Front Porch Fredericksburg - November 2018

contents

closeups 7

22

31

18

history’s stories: thanksgiving 1619 #fredstrong: dahlgren railroad heritage trail

19

what’s in riverfront park?

adam lynch restoring the river

20

Senior Care: caregiving stress

21

it’s all energy...boast your immune system

doug lowe ems professional

22

emancipated patients: contaminated medicines

24

meet cover artist nicole hamilton

25

mYSTERY hOUSE STORIES OF FXBG: jan

26

art in the burg: pop-ups, eggs & motels

27

rapparts new events directory poetryman: baby grandson

28

Companions: new animal medical center

29

pet at home euthanasia

30

fredericksburg sketches everything greens...harvest

Bernadette & Mike Irish Eyes are smiling

3

Porch talk .3

Meet Wayne Gootee.....Bodyworks owner

4

on the porch...life in fredericksburg Messages

6

master gardeners....change the greenery this season

8

I have a friend: old memories, new perspectives

.9

candlelight tour ...celebrating 48 years

11

local musicians bring love of the river

12

I didn’t know.......gilbert barahana

13

season’s bounty: it’s a wrap

14

cooking with kyle...pot pie

15

vino...thanksgiving picks

16-17

Calendar of events

Meet Wayne Gootee downtown bodyworks owner & personal trainer

24

by collette caprara

...And more!

5

fxbg public radio....community first

10 everything better feathered...Feathered Fish 23 trees of hope ...a herald of the season

12 Cover: “Nourish” By Nicole Hamilton

Having owned and operated the Bodyworks Athletic Club in the Fredericksburg area for nearly three decades, Wayne Gootee describes himself as a “gym-guy who owns a business”—in contrast with a “business guy who owns a gym.” “It was something I always wanted to do. After 30 years, I say I haven’t had a job yet: I’ve had a passion,” he said. “I always enjoy walking through the door and training someone. It’s the thing I get the best feeling from because I think that person will walk away understanding how they can make themselves better.”

In fact, Gootee’s love for training has been lifelong. When he was in the fifth grade and his dad, serving in the Airforce, was stationed in Alaska, Wayne discovered an old weight room in his school. “I snuck in and started lifting weights and they chased me out of there. I came back the next day and they chased me out again.

But I came back the next day and the

Small Busines Saturday November 24 2

november 2018

Front porch fredericksburg

next and eventually just quit chasing me out because they realized: This kid isn’t going anywhere; he’ll just keep coming back!”

By the time Wayne was 16, he was competing in bodybuilding, and had his sights set on attending the University of Georgia and joining its wrestling team. “I wrestled for most of my life. It was always in my blood and it went hand in hand with body building.”

As fate would have it, though Wayne was accepted into the university, in what would have been his first year, Title IX went into effect in Georgia, with equal sports opportunities for men and women. The wrestling team was scrapped and replaced with a women’s volley ball team. Disappointed but not dispirited, Wayne rolled into Plan B. He joined the army with hopes of joining its wrestling team. After basic training and Advanced Infantry Training, he was selected to relocate in Washington DC as a member of the President’s Honor Guard.

While serving in the Army he joined with others who were lifting weights.

The group started a gym on the base but had to move it to another location and opened The Weight Room in Arlington. Eventually, after completing their service, each pursued his own course.

For Wayne, who was seeking a location within driving distance from DC, this meant finding a location to open a gym in the Fredericksburg area and, in 1988, he opened his first Bodyworks fitness center in Stafford. In 1996, he opened a second location on Caroline Street in Downtown Fredericksburg and, eventually, that became the sole site of his gym.

From its inception, Wayne was personally invested in his enterprise and continually listened to and responded to the needs and desires of his clientele. “I get that people don’t want to walk into a gym and feel that they have to be committed for longer than a month,” he said, “So people sign up on a month to month basis.” For those who want to sample Bodyworks’ offerings, walk-in classes are available, as is one-day use of the facilities. And, because schedules and commitments vary, the gym is open 24/7

and members can access the equipment via keypad. Throughout the years, Wayne has responded to the needs of his clients and incorporated classes in yoga, Pilates, Zumba, and even belly-dancing.

Saying that Wayne’s modus operandi is listening does not mean he is passive. He is a hands-on trainer committed to providing each of his clients with the guidance and information to be the best that they can be. “I had one person who had been coming in consistently for two years but wasn’t seeing the results he should have seen. I asked him what he was doing with his weights and nutrition and worked with him to redefine his regimen to make it work.” Said Wayne. “He came in the other day glowing and said someone had guessed that he was about twenty years younger than he was!”

Because Bodyworks is located downtown, it is accessible, and walkable or bike-able for many. At the same time, it ups the chances that Wayne may run into you in another venue. “If I haven’t seen someone in the gym but see them in a

restaurant or coffee shop, I’ll ask them how they’re doing or just point in the direction of the gym,” he said, “and guess who shows up the next day?”

Looking back on his journey of 30 years, Wayne says, “We have helped people get in shape and lose some weight and we’ve fixed some backs and some knees and created some great friendships. I think what I have created here is really a crossroads where people who never knew each other are best friends today. And more than 20 people met and married through this club.”

Incidentally, though retirement is not on Wayne’s horizon, tying the knot is! He and Cathy Stewart will be wed in February.

Collette Caprara is a local writer and artist Bodyworks Downtown Athletic Club 1027 Caroline Street Open 24/7 bodyworksdowntown.com

front porch fredericksburg

november 2018

3

contents

closeups 7

22

31

18

history’s stories: thanksgiving 1619 #fredstrong: dahlgren railroad heritage trail

19

what’s in riverfront park?

adam lynch restoring the river

20

Senior Care: caregiving stress

21

it’s all energy...boast your immune system

doug lowe ems professional

22

emancipated patients: contaminated medicines

24

meet cover artist nicole hamilton

25

mYSTERY hOUSE STORIES OF FXBG: jan

26

art in the burg: pop-ups, eggs & motels

27

rapparts new events directory poetryman: baby grandson

28

Companions: new animal medical center

29

pet at home euthanasia

30

fredericksburg sketches everything greens...harvest

Bernadette & Mike Irish Eyes are smiling

3

Porch talk .3

Meet Wayne Gootee.....Bodyworks owner

4

on the porch...life in fredericksburg Messages

6

master gardeners....change the greenery this season

8

I have a friend: old memories, new perspectives

.9

candlelight tour ...celebrating 48 years

11

local musicians bring love of the river

12

I didn’t know.......gilbert barahana

13

season’s bounty: it’s a wrap

14

cooking with kyle...pot pie

15

vino...thanksgiving picks

16-17

Calendar of events

Meet Wayne Gootee downtown bodyworks owner & personal trainer

24

by collette caprara

...And more!

5

fxbg public radio....community first

10 everything better feathered...Feathered Fish 23 trees of hope ...a herald of the season

12 Cover: “Nourish” By Nicole Hamilton

Having owned and operated the Bodyworks Athletic Club in the Fredericksburg area for nearly three decades, Wayne Gootee describes himself as a “gym-guy who owns a business”—in contrast with a “business guy who owns a gym.” “It was something I always wanted to do. After 30 years, I say I haven’t had a job yet: I’ve had a passion,” he said. “I always enjoy walking through the door and training someone. It’s the thing I get the best feeling from because I think that person will walk away understanding how they can make themselves better.”

In fact, Gootee’s love for training has been lifelong. When he was in the fifth grade and his dad, serving in the Airforce, was stationed in Alaska, Wayne discovered an old weight room in his school. “I snuck in and started lifting weights and they chased me out of there. I came back the next day and they chased me out again.

But I came back the next day and the

Small Busines Saturday November 24 2

november 2018

Front porch fredericksburg

next and eventually just quit chasing me out because they realized: This kid isn’t going anywhere; he’ll just keep coming back!”

By the time Wayne was 16, he was competing in bodybuilding, and had his sights set on attending the University of Georgia and joining its wrestling team. “I wrestled for most of my life. It was always in my blood and it went hand in hand with body building.”

As fate would have it, though Wayne was accepted into the university, in what would have been his first year, Title IX went into effect in Georgia, with equal sports opportunities for men and women. The wrestling team was scrapped and replaced with a women’s volley ball team. Disappointed but not dispirited, Wayne rolled into Plan B. He joined the army with hopes of joining its wrestling team. After basic training and Advanced Infantry Training, he was selected to relocate in Washington DC as a member of the President’s Honor Guard.

While serving in the Army he joined with others who were lifting weights.

The group started a gym on the base but had to move it to another location and opened The Weight Room in Arlington. Eventually, after completing their service, each pursued his own course.

For Wayne, who was seeking a location within driving distance from DC, this meant finding a location to open a gym in the Fredericksburg area and, in 1988, he opened his first Bodyworks fitness center in Stafford. In 1996, he opened a second location on Caroline Street in Downtown Fredericksburg and, eventually, that became the sole site of his gym.

From its inception, Wayne was personally invested in his enterprise and continually listened to and responded to the needs and desires of his clientele. “I get that people don’t want to walk into a gym and feel that they have to be committed for longer than a month,” he said, “So people sign up on a month to month basis.” For those who want to sample Bodyworks’ offerings, walk-in classes are available, as is one-day use of the facilities. And, because schedules and commitments vary, the gym is open 24/7

and members can access the equipment via keypad. Throughout the years, Wayne has responded to the needs of his clients and incorporated classes in yoga, Pilates, Zumba, and even belly-dancing.

Saying that Wayne’s modus operandi is listening does not mean he is passive. He is a hands-on trainer committed to providing each of his clients with the guidance and information to be the best that they can be. “I had one person who had been coming in consistently for two years but wasn’t seeing the results he should have seen. I asked him what he was doing with his weights and nutrition and worked with him to redefine his regimen to make it work.” Said Wayne. “He came in the other day glowing and said someone had guessed that he was about twenty years younger than he was!”

Because Bodyworks is located downtown, it is accessible, and walkable or bike-able for many. At the same time, it ups the chances that Wayne may run into you in another venue. “If I haven’t seen someone in the gym but see them in a

restaurant or coffee shop, I’ll ask them how they’re doing or just point in the direction of the gym,” he said, “and guess who shows up the next day?”

Looking back on his journey of 30 years, Wayne says, “We have helped people get in shape and lose some weight and we’ve fixed some backs and some knees and created some great friendships. I think what I have created here is really a crossroads where people who never knew each other are best friends today. And more than 20 people met and married through this club.”

Incidentally, though retirement is not on Wayne’s horizon, tying the knot is! He and Cathy Stewart will be wed in February.

Collette Caprara is a local writer and artist Bodyworks Downtown Athletic Club 1027 Caroline Street Open 24/7 bodyworksdowntown.com

front porch fredericksburg

november 2018

3

Vanessa Moncure

ON THE PORCH Guest Porch Editorial

Contributing Writers & Artists Chuck Archer Rita Allen A.E. Bayne Laurie Black Audra Bielke Linda Billard Kevin Brown Kirsten Brown Todd Cumpston Collette Caprara Caitlin Daly Elisabeth DellaRova Renee Dunn Roger Engels Christina Ferber Frank Fratoe k. Jeanne frazer Rich Gaudio Joan M. Geisler Jon Gerlach Nicole Hamilton Ralph “Tuffy”Hicks Karl Karch David C. Kennedy Jo Loving Wendy Migdal Pete Morelewicz Vanessa Moncure Patrick Neustatter Sarah Perry Daniel Poznanski M.L. Powers Gerri Reid Casey Alan Shaw Georgia Strentz James Kyle Synder Carolyn Van Der Jagt Tina Will Woodie Walker Dawn Whitmore Sonja Wise Kathleen Woodford Norma Woodward Pat Worchester

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 2018 Olde Towne Publishing Co. All rights reserved.

4

FXBG Public Radio

November 2018

Putting Community fIRST

six degrees of FXBG

A.E. Bayne You’ve probably had this experience: You’re sitting around with a group of friends and someone has the spark of an idea. You start rolling it around the group, adding onto each other’s idea with exponential momentum until it’s a big idea, one with the potential to impact your community in positive ways. That’s how Eric Kluxen describes the genesis of FXBG Public Radio, formerly FXBG Pirate Radio. Today, Kluxen and his business partner, Scott L. Robbins, fund and run Fredericksburg’s version of community-based radio that continues to expand with new shows and subscribers each month.

by vanessa moncure Driving toward Fredericksburg on the Blue Ridge Parkway, Asheville unveiled a riot of fall color beginning in North Carolina’s southern end of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park leading to Virginia’s Shenandoah National Park in the north. Tracing the spine of the Blue Ridge mountain chain, the northern terminus of Skyline Drive may be the most familiar parkland roadway in our area. The mountains were tinged with the waning bright autumnal colors as thousands of fall leaf-peepers were out in force, hoping to catch the forest’s last bright rays before being blown away by winter’s cold winds, and the Parkway closed through early spring. With almost 300 scenic pullouts, turning into an overlook on the Parkway captured one endless rolling vista after another. Driving through the leafy switchbacks, catching quick glimpses of the almost endless forests, made for a blessed, peaceful interlude after the crowded interstate highways; no jockeying between massive eighteen-wheelers and cramped Jersey walls, no billboards or garish fast food restaurants. Who can resist an impromptu picnic at a graveled overlook, sitting on a stone-ringed wall with the endless mountain vistas falling away at your feet?

With every mile drawing me closer to home, I began to relax and mentally plan my favorite meal of yearly holiday get-togethers, Thanksgiving.

President George Washington first called for a day of American thanksgiving, but in 1863 Abraham Lincoln gave us the final Thursday in November as a federal holiday “as a day of Thanksgiving and Praise” - in 1939 President Franklin D. Roosevelt regularized the date as the fourth Thursday of November. November gives our country the gift of Thanksgiving, a holiday meant to be apolitical and secular, a traditional family-friend-neighbor, those who have less than us, an open-hearted time. Christmas will shortly be here with displays of gift-giving, but Thanksgiving is not by any means its forerunner -

Thanksgiving has a much quieter sense of self-giving. Most shelters, churches, organizations, businesses, groups and individuals recognize the thanksgiving season as a time of ingathering, reflection and gratitude. Our Front Porch is the center of Thanksgiving observation - the trends of feasting, family and football, festivities, fitness and fall concerts, art, business, personal journeys, music, history, organizations, exhibits and shows are all featured in our monthly calendar of events and through the wonderful sponsor ads and personal, local articles written by and for our delightful community each and every month.

Maybe you are visiting Fredericksburg for the first time, or you’re a new resident and picking up this issue of The Front Porch also for the first time.

This is a true home-grown paper - and as our grandmother’s front porches used to weave the warp and weft of town and home activities, we have our paper, Facebook and www.frontporchfredericksburg to keep us locally informed. I’m not native-born of the town, but my mother graduated from Mary Washington College (now UMW) in the 1950s as I did 25 years later. This is my home, and I’m drawn to the comfort of the known - as I’ve found over the years interesting coincidences around Fredericksburg - the neighbor and pilot and of my commercial flight to Dallas, finding an antique Farmer’s Creamery glass quart jar at an English country “boot sale” (yard sale); my son’s new home downtown is next-door to where his double-great grandmother lived. American sociologist Stanley Milgram coined the term “six degrees of separation”, positing that all living things and everything else in the world can form a chain connecting themselves in six or fewer steps. This is transformative when you begin to see the easy ties which bind us all together and are woven in the fibre of our community, especially a close and caring one like ours.

Those six degrees might be less - perhaps

messages

Great article Mary Geil! (“David Swisher”, Oct, 2018) Andrea Smith

ED!!!! Awesome coverguy (“Ed King Painting...”,by David C. Kennedy, Sept. 2018)

Virginia I love reading FP. Thanks for producing such an informative and fun paper.

Pete Morelewicz

FPF

One of my all time fav issues (Sept 2018) Kevin Brown

Great magazine! Always full of interesting stories.

Phyllis Whitley

Front porch fredericksburg

What an artistic cover! (Oct, 2018, “Nocturne”, by Laura Craig) Bruce Dorcet

Great issue (Sept 2018) Collette Caprara

we ordered our Thanksgiving turkeys at the same place; an elderly lady sharing a room with a relative at a local rehab facility was a seamstress who sewed the alterations on my mother’s wedding gown; a couple who planned their wedding at an historical home in town found out through genealogical research that the groom was a collateral descendant interesting! I’m working on my fresh turkey menu, whole fresh herbs under the skin, cloverleaf rolls and freshly ground orange and cranberry relish, roasted root vegetables, butternut squash pudding and three pies. You’re working on the same?

Find your six degrees or less to Fredericksburg, and you may find they are your Front Porch writers, features or advertisers - it’s what you’ll see here, cover-to- cover, every month in Front Porch Fredericksburg. Have a safe and happy holiday!

Vanessa Moncure: a chef, a mother, grandmother,former restaurant owner, writer & a friend.

Congratulations Christian Zammas (“Redemption on Caroline St”,

by Patrick Nuestatter, Sept., 2018) Kyle Roberson

What started with a group of comedian friends sitting around a microphone eight years ago is now a working studio with dedicated weekly podcasts offered on Apple iTunes and Google Podcasts. The styles are diverse, with topics ranging from arts and entertainment, to current events and politics, to Mixed Martial Arts and feminism.

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

Left: Scott L Robbins; Right : Eric Kluxen Kluxen says, “I am very much a believer in free speech, but I believe in order to have free speech you must have civility. That’s what I wanted to create here: a place for people to share different opinions and different walks of life, different experiences, and also to be cool to each other if they have differing opinions.”

FXBG Public Radio has seen a jump in growth since signing on with Apple and Google as subscription services.

They are able to record shows live for listeners, but then offer edited versions on the Internet for access afterwards. Kluxen says subscription growth is doubling at a monthly rate.

Janelle Kennedy, cohost of The Scarlet Line with Margot Moser, says that on a communal level, FXBG Public Radio has given people a place to be heard in a moment when it feels like people are constantly being threatened into silence.

Personally, she adds, “It’s been an outlet for my creative and curious sides. The challenges of identifying and researching topics, locating guests, and coordinating all the pieces to come together is very rewarding.”

because when I’m not available, he makes himself available so that we can be consistent with our content. He probably puts more work into this than I do, to be realistic.”

As the station grows, Kluxen says he and Robbins would like to align themselves with the city and become known as the region’s public radio station.

He wants to grow the business a bit more, move the station to a more business central location, and expand his hours of availability before that happens. Engineers are currently available Monday through Friday, 6 p.m. to midnight due other work obligations.

More than anything, Kluxen says he wants people to know that FXBG Public Radio is here for the community. He says, “If there’s something going on, we’re a resource. If there are community and charity organizations that want to promote their events, we’re not going to charge them. The money that comes into this not padding anyone’s pockets. It all goes back into the station, and it’s all about improving the quality of availability of the equipment for the people who get involved.”

Studio time is negotiable and at a price point that is manageable for the general public, allowing for many voices and narratives. Kluxen says, “All I ask in compensation is payment for the time of the engineer. Access to the studio is very public. I don’t tell people no; I just ask for consistency. If you want to do a show, it just needs to be put out every week at the same time.”

For more information, visit FXBG Public Radio online at fxbgpublicradio.com, or contact them via email at admin@fxbgpr.com.

Kluxen notes Robbins’ instrumental part in the operations of the studio, “Scott is my right-hand man. None of this would be possible without him,

A.E. Bayne is a writer, artist, and veteran educator who publishes Fredericksburg Literary and Art Review.

She is an organizing partner in the Fredericksburg Independent Book Festival.

front porch fredericksburg

November 2018

5

Vanessa Moncure

ON THE PORCH Guest Porch Editorial

Contributing Writers & Artists Chuck Archer Rita Allen A.E. Bayne Laurie Black Audra Bielke Linda Billard Kevin Brown Kirsten Brown Todd Cumpston Collette Caprara Caitlin Daly Elisabeth DellaRova Renee Dunn Roger Engels Christina Ferber Frank Fratoe k. Jeanne frazer Rich Gaudio Joan M. Geisler Jon Gerlach Nicole Hamilton Ralph “Tuffy”Hicks Karl Karch David C. Kennedy Jo Loving Wendy Migdal Pete Morelewicz Vanessa Moncure Patrick Neustatter Sarah Perry Daniel Poznanski M.L. Powers Gerri Reid Casey Alan Shaw Georgia Strentz James Kyle Synder Carolyn Van Der Jagt Tina Will Woodie Walker Dawn Whitmore Sonja Wise Kathleen Woodford Norma Woodward Pat Worchester

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 2018 Olde Towne Publishing Co. All rights reserved.

4

FXBG Public Radio

November 2018

Putting Community fIRST

six degrees of FXBG

A.E. Bayne You’ve probably had this experience: You’re sitting around with a group of friends and someone has the spark of an idea. You start rolling it around the group, adding onto each other’s idea with exponential momentum until it’s a big idea, one with the potential to impact your community in positive ways. That’s how Eric Kluxen describes the genesis of FXBG Public Radio, formerly FXBG Pirate Radio. Today, Kluxen and his business partner, Scott L. Robbins, fund and run Fredericksburg’s version of community-based radio that continues to expand with new shows and subscribers each month.

by vanessa moncure Driving toward Fredericksburg on the Blue Ridge Parkway, Asheville unveiled a riot of fall color beginning in North Carolina’s southern end of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park leading to Virginia’s Shenandoah National Park in the north. Tracing the spine of the Blue Ridge mountain chain, the northern terminus of Skyline Drive may be the most familiar parkland roadway in our area. The mountains were tinged with the waning bright autumnal colors as thousands of fall leaf-peepers were out in force, hoping to catch the forest’s last bright rays before being blown away by winter’s cold winds, and the Parkway closed through early spring. With almost 300 scenic pullouts, turning into an overlook on the Parkway captured one endless rolling vista after another. Driving through the leafy switchbacks, catching quick glimpses of the almost endless forests, made for a blessed, peaceful interlude after the crowded interstate highways; no jockeying between massive eighteen-wheelers and cramped Jersey walls, no billboards or garish fast food restaurants. Who can resist an impromptu picnic at a graveled overlook, sitting on a stone-ringed wall with the endless mountain vistas falling away at your feet?

With every mile drawing me closer to home, I began to relax and mentally plan my favorite meal of yearly holiday get-togethers, Thanksgiving.

President George Washington first called for a day of American thanksgiving, but in 1863 Abraham Lincoln gave us the final Thursday in November as a federal holiday “as a day of Thanksgiving and Praise” - in 1939 President Franklin D. Roosevelt regularized the date as the fourth Thursday of November. November gives our country the gift of Thanksgiving, a holiday meant to be apolitical and secular, a traditional family-friend-neighbor, those who have less than us, an open-hearted time. Christmas will shortly be here with displays of gift-giving, but Thanksgiving is not by any means its forerunner -

Thanksgiving has a much quieter sense of self-giving. Most shelters, churches, organizations, businesses, groups and individuals recognize the thanksgiving season as a time of ingathering, reflection and gratitude. Our Front Porch is the center of Thanksgiving observation - the trends of feasting, family and football, festivities, fitness and fall concerts, art, business, personal journeys, music, history, organizations, exhibits and shows are all featured in our monthly calendar of events and through the wonderful sponsor ads and personal, local articles written by and for our delightful community each and every month.

Maybe you are visiting Fredericksburg for the first time, or you’re a new resident and picking up this issue of The Front Porch also for the first time.

This is a true home-grown paper - and as our grandmother’s front porches used to weave the warp and weft of town and home activities, we have our paper, Facebook and www.frontporchfredericksburg to keep us locally informed. I’m not native-born of the town, but my mother graduated from Mary Washington College (now UMW) in the 1950s as I did 25 years later. This is my home, and I’m drawn to the comfort of the known - as I’ve found over the years interesting coincidences around Fredericksburg - the neighbor and pilot and of my commercial flight to Dallas, finding an antique Farmer’s Creamery glass quart jar at an English country “boot sale” (yard sale); my son’s new home downtown is next-door to where his double-great grandmother lived. American sociologist Stanley Milgram coined the term “six degrees of separation”, positing that all living things and everything else in the world can form a chain connecting themselves in six or fewer steps. This is transformative when you begin to see the easy ties which bind us all together and are woven in the fibre of our community, especially a close and caring one like ours.

Those six degrees might be less - perhaps

messages

Great article Mary Geil! (“David Swisher”, Oct, 2018) Andrea Smith

ED!!!! Awesome coverguy (“Ed King Painting...”,by David C. Kennedy, Sept. 2018)

Virginia I love reading FP. Thanks for producing such an informative and fun paper.

Pete Morelewicz

FPF

One of my all time fav issues (Sept 2018) Kevin Brown

Great magazine! Always full of interesting stories.

Phyllis Whitley

Front porch fredericksburg

What an artistic cover! (Oct, 2018, “Nocturne”, by Laura Craig) Bruce Dorcet

Great issue (Sept 2018) Collette Caprara

we ordered our Thanksgiving turkeys at the same place; an elderly lady sharing a room with a relative at a local rehab facility was a seamstress who sewed the alterations on my mother’s wedding gown; a couple who planned their wedding at an historical home in town found out through genealogical research that the groom was a collateral descendant interesting! I’m working on my fresh turkey menu, whole fresh herbs under the skin, cloverleaf rolls and freshly ground orange and cranberry relish, roasted root vegetables, butternut squash pudding and three pies. You’re working on the same?

