Board of Trade in London, as they felt it would have a change of more approval. While waiting for the approval from London, Spotswood was advised that a group of miners (40) were stranded in North Carolina for lack of funds. He agreed to bring them to Virginia with his own funds. He put them to work building forts for defense and gave them the title of Pioneer Rangers. Spotswood established a settlement on the south bank of the Rapidan river above the confluence with the Rappahannock river. The miners were as he described them "German Protestants" and he named the settlement GERMANNA. The House of Burgesses exempted them from public levies for seven years in recognition of their contributions to the security of the colony. Alexander Spotswood's landholding continued to increase with the ore mining in 1716 the three-thousand- three hundred- and twenty-nine acres of the Germanna tract was conveyed to Spotswood. During this time Spotswood along with a group of his friends explored West looking for a passage which they discovered allowing settlers into the territory beyond the Blue-Ridge mountains. He also shod all the horses with iron horse shoes to prove that the horses would not be hurt by the rough terrain. This was unusual as most were rode unshod in Virginia. This group was referred to as the Knights of the Golden Horse Shoe, as he presented them with pins with a gold horse shoe as gifts. In 1719 he acquired a tract of fifteen-thousand acres along with a Wilderness tract of three-thousand acres. He than built the road as we know it today called Mine Road behind the Fredericksburg National Battlefield. Mine road was built by Spotswood for transporting the iron ore to the wharf at New post which consisted of threethousand acres. In 1960 I found an iron slab (pig iron) that was from Spotswood's furnace, while searching for Civil War relics near Chancellorsville. Alexander Spotswood returned to England in 1724 and remained there until 1730. While in England he married Anne Butler Brayne and they had four children. Upon his return to his home at Germanna which he called the Enchanted Castle he would serve as Deputy Postmaster General of North American. In 1732 the county seat was removed from Germanna to Fredericksburg. Two years later with the formation of Orange County, the settlement at Germanna was included as part of Orange county. Alexander Spotswood died on June 7, 1740, in Annapolis while waiting to board a ship. Today the area is very beautiful and home to Germanna Community College. The County of Spotsylvania was named after Alexander Spotswood. It is believed that over six million Americans can trace their roots back to the settlement of Germanna with the German immigrants that worked as indentured servants in the mining of iron ore. Dedicated to Wayne Jackson, Sharon Brennan, Elsie Belman, Claire Johnson & Charles Hall Tuffy is the Front Porch resident FXBG historian

March 2019

Front porch fredericksburg

OUR HERITAGE it takes a village By wendy migdal .......To Save an Old House Sometimes houses, like people, fall on hard times. Life throws challenges their way, and they don't always have the resources to keep up. If they have a network of people willing to labor on their behalf, they can bounce back. If not, there isn't much hope. The house at 818 Sophia Street, (right) named the Wells House after its most famous occupant, is a

success story. Built in 1812 for Reverend William James of the Fredericksburg Baptist Church, the house is a 2-1/2 story Federal style structure with walls of brick nogging covered with beaded weatherboarding, which surely stood it in good stead during the bombardment by Union forces 50 years later. The Benjamin Wells family most likely leased the house during the Civil War. Fifteen-year-old daughter Geno Wells became the subject of a wartime romance with a supposed federal spy—a story that captivated the generation following the Civil War. By 1966, the house had served as a tenement for many years and was in a Historic dilapidated condition. Fredericksburg Foundation, Inc. (HFFI) raised $10,000 to purchase it and received another $10,000 in a special appropriation by the Virginia General Assembly. The restoration task was daunting: HFFI's director Boyd Graves was unable to name a single thing that didn't need work. A cinderblock kitchen and chimney added in 1940 were removed, flooring was restored or replaced, and new wiring and heating systems were installed. Even the pillars on the front porch, which had been boxed up, were returned to their original round shape. HFFI operated the house as a museum and as its headquarters for

several years. In 1975, the organization sold it to a private owner, although HFFI maintains a perpetual covenant, or easement, on the property. Since then, the house has been sold to several people who have operated businesses out of it: a bridal shop, a bakery, and most recently, an accounting firm. You can see the beautiful interiors in a marketing video on YouTube created by a realty company. In contrast, at 1407 Caroline Street (above left) a bit of sidewalk leads to nowhere, mute testimony to the two-story Georgian style house, originally constructed about 1787, that once stood there. The Civil War was especially unkind to this home, but it appears to have been almost completely rebuilt by 2 years after the war. However, the 21st century witnessed the demise of this house. First, a storm-related fire in 2003 damaged it, and it sat vacant for 7 years. Another fire in November 2010 struck the death knell. The following February, the city declared the structure unsafe under a state code, which gives the owner the right to tear it down. He did just that in June 2011, prompting a vigorous protest and the passionate resignation of the president of the Architectural Review Board. But perhaps a phoenix will rise out of the ashes. Although a house has yet to be built on that site, the city and HFFI work to prevent "demolition by neglect” so there are no future irreplaceable losses. To support these efforts, become a member of HFFI by visiting HFFI.org to join.

Wendy Migdal is a volunteer at the Historic Fredericksburg Foundation, Inc.

Whatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s in a Family? battlefield restaurant By jon gerlach

In the early 1950s, a one-story restaurant known as "Bonnie's Grill" was built at 1018 Lafayette Boulevard by Bonnie's father, Warren Hicks, owner of W.L. Hicks Hauling. Around the mid-1960s, Warren and his wife, Evelyn, added a second story to Bonnie's Grill for their residence where Bonnie and her sister grew up. Since then, and for the past several decades, the building has been home to the iconic Battlefield Restaurant, known all over the Fredericksburg area for its authentic diner cuisine and hometown atmosphere. Forty-four years ago, in 1975, Cheryl Thompson started working at Bonnie's Grill where she wore every hat imaginable: waitress, dish washer, sandwich maker, and cashier. Then, in

1980, as a y o u n g w o m a n C h e r y l bought the business and has lovingly operated it there ever since. Everyone knows Battlefield Restaurant. It sits in the perfect location. When still open to vehicle traffic, the Sunken Road connected with Lafayette Boulevard at the base of the National Cemetery and directly across the street from the restaurant. Anyone entering Fredericksburg today by way of the Lafayette Boulevard corridor passes between the Fredericksburg Battlefield Visitor Center and the Battlefield Restaurant. Battlefield Restaurant is the epitome of a family business. Cheryl's daughters and two grand-daughters work there and Susan, the grill cook, grew up with Cheryl's daughters. This place feels like family, because, well, it is.

I asked Cheryl what she enjoys most about the restaurant. "My customers are awesome" she says, "just really good people." She especially values the opportunity of knowing generations of customers. She's served couples before they had children of their own, and later their children started appearing, and today even the grandchildren have become regular customers. I first ate here in the late 1960s when my family brought us to Fredericksburg on vacations. I took Mitzi there to meet the "Battlefield Gang" when we started dating. Most of the Battlefield Gang came to our wedding. Since then, we have introduced our children and grandchildren to the restaurant. I wonder how many generations after us will come here too. Asked if she ever plans to retire, Cheryl shakes her head and quips emphatically: "I'm gonna work 'til I can't walk no more." My bet is on Cheryl being there for a very long time.

Battlefield Restaurant, like so many buildings in Fredericksburg, exudes a sense of place that reflects a vibrant, friendly community. Here, you can sit at the counter and watch as the cook prepares your meal, make a new friend or two, and hear about the latest goings-on in the 'Burg. Open seven days a week, Battlefield Restaurant is popular for its home-style cooking. The pancakes and omelets are a favorite, along with tasty specials such as homemade meatloaf and potato soup. I won't stop coming here until I just can't eat anymore. So â&#x20AC;Ś what's in a Family? Here, a long and wonderful tradition of hometown cooking and really nice people.

An attorney and retired archaeologist, Jon Gerlach chairs the Architectural Review Board in Fredericksburg. 1954 Photo courtesy Cheryl Thompson, color photo by Jon Gerlach

front porch fredericksburg

March 2019

Senior Care luck, genes or something else Dog Walking Pet Sitting Companion Play Time & Mini Furies, Too!

By Karl Karch

(540-903-0437; lexig0892@gmail.com) On facebook as “City PetSitting”

photo by Brian Shumway

Irving Kahn was the oldest trader on Wall street until his death at age 109 March is the best month of the year for me. I look forward to a new and hopefully improved golf season, and I think of St. Patrick’s Day and “may the luck of the Irish be with you”. I was pleased to see that Punxsutawny Phil predicted an early spring. As I write this article on a cold and dreary February day anxiously awaiting spring, I think of how fortunate I am to have outlived my ancestors, but then am reminded of how close I am to the age where others have passed away. Am I lucky or are there other factors that determine my lifespan. The 85 plus group continues to be the fastest growing segment of the population. Year 2030 marks an important demographic turning point in U.S. history according to the U.S. Census Bureau’s 2017 National Population Projections when all baby boomers will be older than 65. By 2035 there will be more people 65 and older than under 18. By 2050, the population of men and women aged 80 and older will hit 400 million globally, more than triple the current number. Many people talk about one or more ancestors who lived a long life and assume they have inherited these long-life genes. But recent studies find that genetics explains a maximum of 35 percent of a person’s lifespan and aging includes other factors such as physical, psychological, social, life-style changes that accumulate over time, as well as just plain luck. Dr. Thomas Perls, a geriatrician at Boston University Medical School and founding director of the New England Centenarian Study uncovered some secrets to centenarians achieving a long life. The New England study found that most centenarians share several characteristics among those being: emotional resilience, self-ssufficiency,

March 2019

intellectual activity, a good sense of humor, religious beliefs, strong connections with other people, and a zest for life. One key finding was the phenomenal ability of centenarians to cope with diseases as they age. They avoided age-related disabilities even though they had age-related diseases. In other words, they are resilient, a key to effectively coping with life’s curves. We know as we age, we lose some functionality and change physically. We experience cognitive changes, taking longer to process information and make decisions. But, getting old can be a good thing as we gain in other ways. We view things from a different perspective, accumulated over years of life experiences. I have no control over my genetics or luck, good or bad, or whether I am somehow randomly selected to live a long life. I can only focus on things within my control such as physical, psychological, social, and life-style changes that impact me. For me, one new thing is that I enrolled in a flexibility training class called “GOLF Joy” and quickly learned how physically inflexible I really was. This class has taught me that I need to continually push my body to remain as physically active as possible. Preparing for this article has helped me understand my need to focus on the promise of aging rather than the problems of aging. Doing so can not only lead to a more rewarding life, but also a longer life. So, to me, a longer more fulfilling life is more than genes and luck – it is something else. Karl Karch is a Gerontologist and local franchise owner of Home Instead Senior Care, a licensed home care organization providing personal care, companionship and home helper services in the Fredericksburg and Culpeper region.

