YOUR GUIDE TO THE LOCAL GOOD LIFE
front porch T H E R E G I O N ' S free C O M M U N I T Y M A G A Z I N E
L o c a l G o o d N e w s S i n c e 1 9 97 YEAR 18 • ISSUE 207 • OCTOBER 2014
Frontporchfredericksburg.com
contents
closeups 6
8
30
30
Primavera it’s like family FXBG Field Trip ....Steve & Nicole’s wedding Bill & Tracy Blevins ....connecting the plant world
porch talk 4
18
Our Heritage: national archives month history’s stories.: history
19
spotlight on 25 30: Bartosh’s great coffee conscious
20
companions: solo healings
21
My own path: work vs play autoknown better: slow down y
22
Senior Care:challenges of an aging workforce
23
Wellness: when is 0% not 0% natural health:
24
Art in the Burg: charles riley
25
scene & heard...in the ‘burg!
26
applause ....for bruce middle poetryman: fall dangler
27
fxbg music: missy raines
28
hollyburg
on the porch...life in fredericksburg Messages
29
homeworks: whole house generator
..5
umw philharmonic opens 44th season
31
.7
downtown buzz
top school in VA named: .....fredericksburg academy
9
VA Wineries... celebrate fall within 60 miles
10
stafford 350: pickle capital of va
12
concert to benefit wounded warriors vino: petite verdot
13
season’s bounty: charleston
14
Cooking with kyle
15
will power: harvest ale
16-17
Calendar of events
providing a window into stained glass arts By Ryan Davis Bluebird Glass Studio has been a fixture at its current location in Stafford County for nearly two decades, but the joy Colleen McElfresh had in pursuing stained glass crafts as a business venture initially began in a shed in her back yard.
11
...And more! 3
8
Colleen McElfresh & Bluebird Glass Studio
Colleen McElfresh.....Bluebird glass studio
11
Henna: body art through a different lens
28
Linda Warshaw’s new book
31
porchlight: so this is retirement
Cover Photo By amy bayne
McElfresh was first introduced to the hobby of stained glass projects by her mother-in-law. At first, discussing the craft was simply a topic they bonded over. Before long though she would try her own hand at it. Stained glass was a new endeavor; working with her hands was not. “My family had always been good at creating: my father was a carpenter; my mother was a special-education teacher who taught students how to do crafts; my sister was an electrical engineer with the
Marines (the first woman to graduate their school), and two brothers, one a carpenter and another was an architect,” McElfresh said. Growing up McElfresh and her siblings had the environment to find out what they were good at and then were encouraged to see it through to completion. “My parents wanted us to pursue something that would enhance our lives,” McElfresh said. Stained glass projects done in her home workshop expanded to supporting craft days in schools, participating in craft shows and eventually teaching classes one-onone with students. Even today, nearly two decades later, McElfresh and Bluebird Glass artists still have a focus on positively impacting the community. Outreach ranges from teaching classes for young and young-at-heart students (ages 3 to 103) who can come into the studio to make glass cookie projects, to supporting programs like SERVE—an initiative sustained by local churches that provides food, life skills and job training for the community. The desire to make an indelible, lasting impression is not only sought out
through community events and classes, but in the quality of the art itself and ultimately the customers who receive it. McElfresh and the other Bluebird Glass artists at Studio have created pieces that represent the wide scope of life:restoring a piece of architectural history by refurbishing stained glass that was set in a 100-year-old door, commemorating military service through sandblasted glass panels, or honoring the life of a customer’s loved one through an individually designed stained glass mural. A key ingredient in creating art that will endure is using quality products. In her line of business, naturally, that is the glass itself. McElfresh has all her stained glass stored in an area of the shop affectionately referred to as “the candy room”. Bluebird mostly carries American made glass from multiple, reputable wholesalers, and each of those companies produces different kinds of glass. “Part of the artistic process is knowing materials well enough to create the effect we want,” McElfresh said. She added that if the stained glass pieces are done well, it lasts hundreds of years.
As McElfresh looks to the future, her goals undoubtedly include growing the business and producing quality pieces, but behind all of that is the underlying desire to continue to bring exposure to stained glass artwork. “Several years ago I got involved with Artful Dimensions in downtown Fredericksburg because I wanted pieces of artwork could be put on display for all 3D artists,” she said. For more information about Bluebird Glass Studio artwork and class offerings visit: www.bluebirdstainedglass.com or call the shop directly at (540) 720-4296. Ryan Davis, a graduate of the University of Mary Washington who has aspirations of becoming a published author, is a welcome addition to the FP family.
Hauntingly Rich in Flavor
Lavishly Presented !
2
October 2014
Front porch fredericksburg
front porch fredericksburg
October 2014
3
contents
closeups 6
8
30
30
Primavera it’s like family FXBG Field Trip ....Steve & Nicole’s wedding Bill & Tracy Blevins ....connecting the plant world
porch talk 4
18
Our Heritage: national archives month history’s stories.: history
19
spotlight on 25 30: Bartosh’s great coffee conscious
20
companions: solo healings
21
My own path: work vs play autoknown better: slow down y
22
Senior Care:challenges of an aging workforce
23
Wellness: when is 0% not 0% natural health:
24
Art in the Burg: charles riley
25
scene & heard...in the ‘burg!
26
applause ....for bruce middle poetryman: fall dangler
27
fxbg music: missy raines
28
hollyburg
on the porch...life in fredericksburg Messages
29
homeworks: whole house generator
..5
umw philharmonic opens 44th season
31
.7
downtown buzz
top school in VA named: .....fredericksburg academy
9
VA Wineries... celebrate fall within 60 miles
10
stafford 350: pickle capital of va
12
concert to benefit wounded warriors vino: petite verdot
13
season’s bounty: charleston
14
Cooking with kyle
15
will power: harvest ale
16-17
Calendar of events
providing a window into stained glass arts By Ryan Davis Bluebird Glass Studio has been a fixture at its current location in Stafford County for nearly two decades, but the joy Colleen McElfresh had in pursuing stained glass crafts as a business venture initially began in a shed in her back yard.
11
...And more! 3
8
Colleen McElfresh & Bluebird Glass Studio
Colleen McElfresh.....Bluebird glass studio
11
Henna: body art through a different lens
28
Linda Warshaw’s new book
31
porchlight: so this is retirement
Cover Photo By amy bayne
McElfresh was first introduced to the hobby of stained glass projects by her mother-in-law. At first, discussing the craft was simply a topic they bonded over. Before long though she would try her own hand at it. Stained glass was a new endeavor; working with her hands was not. “My family had always been good at creating: my father was a carpenter; my mother was a special-education teacher who taught students how to do crafts; my sister was an electrical engineer with the
Marines (the first woman to graduate their school), and two brothers, one a carpenter and another was an architect,” McElfresh said. Growing up McElfresh and her siblings had the environment to find out what they were good at and then were encouraged to see it through to completion. “My parents wanted us to pursue something that would enhance our lives,” McElfresh said. Stained glass projects done in her home workshop expanded to supporting craft days in schools, participating in craft shows and eventually teaching classes one-onone with students. Even today, nearly two decades later, McElfresh and Bluebird Glass artists still have a focus on positively impacting the community. Outreach ranges from teaching classes for young and young-at-heart students (ages 3 to 103) who can come into the studio to make glass cookie projects, to supporting programs like SERVE—an initiative sustained by local churches that provides food, life skills and job training for the community. The desire to make an indelible, lasting impression is not only sought out
through community events and classes, but in the quality of the art itself and ultimately the customers who receive it. McElfresh and the other Bluebird Glass artists at Studio have created pieces that represent the wide scope of life:restoring a piece of architectural history by refurbishing stained glass that was set in a 100-year-old door, commemorating military service through sandblasted glass panels, or honoring the life of a customer’s loved one through an individually designed stained glass mural. A key ingredient in creating art that will endure is using quality products. In her line of business, naturally, that is the glass itself. McElfresh has all her stained glass stored in an area of the shop affectionately referred to as “the candy room”. Bluebird mostly carries American made glass from multiple, reputable wholesalers, and each of those companies produces different kinds of glass. “Part of the artistic process is knowing materials well enough to create the effect we want,” McElfresh said. She added that if the stained glass pieces are done well, it lasts hundreds of years.
As McElfresh looks to the future, her goals undoubtedly include growing the business and producing quality pieces, but behind all of that is the underlying desire to continue to bring exposure to stained glass artwork. “Several years ago I got involved with Artful Dimensions in downtown Fredericksburg because I wanted pieces of artwork could be put on display for all 3D artists,” she said. For more information about Bluebird Glass Studio artwork and class offerings visit: www.bluebirdstainedglass.com or call the shop directly at (540) 720-4296. Ryan Davis, a graduate of the University of Mary Washington who has aspirations of becoming a published author, is a welcome addition to the FP family.
Hauntingly Rich in Flavor
Lavishly Presented !
2
October 2014
Front porch fredericksburg
front porch fredericksburg
October 2014
3
C. Ruth Cassell
Guest Porch Page Editor
Contributing Writers & Artists Mike Appleton Nancy Bauer A.E.Bayne Kevin Bartram Megan Byrnes C.Ruth Cassell Ashleigh Chevalier Rick Collier Ryan Davis Jill Deming Arch Di Peppe Frank Fratoe Christina Ferber Joan Geisler Anne Glave Ralph “Tuffy” Hicks Beth Hunsinger Lori Izykowski Karl Karch David Kerr Wendy LaRue Susan Ujka Larson William Loring Jo Loving Vanessa Moncure Gary Olsen Myandi Peterson M.L.Powers John Reifenberg Scott Richards James Kyle Snyder Jeremy Sutton Rim Vining Christine Thompson Suzy Woollam
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 are welcome to request Writer’s Guidelines and query the Editor by e-mail. Front Porch Fredericksburg PO Box 9203 Fredericksburg, VA 22403 Ad Sales: E-Mail: frntprch@aol.com Web Site: www.frontporchfredericksburg.com 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 2014 Olde Towne Publishing Co. All rights reserved.
ON THE PORCH bonded by community
October 2014
Bernstein Tribute Narrated by Daughter jamie By dr. kevin bartram
BY c. ruth cassell I grew up in Fredericksburg. Not literally as in went to elementary school and passed summers by the river. Literally as in made my first big life mistakes, found the first job I loved and hated simultaneously, met lifelong friends, and realized I was rarely if ever (ok never) in control of my journey. Fredericksburg is no longer my home, though it absolutely has residence in my heart. Having returned to the town of my birth, Roanoke, Va., four years ago, I still sometimes think Hyperion before I say Mill Mountain when deciding on a coffee shop to meet friends. I pine for Wegman’s and Costco, which Roanoke has yet to acquire. I wish I could watch my friends’ children grow, the friends I met in the transitional time as I became a mother. I met friends travelling paths parallel to mine, unexpected fellow journeyers, in the historical halls of Fredericksburg. Either in the courtyard of Chandler Hall, since razed to make way for continued growth of University of Mary Washington (MDubC to those of us who graduated when it was still the College), or right here on the pages of Front Porch Fredericksburg. The first regular column I submitted to Front Porch was “Women of Note.” As a self-declared gender studies major, I found a plethora of talented female musicians willing to discuss social issues. Gaye Adegbalola of The Uppity Blues Women gave me a most memorable interview. I had no idea at the time what a big deal she was. What a big deal she is! It was my sophomore year in college, and I reported for the college’s newspaper The Bullet, also now entering the history books to be replaced by a more
modern name. I later became the Features Editor and the experience led me to my first, though short-lived career as a reporter and editor of The Caroline Progress in Caroline County south of Fredericksburg. The opportunity created by Rob Grogan and his lovely wife Virginia for young writers and big dreamers like me to explore the craft and reach out into the community began and continues as a friendship. I met Rob when we both worked at Bistro 309, ultimately Bistro Bethem. We bonded over frenetic Friday nights and dish pit duty. The Grogans hosted my first wedding at Bending Forest, and we sat in the same lawn sharing tears as I told them the marriage was over. Virginia, Alexis and Virginia May trekked to Roanoke to witness the exchange of vows between my new husband and I this summer. I’ve shared a lot with Fredericksburg. Finding ways to reach across the miles made easier by the communal space on the pages of this magazine. We mourned together when we lost Rob to his brutal battle with cancer. You’ve read as I’ve stumbled along the path of self discovery each of us must travel if we are to become resonant adults. Bonded by a love of community, our common experience supersedes a geographic area. I pour my love into the beautiful town I call home, nestled in the Blue Ridge Mountains. Like Fredericksburg, Roanoke teems with new life, rebirth and regrowth. Nurtured and
messages
Hello Front Porch: I appreciate Amy Bayne’s “Personal Histories,” for her insights on the journey of life and for her highlights on the special experiences that she has had in Fredericksburg. 30 years ago, on the eve of a sophisticated career that I had no doubt would occur, an injury pulled the carpet from under my life, consequently I applied myself in other ways. I would have found plan A easier, but not necessarily better. As Ms. Bayne so aptly wrote, “Whether those adventures go as planned is not always up to us, and where they take us is what makes life worthwhile.”
Hi, Virginia! Thank you so much for such a good article.(Hyperion Celebrates 20th Anniversary, Sept. 2014) We’ve had great feed back from it. It was very comforting to have Ryan and you be so accommodating and to have such a positive result. Dan and I really appreciate. Thank you. Ana Brugos, Fredericksburg
4
UMW Philharmonic Opens 44th Season
Front porch fredericksburg
Dr. Bartram and the UMW Philharmonic staff had their work cut out for them as they began planning their 2014-15 season. How to top last year’s guest artist, Itzhak Perlman? Their solution is creative and bold: Keep the Celebrity Series profile high, but elevate the other concerts as well. The
Philharmonic’s 44th season, “Tribute to the Masters,” will feature not one but four concerts that are unique and groundbreaking. The season opens on Saturday, Oct. 18, with a spectacular program, “A Tribute to Leonard Bernstein,” narrated by the Maestro’s daughter,
Lexi Grogan’s Pet Sitting Service inspired by its people, we celebrate the vibrant arts, culture and local foods community, and our welcoming front porches, where I can sit and reconnect with friends as I read the Front Porch, cover to cover.
C. Ruth Cassell continues to write for the Front Porch in a monthly column My Own Path” and explores a life focused on mindfulness of moment and reflection of self. She blogs at www.attentionanonymous.wordpress.com and is in the midst of an effort to reinvigorate the blog as part of a Masters program.
I also greatly appreciated Kim Lett’s article, for allowing me to vicariously experience her trip to Helen Keller’s home, and her advocacy for and knowledge of persons with disabilities. Thank you for a publication which I haven’t managed to read in too long, due to personal demands. I’ve had the good fortune of reacquainting myself, on an especially good month.
“Your pet becomes my pet while in my care, and I care a lot!” - Lexi (540-903-0437; lexig0892@gmail.com) On facebook as “lexi grogan’s pet sitting service” Prices: Dogs - $15 per canine per visit Cats - $12 per feline per visit
Better value, more love for your pet than if you kennel board him!
Jamie Bernstein (pronounced ‘BURNstine). Considered one of the most influential American musicians of the 20th century, Leonard Bernstein wrote music for the concert stage as well as for Broadway. Jamie and Dr. Bartram (who was influenced to become a conductor by Leonard Bernstein himself), crafted this unique tribute show especially for the Philharmonic Orchestra and their guests. Bartram and Jamie decided to segment the show according to the genres of music Bernstein created during his career. That way, the Philharmonic can offer some of his best-known works alongside some of his lesser-known gems. Jamie will provide details about how her dad wrote the score, and add other personal anecdotes. The segment titled “For the cinema” features Bernstein’s mammoth score to “On the Waterfront.” The 1954 classic, starring Marlon Brando, was ranked #8 on the list of all-time great films by the American Film Institute, and became Bernstein’s only film score not adapted from a stage play. The Philharmonic will perform the original score, which is rarely heard today because most of the music was cut by film director, Elia Kazan. Another segment, “For the Opera”, includes his “Overture to Candide” and the song, “Make our Garden Grow.” “Simple Song” from “Mass” is a beautiful addition to the “For religion” segment. The work was written for the opening of the Kennedy Center in 1971. While Bernstein’s contributions to music were immense, he is best remembered for his Broadway scores. In the segment, “For Broadway”, the Philharmonic will perform the original scores to both “Fancy Free” and “On the Town”, and conclude with “West Side Story.”
ROXBURY F
ARM
MAIN: (540) 373-9124 NURSERY: (540) 371-8802
Originally written in 1944 for Broadway, “On the Town” was adapted for the big screen in 1949 starring Frank Sinatra (whose music will be featured by the Philharmonic’s Celebrity Series artist, Michael Feinstein, in March) and Gene Kelly. “On the Town” and “Fancy Free” are forever linked by the little-known fact that the former was based on the latter. The Jerome Robbins ballet, “Fancy Free”, with music from Bernstein, was turned into the musical, “On the Town.” For a special bonus, Friends of the Philharmonic donors will receive a preperformance lecture by Ms. Bernstein. To become a Friend of the Philharmonic or to purchase tickets, go online to philharmonic.umw.edu or call 540-6541324. Tickets for start at $15. The VIP tickets include a meet and greet with Jamie following the show. Dr. Kevin Bartram is the conductor of the UMW Philharmonic Orchestra.
& GARDEN CENTER
Since 1929
601 LAFAYETTE BLVD
roxburyfarmgarden.com
We have all your gardening needs! Come Shop With Us
John Maxon, Fredericksburg
front porch fredericksburg
October 2014
5
C. Ruth Cassell
Guest Porch Page Editor
Contributing Writers & Artists Mike Appleton Nancy Bauer A.E.Bayne Kevin Bartram Megan Byrnes C.Ruth Cassell Ashleigh Chevalier Rick Collier Ryan Davis Jill Deming Arch Di Peppe Frank Fratoe Christina Ferber Joan Geisler Anne Glave Ralph “Tuffy” Hicks Beth Hunsinger Lori Izykowski Karl Karch David Kerr Wendy LaRue Susan Ujka Larson William Loring Jo Loving Vanessa Moncure Gary Olsen Myandi Peterson M.L.Powers John Reifenberg Scott Richards James Kyle Snyder Jeremy Sutton Rim Vining Christine Thompson Suzy Woollam
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 are welcome to request Writer’s Guidelines and query the Editor by e-mail. Front Porch Fredericksburg PO Box 9203 Fredericksburg, VA 22403 Ad Sales: E-Mail: frntprch@aol.com Web Site: www.frontporchfredericksburg.com 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 2014 Olde Towne Publishing Co. All rights reserved.
ON THE PORCH bonded by community
October 2014
Bernstein Tribute Narrated by Daughter jamie By dr. kevin bartram
BY c. ruth cassell I grew up in Fredericksburg. Not literally as in went to elementary school and passed summers by the river. Literally as in made my first big life mistakes, found the first job I loved and hated simultaneously, met lifelong friends, and realized I was rarely if ever (ok never) in control of my journey. Fredericksburg is no longer my home, though it absolutely has residence in my heart. Having returned to the town of my birth, Roanoke, Va., four years ago, I still sometimes think Hyperion before I say Mill Mountain when deciding on a coffee shop to meet friends. I pine for Wegman’s and Costco, which Roanoke has yet to acquire. I wish I could watch my friends’ children grow, the friends I met in the transitional time as I became a mother. I met friends travelling paths parallel to mine, unexpected fellow journeyers, in the historical halls of Fredericksburg. Either in the courtyard of Chandler Hall, since razed to make way for continued growth of University of Mary Washington (MDubC to those of us who graduated when it was still the College), or right here on the pages of Front Porch Fredericksburg. The first regular column I submitted to Front Porch was “Women of Note.” As a self-declared gender studies major, I found a plethora of talented female musicians willing to discuss social issues. Gaye Adegbalola of The Uppity Blues Women gave me a most memorable interview. I had no idea at the time what a big deal she was. What a big deal she is! It was my sophomore year in college, and I reported for the college’s newspaper The Bullet, also now entering the history books to be replaced by a more
modern name. I later became the Features Editor and the experience led me to my first, though short-lived career as a reporter and editor of The Caroline Progress in Caroline County south of Fredericksburg. The opportunity created by Rob Grogan and his lovely wife Virginia for young writers and big dreamers like me to explore the craft and reach out into the community began and continues as a friendship. I met Rob when we both worked at Bistro 309, ultimately Bistro Bethem. We bonded over frenetic Friday nights and dish pit duty. The Grogans hosted my first wedding at Bending Forest, and we sat in the same lawn sharing tears as I told them the marriage was over. Virginia, Alexis and Virginia May trekked to Roanoke to witness the exchange of vows between my new husband and I this summer. I’ve shared a lot with Fredericksburg. Finding ways to reach across the miles made easier by the communal space on the pages of this magazine. We mourned together when we lost Rob to his brutal battle with cancer. You’ve read as I’ve stumbled along the path of self discovery each of us must travel if we are to become resonant adults. Bonded by a love of community, our common experience supersedes a geographic area. I pour my love into the beautiful town I call home, nestled in the Blue Ridge Mountains. Like Fredericksburg, Roanoke teems with new life, rebirth and regrowth. Nurtured and
messages
Hello Front Porch: I appreciate Amy Bayne’s “Personal Histories,” for her insights on the journey of life and for her highlights on the special experiences that she has had in Fredericksburg. 30 years ago, on the eve of a sophisticated career that I had no doubt would occur, an injury pulled the carpet from under my life, consequently I applied myself in other ways. I would have found plan A easier, but not necessarily better. As Ms. Bayne so aptly wrote, “Whether those adventures go as planned is not always up to us, and where they take us is what makes life worthwhile.”
Hi, Virginia! Thank you so much for such a good article.(Hyperion Celebrates 20th Anniversary, Sept. 2014) We’ve had great feed back from it. It was very comforting to have Ryan and you be so accommodating and to have such a positive result. Dan and I really appreciate. Thank you. Ana Brugos, Fredericksburg
4
UMW Philharmonic Opens 44th Season
Front porch fredericksburg
Dr. Bartram and the UMW Philharmonic staff had their work cut out for them as they began planning their 2014-15 season. How to top last year’s guest artist, Itzhak Perlman? Their solution is creative and bold: Keep the Celebrity Series profile high, but elevate the other concerts as well. The
Philharmonic’s 44th season, “Tribute to the Masters,” will feature not one but four concerts that are unique and groundbreaking. The season opens on Saturday, Oct. 18, with a spectacular program, “A Tribute to Leonard Bernstein,” narrated by the Maestro’s daughter,
Lexi Grogan’s Pet Sitting Service inspired by its people, we celebrate the vibrant arts, culture and local foods community, and our welcoming front porches, where I can sit and reconnect with friends as I read the Front Porch, cover to cover.
C. Ruth Cassell continues to write for the Front Porch in a monthly column My Own Path” and explores a life focused on mindfulness of moment and reflection of self. She blogs at www.attentionanonymous.wordpress.com and is in the midst of an effort to reinvigorate the blog as part of a Masters program.
I also greatly appreciated Kim Lett’s article, for allowing me to vicariously experience her trip to Helen Keller’s home, and her advocacy for and knowledge of persons with disabilities. Thank you for a publication which I haven’t managed to read in too long, due to personal demands. I’ve had the good fortune of reacquainting myself, on an especially good month.
“Your pet becomes my pet while in my care, and I care a lot!” - Lexi (540-903-0437; lexig0892@gmail.com) On facebook as “lexi grogan’s pet sitting service” Prices: Dogs - $15 per canine per visit Cats - $12 per feline per visit
Better value, more love for your pet than if you kennel board him!
Jamie Bernstein (pronounced ‘BURNstine). Considered one of the most influential American musicians of the 20th century, Leonard Bernstein wrote music for the concert stage as well as for Broadway. Jamie and Dr. Bartram (who was influenced to become a conductor by Leonard Bernstein himself), crafted this unique tribute show especially for the Philharmonic Orchestra and their guests. Bartram and Jamie decided to segment the show according to the genres of music Bernstein created during his career. That way, the Philharmonic can offer some of his best-known works alongside some of his lesser-known gems. Jamie will provide details about how her dad wrote the score, and add other personal anecdotes. The segment titled “For the cinema” features Bernstein’s mammoth score to “On the Waterfront.” The 1954 classic, starring Marlon Brando, was ranked #8 on the list of all-time great films by the American Film Institute, and became Bernstein’s only film score not adapted from a stage play. The Philharmonic will perform the original score, which is rarely heard today because most of the music was cut by film director, Elia Kazan. Another segment, “For the Opera”, includes his “Overture to Candide” and the song, “Make our Garden Grow.” “Simple Song” from “Mass” is a beautiful addition to the “For religion” segment. The work was written for the opening of the Kennedy Center in 1971. While Bernstein’s contributions to music were immense, he is best remembered for his Broadway scores. In the segment, “For Broadway”, the Philharmonic will perform the original scores to both “Fancy Free” and “On the Town”, and conclude with “West Side Story.”
ROXBURY F
ARM
MAIN: (540) 373-9124 NURSERY: (540) 371-8802
Originally written in 1944 for Broadway, “On the Town” was adapted for the big screen in 1949 starring Frank Sinatra (whose music will be featured by the Philharmonic’s Celebrity Series artist, Michael Feinstein, in March) and Gene Kelly. “On the Town” and “Fancy Free” are forever linked by the little-known fact that the former was based on the latter. The Jerome Robbins ballet, “Fancy Free”, with music from Bernstein, was turned into the musical, “On the Town.” For a special bonus, Friends of the Philharmonic donors will receive a preperformance lecture by Ms. Bernstein. To become a Friend of the Philharmonic or to purchase tickets, go online to philharmonic.umw.edu or call 540-6541324. Tickets for start at $15. The VIP tickets include a meet and greet with Jamie following the show. Dr. Kevin Bartram is the conductor of the UMW Philharmonic Orchestra.
& GARDEN CENTER
Since 1929
601 LAFAYETTE BLVD
roxburyfarmgarden.com
We have all your gardening needs! Come Shop With Us
John Maxon, Fredericksburg
front porch fredericksburg
October 2014
5
Primavera:
Downtown Buzz
it’s like family
what’s coming up
By a.e. bayne On the corner of William and Liberty Streets sits a restaurant with a humble facade, but walk through its green wooden doors and you’ll find yourself awash in conversation, laughter, and community. It’s a pizza joint, a neighborhood joint, a family joint. It’s a place for birthdays and graduations, for lunch hours and Friday night take-out on your way home to the kids. For the past eight years, Primavera has earned a wordof-mouth reputation that makes it one of the city’s culinary success stories. With many years of experience in the food service industry between them, owners Rami Hamrouni, Sami Brahem, and Sami Bchini decided on a Greek/Italian theme when they opened Primavera because it seemed to be a favorite among customers. Hamrouni says that starting up was tough, but an article in the Free Lance-Star and word-of-mouth recommendations carried them through the early lean years. He explains, “We all liked Fredericksburg and it was a good way to invest in the town. Good service and quality food are most important to us. We try to stay consistent, and I keep my eye on everything. No box or plate will leave the kitchen without me looking over it. They
call me OCD back there, you know.” Customers notice the attention to detail, just ask John Picariello of Old Town Enterprises, “I’ve been Italian my whole life, and they make it like my mother makes it. Nobody cooks like my mother - except my wife - make sure you write that down.” Picariello says that he’s toured the kitchen at Primavera and was impressed that everything is fresh, including the sauces, chopped toppings, and the pizza dough. He says, “I tell all my friends, if you want authentic Italian food that’s fresh and reasonably priced, it’s the place to go.” And the pizza! Oh, the pizza! Not only do they offer a buy one get one free deal, but according to regular Clark Henshaw, “It’s the best pizza in Fredericksburg. I’ll tell you something, I’m a meat lover. If I made the perfect pizza I’d put one of every animal on it, but they’ve got the best meatless pizzas that I have ever eaten. We generally get something there every weekend, and my wife Nancy has lunch there about twice a week.” With full disclosure, I have to admit that Primavera is a favorite with my family, as well. In fact, my mother, Micki
By anne glave
Rami Hamrouni checks on the Platt family as they enjoy their first Primavera pizza. Bayne, has been a regular since opening day. She explains, “My mother and I started going there every day because we liked everything about it: the food, friendly service, and prices that didn’t break the bank. Then Mother developed increasing dementia, but she still remembered Primavera and wanted to go there for lunch to see everyone. I keep going for the food, but also because I love the owners and staff, plus it is nice to see all the other regulars. It’s like family.” Christine Vellenga has waitressed at Primavera for the past four years and says working for Rami is as good as it gets. She says, “He’s smart, efficient, and able to keep an eye on everything all at once. Rami’s generous and funny, and for me that’s crucial. When you get busy with a hundred things going on, you’re able to
just laugh a little bit and it’s all fine.” She finds herself eager to go to work, even after teaching full days during the week, “There’s something about interacting with your customers that’s pure enjoyment, because no one has to go out to eat. It’s a chance to make people feel cared for, and I love that.” Hamrouni says of Primavera’s customers, “Any chance I can, I come out and say hello and hug people. I appreciate them, always. That’s the whole point; you know what I’m saying? They keep coming back, and that means I’m doing my job.” A.E. Bayne is a teacher, writer, and artist who lives in Fredericksburg and frequently enjoys meals with friends and family at Primavera. photo by A.E.Bayne
Your downtown source for all Vera Bradley items
606 Caroline Street Old Town Fredericksburg
Fall has arrived signaling the Holidays will soon be here! Fredericksburg Main Street is bustling like Santa’s elves! Our Holiday Open House Weekend is coming up on November 7 and 8, that announces that the Holidays have arrived Downtown. Open Late Fridays and Small Business Saturday campaigns are two new ways that Main Street is partnering with Downtown businesses. For the seven Fridays prior to Christmas, businesses are being encouraged to be Open Late to at least 8pm. Look for flags to indicate participating shops. On Small Business Saturday on November 29, “Early Bird Specials” will be offered from 8am to 10am by Downtown businesses. To encourage “early birds,” free coffee and pastries will be offered at 8am at two downtown locations by the Economic Development & Tourism Office.
