Front Porch Fredericksburg - September 2015 by Virginia Grogan

YOUR GUIDE TO THE LOCAL GOOD LIFE

front porch T H E R E G I O N ' S free C O M M U N I T Y M A G A Z I N E

L o c a l G o o d N e w s S i n c e 1 9 97 YEAR 19 • ISSUE 218 • SEPTEMBER 2015

Frontporchfredericksburg.com

contents

closeups 6

Our Heritage: expanding fred history’s stories.: fredericksburg promotes peace

companions: puppy school

mary washington house celebrates 125th renew: exercise myths busted

Bill Harris ...monumental urban garden

Senior Care: every 67 seconds

wellness: solving a lingering problem emancipated patients

donna Cote ...crrl library director retires

Art in the burg: stevens, williams & barnes

scene & heard...in the ‘burg!

fredericksburger: thea verdak

porchlight: benchwarmers

fredericksburg sketches Currents

poetryman: picture gallery autoknown: hot, damn hot from my porch

jeffries, austin & hill ...Find good things in fred

porch talk 4

on the porch...life in fredericksburg Messages

fredxchange: fostering area start-ups

downtown buzz: who benefits?

Cindy James: no place like home

above the darkness: suicide prevention

vino: from vine to bottle

season’s bounty: ice cream 2.0

Cooking with Kyle jus pop’n: fxbg’s new gourmet popcorn shop

wine & spirits: bowman wins medals

16-17

Calendar of events

DAWN WHITMORE near and far By carrol morgan

Dawn Whitmore describes herself as “the square peg who refuses to fit into a ‘circle’ world” and admits that she loves her “camera, coffee, the Capitals and Christ”. Her warm smile and generous spirit are immediately obvious. Born in 1967, in Annapolis, MD, she currently resides in Spotsylvania, VA. In 2011, a serious illness changed her life and “pursuing photography became a blessing” as doctor appointments filled her calendar. She began to focus her lens

saw the potential of a serious business in photography and launched her new career as Dew Photography VA. Dawn brings to her photography a broad academic and occupational background. She attended Full Sail University, Winter Park, FL; The University of North Carolina, Wilmington, NC; and Craven Community College, New Bern, NC. She has a B.A. in Communications Studies and M.S. in Entertainment Business. Her practical experiences stretch from

...And more! 6

Dawn’s photography will be featured in a duo show with Lee Cochrane in the upcoming September 2015 Members’ Gallery exhibit “Near and Far” at the FCCA—opening reception on First Friday, September 4, 6-8:30 pm. In less than two years, her work has been exhibited in seven venues in Virginia and Washington, DC, and she received the 1st

art attack 4th annual street exhibit

renewing chatham

new beginnings: stafford h.s. new site

Cover Photo By Cindy James

Hey, 21! “Heron Lunch”, Dawn Whitmore on the Fredericksburg area’s rich history and nature’s beauty. After her recovery in 2012, she has expanded her world. Daytrips and vacations have given her the opportunity to photograph locations from Pennsylvania to Alabama. Although Dawn “played” with film and digital cameras for over twenty years, it was 2013, when she

manager of an automotive shop, booking agent for independent musicians and teacher aide in child day care, to her professional photography and volunteer work as publicity and marketing chair for the Fredericksburg Center for the Creative Arts (FCCA).

Place Award in the NIFLA “Footprints in Focus” Photography Contest for her “Baby in Motion”. With a strong business sense, Dawn combines marketing skills with photography in her career and in her volunteer work at FCCA, where she will be offering two sessions of a “How to Market Your Art” workshop on Wednesday, September 30, 1-2:30 pm and on Thursday, October 1, 6:30-8 pm. Dawn claims that she is an introverted personality and would rather work behind the scenes, as that “has always have been a good fit for me.” However, if you meet her at the docent desk at FCCA or as she walks around the ‘burg with camera in-hand, you will be

greeted with a warm smile and an enthusiastic willingness to share her love for photography and all things beautiful. She looks forward to continuing her lifelong love of learning and has “only scratched the surface of photography”. Be sure to say “Hi” when you see her. Contact Dawn at: dewphotographyva@gmail.com www.dewphotographyva.com

Carrol Morgan is Curator, Fredericksburg Center for the Creative Arts

FCCA, Members’ Gallery Featured Duo Show Dawn Whitmore & Lee Cochrane “Near & Far” Opening Reception Friday, September 4 6-8 8:30 pm

Where Customer Service and Title Insurance Become One

Celebrating Our 21st Anniversary! Jewell Wolterman 1320 Central Park Blvd, Ste 200, Fredericksburg, VA 22401 540-907-0574 www.elitetitleva.com jwolterman@elitetitleva.com 2

September 2015

Front porch fredericksburg

front porch fredericksburg

September 2015 2015

contents

closeups 6

Our Heritage: expanding fred history’s stories.: fredericksburg promotes peace

companions: puppy school

mary washington house celebrates 125th renew: exercise myths busted

Bill Harris ...monumental urban garden

Senior Care: every 67 seconds

wellness: solving a lingering problem emancipated patients

donna Cote ...crrl library director retires

Art in the burg: stevens, williams & barnes

scene & heard...in the ‘burg!

fredericksburger: thea verdak

porchlight: benchwarmers

fredericksburg sketches Currents

poetryman: picture gallery autoknown: hot, damn hot from my porch

jeffries, austin & hill ...Find good things in fred

porch talk 4

on the porch...life in fredericksburg Messages

fredxchange: fostering area start-ups

downtown buzz: who benefits?

