Front Porch Fredericksburg- November 2017 by Virginia Grogan

contents

closeups 5

Linda Copeland ...filling a gap

Bob Schamerhorn ...backyard photographer

Jack Rowley Lifetime of Volunteering

porch talk . 4

on the porch...life in fredericksburg Messages

Claire Ellinger’s art time 4 kids

Master Gardeners: holiday boxwood workshops

On the trails:: exploring belmont estate trails

I have a friend: laurie & suellen

downtown buzz: holiday time!

Poetryman: renovation lewis st Behind the Lens: daniel poznanski

season’s bounty: goober peas

cooking with kyle: pressed porkbelly

everything greens: winterize

16-17

Calendar of events

Linda Copeland

history’s stories.: updates our heritage: a man for his time

It’s all energy: hormone help renew: 10 habits to drop

Senior Care: national caregiver month

emancipated Patients: payments to doctors mind your mind: retirement

Wellness: when your hotness is related to flashes

life in motion: anna Robinson

art in the ‘burg: Beverley Coates & Casey shaw

STORIES OF FREDERICKSBURg mYSTERY hOUSE

on stage: STafford H.S. theatre

companions: be a spca angel

cancer journal:

fredericksburg sketches

from my porch: Just a small town girl

by Dawn WHITMORE “We desire for the individuals completing courses at Cardinal Institute for Health Centers to be successful and employable locally,” share Copeland, “as well as become contributing members of the community and its residents.”

...And more! 9

caregiver’s month ...one man’s journey

where did the paintings go?

HUMAN LIBRARY ...DON’T JUDGE A BOOK BY IT’S COVER Cover: “Power Plant” By Daniel Poznanski

November 2017

Front porch fredericksburg

Filling A gap

Linda Copeland of Cardinal Institute for Health Careers saw a gap. Individuals were completing programs at her company, Cardinal Institute for Health Careers. Yet, they expressed concerns about driving 50 miles one way to Alexandria or Richmond to take their exams. The graduates concerns included “not comfortable driving 95” or “not having someone who could wait for them while they completed their exams.” Copeland’s desire for people to flourish and office space opening in the building, where Cardinal Institute for Health Careers is located, would be the catalyst for Copeland to open the Cardinal

Testing Center in Fredericksburg this year. The Cardinal Testing Center is a Pearson Vue Certified Testing Center. This designation provides the center with access to exams in multiple industries to include Healthcare, Military, Education, Technology, GED, and more. The testing center also holds certification from Kriterion and Castle. The current plan is to expand in 2018, to include a greater number of computer workstations, approval by other testing companies, such as PSI and Educational Testing Service (ETS), and even additional testing locations.

As the President and Dean of Health Programs at Cardinal Institute of Health Careers. Copeland shares in her bio that “her personal and professional philosophy for adult education is learnercentered, acknowledging each individual is distinct and unique with different learning needs and styles, that learning is life-long, and the goal of programs is to have graduates confident and competent.” Copeland is not new to the health industry; she is a Registered Nurse and has an extensive background in the Health Care Industry. Her drive to see her graduates thrive and the providence of an office, which met all of Pearson Vue’s criteria for certification, are clearly only

the beginning for the Cardinal Testing Center. “It is our plan to be the preferred Testing Center in the Fredericksburg area,” states Copeland, “offering written and online computer testing and proctoring services for workforce-related examinations leading to industry certifications.” You can learn more about Cardinal Testing Center or Cardinal Institute of Health Careers by contacting Linda Copeland by email info@cihealthcareers.com., 150 Riverside Parkway, Suite 211, FXBG, VA 22406; 540-479-6600 Dawn Whitmore is a landscape photographer and writer who lives in Spotsylvania. Learn more by visiting her own FB: facebook.com/dewphotographypage or her website at www.dewphotographyva.com Photo by Dawn Whitmore

front porch fredericksburg

November 2017

contents

closeups 5

Linda Copeland ...filling a gap

Bob Schamerhorn ...backyard photographer

Jack Rowley Lifetime of Volunteering

porch talk . 4

on the porch...life in fredericksburg Messages

Claire Ellinger’s art time 4 kids

Master Gardeners: holiday boxwood workshops

On the trails:: exploring belmont estate trails

I have a friend: laurie & suellen

downtown buzz: holiday time!

Poetryman: renovation lewis st Behind the Lens: daniel poznanski

season’s bounty: goober peas

cooking with kyle: pressed porkbelly

everything greens: winterize

16-17

Calendar of events

Linda Copeland

history’s stories.: updates our heritage: a man for his time

It’s all energy: hormone help renew: 10 habits to drop

Senior Care: national caregiver month

emancipated Patients: payments to doctors mind your mind: retirement

Wellness: when your hotness is related to flashes

life in motion: anna Robinson

art in the ‘burg: Beverley Coates & Casey shaw

STORIES OF FREDERICKSBURg mYSTERY hOUSE

on stage: STafford H.S. theatre

companions: be a spca angel

cancer journal:

fredericksburg sketches

from my porch: Just a small town girl

...And more! 9

caregiver’s month ...one man’s journey

where did the paintings go?

HUMAN LIBRARY ...DON’T JUDGE A BOOK BY IT’S COVER Cover: “Power Plant” By Daniel Poznanski

November 2017

Front porch fredericksburg

Filling A gap

front porch fredericksburg

November 2017

Norma Woodward

ON THE PORCH Guest Porch Editorial

Contributing Writers & Artists Candice Armstrong A.E.Bayne Sarah Bachman Aby Bethem Laurie Black Kevin Brown Collette Caprara Barbara Deal Christina Ferber Frank Fratoe K. Jeanne Frazer Rich Gaudio Joan M. Geisler Ann Glave Alexis Grogan Jeff Gandie Bill Harris Ralph “Tuffy”Hicks Paulette Johnson Karl Karch Susan Kenney David C. Kennedy Lenora Kruk-Mullanaphy Jo Loving Vanessa Moncure Nancy More Patrick Neustatter Penny Parrish M.L. Powers Suzanne Scherr Casey Alan Shaw Georgia Strentz James Kyle Synder Christine Thompson Rm Vining Dawn Whitmore Tina Will Norma Woodward

Front Porch Fredericksburg is a free circulation magazine published monthly by Olde Towne Publishing Co. Virginia Bigenwald Grogan, Publisher. The mission of Front Porch Fredericksburg is to connect the diverse citizenry of Fredericksburg with lively features and informative columns of interest to our community’s greatest resource, its people. Messages from our readers are welcome. All submissions must be received by e-mail by the 19th of the month preceding publication. Writers / Artists / Photographers are welcome to request Guidelines and query the Publisher by e-mail. Front Porch Fredericksburg PO Box 9203 Fredericksburg, VA 22403 Ad Sales: E-Mail: frntprch@aol.com Web Site: www.frontporchfredericksburg.com Facebook: @Front Porch Fredericksburg

The opinions expressed in Front Porch Fredericksburg are those of the contributing writers and do not necessarily reflect the opinion of Front Porch Fredericksburg or its advertisers. Copyright 2017 Olde Towne Publishing Co. All rights reserved.

November 2017

the importance of strangers

Claire Ellinger’s art classes for kids 2-5 years old By M.L. Powers

BY norma woodward Humans are fascinating creatures; everyone is unique. In our troubled times, we are leery of interacting with strangers and this is legitimate, but this fear also negates the human communication that bridges gaps between peoples and makes our world a community. Many travelers come to our area. Listening to them and offering information about us and our community brings them back and shows them the kinship among us all. Not only are “they” strangers; “we” are strangers to them. The one-on-one interchange is vital in the local sense, but also in the global one. Traveling throughout the US and internationally, I have encountered strangers who will remain in my memory bank forever. These memories are important in making me – Me! Driving alone on a backroad in the Arizona desert, I saw a figure in the distance astride a bicycle and pulling a small trailer. On the back of the trailer was a crude handwritten sign stating that he had ridden over 77,000 miles and would keep riding “until the soldiers come home from Afghanistan”. Making a U-turn and stopping to talk revealed that he was committed to his trek supported only by the kindness of strangers. In New York, an elderly Jewish man saw my daughter and me poring over a map and offered his help. We spent a delightful day as he walked us to the Empire State Building, Rockefeller Center and other iconic sites, then back to our hotel where he bid goodbye in the lobby. For several years, we corresponded. You can bet that day dismissed any thought of the “unfriendly” New Yorker. In Prague, an American couple saw me struggling with the ATM with no success and sold me korunas in exchange for dollars so my husband and I could pay

for the lemonade we had just consumed at a small café. In the mountains in Slovenia, after I had hit a curb, demolishing two tires on the rental car, a group of young Slovenians volunteered to call a tow truck and remained with me until it arrived. Slovenian is a language I neither speak nor understand. Their kindness will never be forgotten. In Wyoming, the owners of the motel loaned me their car, when mine had been unexpectedly towed to the repair shop, so I could drive to the airport to pick up my husband returning from a business trip to California. In Germany, the host at the B&B displayed flags of home the countries of her guests and was very embarrassed that she had given us a British flag instead of an American one. She quickly made an exchange after hearing our southern accents. In Zagreb, Croatia, the owner of a tiny local restaurant sat down at our table and voiced his view of world politics and the recent turbulence involving his country. It was an enlightening viewpoint from someone who had endured the horrors of a recent war. In Ogunquit, Maine, a friend and I ate dinner at a local seafood restaurant and requested our check. The young waitress told us that it had been paid by two ladies who sat at the next table and, unfortunately, had left before we could thank them. For over 75 years, the vision in my head of a tall gentleman wearing a grey fedora who saw me crying at a bus stop and provided two pennies for the ones I had lost is still clear. The bus fare was seven cents.

messages

from numerous people who saw it and commented they liked it.

Your Day Easier”), July 2017. Like their vision for helping clients.

Virginia

Sincerely, Casey Shaw, FXBG

Ann Timmons

I loved Kathryn Willis (“Guest Editorial, My Sense of Place”, October 2017) and Jo' Loving, “From My Porch, Letter to My 20 Year Old Self”) articles this month. They touched on some things, for sure. ML Powers, FXBG

Thank you again for the opportunity to highlight our program in a monthly column (“I Have a Friend”)

Great article on Bistro Bethem (“Farewell, Thanks for the Excellance, September 2017)..We miss them! Christina Snellings Ferber

Hi Virginia, Thanks for the terrific article in your September edition. I've heard back

Love the article on Fusion Physical Therapy (Life in Motion, Making

Front porch fredericksburg

Laurie Black, Senior Visitors Program

If I had not accepted interaction with strangers these experiences would have been missed and travels would have been less rewarding. Open interaction transcends our differences. Humans need humans and we each can be a catalyst to change the world community for the better. And by doing so our lives and the lives of those we meet are made richer! So sit back on your front porch, reflect on the meaning of community and read this month’s issue of Front Porch cover-to-cover.

Norma Woodward is a local photographer, an international & national traveler, and a resident of Fredericksburg for the last 45 years.

was not a small job, and the space looks beautiful. There are some whimsical paintings on the wall that Claire acquired from Elizabeth Seaver which fit the new shop like they were specifically designed for it. The space is purposefully child proofed, and has the perfect feel for a toddler to create to their heart’s content. Claire told me the theory is “process over product.” The exploration is the fun of creating. Each class will travel the globe, looking at ideas and styles from around the world. The classes sound so fascinating that I wish I was four or five, or at least had a toddler that I could enjoy these with! For instance, the first classes in October focused on aboriginal art from Australia. Next was a look at Henri Matisse, and through this the children created stained glass windows with tissue paper. The third week incorporated the art of Antony Gormley and Jeff Koons, and their famous “Stacking” sculptures. And of course, Halloween must be celebrated in some way. Claire used the theme of “The

Does your child enjoy drawing? I know mine did, maybe a little too much at “inappropriate” times and places, but that was part of the joy of child rearing. I have read in different places that all children are born creative, but somewhere along the line it is tweaked out of them for whatever reason. I believe this is true, even from my own experience. Fredericksburg’s newest business ART TIME | 4 KIDS addresses this issue for the pre-school age group. Claire Ellinger is the proud owner with Robyn Bauer, who is the music counterpart to Claire’s art classes.

Very Busy Spider” by Eric Carle to draw spiders and pumpkins. Each class is approximately 45 minutes, with additional play time after. The classes are not divided by age, so siblings can attend the same activity. The lessons are adjusted to challenge the older students, but not frustrate the younger ones. Presently, there are 7-8 classes available per week, and they have limited space. (6-8 little ones at a time is plenty!) The price is $55. for four classes. Check out the website arttime4kids.com and Facebook page for more information. As always, The Front Porch wishes you the best in your new endeavor! Art Time For Kids is located at 101 Hanover Street. For more info contact Claire at 540.842.6250, or arttime4kids.com or on facebook Mary Lynn brings the latest happenings in FXBG

Claire was a middle school Art teacher until two children came along. She has a degree in studio art and a Master’s degree in education. Claire loved teaching, and thought this new endeavor would be the best of both worlds. She could still teach art, and have time for her family. But as I have mentioned before, starting a business is a big endeavor. She and Robyn took the little building on the corner of Hanover and Sophia St. (101 Hanover St.) which prior had been a shoe repair shop, and turned it into a fun, safe kid space. They did most of the renovation themselves, with the help of spouses. This

A familiar face feature in FPF, (October 2017 “Stories of FXBG”. We are so proud of Barbara & the amazing work she she is doing for Micah. Bash Boutique, Downtown FXBG front porch fredericksburg

November 2017

Norma Woodward

ON THE PORCH Guest Porch Editorial

November 2017

the importance of strangers

Claire Ellinger’s art classes for kids 2-5 years old By M.L. Powers

messages

from numerous people who saw it and commented they liked it.

Your Day Easier”), July 2017. Like their vision for helping clients.

Virginia

Sincerely, Casey Shaw, FXBG

Ann Timmons

Thank you again for the opportunity to highlight our program in a monthly column (“I Have a Friend”)

Great article on Bistro Bethem (“Farewell, Thanks for the Excellance, September 2017)..We miss them! Christina Snellings Ferber

Hi Virginia, Thanks for the terrific article in your September edition. I've heard back

Love the article on Fusion Physical Therapy (Life in Motion, Making

Front porch fredericksburg

Laurie Black, Senior Visitors Program

Norma Woodward is a local photographer, an international & national traveler, and a resident of Fredericksburg for the last 45 years.