Special a c t i v i t i e s encouraging visitors to experience D o w n t o w n during the Holiday countdown include Santa Strolls, George Washington Young Friends and the Civil War Civilians of Spotsylvania (history interpreters). Visitors can experience a sample of Downtown’s history with free admission at Hugh Mercer Apothecary Shop on Friday, November 7 from 5pm to 8pm; Rising Sun Tavern on Friday, December 5 from 6pm to 8:30pm; James Monroe Museum on Saturday, December 6 from 3pm to 5:30pm; and the Fredericksburg Area Museum & Cultural Center’s McKann Building on December 12 from 5pm to 8pm. It’s exciting to see the Community come together to promote Downtown and our unique historic area. Experience Fredericksburg Downtown Gift Cards are coming soon! Main Street is pleased to offer this new option to shoppers. With help from the Economic Development Authority, Main Street will begin selling the gift cards in
November at the First Friday and Holiday Open House Weekend. Watch for a special promotion announcement coming in November. A social media component, “Elfie Selfie,” has been added to the favorite Window Wonderland program coordinated by the Economic Development & Tourism office and media partner, Free Lance Star. One $100 gift card will be awarded randomly for 7 weeks to encourage repeat visits Downtown. Tweet or post your Elfie Selfie pictures on Fredericksburg Downtown Facebook. This is Main Street’s first venture in social engagement. Ribbon cuttings are on the rise with new businesses locating in Downtown. October 3 is the grand openings of Bourbon Street Studio of 620 Caroline Street at 5:30pm followed by Peacaloo Boutique at 614 Caroline Street right after at 6:15pm. October 11 welcomes Alan Furs and Bash Boutique at 804 Caroline Street at 6:30pm with a red carpet fashion walk. A big thank you goes to these Main Street volunteers who have helped to develop exciting marketing ideas for the Heather Downtown Holiday season:
Stapleton, Penny Parrish, David Frazier, Bob Whittingham, Heidi DiEugenio, Susan Larson, Kathleen Owens, Jael Cooper, Julie Perry, Sheryl Bryant, Eileen Boyd, Risa Ryan, along with the cooperation of the Department of Economic Development & Tourism and the Economic Development Authority. Our Holiday Open House Weekend, special shopping promotions, free admission to historic sites, and “Elfie Selfie” contest are just the beginning of your exciting holiday experience in Fredericksburg! Look for more details coming soon!
Ann Glave is the Executive Director, of the Fredericksburg Main Street organization. Previous store owner of glave & company, she’s excited to be involved with an organization that represents the whole of Downtown. www.fredericksburgmainstreet.org 540-479-1595.
Private Security Investigations Services Employment Verification Background Checks Certified Process Servers
373-7847 www.gemstonecreations.org Tuesday - Saturday 10-5 Wednesday 10-6:30
Justice Cucci 540-324-6265 www.cops-pi.com
Where Fredericksburg Gets Engaged 6
October 2014
Front porch fredericksburg
front porch fredericksburg
October 2014
7
Primavera:
Downtown Buzz
it’s like family
what’s coming up
By a.e. bayne On the corner of William and Liberty Streets sits a restaurant with a humble facade, but walk through its green wooden doors and you’ll find yourself awash in conversation, laughter, and community. It’s a pizza joint, a neighborhood joint, a family joint. It’s a place for birthdays and graduations, for lunch hours and Friday night take-out on your way home to the kids. For the past eight years, Primavera has earned a wordof-mouth reputation that makes it one of the city’s culinary success stories. With many years of experience in the food service industry between them, owners Rami Hamrouni, Sami Brahem, and Sami Bchini decided on a Greek/Italian theme when they opened Primavera because it seemed to be a favorite among customers. Hamrouni says that starting up was tough, but an article in the Free Lance-Star and word-of-mouth recommendations carried them through the early lean years. He explains, “We all liked Fredericksburg and it was a good way to invest in the town. Good service and quality food are most important to us. We try to stay consistent, and I keep my eye on everything. No box or plate will leave the kitchen without me looking over it. They
call me OCD back there, you know.” Customers notice the attention to detail, just ask John Picariello of Old Town Enterprises, “I’ve been Italian my whole life, and they make it like my mother makes it. Nobody cooks like my mother - except my wife - make sure you write that down.” Picariello says that he’s toured the kitchen at Primavera and was impressed that everything is fresh, including the sauces, chopped toppings, and the pizza dough. He says, “I tell all my friends, if you want authentic Italian food that’s fresh and reasonably priced, it’s the place to go.” And the pizza! Oh, the pizza! Not only do they offer a buy one get one free deal, but according to regular Clark Henshaw, “It’s the best pizza in Fredericksburg. I’ll tell you something, I’m a meat lover. If I made the perfect pizza I’d put one of every animal on it, but they’ve got the best meatless pizzas that I have ever eaten. We generally get something there every weekend, and my wife Nancy has lunch there about twice a week.” With full disclosure, I have to admit that Primavera is a favorite with my family, as well. In fact, my mother, Micki
By anne glave
Rami Hamrouni checks on the Platt family as they enjoy their first Primavera pizza. Bayne, has been a regular since opening day. She explains, “My mother and I started going there every day because we liked everything about it: the food, friendly service, and prices that didn’t break the bank. Then Mother developed increasing dementia, but she still remembered Primavera and wanted to go there for lunch to see everyone. I keep going for the food, but also because I love the owners and staff, plus it is nice to see all the other regulars. It’s like family.” Christine Vellenga has waitressed at Primavera for the past four years and says working for Rami is as good as it gets. She says, “He’s smart, efficient, and able to keep an eye on everything all at once. Rami’s generous and funny, and for me that’s crucial. When you get busy with a hundred things going on, you’re able to
just laugh a little bit and it’s all fine.” She finds herself eager to go to work, even after teaching full days during the week, “There’s something about interacting with your customers that’s pure enjoyment, because no one has to go out to eat. It’s a chance to make people feel cared for, and I love that.” Hamrouni says of Primavera’s customers, “Any chance I can, I come out and say hello and hug people. I appreciate them, always. That’s the whole point; you know what I’m saying? They keep coming back, and that means I’m doing my job.” A.E. Bayne is a teacher, writer, and artist who lives in Fredericksburg and frequently enjoys meals with friends and family at Primavera. photo by A.E.Bayne
Your downtown source for all Vera Bradley items
606 Caroline Street Old Town Fredericksburg
Fall has arrived signaling the Holidays will soon be here! Fredericksburg Main Street is bustling like Santa’s elves! Our Holiday Open House Weekend is coming up on November 7 and 8, that announces that the Holidays have arrived Downtown. Open Late Fridays and Small Business Saturday campaigns are two new ways that Main Street is partnering with Downtown businesses. For the seven Fridays prior to Christmas, businesses are being encouraged to be Open Late to at least 8pm. Look for flags to indicate participating shops. On Small Business Saturday on November 29, “Early Bird Specials” will be offered from 8am to 10am by Downtown businesses. To encourage “early birds,” free coffee and pastries will be offered at 8am at two downtown locations by the Economic Development & Tourism Office.
Special a c t i v i t i e s encouraging visitors to experience D o w n t o w n during the Holiday countdown include Santa Strolls, George Washington Young Friends and the Civil War Civilians of Spotsylvania (history interpreters). Visitors can experience a sample of Downtown’s history with free admission at Hugh Mercer Apothecary Shop on Friday, November 7 from 5pm to 8pm; Rising Sun Tavern on Friday, December 5 from 6pm to 8:30pm; James Monroe Museum on Saturday, December 6 from 3pm to 5:30pm; and the Fredericksburg Area Museum & Cultural Center’s McKann Building on December 12 from 5pm to 8pm. It’s exciting to see the Community come together to promote Downtown and our unique historic area. Experience Fredericksburg Downtown Gift Cards are coming soon! Main Street is pleased to offer this new option to shoppers. With help from the Economic Development Authority, Main Street will begin selling the gift cards in
November at the First Friday and Holiday Open House Weekend. Watch for a special promotion announcement coming in November. A social media component, “Elfie Selfie,” has been added to the favorite Window Wonderland program coordinated by the Economic Development & Tourism office and media partner, Free Lance Star. One $100 gift card will be awarded randomly for 7 weeks to encourage repeat visits Downtown. Tweet or post your Elfie Selfie pictures on Fredericksburg Downtown Facebook. This is Main Street’s first venture in social engagement. Ribbon cuttings are on the rise with new businesses locating in Downtown. October 3 is the grand openings of Bourbon Street Studio of 620 Caroline Street at 5:30pm followed by Peacaloo Boutique at 614 Caroline Street right after at 6:15pm. October 11 welcomes Alan Furs and Bash Boutique at 804 Caroline Street at 6:30pm with a red carpet fashion walk. A big thank you goes to these Main Street volunteers who have helped to develop exciting marketing ideas for the Heather Downtown Holiday season:
Stapleton, Penny Parrish, David Frazier, Bob Whittingham, Heidi DiEugenio, Susan Larson, Kathleen Owens, Jael Cooper, Julie Perry, Sheryl Bryant, Eileen Boyd, Risa Ryan, along with the cooperation of the Department of Economic Development & Tourism and the Economic Development Authority. Our Holiday Open House Weekend, special shopping promotions, free admission to historic sites, and “Elfie Selfie” contest are just the beginning of your exciting holiday experience in Fredericksburg! Look for more details coming soon!
Ann Glave is the Executive Director, of the Fredericksburg Main Street organization. Previous store owner of glave & company, she’s excited to be involved with an organization that represents the whole of Downtown. www.fredericksburgmainstreet.org 540-479-1595.
Private Security Investigations Services Employment Verification Background Checks Certified Process Servers
373-7847 www.gemstonecreations.org Tuesday - Saturday 10-5 Wednesday 10-6:30
Justice Cucci 540-324-6265 www.cops-pi.com
Where Fredericksburg Gets Engaged 6
October 2014
Front porch fredericksburg
front porch fredericksburg
October 2014
7
FXBG Field Trip Steve and Nicole’s beach wedding
VA. WINE MONTH find your reason to celebrate fall, all within 60 miles by nancy bauer
By Jeremy Sutton
When we came over to the wellappointed house on the Currituck sound in Duck, NC the day before the wedding for a dry run at the ceremony, emotions were scattered and diverse. Some folks were plainly in low gear: this WAS the beach after all, and this was a much deserved and all-too-rare vacation. Some were working diligently on their appointed tasks, losing themselves in the comfort of focus, there’s a lot to be said for the “head down, hands busy” school of meditation. Envelopes were being labeled and sealed, seafood stock roiled, lawn chairs and tables were at the ready for set up, a beautiful lawn was being transformed into a celebration hall for the next day’s nuptials. Some were caught in the middle, both removed from the fray physically yet deeply invested emotionally. These were their children, and that fact had never been more true nor more in jeopardy as they all prepared to both welcome new members to the group and give a little away from the original crew as well. Emotionally it was all kind of a big mess, really, and therefore just like any other wedding that’s ever been on Earth ever anywhere. But while the preamble to the party might have been completely par, the wedding of Nicole Sullivan and Steve Cameli on September 6th, 2014 was an extra special gathering for not just their friends and family, but downtown Fredericksburg as a community. There was a real feeling of “Fredericksburg field trip” to the whole shebang, with a wonderful smattering of long-time community members like Barbera and Jack Miller, Jack Morrison, Steve Hubble, Emmett and Ellen Snead, Stony Pickett and his family. Those of us who’ve been here long enough to call it home but
8
October 2014
maybe still waiting for that “lifer” button were represented too by Steve’s business partner (and his now fiancé) Paul Stoddard and Emma Chayefsky along with couples galore: Meghan and EZ, Jay and Matt, Jon and Rosie and Jason and Erica, who’ll come back to the these barrier islands in a year for a wedding of their own. It was warm and beautiful and striking to see about 50 years of Fredericksburg’s social tapestry draped on tables under the tent and out on the dance floor that night.
Brought out of its background and put together here on these shores put this community in sharp relief. It allows one to see just what a strong glue this town provides. It is rare and precious today to be able to call such a community ours, and to be able to rely on it so dependably for all that is truly important out there: support, friendship, family and love. We all wish Steve and Nicole the best, and are glad to be able to call them part of Fredericksburg. Jeremy Sutton is glad he wasn't Steve and Nicole's first choice as officiant (Rob Grogan was), as he would have to seriously question their values. But was honored nonetheless to participate, and carry on a special mantle.
Front porch fredericksburg
You’ll be relieved to know that October is Virginia Wine Month. Squeezed in between Piano Month (September) and World Vegan Month (November), Virginia Wine Month sounds genuinely Bacchanalian by comparison. Which is appropriate, considering all the celebrating that happens in October. In the fall, we celebrate harvest, and the safe gathering of life-giving plants and crops, such as Cabernet Sauvignon and Chardonnay. And, also, we celebrate winery festivals that allow kids. And
Starbucks’ Pumpkin Spice Latte, for diversity. Here, to help you celebrate Virginia Wine Month in your own way, are a few of our favorite things coming up in wine country, all within a 60-mile drive of Fredericksburg. There is much to be thankful for, at this time of year, and we’re thankful for whoever came up with October as Virginia Wine Month. BEST VIEWS ON A FALL AFTERNOON You don’t have to head all the way over to Skyline Drive for dramatic fall vistas; DuCard Vineyards in Etlan and Old House Vineyards in Culpeper boast framed, jewel-box views that rival any in the state. BEST FOR A WARM WELCOME In general, wineries tend to be pretty happy places. There are some, though, where the owners are so welcoming you may find yourself exchanging Christmas cards and baby pictures. Our friendly favorites: Rogers Ford in Remington, the new Chateau MerrillAnne in Orange, and Mattaponi in Spotsylvania. BEST EVENTS FOR WELCOMING THE FALL As the chill slides down the Blue Ridge Mountains, the energy in wine country amps up with harvest festivals, grape stomping, and the last few outdoor concerts before winter’s curtain descends. We love the sound of these: Scoot down to Early Mountain Vineyards in Madison for Sippin’ into Sunset, every Friday, 6-8PM. Live music, local foods, mountain views. Bring the kids and the dogs to Fall Family Fun Day at DuCard Vineyards in Etlan. October 4, 12-6PM. Lawn games, live music, kid-friendly food. Taste the newly fermented 2014’s at Autumn Hill Vineyards’ Fall Barrel Tasting, in Stanardsville. Find out why Autumn Hill’s battle cry is “No Sweet Wines!” October 19, 12-5PM. Vertical tastings of vintage Cabernet Sauvignon, cellar tours, homemade soup. Find a new friend at Keswick Vineyards’ Yappy Hours in Keswick, where local animal shelters bring puppies for adoption. Most Sundays, 12-3PM, including the Yappy Howl-O-Ween costume contest on October 26. BEST NEW WINERY EXPERIENCE Better site selection, vineyard skill, and winemaker education are coming together for more consistently high quality wines in Virginia. And here’s a bonus for this fall: there are still some
2010 reds available, even as the 2012’s— another very good year for many Virginia wineries—begin to find their way into tasting rooms. Granite Heights Winery on the outskirts of Warrenton is small, quiet, and open only on weekends for eight months a year, but owner Luke Kilyk’s a powerhouse among the up-and-coming winemaking talent. His red blend, Humility, a mix of Merlot, Cab Franc, Petit Verdot, and Barbera, has grabbed a lot of attention among the cognoscenti. The new Moss Vineyards in Nortonsville (just a skosh farther than 60 miles from Fredericksburg) has jumped in with both feet and bold reds, some priced upwards of $60. One lonely white, a Viognier, is also on offer in this tasting room, but you know Moss’ heart belongs to Bordeaux. Gorgeous view. The elder statesman of Virginia wineries, Barboursville Vineyards, has opened Library 1821, an elegant space set aside for weekend-only tastings of their special library wines from exemplary vintages, with culinary pairings, from $20. For more tips on Virginia Wine Country travel, see our website at www.VAWineInMyPocket.com, or for a visual taste of fall in Virginia Wine Country, watch the fun “Nine Fall Days in Virginia Wine Country” Flipagram video, on Virginia Wine in My Pocket’s new YouTube channel. Nancy Bauer is the co-founder of Virginia Wine in My Pocket, the iTunes/Google mobile app and website travel guide to Virginia Wine Country. Virginia Wine Country photos by Rick Collier, rickcollierimagery.com
front porch fredericksburg
October 2014
9
FXBG Field Trip Steve and Nicole’s beach wedding
VA. WINE MONTH find your reason to celebrate fall, all within 60 miles by nancy bauer
By Jeremy Sutton
When we came over to the wellappointed house on the Currituck sound in Duck, NC the day before the wedding for a dry run at the ceremony, emotions were scattered and diverse. Some folks were plainly in low gear: this WAS the beach after all, and this was a much deserved and all-too-rare vacation. Some were working diligently on their appointed tasks, losing themselves in the comfort of focus, there’s a lot to be said for the “head down, hands busy” school of meditation. Envelopes were being labeled and sealed, seafood stock roiled, lawn chairs and tables were at the ready for set up, a beautiful lawn was being transformed into a celebration hall for the next day’s nuptials. Some were caught in the middle, both removed from the fray physically yet deeply invested emotionally. These were their children, and that fact had never been more true nor more in jeopardy as they all prepared to both welcome new members to the group and give a little away from the original crew as well. Emotionally it was all kind of a big mess, really, and therefore just like any other wedding that’s ever been on Earth ever anywhere. But while the preamble to the party might have been completely par, the wedding of Nicole Sullivan and Steve Cameli on September 6th, 2014 was an extra special gathering for not just their friends and family, but downtown Fredericksburg as a community. There was a real feeling of “Fredericksburg field trip” to the whole shebang, with a wonderful smattering of long-time community members like Barbera and Jack Miller, Jack Morrison, Steve Hubble, Emmett and Ellen Snead, Stony Pickett and his family. Those of us who’ve been here long enough to call it home but
8
October 2014
maybe still waiting for that “lifer” button were represented too by Steve’s business partner (and his now fiancé) Paul Stoddard and Emma Chayefsky along with couples galore: Meghan and EZ, Jay and Matt, Jon and Rosie and Jason and Erica, who’ll come back to the these barrier islands in a year for a wedding of their own. It was warm and beautiful and striking to see about 50 years of Fredericksburg’s social tapestry draped on tables under the tent and out on the dance floor that night.
Brought out of its background and put together here on these shores put this community in sharp relief. It allows one to see just what a strong glue this town provides. It is rare and precious today to be able to call such a community ours, and to be able to rely on it so dependably for all that is truly important out there: support, friendship, family and love. We all wish Steve and Nicole the best, and are glad to be able to call them part of Fredericksburg. Jeremy Sutton is glad he wasn't Steve and Nicole's first choice as officiant (Rob Grogan was), as he would have to seriously question their values. But was honored nonetheless to participate, and carry on a special mantle.
Front porch fredericksburg
You’ll be relieved to know that October is Virginia Wine Month. Squeezed in between Piano Month (September) and World Vegan Month (November), Virginia Wine Month sounds genuinely Bacchanalian by comparison. Which is appropriate, considering all the celebrating that happens in October. In the fall, we celebrate harvest, and the safe gathering of life-giving plants and crops, such as Cabernet Sauvignon and Chardonnay. And, also, we celebrate winery festivals that allow kids. And
Starbucks’ Pumpkin Spice Latte, for diversity. Here, to help you celebrate Virginia Wine Month in your own way, are a few of our favorite things coming up in wine country, all within a 60-mile drive of Fredericksburg. There is much to be thankful for, at this time of year, and we’re thankful for whoever came up with October as Virginia Wine Month. BEST VIEWS ON A FALL AFTERNOON You don’t have to head all the way over to Skyline Drive for dramatic fall vistas; DuCard Vineyards in Etlan and Old House Vineyards in Culpeper boast framed, jewel-box views that rival any in the state. BEST FOR A WARM WELCOME In general, wineries tend to be pretty happy places. There are some, though, where the owners are so welcoming you may find yourself exchanging Christmas cards and baby pictures. Our friendly favorites: Rogers Ford in Remington, the new Chateau MerrillAnne in Orange, and Mattaponi in Spotsylvania. BEST EVENTS FOR WELCOMING THE FALL As the chill slides down the Blue Ridge Mountains, the energy in wine country amps up with harvest festivals, grape stomping, and the last few outdoor concerts before winter’s curtain descends. We love the sound of these: Scoot down to Early Mountain Vineyards in Madison for Sippin’ into Sunset, every Friday, 6-8PM. Live music, local foods, mountain views. Bring the kids and the dogs to Fall Family Fun Day at DuCard Vineyards in Etlan. October 4, 12-6PM. Lawn games, live music, kid-friendly food. Taste the newly fermented 2014’s at Autumn Hill Vineyards’ Fall Barrel Tasting, in Stanardsville. Find out why Autumn Hill’s battle cry is “No Sweet Wines!” October 19, 12-5PM. Vertical tastings of vintage Cabernet Sauvignon, cellar tours, homemade soup. Find a new friend at Keswick Vineyards’ Yappy Hours in Keswick, where local animal shelters bring puppies for adoption. Most Sundays, 12-3PM, including the Yappy Howl-O-Ween costume contest on October 26. BEST NEW WINERY EXPERIENCE Better site selection, vineyard skill, and winemaker education are coming together for more consistently high quality wines in Virginia. And here’s a bonus for this fall: there are still some
2010 reds available, even as the 2012’s— another very good year for many Virginia wineries—begin to find their way into tasting rooms. Granite Heights Winery on the outskirts of Warrenton is small, quiet, and open only on weekends for eight months a year, but owner Luke Kilyk’s a powerhouse among the up-and-coming winemaking talent. His red blend, Humility, a mix of Merlot, Cab Franc, Petit Verdot, and Barbera, has grabbed a lot of attention among the cognoscenti. The new Moss Vineyards in Nortonsville (just a skosh farther than 60 miles from Fredericksburg) has jumped in with both feet and bold reds, some priced upwards of $60. One lonely white, a Viognier, is also on offer in this tasting room, but you know Moss’ heart belongs to Bordeaux. Gorgeous view. The elder statesman of Virginia wineries, Barboursville Vineyards, has opened Library 1821, an elegant space set aside for weekend-only tastings of their special library wines from exemplary vintages, with culinary pairings, from $20. For more tips on Virginia Wine Country travel, see our website at www.VAWineInMyPocket.com, or for a visual taste of fall in Virginia Wine Country, watch the fun “Nine Fall Days in Virginia Wine Country” Flipagram video, on Virginia Wine in My Pocket’s new YouTube channel. Nancy Bauer is the co-founder of Virginia Wine in My Pocket, the iTunes/Google mobile app and website travel guide to Virginia Wine Country. Virginia Wine Country photos by Rick Collier, rickcollierimagery.com
front porch fredericksburg
October 2014
9
Henna:
Stafford 350 from tobacco to pickle capital of VA
By david s. kerr
There aren’t many farms left in Stafford County. Development and economics has taken its toll. Farming just isn’t the best use of the land anymore. During the past 30 years I’ve seen at least a dozen farms close. Most of them are now housing developments. However, there was a time when agriculture was a key part of our identity as a community. The Indians were the first farmers in our region. Primarily they grew corn and they were good at it. When the first colonists arrived, their farming skills were, well, awful, and it was the Pawtomack Indians who taught them the secrets of successful agriculture. But, our agricultural future wasn’t in corn, rather it was in another crop the Indians grew,
Jewel Box Since 1940 Your Hometown Jeweler On-Premise Jewelry Repair Watch Batteries Gold Buying Engraving 212 William Street,Fredericksburg 540-373-5513 Mon-Fri 9-5:30; Sat 9-5
10
October 2014
tobacco. Before tobacco, the Colony was a money losing proposition. Afterwards, that all changed and rather rapidly colonists, to include the Mason and Washington families. started to make their fortunes. Tobacco was our primary cash crop for decades, but it’s also a plant that’s highly destructive to the soil. The early colonists’ slash and burn approach to agriculture didn’t help either and resulted in large scale soil erosion. After the Revolution, with tobacco growing fading into history, Stafford’s agricultural economy began a decline. This lasted until the 1820’s when Stafford once again grew corn and beans. However, the Civil War ended all that. Stafford, when the war was done was a subsistence economy. People ate what they could grow and there was very little left over for sale. It can be argued that Stafford’s agricultural economy never rrecovered from the war. From the 1870’s until the 1960’s it simply wasn’t an agricultural powerhouse anymore. But, that doesn’t mean there weren’t some high points. One of the most successful crops, and many people don’t realize this, was wheat. Normally an image reserved for the Great Plains, wheat was a successful crop and well into the 1970’s Stafford was a big producer. However, the embargo on grain sales to the Soviet Union in 1980 pretty much put an end to the industry. There are some quirky sides to Stafford’s agricultural history. This is the part I enjoy the most. Did you know that Stafford was the Pickle Capital of Virginia? Well into the 20th century Stafford was the state’s largest producer of cucumbers used for making cucumbers. There was a large pickle brining factory near Brooke Station that opened in 1893 and another in Falmouth. Pickle production continued on a large scale well into the 20th century. Tomatoes were also a successful product, canned and shipped primarily from Brooke, again in the late 19th and early 20th century. There was a large canning plant, a neighbor of the Pickle Plant at Brooke that was in operation until the depression. But that wasn’t all. There was another factory, next to the Brooke Station that manufactured a meatless health food product called “Nuto.” The famous health food pioneer and writer, Jethro Kloss, who advocated a wholesome vegetarian diet, began production of Nuto in 1921. The company was called the Brooke Health Food Company and produced a meat substitute that could be sliced and fried. Kloss’ books are still in print, but his Nuto only enjoyed a brief popularity. Stafford’s economy isn’t agricultural anymore. The world’s changed, but from tobacco to pickles, it helped make us who we are.
Body art through a different lens By Lori Izykowski This current collaboration came out of a chance meeting between Bayne and Shirley Donahue at a henna party. Bayne’s creative eye is always on the look-out for something unique and original, and Donahue’s designs and artistry grabbed her immediately. “There’s something more to Shirley’s work…a particular method of Shirley Donahue working on Samantha Fleming ' s shading and tinting that I Ophelia inspired design. haven’t seen in other henna work. It gives her designs so Collaboration is something Amy Bayne loves to do. Whether it’s a writers’ much depth.” Bayne, a regular contributor to Front Porch, wrote an article about group, a poetry salon, or an art project, she enjoys working with others and Donahue’s work that appeared in the May experimenting with new approaches to 2012 issue. Bayne later approached her creativity. A good example of this with this idea: ask some willing subjects to serve as canvases for Donahue to try out collaboration was her art show with Emily Barker last summer. Plastic Fantastic was new designs and, once each ‘piece’ was complete, Bayne would photograph the a three year project, part art and part therapy, involving Barbie dolls and images. Sounds simple enough, and they photography. Even as that project was in the works, the wheels were turning for the found plenty of willing subjects, but the logistics of coordinating calendars proved next one.
tricky. In the end, they worked with six women: Pamela Mann, Christie Escher, Brady Johnson, Samantha Fleming, Janelle Kennedy, and Rachel Tice. Another level of collaboration developed, as each subject shared her ideas for design with Donahue. For example, the image that Donahue worked on with Kennedy centered on a Day of the Dead theme and took over six hours to complete, involving extensive details and layers of subtle glittering, and for Johnson’s design Donahue researched the background of an existing tattoo and how best to enhance that with additional artwork. I asked Donahue why she thought mehndi, the form of body art using dye from the henna plant, is so popular in Western cultures. “I believe [it] is popular in Western culture for two main reasons. First, it is an opportunity to connect to something with ancient roots and experience a touch of culture other than our own. Second, it provides an opportunity to express our personalities or interests in a way that is a bit subversive, but also temporary. I have
found that henna is often a stepping stone for those considering more permanent body art, but also for many it is a venture into the taboo that is as close as they will get to something permanent.” Donahue’s work far exceeded any expectations Bayne had, “She is so talented and innovative. As she listened to each subject, she sketched out the design ahead of time to be sure she captured their vision.” The entire project was a labor of love, but a little over a year later, after hours of artistry and thousands of images, the final products are ready for public viewing. One piece, titled “Devotion”, is currently on display at Ponshop as part of the Art Attack juried show. The main exhibit, “Contemporary Henna Designs of Shirley Donahue, with Photography by A.E. Bayne”, will be held at Skin+Touch Therapy starting early October and will remain up through November. Lori Izykowski is owned by five cats, but is not (yet) crazy. She loves the Fredericksburg area and all its inhabitants, both two and four-legged.