Cindy James: no place like home

above the darkness: suicide prevention

vino: from vine to bottle

season’s bounty: ice cream 2.0

Cooking with Kyle jus pop’n: fxbg’s new gourmet popcorn shop

wine & spirits: bowman wins medals

16-17

Calendar of events

DAWN WHITMORE near and far By carrol morgan

...And more! 6

art attack 4th annual street exhibit

renewing chatham

new beginnings: stafford h.s. new site

Cover Photo By Cindy James

Carrol Morgan is Curator, Fredericksburg Center for the Creative Arts

FCCA, Members’ Gallery Featured Duo Show Dawn Whitmore & Lee Cochrane “Near & Far” Opening Reception Friday, September 4 6-8 8:30 pm

Where Customer Service and Title Insurance Become One

Celebrating Our 21st Anniversary! Jewell Wolterman 1320 Central Park Blvd, Ste 200, Fredericksburg, VA 22401 540-907-0574 www.elitetitleva.com jwolterman@elitetitleva.com 2

September 2015

Front porch fredericksburg

front porch fredericksburg

September 2015 2015

ON THE PORCH Emily Hollinsworth Guest Porch Editorial Contributing Writers & Artists Nancy Bauer A.E.Bayne Megan Byrnes Collette Caprara Ashleigh Chevalier Rick Collier Dan Czajka Anne Darron Julia Davis Ryan Davis Callista Dunn Christina Ferber Frank Fratoe Joan M. Geisler Ann Glave Alexis Grogan Rob Huffman Ralph “Tuffy”Hicks Emily Hollinsworth Karl Karch Anna-Katya Hvizdos Jo Loving Carrol Morgan Vanessa Moncure Patrick Neustatter Caroline Parr Gabe Pons Emily Taggert Schricker M.L.Powers Scott Richards Casey Alan Shaw Meg Sneed Georgia Strentz James Kyle Synder Christine Thompson Rim Vining Dawn Whitmore Kathryn Willis Norma Woodward Kristie Wooldridge

Front Porch Fredericksburg is a free circulation magazine published monthly by Olde Towne Publishing Co. Virginia Bigenwald Grogan, Publisher. The mission of Front Porch Fredericksburg is to connect the diverse citizenry of Fredericksburg with lively features and informative columns of interest to our community’s greatest resource, its people. Messages from our readers are welcome. All submissions must be received by e-mail by the 19th of the month preceding publication. Writers are welcome to request Writer’s Guidelines and query the Editor by e-mail. Front Porch Fredericksburg PO Box 9203 Fredericksburg, VA 22403 Ad Sales: E-Mail: frntprch@aol.com Web Site: www.frontporchfredericksburg.com The opinions expressed in Front Porch Fredericksburg are those of the contributing writers and do not necessarily reflect the opinion of Front Porch Fredericksburg or its advertisers. Copyright 2015 Olde Towne Publishing Co.

September 2015

FredXchange

home is where art is

Fostering Area Startups

BY emily hollinsworth I live closer to the Spotsylvania side of Fredericksburg, on Route 3 near Plank Road. It is the area near Central Park, the Towne Center, the multiple Starbucks’s and the awful rush hour traffic. Coming downtown can be a nice change of scenery from the four lane roads and long fast food lines. Some of the streets downtown look like something from a Charles Dickens novel, with gaunt alleyways and ancient looking houses and storefronts. Some of the stores also look like the inside of an art history textbook, with walls covered by pop, abstract, and landscape art painted by someone who might live across the street and may have lived downtown for years. Then there is Hugh Mercer’s Apothecary and garden and the Civil War-themed antiques shops, holding relics from nearly two hundred years ago. I realized that it is all art. Art comes through every store window, brick, and historic landmark. I did not come downtown a lot as a teenager, except to occasionally meet friends for coffee. That changed when I University of Mary attended the Washington from Germanna Community College in the spring of 2014. I would come downtown three times a week, which eventually changed to four days, then five. I was always coming back for something. Usually it was for UMW activities, but sometimes it was to stop into Bangkok Café for lunch or go to Riverby Bookstore to buy a birthday gift. For a journalism class, the teacher gave us the names of different streets downtown, and we had to write a story on that particular street. For the assignment, we had to find something unusual on the street and report on it. It could be a store, a landmark, or a regular who plays music on the corner. It had to have a story.

messages Front Porch I live in Ohio I was in Fredericksburg this past weekend after 25 years to see my paternal family. My grandfather built the house in 1939 and I would love to have a copy of the article. 117 Poplar Drive - A Moving Preservation Story by Kitty Farley - July 2005. I picked up your current issue ...what a great publication. Thank you so much for your help. Laura Marshall Freeman Tirronen

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By christina ferber

I was assigned Caroline Street and found Ponshop, an art gallery. The gallery is run by a married couple. Gabriel Pons creates mixed media art and Scarlett Pons creates ceramics. They originally lived in New York, but moved to Fredericksburg because they had family members in the area, and they felt it would be a good place to raise their two kids. New York City had a vibrant art community, but it was not the best place for them to simultaneously raise a family and start a small business. Downtown for them contained all of these things. They received and contributed to Fredericksburg’s vibrant art community and had a close-knit environment to raise their family. Learning about the Pons and their experience opened a door for me, literally and figuratively. Anytime I saw the sign for the store, I thought about them. Anytime I walked past the building, I wondered about what artists they were featuring that month. It was the first step for me in experiencing the community a lot of people downtown know first-hand. But understanding that sense of community was not limited to downtown Fredericksburg for me. I started to feel that sense of community on Route 3 as well. I thought about the kindhearted employee who dresses up as a cow at Chick-ffil-a when I walked by the location in the mall, or about a classmate in Spanish class from Germanna Community College. Community is not necessarily limited to a small or rural area. And I might argue that neither is art.