Front porch fredericksburg

It’s All Energy get balance for spring by christina ferber

THE

FREDERICKSBURG LAMP Only Available At

The Copper Shop 371-4455 1707R Princess Anne

Behind Silk Mill Like Us on facebook

Donate to a Cancer Organization

Helping homeless children and families in City of Fredericksburg, Counties of Caroline, Stafford & Spotsylvania 540 371 0831

ble at Availa n.com Amazo

Spring begins this month, and according to Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), we are entering the Wood Element’s domain. TCM’s Five Elements, or Rhythms model, offers us a way to look at chronic health, behavior, and emotional patterns through the lens of the seasons. Spring is associated with the Wood Element and connected to the Liver (LV) and Gallbladder (GB) Meridians (energy pathways in the body). Balancing these two Meridians can help us to balance our wellbeing and go a long way with helping us ease into the beauty of Spring. When both LV and GB Meridians are in balance, the Wood Element thrives, and you tap into your inner strength, flexibility, generosity, and dependability. Just like wood acts in nature, you also can experience that same growth and expansion. However, an out-of-balance Wood element, can create feelings of anger, irritability, and frustration, along with physical problems such as issues with hormones, eye health, and Liver and Gallbladder problems. Fortunately, Eden Energy Medicine (EEM) has some techniques that can help keep the Liver and Gall Bladder Meridians in balance, and therefore also balance the Wood Element. Holding what are called Neurovascular Points (NV) can help the emotional response of frustration and anger that you can feel when these two meridians are imbalanced. Simply place the fingers of both hands on your forehead above your eyes and put your thumbs on the points outside of your eyes about a half an inch out from where your lids meet. Hold with a light touch for as long as you want and take some deep breaths. You can also hold the area behind your knees to calm Gall Bladder and balance it a little more. Working with the Neurolymphatic Reflex Points (NL) can

help balance the meridians, the organs, and the entire lymphatic system. Stimulating these points helps to support the flow of lymph throughout the body and get rid of any built-up toxins. Be sure to rub these points with deep pressure, and if they are sore, that is a sign that they need to be worked with a little more. You can work with the Liver NL by rubbing under the right breast, and Gall Bladder NL is located near the center of the chest. See the diagram for exact placement. Each meridian has a Source Point that it is connected to the organ energy it is associated with. To stimulate these points, you can stretch, tap, twist, buzz or massage them, or simply hold them for one to two minutes. Both LV and GB source points are located on the foot. See the diagram for their locations. One of my all-time favorite EEM exercises, The Blow Out, helps to release emotional toxins and can help you let go of built up anger and frustration. To begin, bring your arms to either side of your body and make fists, imagining that all your frustrations and negative feelings are in your hands. On an inhale, bring your arms above your head, and on an exhale, bring them down quickly and open your fists, using the “shhh” sound. Repeat three times and on the last movement, bring your hands down slowly and deliberately and let it all go. I hope that some or all of these exercises help you to experience good health and wellbeing this Spring and stay balanced throughout it. For more information and videos of some of these exercises and more, visit www.itsallenergywellness.com.

Christina Ferber is a Certified Eden Energy Medicine Practitioner. www.itsallenergywellness.com

front porch fredericksburg

March 2019

Emancipated Patients should a doctor help you die? By Patrick Neustatter, MD Is it a doctor’s role to prescribe lethal drugs to help someone end their life? This is a hot button issue in debate now with Virginia legislators considering whether to allow medical aid in dying (referred to by some as “physician assisted suicide/death” or “death with dignity”). Should Virginia join the seven states and Washington DC who allow doctors to prescribe a lethal dose of sedative medicines (usually a barbiturate like pentobarbital or secobarbitol) to patients with terminal illness if they request it? This is taxing legislators and doctors alike, and I have become embroiled thanks to being a member of the advocacy organization Compassion

because they are depressed. There are even fears that this is a form of eugenics – though experience in the states that have approved medical aid in dying doesn’t bear this out.

and Choices, and getting involved with a bill proposed by Del. Kaye Kory, Democratic delegate for Fairfax’s 38th district.

I am comfortable that the multiple safeguards in place to ensure the person is of sound mind, and is terminal, and that no one is being coerced, are adequate. And no patient or doctor is obliged to participate if unwilling. Also of note is that many of the people prescribed the medicines don’t take them. They are sufficiently comforted that they have an out if needed.

The Need You might think, even in terminally ill patients, that any symptom can be managed. Unfortunately that is not always the case. Despite best treatment, pain cannot always be adequately controlled. Nor symptoms like air hunger and nausea. Also, end of life care expert Guy Micco, MD, clinical director emeritus of University of California Berkeley (who teaches a slightly macabre sounding “Death Course”) notes some 91 percent of patients choose medical aid in dying for fear of losing autonomy; 86 percent because of decreasing ability to participate in activities that make life enjoyable and 71 percent because they wanted to die with dignity.

