october front porch

contents

closeups

3mats jernda oddbox celebrates 10 years

5beacons of hope trent & dee stinson

21eric barnes equipment connection

Porch talk

4 on the porch...life in fredericksburg Messages

6youth mental health first aid

7everything greens: we are each other’s harvest

8In the Garden: flower show fun

9growing & crawling: paper wasps

10i have a friend: mutual admiration

11authentic self-care: it matters

12tidbits...small bites of local news

13 season’s bounty: ode to october

15vino: hallo-wine

16-17Calendar of Events

18history’s stories: gunnery springs & cobb camp what’s in A crown? historic renwick building

19our heritage:fredericksburg’s cemeteries

20mental health: questions to ask psychotherapist

22eating mindfully

23auto known better: the race of gentlemen memories: 79 years later

24art in the burg ...galleries in october

25art attack!

28companions: boo!

29astrology & you poetryman: emily dickinson

30fredericksburg sketches 31 thank you from jeremy

...And More!

14whiskey & wood artisan festival 26empowerhouse candlelight vigil 27umw projected new theatre design

Cover: “Happy Fall Pumpkin” By David C. Kennedy

When Mayor Mary Katherine Greenlaw cut the ribbon to officially launch OddBox Studios in 2012, she predicted that it would be an asset to our community. The enterprise's founder Mats Jerndal (above) who stood by her side was a striking figure with his impressive height and flowing white hair, but many in the gathering that day did not know just how unique and remarkable Mats' journey had been nor what a milestone this day represented in his life.

Mats was born in Sweden and, in the course of 23 years, pursued a career in acting and performing, which included Shakespearean drama, musicals, children's theater, and Commedia Dell'arte, an early form of professional theater that presented stock characters with largely improvised story lines, which he studied at the conservatory of Dell'Arte International in Humboldt, California. It was there that he met Jackie, who was also an actor and would become his wife, the mother of their son Luc, and the wind beneath his wings.

The couple settled in Jersey City Heights in the NYC metropolitan area, and, in addition to theater performances, Mats became known for his street performances of juggling, and stilt-walking as well as corporate crowd-pleasers with moon bounces, a popcorn machine, and cotton candy. Then, at the age of 46, Mats yearned for a career change, and began tapping into the photography skills he had learned from his father in his home country. Mats started doing photography professionally in 1999 and videos in 2003

Mats Jernda

oddbox studios celebrates 10th anniversary

By collette caprara

in Jersey Heights and created a studio there called OddBox Video & Photography (Note: The "Odd" in OddBox is not meant to connote "quirky." It's a Norwegian name and it was his dad's)

When the financial bubble burst, and the government funding for arts and culture that he had received plunged to zero, the message was clear that it was time to fly from the nest. Mats and Jackie decided to relocate in Fredericksburg, where they had periodically visited Jackie's sister and they rented a home on lower Caroline Street, where Mats set up a studio in the basement.

Though the Jerndals were going through hard times financially as they found their footing, it was in these early years in the Burg that Mats first discovered the generosity and sense of community that are the hallmarks of the city. As Jackie's birthday approached, Mats yearned to be able to do something special to celebrate but nothing seemed to be within range. Several local musiciansHarry Wilson, Don Brown, and Larry

memory for all.

Mats brought in some income from photographs he contributed to a local publication Snap! and, on a shoestring budget, decided that it was time to relocate his studio to a public venue at 526 Wolfe Street. Once again, the remarkable spirit of community and camaraderie came to the rescue. A highlight of the site today is its cyclorama round-ccornered studio for performances, photography, and videography that give the impression of infinite space, and construction work began in the earliest days of OddBox. Folks who had become friends and learned about Matt's vision lent their skills in carpentry and construction, and one contractor cut his fees in half in exchange for office space that was bartered for his wife's real-estate business.

In the course of the last decade, the studios' enterprises morphed and evolved and included a media transfer service, real-estate photography, promotional photography, portraiture, wedding photography and videography.

At one point, OddBox began broadcasting a series of "Golden Couch" concerts with top-level entertainment from a tiny space, with a message of healing, peace, and spiritual growth, which is the essence of all Mats and Jackie continue to do to contribute to our community and our world. Mayor Greenlaw's prediction a decade ago proved true.

OddBox Studios' service to the community includes broadcasting Toys for Tots for many years and work with the Brisben Center for more than two years, and Mats served as a cameraman for the documentary celebrating the history of our river, Rappahannock. This month, Mats has teamed up with Rob Meunier of HiVibe Audio Productions to lend their broadcasting skills for a fundraiser for Ukraine hosted by Fredericksburg's Sister City organizations. In addition, folks frequenting the Paragon Theaters will get a flavor of the studios' talent and skill when they view the "commercial" they created of Tony Lewis' life that shows before every movie.

The 10th Anniversary of the gift of OddBox to Fredericksburg will be celebrated with a concert at 526 Wolfe Street on Friday, October 14, 6 to 9 pm

Collette Caprara is a local writer and a member of Brush Strokes Art Gallery.

Oddbox Studios 526 Wolfe St oddbox.squarespace.com; facebook

Hinkle-quickly rose to the occasion and performed an unforgettable birthday concert in their yard that is a cherished

Gaye Agdebalola in Oddbox Concert Studio

Mats filming Karen Jonas Music Video Outside Oddbox Studio

Sue Henderson Guest Porch Editorial

Contributing Writers & Artists

Rita Allan Sally Cooney Anderson

Dianne BachmanLaurie Black

Jeanette Rowe Cadwallendar Howard BerenbaumSonja Cantu

Collette CapraraJanet Douberly Jenna Elizabeth EdwardsTim Eggers

Frank FratoeBill Freehling

Jeremy GreyRalph “Tuffy” Hicks Jon GerlachKathleen Harrigan

Sue HendersonAmy Jessee

Paulette Johnson Anne-Tilley Melson

David C. KennedyRay Mikula

Vanessa MoncureGabe Pons

Pete MorelewiczPatrick Neustatter

ML PowerGerri Reid

Paula RaudenbushRob Rudick

Brad SmithMandy Smith

Tim TalbottAnne Timpano

Christine ThompsonRim Vining Tina WillNorma Woodward Dawn Whitmore

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

ON THE PORCH transitions to gratitude

by sue henderson

As we move into the autumn and the change of seasons, I'm reminded of the seismic and routine transitions we are all experiencing. The darker evenings and temperatures that cause us to grab for snuggly sweaters and socks confirm the transition from hot summers and relaxed vacations to the busy time to get back to the work before the holidays overtake us all.

And the work that we do seems to somehow transition from the lazy schedules into full days regardless of our tasks. As I write in early September, we are watching the world make major transitions in leadership, health crises and war. Economic and climate worries loom over the agendas from average citizens to persons in power. And yet, there is no need to fear continual transition. The unknown around the next corner has a transitional routine in our lives no matter where we are. The one thing that is constant is change.

Our vast selection at the farmer's markets winding down in the region will shift our attention to the myriad of grocery stores during the winter months. Closing up our personal gardens and preparing for the transition to dormancy is appreciated more because we spent the last few months canning and freezing the essence of summer to tickle our tastebuds in the cold winter. There's just nothing like a peach pie on a snowy winter afternoon to remind us of the sweetness of warmer days.

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 article submissions must be received by e-mail by the 16th & calendar items the 19th of the month preceding publication.

Writers / Artists / Photographers are welcome to request Guidelines and query the Publisher by e-mail.

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But here on our porch, it's a time to notice the change in leaves and our beloved Rappahannock River. As we all continue to recover from the pandemic, the fall months provide lovely festivals and opportunities to gather together for various causes which we often highlight here in these pages.

And what do we celebrate together? The bounty of harvests - both literal and figurative - we appreciate leads to our most American of holidays in November. Gratitude becomes an important element in these annual transitions but also our natural stages of life. I feel truly blessed to have lived long enough to have the time to observe and appreciate these transitions.

I look for balance in experiencing other countries as much as our own partly as a continual reminder of just how grateful we should be for the richness of our lives. Travel is an electric jolt against complacency and entitlement. One only has to navigate a busy US airport or find transportation in a European city during a train strike to appreciate the ease at which we move around here in the Burg. And while I'm not fond of fuel prices, we are more than blessed with considerably cheaper options than most of the rest of the world.

Here on our porch Rick and I can grab a warm blanket and read while the temperatures transition. We aren't cold or hungry. We celebrate 'survival' of three days with no power as if it was an accomplishment while much of the world finds it amusing or confounding. We encourage you to find a way to help others here in our community or abroad have similar basic luxuries. And to take time to truly appreciate the bounty so evident during these annual transitions.

It's a time for sports and craft fairs, crisp air and apple cider. The transition in October brings a change of color not just to the trees but to our homes with orange and russet and goldenrod filling our front porches with a cornucopia of what the fashion world calls the autumn palette. The greens are different now having matured from the bright springy yellow tones and rollicking Kelly summer lawns to this muted aging green almost, but not quite, the deepness of evergreens to follow.

The river too makes changes mostly because the reflections from the sun alter the way we see color. Those same autumnal tones can add some orange and yellow when the sun is brightly shining and the cooler days tend to add more rain water and less evaporation making the river fuller and flow more freely. We see

more of the river as leaves fall making it easier to see the squirrels desperately foraging for their own winter hoard hopping from branch to branch while the huge variety of birds also prepare.

It's a marvelous time to grab a warm cuppa and a cozy blanket and settle in to truly appreciate the first crisp air filling our lungs in a while and the transitions in all directions while reading the Front Porch from cover to cover.

Sue Henderson relishes in the seasons on the back porch on a regular basis - feet up and reading the Front Porch.

"Once you choose hope, anything is possible." - Christopher Reeve

Fredericksburg is home to two everyday super-people, Trenton 'Trent' and Deedre' 'Dee' Stinson, who have made the impossible possible by redefining HOPE as the active, community-fueled, relationship-oriented, dignity-centered process of Helping Other People Eat. Their non-profit organization, The Hub of HOPE, celebrated its one-year anniversary in May 2022; within that short time and with a predominantly volunteer staff, it has served over 44,000 nutritional meals to children and 571 households facing food insecurity within the Fredericksburg region.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture defines food insecurity as 'a lack of consistent access to enough food for an active, healthy life.' Food insecurity goes beyond the mere physical discomfort of hunger and becomes constant psychological uncertainty as to where the next meal is going to come from over a

Fredericksburg’s Finest

bEACONS OF hOPE: tRENT & dEE sTINSON

by Jenna ELIZABETH eDWARDS

prolonged period of time.

Food insecurity is a major challenge facing the ALICE population served by the Hub of Hope.

ALICE is an acronym affectionately created by The United Way in its search to describe working and disabled families in our community that do not qualify for the safety net of assistance; however, they face crises in meeting their basic needs for nutrition. A-LL-II-CC-E E stands for Asset Limited , Income Constrained, but Employed households who earn above the Federal Poverty Line, but below the basic cost of living. ALICE workers are often service workers such as cashiers, nursing assistants, office clerks, servers, laborers, teachers, credit union and postal workers, veterans, and security guards. Within the Fredericksburg region, the following proportion of people are unable to afford basic living costs, according to the 2020 United for Alice Virginia Report: 54% in Fredericksburg; 37% in Spotsylvania; 29% in Stafford; 26% in King George, and; 44% in Caroline, respectively

The inspiration for HOPE derives from the Stinsons' personal experience of

food insecurity in 2012, the community of support that helped them navigate that difficult time, and their commitment to honoring the integrity of those facing similar challenges. As a young couple growing their family, the Stinsons decided that Trent's enrollment in Georgetown University's Executive MBA program would contribute so much to their long-term well-being, despite the short-term impact it had on their family. They were the ALICE population. They lived it and survived with help from others in their community. The experience reaffirmed for them that what a person is truly dealing with is often not obvious on the surface.

Fast forward a decade, and the Stinsons are not only stronger than ever, but using their resources to directly benefit and empower the community.

Later this year, they will launch a fast casual restaurant brand built on altruism. Cosner's Corner will experience a taste of HOPE with the opening of HOPE

HOPE to address food insecurity in the Fredericksburg region. Profits, loyalty rewards, and round up donation opportunities will help support child nutrition through Food2Go, a strategic partnership with the USDA & Virginia Department of Health (Child Nutrition Division). Additionally, services and support for the HOPE for 30 community service, through which any individuals or family in need receive freshly prepared, nutritious meals for up to 30 days, no questions asked.