I used to work with a woman at McDonald’s who, in between taking orders at the drive-thru window, would draw on receipts that drivers either forgot to take or were duplicates. While she stuffed kids NOTE: We were able to go into our archives and provided Laura with the requested article. We love to hear that even old issues of Front Porch are read “cover-tto-ccover” Front Porch It was such an honor to be featured in August’s issue (Gracie’s Gowns-Providing Grins & Hope) Jessica Kidd Front Porch Loved the article on La Rosetta (August 2015, La Rosetta International Cuisine - Not your Typical Restaurant). Enjoyed a fabulous meal there during

meal bags, breezed through orders during the lunch rush, and handed drivers change, she created art. Route 3 and downtown Fredericksburg seemed to be completely different environments for me at first, but I wonder now if they have more in common. They both contain communities, people who you see on a daily basis with families and jobs and their own forms of art. If Fredericksburg has taught me anything, it is seeing that there is no one way to create art: It exists in the small, unique stories we cover in Front Porch. It is present in the community that will always be waiting to welcome you in. Enjoy this month’s issue “cover-to-cover”...it gives you the same welcoming feeling. Emily Hollinsworth attends Mary Washington University. photo by Julia Davis, who graduated from UMW last semester

Apple, Amazon, Google. These companies may be household names now, but the stories of their success start in the hometown where they were founded, and if local nonprofit FredXchange has its way, a Fredericksburg success story will soon be on that list. “Our mission is to help start-ups launch and grow,” says Christine Goodwin, president of the FredXchange board. “We provide the physical and social infrastructure needed to support innovation in our area.” The group offers a wide variety of programming to fit the community’s needs and now with its newest project, individuals or businesses in our area have a low cost place to call home. FredXchange’s new co-working space, The Foundry, set to open this month, aims to provide a place for entrepreneurs to not only work, but create a truly interactive and collaborative environment in the process. “This is a great opportunity for anyone who is looking for affordable office space without being locked into a lease,” says Goodwin. “We see telecommuters, new startup founders, and existing small businesses all connecting at The Foundry.” Subscriptions range from $19.00 for daily drop-in rates to $199.00 a month for a dedicated desk area. A conference room,

high speed internet access and other technology services are also available, and the entire space can be rented out for private events. “The Foundry is a place where entrepreneurs can help each other through the challenges that start-ups face. Whether its figuring out what the best ecommerce application is or getting a quick opinion from an accountant or web designer, this space will not only provide a working environment, it will be a true coworking space,” says Libby O’Malley, parttime executive director of FredXchange. Located at the crossroads of Rt. 3 and Interstate 95 at 2324 Plank Rd. (in Gateway Village), The Foundry also serves as FredXchanges’s home for its meet-ups and educational events. Open Coffee, held each Friday from 8-9:30 a.m. provides an opportunity for networking and connection, and offers presentations on topics related to starting a business and scaling an existing one. FredDev is a meetup geared toward programmers and developers in our region, while FxbgDesign is a group for graphic designers and creatives. A book club is also held monthly. All of these meet-ups are offered free of charge and align with the nonprofit’s goal of “establishing a thriving entrepreneurial ecosystem” in the

Fredericksburg region by the year 2020. Thanks in part to a sizeable grant from the Fredericksburg EDA that has helped them open The Foundry, as well as its many volunteers, FredXchange looks like they are on the way to do just that. “The opportunities for collaboration and interaction as well as the events and programming we offer are what FredXchange is all about,” says O’Malley. “We’re excited to open The Foundry as the hub for all of those activities.” For more information about any of FredXchange’s meet-ups, visit www.fredxchange.org or follow them on Twitter or Facebook. Information about The Foundry can be found at http://fredxchange.org/wp/the-foundry/ or by emailing Libby O’Malley at Libby@FredXchange.org.

Libby O’Malley

Christina Ferber is a teacher, writer and mom who writes about ocal entrepreneurs each month in Front Porch

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

540-898-0737

Restaurant Week. Their Gazpacho is out of this world! Kevin Brown Front Porch Thank you for letting me share my phot of my cousin, Michelle Radolinski on the cover of your August 2015 publication. Love your magazine! Phyllis Whitley Front Porch Great article on Sue Henderson (July 2015, In the Moment - Snapshots of Life) Her stuff is gorgeous! Catherine Sutter

front porch fredericksburg

September 2015 2015

September 2015

FredXchange

home is where art is

Fostering Area Startups

Front porch fredericksburg

By christina ferber

Libby O’Malley

Christina Ferber is a teacher, writer and mom who writes about ocal entrepreneurs each month in Front Porch

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

540-898-0737

front porch fredericksburg

September 2015 2015

ART ATTACK returns for 4th annual event

Good Things Are “Found in Fred”

It began as a hometown movement organized in 2012 by local artists to encourage and celebrate the region’s vibrant art community; its aim to bring the studio outside for an audience to see: “This event was birthed out of a desire to get the artists out there and to meet each other. We wanted a forum for artists to support one another and our larger community,” said Bill Harris, painter, LibertyTown Arts Studio. “We decided to bring it to the public on William and Caroline streets because it’s so difficult to accommodate a lot of artists in a gallery” said Gabriel Pons, PONSHOP Art Studio & Gallery. The responses from artists continues to be tremendous, in the events 4th year. They band together for a common cause, which has them both participating in, and supporting their passion: “They really enjoyed being able to perform their craft. There was a real comfort level in having the freedom to do what you wanted to do without parameters or restrictions, to essentially come and go as you pleased,” said Pons. “The artist making the work is the art, the performance; the goal is not necessarily the finished product,” stated Pons, who

September 2015

who benefits from fxbg Main Street?