Find your six degrees or less to Fredericksburg, and you may find they are your Front Porch writers, features or advertisers - it’s what you’ll see here, cover-to- cover, every month in Front Porch Fredericksburg. Have a safe and happy holiday!

Vanessa Moncure: a chef, a mother, grandmother,former restaurant owner, writer & a friend.

Congratulations Christian Zammas (“Redemption on Caroline St”,

by Patrick Nuestatter, Sept., 2018) Kyle Roberson

What started with a group of comedian friends sitting around a microphone eight years ago is now a working studio with dedicated weekly podcasts offered on Apple iTunes and Google Podcasts. The styles are diverse, with topics ranging from arts and entertainment, to current events and politics, to Mixed Martial Arts and feminism.

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

Left: Scott L Robbins; Right : Eric Kluxen Kluxen says, “I am very much a believer in free speech, but I believe in order to have free speech you must have civility. That’s what I wanted to create here: a place for people to share different opinions and different walks of life, different experiences, and also to be cool to each other if they have differing opinions.”

FXBG Public Radio has seen a jump in growth since signing on with Apple and Google as subscription services.

They are able to record shows live for listeners, but then offer edited versions on the Internet for access afterwards. Kluxen says subscription growth is doubling at a monthly rate.

Janelle Kennedy, cohost of The Scarlet Line with Margot Moser, says that on a communal level, FXBG Public Radio has given people a place to be heard in a moment when it feels like people are constantly being threatened into silence.

Personally, she adds, “It’s been an outlet for my creative and curious sides. The challenges of identifying and researching topics, locating guests, and coordinating all the pieces to come together is very rewarding.”

because when I’m not available, he makes himself available so that we can be consistent with our content. He probably puts more work into this than I do, to be realistic.”

As the station grows, Kluxen says he and Robbins would like to align themselves with the city and become known as the region’s public radio station.

He wants to grow the business a bit more, move the station to a more business central location, and expand his hours of availability before that happens. Engineers are currently available Monday through Friday, 6 p.m. to midnight due other work obligations.

More than anything, Kluxen says he wants people to know that FXBG Public Radio is here for the community. He says, “If there’s something going on, we’re a resource. If there are community and charity organizations that want to promote their events, we’re not going to charge them. The money that comes into this not padding anyone’s pockets. It all goes back into the station, and it’s all about improving the quality of availability of the equipment for the people who get involved.”

Studio time is negotiable and at a price point that is manageable for the general public, allowing for many voices and narratives. Kluxen says, “All I ask in compensation is payment for the time of the engineer. Access to the studio is very public. I don’t tell people no; I just ask for consistency. If you want to do a show, it just needs to be put out every week at the same time.”

For more information, visit FXBG Public Radio online at fxbgpublicradio.com, or contact them via email at admin@fxbgpr.com.

Kluxen notes Robbins’ instrumental part in the operations of the studio, “Scott is my right-hand man. None of this would be possible without him,

A.E. Bayne is a writer, artist, and veteran educator who publishes Fredericksburg Literary and Art Review.

She is an organizing partner in the Fredericksburg Independent Book Festival.

front porch fredericksburg

November 2018

5

On the Trails

How Does A Master Gardener Grow? change the greenery this holiday season

By Tina Will

Normally, at least for the last fifteen years, Boxwood’s evergreen beauty has been our source for making the longlasting wreaths and other table decorations that Master Gardeners have offered in wreath workshops, and sold at various times in downtown Fredericksburg. But this year it is not to be.

A disease found on Boxwood (Buxus sp.), and the speed with which it spreads has spurred Virginia Cooperative Extension (VCE) to issue a Best Management Practices (BMP) bulletin about what is being called Boxwood Blight.

Its scientific name is Calonectria pseudonaviculatum. Pictures of infected boxwood are easily found on the web, and the link below. Not all Buxus species are as susceptible as some others. The bulletin describes leaf symptoms this way: “…circular tan leaf spots with darker borders, and linear, black streaks on stems. Whole leaves eventually turn brown and drop…infected plants may show sudden and severe defoliation.” http://pubs.ext.vt.edu/content/dam/pub s_ext_vt_edu/PPWS/PPWS-29/PPWS-29pdf.pdf. The VCE office has received some

adam lynch: FOr rESTORATION COORDINATOR calls, and reports from those who work at garden centers in the area support these BMPs. Homeowners with decades old and large plantings of Buxus species have come looking for replacements because their boxwood has been nearly or completely wiped out by this blight.

It seems prudent to encourage citizens to find alternatives to boxwood cuttings this season even though our sources have shown no sign of this disease.

If your boxwood looks healthy there is no reason to not use it, but it would be wise to dispose of it by double bagging it and sweeping up all clippings before disposing of them. Do not put clippings in your compost pile or backyard acreage.

What’s a gardener to decorate with through the holidays and Winter months? Magnolia leaves are a good alternative and can circle a grapevine wreath (using wire or hot glue to secure) that will last three to four weeks before the leaves start to fade. There are many lovely evergreens that can be combined to create beautiful wreaths or centerpieces, although they might not last as long, and they may need to be treated as floral arrangements needing water to stay fresh.

On the internet are many DIY videos that will show all materials needed and the steps to completion.

Pine, Spruce, Hollies with berries, Ivy and variegated leaf vines, Pine Cones, along with Chrysanthemums, Roses, or Carnations can be combined to create large or small table arrangements.

Adding a candle can be a great finishing touch.

Creativity abounds in the hearts and minds of many of us especially at holiday times. One year a talented Master Gardener in King George made a marvelous arrangement featuring a Bird of Paradise with tail ‘feathers’ of an ornamental grass and some chrysanthemum flowers for the body. It was an absolute delight to behold.

Give it a try! It is rewarding and fun to create something of beauty for family and friends. Enjoy your Thanksgiving time!

By Kevin Brown This month, I’d like to highlight Adam Lynch, someone who I admire greatly for his youthful energy and leadership in inspiring the community to come together in keeping our cherished Rappahannock River clean and healthy.

Adam is the highly-capable Friends of the Rappahannock (FOR) Restoration Coordinator. I asked him to share a bit about the FOR and his passion for the river.

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

Photo by Tina Will

Adam: “The Friends of the Rappahannock was founded in 1985 as a group of citizens cleaning up trash along the river in Fredericksburg.

Over 30 years later, this non-profit, grassroots conservation organization has grown to over 2,000 members and eight full-time staff operating across sixteen counties.

Today, FOR works to educate everyone

about the river and to advocate for actions and policies that will protect and restore the Rappahannock, but we remain true to our litter-pickin’ roots.”

KB: How does FOR accomplish its mission?

We regularly host river cleanups, with the help of nonprofits, scout groups, school groups, faith groups, private businesses, and concerned individuals.

Tax-deductible donations help cover the numerous costs of events, including providing lunch for all volunteers and purchasing drinks, cleanup materials like bags, gloves, litter-pickers, and other cleanup expenses. Volunteer groups are usually assigned a specific site along our riverfront and trails, and sometimes the river and canal themselves, to remove litter over the course of several hours.

During cleanup events, volunteer crews canvas the Rappahannock and nearby tributaries for tires, bottles, and other litter to keep our waterways clean and beautiful.

A year ago, the 2017 Big Fall Cleanup involved 275 volunteers across 15 teams stationed throughout Fredericksburg and Spotsylvania, hauling over 6,600 pounds of litter from 12 sites.

Cleanup sites included the Canal Path, Old Mill Park, Sophia Street, and in and along the Rappahannock.

In Spring 2018, FOR was joined by the men and women of Rappahannock Rugby and other volunteers in pulling 15 tires, a pallet, a trash can, and many bags of litter from a remote stretch of river upstream of Motts Run, totaling over 1,000 pounds of trash. In October 2018, FOR teamed up with the Fredericksburg

Chamber of Commerce to lead a Big Fall cleanup that resulted in picking up a total of more than 3,500 pounds of litter.

The reduction in the amount of trash between the 2017 and 2018 fall cleanups was very encouraging.

I attribute it to the efforts of community volunteer groups and the City of Fredericksburg.

The new recycling stations, outreach kiosks, and litterpicker racks along the Heritage Trail have really empowered locals to become active stewards of this public space. I also think our City Watershed Officer Joe Young's crackdown on litterbugs along the riverfront has helped by making a lot of visitors think twice about dumping their trash.

Besides being involved in cleanup operations, I’ve been fortunate at FOR to be involved in coordinating watershed restoration efforts to plant riparian stream buffers on private lands along the Rappahannock and its tributaries. These stream buffers are protective strips of forests around bodies of water to protect against polluted runoff — the muddy stew of storm water, dirt, bacteria, and toxins that runs off streets, roofs, sidewalks, and other hard surfaces. Root-bound buffers work like sponges, absorbing runoff and filtering

contaminants before they reach the water.

They also provide valuable habitat for all kinds of fish and wildlife.”

For inquiries concerning FOR cleanup and restoration efforts please contact Adam Lynch, FOR Restoration Coordinator, at adam.lynch@riverfriends.org.

Kevin Brown is the administrator of the "On the Fredericksburg Va Trails" & the "FXBG City Council Public Forum" Facebook Group,& a downtown resident

Large or Small, I Sell Them All! Dreaming of Fabulous City Living?

Let’s Make It Happen!

601 LAFAYETTE BLVD

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

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

November 2018

Front porch fredericksburg

Mobile:540.847.0630 Office: 540-898-2900 suzystone22@gmail.com C21redwood.com front porch fredericksburg

November 2018

7

On the Trails

How Does A Master Gardener Grow? change the greenery this holiday season

By Tina Will

Normally, at least for the last fifteen years, Boxwood’s evergreen beauty has been our source for making the longlasting wreaths and other table decorations that Master Gardeners have offered in wreath workshops, and sold at various times in downtown Fredericksburg. But this year it is not to be.

A disease found on Boxwood (Buxus sp.), and the speed with which it spreads has spurred Virginia Cooperative Extension (VCE) to issue a Best Management Practices (BMP) bulletin about what is being called Boxwood Blight.

Its scientific name is Calonectria pseudonaviculatum. Pictures of infected boxwood are easily found on the web, and the link below. Not all Buxus species are as susceptible as some others. The bulletin describes leaf symptoms this way: “…circular tan leaf spots with darker borders, and linear, black streaks on stems. Whole leaves eventually turn brown and drop…infected plants may show sudden and severe defoliation.” http://pubs.ext.vt.edu/content/dam/pub s_ext_vt_edu/PPWS/PPWS-29/PPWS-29pdf.pdf. The VCE office has received some

adam lynch: FOr rESTORATION COORDINATOR calls, and reports from those who work at garden centers in the area support these BMPs. Homeowners with decades old and large plantings of Buxus species have come looking for replacements because their boxwood has been nearly or completely wiped out by this blight.

It seems prudent to encourage citizens to find alternatives to boxwood cuttings this season even though our sources have shown no sign of this disease.

If your boxwood looks healthy there is no reason to not use it, but it would be wise to dispose of it by double bagging it and sweeping up all clippings before disposing of them. Do not put clippings in your compost pile or backyard acreage.

What’s a gardener to decorate with through the holidays and Winter months? Magnolia leaves are a good alternative and can circle a grapevine wreath (using wire or hot glue to secure) that will last three to four weeks before the leaves start to fade. There are many lovely evergreens that can be combined to create beautiful wreaths or centerpieces, although they might not last as long, and they may need to be treated as floral arrangements needing water to stay fresh.

On the internet are many DIY videos that will show all materials needed and the steps to completion.

Pine, Spruce, Hollies with berries, Ivy and variegated leaf vines, Pine Cones, along with Chrysanthemums, Roses, or Carnations can be combined to create large or small table arrangements.

Adding a candle can be a great finishing touch.

Creativity abounds in the hearts and minds of many of us especially at holiday times. One year a talented Master Gardener in King George made a marvelous arrangement featuring a Bird of Paradise with tail ‘feathers’ of an ornamental grass and some chrysanthemum flowers for the body. It was an absolute delight to behold.

Give it a try! It is rewarding and fun to create something of beauty for family and friends. Enjoy your Thanksgiving time!

By Kevin Brown This month, I’d like to highlight Adam Lynch, someone who I admire greatly for his youthful energy and leadership in inspiring the community to come together in keeping our cherished Rappahannock River clean and healthy.

Adam is the highly-capable Friends of the Rappahannock (FOR) Restoration Coordinator. I asked him to share a bit about the FOR and his passion for the river.

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

Photo by Tina Will

Adam: “The Friends of the Rappahannock was founded in 1985 as a group of citizens cleaning up trash along the river in Fredericksburg.

Over 30 years later, this non-profit, grassroots conservation organization has grown to over 2,000 members and eight full-time staff operating across sixteen counties.

Today, FOR works to educate everyone

about the river and to advocate for actions and policies that will protect and restore the Rappahannock, but we remain true to our litter-pickin’ roots.”

KB: How does FOR accomplish its mission?

We regularly host river cleanups, with the help of nonprofits, scout groups, school groups, faith groups, private businesses, and concerned individuals.

Tax-deductible donations help cover the numerous costs of events, including providing lunch for all volunteers and purchasing drinks, cleanup materials like bags, gloves, litter-pickers, and other cleanup expenses. Volunteer groups are usually assigned a specific site along our riverfront and trails, and sometimes the river and canal themselves, to remove litter over the course of several hours.

During cleanup events, volunteer crews canvas the Rappahannock and nearby tributaries for tires, bottles, and other litter to keep our waterways clean and beautiful.

A year ago, the 2017 Big Fall Cleanup involved 275 volunteers across 15 teams stationed throughout Fredericksburg and Spotsylvania, hauling over 6,600 pounds of litter from 12 sites.

Cleanup sites included the Canal Path, Old Mill Park, Sophia Street, and in and along the Rappahannock.

In Spring 2018, FOR was joined by the men and women of Rappahannock Rugby and other volunteers in pulling 15 tires, a pallet, a trash can, and many bags of litter from a remote stretch of river upstream of Motts Run, totaling over 1,000 pounds of trash. In October 2018, FOR teamed up with the Fredericksburg

Chamber of Commerce to lead a Big Fall cleanup that resulted in picking up a total of more than 3,500 pounds of litter.

The reduction in the amount of trash between the 2017 and 2018 fall cleanups was very encouraging.

I attribute it to the efforts of community volunteer groups and the City of Fredericksburg.

The new recycling stations, outreach kiosks, and litterpicker racks along the Heritage Trail have really empowered locals to become active stewards of this public space. I also think our City Watershed Officer Joe Young's crackdown on litterbugs along the riverfront has helped by making a lot of visitors think twice about dumping their trash.

Besides being involved in cleanup operations, I’ve been fortunate at FOR to be involved in coordinating watershed restoration efforts to plant riparian stream buffers on private lands along the Rappahannock and its tributaries. These stream buffers are protective strips of forests around bodies of water to protect against polluted runoff — the muddy stew of storm water, dirt, bacteria, and toxins that runs off streets, roofs, sidewalks, and other hard surfaces. Root-bound buffers work like sponges, absorbing runoff and filtering

contaminants before they reach the water.

They also provide valuable habitat for all kinds of fish and wildlife.”

For inquiries concerning FOR cleanup and restoration efforts please contact Adam Lynch, FOR Restoration Coordinator, at adam.lynch@riverfriends.org.

Kevin Brown is the administrator of the "On the Fredericksburg Va Trails" & the "FXBG City Council Public Forum" Facebook Group,& a downtown resident

Large or Small, I Sell Them All! Dreaming of Fabulous City Living?

Let’s Make It Happen!

601 LAFAYETTE BLVD

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

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

November 2018

Front porch fredericksburg

Mobile:540.847.0630 Office: 540-898-2900 suzystone22@gmail.com C21redwood.com front porch fredericksburg

November 2018

7

“I Have A Friend”

Candlelight Tour

old memories, new perspective

Celebrating 48 years

By Laurie Black When you get involved in the community and step outside yourself, it pays big dividends.

I used to visit to Chuck because I was a Senior Visitors volunteer.

Now I visit Chuck, because it’s Chuck.”

“We have been through a lot together. We straighten each other out,” declares Chuck. “Steve impressed me from the beginning. He is no nonsense, trustworthy, direct. Our conversations are fun, but they are also meaningful.

Steve motivates me. He is willing to get me out and show me what I can do.

People should feel lucky the Senior Visitors Program is here. I know some seniors are neglected. Not me!”

In the short time I met with Steve Flanagan and his friend, Chuck, I felt as if I had taken a long, wonderful journey down memory lane. Steve says, “Chuck will share a memory and it will spark a memory of my own.” Chuck began telling me about how he and his sister used to dance on The Milt Grant Show. Then Steve and Chuck started talking about other D.C. area shows they used to enjoy, such as watching Willard Scott as Bozo the Clown.

They talked about discovering that they were both born in D.C. Chuck’s dad and Steve’s mom worked at the same department store off Pennsylvania Avenue.

Both Steve and Chuck are veterans; Steve served in the Navy and Chuck served in the Air Force.

Steve and Chuck have been sharing memories and making new ones

for the past ten years.

They were introduced through the Senior Visitors Program in July of 2008. Chuck says, “This started out as Senior Visitors. It’s something different now. We made a pretty immediate connection. I’ve been in a wheel chair since 2000. When I met Steve, I felt pretty sorry for myself. He helped me pull out of that.” Steve explained, “I have had a wonderful life as an adult and I was pretty focused on myself. A friend suggested that I needed to do some volunteer work to focus on something outside myself. I started at Big Brother Big Sisters. That made me look at things differently. It was a great experience, but it wasn’t enough.” Steve then joined the Senior Visitors Program and was matched with Chuck. “Volunteer work has changed how I view the world.

I asked Steve and Chuck to each share a favorite outing that they’ve had together.

Steve said he enjoys taking Chuck to the gun range and the Moose Lodge. Chuck laughed that he also enjoys going to the Moose Lodge and added that Steve has taken him to a few football games (Chuck used to play for James Monroe High School). Both agreed that just getting together to visit and check on

by wendy migdal

each other is what matters most.

We ended our visit where we started, on memory lane.

Steve reminisced about walking around D.C. with his grandmother and playing in the fountain at Union Station on hot days.

Chuck talked about meeting notable Fredericksburg area people such as Carl D. Silver and Sam Shipp while working as a bell hop at the Princess Anne and General Washington Hotels.

If you know a senior who could benefit from having a weekly, friendly visit OR if you are ready to volunteer to be a friend to a senior, call the Senior Visitors Program at (540) 371-2704 or visit our website at mhafred.org.

704 Prince Edward Street Laurie Black is the Administrative Assistant for the Senior Visitors Program She can be reached at mhafaa@mhafred.org

The house at 704 Prince Edward Street, built in 1855, has been home to families large and small, some of whom were there for years and some for only a short while. But if walls could talk, one of their most outstanding memories would be the time an old Civil War veteran came back to the scene where he lost his arm 46 years earlier.

William Wright of New York was serving with Duryea’s Zouaves when he was wounded at the Battle of the Wilderness.

The entire city of Fredericksburg had become essentially a hospital after the battle, and 704 Prince Edward was no exception. Kaufman and Hannah Hirsh had bought the house only about a year earlier, in April 1863. The Hirshes lived there with their seven children; three of their daughters helped nurse Wright back to health after his arm was amputated in their parlor.

In 1910, Wright returned to Fredericksburg for a visit. One of those daughters, Rosa, now married, was still living in the house with her husband.

Where Customer Service and Title Insurance Become One

Fashion Jewelry Gifts 723 Caroline Street Jewell Wolterman 12225 Amos Lane, Ste 204 Fredericksburg, VA 22407 540-907-0574 www.elitetitleva.com jwolterman@elitetitleva.com 8

November 2018

Front porch fredericksburg

team, the White Sox, played for some years. The park also hosted traveling shows such as the Chautauqua and other amusement-type parks, until the G&H Corporation bought it and built a clothing factory. Today, the buildings are a mixeduse office and residential space called Mill Race Commons.

It was during Rosa’s residence that William Wright returned to visit the scene of surely one of the most harrowing moments of his life. Also during this time, some additions were made to the house.

The Kaufmans extended the front porch and added to the rear of the house as well as several outbuildings.

The house passed out of the Hirsh and Kaufman families’ hands when

549.899.8077

408 Hanover Street.

The Free Lance reported that he spent several days with the family.

For nearly 100 years, (1863–1958), three generations of Hirshes lived in the home—grandparents Kaufman and Hannah and their children; daughter Rosa, who married Herman Kaufman; and grandson Sydney. One of the earliest Jewish families in Fredericksburg, they were prominent merchants, owning several mercantile, grocery, and jewelry stores throughout the years.

When Rosa Hirsh Kaufman’s mother died in 1893 (her father had died in 1891), her six siblings agreed to sell their interest in the house to her. Rosa may have been living there already, because her father's obituary stated that he died in Baltimore. In the early 1900s, the Kaufmans sold off some parcels of land behind the house that had been part of the property. These parcels became part of Hanover Park, where the Fredericksburg’s professional baseball

the widow of Sydney Kaufman (Rosa’s son) sold it in 1958.

For more information on all the tour homes, attend the CandlelightTour on December 8 and 9. Enjoy a guided tour of the following historic homes professionally decorated for the holidays: 704, 707, and 804 Prince Edward Street, and 408 and 505 Hanover Street. The Gift Shop will be at 725 Jackson Street.

Tickets can be purchased at hffi.org or the Fredericksburg Visitor Center.

This article was compiled by volunteers at the Historic Fredericksburg Foundation, Inc. It was written by Wendy Migdal and edited by Linda Billard, with marker research completed

by Roger Engels.

Candlelight Tour Presented by the Historic Fredericksburg Foundation December 8-9 9

front porch fredericksburg

November 2018

9

“I Have A Friend”

Candlelight Tour

old memories, new perspective

Celebrating 48 years

By Laurie Black When you get involved in the community and step outside yourself, it pays big dividends.

I used to visit to Chuck because I was a Senior Visitors volunteer.

Now I visit Chuck, because it’s Chuck.”

“We have been through a lot together. We straighten each other out,” declares Chuck. “Steve impressed me from the beginning. He is no nonsense, trustworthy, direct. Our conversations are fun, but they are also meaningful.

Steve motivates me. He is willing to get me out and show me what I can do.

People should feel lucky the Senior Visitors Program is here. I know some seniors are neglected. Not me!”

In the short time I met with Steve Flanagan and his friend, Chuck, I felt as if I had taken a long, wonderful journey down memory lane. Steve says, “Chuck will share a memory and it will spark a memory of my own.” Chuck began telling me about how he and his sister used to dance on The Milt Grant Show. Then Steve and Chuck started talking about other D.C. area shows they used to enjoy, such as watching Willard Scott as Bozo the Clown.

They talked about discovering that they were both born in D.C. Chuck’s dad and Steve’s mom worked at the same department store off Pennsylvania Avenue.

Both Steve and Chuck are veterans; Steve served in the Navy and Chuck served in the Air Force.

Steve and Chuck have been sharing memories and making new ones

for the past ten years.

They were introduced through the Senior Visitors Program in July of 2008. Chuck says, “This started out as Senior Visitors. It’s something different now. We made a pretty immediate connection. I’ve been in a wheel chair since 2000. When I met Steve, I felt pretty sorry for myself. He helped me pull out of that.” Steve explained, “I have had a wonderful life as an adult and I was pretty focused on myself. A friend suggested that I needed to do some volunteer work to focus on something outside myself. I started at Big Brother Big Sisters. That made me look at things differently. It was a great experience, but it wasn’t enough.” Steve then joined the Senior Visitors Program and was matched with Chuck. “Volunteer work has changed how I view the world.

I asked Steve and Chuck to each share a favorite outing that they’ve had together.

Steve said he enjoys taking Chuck to the gun range and the Moose Lodge. Chuck laughed that he also enjoys going to the Moose Lodge and added that Steve has taken him to a few football games (Chuck used to play for James Monroe High School). Both agreed that just getting together to visit and check on

by wendy migdal

each other is what matters most.

We ended our visit where we started, on memory lane.

Steve reminisced about walking around D.C. with his grandmother and playing in the fountain at Union Station on hot days.

Chuck talked about meeting notable Fredericksburg area people such as Carl D. Silver and Sam Shipp while working as a bell hop at the Princess Anne and General Washington Hotels.

If you know a senior who could benefit from having a weekly, friendly visit OR if you are ready to volunteer to be a friend to a senior, call the Senior Visitors Program at (540) 371-2704 or visit our website at mhafred.org.

704 Prince Edward Street Laurie Black is the Administrative Assistant for the Senior Visitors Program She can be reached at mhafaa@mhafred.org

The house at 704 Prince Edward Street, built in 1855, has been home to families large and small, some of whom were there for years and some for only a short while. But if walls could talk, one of their most outstanding memories would be the time an old Civil War veteran came back to the scene where he lost his arm 46 years earlier.

William Wright of New York was serving with Duryea’s Zouaves when he was wounded at the Battle of the Wilderness.

The entire city of Fredericksburg had become essentially a hospital after the battle, and 704 Prince Edward was no exception. Kaufman and Hannah Hirsh had bought the house only about a year earlier, in April 1863. The Hirshes lived there with their seven children; three of their daughters helped nurse Wright back to health after his arm was amputated in their parlor.

In 1910, Wright returned to Fredericksburg for a visit. One of those daughters, Rosa, now married, was still living in the house with her husband.