The Stinsons have an incredibly generous and talented team of restaurant professionals supporting them - including Food Networks: Cutthroat Kitchen finalist, Veteran, and world-traveled Chef Jessica Danielle, whose Biscuit Batch Business has quickly become a favorite at local farmer's markets, as well as Culpeper Chef Tiras Greene , who is serving up some phenomenal Carolina-style BBQ through his family's Humble Soul BBQ Food Truck

"If everyone were to be honest, none of us have achieved, persevered or overcome struggles in our lives without getting help from someone. We are people helping people. We are a community coming together to make a difference," The Stinsons affirmed during the Hub's one-year anniversary community benefit dinner in May 2022.

Heroes, a social enterprise that will engage the community for good. The business model is best described as "Buy-ABowl…Give-A-Bowl." A percentage of the restaurant profits will be reinvested in ongoing HOPE programming through the nonprofit meal services of The Hub of

Jenna Elizabeth is partner of the Edwards Law Firm PLLC and a local realtor. Her Facebook page, The Writing Realtor, highlights local business owners and community members to showcase why the Fredericksburg region is an amazing place to live.

Facebook: TheHubOfHope; FOodToGo; HopeHeroes USA HubofHopeUsa com

Where Fredericksburg Gets Engaged

10a-4p

Youth Mental Health First Aid

stafford county sheriff department training

By Paulette Johnson

distress vary in age, ethnicity, and gender. The scenarios used by the instructor prepare me for actual situations I have encountered."

Last, Deputy Scoggins stated, " I really enjoyed the role play scenarios we did in training and believe those exercises have helped better prepare me to listen, recognize, and offer resources to the elementary students I serve each day who may be developing a mental health problem or are in a mental health crisis. Thank you so much for sharing your knowledge with us so that we can better help the youth in our community!"

preserve and protect beyond their day to day. Mental Illness Awareness Week runs from October 2-8th this year. May we all raise up our gifts and talents, by embracing one other in the Spirit of making life better for our precious Youth.

Members of the Stafford County Sheriff's Department took it seriously. The call to address our local needs to support our gravely needed, small in number Licensed Mental Health Professionals by attending a 6 hour Certificated Training in Youth Mental Health First Aid Joining the ranks of Volunteers that can support our Licensed professionals.

Youth Mental Health First Aid USA is a public education program which introduces participants to the unique risk factors and warning signs of mental health problems in adolescents, builds understanding of the importance of early intervention, and teaches individuals how to help an adolescent in crisis or experiencing a mental health challenge.

Mental Health First Aid uses roleplaying and simulations to demonstrate how to assess a mental health crisis; select interventions and provide initial help; and connect young people to professional, peer, social, and self-help care.

Efforts to support our Youth are needed more than ever. Raising our voices, being proactive and taking steps that will increase our awareness of risk factors and challenges common among adolescents, is key. We all should follow the path of learning and applying the Youth Mental Health First Aid core five-step action plan

Assess for risk of sucide or harm

Listen non-judgmentally

Give reassurance and information

Encourage appropriate professional

help

Encourage self-help and other support strategies.

Upon reflection on taking the Youth Mental Health First Aid Course, Sheriff Burgess stated ,"I want to thank you for such a wonderful experience during the Youth Mental Health course. The course is needed today as we are seeing more and more youth dealing with mental health crises. The course truly opened my eyes to youth mental health and I feel I am better equipped to assist not only youth but anyone whom I may encounter that may be dealing with a mental health crisis. The course provided the tools to not only help others but recognize when I may need to help myself. I would highly recommend anyone dealing with children, SRO'S, etc to take this course."

Deputy AR Williams stated, "As a Deputy Sheriff for the County of Stafford, Virginia, I have encountered individuals displaying various levels of mental crisis. In efforts to better understand and assist with interacting with citizens experiencing mental crises, I asked to attend this course. Since taking the course, I have utilized the techniques taught, ALGEE - Assess for risk of suicide or harm, Listen nonjudgmentally, Give reassurance and information, Encourage appropriate professional help, Encourage self-help and other support strategies, when encountering citizens experiencing / displaying mental distress. The citizens I have encountered experiencing mental

I was honored to serve as a YMHFA Trainer for these deeply dedicated,passionate Public servants. All had served many years in Law Enforcement. Taking their Oath to

Mental Illness Awareness Week October 2-88th

Paulette Johnson, Certified Trainer, Youth Mental Health First Aid

6 October 2022 Front porch fredericksburg Left to right: Deputy Taylor, Sgt Burgess, Deputy Murch, Deputy Scoggins,Mrs. Johnson, 1st Sgt Torrance, Lt. Cameron, Mrs. Langa and Deputy Williams

Everything Greens we are each other’s harvest

By Brad Smith

"We are each other's harvest: we are each other's business: we are each other's magnitude and bond." These words, by beloved poet Gwendolyn Brooks as a sort of ode to her friends and others who sought to address the brokenness in the world around her, have been a sort of compass to me the past few years. These years have been extraordinary ones. As we wrestle with seemingly ever multiplying social, economic, environmental, and public health challenges, it can sometimes be hard to remain optimistic. It is in this context that I had the privilege of being part of the greater Fredericksburg--and, specifically, Downtown Greens community.

One of our most visible projects of the past year has been leading the community in an incredible campaign to preserve and make use of some of the last open space and agricultural land in the City of Fredericksburg's Battlefield Industrial Park. Despite overwhelming

odds, I witnessed the generosity and faith of our community as they rallied and swelled to protect this special piece of land.

Through an incredible show of community support at the end of last year we were able to raise enough money to allow for a significant down payment and two years of mortgage payments to purchase the 56 acres for $2.225 million. We currently have a $1.4 million loan from the seller.

Going into this next harvest season, we are embarking on our second phase of fundraising of $750,000. This second flush of community support coupled with money secured through grants and a conservation easement will allow us to completely pay our mortgage and own the property outright. We need to repay this loan as soon as possible because 1) the loan comes due five years from origination, 2) we only have two years of debt service reserve and 3) the interest on the loan depletes our reserve and we'd like to avoid that expense which adds no value to our mission.

Admittedly, fundraising is my least favorite part of my role here--and maybe one of my least favorite things, period. That said, the conversations I had with donors and volunteers sharing their many reasons for giving was a constant and unexpected source of encouragement that transcended the campaign itself. I

imagined I would have to convince others of the importance of environmental education, building resiliency into our local economy and food networks, and sustaining and revitalizing our shared ecosystem but I found myself, time and again, inspired by the stories, knowledge, and vision of our supporters.

As we begin this next phase of fundraising to fully secure the land, I find myself in a much different position than I was this time last year and, again, I think of Brook's words. I have seen that our community's magnitude, bond, and harvest is far greater than I imagined it could be and can't wait to see where we go from here.

Join us to provide accessible greenspace, nature-based learning opportunities and agricultural education to the next generation of farmers. Email sarah perry@downtowngreens org to make a gift or pledge Visit www downtowngreens org/buffer to learn more. We are planning to hold open sessions each Friday evening beginning in October with light snacks at a convenient location in Fredericksburg. Check in with us for details.

Brad Smith is the President of the Board of Directors of Downtown Greens

Bryson Payton and Kai Wilson exploring the 56-aacre acquisition.

In the Garden flower show fun

By tina will

eat. They provide pollination to over 180,000 different plant species and more than 1200 crops. Pollinators support healthy ecosystems that clean the air, stabilize soils, and support other wildlife. But, the population of pollinators is in decline due to loss in feeding and nesting habitats, misuses of chemicals and changes in the climatic patterns.

The Flower Show (pictures) was held in late August at the Fredericksburg Branch of the library. CRRL's graphics department provided a lovely poster, and Art McKinney gave outstanding help to promote this event.

recognition, and a chance to share the beauty. Flower shows are amazing affairs with many different categories of flower characteristics. If you have visited the Homemakers Building at the Fredericksburg Fair, and saw the flower show there, then you have an idea of its complexity.

A new project was introduced this year to encourage children and adults to plant more of what our pollinating insects need: flowers. 'Save the pollinators' has been the cry for several years now, and pollinators importance to our food crops and flowering landscape enjoyment can't be understated. Master Gardener Laurie Clarkston knows that children, too, love to garden. She suggested we host a flower show to give people of all ages the chance to show what they grow, and to encourage the insect population in the process.

According to the Pollinator workshop, www pollinator org/pollinators, Pollinators are responsible for bringing one out of every three bites of food we

The result was a success and likely to be repeated next year. June 1925, 2023 is next year's Pollinator week, and may be used as a kick-off for the Flower Show with short talks on growing flowers that will be offered by Master Gardeners. The actual Flower Show, where flowers will be displayed and judged, is again planned for late August 2023 at the downtown library. This year there were about 150 flower entries. Next year we hope that many more children will bring what they themselves have grown. At our show, children's entries were judged separately from the adults. Ribbons were awarded, and it was wonderful fun to see what others enjoyed growing in their garden. Encourage your children to grow something they love and then enter it for fun,

October and the Autumn season is a lovely time. We harvest and plan optimistically for next year, though we've probably added a side order of realism based on experience. How did your garden grow, and what can you do now while you enjoy Autumn's beauty? Fall is a great time to get a soil test. By doing it now you'll avoid the Spring rush, and have time to add what's recommended based on the results. Here's the link to Virginia Cooperative Extension's forms and fee information: www soiltest vt edu/fees-aand forms html Soil test kits are available at VCE offices in Stafford and Spotsylvania, and at our libraries.

Changes are coming to VCE's Stafford office with the retirement of Guy Mussey. His 21 years of teaching and service to the community is well known to many. He taught us well, and he will be missed. We wish him an enjoyable retirement!

Tina Will is a Master Gardener and lives in Stafford County. She can be reached at brianandtina.will@gmail.com

Growing & Crawling paper wasps

By janet douberly

Okay, I know you hate wasps but hear me out. Due to their tendency to defend themselves they get a super bad wrap but they are actually beneficial to the ecosystem and to gardens. Take for example the paper wasp.

Paper wasps are social creatures and will vigorously defend their nests. They are most likely to sting when their nest is disturbed. They aren't aggressive when they're away from their nest. They also aren't likely to sting unless you step on them, trap them, or press them against your skin.

Paper wasps are vespid wasps that gather fibers from dead wood and plant stems, which they mix with saliva, and use to construct nests made of gray or brown papery material. Though there are hundreds of types of paper wasps, there are only 22 types found in America.

Remember, paper wasps are actually beneficial insects because they prey on other insects that we consider

pests such as caterpillars, beetle larvae, and flies. In addition to their diet of pests, they also eat sweet fruits and flower nectar which makes them great pollinators.

Much like bees, female paper wasps are the hunters, providers, workers and nannies whereas the male just chills

until it's time to mate. The worker wasps (usually sterile females) only live about 34 months whereas the "queen wasp" can live between 10-12 months, being the only one that survives winter.

Janet Douberly is an employee with a tendency to defend herself at Downtown Greens.

By Laurie Black

In March of this year, Jeffrey and Bill were introduced through the Senior Visitors Program of Mental Health America of Fredericksburg In that short period of time, they have become great friends, or as Bill puts it, "members of a mutual admiration society."

Jeffrey heard about the Senior Visitors Program from his wife, who attended a presentation about Senior Visitors Program at her women's church group. Jeffrey says, "My wife knows my heart and said, "…I know [Jeffrey] would love to participate.”"

Jeffrey went on to say, "Having been in the military for the last 20+ years, one thing that was never constant for us was "family". Sure, we had our immediate family, but never our extended family, so having an opportunity to give back and receive at the same time was a driving factor to commit time and be part of an amazing program and meet new people. Understanding northern Virginia has a ton of retirees, one of the things I truly wanted was to connect with a senior that previously served in the military. Being that [Senior Visitors Program would be] new for both of us, having a starting point or familiarity with one another regardless of what branch we may have served in was important. Not only was that provided, but the immense joy that Bill has brought to me and my family has created lasting memories and connections I will hold onto for life!"

Bill says of his participation in the Senior Visitors Program, "As you get older, and you can't get out much anymore, what can you do? You watch tv or read or get on the computer. Then that soon leads to having nothing to do,

which leads to thinking, which is sometimes not good. It all gets rather old and boring. Being part of the Senior Visitors Program has improved my morale. It is an excellent program. Meeting with Jeffrey has been a great outlet."

Bill goes on to say of Jeffrey, "He is a real blessing. He has changed my outlook. He helps me get beyond a book or tv. We go out into the community to see the changes [in the area]. As we drive around, I show Jeffrey new things he has never seen. He is a fine young man. I can't say enough nice things about him."

Jeffrey says of Bill, "Bill is as genuine as they come. Like most people in the northern Virginia area, I use maps to get from point A to point B. Bill on the other hand, despite not driving for over two years, might as well be a cartographer. Turn here, go .5 miles up the road, get in the left lane, take the second roundabout, turn right…. before I knew it, Bill had me in a location I never knew existed. I've seen countless parts of Fredericksburg and Stafford all because of him."