A familiar face feature in FPF, (October 2017 “Stories of FXBG”. We are so proud of Barbara & the amazing work she she is doing for Micah. Bash Boutique, Downtown FXBG front porch fredericksburg

November 2017

On the Trails

How Does A Master Gardener Grow?

exploring belmont estate trails

holiday workshops

By Kevin Brown

By Tina Will

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

What do Master Gardeners do in the Winter? About this time each year a new class of Master Gardeners is being trained by our VCE Agent Guy Mussey, and they will complete the classes before Thanksgiving. They will join our larger group and begin to volunteer with our Fall project: Boxwood Wreath and Table Top Tree Christmas and Holiday workshops. Boxwood (Buxus sp.) is a well known evergreen plant, and long ago began to be imported to England and western Europe from northern Africa, Eurasia, the Caribbean, and Central America. It came to America via Holland and England, and, according to historical record, was first planted on Shelter Island, NY in the 1600’s. While there are many species of boxwood, only a few yield the right color and density for wreath making. We look for two in particular: Littleleaf Boxwood (B. microphylla), and Common Boxwood (B. sempervirens). Fortunately too, the Winter months are the best time to prune, or thin, evergreens. Thinning is the better word since the goal is to allow more light and air to reach the interior of the plant rather than to reduce its size. This kind of pruning encourages inner wood to sprout vegetation. The shrub has gorgeous evergreen foliage that doesn’t fade or brown quickly even when dry. Hence, it’s a favorite for our wreaths and table top trees. We are very aware of the recent issue of Boxwood Blight, so we are being very careful to choose healthy sources of greenery, and to prevent spreading the disease. Boxwood is the best of scents to some and the worst of smells to others, but to MG’s it signals winter and the chance to decorate for the holidays. Those of us who love the greenery and the scent have a great time creating and helping

November 2017

others create their own wreaths. Many of us will make a wreath for ourselves and it will be green and presentable easily through the Winter months with or without water. With a center candle on the dining room table, the wreath is really lovely, and on a front door birds often find it inviting, too. We will be offering wreath and table top tree making workshops using local boxwood in late November and early December this year. Dates, times, locations, and prices will be posted on our website: mgacra.org/events. It’s a good idea to email or call to reserve a spot for the date you want; POC information will also be on our website. We hope you’ll join us! While our Plant Clinics will hibernate for a time, MG’s will stay busy. Guy Mussey and Gwen Pote can always be reached at the VCE office on Rte 1 in Stafford County. Their phone (540-6588000) is always ringing with people asking questions and preparing for Spring. Master Gardeners are also planning to host another National Seed Swap Day (yes, there is such a thing) on the last Saturday in January. January 27, 2018 is that day, and it will again be in the Theater room of the Central Regional Rappahannock Library, 1201 Caroline Street, Fredericksburg, VA 22401. Information for that will also be on our website as the date draws closer.

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

Sunday afternoons in Fredericksburg are a relaxing time for families to get out and explore our local trails, such as the monthly Virginia Master Naturalist-led woodland hikes at Stafford County’s Belmont Estate. A famous local landmark, this estate was the residence of artist Gari Melchers and wife Corinne in the early 20th century - consisting of a late-18th Century house, Gari’s art studio and gallery, lush gardens, and 28 acres of land with 1 1/2 miles of nature trails overlooking the awe-inspiring Rappahannock River. In 1942, Corinne Melchers donated the property to the Commonwealth of Virginia to memorialize her husband, and provide an art center along with a place where people could enjoy nature. Our family embarked on a guided Belmont hike a few months ago, and it was truly a memorable experience. At 2 PM, a diverse group of excited attendees gathered in the Visitor’s Center, after which we ventured outside for our initial orientation by our guide, Master

Naturalist “Skip”. After ambling across the parking lot to the westward trail entrance, we learned about tall grasses that provide a wildlife home and barrier against pesticides. Next, we were led down a steep hill (not advised for those who are unstable on their feet) to view a cemetery where the previous owner Joseph B. Ficklen’s family members are buried. Our group then traveled towards a creek that runs along the property and learned about the pump house with its “ram” system (a technology still used today). As we strolled further along, we viewed woodchuck habitats, and found out that raccoons ravenously eat up all the fruit from Paw Paw trees along the trail. Along the hike, there are a few “escape routes” between the upper grounds and the trail to allow for shorter hikes. One elderly lady and her family decided to take one of these shortcuts as the steepness of the trails proved a bit too difficult for her to navigate safely. The remaining group continued on to the ice pond, where layers of ice were sliced and

hauled uphill to a cellar at the house for providing refreshment in the hot summer months. We learned that much of Belmont’s written history was documented in Corinne Melcher’s numerous letters describing her daily life at the home. After the ice house, we crossed over Ingleside Drive to the bank of the Rappahannock River, where we enjoyed a majestic view. At the mouth of a stream that pours out into the river, there is a peaceful little waterfall. We learned of a Gari Melchers painting of a group of young boys playing at that location, and tried to imagine the exact spot where the famous artist might have stood or sat with his easel. After enjoying the riverside, which has been well maintained thanks to the Master Naturalists & Gardeners and other caretakers, we recrossed the road and climbed up another winding path to the Summer House on the south side of the property. This is where we concluded our hike, which took about an hour and half to complete. Afterwards, visitors were encouraged to tour the historic home and Melcher’s art studio (for a nominal fee), or to continue walking around the estate grounds at no cost. Woodland Tours are provided the last Sunday of each month at 2 PM. Belmont is also part of the Department of Game and Inland Fisheries “Virginia

Birding and Wildlife Trail”, and participates in Geocaching. For more information contact http://garimelchers.umw.edu/visit/contac t-us/ or visit the Belmont Estate Facebook page. Kevin Brown is the administrator of the "On the Fredericksburg Va Trails" & the "FXBG City Council Public Forum" Facebook Group, a downtown resident & a Military Analyst for Segue Technologies Photo courtesy of Belmont Estate

601 LAFAYETTE BLVD

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

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

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

Front porch fredericksburg

front porch fredericksburg

November 2017

On the Trails

How Does A Master Gardener Grow?

exploring belmont estate trails

holiday workshops

By Kevin Brown

By Tina Will

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

November 2017

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

601 LAFAYETTE BLVD

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

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

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

Front porch fredericksburg

front porch fredericksburg

November 2017

“I Have A Friend”

National Family Caregiver’s Month One man’s Journey

warmth & comfort By Laurie Black

By paulette johnson confused. Could not find their Hotel room while he was attending business meetings. They returned from their trip. But, Nelma had periods when she did not know or recognize their friends at dinner. James truly loved and honoredNelma. He could not conceive or even image what was happening to both.

FRASIER FIR COLLECTION

As the fall weather comes upon us, we are naturally drawn to those things that bring us warmth and comfort. Perhaps that comfort comes in the form of a cozy quilt, a cup of coffee, or a visit with a close friend. Such is the case with Laura Pryce and Suellen. No matter the weather or the season, they find comfort in their time together. Laura volunteers with the Senior Visitors Program. Laura decided to volunteer with the Senior Visitors Program as a way to connect with others. Helping others is just second nature for her. She explains that growing up she lived in a multi-generational household with her great grandmother and great aunts and others around. She also volunteered at a nursing home in high school. These experiences made volunteering with seniors a natural match - "I've always had a heart for the elderly." Laura admits, though, that she was nervous at first about volunteering for the Senior Visitors Program. Looking over the list of seniors who needed visits, Suellen stood out to her. She thought their common interest in cooking would give them a good starting place. Even after the first few visits, Laura was a little hesitant. "I was concerned about my own

Supporting The Non-Profits Since 1997 8

November 2017

health issues. And there was a learning curve. We had to learn about each other. It took a little time to get comfortable with each other. Now we are like sisters. We laugh a lot and we share our feelings with each other." Suellen laughs, "Yes. We are like sisters. I know she would do anything for me. I can't imagine her not being here." Due to health and mobility issues, Suellen is not able to get out much. Visits from Laura bring her so much joy. "I am just so excited when she comes. We can sit back and relax together and just forget our worries." A typical visit usually includes watching a show like America's Got Talent or a cooking show and a visit always includes coffee and dessert. Suellen recalls that on one occasion, Laura helped her bake cookies for a friend's birthday. "We were being silly and laughing. It took all day to make the cookies, but we had so much fun." Laura expressed that the Senior Visitors Program brought them together, but now she feels almost guilty thinking of their visits as "volunteer work." As a reflection of their special friendship, Laura recently completed a quilt for Suellen. "We chose the colors together. Since Suellen really can't get out, we chose bright colors. It is a 'living quilt' because it is full of life. It features blue sky, grass, and birds, and I hand stitched butterflies in some of the squares." Laura noted that it made her feel so good to be able to give the quilt to Suellen. Suellen chuckles, "It is so beautiful. It warms my heart!" If you know a senior who could benefit from having a weekly, friendly visit OR if you would like to volunteer to visit a senior, call the Senior Visitors Program at (540) 371-2704 or visit our website at mhafred.org. The Senior Visitors Program is a free community service program of Mental Health America of Fredericksburg. Laurie Black is the Administrative Assistant for the Senior Visitors Program She can be reached at mhafaa@mhafred.org

Front porch fredericksburg

November is National Family Caregiver’s Month. This should be a time of reflection, healing and transformation. Although for the 15 million Alzheimer’s and dementia caregivers in the United States, each day many feel overwhelmed and alone.

723 Caroline St

899.8077

Daily 10-5:30; Sunday 12-5

James C. Scott , in 2005 began his caregiving along a path with honor, love, grace and courage that would later become a 12-year long journey alongside his beautiful companion for life Nelma.

James and Nelma had dreamed many years and worked hard for the day to retire and celebrate the good life. Nelma retired before James allowing them to prepare for what they thought would be “real” vacations and travel with friends. James continued to work. Allowing them to travel on his soon to be last business trips. But, James noticed something different about Nelma when they took a business-type vacation with friends in Texas. Nelma kept getting lost. Seemed

Things turned for the worse when Nelva needed a minor carpal tunnel surgery that was related to years of using her hands at work prior to retirement. Nelva immediately after surgery needed help dressing herself. It was the first of her being able to recognize James. He was slowly becoming a stranger to Nelva.

returned to their Hotel Room. Nelva did not know or recognize James. He had to persuade and coax her to get into the car to travel home with him. He drove miles and miles afraid to stop. He feared if he did she would run away. James and Nelva pulled into their driveway after their torturing exhaustive trip. Nelva immediately ran down the street when she opened the car door in front of her home. James and Nelva’s story are like so many that are unsung. Heart breaking stories of how Alzheimer’s Disease and Dementia can destroy the honoring bond of love and caring relationship between members of a family.

But James persevered with loving honor and artistic grace. Remaining at her side at every turn. After Nelva’s surgery. They decided to again travel. Celebrating the joy and peace of their retirement.

Fredericksburg Visiting Angels wishes to offer our undying love and compassion for family Caregivers like James Scott and their cherished loved ones.

While James was loading the car with their baggage; as they were about to return home from the trip. Nelva surprised James when he

Paulette Johnson is the Director of Marketing and Community Relations for Fredericksburg Visiting Angels.and a FXBG resident

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

The Shoppes @ 914 Caroline 540.273.2778

THE

FREDERICKSBURG LAMP Only Available At

The Copper Shop 371-4455 1707R Princess Anne

Behind Silk Mill Like Us on facebook front porch fredericksburg

November 2017

“I Have A Friend”

National Family Caregiver’s Month One man’s Journey

warmth & comfort By Laurie Black

FRASIER FIR COLLECTION

Supporting The Non-Profits Since 1997 8

November 2017

Front porch fredericksburg

723 Caroline St

899.8077

Daily 10-5:30; Sunday 12-5

James C. Scott , in 2005 began his caregiving along a path with honor, love, grace and courage that would later become a 12-year long journey alongside his beautiful companion for life Nelma.

Fredericksburg Visiting Angels wishes to offer our undying love and compassion for family Caregivers like James Scott and their cherished loved ones.

While James was loading the car with their baggage; as they were about to return home from the trip. Nelva surprised James when he

Paulette Johnson is the Director of Marketing and Community Relations for Fredericksburg Visiting Angels.and a FXBG resident

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

The Shoppes @ 914 Caroline 540.273.2778

THE

FREDERICKSBURG LAMP Only Available At

The Copper Shop 371-4455 1707R Princess Anne

Behind Silk Mill Like Us on facebook front porch fredericksburg

November 2017

Downtown Buzz Holiday time Downtown By Ann Glave

Behind the Lens

THE POETRY MAN

with Daniel Poznanski

- By Frank Fratoe

renovation

BY Kevin Brown

(on lewis street) The exterior of an old house shines with sparkling paint the frontdoor and fretwork emulate what they used to be, corners are alined once more just as they were long ago splendor is here that owners wanted to rebuild themselves.

Visit Fred facebook There are two things for certain in November in Fredericksburg: The Downtown Holiday Open House Weekend and Small Business Saturday. Holiday Open House Weekend continues its tradition of starting on the second Saturday in November with Small Business Saturday always the Saturday after Thanksgiving.

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

Holiday Open House Weekend – Saturday, November 11 and Sunday, November 12 The official start of Holiday Shopping in Downtown! Windows are decorated, holiday music is playing, and our streets are filled with good cheer. Onsite radio promotion with 95.9 from 12 to 3pm on November 11. Santa Strolls begin on Holiday Open House Weekend. Look for Santa in his toymaker outfit prior to Thanksgiving and his red suit after Thanksgiving. Find Santa with the Santa Tracker app on FredMap. A real time Santa Tracker! You’ll know where Santa is strolling Downtown. Download the free FredMap app available at the apple store and on google play. Small Business Saturday – November 25 The perfect day to support our local brick and mortar Downtown businesses. Our Downtown is an AMEX Small Business Saturday Champion. Look for the blue and white balloons to take advantage of all the great specials! Check out the newest additions and expansions this day if you haven’t discovered them already. Let’s keep our spending dollares within the community.

Wills and Trusts Provide for Incapacity Trusts for Minor Children Wealth Preservation Trusts Avoid Probate AhearnEstateLaw.com 10

November 2017

540/371-9890

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Downtown’s recent additions and moves: 2 Hearts 1 Dress – 614 Caroline Street Artful Dimensions Gallery is temporary located at Coldwell Banker Elite 520 William Street Art Time for Kids and Music Together-

101 Hanover Street Castiglio’s SkyBar – 324 William Street City Vino – 810 Caroline Street Craftworks Studios – 301 Lafayette St DarbyTown Art Studio - 241 Charles St Don Moncho Restaurant– 1101 Sophia St Flair Communication to 403 William St Fraser Woods Elements expanded to 1023 Caroline Street Fredericksburg Antique Mall & Clock Repair combined to 925 Caroline Street Fredericksburg Cupcakes – 206 George Street Hight Point Coffee -615 Caroline Street Rappahannock IT – 1011A Princess Anne Street Southern Accents Trading Company increased to 807 Caroline Street Spaces Designs moved to 415 William St The Confident Rabbit – 309 William St The Sourcery moved to 1009 Princess Anne Street Thistle & Ash - 806 Caroline Street Willow 305 William Street X-Q Quizit Coffee- 814 Caroline Street Our Limited Edition Downtown Holiday Gift Card Promotion starts on Saturday, November 11 in time for the Holiday Open House Weekend. For every $50 in gift cards purchased, receive a free $10 gift card as our way to say thank you for supporting our Downtown. These Special designed gift cards are limited to $200/person/day and must be used by April 30, 2018. Only 400 in stock! Gift cards can be purchased at the Visitor Center, LibertyTown Arts Workshop and on line at FredericksburgDowntown.org. Go to FredericksburgDowntown.org for the latest updates. Happy Thanksgiving, Everyone! Ann Glave is the Executive Director of Fredericksburg VA Main Street, Inc

The home has stood a century and seen families come along, who woke up before workdays or laughed together at night, raising young to adulthood with a pride of achievement, giving the residence spirit that made it a house to save. Appearance outside confirms the glow and strength within Frank Fratoe lives & writes in the city. He has written poems from the heart for Front Porch for the past 9 years.