The Fears This is an issue like abortion, that fires up people’s moral/religious/philosophical passions. Not to mention debate about what is the role of a doctor. But there are more pragmatic concerns as well. There is the fear that this will lead the sick, and the elderly especially, being coerced into ending it all for convenience and cost saving. Or that people will resort to this capriciously

March 2019

My Position In my 49 years of being a doctor I have treated many terminal patients who would have found great relief if medical aid in dying was available. Compassion and Choices note 57 percent of doctors also support the idea – though talking to my colleagues many seem a little hesitant. I was asked to write a rebuttal to an anti-medical aid in dying editorial that appeared in the Free Lance-Star. And write one of several testimonies in support of Del. Kory’s bill to legalize the policy in Virginia.

The Role of The Doctor The the American Medical Association thinks “physician-assisted suicide is fundamentally incompatible with the physician’s role.” And that a physician should be a “healer.” The problem is these terminally ill patients are not “heal-able.” So to claim the only role of the doctor is to heal is a bit screwy. I see my role to alleviate suffering – and if this means hastening the inevitable death that illness will cause, so the patient’s suffering is relieved, so be it. I don’t think the moral and religious position of doctors and our legislators should stand in the way. Whatever you think, it seems to an example-par-excellence of an emancipated patient empowerment issue. A case where you should be able to decide for yourself. Patrick Neustatter is the Medical Director of the Moss Free Clinic.

Front porch fredericksburg

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

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

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

540/371-9890

The Art of Protest Protesting from the Side of Love By Patricia Smith Amendment in 1920. Arrested while picketing the White House, the suffragists went on a hunger strike at

Beverly Ashcraft-JJohnson, â&#x20AC;&#x153;Climate Changeâ&#x20AC;? "Art of Protest: Protesting from the Side of Love" exhibit is my passion project. Three guest artists have been invited to exhibit their work, and the public was invited to submit their original art, photographs documenting protests, rallies, performance art. We will also display signs, posters, buttons, hats, and other artefacts related to social justice movements. The first guest artist is Julia Dzikiewicz, who maintains a studio at the Workhouse Center for the Arts in Lorton. She considers herself to be a political artist. One of the central subjects in her encaustic paintings is the suffragists, who were imprisoned there in 1917 when it was the Occoquan Workhouse. For seventy years the suffragists had offered us a history lesson of tactics to effect Julia Dzikiewicz, "Suffragists" meaningful structural change. Their work led to the passage of the Nineteenth the Workhouse, and were brutally forcefed through tubes shoved down their

throats. After they were released, they toured the country with their stories, gaining public approval for their cause. Julie depicts the suffragist stories as stepping stones for later grassroots social justice movements. She uses the translucent layers of waxy paint as a vehicle to suggest layers of history. She finds the huge scale of some of her paintings analogous to a novelist rather than a short-story writer. The second invited artist is Beverly Ashcraft-JJohnson, an artist who combines traditional printmaking techniques with digital paintings. Whereas Julia often works on immense paintings, Bev usually works in a 5"x5" format. Because of the collage nature of her digital painting, she often alters her work to end up with a dozen finished works instead of one. In the small format she creates inner and outer worlds, acknowledging the artifice of the digital process. A wise owl oversees global warming, the melting of the earth, the rising seas, the endangered and lost species. After Sandy Hook, she painted the ubiquitous bullet that continues to destroy life. The innocent child is repeated, then faded into

nothingness. A photo by Bill JohnsonMiles illustrates the continuing struggles to stop such massacres. The third invited artist is Brenda Simpson, a photographer who always has an insightful eye. At the million person Women's March in January, 2017, she was struck by the men, who wore the pink hats, who brought their children to the March, who proclaimed solidarity with the marchers. The pink hats immediately became the counterpoint to red caps, and had an endearing aspect as well as biting satire. There is a continuing battleground over public memory. I would like to see more artists become activists and more activists employ art to help engage the public. Patricia Smith is a member of the Social Justice Committee and Visual Arts Committee at UUFF and an activist painter "Art of Protest: Protesting from the Side of Love" March 3 through April 28 Unitarian Universalist Fellowship Gallery., 25 Chalice Circle Opening reception Sunday, March 3, from 11:30 AM until 1:30 PM.

front porch fredericksburg

March 2019

Norma Woodward Life in Monochrome Viewing "Life in Monochrome," Brush Strokes featured exhibit by photographer Norma Woodward, is a thought-provoking and unforgettable experience. Norma is known for her penchant to travel far and wide, including seven road-trips on Route 66 and ventures abroad. But this exhibit is powerful not because of the unusual or exotic locales of her images but because of her talent in recognizing the right subject in the right place at the right time, augmented by converting the original color images to monochrome. Images in this exhibit range from rising bubbles being blown in an Eastern European town square, to a small

“Work Boots” abandoned store guarded by a lone cat in a tiny rural Virginia crossroads town, to an undiscovered and unrecognized metal heart on a wooden fence right in our own backyard in Fredericksburg. Norma muses, "I seem to notice things that other people ignore. Folks ask me 'How did you see that?' and I ponder 'How could I not see it?'" The display of black and white photos is arresting and intriguing and elicits among its viewers a heightened sensory awareness, akin to experiencing the sounds around us while blindfolded. The absence of color seems to heighten

the contrasts, values, and "personality" of an image. In addition, the black and white images create an aura of mystery and a sense that we are somehow peeking into another life. "Our world is filled with constant whizzing and whirling, I am inviting viewers to join me in the experience of a moment of stillness," said Norma. "The absence of the expected aspect of color in everyday scenes changes the focus to contrast, line, and form, and I emphasize the beauty of that vision in 'Life in Monochrome'