Both Jeffrey and Bill recounted other adventures they've had including trips to the Central Rappahannock Regional Library, the Stafford Airport, and the new Amazon building in Stafford. During their "tours" they enjoy discussing their military service, favorite foods, family, books and more.

"The conversations are never in short order," says Jeffrey, "and I attribute that to [Bill's] love of reading and maintaining a sharp mind over the years."

Finally, Jeffrey shares, "I understood what

the program was about after spending a couple of hours in training but had no idea of the impact it would bring to my life. We were able to connect from the moment we met. Sure, it was a bit awkward [at first], but that was fleeting. Before long, I felt as if we were connected and knew one another for years. That typically doesn't happen and when it did, I would say that is the most surprising experience I've had. The reward is immeasurable."

Laurie Black is the Senior Visitors Program Coordinator at Mental Health America of Fredericksburg.

If you know a senior who could benefit from having a weekly, friendly visit or if you would like to volunteer to visit a senior, call the Senior Visitors Program at (540) 371-22704 or visit our website at mhafred org to download volunteer or senior applications The Senior Visitors Program is a free community service

Authentic Self-Care!

workplace mental health: it matters!

By anne-Tillery Melson

Recently, more and more attention has been given to examining mental health in the workplace. Millions of people spend the majority of their waking hours at work, so it is natural that our workplace has a strong influence on our well-being.

Mental Health America's Mind the Workplace 2022 Report states that "4 in 5 employees report that workplace stress affects their relationships with friends, family, and coworkers."

This September, Mental Health America launched a Workplace Mental Health Toolkit, "Creating a Culture of Support and Well-being." It is a digital guide that provides a helpful framework for employers, leaders, and workers to establish organizational practices that best support employee mental health and well-being.

The biggest takeaway? Creating a mentally healthy workplace takes investment and time from all levels of an organization, and it is not the kind of change that happens overnight. But … it is worth it! When workers are stressed, it affects not only their personal well-being, but also their productivity and retention. As such, it is in both the individual employee's and business's interest to establish a workplace culture that is supportive of mental health

In the Workplace Mental Health Toolkit, MHA summarizes the six most common program and policy changes that employers found to be effective, including examples of each:

1 Increasing or improving mental health benefits and additional resource support (e.g., full coverage for mental health counseling appointments)

2. Evaluating compensation equity and role structure (e.g., increasing minimum wage to reflect current costs of living, performance-based merit increases)

3. Implementing permanent flexible work schedules and enhancing leave policies (e.g., hybrid work environment, floating and organization-wide "Mental Health Days")

4 Encouraging employee resilience and providing mental health education (e.g., offering small group well-being coaching, providing Mental Health First Aid training)

5 Suggesting balanced approaches to daily interactions and scheduled

meetings (e.g., suggesting "no meeting Wednesdays" or two-hour calendar blocks to focus on other work responsibilities)

6. Maintaining connection and mitigating social isolation among colleagues (e.g., hosting "Connection Meetings" and virtual happy hours)

There are many ways to get the ball rolling in your workplace, but it is much easier when you aren't doing it alone. Check out the toolkit at mhanational org/workplace/toolkit/downl oad to see the full list of resources so you can get started in improving the culture of your workplace - because it matters!

If you find yourself experiencing symptoms of stress and burnout, and wonder if it might be signaling a mental health condition, consider taking a screening at mhascreening.org. It is a quick, free, and confidential way to help you figure out if you should consider seeing a professional for help.

Anne-Tillery Melson is the Suicide Prevention Education Coordinator at Mental Health America of Fredericksburg

Mental Health America of Fredericksburg (540) 371-22704

visit Helpline website at mhafred org

Become a Member

Bubblebee Open on Princess Anne St

Owner Sherry Chen's design talent has transformed the second floor of 1005 Princess Anne Street into a stunning hangout spot for bubble tea, smoothie, and baked good enthusiasts alike. Bubblebee has an abundance of options for beverages, including milk teas (with bubbles), bee "snow" slushes, yogurt drinks, coffees, and many more. Bubblebee also sells a number of baked goods. Many of these baked goods, such as the Japanese Cheesecake, are actually imported from Japan. Other items, such as many Asian cakes, are baked in-house. Many of these baked goods, such as the

small bites of local News

By Bill Freehling

UMW Ranked As Leading Public Liberal Arts College

U.S. News & World Report has released its 2023 list of "Best Colleges," which details what University of Mary Washington students and alumni already knew: UMW is one of the top liberal arts schools in the nation.

My Casa Restaurant Open Near UMW

A restaurant serving Salvadoran and Mexican food has opened near the UMW. Oscar Garcia opened My Casa

Six in Fredericksburg Area

Make Virginia 500 list

The following people are on the Virginia Business Magazine's 500-2022 Power List. The list includes Virginia leaders in fields including arts, entertainment, sports, education, energy, finance, government, healthcare, law, manufacturing, media, nonprofits, real estate and more.

Margaret Hardy, President, Sands Anderson PC; John Hewa, CEO, Rappahannock Electric Cooperative; Jonathan Jenkins, President Culpeper Wood Preservers; Troy Paino, President UMW; Mike McDermott, CEO Mary Washington Healthcare; Joe Wilson, Perma Treat Pest Control, named on list as "Living Legend"

Mangoes Open

A new restaurant bringing the flavors of the Caribbean to Fredericksburg is open.

Restaurant at 2018 College Avenue (That's the former location of The General Store Restaurant). . The delicious-looking menu features a variety of pupusas, fajitas, entrees, soups, quesadillas, tacos, enchiladas, burritos and more. Go give it a try!

Two-wway traffic coming to Fall Hill Ave , Washington Ave. and Maury St.

Mangoes at 1075 Gateway Blvd. in the same shopping center as Goodwill and Gold's Gym. .

The "Jamaican Fast Food" restaurant owned and operated by the Simmonds family, which owns and operates downtown Fredericksburg restaurant Pimenta The delicious-looking menu features island bites with coco bread, patties, juices, ice cream, coffee, smoothies, milk shakes and more. Go check it out

Paul's Bakery Ranked Among Top D C -AArea Bakeries

WTOP readers and listeners nominated a number of local businesses in Washington, Maryland and Virginia that serve baked goods. Out of hundreds of restaurants and eateries, Paul's Bakery in Fredericksburg ranked no. 8.

Paul's Bakery is a thirdgeneration, family-owned-and-operated bakery that was founded in 1973. It is famous for its old-fashioned, hand-made, yeast-raised donuts Paul's also offers a wide variety of breads, brownies, cinnamon buns, custom cakes, cookies, eclairs, creme horns, pies and much more. You will certainly find a favorite treat or a few. Stop by Paul's at 2008 Lafayette Blvd.

Plans for a major change to the traffic pattern on the one-way streets near James Monroe High School are nearing completion, with the construction project expected to be completed this fall.

Local Artist's Work Showcased at FXBG Visitor Center

A Fredericksburg artist and teacher for decades, Rondall James (RJ) artwork will be on display at the Visitor Center until October 31.

Bill Freehling, Fredericksburg's director of economic development and tourism

S e a s o n ’ s B o u n t y ode to october vanessa moncure

October finds itself betwixt and between summer and fall - garden ingathering passes from the heat of summer tomatoes and riotous cucumber vines to cool-loving greens, pumpkins and their fall squash kin. The trees are beginning to show their autumn promisea bright palette as vibrant as the long fall sunsets. Days of Indian summer still tease us with warmth in the air, but the evocative scent of woodsmoke is in the cool evening breezes.

This is the month to clean the vegetable garden, plant flower bulbs for their spring promise, divide the irises and daylilies, fertilize and spread grass seed, cut back dead and dying summer perennials and lay a deep mulch bed to protect your shrubs. Leaf-raking will soon begin in earnest - if you don't have the space to compost, purchase and fill garden-size paper bags from your local hardware store and carry to the yard waste area at your local landfill.

You'll find menus in many restaurants trend to the season nowthere are fewer microgreens and more kale salads. At home, that fiery heat of the summertime grill gives way to slower braising, stewing or oven roasting techniques - the cooking heat that you wanted outdoors in July now can be a warm welcome in the fall kitchen. My outdoor cooking appliances - especially the grill and smoker - don't get a vacation, even in snowy weather - I use them for the smoky flavors that you just can't coax out of your indoor oven. There's nothing like a smoked fresh salmon, a bronzed whole smoked turkey or a smoked pork loin, wrapped with thick-sliced bacon and sage leaves to say "Fall is on the menu "

I love heartier fall side dishesmay be my German heritage coming to the fore, but chilled potato salad gives way to hot German potato salad with bacon, cheesy creamed cauliflower, red cabbagerichly sauced vegetable dishes with a platter of cheeses, crusty bread and sliced apples and pears make a delicious standalone dinner. No Key Lime pie for dessert in the fall - I store a bushel of mixed apples - Golden Delicious, Stayman, York and occasionally some crisp Granny Smithsfor pies, crisps, cobblers, tarts and applesauce.

FALL SMOKED PORK LOIN

For this longer-cooking recipe, i suggest a whole or half pork loin, not pork tenderloins. I like to quickly sear those whole over high heat, then finish in the oven, sauced. This produces a tender, moist pork and will help prevent overcooking and the dreaded dry pork. For the smoked loin, pat dry with paper towels and season with salt, coarse ground pepper and Hungarian or smoked paprika. Fat side up, cover with fresh sage leaves, then wrap thick sliced bacon around the loin, securing with tightly tied oven string. Pat on more cracked pepper if desired. Using the indirect heating method, place the pork on the side of the grill away from direct heat and roast to internal temperature of 140F. Place the loin over the hot flames, turning as needed to crisp the bacon. Let rest on cutting board 10 minutes, then remove the string. Squeeze half a fresh lemon over the pork, then garnish with a handful of chopped parsley. Cut in ½" slices to serve.

GERMAN POTATO SALAD WITH HOT BACON DRESSING

Yum! Peel and slice 6-8 boiling potatoes, then cook in lightly salted water until tender. Drain. While they're boiling, make the bacon dressing: Fry 6-8 slices of thick sliced bacon in a skillet until almost crisp - add one large diced onion and saute slowly until the bacon is crisp and the onions are transparent. Add 3T. flour to make a roux. Stir in ½ cup cider vinegar, ¼ c. chicken stock, 3T. sugar (or to taste), S&P. Keep warm - taste and add more vinegar and/ or stock until you have a creamy consistency that will cling to the potatoes.Add the potatoes to the skillet, gently lifting them so the dressing covers them evenly. Sprinkle with chopped fresh parsley.

CHEESY CAULIFLOWER

Keto dieters, this is delicious! In the bottom of a 9x12" baking dish, place a layer of either slices or florets of cauliflower, S&P, then a layer of diced onions (dice yellow or white onion, and mix in slices of green onion for color), then 2 cups shredded sharp Cabot white cheddar cheese. Repeat, ending with the cheese. Pour one cup heavy cream evenly over the top, cover tightly and bake at

400F 20-30 minutes or until the cauliflower is almost tender. Uncover and continue to bake until the cheese is golden. Sprinkle with sliced green onions.

FILLING FOR BAKED APPLES, ACORN SQUASH, BUTTERNUT SQUASH

Mix together one cup each golden raisins, dried cranberries, chopped walnuts or pecans with ½ cup light brown sugar, a dash of salt, 2 tsp. cinnamon, 2T. grated orange zest and ½ cup orange juice. Arrange your squash or apples in a baking pan (not baking sheet).Place a generous scoop in the cavity of your squash or in the apple (cut across the top with center seeds scooped out) then top with 1-2 teaspoons of butter. Pour a small amount of water in the bottom so they won't stick. Cover and bake 375F until almost tender, then uncover, brush edges with melted butter and finish baking. Great as a side or dessert.

Vanessa serves up yummy recipes from all kinds of places & for all seasons

Wood & Whiskey Artisian Festival

Sip wHISKEY & ENJOY HANDCRAFTED WOOD CREATIONS

by tim eggers

Artists, are most often thought of in terms of the media used to express their creativity. Painters may use oil paints, acrylics, or water colors. Potters, use clay. Glass artists will fuse or blow glass. We in the woodwork artisan world like to say that the media used to express our creativity grows on trees.

Fredericksburg is host to a thriving, very talented, and growing community of artisans whose passion for woodworking brings them together as The Fredericksburg Area Woodworkers Guild

Having formed nearly nine years ago the Guild has created an opportunity for sharing woodworking skills as well as fostering creativity. As a vehicle to share with the community at large the artisanship that exists among the woodworkers, The Whiskey and Wood Artisan Festival was born. This annual event gives the Guild members the venue to showcase their latest creations.