David Kerr let’s us know who we are every month in this space.
Front porch fredericksburg
front porch fredericksburg
October 2014
11
Henna:
Stafford 350 from tobacco to pickle capital of VA
By david s. kerr
There aren’t many farms left in Stafford County. Development and economics has taken its toll. Farming just isn’t the best use of the land anymore. During the past 30 years I’ve seen at least a dozen farms close. Most of them are now housing developments. However, there was a time when agriculture was a key part of our identity as a community. The Indians were the first farmers in our region. Primarily they grew corn and they were good at it. When the first colonists arrived, their farming skills were, well, awful, and it was the Pawtomack Indians who taught them the secrets of successful agriculture. But, our agricultural future wasn’t in corn, rather it was in another crop the Indians grew,
Jewel Box Since 1940 Your Hometown Jeweler On-Premise Jewelry Repair Watch Batteries Gold Buying Engraving 212 William Street,Fredericksburg 540-373-5513 Mon-Fri 9-5:30; Sat 9-5
10
October 2014
tobacco. Before tobacco, the Colony was a money losing proposition. Afterwards, that all changed and rather rapidly colonists, to include the Mason and Washington families. started to make their fortunes. Tobacco was our primary cash crop for decades, but it’s also a plant that’s highly destructive to the soil. The early colonists’ slash and burn approach to agriculture didn’t help either and resulted in large scale soil erosion. After the Revolution, with tobacco growing fading into history, Stafford’s agricultural economy began a decline. This lasted until the 1820’s when Stafford once again grew corn and beans. However, the Civil War ended all that. Stafford, when the war was done was a subsistence economy. People ate what they could grow and there was very little left over for sale. It can be argued that Stafford’s agricultural economy never rrecovered from the war. From the 1870’s until the 1960’s it simply wasn’t an agricultural powerhouse anymore. But, that doesn’t mean there weren’t some high points. One of the most successful crops, and many people don’t realize this, was wheat. Normally an image reserved for the Great Plains, wheat was a successful crop and well into the 1970’s Stafford was a big producer. However, the embargo on grain sales to the Soviet Union in 1980 pretty much put an end to the industry. There are some quirky sides to Stafford’s agricultural history. This is the part I enjoy the most. Did you know that Stafford was the Pickle Capital of Virginia? Well into the 20th century Stafford was the state’s largest producer of cucumbers used for making cucumbers. There was a large pickle brining factory near Brooke Station that opened in 1893 and another in Falmouth. Pickle production continued on a large scale well into the 20th century. Tomatoes were also a successful product, canned and shipped primarily from Brooke, again in the late 19th and early 20th century. There was a large canning plant, a neighbor of the Pickle Plant at Brooke that was in operation until the depression. But that wasn’t all. There was another factory, next to the Brooke Station that manufactured a meatless health food product called “Nuto.” The famous health food pioneer and writer, Jethro Kloss, who advocated a wholesome vegetarian diet, began production of Nuto in 1921. The company was called the Brooke Health Food Company and produced a meat substitute that could be sliced and fried. Kloss’ books are still in print, but his Nuto only enjoyed a brief popularity. Stafford’s economy isn’t agricultural anymore. The world’s changed, but from tobacco to pickles, it helped make us who we are.
Body art through a different lens By Lori Izykowski This current collaboration came out of a chance meeting between Bayne and Shirley Donahue at a henna party. Bayne’s creative eye is always on the look-out for something unique and original, and Donahue’s designs and artistry grabbed her immediately. “There’s something more to Shirley’s work…a particular method of Shirley Donahue working on Samantha Fleming ' s shading and tinting that I Ophelia inspired design. haven’t seen in other henna work. It gives her designs so Collaboration is something Amy Bayne loves to do. Whether it’s a writers’ much depth.” Bayne, a regular contributor to Front Porch, wrote an article about group, a poetry salon, or an art project, she enjoys working with others and Donahue’s work that appeared in the May experimenting with new approaches to 2012 issue. Bayne later approached her creativity. A good example of this with this idea: ask some willing subjects to serve as canvases for Donahue to try out collaboration was her art show with Emily Barker last summer. Plastic Fantastic was new designs and, once each ‘piece’ was complete, Bayne would photograph the a three year project, part art and part therapy, involving Barbie dolls and images. Sounds simple enough, and they photography. Even as that project was in the works, the wheels were turning for the found plenty of willing subjects, but the logistics of coordinating calendars proved next one.
tricky. In the end, they worked with six women: Pamela Mann, Christie Escher, Brady Johnson, Samantha Fleming, Janelle Kennedy, and Rachel Tice. Another level of collaboration developed, as each subject shared her ideas for design with Donahue. For example, the image that Donahue worked on with Kennedy centered on a Day of the Dead theme and took over six hours to complete, involving extensive details and layers of subtle glittering, and for Johnson’s design Donahue researched the background of an existing tattoo and how best to enhance that with additional artwork. I asked Donahue why she thought mehndi, the form of body art using dye from the henna plant, is so popular in Western cultures. “I believe [it] is popular in Western culture for two main reasons. First, it is an opportunity to connect to something with ancient roots and experience a touch of culture other than our own. Second, it provides an opportunity to express our personalities or interests in a way that is a bit subversive, but also temporary. I have
found that henna is often a stepping stone for those considering more permanent body art, but also for many it is a venture into the taboo that is as close as they will get to something permanent.” Donahue’s work far exceeded any expectations Bayne had, “She is so talented and innovative. As she listened to each subject, she sketched out the design ahead of time to be sure she captured their vision.” The entire project was a labor of love, but a little over a year later, after hours of artistry and thousands of images, the final products are ready for public viewing. One piece, titled “Devotion”, is currently on display at Ponshop as part of the Art Attack juried show. The main exhibit, “Contemporary Henna Designs of Shirley Donahue, with Photography by A.E. Bayne”, will be held at Skin+Touch Therapy starting early October and will remain up through November. Lori Izykowski is owned by five cats, but is not (yet) crazy. She loves the Fredericksburg area and all its inhabitants, both two and four-legged.
David Kerr let’s us know who we are every month in this space.
Front porch fredericksburg
front porch fredericksburg
October 2014
11
Operation Drowning Pool Concert Benefiting The Virginia Wounded Warrior Program BY Myandi Peterson
‘Operation Drowning Pool’ a concert benefiting the The Virginia Wounded Warrior Program will take place on Tuesday October 28, at Hard Times Cafe at Four Mile Fork. (Hard Times doors will open at 8 p.m.). “A Breach of Silence and Red Tide Rising” will open for headlining band “Drowning Pool”. The Virginia Wounded Warrior Program (VWWP) is operated by the Virginia Department of Veterans Services in cooperation with the Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Services and the Department of Aging and Rehabilitative Services. Virginia Wounded Warrior Program (VWWP) was established in 2008 in response to the growing need to improve and expand services to our nation’s veterans and their family members coping with the impact of
12
October 2014
deployment, military service, posttraumatic stress, operational stress and/or traumatic brain injury. VWWP monitors and coordinates the delivery of behavioral health, rehabilitative, and supportive services for Virginia Veterans, members of the Virginia National Guard and members of the Armed Forces Reserve components not on active service and their families. For more information visit www.wearevirginiaveterans.org Drowning Pool will be on tour celebrating their Unlucky 13th Anniversary of the release of their seminal debut record, Sinner, which features the hard rock anthem, “Bodies”. The band will perform the album front to back, followed by their other hits. For more i n f o r m a t i o n visit www.drowningpool.com. Concert tickets can be purchased in advance online for $15 each or in person at Hard Times Four Mile Fork location. In honor of our military, all active duty military and veterans will receive a $2 off discount by purchasing tickets at Hard Times Four Mile Fork with proof of military or veteran I.D. Tickets can be purchased at the door the night of the event for $18. Hard Times will be donating twelve percent of all tickets sales to the Virginia Wounded Warrior Program. To purchase tickets online visit www.national-acts.com.
Myandi Peterson is in Public Relations in the Fredericksburg Area
Front porch fredericksburg
Vino petit verdot: passing cabernet in popularity
Season’s Bounty the flavor of charleston By vanessa moncure
By scott richards I just realized that not only is high school football in full swing, but the NFL is as well, not to mention college football. It did not hit me until I went to watch the Yankees play and they were preempted by a college game. I guess fall is upon us with all the changes it brings. One thing does not change, the pairing of a good wine with a meal. Even when we start eating winter foods during the holidays and the cold days following, a nice wine enhances the meal. One of my favorites that does wonders for good food is Petit Verdot which can be obtained from two favorite Virginia wineries: Ingleside Winery and Rogers Ford Farm Winery. Petit Verdot, one of the five Bordeaux wines, takes a whole different character when made from grapes grown in Virginia largely due to the longer growing season. In the Northern Neck, the soil content and elevation is more like what is found in the Bordeaux region of France than anywhere else in the state, but this wine is still excellent all over the Old Dominion. Some say Petit Verdot takes some getting used to when drunk solo, but a lot depends on how the wine is made. This is a wine that ages gracefully with a rich, deep flavor reflecting tinges of vanilla blended with nutmeg and licorice with a base of dark fruit. To achieve such taste, it cannot be rushed. Bill Swain, former wine maker at Ingleside Winery, made a Petit Verdot in 2007 that was still in barrels when I first tasted it in 2009 and it was not bottled until after 2010. The tannins had been developed to perfection with aging in French oak giving a smooth, lingering finish. When it was released, it was superb, remaining one of Ingleside’s premier wines. Rogers Ford Farm Winery in Summerduck, Virginia made a Petit Verdot in 2010 that is rich in its complexity, and gives a finish that is memorable. Unfiltered, this is a true asset to the wine, adding flavor. The deep color of the wine and the firm tannins reflect the winemakers skill in putting together a truly nice wine. Aged in American oak for eight months, bottled and released in 2012, this bottle can be held for five plus years with no decline in the taste of the wine. Its full, robust character goes well with a large meal, or if drunk solo, pairs well with a good cigar. Because it is such a prolific grape in Virginia and makes such an excellent wine, Petit Verdot is swiftly catching on and passing Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Franc in popularity. Quite the
Olde Towne BUTCHER Corner of William & Charles Streets Downtown Fredericksburg 540.370.4105
different taste from many standby wines, it is bringing Virginia wine drinkers into a different perspective of wine enjoyment and pairing. Unfortunately, baseball will end in October. Forced to sit and watch football and basketball, a good hearty bowl of soup or hot steaming chili goes excellent with a glass of Petit Verdot. Celebrate Virginia Wine Month with an enjoyable wine of your choice, but please drink responsibly. Scott Richards owns a vineyard in Sparta, Virginia and a frequent contributor to FP
I’m back from a favorite fall getaway, Charleston, South Carolina. We usually stay at an antebellum historic home, now B&B, right on the Battery. Not anything to do with the professional soccer team, but the historic Battery defensive seawall and Promenade with a lovely park-like setting on the Atlantic. Restful to sit on the deep porches and people-watch, or sometimes glimpse weddings held in the park’s breezy shade horse and festooned carriage at the ready to whisk the newly wed couple away. City Market, or Centre Market, is an historic central market in the center city - not to miss the sweetgrass basket weavers, a Gullah tradition. Tour past the pastelpainted homes known locally as The Painted Ladies, in this oldest city in South Carolina - vacation here during annual cultural events and especially music festivals with its long history of jazz. Food, though, is what keeps me coming back to Charleston. Award winning chefs and restaurants are amply represented as James Beard Foundation (est. 1990) winners in many categories over the years. Television channels, such as the Food Network and travel shows, have showcased so many specialty chefs and restaurateurs/television show hosts just think of the ubiquitous Tyler Florence. We usually order a box lunch from one of the catering firms near the Market, to take the flavor of Charleston home with us. Now you can bring a taste into your kitchen! Enjoy. LOW COUNTRY SHRIMP AND GRITS This is a traditional dish, served along the coastal South, originally as a Jestine’s Kitchen is breakfast course. where we always head to for platters of Southern goodness - after an abrupt closing in 2013, it reopened weeks later under the same management. Sounds like they had a ‘fainting spell’.
1 c. stone-ground grits cooked in 3 c. salted water, 20-25 minutes over low heat, stirring occasionally. Remove from heat and stir in 4 T. butter , 2 c. shredded sharp cheddar cheese (white if available), 12 slices thick-sliced bacon, cooked and cut into 1/4" slices and 1/4 c. chopped spring onions, green top only. - cover and keep warm. While grits are cooking, heat 4 T. butter over medium low heat in Dutch oven then brown 2 T. flour in butter until golden. Stir in one pound of peeled and deveined shrimp, raise heat to medium high and stirring constantly, cook shrimp until they are pink. Stir in 1 c. sliced green onions, 1 clove minced garlic and 2 T. minced parsley. Stir in enough chicken broth until gravy-like consistency, then add juice of ½ lemon, S&P to taste. Serve over grits. FRIED OKRA I know I haven’t reported on my garden, but I think the okra will still be producing well into October. Slice one pound of okra into mixing bowl (or use one pound frozen, slightly thawed), Add one large chopped onion. In another small mixing bowl beat two eggs, ¼ c. canola oil and ? - ½ c. flour together - mix with vegetables, add S&P to taste then turn into preheated skillet (coated with 2 T. canola oil). Fry over medium heat, turning occasionally as the okra brown, about 20-25 minutes or until okra is tender. Serve with shrimp and grits, and a large glass of sweet tea! Vanessa Moncure treats us to tasty recipes and delightful stories each month in this space.
www.oldetownebutcher.com
9am - 9pm Monday through Saturday 11am - 6pm Sunday Lee Russell Proprietor
S ammy T’ s DOWNTOWN FREDERICKSBURG’S
Serving Great Food Since 1981
Home of the “Camper Special” & the Best Burger in Town 801 Caroline Street
(540) 371-2008
Try Our Self-Serve Yogurt open 11:30 am Daily Still Owned by the Emory Family
The General Store
Restaurant
Since 1978
Italian/American Food Monday-Saturday 11 am-10 pm
371-4075 2018 College Ave. Fredericksburg front porch fredericksburg
October 2014
13
Operation Drowning Pool Concert Benefiting The Virginia Wounded Warrior Program BY Myandi Peterson
‘Operation Drowning Pool’ a concert benefiting the The Virginia Wounded Warrior Program will take place on Tuesday October 28, at Hard Times Cafe at Four Mile Fork. (Hard Times doors will open at 8 p.m.). “A Breach of Silence and Red Tide Rising” will open for headlining band “Drowning Pool”. The Virginia Wounded Warrior Program (VWWP) is operated by the Virginia Department of Veterans Services in cooperation with the Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Services and the Department of Aging and Rehabilitative Services. Virginia Wounded Warrior Program (VWWP) was established in 2008 in response to the growing need to improve and expand services to our nation’s veterans and their family members coping with the impact of
12
October 2014
deployment, military service, posttraumatic stress, operational stress and/or traumatic brain injury. VWWP monitors and coordinates the delivery of behavioral health, rehabilitative, and supportive services for Virginia Veterans, members of the Virginia National Guard and members of the Armed Forces Reserve components not on active service and their families. For more information visit www.wearevirginiaveterans.org Drowning Pool will be on tour celebrating their Unlucky 13th Anniversary of the release of their seminal debut record, Sinner, which features the hard rock anthem, “Bodies”. The band will perform the album front to back, followed by their other hits. For more i n f o r m a t i o n visit www.drowningpool.com. Concert tickets can be purchased in advance online for $15 each or in person at Hard Times Four Mile Fork location. In honor of our military, all active duty military and veterans will receive a $2 off discount by purchasing tickets at Hard Times Four Mile Fork with proof of military or veteran I.D. Tickets can be purchased at the door the night of the event for $18. Hard Times will be donating twelve percent of all tickets sales to the Virginia Wounded Warrior Program. To purchase tickets online visit www.national-acts.com.
Myandi Peterson is in Public Relations in the Fredericksburg Area
Front porch fredericksburg
Vino petit verdot: passing cabernet in popularity
Season’s Bounty the flavor of charleston By vanessa moncure
By scott richards I just realized that not only is high school football in full swing, but the NFL is as well, not to mention college football. It did not hit me until I went to watch the Yankees play and they were preempted by a college game. I guess fall is upon us with all the changes it brings. One thing does not change, the pairing of a good wine with a meal. Even when we start eating winter foods during the holidays and the cold days following, a nice wine enhances the meal. One of my favorites that does wonders for good food is Petit Verdot which can be obtained from two favorite Virginia wineries: Ingleside Winery and Rogers Ford Farm Winery. Petit Verdot, one of the five Bordeaux wines, takes a whole different character when made from grapes grown in Virginia largely due to the longer growing season. In the Northern Neck, the soil content and elevation is more like what is found in the Bordeaux region of France than anywhere else in the state, but this wine is still excellent all over the Old Dominion. Some say Petit Verdot takes some getting used to when drunk solo, but a lot depends on how the wine is made. This is a wine that ages gracefully with a rich, deep flavor reflecting tinges of vanilla blended with nutmeg and licorice with a base of dark fruit. To achieve such taste, it cannot be rushed. Bill Swain, former wine maker at Ingleside Winery, made a Petit Verdot in 2007 that was still in barrels when I first tasted it in 2009 and it was not bottled until after 2010. The tannins had been developed to perfection with aging in French oak giving a smooth, lingering finish. When it was released, it was superb, remaining one of Ingleside’s premier wines. Rogers Ford Farm Winery in Summerduck, Virginia made a Petit Verdot in 2010 that is rich in its complexity, and gives a finish that is memorable. Unfiltered, this is a true asset to the wine, adding flavor. The deep color of the wine and the firm tannins reflect the winemakers skill in putting together a truly nice wine. Aged in American oak for eight months, bottled and released in 2012, this bottle can be held for five plus years with no decline in the taste of the wine. Its full, robust character goes well with a large meal, or if drunk solo, pairs well with a good cigar. Because it is such a prolific grape in Virginia and makes such an excellent wine, Petit Verdot is swiftly catching on and passing Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Franc in popularity. Quite the
Olde Towne BUTCHER Corner of William & Charles Streets Downtown Fredericksburg 540.370.4105
different taste from many standby wines, it is bringing Virginia wine drinkers into a different perspective of wine enjoyment and pairing. Unfortunately, baseball will end in October. Forced to sit and watch football and basketball, a good hearty bowl of soup or hot steaming chili goes excellent with a glass of Petit Verdot. Celebrate Virginia Wine Month with an enjoyable wine of your choice, but please drink responsibly. Scott Richards owns a vineyard in Sparta, Virginia and a frequent contributor to FP
I’m back from a favorite fall getaway, Charleston, South Carolina. We usually stay at an antebellum historic home, now B&B, right on the Battery. Not anything to do with the professional soccer team, but the historic Battery defensive seawall and Promenade with a lovely park-like setting on the Atlantic. Restful to sit on the deep porches and people-watch, or sometimes glimpse weddings held in the park’s breezy shade horse and festooned carriage at the ready to whisk the newly wed couple away. City Market, or Centre Market, is an historic central market in the center city - not to miss the sweetgrass basket weavers, a Gullah tradition. Tour past the pastelpainted homes known locally as The Painted Ladies, in this oldest city in South Carolina - vacation here during annual cultural events and especially music festivals with its long history of jazz. Food, though, is what keeps me coming back to Charleston. Award winning chefs and restaurants are amply represented as James Beard Foundation (est. 1990) winners in many categories over the years. Television channels, such as the Food Network and travel shows, have showcased so many specialty chefs and restaurateurs/television show hosts just think of the ubiquitous Tyler Florence. We usually order a box lunch from one of the catering firms near the Market, to take the flavor of Charleston home with us. Now you can bring a taste into your kitchen! Enjoy. LOW COUNTRY SHRIMP AND GRITS This is a traditional dish, served along the coastal South, originally as a Jestine’s Kitchen is breakfast course. where we always head to for platters of Southern goodness - after an abrupt closing in 2013, it reopened weeks later under the same management. Sounds like they had a ‘fainting spell’.
1 c. stone-ground grits cooked in 3 c. salted water, 20-25 minutes over low heat, stirring occasionally. Remove from heat and stir in 4 T. butter , 2 c. shredded sharp cheddar cheese (white if available), 12 slices thick-sliced bacon, cooked and cut into 1/4" slices and 1/4 c. chopped spring onions, green top only. - cover and keep warm. While grits are cooking, heat 4 T. butter over medium low heat in Dutch oven then brown 2 T. flour in butter until golden. Stir in one pound of peeled and deveined shrimp, raise heat to medium high and stirring constantly, cook shrimp until they are pink. Stir in 1 c. sliced green onions, 1 clove minced garlic and 2 T. minced parsley. Stir in enough chicken broth until gravy-like consistency, then add juice of ½ lemon, S&P to taste. Serve over grits. FRIED OKRA I know I haven’t reported on my garden, but I think the okra will still be producing well into October. Slice one pound of okra into mixing bowl (or use one pound frozen, slightly thawed), Add one large chopped onion. In another small mixing bowl beat two eggs, ¼ c. canola oil and ? - ½ c. flour together - mix with vegetables, add S&P to taste then turn into preheated skillet (coated with 2 T. canola oil). Fry over medium heat, turning occasionally as the okra brown, about 20-25 minutes or until okra is tender. Serve with shrimp and grits, and a large glass of sweet tea! Vanessa Moncure treats us to tasty recipes and delightful stories each month in this space.
www.oldetownebutcher.com
9am - 9pm Monday through Saturday 11am - 6pm Sunday Lee Russell Proprietor
S ammy T’ s DOWNTOWN FREDERICKSBURG’S
Serving Great Food Since 1981
Home of the “Camper Special” & the Best Burger in Town 801 Caroline Street
(540) 371-2008
Try Our Self-Serve Yogurt open 11:30 am Daily Still Owned by the Emory Family
The General Store
Restaurant
Since 1978
Italian/American Food Monday-Saturday 11 am-10 pm
371-4075 2018 College Ave. Fredericksburg front porch fredericksburg
October 2014
13
Cooking With Kyle Simple, easy, delicious by james kyle snyder
NEW
WELCOME TO OUR GREAT OUTDOORS
Sunday Brunch La Carte Menu “FREE” Valet parking for Brunch Guests
It’s Beautiful ~ Night and Day!
Children 4 & Under eat “FREE”
Soup & Taco, Etc. Fredericksburg, VA
Present this coupon for FREE Dessert
Serving Traditional Mexican, Tex-Mex Food and Something More!! Tuesday to Saturday
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October 2014
this dish: in a pan, in a pot, and in a casserole are just a few. We’ll discuss the traditional casserole (Le Creuset if you have it) starting on the stovetop and moving to the oven. Over medium-high heat in the Le Creuset, sauté the eggplant cubes, about 8 minutes; remove with slotted spoon and reserve. Repeat this individually for the zucchini, green bell peppers, red bell peppers, onions, and yellow squash. Add ¼ cup olive oil, tomatoes, 1 tsp thyme, 1 TBS minced garlic, and 2 tsp of S&P to the casserole dish and bring to a boil. Return all the vegetables to the Le Creuset and bring back to a boil, gently folding to combine. Cover the casserole dish and place in the oven for 45 minutes. Check for doneness (should be toothy). Place back on the stovetop uncovered on high and reduce the liquid by 2/3, stirring gently once or twice to prevent burning. Remove from the heat, folding one last time, and let the ratatouille rest for 30 minutes before dressing for service. Dress with chiffonade basil and chopped parsley. Serve immediately, let cool to room temperature, or chill as a cold side. All are delicious and each a little different than the other. Although, this dish takes some time during the prep and initial cooking; taking the time to follow the steps discloses the necessary alchemy to produce a favorite dish of all peasantfood-loving culinarians around the world. Many other methods produce a pile of mushy, bland vegetables that are indiscernible for the intended dish. The warm memories that are invoked by the familiar smells of the stewing vegetables take us to a happy place of family and friends. Enjoy this simplistic, easy distinctive dish. Be well! Kyle Snyder brings us simple, healthy and delicious recipes each month in this space.
Front porch fredericksburg
Fresh ingredients = fresh beer
813 Caroline St.
620 CarolineStreet 540.373.8300 CourtyardFredericksburg.com
Celebrations of harvest and seasonal change are everywhere: Oktoberfest, wine and vineyard festivals, apple festivals, pumpkin festivals, foliage festivals, and, at the end of October, Halloween - a derivative of a Celtic holiday that celebrates the transitions of harvest and the beginning of the boreal season which is believed to be the season that bridges to the worlds of the living and dead. With all this bounty, picking a favorite recipe is difficult at best! Because vegetables are going to grow scarce, except for our canned ones, we should continue to enjoy them until they are gone. Ratatouille! Ratatouille (as requested by Stephanie at Salon 730 – you must stop by and see her), traditionally, is a vegetable dish that individually pan fries vegetables (so that they keep their shape and texture) and then stew them in oil. This dish is both served warm as a side and cold as hors d’oeuvres. Although, I am presenting a traditional ratatouille, learn the process and you can personalize this dish! As Provençal stews go, ratatouille is one that has proven to be a favorite; continually showing up on menus and in social settings, evoking enough love to inspire an Oscar winning animated movie which grossed over $623 M at the box office. Ratatouille is comfort food, familiar and secure to many. Although, some of the prep takes time, this time is spent communally in a central kitchen, talking and commiserating about the day while preparing the evening meal. The steps are easy and demand that you slow for a minute to enjoy the company of others. Preheat the oven to 275. Cube into 1in x 1in pieces: 1 small eggplant ends cut off, 1 medium zucchini, 1 green and 1 red bell pepper, 1 medium yellow squash, and 2 well-ripened tomatoes. There are many ways to prepare
Will Power
The
11am-9pm Sunday 11am-6pm
Phone: 540-899-0969 E-mail: soupntaco@yahoo.com
The Sunken Well Tavern
720 Littlepage sunkenwelltavern.com 540-370-0911 Eat Well Drink Well Live Well
Lexi Grogan’s Pet Sitting Service
By william loring Fall is a wonderful season for anxious craft beer drinkers. No, not anxiously awaiting pumpkin beers, those came out months ago! And no, not Oktoberfest lagers either; those are found on every shelf around town and any Oktoberfest from here to Germany. What I’m talking about is a much more elusive creature, one that is delicious for a few weeks, and even harder to find when it’s here. I’m talking about wet hop ales! Now, what exactly is a wet hop? First, some background information on the hop harvest. Typically, around the end of August and into September (for the northern hemisphere), the hop flowers are picked off the bine (vines are for grapes). They are then dried immediately to retain the maximum potency for the longest period of time. This is one of the reasons breweries can brew year round. If you don’t dry the hop flower very quickly after picking, they begin composting almost immediately. For Sierra Nevada, which has been brewing their Harvest Ale since 1996, they have their hops driven overnight from the hop farms in the Yakima Valley to the main brewhouse in Chico, California. It is so time sensitive, that the drivers alert the brewers to their specific arrival time to the brewery so that they know when to begin the boil for the beer. The other extreme aspect of wet hop ales, is the delicacy of the flavor profiles they can impart. Wet hop ales are not very strong (sorry, no double wet hop IPAs here). The potency of the alpha and beta acids becomes much different and sometimes more concentrated after the drying of the flower. Because of this, most wet hop ales fall between 5-7% abv. This makes for the perfect brew to enjoy as the seasons turn and we begin staying inside a little longer.