“You Might as Well Jump!” Fredericksburg is sure full of fantastic photographers, isn’t it? This month we feature Daniel Poznanski, whose powerful image of the Embrey Power Plant graces our magazine cover. Daniel’s freewheeling spirit and flair is exemplified in his spare-time hobby of jumping into a vehicle and driving all over the Midwest photographing tornadoes and thunderstorms with twisters and lightning strikes. We asked Daniel to share a bit more about his fascinating career behind the camera. “I eat, sleep, breath and live photography.” said Daniel, “It is a job

filled with learning and challenges that I would never trade. My photography career began unexpectedly. After enlisting in the Marine Corps in the early 1990s to be a graphic artist, I discovered, like many others who have served, that the Marine Corps had different plans for me. My promised graphic artist position was no longer available, so I was placed in combat photography instead. Of course, I knew nothing about photography, but with the aid of professional instruction at the Department of Defense Photography School, and 25 years of follow-on training and experience, I have come to love to work behind the camera. During my career, I’ve taken photos for the Marine Corps (8-year veteran), Olan Mills, Life

that bands and music venue promoters who invest in top-notch photography enjoy tremendous exposure/return on their investment. Jeremy Hankins and the Feathered Fish have exploded in popularity this past year, which has not been an accident. It is the result of a carefully orchestrated blend of superior quality music and pervasive eye-catching promotion, which includes widespread publishing of my photos from their live shows. “I have a quick humorous story about the Feather Fish and “Hanky’s jump”, the featured photo with this article. Jeremy Hankins, or “Hanky”, lead singer for the band, is known for a lot of things, but jumping ability is not one of

Touch, Creative Images, and Jim Beam, as well as worked with and for many photographers and photography companies. I currently shoot independently at home, and nation-wide for Beachmonkey.com, a social network for nightlife and festival fans. “As a Beachmonkey photographer, I am blessed to travel all over the United States to capture amazing concert and event footage. I enjoy the excitement and energy of being up on stage during a show, maneuvering into various positions to capture dynamic shots of musicians, DJs, and their audiences. Often, there are several photographers up on the stage at once, each of us competing to get that “perfect” shot. There is a lot of healthy competition in this environment, but I hold my own. “When I’m back home in Fredericksburg, I specialize in photographing live music acts like the Feathered Fish and music event venues like the Hard Times Café at 4 Mile Fork. I team up with various local DJ’s like my good friend Bill Carroll to help promote and capture local music events. I’ve found

them. Well, not until recently. I’ve taken dozens of photos over this past year of “Hanky” practicing concert jumps, most of which were too painfully awkward to publicize. After many months of practice, however, “Hanky” has developed an ability to nail a radical concert jump “like a rock star” with regularity, proving that with enough practice, the sky… or at least three feet off the ground, is the limit.” A final note from Daniel. “I’m always looking for ways to push creativity and capture the most incredible shots for my clients. If you are ready to take a magical leap to fame and stardom – or perhaps to just look really awesome for your friends, family, or a talent agent - please contact Daniel at Staticdischargephoto@gmail.com; (540) 847-9845, http://staticdischargepho.wixsite.com /danielpoznanski.

Kevin Brown is a downtown resident & a Military Analyst for Segue Technologies

front porch fredericksburg

November 2017

Downtown Buzz Holiday time Downtown By Ann Glave

Behind the Lens

THE POETRY MAN

with Daniel Poznanski

- By Frank Fratoe

renovation

BY Kevin Brown

Where Customer Service and Title Insurance Become One

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

Wills and Trusts Provide for Incapacity Trusts for Minor Children Wealth Preservation Trusts Avoid Probate AhearnEstateLaw.com 10

November 2017

540/371-9890

Front porch fredericksburg

Kevin Brown is a downtown resident & a Military Analyst for Segue Technologies

front porch fredericksburg

November 2017

Season’s Bounty

Where Did The Paintings Go?

The Sunken Well Tavern

Fredericksburg’s Hometown Irish Pub & Restaurant Since 1961

Eat Well Drink Well Live Well

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

goodness how delicious!

new homes for trifecta of images

By vanessa moncure

By Aby Bethem

One of the most asked questions now, and during our tenure at Bistro is always about the paintings behind our bar. The trifecta of images, held stories and helped define who we were as an establishment. I constantly answered questions about their history, and held on to my own narrative. One of the best parts of this community is our local artists. It was my honor in 14 years of having rotating art shows- to meet many of them. They are the first to step up when a fundraiser calls, or pieces to adorn our buildings that make our City a more beautiful place. We were fortunate to have three prominent pieces behind the bar for many years. The smallest of the paintings- a horizontal subtle piece of our local favorite bartender- Rob Grogan, “The Man Behind the Bar” . This piece has the best story of them all. Composed by Jeff Gandee, it was a small, unassuming piece, in the very back corner of a very large, well attended benefit for Rob’s family prior to his death. No one expected the ‘unknown’ artist’s, small item to be the

most ‘battled’ for silent auction piece. What most don’t know is that the generous owners of this painting felt it should hang at Bistro Bethem, because it reflected the subject matter and it was significant of the place many of us knew Rob’s spirit to be. It was offered to be

hung- no sign reflecting the donation, no plaque. I can’t tell you how many people who sat at that bar were comforted by looking at it. We hung it above the scotch selections in memory of our friend. The

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

November 2017

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painting has now found it’s way to another wall - the Grogan’s house with Virginia, Alexis, and Rob’s granddaughter Virginia. The painting has come to mean more then another fundraiser contribution, but a lasting memory of the man we loved. We will forever be grateful to Tom & Ann Wack for having the generous spirit to know that the piece was more then just a piece of art- the subject matter meant so much to many- thank you for letting us display it for all those years. Bill Harris holds the record (I think) with having the most shows at 309 William Street. We were fortunate enough to have two Bill Harris paintings to keep. I loved having them hang side, by side. To the left of the bar- a 2002 gift- given by the then owners of Bistro 309, Vanessa and Buzzy Moncure as a thank you to Blake for his hard work. It reflects Bill’s color palette at the time- all of the shows were similar in style of colors and textures. It is classic Bill Harris at it’s finest. Blake wishes he was the same slim, trim youngster he was in 2002, but what a great snapshot of historycooking at Bistro. We are looking for a home on one of our Vivify walls for this piece, as Blake’s passion for cooking and history on ‘the hot line’ is a step in our restaurant journey. Fast forward to 2011, when the piece painted by Bill Harris for me was put up. I loved to work the hostess stand and watch new customers carefully study me, then the painting, then me until I finally put them out of their misery and

confirmed it was indeed me. The background of the piece has details of Bill’s current Bistro show, and the details in the bar’s wood is my favorite part. The colors and details are different in style to Blake’s piece done in 2002, and it was often thought it was two different artists. What I have learned the most by doing business in our Fredericksburg city is that generosity, and community support is full circle here. It is tied together with local businesses, artists and residents alike. The generosity of Bill Harris, Jeff Gandee, Tom & Ann Wack, Vanessa Moncure all signify how when artists, residents and businesses work together it helps us all. We are more closely connected as a community.

Aby Bethem is co-owner, with her husband Blake, of Vivify on William Street Downtown & the mother of two boys.

COME JOIN US FOR

540.373.8300 620 Caroline Street

Thanksgiving Dinner November 23rd 11am-4pm Adults: $29 Ages 5-12: $12 Under 4 & Under: FREE Military & Senior Discount Call for reservations

Maybe your relationship with peanuts has never been closer than opening a jar of the butter, spreading swathes over your sliced bread, then topping with sweet Concord jelly. Or perhaps you’ve further reduced time and motion and have purchased a jar of PB and J, pre-swirled for your enjoyment. Might it surprise you to hear that your face cream, the paint on your wall, and plant-based workroom solvents might all be derived from the humble goober pea? Peanuts are well-known cultivars in Virginia, and we are enjoying this year’s harvest now of our particularly delicious, large-seeded variety. Believed to have originated in Peru, peanuts were introduced throughout the world by early discoverers and traders - significantly to China in the 1600s. China is now the world’s largest peanut producer and exporter with the US a distant third (although how many countries can boast of two peanut-farmin’ presidents, Jimmy Carter and Thomas Jefferson). A significant source of protein, the peanut is in the legume (pea) family and is processed for food use whole, in spreads, oil, and gluten-free flour - and in non-nutritive applications such as cosmetics, medicines and textiles. Sooo... Peanut Fibre Dress, anyone? Americans consume about 3 pounds of PB per person each year, except known arachibutyrophobians (those who fear PB getting stuck to the roof of their mouths). Goodness, how delicious, eating goober peas! ROASTED PEANUTS While living in Georgia, I became a fan of fresh boiled peanuts. Somehow, the canned variety just isn’t the same (think fresh tomato vs. canned). If you can find some raw peanuts, try them roasted and/or boiled. Peanuts roasting on an open fire just isn’t quite as catchy as chestnuts, but more palatable to many! Thoroughly wash (in running water) 2 lbs. of raw Virginia peanuts in the shell. Drain and pat dry, then toss with ¼ c. peanut oil and 2 T. kosher salt. Spread on flat baking sheets with sides (jelly roll pan) in one layer only. Roast at 350F for 30 minutes, then let cool before eating. Virginia peanuts have one of the largest pea in shell and are usually favored for roasting. Check the Farmer’s Market. PEANUT PIE CRUST One of America’s greatest agriculturists, George Washington Carver, is known as the “Father of Peanut Butter”, his accomplishments celebrated every year during Black History Month. Recipe #47 of his famous 105 peanut recipes is for Peanut Pie Crust (great added flavor, you can substitute any nut variety) - Add 1T.ground peanuts

to pie crust recipe. “ You will be pleased with the agreeable change in piecrusts”. VIRGINIA PEANUT SOUP Adaptation from the King’s Arms Tavern in Williamsburg, VA, a Colonial hub original cream of peanut soup. Saute slowly until softened in ¼ c. butter, 1c. diced onion and 1 c. chopped celery, with leaves. When beginning to brown, stir in 3T. flour and cook slowly 5 minutes. Stir in 8 cups hot chicken stock, whisking constantly. Let simmer over medium-low heat 15-20 minutes or until thickened. Pour this soup into a sieve, pressing down on solids to release all the flavors. Return soup to a simmer, then whisk in 2c. smooth peanut butter and 2c. half and half - Do not let this mixture boil, but return to a simmer and serve with finely chopped salted peanuts as a garnish. VIETNAMESE GOI CUON DIPPING SAUCE Combine the following ingredients in blender, then blend completely. If the consistency is too thick, add warm water 1 T. at a time. 1c. hoisin sauce, ¼ c. smooth PB, 1T. each rice vinegar and fresh lime juice, 2 crushed garlic cloves and 1T. thai chili sauce or to taste. Serve with authentic fresh ricepaper spring rolls, OR leave thick and glaze a grilled chicken breast or pork tenderloin OR use as an all-purpose dipping sauce, great with seafood, too, or stirred into chicken broth with rice noodles, chopped peanut garnish. TOO-E EASY CHEWY PB COOKIES You didn’t think I’d leave you without a sweet? Makes about 36 large cookies. Mix together 2c. your choice creamy or chunky PB, 2 c. sugar, 3 large eggs, 2tsp. baking powder and 1 T. vanilla extract. Scoop out 2T. portions onto parchment-lined baking sheets. Bake preheated 350F oven 12-14 minutes or until just browned and slightly firm. Did you know “Goober Peas” is an old Civil War era tune? “I wish this war was over, free from rags and fleas, we’d kiss our wives and sweethearts, and gobble goober peas!” Be prepared - November is National Peanut Month. Chef Vanessa brings us some of her favorite recipes each month in this space

720 Littlepage sunkenwelltavern.com 540-370-0911

Serving Up Local “Good” News Since 1997

200 Hanover St. ~ 373-0738

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

Front Porch Fredericksburg

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

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

front porch fredericksburg

November 2017

Season’s Bounty

Where Did The Paintings Go?

The Sunken Well Tavern

Fredericksburg’s Hometown Irish Pub & Restaurant Since 1961

Eat Well Drink Well Live Well

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

goodness how delicious!

new homes for trifecta of images

By vanessa moncure

By Aby Bethem

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

November 2017

Front porch fredericksburg

Aby Bethem is co-owner, with her husband Blake, of Vivify on William Street Downtown & the mother of two boys.

COME JOIN US FOR

540.373.8300 620 Caroline Street

Thanksgiving Dinner November 23rd 11am-4pm Adults: $29 Ages 5-12: $12 Under 4 & Under: FREE Military & Senior Discount Call for reservations

720 Littlepage sunkenwelltavern.com 540-370-0911

Serving Up Local “Good” News Since 1997

200 Hanover St. ~ 373-0738

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

Front Porch Fredericksburg

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

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

front porch fredericksburg

November 2017

Cooking With Kyle

Everything Greens winterize

just cause I can...pressed pork belly

by james kyle snyder

The year is drawing to a close and the holiday party season is beginning. The time for rich decadent food is upon us. In this realm, pork belly is the king. I also want to show off for the czar of words, the despot of grammar, and the holder of the red pen k jeanne fraser who has come to join us for brunch. I had better get this one “right.” This versatile cut is the precursor to pancetta (salt-cured meat dressed, rolled, tied, and hung in a cool place for a month) and bacon (smoked, salt-cured belly with brown sugar, sage, and other spices). On a side note: having a small home slicer —about $100 - $150— makes slicing the cured meats paper thin a breeze and can be used for all the baguette, cheese, and meat trays at the ensuing holiday parties! There are many ways to braise an entire pork belly. One of my favorites is a knock off of Gordon Ramsey’s ‘Pressed Belly of Pork’ from YouTube. The video is a good reference for the process, but he doesn’t give proportions and some kitchen-magic happens as well so I’ll walk you through how it is really done. Call Keith at Olde Towne Butcher, order a belly, and get ready for YUM! This is best if prepared the day before you want to serve it. One of the last steps is to press the pork belly between two pans to make it more dense and uniform. Overnight works best. Pre-heat the oven to 375 degrees. Wash the pork belly and pat it dry. With your sharpest chef’s knife, score the fat side into half-inch squares about ¼ inch deep. These will get really crisp and tasty. Season both sides with a total of about 1 2/3 TBS S&P (4 tsp salt, 1tsp ground black pepper, blended). Drizzle both sides with olive oil and rub the seasonings into all the little crevasses. Let it rest while you prepare the braising pan.