As in the past the Guild has partnered with The A Smith Bowman

Distillery as our host. Located at One Bowman Drive, at Deep Run Fredericksburg VA 22408, this year's event will take place on Friday, October 14th from 4:00 pm to 8:00 pm and on Saturday October 15 from 10:00 am to 5:00 pm. Tours of the distillery and tasting experiences will be available. Admissions, tastings, and parking all come at no charge.

Visitors will get to meet and connect with the 40+ local artisan woodworkers who will have their pieces on display and for sale. You will have the opportunity to explore with them their creative process and the results of their hand crafted efforts. This is a great opportunity meet the local woodworking community and add thier works to your collections.

The Fredericksburg Area Woodworkers Guild gathers the first Saturday of each month from 8:30 to 10:00 am at The Workshop, located at 1104 Summit Street in Fredericksburg. All

who have interest in woodworking are encouraged to attend.

Tim Eggers can be found on Facebook and Youtube, is the owner of Highwheel Woodworks, is a member of the Liberty Town Arts Workshop, The Fredericksburg Area Woodworkers Guild, and a partner in The Workshop

Whiskey & Wood Artisian Festival October 14 & 15

Fredericksburg Area Woodworkers Guild Meets 1st Saturdat of each month

8:30a-110a 1104 Summit St

All interested in woodworking are invited to attend

A Smith Bowman Distillery

HALLO-WINE

by Rita Allan

"I was working in the City Vino wine shop, late one night,

When my eyes beheld an eerie sight.

For my wine bottles from their shelves, began to rise, And suddenly to my surprise, They did the wine bottle mash! (The wine bottle mash) It was a graveyard smash!

(They did the mash) It caught on in a flash!

(They did the mash) They did the wine bottle mash!"

Darkness lingers longer, these days. There is a crispness in the air. The dead leaves fall off the trees and swirl in the wind, before they hit the ground. The moon lights the sky, and is blocked by passing clouds. There is a howl, a creak, the sounds of chains rattling, a creepy whispering voice beckoning you to follow it in the dark. It is time for Hallo-Wine.

City Vino invites you to come see us, if you dare, to try some blood-red wines.. Our haunting selections have labels or names that conjure up mischief, mystery, and ghoulish intrigue.

"I saw werewolf with a wine tasting menu in his hand, Walking through the streets of Fredericksburg looking quite intense. He was looking for the place called "City Vino," For to get a bottle of Omen, Volteface, Krum, 6th Sense.

Ah-hoo...

Werewolves of Fredericksburg!

Ah-hoo..."

Hopefully our first wine on our spooky adventure is an omen of things to come as it is the 2017 Omen Red Blend, from the Sierra Foothills, in California. This wine is a blend of 50 percent Zinfandel, 25 percent Barbera, 15 percent Syrah, and 10 percent Petite Sirah. It has aromas and flavors of blackberry jam and dark chocolate, with shocking spicy hints of licorice and clove at the end. Pair it with a bacon cheeseburger, with its smokey

richness that makes for a devilish duo. The elaborate mask on the label of the 2017 Volteface Tinto Reserva, from the Alentejo region, in Portugal catches my eyes. I stare at the mask, and it mesmerizes me. Did I see the eyes shift from side to side? The Volteface is 75 percent Alicante Bouschet and 25 percent Syrah. Alicante Bouschet is one of the rare grapes that has colored flesh, so its juice runs red like blood. It is deep and dark in your glass, with flavors of red fruit, jam and mysterious spice. Pairs well with bloody rare steaks, rich fish dishes, foie gras, and fatty cheeses.

A hand holds a glass shaped like an open topped skull on the label of our next selection, which comes from the Struma Valley, in Bulgaria, and is the 2014 Drum Merlot The intense ruby-red color drips out of the neck of the bottle into your glass as you pour it. Aromas of black plum, blueberries, and violets fill your nose. Flavors of blackberry, ripe dark currants, and licorice engulf your palate. Drink it if you dare, paired with barbequed or grilled meats and hard cheeses.

Our final dig into blood-red wines takes us to Lodi, California, and the 2018 Michael David Winery 6th Sense Syrah The sixth sense is our power of perception or a keen intuition. I perceive this wine to have dark fruit aromas and flavors with spice on the end as it is a blend of 80 percent Syrah and 20 percent Petit Sirah. The pigment from the deep dark grapes will leave your fangs appearing dark. This wine pairs with big chew, off-the-bone meats, as well as comfort food, like meatloaf.

May your Hallo-wine be bootifully filled with good food, dark red wine, and friends.

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

october 2022...Domestic

Saturday October 1

&

CALEND

Cancer Awareness Month

Scarecrow Fest begins. Grab a map & find all the scarecrows. Vote for your favoritw. Thryout the month.

Art Attack! grassroots festival that gets folks out of the studio and into the streets

Art in the Park at Hurkamp Park, 1-5p

Farmers Market, Hurkamp Park,7a-2p, Spotsy Farmers Market 8am - 1pm ,12150 Gordon Rd

Empowerhouse Charity Car Wash, Go Car Wash three locations, 8a-4p

Sneads Farm Fall Festival, hayrides, pick your own pumpkin, & more

FreeCycle bring gently used and recyclable items to give away or trade, FRED Food Co-OP, 2-5p, 320 Emancipation Hwyh

Join us for the kick-off event for Disability Awareness Month! UMW Hurley Convergence Center, 7p

FXBG Greek Festival, 11a-8p, Nativity of Theotokos Greek Orthodox Church, food & family fun

Stafford Parks Family Festival, John Lee Pratt Park, 11a-4p, hay rides, food trucks, pony rides, petting zoo, free admission & parking

Stafford Spotsy Art Festival, 401 Coneflower Land, (Embrey Mill) www.StaffordSpotsyArtsFestival.com

La Rumba Latin Festival, 11a-5p, Old Mill Park

FXBG SPCA Adoption Day FXBG Food Cooperative meet adoptable animals 10a-1p, 320 Emancipation Hwy

UMW Education Abroad Fair Chandler Ballroom, UMW University Center The Center for International Education , 10a-1p

Fredtoberfest hosted by 6 Bears & A Goat Brewing (6B&G) Co at FXBG Nationals Stadium! Come enjoy craft beer, delicious food, all ages

Patawomeck Shrimp Fest at the Fraternal Order of Eagles, 21 Cool Springs Rd. 2pm-6pm. Shrimp, corn on the cob, hush puppies, hot dogs

For the People Fashion Show, featured designers, local musical talent and amazing art Hat Gallery & Lounge, 1409 Princess Anne, 5-9:30p

Washington Heritage Museums honors memory of Mary Washington & all who have battled breast cancer. community is invited to tie a pink ribbon to the fence in.. front of Mery Washington House,

History at Sunset Trailblazers of Chatham, 6:60p led by Park Rangers

Live Music@Adventure Brewing Eagle Village, Andrew Washington, 7-9p

Live Music @Adventure Brewing North Bailey Hayes, 7-9p

Sunday October 2

Sunken Well Tavern Sunday Brunch, 720 Littlepage til 1p

Sunday Brunch @ Billiken's Smokehouse @The Chimneys, 623 Caroline

FXBG Greek Festival, 12a-4p, Nativity of 7th Annual Theotokos Greek Orthodox Church, food & family fun

Deaf & Hard of Hearing Community Day at Geo. Washington Ferry Farm, 10a-Noon. tour the Washington House interpreted by Abbie Castillo (using American Sign Language)

Monday October 3

Fall Opening of the St Jame.s House, see collection of antiques and decorative arts. 1300 Charles St, thru Oct 8

Tuesday October 4

Yom Kippur begins at Sunset

Wednesday Oatober 5

Adventure Jeopardy @Eagle Village, 7:30-9p

Trivia Night, Sunken Well at 6:30pm 720 Littlepage

Thursday October 6

"Whnat;s Involved in Renovating an Old House?", Jan Bienek discussing the process of restoring a historic home:.research into the history of the home, period in which the house was built, period appropriate furniture, and choosing paint colors , CRRL FXBG Branch, 11a Free

First Friday October 7

Empowerhouse 14th Annual Golf Tournament, Pendleton Golf Club, "Floral Profusion", works by Ben Childers opening reception, 6-9p, Brush Strokes Gallery, 824 Caroline St

Maura Harrison, featured in Members Gallery, FCCA, 813 Sophia St

"Bremen Town Circus", works by Barbara Posey, opening reception 6-9p, Artful Dimensions, 922 Caroline St

"An Eclectic Collaboration": Works by Sheryl Crowell & Linda Warshaw, Opening Reception, Oct 7, 6-9pm, Art First, 824 Caroline ST

DJ OH NOO Billikens, The Chimneys, 623 Caroline St, 7-11p

Live Music @Adventure Brewing North, Brisk Band, 6-9p

Saturday October 8

Farmers Market, Hurkamp Park,7a-2p,

Bowling Green Farmers Market 9am-1pm 211 N Main St.

Spotsy Farmers Market, 8a-1p, 12150 Gordon Rd

FXBG Walk to End Alzheimer's Old Mill Park, Registration 8:30 am, Ceremony 9:30 am, Walk start 10:00 am

Silver Collection Art Showcase - FRE artists showcasing and selling their 8:00PM Silver Collection at Carl D. S

Live Music, Ashleigh Chevalier at Bre

Brewfest Showcasing Craft Brewerie Mid-Atlantic region. FXBG Fairgroun

Live Music @Casey's Megan B, 622 K

Live Music@Adventure Brewing Eagl

Live Music @Adventure Brewing Nor

Sunday October 9

Sunken Well Tavern Sunday Brunch, Sunday Brunch @ Billiken's Smokeho

Bomba Dance Workshop by Tata Cep FXBG 1:30pm to 3pm Semilla Cultur

Monday October 10

Columbus Day; Indigenous People D

Tuesday October 11

Women Flipping Out Pinball Tou Cowboy Jacks), 6p

Wednesday Oatober 12

Live Music Chromatic Static @Court

Trivia Night, Sunken Well at 6:30pm

Friday October 14

Concert 10th Anniversary Celebr Fredericksburg, 6-9p, 526 Wolfe St

Whiskey & Wood Artisan Festival, Drive, family-friendly meet the ma furniture, home decor, jewelry, and local artisans.

The Artists' Alliance painter Barbara 5-9p Show runs thru Nov 6, 100 Ta

Live Music @Adventure Brewing Nor

Live Music @Colonial Tavern, Ronnie

Live Music @Billikens Chimneys, Nas

Saturday October 15

Farmers Market, Hurkamp Park,7a-2

Bowling Green Farmers Market 9am

Spotsy Farmers Market :8am - 1pm

DAR of events

E ENTRY, Concessions for sale local work. All are welcome! - 11:00AMSilver Parkway - 1201 Ashford Circle ew Fest, FXBG Fairgrounds, 11:30a es from all across Virginia and the nds11a-4p

Kenmore Ave, 7-9p

e Village, 3 Exists to Memphis, 7-9p

rth, Tre Smith, 7-9p

, 720 Littlepage til 1p

ouse @The Chimneys, 623 Caroline peda (limited spaces available) Dance ral www.semillacultural.org

Day rnament, Reclaim Arcade (behind

Friends of Chatham & National Park Service "A Community Day of Remembrance & Reflection" 10am to 4:30 pm at Chatham. demos craftspeople, kids activities, plein air artists at work, greenhouse & garden tours, living history presentations, by NPS personnel.

Celebrate the Harvest Moon at Highmark Brewery! Artisans, Crafters, FXBG's Best Food Trucks, Family Fun, not to mention a new Beer Release! You do not want to miss this lunar celebration , 390 Kings Hwy, 12-6p

Fall Home & Craft Festival, Expo Center, a multitude of handcrafted treasures to decorate your home . Show thru Oct 16

Live Music: Kevin Caffrey Live at Grass Rootes, Culpeper, VA Originals & Covers. 6-9pm

Live Music @Adventure Brewing North, Roxanne & The Band, 7-9p

Live Music @Colonial Tavern Rusty Bones, 8-11p, 406 Lafayette Blvd

Live Music @Planet NOVA, Everybody rock show, 1243 Jeff Davis Hwy, 8p

Sunday October 16

Sunken Well Tavern Sunday Brunch, 720 Littlepage til 1p

Sunday Brunch @ Billiken's Smokehouse @The Chimneys, 623 Caroline

#HFFITours Walking Tour Time for a Change: Fredericksburg Architecture from the 1950s to the 1970s

Wednesday October 19

Adventure Jeopardy @Eagle Village, p

tyard Marriott, Downtown, 6-9p m 720 Littlepage

ation of the Gift of Oddbox to 4-8p, A Smith Bowman, 1 Bowman akers, Wood, glass, metal, pottery, more will be featured - all made by a Brennan, Opening , Friday, Oct 14, aylor St, Suite 101 Colonial Beach

rth, Danny Jams, 7-9p

e Richards, 8-11p, 406 Lafayette shville artist Wesley Spangler, 7p 2p, m-1pm 211 N Main St. 12150 Gordon Rd

Trivia Night, Sunken Well at 6:30pm 720 Littlepage

Friday October 21

FXBG Symohony Orchestra Season Opener, Masterworks SeriesMahler's "Titan" Symphony, Lifepoint Church, Central Park Blvd , 7:30p

Live Music @Adventure Brewing North, Michael Huntley, 7-9p

Saturday October 22

Farmers Market, Hurkamp Park, 7a-2p

Bowling Green Farmers Market 9am-1pm 211 N Main St.

