FPF March 2021 by Virginia Grogan

contents

closeups 23

Noah Finch Step Va Musical Creator

Helen Dhue “the cats who likes bats”

Amy & Lisa of Wren & Sparrow Bird Nerds

Porch talk 3

Cindy Ramirez: umw red cross club president

on the porch...life in fredericksburg Messages

Stories of Fredericksburg: Empowerhouse youth team

everything greens: run around

In the Garden: spring beauty

growing & crawling....small flower

i have a friend: laugh out loud

tidbits...small bites of local news

season’s bounty: ask the chef

the table at st george

vino: grooving on grenache

16-17

Calendar of Events

history’s stories: when i was your age

what’s in a Fog?....ballast stones. Our Heritage: artists of fredericksburg

mental health: understanding symptoms of bpd

it’s all energy: cross your energies

emancipated patients: the ott culture

art in the ’burg ...galleries in March

bowling green scene a happening hamlet

Companions a cat with no hair

astrology & you poetryman: to Ella

fredericksburg sketches lisa gillen: glass artist

...And more! 5 puppy love photo contest winners 11 everything changed for ted schubel

27 tribute to letter writing & kodachrome prints

Cover: “The Wearing o” The Green” By David C. Kennedy

March 2021

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Cindy Ramirez Sister's Injury Spurred pursuit of career in Medicine by Jill Laiacona muscles and bones - like the one her sister broke - which will be essential when she attends medical school. But Ramirez is already applying this critical knowledge. Her four-month training as an EMT wraped up in January, which happened to be National Blood Donor Month. Between rides with the Fredericksburg Rescue Squad, she heads UMW's Red Cross club, an organization she's been involved with since her early days at Mary Washington. Ramirez felt right at home at UMW as a freshman. But she was all nerves when she began Phage Hunters, a biology honors course in which students have the opportunity to work with phages, or viruses that infect and replicate within bacteria.

Cindy Ramirez was 8 years old when her sister was injured in a sledding accident that broke her sacrum, a pelvic bone that supports the weight of the upper body. "I was really nervous, but all I could think about in that moment was how I could help her," said Ramirez, now a senior at the University of Mary Washington. "That was when I realized I wanted to pursue a career in medicine." This future physician is on her way to earning her white coat and stethoscope. An honors student majoring in biology, Ramirez has spent countless days and pulled all-nighters in the Jepson Science Center, memorizing organs,

"I didn't know what to expect, but it made me fall in love with science all over again," said Ramirez, who loaded up on pre-health courses like anatomy, physiology, virology and chemistry, as well as psychology and biology for her neuroscience minor. "Cindy has shown a great interest in clinical biology and an impressive drive to succeed in allied health," said Assistant Professor of Biology Parrish Waters, who guided Ramirez in her senior research project. The subject of her work is the effect of COVID-19 symptoms on different demographic groups, and she recently presented her findings at the fall UMW Honors Symposium. "It's a highly relevant topic," Waters said, "and Cindy provides a valuable perspective, especially given that she'll soon enter the workforce."

Becoming an EMT isn't her final goal, Ramirez said, but it's a great pathway to a career in internal medicine, which she hopes to pursue through Bluefield College and then the Edward Via College of Osteopathic Medicine, after taking a gap year. She joined the local rescue squad last December; after the pandemic hit, she spent several months commuting from Alexandria to Fredericksburg to complete her training. The long drive was worth it, she said, as are the skills she's gaining on the job. "I got to see the inside of an ambulance, experience the lights and sirens, and watch how the team works together to help someone," she said. "Now when I go on calls, adrenaline takes over because you don't know what you'll see until you get on the scene." Ramirez, now president of UMW's Red Cross club, also organizes regular blood drives, which are currently being held at the Hyatt Place in Eagle Village. It's important to give blood right now, she said, as Red Cross tests blood, platelet and plasma donations for COVID-19

540.735.0500

antibodies, which can help coronavirus patients who need transfusions. In her free time, Ramirez recruits fellow students through Stafford Junction, a part of UMW's COAR program, to become tutors for local schoolchildren. But with her hectic schedule, there's one thing she hasn't been able to do. "I'm so busy encouraging other people to give blood that I've actually never had a chance to donate myself," she said. "It's something I plan to get to in the future." The University of Mary Washington offers several pre-health career tracks and has formal affiliation programs and partnerships with area health career programs, including Edward Via College of Osteopathic Medicine. Visit UMW's Pre-H Health Programs web page to learn more. For more information on UMW Red Cross blood drives, please email umw.redcrossclub@gmail.com. Jill Laiacona is the Media Manager, University Relations & Communications at UMW

redcross.org

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

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

Where Fredericksburg Gets Engaged front porch fredericksburg

March 2021

ON THE PORCH Christina Ferber

Guest Porch Editorial

Contributing Writers & Artists Rita Allan Sally Cooney Anderson Laurie Black Dianne Bachman Amy Bayne Sarah Kay Bierle Sonja Cantu Collette Caprara Elizabeth Daly Janet Douberly Christina Ferber Frank Fratoe Bill Freehling Jon Gerlach Lisa Gillen Ralph “Tuffy” Hicks Tina Jackson David C. Kennedy Jill Laiacona Laurel E. Loch Ray Mikula Vanessa Moncure Pete Morelewicz Ashley Nester Patrick Neustatter Bridgid O’Leary Brandi Parrish Mendy Pierce Gerri Reid Paula Raudenbush Rob Rudick Ted Schubel Mandy Smith Tina Will Norma Woodward

Front Porch Fredericksburg is a free circulation magazine published monthly by Olde Towne Publishing Co. Virginia Bigenwald Grogan, Publisher.

The mission of Front Porch Fredericksburg is to connect the diverse citizenry of Fredericksburg with lively features and informative columns of interest to our community’s greatest resource, its people. Messages from our readers are welcome. All submissions must be received by e-mail by the 19th of the month preceding publication. Writers / Artists / Photographers are welcome to request Guidelines and query the Publisher by e-mail.

Front Porch Fredericksburg PO Box 9203 Fredericksburg, VA 22403 Ad Sales: E-Mail: frntprch@aol.com Web Site: www.frontporchfredericksburg.com Facebook: @Front Porch Fredericksburg The opinions expressed in Front Porch Fredericksburg are those of the contributing writers and do not necessarily reflect the opinion of Front Porch Fredericksburg or its advertisers. Copyright 2021 Olde Towne Publishing Co. All rights reserved.

March 2021

our resilient ‘burg by Christina ferber Nature has a lot to teach us about how we all fit together into the bigger picture, and given all of the events that have taken place since last March, I have turned to it often for comfort, and sometimes for answers and advice. In the book, "The Hidden Life of Trees," the author explains how trees are resilient and persevere through tough times because of their connection to each other. Solitary trees often have a shorter life span than trees in a forest, in part, because groups of trees share resources through an underground network of mycelium. It is fascinating stuff, but I am not writing this editorial to give you a botany lesson (though I cannot recommend the book enough). I brought it up to point out the idea of the connections that are mentioned in the book as a means for survival, perseverance, and resilience. It reminds me of all of the ways that our greater Fredericksburg community has weathered the past year by sticking together and keeping our connections to others going. It was about this time last year, that we started realizing that things were about to change and a new normal was at hand. We have adapted through the year as a community and together have developed new ways of connecting and helping each other out. Our community has continued to thrive because of the connections that we have made and continue to make throughout this pandemic. Nonprofits and for-profits alike have stepped up to feed, clothe, and shelter our community members just like they have in the past, but their help is even more important now. The people and places in our community have offered new ways to

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connect to each other, as well. Whether it be by participating in an online class on mushrooms given by Downtown Greens, watching the Great Lives Series online through the University of Mary Washington, or participating in a virtual or drive-through fundraiser to support our amazing nonprofit organizations, we have found ways to keep Fredericksburg humming and take care of each other in the meantime. Through an online class at any of our fitness studios, to virtual wine dinners at local restaurants, and even attending a drive-in movie event at a local park, or attending an online support group to help our mental health during lockdown, there have been abundant opportunities to connect with others, albeit in a different way. When schools opened virtually, as a teacher, I thought that the challenges would be insurmountable. However, I have been able to connect with students this year, in ways I would never have imagined before. It has certainly not been optimal for anyone and I can't wait to meet all of my students in person, but I am thankful that we have been able to continue the learning process in some form and I know our students and families will come out more resilient and stronger on the other side. In some ways our world itself seems a little smaller and more of a community because we are able to connect in these ways. If you are like me, Zoom burnout is a real thing, but I am still thankful to be able to watch a church service or join in a conversation with my book club or group of friends over a video chat, if only to see the smiling faces that

might be hidden behind a mask if we were in a different place. I recently took a walk around Chatham and was struck by the beauty of our city as I looked over the skyline. We are an eclectic city with unique buildings dotting the view, and we are also full of unique individuals who come together to make our community so special. Throughout the differences and challenges that have been spotlighted this past year, that uniqueness is what helps us to thrive and the connections we have continued to foster will help us come out on the other side more resilient as a community. I don't know about you, but that makes me proud to live and work in the Fredericksburg area. Read all about the ways our community continues to thrive, as you read this month's Front Porch cover to cover.

Christina is a writer, teacher, Certified Eden Medicine Practitioner & a regular contributor to Front Porch

Puppy Love b101.5 photo contest By Mandy Smith Thank you to our sponsors, America's Choice Mortgage and K-9 9 Styles.

and everything. Woke up one day and couldn't walk had surgery that wasn't successful. Nevertheless he's a doll! ~Jane, Spotsy

The Top 5 Winners

Finleyl Many of our listeners have shared pics of their dogs with us and we LOVE it! SO much in fact we decided they should have a chance to win something for it! We asked our listeners to upload a photo of their dog to B101.5's "Puppy Love Contest" and then they had to get their friends and family to vote for their pic! The picture with the most votes won a doggy gift basket that included a Grooming Certificate for K-9 Styles!! This was such a fun contest! We definitely plan to do it again next year! Look for our Cat Fanatic Photo Contest this fall!

1st Place: Hi my name is Princess Leia AKA baby shark by many of my human friends and I am going to share a little about myself since I picked out my owners I rule. Yes I am adorable and

4th place: Winnie is a 9 month old shichon who loves to snuggle and play in the snow. She loves car rides and really likes the occasional puppichino from her favorite coffee shop. ~Bonnie of Stafford

Princess Leia loved deeply, and I use this to my advantage to explore and chew things my humans don't think I should, like remotes, shoes, trash, and things that are not to good for me . Some would say I am very mischievous, but in reality I am just searching for my sticks, squirrels and my favorite chips Doritos. ~Julia, FXBG

Brody

3rd Place: Lilly always gets very happy, and she gives a big smile when anyone in our family walks through the door and returns back home. She loves to cuddle and jumps on the lap of whoever is sitting on the couch.Lilly gets super excited when anyone says "Walk outside!" because she loves to take walks in our neighborhood. ~ Lauren Spotsylvania.