“Your pet becomes my pet while in my care, and I care a lot!” - Lexi (540-903-0437; lexig0892@gmail.com) On facebook as “lexi grogan’s pet sitting service”
So, what wet hop ales should you seek out this fall? The original and easiest to find is Sierra Nevada’s Harvest Ale. Using Centennial and Cascade as the bittering and finishing hops, this is a true gem from one of America’s largest brewers.
Prices: Dogs - $15 per canine per visit Cats - $12 per feline per visit
A newcomer in the wet hop scene is Autumnation, from Sixpoint brewery in Brooklyn, NY. They have an interesting way of choosing which wet hops they use each year. They hold a vote on their website with a few varietals for
Better value, more love for your pet than if you kennel board him!
people to decide on. And this year, we (yes, I voted) chose Mosaic hops. One of the newer hops to come out in the past few years, this hop was bred from Simcoe and is noteworthy for its notes of blueberry, lime peel, bubblegum and citrus. One of my personal favorites, and increasingly harder to find, is Founders Harvest Ale. Also using a lot of Centennial hops, this beer is one of the most balanced and citrus forward wet hop beers on the market. Unfortunately, the recent uptick in Founders popularity, and newly opened markets (namely Florida and the UK) have put demand for this beer through the roof. Lastly, we have an old stand by and supporter of using new hop varietals in their yearly changing recipe: Terrapin’s So Fresh and So Green, Green. While last year used all Citra hops, this year’s is to be determined. But don’t fret; Terrapin will come through, meant to be drank as soon as it hits the shelves! With the American craft beer market quickly establishing itself from the old country’s traditional styles, the wet hop ale is here to stay. So grab one while you can, and enjoy the hoppy freshness until it’s gone! Will Loring is the resident beer-o-phile
front porch fredericksburg
October 2014
15
Cooking With Kyle Simple, easy, delicious by james kyle snyder
NEW
WELCOME TO OUR GREAT OUTDOORS
Sunday Brunch La Carte Menu “FREE” Valet parking for Brunch Guests
It’s Beautiful ~ Night and Day!
Children 4 & Under eat “FREE”
Soup & Taco, Etc. Fredericksburg, VA
Present this coupon for FREE Dessert
Serving Traditional Mexican, Tex-Mex Food and Something More!! Tuesday to Saturday
14
October 2014
this dish: in a pan, in a pot, and in a casserole are just a few. We’ll discuss the traditional casserole (Le Creuset if you have it) starting on the stovetop and moving to the oven. Over medium-high heat in the Le Creuset, sauté the eggplant cubes, about 8 minutes; remove with slotted spoon and reserve. Repeat this individually for the zucchini, green bell peppers, red bell peppers, onions, and yellow squash. Add ¼ cup olive oil, tomatoes, 1 tsp thyme, 1 TBS minced garlic, and 2 tsp of S&P to the casserole dish and bring to a boil. Return all the vegetables to the Le Creuset and bring back to a boil, gently folding to combine. Cover the casserole dish and place in the oven for 45 minutes. Check for doneness (should be toothy). Place back on the stovetop uncovered on high and reduce the liquid by 2/3, stirring gently once or twice to prevent burning. Remove from the heat, folding one last time, and let the ratatouille rest for 30 minutes before dressing for service. Dress with chiffonade basil and chopped parsley. Serve immediately, let cool to room temperature, or chill as a cold side. All are delicious and each a little different than the other. Although, this dish takes some time during the prep and initial cooking; taking the time to follow the steps discloses the necessary alchemy to produce a favorite dish of all peasantfood-loving culinarians around the world. Many other methods produce a pile of mushy, bland vegetables that are indiscernible for the intended dish. The warm memories that are invoked by the familiar smells of the stewing vegetables take us to a happy place of family and friends. Enjoy this simplistic, easy distinctive dish. Be well! Kyle Snyder brings us simple, healthy and delicious recipes each month in this space.
Front porch fredericksburg
Fresh ingredients = fresh beer
813 Caroline St.
620 CarolineStreet 540.373.8300 CourtyardFredericksburg.com
Celebrations of harvest and seasonal change are everywhere: Oktoberfest, wine and vineyard festivals, apple festivals, pumpkin festivals, foliage festivals, and, at the end of October, Halloween - a derivative of a Celtic holiday that celebrates the transitions of harvest and the beginning of the boreal season which is believed to be the season that bridges to the worlds of the living and dead. With all this bounty, picking a favorite recipe is difficult at best! Because vegetables are going to grow scarce, except for our canned ones, we should continue to enjoy them until they are gone. Ratatouille! Ratatouille (as requested by Stephanie at Salon 730 – you must stop by and see her), traditionally, is a vegetable dish that individually pan fries vegetables (so that they keep their shape and texture) and then stew them in oil. This dish is both served warm as a side and cold as hors d’oeuvres. Although, I am presenting a traditional ratatouille, learn the process and you can personalize this dish! As Provençal stews go, ratatouille is one that has proven to be a favorite; continually showing up on menus and in social settings, evoking enough love to inspire an Oscar winning animated movie which grossed over $623 M at the box office. Ratatouille is comfort food, familiar and secure to many. Although, some of the prep takes time, this time is spent communally in a central kitchen, talking and commiserating about the day while preparing the evening meal. The steps are easy and demand that you slow for a minute to enjoy the company of others. Preheat the oven to 275. Cube into 1in x 1in pieces: 1 small eggplant ends cut off, 1 medium zucchini, 1 green and 1 red bell pepper, 1 medium yellow squash, and 2 well-ripened tomatoes. There are many ways to prepare
Will Power
The
11am-9pm Sunday 11am-6pm
Phone: 540-899-0969 E-mail: soupntaco@yahoo.com
The Sunken Well Tavern
720 Littlepage sunkenwelltavern.com 540-370-0911 Eat Well Drink Well Live Well
Lexi Grogan’s Pet Sitting Service
By william loring Fall is a wonderful season for anxious craft beer drinkers. No, not anxiously awaiting pumpkin beers, those came out months ago! And no, not Oktoberfest lagers either; those are found on every shelf around town and any Oktoberfest from here to Germany. What I’m talking about is a much more elusive creature, one that is delicious for a few weeks, and even harder to find when it’s here. I’m talking about wet hop ales! Now, what exactly is a wet hop? First, some background information on the hop harvest. Typically, around the end of August and into September (for the northern hemisphere), the hop flowers are picked off the bine (vines are for grapes). They are then dried immediately to retain the maximum potency for the longest period of time. This is one of the reasons breweries can brew year round. If you don’t dry the hop flower very quickly after picking, they begin composting almost immediately. For Sierra Nevada, which has been brewing their Harvest Ale since 1996, they have their hops driven overnight from the hop farms in the Yakima Valley to the main brewhouse in Chico, California. It is so time sensitive, that the drivers alert the brewers to their specific arrival time to the brewery so that they know when to begin the boil for the beer. The other extreme aspect of wet hop ales, is the delicacy of the flavor profiles they can impart. Wet hop ales are not very strong (sorry, no double wet hop IPAs here). The potency of the alpha and beta acids becomes much different and sometimes more concentrated after the drying of the flower. Because of this, most wet hop ales fall between 5-7% abv. This makes for the perfect brew to enjoy as the seasons turn and we begin staying inside a little longer.
“Your pet becomes my pet while in my care, and I care a lot!” - Lexi (540-903-0437; lexig0892@gmail.com) On facebook as “lexi grogan’s pet sitting service”
So, what wet hop ales should you seek out this fall? The original and easiest to find is Sierra Nevada’s Harvest Ale. Using Centennial and Cascade as the bittering and finishing hops, this is a true gem from one of America’s largest brewers.
Prices: Dogs - $15 per canine per visit Cats - $12 per feline per visit
A newcomer in the wet hop scene is Autumnation, from Sixpoint brewery in Brooklyn, NY. They have an interesting way of choosing which wet hops they use each year. They hold a vote on their website with a few varietals for
Better value, more love for your pet than if you kennel board him!
people to decide on. And this year, we (yes, I voted) chose Mosaic hops. One of the newer hops to come out in the past few years, this hop was bred from Simcoe and is noteworthy for its notes of blueberry, lime peel, bubblegum and citrus. One of my personal favorites, and increasingly harder to find, is Founders Harvest Ale. Also using a lot of Centennial hops, this beer is one of the most balanced and citrus forward wet hop beers on the market. Unfortunately, the recent uptick in Founders popularity, and newly opened markets (namely Florida and the UK) have put demand for this beer through the roof. Lastly, we have an old stand by and supporter of using new hop varietals in their yearly changing recipe: Terrapin’s So Fresh and So Green, Green. While last year used all Citra hops, this year’s is to be determined. But don’t fret; Terrapin will come through, meant to be drank as soon as it hits the shelves! With the American craft beer market quickly establishing itself from the old country’s traditional styles, the wet hop ale is here to stay. So grab one while you can, and enjoy the hoppy freshness until it’s gone! Will Loring is the resident beer-o-phile
front porch fredericksburg
October 2014
15
CALENDAR of events
october 2014…Autumn harvest, autumn color, autumn air… ah, autumn! Thursday, October 2 Latino Identities Month Celebration @ 5 pm– 7 pm UMW Fredericksburg Campus, Seacobeck Hall Join the students of the Latino Student Association in the Smart Market for the Latino Melting Pot Dinner. Learn about the diverse cultures and foods of Latin America.
First Friday Oct 3 Empowerhouse 6th Annual Pendleton Golf Course.
Golf
Tourment.
States of Consciusness: New Works by Dr. Charles Riley@ 6:00 pm – October 3, 2014 @ 9:00 pm Art First Gallery 824 Caroline Street The Contemporary Henna Designs of Shirley Donahue with Photography by A.E. Bayne @ Skin + Touch Therapy thru Nov 21, 2014 all-day. Ancient technique viewed through a contemporary lens. Water Street Studio multi-media work by Lynette Reed and Elizabeth 915 A Sophia Street, 2nd floor. Music by Wave on Wave Every First Friday @ Courtyard Marriott Downtown Fredericksburg 6 pm –9pm Acoustic duo Country, Easy Rock and Roll and Blues. PONSHOP Studio and Gallery ushers in autumn with their First Friday Opening reception featuring recent paintings by gallery owner, Gabriel Pons, new ceramics by Scarlett Pons and a selection of Jewelry by Elaine B., Daphne Olive, Cirello, and K Tuna Creations.6-10pm FAMCC Screening of “From Grain to Growler” @ Market Square 7pm. The premiere will kick-off the Capital Ale House sponsored Oktoberfest . Prior to the screening, at 5pm, participants can sample beers from local breweries, including Adventure Brewing Company and Blue & Gray Brewing Co., enjoy food by local food vendors and listen to live music. Tickets may be purchased online at www.famcc.org and will be available at the door. For more information on this event, call 540-3713037, ext. 135 or visit www.famcc.org. $
Wednesday, October 8
Saturday, October 4 Capital Ale Oktoberfest Embrey Mill invites you to a Hometown Fall Festival. Features food vendors and a beer and wine garden, live music, fun activities for all ages, and tours of Embrey Mill’s beautiful new homes Festivities (all free of charge!): Live Music, Pumkin Decorating stand, hayrides, face painters and more! @ 2:00 pm – 6:00 pm Embrey Mill Apricot Street Stafford, VA 22554 Fredericksburg Dog Fair @ Fredericksburg Agricultural Fairgrounds @ 10:00 am – 3:00 pm Dog/Family friendly event with a Masquerade Dog Parade starting at noon followed by a Dog King & Queen Contest. Food, pet, and craft vendors. Dog Adoption Park. Dog Fair Show Ring. Lure Course. Canine Casino Raffle Prizes. Doggie Pools.All dogs must be on a leash please.$ UMW celebrates Latino Identities Month with “Bomba: Afro-Puerto Rican Dance Workshop”. Semilla Cultural, a nonprofit group dedicated to cultivating Puerto Rican traditions in Virginia, will teach a Bomba dance workshop. @ 4 pm – 6 pm UMW Fredericksburg Campus, Lee Hall Rm 411 University of Mary Washington.
Tuesday, October 7 Laurie Rose Griffith & Peter Mealy @ Bistro Bethem 8 pm – 11 pm. Join us for drink specials and live music. No cover! WINGS Girls Night Out @ Fredericksburg Country Club @ 6:30 - 8:30 pm. WINGS annual Girls Night Out will feature dinner, Cosmopolitan cocktails at the cash bar, and a special showing of high fashion clothing and accessories from three local boutiques. UMW Jazz Ensemble celebrates Latino Identities Month @ 7:30 pm . UMW Fredericksburg Campus, Pollard Recital Hall University of Mary Washington. The group will present the music of Tito Puente, Perez Prado, Chucho Valdes, Consuelo Velazquez, Jobim, Pancho Sanchez, Santana, and many more.
UMW celebrates Latino Identities Month with “Feira/Dinner Theatre” 5-7pm, UMW Fredericksburg Campus, Seacobeck Hall- Faculty/ Staff Dining room University of Mary Washington. Come share the night with us and take your taste buds on a journey through Central and South America as we sample dishes from many countries.
Thursday, October 9 Shiitake Log Making Event @ Downtown Greens @ 6:00 pm Learn about Mushrooms and build and take home your very own Shiitake Log to grow! Shiitakes are very medicinal mushrooms and Ryan Mooney, Mushroom Specialist, will teach you what you need to know to start your own mushroom cultivation. Food Fight Fredericksburg @ Fredericksburg Area Museum & Cultural Center, 6:30 pm. Participating restaurants and designers will be featured in the Museum’s galleries where their culinary and design skills will be tested. Each designer/restaurant team will be responsible for creating a one-of-a-kind exhibition along with a signature plate and drink $
Friday, October 10 KGARL “Fore” the Animals Golf Tournament @ Cameron Hills Golf Links @ 8:00 am Cameron Hills Golf Links 14140 Salem Church Road King George, Contact: Michele Shipman 888-542-7582 2014 Military & Spouse Career Fair @ National Guard Armory 10 am – 2 pm National Guard Armory 1700 Jefferson Davis Highway. Rappahannock Goodwill Industries in partnership with the Rappahannock Area Community Services Board, Virginia Wounded Warrior Program, Reg.1 and National University presents the 2014 Military & Spouse Career Fair. This event is open to all Veterans, Active Duty, Reserve and Guard Service Members and their Families.
Neighborhood Tours – Lower Caroline @ 11:30 am – 12:45 pm. The FAMCC, along with Hallowed Ground Tours, Tour guides will discuss centuries of architecture and the histories of people who helped shape the community. The tour departs from the commuter parking lot on the corner of Caroline and Frederick Streets and lasts approximately 75 minutes. Second Saturday at the Museum @ Fredericksburg Area Museum & Cultural Center 1 pm – 3 pm. Join us from 1-3 PM This month, children will create harvest and fall themed crafts Recommended age for this program is 8 and below. FREE.. Light the Night Walk @ Old Mill Park @ 5 pm. for The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society. The Night Walk funds lifesaving research and support for people battling blood cancers. contact Paige Givens at Paige.Givens@lls.org.
Tuesday, October 14 Tonya Lazenby Jackson Trio @ Bistro Bethem @ 8 - 11 pm. Join us for drink specials & live music .No cover!
Friday, October 17 Annual Creepy Crawly Carnival @ Ron Rosner Family YMCA @ 7pm – 9. 5700 Smith Station Road It is that time of year again for some spooky, silly fun. Come enjoy a variety of activities for the entire family including carnival games, face painting, a moon bounce, a hayride, a haunted house, all in a safe environment. Also on Oct 18
Saturday, October 18 Movement in the Garden @ Downtown Greens @ 10:30 am. Learn with Movement Specialist, Ashley as she guides participants in a gentle experiential movement class, not to be missed! Book Signing Yogurt. Local copies of his Balance to the
@ Sweet Frog Premium Frozen Author Dave Wernli will be signing book, Mixed Emotions, Bringing Experience of God’s Presence.
Sunday, October 19 Rappahannock United Way’s Community Appreciation Day @ Fredericksburg Fairgrounds @ 12pm – 5 pm. This is a free event for you, so come to the fairgrounds for live music, classic cars, moon bounce, monster truck rides, and more!
Tuesday, October 21 Breakfast with the Curator @ Fredericksburg Area Museum & Cultural Center 9 am. North Windsor Artists will speak about their works currently on exhibit Lectures are FREE to the public, RSVP to Anne Marie Paquette at 540-371-3037, ext. 400, or apaquette@famcc.org. Smith, Party of 3 @ Bistro Bethem @ 8pm – 11 pm Join us for drink specials and live music. No cover!
Friday, October 24 Stafford Piecemakers Guild Annual Quilt Show @ CRRL, Porter Branch thru October 27. Celebrate History with Stafford Piecemakers Quilt Guild’s Annual Quilt Show. Free Admission. Quilt Raffle Certified Quilt Appraiser on site Contact Jessica Lane, 540-659-4909.
The Great American Trailer Park Musical @ Caroline Community Theatre @ 8pm. 7278 Ladysmith Road, Ruther Glen, An hysterical show about agoraphobia, adultery, spray cheese, road kill, hysterical pregnancy, kleptomania, flan and disco. This show is laugh-out-loud funny. A bit racy in places, but an absolute hoot of a show with some wonderful music. .
‘Operation Drowning Pool’ Benefiting The Virginia Wounded Warrior Program Hosted by Hard Times Cafe at Four Mile Fork October 28th @ Hard Times Four Mile Fork @ 8 pm
Saturday, October 25
Shopping with unique vendors; exciting raffle prizes; three-course seated luncheon; fashion show presented by Macy’s of Spotsylvania Towne Centre. Tickets must be purchased by Oct. 18. Call or email Kathy Marcus at 540-972-2042.or ksmgcm@gmail.com.
12th Annual Historic Cemetery Tour thru – October 26. Meet “Cemetery Trolley” at Visitor’s Center on Caroline St. Join costumed historic interpreters for tour of ‘Burg’s 3 most historic cemeteries: St. George’s Episcopal Church, Masonic, and the grave of Mary Washington. No, this isn’t your average “ghost” tour. Trolley ride to each site Refreshments provided. Sat 11am, 12:45, 2:30; Sun 1pm, 2:45 Book Signing @ The Griffin Bookshop Local Author Dave Wernli will be signing copies of his book, Mixed Emotions, Bringing Balance to the Experience of God’s Presence. All Day Introduction to Mosaic Art Workshop @ The Backdoor Gallery 10am – 4pm . 4500 Plank Road, join mosaic artist, Cathy Ambrose Smith in a fun two-day, beginner creative workshop. No art or mosaic experience necessary All supplies and tools included. Coffee and light snacks served! . The Great American Trailer Park Musical @ Caroline Community Theatre @ 7:00 pm. 7278 Ladysmith Road, Ruther Glen, VA 22546
Sunday, October 26 Introduction to Mosaic Art Workshop @ The Backdoor Gallery 2-5pm, 4500 Plank Rd. The Great American Trailer Park Musical @ Caroline Community Theatre @ 2:00 pm. 7278 Ladysmith Road, Ruther Glen, VA 22546
Wednesday, October 29 Gala Fashion Show & Luncheon@ Fredericksburg Expo & Conference
Each HomeInstead Franchise Office is Independently Owned & Operated
Center
@ 10am – 3:30 pm
Thursday, October 30 Learn to make Hula Hoops & Custom Tutorials! @ Downtown Greens @ 6pm. Ever wanted to learn how to hula hoop? Hoopnotica Certified Hoop Instructor Anna-Katya Hvizdos will teach no fail ways to hula hoop! Learn how to make a hula hoop and bring one home for a small fee if you choose.
Friday, October 31 Happy Halloween! BOO
If you are reading this 207th issue of FP, thank an advertiser as we celebrate our 18th year of continuous publication! If you are an advertiser, list your event. Deadline for October issue is October 20. To submit events, follow this link: http://frontporchfredericksburg.com/howto-ssubmit-o online/
Tuesday, October 28 Clay Mottley @ Bistro Bethem @ 8pm – 11pm. Join us for drink specials and live . No cover!
2329 Fans (& Growing) Want You to Join
Light Housekeeping Shopping/Errands Personal Care Flexible Hours
Front Porch on
540.899.1422 Front porch fredericksburg
Mosaic Art Workshop – Creating with Broken China @ Fredericksburg Center for the Creative Arts @ 10am – 5 pm. Join mosaic artist, Cathy Ambrose Smith in a two-day workshop, learning to create mosaics with broken china for decorative and functional art. Cathy will teach the how-to’s, for creating an indoor one of a kind project. Each student will have a wide range of choices of projects, all materials and tools included. Handouts provided! Coffee and light snacks served! .No art or mosaic experience necessary.
LET’S STITCH @ LibertyTown Arts Workshop 10 am – 4 pm. The fourth annual gathering for knitters and crocheters to work on items that are
Call for a free, no-obligation appointment
October 2014
The Rockabilly Hot Rod Rumble Hot Rod & Kustom Car Show @ Fredericksburg Fairgrounds 9 am – 5 pm. 2400 Airport Avenue, Classic cars, hot rods, rat rods, motorcycles, kustom builds, vehicles of all kinds! All ages welcome. Free admission but will be accepting donations. Show is open to all pre 1972 cars, trucks, bikes. Registration from 8am-1pm – bring out your ride and join in the fun!
Saturday, October 11
Companionship Meal Preparation Medication Reminders Laundry
16
collected for non-profit and charitable groups locally. Instruction, demos, food, door prizes throughout the day. Beginners through advanced are welcome.
homeinstead.com front porch fredericksburg
October 2014
17
CALENDAR of events
october 2014…Autumn harvest, autumn color, autumn air… ah, autumn! Thursday, October 2 Latino Identities Month Celebration @ 5 pm– 7 pm UMW Fredericksburg Campus, Seacobeck Hall Join the students of the Latino Student Association in the Smart Market for the Latino Melting Pot Dinner. Learn about the diverse cultures and foods of Latin America.
First Friday Oct 3 Empowerhouse 6th Annual Pendleton Golf Course.
Golf
Tourment.
States of Consciusness: New Works by Dr. Charles Riley@ 6:00 pm – October 3, 2014 @ 9:00 pm Art First Gallery 824 Caroline Street The Contemporary Henna Designs of Shirley Donahue with Photography by A.E. Bayne @ Skin + Touch Therapy thru Nov 21, 2014 all-day. Ancient technique viewed through a contemporary lens. Water Street Studio multi-media work by Lynette Reed and Elizabeth 915 A Sophia Street, 2nd floor. Music by Wave on Wave Every First Friday @ Courtyard Marriott Downtown Fredericksburg 6 pm –9pm Acoustic duo Country, Easy Rock and Roll and Blues. PONSHOP Studio and Gallery ushers in autumn with their First Friday Opening reception featuring recent paintings by gallery owner, Gabriel Pons, new ceramics by Scarlett Pons and a selection of Jewelry by Elaine B., Daphne Olive, Cirello, and K Tuna Creations.6-10pm FAMCC Screening of “From Grain to Growler” @ Market Square 7pm. The premiere will kick-off the Capital Ale House sponsored Oktoberfest . Prior to the screening, at 5pm, participants can sample beers from local breweries, including Adventure Brewing Company and Blue & Gray Brewing Co., enjoy food by local food vendors and listen to live music. Tickets may be purchased online at www.famcc.org and will be available at the door. For more information on this event, call 540-3713037, ext. 135 or visit www.famcc.org. $
Wednesday, October 8
Saturday, October 4 Capital Ale Oktoberfest Embrey Mill invites you to a Hometown Fall Festival. Features food vendors and a beer and wine garden, live music, fun activities for all ages, and tours of Embrey Mill’s beautiful new homes Festivities (all free of charge!): Live Music, Pumkin Decorating stand, hayrides, face painters and more! @ 2:00 pm – 6:00 pm Embrey Mill Apricot Street Stafford, VA 22554 Fredericksburg Dog Fair @ Fredericksburg Agricultural Fairgrounds @ 10:00 am – 3:00 pm Dog/Family friendly event with a Masquerade Dog Parade starting at noon followed by a Dog King & Queen Contest. Food, pet, and craft vendors. Dog Adoption Park. Dog Fair Show Ring. Lure Course. Canine Casino Raffle Prizes. Doggie Pools.All dogs must be on a leash please.$ UMW celebrates Latino Identities Month with “Bomba: Afro-Puerto Rican Dance Workshop”. Semilla Cultural, a nonprofit group dedicated to cultivating Puerto Rican traditions in Virginia, will teach a Bomba dance workshop. @ 4 pm – 6 pm UMW Fredericksburg Campus, Lee Hall Rm 411 University of Mary Washington.
Tuesday, October 7 Laurie Rose Griffith & Peter Mealy @ Bistro Bethem 8 pm – 11 pm. Join us for drink specials and live music. No cover! WINGS Girls Night Out @ Fredericksburg Country Club @ 6:30 - 8:30 pm. WINGS annual Girls Night Out will feature dinner, Cosmopolitan cocktails at the cash bar, and a special showing of high fashion clothing and accessories from three local boutiques. UMW Jazz Ensemble celebrates Latino Identities Month @ 7:30 pm . UMW Fredericksburg Campus, Pollard Recital Hall University of Mary Washington. The group will present the music of Tito Puente, Perez Prado, Chucho Valdes, Consuelo Velazquez, Jobim, Pancho Sanchez, Santana, and many more.
UMW celebrates Latino Identities Month with “Feira/Dinner Theatre” 5-7pm, UMW Fredericksburg Campus, Seacobeck Hall- Faculty/ Staff Dining room University of Mary Washington. Come share the night with us and take your taste buds on a journey through Central and South America as we sample dishes from many countries.
Thursday, October 9 Shiitake Log Making Event @ Downtown Greens @ 6:00 pm Learn about Mushrooms and build and take home your very own Shiitake Log to grow! Shiitakes are very medicinal mushrooms and Ryan Mooney, Mushroom Specialist, will teach you what you need to know to start your own mushroom cultivation. Food Fight Fredericksburg @ Fredericksburg Area Museum & Cultural Center, 6:30 pm. Participating restaurants and designers will be featured in the Museum’s galleries where their culinary and design skills will be tested. Each designer/restaurant team will be responsible for creating a one-of-a-kind exhibition along with a signature plate and drink $
Friday, October 10 KGARL “Fore” the Animals Golf Tournament @ Cameron Hills Golf Links @ 8:00 am Cameron Hills Golf Links 14140 Salem Church Road King George, Contact: Michele Shipman 888-542-7582 2014 Military & Spouse Career Fair @ National Guard Armory 10 am – 2 pm National Guard Armory 1700 Jefferson Davis Highway. Rappahannock Goodwill Industries in partnership with the Rappahannock Area Community Services Board, Virginia Wounded Warrior Program, Reg.1 and National University presents the 2014 Military & Spouse Career Fair. This event is open to all Veterans, Active Duty, Reserve and Guard Service Members and their Families.
Neighborhood Tours – Lower Caroline @ 11:30 am – 12:45 pm. The FAMCC, along with Hallowed Ground Tours, Tour guides will discuss centuries of architecture and the histories of people who helped shape the community. The tour departs from the commuter parking lot on the corner of Caroline and Frederick Streets and lasts approximately 75 minutes. Second Saturday at the Museum @ Fredericksburg Area Museum & Cultural Center 1 pm – 3 pm. Join us from 1-3 PM This month, children will create harvest and fall themed crafts Recommended age for this program is 8 and below. FREE.. Light the Night Walk @ Old Mill Park @ 5 pm. for The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society. The Night Walk funds lifesaving research and support for people battling blood cancers. contact Paige Givens at Paige.Givens@lls.org.
Tuesday, October 14 Tonya Lazenby Jackson Trio @ Bistro Bethem @ 8 - 11 pm. Join us for drink specials & live music .No cover!
Friday, October 17 Annual Creepy Crawly Carnival @ Ron Rosner Family YMCA @ 7pm – 9. 5700 Smith Station Road It is that time of year again for some spooky, silly fun. Come enjoy a variety of activities for the entire family including carnival games, face painting, a moon bounce, a hayride, a haunted house, all in a safe environment. Also on Oct 18
Saturday, October 18 Movement in the Garden @ Downtown Greens @ 10:30 am. Learn with Movement Specialist, Ashley as she guides participants in a gentle experiential movement class, not to be missed! Book Signing Yogurt. Local copies of his Balance to the
@ Sweet Frog Premium Frozen Author Dave Wernli will be signing book, Mixed Emotions, Bringing Experience of God’s Presence.