By A.E. Bayne

By ryan davis

Recruits ambushing downtown Fxbg may signal a familiar past for a city rich in Civil War history, but this is not for soldiers, it is a “call to arms” for local artists to participate in a live art demonstration on the city streets. This event called “Art Attack” is a one-day grassroots event organized by local artisans to encourage the exposure and celebration of local artwork scheduled for 4 p.m. Saturday, September 19 from 10-4 on the sidewalks of Caroline and William Streets. (After party at LibertyTown 4:307:30)

Downtown Buzz

explained that this event gives the artist a reason to start a work. In addition, Art Attack had to consider its impact on the whole downtown area, keeping in mind what would be beneficial for local businesses: “We don’t want to hinder or disrupt the normal operations of the downtown businesses. In conjunction with celebrating our art, we hope to continue to build relationships and ultimately increase business for restaurants and shops. I think we did that in the past and

and this year should be no exception ,” Harris said. Not only did the creators want it to be a free event, they want those visiting downtown to feel connected to the artists. Having the performance right there on the streets give onlookers the opportunity to stop and meet the artist: “One of the ways this positively impacts the community is the audience sees the process, gets to know the artist, and make a deeper connection to the art,” Harris said. By connecting with art, the artists hope their example re-ignites the community’s passion to work at their own artistic endeavors, no matter what age or stage they’re at: “We’re looking to attract the artist who didn’t initially jump in with both feet or who are on the fringes,” Pons said. Harris said, “I want to encourage young people to pursue art. They can do it. Art often has the power to fill a void.” Fredericksburg has been an ideal location to support Art Attack because this community has accepted a blend numerous people groups, cultures, and ideas. This city has become a home for transplants, and in so doing, has become a place of inclusion for the artists: “You have everything here: painters, sketchartists, jewelers, sculptors & potters; many others. In my opinion, the quality of art here is so rich it is on par or even better that what you’d find in metropolitan hubs such as Washington D.C. or Richmond.” Ryan Davis is a graduate of the University of Mary Washington. Photos (top-bottom) of Beverly Coates, Bill Harris & Betsy Glassie are from Art Attack 2014.

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It’s not often you hear of a business taking off as quickly as Found in Fred. While in the works for some time, owners Rick Jeffries and Chris Austin brought the shop to life in the span of 72 hours at the end of July: signing a lease, setting up the company, completing legal and IRS paperwork, obtaining permits and rezoning papers, and getting an inspection. They’ve been open for a month now. With the help of Robbie Hill, a third owner who will act as shop keep for the space, Found in Fred will provide marketing plans and a second storefront for local businesses around Fredericksburg. Jeffries met Austin about six months ago when Austin approached him to market his architectural business, ARCITECK Design and Build, and his vintage chair company, A Modern Chair. Jeffries immediately saw the value in Austin’s products and thought they should be out in front of the public. They decided to open a shop in town, not only to promote Austin’s chairs and architectural business, but also to offer more visibility and promotions for any stores that might be interested. Strategically located between Pitaiyo and FOODE, Jeffries says there has been wide interest in Found in Fred from all parts of town. Their concept is to feature start-ups, local businesses with secured storefronts, and entrepreneurs who are out there without storefront visibility. Found in Fred will offer package deals of two weeks to one month to house merchandise and market local businesses’ goods and services to visitors. They will also professionally photograph the merchandise and promote it online and through Found in Fred columns in various local publications. After working long hours for the past few years as an architect in Baltimore, Maryland, Austin is looking forward to working with the community

By Ann Glave and stable rents along with increased property values.

and having a job that will allow him to pursue creative endeavors more freely. He works, at times, as an actor on the Revolutionary War drama Turn and as a stand in on House of Cards. Austin’s design business will stock the store with his modern chairs, which he plans to use as the model for future classes on refurbishing vintage furniture. Additionally, ARCITECK will showcase its first project when Chris completes the design and build on Alive by Design Chiropractic Center in Central Park this fall. During Found in Fred’s inaugural month, featured businesses have included Good Turn Earth, The Toy Store, Tubular Gear, Past and Present Treasures, Christina Bendo (LibertyTown Arts), Gabriel Pons (PONSHOP), and River Rock Outfitters. Jeffries notes, “Even people on this street want a second store front. Our goal is to stimulate foot traffic away from here. We really want to be that hub where people can come and get a taste of Fredericksburg from our store, and then move on to visit the origin store locations.” Found in Fred will have their ribbon cutting ceremony on September 4, 2015, at 3:30 p.m. Visitors are welcome to celebrate with them.

More than just merchants! Main Street is more than just a retail and restaurant association. The overall goal for a strong vibrant Downtown resonates with many different groups. Yes, the merchants and restaurants do see an immediate benefit with promotional events compared to other groups. Promotions offer quick turnaround. It takes time to improve and grow a healthy Downtown. If Downtown is thriving, the City and region as a whole is thriving. Downtown prospers, businesses grow, home sales increase… it’s a ripple effect. Improving the quality of life makes recruiting and retaining people, whether it be employees, residents, or a business easier. Many other groups can benefit from a strong vibrant Downtown A strong Downtown benefits property owners with increased occupancy

Dreaming of Owning Downtown? Let’s Make it Happen!