Where Customer Service and Title Insurance Become One

Fashion Jewelry Gifts 723 Caroline Street Jewell Wolterman 12225 Amos Lane, Ste 204 Fredericksburg, VA 22407 540-907-0574 www.elitetitleva.com jwolterman@elitetitleva.com 8

November 2018

Front porch fredericksburg

team, the White Sox, played for some years. The park also hosted traveling shows such as the Chautauqua and other amusement-type parks, until the G&H Corporation bought it and built a clothing factory. Today, the buildings are a mixeduse office and residential space called Mill Race Commons.

It was during Rosa’s residence that William Wright returned to visit the scene of surely one of the most harrowing moments of his life. Also during this time, some additions were made to the house.

The Kaufmans extended the front porch and added to the rear of the house as well as several outbuildings.

The house passed out of the Hirsh and Kaufman families’ hands when

549.899.8077

408 Hanover Street.

The Free Lance reported that he spent several days with the family.

For nearly 100 years, (1863–1958), three generations of Hirshes lived in the home—grandparents Kaufman and Hannah and their children; daughter Rosa, who married Herman Kaufman; and grandson Sydney. One of the earliest Jewish families in Fredericksburg, they were prominent merchants, owning several mercantile, grocery, and jewelry stores throughout the years.

When Rosa Hirsh Kaufman’s mother died in 1893 (her father had died in 1891), her six siblings agreed to sell their interest in the house to her. Rosa may have been living there already, because her father's obituary stated that he died in Baltimore. In the early 1900s, the Kaufmans sold off some parcels of land behind the house that had been part of the property. These parcels became part of Hanover Park, where the Fredericksburg’s professional baseball

the widow of Sydney Kaufman (Rosa’s son) sold it in 1958.

For more information on all the tour homes, attend the CandlelightTour on December 8 and 9. Enjoy a guided tour of the following historic homes professionally decorated for the holidays: 704, 707, and 804 Prince Edward Street, and 408 and 505 Hanover Street. The Gift Shop will be at 725 Jackson Street.

Tickets can be purchased at hffi.org or the Fredericksburg Visitor Center.

This article was compiled by volunteers at the Historic Fredericksburg Foundation, Inc. It was written by Wendy Migdal and edited by Linda Billard, with marker research completed

by Roger Engels.

Candlelight Tour Presented by the Historic Fredericksburg Foundation December 8-9 9

front porch fredericksburg

November 2018

9

Local Musicians Bring Love for the River

FXBG Music Scene

Benefit show at Belmont features Hazel Run

Everything’s better feathered

By Woodie Walker

By Kirsten Brown LeGros on drums and coolly serene Collin Hill on bass guitar. Along with playing music, the band has devoted itself to supporting numerous community causes that promote humanity, compassion, and appreciation for the earth.

After paying their dues playing countless gigs in the Fredericksburg area, and graciously supporting charitable causes with sincere kind-heartedness, the band decided to grab hold of a “big ‘ole fish” and release their first original single, We on the Run, in March 2017.

Their first album, SLUG LIFE followed soon after and has received much success.

So what does a Feathered Fish do L-R R Collin Hill, Lee Legros, Jeremy Hankins, once it successfully brings a “big ‘ole Johnny Wolfe fish” album home? It goes after a The first time I saw the second “big ‘ole fish” album.

The first Feathered Fish was during high school, single, Headphones, from their sophomore sometime in 2012, back before they album, SEA & SKY, was released early last became rock-star famous. I was at a “farmhouse” party out in the country, and walked up a long wooden staircase into the house not knowing quite what to expect.

When I walked in, I was immediately struck by this “jammin” live music that was being played by a group of guys with strong natural talent and dynamic stage presence. Several years later, it is no surprise to me that the Feathered Fish and their blend of rock and reggae have built a dedicated fan base here in Fredericksburg and the surrounding region.

So who are these Feathered Fish?

The band’s “how it all started” story is a well-known fan favorite, but it is worth retelling to readers here who may not be familiar with this group. Here’s how it month. A follow-on single, Bone Miller, goes. Several years ago, “down by the was released late last month along with a river,” a couple of 19-year old local music video shot right here in the band’s musicians, Jeremy and Johnny, witnessed a home town of Fredericksburg (true to small bird of prey resolutely walking as it form, the Feathered Fish are always hauled a huge fish in its mouth. The boys bringing it home!). were amazed by the tenacity of the small Want to follow the band? For raptor, and one said, “Look, he’s carrying touring locations, dates and times, readers a big ‘ole fish!”

As they watched this can check out the band’s schedule online spectacle, the two friends came to a at their website (featheredfishband.com) mutual realization, “Wow, he’s not letting or on their social media pages.

Both go of that thing! That bird’s like us!

Feathered Fish albums and individual We’re little guys in this world that have a singles can be purchased at all major big idea, and we’re not going to let go of outlets including iTunes, Spotify, Google it! We’re taking it home!” And that’s how Play, Amazon Music, etc. the band called the Feathered Fish was So what’s next? The Feathered born. Since then, these guys have hung on Fish “SEA & SKY” album release party will to their big dream without ever letting go. be held at 7 PM on Nov 3rd at Farm Brew Soon after witnessing that Live, 9901 Discovery Blvd Manassas, VA, inspiring bird “on the river,” frontKirsten Brown works at GEICO, man/lead vocalist Jeremy “Hanky” Hankins enjoys running and volunteering and lead guitarist/vocalist Johnny Ray Wolfe formed the Feathered Fish, with the .Sea & Sky Album design Pat Worcester. addition of the savagely explosive Lee Band photo by Daniel Poznanski

10

November 2018

Front porch fredericksburg

THE

FREDERICKSBURG LAMP Only Available At

The Copper Shop 371-4455 1707R Princess Anne

Behind Silk Mill Like Us on facebook

Many area residents have a close relationship with “their river,” which weaves through nearly every aspect of living in this region. Whether by history, adventure, or the arts, the Rappahannock helps define what it means to live here.

Fredericksburg-based Hazel Run will showcase their love for the river during a Nov. 17 benefit concert for Friends of the Rappahannock (FOR) at Gari Melchers Home and Studio, “Belmont.”

“This event brings together great music, beautiful art, and our community in partnership for the Rappahannock River,” said FOR Executive Director Kathleen Harrigan. “I’ve heard Hazel Run perform in living rooms, coffee shops, and on the library steps, but this will be special, in a true ‘listening’ room, with their wonderful harmonies and music in a setting overlooking the river.”

Band members Stuart Whitford, Linda LaFave, Stephen Hu, and Karen Richardson have been playing together for about two years. Influenced by singersongwriters from across the spectrum, Hazel Run is reminiscent of Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young, and influenced by contemporary artists like The Wailin’ Jennys, and Patty Griffin.

Each member of Hazel Run is a multi-instrumentalist, and the among the band’s most distinctive qualities are its vocal harmonies. Their set list includes several songs about waterways, including one Richardson wrote, called “River Song.”

Richardson, an avid paddler, is often found on the water in one of her kayaks, especially when there’s a full moon. Her “River Song” begins with, “Where I like to go is on that river so slow,

Hazel Run members from left, Stuart Whitford, Karen Richardson, Linda LaFave, and Stephen Hu. and travel with the night. Where I want to be is on that river, where my troubles oneby-one fall away from me.” It’s a heartfelt song, with Whitford’s nuanced mandolin work accenting the melody.

“That’s my favorite river song,” said LaFave, also a paddler. “I have so many fond Rappahannock memories. One is playing music with friends, all of us in canoes or kayaks watching the sun set, and the moon rise, and then paddling back in the dark.”

Hu recalled tubing the river with FredCamp, a local non-profit, as a favorite river memory. Whitford wrote an instrumental, “Riverboat Pete,” about a riverboat that turned around just below his house, on its journeys to-and-from Fredericksburg.

Whitford lived on a bluff overlooking the river for 21 years, in the River Bend community of Stafford County.

“I will always remember the first time we saw numerous campfires on the other side of the river in Caroline County, during the

shad run in the spring of 1984,” he said.

“It was an awesome sight.”

“We’re very happy to play this benefit and raise money for the river,” said Richardson. “It means something special to each of us.”

Tickets and sponsorship information for An Evening with Hazel Run are available at www.riverfriends.org/events. VIP tickets are available and include early admission to the Gari Melchers Studio.

Woodie L. Walker IS Community Conservationist, Friends of the Rappahannock. He can be reached at woodie.walker@riverfriends.or (540) 373-3448 x 117

front porch fredericksburg

November 2018

11

Local Musicians Bring Love for the River

FXBG Music Scene

Benefit show at Belmont features Hazel Run

Everything’s better feathered

By Woodie Walker

By Kirsten Brown LeGros on drums and coolly serene Collin Hill on bass guitar. Along with playing music, the band has devoted itself to supporting numerous community causes that promote humanity, compassion, and appreciation for the earth.

After paying their dues playing countless gigs in the Fredericksburg area, and graciously supporting charitable causes with sincere kind-heartedness, the band decided to grab hold of a “big ‘ole fish” and release their first original single, We on the Run, in March 2017.

Their first album, SLUG LIFE followed soon after and has received much success.

So what does a Feathered Fish do L-R R Collin Hill, Lee Legros, Jeremy Hankins, once it successfully brings a “big ‘ole Johnny Wolfe fish” album home? It goes after a The first time I saw the second “big ‘ole fish” album.

The first Feathered Fish was during high school, single, Headphones, from their sophomore sometime in 2012, back before they album, SEA & SKY, was released early last became rock-star famous. I was at a “farmhouse” party out in the country, and walked up a long wooden staircase into the house not knowing quite what to expect.

When I walked in, I was immediately struck by this “jammin” live music that was being played by a group of guys with strong natural talent and dynamic stage presence. Several years later, it is no surprise to me that the Feathered Fish and their blend of rock and reggae have built a dedicated fan base here in Fredericksburg and the surrounding region.

So who are these Feathered Fish?

The band’s “how it all started” story is a well-known fan favorite, but it is worth retelling to readers here who may not be familiar with this group. Here’s how it month. A follow-on single, Bone Miller, goes. Several years ago, “down by the was released late last month along with a river,” a couple of 19-year old local music video shot right here in the band’s musicians, Jeremy and Johnny, witnessed a home town of Fredericksburg (true to small bird of prey resolutely walking as it form, the Feathered Fish are always hauled a huge fish in its mouth. The boys bringing it home!). were amazed by the tenacity of the small Want to follow the band? For raptor, and one said, “Look, he’s carrying touring locations, dates and times, readers a big ‘ole fish!”

As they watched this can check out the band’s schedule online spectacle, the two friends came to a at their website (featheredfishband.com) mutual realization, “Wow, he’s not letting or on their social media pages.

Both go of that thing! That bird’s like us!

Feathered Fish albums and individual We’re little guys in this world that have a singles can be purchased at all major big idea, and we’re not going to let go of outlets including iTunes, Spotify, Google it! We’re taking it home!” And that’s how Play, Amazon Music, etc. the band called the Feathered Fish was So what’s next? The Feathered born. Since then, these guys have hung on Fish “SEA & SKY” album release party will to their big dream without ever letting go. be held at 7 PM on Nov 3rd at Farm Brew Soon after witnessing that Live, 9901 Discovery Blvd Manassas, VA, inspiring bird “on the river,” frontKirsten Brown works at GEICO, man/lead vocalist Jeremy “Hanky” Hankins enjoys running and volunteering and lead guitarist/vocalist Johnny Ray Wolfe formed the Feathered Fish, with the .Sea & Sky Album design Pat Worcester. addition of the savagely explosive Lee Band photo by Daniel Poznanski

10

November 2018

Front porch fredericksburg

THE

FREDERICKSBURG LAMP Only Available At

The Copper Shop 371-4455 1707R Princess Anne

Behind Silk Mill Like Us on facebook

Many area residents have a close relationship with “their river,” which weaves through nearly every aspect of living in this region. Whether by history, adventure, or the arts, the Rappahannock helps define what it means to live here.

Fredericksburg-based Hazel Run will showcase their love for the river during a Nov. 17 benefit concert for Friends of the Rappahannock (FOR) at Gari Melchers Home and Studio, “Belmont.”

“This event brings together great music, beautiful art, and our community in partnership for the Rappahannock River,” said FOR Executive Director Kathleen Harrigan. “I’ve heard Hazel Run perform in living rooms, coffee shops, and on the library steps, but this will be special, in a true ‘listening’ room, with their wonderful harmonies and music in a setting overlooking the river.”

Band members Stuart Whitford, Linda LaFave, Stephen Hu, and Karen Richardson have been playing together for about two years. Influenced by singersongwriters from across the spectrum, Hazel Run is reminiscent of Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young, and influenced by contemporary artists like The Wailin’ Jennys, and Patty Griffin.

Each member of Hazel Run is a multi-instrumentalist, and the among the band’s most distinctive qualities are its vocal harmonies. Their set list includes several songs about waterways, including one Richardson wrote, called “River Song.”

Richardson, an avid paddler, is often found on the water in one of her kayaks, especially when there’s a full moon. Her “River Song” begins with, “Where I like to go is on that river so slow,

Hazel Run members from left, Stuart Whitford, Karen Richardson, Linda LaFave, and Stephen Hu. and travel with the night. Where I want to be is on that river, where my troubles oneby-one fall away from me.” It’s a heartfelt song, with Whitford’s nuanced mandolin work accenting the melody.

“That’s my favorite river song,” said LaFave, also a paddler. “I have so many fond Rappahannock memories. One is playing music with friends, all of us in canoes or kayaks watching the sun set, and the moon rise, and then paddling back in the dark.”

Hu recalled tubing the river with FredCamp, a local non-profit, as a favorite river memory. Whitford wrote an instrumental, “Riverboat Pete,” about a riverboat that turned around just below his house, on its journeys to-and-from Fredericksburg.

Whitford lived on a bluff overlooking the river for 21 years, in the River Bend community of Stafford County.

“I will always remember the first time we saw numerous campfires on the other side of the river in Caroline County, during the

shad run in the spring of 1984,” he said.

“It was an awesome sight.”

“We’re very happy to play this benefit and raise money for the river,” said Richardson. “It means something special to each of us.”

Tickets and sponsorship information for An Evening with Hazel Run are available at www.riverfriends.org/events. VIP tickets are available and include early admission to the Gari Melchers Studio.

Woodie L. Walker IS Community Conservationist, Friends of the Rappahannock. He can be reached at woodie.walker@riverfriends.or (540) 373-3448 x 117

front porch fredericksburg

November 2018

11

I didn’t know ....

Season’s Bounty

Fredericksburg’s Hometown Irish Pub & Restaurant Since 1961

the dedication required to start a business

that’s a wrap

By k. Jeanne fraser Growing up with a mother who was a cook in a busy city restaurant I had some idea of what it means to work in the food industry. I didn't, however, appreciate just how much time, energy, and effort owning a restaurant consumes until I met Gilbert Barahona who owns the Romeo & Juliet Italian Restaurant on Bragg Road. "The hours are 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. every day of the week, but those are just the hours we're open," Gilbert said in a temporary moment of repose as we talked.

Harry Truman had a sign on his desk that read "The buck stops here."

Restaurant owners are custodians, hosts, servers, dishwashers, sous chefs, head chef, the chief executive officer, the chief financial officer, and the chief operating officer. They pay the bills, and hire, train, encourage, and sometimes fire employees.

Whatever the job, the owner is responsible. All the bucks may not stop at his or her desk, but all the problems certainly do.

Gilbert arrived in Fairfax from El Salvador with his family in 1991 when he was 14 and speaking only Spanish. His face

darkens slightly as he thinks about those early days, but lights up when he talks about his ESL teacher who "worked so hard to teach me and all the other kids in the class how to speak English. She spoke English, Spanish, and Italian."

Working to help the family, he started as a part-time kitchen worker at the Dolce Vita restaurant in Fairfax while he was in high school There he worked his way through all the jobs learning everything he thought he'd need to know about owning a restaurant. He worked there for 10 years eventually becoming the chef. It was here that he decided that "one day I'll open my own restaurant. It's my dream."

After four more years working for someone else at Ticiano's in Dumfries, Gilbert and his wife, Brenda, moved to Fredericksburg in 2006 with children, Alex, now a senior at Riverbend High School with an eye to joining the U.S. Navy after graduation next year, and Adrianna, a junior. "It's quieter, slower here, not so much traffic." While not everyone will agree the traffic here isn't as bad as it is north of our community, it's still less

rushed.

People in Fredericksburg make time to be neighbors.

It was in Fredericksburg that Gilbert and Brenda had two children, Jeffrey and Cecilia, students at Wilderness Elementary School, and where Gilbert saw his dream come true when he opened Vita Felice in Lee's Hill.

Many residents will fondly remember this quietly elegant restaurant, but may not know that it was there, so Gilbert says with a big smile on his face, that he "taught Brenda how to cook Italian." Together the couple began what is now a locally grown family business.

Last June Gilbert moved his business to its current location in the Village Square Shopping Center across from Spotsylvania Towne Centre, and changed its name to Romeo and Juliet's, Talking about what he likes most about being in business for himself, Gilbert visibly relaxes. "I like working for myself, working toward building a successful business. No one bossing me. I like to create my own ideas." Here in Fredericksburg.

By vanessa moncure

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

200 Hanover St. ~ 373-0738

Romeo & Juliet Italian Restaurant Village Square Shopping Center 914 Bragg Rd, Fredericksburg, VA 22407 romeoandjulietitalianrestaurant.com facebook (540) 786-3 3907

The Sunken Well Tavern

I remember when flour tortillas, plain flour and flavored, lavash, pita bread, naan, barbari bread, chapati, roti and even crepes were relegated to the “International” aisle at the few local grocery stores then in this area in the 1970s. Polenta? Never heard of it. Shelves were filled with cornbread and spoonbread mix, biscuits, corn meal and self-rising flour often from local mills like Culpeper’s Triplett, with its delicious soft-wheat HopUp Flour in 5- and 10-pound bags.

However, for me, growing up less than twenty miles from New York City, in a community of Italians, Dutch, Greek, Jewish and Central Europeans, our grocery stores were a cornicopia of ethnic foodstuffs. Pickle barrels of half-sours, hanging salamis and fat links of sausages,

The Soup & Taco, Etc. 813 Caroline St.

“Everyone has a story. I can't see it, but I believe there is a neon sign on my forehead that reads " Talk to me" and so people do.

And I listen.” ~ k.jeanne fraser

Fredericksburg, VA

Serving Traditional Mexican, Tex-Mex Food

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 12

November 2018

Front porch fredericksburg

and Something More!!

Tuesday to Saturday

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

Eat Well Drink Well Live Well

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

720 Littlepage sunkenwelltavern.com 540-370-0911

11am-9pm Sunday 11am-6pm

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

smoked and aged provolone cheese were side by side with pierogis, smoked herring and eel in barrels, fresh mozzarella and feta in brine - along with almost every kind of bread - flatbreads like foccacia and crepes, bagels and yeasty, crunchy Italian loaves. Imagine my shock when an “Italian Loaf” here turned out to be a squishy, pallid and tasteless knock-off of Wonder Bread, albeit shaped differently.

For some years, UPS delivered boxes monthly of H&H bagels, fresh from Hell’s Kitchen in Manhattan straight into my freezer. Yum. Sorry, Pepperidge Farm, yours are just a gummy roll posing as a bagel. Forty years on and wow! Within the Washington DC area we can search out almost any kind of authentic bread, yeast or unleavened, grilled, baked, fried - even steamed Chinese buns. Most all breads were made to be filled, or used to scoop communally, or to be topped like pizza, or rolled to hold meat, cheese or vegetables.

Years ago, my children’s lunch boxes weren’t holding the usual white bread PB&J (or worse, a Fluffernutter sandwich still a childhood nightmare for me) but a rolled or filled sandwich on a more substantial flatbread. I’ve occasionally packed lunches for my grandchildren - and apparently one day the ham, muenster and roasted red pepper tortilla roll was the talk of the lunch table - where did you buy that sandwich?? Do you want to trade?? This gave Nana a few more wow points - I loved it!!

Now make your own - pick a good quality flatbread, baguette, pita with or without a pocket, lavash or naan bread.

The worst kind of sandwich lunch is when you take that first bite and the bread has absorbed liquid or juices from notcompletely-dried lettuce, tomatoes or toojuicy meats. You’ll need a thin coating of butter, cream cheese or flavored cream cheese between the bread and the filling.

FLAVORED BUTTER Fresh herbed butter is delicious and a great keeper - mix one-half cup soft butter with one teaspoon of dried herb (your choice) and one-half teaspoon of granulated garlic if desired. Oregano is a great choice for Italian meats and cheeses, dill for salmon or smoked fish, tarragon for a shrimp salad.

CREAM CHEESE FILLINGS Cream cheese fillings are delicious - take a look at the dried packages of salad dressing mixes - ranch and Italian are great - and also in the soup aisle, Knorr has a selection of dried soup mixes that are great mixed with the cream

cheese - its vegetable very flavorful. You can either mix the packets in sixteen ounces of plain whipped cream cheese or sixteen ounces of block cream cheese, adding just enough sour cream or heavy cream to make of spreading consistency.

I’ve noticed the Philadelphia brand has quite a few flavored selections to choose from now if you don’t have time to whip up your own. A dash of lemon juice, two or three teaspoons of lemon pepper seasoning, granulated garlic and a pinch of thyme make a delicious homemade filling TACO ROLLUP Also, one package of taco seasoning in three eight-ounce blocks of cream cheese makes delicious south-ofthe-border spreads for flour tortilla wraps.

Use leftover taco meat, chicken or pulled pork along with a shredded Mexican cheese mix, some drained and rinsed black beans, a tablespoon of chopped green onion and cilantro and leftover Spanish rice mixed with a small amount of salsa.

On an 8-inch round flour tortilla, spread a thin layer of the taco-seasoned cream cheese. Place about one-half cup of the mixture in the center, from top to bottom, then tightly roll. Use a bit of the cream cheese as glue to hold the ends together.

Cut in half at an angle and wrap separately in waxed paper. Send more salsa or some guacamole for dipping in an airtight container.

SOME FILLING IDEAS If you have leftover meat, that’s a great start for your filling. Spread butter or cream cheese on your bread, then layer cheese, meat and finally any vegetable - or even fig with herbed pork. Chopped chicken and celery mixed with buffalo sauce and topped with a sprinkle of blue cheese on flatbread makes a great buffalo roll. Chop a grilled or rotisserie chicken, mix with a small amount of mayonnaise and curry powder, then take roti, pita or naan bread for dipping. Depending on the meat, I will often make a salad which I will then use as the filling - especially with shrimp, tuna or fresh salmon and rockfish.

Use mayonnaise sparingly. Shredded lettuce or whole leaves of butter lettuce are best to use - tomatoes, very thinly sliced red onion or chopped green onion, calamata or canned pitted sliced jumbo olives, roasted red pepper halves, welldrained artichoke hearts, pickled eggplant or cauliflower, canned green chiles or plenty of fresh spinach with feta cheese several local groceries have great olive and/or salad bars with lots of choices and ideas for sandwich fillings. And that’s a wrap!

Vanessa has yummy recipes for all seasons

front porch fredericksburg

November 2018

13

I didn’t know ....

Season’s Bounty

Fredericksburg’s Hometown Irish Pub & Restaurant Since 1961

the dedication required to start a business

that’s a wrap

By k. Jeanne fraser Growing up with a mother who was a cook in a busy city restaurant I had some idea of what it means to work in the food industry. I didn't, however, appreciate just how much time, energy, and effort owning a restaurant consumes until I met Gilbert Barahona who owns the Romeo & Juliet Italian Restaurant on Bragg Road. "The hours are 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. every day of the week, but those are just the hours we're open," Gilbert said in a temporary moment of repose as we talked.

Harry Truman had a sign on his desk that read "The buck stops here."

Restaurant owners are custodians, hosts, servers, dishwashers, sous chefs, head chef, the chief executive officer, the chief financial officer, and the chief operating officer. They pay the bills, and hire, train, encourage, and sometimes fire employees.

Whatever the job, the owner is responsible. All the bucks may not stop at his or her desk, but all the problems certainly do.

Gilbert arrived in Fairfax from El Salvador with his family in 1991 when he was 14 and speaking only Spanish. His face

darkens slightly as he thinks about those early days, but lights up when he talks about his ESL teacher who "worked so hard to teach me and all the other kids in the class how to speak English. She spoke English, Spanish, and Italian."

Working to help the family, he started as a part-time kitchen worker at the Dolce Vita restaurant in Fairfax while he was in high school There he worked his way through all the jobs learning everything he thought he'd need to know about owning a restaurant. He worked there for 10 years eventually becoming the chef. It was here that he decided that "one day I'll open my own restaurant. It's my dream."

After four more years working for someone else at Ticiano's in Dumfries, Gilbert and his wife, Brenda, moved to Fredericksburg in 2006 with children, Alex, now a senior at Riverbend High School with an eye to joining the U.S. Navy after graduation next year, and Adrianna, a junior. "It's quieter, slower here, not so much traffic." While not everyone will agree the traffic here isn't as bad as it is north of our community, it's still less

rushed.

People in Fredericksburg make time to be neighbors.

It was in Fredericksburg that Gilbert and Brenda had two children, Jeffrey and Cecilia, students at Wilderness Elementary School, and where Gilbert saw his dream come true when he opened Vita Felice in Lee's Hill.