Sunday, October 19 Rappahannock United Way’s Community Appreciation Day @ Fredericksburg Fairgrounds @ 12pm – 5 pm. This is a free event for you, so come to the fairgrounds for live music, classic cars, moon bounce, monster truck rides, and more!
Tuesday, October 21 Breakfast with the Curator @ Fredericksburg Area Museum & Cultural Center 9 am. North Windsor Artists will speak about their works currently on exhibit Lectures are FREE to the public, RSVP to Anne Marie Paquette at 540-371-3037, ext. 400, or apaquette@famcc.org. Smith, Party of 3 @ Bistro Bethem @ 8pm – 11 pm Join us for drink specials and live music. No cover!
Friday, October 24 Stafford Piecemakers Guild Annual Quilt Show @ CRRL, Porter Branch thru October 27. Celebrate History with Stafford Piecemakers Quilt Guild’s Annual Quilt Show. Free Admission. Quilt Raffle Certified Quilt Appraiser on site Contact Jessica Lane, 540-659-4909.
The Great American Trailer Park Musical @ Caroline Community Theatre @ 8pm. 7278 Ladysmith Road, Ruther Glen, An hysterical show about agoraphobia, adultery, spray cheese, road kill, hysterical pregnancy, kleptomania, flan and disco. This show is laugh-out-loud funny. A bit racy in places, but an absolute hoot of a show with some wonderful music. .
‘Operation Drowning Pool’ Benefiting The Virginia Wounded Warrior Program Hosted by Hard Times Cafe at Four Mile Fork October 28th @ Hard Times Four Mile Fork @ 8 pm
Saturday, October 25
Shopping with unique vendors; exciting raffle prizes; three-course seated luncheon; fashion show presented by Macy’s of Spotsylvania Towne Centre. Tickets must be purchased by Oct. 18. Call or email Kathy Marcus at 540-972-2042.or ksmgcm@gmail.com.
12th Annual Historic Cemetery Tour thru – October 26. Meet “Cemetery Trolley” at Visitor’s Center on Caroline St. Join costumed historic interpreters for tour of ‘Burg’s 3 most historic cemeteries: St. George’s Episcopal Church, Masonic, and the grave of Mary Washington. No, this isn’t your average “ghost” tour. Trolley ride to each site Refreshments provided. Sat 11am, 12:45, 2:30; Sun 1pm, 2:45 Book Signing @ The Griffin Bookshop Local Author Dave Wernli will be signing copies of his book, Mixed Emotions, Bringing Balance to the Experience of God’s Presence. All Day Introduction to Mosaic Art Workshop @ The Backdoor Gallery 10am – 4pm . 4500 Plank Road, join mosaic artist, Cathy Ambrose Smith in a fun two-day, beginner creative workshop. No art or mosaic experience necessary All supplies and tools included. Coffee and light snacks served! . The Great American Trailer Park Musical @ Caroline Community Theatre @ 7:00 pm. 7278 Ladysmith Road, Ruther Glen, VA 22546
Sunday, October 26 Introduction to Mosaic Art Workshop @ The Backdoor Gallery 2-5pm, 4500 Plank Rd. The Great American Trailer Park Musical @ Caroline Community Theatre @ 2:00 pm. 7278 Ladysmith Road, Ruther Glen, VA 22546
Wednesday, October 29 Gala Fashion Show & Luncheon@ Fredericksburg Expo & Conference
Each HomeInstead Franchise Office is Independently Owned & Operated
Center
@ 10am – 3:30 pm
Thursday, October 30 Learn to make Hula Hoops & Custom Tutorials! @ Downtown Greens @ 6pm. Ever wanted to learn how to hula hoop? Hoopnotica Certified Hoop Instructor Anna-Katya Hvizdos will teach no fail ways to hula hoop! Learn how to make a hula hoop and bring one home for a small fee if you choose.
Friday, October 31 Happy Halloween! BOO
If you are reading this 207th issue of FP, thank an advertiser as we celebrate our 18th year of continuous publication! If you are an advertiser, list your event. Deadline for October issue is October 20. To submit events, follow this link: http://frontporchfredericksburg.com/howto-ssubmit-o online/
Tuesday, October 28 Clay Mottley @ Bistro Bethem @ 8pm – 11pm. Join us for drink specials and live . No cover!
2329 Fans (& Growing) Want You to Join
Light Housekeeping Shopping/Errands Personal Care Flexible Hours
Front Porch on
540.899.1422 Front porch fredericksburg
Mosaic Art Workshop – Creating with Broken China @ Fredericksburg Center for the Creative Arts @ 10am – 5 pm. Join mosaic artist, Cathy Ambrose Smith in a two-day workshop, learning to create mosaics with broken china for decorative and functional art. Cathy will teach the how-to’s, for creating an indoor one of a kind project. Each student will have a wide range of choices of projects, all materials and tools included. Handouts provided! Coffee and light snacks served! .No art or mosaic experience necessary.
LET’S STITCH @ LibertyTown Arts Workshop 10 am – 4 pm. The fourth annual gathering for knitters and crocheters to work on items that are
Call for a free, no-obligation appointment
October 2014
The Rockabilly Hot Rod Rumble Hot Rod & Kustom Car Show @ Fredericksburg Fairgrounds 9 am – 5 pm. 2400 Airport Avenue, Classic cars, hot rods, rat rods, motorcycles, kustom builds, vehicles of all kinds! All ages welcome. Free admission but will be accepting donations. Show is open to all pre 1972 cars, trucks, bikes. Registration from 8am-1pm – bring out your ride and join in the fun!
Saturday, October 11
Companionship Meal Preparation Medication Reminders Laundry
16
collected for non-profit and charitable groups locally. Instruction, demos, food, door prizes throughout the day. Beginners through advanced are welcome.
homeinstead.com front porch fredericksburg
October 2014
17
history’s stories
HISTORY By Ralph “Tuffy” Hicks
I am often asked what a good definition of history. There have been many different explanations over the last several hundred years about what is or is not history. I find it too be very simple in definition. History is the second that has passed while I am writing and you are reading this article. We shall never have these moments in our lives again as the seconds, minutes, hours, days, months and years pass. Father time moves forward and one of my favorite sayings is “you cannot un ring a bell” for once a word or action is taken it can never be undone. It does not matter if the actions or events are as exciting as a newborn family member or as sad as the death of a friend the events will never be the same just the memories, pictures and records remain as evidence of what occurred at that place in time. We all can recall the times in our younger years when a relative, especially a grandparent would often say “when I was your age” and we would roll our eyes and say to ourselves here we go again. I now find myself doing that very same thing when we are having our friendly coffee shop morning meetings and discuss (history) what happened yesterday in the news or the deceased whose names appeared on the obituary page that morning. Preservation is a daily news story, however, if we think about it some historical sites may be lost forever in the name of preservation. NO WAY you may say! Well how about the convent on Marie’s Heights that is being destroyed so that the landscape will appear “somewhat” as it did in December 1862. Many of former students who attended Montfort Academy have fond memories of the Nuns that lived there and taught at the school. Another local news story is the Prince Hall Masonic Lodge building that was the first Masonic Lodge for the African-American community that may be demolished for a proposed trail. We have some historical significant sites that may never receive any recognition or as the saying goes “out of sight out of mind”. The Fredericksburg underground tunnels that I have written about for years. The late Roy Butler and I are among the few who have ever been inside of these underground passages that run from the river for over ten city blocks. The next time you walk along the recently built walking trail think about the Virginia Central Railroad that ran over it in the late 1800’s and the toil and labor that built it.
Central Rappahannock
HERITAGE CENTER Volunteers needed to process historical documents and aid researchers. Training provided. Phone 540-373-3704 or email crhc@verizon.net Open to the public for scholarly research
The Heritage Center 18
October 2014
Maury Commons
900 Barton St
Front porch fredericksburg
Fredericksburg
OUR HERITAGE
A look at the Central Rappahannock Heritage Center collection
National Archives Month
By John Reifenberg October is National Archives Month, so as a volunteer at the Central Rappahannock Heritage Center, permit me to get a jump on things and incorporate a few items of local interest. Pondering the look of the county prior to the creation of Lake Anna may interest many. The first survey of the lake area was completed prior to 1968, logging was completed in 1972, and the area began to flood shortly after. A collection of 124 aerial photographs taken of Spotsylvania County by the Aero Service Corp in 1937 were generously donated to the CRHC by James and Mary Faulconer in 2007, through Hazel Wheeler Faulconer. Mrs. Hazel Faulconer worked for the county’s Agricultural Stabilization Conservation Service. Apparently, there were updated photographs taken in the 1950’s and the old ones were to be thrown out. She saved them from the scrap heap, and the county will benefit from her action for some time. I would like to thank David West, the Spotsylvania County GIS specialist. He was able to provide me with an old county map with the photo coordinates on it. This way I could place every photograph in the county. Invaluable In the photos, the North Anna River is clearly discernible, delineating portions of the southern boundary of Spotsylvania County. It is most interesting to see that part of the county before the flooding. Looking at the photos, features like old bridges, roads, and the future Lake Anna State Park, can be visualized. The maps provide a sense of history. If you were to hike the Mill Pond Trail in the park, the end would be a flooded area of Pigeon Run at the site of Hailey’s Mill, or as mentioned in a May 5th 1856 archived document, a “water grist mill”. It was built by John, Isaiah, and Benjamin Hailey, circa 1856. Above is a plat showing the location of their mill pond and the adjoining property of the Goodwin Mining Co., and “Lawyers Old Road”. But before they could build, a related document expresses certain obligations to be satisfied prior to construction and seeks a response to a request petition from the Haileys. The Commonwealth of Virginia issued a “writ of ad quod damnum”, lawyer lingo for “to what damage”, requiring the county to provide evidence that the dam would not
Spotlight On 25 30 Espresso: great coffee with a clear conscious By christina ferber Visitors and locals alike often consider the train tracks the end of downtown Fredericksburg, but if you walk just a block past those tracks, you will find a hidden gem named 25 30 Espresso. Many VRE riders get their caffeine fix at 25 30 before making the daily trip north (they open at 4:30 am), but it is also a great place to get a cup of coffee for those of us who don’t commute. 25 30 is named for the coffee growing region around the world: 25 degrees North and 30 degrees South, and serves Counter Culture Coffee, a sustainable roaster out of Durham, NC. “We are the only place outside of DC and Richmond where Counter Culture is served. We picked them as our roaster because they are involved with direct trade with the grower, they ensure sustainability of the farm, and make certain workers have medical care and kids go to school,” says Maureen Bartosh, owner of 25 30. Counter Culture Coffee only engages in direct trade with its growers,
which is even better for the farmer than fair trade practices. Direct trade allows for transparency that you can’t easily find with other roasters. 25 30 pays more for this “better than fair trade” coffee, but absorbs the cost so prices are still reasonable. Not only can you drink a cup of coffee at 25 30 with a clear conscious, the taste of their coffee makes it worth crossing the train tracks. “Counter Culture is an incredible roaster. There are very few roasters that can pull the flavor profiles and nuances out of coffee like they do,” says Bartosh. While sipping your coffee or tea, you can also choose from a wide variety of pastries and other items. Their Johnson and Wales trained pastry chef creates an array of breakfast sandwiches and tempting baked goods on site daily, as well as a small selection of lunch sandwiches. Again, taste isn’t the only component of 25 30’s offerings. Their recent entry into the Sandwich Invitational showcased a sauce made from Bowman’s bourbon, a
testament to Bartosh’s commitment to support other local businesses. When 25 30 first opened it catered to commuters, but as more people discovered it, Bartosh extended the store’s hours. The coffee shop is now open until 4 pm on weekdays and 2:30 pm on weekends. The extended hours allow for a quiet place that college students and business people alike can enjoy as they eat, drink, and work. There are also board games available for those who want a more social setting. As the shop moves into its eighth year, plans include continued support at charity events such as Rappahannock Riverfest, Fairy Godmother Project, and Safe Harbor, as well as board game tournaments, and even a corn hole competition. You can also find them at the Farmer’s Market selling brewed and iced beverages, as well as Counter Culture’s award winning bagged coffee. “Everyone thinks the city ends at Lafayette,” Bartosh says, “But it doesn’t.”
Take a walk past Lafayette to 400 Princess Anne Street or park in their lot, and enjoy a great tasting cup of sustainable coffee at 25 30 Espresso. Christina Ferber is a teacher, mother, and self-proclaimed coffee connoisseur. She is pleased to know that her favorite beverage can be consumed with a clear conscious.
hinder navigation, fish migration, (surprisingly), or destroy or flood any significant portion of any neighbor’s property. A resultant document details the formation of a group of 12 “able and discreet freeholders” that were to meet onsite prior to the construction phase and provide judgment of these issues. The twelve were not to be swayed by “meat or drink from any person whatever” under threat of imprisonment by the sheriff. The “inquest” delivered the opinion that the dam would have no effect on “the passage of fish”, navigation, and “that the lands of no persons except the owner’s of the proposed mill will be overflowed”. Further, “…as to the health of the neighborhood we are of the opinion under the existing circumstances that the same will not be injured or annoyed by the stagnation of the water”. Later, “The above report is predicated from the fact that the dam is not to be over Sixteen feet high”. This brief glimpse back on an important issue of the time, along with the language and societal responsibilities, highlight significant changes in the direction of citizen participation today.
John Reifenberg is a CRHC Volunteer
front porch fredericksburg
October 2014
19
history’s stories
HISTORY By Ralph “Tuffy” Hicks
I am often asked what a good definition of history. There have been many different explanations over the last several hundred years about what is or is not history. I find it too be very simple in definition. History is the second that has passed while I am writing and you are reading this article. We shall never have these moments in our lives again as the seconds, minutes, hours, days, months and years pass. Father time moves forward and one of my favorite sayings is “you cannot un ring a bell” for once a word or action is taken it can never be undone. It does not matter if the actions or events are as exciting as a newborn family member or as sad as the death of a friend the events will never be the same just the memories, pictures and records remain as evidence of what occurred at that place in time. We all can recall the times in our younger years when a relative, especially a grandparent would often say “when I was your age” and we would roll our eyes and say to ourselves here we go again. I now find myself doing that very same thing when we are having our friendly coffee shop morning meetings and discuss (history) what happened yesterday in the news or the deceased whose names appeared on the obituary page that morning. Preservation is a daily news story, however, if we think about it some historical sites may be lost forever in the name of preservation. NO WAY you may say! Well how about the convent on Marie’s Heights that is being destroyed so that the landscape will appear “somewhat” as it did in December 1862. Many of former students who attended Montfort Academy have fond memories of the Nuns that lived there and taught at the school. Another local news story is the Prince Hall Masonic Lodge building that was the first Masonic Lodge for the African-American community that may be demolished for a proposed trail. We have some historical significant sites that may never receive any recognition or as the saying goes “out of sight out of mind”. The Fredericksburg underground tunnels that I have written about for years. The late Roy Butler and I are among the few who have ever been inside of these underground passages that run from the river for over ten city blocks. The next time you walk along the recently built walking trail think about the Virginia Central Railroad that ran over it in the late 1800’s and the toil and labor that built it.
Central Rappahannock
HERITAGE CENTER Volunteers needed to process historical documents and aid researchers. Training provided. Phone 540-373-3704 or email crhc@verizon.net Open to the public for scholarly research
The Heritage Center 18
October 2014
Maury Commons
900 Barton St
Front porch fredericksburg
Fredericksburg
OUR HERITAGE
A look at the Central Rappahannock Heritage Center collection
National Archives Month
By John Reifenberg October is National Archives Month, so as a volunteer at the Central Rappahannock Heritage Center, permit me to get a jump on things and incorporate a few items of local interest. Pondering the look of the county prior to the creation of Lake Anna may interest many. The first survey of the lake area was completed prior to 1968, logging was completed in 1972, and the area began to flood shortly after. A collection of 124 aerial photographs taken of Spotsylvania County by the Aero Service Corp in 1937 were generously donated to the CRHC by James and Mary Faulconer in 2007, through Hazel Wheeler Faulconer. Mrs. Hazel Faulconer worked for the county’s Agricultural Stabilization Conservation Service. Apparently, there were updated photographs taken in the 1950’s and the old ones were to be thrown out. She saved them from the scrap heap, and the county will benefit from her action for some time. I would like to thank David West, the Spotsylvania County GIS specialist. He was able to provide me with an old county map with the photo coordinates on it. This way I could place every photograph in the county. Invaluable In the photos, the North Anna River is clearly discernible, delineating portions of the southern boundary of Spotsylvania County. It is most interesting to see that part of the county before the flooding. Looking at the photos, features like old bridges, roads, and the future Lake Anna State Park, can be visualized. The maps provide a sense of history. If you were to hike the Mill Pond Trail in the park, the end would be a flooded area of Pigeon Run at the site of Hailey’s Mill, or as mentioned in a May 5th 1856 archived document, a “water grist mill”. It was built by John, Isaiah, and Benjamin Hailey, circa 1856. Above is a plat showing the location of their mill pond and the adjoining property of the Goodwin Mining Co., and “Lawyers Old Road”. But before they could build, a related document expresses certain obligations to be satisfied prior to construction and seeks a response to a request petition from the Haileys. The Commonwealth of Virginia issued a “writ of ad quod damnum”, lawyer lingo for “to what damage”, requiring the county to provide evidence that the dam would not
Spotlight On 25 30 Espresso: great coffee with a clear conscious By christina ferber Visitors and locals alike often consider the train tracks the end of downtown Fredericksburg, but if you walk just a block past those tracks, you will find a hidden gem named 25 30 Espresso. Many VRE riders get their caffeine fix at 25 30 before making the daily trip north (they open at 4:30 am), but it is also a great place to get a cup of coffee for those of us who don’t commute. 25 30 is named for the coffee growing region around the world: 25 degrees North and 30 degrees South, and serves Counter Culture Coffee, a sustainable roaster out of Durham, NC. “We are the only place outside of DC and Richmond where Counter Culture is served. We picked them as our roaster because they are involved with direct trade with the grower, they ensure sustainability of the farm, and make certain workers have medical care and kids go to school,” says Maureen Bartosh, owner of 25 30. Counter Culture Coffee only engages in direct trade with its growers,
which is even better for the farmer than fair trade practices. Direct trade allows for transparency that you can’t easily find with other roasters. 25 30 pays more for this “better than fair trade” coffee, but absorbs the cost so prices are still reasonable. Not only can you drink a cup of coffee at 25 30 with a clear conscious, the taste of their coffee makes it worth crossing the train tracks. “Counter Culture is an incredible roaster. There are very few roasters that can pull the flavor profiles and nuances out of coffee like they do,” says Bartosh. While sipping your coffee or tea, you can also choose from a wide variety of pastries and other items. Their Johnson and Wales trained pastry chef creates an array of breakfast sandwiches and tempting baked goods on site daily, as well as a small selection of lunch sandwiches. Again, taste isn’t the only component of 25 30’s offerings. Their recent entry into the Sandwich Invitational showcased a sauce made from Bowman’s bourbon, a
testament to Bartosh’s commitment to support other local businesses. When 25 30 first opened it catered to commuters, but as more people discovered it, Bartosh extended the store’s hours. The coffee shop is now open until 4 pm on weekdays and 2:30 pm on weekends. The extended hours allow for a quiet place that college students and business people alike can enjoy as they eat, drink, and work. There are also board games available for those who want a more social setting. As the shop moves into its eighth year, plans include continued support at charity events such as Rappahannock Riverfest, Fairy Godmother Project, and Safe Harbor, as well as board game tournaments, and even a corn hole competition. You can also find them at the Farmer’s Market selling brewed and iced beverages, as well as Counter Culture’s award winning bagged coffee. “Everyone thinks the city ends at Lafayette,” Bartosh says, “But it doesn’t.”
Take a walk past Lafayette to 400 Princess Anne Street or park in their lot, and enjoy a great tasting cup of sustainable coffee at 25 30 Espresso. Christina Ferber is a teacher, mother, and self-proclaimed coffee connoisseur. She is pleased to know that her favorite beverage can be consumed with a clear conscious.
hinder navigation, fish migration, (surprisingly), or destroy or flood any significant portion of any neighbor’s property. A resultant document details the formation of a group of 12 “able and discreet freeholders” that were to meet onsite prior to the construction phase and provide judgment of these issues. The twelve were not to be swayed by “meat or drink from any person whatever” under threat of imprisonment by the sheriff. The “inquest” delivered the opinion that the dam would have no effect on “the passage of fish”, navigation, and “that the lands of no persons except the owner’s of the proposed mill will be overflowed”. Further, “…as to the health of the neighborhood we are of the opinion under the existing circumstances that the same will not be injured or annoyed by the stagnation of the water”. Later, “The above report is predicated from the fact that the dam is not to be over Sixteen feet high”. This brief glimpse back on an important issue of the time, along with the language and societal responsibilities, highlight significant changes in the direction of citizen participation today.
John Reifenberg is a CRHC Volunteer
front porch fredericksburg
October 2014
19
Companions
AutoKnown Better
solo healing the most graceful dog he had ever seen! However, one Saturday morning Solo and Mike were returning from a walk when Mike noticed that Solo was moving a bit oddly. He would hold up his right hind leg, and periodically touch his toes to the ground. After several days of this, Mike took Solo to the veterinarian. The vet diagnosed Solo with a ruptured cranial cruciate ligament (a ligament inside the knee joint that aids in stabilizing it.) He would need surgery to repair it. Solo came through the surgery with flying colors. As soon as healing began, I worked with Mike on exercises to help Solo rehabilitate and regain his original ease of movement. Using therapeutic massage, craniosacral therapy and myofascial release, I began by working the muscles on either side of his spine. Solo sighed and stretched out on his side. The other animals in the house—two cats and one dog—crept over to Solo and curled up next to him. Candace Pert, PhD., in her book,
Grooming Salon Canine Boarding in Our Indoor/Outdoor Runs Dog Training & Behavioral Consults with certified dog trainer Feline Boarding in Our Spacious Multi-room Condos
Serving you & your companion animals for 16 years Stacy L. Horner, DVM; Gary B. Dunn, DVM; Melanie Bell, DVM; Sandi L. Pepper, DVM; Melissa A. DeLauter, DVM ; Arlene Evans, DVM; Jennnifer Skarbek, DVM
540/374-0462 www.woahvets.com October 2014
By c. ruth cassell
By Rim Vining
Full Service Hospital featuring:
20
work - vs - play
slow down, you’r moving too fast
By jill deming
Mike loved to watch the movement of his Golden Retriever, Solo. He seemed to float effortlessly as he trotted along. Mike admitted that he might be biased, but he thought Solo was
My Own Path
10 Walsh Lane Front porch fredericksburg
"Our family wants to take care of your family."
Molecules of Emotion explains how a waterfall of chemicals is released when touch receptors in the body are stimulated, which in turn transmit messages to the brain. Once the brain receives these messages it initiates the production of chemicals that feed major body systems such as the blood, muscles, nerve cells, tissues, and organs. In the wild, animals provide massage for each other by mutual grooming. One example is young mammals that depend upon the action of their mother’s tongue to stimulate digestion. They must rely on the mother to help them until their eyes and ears are open. After nursing, she carefully licks them until peristaltic action (the rhythmic contraction of the intestine as it moves food down its length) is initiated. If she did not do this, they would be unable to eliminate toxic wastes and would die. As the days pass and growing animals play-fight and tussle with one another, their activity increases the circulation of the blood. This brings nutrients to the bones, building a stronger skeletal system. Physical activity also causes an increase the amount of oxygen reaching the tissues, which results in a healthier animal. In addition to the physical benefits, bodywork also has social benefits. It is an integral part of a developing animal’s social order. In the wild, growing animals learn to relate to one another and their environment in a way which will serve them as they mature. Studies have shown that animals deprived of touch become social misfits, and are sometimes unable to survive. Mike’s dedication to Solo’s recovery paid off. Between bodywork sessions and daily exercises, Solo was once again able to run and play. I was gratified to watch him racing around the yard, mouthing his beloved tennis ball.
10839 Tidewater Trail Fredericksburg, VA 22408 540-361-7050 www.tidewatertrail.com We are on Facebook & Twitter.
Hours: Mon, Wed 6:30-6:30 Tues, Thurs 7-7 Fri 6:30-6 Sat 8-1
ANIMAL RITES, USA Pet Cremation Service
Do you remember when the Feds in their infinite wisdom changed all the speedometers in cars to only read up to 80 M.P.H? This was supposed to give us the subliminal hint that when the needle is all the way up we must be going too fast so we would slow down. Brilliance takes so many forms. Twenty years ago my work took me up and down I-95 quite often. In those days it was forty-two minutes from my office to the Lincoln Memorial and from there you could get anywhere in DC in fifteen minutes. Going south to Richmond there was no traffic. Needless to say the needle was often pegged at the 80 MPH limit so I actually had no idea how fast I was going. In today’s traffic with speed limits back up to 70 plus and a truck on your tail you are flying. What the Feds really taught us is that the needle is always pegged so get used to it. There is always someone on your tail pushing you just a little bit faster and with the needle buried beyond its limits you don’t have a clue how fast you are really moving. So for the seventh day He created the back road. That place with trees real close to the road and tractors that are going really slow. Those roads that cross unnamed creeks on old narrow bridges with a convenient ‘wide spot’ where you can pull off and throw in a line just to see what might be biting. Those back roads will take you to the same places the interstate travels but when you get there you don’t hate your fellow man. Did you know the shortest route to JMU and the Shenandoah Valley from Fredericksburg is along the Fredericksburg Road? Who knew? Twenty-five years of visiting friends in the valley by every other road except that one; It is wonderful!
Private, Individual Cremation
For something new this fall try heading west to the Plains for the Hunt Country Classic which has nothing to do with horses and everything to do with beautiful cars. Wonderful venue on a private estate without touching the interstate. (www.mgcarclubdc.com/hcc) This year it is October 12th. It is a great drive on back roads so slow down, bring your fishing line and maybe pack a picnic with a glass or a pint…
Rim Vining travels down many roads.
35 Monuments, Markers, & Attractions
Personal Pick Up & Delivery Respect for all “Best Friends”
AND the Fredericksburg Battlefields Weddings Reunions Shuttles Parties Group Outings
Visit Us at Our Website: www.animalritesusa.com Call Us At: 540-361-7487
I like all things fermented and try not to play favorites. Grape or grain, I strive for a nice balance. Still I did enjoy the change in marketing strategy for Virginia noting that all the signs now give directions to breweries as well as wineries. No offense, but I worked in a Virginia winery during the industry’s formative years and I can see where it might be in the state’s best interest to promote both beer and wine. In the forty years since you first started seeing Virginia wines they haven’t exactly become the “go to grape.” Beer on the other hand is coming along rather nicely.
Old Town’s Greatest Tour
When it’s time to say “Good-bye”
Serving the Area for 11 Years Jill Deming, owner of Integrated Animal Therapies, is a member of the International Association of Animal Massage & Bodywork and is a certified massage therapist For information on how bodywork can increase the health of your canine or equine companion, please visit Jill’s website at www.jdanimals.com
Our latest trip through North Carolina included a run into Raleigh on “Future” 495 (“future” road designations seem to be unique to NC) and a trip along old US-86, the truck route to Danville. Tobacco barns and high-lift four-wheel drive Vega wagons parked in the yards. Back roads. As we continued north through Lynchburg towards the Shenandoah we found that if you cut off Rte-29 on 151 north to Afton, VA it takes you through beer country! Forget the grapes – “Beer! It’s not just for breakfast anymore.”
Fredericksburgtrolley.com
540-898-0737
A hard worker is as attractive to me as sculpted arms or deep chocolate eyes. On days I feel unproductive, my sense of self worth plummets. For me, recognizing how I view hard work was critical in recognizing my own sense of self and defining what I want in a life mate. When it comes to my parenting style, I question if the focus on work destroys the joy of play. When we go outside, I usually get distracted with a yard chore, or want to go check the mail. I sit on the floor in his playroom and immediately notice the dust gathering in the corner. We spend a lot of one-on-one time together, and I would rather read to each other or tackle a household chore together than battle Transformers or construct Lego cities. Nasir is only seven and, as someone recently pointed out to me, play is children’s work. It’s how they sort out their emotions and their sense of the world. Play is a child’s chance to interact with other children and to connect with their parents. Being able to act goofy and suspend reality lead to a child’s critical thinking and problem solving skills. Acting goofy and transcending into fantastical worlds of a child’s creation give a parent the chance to “be productive” while also connecting neurons that have long since lapsed. Perhaps an adult’s play is exercise. I greatly enjoy my runs, riding bikes with my son, and going to the gym. I feel playful but productive. At the beginning of last month, over Labor Day weekend, my son spent two days hanging with his mom and doing hard work. We have a house we are renovating, and it needed some attention. My mom and I spent long hours on Sunday and Monday cleaning floors, washing window blinds, mowing the grass, and organizing tools. My son hung in there with us like a champion. He didn’t complain or whine.
