fxbg you’ve changed

Fredericksburg You’ve Changed...

And I Love It!!

Back around 2003 or so my parents bought a house in a newly developed neighborhood in Falmouth Va, I just called it Stafford.

I was just going into high school and remember not being super stoked on moving there as I was coming from a more populated, Woodbridge Va. I fel the usual, "I'm never gonna see my friends again" or "man, we moved to the country! ??"

After starting school it wasn't long until I made friends and they hipped me to the Downtown Fredericksburg area. I mean it was cool to see OG spots like Carl' s Frozen Custard & Goolrick' s Pharmacy but still there wasn't much for a 14 year old... unless you liked civil war antiques.

But that was then, boy have things changed! Over the years, I have seen the area basically develop before my very eyes. From witnessing friends open up shops to a major hotel chain be constructed right on Caroline St. That is when I knew things were changing for the better.

Now days you can drive into downtown and see the changes almost immediately. From the growth of the Mary Washington's campus [UMW] to the people seen walking around downtown, it's a whole new vibe and I'm here for it!

While I have personally moved from the area my parents still live in that same house. So anytime we come back to visit we make it a point to swing downtown and peep the changes. This most recent trip was a little different as Visit Fred brought me back home to show off the area I grew to love. AKA we lived like tourists in the city I grew up and it was great!!

We started off by checking into the very hotel downtown that changed the landscape, the Courtyard by Marriott. From there we set out for grub...first stop, the food truck turned brick & mortar restaurant, Juan More Taco where my wife and I both got a trio of tacos with matching margaritas. Cause what are tacos w/o margs?!

Of course its not the only spot we ate…there is so much food here now! Other grub from our trip worth mentioning:

Sammy T' s which has been around since the 80's

FoodE- owned by Emmy Award

Winning Top Chef, Joy Crump.

Mason Dixon Cafe- Kelly has a way with food but also a way with turning overlooked spaces into GOLD! Pimenta- A newer Jamaican restaurant flexing their muscles with authentic flavor! Hyperion Espresso- The oldest and one of the best coffee shops in town... and so many more!

With full estomagos, [that's stomachs in Espanol], we dove head first into some serious exploration. You ever live somewhere and drive by places hundreds of times and never go in? Well let's just say that was the theme of this trip! Like the Belmont. The Home and Studio of American Artist Gari Melchers. Or the Hugh Mercer Apothecary Shop, where we leaned about leech bloodletting. One thing I can say I appreciate more as an adult is the history in Fredericksburg. For everywhere you turn it seems there's some type of story. Which is why we chose to hop on Gracie for a guided Trolley Tour!

Let's not forget the Fredericksburg Fairgrounds where for years there have been tons of events, from food truck rallies to the Fredericksburg Jarrell Williams Brewfest. I think my wife and I are the only people to go to a beer fest and sample more pickles from Bad Ass Pickles and nut butters from Sprelly than the beers!

All in all, I'm in love with where Fredericksburg is headed. It's very refreshing to be able to walk down the streets and see such diversity! In the people, the stores and especially the restaurants. Growing up here I just knew the area was destined for greatness it was just slightly untapped is all.

If you are looking for an area full of history, beautiful architecture, incredible and inviting walkability and a wide range of cuisines to choose from [Bavarian, Jamaican, Mexican, Thai, oh my!] then Fredericksburg is a must come see... go Fredericksburg, Go!

Jarrell Williams is the owner of Nomarama is a #LocalLove promotion and event marketing company. He is a self proclaimed "Lover of all things Local" www.nomarama.org/ nomarama.com/blog

“I Have A Friend”

grateful

By Laurie Black

Though 2020 has had its challenges, there is still be much to be grateful for such as the support of a good friend. In 2019, Colleen Pataky became friends with Irma through the Senior Visitors Program. Colleen and Irma quickly found they had much in common and their friendship deepened as they spent time visiting, eating out, attending Mass, shopping, or going to choir concerts.

Colleen saw a Senior Visitors Program flier in the library and was intrigued. She felt she had free time to give and that giving volunteer service to a senior would be a win-win. Colleen says, "Volunteering can benefit anyone who steps up. Volunteering for the Senior Visitors Program can be for anyone of any age, a college student, someone working, or someone who is retired." Many volunteers express that they love the flexibility of volunteering with the Senior Visitors Program since volunteer time is tailored to the schedule of individual volunteers and seniors. However, the benefits of volunteering with the program go far beyond convenience. Colleen explains, "I met Irma's family and she met my family. Now Irma has become like family. It has been a wonderful experience. As my family interacted with Irma, I saw another beautiful side of my 17 year old daughter in the kindness and gentleness she showed Irma." Colleen went on to say, "I enjoy the fact that Irma is gracious and so appreciative of our time together. She has family nearby, but I know it is nice to have someone else to talk to and do things with." Irma agrees, "I enjoy the friendship and time that we share."