2nd place: Brody is a three-year-old cocker spaniel with the sweetest kindest personality absolutely loves everybody

Lilly

5th place: Finley is one of three West Highland White Terriers owned by Ashley's family of Spotsy. He serves as a support dog for Ashley's father, a several time cancer survivor. He is the oldest of his siblings and is a loyal and courageous companion. In October 2020, Finley was the ringer bearer in Ashley's wedding. Finley is a huge mommy's boy and is the best dog ever

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

Winnie

Dog Walking Pet Sitting Companion Play Time & Mini Furies, Too! 540-735-8228 On facebook as “City PetSitting”

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March 2021

Stories

GLAD FOR PLAID

of fredericksburg

Providing Hope to Children Exposed to Domestic Violence By Mendy Pierce works to be creative and inventive while providing crucial services to c l i e n t s , specifically children. In addition to processing family abuse, we witness c h i l d r e n experiencing new worries as a result of the pandemic: fear of contracting the disease, anxiety that manifests from constantly checking up on a parent, and social Sample Activity Pack Distributed isolation. by the Empowerhouse Youth Services Team Children who were exposed to When presenting about youth violence in the home are 15x more likely services and children's advocacy during to be physically and/or sexually assaulted volunteer training, I often begin by than the national average. reciting the first verse of Whitney In addition to offering free, inHouston's song, "Greatest Love of All." person and virtual educational I believe the children are our future. presentations about healthy relationships Teach them well and let them lead the to more than 12,000 students in area way. classrooms over the past year, the Youth Show them all the beauty they possess Team provides one-to-one advocacy to inside. children and teens in our community Give them a sense of pride to make it through weekly phone calls and video easier. chats. During these engagements, Let the children's laughter remind us advocates guide them (using fun how we used to be. activities) on educational topics such as: bullying/types of bullying, cyber bullying, There is so much truth in this web safety, boundaries (family/friends), verse. This past year has taught us the self-control, feelings, communication need and importance of ensuring children skills, self-esteem, stress and anger, and and youth in our community, our future, time management. These one-to-one feel supported and connected. discussions nurture trusting relationships During a time layered with between parent and advocate, child and uncertainty, Empowerhouse's Youth Team advocate and child and parent. Parents tell

us their children eagerly answer their Empowerhouse advocate's call each week because they know that the advocate is invested in their well-being. Children share weekly concerns and struggles with their advocates. We know children who experienced or witnessed various levels of abuse in their home vitally benefit in their emotional growth from the presence of an additional trusted adult. Holidays and birthdays used to bring excitement; but new concerns from children and parents regarding a lack of gifts for the children, no large family gatherings, and limited food resources bring new stressors. To help make this difficult time more manageable and cheerful, the Youth Team provides biweekly deliveries of food, clothing, activity kits, games, after school snacks, and birthday bags that include everything to make a cake along with a gift to be delivered to each family and child. (These items come from community donations. We are grateful for all the support we've received.) Despite the challenges, the families have been incredibly thankful for a service that focuses on offering support to children. Parents and caregivers speak highly of the services provided by our Youth Team and talk about the changes they've witnessed in their children -- better communication skills, safety planning inside and outside the home, as well as deescalation techniques between siblings. Mendy Pierce is Services Director for Empowerhouse, a local nonprofit empowering survivors of domestic violence and their children to believe in themselves and build new lives filled with dignity, respect, safety, and hope. To learn more about resources or ways to help, please visit empowerhouseva.org. You can help support these programs with a financial or in-k kind donation of craft kits or art supplies. We always seek healthy outlets and activities that kids can safely do in their home as a family to further enhance building healthy relationships. Mission Statement Empowerhouse empowers survivors and their children to believe in themselves and build new lives filled with dignity, respect, safety, and hope. We give victims the time, space, and tools to heal their hearts, restore their connections, rebuild their lives, and renew their spirits

March 2021

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

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

Everything Greens downtown runAround Dean’s Plastering Services Plaster, Stucco, Drywall, Art 540.656.2399 540.419.8878 luckyluckydean@aol.com

By Brandi Parrish "Endorphins, y'all! We need them!" Downtown Greens board member, Kimberly Cartier is producing her very first 5k to benefit the beloved Fredericksburg greenspace. An avid runner and race participant, she knows this activity will be a much-needed panacea for the quarantine blues! Walk, run, skip, hop, or bike a path of your choice or take the suggested route. The recommended race route will wind you through downtown and past as many sponsoring businesses as possible! The virtual race can be completed at any time between March 114. You can practice social distance and still support from anywhere! Sign up for the virtual race (here: http://bit.ly/dtg5k). Once you've completed the 5K you can either register your time or simply that you finished it then plan to pick up your swag bag from Downtown Greens! Three cheers for the amazing businesses that are sponsoring this! The inaugural annual 5K is being sponsored by

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

Where Customer Service and Title Insurance Become One

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

Juan More Taco, Italian Station, PONSHOP, Yellow Bike Massage, River Rock Outfitters, Re_Incorporated, Spencer Devon Brewing, B101.5, Print Jazz, OddBox Studios, Fredericksburg Food Co-op, Community Bank of the Chesapeake, Ace Concierge, LLC, Mo's City Soup, and River Rock Outfitters! We're also happy to have Rene and Jarett Rodriguez along as sponsors for the 5K! One of the best parts about Fredericksburg is the community. I believe we mentioned the SWAG? Swag is arguably the best part of a 5k! What you can expect to find in your (reusable cloth!) swag bag is a race t-shirt, a pollinator bandana, and a temporary tattoo provided by Downtown Greens. Sponsors are also adding fun things such as CBD muscle salve, beeswax lip balm, stickers, FXBG buttons and coupons to their local businesses! All the treats are sourced as sustainably as possible. If this wasn't already enticing enough, here is how those funds are being allocated. The Downtown Greens building is impossible to miss with it's enormous pink coneflowers illuminating the facade. What you might miss, however, is the small basement with a tiny kitchen in the back that needs a pretty big facelift. The dream has been to turn that area into a fully-equipped teaching kitchen and multi-purpose space! Before the pandemic hit Downtown Greens had several gardenbased youth programs which used the small kitchen to prepare meals from food they grew. The renovation involves creating a larger, more functional and welcoming space for kids and teens of the programs. When we're able to safely gather again (in addition to the youth programs) adult workshops will be hosted along with other fun, inclusive events for all. Think of Downtown Greens as the best place to host an outdoor function in the 'Burg! Also, with food insecurity on the rise, Downtown Greens is using resources to help increase food availability in the community. They are hard at work preparing for the upcoming spring and summer growing season. May through October they'll host a weekly FREE Farmers' Market Stand where produce harvested from their Youth Farm Program Garden and food donated from other pantries will be distributed to anyone who shows up. This greenspace also makes the world's best neighbor! Staff took requests from the surrounding community on what

vegetables and herbs they'd like to see in the "Take What You Need" Community Solidarity Plot. This Pick-Your-Own veggie garden is located by the bus stop at Downtown Greens. During the harvest season, produce overflow is kept in a cooler nearby. A more permanent solution is being considered so no donation or race registration fee will go to waste! If you want to know more go to http://www.downtowngreens.org/. You can volunteer, donate, and find out more about what's happening in your neighborhood. Or, we'll catch you on the route for the Downtown Runaround. Be safe and we'll see you out there!

Brandi Parrish is the Digital Marketing Director for Metro Nova Creative, a dad joke connoisseur, pageant queen, mom to a future astronaut and Downtown Doll.

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

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March 2021

In the Garden spring beauty By Tina Will scheduled. These lectures are free, offered via Zoom, and need to be preregistered for, in order to get the actual zoom link for each meeting. Talks will be closecaptioned and recorded. Notices for each meeting as the date approaches will be posted in the FLS and on our Facebook page. New Kid on the Block An Extension Master Gardener Help Desk is set to launch this month (March). Write up your horticultural questions and send via email to Photo by Ray Mikula Early Spring in the Garden Yes, there are things that can be done in the garden even though it is too early to plant outside. Ray Mikula, past president of Master Gardeners, has inspired me with his tulip and daffodil pictures during these cold, gray days. Planning what's to be grown, and cleaningup chores can be done: clear away old leaves to see new green shoots, pull some weeds before they really get going, and spread compost over the garden to restore nutrients. For vegetable gardeners, two easily grown, cool-weather vegetables are Blue Lake Stringless Green Beans, and Stringless Pea Pods. Spring Lectures via Zoom We are filling up our Master Gardener General Meeting speaker calendar. Visit our website mgacra.org/calendar to see who is

March 2021

photo by Ray Mikula vcestafford.helpdesk@gmail.com. Master Gardeners will be monitoring and answering the emails with advice from VA Cooperative Extension.

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Spring Symposium 'Living in the Garden' Our April 10, 2021 Spring Symposium event (via Zoom) has a terrific schedule of speakers. There is a fee, but it's a bargain for sure. To register on-line or by mail go to www.mgacra.org/2021symposium.html. We hope you will join us from the comfort of your own home. Bryce Lane will greet us from North Carolina. Though retired after 34 years of teaching, he continues to lecture at NC State, and hosted an award-winning TV show 'In the Garden with Bryce Lane' for eleven years. He will give two talks: (1) Landscaping in Small Spaces: Big Ideas for Little Gardens, and (2) Gardening in Containers: The Trend that Keeps on Growing.

Michael Judd Above right) will greet us from Frederick, Maryland. His mission is to encourage homeowners to work in harmony with their land, and to help create an abundant landscape that needs little maintenance. His training and experience started in northern England, and continued all over the world to include

rural Latin America, SE Spain, Brooklyn's Botanic Garden, and the Appalachian Mountains of Maryland. Collectively, these experiences have guided and shaped this man and his mission. His talk on Edible Landscaping will be fascinating. Peggy Riccio is currently the Chair/President of the Potomac Unit of the Herb Society of America, and lives in Maryland. She will give a talk on Herb Gardening. Her website: pegplant.com is full of information. Leslie Harris is located in the Charlottesville, VA area, and her talk is titled 'Year-Round Gardening at the Front Door.' Moving from Connecticut to Virginia in 2014, she started a new business that concentrates on containers and garden beds that complement the homeowner's landscape. Tune in via Zoom; it will be a great day!

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

Growing & Crawling Small Flower, Big Message By janet douberly

Become a Member

fxbgfoodcoop@gmail.com fredericksburgfoodcoop.com

If you are anything like me and spend most of your time looking at the ground (that's where the cool stuff is), you'll probably have noticed these tiny flowers popping up all over town. So diminutive in size, these little blooms go mostly unnoticed and even if they are noticed, they take up so little space that most people's minds quickly move on and think about bigger things. But let's take a moment to appreciate these tiny eye harbingers of spring, the Bird's-e Speedwell. Bird's-eye Speedwell, or Veronica persica, is an introduction native to Asia and parts of Europe. Of all the Speedwells the Bird's-eye is considered the one of the largest with it's blooms coming in at a whopping 1cm wide. The thick and sprawling growth pattern makes this an aggressive ground cover with most of its vegatative growth occurring during the cool weather of late winter and early spring.

Despite its unassuming nature, Bird's-eye Speedwell is playing a big role in some scientific studies of its medicinal properties. Extracts of this plant have d e m o n s t r a t e d antifungal, antiinflammatory, and antiviral activities and have shown to accelerate the healing process when given to test subjects. Modern scientists aren't the only ones that have noticed this little plant's healing properties. In the mid-20th century Afghan herbalist, Mahomet Allum, used the plant to treat patients with heart trouble. Even without its reported healing properties, this lilliputian bloom decorates the ground around town, attracting small

bees and telling the world that spring is near!

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

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March 2021

“I Have A Friend” laugh out loud By Laurie Black father] was very lonely. I lived several hours away as did my siblings. It made me realize how many older people are isolated and struggling with loneliness and I wanted to give back." That was over four years ago. Beth began visiting senior, Lillian, in 2017. "I was assigned to Lillian and was instantly so impressed with her spirit. I loved hearing her stories of growing up in a very large family with limited resources and how they all took such good care of each other. In particular, I loved the stories about her helping her grandmother cut down firewood and carry it into the house. Her grandmother sounded like one tough woman! Lillian shared stories of working very hard her whole life in various jobs and her pride in getting her home that she has now lived in for 50 years!"