Many residents will fondly remember this quietly elegant restaurant, but may not know that it was there, so Gilbert says with a big smile on his face, that he "taught Brenda how to cook Italian." Together the couple began what is now a locally grown family business.

Last June Gilbert moved his business to its current location in the Village Square Shopping Center across from Spotsylvania Towne Centre, and changed its name to Romeo and Juliet's, Talking about what he likes most about being in business for himself, Gilbert visibly relaxes. "I like working for myself, working toward building a successful business. No one bossing me. I like to create my own ideas." Here in Fredericksburg.

By vanessa moncure

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

200 Hanover St. ~ 373-0738

Romeo & Juliet Italian Restaurant Village Square Shopping Center 914 Bragg Rd, Fredericksburg, VA 22407 romeoandjulietitalianrestaurant.com facebook (540) 786-3 3907

The Sunken Well Tavern

I remember when flour tortillas, plain flour and flavored, lavash, pita bread, naan, barbari bread, chapati, roti and even crepes were relegated to the “International” aisle at the few local grocery stores then in this area in the 1970s. Polenta? Never heard of it. Shelves were filled with cornbread and spoonbread mix, biscuits, corn meal and self-rising flour often from local mills like Culpeper’s Triplett, with its delicious soft-wheat HopUp Flour in 5- and 10-pound bags.

However, for me, growing up less than twenty miles from New York City, in a community of Italians, Dutch, Greek, Jewish and Central Europeans, our grocery stores were a cornicopia of ethnic foodstuffs. Pickle barrels of half-sours, hanging salamis and fat links of sausages,

The Soup & Taco, Etc. 813 Caroline St.

“Everyone has a story. I can't see it, but I believe there is a neon sign on my forehead that reads " Talk to me" and so people do.

And I listen.” ~ k.jeanne fraser

Fredericksburg, VA

Serving Traditional Mexican, Tex-Mex Food

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 12

November 2018

Front porch fredericksburg

and Something More!!

Tuesday to Saturday

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

Eat Well Drink Well Live Well

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

720 Littlepage sunkenwelltavern.com 540-370-0911

11am-9pm Sunday 11am-6pm

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

smoked and aged provolone cheese were side by side with pierogis, smoked herring and eel in barrels, fresh mozzarella and feta in brine - along with almost every kind of bread - flatbreads like foccacia and crepes, bagels and yeasty, crunchy Italian loaves. Imagine my shock when an “Italian Loaf” here turned out to be a squishy, pallid and tasteless knock-off of Wonder Bread, albeit shaped differently.

For some years, UPS delivered boxes monthly of H&H bagels, fresh from Hell’s Kitchen in Manhattan straight into my freezer. Yum. Sorry, Pepperidge Farm, yours are just a gummy roll posing as a bagel. Forty years on and wow! Within the Washington DC area we can search out almost any kind of authentic bread, yeast or unleavened, grilled, baked, fried - even steamed Chinese buns. Most all breads were made to be filled, or used to scoop communally, or to be topped like pizza, or rolled to hold meat, cheese or vegetables.

Years ago, my children’s lunch boxes weren’t holding the usual white bread PB&J (or worse, a Fluffernutter sandwich still a childhood nightmare for me) but a rolled or filled sandwich on a more substantial flatbread. I’ve occasionally packed lunches for my grandchildren - and apparently one day the ham, muenster and roasted red pepper tortilla roll was the talk of the lunch table - where did you buy that sandwich?? Do you want to trade?? This gave Nana a few more wow points - I loved it!!

Now make your own - pick a good quality flatbread, baguette, pita with or without a pocket, lavash or naan bread.

The worst kind of sandwich lunch is when you take that first bite and the bread has absorbed liquid or juices from notcompletely-dried lettuce, tomatoes or toojuicy meats. You’ll need a thin coating of butter, cream cheese or flavored cream cheese between the bread and the filling.

FLAVORED BUTTER Fresh herbed butter is delicious and a great keeper - mix one-half cup soft butter with one teaspoon of dried herb (your choice) and one-half teaspoon of granulated garlic if desired. Oregano is a great choice for Italian meats and cheeses, dill for salmon or smoked fish, tarragon for a shrimp salad.

CREAM CHEESE FILLINGS Cream cheese fillings are delicious - take a look at the dried packages of salad dressing mixes - ranch and Italian are great - and also in the soup aisle, Knorr has a selection of dried soup mixes that are great mixed with the cream

cheese - its vegetable very flavorful. You can either mix the packets in sixteen ounces of plain whipped cream cheese or sixteen ounces of block cream cheese, adding just enough sour cream or heavy cream to make of spreading consistency.

I’ve noticed the Philadelphia brand has quite a few flavored selections to choose from now if you don’t have time to whip up your own. A dash of lemon juice, two or three teaspoons of lemon pepper seasoning, granulated garlic and a pinch of thyme make a delicious homemade filling TACO ROLLUP Also, one package of taco seasoning in three eight-ounce blocks of cream cheese makes delicious south-ofthe-border spreads for flour tortilla wraps.

Use leftover taco meat, chicken or pulled pork along with a shredded Mexican cheese mix, some drained and rinsed black beans, a tablespoon of chopped green onion and cilantro and leftover Spanish rice mixed with a small amount of salsa.

On an 8-inch round flour tortilla, spread a thin layer of the taco-seasoned cream cheese. Place about one-half cup of the mixture in the center, from top to bottom, then tightly roll. Use a bit of the cream cheese as glue to hold the ends together.

Cut in half at an angle and wrap separately in waxed paper. Send more salsa or some guacamole for dipping in an airtight container.

SOME FILLING IDEAS If you have leftover meat, that’s a great start for your filling. Spread butter or cream cheese on your bread, then layer cheese, meat and finally any vegetable - or even fig with herbed pork. Chopped chicken and celery mixed with buffalo sauce and topped with a sprinkle of blue cheese on flatbread makes a great buffalo roll. Chop a grilled or rotisserie chicken, mix with a small amount of mayonnaise and curry powder, then take roti, pita or naan bread for dipping. Depending on the meat, I will often make a salad which I will then use as the filling - especially with shrimp, tuna or fresh salmon and rockfish.

Use mayonnaise sparingly. Shredded lettuce or whole leaves of butter lettuce are best to use - tomatoes, very thinly sliced red onion or chopped green onion, calamata or canned pitted sliced jumbo olives, roasted red pepper halves, welldrained artichoke hearts, pickled eggplant or cauliflower, canned green chiles or plenty of fresh spinach with feta cheese several local groceries have great olive and/or salad bars with lots of choices and ideas for sandwich fillings. And that’s a wrap!

Vanessa has yummy recipes for all seasons

front porch fredericksburg

November 2018

13

Cooking With Kyle

540.373.8300 620 Caroline Street

Kyle Snyderloves to cook simple and healthy and sharing his delicious recipes

14

November 2018

Front porch fredericksburg

thanksgiving picks

Adults: $29 Ages 5-12: $12 Under 4 & Under: FREE

by james kyle snyder

Gone are the brightly colored leaves that painted the trees like an artist playing with a pallet of colors. November reminds me of a time as a child coming home to a warm house and the smell of warming food. My mom would begin to introduce more soups and hearty stews to our diet. One of my favorite meals was the small pot pies you could purchase at the store. The warmth of the filling and the crunch of the topping were comforting. I care less for those store bought products now knowing what is in them, but I still love the idea of them: vegetables and small chunks of meat smothered with thick brothy goodness all topped with a crunchy crust. It is easy enough to recreate this idea using better ingredients without the preservatives.

We took a minute during the season to freeze some peas and carrots, we now have vegetables that are the next best thing to fresh. Let’s also use a healthier meat like chicken or turkey ...making a big batch of this after Thanksgiving can provide you an easy meal all winter....

The French have a traditional dish that uses a rooster (Coq) and wine

Thanksgiving Dinner November 22nd 11am-4pm

pot pie/coq au vin

(Vin) known as coq au vin.

Rooster is a tough, gamy meat that needs additional care to p r o d u c e something edible.

We are going to use some of these techniques with chicken thighs to produce a winter dish that is delicious and hearty, different from the thin chicken pot pies of yesteryear.

Preheat oven to 400 degrees and pull a quart of peas and a quart of carrots from the deep freeze. Shape a puff pastry to the container you will be serving in and bake according to the instructions. While that is baking, let’s work on the richness.

In a Dutch oven on the stove top, caramelize one large minced onion and a tablespoon of minced garlic. While that is cooking, prep 10 chicken thighs: washing, removing any tendons, and cutting into bite-sized pieces. Once the onion is caramelized, add two cups of chicken stock and ½ bottle of good red wine (pour yourself a glass, too) and turn the heat on high. To this, add 1 Tbs thyme leaves, 1 Tbs minced rosemary, and one bay leaf.

Once boiling, add the chicken, ensuring everything is covered, and put it in the oven for 20 mins.

Pull the mixture out of the oven and add the peas and carrots, stirring to combine. Top up with wine if you need more broth. The goal is 1/3 chicken, 1/3 carrots, and 1/3 peas barely covered.

After another 10 minutes, check the vegetables and meat for doneness. I like the vegetables a little crunchy; after freezing, when you reheat, the vegetables will finish cooking. Add a roux by combining 3 Tbs each of rice flour and butter in a pan over med high heat. Bring the mixture to a frothy simmer, stirring frequently until browned. Add this to the Dutch oven and incorporate with a whisk.

If it is not thick enough after a couple minutes of stirring, add more roux. Voila!

Portion some for dinner and the rest for the freezer. This is a dish that freezes well!

It only takes a small amount of time to create a meal that will bring back fond memories all winter long. Be well!

Vino

COME JOIN US FOR

by City Vino

Military & Senior Discount Call for reservations

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

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

Become a Member

Looking to shake up this year’s Thanksgiving Red wine selection? Pick up a bottle of Frappato.

Frappato is a light, fruity red and will work with the wide variety to flavors common to a typical Thanksgiving meal.

Native to the Italian island of Sicily Frappato is mostly grown in the southeastern part of the island, around the city of Vittoria. The two most common styles of red wine from this region are Cerasuolo di Vittoria DOCG (Denominazione di Origine Controllata e Garantita, where Frappato is a secondary grape blended with Nero d'Avola, and Vittoria DOC (Denominazione di Origine Controllata), where Frappato is the primary red grape, but may have a small amount of other red grapes blended in.

The term "Cerasuolo" means cherry, which refers to the bright red cherry and red berry aromas associated with Frappato. These wines may also have notes of spice and herbs. In order to keep the wines light and fruity, they are generally fermented and aged in steel or concrete. Concrete allows a small amount of air to come in contact with the wine to give it more body, but like steel, it does not impart any additional flavors the way oak barrels might.

Because Frappato is a light-tomedium body wine with low tannins, it can be served with a slight chill, making it a great wine for the few remaining warm afternoons we have left before fall really sets in. This light, fruity, low-tannin style is the perfect accompaniment for a wideranging assortment of food, including fresh or aged cheeses, salamis, tuna, swordfish, pizza, and pasta with tomato sauce.

Another Great Red Château Coudray Montpensier Chinon 2016 Robust scents of black fruit and vanilla. On The palate, fresh, elegant and refined, with soft, fruity, pleasing notes of blackcurrant and spice.

Thanksgiving Aperitif Destilerias Acha Atxa Vino Vermouth Blanco A fresh, floral aromas followed on the palate by a hint of sweetness and bitter flavor framework. Aromas of apple and herbs evoke memories of Thanksgiving. Perfect as an aperitif or mixed in a cocktail.

City Vino is located at 810 Caroline St. You can find owners Renee Dunn & Rita Allen on-site to provide answers to all your wine questions & help you plan your Thanksgiving beverages

fxbgfoodcoop@gmail.com fredericksburgfoodcoop.com front porch fredericksburg

November 2018

15

Cooking With Kyle

540.373.8300 620 Caroline Street

Kyle Snyderloves to cook simple and healthy and sharing his delicious recipes

14

November 2018

Front porch fredericksburg

thanksgiving picks

Adults: $29 Ages 5-12: $12 Under 4 & Under: FREE

by james kyle snyder

Gone are the brightly colored leaves that painted the trees like an artist playing with a pallet of colors. November reminds me of a time as a child coming home to a warm house and the smell of warming food. My mom would begin to introduce more soups and hearty stews to our diet. One of my favorite meals was the small pot pies you could purchase at the store. The warmth of the filling and the crunch of the topping were comforting. I care less for those store bought products now knowing what is in them, but I still love the idea of them: vegetables and small chunks of meat smothered with thick brothy goodness all topped with a crunchy crust. It is easy enough to recreate this idea using better ingredients without the preservatives.

We took a minute during the season to freeze some peas and carrots, we now have vegetables that are the next best thing to fresh. Let’s also use a healthier meat like chicken or turkey ...making a big batch of this after Thanksgiving can provide you an easy meal all winter....

The French have a traditional dish that uses a rooster (Coq) and wine

Thanksgiving Dinner November 22nd 11am-4pm

pot pie/coq au vin

(Vin) known as coq au vin.

Rooster is a tough, gamy meat that needs additional care to p r o d u c e something edible.

We are going to use some of these techniques with chicken thighs to produce a winter dish that is delicious and hearty, different from the thin chicken pot pies of yesteryear.

Preheat oven to 400 degrees and pull a quart of peas and a quart of carrots from the deep freeze. Shape a puff pastry to the container you will be serving in and bake according to the instructions. While that is baking, let’s work on the richness.

In a Dutch oven on the stove top, caramelize one large minced onion and a tablespoon of minced garlic. While that is cooking, prep 10 chicken thighs: washing, removing any tendons, and cutting into bite-sized pieces. Once the onion is caramelized, add two cups of chicken stock and ½ bottle of good red wine (pour yourself a glass, too) and turn the heat on high. To this, add 1 Tbs thyme leaves, 1 Tbs minced rosemary, and one bay leaf.

Once boiling, add the chicken, ensuring everything is covered, and put it in the oven for 20 mins.

Pull the mixture out of the oven and add the peas and carrots, stirring to combine. Top up with wine if you need more broth. The goal is 1/3 chicken, 1/3 carrots, and 1/3 peas barely covered.

After another 10 minutes, check the vegetables and meat for doneness. I like the vegetables a little crunchy; after freezing, when you reheat, the vegetables will finish cooking. Add a roux by combining 3 Tbs each of rice flour and butter in a pan over med high heat. Bring the mixture to a frothy simmer, stirring frequently until browned. Add this to the Dutch oven and incorporate with a whisk.

If it is not thick enough after a couple minutes of stirring, add more roux. Voila!

Portion some for dinner and the rest for the freezer. This is a dish that freezes well!

It only takes a small amount of time to create a meal that will bring back fond memories all winter long. Be well!

Vino

COME JOIN US FOR

by City Vino

Military & Senior Discount Call for reservations

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

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

Become a Member

Looking to shake up this year’s Thanksgiving Red wine selection? Pick up a bottle of Frappato.

Frappato is a light, fruity red and will work with the wide variety to flavors common to a typical Thanksgiving meal.

Native to the Italian island of Sicily Frappato is mostly grown in the southeastern part of the island, around the city of Vittoria. The two most common styles of red wine from this region are Cerasuolo di Vittoria DOCG (Denominazione di Origine Controllata e Garantita, where Frappato is a secondary grape blended with Nero d'Avola, and Vittoria DOC (Denominazione di Origine Controllata), where Frappato is the primary red grape, but may have a small amount of other red grapes blended in.

The term "Cerasuolo" means cherry, which refers to the bright red cherry and red berry aromas associated with Frappato. These wines may also have notes of spice and herbs. In order to keep the wines light and fruity, they are generally fermented and aged in steel or concrete. Concrete allows a small amount of air to come in contact with the wine to give it more body, but like steel, it does not impart any additional flavors the way oak barrels might.

Because Frappato is a light-tomedium body wine with low tannins, it can be served with a slight chill, making it a great wine for the few remaining warm afternoons we have left before fall really sets in. This light, fruity, low-tannin style is the perfect accompaniment for a wideranging assortment of food, including fresh or aged cheeses, salamis, tuna, swordfish, pizza, and pasta with tomato sauce.

Another Great Red Château Coudray Montpensier Chinon 2016 Robust scents of black fruit and vanilla. On The palate, fresh, elegant and refined, with soft, fruity, pleasing notes of blackcurrant and spice.

Thanksgiving Aperitif Destilerias Acha Atxa Vino Vermouth Blanco A fresh, floral aromas followed on the palate by a hint of sweetness and bitter flavor framework. Aromas of apple and herbs evoke memories of Thanksgiving. Perfect as an aperitif or mixed in a cocktail.

City Vino is located at 810 Caroline St. You can find owners Renee Dunn & Rita Allen on-site to provide answers to all your wine questions & help you plan your Thanksgiving beverages

fxbgfoodcoop@gmail.com fredericksburgfoodcoop.com front porch fredericksburg

November 2018

15

CALENDAR of events

november 2018‌ vote, its a right & a responsibility!

Thursday, November 1

Virginia Museum of Fine Arts On the Road, an artmobile for the 21st century Hurkamp Park, 11a-7p Washington Heritage Museums' Speaker Series@ Central Rappahannock Regional Library, 10am, speaker will be B.L. Trahos, a docent at Gunston Hall. Ms. Trahos's lecture is entitled, "Interpreting 18th Century Foodways."

MWHC/YMCA Community Health Fair @ Massad YMCA, free health screenings, prevention information and all guides of healthy living demonstrations., 212 Butler Rd, FXBG, 22405, 10a-1p Live Music, Wiley & Brandon Snellings Duo @LaPetite Auberge, 311 William St, 8-midnight. .

No cover. lapetiteaubergefred.com

Saturday, November 3

Live Music at 7:30 Kenmore Inn. featuring drink specials at the copper top bar.

Feathered Fish "SEA & SKY" album release party 7 PM , Farm Brew Live, 9901 Discovery Blvd Manassas, VA

First Friday, November 2

Sunday, November 4

Virginia Museum of Fine Arts On the Road, an artmobile for the 21st century Hurkamp Park, 11a-7p Mindful Mornings Mindful Mornings is a one-hour, once monthly Friday forum where do-gooders who want to make the world a better place convene, collaborate, and learn from compelling content delivered by a keynote speaker while they enjoy coffee and breakfast. fredericksburg@mindfulmornings.org First Friday Afternoon: Meet the Artists @ Community Bank of the Chesapeake, 2p-5p Sophia Street Studios Grand Re-Opening Gala, reception to introduce the newly remodeled shop, addition of our gallery and our new studios/artists, 1104 Sophia St, 6-9p "Peaceful Places", Sarah Finn opening reception, 69p, Brush Strokes Gallery, 824 Caroline St Texture & Surface exhibit, FCCA, Members Gallery, Kerrie Anderson & Laura O'Leary, 813 Sophia St. Handwoven Rugs by Linda George @ Artful Dimensions Gallery, 6-9p, 922 Caroline St The Wonder of Wander Photography Exhibition@ Fredericksburg Center for Creative Arts, Photography of Karie Anderson and Laura O'Leary813 Sophia St. 5-8p First Friday Wine Tasting w/ City Vino, Caroline St

Potter Anna Branner, Holiday Pop-Up, Artful Dimensions Gallery 922 Caroline Street. Gallery open daily from 11:00 am to 7:00 pm, and the Sunday Pop-Up artists will be featured from 11:00 to 5:00 pm.

Monday, November 5

A (Personal) History of East Germany in Eight Objects @ University of Mary Washington, Combs Hall 237, 4p

Tuesday, November 6

Red Dragon Brewery Beer & Trivia night . As always you can battle the bartenders or sit at the bar & join their team!. 1419 Pr.Anne St

Wednesday, November 7

To celebrate Veterans Day and the centennial anniversary of?Armistice?Day, the Fredericksburg Area Museum (FAM) will host a tour of its exhibition, World Aflame: A Hometown in Two World Wars Sunken Well Trivia tonight starting at 7:45pm, 720 Littlepage, ~ Come and match wits against the finest minds in Fredericksburg! Compete for Honor, Glory, and Prizes!!

Thursday, November 8

"Exact Change", New works by Print Jazz / Pete Morelewicz, through January 9, 2019. Opening reception: 6-9pm, Sunken Well Tavern, 720 Littlepage Street, The show explores buildings, machines, and the ubiquity of small-scale commerce.

Live Music at 7:30 Kenmore Inn. featuring drink specials at the copper top bar.

Friday, November 9

Geology Rocks Fabulous Friday @ Fredericksburg Branch CRRL, Fun, hands-on activities for Grades K-6. 4:30-5:15p 20TH Annual Art & Wine Show FRED. Country Club This event supports our Adult and Youth Sight Programs, which provides eye glasses and exams for Spotsylvania residents in need. We will have 15 different wines and works of art from a number of local artists will be displayed and available for purchase. Heavy hors d'oeuvres will also be served at multiple stations.

Saturday, November 10 Downtown Open House

The Officer James Shelhorse Memorial Urban Trailride through Historic Downtown Fredericksburg , Ride begins at old Mill Park in Fredericksburg, Virginia. Bring your own horse., 9a Unity of Fredericksburg Grand Opening of New Location variety of exhibitors, mini -sessions that include topics such as Aromatherapy, Eden Energy Medicine, and Reiki, Angel and Tarot readings, and other metaphysical and spiritual healing services, 3451 Jefferson Davis Highway in Fredericksburg.

For more information visit www.uofva.org Public Scanning Day @ Fredericksburg Area Museum, 10-noon, Members of the community are encouraged to bring their own photographs to be scanned by photo specialists. The images scanned during this event will potentially be featured in the upcoming publication, The Fredericksburg Area Museum (FAM) is excited to announce our involvement in an upcoming publication, "Fredericksburg Memories: A Pictorial History of the 1800s through the 1930s" Paws & Whiskers Bazaar Party @ Hurkamp Park, Start your holiday shopping with local vendors at the Bazaar. Bring your dog and/or cat to enjoy a pet perfect holiday party during the Bazaar.Santa, holiday music and treats, 11a-4p

Sunday, November 11 Veterans Day

Fredericksburg Veterans Day Procession @ Fredericksburg Area War Memorial, To honor the contributions of our United States Veterans Procession Route: Along Washington Ave. From Mary Ball St. to George St., 10a Window Wonderland, thru December 31 Unity of Fredericksburg Grand Opening of New Location variety of exhibitors, mini -sessions that include topics such as Aromatherapy, Eden Energy Medicine, and Reiki, Angel and Tarot readings, and other metaphysical and spiritual healing services, 3451 Jefferson Davis Highway in Fredericksburg.

For more information visit www.uofva.org Susan Tyler hand-woven baskets, Holiday Pop-Up, Artful Dimensions Gallery 922 Caroline Street.

Gallery open daily from 11:00 am to 7:00 pm, and the Sunday Pop-Up artists will be featured from 11:00 to 5:00 pm.

Art Workshop - Art as Therapy in your Everyday World @ Artists' Alliance at Jarrett Thor Fine Arts, Learn to trust your instincts about what your body needs through the vehicle of self expression, 6p, Colonial Beach

Tuesday, November 12

Red Dragon Brewery Beer & Trivia night . As always you can battle the bartenders or sit at the bar & join their team!. 1419 Pr.Anne St

Wednesday, November 14

Please join the Civil War Round Table of Fredericksburg as we welcome Richard Lewis and hear his presentation on "Confederate Generals and Their Uniforms". @ University of Mary Washington Jepson Alumni Executive Center, 6-9p Sunken Well Trivia tonight starting at 7:45pm, 720 Littlepage, ~ Come and match wits against the finest minds in Fredericksburg! Compete for Honor, Glory, and Prizes!!

Thursday, November 15

From Isolation to Inclusion: Families Living with IDD @ Historic Renwick Courthouse, 815 Princess Anne St, 7-8:30p

Live Music at 7:30 Kenmore Inn. featuring drink specials at the copper top bar.

Live Music, "The Aucostic Onion" Wiley & Brandon Snellings Duo @LaPetite Auberge, 311 William St, 8-midnight. . No cover. lapetiteaubergefred.com

Friday, November 16

Trees of Hope, Annual dazzling display & bidding on hand decorated holiday Christmas tres of To Benefit Loisiann's Hope House, Riverside Center for Performing Art, Info: www.hopehouseva.org or email treesofhope@hopehouseva.org.

Virginia Craft Spirits Roadshow @ A Smith Bowman Distillery, Noon-5p

Saturday, November 17

Trees of Hope, Annual dazzling display & bidding on hand decorated holiday Christmas tres of To Benefit Loisiann's Hope House, Riverside Center for Performing Art, Info: www.hopehouseva.org or email treesofhope@hopehouseva.org.

Trees of Hope "A Night to Shine" Gala at Riverside 6 to 9 p.m. Info: www.hopehouseva.org or email treesofhope@hopehouseva.org.

Learn the secrets of building a real gingerbread house! Build and decorate a small gingerbread house step-by-step. All materials are provided.

Ferry Farm, 268 Kings Hwy, 2-3:30p St. George Chamber Orchestra Join us for "beautiful music in a beautiful space". Admission is free with donations accepted at the door. 905 Princess Anne St, 3p

Tuesday, November 20

Red Dragon Brewery Beer & Trivia night . As always you can battle the bartenders or sit at the bar & join their team!. 1419 Pr.Anne St

Wednesday, November 21

Sunken Well Trivia tonight starting at 7:45pm, 720 Littlepage, ~ Come and match wits against the finest minds in Fredericksburg! Compete for Honor, Glory, and Prizes!!