A strong Downtown benefits financial institutions with the A strong Downtown benefits the potential for an expanded business and schools and colleges with student residential customer base, involvement in activities and can improve their and offers potential If Downtown is public image and good and thriving, the City and region employment will. b u s i n e s s as a whole is thriving. opportunities. In A strong Downtown prospers, addition, Downton Downtown benefits businesses grow, home sales can be used as a professional and service ”classroom” for businesses with increase… it’s a ripple effect. school projects. increased access to multiple consumers. It A strong Downtown also provides amenities for their staff and benefits Community Partners by bringing clients and can expand their public image in potential new members or attendees, and good will. creating a healthier overall business climate and potential partnerships with A strong Downtown benefits the common goals. residents by offering work, play, and an active lifestyle. All of which is encouraged Business outside the district can by local accessibility to goods, services and benefit from a strong Downtown through employment. increased visitor traffic, additional amenities for employees and clients, plus A strong Downtown benefits the increased business from an overall local government with an increased sales

Front Porch Fredericksburg

Highlighting Local People, Places & Events Since 1997

A.E. Bayne is a writer, visual artist, and educator who is a frequent contributor to Front Porch Magazine. She co-edits Fredericksburg Literary Review and has been living in FXBG for 17 years.

and property tax base resulting from revitalization of Downtown properties and growing businesses.

www.cabinetworks.org Phone: 804.224.1812 Fax: 804.224.1803 Email: pete@cabinetworks.org

We are all interconnected so it makes sense to collaborate. Working together with the City, other nonprofits, various organizations and businesses, residents and each other will result in a better Downtown. It’s not always easy and progress might be slower than we like, however, the end result benefits everyone. As Main Street moves towards its goal of a healthy Downtown, everyone is invited to participate. If you want to get involved with Fredericksburg VA Main Street on a board or a committee level, please reach out to Ann Glave info@fredericksburgmainstreet.org, Scarlett Pons, President spons@ponshopstudio.com or Lisa Durham, Volunteer Director volunteer@fredericksburgmainstreet.org.

Please call for information, 540-374-0443 info@shopwhittingham.com

ROXBURY F

MAIN: (540) 373-9124 NURSERY: (540) 371-8802

Showroom at Leedstown, Virginia

Visitors benefit from a strong Downtown by experiencing a variety of enjoyable activities that will boost the local economy. Great experiences will bring more visitors.

Fall Into Our Kitchen For A Cooking Class At Whittingham ARM

Custom & Semi-Custom Cabinets Custom Laminate, Granite & Silestone

heathier community.

SUZY STONE 540.847.0630 suzystone22@gmail.com C21redwood.com

& GARDEN CENTER

Since 1929

601 LAFAYETTE BLVD

roxburyfarmgarden.com

We have all your gardening needs! Come Shop With Us

Each Office Is Independently Owned & Operated

front porch fredericksburg

September 2015

ART ATTACK returns for 4th annual event

Good Things Are “Found in Fred”

September 2015

who benefits from fxbg Main Street?

By A.E. Bayne

By ryan davis

Downtown Buzz

Front porch fredericksburg

By Ann Glave and stable rents along with increased property values.

Dreaming of Owning Downtown? Let’s Make it Happen!

Front Porch Fredericksburg

Highlighting Local People, Places & Events Since 1997

A.E. Bayne is a writer, visual artist, and educator who is a frequent contributor to Front Porch Magazine. She co-edits Fredericksburg Literary Review and has been living in FXBG for 17 years.

and property tax base resulting from revitalization of Downtown properties and growing businesses.

www.cabinetworks.org Phone: 804.224.1812 Fax: 804.224.1803 Email: pete@cabinetworks.org

Please call for information, 540-374-0443 info@shopwhittingham.com

ROXBURY F

MAIN: (540) 373-9124 NURSERY: (540) 371-8802

Showroom at Leedstown, Virginia

Visitors benefit from a strong Downtown by experiencing a variety of enjoyable activities that will boost the local economy. Great experiences will bring more visitors.

Fall Into Our Kitchen For A Cooking Class At Whittingham ARM

Custom & Semi-Custom Cabinets Custom Laminate, Granite & Silestone

heathier community.

SUZY STONE 540.847.0630 suzystone22@gmail.com C21redwood.com

& GARDEN CENTER

Since 1929

601 LAFAYETTE BLVD

roxburyfarmgarden.com

We have all your gardening needs! Come Shop With Us

Each Office Is Independently Owned & Operated

front porch fredericksburg

September 2015

Cindy James No place like home By emily hollingsworth

200 William Street Downtown ,Fredericksburg 540.373.4421 Mon-Fri: 9:30-6 Sat: 9:30-5 CrownJewelersFredericksburg.com

September 2015

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Cindy James Captures Houses & More through Real Estate Photography Cindy James can walk into any house, pull out her camera and tripod, and make it a home. She has snapped photos of homes ranging from 1,000 square foot ramblers to houses in gated community Fawn Lake. Just a few weeks ago, she photographed the largest home in Fredericksburg. At 12,000 square feet, four floors, and an elevator, it wasn’t an easy task. James, however, was not afraid to back down from a challenge. And each home she shoots as a real estate photographer has a different challenge, a different story. James runs her own real estate photography business and typically shoots 2 houses a day Monday through Friday. Since she started her business in May of last year, she has photographed nearly 200 homes. James also works as a realtor for Keller Williams in Stafford, where she lives. She knows what realtors look for in capturing the perfect photo for a house,

and she is more than able to deliver. “It makes a difference,” James said about having a professional photographer take photos of a home. In addition to photographing houses, James also takes landscape shots, particularly around the area of the specific home the realtor wants to sell. For houses advertised in downtown Fredericksburg, James adds photos of historic downtown to the house’s description to give families an idea of not only the house, but the community around it. She also makes sure the photos of each house is as true to the home as possible. According to James, she wants people to come into the home and say ‘I remember that’ from the photos on the realtor’s website. Though taking accurate and memorable home photos is not easy. “A camera can’t see what a person sees,” James said. “You have to make it see.” To do that, James uses a technique called High Dynamic Range photography, or HDR. She takes three photos in the same location: a photo with regular exposure, an underexposed photo and an overexposed photo, and later combines them to make one image. She also uses a wide angle lens and a tripod at all times. As though real estate photography couldn’t be more out of the ordinary, the best lighting often comes during unusual weather. For the interior of a home, according to James, cloudy days make the best lighting, as it causes the house look the most natural. The same