Spotsy Farmers Market 8am - 1pm 12150 Gordon Rd

Fossil Free Fredericksburg 5th Annual Walk & Pedal event Memorial/Kenmore Park bike decorating, chance to talk to environmental organizations, brief presentations, 10a-2p

Toys for Tots 5th Annual Car Showall vehicles old and new, Cars, Trucks, and Motorcycles , Adventure Brewing North, 1-7p

17th Annual Creepy Crawly Carnival Carnival games with treats and prizes, a DJ, costume contest, moon bounce, children's maze, Haunted House, Non-scary Hayride, and Haunted Trail. Halloween fun for the whole family! , Ron Rosner Family YMCA, 5-8p

Live Music @Adventure Brewing N The Phenomenal Conundrum, 7-9p

Sunken Well Tavern Sunday Brunch, 720 Littlepage til 1p

Sunday Brunch @ Billiken's Smokehouse @The Chimneys, 623 Caroline FXBG 4 UKRAINE Reception/ Art Auction Fundraiser for Ukraine 2 - 5p CRRL FXBG Branch 1201 Caroline St. fxbg4ukraine.org

Tuesday October 25

Empowerhouse 31st Annual Candlelight Vigil, To honor & remember the survivors of domestic violence 718 Venue, 718 Caroline St, 4-6p

Wednesday October 26

Trivia Night, Sunken Well at 6:30pm 720 Littlepage

Thursday October 27th

Canal Quarter Arts& Darbytown Art Studio hosting a fun Art Show at Red Dragon Brewery, 4-9pm. The theme is "Movie Nite". ".

Friday October 28th

MrK Comedy presents Comedy's Most Wanted Come Laugh & party with us , Central Station Banquet Hall, 1917 Princess Anne St, 8p

Billikens Carnival Halloween Bash, Ladies Night - come dressed in sexiest or spookiest Halloween costume. Contest around 9pm 623 Caroline St

Saturday October 29

Farmers Market, Hurkamp Park,7a-2p,T

Spotsy Farmers Market 8am - 1pm Location:12150 Gordon Rd

Treats on the Street, 10-Noon, Downtown

Shannon Airport KEZF 8th Annual Harvest Festival Fly-In food trucks, games for kids, candy drops from an airplane at 12pm & 2pm, airplane rides, and access to the Shannon Air Museum Pilots, bring candy for trick-or-treat aviation style and kids, wear costumes! ,

Billlikens Carnival Halloween Bash Kids Monster Jam Dance Party Dj playing all the best monster jam music 1pm to 5pm. Free candy bags

Billlikens Carnival Halloween Bash Come dressed in your scariest or most unique costume. Come early to strut that costume. Contest will begin around 9pm, 623 Caroline St

Sunday October 30

Sunken Well Tavern Sunday Brunch, 720 Littlepage til 1p

Sunday Brunch @ Billiken's Smokehouse @The Chimneys, 623 Caroline

Monday October 31

Happy Halloween

If you are reading this 303rd issue of FPF, thank an advertiser as we begin our 26th year of continuous publication!

List your events email frntprch@aol com: subject Calendar Deadline for November 2022 issue is October 19th

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

history’s stories

Gunnery Springs & Camp Cobb

By Ralph “Tuffy” Hicks

A granite marker stands alone on the site that was known as Gunnery Springs that was famous for the manufactory of weapons for the Revolutionary War in 1777. Fielding Lewis and Charles Dick manufactured weapons until 1783. The rare Fredericksburg rifle of which just 3 are known to still be in existence was made at the foundry. The powder magazine was said to be designed the exact same as the one at Williamsburg. In 1783 the site became known as the Fredericksburg Academy

The marker reads "In Memory of Our Comrades WHo Encamped On This Site Prior to the Campaign in Cuba During War with Spain 1898-1899” The marker was erected in 1942 by the 4th United States Volunteer Infantry. In 1898 the United States tried to remain neutral in the struggle that involved Cuba and Spain that had been going on for a decade. The cause of the United States going to war with Spain was the blowing up of the battleship Maine in Havana in 1898 with the loss of 266 individuals. This led to the slogan for war "REMEMBER THE MAINE!" In April 1898, the United States declared war against Spain.

American recruiters were well aware of the danger that yellow fever

posed in Cuba, as there were hundreds of cases. They had found that men whose backgrounds of being from the tropics proved that they were immune to the yellow fever disease. This theory was never proven medically. The United States government decided that they would design and establish a camp located in Fredericksburg made up of "IMMUNES," American soldiers who came from tropical backgrounds. This was the first time that that term was used to describe the men that were immune to the Yellow Fever and Typhoid Fever disease. There was a formation of ten units. Four of these units were made up of Black soldiers and officers. It was a volunteer Infantry, and the Surgeon General had established new regulations on the cooking of meals and the sanitation in the camps. The first company of the "IMMUNES,' arrived in the Camp Cobb during the week of June 4, 1898. They began training immediately as the 4th Infantry Volunteer Regiment

The final fighting in the Spanish American war ended in July 1898, however, the training at Camp Cobb did not end until August. The training camp was not in existence for a year, therefore there is little information available about the camp or any conditions or activities that were associated with the camp.

There have been very few relics associated with Camp Cobb. There have been several military buttons found that were lost by the soldiers, the author dug one in 1998. The camp received its name from Southern General Thomas Cobb wo was killed on December 13, 1862, in the battle of Fredericksburg at the stone wall. Today the only remains of the camp are the small granite marker along with a sign the marks Camp Cobb at Gunnery Springs. Camp Cobb and Gunnery Springs is another part of historic Fredericksburg that is a place you may visit.

Dedicated to: Walter Stone, Agnes Boutchyard, John Sullivan, Allen Snyder, Dave Nave, & Art Buswell

Tuffy is Front Porch’s Resident Historian

What’s in A Crown?

the historic renwick building

By jon gerlach

Fredericksburg's iconic skyline rises above our town like a crown studded with architectural gems. The magnificent cupola of the Renwick Building stands out brightly among them.

Designed by James Renwick, Jr - the architect of the Smithsonian Castle in Washington DC and St Patrick's Cathedral in New York City - the Renwick building is a unique example of English Romanesque public architecture in Virginia. Built in 1852 as a courthouse, the building's proposed $14,000 cost was shocking. An unheard-of amount, the proposal spurred a petition of 172 signatures by local residents seeking a more modest cost of $6,000, according to historian John Hennessy in the online Mysteries & Conundrums blog: A Beleaguered Courthouse.

The bronze bell in the Renwick cupola was cast in 1828 by the Revere Company, of Paul Revere fame. Prior to the Civil War, the building housed the court and the Hope Fire Company Early in the war, the courthouse was a Confederate barracks. Later during a Union occupation it served as housing for escaped slaves. On December 13, 1862, Major General Darius N Couch, watching the destruction of his forces in front of Marye's Heights from his vantage point high up in the cupola, exclaimed: "Oh, great God! See how our men, our poor fellows are falling!" After the Battle of Fredericksburg, and again following the Battles of the Wilderness and Spotsylvania, the courthouse was used as a hospital for wounded soldiers. Other interesting tidbits about the Civil War history of the Renwick building are found in the book, Fredericksburg Civil War Sites, by Noel Harrison

The Renwick building is actually part of a complex of three historic buildings owned by the City that include the Old Jail (1928) and the Wallace Library (1910) The future of all three buildings is uncertain. The City has prioritized the adaptive reuse of these buildings (they sit vacant now).

A Historic Structures Report from 2016, conducted by Commonwealth

Architects, provided documentary, graphic, and physical information about the history and existing condition of the buildings. It highlighted some problems with the Renwick building, primarily moisture infiltration in the bell tower and the building's cracked stucco, as well as problems with structural members.

A feasibility study in 2019 by Frazier Associates looked at three options for adaptive reuse of the Renwick building: offices, performance and event venue, and a boutique hotel. The options were viewed through the lens of market demand, best fit for downtown Fredericksburg, income generation and the costs of rehabilitation.

When the pandemic arrived in 2020, work on finding solutions was put on hold. Now, things are beginning to move again. Stay tuned as the City considers next steps in the future of the Renwick building.

So … what's in a Crown? Here … a priceless jewel in our historic skyline.

An attorney and retired archaeologist, Jon Gerlach serves on Fredericksburg's City Council, Ward Two.

"Crown Jewel" by Jon Gerlach

by Francis Benjamin Johnston, Library of

Learning about Fredericksburg's historic cemeteries can help you understand the individual stories of adventure, exploration, commerce, immigration, social mobility, government, opportunity, and the less obvious but sustaining values of family. Deaths inform us of disease, fire, drowning, infant and maternal mortality, pandemics, and war.

by Francis Benjamin

When Fredericksburg was settled in 1728, its first graveyard was set aside at the Church. As a colony of England, the

OUR HERITAGE

fredericksburg’s historic cemeteries

By Jeanette rowe cadwallender

Church of England was an arm of government. After the Revolution, that church became the Episcopal Church. The oldest graveyard in town is that of St George's Episcopal Church, established in 1728. The earliest legible gravestone, that of John Jones, reads 1752.

The next oldest cemetery was established in 1784, just one block away from St. George's. This is the Masonic Cemetery at the corner of George and Charles streets. The Masonic Lodge continues to look after this cemetery.

Just 3 years after the Masonic Cemetery was established, the C o r p o r a t i o n Burying Ground was established where Hurkamp Park is today. This cemetery existed until 1853. Before it was closed, it had been declared a nuisance, was filled with litter, and pigs ran loose, disturbing the graves.

To remedy the problem, business owners purchased a three-acre field, and in 1844, the Fredericksburg City Cemetery was established. Despite its name, this

cemetery was never a municipal entity. It is a private non-profit concern, managed by a volunteer board of directors.

The local landscape changed again with the Civil War. The women of Fredericksburg took it upon themselves to bury the Confederate dead In May 1866, the Ladies Memorial Association was formed. The association purchased land adjacent to the City Cemetery, which is now the burial site of 3,553 soldiers, and continues to manage it today.

The Union dead-more than 15,000-are buried in the National Cemetery on Lafayette Boulevard. It is run by the National Park Service.

Shiloh Cemetery, established in 1882, is managed by a board representing three churches, Shiloh Baptist Church (Old Site), Shiloh Baptist Church (New Site), and Mount Zion Baptist Church. Among those buried there are Joseph F. Walker and Jason C. Grant, whose names are memorialized on two of the city's schools for their roles in the education of Black students.

The city maintains two historic cemeteries, the Gordon Cemetery at the Mary Washington Monument site on Washington Avenue and the Thornton, Forbes, Washington Cemetery on Hunter Street. The latter contains the oldest

known burial in town, that of Col. Francis Thornton, III (1749).

Discussions are under way to form a Consortium of Fredericksburg's Historic Cemeteries as an independent entity under Historic Fredericksburg Foundation, Inc. The consortium would not replace the individual ownership of each cemetery but would help support volunteer efforts. Shared resources, including an office, could consolidate and protect the important records held by each organization and support preservation efforts.

Jeanette Rowe Cadwallender is a Fredericksburg native, President of the Board of the Fredericksburg Cemetery Co. Inc., and a member of the Ladies Memorial Association

Masonic

City Cemetery Gate Courtesy of Fredericksburg City Cemetery

Mental Health questions to ask your psychotherapist

By Matt Boden, Ph.D. & Howard Berenbaum,Ph.d.

"Bad" answers, by contrast, provide no useful information. They are vague, unclear, confusing or indicate you are receiving less than ideal treatment, perhaps from an unqualified therapist.

Ultimately, discussion guided by these 10 questions can build trust and facilitate your therapeutic relationship.

Good answer: "In the first session, you completed measures of psychological flexibility, mindfulness, depression and worry. You will complete all measures again at the end of treatment, and some measures a few additional times. Improvement will be indicated by higher scores on measures of psychological flexibility and use of mindfulness, with no change or less depression and worry."

Bad answer: "Sometimes I will ask you if you are doing any better than when you began therapy. ."

worry about other treatments."