He seemed to enjoy himself for the most part. And, he helped. He scrubbed floors, he ran errands around the house bringing us brooms and dustpans and dry towels. He worked hard. And, I loved him for it. I wanted to reward him for all his productivity. When I saw other parents’ photos of family hikes and last days of summer spent at the lake or pool, I felt a pang of guilt and jealousy, but I felt our weekend was well spent and what we needed to do at the time. At the end of last month, as I finally began to accept the season’s change and not cringe when I saw pumpkins lined outside the grocery store, I did something I’ve never done before. I bought Nasir a Halloween costume in September. I’m not the biggest fan of the October holiday and I rarely prepare for it with any vigilance. Nasir wore his Ninja army costume for the next two days. I let down my defenses and picked up a plastic sword and ran around the yard with him, swatting and yelling “yah.” We played. It’s not that we don’t ever play. We do. But I don’t immerse myself in his world as often as I should. If he can immerse himself in my world of work, then I will work harder to immerse myself in his world of play.
C. Ruth Cassell lives, works and plays in Roanoke, VA and her son is looking forward to having as much fun for this year’s Halloween as he did last year (pictured).
Front Porch Fredericksburg
Supporting Local Artists Since 1997
front porch fredericksburg
October 2014
21
Companions
AutoKnown Better
solo healing the most graceful dog he had ever seen! However, one Saturday morning Solo and Mike were returning from a walk when Mike noticed that Solo was moving a bit oddly. He would hold up his right hind leg, and periodically touch his toes to the ground. After several days of this, Mike took Solo to the veterinarian. The vet diagnosed Solo with a ruptured cranial cruciate ligament (a ligament inside the knee joint that aids in stabilizing it.) He would need surgery to repair it. Solo came through the surgery with flying colors. As soon as healing began, I worked with Mike on exercises to help Solo rehabilitate and regain his original ease of movement. Using therapeutic massage, craniosacral therapy and myofascial release, I began by working the muscles on either side of his spine. Solo sighed and stretched out on his side. The other animals in the house—two cats and one dog—crept over to Solo and curled up next to him. Candace Pert, PhD., in her book,
Grooming Salon Canine Boarding in Our Indoor/Outdoor Runs Dog Training & Behavioral Consults with certified dog trainer Feline Boarding in Our Spacious Multi-room Condos
Serving you & your companion animals for 16 years Stacy L. Horner, DVM; Gary B. Dunn, DVM; Melanie Bell, DVM; Sandi L. Pepper, DVM; Melissa A. DeLauter, DVM ; Arlene Evans, DVM; Jennnifer Skarbek, DVM
540/374-0462 www.woahvets.com October 2014
By c. ruth cassell
By Rim Vining
Full Service Hospital featuring:
20
work - vs - play
slow down, you’r moving too fast
By jill deming
Mike loved to watch the movement of his Golden Retriever, Solo. He seemed to float effortlessly as he trotted along. Mike admitted that he might be biased, but he thought Solo was
My Own Path
10 Walsh Lane Front porch fredericksburg
"Our family wants to take care of your family."
Molecules of Emotion explains how a waterfall of chemicals is released when touch receptors in the body are stimulated, which in turn transmit messages to the brain. Once the brain receives these messages it initiates the production of chemicals that feed major body systems such as the blood, muscles, nerve cells, tissues, and organs. In the wild, animals provide massage for each other by mutual grooming. One example is young mammals that depend upon the action of their mother’s tongue to stimulate digestion. They must rely on the mother to help them until their eyes and ears are open. After nursing, she carefully licks them until peristaltic action (the rhythmic contraction of the intestine as it moves food down its length) is initiated. If she did not do this, they would be unable to eliminate toxic wastes and would die. As the days pass and growing animals play-fight and tussle with one another, their activity increases the circulation of the blood. This brings nutrients to the bones, building a stronger skeletal system. Physical activity also causes an increase the amount of oxygen reaching the tissues, which results in a healthier animal. In addition to the physical benefits, bodywork also has social benefits. It is an integral part of a developing animal’s social order. In the wild, growing animals learn to relate to one another and their environment in a way which will serve them as they mature. Studies have shown that animals deprived of touch become social misfits, and are sometimes unable to survive. Mike’s dedication to Solo’s recovery paid off. Between bodywork sessions and daily exercises, Solo was once again able to run and play. I was gratified to watch him racing around the yard, mouthing his beloved tennis ball.
10839 Tidewater Trail Fredericksburg, VA 22408 540-361-7050 www.tidewatertrail.com We are on Facebook & Twitter.
Hours: Mon, Wed 6:30-6:30 Tues, Thurs 7-7 Fri 6:30-6 Sat 8-1
ANIMAL RITES, USA Pet Cremation Service
Do you remember when the Feds in their infinite wisdom changed all the speedometers in cars to only read up to 80 M.P.H? This was supposed to give us the subliminal hint that when the needle is all the way up we must be going too fast so we would slow down. Brilliance takes so many forms. Twenty years ago my work took me up and down I-95 quite often. In those days it was forty-two minutes from my office to the Lincoln Memorial and from there you could get anywhere in DC in fifteen minutes. Going south to Richmond there was no traffic. Needless to say the needle was often pegged at the 80 MPH limit so I actually had no idea how fast I was going. In today’s traffic with speed limits back up to 70 plus and a truck on your tail you are flying. What the Feds really taught us is that the needle is always pegged so get used to it. There is always someone on your tail pushing you just a little bit faster and with the needle buried beyond its limits you don’t have a clue how fast you are really moving. So for the seventh day He created the back road. That place with trees real close to the road and tractors that are going really slow. Those roads that cross unnamed creeks on old narrow bridges with a convenient ‘wide spot’ where you can pull off and throw in a line just to see what might be biting. Those back roads will take you to the same places the interstate travels but when you get there you don’t hate your fellow man. Did you know the shortest route to JMU and the Shenandoah Valley from Fredericksburg is along the Fredericksburg Road? Who knew? Twenty-five years of visiting friends in the valley by every other road except that one; It is wonderful!
Private, Individual Cremation
For something new this fall try heading west to the Plains for the Hunt Country Classic which has nothing to do with horses and everything to do with beautiful cars. Wonderful venue on a private estate without touching the interstate. (www.mgcarclubdc.com/hcc) This year it is October 12th. It is a great drive on back roads so slow down, bring your fishing line and maybe pack a picnic with a glass or a pint…
Rim Vining travels down many roads.
35 Monuments, Markers, & Attractions
Personal Pick Up & Delivery Respect for all “Best Friends”
AND the Fredericksburg Battlefields Weddings Reunions Shuttles Parties Group Outings
Visit Us at Our Website: www.animalritesusa.com Call Us At: 540-361-7487
I like all things fermented and try not to play favorites. Grape or grain, I strive for a nice balance. Still I did enjoy the change in marketing strategy for Virginia noting that all the signs now give directions to breweries as well as wineries. No offense, but I worked in a Virginia winery during the industry’s formative years and I can see where it might be in the state’s best interest to promote both beer and wine. In the forty years since you first started seeing Virginia wines they haven’t exactly become the “go to grape.” Beer on the other hand is coming along rather nicely.
Old Town’s Greatest Tour
When it’s time to say “Good-bye”
Serving the Area for 11 Years Jill Deming, owner of Integrated Animal Therapies, is a member of the International Association of Animal Massage & Bodywork and is a certified massage therapist For information on how bodywork can increase the health of your canine or equine companion, please visit Jill’s website at www.jdanimals.com
Our latest trip through North Carolina included a run into Raleigh on “Future” 495 (“future” road designations seem to be unique to NC) and a trip along old US-86, the truck route to Danville. Tobacco barns and high-lift four-wheel drive Vega wagons parked in the yards. Back roads. As we continued north through Lynchburg towards the Shenandoah we found that if you cut off Rte-29 on 151 north to Afton, VA it takes you through beer country! Forget the grapes – “Beer! It’s not just for breakfast anymore.”
Fredericksburgtrolley.com
540-898-0737
A hard worker is as attractive to me as sculpted arms or deep chocolate eyes. On days I feel unproductive, my sense of self worth plummets. For me, recognizing how I view hard work was critical in recognizing my own sense of self and defining what I want in a life mate. When it comes to my parenting style, I question if the focus on work destroys the joy of play. When we go outside, I usually get distracted with a yard chore, or want to go check the mail. I sit on the floor in his playroom and immediately notice the dust gathering in the corner. We spend a lot of one-on-one time together, and I would rather read to each other or tackle a household chore together than battle Transformers or construct Lego cities. Nasir is only seven and, as someone recently pointed out to me, play is children’s work. It’s how they sort out their emotions and their sense of the world. Play is a child’s chance to interact with other children and to connect with their parents. Being able to act goofy and suspend reality lead to a child’s critical thinking and problem solving skills. Acting goofy and transcending into fantastical worlds of a child’s creation give a parent the chance to “be productive” while also connecting neurons that have long since lapsed. Perhaps an adult’s play is exercise. I greatly enjoy my runs, riding bikes with my son, and going to the gym. I feel playful but productive. At the beginning of last month, over Labor Day weekend, my son spent two days hanging with his mom and doing hard work. We have a house we are renovating, and it needed some attention. My mom and I spent long hours on Sunday and Monday cleaning floors, washing window blinds, mowing the grass, and organizing tools. My son hung in there with us like a champion. He didn’t complain or whine.
He seemed to enjoy himself for the most part. And, he helped. He scrubbed floors, he ran errands around the house bringing us brooms and dustpans and dry towels. He worked hard. And, I loved him for it. I wanted to reward him for all his productivity. When I saw other parents’ photos of family hikes and last days of summer spent at the lake or pool, I felt a pang of guilt and jealousy, but I felt our weekend was well spent and what we needed to do at the time. At the end of last month, as I finally began to accept the season’s change and not cringe when I saw pumpkins lined outside the grocery store, I did something I’ve never done before. I bought Nasir a Halloween costume in September. I’m not the biggest fan of the October holiday and I rarely prepare for it with any vigilance. Nasir wore his Ninja army costume for the next two days. I let down my defenses and picked up a plastic sword and ran around the yard with him, swatting and yelling “yah.” We played. It’s not that we don’t ever play. We do. But I don’t immerse myself in his world as often as I should. If he can immerse himself in my world of work, then I will work harder to immerse myself in his world of play.
C. Ruth Cassell lives, works and plays in Roanoke, VA and her son is looking forward to having as much fun for this year’s Halloween as he did last year (pictured).
Front Porch Fredericksburg
Supporting Local Artists Since 1997
front porch fredericksburg
October 2014
21
Senior Care
Natural Health
Wellness
Let’s Talk about CBD
challenges facing an aging workforce
By Suzy Woollam
By Karl Karch
I remember how I felt as a young, upwardly mobile engineer in the 70’s trying to climb the “ladder of success” in large corporate environments. I would see older managers that were set in their ways and reluctant to effect changes that I thought were needed. Westinghouse Electric Lighting Division was a prime example of a company with antiquated Human Resources policies and practices and an old stagnant workforce. The Lighting Division was ultimately sold because it was no longer competitive in a mature market. Celanese Corporation had a philosophy of moving talented younger professionals into increasing areas of responsibility and some were placed on a “fast track” to upper management. They also “sidelined” older managers and encouraged (aka forced) managers into early retirement by giving poor performance reviews that ultimately would lead to termination or demotion if they didn’t retire. “Golden handshakes” and early retirement packages were offered to make room for younger aggressive managers, the baby boomer generation. Being over 55 and in middle to upper management was a detriment. Fast forward to the challenges companies face today. Every day 10,000 baby boomers in the U.S. turn 65, the traditional retirement age. This age wave began in 2011 and will continue until about 2030. Baby Boomers will change the face of this rapidly aging workforce. One of the implications of an aging workforce is the possibility that large scale retirements may lead to a loss of expertise and organizational know-how unless their knowledge is shared with others. The challenge companies face today is how to create a business environment that reenergizes long-term baby boomer employees while seeking to hire more baby boomers. Challenges such as the relationships between generations, physical job demands, and training.
22
October 2014
The U.S. Census predicts that by 2050 the number of people in the workforce that are 65 or older will grow by 75%, while those 25-54 will only grow 2%. One-third of the workforce will be 50 years or older by 2016. One industry that will be especially hard hit is the healthcare industry. By 2020, the average age of nurses in the U.S. will be 50 and nearly 25% of physicians in a 2007 survey were 60 years or older. By 2030, the nation will need 3.5 million formal health care providers (a 35% increase) just to maintain the current ratio of providers to the total population. And, people are living longer which means more chronic illnesses will need medical attention. And, there will be an expanded group of patients covered by the PPACA. These are eye-opening statistics that quantify the significant employment challenges facing the health care industry and the problems consumers of healthcare will also face. Nurses typically work 12-hour shifts and 28% of them work overtime. In one survey of older workers, the most important workplace accommodation requested by nurses was alternate work hours, the ability to work shifts that are better suited for them, flex scheduling, and job sharing. Employers should also make ergonomic improvements and investigate and implement assistive technologies. Employers that are successful in retaining, motivating, and attracting their older employees could benefit from the competitive edge that they may bring, but this will necessitate an adjustment from the employment policies and culture of many workplaces. Karl Karch is a Certified Senior Advisor and local franchise owner of Home Instead Senior Care, a licensed home care organization providing personal care, companionship and home helper services.
Front porch fredericksburg
Did you know that inside your body, right now, you hold the key to boosting your own natural level of health and wellness, sleep, memory recall, perception of pain, mood, and even your immune system? Let me take one moment to introduce you to your Endocannabinoid System. Your Endocannabinoid system is a little known, yet very important, physiological health systems in our body, and is responsible for one major function, maintaining Homeostasis in the body regardless of outside influences. It contains receptors, known as CB1 and CB2. CB1, is found primarily in the lining
of our glands and organs, within connective tissue and in the nervous system, while CB2 is prevalent in our immune system. These receptors, when combined with naturally occurring cannabinoids in our body, allow us to regulate our body functions as well as activate our immune system. The system is also responsible for activating the controlled digestion of the damaged contents of cells, know as autophagy. This process helps to keep normal cells alive and viable, but has deadly effects on malignant tumor cells. While Endocannabinoids are produced inside our body naturally, CB receptors can also be stimulated through the introduction of phytocannabinoids (from plants) like CBG, CBN and CBD. Small amounts can be found in a number of plants, including Echinacea, but are most prevalent in Cannabis Indica, the non-psychoactive hemp plant. Studies have shown that small doses of phytocannabinoids activate the system, increase production of endocannabinoids and create additional cannabinoid receptors. CBD, or Cannabinadiol, can be found in a number of non-psychoactive edibles, tinctures, oils and topical applications. Most importantly, it is not illegal. When deciding whether CBD product for you, be sure to speak to an informed source, and do your own research. Different products, i.e. tincture, oil, edibles, will have different levels of CBD, and most studies recommend starting with the “less is more” mantra.
Susy Woollam can be found at The Scenter of Town, 907 Charles Street, downtown
The Natural Path Holistic Health Center
~Nature’s Sunshine Products ~Quantitative Fluid Analysis ~VoiceBio Analysis ~ionSpa Foot Detox ~Zyto Bioscan Compass Natural Products for Health & Wellness Barbara Bergquist, CTN Board Certified Traditional Naturopath
891-6200
www.thenaturalpath.us
4413 Lafayette Blvd. Fredericksburg
when is 0% not 0% By joan geisler We Americans are a fickle sort. Whatever the media tells us is the “new and improved” or the “up and coming” and “get it now so you can keep up with the Jones”, we sca-daddle right to the nearest retailer to get our share. Heaven sake we be thought of as ‘out of touch’ or ‘behind the eight ball’. You get my point. So what is the buzz about coconut oil and when did TRANS FAT become enemy #1? Trans fats are unsaturated fats that were created in a science lab to give commercial foods a longer shelf life. It helps the food keep the food ‘stable’ from the manufacturing plant to grocery shelves. The biggest offender is partially hydrogenated vegetable oil (PHVO). If a food is in a box or bag and sitting on the shelf, it probably has PHVO. This insidious adulteration of oil actually raises bad cholesterol, lowers good cholesterol and triglycerides. Although it is technically listed as an ‘unsaturated fat’, the good type of fat, it is a chemical that our bodies do not recognize and therefore the body must get it out of the system by storing it in our fat cells.
HERE IS THE HORRIFIC PART. The FDA has indeed deemed trans fats as damaging to our health. They have thus strong-armed manufacturers into reducing and eliminating trans fats, like they did to Kentucky Fried Chicken. However, because the food manufacturing lobbyists are so persuasive on Capital Hill, the manufacturers can claim on nutrition labels to be 0% trans fat as long as they remain under .05% per serving. So it is NOT 0%. NOW the manufacturers are so savvy that they will make the serving size to meet the .05% ceiling per serving size and still say their product has 0 trans fat. That might be 9 chips or 5 crackers. Ritz crackers serving size is 5 crackers. Really? Honestly, have you ever eaten only 5 Ritz? Who eats only 9 chips? Very few of us know and adhere to serving sizes. Common foods with PHVO are margarine and butter substitutes, crackers, cookies, ‘healthy’ cereal, energy bar, granola bars and most bread. I know this is confusing. I had to read these facts over and over to understand them. Read this a few times so it sinks in and you understand what is being done to our food supply.
expiration date, it probably has PHVO. But to be sure read the ingredients label. If it has any type of oil in it other than olive, avocado or coconut, it is trans fat. .05% sound so insignificant but over many years it adds up. I liken it to a story I heard of a teenager convincing his mother that he only had a few beers and that a little alcohol is not going to hurt him. The next day the mother made brownies for her son and his friends. As the boys ate them heartily, the mother said, “I put a little dog poop in it.” The boys cried out in disgust, “OH GROSS!” The mother calmly replied, “It’s only a little, it wont hurt you.”
A LITTLE DOES MAKE A DIFFERENCE. Let’s make wise choices daily. Don’t believe what is proclaimed on the front of the foods we buy. The manufacturers are masters of deceit. They pay big money for celebrity spokesmen to sing the praises of their product. If an athlete drinks it, if a hiker eats it, if a super model stays slim with it, then by golly it must be gospel truth! We are smarter than this. America has a great education system that taught us how to read and think for ourselves. If you need any assistance in navigating thru the grocery store and reading nutrition labels, as always, I am here to help.
Joan Geisler is a certified personal trainer and author of the new book "BEHOLD! Born Unto You" She can be reached atjoangeisler@gmail.com
SO HOW DO WE KNOW IF THE FOOD IS TRULY 0% TRANS FAT? bag.
First sign is it comes in a box or If it sits on a shelf and has an
front porch fredericksburg
October 2014
23
Senior Care
Natural Health
Wellness
Let’s Talk about CBD
challenges facing an aging workforce
By Suzy Woollam
By Karl Karch
I remember how I felt as a young, upwardly mobile engineer in the 70’s trying to climb the “ladder of success” in large corporate environments. I would see older managers that were set in their ways and reluctant to effect changes that I thought were needed. Westinghouse Electric Lighting Division was a prime example of a company with antiquated Human Resources policies and practices and an old stagnant workforce. The Lighting Division was ultimately sold because it was no longer competitive in a mature market. Celanese Corporation had a philosophy of moving talented younger professionals into increasing areas of responsibility and some were placed on a “fast track” to upper management. They also “sidelined” older managers and encouraged (aka forced) managers into early retirement by giving poor performance reviews that ultimately would lead to termination or demotion if they didn’t retire. “Golden handshakes” and early retirement packages were offered to make room for younger aggressive managers, the baby boomer generation. Being over 55 and in middle to upper management was a detriment. Fast forward to the challenges companies face today. Every day 10,000 baby boomers in the U.S. turn 65, the traditional retirement age. This age wave began in 2011 and will continue until about 2030. Baby Boomers will change the face of this rapidly aging workforce. One of the implications of an aging workforce is the possibility that large scale retirements may lead to a loss of expertise and organizational know-how unless their knowledge is shared with others. The challenge companies face today is how to create a business environment that reenergizes long-term baby boomer employees while seeking to hire more baby boomers. Challenges such as the relationships between generations, physical job demands, and training.
22
October 2014
The U.S. Census predicts that by 2050 the number of people in the workforce that are 65 or older will grow by 75%, while those 25-54 will only grow 2%. One-third of the workforce will be 50 years or older by 2016. One industry that will be especially hard hit is the healthcare industry. By 2020, the average age of nurses in the U.S. will be 50 and nearly 25% of physicians in a 2007 survey were 60 years or older. By 2030, the nation will need 3.5 million formal health care providers (a 35% increase) just to maintain the current ratio of providers to the total population. And, people are living longer which means more chronic illnesses will need medical attention. And, there will be an expanded group of patients covered by the PPACA. These are eye-opening statistics that quantify the significant employment challenges facing the health care industry and the problems consumers of healthcare will also face. Nurses typically work 12-hour shifts and 28% of them work overtime. In one survey of older workers, the most important workplace accommodation requested by nurses was alternate work hours, the ability to work shifts that are better suited for them, flex scheduling, and job sharing. Employers should also make ergonomic improvements and investigate and implement assistive technologies. Employers that are successful in retaining, motivating, and attracting their older employees could benefit from the competitive edge that they may bring, but this will necessitate an adjustment from the employment policies and culture of many workplaces. Karl Karch is a Certified Senior Advisor and local franchise owner of Home Instead Senior Care, a licensed home care organization providing personal care, companionship and home helper services.
Front porch fredericksburg
Did you know that inside your body, right now, you hold the key to boosting your own natural level of health and wellness, sleep, memory recall, perception of pain, mood, and even your immune system? Let me take one moment to introduce you to your Endocannabinoid System. Your Endocannabinoid system is a little known, yet very important, physiological health systems in our body, and is responsible for one major function, maintaining Homeostasis in the body regardless of outside influences. It contains receptors, known as CB1 and CB2. CB1, is found primarily in the lining
of our glands and organs, within connective tissue and in the nervous system, while CB2 is prevalent in our immune system. These receptors, when combined with naturally occurring cannabinoids in our body, allow us to regulate our body functions as well as activate our immune system. The system is also responsible for activating the controlled digestion of the damaged contents of cells, know as autophagy. This process helps to keep normal cells alive and viable, but has deadly effects on malignant tumor cells. While Endocannabinoids are produced inside our body naturally, CB receptors can also be stimulated through the introduction of phytocannabinoids (from plants) like CBG, CBN and CBD. Small amounts can be found in a number of plants, including Echinacea, but are most prevalent in Cannabis Indica, the non-psychoactive hemp plant. Studies have shown that small doses of phytocannabinoids activate the system, increase production of endocannabinoids and create additional cannabinoid receptors. CBD, or Cannabinadiol, can be found in a number of non-psychoactive edibles, tinctures, oils and topical applications. Most importantly, it is not illegal. When deciding whether CBD product for you, be sure to speak to an informed source, and do your own research. Different products, i.e. tincture, oil, edibles, will have different levels of CBD, and most studies recommend starting with the “less is more” mantra.
Susy Woollam can be found at The Scenter of Town, 907 Charles Street, downtown
The Natural Path Holistic Health Center
~Nature’s Sunshine Products ~Quantitative Fluid Analysis ~VoiceBio Analysis ~ionSpa Foot Detox ~Zyto Bioscan Compass Natural Products for Health & Wellness Barbara Bergquist, CTN Board Certified Traditional Naturopath
891-6200
www.thenaturalpath.us
4413 Lafayette Blvd. Fredericksburg
when is 0% not 0% By joan geisler We Americans are a fickle sort. Whatever the media tells us is the “new and improved” or the “up and coming” and “get it now so you can keep up with the Jones”, we sca-daddle right to the nearest retailer to get our share. Heaven sake we be thought of as ‘out of touch’ or ‘behind the eight ball’. You get my point. So what is the buzz about coconut oil and when did TRANS FAT become enemy #1? Trans fats are unsaturated fats that were created in a science lab to give commercial foods a longer shelf life. It helps the food keep the food ‘stable’ from the manufacturing plant to grocery shelves. The biggest offender is partially hydrogenated vegetable oil (PHVO). If a food is in a box or bag and sitting on the shelf, it probably has PHVO. This insidious adulteration of oil actually raises bad cholesterol, lowers good cholesterol and triglycerides. Although it is technically listed as an ‘unsaturated fat’, the good type of fat, it is a chemical that our bodies do not recognize and therefore the body must get it out of the system by storing it in our fat cells.
HERE IS THE HORRIFIC PART. The FDA has indeed deemed trans fats as damaging to our health. They have thus strong-armed manufacturers into reducing and eliminating trans fats, like they did to Kentucky Fried Chicken. However, because the food manufacturing lobbyists are so persuasive on Capital Hill, the manufacturers can claim on nutrition labels to be 0% trans fat as long as they remain under .05% per serving. So it is NOT 0%. NOW the manufacturers are so savvy that they will make the serving size to meet the .05% ceiling per serving size and still say their product has 0 trans fat. That might be 9 chips or 5 crackers. Ritz crackers serving size is 5 crackers. Really? Honestly, have you ever eaten only 5 Ritz? Who eats only 9 chips? Very few of us know and adhere to serving sizes. Common foods with PHVO are margarine and butter substitutes, crackers, cookies, ‘healthy’ cereal, energy bar, granola bars and most bread. I know this is confusing. I had to read these facts over and over to understand them. Read this a few times so it sinks in and you understand what is being done to our food supply.
expiration date, it probably has PHVO. But to be sure read the ingredients label. If it has any type of oil in it other than olive, avocado or coconut, it is trans fat. .05% sound so insignificant but over many years it adds up. I liken it to a story I heard of a teenager convincing his mother that he only had a few beers and that a little alcohol is not going to hurt him. The next day the mother made brownies for her son and his friends. As the boys ate them heartily, the mother said, “I put a little dog poop in it.” The boys cried out in disgust, “OH GROSS!” The mother calmly replied, “It’s only a little, it wont hurt you.”
A LITTLE DOES MAKE A DIFFERENCE. Let’s make wise choices daily. Don’t believe what is proclaimed on the front of the foods we buy. The manufacturers are masters of deceit. They pay big money for celebrity spokesmen to sing the praises of their product. If an athlete drinks it, if a hiker eats it, if a super model stays slim with it, then by golly it must be gospel truth! We are smarter than this. America has a great education system that taught us how to read and think for ourselves. If you need any assistance in navigating thru the grocery store and reading nutrition labels, as always, I am here to help.
Joan Geisler is a certified personal trainer and author of the new book "BEHOLD! Born Unto You" She can be reached atjoangeisler@gmail.com
SO HOW DO WE KNOW IF THE FOOD IS TRULY 0% TRANS FAT? bag.
First sign is it comes in a box or If it sits on a shelf and has an
front porch fredericksburg
October 2014
23
Art in the ‘Burg state of consciousness: an exhibit by charles riley
by megan byrnes
By susan ujka larson
Charles Riley loves art and literature. He has incorporated both into his October 2014 featured exhibit at Art First Gallery. For this show, States of Consciousness, “I thought I would do something other than pleasing line and color”, Riley said. “I wanted to focus more on the human condition and related states of mind.”
Dr. Riley has a doctoral degree in art education from Columbia. His graduate degrees from the university are in studio art and education. He credits two family members with inspiring his artistry. “ My aunt, Jenny Riley, worked as a commercial artist in Richmond, where I spent my childhood,” he said. “She taught me at an early age about painting and drawing.” His love of literature came from his father. Riley’s paintings, drawings and mixed media explore the convergence of art, literature and experience. “I wanted the works in this show to include words,” Riley said. “ wanted to present images as well as stories and clues related to the human condition and finding meaning in our lives.” While at Columbia, Riley studied Tai Chi with Master Da Liu. He’s been practicing ever since, and for the last 15 years he’s also been teaching with Fredericksburg Parks and Recreation. “Tai Chi is a practice that helps the practitioner connect with the creative energy in the universe,” Riley said. “I seek a balance between the
mechanics of technology, nature and what it is to be human,” he said. “My expressive artwork combines literary and visual treasure from Eastern and Western culture in a very human experience.” WWII Wedding, (left) an acrylic on canvas, is one of the works in his October show. “WWII Wedding is meant to reflect on the effects of time and memory as well as the continuation of life in the midst of war,” Riley said.