Comedian and actress, Phyllis Diller said, "A smile is a curve that sets everything straight." I certainly believe that having a friend to smile and laugh with can help us get through life's challenges. Senior Visitors Program volunteer, Beth Montana, says she initially heard about the program through a friend at work who had been a Senior Visitors Program volunteer for a long time. "I had recently lost my father at 84 and Mom had passed away several years before. The first few years after her death, [my

"[Lillian] has a wonderful sense of humor and has made me laugh out loud too many times to remember. One time she had a significant fall and still managed to laugh about it as she shared what happened. Many days I leave our visits in so much better spirits than when I arrived, and it always hits me that I am receiving more than I am giving!" Lillian says of Beth, "She is very thoughtful and calls sometimes just to check on me. I really appreciate Beth and the cards and gifts from the Senior Visitors Program."

www.donatelifevirginia.org 10

March 2021

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I asked Beth and Lillian what they enjoy doing during their visits, and how their visits have changed since the COVID pandemic. Lillian said, "We used to play cards together. That is what I enjoyed the most. I hate this COVID, but we have to take it as it is. Beth still calls me and drops things off to me." Beth responded, "One day early in our visits I asked Lillian if she liked to play games and her face lit up like a child. She was so happy to begin playing cards which we did every visit since. She hadn't played cards in many years and was very competitive. Unfortunately, due to COVID we have not been able to get back to our card games yet. We both miss them terribly. I now talk with her on the phone regularly and visit from the porch when I drop things off for her. I so look forward to being able to meet face to face again. It has been my great pleasure developing a relationship with Lillian. Her

strength and ability to be grateful for the little things inspires me."

Laurie Black is the Senior Visitors Assistant Coordinator.

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.

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

How a Newsman Adapts During A Pandemic By Ted Schubel It began with a simple e-mail request on March 13th. Could I meet Mayor Greenlaw at City Hall late that Friday afternoon. The Mayor wanted to go over the city's plan to deal with the coronavirus. That was the last time I was in City Hall. COVID-19 hit this region, and everywhere, fast and hard. Suddenly the ways I had been trained and always gathered news for 30+ years in the region changed. Overnight. Town Talk The hour-long program on WFVA almost always had guests in studio. That changed. Guests became phone-only interviews. In recent years, I had covered most government meetings thru regionalwebtv.com. Now those meetings from City Hall or the Stafford Government Center became Zoom meetings. Public comment became

reading emails.

submitted

It became apparent early on that what was happening around the region couldn't be only told with COVID-19 numbers. Business owners were concerned about safety and the future of their livelihood. There were stories to be told. And with social distancing those stories could be told. I will never forget April Peterson telling me in the early days to buy gift cards. They were a lifeline for small business. Anita at Italian Station telling me to honk when I went by on Caroline Street. She wanted to know people were thinking about her. Late one morning in early April I was in with Bob Whittingham. A car went by on Caroline Street. "That's the eighth car I've seen go by today." Or Gabe Pons telling me that a pandemic was never part of their worst-case scenario in a business plan. Or Caroline Morris at Kimman's saying she'd do whatever was necessary to keep her employees and customers safe. Memorial Day and 4th of July seemed empty without the Lumineria or Lions Club 5-miler. Did it cross your mind too that on a mild fall Friday night, how nice it would be watching a high school marching band? Or walking a battlefield at History at Sunset or attending a concert at Market Square?

Ted at Italian Station meeting. Or leaving a studio door open means conversations in the hall can be heard during a live radio program. It's more important to be safe. We've all had longer days trying to figure it all out. And some of the changes will stick around. I'm hoping that someday soon I'll get another invite from Mayor Greenlaw to meet her at City Hall! Ted Schubel is News Director and Host of Town Talk on NewsTalk1230 WFVA!

But we've adapted. In-person guests have returned to Town Talk. Masks are worn, a door is always open now for air flow, and guests are spread apart. Zoom meetings are still a part of many government meetings. While many can now do presentations, there is still the occasional, "We can't hear you! Turn on your microphone!" Clean, crisp audio has always been a must for radio news. Now, often the audio comes from an iPhone or Zoom front porch fredericksburg

March 2021

TidBits

Become a Member

small bites of local News By Bill Freehling The owners want to turn Casey's into a community and neighborhood gathering spot and plan to offer free coffee between 9 a.m. and 11 a.m.

www.fredericksburgcsa.com

conducting last November's election, and what they expect to experience in future elections. Presented by the League of Women Voters of the FXBG Area Wren & Sparrow

Carl's is Open...It must be Spring Some people look to a groundhog to tell them when Spring is near. Fredericksburg looks to Carl's. The iconic frozen custard stand at 2200 Princess Anne Street closes every year the Sunday before Thanksgiving and reopens the Friday before Presidents Day. That means Carl's is open, and hence Spring can't be too far away! Enjoy.

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

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

Locally Owned Irish Pub and Restaurant 200 Hanover St. ~ 373-0738 12

March 2021

Restaurant Grants The Virginia Restaurant, Lodging & Travel Association (VRLTA) is partnering with restaurant-delivery service DoorDash on a $450,000 grant program "to support, recognize, and reward restaurants that have been actively engaged in helping their community and their business adapt during the pandemic." DoorDash will award approximately 125 grants of $3,500 each to local Virginia restaurants.

Diverse City Campaign The City of Fredericksburg started a five-month social media campaign to recognize and promote the diverse mix of businesses in our community. The campaign, called "FXBG Diverse City," is inspired by "Humans of New York" and Fredericksburg City Councilor Jason Graham's recent series to profile City employees. "FXBG Diverse City" will feature two social media posts per week (every Tuesday and Saturday) for five months on the Fredericksburg, Virginia Economic Development & Tourism Facebook page and Instagram feed. A compilation video will be posted at the end of each month on the page, and a landing page has been created for the campaign at visitfred.com/fxbg-diverse-city. Each post will feature a different business. March: Women-owned businesses (for Women's History Month) Blue Cow Ice Cream under construction at Liberty Place Construction is under way on the Blue Cow Ice Cream store at Fredericksburg's Liberty Place development downtown. The new store is being built out at 605 William Street, next to a Mellow Mushroom location. Blue Cow has locations currently in Roanoke and Virginia Beach. Both will be wonderful additions to Fredericksburg when they open this year. Stay tuned for updates.

A store that focuses on "supporting the backyard bird-feeding community" opened this weekend in Downtown Fredericksburg. Wren & Sparrow is at 807 Caroline Street. Bird feeders, houses, accessories and the freshest seed available, to assist you in bringing nature up close and personal to your backyard!

Conversations with the Registars Join the League online for an informal conversation with four area Registrars on March 9th at 10 a.m. Registrars from the City of Fredericksburg

New restaurant opens on Kenmore Avenue A new restaurant has opened in the former Grapevine Cafe location at 622 Kenmore Avenue in Fredericksburg. Casey's is now serving breakfast, lunch and dinner Tuesdays through Sundays. The restaurant offers dine-in, takeout and delivery.

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and the counties of Stafford, Spotsylvania and King George will participate. Viewers and listeners will learn about the job of a Registrar, how Registrars' offices operate, the challenges that Registrars and their staffs faced in

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

Season’s Bounty

The Sunken Well Tavern

ask the chef

vanessa moncure Every once in awhile a reader will write with questions or comments usually something along the lines of "you left out" something in one or another of my recipes. I blame the computer. [ha!] But recently someone appealed to me for help quick-starting a program to help with a new diagnosis of pre-diabetes. How could I turn her down? I'm not a nutritionist, but after over 35 years of my life spent involved with food, food, food, I felt I could at least advise a bit. My first advice column!

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

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

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

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

Dear Season's Bounty, I just had a physical and got the bad news that I'm pre-diabetic. I don't really cook and usually eat out except for maybe a bowl of cereal or toast in the morning. I know I need to have fruit and vegetables in a healthy diet but I don't really know about them or how to cook them. Meat I love and bread too. Can you help me? Anna Mary Dear Anna Mary, I can try! It sounds like you're committed to changing your life by changing your diet - but the trouble with that is - usually a complete and sudden change will leave you feeling adrift and probably unsatisfied - learning to cook for the first time while giving up everything you're used to eating - well, probably a road to failure. I'd advise you to first begin by studying the Nutrition Facts listed by law on food containers. Not on fresh fruit, vegetables or foods sold in bulk, but you can easily download an app with all food's nutritional content. A diet low in carbohydrates, high in fiber, protein and vital nutrients while remaining at 12001600 calories a day (depending on activity level) is ideal. A nutrition notebook is a great place to start, too. Just a bite of cookie, a handful of chips or a few pretzels with dip can really add up! Count everything you eat and drink with portions added. Portion control is probably the most important feature of any long term food control program - I didn't say the dirty word DIET, because this is a lifestyle health change. A beginning cook needs tools in the kitchen. A chef's knife, cutting knife, cutting board. A 2-qt saucepan with lid, a nonstick frying pan, a large Dutch oven. A rimmed baking sheet, pie pan, 8"x8" pan, 9"x13" pan, cupcake pan (seems silly if you're not eating cupcakes, but parbaked bacon lining the cup with 2 beaten eggs and cheese makes a powerhouse breakfast, with portion control), a pair of tongs, several silicone spatulas, a ladle, heavy

duty tin foil, parchment paper, mixing bowls. Seems like a lot, but if you don't have the right equipment to hand, you might give up all good intentions! The #1 top item: a digital scale. If you read a recipe and it says 1/2cup strawberries that's very vague. And weight is different from volume. One-half cup of mashed berries, or defrosted frozen berries, might equal a cup of fresh berries = twice the calories and twice the carbohydrates. Which is the fulcrum of most diets reducing carbs while increasing the amount of food and number of meals a day so you remain satisfied. And satisfying yourself is key - eat six small meals a day instead of skipping breakfast and overeating at lunch and dinner. You will miss some of your old foods and drinks, but you can find substitutes. Craving sweets? Try flavored teas, or zero-calorie flavored waters. No diet drinks! Savor three dark chocolatecovered almonds instead of a handful of Oreos!If you're used to drinking juices, buy the fruit instead. You'll get the bulk and fiber that's more satisfying. A tablespoon of peanut or almond butter on thin apple slices or celery sticks, some plain turkey or beef jerky, a plain Greek yogurt, two ounces of almonds or other nuts are a great snack. The hardest part of a diet, or any change in life, is to remain consistent. To stop smoking or drinking may be somewhat easier than a food diet, because we all have to eat to live, every day, whereas we don't have to smoke or drink to live. It's the choices of our foods that need to change for health reasons.

I admire your wish to help lower your A1C levels which diagnose prediabetes. A pill can't prevent it , but proper diet, exercise and accompanying weight loss may be able to. The Internet has revolutionized our lives, and can help you with your plan. YouTube is full of how-to cooking and baking videos, the wonderful Weight Watchers program is now online. Opening yourself to learning about food and nutrition will give you power over your food choices! Please let me know how you're doing! Best to you - Vanessa PS to everyone - please follow me on Instagram inthekitchen_withv I can't promise many diet-friendly recipes, but on my food-centered channel, I also have kitchen tips, recipes and plenty of how-to ideas Hello Dear Readers, Please send any cooking questions, dilemmas or need for advice to Season's Bounty at Front Porch Fredericksburg and I'd be delighted to help you in the kitchen. Or the garden, for vegetables only. I do have a black thumb issue with flower gardening ~ Vanessa V Moncure

Vanessa Moncure a great chef, has answers for all your cooking needs

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March 2021

The Table at St George Receives power of change grant

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

by Laurel E. Loch

The Table at St. George's recently received a $15,000 Power of Change grant Rappahannock Electric from the Cooperative (REC) to fund purchases of fresh food to be distributed through The Table in the World (TITW), an initiative of the church's longstanding food ministry to the city of Fredericksburg and surrounding counties. In March 2020, COVID-19 concerns shuttered the church's wellestablished market-style food pantry known as The Table at St. George's. In response, the ministry's leaders quickly decided to shift food distribution from a weekly indoor gathering where clients chose from a selection of fresh foods and nonperishables to a low-contact system. The Table fostered healthy eating by making fresh fruits and vegetables available throughout the year in an atmosphere that welcomed all in need. Continuing to serve in this capacity was imperative to the church's mission to serve its neighbors. Building on the TITW initiative begun in 2017, the leadership implemented a plan to have fresh food delivered by two local farmers and a wholesale supplier directly to sites around the community. Each site stepped up to organize safe distributions to their constituents. "In this time of national and local disruption, the ministry leaders of The Table faithfully opened their hearts to find creative ways to respond to the rising levels of food insecurity," said Rev. Areeta Bridgemohan, St. George's Associate Rector. "They chose to turn challenge into opportunity. While we feel sad about the loss of the community that gathered every week around food, we