Question 9: To What Extent Does Research Support The Use Of This Treatment For Me? How Strong Overall Is The Research Evidence In Support Of This Treatment?

Good answer: "There is modest research support for ACT for anxiety disorders and for depression. I will provide you with a website address where you can review articles about the treatment and supporting evidence."

At some point in our lives, many of us will try psychotherapy and then decide whether to continue to engage in a full course of treatment with that provider (which may last for weeks, months or years). This decision is, typically, based on a judgment of whether the benefits of a course of psychotherapy with a given provider are worth the cost in terms of finances, time and effort.

Through conversations we have come to believe that most psychotherapy clients don't know how to judge whether they are receiving quality treatment that will help them to achieve their goals. To facilitate this judgment and decision, we propose 10 questions for any client to ask their provider.

All therapists should be willing and able to provide "good" answers to these questions. Good answers provide information that will help you assess your therapist's competence, whether treatment is evidence-based and timelimited and whether your therapist will systematically monitor your problems/symptoms/challenges. (P/C/S )

Good answers will also clarify your therapist's views on your case and make clear whether treatment aligns with your goals and values.

Be empowered to ask these questions and find a therapist and treatment who best suits your needs.

Question 1: What P/C/S Will You Help Me With?

A good answer might go something like this: "You have asked for my help to reduce your symptoms of worry. I will address these issues, by helping you to increase your psychological flexibility "

A bad answer may look like this: "It will require more sessions for me to know and to be able to tell you."

Question 2: What Is Your Explanation For Why I Have The P/C/S I Have?

A good answer could sound like: "Your worries seem to attach themselves to everything you think about. You feel like the worry helps you to avoid bad outcomes, but your life has become small. You spend most of your time at home, where you feel safe, but isolated, numb and depressed."

A bad answer might sound like: "We'll figure this out together."

Question 3: What Do You Think Is The Ultimate Goal Of This Treatment?

Good answer: "Using Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), I will help you to identify and live according to your values despite your worries. Your life will become bigger, and you will react less to particular states of mind and mood."

Bad answer: "Whatever you want it to be."

Question 4: How Exactly Will Your Treatment Change Whatever It Is You Think Accounts For My Current P/C/S?

Good answer: "You will learn to use a variety of techniques to live in the present moment regardless of the challenges you face. For example, you will learn acceptance mindfulness techniques."

Bad answer: "You have to experience the treatment to understand how it works."

Question 5: How Will We Monitor Whether I Get Better, Get Worse Or Stay The Same? What Specific Assessment Methods And Measures Will You Use?

Question 6: How Many Sessions Will This Take? How Will We Know When To Stop?

Good answer: "This treatment will require approximately 12, 50-minute sessions. In approximately the tenth session, we will examine your scores on the measures completed that week to determine whether we can stop therapy after the twelfth session, or if it would be better to add a few more sessions."

Bad answer: "I don't know how many sessions this will take. We will know when to stop when you feel better."

Question 7: What Are Your Expectations Of Me? What Can I Expect From You?

Good answer: "I expect you to be on time, be sober, be open and honest and to complete homework assignments between sessions. I will regularly ask for updates regarding your well-being and functioning, and for feedback regarding how you think we are doing."

Bad answer: "I expect you to trust that I know what I'm doing, and to follow my lead throughout therapy. I am the expert, I will help you to get better."

Question 8: What Other Treatments Might Help Me With My P/C/S?

Good answer : "There are other psychotherapies that might help you, including cognitive therapy. Medications, such as venlafaxine, might also be helpful."

Bad answer: "This is the best treatment for your problem. I wouldn't

Bad answer: "The type of treatment I practice can be applied to fix just about any problem. I've had a lot of clients who improved from my treatment."

Question 10: What Education And Training Do You Have To Provide This Type Of Treatment For Me?

Good answer: "I received training in ACT for anxiety and for depression from an accredited graduate school and internship and have practiced ACT professionally for 10 years."

Bad answer: "I have many years of experience."

Ultimately, when we make the choice to begin psychotherapy, we have to keep in mind some practical considerations. Is this process helpful and worth the time, money and effort? As a client, you have the right to clear communication from your therapist as you navigate these questions. We hope that our guiding questions will help start an important conversation.

Matt Boden, PhD, a licensed psychologist, is a program evaluator & researcher for the US Dept of Veterans Affairs., Office of Mental Health & Suicide Prevention Howard Berenbaum PhD , is a Professor of Psychology and Psychiatry at University of Illinois & a a fellow of the Association for Psychological Science

To learn more about NAMI programs, visit Website namirapp com

E m a n c i p a t e d P a t i e n t s equipment connection

By Patrick Neustatter, MD

My first encounter with The Equipment Connection was when helping to deliver a hospital bed that had belonged to a member of the "church" I go to (I'm never quite sure if I should call the Unitarian Fellowship a church.) A friend and I had loaded this behemoth of a bed on to a trailer and drove it down to the Connection, at 1503 Princess Anne Street.

Here we were greeted by Eric Barnes, an ex-infantryman, who runs the place who seemed happy and excited to receive it and helped us unload. We then went on our way.

In time, I heard many people talking about what a wonderful place this is. How they got or donated equipment. It sounded like one of those perfect conjunctions of something worthwhile, as well as being something Fredericksburg and something medical.

So, I dropped by.

The place is a kind of Aladdin's cave, packed of durable medical "treasures" - wheelchairs, walkers, shower chairs, crutches, potty chairs, bed rails. Equipment that has been donated which Eric cleans and refurbishes as neededusing an old exam table as a work bench. Then, all these items that can be so necessary, but so expensive, are passed on, to anyone in need, free of charge (though they hope recipients will make a donation).

He told me how he sees this as a calling, that he has been guided to this work, and how he feels some higher power is looking out for them - citing an example of when a Home Health nurse turned up needing a shower chair for a patient.

At that time, they didn't have one, but right then "someone turned up with a mountain of shower chairs." It can't be just a coincidence he told me. And when things like that happen he claims it gives him goose-bumps.

Part of a Network

The Equipment Connection is a part of Fredericksburg Disability Resources Center (dRC), one of a countrywide chain of "centers for independent living" that provide a mass of programs and facilities to help disabled people lead independent lives.

I spoke to Debbie Fults administrator at the dRC's who talked about their commitment to never charge, but how they, like so many other charitable organizations, are reliant on donations and fund-raising events.

The Connection has a constant too-and-fro it seems. Even in the short time I was there an anxious nurse from a local rehab' hospital came with a "shopping list" for a patient being discharged - and was relieved to find Eric had pretty much all that she needed.

Then an elderly couple came with various equipment including a foam wedge - this got Eric animated. "These are hard to come by" he told me.

I just wish I could recycle all the (insanely expensive) medicines people offer me to take to The Moss Clinic, when they've been changed to some other (insanely expensive) medicine. But I'm told "regulations forbid it, if it cannot be documented that it's been stored properly" - a caution that always seems a little over the top to me.

But, in this time when so much of what we use is disposable, it's great to see an organization like the Equipment Connection and the Disability Resources Center leading the way and recycling what is reusable and providing an invaluable service.

Patrick Neustatter, MD is the Medical Director of the Moss Free Clinic

Eat Mindfully

nature’s health-giving colors

By christine thompson,dc

Fall leaf color is something so many of us in Virginia anticipate, and thoroughly enjoy, for the brief, but (usually) spectacular, period before the trees retreat for their winter dormancy.

When I glimpse an exceptionally vivid tree glowing yellow, orange or red, it seems almost miraculous. Yet, it is actually chemistry and biology in action.

Most of the colors are created by chemicals that already exist in the leaves.

As the weather turns colder and days grow shorter, the energy-producing chemical, chlorophyll, begins breaking down, allowing the yellow and orange colors of other chemicals in the leaves to shine through. Red leaf colors occur by the activation of subsequent chemicals.

In the same way that the chemicals in leaves cause the production of energy and nourishment for the tree, these very chemicals in the vegetables and fruits we eat provide our bodies with the sustaining energy they need to heal. Not only do they provide macronutrients like protein, fats and carbohydrates, they also provide micronutrients like vitamins, minerals and phytonutrients. Phytonutrients are plant-derived compounds that support life - whether it is plant life or animal life - or your life!

Phytonutrients provide protection from oxidative stress. It may not sound ominous, but oxidative stress is one of the major causes of degenerative diseases like diabetes, heart disease and cancer.

.

Here's a breakdown of how the colors in plants are related to specific phytonutrients that help us heal and renew ourselves:

Green foods such as broccoli, cabbage, kale, spinach and chard produce such phytonutrients as chlorophyll (the main green producing chemical), lutein and zeaxanthin. Green foods help improve diabetes and immunity and protect against cancer.

Yellow/Orange foods, such as carrots, oranges, sweet potato and peppers contain phytonutrients like beta carotene, flavones, curcumin and bromelain. These foods protect your intestinal lining, eyes and skin and help to improve immunity.

Red foods, such as beets, pomegranates, raspberries, strawberries, tomatoes and cherries contain phytonutrients such as lycopene, nitrate and capsaicin. These foods protect the cardiovascular system and reduce the risk of cancer.

Purple/Blue foods, such as blueberries, eggplant, red cabbage, red wine and cranberries are rich in antioxidants such as anthocyanidins and resveratrol and help to improve memory, protect against cancer and improve the intestinal system.

In a review of multiple studies (a meta-analysis) done in 2014, the British Medical Journal reported that the more vegetables someone eats, the lower their risk of all-cause mortality. Unfortunately, the National Center for Health Statistics reports that only 3 - 12% of Americans meet fruit and vegetable intake recommendations. We need to do better than that, considering all the toxins attacking our bodies today.

Most of us are creatures of habit and we easily fall into the routine of picking up the same groceries each week and eating much of the same types of foods. My challenge to you (and myself) is to pick a new vegetable each time you go to the market. When you get home, search some of the online recipe sites to find out how to cook it, or search for recipes that focus on vegetables you don't normally eat. In the process, you may find your new favorite veggie dish … and get heathier as a nice side benefit!

Christine Thompson is a Doctor of Chiropractic. She is the CEO & Founder of Whole Health Solutions Inc. 434 Bridgewater Street www.whole-health.net

907 Princess Anne Street, Downtown Fredericksburg

Memories

79 years later

by ralph “tuffy” hicks

I was thinking about the topic for this month of October, when I suddenly realized "WOW" this is my seventy-ninth birthday month. Born in the old Mary Washington hospital during WWII in 1943 and having spent the next 79 years living in the Fredericksburg area has been an experience. I was fortunate to have lived in Stafford, Spotsylvania, Warrenton, Woodbridge, Colonial Beach and finally back home in Fredericksburg. My friends tell me I have come full circle from attending Stafford elementary school and Montfort Academy to Maury Elementary and graduating from James Monroe Those were exciting and fun times with many fond memories that was the foundation of a wonderful lifetime. There have been times of being happy and of course some sad times also.

I was fortunate to have parents and grandparents that were very supportive that I was able to have contact with on a regular basis. After several years in the military and College I returned to Fredericksburg where we raised a family, and I was employed with a state agency until my retirement. During that period, I was involved in the community with City government. I am thankful for the many friends I have.

Fredericksburg has changed in appearance over the years; however, it still has its character, charm and historical significance which is in my opinion second to none.

Here listed are seventy-nine places, people & things, one for each year I have lived, that were important to me when I was growing up and living in Fredericksburg.

1.Farmers Creamery

2. Palms Restaurant

3. Greyhound Bus Terminal

4. Lucas Brothers Moving Company

5. Hilldrup Transfer

6. Free-Lance-Star

7. Eddies Pizza

8. College Inn

9. Log Cabin Restaurant

10. Old Virginia Gift Shop

11. Circle Restaurant

12. Crown Jewelers

13. Ginnie's Hobby Shop

14. Young Men's Shop

15. Goolrick's Drug Store

16. Dinty Moore's

17. General Washington Inn

18. Anne's Grill

19. 2400 Diner

20. Hicks Exide Garage

21. Ward's pre-school

22. Ice Plant

Auto Known Better

TROG (troglodyte?)