Heard:
Homer Recites the Last War– (below) an oil painting in the exhibition – is a meditation on the ultimate end of war and the tragic loss of communication between people. An opening reception for “States of Consciousness” will be held from 6 to 9 p.m. on October 3, during First Friday Art Walk. Art First Gallery is located at 824 Caroline St. in downtown Fredericksburg. Susan Larson writes about the Fredericksburg area and its residents on her online publication http://fredericksburg.today/, on Facebook (Fredericksburg Today) and Twitter @Fxbg2day.
The
masses
are
demanding Bob Smith (and friends) back at Bistro Bethem’s legendary Tuesday night jamfests. Of course, we all understand that Bob is enjoying the slower pace of life, cutting firewood and playing guitar on his porch enjoying a gorg view butttt…..c’mon, Bob! We want ya back, if even for a single night.
Off” blaring from his car’s speakers as he cruises down William Street.
Scene:
Carter
Hair
Design
hosted their second annual Hair Show at the Inn at Olde Silk Mill. Stylists Fran Carter and Morgan Hockensmith colored, coifed and sprayed the beautiful models’ hair into some truly inspiring dos!
Scene:
Ian Soper, Ryan Green, Ana Brugos, Laura Shepard, Brooke Farquhar, Amy Woodruff, Stephanie Bell, Jake Walther,Nick Cadwallender, David Kerr, Drema Apperson, Michael Lewis and Jim Tharp!
Miranda Reynolds, Lara
Klopp and a flock of other local artists on the streets of Fred for Via Colri
Scene:
The Second Annual Art
Attack Fredericksburg went down on the (unfortunately) clouded over downtown streets of our fair city last month. The event brings local artists out from their respective studios onto the sidewalks to paint en plein air for all of us mere mortals to check out with our own eyeballs. Artists Bill Harris, Laura Craig, Scarlett Suhy-P Pons, Steven Graham, Claire Ellinger, Cameron, Chris and Joan Limbrick, Emily Cooper and a whole host of other talented folks participated in the super cool event.
Scene: Gina Limbrick Orban on
Scene:
Tommy
Manuel
skipping the Redskins game in favor of some light grocery shopping at Giant, Wayne Gootee getting his morning caffeine buzz at Hyperion Espresso, Vivify chef Joey Nelson grabbing an old fashioned at Kybecca.
Happy October birthdays
primetime network TV! The Fredericksburg native, professional actress and world traveler scored a gig as a stuntwoman for NBC’s Taxi Brooklyn. The season just wrapped up so let’s keep our fingers crossed for Gina and the rest of the Taxi Brooklyn team for a season 2! to
Georgia Rathje, Lori Izykowki, Tom Byrnes, Mark Wenger, George Solley,
Celebrity Sighting : Jill Duggar (19 Kids, TLC) at Ava Laurenne Bride buying her wedding dress!
Heard: The incredibly talented, sweet, friendly and hard-working Gonzalez family (of Soup and Taco fame) are cooking up something new downtown! They are working on opening a Northern Italian cuisine themed restaurant in the Chimmneys location – where Eileen’s used to be back in the day right across the street from the Marriott. If the shrimp tacos are any indication of the level of craveability of all of their food…watch out. Pasta all day, every day.
Heard:
David John Robinson
loves Taylor Swift! I know because he told me. Also because you can hear “Shake It
24
October 2014
Front porch fredericksburg
front porch fredericksburg
October 2014
25
Art in the ‘Burg state of consciousness: an exhibit by charles riley
by megan byrnes
By susan ujka larson
Charles Riley loves art and literature. He has incorporated both into his October 2014 featured exhibit at Art First Gallery. For this show, States of Consciousness, “I thought I would do something other than pleasing line and color”, Riley said. “I wanted to focus more on the human condition and related states of mind.”
Dr. Riley has a doctoral degree in art education from Columbia. His graduate degrees from the university are in studio art and education. He credits two family members with inspiring his artistry. “ My aunt, Jenny Riley, worked as a commercial artist in Richmond, where I spent my childhood,” he said. “She taught me at an early age about painting and drawing.” His love of literature came from his father. Riley’s paintings, drawings and mixed media explore the convergence of art, literature and experience. “I wanted the works in this show to include words,” Riley said. “ wanted to present images as well as stories and clues related to the human condition and finding meaning in our lives.” While at Columbia, Riley studied Tai Chi with Master Da Liu. He’s been practicing ever since, and for the last 15 years he’s also been teaching with Fredericksburg Parks and Recreation. “Tai Chi is a practice that helps the practitioner connect with the creative energy in the universe,” Riley said. “I seek a balance between the
mechanics of technology, nature and what it is to be human,” he said. “My expressive artwork combines literary and visual treasure from Eastern and Western culture in a very human experience.” WWII Wedding, (left) an acrylic on canvas, is one of the works in his October show. “WWII Wedding is meant to reflect on the effects of time and memory as well as the continuation of life in the midst of war,” Riley said.
Heard:
Homer Recites the Last War– (below) an oil painting in the exhibition – is a meditation on the ultimate end of war and the tragic loss of communication between people. An opening reception for “States of Consciousness” will be held from 6 to 9 p.m. on October 3, during First Friday Art Walk. Art First Gallery is located at 824 Caroline St. in downtown Fredericksburg. Susan Larson writes about the Fredericksburg area and its residents on her online publication http://fredericksburg.today/, on Facebook (Fredericksburg Today) and Twitter @Fxbg2day.
The
masses
are
demanding Bob Smith (and friends) back at Bistro Bethem’s legendary Tuesday night jamfests. Of course, we all understand that Bob is enjoying the slower pace of life, cutting firewood and playing guitar on his porch enjoying a gorg view butttt…..c’mon, Bob! We want ya back, if even for a single night.
Off” blaring from his car’s speakers as he cruises down William Street.
Scene:
Carter
Hair
Design
hosted their second annual Hair Show at the Inn at Olde Silk Mill. Stylists Fran Carter and Morgan Hockensmith colored, coifed and sprayed the beautiful models’ hair into some truly inspiring dos!
Scene:
Ian Soper, Ryan Green, Ana Brugos, Laura Shepard, Brooke Farquhar, Amy Woodruff, Stephanie Bell, Jake Walther,Nick Cadwallender, David Kerr, Drema Apperson, Michael Lewis and Jim Tharp!
Miranda Reynolds, Lara
Klopp and a flock of other local artists on the streets of Fred for Via Colri
Scene:
The Second Annual Art
Attack Fredericksburg went down on the (unfortunately) clouded over downtown streets of our fair city last month. The event brings local artists out from their respective studios onto the sidewalks to paint en plein air for all of us mere mortals to check out with our own eyeballs. Artists Bill Harris, Laura Craig, Scarlett Suhy-P Pons, Steven Graham, Claire Ellinger, Cameron, Chris and Joan Limbrick, Emily Cooper and a whole host of other talented folks participated in the super cool event.
Scene: Gina Limbrick Orban on
Scene:
Tommy
Manuel
skipping the Redskins game in favor of some light grocery shopping at Giant, Wayne Gootee getting his morning caffeine buzz at Hyperion Espresso, Vivify chef Joey Nelson grabbing an old fashioned at Kybecca.
Happy October birthdays
primetime network TV! The Fredericksburg native, professional actress and world traveler scored a gig as a stuntwoman for NBC’s Taxi Brooklyn. The season just wrapped up so let’s keep our fingers crossed for Gina and the rest of the Taxi Brooklyn team for a season 2! to
Georgia Rathje, Lori Izykowki, Tom Byrnes, Mark Wenger, George Solley,
Celebrity Sighting : Jill Duggar (19 Kids, TLC) at Ava Laurenne Bride buying her wedding dress!
Heard: The incredibly talented, sweet, friendly and hard-working Gonzalez family (of Soup and Taco fame) are cooking up something new downtown! They are working on opening a Northern Italian cuisine themed restaurant in the Chimmneys location – where Eileen’s used to be back in the day right across the street from the Marriott. If the shrimp tacos are any indication of the level of craveability of all of their food…watch out. Pasta all day, every day.
Heard:
David John Robinson
loves Taylor Swift! I know because he told me. Also because you can hear “Shake It
24
October 2014
Front porch fredericksburg
front porch fredericksburg
October 2014
25
Applause
FXBG Music Scene ibma Bass Player of the year nominee
...the chameleon, bruce middle
coming to the ‘burg
by wendy Larue
By Ashleigh Chevalier
Bruce Middle. He’s here. He’s there. He is everywhere! This highly skilled, multi-instrumentalist plays his guitar as if it were an extension of himself, flowing over the strings and above the frets as if they were not even there. Middle is widely recognized as a “jazz” player because of his dexterity and virtuoso improvisational ability. Many performers who excel as jazz players
THE POETRY MAN - BY FRANK FRATOE
Fall Dangler It surprises me suddenly when I hike along the wood, a solitary leaf dangling at the bottom of a strand spun down from its branch by spiderwork no one sees, as an autumn sun frazzles and cools the sky over me.
almost become “limited” by this, branded as it were. The truth is Bruce can play anything, and he does: Blues, Rock, R&B, Soul, Funk, Country. He was raised flat pickin’ bluegrass on his hard top acoustic. Those who have witnessed an array of his diverse performances dub him “The Chameleon” because he blends so well with whomever he supports musically, subtly and brilliantly flavoring the music with his own musical spice. Recently, Middle has received high praise from reviewers for his performance on musician composer Jawanza Kobe’s latest jazz fusion album, Feels Better Than it Sounds. The album hit the international charts earlier this year. Indeed, The Bruce Middle Group is a phenomenal jazz instrumental trio with several albums available. Middle also performs and records with Americana story teller, Cleve Francis at The Birchmere, annually, as well as with blues
that leaf darts upon air like a butterfly jouncing, it moves in the windflow to turn, reverse, and drop while the spider overhead keeps threading his magic, as an autumn sun dazzles to color the sky above me. Frank Fratoe lives and writes in the city
26
October 2014
Front porch fredericksburg
and roots rock vocalist/songwriter, Ashleigh Chevalier. Among many other performances, Middle has collaborated with Imani & First Prayer and even backed Michael Bublé at Blues Alley before Bublé went international. Bruce Middle heads up the premier jazz guitar ensemble at The University of Mary Washington, along with teaching private lessons. He also teaches guitar, bass, mandolin, ukulele, and banjo at BANG! Music in Stafford and by appointment in Fredericksburg. Middle’s extensive knowledge and experience in all genres, including classical, jazz, popular music, world rhythms and beats, combined with performance skills for piano and the winds, help Middle teach an in depth understanding of music, a development beyond practical instrumental technique. After years of sweating the art, teaching and performing are two main reasons Bruce Middle still loves it. “I learned and enjoyed music as a child, I always enjoyed sharing the music… I got into it [music] with people asking how and having the opportunity to pass it on.” All that said, nothing depicts a musician like the music they make. So, Visit BruceMiddle.com or email him at BMiddleMusic@gmail.com to schedule a lesson, find an upcoming performance, or check out his inspiring original music.
Advanced Dental Care of Fredericksburg Call Us at 540-891-9911
Ashleigh Chevalier is a Blues/Jazz/Rock Musician – Vocalist, Songwriter, Music & Media Journalist and, a mother living in Fredericksburg.
$599 Crown
With this Coupon only for non-insured patients. Not valid with other offers or prior services. Offer Expires 11/1/14 A $239 .00 Value
$699
Per Arch Full Denture/Partial With this Coupon only for non-insured patients. Not valid with other offers or prior services. Offer Expires 11/1/14 A $1100.00 Value
Because we care for you! www.virginiadental4u.com 10524 Spotsylvania Ave. Ste #104 Fredericksburg, VA
Missy Raines and the New Hip will bring more award-winning music to the stage at the A. Smith Bowman Distillery as the Music & Spirits Concert series continues its string of shows featuring bigname talent with the perfect blend of small-town intimacy. Raines’ appearance at the A. Smith Bowman Distillery in Fredericksburg is part of a 2014 Southeast Fall Tour. Always a crowd pleaser, Raines’ October performances will also include a prime-time spot at the Raleigh Street Fair held during the IBMA (International Bluegrass Music Association) World of Bluegrass Conference in October in Raleigh, North Carolina, where the group was a crowd favorite at the 2013 Street Fair. This year, Missy Raines is in the running for IBMA’s Bass Player of the Year title, an honor for which she has been nominated more the 20 times. Seven of those nominations netted awards for Raines, the most any bass player has received in bluegrass history. A former member of the GRAMMY-Nominated Claire Lynch Band and the acclaimed duo Jim Hurst and Missy Raines, Raines is a darling and trailblazer of the bluegrass community. Her latest album “New Frontier” features Raines on vocals, along with her band The New Hip, performing the songs of Pierce Pettis, Sarah Siskind, Ed Snodderly, Zach Bevill and even Raines herself. On this album, Raines, known for her distinctive upright bass style, has redefined herself as a heavy-hitting lead vocalist, paired with The New Hip’s guitarist/co-producer Ethan Ballinger, mandolinist Jarrod Walker, drummer Josh Fox and joined by special guests including Sam Bush, The Farewell Drifters’ Zach Bevill, and former New Hip percussionist Robert Crawford.
The treat for show-goers will be Raines’ emotive alto—smooth, defining, and surprising. This is the voice that sets the context for the group’s “New Frontier,” released in 2013 on Compass Records. When asked about this stop along her IBMA tour, Raines said that she is looking forward to making and renewing connections in the Fredericksburg area. “I hope to see some old and dear friends and meet some new ones,” she said. “ During the time I lived in nearby Charlottesville, I felt part of the music scene in the Fredericksburg area, and frequented the town as much as possible, which, of course, usually included a trip to Picker’s Supply.” The concert, which will also feature opening act South Rail’s fusion of Americana and rock-and-roll, is Saturday, Oct. 25 at 7:30 p.m. Tickets are $18 in advance and $20 at the door. Doors will open at 6:00PM. For more information about this event, or other upcoming concerts, visit www.musicandspirits.com Wendy LaRue, owner of AhHa Consulting, LLC, is a Fredericksburg area writer and editor.
Lexi Grogan’s Pet Sitting Service
(540-903-0437; lexig0892@gmail.com) On facebook as “lexi grogan’s pet sitting service”
front porch fredericksburg
October 2014
27
Applause
FXBG Music Scene ibma Bass Player of the year nominee
...the chameleon, bruce middle
coming to the ‘burg
by wendy Larue
By Ashleigh Chevalier
Bruce Middle. He’s here. He’s there. He is everywhere! This highly skilled, multi-instrumentalist plays his guitar as if it were an extension of himself, flowing over the strings and above the frets as if they were not even there. Middle is widely recognized as a “jazz” player because of his dexterity and virtuoso improvisational ability. Many performers who excel as jazz players
THE POETRY MAN - BY FRANK FRATOE
Fall Dangler It surprises me suddenly when I hike along the wood, a solitary leaf dangling at the bottom of a strand spun down from its branch by spiderwork no one sees, as an autumn sun frazzles and cools the sky over me.
almost become “limited” by this, branded as it were. The truth is Bruce can play anything, and he does: Blues, Rock, R&B, Soul, Funk, Country. He was raised flat pickin’ bluegrass on his hard top acoustic. Those who have witnessed an array of his diverse performances dub him “The Chameleon” because he blends so well with whomever he supports musically, subtly and brilliantly flavoring the music with his own musical spice. Recently, Middle has received high praise from reviewers for his performance on musician composer Jawanza Kobe’s latest jazz fusion album, Feels Better Than it Sounds. The album hit the international charts earlier this year. Indeed, The Bruce Middle Group is a phenomenal jazz instrumental trio with several albums available. Middle also performs and records with Americana story teller, Cleve Francis at The Birchmere, annually, as well as with blues
that leaf darts upon air like a butterfly jouncing, it moves in the windflow to turn, reverse, and drop while the spider overhead keeps threading his magic, as an autumn sun dazzles to color the sky above me. Frank Fratoe lives and writes in the city
26
October 2014
Front porch fredericksburg
and roots rock vocalist/songwriter, Ashleigh Chevalier. Among many other performances, Middle has collaborated with Imani & First Prayer and even backed Michael Bublé at Blues Alley before Bublé went international. Bruce Middle heads up the premier jazz guitar ensemble at The University of Mary Washington, along with teaching private lessons. He also teaches guitar, bass, mandolin, ukulele, and banjo at BANG! Music in Stafford and by appointment in Fredericksburg. Middle’s extensive knowledge and experience in all genres, including classical, jazz, popular music, world rhythms and beats, combined with performance skills for piano and the winds, help Middle teach an in depth understanding of music, a development beyond practical instrumental technique. After years of sweating the art, teaching and performing are two main reasons Bruce Middle still loves it. “I learned and enjoyed music as a child, I always enjoyed sharing the music… I got into it [music] with people asking how and having the opportunity to pass it on.” All that said, nothing depicts a musician like the music they make. So, Visit BruceMiddle.com or email him at BMiddleMusic@gmail.com to schedule a lesson, find an upcoming performance, or check out his inspiring original music.
Advanced Dental Care of Fredericksburg Call Us at 540-891-9911
Ashleigh Chevalier is a Blues/Jazz/Rock Musician – Vocalist, Songwriter, Music & Media Journalist and, a mother living in Fredericksburg.
$599 Crown
With this Coupon only for non-insured patients. Not valid with other offers or prior services. Offer Expires 11/1/14 A $239 .00 Value
$699
Per Arch Full Denture/Partial With this Coupon only for non-insured patients. Not valid with other offers or prior services. Offer Expires 11/1/14 A $1100.00 Value
Because we care for you! www.virginiadental4u.com 10524 Spotsylvania Ave. Ste #104 Fredericksburg, VA
Missy Raines and the New Hip will bring more award-winning music to the stage at the A. Smith Bowman Distillery as the Music & Spirits Concert series continues its string of shows featuring bigname talent with the perfect blend of small-town intimacy. Raines’ appearance at the A. Smith Bowman Distillery in Fredericksburg is part of a 2014 Southeast Fall Tour. Always a crowd pleaser, Raines’ October performances will also include a prime-time spot at the Raleigh Street Fair held during the IBMA (International Bluegrass Music Association) World of Bluegrass Conference in October in Raleigh, North Carolina, where the group was a crowd favorite at the 2013 Street Fair. This year, Missy Raines is in the running for IBMA’s Bass Player of the Year title, an honor for which she has been nominated more the 20 times. Seven of those nominations netted awards for Raines, the most any bass player has received in bluegrass history. A former member of the GRAMMY-Nominated Claire Lynch Band and the acclaimed duo Jim Hurst and Missy Raines, Raines is a darling and trailblazer of the bluegrass community. Her latest album “New Frontier” features Raines on vocals, along with her band The New Hip, performing the songs of Pierce Pettis, Sarah Siskind, Ed Snodderly, Zach Bevill and even Raines herself. On this album, Raines, known for her distinctive upright bass style, has redefined herself as a heavy-hitting lead vocalist, paired with The New Hip’s guitarist/co-producer Ethan Ballinger, mandolinist Jarrod Walker, drummer Josh Fox and joined by special guests including Sam Bush, The Farewell Drifters’ Zach Bevill, and former New Hip percussionist Robert Crawford.
The treat for show-goers will be Raines’ emotive alto—smooth, defining, and surprising. This is the voice that sets the context for the group’s “New Frontier,” released in 2013 on Compass Records. When asked about this stop along her IBMA tour, Raines said that she is looking forward to making and renewing connections in the Fredericksburg area. “I hope to see some old and dear friends and meet some new ones,” she said. “ During the time I lived in nearby Charlottesville, I felt part of the music scene in the Fredericksburg area, and frequented the town as much as possible, which, of course, usually included a trip to Picker’s Supply.” The concert, which will also feature opening act South Rail’s fusion of Americana and rock-and-roll, is Saturday, Oct. 25 at 7:30 p.m. Tickets are $18 in advance and $20 at the door. Doors will open at 6:00PM. For more information about this event, or other upcoming concerts, visit www.musicandspirits.com Wendy LaRue, owner of AhHa Consulting, LLC, is a Fredericksburg area writer and editor.
Lexi Grogan’s Pet Sitting Service
(540-903-0437; lexig0892@gmail.com) On facebook as “lexi grogan’s pet sitting service”
front porch fredericksburg
October 2014
27
HollyBurg oscar’s parents gravitate to FXBG area
By gary olsen It goes without saying that parents play a huge role in children’s lives—especially moving them to places their professional lives take them. Movie stars and film makers are no exception. The Fredericksburg area served as developmental incubators for several wellknown film personalities who made a huge impact on the Academy Awards years from 2000 to 2004 that I will be focusing in on my next film lecture on October 2 at the Central Rappahannock Regional Library’s Headquarters at 1201 Caroline Street. Take for instance director Steven Soderbergh, who achieved something in 2000 that no other director has ever done in 60 years. He garnered two Academy Awards Best Director nominations in the same year, one for the Julia Robert’s film Erin Brokovich, and the other, for which he earned his Oscar, Traffic. As a teenager, Soderbergh moved with his family to Charlottesville so that his father could be the Associate Dean for Admissions and Student Affairs at the University of Virginia. Soderbergh attended Buford Middle School before his father took a position at LSU. Once gaining fame for the hugely successful Sex, Lies and Videotape in 1989, Soderbergh decided it was time to escape the hectic LA scene and move back to Charlottesville to enjoy more of the serenity that he had experienced in his childhood. He has since moved to New York City with his wife. Famous film director David Lynch’s father was a research scientist for the Department of Agriculture when the family moved to Alexandria. Lynch, who was nominated Best Director for 2001’s Mulholland Drive, attended Francis C. Hammond High School, graduating in 1964. Lynch was popular with his classmates at Hammond High where he has been quoted as saying he found it easy to make friends there. He developed his love for art while in Alexandria and, when his parents moved to California, Lynch would go on to art school in Boston before
returning to Virginia. He eventually left for Philadelphia and LA, but his Virginia “artistic” influence is all over several of his remarkable films, including 1980 Best Picture nominee The Elephant Man. Not everyone knows that Nicole Kidman, who was nominated twice for Best Actress in the early 2000’s for her role in Moulin Rouge and for her Oscar-winning performance as Virginia Woolf in 2002’s The Hours, has a dual Australian/United States citizenship. And hardly anyone knows that she had lived just up the road from Fredericksburg early in her life. As a daughter of a biochemist and clinical psychologist, Ms. Kidman was born in Hawaii while her father was a postgraduate student at the university there. They moved to Washington, D.C. shortly afterwards when he got a project assignment for the National Institute of Mental Health. Kidman’s rebellious persona on-screen may have been gleaned by her parents’ participation in the antiVietnam War protests they attended in the late 1960’s. Spending her formative early years in D.C., Kidman accompanied her parents when they moved to Australian at the age of four. But she has been back to D.C. several times, including testifying before the United States Congressional Committee on Foreign Affairs because of her United Nations’ affiliation supporting the International Violence Against Women Act. These and other interesting facts about this time period in film history will be offered in the continuing free film series on the Academy Awards Best Pictures and the Nominees on October 2nd beginning 6:30 p.m. in the Headquarters’ Library Theater Room.
Gary Olsen gives free film lectures in the hopes that Nicole Kidman will be in attendance to view some of her memorable clips.
Linda Warshaw’s New Book cartoons the World of Carriage Driving By Susan Ujka Larson Artist and equestrian Linda Warshaw often features horses in her work. When she was invited to participate as a vendor at the James River Driving Association’s October 2014 Pleasure Carriage Driving Show, she realized she hadn’t produced much on the subject of carriage driving. “In addition to displaying my horse paintings, I wanted to relate the story of this particular equestrian discipline,” Warshaw said. She dedicated several months to research the art and sport of driving. She also thought about all the kinds of art she’d done in the past. “I believe necessity is the mother of invention,” Warshaw said. “I remembered the cartoons I used to draw for our veterinarian to use on Christmas cards, and that sparked the idea for “The Unofficial Incomplete Guide to Driving.’” The result is a book highlighting the start-to-finish process of competing in a driving event. “The book is rich with whimsical situations, cartoons and commentary that drivers, their horses and horse people commonly deal with in competition,” Warshaw said. Warshaw had carriage drivers review the cartoons as she produced them. “They found the situations humorous, and that was my goal,” she said. “I want to make people laugh.” “Horse cartoons come easy for me because I’ve been reading about horses, drawing them and riding them since I was a little girl,” Warshaw said. “I also believe I have a good sense of humor. The cartoons make lite of the challenges, expense, danger and fun of owning horses.”
“Sometimes I myself wonder what I’m doing astride 1,200 pounds of animal going fast over a hill,” Warshaw said. “Why horses? I’m just wired for them. I feel so at home around horses.” “The Unofficial Incomplete Guide to Driving” contains 24 cartoons in four chapters. It’s the first book Warshaw has self-published. She and Leah Comerford, a fellow Art Frist Gallery member, owned Avilu Press from 2010 – 2013 and published three books.:“Charms of Mother Earth,” combining Comerford’s artwork on gourds and Warshaw’s poetry. “Art in Common,” containing the work of 10 area artists. “Drawn Together,” containing the artwork of 10 more area artists. They now self-publish. All the books are available at Art Frist Gallery, 824 Caroline St., in Fredericksburg. Warshaw will display her horse themed works at the Pleasure Carriage Driving Show, which begins at 8:30 a.m. on October 25 at Rose Mount Farm, 9601 Courthouse Rd., in Spotsylvania. She’ll also be available to sign her new book. Susan Larson writes about the Fredericksburg area and its residents on her online publication http://fredericksburg.today/, on Facebook (Fredericksburg Today) and Twitter @Fxbg2day.