Pete Morelewicz Cover Artist Pete Morelewicz is a Fredericksburg-based artist and graphic designer. He works with a wide range of technologies, from 15th century letterpress printing to 21st century media. (He himself dates to the 20th century.) Pete's work can be seen on his mother's refrigerator, in his studio at LibertyTown Arts Workshop, and at www.printjazz.com Morelewicz didn't have any specialized art education as a child growing up in Massachusetts, so he was heavily influenced by pop art, which fueled his eclectic tastes. Pete’s work has appeared in USA Today and the Washington City Paper, as well as Front Porch, He worked for twenty years as an Art Director/Graphic Designer in Washington, DC before moving to Fredericksburg a few years ago with his wife, Christine Henry (A UMW professor). "The best inspiration is local. I have an architecture degree, so I have a fascination with buildings and built environments”, says Pete The cover art, "River Otters", was originally commissioned by Rappahannock Orthodontics as a wall mural in their Chatham Heights office. It uses bold geometric forms to celebrate the natural

Photo by Donna Hopkins

habitat of the Rappahannock falls. This is a portion of the full piece, which measures 12' wide.

“Aura of Roses” by Beverley Coates

“Paris Nacturne”

810 Artists: Viewing Life in Monochrome” Brush Strokes Gallery 824 Caroline Street Opening Reception, First Firday, March 1, 6-9p

March 2019

Front porch fredericksburg

Beverley Coates, Watercolorist Penny A. Parrish, Photographer; Lynn Abbott, Oil Painter Daily 10 to 6.

Artist on site Saturdays

540.371.4099

810 Caroline Street, Downtown Fredericksburg

Name This House

Stories

of fredericksburg

win downtown gift certificate

john years ago.

John, 55, spent 15 years living in tents, sheds, garages and wherever he could settle, but has lived in the last several years in a housing program operated by Micah. John and his sister were adopted out of Germany in the late 1950s. As both of his parents served in the air force, the family bounced around the country for much of John's childhood. The family decided to adopt after John's mother gave birth to a stillborn child. "Instead of trying to go through that again, they would adopt me out of Southern Germany and my sister out of Wiesbaden, Germany," John said. "The parents who adopted me...I couldn't ask for better. Couldn't." The children were so young when they were adopted that they didn't know until they were much older. At one point John tried to find his biological mother, but there were no records. Today John's father, sister and her family all live in Pennsylvania. His mom passed away a few

As a child, John fondly remembers trips to the San Diego Zoo and skiing in Pennsylvania. Although both of his parents had doctorate degrees, John's mother retired to raise the children. After High School, John went into the Navy and became a deck seaman, otherwise known as a deck mate. He spent two and a half years in the Navy, then went home to his family. "I just didn't like it up in Pennsylvania”, he said. “I was trying to work two jobs and not going anywhere and said 'I got to get out of here," he said. John came to Virginia more than 20 years ago. Although he has had more jobs than he can remember, he usually maintains steady side work in landscaping and carpentry. Consistent full-time employment, however, has been a struggle ever since he got in some trouble in 1995. "I did a lot of messed up stuff when I was a kid, and I guess you just get tired of it and you move on," John said. He spent many years on the street, often moved from place to place and surviving on minimal resources. "My homeless experience was just to stay to myself and find a place to hide where the cops aren't chasing you off all the time," John said. "I had a little portable generator and a little kerosene heater and a bunch of tarps over the tent." Since getting back into housing, John has worked on obtaining full-time employment. He hopes that his pursuits will lead him to a job working outdoors.

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

Identify this mystery house and you could win a gift certificate from a downtown merchant. Here’s how: Email frntprch@aol.com, Subject: Mystery House, Identify house address, Your name, address, email. The poem below is a hint of the location of the mystery house. Good Luck!

Last Month’s House: 1601 Sunken Well The Winner of a gift certificate from City Lights Salon is Jeanette McCalment The Tiny House That Could I am only a little bungalow, sitting bravely here on my short street, with my back to the college, very neat, the new-built big boys on the block, sit with me cheek to cheek. Their new windows and doors, and tile so fancy, make me feel so old, and frankly very dowdy. My loved ones appreciate me so, and said to me one day, we think you need some power colors, to make you fell so good, and make the neighbors take notice, of a pretty house like you.

THE

FREDERICKSBURG LAMP Only Available At

The Copper Shop 371-4455 1707R Princess Anne

Behind Silk Mill Like Us on facebook front porch fredericksburg

March 2019

Art in the Burg March in the Galleries 8th annual Jewelry Show Ponshop, 712 Carolie Street C o n t u e s throughout March showcasing the work of eight jewelry artists. Cindy Liebel, Leslie Brier, Terresa Buelow, Lisa Latendress, Trish Schornagel , Elaine “Pancake Breakfast”, Ken Searles B, Lauren Pratt, and James Williamson ""The Journey", Ken Searles Each artist brings their own unique style Art First Gallery, 824 Caroline St to the mix using materials such as semiArt First Gallery in historic precious stones, wood & resin, copper, downtown Fredericksburg is delighted to present the very first featured artist show by Ken Searles. "This is virgin territory for me," says Searles, a resident of Bowling Green. He has named his first show "The Journey" as it examines his trek into the art world. Searles art crosses into different styles and mediums, from landscapes to abstract. "I paint for the sheer enjoyment of the creative process," he says. Searles is largely self-taught as an artist, though he has taken workshops from local artists Bill Harris and Ruth Loving. Also BONUS, legendary musician Gaye Abegbalola will be performing! ~Casey Shaw