Sunday, November 18

Melissa Terlizzi popular polymer clay artworks;, Holiday Pop-Up, Artful Dimensions Gallery 922 Caroline Street. Gallery open daily from 11:00 am to 7:00 pm, and the Sunday Pop-Up artists will be featured from 11:00 to 5:00 pm.

Tuesday, November 27

"A Beautifully Broken Virginia", by acclaimed photographer John Plashal, a visual journey of buildings that have been frozen in time, CRRL, FXBG branch, 7-8:30p.

Thursday, November 22 Happy Turkey Day!

Red Dragon Brewery Beer & Trivia night . As always you can battle the bartenders or sit at the bar & join their team!. 1419 Pr.Anne St

Friday, November 23

Wednesday, November 28

Rising Sun Tavern Keeper John Frazer died on the property shortly after opening the business in the 1790's - and some say he never left. Join us for a "spirited" candlelight tour highlighting the life of John Frazer and his alleged afterlife pranks!

Homefor the Holidays @Belmont. Enjoy the house decorated for the holidays in the spirit and style of American painter Gari Melchers and his talented artist-wife Corinne. 10a-4p Live Music, Wave on Wave @LaPetite Auberge, 311 William St, 8-midnight. .

No cover. lapetiteaubergefred.com

Saturday, November 24

Children's Christmas Tree Lighting, at Hurkamp Park from 4:30 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. Meet Santa and fun characters, make holiday crafts, listen to holiday music and The Night before Christmas story and more!

This is a free public event.

Small Business Saturday

Hazel Run Benefit Concert for Friends of the Rappahannck, at Belmont

open daily from 11:00 am to 7:00 pm, and the Sunday Pop-Up artists will be featured from 11:00 to 5:00 pm.

Rising Sun Tavern Keeper John Frazer died on the property shortly after opening the business in the 1790's - and some say he never left. Join us for a "spirited" candlelight tour highlighting the life of John Frazer and his alleged afterlife pranks!

Sunday, November 25

Leah Comerford will showcase her bead embroidery and gourd art, Holiday Pop-Up, Artful Dimensions Gallery 922 Caroline Street. Gallery

Sunken Well Trivia tonight starting at 7:45pm, 720 Littlepage, ~ Come and match wits against the finest minds in Fredericksburg! Compete for Honor, Glory, and Prizes!!

Thursday, November 29

Live Music at 7:30 Kenmore Inn. featuring drink specials at the copper top bar.

Friday, November 30

Fredericksburg Holiday Craft Show @ Fredericksburg Expo and Conference Center, 10a4p, Nearly 300 vendors will have many new one-ofa-kind handmade arts & crafts that will make wonderful gifts for your family, friends and even your pets.

Live Music, Karen Jonas@LaPetite Auberge, 311 William St, 8-midnight. .

No cover. lapetiteaubergefred.com

If you are reading this 256th issue of FPF, thank an advertiser as we celebrate our 22nd year of continuous publication!

If you are an advertiser, list your events.

Deadline for December 2018 issue is November 20th. To submit events go to frontporchfredericksburg.com/submit

Become a Friend Advocate ~ Donate ~ Volunteer

3353 Fans (& Growing) Want You to Join

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

November 2018

Front porch fredericksburg

front porch fredericksburg

November 2018

17

CALENDAR of events

november 2018‌ vote, its a right & a responsibility!

Thursday, November 1

Virginia Museum of Fine Arts On the Road, an artmobile for the 21st century Hurkamp Park, 11a-7p Washington Heritage Museums' Speaker Series@ Central Rappahannock Regional Library, 10am, speaker will be B.L. Trahos, a docent at Gunston Hall. Ms. Trahos's lecture is entitled, "Interpreting 18th Century Foodways."

MWHC/YMCA Community Health Fair @ Massad YMCA, free health screenings, prevention information and all guides of healthy living demonstrations., 212 Butler Rd, FXBG, 22405, 10a-1p Live Music, Wiley & Brandon Snellings Duo @LaPetite Auberge, 311 William St, 8-midnight. .

No cover. lapetiteaubergefred.com

Saturday, November 3

Live Music at 7:30 Kenmore Inn. featuring drink specials at the copper top bar.

Feathered Fish "SEA & SKY" album release party 7 PM , Farm Brew Live, 9901 Discovery Blvd Manassas, VA

First Friday, November 2

Sunday, November 4

Virginia Museum of Fine Arts On the Road, an artmobile for the 21st century Hurkamp Park, 11a-7p Mindful Mornings Mindful Mornings is a one-hour, once monthly Friday forum where do-gooders who want to make the world a better place convene, collaborate, and learn from compelling content delivered by a keynote speaker while they enjoy coffee and breakfast. fredericksburg@mindfulmornings.org First Friday Afternoon: Meet the Artists @ Community Bank of the Chesapeake, 2p-5p Sophia Street Studios Grand Re-Opening Gala, reception to introduce the newly remodeled shop, addition of our gallery and our new studios/artists, 1104 Sophia St, 6-9p "Peaceful Places", Sarah Finn opening reception, 69p, Brush Strokes Gallery, 824 Caroline St Texture & Surface exhibit, FCCA, Members Gallery, Kerrie Anderson & Laura O'Leary, 813 Sophia St. Handwoven Rugs by Linda George @ Artful Dimensions Gallery, 6-9p, 922 Caroline St The Wonder of Wander Photography Exhibition@ Fredericksburg Center for Creative Arts, Photography of Karie Anderson and Laura O'Leary813 Sophia St. 5-8p First Friday Wine Tasting w/ City Vino, Caroline St

Potter Anna Branner, Holiday Pop-Up, Artful Dimensions Gallery 922 Caroline Street. Gallery open daily from 11:00 am to 7:00 pm, and the Sunday Pop-Up artists will be featured from 11:00 to 5:00 pm.

Monday, November 5

A (Personal) History of East Germany in Eight Objects @ University of Mary Washington, Combs Hall 237, 4p

Tuesday, November 6

Red Dragon Brewery Beer & Trivia night . As always you can battle the bartenders or sit at the bar & join their team!. 1419 Pr.Anne St

Wednesday, November 7

To celebrate Veterans Day and the centennial anniversary of?Armistice?Day, the Fredericksburg Area Museum (FAM) will host a tour of its exhibition, World Aflame: A Hometown in Two World Wars Sunken Well Trivia tonight starting at 7:45pm, 720 Littlepage, ~ Come and match wits against the finest minds in Fredericksburg! Compete for Honor, Glory, and Prizes!!

Thursday, November 8

"Exact Change", New works by Print Jazz / Pete Morelewicz, through January 9, 2019. Opening reception: 6-9pm, Sunken Well Tavern, 720 Littlepage Street, The show explores buildings, machines, and the ubiquity of small-scale commerce.

Live Music at 7:30 Kenmore Inn. featuring drink specials at the copper top bar.

Friday, November 9

Geology Rocks Fabulous Friday @ Fredericksburg Branch CRRL, Fun, hands-on activities for Grades K-6. 4:30-5:15p 20TH Annual Art & Wine Show FRED. Country Club This event supports our Adult and Youth Sight Programs, which provides eye glasses and exams for Spotsylvania residents in need. We will have 15 different wines and works of art from a number of local artists will be displayed and available for purchase. Heavy hors d'oeuvres will also be served at multiple stations.

Saturday, November 10 Downtown Open House

The Officer James Shelhorse Memorial Urban Trailride through Historic Downtown Fredericksburg , Ride begins at old Mill Park in Fredericksburg, Virginia. Bring your own horse., 9a Unity of Fredericksburg Grand Opening of New Location variety of exhibitors, mini -sessions that include topics such as Aromatherapy, Eden Energy Medicine, and Reiki, Angel and Tarot readings, and other metaphysical and spiritual healing services, 3451 Jefferson Davis Highway in Fredericksburg.

For more information visit www.uofva.org Public Scanning Day @ Fredericksburg Area Museum, 10-noon, Members of the community are encouraged to bring their own photographs to be scanned by photo specialists. The images scanned during this event will potentially be featured in the upcoming publication, The Fredericksburg Area Museum (FAM) is excited to announce our involvement in an upcoming publication, "Fredericksburg Memories: A Pictorial History of the 1800s through the 1930s" Paws & Whiskers Bazaar Party @ Hurkamp Park, Start your holiday shopping with local vendors at the Bazaar. Bring your dog and/or cat to enjoy a pet perfect holiday party during the Bazaar.Santa, holiday music and treats, 11a-4p

Sunday, November 11 Veterans Day

Fredericksburg Veterans Day Procession @ Fredericksburg Area War Memorial, To honor the contributions of our United States Veterans Procession Route: Along Washington Ave. From Mary Ball St. to George St., 10a Window Wonderland, thru December 31 Unity of Fredericksburg Grand Opening of New Location variety of exhibitors, mini -sessions that include topics such as Aromatherapy, Eden Energy Medicine, and Reiki, Angel and Tarot readings, and other metaphysical and spiritual healing services, 3451 Jefferson Davis Highway in Fredericksburg.

For more information visit www.uofva.org Susan Tyler hand-woven baskets, Holiday Pop-Up, Artful Dimensions Gallery 922 Caroline Street.

Gallery open daily from 11:00 am to 7:00 pm, and the Sunday Pop-Up artists will be featured from 11:00 to 5:00 pm.

Art Workshop - Art as Therapy in your Everyday World @ Artists' Alliance at Jarrett Thor Fine Arts, Learn to trust your instincts about what your body needs through the vehicle of self expression, 6p, Colonial Beach

Tuesday, November 12

Red Dragon Brewery Beer & Trivia night . As always you can battle the bartenders or sit at the bar & join their team!. 1419 Pr.Anne St

Wednesday, November 14

Please join the Civil War Round Table of Fredericksburg as we welcome Richard Lewis and hear his presentation on "Confederate Generals and Their Uniforms". @ University of Mary Washington Jepson Alumni Executive Center, 6-9p Sunken Well Trivia tonight starting at 7:45pm, 720 Littlepage, ~ Come and match wits against the finest minds in Fredericksburg! Compete for Honor, Glory, and Prizes!!

Thursday, November 15

From Isolation to Inclusion: Families Living with IDD @ Historic Renwick Courthouse, 815 Princess Anne St, 7-8:30p

Live Music at 7:30 Kenmore Inn. featuring drink specials at the copper top bar.

Live Music, "The Aucostic Onion" Wiley & Brandon Snellings Duo @LaPetite Auberge, 311 William St, 8-midnight. . No cover. lapetiteaubergefred.com

Friday, November 16

Trees of Hope, Annual dazzling display & bidding on hand decorated holiday Christmas tres of To Benefit Loisiann's Hope House, Riverside Center for Performing Art, Info: www.hopehouseva.org or email treesofhope@hopehouseva.org.

Virginia Craft Spirits Roadshow @ A Smith Bowman Distillery, Noon-5p

Saturday, November 17

Trees of Hope, Annual dazzling display & bidding on hand decorated holiday Christmas tres of To Benefit Loisiann's Hope House, Riverside Center for Performing Art, Info: www.hopehouseva.org or email treesofhope@hopehouseva.org.

Trees of Hope "A Night to Shine" Gala at Riverside 6 to 9 p.m. Info: www.hopehouseva.org or email treesofhope@hopehouseva.org.

Learn the secrets of building a real gingerbread house! Build and decorate a small gingerbread house step-by-step. All materials are provided.

Ferry Farm, 268 Kings Hwy, 2-3:30p St. George Chamber Orchestra Join us for "beautiful music in a beautiful space". Admission is free with donations accepted at the door. 905 Princess Anne St, 3p

Tuesday, November 20

Red Dragon Brewery Beer & Trivia night . As always you can battle the bartenders or sit at the bar & join their team!. 1419 Pr.Anne St

Wednesday, November 21

Sunken Well Trivia tonight starting at 7:45pm, 720 Littlepage, ~ Come and match wits against the finest minds in Fredericksburg! Compete for Honor, Glory, and Prizes!!

Sunday, November 18

Melissa Terlizzi popular polymer clay artworks;, Holiday Pop-Up, Artful Dimensions Gallery 922 Caroline Street. Gallery open daily from 11:00 am to 7:00 pm, and the Sunday Pop-Up artists will be featured from 11:00 to 5:00 pm.

Tuesday, November 27

"A Beautifully Broken Virginia", by acclaimed photographer John Plashal, a visual journey of buildings that have been frozen in time, CRRL, FXBG branch, 7-8:30p.

Thursday, November 22 Happy Turkey Day!

Red Dragon Brewery Beer & Trivia night . As always you can battle the bartenders or sit at the bar & join their team!. 1419 Pr.Anne St

Friday, November 23

Wednesday, November 28

Rising Sun Tavern Keeper John Frazer died on the property shortly after opening the business in the 1790's - and some say he never left. Join us for a "spirited" candlelight tour highlighting the life of John Frazer and his alleged afterlife pranks!

Homefor the Holidays @Belmont. Enjoy the house decorated for the holidays in the spirit and style of American painter Gari Melchers and his talented artist-wife Corinne. 10a-4p Live Music, Wave on Wave @LaPetite Auberge, 311 William St, 8-midnight. .

No cover. lapetiteaubergefred.com

Saturday, November 24

Children's Christmas Tree Lighting, at Hurkamp Park from 4:30 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. Meet Santa and fun characters, make holiday crafts, listen to holiday music and The Night before Christmas story and more!

This is a free public event.

Small Business Saturday

Hazel Run Benefit Concert for Friends of the Rappahannck, at Belmont

open daily from 11:00 am to 7:00 pm, and the Sunday Pop-Up artists will be featured from 11:00 to 5:00 pm.

Rising Sun Tavern Keeper John Frazer died on the property shortly after opening the business in the 1790's - and some say he never left. Join us for a "spirited" candlelight tour highlighting the life of John Frazer and his alleged afterlife pranks!

Sunday, November 25

Leah Comerford will showcase her bead embroidery and gourd art, Holiday Pop-Up, Artful Dimensions Gallery 922 Caroline Street. Gallery

Sunken Well Trivia tonight starting at 7:45pm, 720 Littlepage, ~ Come and match wits against the finest minds in Fredericksburg! Compete for Honor, Glory, and Prizes!!

Thursday, November 29

Live Music at 7:30 Kenmore Inn. featuring drink specials at the copper top bar.

Friday, November 30

Fredericksburg Holiday Craft Show @ Fredericksburg Expo and Conference Center, 10a4p, Nearly 300 vendors will have many new one-ofa-kind handmade arts & crafts that will make wonderful gifts for your family, friends and even your pets.

Live Music, Karen Jonas@LaPetite Auberge, 311 William St, 8-midnight. .

No cover. lapetiteaubergefred.com

If you are reading this 256th issue of FPF, thank an advertiser as we celebrate our 22nd year of continuous publication!

If you are an advertiser, list your events.

Deadline for December 2018 issue is November 20th. To submit events go to frontporchfredericksburg.com/submit

Become a Friend Advocate ~ Donate ~ Volunteer

3353 Fans (& Growing) Want You to Join

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

November 2018

Front porch fredericksburg

front porch fredericksburg

November 2018

17

history’s stories

THANKSGIVING 1619

By Ralph “Tuffy” Hicks In 1789 Fredericksburg's favorite son George President Washington issued a proclamation for the first day of Thanksgiving in the same year the Episcopal Church announced the first Thursday of November would be a day of giving thanks.

It was not until over a hundred years later that in 1941 that Congress established the fourth Thursday in November as a national holiday.

There have been many stories about the early settlers and their relationships with the native American Indians, many are not simple or as consoling that we learned in history class in school. Simple put the Pilgrims landed at Plymouth (Massachusetts) in 1621. With the help of the Wampanoag tribe of Indians and an Indian leader by the name of Squanto, the colonists were able to survive by hunting and planting corn and other crops. That first Thanksgiving was a celebration of the harvest and appreciation of the help they received from the tribe. There are other opinions about this version, since there had recently been a killing of over 700 Indians by the colonist prior too the celebration.

There are several Native American versions that makes my Patawomeck Indian blood warm up. Several years before 1621 in Cape Cod a British slaving crew introduced small pox carried by their infected cattle that killed over ninety percent of the local Indian tribe. The Indians allege that the Pilgrims stole grain and robbed the Wampanoag burial sites. It is a known fact that some of the colonist regarded the Indians as uncivilized. Many historians thank that the Indians and Colonists were brought together by mutual need and not friendship.

We do not have to go to Plymouth Rock, just travel the short distance to Charles City County Virginia where in 1619 at Berkeley Hundred first Thanksgiving.

John Smyth historian of the Berkeley family maintained a written record known as the Nimbley papers that is the only known chronicle of Berkley Plantation. These papers record the orders of a prayerful first Thanksgiving at Berkeley Plantation in 1619 which was over a year before the landing at Plymouth. The Nimbley papers are now secured in the New York Public Library. The Berkeley Thanksgiving account was first published on April 3, 1931. Many Virginia residents are still unaware of this event even today.

President John Kennedy first mentioned the event in his Thanksgiving address in 1963 when he mentioned Plymouth and Virginia as part of the First Thanksgiving.

When you prepare for this event there is still much debate on what was on the menu either at Berkeley or Plymouth. I cannot find any reference to turkey, more likely it was duck or venison, pumpkin stew and corn mush or as it was a Wampanoag Indian custom in Plymouth of succotash and cranberries. Some may say sweet potatoes, however, that would not be grown until years later in America.

I think we have much to be thankful for including health, freedom, family and friends.

My thinking is, only if we acknowledge the sins of our past, is it possible to proceed into the future that we can all enjoy and be thankful for, remembering we are unable to recreate the past.

A family hug for those still alive and fond memories to those loved ones gone.

HAPPY THANKSGIVING Dedicated to Barbara English Coleman, Randolph Quann, Earl Thompson, Rose Catlett, William Perry Tuffy is Front Porch's resident FXBG historian

18

November 2018

Front porch fredericksburg

#FredStrong

What’s in Riverfront Park?

dahlgren RR heritage trail

The Mound

By Joan Geisler Ready to hear an amazing story of determination?

We have a gem of nature in our backyard called Dahlgren Railroad Heritage Trail (DRHT).

There is a small group of people who were fighting ‘city hall’ to keep it from becoming another subdivision with McMansions built on it.

Between 1942 and 1959, it was a railroad that carried supplies to Dahlgren Naval Base.

Creation of the Dahlgren Railroad Heritage Trail as a public-access Rails-tto-T Trails project is the dream of two gentlemen — Joe Williams, who purchased the property in 1997 with the aim to have it preserved as a rail trail, and David Brickley (pictured) , a retired director of the Virginia Department of Recreation and Conservation who has acquired rights to create a trail on the property. He and a small team of determined outdoor enthusiasts began to clear the rails, wood ties and cut back the over growth.

They alone maintained the No path. g o v e r n m e n t funding.

It is a daunting task, but passion has a way of creating energy and for over a decade this band of bikers, hikers equestrian riders, who call themselves “The Friends of The Dahlgren Railroad Heritage Trail” have taken it upon themselves to build a trail for the community to enjoy.

It is all about what is good in life.

The trail is in constant use by families, runners, walkers, hikers and cyclists.

Boyscout troops regularly venture out on the trail for overnight hiking-camping adventures. The DRHT has hosted ultra and half marathons.

The 16-mile DRHT rail trail encompasses approximately 240 acres beginning along Rt. 605 Bloomsbury Rd. in King George County. It continues east toward B Gate at the Naval Surface Warfare Center, Dahlgren Division through some of the wildest and most beautiful land in the Northern Neck of Virginia. The property abounds with wildlife: song birds, turtles, muskrats, deer, foxes, eagles, hawks, beaver and water birds are all common sights.

The rails-to-trails movement began in the mid 1960s, as the railroad system in America was decreasing in popularity. The rails were ripped out and pedestrians started informally walking,

biking, and cross-country skiing on the unpaved railbeds, enjoying the scenery and history along the path. With environmental and conservation concerns growing in popularity over the following decades, rails-to-trails organizations gained momentum and have since completed almost 13,600 miles of trails across the nation.

"Nowhere else locally can I hike all day, for miles, through the woods listening to birds; it's a true breath of fresh air," says one trail fan.

FINALLY, the hard work and determination of the Friends of the DRHT paid off! In June of this year the DRHT was added to the Potomac Heritage Trail Network. The trail was named a National Recreational Trail by the US Department of the Interior!

The Potomac Heritage Trail is a 700 miles long trail that links various trails and historic sites in Virginia, Maryland, Pennsylvania and the District of Columbia. As part of this network, the trail ultimately links with major trails such as the Great Allegheny Passage / C&O Canal (GAPCO) and the September 11 Memorial Trail at the Pentagon in Northern Virginia.

By jon gerlach Once upon a time ... during the Ice Age, frequent flooding swelled the Rappahannock River and deposited overbank soils on the floodplain, creating a distinctive, large mound.

Thousands of years later, on a fine spring day, a family of ancient Native American hunters and gatherers came to the river to harvest shad. It was an annual event that marked the end of winter, with promises of a bountiful season to come. Children played on the mound and practiced making stone arrowheads. A dangerous rabbit hunt teased their imaginations.

The aspiring hunters left behind a scattering of quartzite flakes and a few stone tools. This is sacred ground.

Once upon a time ... almost two centuries ago, enslaved African Americans labored to exhaustion in the hot

sun from dawn until dusk, repairing a dilapidated fence, tilling the gardens, sowing seeds and pulling weeds behind the Rowe-G Goolrich house. Keeping varmints from raiding the vegetables was a constant challenge. Enslaved children worked alongside their mothers. During the Civil War, with the Union army encamped in Stafford County, slaves could stand on the mound and gaze across the river to the shores of freedom - and many would travel there. This is sacred ground.

Once upon a time ... Union soldiers were treated here for terrible wounds received in battle. Some would never go home, and their remains were buried in the mound. This is sacred ground.

How do we peel back layers of the past, and visualize the incomprehensible depth of time? Archaeologists give us the tools, and our imagination does the rest.

One way to look at it: assuming a new generation of people comes into the world every 20 years, people have lived, worked and played around the mound for more

than 500 generations, leaving traces of their passing in its soils. This is sacred ground.

Once upon a time … "somewhere ages and ages hence" (Robert Frost), long after our children and grandchildren have laughed, danced, and made new friends in the water feature and playground that will be installed at Riverfront Park, archaeologists may once again be called in to study the mound. What will they find?

What traces will our children (and their descendents) leave behind? How will OUR story be told?

So … what's in Riverfront Park? A mound that remains - and always will be sacred ground.

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

"Fountain Boy" by Jon Gerlach

Right in our backyard!

The next step is to link DRHT with Caledon park by the Department of Conservation and Recreation so that events can be expanded and hosted in King George.

Grab your boots or bike and buddies and come experience this fabulous piece of nature and see Virginia showing off her colorful side.

After you fall in love with Dahlgren Railroad Heritage Trail you can get involved. Come volunteer, cut trees, make a tax deductible donation and follow us for more information at www.friendsdrht.org.

#FREDSTRONG showcases and highlights the inspirational men and women of the 'burg that help us stay strong through a positive mindset.

Joan can be reached at joangeisler@gmail.com

front porch fredericksburg

November 2018

19

history’s stories

THANKSGIVING 1619

By Ralph “Tuffy” Hicks In 1789 Fredericksburg's favorite son George President Washington issued a proclamation for the first day of Thanksgiving in the same year the Episcopal Church announced the first Thursday of November would be a day of giving thanks.

It was not until over a hundred years later that in 1941 that Congress established the fourth Thursday in November as a national holiday.

There have been many stories about the early settlers and their relationships with the native American Indians, many are not simple or as consoling that we learned in history class in school. Simple put the Pilgrims landed at Plymouth (Massachusetts) in 1621. With the help of the Wampanoag tribe of Indians and an Indian leader by the name of Squanto, the colonists were able to survive by hunting and planting corn and other crops. That first Thanksgiving was a celebration of the harvest and appreciation of the help they received from the tribe. There are other opinions about this version, since there had recently been a killing of over 700 Indians by the colonist prior too the celebration.

There are several Native American versions that makes my Patawomeck Indian blood warm up. Several years before 1621 in Cape Cod a British slaving crew introduced small pox carried by their infected cattle that killed over ninety percent of the local Indian tribe. The Indians allege that the Pilgrims stole grain and robbed the Wampanoag burial sites. It is a known fact that some of the colonist regarded the Indians as uncivilized. Many historians thank that the Indians and Colonists were brought together by mutual need and not friendship.

We do not have to go to Plymouth Rock, just travel the short distance to Charles City County Virginia where in 1619 at Berkeley Hundred first Thanksgiving.

John Smyth historian of the Berkeley family maintained a written record known as the Nimbley papers that is the only known chronicle of Berkley Plantation. These papers record the orders of a prayerful first Thanksgiving at Berkeley Plantation in 1619 which was over a year before the landing at Plymouth. The Nimbley papers are now secured in the New York Public Library. The Berkeley Thanksgiving account was first published on April 3, 1931. Many Virginia residents are still unaware of this event even today.

President John Kennedy first mentioned the event in his Thanksgiving address in 1963 when he mentioned Plymouth and Virginia as part of the First Thanksgiving.