March 2021

have gained friends through the new partnerships that have been established and we are reaching into the community on a larger scale. This generous Power of Change grant will support our expanded outreach." Over the past 10 months, TITW's food distribution has grown significantly, as has the number of those challenged by food insecurity in the wake of the pandemic. Weekly deliveries totaling approximately 4,000 pounds now include muchneeded fruits, vegetables, eggs, and cheese to eight sites that serve seniors; low-income families; people with mental health, substance use and developmental disorders; and a nonprofit focused on assisting the Latinx community. An additional site receives monthly deliveries. The Power of Change grant provides funding for nearly five weeks of deliveries. The Power of Change receives its funding from REC members who volunteer to have their electric bill rounded-up to the next highest whole dollar. If Rappahannock Electric Cooperative (REC) provides your power, we ask that you consider supporting The Power of Change to help others in need. Once enrolled, the extra change from your electric bill will be dedicated to charitable causes. Members can sign up by visiting REC's website (http://www.thepowerofchange.org) or by calling 800.552.3904 for more information. The average member contribution is approximately $6.00 per year and is tax deductible. An annual statement of your charitable contribution will be mailed to you. For more information, visit The Table at St. George's Facebook page: www.facebook.com/thetableatstg. You are welcome at St. George's, a historic Episcopal Church in downtown Fredericksburg, Virginia. No matter who you are, whom you love, or where you've been, there's a place for you here. St. George's offers services with diverse music and styles of worship based in sacred story and traditions. We have hearts for service and advocate for justice and peace in our local and global communities. We work to help the entire family of God thrive by giving of our time, talent, and treasure. We invite you to visit with us online. For more information, visit StGeorgesEpiscopal.net. Laurel E. Loch is St. George’s Parish Administrator Photo by Tina Jackson Photography

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

Serving Up Local “Good” News Since 1997

Front Porch Fredericksburg

Olde Towne Butcher

Vino

Traditional Butchery - Fresh Perspective

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

by City Vino

Join Us for Breakfast $5 Sunrise Breakfast Special Two Eggs Your Way, Breakfast Potatoes, Choice of Toast Mon./Fri. 6am-10:30am Carry Out Available 540-373-8300 ~ 620 Caroline St. FXBG, VA

Become a Member

fxbgfoodcoop@gmail.com fredericksburgfoodcoop.com

This month, get your groove on with City Vino, as we share wines made from the grape Grenache. The grape is known as Grenache, or Grenache Noir, in France; Garnacha, or Garnatxa in Spain; and Cannonau, in Italy. The grape is most notably found in the Southern Rhône Valley and Roussillon, in France; Priorat, Rioja, and Calatayud in Spain; Sardinia, Sicily, and Calabria in Italy; and California and Washington State, in the United States. Grenache tends to be lightercolored, is often semi-translucent, and tends to oxidize easily, so it often appears with the color of brick around the edges. Wines made from Grenache often have flavors of fruit roll-u up and cinnamon, which can give blind tasters a tell on what the wine may be, when paired with the color. Common flavors and aromas include strawberry, black cherry, and raspberry. Grenache can exhibit flavors of orange rind, pink grapefruit, and even notes of dried oregano, anise, or tobacco, depending on the region where it is grown. With age, the wines tend to show characteristics of leather and tar. Tannins in Grenache based wines are usually medium, as is the acidity. The alcohol levels in these wines ranges from 13.5 to 16 percent, so this grape can get quite ripe, yielding fairly high alcohol levels. Winemakers will often blend other grapes in with Grenache, in order to boost color, tannins, and acidity. Grapes often blended with Grenache include Syrah, Carignan, Cinsault, Mourvèdre, and Tempranillo. Some of the most famous wines made from blends that include Grenache are what are known as "GSM" blends. GSM means Grenache, Syrah, and Mourvèdre,

and these blends are made in France, the United States, and Australia. Grenache is the dominant grape in wines made in the Southern Rhône Valley, and most notably it is often over 80 percent of the grapes used in the infamous red blends from Châteauneuf-d du-P Pape. The wine, Cannonau di Sardegna, from Sardinia, in Italy, is required by law to be at least 90 percent Grenache (Cannonau). DOQ Priorat is premia region for Grenache in Spain, also known as Garnatxa. Grenache is often used in making rosé, especially in the Tavel AOC in the Southern Rhône Valley, Provence, and Roussillon in France; and Navarra, in Spain. If you are interested in exploring, Loup Tavel AOC try Domaine Corne-L France 2019. Also, Grenache, due to its ability to produce high sugar levels as it ripens, is used to make fortified dessert wines, called vin doux naturel, in France. The wines are from Rasteau, Maury, and Banyuls, in France. Red wines made from Grenache are great pairings for dishes like braised meats and stews, roasted vegetables, lamb dishes, and duck breast. Both the red and rosé Grenache pairs beautifully with barbequed meats and with cheeses like cheddar, so give it a try with macaroni and cheese. The fortified Grenaches definitely would be great accompanying chocolate, grilled figs, or blue cheese.

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

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March 2021

CALEND march 2021... May the Luck of the Irish Be With You

Thursday, March 11

Downtown Runaround, a virtual 5K to benefit Downtown Greens! Join us for our first ever virtual" 5k! Anytime March 1 thru March 14 run, walk, bike, skip, crawl

Are you a Happy Camper? Fredericksburg RV Show at the Fredericksburg Expo & Conference Center. Multiple RV Dealers will have a variety of RVs available at Show Special prices plus you will find RV accessories and campgrounds. Show thru March 7

Saturday, March 6

Rows, Collections & Private Spaces, new work by Chris Gregson, Ridderhof Martin Gallery, thru March 21

Drive-In Movie Series, "Trolls World Tour" Come join us for a FREE family movie night in the park. The movie will be played through your car radio. We will have a food truck available for dinner. 5-7:30 pm

Great Lives Lecture Series, Gandi, available as pre-recorded Zoom w p.m. and be archived on the UMW

Monday, March 1

Tuesday, March 2 Madeline Albright, UMW annual William B. Crawley Great Lives Lecture Series available as pre-recorded Zoom webinars, with closed-captioning available. Following each lecture Q & Awith the speaker available to answer audience questions. 7:30 p.m. and be archived on the UMW website for later viewing

Falcons in Flight, Join educators at Old Mill Park to witness the flight of the falcon and learn more about these majestic birds. Earthquest will have three different falcons with them: Peregrine, Saker/Gyr, and Aplomado! Participants are encouraged to take pictures and ask questions throughout the program. Masks are required. All children must be accompanied by a paying adult. Old Mill Park, meet at shelter 2. Fee parks.fxbg.com or call 540-372-1086.

Senior Fun & Games drive-in bingo, movies, trivia. . Dorothy Hart Community Center Auditorium/Parking Lot 10:30am

Fredericksburg RV Show at FXBG Expo Center.

Wednesday, March 3

Sunday, March 7

"Finding Friends Playgroup" fun playgroup specifically for children ages 2 to 5 with special needs and their Massad Family YMCA 1 p.m- 2 p.m

Colonial Tavern Sunday night trivia runs from 5:00-6:30 p.m; Sunday Brunch11:30-3PM

Dr. Lynne Cheney will discuss her latest book, The Virginia Dynasty: Four Presidents and the Creation of the American Nation, in an interactive Facebook Live event at 6:30 PM EST. www.jamesmonroemuseum.org

Sunken Well Tavern, Sunday Brunch ti; 1p Dine-In, Take-Out, & Delivery. 720 Littlepage

Thursday, March 4 Great Lives Zora Neale Hurston/Eudora Welty. Presented by Gary Richards, Professor of English and Chair of the English and Linguistics Department Visit umw.edu/greatlives to join the zoom webinar. No preregistration is required.

First Friday, March 5 Meet Local Producers, 6-7 pm Online. Fredericksburg Food Co-op presents a lively conversation with three of the local vendors whose products will be available at the Co-op. Email fxbgfoodcoop@gmail.com for registration link. FCCA Gallery, "Imagined Realities" all-media national exhibit opens Brush Strokes Gallery, "Cusp of the Season All Members Show", opens. Exhibit thru March Artful Dimensions, All Member Show opening, 6p "Art to Go" Moss Clinic Benefit Show & Sale, Sammy T's, thru April 5

Become a Friend Advocate ~ Donate ~ Volunteer

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

March 2021

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Bluegrass on the Patio, Sunken Well Tavern 6-8pm Fredericksburg RV Show at FXBG Expo Center.

Tuesday, March 9 Leaugue of Women Voters "Converstion with the Registrars. Online Event conversation with four area Registrars 10 a.m learn about the job of a Registrar, how Registrars' offices operate, the challenges that Registrars and their staffs faced in conducting last November's election, and what they expect to experience in future elections. . Register at lwvfra@gmail.com and a Zoom link will be sent to you the day before. Questions? Contact Cathie Braman at cathiebraman@gmail.com Great Lives Lecture Series, St. Augustine, speaker Jennifer Barry is an Associate Professor of Religious Studies at the UMW. programs will be available as pre-recorded Zoom webinars, with closed-captioning available. 7:30 p.m.

Wednesday, March 10 "Finding Friends Playgroup" is a fun, weekly, playgroup designed for children ages 2 to 5 with special needs and their siblings. The fun takes place in room 3 of the Massad Family YMCA from 1 p.m. until 2 p.m

Food Co-op Book Group, 1 pm or to discuss "The Storied Life of A fxbgfoodcoop@gmail.com for infor

Friday, March 12

FXBG Fine Art Show & Sale, 10a-8 shop from local artists in a var guidelines per the Governor's orde Dorothy Hart Community Center

Saturday, March 13

St Patty's Day Run, 5k, 10k 1 Mile scenic 5k/10k that runs alongside Fredericksburg. Walkers and stro virtual run option for those who c

FXBG Fine Art Show & Sale, 10a-6 shop from local artists in a var guidelines per the Governor's orde Dorothy Hart Community Center

Sunday, March 14 Daylight Savings Time Begins

Colonial Tavern Sunday night trivi Brunch11:30-3PM

Sunken Well Tavern, Sunday Brunch 720 Littlepage

Bluegrass on the Patio, Sunken We FXBG Fine Art Show & Sale, 10a-4p Dorothy Hart Community Center

Monday, March 15

Reducing Plastic, 7-8 pm Online. F info about local initiatives & how conundrum of plastic. fxbgfoodcoo

Tuesday, March 16

Great Lives Lecture Series: Artemis programs will be available as pre-r caption 7:30 p.m.

DAR of events

7 pm Online. Join Food Co-op friends A.J. Fikry" by Gabrielle Zevin. Email rmation on participating.

speaker Anand Rao programs will be webinars, Lectures will begin at 7:30 website for later viewing

p Open to the public to browse and riety of mediums. Social distancing ers will be in place during the show.

er, Old Mill Park, 7:30am enjoy this e the Rappahannock River in historic ollers are welcome .Now offering a annot make it on race day.

p Open to the public to browse and riety of mediums. Social distancing ers will be in place during the show.

Wednesday, March 17

Thursday, March 25

St Patrick's Day

Hidden in the Paint: Portrait of a Young Girl with Fan , 12pm umwsso.zoom.us. Discover what challenges and surprises art conservator Perry Hurt found in this 1626 painting attributed to Wybrand de Geest that was in the Melchers' personal collection. Hurt will illustrate how he applied a combination of chemistry know-how and artistic skill to give renewed beauty and longevity to this favorite Melchers-owned painting. Q & A to follow this short presentation.

"Finding Friends Playgroup" designed specifically for children ages 2 to 5 with special needs and their siblings. Massad Family YMCA 1 p.m. -2p.m

Thursday, March 18 Great Lives Lecture Series, Lillian Hellman, speaker Gregg Skull prerecorded Zoom webinars, closed-captioning.Following each lecture will be a Q&A, 7:30 p.m. Historic Zion UMC hosts a Coat Closet Need clothing items? We have various clothes and they are free to those who come to shop. Our hours are 3:30-5:30. Zion is located in the Spotsylvania courthouse district a block from the Snow Library .