November 2017

Halve five garlic heads across the cloves and make a platform to hold the pork belly off the bottom of the pan – the garlic bed should be about the same size as the pork belly. Cover the garlic with ¼ inch thick blanket of thyme – the more the better. Put the pork belly on the thyme, add ½ bottle of white wine to the bottom of the pan, cover with tin foil, and place it in the oven for 2 hours – removing the tin foil for the last 20 minutes to golden the fat layer. Remove the belly, leaving all the thyme and garlic in the pan, and cool on the cutting board. Gravy time! On the stovetop, over medium high heat, deglaze the pan with the other half of the bottle of white wine. Reduce this until it begins to get thick and then add 1 qt of chicken stock, reducing again until it is about 2 cups of gravy. Strain everything through a sieve pressing the garlic through the mesh. Taste, smile, and reserve for tomorrow. Place the cooled belly in a casserole dish, cover with another dish of the same size, and weight it with canned goods - squeezing the pork between the two dishes. Chill in the refrigerator 6 hours or overnight (better). The next day, warm the gravy, cut the belly into individual portions, and reheat in a 400-degree oven for 7-10 minutes. Dress with gravy and serve. Wow! jeanne’s thoughtful smile and supportive words, “a new and delicious taste sensation,“ confirmed success which I was quickly reminded would not garner easier editing by k jeanne. This is a straight-forward dish that will wow any pork-loving guest. Besides, the steps are simple, easy, and delicious. Be well! Kyle Snyder appeals to your palate and your other senses when it comes to good, simple, healthy eating Edited by the protector of the well-read eye k jeanne fraser

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By Sarah Bachman Early in my career in horticulture, a wise person told me that “there is almost no emotional aspect to gardening except that it is cleansing” and that each season brings its own sort of cleanse. Fall is now here and so it is time to rake up and pull any leftover odorous goopy decayed summer flowers with the crunchy flaking brown bits of dried leaves into a pile and toss it all into your compost. Yes, friends, it is time for us to start the process of winterizing and I would like to share with you a couple tips.

Cut Back and Relax

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

540-899-0140 (ph)

540-899-0141 (fax)

Rand Sompayrac & Richard Moncure, Proprietors

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

1.) Ideally the dry and lifeless stems of perennial flowers would be cut back to soil level after the first frost. This will help your garden look nice and tidy through the cold season and also prevent detrimental disease spores and pest eggs from spreading. Prune away the dead and diseased branches from evergreen shrubs and trees, pull large weeds and rake up old disease laden mulch for disposal. Then add a thick layer of fresh mulch or other organic matter to insulate your plants and retain moisture; insulating your soil with mulch or leaves or grass clippings during the winter will also allow you to plant earlier in the spring. Then, of course, the final step is to get down on your hands and knees and whisper “shhh, go to sleep” to each dormant shoot.

Spring Flowering Bulbs 2.) While our ground is still warm and soft, you can plant spring flowering bulbs such as daffodils, tulips and crocuses. Tulips need twice as much soil over the tip of the bulb as its height (so if your bulb is 2 and a half inches tall, you’ll need to dig an 8 inch hole, so the bulb is a total 5 inches below the soil). Daffodils and crocuses don’t need as much coverage, and will be perfectly happy at around 4 inches below the soil. Mix in some compost or dried manure with your soil backfill and then top it off with some mulch or dried leaves. Daffodils, crocuses and hyacinths are all poisonous and therefore resistant to squirrels, voles and deer if you live in an area with lots of active wildlife.

Crimson and Clover, Over and Over 3) Grow a cover crop on your vegetable

plots during the winter to protect the topsoil and provide organic material to turn in when you prepare the soil for spring planting. Clover is a great cover crop option because most varieties are inexpensive, it requires little skill to grow and it naturally adds nitrogen to the soil. Other popular cover crops for our area might include winter rye, winter peas or buckwheat. While you’re at it, autumn is a great time to test your soil. My favorite soil test kits are provided by Virginia Tech and can be found locally through your county’s agricultural extension agent as well as farm and garden supply stores like Roxbury Mills.

Oh, and one more thing… 4) Empty the gas tank of unused fuel. Stale gas can gum up the lawn mower’s carburetor and invite rust. and don’t forget to feed the birds and squirrels when it snows! Come by Downtown Greens (206 Charles Street, Fredericksburg 22401) during our Volunteer Garden Hours on Thursdays 3-6pm or Saturdays 9am-12pm through November for more tips! www.downtowngreens.org Sarah Bachman, Horticultural Director at Downtown Greens

Serving Up Local “Good” News Since 1997

Front Porch Fredericksburg

front porch fredericksburg

November 2017

Cooking With Kyle

Everything Greens winterize

just cause I can...pressed pork belly

by james kyle snyder

November 2017

Front porch fredericksburg

Cut Back and Relax

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

540-899-0140 (ph)

540-899-0141 (fax)

Rand Sompayrac & Richard Moncure, Proprietors

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

Crimson and Clover, Over and Over 3) Grow a cover crop on your vegetable

Serving Up Local “Good” News Since 1997

Front Porch Fredericksburg

front porch fredericksburg

November 2017

CALENDAR of events

november 2017…National Caregivers Month...You Are Needed & Appreciated! Wednesday, November 1

Sunken Well Trivia tonight starting at 7:45pm ~ Come and match wits against the finest minds in Fredericksburg! Compete for Honor, Glory, and Prizes!!

Thursday, November 2

Meredith Andrews @ Beautiful (Broken) Life Tour t Salem Fields Community Church 11120 Gordon Rd, 22407. A night of worship with Meredith Andrews ( and teaching from Sheila Walsh will leave you encouraged and challenged.7-10p

First Friday, November 3

Featured Artist, Beverly Coates, "Imagintion..The Mind's Eye" @ Brush Strokes Gallery, 824 Caroline St, Opening Reception, 6-9p New Works by Casey Alan Shaw @ Art First Gallery Seventh Annual PONSHOP Jewelry Show @ PONSHOP Studio and Gallery, opening reception 69p FCCA "Tranquility Exhibit". Member's Gallery, Toby Patricia Chittum & Vickie Varela. 813 Sophia St. Music Fridays @ Legume, Jahnel Daliy a8-10p, 715 Caroline St

Freedom's First Family: What Price Liberty? George Washington's Ferry Farm 268 Kings Hwy, 22405. Using George Washington's Boyhood Home and Betty Washington Lewis's home Kenmore as stages, this dramatic performance depicts how the family of the first President of the United States sacrificed and risked fortunes and well-being for freedom from England. Performance begins at George Washington's Ferry Farm and concludes at Historic Kenmore. Limited seating available. For more information and to register, please call 540-3700732, ext 24 or hayes@gwffoundation.org.

"New Orleans Style Gumbo" ((the real deal) shrimp, kielbasa, okra, rotisserie chicken and rice. Ice tea (sweet and unsweet), lemonade, and bottled water will also be available. UMW homemade desserts will be available for sale separately.) Fundraiser @ Zion United Methodist Church, 9911 Courthouse Rd, Spotsylvania Courthouse, 22553. $

FXBG WINE FEST XXVII @ The Village Towne Centre, 11a-5p, $ Steven Gellman, Folk Musician, live at Agora! @ Agora Downtown Coffee Shop. 9-11a

Merry Market November, Fredericksburg Expo Center. This boutique shopping experience will feature a variety of one-of-a-kind artisans and vendors , 9-5p. $

Paws & Whiskers Bazaar @ Dorothy Hart Community Center, 11a-4p. Featuring vendors with homemade pet themed items, pet food, jewelry, art, treats, fashions, dog beds, biscuits and more. Shoppers are welcome to bring well behaved dogs!

Fit History Hike, VA Central Trail & Idlewild. Join historians John Hennessy and Becca Jameson to explore one of the Fredericksburg region's newest trails. 10a

First Saturdays at Highmark Brewery----Live Bluegrass Music & craft beer, foo truck, 5-8p. 390 Kings Hwy, 22405

Saturday, November 4

Gingerbread House Construction Workshops ,George Washington's Ferry Farm 268 Kings Hwy, 22405. Learn the secrets of building a real gingerbread house! Build and decorate a small gingerbread house step-by-step. All materials are provided. . Two sessions: 10:30 a or 1pm. Reservations required. call (540) 370-0732 x24 or email hayes@gwffoundation.org.

John Frazer Night at the Rising Sun Tavern@ Rising Sun Tavern. Rising Sun Tavern Keeper John Frazer died on the property shortly after opening the business in 1793, and some say he never left. Join us for a "spirited" candlelight tour highlighting the life of John Frazer and his alleged afterlife pranks. 6-8:30p. 1304 Caroline St

Officer James Shelhorse Memorial Urban Trail Ride @ Historic Downtown Fredericksburg, 9-12p. Meet at the James Monroe High School for the beginning of the ride. Bring your own horse, $

Sunday, November 5

Daylight Savings Time Ends….Fall Back! Sunken Well Brunch from 9am-2pm, $5 Bloody Marys and Mimosas. Bluegrass night from 7-9pm. Usually a good idea to reserve a table! Acclaimed Virginia painter Henry Wingate showcases his work in the context of Gari Melchers' art and Belmont's spirit of place as important influences on his own personal artistic vision. Free with admission. Seating first come, first served. Belmont, 224 Washington St., 2p FXBG WINE FEST XXVII @ The Village Towne Centre, 11a-5p, $ Fredericksburg Grizzlies Basketball Game Riverbend High School. Season Opener 4-6p

Live Music @Spencer Devon 9p

Tuesday, November 7 Election Day…..VOTE!!

Legume $3 Taco Tuesday in the Bar All Day

Wednesday, November 8

Sunken Well Trivia tonight starting at 7:45pm ~ Come and match wits against the finest minds in Fredericksburg! Compete for Honor, Glory, and Prizes!!

Thursday, November 9

Writers Conference, Porter Branch CRRL..Workshops: 9:45-12; Panel Discussions: Publishing vs Self-Publishing, 1:30-3p;. Local Author Reception: 3-5p followed by refreshments. Salem Church Library, Human Book: "Every Life Has A Story", 1-4pm Rottin' Log Romp @ Stratford Hall. A simple log is a not just a habitat for critters, but a playground and place of discovery and imagination for young naturalists. The Rottin' Log Romp at Stratford Hall connects kids - of all ages - to the natural world through a close up exploration of nature's processes,9-11am. $ Wee Christmas Workshop.3p. Participants will create a holiday themed "room box" using easily accessible materials. Materials provided including take home instruction, ideas, and resources. Room boxes may be displayed at the Wee Christmas Exhibit at Kenmore Dec. 3 - Jan. 7. Ages 8 and up. $10 per person. Please call 540-370-0732 x 24 or hayes@gwffoundation.org to register in advance. Space is limited. Fredericksburg Community Concert Band's Fall Concert - Shades of Autumn @ Massaponax High School, 7:30pm

Learn About Becoming a Foster Parent @ Salem Church Library, 6pm

Live Music @ Legume, The Cyrianics, 8-10p, 715 Caroline St

Friday, November 10

Sunday, November 12

Veterans Day….Remember All Who Served

Downtown Holiday Open House continues

A Salute to Veterans @ Downtown Fredericksburg. Full day of activities For event information call: 540-372-1086 x.307 OR 540-371-3037 x.130 www.FredParksRec.com

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

Saturday, November 11

Downtown Holiday Open House Weekend. The offical start of the Holiday Shopping. The streets will be filled with music, stores decorated, on-site radio with 95.9 & Santa Strolls

Painters Point of View w/Marcia Chaves. Belmont, 2p. Celebrated local painter Marcia Chaves showcases her work in the context of Gari Melchers' art and Belmont's spirit of place as it informs her own personal artistic vision. Seating first come, first served.

Trolley Winery Tour,visit local wineries Eden Try Estate & Winery, Lake Anna Winery, Mattaponi Winery, Wilderness Run Vineyard, and enjoy a day of fun, wine & a little history. Reservations @ Fredericksburg Trolley.com, or 800-979-3370

Monday, November 13

Nerd Nite @ Red Dragon Brewry, 7pm, contact Sandra Fedowitz at sandrafedowitz@gmail.com."It's like the Discovery Channel…with beer™

Tuesday, November 14

Legume $3 Taco Tuesday in the Bar All Day

Marys and Mimosas. Bluegrass night from 7-9pm. Usually a good idea to reserve a table!

Saturday, November 18

Highmark Brewery Live Music with Abbe Buck Trio @ Highmark Brewery, 5-7p. Free Admission. Dogs welcome in o/s area

Sunday, November 19

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

Tuesday, November 21

Wednesday, November 22

Bob Schamerhorn "Backyard Photography" guest presentation, FXBG Photo Club, 7pm

Wednesday, November 15

Thursday, November 23

Friday, November 17

Thanksgiving Day

Thanksgiving Dinner @ Courtyard Mariott, 620 Caroline Street, Downtown , 540.373.8300 Military & Senior Discounts

Songwriters' Showcase concert series presents Laurie Rose Griffith and Peter Mealy. Enjoy Fredericksburg's favorite musical couple in a relaxed coffeehouse atmosphere, surrounded by the amazing work of local artists in an accessible venue. 8pm, LibertyTown Arts Workshop, 916 Liberty St downtown. Still only $10. More info at www.burgsongs.org or 540-429-0999.

Whittingham Christmas Window Unveiling! 6pm

Live Music @ Legume, Chaquis Maliq, 8-10p, 715 Caroline St

Saturday, November 25

FXBG BrewHaHa Craft Beer & Food Pairing Event. Support the battle against cancer @A. Smith Bowman Distillery. feature a variety of craft beer tastings paired with savory food tastings prepared by local restaurants and caterers. Participants will also enjoy an evening of live entertainment by Shannon Peterson and a silent auction. CONTACT, (540) 741-1512, andrea.johnson@mwhc.com

Tuesday, November 28

Legume $3 Taco Tuesday in the Bar All Day

Wednesday, November 29

Legume $3 Taco Tuesday in the Bar All Day

Sunken Well Trivia tonight starting at 7:45pm ~ Come and match wits against the finest minds in Fredericksburg! Compete for Honor, Glory, and Prizes!!

Riverside Center for the Performing Arts Christmas Spectacular Weekday Matinees, 1:30p. Experience the excitement, memories, and joy of Christmas as our enthralling cast of singers and dancers present the very heart and essence of the holiday season. Rekindle your Christmas spirit with your favorite holiday classics with this glittering celebration of everything that makes this "the most wonderful time of the year"! Enjoy shows from November 29 - December 31. Wednesday and Friday Matinee Sunken Well Trivia tonight starting at 7:45pm ~ Come and match wits against the finest minds in Fredericksburg! Compete for Honor, Glory, and Prizes!!

Friday, November 24

Gari Melchers Home & Studio: Home for the Holidays, opening. The House and Studio will be decorated for the season in the tasteful and natural style of its artist homeowners, Gari and Corinne Melchers.

Small Business Saturday…look for the blue & white balloons to take advantage of great specials! Buy a tree for Christmas at Lions Club Xmas Tree Sale on Plank Road, right next to Big Lots Annual Tree Lighting, Hurkamp Park

Sunday, November 26

Belmont Woodland Tours at 2 PM. ,for info visit Belmont Estate Facebook page…

Thursday, November 30

Book Signing at Agora: "Daingerfield Island" @ Agora Downtown Coffee Shop

If you are reading this 244th issue of FPF, thank an advertiser as we celebrate our 21st year of continuous publication! If you are an advertiser, list your events. Deadline for December 2017 issue is November 20th. To submit events go to frontporchfredericksburg.com/submit

Sunken Well Brunch from 9am-2pm, $5 Bloody

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October 2017

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October 2017

CALENDAR of events

november 2017…National Caregivers Month...You Are Needed & Appreciated! Wednesday, November 1

Sunken Well Trivia tonight starting at 7:45pm ~ Come and match wits against the finest minds in Fredericksburg! Compete for Honor, Glory, and Prizes!!