"Something Fishy" Artful Dimensions Gallery 922 Caroline St Showcasing some of nature's glory. Visit the gallery during March to see how artists tell the story. artfuldimensions@verizon.net , artfuldimensions.com ~Sally Cooney Anderson

Kristopher Patterson Featured Artist Darbytown Art Studio 241 Charles Street Please join us for a reception, browse the studio and meet Kristopher and all the artists at Darbytown Art Studio, First Friday, March 1, 6-9pm ~Jeanne Ellis

Trish Schornagel @Ponshop

sterling silver & gold, found objects, stainless steel, and enamel. Our jewelry exhibition features latest pieces from our favorite local jewelers ~Gabe Pons

FCCA Faces & Figures Exhibit, Ed King juror Members Gallery, Ray Abell & Millie Abell, 813 Sophia St.

The Artists' Alliance (AA) at Jarrett Thor Fine Arts is holding an opening reception on Friday, March 8 from 6-9, in conjunction with Colonial Beach's Second Friday Art Walk. Featuring an exhibition by watercolorist Amanda “Beets Me”, Amanda Lee @Art Alliance Lee, "Transparent Watercolor." For info 804 224 7200, 804 224 6007, or 301 452 1333.

March 2019

~Rob Rudick

""Life in Monochrome" Norma EWoodward Brush Strokes Gallery, 824 Caroline St. See article on pg 24 for more on Norma's exhibit

Transparent Watercolor.", Amanda Lee ARTISTS' ALLIANCE 100 Taylor St., Suite 101, Colonial Beach

Kristopher Patterson @Darbytown Art Studio

Front porch fredericksburg

200 William St Downtown Fredericksburg 540-373-4421

THE POETRY MAN

Astrology & You a fresh approach for our times

By Frank Fratoe

Vernal Equinox Each spring as snowpacks melt and the sun revives our planet We are given new glory of air and woods gilded with foliage. Should we not seek those out to look upon colors they bring or should we ignore the light which has been restored to us? For this fundamental question people long ago had the answer by honoring a rebirth of life when radiance found them again.

Frank Fratoe (Pop-Pop) lives & writes in the city. He has written poems from the heart for Front Porch for over 10 years.

By Diane Bachman When I was starting out as a psychotherapist in the 1990s, some of my colleagues made fun of me because I talked about things like meditation and energy. Fast forward to 2019, and it seems most folks are on board with mindfulness, meditation, and things like acupuncture and tapping. Well, by writing this article, I am again taking a bold step into woo woo (though I find that astrology can be very accurate and not so woo woo at all!). This is astrology based upon the language the planets in our solar system speak as they travel through the 12 signs of the zodiac. Indeed, working with what we call your birth chart (a diagram of the heavens at the precise moment of your birth), astrology can be an excellent tool for self-discovery, understanding and personal growth (plus, it is a heck of a lot of fun!). Your birth chart is based upon the date, exact time, and place of your birth. Exact birth time is crucial because out of birth information, your moon and rising signs are calculated. Did you know that your rising sign is important because it tells us how you present yourself to the world? The sun sign shows us how we shine in the world and our moon tells us about how we negotiate our relationships. All of the planets are contained in your birth chart and represent aspects of your personality and life journey: Mercury, Venus, Mars, Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus, Neptune, and Pluto. In addition, many astrologers also figure in smaller planets like Chiron and Eris as well as asteroids like Juno and Vesta. I don't want to get bogged down into too many intricacies because there are some BIG astrological things going on in the month of March. Hold onto your hat!

1) Mercury goes into retrograde from March 5 to March 28 and will do so two other times this year. This does not mean that Mercury orbits in reverse. It means that Mercury, the zippy planet, slows down so it only appears to travel in reverse. Mercury represents communication, the intellect, and sometimes technology. Retrogrades have a bad reputation because they can be disruptive. I like to see retrogrades as a time to slow down and reflect, take stock, kind of a call to mindfulness. 2) Uranus passes from Aries into Taurus on March 7. Uranus has a collective consciousness about it along with a revolutionary kind of electricity. This electric charge can help us recognize new possibilities and step out of the known, many times through abrupt disruptions. So, Uranus is leaving the bold, warrior sign (Aries) and will settle into the earthy, grounding sign (Taurus). Uranus will remain in Taurus until July of 2025.

3) Neptune is in Pisces, Saturn is in Capricorn, and Jupiter is in Sagittarius. This is a once in a lifetime configuration! Neptune takes 164 years to make its way around the sun. This lineup brings the enthusiasm and learning (Jupiter) it takes to recognize our dreams (Neptune) and brings them into devising a way to realize them (Saturn). So there you have it…..March brings much opportunity to slow down, make changes, and begin to realize some of our dreams.