By Rim Vining

23. Ulman's Jewelry Store

24. Roma Restaurant

25. Scotty's Bakery

26. Monford Academy School

27. Carl's Frozen Custard

28. Eddie Mack's Grill

29. John Wayne Edwards Art

30. The Prophets Band

31. Fredericksburg Fair

32. Fredericksburg Dog Mart

33. Confederate Cemetery

34. FMC Plant

35. Lena's Hat Shop

36. Western Auto Store

37.Fredericksburg Hardware

38. Pep Rally Community Center

39. Hot Shoppe Restaurant

40. Carl Silver

41. Pool Room Hot Dog

42. Mayor Davies City Council 44. Earls Food Market

45. The Spot 46. Dugans Restaurant 47. Grisby Heating

48. Robinson's News Stand 49. Wallace Library 50. Burgess Barber Shop 51 Spotless Store

52. Temple Allen's News Stand 53. Joes Snack Bar

54. Washington Woolen Mills

55. Maury Elementary School

56. Gentlemen Jim's

57. Colonial and Victoria Theatre's

58. National Bank of Fredericksburg

59. Paris Inn

60. College Heights Pool

61. Hollybrook Dairy

62. Beck Chevrolet 63. Andora Restaurant

64. Fredericksburg Volunteer Rescue Squad Running Tape Drive

65. Fredericksburg Christmas Parade 66. Growing up on the Rappahannock River 67. People's Drug Store

68. Woolworths Store

69. Mary Washington Monument 70. US Post Office

71. Hugh Mercer Statue

72. Fairview Beach 73. VEPCO Canal

74. Civil War Camps

75. All My Teachers

76. Dad & Mom

77. Children

78. Medical Professionals

79. Smile on Anne's Face

Thank you all for the kind birthday wishes. God Bless

Tuffy Hicks loves all that is Fredericksburg

What is it about fall that makes us feel invincible? When you think about it all the leaves are falling off the trees, the gardens are turning brown and the warm pleasant days of summer are coming to a close. Yet we feel better. Cooler days and nights, clearer deep blue skies and the cacophony of crickets. What is there to get so excited about? Funny you should ask...

Classic cars. No A/C, poor wipers and less than modern cooling systems causing them to overheat on hot summer days can now be driven anytime, anywhere. It is no different than the preponderance of horse shows and polo matches that spring up in the fall. Even football, rugby and soccer come alive with the feeling of fall. People feel more on top of their game, more competitive. It just happens.

In fact the competition bug has bitten one of our local classic car guys with enough force to prompt a two year build of a vintage racer so they might stake a claim to having entered TROG! For us laymen that would be The Race of Gentlemen

This is an actual re-eenactment of the original car and motorcycle races held on the beach in Wildwood, NJ, before WWII. Keep in mind the only flat and smooth surfaces for racing in the early days were on beaches when the tide went out. Hence the Daytona 500 which is held in Daytona Beach where they used to race on the beach and actually set land speed records.

I once wrote about a friend's grandfather who raced on sand in the early 1900's and set numerous speed records. They even made a car called the Guy Vaughn in the 1920's. Of course when the speeds got too high and he witnessed a few fatal mishaps on the beach he announced to his wife and children he

was giving up speed racing as being too dangerous for a family man. So he went to work for Curtiss Wright testing airplanes in 1913. So much safer. An amazing career choice. However, for the record he led a full life with a successful career in aviation and lived well into his eighties.

In any event one of Fredericksburg's own is going to give it a try. I hope to be on the beach in New Jersey the first weekend in October to cheer him on. More power to the more mature guys in old cars showing the young whippersnappers how it's done. Then we're going to take up hang gliding and perhaps ballooning.

Really, it is car season with shows everywhere. Here are a few of my favorites:

Hershey AACA Fall Meet in Hershey, PA runs the first full week of October. Classics of all makes and models along with flea markets and car corrals and the AACA Museum which is spectacular. They have a full wing devoted to the Tucker. Search the movie with Jeff Bridges which is fairly accurate and then go see the real thing.

Hunt Country Classics in Marshall, VA. The show is October 9th and held on a beautiful estate in the Piedmont of Virginia. It's a people's choice show for British cars of all makes and models with period racers and more modern versions of classic marques. When the weather cooperates it is a great event with music, food and classic cars!

I'll let you know how the New Jersey event turned out. Check out the shows and next month I might even reveal the driver's name and have a story to tell.

~autoknownbetter@gmail.com

Rim Vining, humorist, friend and a devoted community volunteer

Art in Burg

Art Galleries in October

of Bremen and actually find an even better alternative. As they play their music, their story is shared with other creatures everywhere, each with their own talents and dreams. And so, the Bremen Town Circus was born.

"For most of my life, I drew pictures, in pencil, pen and ink, chalk, and whatever I could get my hands on. I never thought of myself as a 3-D artist And then I saw a needlefelting show and I was intrigued.” This medium is like magic, bringing to life whatever I can dream up; and it's the most forgiving medium I've ever worked with, to boot. Along with all the cast, I hope you enjoy our circus!"

Linda Warshaw's artistic style is hard to pin down. She enjoys trying new things and experimenting, often instilling her work with a uniquely whimsical quality. In addition, some of Linda's pieces are functional as well as artistic, as evidenced by the hats and tote bags she

“Floral Profusion” by Ben Childers' "

Opening Reception First Friday, Oct 7 Brush Strokes Gallery, 824 Caroline St

Featured artist Ben Childers has created an enchanting array of poured acrylic paintings dubbed "Floral Profusion." Though not all the images are exclusively of flowers, all convey key qualities of the botanical realm such as vibrant color, fragility, continual transformation, and the evolution of life. Titles of his works range from "Angel" and "Golden Chalice" to "Iceberg," "On Fire," "Mountain Reflections," and "Sea Creatures."

"I am fascinated with color and form that invite people to project their own emotions and feelings in viewing a work," he said. I hope that everyone who views my October show will see different images and experience different feelings, and that all will leave with a sense of joy."

Collette Caprara

“"Bremen Town Circus"

Works by Barbara Posey Opening Reception

First Friday, Oct 7 2 , 6-99pm

Artful Dimensions, 922 Caroline

"The Bremen Town Musicians" is a Grimm Brothers story, one with a happier ending than many. It tells about four abused animals who run away together to become musicians in the town

~ Sally Cooney Anderson

"An Eclectic Collaboration”

A Uniquely Curated Collection of Traditional and Unconventional Works by Sheryl Crowell & Linda Warshaw

Opening Reception, Oct 7, 6-99pm

Art First, 824 Caroline ST

This two-person exhibition pairs two veteran members of Art First Gallery, Sheryl Crowell's work focuses on close-up portraits of a wide range of subjects, each imbued with its own unique personality and history.

designed for this show. Art is basically aesthetic, functional, traditional, or unique in purpose. Linda dabbles in it all. She believes that variety keeps her creative process fresh and enjoyable.

. ~Anne Timpano

Staford Spotsy Art Festival

401 Coneflower Land, (Embrey Mill)

www StaffordSpotsyArtsFestival com Oct 1-OOct 2

Feature painter Barbara Brennan

The Artists' Alliance

Opening , Friday, Oct 14, 5-99p

Show runs thru Nov 6 100 Taylor St, Suite 101 Colonial Beach Gallery open Sat-SSun, 11a -55p

Barbara states that, "Fall is my favorite season so I'm happy to have the

opportunity to show this collection of paintings that revel in autumn's rich, warm tones. The beauty of an old barn's wood and its rusting metal roof are revealed when summer's glare weakens as we head towards winter. These paintings in oil and pastel were created in my studio, based on my own photographs. The pastels are framed with museum glass to reduce glare and protect the artwork. Most show my love of old buildings in their natural landscapes."

.~ Rob Rudick

“Dawn”, Sheryl Crowell @ Art First

ESaturdays

ight Points , Robyn Ryan

Autum Hues ,Beverley Coates

Sunrise Princess Anne St , Lynn Abbott

Ben Childers“Centerpiece” @Brushstrokes

“Alone”, Barbara Brennan @Artist Alliance

Barbara Posey @Artful Dimensions

“Cow Chair”, Linda Warshaw @Art First

Art Attack taking it to the streets

bY Gabe Pons

The Ninth Annual Art Attack Event where local artists take it to the streets in Historic Downtown Fredericksburg Saturday, October 1, 2022

10 AM - 4 PM

Art Attack Fredericksburg is an annual grassroots event that gets artists out of the studio and into the city's streets. By collectively making art in public, participants get to meet fellow artists, share their creative process, and

but walk-ups are welcome. Artists should check-in when they arrive at Ponshop Studio & Gallery located at 712 Caroline Street.

Artists will be located on the sidewalks and other public spaces throughout the Caroline Street corridor between Amelia and Wolfe Street (600 Block thru 1000 Block) and William Street between Sophia Street and Princess Anne Street (100 block thru 300 block).

Founded by Bill Harris and Gabriel Pons in 2012, the Art Attack Project was originally conceived as a way to build solidarity among practicing artists. They recognized that whether you're just starting out or a seasoned veteran, it's always better to be connected to a broader community of creative minds. By occupying public space in an inclusive and constructive manner, Art Attack benefits not only the participants, but also the community at large.

celebrate the local arts community. Artist participation is free and artists of all media are welcome to join in, spending the day painting, drawing, and sculpting on the streets of Historic Downtown Fredericksburg.

After a two year hiatus due to Covid-19, the ninth annual Art Attack has become one of the city's most anticipated art events among both artists and city residents.

Approximately 150 artists are expected to take part in the festivities, transforming the downtown sidewalks into an expansive outdoor studio and gallery. The art making action begins at 10 AM and goes until 4 PM. Advance registration for artists is recommended,

Gabe Pons is a local artist who along whith his wife Scarlett owns PONSHOP at 712 Caroline Street

Photos by Dawn Whitmore

Art Attack October 1, 10a-44p Downtown Fredericksburg artattackproject com

Empowerhouse Candlelight Vigil

celebration of fellowship

By kathleen harrigan

October is Domestic Violence Awareness month This month is also known for Breast Cancer, Mental Health, and Autism awareness, as well as many other observances. It is both a good and a bad thing to live in a culture where a special awareness month is needed to draw attention to an issue. Most of these important causes deserve our attention year-round. However, an awareness month disconnects us from our dependence upon the news cycle and encourages us to focus our attention, listen, learn, and even take action.

On October 25th, Empowerhouse staff and community members will gather for our 31st Annual Candlelight Vigil to honor and remember the survivors of domestic violence in our lives. We hope you will join us. It is so much more than a memorial service.

Kathy Anderson , Executive Director of Empowerhouse, recently described it as a "celebration, an opportunity for fellowship, and a representation of the heart of our work.

men were in our care for one or more of the free services provided to victims of domestic violence.

Each year, the Vigil is held in one of the localities served by Empowerhouse. It is an opportunity to hear directly from several survivors of domestic violence, learn about their path, share in their pain and the strength, and feel their courage.

At each of the past Empowerhouse Vigils I have attended, I have come away filled with hope, love, and an appreciation of the staff at Empowerhouse and the community within which we are all supported. I am reminded that you never know the burdens or dreams the person next to you is carrying, nor the full extent of the potential support surrounding you.

Many of you reading this article have supported Empowerhouse during its long history serving our community.

During the past year, over 3,700 women, children, and men were in our care for one or more of the free services provided to victims of domestic violence

For the past 44 years, Empowerhouse has been the local nonprofit organization supporting survivors of domestic violence and their children in Caroline, King George, Spotsylvania and Stafford Counties, and the City of Fredericksburg. Every month is busy as we answer calls to our 24-hour, confidential Hotline (540-373-9373), provide shelter and housing support and court advocacy. We also reach out to children and youth across our community with programs about healthy relationships, as well as offer many other services. During the past year, over 3,700 women, children, and

You have volunteered, donated, served on the staff or board, or been part of one of the many partner organizations or localities. I'd like to extend an invitation to each of you to join us at the 31st Annual Candlelight Vigil. This year, it will be held in the City of Fredericksburg on Tuesday, October 25th at 718 Venue (718 Caroline Street) from 4 - 6 pm. Be part of the fellowship of our community supporting survivors of domestic violence.

Kathleen Harrigan serves on the Board of Empowerhouse to encourage healthy relationships and amplify the voices of survivors of domestic violence across our community.

31st Annual Candlelight Vigil

To honor and remember the survivors of domestic violence in our lives October 25, 718 Venue, 4-66p

To learn more about Empowerhouse and ways you can be involved visit our website at empowerhouseva org or follow us on Instagram and Facebook

Brick by Brick

UMW Presents Plans for New Theatre Building

University of Mary Washington theatre, art and music majors and minors know how to make something beautiful. Now these fine and performing arts programs are engaged in envisioning their next academic home, as UMW prepares to construct a new theatre. The $117 million construction project comes from the 2022-23 state budget and includes funding for the renovation of duPont, Pollard and Melchers halls, a longtime UMW priority.

The case for the project stems from the 2015 strategic plan and was built up brick by brick over the course of five years, through numerous tours of current facilities, focus groups and project planning sessions.

UMW contracted with Commonwealth Architects and HGA Architects & Engineers to develop the architectural plans for the new theatre building and arts and music renovations. A public preview of the design will be presented on Wednesday, Oct. 5, at 6 p.m. via Zoom. View the webinar at umwsso.zoom.us/j/81779295932.