Thursday, November 2

First Friday, November 3

FXBG WINE FEST XXVII @ The Village Towne Centre, 11a-5p, $ Steven Gellman, Folk Musician, live at Agora! @ Agora Downtown Coffee Shop. 9-11a

Merry Market November, Fredericksburg Expo Center. This boutique shopping experience will feature a variety of one-of-a-kind artisans and vendors , 9-5p. $

Fit History Hike, VA Central Trail & Idlewild. Join historians John Hennessy and Becca Jameson to explore one of the Fredericksburg region's newest trails. 10a

First Saturdays at Highmark Brewery----Live Bluegrass Music & craft beer, foo truck, 5-8p. 390 Kings Hwy, 22405

Saturday, November 4

Officer James Shelhorse Memorial Urban Trail Ride @ Historic Downtown Fredericksburg, 9-12p. Meet at the James Monroe High School for the beginning of the ride. Bring your own horse, $

Sunday, November 5

Live Music @Spencer Devon 9p

Tuesday, November 7 Election Day…..VOTE!!

Legume $3 Taco Tuesday in the Bar All Day

Wednesday, November 8

Sunken Well Trivia tonight starting at 7:45pm ~ Come and match wits against the finest minds in Fredericksburg! Compete for Honor, Glory, and Prizes!!

Thursday, November 9

Learn About Becoming a Foster Parent @ Salem Church Library, 6pm

Live Music @ Legume, The Cyrianics, 8-10p, 715 Caroline St

Friday, November 10

Sunday, November 12

Veterans Day….Remember All Who Served

Downtown Holiday Open House continues

A Salute to Veterans @ Downtown Fredericksburg. Full day of activities For event information call: 540-372-1086 x.307 OR 540-371-3037 x.130 www.FredParksRec.com

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

Saturday, November 11

Downtown Holiday Open House Weekend. The offical start of the Holiday Shopping. The streets will be filled with music, stores decorated, on-site radio with 95.9 & Santa Strolls

Monday, November 13

Nerd Nite @ Red Dragon Brewry, 7pm, contact Sandra Fedowitz at sandrafedowitz@gmail.com."It's like the Discovery Channel…with beer™

Tuesday, November 14

Legume $3 Taco Tuesday in the Bar All Day

Marys and Mimosas. Bluegrass night from 7-9pm. Usually a good idea to reserve a table!

Saturday, November 18

Highmark Brewery Live Music with Abbe Buck Trio @ Highmark Brewery, 5-7p. Free Admission. Dogs welcome in o/s area

Sunday, November 19

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

Tuesday, November 21

Wednesday, November 22

Bob Schamerhorn "Backyard Photography" guest presentation, FXBG Photo Club, 7pm

Wednesday, November 15

Thursday, November 23

Friday, November 17

Thanksgiving Day

Thanksgiving Dinner @ Courtyard Mariott, 620 Caroline Street, Downtown , 540.373.8300 Military & Senior Discounts

Whittingham Christmas Window Unveiling! 6pm

Live Music @ Legume, Chaquis Maliq, 8-10p, 715 Caroline St

Saturday, November 25

Tuesday, November 28

Legume $3 Taco Tuesday in the Bar All Day

Wednesday, November 29

Legume $3 Taco Tuesday in the Bar All Day

Sunken Well Trivia tonight starting at 7:45pm ~ Come and match wits against the finest minds in Fredericksburg! Compete for Honor, Glory, and Prizes!!

Friday, November 24

Sunday, November 26

Belmont Woodland Tours at 2 PM. ,for info visit Belmont Estate Facebook page…

Thursday, November 30

Book Signing at Agora: "Daingerfield Island" @ Agora Downtown Coffee Shop

Sunken Well Brunch from 9am-2pm, $5 Bloody

Become a Friend Advocate ~ Donate ~ Volunteer

3232 Fans (& Growing) Want You to Join

Front Porch on 540~479~4116 1013 Princess Anne St , FXBG 16

October 2017

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540-8 899-6 6787

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October 2017

history’s stories

UPDATES By Ralph “Tuffy” Hicks

Since this has been such a busy month in our home with Anne having deployment orders for Puerto Rico as a volunteer for disaster relief from her Veterans Administration office. I decided to update the readers on several FP stories. I have written several articles over the years about the Tunnels of Fredericksburg. Recently there appeared an article in the local newspaper on the Tunnel located at Hanover and Caroline Street. That particular tunnel Roy Butler and I entered l over 30 years ago. My only regret was that we did not go in them with a metal locater in hopes of finding a coin or some relics to determine the age of them. I had researched the City Council records looking for some mention of them being funded by the local government nothing was found. Hopefully some determination will be made as to a reason for the construction of that project. There is another tunnel of interest that runs directly from Kenmore to the home of Mary Washington. That was designed for food delivery from the Kenmore kitchen to Mary Washington so I have been advised. In the July issue of FP I wrote a story on the Southern Submarine Hunley that had a crewman from Fredericksburg named Frank Collins. The Hunley has been in several stages of restoration in Charleston since it was raised in 2000. It is well worth a visit and can now be seen on weekends 10AM-5PM. This is a nice family weekend trip. In October 2015 the FP published a story on Hope Foundry that was in operation starting in the 1840’s on Princess Anne Street. The interesting story had a focal point on the existence of a Steam Engine manufactured by the company that is located on the Marine Corp Base at Quantico. Carey Leitch owner and President of CARICO Steel Company continues to work on this project. The Steam Engine that clearly has the name Fredericksburg in large steel lettering continues to rust away on the military property and the City has not showed any interest in helping with obtaining the engine that would be important part of the industrial history of Fredericksburg. In the November issue of FP the story on Saint James House I stated that I did not know the story why James Mercer referred to his home as the Saint James House. I have researched and found that Mercer came from Dublin Ireland and his ancestral home was located on a street that was named Saint James. I am of the opinion along with Historic Fredericksburg Foundation that this is the reason James Mercer called his home In Fredericksburg Saint James. In the September 2016 issue of FP a story was published on the now vacant Court House on Princess Anne Street built in 1852. by renowned architect James Renwick Jr., who also designed the Smithsonian Castle in Washington and St. Patrick’s Cathedral in New York City. The highlight of this story was the unique bell in the tower of the court house that was cast by the Paul Revere Foundry. I met with the City Manager and advised the Clerk of the Court of this rare, unique and valuable bell, that should be on public display in the new Court House. The Revere bell continues to quietly hang in the now vacant old Court House with the City Council showing no interest in having it on public display.(photo above) In Memory Of: Warren Cox, Chuck Tingler, Rodger Belman, William Abel, & Ken Pullen

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November 2017

OUR HERITAGE a man for his time By Nancy More Richard Venable Lancaster came to Fredericksburg in 1925, answering a call to become pastor of the Presbyterian Church. By the time ill health forced him to resign in 1948, he had more than made his mark on the community. During World War I, he served as a chaplain in France with the 315th Infantry. His friend and fellow war veteran Josiah P. Rowe wrote about Lancaster in a “Fredericksburg Personalities” piece in The Free Lance-Star. Rowe wrote, “His war experience covers almost everything except being killed. He lived with his men in the trenches, was under frequent shellfire, and was acquainted with rats, cooties, slime, filth. He was severely gassed and for years thereafter his voice was affected.” Rowe called Lancaster “a Valentine gift to Fredericksburg. He blew into town with his family on February 14, 1925 and since then he has enriched the city in spiritual matters and has enlivened its secular activities.” When news of the Holocaust reached Fredericksburg in 1933, Lancaster organized a service to tell the community what was happening in Germany. He invited a rabbi from Richmond to speak. Just a year later, Lancaster urged Jewish friends to organize a synagogue, calling the local community “a sheep without a shepherd.” According to Ruth Friedman’s A Portrait of Jewish Life, Fredericksburg, Virginia, the impetus for organizing a synagogue stemmed from Lancaster’s friendship with Harry Sager and his family. When the synagogue was dedicated in 1940, Lancaster was one of the main speakers. In a 1927 letter published in The Free Lance-Star, he urged the city to “establish a Museum for permanent safe keeping of historic relics in which the community abounds.” He suggested that the museum be located in City Hall. The idea, though it met with initial enthusiasm, was abandoned.

As pastor of the Presbyterian Church, Lancaster reached out to the community in many ways. He encouraged closer ties with Mary Washington College and organized special Sunday night events, inviting the Quantico Marine Corps Band to perform and asking the choir of Shiloh Baptist Church (Old Site) to give a benefit concert. Lancaster’s outgoing personality was one of his many assets. His friend Jere M.H. Willis said, “He had the rare gift of using the right word at the right time.” Despite having been gassed in the war, he had a good tenor voice and loved to sing. The Lancaster family lived in the Presbyterian parsonage at 402 George Street. The manse was torn down after December 1954 to make way for what is now BB&T Bank. Sadly, a heart condition forced his early retirement. He was just 61 when he died two years later, in 1950. Nancy More, a retired Free LanceStar managing editor, is manager of the CRRL's Virginana Room.

Central Rappahannock Heritage Center

Virginia’s only Regional Archives 540~479~4116 1013 Princess Anne Street , FXBG

Front porch fredericksburg

The Heritage Center Maury Commons 900 Barton St 540-373-3704; www.crhcarchives.org.

Fredericksburg

Renew

It’s All Energy

10 habits to drop for success by Joan M. Geisler 1. Saying Yes When You Want to Say No If a project, partnership or opportunity doesn’t resonate with you and does not feel aligned with your values and your goals, you need to be comfortable about setting boundaries. Learn how to say no with kindness right from the start because, as you become more successful, more people will compete for your time and attention. Not setting healthy boundaries will end up in overwhelm and burnout. 2. Hanging Onto People Who Don’t Want to Grow For business owners especially, the people who got your company to where you are today may not be the ones to get you to where you want to be tomorrow. If they can’t grow with you, it’s time to replace them with those who can. 3. Working Through Lunch Working through lunch is a habit done by many business owners. Most justify it with, “If I work through lunch, I’ll just leave a few minutes early” and that isn’t what ends up happening. It’s hard to disconnect midday, especially if you’re in a productive spurt, but it’s important to take a few minutes to recharge. Not doing so will lower your productivity and lead to burnout faster. 4. Failing to Exercise If you fail to exercise, that lack of discipline will translate into other areas of your life, including your business. When you exercise, you are more alert and sharp, and will operate at a higher level. 5. Multitasking It is technically impossible to multitask. When you try to do multiple things at once, you effectively take away full attention and concentration, and you shortchange whatever it is you are doing. 6. Pinging People In a perfect world, everything you do would be working toward some goal (even if it is recharging on the couch). Sending emails that do not advance a relationship because you want to “ping” them or “touch base” is at best useless and could

be harmful. There are definite exceptions where being on someone’s mind is valuable, but try to connect it with value creation or a mutual memory. 7. Striving for Perfection I often let the perfect become the enemy of the good. The result is that I have a lot of projects that are still in the “development” queue, while I continually refine them. The fact is, however, most defects that I see are not elements that others will see. I am working on letting go of the hesitation to perfect everything that I work on. 8. Not Protecting Your Recharge Time If you’re a workaholic, it can be easy to let your own time get taken over by work, over and over until you’re not taking any time for yourself. This may seem like it’s making you more efficient, but it will start quickly doing the opposite. There’s no faster way to burn out. Don’t fall into the habit of denying yourself the time you need to recharge. 9. Immediately Answering PMs and Emails This is by far the largest problem with many people achieving success, especially on a day-to-day basis. If you immediately answer an email or PM, it can quickly take you away from whatever task you are completing at the moment, hindering success. Plan periods every hour or two to answer daily emails or PMs. 10. Not Prioritizing Your Day Plan your day the night before. Then number it by importance. It forces you to actually sit down and only pick a few things you’re going to get done, especially the things that often end up getting punted from day to day. Before that, I was letting my calendar and to-do list run my day and never felt like I was getting the important stuff done. It boils down to Creating Healthy Life Habits Contact me for a free consultation to strategize your game plan Joan can be reached at joan@8020lifefitacademy.com or text 540-903-5717

hormone help with eem by christina ferber Healthy hormones are essential to our well-being, and over 250 different hormones have the job of governing functions throughout our body. When they are out of balance our health is affected, but when they are in balance we can thrive. Our adrenal glands are part of the endocrine system and when they are compromised, our body cannot regulate the amount of adrenaline and cortisol released. Both hormones play an important part in how we handle stress, and if unbalanced, we can experience adrenal fatigue or even adrenal burn-out. Issues with the adrenals can lead to depression, exhaustion, memory loss, and a harder time coping with our daily lives. Fortunately, using some Eden Energy Medicine (EEM) techniques can help bring the adrenals into balance. Buzzing or pressing on the adrenal points, located one inch above and one inch out from the naval, for about 15 seconds can help. Do this on the front of the body, and on the corresponding areas on the back of the body regularly. Cortisol is another hormone that regulates stress and can lead to imbalances in blood pressure and immune function, among other things. The Metabolic Tummy Breath is an exercise that can balance this hormone. Breathe in and suck in your tummy until you cannot take in anymore air. At that point take in three very quick, tiny breaths. Then exhale while still sucking in your tummy. When it feels like you cannot release anymore air, breathe out three quick, tiny breaths. You can also do the Daily Energy Routine (Front Porch, Jan. and Feb. 2018) to help lower stress and prevent excess cortisol. Thyroid problems seem to be the issue of the day for many, and you can help this organ with hormone production by simply stretching your neck, to the side and up and down, often. Holding a spot right at the base of the throat (the hollow at the bottom of your neck) and holding your temples at the same time, can also help balance the thyroid. Three glands that play a key role in hormone production and regulation are the hypothalamus, the pituitary gland, and the pineal gland. Connecting four areas on the head that help with the blood flow of these glands can help balance the hormones they govern. Begin with a crown pull to open space in your head for energy to move. Start with your thumbs on your temples and your fingertips in the middle of your forehead. With pressure, stretch

Images from EEM Class Handouts your forehead by moving your fingers to your temples. Repeat at your hairline and move over your head until you reach the base of your neck. Pull across it, and place your fingers behind your shoulders. Squeeze your shoulders and pull your fingers over them to the front. Take a deep breath and pull your hands off. Then place the palm of your left hand over your hair line and lay your fingers over the top of your head. Place the palm of your right hand on the back of your head directly behind your eyes with those fingers meeting the fingers of your left hand, and take some deep breaths. This is called the Rooster Comb Hold (for obvious reasons) and though it may seem awkward at first, doing this as part of your energy routine maintenance can go a long way in maintaining the health of your hormones. For more energy exercises to help with health and just to make you feel better, visit www.itsallenergywellness.com.