Friday, March 19 Children's Art Show , 10a-2p Free thru Saturday, Dorothy Hart Community Center Spring Home Show FXBG Expo Center get new ideas from local experts who will help inspire, & kick start your Spring projects! Thru March 21

Saturday, March 20 Spring Begins Classic Cottage Art & Antique Spring Open House, 104 Milford St, Bowling Green, 10a-4p

ia runs from 5:00-6:30 p.m; Sunday

h ti; 1p Dine-In, Take-Out, & Delivery.

ll Tavern 6-8pm local artists in a variety of mediums.

FXBG Food Co-op presents up-to-date w you can contribute to solving the op@gmail.com for registration link.

sis Gentileschi, speaker Marjorie Och. recorded Zoom webinars, with closed-

Sunday, March 21 Colonial Tavern Sunday night trivia runs from 5:00-6:30 p.m; Sunday Brunch11:30-3PM Sunken Well Tavern, Sunday Brunch ti; 1p Dine-In, Take-Out, & Delivery. 720 Littlepage Food Culture Art Show, The Painted Horse Gallery, 114 N.Main St, Bowling Green, thru March Bluegrass on the Patio, Sunken Well Tavern 6-8pm

Wednesday, March 24

Author Barbara Oberg, senior scholar at Princeton University, will discuss her book Women in the Age of the American Revolution. . www.jamesmonroemuseum.org

Saturday, March 27 Dog Easter Egg Hunt Bring your dogs join the fun This is a great way to get out and play with your favorite furry friend. Your registration of $5 allows up to two dogs to join in the fun! 1-1:30 pm Maury Playground, 901 Kenmore Ave Bowling Green Farmers Market Opening , 204 N Main St, 9a-1p Grand Re-Opening Dainty Roadside Stand,9a-3p, 116B Chase Bowling St.

Sunday, March 28 Colonial Tavern Sunday night trivia runs from 5:00-6:30 p.m; Sunday Brunch11:30-3PM Sunken Well Tavern, Sunday Brunch ti; 1p Dine-In, Take-Out, & Delivery. 720 Littlepage Bluegrass on the Patio, Sunken Well Tavern 6-8pm

Wednesday, MARCH 31 Mid-Week Coffee Break looking for a new opportunity to connect with other local businesses? Grab your morning coffee and join us This open forum will allow you to form new business relationships, generate ideas, and stay connected. 9Am UMW Small Business Development Center Online:contact us at (540)654-1383 "Finding Friends Playgroup" playgroup designed specifically for children ages 2 to 5 with special needs and their siblings. The fun takes place in room 3 of the Massad Family YMCA from 1 p.m. until 2 p.m

Healthy Eating with the Food Co-op, 6-7 pm Online. Functional nutrition expert Dr. Christine Thompson will guide us through Michael Pollan's "Food Rules." Email fxbgfoodcoop@gmail.com for registration link.

If you are reading this 284th issue of FPF, thank an advertiser as we celebrate our 24th year of continuous publication!

"Finding Friends Playgroup" designed specifically for children ages 2 to 5 with special needs and their siblings. Massad Family YMCA 1- 2 p.m

List your events email frntprch@aol.com: subject Calendar Deadline for April 2021 issue is March 20th.

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

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

March 2021

history’s stories

When I Was Your Age By Ralph “Tuffy” Hicks overlooked is the Generation X or Thirteeners (1965-1980). Thirteeners name was used as it was the 13th generation born since the American Revolution. Sometimes referred to as the "latchkey children" or "lost" generation as they were in midst of rising divorces without parents at home. Known for their dislike of the establishment and government. Why is it that that there is something different with young people these days as compared to others? We all are guilty of saying "we had the best childhood, music, cars etc., as we talk to our friends.

I can remember way back about 1952 when my Grandfather said to me "when I was your age", I was 9. He went on to tell me about getting up at 4AM and helping on the family farm and then walking 4 miles to school bare foot, as he had to save his shoes for Sunday Church. How many of us have uttered those same words to our children or grandchildren? Recently I have heard many of the older generation saying similar words, especially during these times of unrest and changes going on in the world. We tend to forget that as Mother would say, "Times have changed", that many of us did not have to tend to the family farm in the 1950's or chop wood for the kitchen stove or draw water in a bucket from the well or walk to the outhouse on those cold winter days. We can remember when the old "Outhouse" still stood, with the hanging bucket over the well rusting from non-use. Some of us still walked to school in the city, while our friends in the county rode the yellow school bus. Times were hard as we had no lap-tops, X-Box, Cell phones or cars. Mother would wait patiently to use the party phone line with 4 other families on the same line. Many times, you could hear Aunt Elizabeth listening in on

the conversation. I know Liz was disappointed when we would all have a private line. We still had our chores, cutting grass, carrying out the trash and jobs such as carrying newspapers or working in grocery stores bagging groceries. My Grandfather was from the G. I. Generation (1900-1924) They lived through the Great Depression; World War II often referred to as the "Greatest Generation". I was in the Silent Generation (1925-1945) My generation was born during periods of war many opposed the war in Korea and Viet-Nam. Many of us were the first in the family to go to college. We mixed in with the Baby Boomers (1946-1964) Know for the large birth rate following WWII. Known for the yuppie, hippie, and Civil Rights movements. We did not hear much about the use of the Generation names until the 2000's Millennials often called Generation Y (1980-1995) Know as the generation of mass shootings, racial and civil unrest and the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan. Often called the me me me generation. The generation that is often

The Central Rappahannock Heritage Center is a non-profit, all-volunteer archives whose mission is to preserve historically valuable material of the region and make it available to the public for research 900 Barton St #111, Fredericksburg, VA www.crhcarchives.org contact@crhcarchives.org 540-373-3704 Volunteers Wecome! Contact us about donating collections of documents and photographs 18

March 2021

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I believe as times change that with advances in technology that there are new stages in our development that the youth were not pushed into adulthood. With changes in choices such as schooling, marriage, children and even leaving the home many stay into their late twenties and as a result no longer had to grow up as quickly as we did. We can look at the beautiful Victorian style homes that are large many have three floors of space that housed two and sometimes three families in the 1890's. Some families stayed together in the same home, never to leave until the end of their lives.

Many of us place the blame on the "Youth of Today", when in fact most of the laws and rules are being enacted by Politicians on the local, state, and national level that are in their 60's, 70's and some older. The most recent outspoken generation is Generation Y as they were raised in higher income families and were involved in the financial affairs of the family with many of them having credit cards before the age of 18. They grew up in technology of computers and cell phones with satellite cable TV and radio and internet are more outspoken with their views on racial and ethnic issues. They are one of the largest groups with a population in excess of 70 million. The Generation Z (1996-202-) will be the most sophisticated group with the computer and media environment. This group is still so young that "HISTORY WILL TELL" Their Grandfather will probably say something like, When I was your age, I had a Cell Phone, however, they will already have had one. Dedicated to: Benjamin Smith, Floyd Cooper, George Riddle, Earl Hollibaugh Tuffy is Front Porch’s Resident Historian

What’s in a Fog?

OUR HERITAGE

Ballast Stones

artists in fredericksburg

By jon gerlach

It was early morning, and a dense fog settled on City Dock as I slid my boat into the water. The railroad bridge and the opposite shore were shrouded in mist. As I paddled out into the still river, the silence was profound. Without anything to anchor my vision, my mind had room to wander. Far off came the banging sound of someone loading lumber. A lone seagull's cry cascaded away in the enveloping mist. I imagined this place centuries ago, when it was a bustling seaport. Back then, when the fog cleared, you might have seen a massive English sailing ship creaking alongside the dock. Eventually the fog lifted, and I stepped out of my kayak onto the opposite shore. It was low tide, and spread across the ground at my feet was a pile of stones (shown in photo). They seemed at home in the mud, except for one, a porous basalt cobble. I picked up the unusual rock, examined it, and suddenly realized I might be holding a piece of that large English sailing ship.

By elizabeth daly When Fredericksburg was a seaport town, it was customary for seagoing vessels to be stabilized for buoyancy using ballast stones packed into a ship's lowest holds. The stones were loaded onto ships around England and the West Indies. Upon arrival in port here, the ship's cargo and ballast stones were off-loaded by enslaved people, who then loaded new cargo into the ship for its outbound voyage. Dumping ballast stones in the river was a serious offense. If done enough, it impeded navigation and clogged up the port area - not good for commerce. Under British Colonial rule, ballast laws protected the inland ports of Virginia. One law enacted in 1705 made it unlawful for the master of any ship to "cast or unlade any Stones, Gravel or other Ballast, into any River, Creek, Haven or Harbour within this Colony and Dominion." In 1779, after Independence, the Virginia General Assembly enacted its own ballast law. A local ballast master was appointed by the court, who oversaw and directed the off-loading of ballast. The stones should be "laid at some convenient place near the vessel, where it may not obstruct navigation nor be washed into the channel". If a vessel's officer failed to notify the ballast master of the time proposed for unloading ballast, threw the rocks overboard, or failed to follow the orders of the ballast master, he could "forfeit" 50 pounds for each such offense. We're talking serious money here roughly the annual wages of a skilled tradesman! One great mystery of Fredericksburg is this: where are all the ballast stones today? This was a busy inland seaport, after all. We know that ballast was used to pave the streets of some Colonial towns, like Savannah, Charleston, and possibly Alexandria. I have yet to find evidence of ballast stones in Fredericksburg, except for the stone I found that day, which now resides in the Ferry Farm archaeology collection. As you explore our fair City, keep an eye out for them yourself, and let us know if you find one. It might be just beneath your feet. So what's in a Fog? Here, ballast stones, obscured by the mists of time.

Fredericksburg is rich in artistic talent and always has been. John Adams Elder and Keith Torbleau Pitzer are two who left their marks here. John Adams Elder, the "Artist of the Civil War," was born in Fredericksburg in 1833 at 1111 Main Street (Caroline). At seventeen, he went to New York City and then to Germany to study art. He returned to here to earn his living painting portraits and landscapes. Elder's studio was in the Exchange Hotel at Main and Hanover Streets. The hotel burned in 1857, and Elder moved to Richmond. During the Battle of Fredericksburg (December 1862), his family's home was damaged. He enlisted as a private in McCaskie's Battery. From sketches he made at the Battle of the Crater at Petersburg, Elder painted a large painting. Fire seemed to follow Elder-that painting was destroyed when Richmond burned in 1865. After the war, Elder lived in Fredericksburg and in Richmond. He painted Civil War subjects, including Robert E. Lee, Jubal Early, Thomas "Stonewall" Jackson, Raphael Semmes, and others, helping to perpetuate The Lost Cause. He also painted a Miss Fisher, a woman he loved but didn't marry because he couldn't support her. Elder died in Fredericksburg in 1895 at 1111 Main; the portrait of Miss Fisher was hanging in his room. He had been in ill health for several years, never having recovered from the malaria he contracted in Mississippi while painting Jefferson Davis in 1887. Elder was buried in the Confederate Cemetery; the stone says, "John Elder Artist." Another wartime artist, Keith Pitzer, was born in 1920, across the street and half a block north of John Adams Elder's home. Pitzer's family owned the Lewis Store, 1200 Caroline Street, between 1922 and 1983. The store had ceased being a retail site and became a residence in 1823. Pitzer's war was World War II. He attended school in Fredericksburg and studied with Julien Binford, an art professor at Mary