principle goes with the outside of a home as well, though to a lesser extent. “Blue sky isn’t perfect either,” James said. “Some clouds are good.” James teaches a class once a month for photographers interested in real estate photography. The classes take place in a model home at Bryton Homes at Ambrose Estates in Stafford, a homebuilding company where James previously worked before entering real estate and photography. The class is a win-win, according to James, as photographers gain experience in a growing field while also getting photos of a home they can use to start their websites or portfolios. As James captures homes in the region and teaches other photographers to do the same, she is determined to show that every house is a home. Contact Cindy James at www.cynthiajamesphotography.com cindy@cynthiajamesphotography.com

Emily Hollinsworth is a UMW student NOTE: Cindy James is this month’s cover photographer

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September 2015

Cindy James No place like home By emily hollingsworth

200 William Street Downtown ,Fredericksburg 540.373.4421 Mon-Fri: 9:30-6 Sat: 9:30-5 CrownJewelersFredericksburg.com

September 2015

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Emily Hollinsworth is a UMW student NOTE: Cindy James is this month’s cover photographer

front porch fredericksburg

September 2015

Bill Harris

ABOVE THE DARKNESS Promoting Suicide Prevention and Keeping it Local

PAINTS “MONUMENTAL URBAN GARDEN” AT DOWNTOWN GREENS By anna-katya hvizdos

by christina ferber Last year, suicide prevention “We couldn’t be happier to became a newsworthy subject with the partner with MHAF for this event. Because passing of Robin Williams, and as we of their support, all funds we raise will celebrate his now stay in our area and memory a year help continue our later, it is still an mission of saving lives,” Affecting more than 33,000 issue that needs to says Amy Jones, families every year, suicide be addressed. longtime director of the Affecting more walk. takes a life every 15 minutes than 33,000 Funds raised families every from the event will help year, suicide takes to support local suicide a life every 15 minutes, but there is a way prevention programs, and because of to continue to fight for this cause and MHAF’s effort to implement and expand support programs that save lives. these programs, the partnership was a noth On Saturday, October 17 , the brainer for Jones. “MHAF has been a longtime annual walk for suicide prevention will be of our annual suicide held at Spotsylvania Courthouse Village, supporter and though the walk has a new name this prevention walk so it made sense to partner with them for what we now call year, Above the Darkness, as well as a new Above the Darkness,” says Jones. sponsor, Mental Health of America of The walk, held from 9-11 a.m., Fredericksburg (MHAF), it still continues the mission of supporting suicide will continue its tradition of offering a prevention programs in our area and memory wall to celebrate the lives of those spreading awareness of this preventable affected by suicide, as well as colored beads representing how each participant cause of death.

Nancy Williams & Merian Stevens “Abstract Expressions”

Though September 27 Reception, September 4

has been touched by suicide. The expanded event will now include family activities and live entertainment until 4 p.m. Registered walkers will receive a tshirt, and free food and beverages after the walk. On a personal note, I have been involved with this annual walk for a number of years after suicide affected my family. Being a part of a larger community that understood what I was feeling, helped to ease the stigma and guilt that I was going through. Now on the other side of that pain, I appreciate that I am able to volunteer at this event and help others process and heal by being a part of a larger cause. I urge anyone affected by suicide or who wants to help support suicide prevention in our area to register

to walk for this event. I promise it will be a day well spent. To register as a participant or team, or to offer your support as a sponsor or donor, please visit http://abovethedarkness.org.

Christina Ferber is a long-time volunteer for tis annual walk. She invites you to join her on Oct. 17.

There are 20-foot tall flowers springing up at Downtown Greens, the 20 year old organic greenspace at 206 Charles Street at the southern entrance to downtown Fredericksburg. Well known Fredericksburg artist Bill Harris (Left) is currently working on a “Monumental Urban Garden” mural commissioned by Downtown Greens and funded with JumpstArt! grant from the a

Fredericksburg E c o n o m i c Development Authority. The mural is slated to be finished the first week of September. Preperation of the building for the mural was done by v o l u n t e e r s , including Stephen Hu, Thomas Troy Coghill, Sarah Perry, Will Kidwell , Carole Garmon and Fredericksburg Painting Service.(above) The mural, spanning part of the south-east side and front of the building consists of three 5-foot wide Echinacea angustifolia flowers, 2 butterflies and a 2foot wide honey bee. The Echinacea flower is a medicinal flower whose bright petals and striking center will remind visitors and passers-by of the regenerative and

healing aspects of the natural world around us. Downtown Greens is a 501-c3 non-profit corporation with a mission to foster community involvement and growth by protecting and nurturing urban greenspace through collaborative environmental stewardship and experiential education. The garden is open 365 days a year, sunrise to sunset and is in part, tucked behind the building at 206 Charles street, and also on the corner of Charles, Dixon and Princess Anne Streets. Visitors are encouraged to come on foot, or ride a bicycle, but limited car parking is also available at Old Walker Grant School, and along Charles Street. Find Downtown Greens on the web at downtowngreens.org. Volunteer garden hours are Thursdays from 3-6pm or Saturdays from 9am-12. Find Bill Harris at wcharris.com

Anna-Katya Hvizdos is Office Manager for Downtown Greens

Walk to Prevent Suicide. Walk to Save Lives. 8th Annual Suicide Prevention Walk Live Entertainment after the Walk Register by October 10, 2015 to be guaranteed a T-Shirt Spotsylvania Courthouse Village Saturday, October 17, 2015 9 am Registration ; 10 am Walk For more information, contact: Amy Jones amy.suicideprevention@gmail.com or MHAF 540-371-2704 or email mhafred@mhafred.org

Own The Movie A 40-minute film with aerial and underwater photography that tells the story of the Rappahannock River from the Blue Ridge Mountains to the Chesapeake Bay.