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

front porch fredericksburg

November 2017

history’s stories

UPDATES By Ralph “Tuffy” Hicks

Become a Friend Advocate ~ Donate ~ Volunteer

Supporting Historic Preservation Since 1997 18

November 2017

Central Rappahannock Heritage Center

Virginia’s only Regional Archives 540~479~4116 1013 Princess Anne Street , FXBG

Front porch fredericksburg

The Heritage Center Maury Commons 900 Barton St 540-373-3704; www.crhcarchives.org.

Fredericksburg

Renew

It’s All Energy

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

front porch fredericksburg

November 2017

Senior Care caregiving round the clock By Karl Karch

November is National Caregiving Month and the theme chosen this year is “Caregiving Around the Clock”. While many are thankfully not around the clock caregivers, chances are high that you are or will be providing some care to aging loved ones. You are not alone. In fact, according to the Caregiver Action Network, there are 90 million Americans that are caring for loved ones with chronic conditions, disabilities, disease, or the frailties of old age. Every day, 10,000 people turn 65 years of age. 85 plus is the fasted growing segment of our population. There are more people over 60 than under 15. And, 90% of older adults want to remain in their homes for as long as possible. Becoming a family caregiver can occur suddenly and without warning, or it can evolve slowly over time. Regardless of how it occurs, it is often a life changing event that can be very stressful if not embraced or accepted. Family caregivers do not apply for the job and they have a full life of their own. So, it is important that they make conscious decisions to take charge of their own life and make choices that consider their own needs as well as the needs of their loved ones. The caregivers must create balance between caring for others and caring for

themselves. They also must protect their health and learn to say “no”, ask for help, and take time for their own respite care. Remember that the best way to be an effective and loving caregiver is to take care of yourself. Here are ten tips for family caregivers that were developed by the Caregiver Action Network (caregiveraction.org/resources/10tips-family-caregivers): 1. Seek support from other caregivers. You are not alone! 2. Take care of your own health so that you can be strong enough to take care of your loved one. 3. Accept offers of help and suggest specific things people can do to help you. 4. Learn how to communicate effectively with doctors. 5. Caregiving is hard work so take respite breaks often. 6. Watch out for signs of depression and don't delay getting professional help when you need it. 7. Be open to new technologies that can help you care for your loved one. 8. Organize medical information so it's up to date and easy to find. 9. Make sure legal documents are in order. 10. Give yourself credit for doing the best you can in one of the toughest jobs there is! I highlighted number 2 because caregivers often are so involved in caring for their loved one that caring for yourself is often overlooked, and number 10 because caregivers often feel they aren’t doing enough. And, I’ll add number 11: If you haven’t already planned for your own future care needs, now is a good time to start. Also, please take time to think of others less fortunate as we enter the holiday season. Home Instead Senior Care’s 12th annual “Be A Santa To A Senior” program is designed to bring joy to lonely, needy seniors who are often overlooked this time of year. A very caring and giving greater Fredericksburg community purchases gifts for seniors identified by local non-profit organizations. Call 540-899-1422 and ask for Doreen to learn how you can positively impact a senior’s life through this program. Karl Karch is a local franchise owner of Home Instead Senior Care, a licensed home care organization providing personal care, companionship and home helper services in the Fredericksburg and Culpeper region.

November 2017

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

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

Emancipated Patients

Mind Your Mind

payments to doctors

retirement

By Patrick Neustatter, MD

By Barbara Deal

My nephew, Michael, who has tune of about $17 billion in the last 7 some sleep issues, has just been years, reports the website Stat News. introduced to cynical world of Fees are paid to experts for manufacturers making payments to presentations, consultations and doing doctors and the potential conflict of “research” on drugs and devices – a lot of interests this creates. it pretty bogus. He sent me an email saying he Most worrisome is the potential had found you can look up what payments conflict of interests when some expert in any doctor has received from the pay of one of these companies writes pharmaceutical or medical device treatment guidelines for the rest of the companies at the Center for Medicare and profession to follow. Medicaid Services Drug Dinners (openpaymentsdata.cms.gov). By far the most widespread type He looked at what payments his of “schmoozing” by drug companies sleep doctor had received and “was however, is for we primary care medical shocked” to see he had received $56,000 “peons” and is “the Drug Dinner” – this is and change for 2016. And wanted to know a dinners about , drugs I hasten to point “is there any explanation that looks out. It is usually at some fancy restaurant. good?” Ask any doctor if they can be “Welcome to the real world” was bought with a steak and and a glass of my response. This payment to doctors is wine and they will hotly deny it. But a not a new phenomenon. But what is study published in JAMA relatively new is that it is Internal Medicine Self referrals possible to find out about concluded “receipt of (sending patients to some what payments have been industry-sponsored facility like an imaging or made and by whom – at meals was associated with surgical center that the least for the moment. an increased rate of doctor has a financial This is thanks to prescribing.” Prescribing The Physicians Payment interest in) is another area expensive, name brand Sunshine Act passed in of conflict of interest. medicines - that the drug 2010, a part of the company produces. Affordable Care Act (another of those And what’s really bad is how cheep we perks of the ACA but which no one ever doctors are. Many of the meals provided seems to know about). had a mean value of less than $20.

Pay For Performance

“So what’s wrong with these payment to doctors?” you might ask. In the dog-eat-dog world of business, a little “schmoozing,” whether it be strait out dosh, trips to golf r e s o r t s / v i n e y a r d s / n i c e restaurants/cruises/ski trips, or some kind of tchotchke is not so uncommon. In fact if it promotes the companies sales, everyone’s happy. This brings up this debate about is medicine different to industry as a whole? Whatever you think, there’s an awful lot of schmoozing goes on – to the

ble at Availa n.com Amazo

The Other Deviousness Self referrals (sending patients to some facility like an imaging or surgical center that the doctor has a financial interest in) is another area of conflict of interest. One study of urologists sending patients for radiation treatment or example found non-owner urologist referrals decreased 5 per cent. But at the same time, those referred by doctors who had a financial steak increased by as much as 356 per cent. There is no law requiring reporting of self-referrals. And the Sunshine Act is under threat – a bill to reverse it passed the House already but failed in the Senate. And there are grave concern that if the ACA is dismantled we will loose it. So I say to nephew Michael, good job for being enough of a Medically Emancipated Patient to find out about these wicked payments your doctor is receiving and the potential conflict of interests this creates. As always, it comes down to riding your politicians to do the right thing. To preserve this one small step toward consumer empowerment. Patrick Neustatter is the Medical Director of the Moss Free Clinic.

Retirement Re-tire` ment Mid. French. The action or fact of leaving one’s job and ceasing to work, (Oxford Dictionary) Retirement, n. The period of one’s life after leaving one’s job. Retirement…1530’s withdrawing from worldly matters for the reason of seeking privacy. Cambridge English dictionary…”because you are old” 1670 “leave company and go to bed”. A word that has been ringing around my spaces faintly for decades and now more clearly. Structure vs. free time. Demands vs. self direction totally. What is the meaning of not being in the work role? Is there a self under that costume? Is there even a language post employment? Does anyone even know the future of anything? Is it true that one awakens a new person every day?So would it be the same different person or would it be a different different person? Would the occupation of space without a careerrelated meaning, monied accomplishmentoriented action the same as with? What would it be to just be? Would it be a pregnant or a vacuous place? What would it not be? What could be the worst? The best? Certainly now as the brink of 68, I join the crowd of Baby Boomers toying with words in an effort to explore, disguise or avoid opportunities for going deeper. Raise your hand now. I know you are out there. Culture delineates beginnings and endings at times arbitrarily. Similarly, age, health and death are determined by other forces beyond recognition and control. This can be helpful or it can be meaningless and can be both. Patterns and expectations engender validation and alienation. Patterns are a trap and a pathway. The biggest and the best and the worst and the least rarely are the same for all of us. Sometimes remembering the

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

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

“ w o r s t birthday ever” at 22 makes me cringe in the long view from now. And what remains. What would remain? The world, the scenery, the earthquakes, the floods. The dreamy e y e d grandson looking up at the towering sunflower in the yard. The shelf fungus in the woods. The witness, the victim, the perpetrator, the bystanders, the blind, the co-conspirators, the secrets, the hidden, the revealed. The angels who paraded in my office now for 40 years with their gifts and their struggles. Passage of time and search for meaning continue with me. The search for place. The furtive glance Something familiar. Something fresh. Today, again, I am thinking about an Amy Lowel poem read in a high school English class. Everything new becomes aversive, a repetition. Angrily at 17, I argued in behalf of the hope that change comes and change does alter life and viewpoints. On the brink of another role change, I argued that she was wrong. THERE IS CHANGE. THERE IS!!! There is hope. Please God, do not leave me “stuck inside of Mobile with the Memphis Blues Again (Bob Dylan). Yet like that poem, I believe that initially, the pattern has no pattern yet it is quite confining .It will be up to me to construct one. The core structure comes from within, not without. Just leave me with a song and a poem for company.

The Natural Path Holistic Health Center

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

891-6200

www.thenaturalpath.us

4413 Lafayette Blvd. Fredericksburg

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November 2017

Senior Care caregiving round the clock By Karl Karch

November 2017

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

Emancipated Patients

Mind Your Mind

payments to doctors

retirement

By Patrick Neustatter, MD

By Barbara Deal

Pay For Performance

ble at Availa n.com Amazo

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

The Natural Path Holistic Health Center

891-6200

www.thenaturalpath.us

4413 Lafayette Blvd. Fredericksburg

front porch fredericksburg

November 2017

Life in Motion

Wellness

Anna Robinson

when your hotness is related to flashes By christine H. Thompson, D.C.

By rich gaudio, pt learning how to dissipate the stress response and trigger the relaxation response with exercise, proper sleep and other stress-management habits. It wouldn’t be fair not to mention that correcting menopausal issues will require a whole lot of commitment and persistence. It can take some time to resolve hormonal dysfunctions depending on how long a woman has been tipping out of balance. But the end result will be a healthier, happier and more vital you!

A hot topic (pun intended) among women embarking on the second half of their lives is menopausal symptoms such as hot flashes and night sweats. Is it just me or does it seem odd that a normal phase of life for women has now become a condition (or disease) with symptoms and treatments? And it is not only women. Now men are told that they will experience “andropause”, which is also a treatable condition. But that is another story. I believe menopause need not be a dreaded phase of life plagued by a decrease in vitality and a host of unpleasant (understatement of the year?) symptoms. There are a number of important environmental and lifestyle factors contributing to these undesirable effects that can be mitigated with paying close attention to certain habits, the products you use and your immediate environment, plus fortifying your diet with nutrient dense foods and supplements. Menopause is exactly what the word implies. It is the time when a woman’s ovaries begin to stop producing hormones and releasing eggs, causing the menstrual cycle to change and eventually stop. This is a normal, healthy process that every woman will undergo if she lives long enough, unless she has had her ovaries removed at a younger age. When the ovaries begin to produce less hormones, the normal process involves the adrenal glands stepping up and producing smaller amounts of these hormones. A healthy adrenal cortex should be able to produce enough hormones to prevent the more severe symptoms women experience during the process of menopause, such as hot flashes, mood swings and dry skin, but not enough to trigger the menstrual cycle. The crux of the matter for most women is that the adrenal glands, while

November 2017

they have numerous functions, are predominantly responsible for the stress response, producing the hormones associated with the fight-or-flight lifesaving response. If these vital glands have been overused by excessive stress during the years preceding menopause, they may not have the energy to work efficiently when needed as you move into the change of life. If your chief complaint during menopause is night or day sweats, the kind where you end up drenched while everyone else seems cool and comfortable, then your problem is most likely adrenal gland hypofunction or adrenal fatigue. If your problem is mainly unusual temperature fluctuations but not the drenching sweats, your issue is most likely an estrogen imbalance. Either way there is help for you. The four areas that must be addressed to resolve any endocrine (hormonal) issue are as follows: (1) blood sugar dysregulation, including hypoglycemia, pre-diabetes, insulin resistance and diabetes; (2) toxicity and liver biotransformation (the ability of your liver to rid your body of toxic chemicals; (3) gut dysbiosis, or imbalances in intestinal microflora (good bacteria in your gut); and (4) proper essential fatty acid intake to control inflammation, which, as you know, is the underlying cause of all disease. If these four deal-breakers are not addressed, it is near impossible to resolve any hormonal issue including menopausal symptoms. The good news is that all four can be addressed with dietary changes, supplementation with specific nutrients and herbs and other lifestyle changes. A vitally important thing you must do is to learn how to head off the stress response. Since fight-or-flight is an automatic response, your best bet is

Front porch fredericksburg

Christine Thompson is the owner of Whole Health Solutions. Contact her at 540-899-9421

This is the month we, as a nation, pause to give thanks. I thought it would be fitting to introduce our readers to someone for whom I find myself very thankful. Anna Robinson is our Office Assistant at Fusion PT - the first face or voice many folks encounter when seeking services at Fusion. I am thankful for all the work that Anna does AND the way she goes about doing it at Fusion. The following is Anna’s thoughts on life at Fusion… “If you love what you do; you’ll never work a day in your life.” This is a quote I learned early in life, said Anna, “ I

have always enjoyed helping people and my favorite part about working at the front desk at Fusion Physical Therapy is that my job allows me to meet all kinds of different people from day to day. I get to combine my two favorite passions, helping people and talking! Most people do not come to physical therapy because they are pain free and have an hour to spare any given day. If I can distract our patients from their pain, even for the brief moment it takes to check in, my day has been made. It’s not just the patients that I love to be around; my co-workers aren’t too bad themselves! “Fusion Physical Therapy is not just a place where I work; it is a place I get to call home. We are like family here. Everyone is very hardworking but manages to have fun while doing it. As a staff we are very encouraging and supportive of each other. My background is in psychology, so much about PT treatment eludes me. The therapists here often take their time to explain something to me and I am eager to learn so I can be

more helpful to therapists and patients alike. I don’t feel like “just front desk staff” here. I feel like an important part of a growing team and look forward to seeing the company grow as a business and expand into the community. Most importantly I come to work every day looking forward to our awesome patients and meeting new people because after all, strangers are only friends you haven’t met yet! “Our patients themselves make this job so much fun… I have a patient that comes in everyday and the first thing he does it take down the window stickers and throw them at me while I’m at my desk. Maybe not everyone’s idea of fun, but I love it! Work would be so boring if everyone was serious all the time. My work days don’t seem to drag when there’s fun and laughter to pass the time. Don’t get me wrong, I take my job very seriously because insurance companies seem to go out of their way to make our patients’ lives difficult. I enjoy that I can bridge the gap and help them understand their

benefits and make their day a little easier. “I have worked a variety of jobs in my lifetime; everything from food service to retail to where I am now. Working with the group of people here, has by far been my favorite. I am very thankful to be given the opportunity to grow with this amazing company and to work with all my amazing co-workers. So if you ever have any questions about your health or find yourself in need of a great physical therapist, come on down to Fusion Physical Therapy, where we look forward to making your day a little easier!”