The new home for the Department of Theatre and Dance has been designed with a sense of place and purpose, and with an understanding of the rich history of the architectural language present at UMW. The new theatre will connect to campus and the community, in many ways:

Transparency into the building from William Street and Sunken Road will create a "cultural beacon," helping put the arts - and teaching and learning in the arts - on display while reaching out to invite all in.

Accessible walkways carved into the hillside will "extend Campus Walk," providing a path from the bell tower to the new building's campus-side entrance.

A light-filled two-story "mainstreet" lobby will welcome the community to performances and provide opportunities to engage in campus life.

Complementary landscaping will create a building rooted in place while being unique to its mission as a theatre serving campus and community.

A distinct and dynamic expressioncatching facade, will reflect and shield sun during the day and become one of the key defining elements of the campus at night.

As Associate Professor of Historic Preservation and Campus Preservation Officer Christine Henry noted in the meeting, the building will embody the concept of compatibility: being visually in line with existing campus buildings, while being a modern interpretation of what it is and what it does.

"This has that spirit of classical architecture - the proportions, the screening and the rhythm. It's about light and dark. It's more welcoming and a look forward," Henry said of the presented design.

The new theatre will be a standout and serve as a cultural gateway to campus. The structure and accompanying parking will replace the aging Marshall and Russell halls, which will be demolished as part of the construction.

"I hope it's an era when we became more outward facing and intentionally a bridge to the community we serve," said UMW President Troy Paino "We hope to be opening up our campus to the community we are here to serve, in a very real way."

"Our audience can access great theatre in Richmond and Washington. They come to our productions to see our students learn and grow over time. This approach to the building realizes that and allows them to see how we make theatre," said Professor of Theatre Gregg Stull , who chairs the Department of Theatre and Dance and is producing director of UMW Theatre. "It changes the nature of how we relate to our public. It represents the future for us."

The design team also shared plans for renovations to duPont, Pollard and Melchers halls, adding spaces, addressing accessibility, working to bring in natural light and enhancing green spaces between the buildings. New ceramics, kiln and glazing areas, plus sculpture and photography spaces are on the list. Lobbies and gathering areas will be carved out, and performance spaces will be upgraded. Klein Theatre, in particular, will be renovated into a musical recital hall.

Tickets sales in the new theatre are currently projected for fall 2026, as the design for the project takes shape this fall. Find more information at UMW Theatre.

Amy Jessee is UMW's Executive Director of University Communications Design courtesty of HGA

Amy Jessee

C o m p a n i o n s

boo! did i scare you?

by gerri reid, dvm

it begins to rot and the season has ended.

Everyone loves to take their children Trick-orTreating and even bring our pets along for the fun. Glow sticks tend to adorn our trick-or-treater's neck or hands to light the way during the night. Keep glow sticks away for your pet as they may think it is a play toy. The "liquid" inside is non-toxic, tends to taste bad, and it can cause your pet to drool, paw at its mouth or even vomit. If your pet does ingest the liquid inside the glow stick, give your pet some water or a meal to help remove the taste from its mouth.

October brings the changing colors of the trees. We can enjoy cool crisp mornings while taking your morning walk with the dog. We can have a cup of coffee on our porch as the dogs can freely lay out in the yard most of the day. Fall is a great season! As we prepare for Halloween festivities, all pet owner should be aware of the dangers that lurk out there for our pets. Here are some tips to keep your little 4-legged goblins safe this Halloween.

The best part of Halloween is the CANDY of course! Kids and even adults enjoy the array of sweet treats we collect on that day. But those treats are not good for your pet. Chocolate candy can be toxic to your pet when ingested. It can cause gastrointestinal (stomach) upset which can lead to vomiting and diarrhea. Candy containing artificial sweeteners such as Xylitol can be poisonous. In small amounts, xylitol can cause seizures and even liver failure. So, keep those treats to yourself and away from your pet as no one wants to spend the day after Halloween in the Emergency clinic.

Pumpkins, Pumpkins, Pumpkins everywhere! This time of the year we look forward to carving pumpkins and roasting pumpkin seeds. Pets tend to show interest in this tasty gourd, but be careful. Small amount of pumpkin is safe but ingesting large pieces of uncooked or moldy pumpkins can cause gastrointestinal upset and even blockage. Carve that pumpkin but be sure to dispose of it properly once

If your pets are not heading out to go trick-ortreating, be sure to keep your pets inside that night. Pranksters are known to harm animals on this night. They can injure, steal or even kill animals. Black cats are definitely at risk on Halloween night. Most shelters will not adopt out black cats during the month of October to avoid bad things being done to them. The best thing to do on Halloween is to keep your pets inside to ensure their safety and well being as the festivities of Halloween are enjoyed by all.

As we begin to enjoy the Autumn days, October is filled with pumpkinpicking, hay rides and Halloween. We take precautions for our children during this time by making sure they are safe when they go Trick-or-Treating but don't forget about your pets! Enjoy your sweet rewards after a night of collecting candy but keep your pets away from it. Everyone loves Halloween night as it is a time for the kids to enjoy those tasty sweets and for the adults to lie in wait to sneak a piece of candy or two from them! But remember to safeguard your pets on Halloween Night so they can live to Howl another day!

Dr. Gerri S. Reid is the Owner/Veterinarian of Reid Mobile Veterinary Services. She can be reached at 540-623-3029 or reidmobilevetservices.com or facebook

@ReidMobileVetServicesa

T H ET H E P O E T R Y M A NP O E T R Y M A N

By Frank Fratoe

EMILY DICKINSONEMILY DICKINSON (A Writer’s Legacy)(A Writer’s Legacy)

Forever is composed of Nows she confirmed to the world, they make us richer at once when kept within our souls.

You can hear the first lark rejoice its expressive way, to sunbrink edging a garden as feathers reflect the dawn.

Eden has always been there where all exist each moment fortune beyond count is lost if we choose apathy instead.

When someone may care again because poetry offers hope, my verse along with Emily’s will not have been in vain.

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

Astrology & You time to slow down

By Dianne Bachman

energy? Is there an area of my life that I either am too bold or too timid? What is an important part of self-care when I feel frustrated or stuck?

Not only will Mars be stationed retrograde at the end of the month, Mars will also be out of bounds. A planet is considered out of bounds when it exceeds the outer limits of the Sun, either north or south, and is more than 23 degrees and 26 minutes outside the usual orbit. Planets (including the Moon) go in and out of bounds all the time. When the planet is out of bounds, it is said to be either stretched too far, more intense, or more unpredictable.

plays in our lives. With direct motion in Capricorn, Pluto gives us the go ahead to get rid of any structures, boundaries, and power struggles that no longer serve us.

10/9: Full Moon in Aries. If you have new ideas or projects, this is a favorable time to begin, especially with the upcoming retrograde that may slow things down. Beautiful evening to energize your spirit with a Moon bath!

As we see the hand-off between the sign of Libra to Scorpio, Mars will be preparing for its bi-annual retrograde. This is a wonderful time to slow down and examine aspects of your life that are related to Mars. You might ask: Where do I need more courage? How do I express my anger? Where am I spending my

So, from October 22, 2022 until May 4, 2023, Mars will be out of bounds. From October 30, 2022 until January 11, 2023, Mars will be stationed retrograde. What does this mean? Well, Mars will be in the sign of Gemini, so the impact could be on aggressive communication, odd or unusual modes of fighting, or cyber issues. On the positive side, this retrograde in Gemini can help us have the courage to speak the words we have been unable to find. Caution and reflection (supported by retrograde action) can help us be mindful of putting our filters in place before we say too much.

Art and music are a fun way to explore the feel of the planets. Two artists that come to mind are Gustav Holst and Johfra Bosschart. Between 1914 and 1917, Holst composed a 7-piece orchestral suite titled "The Planets". He was a student of astrology and was able to express their energies through this phenomenal work (one of my favorites). Johfra Bosschart is a modern artist from the Netherlands and produced a brilliant series of paintings depicting each sign of the Zodiac. His "Aries" is the artwork I chose to accompany the October astrology column. We can read many books to learn astrology, but to soak the energies in with our senses can really open our hearts to the knowledge.

10/2: Mercury stations direct at 24 degrees Virgo, though we will remain in the shadow of the retrograde until the 17th, when Mercury returns to 8 degrees of Libra.

10/8: Pluto stations direct at 26 degrees Capricorn. Pluto retrograde always gives us the opportunity to reflect on the deepest parts of ourselves, our secrets, what we hide, the role control

10/11: Mercury enters the sign of Libra. Artistic expression, social events, and friendly conversation are the top three the next few days. 10/23: Sun conjunct Venus at 0 degrees Scorpio. Follow you passion, take time to appreciate love for others as well as allowing yourself to be loved by others. Sun in Scorpio can shine a light on our deepest desires.

10/23: Saturn stations direct at 18 degrees Aquarius. Our attention may turn to the collective, toward activities or efforts aimed at making the world a better place. As Saturn is a stickler for plans and structure, a clearer way of tidying up any chaos in your life could now be put into place.

10/25: New Moon in Scorpio and Partial Solar Eclipse. The new Moon in Scorpio supports a journey inward, aligning with our feelings and personal truths. The Sun will be conjunct Venus, so the eclipse energy creates an added opportunity to make breakthroughs around relationships and/or finances.

10/28: Jupiter stations retrograde in Pisces. Typically, Jupiter in Pisces adds an element of optimism to the mix, though in retrograde it is a more gradual process. Mysticism and creativity are supported, as the slower movement allows time for a deepening of these qualities.

10/29: Mercury enters the sign of Scorpio. Time to get serious and introspective. Chatty Mercury becomes deep and tends to avoid superficial conversation. Mercury in Scorpio wants the truth and will dig until it is uncovered.

10/30 : Mars retrograde in Gemini (stations direct on January 12, 2023).

Dianne Bachman is a psychotherapist & astrologer practicing in FXBG. She can be reached at FourwindsastrologyLLC@gmail.com

Aries by Johfra Bosschart, circa 1974

Fredericksburg Sketches

A visual Celebration of our community

By Paula Raudenbush

William Street

I've gotten in the habit this summer of going to the Farmers' Market early on Saturday then sketching. Now that the weather is cooler, it's so nice to be out in the morning and the light is usually beautiful.

This sketch of William Street was done from near the market at the intersection with Prince Edward St. I intentionally left the trees blank because that wasn't what I was interested in. I'm still struggling drawing cars but I think I'm getting a bit better with people. I rather like the lady crossing the street with her market basket.

Hope you all are enjoying autumn in our beautiful city. Get out there and sketch with me! Cheers!

Paula Raudenbush is an admin for the Fredericksburg Chapter of the Urban Sketchers and maintains a studio in Libertytown Arts Workshop.

810 Caroline Street (540) 371-5684

1 Year Anniversary with b101.5

By Jeremy grey

I moved back to the Fredericksburg area from my home in NC after taking two complete years off from radio and it's been full steam ahead ever since joining B101.5 last September. It feels good to be back in the saddle!

It's hard to believe I've been here for a full year now because it feels like it's been about three months! We've been so busy and running around like crazy but that's the way I like it. Busy is good!

I've really been enjoying getting to know the listeners and fine tuning that special connection and bond with them. My team of coworkers have made this seamless and equipped me with all the tools I could possibly need to execute my show every single day. We have such a talented and experience team!

I've also been lucky enough to have AJ join me from 7-9 on the show every morning. She matches my energy well and brings a fresh female perspective to the show. In addition, she also does a TON of work behind the scenes that deserve a lot of recognition. She's like the big sister I never had. Thanks AJ!

The thing I love most about hosting my own show is hearing from listeners directly when they express their appreciation for what we do here. I'll occasionally get calls or texts on our studio line from listeners who genuinely just want to say "thank you" for making them laugh and getting their day started with a smile. The fact that I'm making that

impact on someone's day means more than I can fully articulate. It's a very special feeling.

Sleep is critical to my day-to-day workload and responsibilities. I wake up and 3:15 each morning and try my best to be in the studio by 3:45 to begin prepping for my show. There's a certain level of peace and tranquility that comes with getting started that early in the morning and I actually enjoy that time of solitude as I get prepared for the day.

Most of my free time is spent just trying to stay active and involved in the community. Hitting the gym is a must and I really enjoy getting out and exploring different towns and trails, especially those that have to do with history!

I can't wait to see what this next year has in store for me at B101.5. I'm still so thankful that management gave me the opportunity to show up here and make things happen with my own morning show.

Mark and Chuck gave me a torch to carry, and I carry it with pride. They also ensured that I was surrounded by a group of great coworkers that are instrumental to the overall success of the station. I can't wait to see what happens next!

Thank you!