In the spring of 2020 when the pandemic hit, Colleen and Irma had to find new ways to continue their friendship. They stayed in touch by telephone. Sometimes Colleen made quick visits and dropped off items on Irma's doorstep. Then in the summer of 2020, Irma suffered an unexpected medical emergency. As Irma recovered, Colleen stayed in touch with Irma's family. Donna, Irma's daughter, says, "It has been a difficult time and my mom has been through a lot, but I saw her light up when she talked about Colleen. She was smiling and joyful when she was able to see Colleen again. I am so grateful for the Senior Visitors Program and for Colleen. I believe that visits from Colleen are therapeutic for my mom and will be an important part of her improvement and recovery."

It is a comfort and an inspiration in challenging times to see the remarkable power of friendship. There are so many simple and positive ways to touch someone's life. In giving a little of ourselves, we can gain a greater sense of community and a greater capacity to find peace and joy.

If you know a senior who could benefit from having a weekly, friendly visit or if you would like to volunteer to visit a senior, call the Senior Visitors Program at (540) 371-2 2704 or visit our website at mhafred.org to download volunteer or senior applications. The Senior Visitors Program is a free community service program of Mental Health America of Fredericksburg.

Laurie Black is the Administrative Assistant for the Senior Visitors Program

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

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

Volunteer training is provided & no special skills are required.

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

Visit mhafred.org or call 540-371-2704

www.donatelifevirginia.org

Notables

CRRL pair receives awards

Simon Watts (above), Youth Services and MakerLab Specialist at Fredericksburg Branch, has received the 2020 George Mason Award. Watts started working at CRRL, first in Customer Services, in 2009. As MakerLab Specialist, he developed programs to make a range of technology and science learning accessible to customers, including an innovative badging program which empowers customers to learn to use equipment without staff supervision. Watts participated in the development of the Fredericksburg Canal Quarter Maker District, and IdeaSpace at 1616 Princess Anne Street, a CRRL media + maker space and anchor project. While the opening of IdeaSpace has been delayed and CRRL branches and MakerLabs are closed due to the pandemic, Watts has shifted his focus to making personal protective equipment for local medical and law enforcement personnel. CRRL has distributed over 2,000 pieces of PPE in 2020. The George Mason Award recognizes individuals who advocate for libraries and contribute to the development, growth, and extension of library and information services in their community.

Craig Graziano (right), Fredericksburg Branch Manager, has been chosen as the winner of the 2020 Donna G. Cote Librarian of the Year Award. Graziano has been a CRRL customer since he was in third grade and Salem Church Branch opened just a mile from his house. After working as a library page during high school, he pursued his Masters in Library Science (MLIS) from the University of Pittsburgh, and returned to the Fredericksburg area to work as a youth services librarian at the then-new England Run (now Howell) Branch. Graziano's career at CRRL has focused on

youth services, MakerLabs, and the arts. His musical interests drove him to create a partnership with Fredericksburg All Ages, a youth-led music and arts nonprofit which uses performance space at Fredericksburg Branch. On July 1, 2020, he assumed the position of Fredericksburg Branch Manager The Donna G. Cote Librarian of the Year Award recognizes exemplary achievement and significant contributions to librarianship. The award is named after Donna Cote, who worked for CRRL for 44 years, and served as Library Director for 34 years. A dedicated public servant and visionary leader, she made access for all her motto and provided cutting-edge technologies and learning opportunities for library customers the driving force of the library's mission.

Sean Bonney is the Community Engagement Manager at Central Rappahonnck Regional Library

Central Rappahannock Regional Library

By sean bonney

(CRRL) is a public library system that serves the city of Fredericksburg and Spotsylvania, Stafford, and Westmoreland counties in Virginia

Outdoor Dining

Become a Member

www.fredericksburgcsa.com

FXBG provides grants to city restaurants

The City of Fredericksburg has started a grant program to help restaurants purchase items needed to extend their outdoor dining season this year.

Due to COVID-19, restaurants have capacity limits, and many customers feel more comfortable dining outside. Many restaurants have responded by expanding their outdoor dining areas, and many have been looking for ways to extend the season as the weather turns colder.

The new program will allow restaurants in the City of Fredericksburg to apply for grants of up to $2,000 each to help purchase equipment needed to extend the outdoor

dining season, principally heaters. All heating devices must be approved by the City Fire Marshal's Office and subsequently purchased by the restaurant before any grant funds will be disbursed.

By Bill Freehling

The $50,000 grant program is funded by a portion of the City's CARES Act allocation. Grants will be made on a first-come, first-served basis until the funds are gone.

The City of Fredericksburg also plans to convert a number of two-hour parking spaces in the downtown commercial district to 15-minute spaces for curbside pickup. More details on this program will be rolled out in the coming weeks.

Photos top left, Farhenheit top right: Vivfy Center: Renato Bill Freehling, Fredericksburg's director of economic development and tourism, lives with his wife, Emily, two children, Abby and Andrew, and cockapoo, Chessie, in downtown Fredericksburg. Bill has been reading The Front Porch cover to cover for his entire 14-year stay in Fredericksburg and plans to continue doing so.

606 Caroline Street Old Town Fredericksburg 373-7847