Dianne Bachman is a psychotherapist and astrologer who practices in Fredericksburg, Virginia, is passionate about Astrology, and can be reached at dbachmanlcsw@gmail.com. Photo by Josh Stansfield, “Milky Way from Great Meadows”

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

540-898-0737

front porch fredericksburg

March 2019

Companions march into spring by Gerri Reid dvm

March rolls in like a Lion and out like a Lamb. Spring is coming but let’s hope the weather does not treat us too bad. As seasons begins to change, we will start preparing to get outdoors more. This means more outdoor activities such as hiking, walking and running not only for you but for your pet. Time to get out in the sun and head to the beach, right? So, let’s talk about how to prepare your pet for the Spring. First, make sure your pet is all up to date on vaccines. Rabies vaccination is one vaccine that is required by the State. Other vaccines recommended include Distemper/Parvo, Leptospirosis, and Bordetella (Kennel Cough). These vaccines become important as you begin to plan your vacations as you may need to board your pet at a Boarding facility. Lastly, have your pet tested for heartworm disease as this test will also test for tick borne diseases. These diseases are transmitted by mosquitoes and ticks. Therefore, if you take your pet outdoor even just to use the bathroom, there is a risk of your pet contracting these diseases. Now that you have updated the vaccines, let’s not forget ensuring that your pet is parasite-ffree. Some pet owners

Dog Walking Pet Sitting Companion Play Time & Mini Furies, Too! (540-903-0437; lexig0892@gmail.com) On facebook as “City PetSitting” 28

March 2019

enjoy taking their pets to Daycare or Dog Parks to play with other dogs. Your pet can contract parasites from other dogs by coming in contact with their stool. Checking your pet’s stool for parasites such as hookworms, roundworms, whipworms and tapeworms is important as some of these parasites can also be transmitted to you. As Veterinarians, it is our responsibility to educate and prevent the transmission of these zoonotic diseases. Your Veterinarian may recommend deworming your pet and giving monthly heartworm pills. These medications not only prevent heartworm disease but it also prevents intestinal parasites. We can’t forget about fleas and ticks. People always think fleas/ticks die off in the winter when actually Veterinarians tend to see plenty of skin related issues caused by these parasites. It is highly recommended to keep your pet on flea/tick prevention all year. Fleas can transmit tapeworms and ticks transmit diseases such as Lyme disease. There are topical preventions, oral preventions and even high-quality flea collars. Your Veterinarian will recommend which product is best for your pet. But one thing is for sure, it is a Must-Do for your pet as the summer months approach. Cabin Fever happens to all of us including our pets. As much as you are ready for Spring to come, the sun to come out and the days to get longer, your pet is more than ready! They are ready to start basting in the sun, playing fetch and swimming in the pool. So, do them a favor and get them ready to Spring into action and prepare for the Dog Days of Summer. Get your pet’s vaccines updated, give monthly flea/tick prevention as well as heartworm prevention and ensure they are parasite-free. Make an appointment today with your Veterinarian. Dr. Gerri S. Reid is the Owner/Veterinarian of Reid Mobile Veterinary Servicess 540-623-3029 or reidmobilevetservices.com

Front porch fredericksburg

front porch fredericksburg

March 2019

#FredStrong What Comes After Physical Therapy?

A visual Celebration of our community

By Casey Alan Shaw

By Joan Geisler What do you do when your insurance has stopped paying for physical therapy yet you still have pain and limited mobility? What do you do as a doctor, physical therapist or chiropractor when your patient needs additional strengthening, balance or stretching exercises but you do not know whom to trust? Medical Exercise Specialists at Fredericksburg Fitness Studio is here to help you and your patients. Whether you had an injury or surgery, elective or required, we all know that physical therapy is the first step after surgery. How will you maintain that level of optimal health? What if you still have a residual functional deficit when you are

Fredericksburg Sketches

and encourage you on your journey to Get Fit For Life." Medical Exercise is only a portion of the clients at Fredericksburg Fitness Studio. Their clients love the studio because it is private and personal. "I don't feel overwhelmed or lost or worse, judged, when I come in to exercise. I love the one on one training even when I am in a group of 3 others. I love the nutritional coaching," says Deb, a long- time client at FFS. "When a client reaches a weight loss goal, it is fabulous and we celebrate with them. But the real reward is to see our clients with Parkinson's disease, fibromyalgia, heart disease, stroke and other medical conditions get strong and healthy enough to better manage their ailments and lead a more active life

SKETCH #52: Guest artist Pete Morelewicz

finished with physical therapy or chiropractic care? I saw a physical therapist 52 times when I was recovering from a compound fracture of my arm in 2017. It was remarkable how they helped me regain near total mobility. "You really jacked up your arm," said the ER doc and both surgeons. But after 9 month of therapy I had reached the point where, in the therapist's words, "The squeeze is not worth the juice." That means, when the patient has reached maximum medical improvement. I asked him what a patient does when they are still not 100% but he can no longer help them improve. He shrugged, the universal language of, "I dunno." When you find yourself in this situation, either not completely back to your ole' self or you want to maintain the level of restored activity, Fredericksburg Fitness Studio is the place to go. They are Medical Exercise Specialists. They bridge the gap between healthcare and fitness. Healthcare and fitness cannot be and should not be mutually exclusive. "Exercise is the key to long term management of most medical conditions, we are here to help empower, educate