“Eating Watermelons”, John Adams Elder Washington College. At the outbreak of World War II, Pitzer enlisted in the Army. He was assigned to Europe where he worked in special services illustrating military publications and the Diamond Dust, an Army newspaper. He painted murals at Red Cross centers in Europe and Iceland. Afterward, Pitzer went to New York City, where he modeled for murals at the Greenwich Savings and Loan painted by his mentor, Julian Binford. Returning to Fredericksburg, he was known for his award-winning realistic and abstract works. Pitzer was a founding member of the Market Square Art Fairs and president Rappahannock Valley Art of the Association. He exhibited at the Corcoran Gallery in Washington, the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts in Richmond, Mary Washington College, and the Central Rappahannock Regional Library. He participated in a traveling exhibit of his drawings and Japanese prints at colleges and universities across the country in the 1960s. Like Elder, Keith Pitzer died in the house where he was born-the Lewis Store. He died in 1973 at 53 and was buried in City Cemetery. Elizabeth Daly is a volunteer with the HFFI. & CRHC

An attorney and retired archaeologist, Jon Gerlach chairs the Architectural Review Board in Fredericksburg Photo by Jon Gerlach

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March 2021

Mental Health understanding bpd symptoms By ashley nestler

As a woman living with Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD), and as a mental health professional, I have researched the disorder significantly to better understand it. As one of the most stigmatized mental health conditions, BPD is not covered extensively when in school for a mental health profession. This causes a disservice to those who live with the illness and the mental health professionals who treat them. Especially considering the vast range of signs and symptoms associated with BPD. A large part of the problem is the level of stigma embedded in the way we talk about and define BPD symptoms - i.e. mercurial, superficial, impulsive, highly manipulative of others, etc. You can tell how stigmatized they are just by the way they are described, such as the symptom of "attention-seeking behaviors," which invalidates the turmoil a person with BPD goes through. The symptoms of BPD are often seen as exaggerative or abrasive, which can compromise the accessibility of treatment and the accuracy of diagnoses. It took me many years to be properly diagnosed and treated, which is very common for people with this illness. One of the best ways to create more understanding and empathy is to take a step back and try to understand the underlying causes of BPD symptoms. What are the Underlying Causes? Most individuals with BPD have experienced some form of abuse, neglect and/or abandonment at some point in their lives, with many experiencing this abuse during childhood. Any form of abuse can lead to an inability to manage one's emotions or create trust or secure relationships with others. Now, imagine having experienced abuse, neglect or abandonment and trying to navigate the world as an adult when you don't know how to regulate or express your emotions or connect with others in a

March 2021

healthy way. Understanding the abuse that often lies beneath BPD is imperative to creating acceptance and tackling the stigma surrounding this illness. Many individuals who live with borderline personality disorder may not understand their impulsive or manipulative actions, and many do not see their actions until they are pointed out to them. That's how it was for me. Before treatment, I was flirtatious with others to try to find some form of acceptance or validation, and I would struggle with impulsive shopping and high peaks of energy and intense boredom. I had many superficial relationships because of how hard it was to trust others, and I experienced strong mood swings because of how abuse impacted my ability to express myself safely. I still struggle with these symptoms from time to time, but learning strategies on how to regulate my emotions helped me manage my impulsivity in relationships and with money. Additionally, helping my loved ones understand my illness has strengthened my relationships, and that connection is so important when it comes to BPD. There are so many underlying causes for developing borderline personality disorder, but I find that the symptoms that are most stigmatized cause professionals and others to avoid individuals with the condition. It is imperative that we rewrite the script and understand the abuse, neglect and abandonment that many people with BPD have experienced. By starting the discussion with the causes, and not just the symptoms, we can create empathy and provide more treatment options for people with this mental illness.

Ashley Nestler, MSW, is a survivor of schizoaffective disorder, quiet borderline personality disorder, fibromyalgia, bulimia nervosa, obsessive compulsive disorder and Complex PTSD. Ashley is an educator on Borderline Personality Disorder & the creator of Releasing the Phoenix and The Ignite and Rise Academy. www.releasingthephoenix.com She is a contributor to National Alliance on Mental Illness, a mental health organization

To learn more about our programs, visit our Website namirapp.com

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Have You Tried Acupuncture?

It’s All Energy cross your energies by christina ferber

Call Now to Schedule 540.847.6985 AcupunctureFredericksburg.com

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

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When I meet clients for the first time or teach an Eden Energy Medicine (EEM) class, I often begin by sharing some of the Principles of Energy Medicine that Donna Eden teaches. Every exercise or technique in EEM is based on these principles, and this month I am focusing on the principle of cross-over patterns. Energy wants to cross over, and it likes to do so in small and large figure 8 patterns. These crossovers are found everywhere, from the pattern of our DNA to the communication systems between the left and right sides of our brain, and the stronger these cross-over and figure eight patterns are, the healthier we are. When your energies are not crossing over, we can feel tired, unfocused, depressed, or simply not have much energy or motivation. We can also be more vulnerable to illness. Creating a habit in the body of crossover energies can help us to feel more energetic, enhance our coordination, balance left and right brain communication, and clear our thinking so we are more focused. We often will create that cross over energy without even realizing it by crossing our legs or arms, or even doodling on paper, but there are also some EEM exercises that can help us to create even more crossover patterns. To perform the Crossover Shoulder Pull and Cross Crawl, start with a shoulder pull by placing your right hand on your left shoulder. With a little pressure, push in and drag your hand across your body to the opposite hip. After repeating on both sides a few times, move to an exaggerated walk as you cross over each hand to the opposite knee. Continue this cross-over march a few more times to cement the pattern. If this exercise leaves you tired instead of feeling more energetic, visit my website for another way to encourage cross-over patterns

The Figure Eight pattern is the optimal way that energy moves. They help to create that crossover pattern and also activate an energy system called the Radiant Circuits (your joy circuits). They are good to do over any part of your body that does not feel well, and they also strengthen our surrounding energy field. Simply move your hands in a large figure eight pattern around your body. There is no wrong way to do this, just trace eights in a way that feels right to you. You can make big eights over your whole body or small eights over parts of it. You can make eights in the air or on your skin. You can make eights between you and someone else and even visualize situations surrounded by eights. Tracing an eight over your eyes or drawing eights on paper also activates this cross-over pattern. To trace eights around your eyes, start at the bridge of your nose and slowly, either on your skin or a few inches out from your skin, come up and around one eye and back to the bridge of your nose and then trace a circle over your other eye. Do this as many times as you like. Make it a habit to do any or all of these exercises at least one time a day, if not more, and see if they help you to feel more balanced and focused. For more exercises to help you create cross-over patterns and balance all of the body's energy systems, visit www.itsallenergywellness.com.

Christina Ferber is a Certified Eden Energy Medicine Practitioner

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March 2021

Emancipated Patients the ott culture By Patrick Neustatter, MD

“Stop the Stupid” The expression "OTT" seems used more in the UK than the US. That doesn't mean a lot of stuff in America, and especially in healthcare, isn't Over-TheTop. This idea was crystalized by signing up to be a vaccinator for the Rappahannock Area Health District. Being a doctor didn't excuse me from having to recertify for Basic Life Support to make sure I know chest excursion must be 2 inches, not 1½. That it's five back blows or chest thrusts on a choking baby, not two. Then watch videos on unpacking Pfizer containers, drawing up vaccine, using an EpiPen etc. Only then could I take my place in the hubbub at one of the multiple tables set up in the gym at the Caroline County Community Center and start vaccinating the procession of elderly Caroline County residents. I like to think I could have done it without the training. There's Nothing Like a Computer I shouldn't like to seem to be knocking the VAHD, who have had a

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mammoth challenge setting up this whole vaccination campaign, pretty much on the fly - despite "warp speed" preparations. It was when I had a 92 year old who was not on the list and I was told I couldn't vaccinate her because "the computer says all the appointments are taken"* that I started ruminating on how computers have greatly added to the hairtearing, burn-out inducing OTT stuff in healthcare. Electronic Health Records arrived with great promise, but were mandated by the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act in 2014. The trouble is the geeks, the bean counters, the administrators got hold of it and produced a completely unwieldy cross between a billing template and a malpractice defense document, with minimal utility for treating patients. Ask any doctor. They'll complain bitterly about having to navigate through multiple massively busy screens, clicking a zillion boxes along the way. Having to select from an over choice of diagnoses and medicines. The confusing computer generated, 10 page reports from consultants or the ER. The vast list of potential adverse drug reactions to anything you prescribe - a tool to protect you and the patient, but it's so OTT it's just "wolf-wolf." The same thing is that scary print out of adverse effects the pharmacy gives you every time you fill your medicine. The technical term is "overwarning." Patients are unhappy as well. The Annuls of Internal Medicine reports doctors spend twice as long attending to their computer as to the patient. A common complaint. Technology is of course ubiquitous but stressing us out everywhere. We have to figure out how to use our computer, smart phone, TV, whatever, by trial - and often repeated -

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error, because the techies of this industry - an industry that is ironically all about communication - are themselves incapable of communicating understandable instructions. Combining this with a culture of risk-aversion has produced things like my wife's new Subaru Outback that is constantly sounding some kind of disconcerting safety alarm about someone in the blind spot, she's crossed the white line, the tire pressures off, she's too close to the car in front. We're nervous wrecks. The Harm All this stuff that is meant to help us and make us safe, takes its toll. Not to mention other OTT stuff in healthcare, like horrific HIPAA (Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act) regulations. Persnickety home health care plans, and much other "government overreach." Reports are that around half of all doctors are feeling burned out. And a study published in the Journal of the American Medical Informatics Association

noted 70 percent of doctors felt "technology stress" dealing with badly designed EHR. Some are fighting back. Dr. Melinda Ashton, Executive Vice President and Chief Quality Officer of the Hawaii Pacific Health group published a critical report in the New England Journal of Medicine about what she calls "stupid stuff." Our politicians, administrators, regulators, manufacturers are all out of control. They're all OTT.

*Just so reminiscent of the "computer says no" skit in Little Britain, for anyone familiar with that. Patrick Neustatter is the Medical Director of the Moss Free Clinic. & Author of Managing Your Doctor The Smart Patient’s Guide to Getting Effective Affordable Healthcare. managingyourdoctor.com

STEP VA First of Its Kind Musical Debuts this Spring By brigid o’leary donatelifevirginia.org

A groundbreaking new musical will hit the stage this spring, as cast and 19," crew tell the story of "A Special Covid-1 a musical based on the pandemic of 2020, reflecting the challenges of our current times as lived by someone with a disability. Supported largely in part by STEP VA, Inc., a local 501c nonprofit that "empowers people with special needs through artistic expression and sensory exploration," the musical is the first of its kind-not only for the topic, but also being created, produced and directed by an autistic individual, and starring a cast composed solely of people with disabilities. Noah Finch has been involved with STEP VA for six years. With the encouragement of STEP VA leadership, he channeled his feelings about the pandemic first into a song. Then, guided by professionals across several fields, the 22year-old turned that song into a complete, two-act musical with songs spanning multiple style genres. Finch created the story, arranged the music and wrote all

the songs and lyrics, handpicked his cast from his STEP VA friends, and is directing weekly Zoom rehearsals. "I thought of people I knew and their personalities. That's how I cast their roles. Having friends makes our rehearsals easier. Everybody knows each other and is comfortable," said Finch, who

explained that he wrote the plot, then the script, before deciding on who would play which role. "I'm having fun with rehearsals every week. I lead the warmups and accompany the participants with my keyboard playing while teaching the songs. It makes me feel proud hearing them sing my songs. As we begin our Zoom rehearsals the participants are working hard learning the music, lyrics and choreography. Since it's via Zoom, it's more difficult than rehearsals in person, but they're doing their best." Plans are going forward to stage the musical the weekend of April 17 - 18, with a live audience as safety permits. STEP VA is also exploring options to both

live stream and record the show for later online viewing. "Our goal with these performances is to showcase the unique perspectives of people with disAbilities. and bring their talent, voices and stories to the stage," said STEP VA executive director, Jan Monroe.