DVD $14.95; Members $11.96 www.riverfriends.org 540-373-3448 3219 Fall Hill Ave.

September 2015

Front porch fredericksburg

www.govirginiagetaways.com front porch fredericksburg

September 2015

Bill Harris

ABOVE THE DARKNESS Promoting Suicide Prevention and Keeping it Local

PAINTS “MONUMENTAL URBAN GARDEN” AT DOWNTOWN GREENS By anna-katya hvizdos

Nancy Williams & Merian Stevens “Abstract Expressions”

Though September 27 Reception, September 4

to walk for this event. I promise it will be a day well spent. To register as a participant or team, or to offer your support as a sponsor or donor, please visit http://abovethedarkness.org.

Christina Ferber is a long-time volunteer for tis annual walk. She invites you to join her on Oct. 17.

Anna-Katya Hvizdos is Office Manager for Downtown Greens

Own The Movie A 40-minute film with aerial and underwater photography that tells the story of the Rappahannock River from the Blue Ridge Mountains to the Chesapeake Bay.

DVD $14.95; Members $11.96 www.riverfriends.org 540-373-3448 3219 Fall Hill Ave.

September 2015

Front porch fredericksburg

www.govirginiagetaways.com front porch fredericksburg

September 2015

Vino from vine to bottle The Renowned Northern Italian Restaurant once in Stafford on Garrisonville Rd moves to downtown Fredericksburg’s “Historic Chimney’s Building” on Caroline Street adding Internationality to their Cuisine

The General Store

Restaurant

Since 1978

Italian/American Food Monday-Saturday 11 am-10 pm

371-4075 2018 College Ave. Fredericksburg

September 2015

By scott richards

Open 7 days a week Monday to Saturday 11 am to 10pm International Sunday Brunch 9am to 3pm Dinner from 3pm to 9pm Private Dining Rooms for Your Holiday parties or any occasion!!! 623 Caroline Street Fredericksburg VA 22401 Tel (540) 368-1 1107 Fax (540) 368-1 1108

Front porch fredericksburg

Lately it has been a busy time for the Virginia's wine industry. Many do not think about what goes into their favorite bottle of wine until they begin to be aware of grapes being picked in the latter part of August. The truth is, in addition to the care of the vines that has continued all summer, the crunch time starts well ahead of harvest. In order to make room for the juices after they are crushed from the harvested grapes, the wine in the barrels and tanks needs to be bottled. This process starts at the very last of July and continues through the middle of August, usually finishing up just before the ripe grapes are brought in. While many of the larger wineries have automated pieces of equipment that take care of bottling, corking and labeling with one operation, while most of the smaller farm wineries located throughout the state have to deal with bottling on a different scale with machinery that is not as technically advanced. No matter what size the operation, equipment must be sanitized. The wine is usually pumped from a holding tank to an elevated one. From the elevated tank the wine is fed by gravity into a bottle filler. A common bottling operation involves one person emptying cases of bottles on a table. The individual working the four to six bottle filler takes the bottles and inserts the fill tubes into the bottles. They have to watch to see that the bottle is filled with wine to the proper level and take it off, putting an empty bottle in its place. Another individual adds either CO2 or Nitrogen gas to keep air out which will oxidize and spoil the wine. On to the corker, who, in most cases, uses a hand corker that leaves the individual working it with aching hands by the end of the session. For those fortunate enough, an automatic corker can be used in which the corks are poured into a hopper and automatically fed into

position so that once a button is pushed, the filled and gassed bottle of wine has a cork inserted into the bottle correctly. For the home wine maker, whether using a store-bought kit or a limited amount of grapes to make wine, the corker may be a scissor shaped device with the cork placed in position and then the mouth of the corker put over the mouth of the bottle. When the handles are pulled down (hopefully keeping the corker straight as this is done), the cork goes into the bottle. Often this leaves a dimple in the end of the cork, and if not done properly, the cork will not go the whole way into the bottle. In the winery, after the cork is inserted, there is a process of wiping off the bottles, usually done by an individual with a damp rag. The bottles are then placed back in the cases they came from and stacked on a pallet. Hopefully, there is a pallet jack or fork lift around to move the pallet of cases to a storage area. Depending on the amount of wine to be bottled and the number of people available to man the various stations, the time it takes to bottle the wine varies. Interestingly enough, workers get into a rhythm and can move rather rapidly. Recently, four of us bottled seventy six cases (twelve bottles to a case) of wine using a four bottle filler and a non automatic corker. Another time six of us, using an automatic corker, bottled eighty cases, but it did not seem to go any faster. Immediately upon finishing the bottling of the last of the wine, it is immediately time to begin picking the grapes. Drink what you like, but remember where it came from and what went into the wine you are drinking. Ciao! Scott Richards is owner of Loch Haven Vineyards, and a free lance Read his blog at fromthevine.wordpress.com or Contact him at bgmeadowswine@yahoo.com