March 2019

often with no or reduced medications." If you are NOT suffering from chronic ailments but rather tormented from nagging pains like a torn rotator cuff, shoulder impingement, lower back pain or recovering from a joint replacement, Medical Exercise Specialists will help you. Medical Exercise is a Protocol Based Exercise Program. It is not just random exercises but a methodical approach. They are expertly trained personal trainers (all with college degrees) who can help you regain stability, mobility, strength and range of motion. All through exercise alone. No drugs, supplements, injections, ice or massage. What if you could reduce your medication and doctor visits and enjoy the physical activities to which you have been saying "no, I can't" for far too long? It could all start with a free consultation 540-479-1877 or visit www.fburgfitness.com Medical Exercise Specialists at Fredericksburg Fitness Studio 2541 Cowan Blvd, Fredericksburg, www.fburgfitness.com, (540) 479-1 1877 Be inspired visit Joanâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s website www.8020healthyhabits.com

Front porch fredericksburg

If you enjoyed the illustration on the cover of this month's Front Porch, I hope you'll also enjoy the artwork above. Both pieces are by an artist named Pete Morelewicz who recently moved to the 'Burg. But in that short time, Pete has made quite a name for himself. He has already exhibited at local venues, including a recent solo show at The Sunken Well Tavern. You may have also seen some of Pete's excellent posters he designed for Mainstreet Fredericksburg displayed in the downtown parking garage and on some downtown walls. Pete is one of a number of artists helping to revive the Darbytown area across the railroad tracks from downtown as you can see by the "Darbytown stamp" art he created above. You can find prints of Pete's work at Frame Designs Gallery and at his area in LibertyTown Arts. I'd like to say "Welcome" to Pete from the local artistic community. I can't wait to see how Fredericksburg inspires your future work! Casey Alan Shaw is a local artist. He exhibits his original artwork and limited-edition prints at Art First Gallery and at www.caseyshaw.com.

606 Caroline Street Old Town Fredericksburg 373-7847 www.gemstonecreations.org Tuesday - Saturday 10-5 Wednesdays until 6:30 and by appointment

Where Fredericksburg Gets Engaged

DOWNTOWNERS olde towne butcher: keith Lebor by georgia Lee Strentz

Give a Child Something to Think About

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

810 Caroline Street (540) 371-5684

It is really amazing how no matter how bleak, grey and cold a day can be, when you go to our downtown, the sun comes out because of the smiling faces of the merchants in their warm shops. Most of the shops are owned by the people inside the shops. They have selected the merchandise, perhaps painted the walls, their pets visit, sometimes they live above the shops with their family Some people pick our town for their home, on purpose, not just a job Keith Lebor and one of his favorite customers, transfer.They have found a Meg Bohmke gem. They are grateful to Keith's meat products are all find a small town, with the warmth of our Southern hospitality. A very historical especially contracted for locally, and city, big city amenities, top notch colleges, raised for Olde Towne Butcher shop. He hospitals, really nice honest, kind people, visits each farm he contracts, and at every safe for our kids, with compassionate farm checks to see if they are upholding organizations. Fredericksburg, our his high standards for environment and free range farming. hometown! Keith makes sausages and other Food, did I say food! Keith Lebor came here four years meat products for many of our ago wanting to start a small personalized local restaurants, like Spencer Devon, business, and for his family, life in a small (Shawn's beer in Keith's sausage!) he also city. Coming from a long career as a furnishes meat for Kybecca's. You can order delivery for Keith's commercial real estate developer, he wanted to buy a small business, a butcher products online from "Uber Eats.". Everything not sold in the store shop, which seems unusual, but Keith is itself by the expiration date, is donated an unusual, "total food guy." (his words) He is owner of, OldeTowne Butcher, where to Micah. In the basement of Keith's he sells local " fantastic meat,"(my words) butcher shop is a fantastic sandwich shop 80% from local farms, eggs, Earth's Echo chicken, where the chicken live in natural named Ike's. Signature Snadwiches Check free ranging pastures in Bealeton,Va. it out like I did. My chicken salad (Keith's Trickling Springs milk, with free- range own recipe) is the best I have ever tasted, pasture fed cows. All wholesome food so I ran right upstairs and purchased a creations from wholesome local products, container! Keithâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s family have made meat being his specialty. All of these local products Keith buys, are contracted and Fredericksburg their hometown! Make Old bought from our local farms. He has Towne Butcher, your hometown shop. Don't ' forget to say hi to Keith other delicious foods made in the shop, and his eager staff of friendly local (my favorite is the chicken salad!) plus wine. As you look around the really workers: Cliff, Doug, Greg, Jack, Jessie, attractive welcoming shop, the picture Andy, Sam, Rhoda, Ryan, Kateland, perfect meats, in the historic building, you Johnny, and Matt!" (back next month if I left anyone out!) suddenly feel happy and hungry! Parked my bike by the front Keith, his wife Jennifer and his door,very convenient!! Saw lots of parking family of four children, were all able to move here this summer, which ended for your cars too. Front Porch Magazines Keith's commute to and from N. Virginia. also at the door,ck it out. Keith made this three hour trip daily, for 4 years, while his eldest two children finished high school. The are both in college now,with a daughter at our local University of Mary Washington,and a son at Virginia Tech., with two younger children finishing up in Spotsy schools.

Georgia Strentz is our Gal About Town. Look for her on her three-wheeler and her companion"Bailey" Olde Towne Butcher 401 William St.; 540-3 370-4 4105 oldetownebutcher.com/products keith.lebor@oldtownebutcher.com

front porch fredericksburg

March 2019