Give a Child Something to Think About Books, Games, Amusing Novelties M-Sat. 10am-6pm; Sun. 1pm-4pm
28
October 2014
Front porch fredericksburg
810 Caroline Street (540) 371-5684
HomeWorks Choosing the Whole-House Generator by mike appleton
More frequent, longer-lasting power outages are the result of an increase in severe storms and an aging power grid. Whole-house backup or standby generators provide homeowners with a way to keep their homes comfortable and safe during prolonged power outages. The entire process is fully automatic and takes approximately ten seconds for the generator to turn on after the power goes out. If you have lived through an extended power outage you understand how bleak and challenging it can be. Food spoils, mold grows, and basements that are prone to flooding take on water as sump pumps don’t operate. During the winter a prolonged power outage causes bitter cold indoor temperatures, frozen pipes, and more. Whole-house standby generators can be a lifesaver for babies and the elderly. Why a Whole-H House Generator? Whole-house backup generators enable you and your family to enjoy everyday essentials like heating, air conditioning, water (if you’re on a well), refrigeration, lighting, and electronics. Today whole-house generators are: n Quieter n More reliable n Start automatically when the power goes out and turn off when power is restored n Offer higher power levels than portable generators While the initial cost of a wholehouse generator is more than a portable generator, it increases the value of your home and is very convenient. You don’t even have to be home for your whole-house generator to switch on and off automatically as required by the power outage. Fuels Most residential whole-house generators run on natural gas or propane. If natural gas is available, it is important to confirm that the pressure is compatible with your generator’s requirements. If your generator requires more pressure, your utility company can install a larger
gas meter for your home. If propane will be the fuel source, an underground tank can keep your propane supply out of sight. Next Steps Determine the size you need. The first step is to decide which appliances, lighting, and electronics you want to maintain during a power outage. This will enable your generator installer to calculate the total power requirements of the circuits associated with the desired components you want to continue to run and recommend a generator that can maintain the proper wattage and meet your specific needs. Remember that larger appliances, such as refrigerators, have higher start-up wattage than running wattage. This needs to be factored into the total amount of power needed. If you live in a larger-thanaverage home or want to maintain highpowered electrical appliances, you will need a larger generator. Determine the amperage size of your main electrical panel. Your generator installer can determine this for you. Decide on a location. It is best to install your whole-house generator where there is easy access to your electric and fuel supply and also where you will minimize the risk of any exhaust fumes entering your home. Factor in noise for you and your neighbors when selecting your location. Generators are quieter than they used to be but they still create some noise. Select the automatic transfer switch (ATS) style that suits your needs. There are two options available when choosing an ATS—a whole-house ATS or partial-house ATS. In addition, a load control module (LCM), which is a load management device, is available. An LCM lets you prioritize what you power during an outage. Although your entire house is connected to generator power—the LCM cycles some circuits on and off to prevent overloading. It helps your generator balance high electrical loads. Determine if you need a sensitive new-a age generator. Generator power is not utility grade power. Total Harmonic Distortion (THD) is important if your whole-house generator will power electronic items like plasma TVs, computers, and HVAC systems with intricate controls. These items can be negatively affected by high THD levels. If
your generator will power sensitive electronic devices, it is best to choose one with a THD of five or six percent or less. Choose the “exercise” time for your generator. Whole-house generators need to run for a short period of time on a regular schedule. This routine “exercise” mode ensures your generator will provide immediate power during an outage. To reduce the effect this has on the peace and quiet of your home, you can select the time of day that your generator will perform this “exercise” function. Smart Features Available Today’s smart home can add the generator to the list of Internet-ready devices. Kohler’s new whole-house generator models have Ethernet ports to bring your generator online. Used in conjunction with Kohler’s OnCue Home Generator Management System software, an email or text message is sent to the homeowner when the generator comes on. When you are on vacation, you can access your generator online to run diagnostics and ensure that your generator is prepared for a storm or outage that is forecast. A licensed generator installation expert is your best resource to assess your specific needs and help you choose the whole-house standby generator that meets your needs and budget. Appleton Campbell is available to answer any questions you may have. Mike Appleton is President of Appleton Campbell, a local, family owned heating, air conditioning, plumbing, and electrical services business. Appleton Campbell is an authorized Kohler dealer and has extensive experience installing and servicing whole-house standby generators. Appleton Campbell has been providing customers throughout the Greater Piedmont Region and Northern Virginia with honesty, integrity, and experience since 1976. Contact Appleton Campbell at 540.347.0765 or appletoncampbell.com.
online: www.save7lives.org in person: Dept. of Motor Vehicles
Every Child Deserves A Family
Learn about our adoption opportunities in Russia, China and Guatemala
301-587-4400
Cradle of Hope Adoption Center
Front Porch Fredericksburg
Supporting Local Artists Since 1997
SHOP THE BOULEVARD! Lafayette Boulevard…
DOWNTOWN! front porch fredericksburg
October 2014
29
HollyBurg oscar’s parents gravitate to FXBG area
By gary olsen It goes without saying that parents play a huge role in children’s lives—especially moving them to places their professional lives take them. Movie stars and film makers are no exception. The Fredericksburg area served as developmental incubators for several wellknown film personalities who made a huge impact on the Academy Awards years from 2000 to 2004 that I will be focusing in on my next film lecture on October 2 at the Central Rappahannock Regional Library’s Headquarters at 1201 Caroline Street. Take for instance director Steven Soderbergh, who achieved something in 2000 that no other director has ever done in 60 years. He garnered two Academy Awards Best Director nominations in the same year, one for the Julia Robert’s film Erin Brokovich, and the other, for which he earned his Oscar, Traffic. As a teenager, Soderbergh moved with his family to Charlottesville so that his father could be the Associate Dean for Admissions and Student Affairs at the University of Virginia. Soderbergh attended Buford Middle School before his father took a position at LSU. Once gaining fame for the hugely successful Sex, Lies and Videotape in 1989, Soderbergh decided it was time to escape the hectic LA scene and move back to Charlottesville to enjoy more of the serenity that he had experienced in his childhood. He has since moved to New York City with his wife. Famous film director David Lynch’s father was a research scientist for the Department of Agriculture when the family moved to Alexandria. Lynch, who was nominated Best Director for 2001’s Mulholland Drive, attended Francis C. Hammond High School, graduating in 1964. Lynch was popular with his classmates at Hammond High where he has been quoted as saying he found it easy to make friends there. He developed his love for art while in Alexandria and, when his parents moved to California, Lynch would go on to art school in Boston before
returning to Virginia. He eventually left for Philadelphia and LA, but his Virginia “artistic” influence is all over several of his remarkable films, including 1980 Best Picture nominee The Elephant Man. Not everyone knows that Nicole Kidman, who was nominated twice for Best Actress in the early 2000’s for her role in Moulin Rouge and for her Oscar-winning performance as Virginia Woolf in 2002’s The Hours, has a dual Australian/United States citizenship. And hardly anyone knows that she had lived just up the road from Fredericksburg early in her life. As a daughter of a biochemist and clinical psychologist, Ms. Kidman was born in Hawaii while her father was a postgraduate student at the university there. They moved to Washington, D.C. shortly afterwards when he got a project assignment for the National Institute of Mental Health. Kidman’s rebellious persona on-screen may have been gleaned by her parents’ participation in the antiVietnam War protests they attended in the late 1960’s. Spending her formative early years in D.C., Kidman accompanied her parents when they moved to Australian at the age of four. But she has been back to D.C. several times, including testifying before the United States Congressional Committee on Foreign Affairs because of her United Nations’ affiliation supporting the International Violence Against Women Act. These and other interesting facts about this time period in film history will be offered in the continuing free film series on the Academy Awards Best Pictures and the Nominees on October 2nd beginning 6:30 p.m. in the Headquarters’ Library Theater Room.
Gary Olsen gives free film lectures in the hopes that Nicole Kidman will be in attendance to view some of her memorable clips.
Linda Warshaw’s New Book cartoons the World of Carriage Driving By Susan Ujka Larson Artist and equestrian Linda Warshaw often features horses in her work. When she was invited to participate as a vendor at the James River Driving Association’s October 2014 Pleasure Carriage Driving Show, she realized she hadn’t produced much on the subject of carriage driving. “In addition to displaying my horse paintings, I wanted to relate the story of this particular equestrian discipline,” Warshaw said. She dedicated several months to research the art and sport of driving. She also thought about all the kinds of art she’d done in the past. “I believe necessity is the mother of invention,” Warshaw said. “I remembered the cartoons I used to draw for our veterinarian to use on Christmas cards, and that sparked the idea for “The Unofficial Incomplete Guide to Driving.’” The result is a book highlighting the start-to-finish process of competing in a driving event. “The book is rich with whimsical situations, cartoons and commentary that drivers, their horses and horse people commonly deal with in competition,” Warshaw said. Warshaw had carriage drivers review the cartoons as she produced them. “They found the situations humorous, and that was my goal,” she said. “I want to make people laugh.” “Horse cartoons come easy for me because I’ve been reading about horses, drawing them and riding them since I was a little girl,” Warshaw said. “I also believe I have a good sense of humor. The cartoons make lite of the challenges, expense, danger and fun of owning horses.”
“Sometimes I myself wonder what I’m doing astride 1,200 pounds of animal going fast over a hill,” Warshaw said. “Why horses? I’m just wired for them. I feel so at home around horses.” “The Unofficial Incomplete Guide to Driving” contains 24 cartoons in four chapters. It’s the first book Warshaw has self-published. She and Leah Comerford, a fellow Art Frist Gallery member, owned Avilu Press from 2010 – 2013 and published three books.:“Charms of Mother Earth,” combining Comerford’s artwork on gourds and Warshaw’s poetry. “Art in Common,” containing the work of 10 area artists. “Drawn Together,” containing the artwork of 10 more area artists. They now self-publish. All the books are available at Art Frist Gallery, 824 Caroline St., in Fredericksburg. Warshaw will display her horse themed works at the Pleasure Carriage Driving Show, which begins at 8:30 a.m. on October 25 at Rose Mount Farm, 9601 Courthouse Rd., in Spotsylvania. She’ll also be available to sign her new book. Susan Larson writes about the Fredericksburg area and its residents on her online publication http://fredericksburg.today/, on Facebook (Fredericksburg Today) and Twitter @Fxbg2day.
Give a Child Something to Think About Books, Games, Amusing Novelties M-Sat. 10am-6pm; Sun. 1pm-4pm
28
October 2014
Front porch fredericksburg
810 Caroline Street (540) 371-5684
HomeWorks Choosing the Whole-House Generator by mike appleton
More frequent, longer-lasting power outages are the result of an increase in severe storms and an aging power grid. Whole-house backup or standby generators provide homeowners with a way to keep their homes comfortable and safe during prolonged power outages. The entire process is fully automatic and takes approximately ten seconds for the generator to turn on after the power goes out. If you have lived through an extended power outage you understand how bleak and challenging it can be. Food spoils, mold grows, and basements that are prone to flooding take on water as sump pumps don’t operate. During the winter a prolonged power outage causes bitter cold indoor temperatures, frozen pipes, and more. Whole-house standby generators can be a lifesaver for babies and the elderly. Why a Whole-H House Generator? Whole-house backup generators enable you and your family to enjoy everyday essentials like heating, air conditioning, water (if you’re on a well), refrigeration, lighting, and electronics. Today whole-house generators are: n Quieter n More reliable n Start automatically when the power goes out and turn off when power is restored n Offer higher power levels than portable generators While the initial cost of a wholehouse generator is more than a portable generator, it increases the value of your home and is very convenient. You don’t even have to be home for your whole-house generator to switch on and off automatically as required by the power outage. Fuels Most residential whole-house generators run on natural gas or propane. If natural gas is available, it is important to confirm that the pressure is compatible with your generator’s requirements. If your generator requires more pressure, your utility company can install a larger
gas meter for your home. If propane will be the fuel source, an underground tank can keep your propane supply out of sight. Next Steps Determine the size you need. The first step is to decide which appliances, lighting, and electronics you want to maintain during a power outage. This will enable your generator installer to calculate the total power requirements of the circuits associated with the desired components you want to continue to run and recommend a generator that can maintain the proper wattage and meet your specific needs. Remember that larger appliances, such as refrigerators, have higher start-up wattage than running wattage. This needs to be factored into the total amount of power needed. If you live in a larger-thanaverage home or want to maintain highpowered electrical appliances, you will need a larger generator. Determine the amperage size of your main electrical panel. Your generator installer can determine this for you. Decide on a location. It is best to install your whole-house generator where there is easy access to your electric and fuel supply and also where you will minimize the risk of any exhaust fumes entering your home. Factor in noise for you and your neighbors when selecting your location. Generators are quieter than they used to be but they still create some noise. Select the automatic transfer switch (ATS) style that suits your needs. There are two options available when choosing an ATS—a whole-house ATS or partial-house ATS. In addition, a load control module (LCM), which is a load management device, is available. An LCM lets you prioritize what you power during an outage. Although your entire house is connected to generator power—the LCM cycles some circuits on and off to prevent overloading. It helps your generator balance high electrical loads. Determine if you need a sensitive new-a age generator. Generator power is not utility grade power. Total Harmonic Distortion (THD) is important if your whole-house generator will power electronic items like plasma TVs, computers, and HVAC systems with intricate controls. These items can be negatively affected by high THD levels. If
your generator will power sensitive electronic devices, it is best to choose one with a THD of five or six percent or less. Choose the “exercise” time for your generator. Whole-house generators need to run for a short period of time on a regular schedule. This routine “exercise” mode ensures your generator will provide immediate power during an outage. To reduce the effect this has on the peace and quiet of your home, you can select the time of day that your generator will perform this “exercise” function. Smart Features Available Today’s smart home can add the generator to the list of Internet-ready devices. Kohler’s new whole-house generator models have Ethernet ports to bring your generator online. Used in conjunction with Kohler’s OnCue Home Generator Management System software, an email or text message is sent to the homeowner when the generator comes on. When you are on vacation, you can access your generator online to run diagnostics and ensure that your generator is prepared for a storm or outage that is forecast. A licensed generator installation expert is your best resource to assess your specific needs and help you choose the whole-house standby generator that meets your needs and budget. Appleton Campbell is available to answer any questions you may have. Mike Appleton is President of Appleton Campbell, a local, family owned heating, air conditioning, plumbing, and electrical services business. Appleton Campbell is an authorized Kohler dealer and has extensive experience installing and servicing whole-house standby generators. Appleton Campbell has been providing customers throughout the Greater Piedmont Region and Northern Virginia with honesty, integrity, and experience since 1976. Contact Appleton Campbell at 540.347.0765 or appletoncampbell.com.
online: www.save7lives.org in person: Dept. of Motor Vehicles
Every Child Deserves A Family
Learn about our adoption opportunities in Russia, China and Guatemala
301-587-4400
Cradle of Hope Adoption Center
Front Porch Fredericksburg
Supporting Local Artists Since 1997
SHOP THE BOULEVARD! Lafayette Boulevard…
DOWNTOWN! front porch fredericksburg
October 2014
29
Bill & Tracy Blevins
Top School in Virginia
connecting the world with plants
Head of School Reflects
By susan larson
By Beth Hunsinger
Bill Blevins and his wife Tracy, a Master Gardener, faced a gardening dilemma. “At each successive house we had a big garden,” Bill said. “We’d install plant tags, make notes, take pictures and even post online. Each time we moved, we left behind a beautiful garden for someone else to enjoy, and all we had was a jumbled mess of notes and photos scattered all over the web and in journals in our basement.” Bill wanted a database where he could keep all his plant notes and photos “I realized it would be great to have a database accessible by phone, so I could have it with me in the yard,” he said. “I knew what I wanted to do, but I didn’t know how to do it.” At lunch with friends one Thursday, the conversation gave Bill the idea of using QR codes on plant tags to connect to static webpages that would allow him to add photos and take notes for each individual plant. One friend at that lunch was a National Park Service ranger trained in horticulture. “If you build this, the National Park Service would love it,” Bill’s friend said. The very next week Bill’s company was cosponsoring Startup Weekend Fredericksburg. He asked his boss if he could participate. “I figured I could represent my company and make this pitch just for fun. Maybe someone would help get my database started.” That was January 2014. Bill received more than a little help. “A group of crazy talented people put together a basic product over the weekend,” Bill said. Plant Map won. Start Up Weekend. It was a great start, and Bill and Tracy kept at it nights and weekends. They captured the interest of friends in
30
October 2014
the gardening community and Plants Map became a full-time business in April 2014. They hired their first Nick employee in September. Cadwallender, former president and publisher of the Free Lance-Star, will serve as senior vice president, strategic partnerships. Cadwallender is an avid gardener, and was featured Front Porch in the July 2014 Magazine story "The Happy Gardener." Plants Map is a mobile friendly website that allows individuals and organizations to create a webpage for each of their plants, including photos, notes, growing information and links to favorite reference pages and videos. It’s not an app, so there’s nothing to download. Plants Map users can purchase interactive plant tags that enable access to the online information for that plant. In the same way, public gardens can engage visitors through their mobile devices to like plants in the collection and learn more about the organization. Plants Map is social gardening. Users can share their profile, garden, collections and plant pages with others on Plants Map, and via other social networks including Facebook, Twitter and Pinterest. Organizations can produce a Network Map of members, supporters, volunteers and organizations. Plants Map is free for individuals, nonprofit organizations and schools. The Village of Gridley, Ill. was one of Plants Map’s first clients. Residents of the village donated 40 trees for the park, each in memory of a loved one. A tag on each tree links to the webpage for that tree, which gives the history of the tree and tells for whom and by whom it was donated. Spotsylvania Greenways Initiative recently installed tags on 30 trees along Salamander Loop. Bill and his team are working now to enable organizations to upload plant inventories to the site. They’ve imported the USA National Phenology Network list of plant species to Plants Map. “This will enable citizen scientists to file all their data on Plants Map, and allow the network scientists to review the data submitted for each individual plant,” Bill said. Plants Map does not want to be the scientific database of record. They want to be the social link to the scientific databases. “Our goal is to create the worlds largest social database for plants,” Bill said. Find them at http://plantsmap.com/ Susan Larson writes about the Fredericksburg area and its residents on her online publication http://fredericksburg.today/, on Facebook (Fredericksburg Today) and Twitter @Fxbg2day.
Front porch fredericksburg
Fredericksburg Academy Head of School Karen Moschetto knew FA was a “top school” the moment she set foot on the campus to interview for the athletic director position in 1996. She found herself wishing that a school like FA had existed when she was a student in Massapequa, New York. “I was a good student who could have been a great student had I been challenged and given the personal attention from faculty members that FA students receive,” she said. “When I got to college it was difficult; I wasn’t used to writing papers or doing work independently.” Moschetto was especially pleased this summer to learn that the Academy would be recognized as a top school statewide. Virginia Living magazine selected the Spotsylvania County independent school as one of 32 top programs for science, math, and technology in its October “State of Education” special section. The school was recognized primarily for its digital portfolio and Exhibit programs, through which students use technology to discover and reflect on their passions. “While the magazine focuses on the Upper School, the entirety of our program is reflected in this acknowledgement as a top school...” Moschetto said. Under her leadership, the school has expanded its integration of technology in recent years, including a major upgrade
Porch Light Stories that shine a light on life
So THIS is Early Retirement to its technological infrastructure this summer. The Middle and Upper School (grades six through 12) have a 1:1 laptop program, fifth-graders take part in an iPad program, and fourth-graders use Google Chromebooks. Students in all other grade levels use technology in the classroom under the expert guidance of the school’s Learning Technologies Coordinator. Technology has not taken over at FA, however. Far from it. At any given moment during the school day, students can be seen engaging in lively literaturecircle discussions, creating works of art on the pottery wheel, delivering persuasive speeches, and honing athletic skills. The key to each students’ success, according to Moschetto, is this balance. “Our focus is on developing the whole child, and that cannot be done with technology alone. We also prioritize written and oral communication, character development, leadership, and multiple opportunities for each student to learn new lessons through the arts and athletics,” she said. As she looks ahead, Moschetto is excited about the possibilities for enriching each student’s experience, beginning with prekindergarten-3 all the way through twelfth grade. In accordance with the school’s six-year strategic plan, the Academy will continue to invest in professional development for faculty, increase financial aid, and commit funds for learning tools and materials. This plan will guide the Academy’s decisions through 2019, which will mark 27 years after its founding. “With our small class sizes, amazing faculty, and independence to determine our own curriculum, there is no limit to what our students can do,” Moschetto said with a smile. Beth Hunsinger is Director of Communications at Fredericksburg Academy, where her son, Jackson, is a second-grader. To learn more about FA contact the Office of Admission at 540.898.0020.
By jo loving
“You cannot swim for new horizons until you have courage to lose sight of the shore.” William Faulkner Eight years ago, I made a decision that changed the course of my life forever. Most people, when they make such a decision, spend years planning something that will affect their future so much. Not me. I have always been a risktaker, but this particular decision was, even for me, a big risk. So I’ll let you in on what happened. In January of 2006, I found out that I had cancer. The prognosis wasn’t great, but I am not known for accepting such things. As I went through three cycles of grueling chemo, I worked at my job in DC. Things there were challenging, because we were downsizing and planning the closure of our agency. At the same time, I was doublehatted as the Director of another agency. Was life stressful? You bet. But even with the stress, it was better than sitting at home contemplating my demise. In May, I was told that there was no further sign of the cancer. I was ecstatic! I told my family, friends, coworkers, and boss. A few days later, I was in a meeting at work – a routine, humdrum meeting. I got up and left the meeting, went to Human Resources and filled out early retirement paperwork, something I had not even considered before. I came back to the office and explained to my boss that I would be retiring in two weeks. He asked why I would leave now, when I was no longer in danger from
the cancer, and I responded that I felt that I had been given a gift of life, and I could not waste another moment. I wished him luck, and went about figuring out the next phase of my life. Two weeks later, I was on my way to Florida. My father and many other relatives lived there. My kids were all grown, so it was time to do something I wanted to do. I did not have any idea what that something was, other than writing, but I was open to possibilities. Not long after I arrived, I saw an advertisement for an AmeriCorps Park Ranger at St. Joseph Peninsula State Park. I had grown up going to this park, seemingly at the end of the earth, which had ancient sand dunes, the Gulf of Mexico on one side, and St. Joseph Bay on the other. The beauty of this assignment was that it came with a 300 square foot cabin for the duration of a year-long tour of duty. I was selected for the position and moved to the little cabin. It was absolutely the perfect decision – a quiet place to transition into a new life, in a new place, with a new outlook. I watched sunrises and sunsets, did trail maintenance, conducted interpretive programs, put up sand fencing, went on turtle watches and monitored plover nests and engaged in a multitude of outdoor activities – it was wonderful! What grew out of my decision? A great transition from Federal service to a quieter, less stressful life; I met my wonderful husband; I now spend great amounts of time with my family; and I returned to school and became a nurse, which I find very rewarding. Risky decision? Yes. Rewarding? You bet. Jo Loving is enjoying her early retirement doing anything but being retired. She works with geriatric patients as a nurse, travels frequently, and is now a grandmother to three beautiful grandchildren with another one due on her birthday in November. Life is, quite simply, good!
OVER 20 YEARS OF EXPERIENCE
J & L Home Improvement 571-259-4248 jlhomeimprovement14@gmail.com Jeremiah Lazenby
Wills and Trusts Provide for Incapacity Trusts for Minor Children Wealth Preservation Trusts Avoid Probate AhearnEstateLaw.com
540/371-9890 front porch fredericksburg
October 2014
31
Bill & Tracy Blevins
Top School in Virginia
connecting the world with plants
Head of School Reflects
By susan larson
By Beth Hunsinger
Bill Blevins and his wife Tracy, a Master Gardener, faced a gardening dilemma. “At each successive house we had a big garden,” Bill said. “We’d install plant tags, make notes, take pictures and even post online. Each time we moved, we left behind a beautiful garden for someone else to enjoy, and all we had was a jumbled mess of notes and photos scattered all over the web and in journals in our basement.” Bill wanted a database where he could keep all his plant notes and photos “I realized it would be great to have a database accessible by phone, so I could have it with me in the yard,” he said. “I knew what I wanted to do, but I didn’t know how to do it.” At lunch with friends one Thursday, the conversation gave Bill the idea of using QR codes on plant tags to connect to static webpages that would allow him to add photos and take notes for each individual plant. One friend at that lunch was a National Park Service ranger trained in horticulture. “If you build this, the National Park Service would love it,” Bill’s friend said. The very next week Bill’s company was cosponsoring Startup Weekend Fredericksburg. He asked his boss if he could participate. “I figured I could represent my company and make this pitch just for fun. Maybe someone would help get my database started.” That was January 2014. Bill received more than a little help. “A group of crazy talented people put together a basic product over the weekend,” Bill said. Plant Map won. Start Up Weekend. It was a great start, and Bill and Tracy kept at it nights and weekends. They captured the interest of friends in
30
October 2014
the gardening community and Plants Map became a full-time business in April 2014. They hired their first Nick employee in September. Cadwallender, former president and publisher of the Free Lance-Star, will serve as senior vice president, strategic partnerships. Cadwallender is an avid gardener, and was featured Front Porch in the July 2014 Magazine story "The Happy Gardener." Plants Map is a mobile friendly website that allows individuals and organizations to create a webpage for each of their plants, including photos, notes, growing information and links to favorite reference pages and videos. It’s not an app, so there’s nothing to download. Plants Map users can purchase interactive plant tags that enable access to the online information for that plant. In the same way, public gardens can engage visitors through their mobile devices to like plants in the collection and learn more about the organization. Plants Map is social gardening. Users can share their profile, garden, collections and plant pages with others on Plants Map, and via other social networks including Facebook, Twitter and Pinterest. Organizations can produce a Network Map of members, supporters, volunteers and organizations. Plants Map is free for individuals, nonprofit organizations and schools. The Village of Gridley, Ill. was one of Plants Map’s first clients. Residents of the village donated 40 trees for the park, each in memory of a loved one. A tag on each tree links to the webpage for that tree, which gives the history of the tree and tells for whom and by whom it was donated. Spotsylvania Greenways Initiative recently installed tags on 30 trees along Salamander Loop. Bill and his team are working now to enable organizations to upload plant inventories to the site. They’ve imported the USA National Phenology Network list of plant species to Plants Map. “This will enable citizen scientists to file all their data on Plants Map, and allow the network scientists to review the data submitted for each individual plant,” Bill said. Plants Map does not want to be the scientific database of record. They want to be the social link to the scientific databases. “Our goal is to create the worlds largest social database for plants,” Bill said. Find them at http://plantsmap.com/ Susan Larson writes about the Fredericksburg area and its residents on her online publication http://fredericksburg.today/, on Facebook (Fredericksburg Today) and Twitter @Fxbg2day.
Front porch fredericksburg
Fredericksburg Academy Head of School Karen Moschetto knew FA was a “top school” the moment she set foot on the campus to interview for the athletic director position in 1996. She found herself wishing that a school like FA had existed when she was a student in Massapequa, New York. “I was a good student who could have been a great student had I been challenged and given the personal attention from faculty members that FA students receive,” she said. “When I got to college it was difficult; I wasn’t used to writing papers or doing work independently.” Moschetto was especially pleased this summer to learn that the Academy would be recognized as a top school statewide. Virginia Living magazine selected the Spotsylvania County independent school as one of 32 top programs for science, math, and technology in its October “State of Education” special section. The school was recognized primarily for its digital portfolio and Exhibit programs, through which students use technology to discover and reflect on their passions. “While the magazine focuses on the Upper School, the entirety of our program is reflected in this acknowledgement as a top school...” Moschetto said. Under her leadership, the school has expanded its integration of technology in recent years, including a major upgrade
Porch Light Stories that shine a light on life
So THIS is Early Retirement to its technological infrastructure this summer. The Middle and Upper School (grades six through 12) have a 1:1 laptop program, fifth-graders take part in an iPad program, and fourth-graders use Google Chromebooks. Students in all other grade levels use technology in the classroom under the expert guidance of the school’s Learning Technologies Coordinator. Technology has not taken over at FA, however. Far from it. At any given moment during the school day, students can be seen engaging in lively literaturecircle discussions, creating works of art on the pottery wheel, delivering persuasive speeches, and honing athletic skills. The key to each students’ success, according to Moschetto, is this balance. “Our focus is on developing the whole child, and that cannot be done with technology alone. We also prioritize written and oral communication, character development, leadership, and multiple opportunities for each student to learn new lessons through the arts and athletics,” she said. As she looks ahead, Moschetto is excited about the possibilities for enriching each student’s experience, beginning with prekindergarten-3 all the way through twelfth grade. In accordance with the school’s six-year strategic plan, the Academy will continue to invest in professional development for faculty, increase financial aid, and commit funds for learning tools and materials. This plan will guide the Academy’s decisions through 2019, which will mark 27 years after its founding. “With our small class sizes, amazing faculty, and independence to determine our own curriculum, there is no limit to what our students can do,” Moschetto said with a smile. Beth Hunsinger is Director of Communications at Fredericksburg Academy, where her son, Jackson, is a second-grader. To learn more about FA contact the Office of Admission at 540.898.0020.
By jo loving
“You cannot swim for new horizons until you have courage to lose sight of the shore.” William Faulkner Eight years ago, I made a decision that changed the course of my life forever. Most people, when they make such a decision, spend years planning something that will affect their future so much. Not me. I have always been a risktaker, but this particular decision was, even for me, a big risk. So I’ll let you in on what happened. In January of 2006, I found out that I had cancer. The prognosis wasn’t great, but I am not known for accepting such things. As I went through three cycles of grueling chemo, I worked at my job in DC. Things there were challenging, because we were downsizing and planning the closure of our agency. At the same time, I was doublehatted as the Director of another agency. Was life stressful? You bet. But even with the stress, it was better than sitting at home contemplating my demise. In May, I was told that there was no further sign of the cancer. I was ecstatic! I told my family, friends, coworkers, and boss. A few days later, I was in a meeting at work – a routine, humdrum meeting. I got up and left the meeting, went to Human Resources and filled out early retirement paperwork, something I had not even considered before. I came back to the office and explained to my boss that I would be retiring in two weeks. He asked why I would leave now, when I was no longer in danger from
the cancer, and I responded that I felt that I had been given a gift of life, and I could not waste another moment. I wished him luck, and went about figuring out the next phase of my life. Two weeks later, I was on my way to Florida. My father and many other relatives lived there. My kids were all grown, so it was time to do something I wanted to do. I did not have any idea what that something was, other than writing, but I was open to possibilities. Not long after I arrived, I saw an advertisement for an AmeriCorps Park Ranger at St. Joseph Peninsula State Park. I had grown up going to this park, seemingly at the end of the earth, which had ancient sand dunes, the Gulf of Mexico on one side, and St. Joseph Bay on the other. The beauty of this assignment was that it came with a 300 square foot cabin for the duration of a year-long tour of duty. I was selected for the position and moved to the little cabin. It was absolutely the perfect decision – a quiet place to transition into a new life, in a new place, with a new outlook. I watched sunrises and sunsets, did trail maintenance, conducted interpretive programs, put up sand fencing, went on turtle watches and monitored plover nests and engaged in a multitude of outdoor activities – it was wonderful! What grew out of my decision? A great transition from Federal service to a quieter, less stressful life; I met my wonderful husband; I now spend great amounts of time with my family; and I returned to school and became a nurse, which I find very rewarding. Risky decision? Yes. Rewarding? You bet. Jo Loving is enjoying her early retirement doing anything but being retired. She works with geriatric patients as a nurse, travels frequently, and is now a grandmother to three beautiful grandchildren with another one due on her birthday in November. Life is, quite simply, good!
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540/371-9890 front porch fredericksburg
October 2014
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