Rich Gaudio is the PT Clinic Operator at Fusion Physical Therapy, He can be reached several ways: 540.710.0100; Rich@fusionpta.com www.facebook.com/FusionPTSpotsy www.fusionpta.com

Thank You Fredericksburg for Your Support Since 1997 Accepting New Patients Emergency Patients Welcome Participant With Most Major Insurance Plans 131 Park Hill Dr, FXBG, 22401 540-373-0602 fdadental.com front porch fredericksburg

November 2017

Life in Motion

Wellness

Anna Robinson

when your hotness is related to flashes By christine H. Thompson, D.C.

November 2017

Front porch fredericksburg

Christine Thompson is the owner of Whole Health Solutions. Contact her at 540-899-9421

Rich Gaudio is the PT Clinic Operator at Fusion Physical Therapy, He can be reached several ways: 540.710.0100; Rich@fusionpta.com www.facebook.com/FusionPTSpotsy www.fusionpta.com

November 2017

Art in the Burg

Stories

of fredericksburg

New Works:

Charles

Casey Shaw & Beverley Coates Art First Gallery Features New Works by Casey Shaw Casey Shaw's reputation for capturing the iconic architecture of Fredericksburg is well established. This November, his first solo show in three years will feature local landscapes in oils along with new images of the historic city. Shaw's youthful passion for drawing and caricature led to work as a professional cartoonist as an undergraduate; to embracing the rapidly developing application of computer technology to graphic design, and to a twenty year run as the creative director for USA Weekend Magazine. Currently, he fills a full-time designer position at The Free Lance Star; writes a monthly column entitled "Fredericksburg Sketches" for Front Porch Magazine; teaches four art courses at Germanna Community College, and serves as president of the board at Art First Gallery. He received a Batchelors from the University of North Texas and a

“Summer Spikes at Belmont”, Beverley Coates Masters from Syracuse University -both in Fine Art. For additional details about this show and the artist, please visit www.caseyshaw.com or www.artfirstgallery.com or call 540-3717107. Art First Gallery, 824 Caroline St Opening Reception November 1, 6-9 9pm ~ Suzanne Scherr

November 2017

What is Behind the Drywall? And Why We Should Care! Artful Dimensions Gallery artists Sally Cooney Anderson, Christine Lush Rodriguez and Ben Childers used hammers to break holes in the dry wall to find out what was behind the wall at 924 Caroline Street. What they found? Two feet of space plus the original old brick and many other historical treasures.

“At the Fall Line”, Casey Shaw

Brush Strokes Gallery Features "Imagination - The Mind's Eye" by Beverley Coates Throughout November, Brush Strokes Gallery will feature an exhibit of uplifting and engaging watercolor paintings by Beverley Coates in her "Imagination - The Mind's Eye" exhibit. Beverley has garnered a following of fans of her luminous and sometimes whimsical creations, and with this exhibit she is going deep and wide. At 24" x 36", paintings for the November display are larger than many of her other works, and their subjects are drawn from depth of both tangible and imaginative "catalogues" images. The paintings present an amalgamation of images from the various categories and give viewers an opportunity to experience the world through Beverley's "mind's eye." After creative careers as a highschool teacher, florist and wedding coordinator, Beverley Clare Coates followed the long-ago, but not forgotten, advice of a college art professor - to explore painting. Encouraged by teachers Johnny Johnson and Janet Walsh , she explores an eventful adventure of watercolor painting. If asked why she paints, the quick, true answer is quite simply, 'I love to paint!' Brush Strokes Gallery, 824 Caroline St Opening Reception, November 1, 6-9 9p, ~Norma Woodward

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Name This House

Artful Dimension members are doing renovations themselves for their new gallery and have been at it for three months so far. Although not yet sure of the move-in date at the new space, they are hopeful the space will be ready by December 1st. When open, there will be six working studios and a gallery space. Stop by 924 Caroline St & offer Artful Dimensions a hand!

Art is a Gift from the Heart

Charles,59, became homeless after having to close a family store. He lived on the street for many months. He has now been back in housing for nearly two years and has a full-time job at a local restaurant. “I grew up in Hampton, Virginia. I was a surfer and a beach guy as a kid. My mother always said ‘I can’t get that boy to wear clothes for nothing’ cause I was only wearing swim trunks- that’s all I ever wore. My father worked in the shipyard down in Newport News for 46 years. I had two sisters and a little brother. We had family chaos constantly because that place is a very busy place and he was always bringing young subordinates home for dinner. My mother would do the cooking and stuff like that…kind of traditional family. We were deep Southern Baptist, but I was forever questioning and the minister thought I was crazy because of the things I would say. Not that I’d say ‘prove it’ but he

would say ‘it’s a feeling.’ I have a problem with just going off of feelings. I was in the Navy for 14 years. I went in during the 1970s and I was 19 at the time. I ran the ships’ businesses and stores and things-laundry and barber shops. I wanted to finish my career, but my uncle kept throwing money at me. I was stationed in Norfolk, VA and my uncle would ask me to come up and help him with the flea market. So I would come up on weekends sometimes and the more I came up the more I liked coming up because the more we did. I admired the man tremendously because he didn’t give me anything- he made me earn it. After working at the flea market for 25 years and becoming homeless I realized that I really didn’t know how to do anything because the functions I knew how to do were all involved in that business and to translate that to a regular business is very difficult. I spent like 7-8 months looking for work and any kind of savings that I had dwindled down to nothing. Then my mother asked me to come help her in the country. I helped her for a couple years, but then she got cancer and passed away. I came back to Fredericksburg.. I couldn’t get work right away so I went to Micah to get assistance. After a while the staff came along and put me in a home.” .

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

So Cute, So Yellow, So English

Last Month’s House: 1701 Sunken Road The Winner of a PA Dutch Company Gift Certificate is Kathleen Mahoney

You have stood below the college, for these eighty-some long years. White was your color my dear, until a California girl, came along and blazed you, yellow and alive. They say you were invisible, behind the ancient trees, until a storm called Agnes, flattened them into tattered leaves. You look so happy now, in your red beachy awnings, the flowers oh so pretty, the picket fence so quaint. It makes me, want to squeeze you 'til I am giddy!

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

Artists: Beverley Coates Lynn Abbott Penny Parrish Beverley Coates Feature Show in Nov. @ Brush Strokes Gallery Daily hours 10 to 6.

Artist on site Saturdays

810 Caroline Street, Downtown Fredericksburg front porch fredericksburg

November 2017

Art in the Burg

Stories

of fredericksburg

New Works:

Charles

November 2017

“At the Fall Line”, Casey Shaw

Front porch fredericksburg

Name This House

Art is a Gift from the Heart

So Cute, So Yellow, So English

Last Month’s House: 1701 Sunken Road The Winner of a PA Dutch Company Gift Certificate is Kathleen Mahoney

Artists: Beverley Coates Lynn Abbott Penny Parrish Beverley Coates Feature Show in Nov. @ Brush Strokes Gallery Daily hours 10 to 6.

Artist on site Saturdays

810 Caroline Street, Downtown Fredericksburg front porch fredericksburg

November 2017

On Stage! Magical world of narnia By Lenora Kruk-Mullanaphy

Supporting Local Authors/Writers Since 1997 26

November 2017

Front porch fredericksburg

YOU can make a difference by volunteering to visit a senior in the Fredericksburg area.

The Senior Visitors Program is a FREE community service program of Mental Health America of Fredericksburg.

Stafford High School Students Present: 'THE LION, THE WITCH AND THE WARDROBE'

Aaron Humphrey (left) and John Pates (right) &, Lee Storm, in last years “Peter Pan”. The three seniors have roles in "The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe" a play that had the opportunity for great theatricality." D'Addario has taught theater at the school for eight years. He and Chad Johnson, the fine arts teacher, work with students to bring quality entertainment to the community. Over the past decade, the Stafford High School Theater Department has won more than 100 awards in district, regional, state and national competitions. The program also features a thriving improv comedy troupe with 40 students. The cast of "The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe" travels weekly to Grafton Elementary School to conduct Theater Club for students. Although they have a rigorous rehearsal schedule for the play, they want to bring their love of theater to the elementary school students. "The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe" performances are December 1 and 2 at 7pm; December 7, 8 and 9 at 7pm; and matinees on December 2 and 9 at 2pm. There will be live music, face painting, juggling and balloon animals

before the show and during intermission, and Father Christmas will make an appearance for photos. Tickets are available at the door for $5 for children, students and senior citizens and $7 for adults. The final performance on Saturday, December 9, will include the option of dinner with the show beginning at 5pm. Tickets for the dinner theater is $15 for children, students and senior citizens and $17 for adults. Dinner theater tickets can be purchased in advance by emailing thestaffordplayers@gmail.com. Stafford High School is located at 63 Indians Lane in Fredericksburg. For more information, contact thestaffordplayers@gmail.com.

Lenora Kruk-Mullanaphy is the president of Kruk-Mullanaphy Media Group, LLC. and a resident of Stafford County

bob schamerhorn

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

Volunteer training is provided & no special skills are required.

Katelyn Pates plays the mystical Tinker Bell last spring. Pates, who is a sophomore, will play Lucy in "The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe"

The "Stafford Players," Stafford High School's drama students, will transport audiences to the magical world of Narnia when "The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe" takes center stage at the 2 and 7-9 9. school on December 1-2 During the World War II air raid of London, the Pevensie children are evacuated to the estate of an enigmatic professor in the English countryside. While exploring the house, youngest sister, Lucy, finds a mysterious wardrobe in a deserted room. On the other side, she finds a mystical land. She informs her siblings of her visit to the land called Narnia, and while trying to escape the professor's strict housekeeper, they hide in the wardrobe. To their surprise, they find themselves in a country perpetually covered in snow and ruled by the coldhearted White Witch. The children are befriended by the residents of Narnia animals and mythical creatures - including the brave lion, Aslan. They join Aslan to defeat the White Witch and bring Narnia back to its former beauty. Nearly 50 students comprise the cast and crew, and elaborate scenery is being created by technical theater students. A vocal coach from Virginia Commonwealth University has worked with the actors to teach them authentic English accents, as well as a Russian accent for the White Witch. "We wanted to have a familyoriented show for the holidays this year, and 'The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe' includes the winter and holiday motifs and fit nicely into the season," said Stafford High School Theater Director Michael D'Addario. "The story is one that has always resonated with the group, and it was ideal for the students in our program. We look at the students in the theater program and select plays in which they can shine. We also wanted to perform

Backyard Nature Photography

Visit mhafred.org or call 540-371-2704

by penny parrish Bob When you look at Schamerhorn’s photographs, you would think that he has his camera attached to his hand every hour of every day and every night. Bob’s photos of birds and nature give us a window into the beauty of the world around us. He will be sharing many of those images, as well as some tips on “Backyard Photography” as a guest of the Fredericksburg Photography Club (www.fbgphotoclub.com) on November 14 at 7pm. Bob has lived in the country and in the city, and he says that each of us can make improvements to our yards and habitat to attract birds and butterflies. The right plants, trees, bushes, feed and water are the recipe for drawing wildlife to your home. As to camera equipment, Bob started out with a “point and shoot” camera before deciding this went past being a hobby and upgrading to more expensive DSLRs. He encourages others to start out the same way. Bob currently lives in Richmond where he is a self-employed graphic artist.

This job allows him the freedom of setting his own hours and watching for “photo ops” in his own yard every day. He also travels, and has captured soaring (literally) images of birds in Hawaii and Florida. He likes the accessibility of the many different species that one finds in Florida, and the ability to get close to most of them.

Bob emphasizes that getting good photos of birds and butterflies is not always easy. Don’t expect to capture your feathered friends unless you are willing to spend some time gazing out of your window or taking your camera on walks and vacations. “Patience is secondary to fun,” he says. Sometimes he captures the birds because he puts his camera on a tripod and waits for the perfect shot. Other times he admits he is in the right place at the right time. Most times it is a combination of both. Some of his favorite photos are taken at the birdbath. Bob is currently putting together a book titled “Bathing Beauties” that features only birdbath images, and one chapter is simply called “Splash.” Hitting the shutter button to “freeze” the bird yet show the movement of water is the ultimate goal. During his presentation in Fredericksburg, Bob will show many

examples of his work, and provide ideas and tips for photographers from beginner to experienced. He will cover composition and techniques, including autofocus and taking pictures remotely. Birds are usually on the move, so Bob will have some tips for capturing them in flight. Bob hosts photo tours, birding guide services, workshops and individual instruction. Still, he considers himself an “enthusiast, not an expert.” Bob says he is “not the creator of the beauty, I just take the pictures.” To see some of Bob’s images, visit his website at www.iphotobirds.com. “Backyard Photography” The Fredericksburg Photography Club is inviting all local photographers, birders and nature enthusiasts to the free presentation which will be held at the Dorothy Hart Center from 7-9 9pm on Tuesday, November 14. For further information contact FbgPhoto@aol.com Penny A Parrish is a member of the Fredericksburg Photography Club, and shows her work at Brush Strokes Gallery and 810 Weekend Gallery in Fredericksburg.

front porch fredericksburg

November 2017

On Stage! Magical world of narnia By Lenora Kruk-Mullanaphy

Supporting Local Authors/Writers Since 1997 26

November 2017

Front porch fredericksburg

YOU can make a difference by volunteering to visit a senior in the Fredericksburg area.

The Senior Visitors Program is a FREE community service program of Mental Health America of Fredericksburg.

Stafford High School Students Present: 'THE LION, THE WITCH AND THE WARDROBE'

Lenora Kruk-Mullanaphy is the president of Kruk-Mullanaphy Media Group, LLC. and a resident of Stafford County

bob schamerhorn

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

Volunteer training is provided & no special skills are required.

Katelyn Pates plays the mystical Tinker Bell last spring. Pates, who is a sophomore, will play Lucy in "The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe"

Backyard Nature Photography

Visit mhafred.org or call 540-371-2704

front porch fredericksburg

November 2017

Companions earn your spca angel’s wings By candice armstrong

Roxy In the past few weeks the Fredericksburg SPCA has brought in dozens of homeless cats and dogs from the Virgin Islands, Houston, and South Carolina. Some of the animals are able to go up for adoption right away, but what about those who aren’t healthy enough or need some help with socialization? For this we have one of the best volunteer programs! It is our foster program. We give animals that don’t have families of their own time to heal physically and emotionally from whatever trauma they have suffered. There are of course other reasons why animals go into foster

me the most was a very shy dog name Watson. He was abandoned and lived in the woods for a long time, so when he was brought to the shelter he was terrified. I got a call from Sarah Chiles and I agreed to give Watson a place to stay for a couple of weeks. Getting him to my apartment was the hard part because it took two hours to get him out of his kennel at the shelter. When I finally got him into the car and then into my apartment, he hid in the closet for almost two days! Poor Watson was so fearful of everything, but with love and patience he started to come out of his shell. After two weeks, he turned into the happiest, sweetest dog I knew! Now he is living with a great family and adores his three year-old little “sister”, his owner’s little girl.

Tigger It is stories like Watson’s that help me to remember what a difference one person can make by opening their home temporarily for a homeless animal in need. Most of the dogs and cats that go into foster care just need a little love and kindness to heal. If this sounds like a job for you, give us a call! We are always looking for volunteer foster families!

don’t judge a book by its cover By A.E. Bayne Better value, more love for your pet than if you kennel board him!