When you prepare for this event there is still much debate on what was on the menu either at Berkeley or Plymouth. I cannot find any reference to turkey, more likely it was duck or venison, pumpkin stew and corn mush or as it was a Wampanoag Indian custom in Plymouth of succotash and cranberries. Some may say sweet potatoes, however, that would not be grown until years later in America.

I think we have much to be thankful for including health, freedom, family and friends.

My thinking is, only if we acknowledge the sins of our past, is it possible to proceed into the future that we can all enjoy and be thankful for, remembering we are unable to recreate the past.

A family hug for those still alive and fond memories to those loved ones gone.

HAPPY THANKSGIVING Dedicated to Barbara English Coleman, Randolph Quann, Earl Thompson, Rose Catlett, William Perry Tuffy is Front Porch's resident FXBG historian

18

November 2018

Front porch fredericksburg

#FredStrong

What’s in Riverfront Park?

dahlgren RR heritage trail

The Mound

By Joan Geisler Ready to hear an amazing story of determination?

We have a gem of nature in our backyard called Dahlgren Railroad Heritage Trail (DRHT).

There is a small group of people who were fighting ‘city hall’ to keep it from becoming another subdivision with McMansions built on it.

Between 1942 and 1959, it was a railroad that carried supplies to Dahlgren Naval Base.

Creation of the Dahlgren Railroad Heritage Trail as a public-access Rails-tto-T Trails project is the dream of two gentlemen — Joe Williams, who purchased the property in 1997 with the aim to have it preserved as a rail trail, and David Brickley (pictured) , a retired director of the Virginia Department of Recreation and Conservation who has acquired rights to create a trail on the property. He and a small team of determined outdoor enthusiasts began to clear the rails, wood ties and cut back the over growth.

They alone maintained the No path. g o v e r n m e n t funding.

It is a daunting task, but passion has a way of creating energy and for over a decade this band of bikers, hikers equestrian riders, who call themselves “The Friends of The Dahlgren Railroad Heritage Trail” have taken it upon themselves to build a trail for the community to enjoy.

It is all about what is good in life.

The trail is in constant use by families, runners, walkers, hikers and cyclists.

Boyscout troops regularly venture out on the trail for overnight hiking-camping adventures. The DRHT has hosted ultra and half marathons.

The 16-mile DRHT rail trail encompasses approximately 240 acres beginning along Rt. 605 Bloomsbury Rd. in King George County. It continues east toward B Gate at the Naval Surface Warfare Center, Dahlgren Division through some of the wildest and most beautiful land in the Northern Neck of Virginia. The property abounds with wildlife: song birds, turtles, muskrats, deer, foxes, eagles, hawks, beaver and water birds are all common sights.

The rails-to-trails movement began in the mid 1960s, as the railroad system in America was decreasing in popularity. The rails were ripped out and pedestrians started informally walking,

biking, and cross-country skiing on the unpaved railbeds, enjoying the scenery and history along the path. With environmental and conservation concerns growing in popularity over the following decades, rails-to-trails organizations gained momentum and have since completed almost 13,600 miles of trails across the nation.

"Nowhere else locally can I hike all day, for miles, through the woods listening to birds; it's a true breath of fresh air," says one trail fan.

FINALLY, the hard work and determination of the Friends of the DRHT paid off! In June of this year the DRHT was added to the Potomac Heritage Trail Network. The trail was named a National Recreational Trail by the US Department of the Interior!

The Potomac Heritage Trail is a 700 miles long trail that links various trails and historic sites in Virginia, Maryland, Pennsylvania and the District of Columbia. As part of this network, the trail ultimately links with major trails such as the Great Allegheny Passage / C&O Canal (GAPCO) and the September 11 Memorial Trail at the Pentagon in Northern Virginia.

By jon gerlach Once upon a time ... during the Ice Age, frequent flooding swelled the Rappahannock River and deposited overbank soils on the floodplain, creating a distinctive, large mound.

Thousands of years later, on a fine spring day, a family of ancient Native American hunters and gatherers came to the river to harvest shad. It was an annual event that marked the end of winter, with promises of a bountiful season to come. Children played on the mound and practiced making stone arrowheads. A dangerous rabbit hunt teased their imaginations.

The aspiring hunters left behind a scattering of quartzite flakes and a few stone tools. This is sacred ground.

Once upon a time ... almost two centuries ago, enslaved African Americans labored to exhaustion in the hot

sun from dawn until dusk, repairing a dilapidated fence, tilling the gardens, sowing seeds and pulling weeds behind the Rowe-G Goolrich house. Keeping varmints from raiding the vegetables was a constant challenge. Enslaved children worked alongside their mothers. During the Civil War, with the Union army encamped in Stafford County, slaves could stand on the mound and gaze across the river to the shores of freedom - and many would travel there. This is sacred ground.

Once upon a time ... Union soldiers were treated here for terrible wounds received in battle. Some would never go home, and their remains were buried in the mound. This is sacred ground.

How do we peel back layers of the past, and visualize the incomprehensible depth of time? Archaeologists give us the tools, and our imagination does the rest.

One way to look at it: assuming a new generation of people comes into the world every 20 years, people have lived, worked and played around the mound for more

than 500 generations, leaving traces of their passing in its soils. This is sacred ground.

Once upon a time … "somewhere ages and ages hence" (Robert Frost), long after our children and grandchildren have laughed, danced, and made new friends in the water feature and playground that will be installed at Riverfront Park, archaeologists may once again be called in to study the mound. What will they find?

What traces will our children (and their descendents) leave behind? How will OUR story be told?

So … what's in Riverfront Park? A mound that remains - and always will be sacred ground.

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

"Fountain Boy" by Jon Gerlach

Right in our backyard!

The next step is to link DRHT with Caledon park by the Department of Conservation and Recreation so that events can be expanded and hosted in King George.

Grab your boots or bike and buddies and come experience this fabulous piece of nature and see Virginia showing off her colorful side.

After you fall in love with Dahlgren Railroad Heritage Trail you can get involved. Come volunteer, cut trees, make a tax deductible donation and follow us for more information at www.friendsdrht.org.

#FREDSTRONG showcases and highlights the inspirational men and women of the 'burg that help us stay strong through a positive mindset.

Joan can be reached at joangeisler@gmail.com

front porch fredericksburg

November 2018

19

It’s All Energy

Senior Care

pump up your immune system

caregiving journey Are You...

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

By Karl Karch

Sick & tired of being sick & tired?

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

Having sleep problems?

Constantly clearing your throat?

Hypersensitive? Panicky?

Sore Neck & Back? Anxious?

Depressed? Fatigued?

Morning Brain Fog? Oral System Balancing –OSBcould be just what you need Visit www.drwaynewhitley.com & watch amazing video testimonies Call for a FREE consultation Dr. Wayne Whitley 540-847-1935

photo courtesy of NYT Former First Lady Rosalynn Carter once said: “There are only four kinds of people in the world - those who have been caregivers, those who are caregivers, those who will be caregivers and those who will need caregivers.”

That encompasses us all. There are many joys of being a family caregiver. However, this article will cover the caregiving “burdens”, a word more descriptive than “stress”.

Burden is something that is carried, a load, duty, task, or responsibility. Stress is how a person deals with the burden.

According to the Caregiver Action Network, more than 65 million Americans are caring for loved ones with chronic conditions, disabilities, diseases, or the frailties of old age. Becoming a family caregiver can occur suddenly and without warning or can evolve slowly over time. It is often a life-changing event that can be very stressful if not embraced or accepted. Family caregivers did not apply for the job. It may start with limited involvement, such as companionship, shopping with or without the loved one, doing a little housekeeping or meals or laundry, and/or picking up medications and reminding a loved one to take their medications.

Researchers call this “objective burden”. The caregiver can juggle this caregiving burden without stress, provided there is little impact on other responsibilities (e.g., work, children, spouse, etc.). However, the demands often build up over time.

Things begin to change when caregiving takes away from other responsibilities (e.g., family, work, other activities). This results in “stress burden” the second stage in the caregiving journey. Stress increases when the loved one requires a high level of functional care needs like incontinence, bathing, toileting, or when performing these tasks with an opposite sex loved one, especially a male

20

November 2018

caregiver caring for a female loved one.

Stress is compounded when family dynamics are involved: dysfunctional family; siblings not helping or living far away; an overly demanding and manipulative loved one placing a “guilt trip” on you; problem behaviors; and/or a loved one with cognitive impairment. Up to this point, the traditional parent/child relationship remains, where the child continues to let the parent control the caregiving relationship. If these demands become too unreasonable or stressful, and are not recognized and addressed by the caregiver, it may lead to depression or physical health issues.

At this “relationship burden” stage, a caregiver identity change needs to take place where the child assumes the role of the parent and takes control of the relationship. In this stage, the caregiver may say: “Mom doesn’t recognize me anymore” or, “I just want to be a daughter again”. Help is needed at this stage, if not received earlier. If another family member is not an option, then hiring a caregiver or moving the loved one into a facility are options that need consideration.

Caregiving is a journey you should not travel alone. 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.

You have options. Two very helpful resources are: www.caregiverstress.com, or www.caregiveraction.org.

Karl Karch is a local franchise owner of Home Instead Senior Care, a licensed home care organization providing personal care, companionship and home helper services in the Fredericksburg and Culpeper region.

Front porch fredericksburg

Donate to a Cancer Organization

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

ble at Availa n.com Amazo

by christina ferber We live in a world where we are bombarded constantly by germs or other outside forces that threaten our health.

Keeping our immune system balanced and strong not only helps us feel better, but it helps us to ward off any potential issues that may not have our best health in mind. Eden Energy Medicine (EEM) offers many techniques that can pump up our immune system, so good health can come out on top.

Doing the entire Daily Energy Routine (DERsee Front Porch January/February 2017 issues) is probably one of the most significant things you can do on a regular basis to keep your energy system in line, but if you only have time for a few exercises in that routine, these can help strengthen your immunity.

The Thymus and Spleen Thumps both help to metabolize anything that threatens your health, and they also help protect you during stressful times. Simply tap on the points with your fingers or your knuckles. The Thymus point is located at the center of your sternum, and the Spleen points are on both sides of your body on each side of your ribcage at the base of your ribs. You can also work with the Spleen Neurolymphatic (NL) points directly under the nipples, in the indent that is one rib below where the breast meets the ribcage. These points are usually tender, but if you rub them with strong pressure you will help clear toxins.

The Cross Crawl keeps our energy moving in a crossover pattern. When our energy becomes homolateral (does not cross over), sickness can occur. This exercise will also help improve your coordination, and help you think more clearly as you go about your day. Start with a shoulder pull by placing your right hand on your left shoulder. With a little pressure, push in and drag your hand across your body to the opposite hip.

Repeat on both sides a few times, and then move to an exaggerated walk as you cross over each hand to the opposite knee. If your left knee is up, your right hand should cross over to touch it. Continue this cross-over march for at least one minute.

Though not part of the DER, balancing the Spleen and Triple Warmer (TW) Meridians (energy pathways in the body) is also extremely helpful in keeping the immune system balanced. The following exercises will help those systems and give your immune system a boost.

Perform the TW/Spleen Hug by placing your right hand on the left side of the rib cage, and the left hand on the other arm with the pinky finger at the tip of the elbow. Wrap your hand around the elbow and breath. Switch sides after a few breaths.

Buzzing or pressing on the adrenal points, located one inch above and one inch out from the naval, for about 15 seconds, will also keep TW balanced. Do this on the front of the body, and on the corresponding areas on the back of the body regularly. Harmonizing TW as a Radiant Circuit brings it into the Radiant Energy of joy. Place a flat hand on your forehead and the other flat hand on or a little above your bellybutton. Connecting these two areas will also help balance the adrenal system.

Try a few or all of these, and see which exercises resonate with you. Find a few that you can easily do every day and pump up your immunity. To view the DER and other EEM exercises, visit www.itsallenergywellness.com.

SPIRITUAL & HOLISTIC CENTER We live in a world where there is a wealth of alternative and holistic possibilities for most health issues, and as more people are seeking this information, Unity of Fredericksburg (UofF) is looking to fill that void as a spiritual and holistic center. To celebrate their new location, UofF is holding a grand opening on Saturday, November 10th and Sunday November 11th.

For Saturday's festivities, they have a variety of exhibitors, miniworkshops, and mini -sessions scheduled that include topics such as Aromatherapy, Eden Energy Medicine, and Reiki, as well as Angel and Tarot readings, and other metaphysical and spiritual healing services. This will be a great opportunity to connect, renew and experience various healing modalities for your mind, body, and spirit. The Open House will continue on Sunday with Adult Education beginning at 10 am, and Sunday Service at 11 am.

Unity of Fredericksburg is located at 3451 Jefferson Davis Highway in Fredericksburg.

For more information visit www.uofva.org/.

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

front porch fredericksburg

November 2018

21

It’s All Energy

Senior Care

pump up your immune system

caregiving journey Are You...

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

By Karl Karch

Sick & tired of being sick & tired?

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

Having sleep problems?

Constantly clearing your throat?

Hypersensitive? Panicky?

Sore Neck & Back? Anxious?

Depressed? Fatigued?

Morning Brain Fog? Oral System Balancing –OSBcould be just what you need Visit www.drwaynewhitley.com & watch amazing video testimonies Call for a FREE consultation Dr. Wayne Whitley 540-847-1935

photo courtesy of NYT Former First Lady Rosalynn Carter once said: “There are only four kinds of people in the world - those who have been caregivers, those who are caregivers, those who will be caregivers and those who will need caregivers.”

That encompasses us all. There are many joys of being a family caregiver. However, this article will cover the caregiving “burdens”, a word more descriptive than “stress”.

Burden is something that is carried, a load, duty, task, or responsibility. Stress is how a person deals with the burden.

According to the Caregiver Action Network, more than 65 million Americans are caring for loved ones with chronic conditions, disabilities, diseases, or the frailties of old age. Becoming a family caregiver can occur suddenly and without warning or can evolve slowly over time. It is often a life-changing event that can be very stressful if not embraced or accepted. Family caregivers did not apply for the job. It may start with limited involvement, such as companionship, shopping with or without the loved one, doing a little housekeeping or meals or laundry, and/or picking up medications and reminding a loved one to take their medications.

Researchers call this “objective burden”. The caregiver can juggle this caregiving burden without stress, provided there is little impact on other responsibilities (e.g., work, children, spouse, etc.). However, the demands often build up over time.

Things begin to change when caregiving takes away from other responsibilities (e.g., family, work, other activities). This results in “stress burden” the second stage in the caregiving journey. Stress increases when the loved one requires a high level of functional care needs like incontinence, bathing, toileting, or when performing these tasks with an opposite sex loved one, especially a male

20

November 2018

caregiver caring for a female loved one.

Stress is compounded when family dynamics are involved: dysfunctional family; siblings not helping or living far away; an overly demanding and manipulative loved one placing a “guilt trip” on you; problem behaviors; and/or a loved one with cognitive impairment. Up to this point, the traditional parent/child relationship remains, where the child continues to let the parent control the caregiving relationship. If these demands become too unreasonable or stressful, and are not recognized and addressed by the caregiver, it may lead to depression or physical health issues.

At this “relationship burden” stage, a caregiver identity change needs to take place where the child assumes the role of the parent and takes control of the relationship. In this stage, the caregiver may say: “Mom doesn’t recognize me anymore” or, “I just want to be a daughter again”. Help is needed at this stage, if not received earlier. If another family member is not an option, then hiring a caregiver or moving the loved one into a facility are options that need consideration.

Caregiving is a journey you should not travel alone. 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.

You have options. Two very helpful resources are: www.caregiverstress.com, or www.caregiveraction.org.

Karl Karch is a local franchise owner of Home Instead Senior Care, a licensed home care organization providing personal care, companionship and home helper services in the Fredericksburg and Culpeper region.

Front porch fredericksburg

Donate to a Cancer Organization

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

ble at Availa n.com Amazo

by christina ferber We live in a world where we are bombarded constantly by germs or other outside forces that threaten our health.

Keeping our immune system balanced and strong not only helps us feel better, but it helps us to ward off any potential issues that may not have our best health in mind. Eden Energy Medicine (EEM) offers many techniques that can pump up our immune system, so good health can come out on top.

Doing the entire Daily Energy Routine (DERsee Front Porch January/February 2017 issues) is probably one of the most significant things you can do on a regular basis to keep your energy system in line, but if you only have time for a few exercises in that routine, these can help strengthen your immunity.

The Thymus and Spleen Thumps both help to metabolize anything that threatens your health, and they also help protect you during stressful times. Simply tap on the points with your fingers or your knuckles. The Thymus point is located at the center of your sternum, and the Spleen points are on both sides of your body on each side of your ribcage at the base of your ribs. You can also work with the Spleen Neurolymphatic (NL) points directly under the nipples, in the indent that is one rib below where the breast meets the ribcage. These points are usually tender, but if you rub them with strong pressure you will help clear toxins.

The Cross Crawl keeps our energy moving in a crossover pattern. When our energy becomes homolateral (does not cross over), sickness can occur. This exercise will also help improve your coordination, and help you think more clearly as you go about your day. Start with a shoulder pull by placing your right hand on your left shoulder. With a little pressure, push in and drag your hand across your body to the opposite hip.

Repeat on both sides a few times, and then move to an exaggerated walk as you cross over each hand to the opposite knee. If your left knee is up, your right hand should cross over to touch it. Continue this cross-over march for at least one minute.

Though not part of the DER, balancing the Spleen and Triple Warmer (TW) Meridians (energy pathways in the body) is also extremely helpful in keeping the immune system balanced. The following exercises will help those systems and give your immune system a boost.

Perform the TW/Spleen Hug by placing your right hand on the left side of the rib cage, and the left hand on the other arm with the pinky finger at the tip of the elbow. Wrap your hand around the elbow and breath. Switch sides after a few breaths.

Buzzing or pressing on the adrenal points, located one inch above and one inch out from the naval, for about 15 seconds, will also keep TW balanced. Do this on the front of the body, and on the corresponding areas on the back of the body regularly. Harmonizing TW as a Radiant Circuit brings it into the Radiant Energy of joy. Place a flat hand on your forehead and the other flat hand on or a little above your bellybutton. Connecting these two areas will also help balance the adrenal system.

Try a few or all of these, and see which exercises resonate with you. Find a few that you can easily do every day and pump up your immunity. To view the DER and other EEM exercises, visit www.itsallenergywellness.com.

SPIRITUAL & HOLISTIC CENTER We live in a world where there is a wealth of alternative and holistic possibilities for most health issues, and as more people are seeking this information, Unity of Fredericksburg (UofF) is looking to fill that void as a spiritual and holistic center. To celebrate their new location, UofF is holding a grand opening on Saturday, November 10th and Sunday November 11th.

For Saturday's festivities, they have a variety of exhibitors, miniworkshops, and mini -sessions scheduled that include topics such as Aromatherapy, Eden Energy Medicine, and Reiki, as well as Angel and Tarot readings, and other metaphysical and spiritual healing services. This will be a great opportunity to connect, renew and experience various healing modalities for your mind, body, and spirit. The Open House will continue on Sunday with Adult Education beginning at 10 am, and Sunday Service at 11 am.

Unity of Fredericksburg is located at 3451 Jefferson Davis Highway in Fredericksburg.

For more information visit www.uofva.org/.

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

front porch fredericksburg

November 2018

21

Emancipated Patients medicines contaminated

By Patrick Neustatter, MD I have spent years trying to “egregious”, and showing “wholesale persuade my patients not to waste their incompetence, maliciousness and/or money buying name brand drugs. That negligence” (I’m tempted to ask them to generics are perfectly OK. But now a tell us how they really feel). report in The People’s Pharmacy is They report FDA citing violations making me wonder if I should change my such as “microbiological contamination of products purporting to be sterile,” and tune?

This radio program/website’s “failure to prevent or report or provides a lot of information in pursuit of investigate out-of-range purity” and their mission “to empower people to destruction of records. make good choices about their health.”

The FDA claims they just don’t They are not fans of the FDA however, and have the resources to monitor drug the recent story of the recall of the blood manufacturers as diligently as they like pressure drug valsartan vindicates their (they get to test just a few hundred opinion. And points out how poor the products of the 4 billion prescriptions FDA’s quality control is. written each year). Not to It started with the mention being hamstrung 80 percent of European Medicines drugs dispensed in the US, by crazy regulations, like Agency on July 5th this or the precursors of those having to forewarn a year issuing an alert, that foreign manufacturer drugs, are manufactured NDMA – a contaminant when they are going to either in China or India In which will rot your liver, come to inspect. and has been used to what are often referred to Name brand drugs induce cancer in as “sweatshops” which are should be a little safer rife with violations... experimental rats – was (though Consumer found in unacceptable levels Reports notes branded in the generic active pharmaceutical version the blood thinner heparin was ingredient (API) manufactured in China. found by the FDA to be contaminated).

And this companies API is used in many But certainly more expensive – The different brands of generic valsartan sold website GoodRx reports their lowest in the US and other parts of the world – priced generic valsartan costs $10.99 a the report on the People’s Pharmacy month, but the name brand costs website lists 13 companies involved. $113.67.

Then the FDA noted there were But before you get hysterical and contaminated products in the US and throw your valsartan away, note the FDA issued their own recall on July 17th. Then claims 8,000 people would have to take a further recall on July 27th. Then again the highest dose (320mg) for four years on August 2nd and August 9th. A rather for there to be one additional case of unnerving cascade of revelations. cancer.

A Sweatshop Pharmaceutical World And stopping your blood The trouble is that 80 percent of pressure medicine, without some drugs dispensed in the US, or the alternative, could be far more dangerous. precursors of those drugs, are So use a little common sense. manufactured either in China or India. In The trouble is that the FDA, what are often referred to as which is responsible for products that “sweatshops” which are rife with comprise more than 20 percent of violations, according to the physician national consumer spending (they have to website Doximity – who seem pretty fired monitor the food as well as drugs), is not up about these violations calling them only disadvantaged by crazy regulations, but also lack of funds.

It’s always more fun “Nowhere else in the federal in the budget does so little money need to go so Scenter of Town! far” says the organization, Alliance for a Essential Oils Stronger FDA. Liquid Herbs I’m not sure I’m quite at the Reiki point of prescribing only name brand Reflexology medicines yet (because they’re so damned Aromatherapy expensive). But funding of the FDA, and thus adequacy of their ability to monitor Custom Blending drug safety, is another of those issues that Aroma-Therapeutic Massage are dependent on the priorities of our Harmonic Resonance Therapy happy politicians Maybe safer drugs and less war Products ~ Services ~ Classes machines?

907 Charles Street, Downtown thescenteroftown.com 22

November 2018

Patrick Neustatter is the Medical Director of the Moss Free Clinic.

Front porch fredericksburg

Trees of Hope

Doug Lowe Never lost sight of my why

herald of the season

By dawn whitmore Doug Lowe has been involved in the Medical Emergency Services (EMS) industry for 40+ years. His journey began at the tender age of 11 when he witnessed a motorcycle accident.

“To see this man in great pain, lying in the street and not knowing how to help greatly upset me” shares Lowe, “The next day my twin brother and I enrolled in a Red Cross Basic First Aid Course.”

After spending a couple years taking Red Cross courses, Lowe at the mere age of 15 joined a Richmond-based volunteer rescue squad. When many teenagers were concentrating on Friday night football games, dances and such, Lowe spent his high school years delivering babies, and doing CPR. Lowe explains, “My time with the rescue squad helped me to grow up a lot and to really understand how many people needed help in some of their most vulnerable and humbling times of their life, “ explains Lowe “My mentors and instructors have had a huge impact on developing my knowledge and skills.”

Upon finishing high school, Lowe became a Navy Hospital Corpsman. He spent most of his 22 years as a Navy corpsman with Marines. Teaching would be a part of his service career, which would eventually lead to him attending a school in San Diego to become a formal instructor. Teaching wilderness survival skills, to include Survival Evasion Resistance and Escape is a huge responsibility that Lowe never took lightly.

“During some long and hard times, I never lost sight of what I do or why,” states Lowe, “If my students find themselves using what I have taught them. It means they are having a bad day and their life could hang in the balance.”

Lowe acknowledges his desire to teach comes from those who poured into him throughout his lifetime. He didn’t ‘roll out of bed and jump in front of a class’ and begin teaching.

Excitement grows when an extraordinary student comes along. There are two reasons for this excitement 1) the limits are boundless to what the student can accomplish, 2) the student has the potential to become an instructor.

by audra bielke Trees will be on display Nov. 16 and 17 at Riverside Center for the Performing Arts. Come out and see them on Friday, Nov. 17 from 6 to 8 p.m. or on Saturday,

“For me, I believe it is my mission. God has put me in some fascinating places and allowed me to work with truly incredible people and I haven’t suffered the burn out that is common in this field. I feel that as long as my mind is clear, and my body is able, I will be on the podium teaching somewhere, ” declares Lowe.

For the last decade, Lowe has been employed by Federal Strategies in Fredericksburg. Lowe continues to make a difference in the lives of many individuals through his life of teaching as a fabulous, caring and wonderful instructor.

What greater local herald of the season could there be than Trees of Hope, a dazzling display of dozens of themed holiday trees, all hand decorated by area artists, businesses, clubs, and individuals?