For more information or to donate, visit www.stepva.org . Brigid O'Leary is a STEP VA parent advocate and media contact

STEP VA, Inc. is a 501c3 non-p profit organization that provides sensory-b based theater and arts programs for individuals with disabilities.Its vision is to transform the world by offering each individual the opportunity to flourish in the communit

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March 2021

Art in Burg Art Galleries in March

kiln formed glass work, and photography will also be included in the sale. Don't miss the sale of the year!!! ~Lisa Gillen Libertytown Arts Workshop 916 Liberty St Mon-T Thurs, 10-6 6; Fri/Sat 10-8 8, Sun 10-5 5 Something going on all month...classes, lots of art & more!

wintery coating, while Pete Zink's metal-sculpture "Snowman" may be seen as waving goodbye. In contrast, the redbreasted robin in Sarah Flinn's "Spring" and the cherry blossoms "Daffodils" Laurie Kitchin, @Sammy T’s Nancy Williams' "Gentle of Touch" convey the harbingers of ~ Rob Rudick Spring, while the playful, curious bunnies in Marianna Smith's "The Velveteen

“Cusp of the Season” Brush Strokes Gallery 824 Caroline St. Friday- Sun 11am - 5 pm. & Appointment As the winter snows remain in our memories, the waft of a warmer “Shenandoah Scene, Nicole Myers,@Art First breeze or the sight of sprouts peeking through the soil are signs of the promise All Member Show of Spring, and Brush Strokes artists depict Artful Dimensions Gallery the cusp of the season in the gallery's 922 Caroline Street March exhibit. Buddy Lauer's "Fresh Morning ~Sally Cooney Anderson Snow--Fredericksburg Battlefield," Penny A Parrish's "Winter Trees, Gulf of Finland," "Imagined Realities" All-M Media National Exhibit FCCA 813 Sophia ST Th-F Fri, 12-4 4p; Sat 11-4 4, Sun, 1-4 4p

Canal Quarter Arts 1517 Princess Anne Street Darbytown Darbytown Art Studio 241 Charles Street ~Jeannie Ellis “Annual Red Tag Sale” Opening Reception, March 5, 6-8 8p Art First, 824 Caroline ST Open Thurs-S Sun 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Visit us in March and Save! Join us for our Annual Red Tag Sale! Art with a red sales tag will be sold at a reduced sales price. Take home original work or browse our bins of prints. Jewelry,

“Sunset”, Barbara Taylor Hall @Art First and Norma Woodward's "Early Snow" feature just a dusting of that frosty

Art-T To Go Moss Clinic Benefit Show & Sale February 3-A April 5 Sammy T’s Restaurant To View & Purchase View online at www.mossfreeclinic.org & Facebook. ~Lou Gramann

“Mitchie Tavern”, D.R.Taylor @Brush Strokes Gallery Rabbit" beckon the gallery's visitors to join in celebrating the spirit of the season with unbridled joy. ~Collette Caprara

The Artists' Alliance 100 Taylor St, Suite 101 Colonial Beach The Artists' Alliance (AA) Gallery at Jarrett Thor Fine Arts, in Colonial Beach, has a wonderful show of abstract art by Kathryn Murray. Kathryn's work is mixed media, done in acrylic and tissue paper. She says, "the tissue paper paintings often come about as a kind of meditation at the end of the day." Also, view an array of painting, photography, pottery, sculpture, jewelry, wood furniture, and basketry from AA artists Additionally, Carl and Joyce Thor, Jarrett Thor Fine Arts, continue to maintain studio space in the adjacent area, suite 102. They display their original paintings, as well as decorative minerals

“The Velveteen Rabbit”, Marianna Smith @Brush Strokes Gallery

810 Caroline Street, Downtown 540.371.4099

“Goolricks After Hours”, Penny A Parrish 24

March 2021

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Beverley Coates

“Rappahannock Winter”, Lynn Abbott

Artist on Site Saturdays

Helen Dhue World Lessons Inspire Children's Book by Jill Laiacona Set on an island, the rhyming prose begin with the peaceful premise of a group of cats living together, drinking milkshakes and playing games: "However, the cats didn't always play nicely; in fact, there was one animal, they hated precisely. The cats disliked bats. How this started we don't know; but the disdain for bats started a long time ago." One night, a tiny bat falls from the sky, upending the cats' worldview and laying the groundwork for a lesson in acceptance. Repulsed at first, they begin to learn about this new creature and come to appreciate bats and all their attributes.

Home during quarantine, University of Mary Washington sophomore Helen Dhue found herself rifling through childhood belongings. Among old papers and artwork, she discovered a book she wrote as a kindergartner. As she turned the pages, inspiration struck. Influenced by classes she'd taken at Mary Washington as part of her history major, Dhue put pen to paper. She'll soon release her self-published children's book, The Cats Who Like Bats, based on the story she dictated to her mother all those years ago. Dhue, who is also enrolled in UMW's education program and aspires to teach high school history, hopes the tale will help parents and educators broach with young children complex topics like racism, discrimination, diversity and inclusion.

"These cats have ideas about bats they've created before they even got to know them," said Dhue, whose story reflects children's tendency to repeat stereotypes without understanding them or their impact on others. As she wrote, she thought of a friend who was mocked by classmates for her Chinese heritage. "Being white, I had the privilege of being able to forget these jokes, but even though my friend would laugh, they still bothered her," said Dhue. The author also had in mind the increased antiimmigrant rhetoric over the past few years, as well as the surge in hate crimes toward Asian Americans during the pandemic. At UMW, she developed a deeper understanding of these subjects, especially through immigration and Latin American history courses she took with professors

Krystyn Moon and Allyson Poska. These classes provided background for writing her book, as did an add-on Race and Racism course that Mary Washington offered last semester. Discussing the American melting pot in Moon's class was an e y e - o p e n i n g experience, Dhue said. "Even though the concept may seem wellintentioned, it doesn't leave room for individual cultures," she added. That was the impetus for switching the book's message from downplaying our differences to celebrating them. "Helen has told a beautiful story that is very relatable," Moon said, "but more importantly she has created an opportunity for parents and educators to talk about differences with young children in ways that can promote empathetic communication and understanding." Dhue sent the completed text to high school friend Julia Lopresti, a design major at North Carolina State University. She included some rough sketches, saying she trusted her friend's artistic vision. Lopresti's playful illustrations "exceeded expectations," Dhue said.

Still looking for a self-publishing site, Dhue expects it will be a few months before The Cats Who Like Bats hits bookshelves. In the meantime, she is compiling resources for educators so they can begin having conversations with their students once they have the book in hand. "I want teachers to be able to create a welcoming space where no one has to feel excluded," she said. "My hope is that this book can help children maintain some of the values they already have and affirm that love and acceptance are among those important attributes."

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

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March 2021

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

By amy bayne In its evolution toward fostering a thriving downtown, a community can improve buildings and invite business; it can spruce up streets and hang flags; it can even infuse wealth and invigorate infrastructure; however, it's not until a town has a favorite local coffee shop that a community finds its heart. In Bowling Green that heart is The Mix House. Jessica Beale and her sisters Katie Gibson and Corinne Robertson opened The Mix House as a mobile bar in Ladysmith in 2015. The sisters are locals from the Sparta area of Caroline County, and running a coffee shop was always Beale's dream. Her sisters encouraged her, eventually becoming her business partners and taking on the baking end of things. In 2016, they had become profitable enough to open a storefront in the middle of downtown Bowling Green, a perfect location for a burgeoning business to grow. Beale describes The Mix House's mission as one that fosters a safe space for the community to interact with one another and build relationships. She says, "We are in the people business, and coffee is just the avenue by which we do that. It's really cool, because you'll see people coming in at the same time every day, and eventually they recognize one another and start forming friendships while they are waiting in line." Beale says coffee, specifically, is pretty approachable for a lot of people, adding, "I like the idea that you can walk into any coffee shop and see a diversity of people crossing ages, races, and genders. Almost everyone loves coffee, and even if you don't, within a coffee shop you can usually find something that you will like."

In addition to traditional drip varieties of coffee made with beans from Blanchard's Coffee Roasting Company, The Mix House offers seasonal specialty selections and Matanuskas (an Alaskan glacier inspired frozen drink). Their signature drinks include Mom's R&R, Oz's Wicked Compromise, and Dr. B's Blue Hemi Regalia. The Mix House also makes delicious breakfast sandwiches, breads, pastries, and cookies in-house. Bowling Green is evolving, and The Mix House set down roots early in that evolution. In 2016, Beale says people were skeptical about the success of a shop in downtown Bowling Green, but she's glad she and her sisters went for it. She says, "Now, that mindset is changing. People are really excited about things opening in town. When we were growing up, Bowling Green was a place you drove through on your way to somewhere else. In conjunction with our mission of wanting people to have a space to create community, we wanted to create something we wish we had when we were kids growing up in the area. That's finally coming to fruition." For Beale and her sisters, it always comes back to community. She says, "We want everyone who comes into our shop to feel welcomed and loved as they're waiting for their cup of coffee." Amy Bayne is an educator, writer, and artist who lives in Bowling Green with Leah, Atticus, Sophie, Chonky, Bella Bean, and Sweetpea, some of whom are humans & some who just think they are.

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Visit The Mix House online at themixhousecoffee.com or in person at 112 N Main St. in downtown Bowling Green, Virginia, Monday through Friday between 7 a.m. and 3 p.m., or Saturday between 8 a.m. and 2 p.m. They are closed on Sundays. You can reach them at 804.596.2001.

Other Events in Bowling Green in March 2021 Food Culture - Art show at The Painted Horse Gallery during the month of March; 114 N. Main St Bowling Green, VA Classic Cottage Art and Antiques Spring Open House - March 20th, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., 104 Milford St. Bowling Green Farmers Market Opening Day - March 27th, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at 204 N. Main St. Grand Re-Opening of Dainty Roadside Stand - March 27th, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., at 116B Chase Bowling St.

Porch Light Stories that Shine a Light on Life

A Tribute to Letter Writing and Kodachrome Prints By collette caprara

An ironic thing about this Era of Covid is that, though it is notoriously a time of locking-down and closing-in, it is also a time of emergence and reconnecting. Among the surprising and cherished items that have surfaced-in my house as well as those of friends-are old photos and letters that had been put away years ago and forgotten in the bustle of daily life. Not long ago, from the depths of a closet/attic, a transparent case surfaced that was chock full of fading black and white photos and letters I had penned to my family in upstate New York throughout my year "in university" in

Nottingham, England, decades ago. Just the sight of those letters brought back memories of yesteryear and the times when overseas mail was often written on "aerograms"--lightweight, blue, gummed stationery/envelopes that were sent a preferential rate and typically featured closely packed lines of handwriting, so the senders could get the most for their money. One now-sepia photo with a white deckled-edge border featured my father and a gathering of relatives around a meal at our old dining room table. The posture and expression of each figure immediately conveyed the unique personality of each person and, even items in the background brought back into clear reality the "feeling" of my parents' home. A clock in the shape of the state of Alaska that I brought back from one venture, the upright piano that my little sister learned to play on, and the high rectangle window above it that provided a glimpse of the pine trees in our backyard worked together to conjure up not only a memory but somehow an experience and feeling of yesteryear. In a myriad to photos from that trove, a panoply of faces and settings of people and places dating back more than 50 years vividly brought back memorable moments and even the sensations of years gone by. Perusing them, I could almost

smell the aroma of Sunday dinners long ago and the sounds of polkas played on our Victrola radio/record player. Then I wondered---where will our upcoming generations find treasure troves like these? Though, through the miracles of technology, images can be shared immediately and even world-wide through a variety of venues, they fade as quickly as they appear. In many cases, photos are not shared until they are morphed into a selfie subject's desired presentation which bears just a vague resemblance of the flesh-and- blood person but a spooky resemblance to the images of other people. (Many Facebook images appear as the "same" photo-shopped face with different eyes peering through!) Cherished records and mementos of treasured experiences may become rare for friends and family of the future generations. Sadly, this is true not only for photographs but the written word as well. I once read an article that led with a quote

Then I wondered--where will our upcoming generations find treasure troves like these?

poetic phrases depicting their experiences and longing for loved ones at home are stellar and unforgettable. In addition, today's shortcuts in communications pervade not only the written word but conversation as well. Entire phrases are replaced by buzzwords in sentences such as He was "like" xxx and I was "like" xxx. I recall riding on a VRE train and seeing a young man flailing at me, desperate to know what the last station had been. The thought of saying "excuse me" to get my attention hadn't crossed his mind. If these trends continue and multiply, I wonder how memories of special moments and people of the past will be preserved and conveyed. Hopefully, issues of the Front Porch and its writings that capture community so well will still be among us. Collette Caprara is a local writer and artist.