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

Human Library

540-898-0737

We all know the expression saying we shouldn’t judge a book by its Central cover. Two branches of Rappahannock Regional Library have taken this to heart by hosting Human Library: Every Life is a Story. This past September 30th at England Run Library, and again on Saturday, November 11th at Salem Church Library, patrons may “check out” these human books, local citizens who have volunteered to share their personal experiences in an attempt to build community and to open dialogs about challenges they’ve faced and stories they’ve lived. Lee Criscuolo, Head of Adult Services at the England Run branch, heard about human libraries at a Virginia Library Association conference and decided it was a hit. She discovered that Erin Brallier, Collection Services Manager at the Library Administration Center, had a similar idea for the Salem Church branch. Brallier enlisted Eric Anderson from Salem Church, and they pooled their efforts. Criscuolo says, “It’s a way to break down stereotypes through real conversations with people who you might otherwise not talk to, either due to preconceived notions or lack of opportunity. While our country faces social and political divisiveness, it seems the perfect time to implement it to give people a chance to understand each other better.”

Jules care. If kittens or puppies are underweight, too young, or if an animal has been in the shelter for an extended period of time, our incredible foster coordinator, Sarah Chiles, finds them a foster family until they are ready to be adopted. Not only does the foster program save many animals and free up space in the shelter, but it is also a great experience for the foster families. I personally have fostered many dogs and cats, but one that stuck out to

November 2017

Candi Armstrong, MSW is the Community Outreach and Volunteer Coordinator, at Fredericksburg Regional SPCA. She can be reached at : 540-8981500 x17

Front porch fredericksburg

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

To check out a human book, patrons have access to a binder showing photos and summaries of each volunteer’s story. They browse the catalog and check out a person for 20 minutes. If they wanted to renew, they could do so for 10 minutes at a time. At the England Run event, many volunteers were renewed multiple times to continue conversations. Topics available for discussion cover a broad range, from the very personal to more overtly systemic ones. During the orientation for the human books, Criscuolo was struck that if someone walked into the room they would have the thought that it was a group of regular people. She says, “It just brought home the idea that there’s no such thing as ‘regular people,’ because everybody has all kinds of interesting challenges and stories you won’t know about them from casual meetings.” Human book Janelle Kennedy shared her story in September. She says, “I talked about my experience of living in a fat body in a society that stigmatizes a fat person, and my choice to not allow being fat define me.” She says the best part of the experience for her was exploring how she felt and being able to articulate her feelings about it. She says, “It was difficult at times, and at times it was really joyous to do that and put some conscious effort into how I felt.” Kennedy says she and fellow volunteers gave a short presentation for the first half of the time and then opened the rest of the time up for discussion and questions. She says, “During discussion, patrons shared stories about themselves too, so it was a very interactive experience. It’s probably one of the most important things I’ve done in my life, getting to share that perspective with someone who might not have previously understood. Taking the time to reflect is important, but that reflection should not be done in isolation. Taking the time to share with someone who is listening with an open mind is incredibly important too.” Your next opportunity to check out a volunteer from the Human Library will happen on Saturday, November 11, 2017, at Salem Church Library between 1 p.m. and 4 p.m.. Learn more at www.librarypoint.org/humanlibrary or through library events on Facebook. A.E. Bayne is a writer, artist and educator who publishes Fredericksburg Literary and Art Review and is an organizer of the Fredericksburg Independent Book Festival.

Cancer Journal they don’t call it thanksgiving for nothing by rim vining

I am very thankful my chemo treatments are over and the dreaded “swallowing glass” part of radiation has mostly passed. Those weeks after treatment when “the meat is still cooking” were a wake-up call - both painful and tiring. Taste will return I am told but in the meantime I’m curious that my back molars seem to have turned to salt licks? I am thankful and amazed by the people along the way who took the time to share a word of encouragement and support in all manner of ways but always with positive vibes. I was a star pupil. Right to the end I could eat and drink and only used the “tube” for supplements and my need for pain meds was very low. I could even drive myself to treatment the entire time. That wasn’t all personal fortitude but was energy from a thousand sources. There is no denying the positive forces and higher powers out there that often remind us of our own limited abilities and how much we need the help of others. My favorite surprise was a postcard campaign orchestrated by the Harrigan – Sovitsy team of “been there, done that, here’s what you need” care giver and cancer survivor. I got postcards from strangers and some old friends all over the U.S. including the one pictured from former Fredericksburger and bagpiper Sean Michael Dargan all the way from Palo Alto on the Left Coast who sent me his favorite chord. He’s right you know. The soothing open tone strum of a Cmaj7/G will get you by when more complicated finger formations come across as contrived. I am especially impressed with the “classic car / pinup girl” theme carried out across all 50 states each complete with words of wisdom from J&K such as. “I removed the shell from my racing snail; it

only made him more sluggish.” Or “There is no future in time travel.” Even “I had a job in an Origami factory until the firm folded.” See why I waited for the mail man? It really does take a village, from the Hyperion crew who kept “Hyperion Love” moving in my direction to Jr. the downtown barber who assured me I wasn’t actually losing hair. There were prayer chains in multiple states and far flung family members who checked on my progress. And there is a friend and partner who kept Classic Car Solutions moving forward. Dave might have had to speak more British that he was used to over the summer but I was able to do what needed to be done without a minutes worry about my job or the business. That’s a rare treat in this modern world and I am eternally grateful. And then there are the caregivers. I have nothing but high praise for everyone I have had dealings with in this entire process. No Nurse Ratchets. Nothing but professionals who came to work every day with smiles and positive attitudes and a real desire to cure you and get you to the finish line just to hear you ring that bell. They were amazing and still are as they work me through recovery so I can gain back some weight and get my strength back. The journey isn’t over but we’re a lot closer the celebrating the future and not dwelling on the past. Enjoy your holidays, remember those less fortunate and eat a piece of pie for me. I can use the calories.

front porch fredericksburg

November 2017

Companions earn your spca angel’s wings By candice armstrong

don’t judge a book by its cover By A.E. Bayne Better value, more love for your pet than if you kennel board him!

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

Human Library

540-898-0737

November 2017

Candi Armstrong, MSW is the Community Outreach and Volunteer Coordinator, at Fredericksburg Regional SPCA. She can be reached at : 540-8981500 x17

Front porch fredericksburg

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

Cancer Journal they don’t call it thanksgiving for nothing by rim vining

front porch fredericksburg

November 2017

Fredericksburg Sketches 606 Caroline Street Old Town Fredericksburg 373-7847

A visual Celebration of our community

By Casey Alan Shaw

www.gemstonecreations.org

FXBG’ERS meet jack rowley

Where Fredericksburg Gets Engaged

Give a Child Something to Think About

"Great leaders inspire others to reach for the stars, and sometimes they bring back the moon." ~ Unknown

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

SKETCH #37: Moonlight on St. George’s This month at Art First Gallery on Caroline Street, I am the “featured” artist in the front of the Gallery. It is my first solo show in three years and this “sketch” was one of the first pieces I created for the new show. I still call it a sketch because, even though it is painted using oil paint, it was created on paper and it is a bit more experimental than if it was a finished painting. For this particular show, I took the opportunity to expand my horizons a bit and tackle some landscapes, mostly local scenes of the Rappahannock. This particular work I’m including because it was sort of a transition piece for me it still featured a local landmark, but the focus is less on the building and more on the atmosphere around it. With many of the other works in the show, I’ve abandoned my usual architectural focus entirely to let the natural beauty that surrounds our historic downtown take center stage. I hope you get a chance to stop by Art First and take a look. Let me know what you think. I’m sure I’ll continue to focus on sketching local buildings … that’s what inspired me to create so much art work over the past few years. But, for this particular show with the landscapes, you’ll see a side of my art that I haven’t shared before. Casey Alan Shaw is a local artist and Realtor. He exhibits his original artwork and limited-edition prints at Art First Gallery in downtown Fredericksburg and at www.caseyshaw.com.

Your Hometown Jeweler Since 1940

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

November 2017

Front porch fredericksburg

I’m just a small town girl

by georgia Lee Strentz

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

810 Caroline Street (540) 371-5684

From My Porch

After meeting Jack Rowley, I am sure this quote was written about him. If anyone can bring back a moon or inspire those around them to do so, it would be Jack, I am told by a little bird, (also a tireless volunteer member of our local Host Lions Club). His compassion is boundless. Many people in the club felt it was time Jack found out just how much his fellow Lions respect, admire and appreciate his nineteen tireless years of humanitarian work for the citizens of our Fredericksburg area. They want him to know that without his hours of devotion,and leadership, so many children and adults in our town, would not reach their potential, and go without even basic necessities of life. Jack hails originally from Maryland, where he grew up, graduated from the University of Baltimore, got his law degree and met his wife Patsy . They married and he began his career as a corporate executive moving them from Maryland to New Jersey, to Virginia ,Alabama, Connecticut, NY state, Oklahoma, Wisconsin, Chicago, all while

raising four children. Fast-forward,when Jack left the corporate world many years later in 1999, he and Patsy started looking for a place to relocate and make a life change, They were looking for a certain size town, perhaps historical, and a bonus would be if it were close to their four children and five grandchildren. They visited our charming, historical town and it won their hearts, and it also happened to be close to most of their family. When they settled on their house, the attorney said, "When you get your horses settled, give me a call, as I think you might like to meet a group of outstanding people in our Host Lions Club here in Fredericksburg." Jack and Patsy got the horses settled, and Jack called the attorney. The rest is history as they say, nineteen years ago. An interesting point of fact about the Lions Club, in 1999, the Lions Club was an all-male organization. Jack nominated the first woman as a new member in 2004, and now today there are 12 women members. One of the wonderful projects the Lions Club sponsors, is the hearing and vision tests for children in our Fredericksburg City Schools. If the parents cannot afford glasses, the Lions Club buys the glasses for the child. The Lions Club members are trained to use the vision machines they bought to use for these wonderful,"life saving" tests, Jack has been a very active member for many years in The United Way, having served in most of the leadership roles. He Has been on the Stafford Economic Development Authority representing Hartwood District for fifteen years. He is director of the Rappahannock Area Community Services Board, and the Germanna College Education Foundation.. Jack is also is on The Board of Trustees for Mary Washington Healthcare. Jack asks that you come and see him and perhaps buy a tree for Christmas on Plank Road, right next to Big Lots, starting the Sat. after Thanksgiving. Call 540-226-4551 to volunteer to help sell trees! Christmas ornaments will be be sold through the Lions in our Fredericksburg schools

Whew, need a nap on my porch in the Fall sun, with an October issue of Front Porch!

By Jo Loving Living in a small town, one of the keys to survival was your imagination ~ Nick Nolte I grew up in a town in Florida’s Panhandle. Everyone knew my father or grandmother, and, in our neighborhood, everyone was everyone’s child. Whatever you said or did was subject to either praise or criticism, or punishment, as warranted. The families in our neighborhood viewed all children as their children, and we knew that we had best mind our manners or we would meet with the wrath of whichever parent happened to catch wind of the infraction. Much of the time, I escaped to the solitude and quiet of the treehouse and my mind. I was a quiet and solitary child. I’d spend hours there, reading about adventures in faraway places, writing poetry, daydreaming, doing homework, and using my slingshot with chinaberries from the neighbor’s tree. I was a stealth sniper, picking off anyone who intruded on my peaceable kingdom. Sometimes, it was my brother who felt the sting; sometimes, the neighborhood boys, who were being boys, making lots of noise and picking on my baby brother (who, I might add, may have deserved it, but he was my brother, after all). I’m not sure they ever knew where the sting came from – they didn’t know I was up there, as I was not given to a lot of noise-making. In any case, they didn’t come after me, so I was left to enjoy my lair (which, incidentally, was my brother’s treehouse, but that’s another story). I was an introvert – still am, to a certain extent. Such was my introversion that when I graduated, my father sent announcements to our neighbors, some of whom expressed that they didn’t know he had an older daughter. I had lived there since 2nd grade. My younger sister and brother were much more outgoing and were well known. You see, I was the dreamer, the quiet girl, the one who never brought home a pile of friends. I had friends, but I tended to enjoy one-on-one friendships, rather than groups. But in my imagination, I traveled. I was a sophisticated lady in France, or Spain, or Italy – somewhere in Europe. In my dream life, I threw lavish parties, invited muckety-mucks, and had beautiful music – always music, of a variety of genres. Long, intellectual and philosophical conversations flowed at these imaginary parties. A few years later, I would move from my small town with my children, carve out a life in a larger metropolitan area, travel, and, although I couldn’t exactly describe myself as sophisticated

and didn’t throw lavish parties – I attended many. I came out of my shell – sometimes, at least. The children enjoyed their exposure to a broader world, and, now grown, with children of their own, are at home in nearly any setting: small town, big city, whatever. After decades in this metropolitan life, I retired and moved back to the Florida Panhandle – to another small town; not the one in which I had been raised – that town had grown beyond its small-town sensibilities by then. So now, I live in a small fishing village that has a single traffic light, a grocery store, a couple of convenience-type multi-purpose stores, a couple of gas stations, a couple of hardware stores, a few bait shops, a couple of laundromats, a post office, and a gazillion churches. Much to my dismay, I like it here. I like the fact that people know about one another and care about one another. I like the river, its everchanging and never boring nature. I love belonging to a community. This, in my treehouse-imagining, was never an option I had entertained. Do I miss my metro area? Absolutely! I especially miss Fredericksburg, its natural beauty, its historic significance, its proximity to the nation’s capital and its cultural events. But since I’m retired, I can travel to see and do whatever I like. I visit Fredericksburg, DC, Maryland, and other places throughout the world. But when I come home, it is to my comfy cottage, with my husband and dog, to the friends I’ve made here, and to the river. I’m still a dreamer, but this life we have is better than my dreams. Jo Loving is on the porch this evening, ever the dreamer, planning her exotic travels, watching and listening to the neighbor’s menagerie of miniature horses, a pig, a full-sized horse, numerous chickens and geese, and their many children. Life is good in this small town!

Become a Friend Advocate ~ Donate ~ Volunteer

540~479~4116 1013 Princess Anne Street , FXBG

front porch fredericksburg

November 2017

Fredericksburg Sketches 606 Caroline Street Old Town Fredericksburg 373-7847

A visual Celebration of our community

By Casey Alan Shaw

www.gemstonecreations.org

FXBG’ERS meet jack rowley

Where Fredericksburg Gets Engaged

Give a Child Something to Think About

"Great leaders inspire others to reach for the stars, and sometimes they bring back the moon." ~ Unknown

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

Your Hometown Jeweler Since 1940

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

November 2017

Front porch fredericksburg

I’m just a small town girl

by georgia Lee Strentz

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

810 Caroline Street (540) 371-5684

From My Porch

Whew, need a nap on my porch in the Fall sun, with an October issue of Front Porch!

Become a Friend Advocate ~ Donate ~ Volunteer

540~479~4116 1013 Princess Anne Street , FXBG

front porch fredericksburg

November 2017