And all proceeds from which go to Loisann’s Hope House, the first and largest shelter in the region for homeless children and their families.

This year will feature a new event: the naming of an inaugural Grand Illuminator. This award will go a local individual or business focused on helping the homeless in our community.

Nov. 18, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. While you’re there, you can bid on trees and vote for your favorite, and you can participate

in raffles as well as an awesome scavenger hunt for which a prize goes to the winner.

While what you will see are trees worthy of a museum exhibit or a Fifth Avenue storefront, each one started with the same scrawny threefoot tree with a plastic base. The creativity of decorators will boggle your mind! We have had trees turned into electrical lamps, transformed into animals, and decorated with hundreds of dollars worth of jewelry.

Trees of Hope concludes with A Night to Shine at Riverside on Nov. 18 from 6 to 9 p.m. This gala features

entertainment, food, and a live auction, as well as the announcement of our Grand Illuminator award winner.

This recognition, which will be awarded on an annual basis, recognizes an active community member.

All proceeds from this spectacular event will go toward the homeless children and their families who seek hope and shelter from Loisann’s Hope House.

A silent auction will take place throughout the two days, with results announced Saturday evening.

Audra Bielke is UMW, Philharmonic Operations Manager & event administrator for Loisann’s Hope House

Trees of Hope To Benefit Loisiann’s Hope House Riverside Center for Performing Arts November 17 & 18 Info: www.hopehouseva.org or email treesofhope@hopehouseva.org.

Dawn Whitmore, The “Old Barn” Lady is a barnscape photographer and writer who lives in Spotsylvania. facebook.com/dewphotographypage or www.dewphotographyva.com

front porch fredericksburg

November 2018

23

Emancipated Patients medicines contaminated

By Patrick Neustatter, MD I have spent years trying to “egregious”, and showing “wholesale persuade my patients not to waste their incompetence, maliciousness and/or money buying name brand drugs. That negligence” (I’m tempted to ask them to generics are perfectly OK. But now a tell us how they really feel). report in The People’s Pharmacy is They report FDA citing violations making me wonder if I should change my such as “microbiological contamination of products purporting to be sterile,” and tune?

This radio program/website’s “failure to prevent or report or provides a lot of information in pursuit of investigate out-of-range purity” and their mission “to empower people to destruction of records. make good choices about their health.”

The FDA claims they just don’t They are not fans of the FDA however, and have the resources to monitor drug the recent story of the recall of the blood manufacturers as diligently as they like pressure drug valsartan vindicates their (they get to test just a few hundred opinion. And points out how poor the products of the 4 billion prescriptions FDA’s quality control is. written each year). Not to It started with the mention being hamstrung 80 percent of European Medicines drugs dispensed in the US, by crazy regulations, like Agency on July 5th this or the precursors of those having to forewarn a year issuing an alert, that foreign manufacturer drugs, are manufactured NDMA – a contaminant when they are going to either in China or India In which will rot your liver, come to inspect. and has been used to what are often referred to Name brand drugs induce cancer in as “sweatshops” which are should be a little safer rife with violations... experimental rats – was (though Consumer found in unacceptable levels Reports notes branded in the generic active pharmaceutical version the blood thinner heparin was ingredient (API) manufactured in China. found by the FDA to be contaminated).

And this companies API is used in many But certainly more expensive – The different brands of generic valsartan sold website GoodRx reports their lowest in the US and other parts of the world – priced generic valsartan costs $10.99 a the report on the People’s Pharmacy month, but the name brand costs website lists 13 companies involved. $113.67.

Then the FDA noted there were But before you get hysterical and contaminated products in the US and throw your valsartan away, note the FDA issued their own recall on July 17th. Then claims 8,000 people would have to take a further recall on July 27th. Then again the highest dose (320mg) for four years on August 2nd and August 9th. A rather for there to be one additional case of unnerving cascade of revelations. cancer.

A Sweatshop Pharmaceutical World And stopping your blood The trouble is that 80 percent of pressure medicine, without some drugs dispensed in the US, or the alternative, could be far more dangerous. precursors of those drugs, are So use a little common sense. manufactured either in China or India. In The trouble is that the FDA, what are often referred to as which is responsible for products that “sweatshops” which are rife with comprise more than 20 percent of violations, according to the physician national consumer spending (they have to website Doximity – who seem pretty fired monitor the food as well as drugs), is not up about these violations calling them only disadvantaged by crazy regulations, but also lack of funds.

It’s always more fun “Nowhere else in the federal in the budget does so little money need to go so Scenter of Town! far” says the organization, Alliance for a Essential Oils Stronger FDA. Liquid Herbs I’m not sure I’m quite at the Reiki point of prescribing only name brand Reflexology medicines yet (because they’re so damned Aromatherapy expensive). But funding of the FDA, and thus adequacy of their ability to monitor Custom Blending drug safety, is another of those issues that Aroma-Therapeutic Massage are dependent on the priorities of our Harmonic Resonance Therapy happy politicians Maybe safer drugs and less war Products ~ Services ~ Classes machines?

907 Charles Street, Downtown thescenteroftown.com 22

November 2018

Patrick Neustatter is the Medical Director of the Moss Free Clinic.

Front porch fredericksburg

Trees of Hope

Doug Lowe Never lost sight of my why

herald of the season

By dawn whitmore Doug Lowe has been involved in the Medical Emergency Services (EMS) industry for 40+ years. His journey began at the tender age of 11 when he witnessed a motorcycle accident.

“To see this man in great pain, lying in the street and not knowing how to help greatly upset me” shares Lowe, “The next day my twin brother and I enrolled in a Red Cross Basic First Aid Course.”

After spending a couple years taking Red Cross courses, Lowe at the mere age of 15 joined a Richmond-based volunteer rescue squad. When many teenagers were concentrating on Friday night football games, dances and such, Lowe spent his high school years delivering babies, and doing CPR. Lowe explains, “My time with the rescue squad helped me to grow up a lot and to really understand how many people needed help in some of their most vulnerable and humbling times of their life, “ explains Lowe “My mentors and instructors have had a huge impact on developing my knowledge and skills.”

Upon finishing high school, Lowe became a Navy Hospital Corpsman. He spent most of his 22 years as a Navy corpsman with Marines. Teaching would be a part of his service career, which would eventually lead to him attending a school in San Diego to become a formal instructor. Teaching wilderness survival skills, to include Survival Evasion Resistance and Escape is a huge responsibility that Lowe never took lightly.

“During some long and hard times, I never lost sight of what I do or why,” states Lowe, “If my students find themselves using what I have taught them. It means they are having a bad day and their life could hang in the balance.”

Lowe acknowledges his desire to teach comes from those who poured into him throughout his lifetime. He didn’t ‘roll out of bed and jump in front of a class’ and begin teaching.

Excitement grows when an extraordinary student comes along. There are two reasons for this excitement 1) the limits are boundless to what the student can accomplish, 2) the student has the potential to become an instructor.

by audra bielke Trees will be on display Nov. 16 and 17 at Riverside Center for the Performing Arts. Come out and see them on Friday, Nov. 17 from 6 to 8 p.m. or on Saturday,

“For me, I believe it is my mission. God has put me in some fascinating places and allowed me to work with truly incredible people and I haven’t suffered the burn out that is common in this field. I feel that as long as my mind is clear, and my body is able, I will be on the podium teaching somewhere, ” declares Lowe.

For the last decade, Lowe has been employed by Federal Strategies in Fredericksburg. Lowe continues to make a difference in the lives of many individuals through his life of teaching as a fabulous, caring and wonderful instructor.

What greater local herald of the season could there be than Trees of Hope, a dazzling display of dozens of themed holiday trees, all hand decorated by area artists, businesses, clubs, and individuals?

And all proceeds from which go to Loisann’s Hope House, the first and largest shelter in the region for homeless children and their families.

This year will feature a new event: the naming of an inaugural Grand Illuminator. This award will go a local individual or business focused on helping the homeless in our community.

Nov. 18, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. While you’re there, you can bid on trees and vote for your favorite, and you can participate

in raffles as well as an awesome scavenger hunt for which a prize goes to the winner.

While what you will see are trees worthy of a museum exhibit or a Fifth Avenue storefront, each one started with the same scrawny threefoot tree with a plastic base. The creativity of decorators will boggle your mind! We have had trees turned into electrical lamps, transformed into animals, and decorated with hundreds of dollars worth of jewelry.

Trees of Hope concludes with A Night to Shine at Riverside on Nov. 18 from 6 to 9 p.m. This gala features

entertainment, food, and a live auction, as well as the announcement of our Grand Illuminator award winner.

This recognition, which will be awarded on an annual basis, recognizes an active community member.

All proceeds from this spectacular event will go toward the homeless children and their families who seek hope and shelter from Loisann’s Hope House.

A silent auction will take place throughout the two days, with results announced Saturday evening.

Audra Bielke is UMW, Philharmonic Operations Manager & event administrator for Loisann’s Hope House

Trees of Hope To Benefit Loisiann’s Hope House Riverside Center for Performing Arts November 17 & 18 Info: www.hopehouseva.org or email treesofhope@hopehouseva.org.

Dawn Whitmore, The “Old Barn” Lady is a barnscape photographer and writer who lives in Spotsylvania. facebook.com/dewphotographypage or www.dewphotographyva.com

front porch fredericksburg

November 2018

23

Nicole Hamilton

of fredericksburg

Cover Artist I have a drawing of my Grandparents I made when I was three years old. It is one of my most treasured possessions and it is proof of a life begun with the need to produce art. I have drawn my entire life and now my work has evolved into creating classical oil paintings. Painting allows me to communicate and to record a detailed moment in time.

My current work includes still-life pieces and portraiture.

Both allow me to tell a story. The story of the objects and the story of the person fascinates me. Often I feel the grouping of objects becomes a portrait of the person as much as an actual painting of the person themselves.

The method on most of my paintings begins with preliminary sketches to begin the process of connecting and trying to understand not only what I am painting, but why. I use those sketches and observation from life to help create the final piece. I prefer to paint in multiple layers to slowly build up the painting and use the final layers to capture precise details.

Nicole Hamilton graduated from Colorado State University in 1995 with a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree.

After graduation, she worked as an Art Director for Publisher's Development Corporation

Name This House

Stories Jan

survey we know that the majority of homeless people Micah serves went to high school in Fredericksburg.

They're from here- from this region. I'm always amazed when people tell me about Fredericksburg being a 'Mecca' for the homeless. It's just not true.

in San Diego, California. In the spring of 2009 she shifted her focus towards oil painting, and has studied with several local as well as nationally renowned artists.

Nicole has had many solo and group exhibitions and is a member of the Portrait Society of America. Her studio is at LibertyTown Arts Workshop in Fredericksburg, VA. For commission or special project please contact Nicole. Most projects take 3-4 months to complete.

Art is a Gift from the Heart

“Happy Day on the Riverboat”, Beverley Coates

Jan is currently representing The Presbyterian Church on the Micah board.

As a board member Jan serves as chairman of the Community Relations Committee for Micah.

“I've been a member of The Presbyterian Church for over 30 years and our church was one of those along with other downtown churches that established the first homeless care in our community. Our churches were taking turns serving homeless people overnight in our church basements. That evolved into the Thurman Brisben Homeless Shelter. As the need for Christian care for the chronic homeless evolved, our church became involved with other churches and our church has supported Micah ever since. I've helped serve dinners and I've worked at the cold weather shelter… The issue of homelessness has always been close to my heart because I firmly believe that, but for the grace of God, any of us could be there. From the point in time

“I am excited for Micah.

I've always been impressed with the way Micah staff and their board have understood homelessness and have been compassionate towards those who find themselves in that predicament, and yet Micah is not overly lenient.

Micah is really focused on getting people off the streets as much as possible.

Micah deals with people who are the hardest cases…the easy ones go other places. We don't get the easy ones, and yet there still are solutions. I am so impressed with the way Micah has partnered with other community agencies to give people the services they need in order to get off the street. I'm really excited about the Respite House and how Micah partnered with Mary Washington Healthcare to do that…and of course through the Sunshine Lady Grant for the purchase of homes for people to help them get off the streets.”

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

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!

Last Month’s House: 1100 CAROLINE ST The Winner of a gift certificate from Roxbury Farm & Garden Center is Amy Liles Mystery Woman You are the talk of town my dear, someone loves you beyond compare.

The sad vision was heartbreaking, of only a year or so ago.

You were sitting near the cemetery, with your dim and dirty windows, and shutters all askew.

Now from the street, you look like you, but entirely refreshed.

Seeing this new you, has caused your town, to becomes quite obsessed.

Your friends and your neighbors, of a hundred years and counting, are watching with happiness, as you are now as beautified, s we all wanted.

“Red Barn”, Penny A. Parrish “River Crossing”, Lynn Abbott

Daily hours 10 to 6.

Artist on site Saturdays 540.371.4099

810 Caroline Street, Downtown Fredericksburg 24

November 2018

Front porch fredericksburg

front porch fredericksburg

November 2018

25

Nicole Hamilton

of fredericksburg

Cover Artist I have a drawing of my Grandparents I made when I was three years old. It is one of my most treasured possessions and it is proof of a life begun with the need to produce art. I have drawn my entire life and now my work has evolved into creating classical oil paintings. Painting allows me to communicate and to record a detailed moment in time.

My current work includes still-life pieces and portraiture.

Both allow me to tell a story. The story of the objects and the story of the person fascinates me. Often I feel the grouping of objects becomes a portrait of the person as much as an actual painting of the person themselves.

The method on most of my paintings begins with preliminary sketches to begin the process of connecting and trying to understand not only what I am painting, but why. I use those sketches and observation from life to help create the final piece. I prefer to paint in multiple layers to slowly build up the painting and use the final layers to capture precise details.

Nicole Hamilton graduated from Colorado State University in 1995 with a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree.

After graduation, she worked as an Art Director for Publisher's Development Corporation

Name This House

Stories Jan

survey we know that the majority of homeless people Micah serves went to high school in Fredericksburg.

They're from here- from this region. I'm always amazed when people tell me about Fredericksburg being a 'Mecca' for the homeless. It's just not true.

in San Diego, California. In the spring of 2009 she shifted her focus towards oil painting, and has studied with several local as well as nationally renowned artists.

Nicole has had many solo and group exhibitions and is a member of the Portrait Society of America. Her studio is at LibertyTown Arts Workshop in Fredericksburg, VA. For commission or special project please contact Nicole. Most projects take 3-4 months to complete.

Art is a Gift from the Heart

“Happy Day on the Riverboat”, Beverley Coates

Jan is currently representing The Presbyterian Church on the Micah board.

As a board member Jan serves as chairman of the Community Relations Committee for Micah.

“I've been a member of The Presbyterian Church for over 30 years and our church was one of those along with other downtown churches that established the first homeless care in our community. Our churches were taking turns serving homeless people overnight in our church basements. That evolved into the Thurman Brisben Homeless Shelter. As the need for Christian care for the chronic homeless evolved, our church became involved with other churches and our church has supported Micah ever since. I've helped serve dinners and I've worked at the cold weather shelter… The issue of homelessness has always been close to my heart because I firmly believe that, but for the grace of God, any of us could be there. From the point in time

“I am excited for Micah.

I've always been impressed with the way Micah staff and their board have understood homelessness and have been compassionate towards those who find themselves in that predicament, and yet Micah is not overly lenient.

Micah is really focused on getting people off the streets as much as possible.

Micah deals with people who are the hardest cases…the easy ones go other places. We don't get the easy ones, and yet there still are solutions. I am so impressed with the way Micah has partnered with other community agencies to give people the services they need in order to get off the street. I'm really excited about the Respite House and how Micah partnered with Mary Washington Healthcare to do that…and of course through the Sunshine Lady Grant for the purchase of homes for people to help them get off the streets.”

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

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!

Last Month’s House: 1100 CAROLINE ST The Winner of a gift certificate from Roxbury Farm & Garden Center is Amy Liles Mystery Woman You are the talk of town my dear, someone loves you beyond compare.

The sad vision was heartbreaking, of only a year or so ago.

You were sitting near the cemetery, with your dim and dirty windows, and shutters all askew.

Now from the street, you look like you, but entirely refreshed.

Seeing this new you, has caused your town, to becomes quite obsessed.

Your friends and your neighbors, of a hundred years and counting, are watching with happiness, as you are now as beautified, s we all wanted.

“Red Barn”, Penny A. Parrish “River Crossing”, Lynn Abbott

Daily hours 10 to 6.

Artist on site Saturdays 540.371.4099

810 Caroline Street, Downtown Fredericksburg 24

November 2018

Front porch fredericksburg

front porch fredericksburg

November 2018

25

Art in the Burg

Gifts & Events Galore THE POETRY MAN

pop-ups, EGGS & MOTELS

A RappArts Holiday Experience Awaits You!

By Frank Fratoe “Holiday Pop-U Up” Artful Dimensions Gallery, 922 Caroline Street

Melissa Terlizzi & her “Frog” A favorite of folks in the Burg are "Pop-Ups," which typically connote a special surprise offering of a local dining place. But the new Pop-Ups hosted by the artists of the Artful Dimensions Gallery will of feature a different kind of treat. On select Sundays throughout November and December, the gallery will reserve a display area to feature the unique

creations by potter Anna Branner.

November 11, Susan Tyler will exhibit her hand-woven baskets; on November 18 , Melissa Terlizzi, a display of her popular polymer clay artworks; and on November 25, Leah Comerford will showcase her bead embroidery and gourd art.

Gallery open daily from 11:00 am to 7:00 pm, and the Sunday Pop-Up artists will be featured from 11:00 to 5:00 pm. t of levity so expect the quirky along with the exact." . ~ Kathleen Woodford

"Peaceful Places" Exhibit by Sarah Flinn, Brush Strokes Gallery, 824 Caroline Street "Peaceful Places" exhibit of paintings by Sarah Flinn, is a perfect fit for the season of wintry holidays. Each of the paintings contains an element of snow and all convey

Baby Grandson (Max Butler Fratoe)

“Houghtailing”, Pete Morelewicz @SWT

“Exact Change” New works by Pete Morelewicz, Nov 8, Jan 9, 2019.

Opening Reception: November 8, 6-9 9pm Sunken Well Tavern, 720 Littlepage Street The show explores buildings, machines, and the ubiquity of small-scale commerce.

"EGGSTREMES" New Works by Elise King Lynch Art First Gallery , 824 Caroline Street "Eggstremes", a delightfully detailed new show of painted and carved eggs by FXBG artist Elise King-Lynch. is based around 4 ostrich eggs.

The designs are extreme in their execution, either by the detail involved or the method used. King-Lynch has rounded the show out with smaller eggs, paintings and other objects that reflect the theme of each egg. "As always," says the artist, "I try to “Early Morning Snow”, Sarah Flinn @ BSG incorporate a certain amount of levity so expect the quirky creations of a guest artist. This delightful along with the exact." Whether you are a new venue will be especially appreciated by collector or simply an admirer of folks looking to purchase memorable one- intricately-detailed artwork, you will be of-a-kind holiday gifts for friends and dazzled by King-Lynch's latest collection.

Opening Reception: First Friday Nov 2, family.

November 4, the featured Exhibit on View through December 2 artwork will be stoneware and fiber ~ Casey Shaw

a nostalgic atmosphere that beckons the viewer to revisit treasured memories and sites they have encountered in their personal journeys.

Sarah's oil paintings feature iconic images of churches, farmyards, covered bridges and lighthouses, and their soothing images may remind folks of life in more simple times. If chosen as a unique present for a special loved one, each painting will truly be a gift that keeps on giving.

The exhibit will be displayed through December 3.Meet and chat with Sarah at the opening reception on "First Friday" November 2, from 6 pm to 9 pm. ~ Norma Woodward

“Gears”, Elise King Lynch, @Art First

Ah dear little one scan the cosmos now from receptive eyes that watch sunbeams descend an opening to grace your room.

Then call anything meeting first sight with language voiced only you comprehend because adult ears cannot decipher it.

And let imagination receive a beginner so fresh and young as rainbows reflect on your nursery wall to mark the future.

Frank Fratoe (Pop-Pop) lives & writes in the city.

He has written poems from the heart for Front Porch for over 10 years.

By Carolyn Van Der Jagt Celebrating the Holidays and the Arts in the Central Rappahannock River Region Although the autumn colors are still with us, the Holiday season is just around the corner. At this time of year, local artists, arts performing groups, cultural organizations, and venues kick into full celebration mode. With so much to do and with so many events to choose from, how can you schedule it all? The Arts & Cultural Council of the Rappahannock (ACCR) can help! Before filling in your personal calendar, your first stop should be ACCR’s new RappArts Calendar of Events and Directory – Your guide to Arts & Culture in the Central Rappahannock River Region at www.rapparts.org.

Check out the special page ACCR has created on its new website at www.rapp-a arts.org/holidays-2 2018 to specifically highlight many of the local Holiday events.

Festive performances abound from carol sings with local choral societies, Holiday musicals and concerts, and Christmas themed theater. Many of the local museums and historical sites also hold special Holiday exhibits or programs

and are decorated in their Holiday finest.

In addition, on the website’s Holiday page, you will find information about upcoming Holiday fundraisers, parades, opportunities to meet with Santa, tree lightings, and other celebratory opportunities to gather with friends in enjoying and sharing the Holiday season.

Not only does www.Rapp-Arts.org ’s Calendar of Events include upcoming Holiday Programs, it also includes classes or workshops providing opportunities to create your own masterpieces for your loved ones.

The Holiday season certainly is an exciting time in the Central Rappahannock Region.

While gift giving can be a stressful time for some of us, ACCR has a few ideas to make the Holiday shopping experience more memorable and creative for all. Instead of spending time at a crowded mall or box store looking for that one special gift for a good friend or agonizing about a gift for picky Aunt Susie, ACCR encourages everyone to visit local artists and galleries to make purchases of handmade, unique gifts for family and friends. Most of the local galleries put out their finest wares for the Holiday season, including many small, affordable items and gifts to please all ages. Fill your wish lists with beautiful handmade earrings, unique pottery, colorful woven accessories, or other artistic “one-of-a-kind” works made by regional artists. So, give yourself a break by relaxing as you stroll through local galleries to peruse the wide variety of special items available for gift-giving. In the process you will be supporting our regional artists by shopping local and handmade!

With the overall goal of establishing the Central Rappahannock region as a premier arts destination on the east coast, ACCR intends for the new and improved website to highlight and to promote the vast number of regional arts and cultural assets and resources. Do you have an event that isn’t listed? While ACCR tries to hunt down and add all upcoming Holiday events, if your event was overlooked, please just click on the “Add an Event” tab in the top right-hand corner navigation bar and add your event to our calendar. ACCR appreciates your help in keeping the Calendar of Events full and current!

Enjoy the many regional Arts offerings this year and…. Remember to shop local and handmade!

Carolyn Van Der Jagt is the President of ACCR and a local fiber artist.

RappArts Calendar of Events & Directory Guide to Arts & Culture www.rapp-a arts.org

Old Town’s Greatest Tour 35 Monuments, Markers, & Attractions AND the Fredericksburg Battlefields Weddings Reunions Shuttles Parties Group Outings Fredericksburgtrolley.com 26

November 2018

Front porch fredericksburg

540-898-0737

front porch fredericksburg

November 2018

27

Art in the Burg

Gifts & Events Galore THE POETRY MAN

pop-ups, EGGS & MOTELS

A RappArts Holiday Experience Awaits You!

By Frank Fratoe “Holiday Pop-U Up” Artful Dimensions Gallery, 922 Caroline Street

Melissa Terlizzi & her “Frog” A favorite of folks in the Burg are "Pop-Ups," which typically connote a special surprise offering of a local dining place. But the new Pop-Ups hosted by the artists of the Artful Dimensions Gallery will of feature a different kind of treat. On select Sundays throughout November and December, the gallery will reserve a display area to feature the unique

creations by potter Anna Branner.

November 11, Susan Tyler will exhibit her hand-woven baskets; on November 18 , Melissa Terlizzi, a display of her popular polymer clay artworks; and on November 25, Leah Comerford will showcase her bead embroidery and gourd art.

Gallery open daily from 11:00 am to 7:00 pm, and the Sunday Pop-Up artists will be featured from 11:00 to 5:00 pm. t of levity so expect the quirky along with the exact." . ~ Kathleen Woodford

"Peaceful Places" Exhibit by Sarah Flinn, Brush Strokes Gallery, 824 Caroline Street "Peaceful Places" exhibit of paintings by Sarah Flinn, is a perfect fit for the season of wintry holidays. Each of the paintings contains an element of snow and all convey

Baby Grandson (Max Butler Fratoe)

“Houghtailing”, Pete Morelewicz @SWT

“Exact Change” New works by Pete Morelewicz, Nov 8, Jan 9, 2019.

Opening Reception: November 8, 6-9 9pm Sunken Well Tavern, 720 Littlepage Street The show explores buildings, machines, and the ubiquity of small-scale commerce.

"EGGSTREMES" New Works by Elise King Lynch Art First Gallery , 824 Caroline Street "Eggstremes", a delightfully detailed new show of painted and carved eggs by FXBG artist Elise King-Lynch. is based around 4 ostrich eggs.