About Town

from a letter recipient in the distant past, who declared "When I saw your handwriting, I saw your face." Penmanship and personality are intertwined. In contrast, today's missives are written in computer typeface, at best, and are often comprised of strings of emojis and initialisms such as LOL and BTW. In contrast, our local museums display letters penned by young soldiers in the Civil War whose penmanship and

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March 2021

Companion what do you call a cat with no hair?

by Gerri Reid dvm

When it comes to asking which do I like more, dogs or cats, I am definitely a Cat Lover! I have always gravitated towards cats ever since I was a little girl. I remember my Dad picking me up from my friend's house and I got in the backseat with a cute orange kitty hidden in my coat. The little kitten was meowing up a storm and I asked my Dad to turn up the radio so he would not hear it. When I got home, I showed him to my Mother. And the rest they say is history! When it comes to cats, many people are familiar with the typical brown tabby cat or the orange striped cat or even a calico-colored cat. These are very common Domestic Shorthair cats. Cats can come Medium haired or Long haired. And then there is the Sphynx Cat. These cats break the mold when it comes to cats, challenging the world of genetics and amazing cat lovers everywhere! But why you ask? Because the Sphynx Cat is…Hairless! Yes, you read it right, hairless! This breed originated in Toronto, Ontario in 1966. The hairless trait is a genetic mutation that was bred specifically due to its lack of hair. Many people find themselves allergic to cats due to the hair and dandruff so they think Sphynx cats are hypoallergenic. This is not true. Many people find that even with a hairless cat, they can be highly allergic. Also, although Sphynx cats lack hair and do not shed, they are not maintenance-free. Because they do not have hair, they lack the ability to absorb the body oils that are normally secreted. And due to the lack of hair, their ears tend to have more wax in them than domestic cats. Therefore, weekly baths and ear cleaning are needed. But enough about being hairless, let's get to the good stuff!

March 2021

Sphynx cats are known for their extroverted personalities. They have a high level of energy, very intelligent, curious about everything and show lots of affection to their owners. They are known to be one of the more dog-like breeds of cats. These cats will greet you at the door and are extremely friendly when meeting strangers. Being hairless has its downfalls. Sphynx cats should not be allowed outside unattended. They lack the ability to conserve body heat when it is cold. This is why many owners of Sphynx cats tend to dress them in coats/sweaters to help them conserve body heat. They should not be limited to outdoor sunlight for long periods of time as they can develop sunburn. I will say, Sphynx cats are very warm to touch and are great to snuggle up with when it's cold! With any breed, Sphynx are not without their health issues. Without the protective hair coat, they are very prone to skin cancer. Without hair, kittens are more susceptible to upper respiratory infections in their first weeks of life. And lastly, Sphynx cats have a high rate of heart disease just like Persian, Ragdoll and Maine Coon cats. It is recommended to have a yearly screening for heart disease. Sphynx cats are wonderful companions. They are always in your business and always seeking your affection. They are a joy to watch as they are always playing and can be quite comical! I have a special love for Sphynx cats, especially when I see them as a Veterinarian. But my love goes a bit deeper since I have 4 of my very own! Gerri S. Reid is the Owner/Veterinarian of Reid Mobile Veterinary Services. 540623-3029; reidmobilevetservices.com

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Astrology & You outlook for March

THE POETRY MAN

By Dianne Bachman

By Frank Fratoe

To My Granddaughter (For Ella)

As you grow from a girl to a woman be proud that each family gave you their heritage from faraway- lands, when ancestors traveled to America embracing progress and the chance to settle where freedom is a right. Go as far as your skill and energy will take you toward all the goals which the future can surely bring, if you are never deterred by those who renounce equality or goodwill because they cannot see the light. And when I have gone remember this: I shall love you through eternity.

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

Did you know that the month of March is named for the Roman God, Mars? For the ancients, this god infused all of nature with energy to grow, to renew. Those brave little seedlings push up through the thawing earth, leaves sprout on the trees despite late snowfalls, and life returns in full color. The days grow longer and a bit warmer and in midmonth, the Sun leaves the watery twilight sign of Pisces and enters fiery Aries, which is ruled by the planet Mars. March 2021 begins with a powerful square between Saturn and Uranus, which will be the first of three this year. Saturn will be in the sign of Aquarius at 8 degrees. Saturn represents our physical world, responsibilities, structures and helps us look at our challenges as well as our limitations. In Aquarius (an Air sign), it speaks to the collective rather than the personal, technology, innovation and carving out our own path in the larger world. Uranus will be at 7 degrees Taurus. Poor Uranus, he is always the butt of so many jokes. But what a powerful agent for change and innovation! Uranus shakes things up, disrupts, sometimes with a sudden shift of energy. In Taurus (an Earth sign), areas of life highlighted speak to what we value, money, and what we possess. So how can we make the best use of this astrological aspect? We might look

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at any disruption or instability in our lives as preparing the ground for the future, perhaps career, or residence. This square also supports the individuation process, allowing us to recognize where we are unique, to accept ourselves as we evolve, to feel at our core that change is not always comfortable but is inevitable, and to create stability based upon our changing needs. March 1 the opposition between the Moon and Chiron support the Saturn/Uranus process. This is a wonderful time to examine how we wish to be perceived, especially if our relationships feel out of kilter. The emphasis is on how our relationships can either constrict us or require us to create firmer personal boundaries with others. March 2 strong feelings could come up with Pluto squaring the Moon. It would benefit us to be open to emerging emotional truths and is an overall prime time to sit with strong feelings long enough to allow insights to emerge. March 4 Mars enters the sign of Gemini. If you have been sitting with new ideas and want to start something new, this is the time to take the first steps. From March 5 to the 15th the Sun finds itself sandwiched between Neptune and Venus, which can point us inward toward our spiritual selves or could be a time when relationships create illusion. March 7 the Moon squares Chiron and asks us to look at where we are holding back or where we need to create a plan to move forward. Perhaps this is the pause that is needed to regroup and appreciate the energies of the first week .

March 13 is the New Moon in Pisces. Take the weekend to imagine, create, give attention to dreams or the mystic within. If this Moon feels a bit unbalancing, go for a walk outdoors. March 20 the Sun enters the sign of Aries, bringing activity and motivation to move forward, focus on personal freedom and courage to forge ahead. March 21 Venus enters the sign of Aries. Time to be bold with that new haircut or trying out a new style. Preparation for a seasonal garden is also strongly supported under this sign. On the 22nd, Venus squares the Moon in Cancer, which emphasizes the home and family. March 28 the full Moon in Libra illuminates our need to balance our own personal needs with the needs of others. Balance is the key word here. This full Moon asks us to be honest with ourselves as we look into the mirror of our closest relationships. Are we being honest about our own needs? Are we able to give them a voice, pursue? How do our needs interface with the needs of our loved ones? March 29 The Moon will be square to Pluto, lasting a few days. This could bring some unsettling feelings or discomfort as we consider changes brought to consciousness by the full Moon. The Sun's conjunction with Venus, however, is a saving grace. At this time, a good self-care regimen is strongly supported, so if you don't have one in place this would be important to consider! March is going to be full of energy and activity , so be sure to take good care. Diane Bachman is a psychotherapist & astroger practicing in FXBG. She can be reached at dbachmanlcsw@gmail ..com Artwork, "Aries and Musca Borealis", London, circa 1825

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March 2021

Fredericksburg Sketches

Lisa Gillen Glass Artist extraordinaire Lisa has studied under a number of leading glass artists including Margot Clark, Tanya Viet, Michael Dupille, and masters including Bog Leatherbarrow, Paul Tarlow and Lena Beckeus.

A visual Celebration of our community

By Paula Raudenbush

She gives credit and expresses gratitude for all that these fine artists have taught her. But she also humbly admits, "A lot of my success has come through old-fashioned trial and error, and my willingness to take chances, experiment, and yes, even fail. After all, if it doesn't turn out the way you planned, you learn from that and give it another go!"

It was a happy accident when Lisa Gillen first discovered glass art over 20 years ago... Her enthusiastic fascination with glass, its luminosity and color began when she was introduced to the work of a colleague's mom.

Lisa can be reached: 719 360-3123; bellovetrostudio@gmail.com) , facebook, website bellovetrostudio.com See her work at Art First & Brushstrokes gallery

And it just so happened that the artist planned to retire and looked for someone to buy her tools. Lisa embraced the extraordinary opportunity, and has never looked back.

Primavera/Libertytown Arts Workshop Parking Lot If you've been reading this column, you'll already know that I love to sketch places around town that aren't normally seen. And when it's cold out, I often sketch from my car. This scene is the back of Primavera Restaurant from the parking lot of Libertytown Arts Workshop in the early morning sun.. I loved the mess of power lines and utility boxes, the green back door, and even the wonky little car. Cars are my nemesis so I often avoid drawing them but this one added to the scene so I couldn't leave it out. Besides, I need the practice. It will probably still be cold this month, but spring is coming and you never know where you'll spot an urban sketcher.

She notes that although she began her journey with the exploration of traditional leaded and foiled stained glass, she didn't find her true passion until she discovered fused glass. She says, "It was a whole new exciting world in which to create with sheet glass, crushed glass, paint,molds and so much more."

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

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March 2021

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Spotlight Wren and Sparrow

A store that focuses on "supporting the backyard bird-feeding community" is now open in Downtown Fredericksburg. Wren & Sparrow carefully selects feeders, houses, accessories and has the freshest seed available. According to the owners Lisa Benoit and Amy Gardner, "our goal is to assist you in bringing nature up close and personal to your backyard!" "Birding has been a passion of mine for over 40 years", comments Lisa Benoit (right above). "My father was an outdoorsman which encouraged me to

become one as well. As we ventured into fields and woods, my interest in birds grew." Amy Gardner (left above) says, "I have been a lover of nature for my entire life. The weekend my husband proposed we were staying in a cabin that had tray feeders on the deck. I had no idea what they were, so he showed me. I was hooked on birding, though I didn't quite understand just how consuming this hobby would become, or that it would introduce me to people that would change my life forever." According to the owners they have always enjoyed the backyard birding hobby and have pursued conservation efforts. "It only seemed natural to form a company that would be personally rewarding to us and beneficial to others who share our enthusiasm for birding and nature." Lisa shares, "I enjoy feeding birds year-round and getting to know their habits and characteristics through observing and photographing them. Each species has its own quirks and oddities. Did you know that some birds (like Chickadees) cache seeds in the Fall and can hide as many as 250 seeds in a day?

What is more amazing is that they can locate those seeds in times of need. I believe in offering various types of seeds, nuts and fruit, as well as water, to encourage many varieties of birds to visit my feeders. We are lucky to own 25 acres

of open fields and wooded areas which provides natural food and plenty of space for nesting and raising young." My husband Dave and I enjoy a life full of excitement; ranging from 5 lively Jack

Russell Terriers and 26 hens to a rooster named Mardi Gras. The addition of wildlife by means of natural habitat make this a pretty nice place to call home!" Outside of birding, Amy is a mother to two children, a wife to the "most amazing husband in the world", and the dog mom to Buddy the 13 yearold Beagle. She is also an artist. She spent 20 years in United States Marine Corps,. She graduated with a BS from Park University and an MBA from University of Maryland University College. Wren & Sparrow conducts Bird Walks to learn about local birds in their habitat, Habitat Consultation providing advice on planning baackyard nature planning, feeder maintenance and nuisance bird deterrence, as well as instore consultation. Please stop by the store and say hello! They can't wait to meet other bird loving folks! Wren & Sparrow 807 caroline st. Downtown FXBG 540-7 701-W WREN (9736) wrenandsparrow.com

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March 2021

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