The designs are extreme in their execution, either by the detail involved or the method used. King-Lynch has rounded the show out with smaller eggs, paintings and other objects that reflect the theme of each egg. "As always," says the artist, "I try to “Early Morning Snow”, Sarah Flinn @ BSG incorporate a certain amount of levity so expect the quirky creations of a guest artist. This delightful along with the exact." Whether you are a new venue will be especially appreciated by collector or simply an admirer of folks looking to purchase memorable one- intricately-detailed artwork, you will be of-a-kind holiday gifts for friends and dazzled by King-Lynch's latest collection.

Opening Reception: First Friday Nov 2, family.

November 4, the featured Exhibit on View through December 2 artwork will be stoneware and fiber ~ Casey Shaw

a nostalgic atmosphere that beckons the viewer to revisit treasured memories and sites they have encountered in their personal journeys.

Sarah's oil paintings feature iconic images of churches, farmyards, covered bridges and lighthouses, and their soothing images may remind folks of life in more simple times. If chosen as a unique present for a special loved one, each painting will truly be a gift that keeps on giving.

The exhibit will be displayed through December 3.Meet and chat with Sarah at the opening reception on "First Friday" November 2, from 6 pm to 9 pm. ~ Norma Woodward

“Gears”, Elise King Lynch, @Art First

Ah dear little one scan the cosmos now from receptive eyes that watch sunbeams descend an opening to grace your room.

Then call anything meeting first sight with language voiced only you comprehend because adult ears cannot decipher it.

And let imagination receive a beginner so fresh and young as rainbows reflect on your nursery wall to mark the future.

Frank Fratoe (Pop-Pop) lives & writes in the city.

He has written poems from the heart for Front Porch for over 10 years.

By Carolyn Van Der Jagt Celebrating the Holidays and the Arts in the Central Rappahannock River Region Although the autumn colors are still with us, the Holiday season is just around the corner. At this time of year, local artists, arts performing groups, cultural organizations, and venues kick into full celebration mode. With so much to do and with so many events to choose from, how can you schedule it all? The Arts & Cultural Council of the Rappahannock (ACCR) can help! Before filling in your personal calendar, your first stop should be ACCR’s new RappArts Calendar of Events and Directory – Your guide to Arts & Culture in the Central Rappahannock River Region at www.rapparts.org.

Check out the special page ACCR has created on its new website at www.rapp-a arts.org/holidays-2 2018 to specifically highlight many of the local Holiday events.

Festive performances abound from carol sings with local choral societies, Holiday musicals and concerts, and Christmas themed theater. Many of the local museums and historical sites also hold special Holiday exhibits or programs

and are decorated in their Holiday finest.

In addition, on the website’s Holiday page, you will find information about upcoming Holiday fundraisers, parades, opportunities to meet with Santa, tree lightings, and other celebratory opportunities to gather with friends in enjoying and sharing the Holiday season.

Not only does www.Rapp-Arts.org ’s Calendar of Events include upcoming Holiday Programs, it also includes classes or workshops providing opportunities to create your own masterpieces for your loved ones.

The Holiday season certainly is an exciting time in the Central Rappahannock Region.

While gift giving can be a stressful time for some of us, ACCR has a few ideas to make the Holiday shopping experience more memorable and creative for all. Instead of spending time at a crowded mall or box store looking for that one special gift for a good friend or agonizing about a gift for picky Aunt Susie, ACCR encourages everyone to visit local artists and galleries to make purchases of handmade, unique gifts for family and friends. Most of the local galleries put out their finest wares for the Holiday season, including many small, affordable items and gifts to please all ages. Fill your wish lists with beautiful handmade earrings, unique pottery, colorful woven accessories, or other artistic “one-of-a-kind” works made by regional artists. So, give yourself a break by relaxing as you stroll through local galleries to peruse the wide variety of special items available for gift-giving. In the process you will be supporting our regional artists by shopping local and handmade!

With the overall goal of establishing the Central Rappahannock region as a premier arts destination on the east coast, ACCR intends for the new and improved website to highlight and to promote the vast number of regional arts and cultural assets and resources. Do you have an event that isn’t listed? While ACCR tries to hunt down and add all upcoming Holiday events, if your event was overlooked, please just click on the “Add an Event” tab in the top right-hand corner navigation bar and add your event to our calendar. ACCR appreciates your help in keeping the Calendar of Events full and current!

Enjoy the many regional Arts offerings this year and…. Remember to shop local and handmade!

Carolyn Van Der Jagt is the President of ACCR and a local fiber artist.

RappArts Calendar of Events & Directory Guide to Arts & Culture www.rapp-a arts.org

Old Town’s Greatest Tour 35 Monuments, Markers, & Attractions AND the Fredericksburg Battlefields Weddings Reunions Shuttles Parties Group Outings Fredericksburgtrolley.com 26

November 2018

Front porch fredericksburg

540-898-0737

front porch fredericksburg

November 2018

27

Companions

Saying Goodbye To Your Best Friend Doesn’t Have To Be Hard

new community medical center by caitlin daly Fredericksburg The SPCA opened a Community Medical Center aimed at offering affordable and necessary care to the animals of Fredericksburg and beyond! Our CMC opened the doors on October 2, 2018, offering spay and neuter services plus vaccines. Wellness and sick visits were added on October 18th, and our first low cost vaccine clinic will be November 3!

Here are the services we offer: Spay/Neuter/Dental Services* Canine Spay $130 Canine Neuter $85 Feline Spay $60 Community Cat Package (includes Rabies vaccine & ear tip): $30 *requirements: Pyometra, Early Pregnancy, Fractious behavior, and Cryptorchid $20 Feline Neuter $40 Dental : $200 (Cleaning and polish. All dentals need to be scheduled as an exam. Possible extractions etc will be discussed at that time.

Procedure will be scheduled for a date after the exam Vaccines/Tests/Preventatives Rabies 1yr/3yr: $10/$15 Bordetella: $10 DAPP 1yr/3yr: $10/$15 FVRCP 1yr/3yr: $10/$15 Deworm: $10 Flea/Tick 1 month: $10 HW 1 month: $10 FIV/FELV Test: $20 HW Test: $20 Treatments Wellness Exam: $15 Sick Exam: $25 Bloodwork/CBC: $50 Urinalysis: $40

By Dr. Gerri S. Reid Why do owner’s choose At Home Euthanasia?

When the decision of euthanasia is made by the owner or family, what is important at that time is to provide their pet with a peaceful transition. The last thing they want is for it to be stressful for the pet. Owners dread putting their pet in the car to take them to the Veterinary Hospital. Taking that seamless long ride with their pet can be overwhelming and emotional.

As Veterinarians, we vow to care for and treat all animals, and to provide medical treatment to the best of our ability. We aid in the comfort and wellbeing of animals in all stages of their life.

End of life discussions are one of the hardest conversations we have with our clients but it is the most important conversation.

We keep in mind the emotions involved in this discussion or decisions, but we know it is our duty to be

there for the pet as well as the client.

At Home Euthanasia is a part of our Business that is very dear to our hearts. In all my years of practicing in the Fredericksburg area, the one statement clients would say to me is “I wish you could come to my home to put my pet to sleep”. So, we knew this service had a place in our business.

At Home Euthanasia alleviates the uncomfortable thoughts and emotions associated with this difficult decision. Not only do we come to your home but we take care of all the aftercare of your pet. We have found owners are comforted by the serene environment we create. They realize their pet is calm and at ease being in its own environment and home. The pet is surrounded by its loved ones, their favorite toy or even laying in their favorite pet bed. For us, this setting is the best part. We get to see the love expressed by way of tears or laughter or, at times, we get to hear memories and stories of their pet. Our hope is to make this moment peaceful not only for the owner but most importantly for the pet.

We offer consultations to evaluate the pet’s quality of life which we realize clients find it difficult to make that decision, or to know when it is time to consider humane euthanasia.

We are trained to access the pet’s current health status and suggest what is best for the pet. Humane euthanasia is at time the best way to ease your pet’s pain and suffering.

At Home Euthanasia may not be for everyone, but for owners who seek this service for their pet desire a more private, intimate and calm setting. And in the end, we are always grateful to hear the words, “Thank you for what you are doing”. It is not easy for us, but we know we are providing clients with the opportunity to say Goodbye in the best way possible…at home.

We care for pets from the beginning to the end, so providing At Home Euthanasia just makes saying Goodbye to Your Best Friend just a bit easier.

Geri Reid DVM is the owner of Reid Mobile Veterinary Services, PLLC She can be reached at 540-623-3029 www.reidmobilevetservices.com

Dr. Jones & Tiberius Fecal: $15 Ear Cytology: $30 Skin scrape: $20 Microchip: $25 Book your appointment online, today and learn more by going here: www.fredspca.org/cmc

Cait Daly is the Executive Director of the Fredericksburg Regional SPCA

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

Wills and Trusts Provide for Incapacity Trusts for Minor Children Wealth Preservation Trusts Avoid Probate AhearnEstateLaw.com 28

November 2018

Front porch fredericksburg

540/371-9890 front porch fredericksburg

November 2018

29

Companions

Saying Goodbye To Your Best Friend Doesn’t Have To Be Hard

new community medical center by caitlin daly Fredericksburg The SPCA opened a Community Medical Center aimed at offering affordable and necessary care to the animals of Fredericksburg and beyond! Our CMC opened the doors on October 2, 2018, offering spay and neuter services plus vaccines. Wellness and sick visits were added on October 18th, and our first low cost vaccine clinic will be November 3!

Here are the services we offer: Spay/Neuter/Dental Services* Canine Spay $130 Canine Neuter $85 Feline Spay $60 Community Cat Package (includes Rabies vaccine & ear tip): $30 *requirements: Pyometra, Early Pregnancy, Fractious behavior, and Cryptorchid $20 Feline Neuter $40 Dental : $200 (Cleaning and polish. All dentals need to be scheduled as an exam. Possible extractions etc will be discussed at that time.

Procedure will be scheduled for a date after the exam Vaccines/Tests/Preventatives Rabies 1yr/3yr: $10/$15 Bordetella: $10 DAPP 1yr/3yr: $10/$15 FVRCP 1yr/3yr: $10/$15 Deworm: $10 Flea/Tick 1 month: $10 HW 1 month: $10 FIV/FELV Test: $20 HW Test: $20 Treatments Wellness Exam: $15 Sick Exam: $25 Bloodwork/CBC: $50 Urinalysis: $40

By Dr. Gerri S. Reid Why do owner’s choose At Home Euthanasia?

When the decision of euthanasia is made by the owner or family, what is important at that time is to provide their pet with a peaceful transition. The last thing they want is for it to be stressful for the pet. Owners dread putting their pet in the car to take them to the Veterinary Hospital. Taking that seamless long ride with their pet can be overwhelming and emotional.

As Veterinarians, we vow to care for and treat all animals, and to provide medical treatment to the best of our ability. We aid in the comfort and wellbeing of animals in all stages of their life.

End of life discussions are one of the hardest conversations we have with our clients but it is the most important conversation.

We keep in mind the emotions involved in this discussion or decisions, but we know it is our duty to be

there for the pet as well as the client.

At Home Euthanasia is a part of our Business that is very dear to our hearts. In all my years of practicing in the Fredericksburg area, the one statement clients would say to me is “I wish you could come to my home to put my pet to sleep”. So, we knew this service had a place in our business.

At Home Euthanasia alleviates the uncomfortable thoughts and emotions associated with this difficult decision. Not only do we come to your home but we take care of all the aftercare of your pet. We have found owners are comforted by the serene environment we create. They realize their pet is calm and at ease being in its own environment and home. The pet is surrounded by its loved ones, their favorite toy or even laying in their favorite pet bed. For us, this setting is the best part. We get to see the love expressed by way of tears or laughter or, at times, we get to hear memories and stories of their pet. Our hope is to make this moment peaceful not only for the owner but most importantly for the pet.

We offer consultations to evaluate the pet’s quality of life which we realize clients find it difficult to make that decision, or to know when it is time to consider humane euthanasia.

We are trained to access the pet’s current health status and suggest what is best for the pet. Humane euthanasia is at time the best way to ease your pet’s pain and suffering.

At Home Euthanasia may not be for everyone, but for owners who seek this service for their pet desire a more private, intimate and calm setting. And in the end, we are always grateful to hear the words, “Thank you for what you are doing”. It is not easy for us, but we know we are providing clients with the opportunity to say Goodbye in the best way possible…at home.

We care for pets from the beginning to the end, so providing At Home Euthanasia just makes saying Goodbye to Your Best Friend just a bit easier.

Geri Reid DVM is the owner of Reid Mobile Veterinary Services, PLLC She can be reached at 540-623-3029 www.reidmobilevetservices.com

Dr. Jones & Tiberius Fecal: $15 Ear Cytology: $30 Skin scrape: $20 Microchip: $25 Book your appointment online, today and learn more by going here: www.fredspca.org/cmc

Cait Daly is the Executive Director of the Fredericksburg Regional SPCA

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

Wills and Trusts Provide for Incapacity Trusts for Minor Children Wealth Preservation Trusts Avoid Probate AhearnEstateLaw.com 28

November 2018

Front porch fredericksburg

540/371-9890 front porch fredericksburg

November 2018

29

Everything Greens

Fredericksburg Sketches

DOWNTOWNERS

A visual Celebration of our community

harvest season

606 Caroline Street Old Town Fredericksburg

By Casey Alan Shaw

irish eyes

373-7847 www.gemstonecreations.org

By elisabeth DellaRova

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

by georgia Lee Strentz

Where Fredericksburg Gets Engaged

It’s harvest season, and Downtown Greens’ basket is full. We have so many things to be thankful for!

We are thankful for the amazing success of the Down Home Ball, which was on October 6th. It was a warm, clear night on the grounds of Roxbury Farm and Garden Center, where community members and supporters of Downtown Greens, young and old, gathered for an evening of food, music, and dancing.

Members of our Youth Farm Program were in attendance, returning again and again to the tables of food, all sourced from local restaurants. Old friends reconnected while listening to live music from Eyes Like Birds, VaMos, and Karen Jonas. This year, 23 organizations and individuals chose to sponsor the Down Home Ball. We are so grateful for their support, and for the opportunity to spend a festive evening with new and old friends of the garden.

Our pilot program for local preschoolers, Head Start Garden Sprouts, was so successful last spring that we have now expanded it to the entire school year.

This program serves over 120 preschoolers who are learning about different types of plants, where food comes from, and how to grow it. The classes take place in the upper garden and are taught by Beth McClain, our newest program leader.

Our thanksgiving dinners are monthly; the elementary-schoolers in the Youth Farm Program make a dinner for their families using food they’ve grown in the garden. Each month, a different chef from a local restaurant comes to Downtown Greens to help the young farmers plan and prepare a gourmet meal for the thirty-five friends and family members who come and dine with them.

30

November 2018

We are so thankful for each of our volunteers: the people who come to garden hours faithfully every week, the people who help plan and execute our events, the people who donate resources to the garden, and everyone else in between. If you would like to be a part of the wonderful community we have at the garden, come out and volunteer with us on a Thursday afternoon or a Saturday morning.

On November 27, Downtown Greens will be celebrating Giving Tuesday, an international day of support for nonprofits and charities, large and small.

Please consider donating to Downtown Greens on that day. Our office at 206 Charles Street will be open all day if you want to drop by and say hello, or make your gift in person. Most of Downtown Greens’ funding comes from private donations, and for every one of those, we are grateful. Without the support of our wonderful neighbors, Downtown Greens could not serve the people we serve. After all, that’s what it’s all about. Sustainable gardening and urban greenspace are wonderful things, but the true magic of Downtown Greens is more than that. It’s a place for children without a backyard to play and explore. It’s a place for growing.

It’s a meeting spot, a meditation spot, and a celebration spot. It’s 2.6 acres that smell of sunshine and fresh earth, where people are planted, uprooted, and planted again somewhere else. The magic of the garden isn’t the garden itself—it’s the people it serves, and the community it creates.

Elisabeth DellaRova is a junior at the University of Mary Washington and an intern at Downtown Greens for the fall semester.

Front porch fredericksburg

Bernadette and Mike Esler

Give a Child

SKETCH #48: Recreation Center Guest artist Todd Cumpston This month I’d like to share a drawing from fellow Fredericksburg Sketcher Todd Cumpston. This is a piece Todd created during October’s Art Attack where myriads of local artists fanned out through downtown and spent the day creating art. I love that he chose the Recreation Center as a subject for his drawing. I’m as guilty as anyone for often choosing popular landmarks to draw that have been drawn by many other artists. The Rec Center, on the other hand, is a deserving landmark that I haven’t seen local artists tackle.

The very first time my family ventured downtown to see the annual Christmas Parade, the Rec Center is where we went to eat afterwards. And that is something else that I love about the spontaneity and directness of a sketch like Todd’s: Not only does it exist successfully on an artistic level as a collection of ink lines and watercolor washes.

It also acts as a piece of communication that can conjure reactions in the viewer that the artist might not have even anticipated. And that, to me, seems like a pretty successful combination for the investment of hanging around drawing with a couple hundred of your artist friends on a beautiful October Saturday morning.

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

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

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

Something to Think About

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

810 Caroline Street (540) 371-5684

Irish Eyes isn't just a downtown place for gift shopping, it is warm, fuzzy, visit to Ireland.

Meeting Bernadette and Mike Esler, will be the high point of your day! From Bernadette's lovely Irish accent, and welcoming smile, to Mikes welcoming Irish eyes, and his historical knowledge of Ireland and the Irish products they sell, You will want to visit all four jam packed rooms, filled with eye and mind adventures. Mike and Bernadette go back to Ireland yearly, to personally shop for each item in their store, and visit family.

The store is just a delight, as it seems like a historical visit to Ireland, and check out the beautiful embroidery that Mike is expert in executing, it made me think about creating a family heirloom of some kind this year. The Coat of Arms is gorgeous, two families can be highlighted.

The Hall of names base contains 800,000 family names of most nationalities, not just Ireland.

What can I say about the wonderful Irish hats and other woolen products, (always in fashion, and they become heirloom clothing) as I left the store with two woolen shawls, a hat and a sweater for birthday gifts. I am going back for jewelry that I saw as I was leaving, beautifully made, gold, silver earrings, bracelets with the knot of life design woven into the jewelry. This design represents your journey through life.

Have Mike take you on a tour of all four rooms! I also left with a family name genealogy chart sealed in plastic,

suitable for framing, and a book on really interesting Ireland history,very interesting, little known facts about the Irish being exported and sold into slavery in Barbados, by the English.

I hear this will be a cold winter for us here in our town, so check out the Aran sweaters, have some warm tea or coffee with Bernadette and Mike, who in their spare time like to take cruises to Alaska.

The food section has Irish food, really! I was also so excited when I saw the gorgeous, Galway crystal.

The have a huge section of shop for girls only! The store has so much to chose from,it is one stop, something for everyone, all beautiful, plus as mentioned, you will have a truly delightful afternoon.

Take a trip downtown, stop in and tell them you heard about them in Front Porch magazine.

Hanging out on the corner of 725 Caroline Street, since 1986, Bernadette and Mike Esler, owners.

Georgia Strentz is our Gal About Town.

Look for her on her three-wheeler and her companion"Bailey"

Irish Eyes Fine Gift Imports 725 Caroline Street, Downtown http://www.irisheyesofva.com/ 540-3 373-0 0703

front porch fredericksburg

November 2018

31

Everything Greens

Fredericksburg Sketches

DOWNTOWNERS

A visual Celebration of our community

harvest season

606 Caroline Street Old Town Fredericksburg

By Casey Alan Shaw

irish eyes

373-7847 www.gemstonecreations.org

By elisabeth DellaRova

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

by georgia Lee Strentz

Where Fredericksburg Gets Engaged

It’s harvest season, and Downtown Greens’ basket is full. We have so many things to be thankful for!

We are thankful for the amazing success of the Down Home Ball, which was on October 6th. It was a warm, clear night on the grounds of Roxbury Farm and Garden Center, where community members and supporters of Downtown Greens, young and old, gathered for an evening of food, music, and dancing.

Members of our Youth Farm Program were in attendance, returning again and again to the tables of food, all sourced from local restaurants. Old friends reconnected while listening to live music from Eyes Like Birds, VaMos, and Karen Jonas. This year, 23 organizations and individuals chose to sponsor the Down Home Ball. We are so grateful for their support, and for the opportunity to spend a festive evening with new and old friends of the garden.

Our pilot program for local preschoolers, Head Start Garden Sprouts, was so successful last spring that we have now expanded it to the entire school year.

This program serves over 120 preschoolers who are learning about different types of plants, where food comes from, and how to grow it. The classes take place in the upper garden and are taught by Beth McClain, our newest program leader.

Our thanksgiving dinners are monthly; the elementary-schoolers in the Youth Farm Program make a dinner for their families using food they’ve grown in the garden. Each month, a different chef from a local restaurant comes to Downtown Greens to help the young farmers plan and prepare a gourmet meal for the thirty-five friends and family members who come and dine with them.

30

November 2018

We are so thankful for each of our volunteers: the people who come to garden hours faithfully every week, the people who help plan and execute our events, the people who donate resources to the garden, and everyone else in between. If you would like to be a part of the wonderful community we have at the garden, come out and volunteer with us on a Thursday afternoon or a Saturday morning.

On November 27, Downtown Greens will be celebrating Giving Tuesday, an international day of support for nonprofits and charities, large and small.

Please consider donating to Downtown Greens on that day. Our office at 206 Charles Street will be open all day if you want to drop by and say hello, or make your gift in person. Most of Downtown Greens’ funding comes from private donations, and for every one of those, we are grateful. Without the support of our wonderful neighbors, Downtown Greens could not serve the people we serve. After all, that’s what it’s all about. Sustainable gardening and urban greenspace are wonderful things, but the true magic of Downtown Greens is more than that. It’s a place for children without a backyard to play and explore. It’s a place for growing.

It’s a meeting spot, a meditation spot, and a celebration spot. It’s 2.6 acres that smell of sunshine and fresh earth, where people are planted, uprooted, and planted again somewhere else. The magic of the garden isn’t the garden itself—it’s the people it serves, and the community it creates.

Elisabeth DellaRova is a junior at the University of Mary Washington and an intern at Downtown Greens for the fall semester.

Front porch fredericksburg

Bernadette and Mike Esler

Give a Child

SKETCH #48: Recreation Center Guest artist Todd Cumpston This month I’d like to share a drawing from fellow Fredericksburg Sketcher Todd Cumpston. This is a piece Todd created during October’s Art Attack where myriads of local artists fanned out through downtown and spent the day creating art. I love that he chose the Recreation Center as a subject for his drawing. I’m as guilty as anyone for often choosing popular landmarks to draw that have been drawn by many other artists. The Rec Center, on the other hand, is a deserving landmark that I haven’t seen local artists tackle.

The very first time my family ventured downtown to see the annual Christmas Parade, the Rec Center is where we went to eat afterwards. And that is something else that I love about the spontaneity and directness of a sketch like Todd’s: Not only does it exist successfully on an artistic level as a collection of ink lines and watercolor washes.

It also acts as a piece of communication that can conjure reactions in the viewer that the artist might not have even anticipated. And that, to me, seems like a pretty successful combination for the investment of hanging around drawing with a couple hundred of your artist friends on a beautiful October Saturday morning.

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

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

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

Something to Think About

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

810 Caroline Street (540) 371-5684

Irish Eyes isn't just a downtown place for gift shopping, it is warm, fuzzy, visit to Ireland.

Meeting Bernadette and Mike Esler, will be the high point of your day! From Bernadette's lovely Irish accent, and welcoming smile, to Mikes welcoming Irish eyes, and his historical knowledge of Ireland and the Irish products they sell, You will want to visit all four jam packed rooms, filled with eye and mind adventures. Mike and Bernadette go back to Ireland yearly, to personally shop for each item in their store, and visit family.

The store is just a delight, as it seems like a historical visit to Ireland, and check out the beautiful embroidery that Mike is expert in executing, it made me think about creating a family heirloom of some kind this year. The Coat of Arms is gorgeous, two families can be highlighted.

The Hall of names base contains 800,000 family names of most nationalities, not just Ireland.

What can I say about the wonderful Irish hats and other woolen products, (always in fashion, and they become heirloom clothing) as I left the store with two woolen shawls, a hat and a sweater for birthday gifts. I am going back for jewelry that I saw as I was leaving, beautifully made, gold, silver earrings, bracelets with the knot of life design woven into the jewelry. This design represents your journey through life.

Have Mike take you on a tour of all four rooms! I also left with a family name genealogy chart sealed in plastic,

suitable for framing, and a book on really interesting Ireland history,very interesting, little known facts about the Irish being exported and sold into slavery in Barbados, by the English.

I hear this will be a cold winter for us here in our town, so check out the Aran sweaters, have some warm tea or coffee with Bernadette and Mike, who in their spare time like to take cruises to Alaska.

The food section has Irish food, really! I was also so excited when I saw the gorgeous, Galway crystal.

The have a huge section of shop for girls only! The store has so much to chose from,it is one stop, something for everyone, all beautiful, plus as mentioned, you will have a truly delightful afternoon.

Take a trip downtown, stop in and tell them you heard about them in Front Porch magazine.

Hanging out on the corner of 725 Caroline Street, since 1986, Bernadette and Mike Esler, owners.

Georgia Strentz is our Gal About Town.

Look for her on her three-wheeler and her companion"Bailey"

Irish Eyes Fine Gift Imports 725 Caroline Street, Downtown http://www.irisheyesofva.com/ 540-3 373-0 0703

front porch fredericksburg

November 2018

31