Season’s Bounty Ice Cream 2.0

By vanessa moncure If you missed last month’s ice cream column/history lesson, that’s OK. We’re moving to the 20th century and beyond in this month’s Ice Cream 2.0. While Thos. Jefferson added French-styled “iced creams” to the lexicon of colonial Americans, we’re now transported to the grocery’s glass-door frozen superpremium aisle. And what name springs to mind, centuries after Jefferson? Ben and Jerry of course. Following are some real-deal recipes which I saved when they were published sometime in the early 1980s, not too many years after Vermonters B&J began their business in 1978. My son went to grad school at Penn State, home of the Berkey Creamery and there I was introduced to Ice Cream Heaven. They usually have over 20 fresh flavors daily, a changing assortment of half-gallons to go, and a total list of over 110 ice cream, frozen yogurt and sherbet flavors. Penn State’s Food Science Department began offering an ice cream short course in 1892 and all I can say is WOW - there’s a reason hundreds of people routinely stand in line there day and night. B&J took this course - the University was already adding the candies, fudge swirls, fruits and nuts to their super-premium ice cream. So if you’re ever traveling near Happy Valley, PA…….. HEATH BAR CRUNCH ICE CREAM - MAKES 1 ¼ QTS. Chop four Original Heath Bar candy bars (each 1 3/16 oz.) into ½ to 1inch pieces. Place in small bowl, cover, then place in freezer while preparing ice cream. Beat together 2 eggs (or better yet, pasteurized whole egg product) until light and fluffy, then gradually beat in 3/4c. sugar, beating for a total of 4 minutes. Stir in 2 c. cold heavy cream and 1 c. whole milk. Pour mixture into icecream freezer and freeze until ice cream begins to stiffen. Remove dasher from container and fold in frozen candy pieces. Remove ice cream to a freezer-safe container and freeze at least 4 hours or overnight for firm consistency. Eat right now if you like a custardy-cream. SWEET CREAM BASE - MAKES 1 QT. Use this as the base for the following two recipes, or use it as a base for your own creations! I make an incredible coffee ice cream by substituting part of the milk with a chilled serving of espresso and adding ¼ c. Kahlua to the mix. Alcohol keeps the ice cream from freezing into an icy chunk. I have also made great banana ice cream, peach, cherry and raspberry by adding the appropriate liqueur and fruit, either added at the beginning (banana) or folded in near the end (other fruits) if you like chunks. Try a smooth mango or juicy pineapple.

Beat two large eggs until light and fluffy, 2 minutes. (or the egg substitute) Gradually beat in ¾ c. sugar, beating a total of 4 minutes. Stir in cream and milk. Use as a base for the following recipes or add 1-2 tsp. vanilla extract and freeze according to freezer directions. KAHLUA ALMOND FUDGE ICE CREAM MAKES 1 ¼ QTS. Prepare Sweet Cream Base and stir in ½ c. Kahlua. Transfer to freezer and freeze until ice cream begins to stiffen. With a spatula, stir in prepared whole roasted almonds (spread in single layer on baking sheet, place in preheated 400F oven for about 4 minutes or until lightly browned, stirring once. Coarsely chop until you have ¾ c. - they can be salted or unsalted and need to be chilled) and contents of one 12oz. jar of prepared hot fudge topping, at room temperature. Remove ice cream to a freezer-safe container and freeze 4 hours or overnight. Again, if you like a softer ice cream, dive in! NEW YORK SUPERFUDGE CHUNK ICE CREAM - Really! When preparing the Sweet Cream Base, increase sugar to one cup, decrease heavy cream to 1 cup and also add 1 tsp. vanilla and a pinch of salt. You will use the milk in making a chocolate mixture to add to base - Melt 2 oz. unsweetened chocolate, then gradually whisk in the 1 c. of milk until smooth. Cool to room temperature, then beat into base. Refrigerate uncovered until cold, about 40 minutes. Transfer mixture to ice cream maker and freeze until the ice cream begins to stiffen. Then fold in the rest of the ingredients (prechilled) and pack in freezer-safe container for 4 hours or overnight. And if you can’t wait…… Ingredients for the SUPERFUDGE CHUNK part - Combine ¼ c. each coarsely chopped semisweet chocolate, white chocolate and walnuts, ¼ c. whole pecan halves and ¼ c. chocolate covered almonds, halved. Refrigerate until ready to fold into ice cream. At the time I saved these recipes, I hadn’t ever tried B&J (I’m not sure any Frederickburg-area stores carried the product at the time) but my family made a lot of the hand-crank-and-pass-out variety of ice cream in the summer - with a big wooden bucket holding a can of ice cream mix and a 3-parts-ice to 1-part salt heaped around it - and the gleaming hand crank. I do think the exertion needed to produce the ice cream makes it all the sweeter, but I love my freezer-bowl countertop model, too! Let B&J know if you come up with interesting combos - the company occasionally runs a contest. Vanessa Moncure brings us great recipes, with her special touches, each month in FP

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

S ammy T’ s DOWNTOWN FREDERICKSBURG’S

Serving Great Food Since 1981

Home of the “Camper Special” & the Best Burger in Town 801 Caroline Street

(540) 371-2008

Try Our Self-Serve Yogurt open 11:30 am Daily Still Owned by the Emory Family

Open Daily 11am - 4pm 540.371.2233 www.thevirginiadeli.com 826 Caroline at the corner of Caroline & George Streets Master Card ~ Visa ~ Discover front porch fredericksburg

September 2015

The General Store

Restaurant

Since 1978

Italian/American Food Monday-Saturday 11 am-10 pm

371-4075 2018 College Ave. Fredericksburg

September 2015

By scott richards

Front porch fredericksburg

Season’s Bounty Ice Cream 2.0

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

S ammy T’ s DOWNTOWN FREDERICKSBURG’S

Serving Great Food Since 1981

Home of the “Camper Special” & the Best Burger in Town 801 Caroline Street

(540) 371-2008

Try Our Self-Serve Yogurt open 11:30 am Daily Still Owned by the Emory Family

Open Daily 11am - 4pm 540.371.2233 www.thevirginiadeli.com 826 Caroline at the corner of Caroline & George Streets Master Card ~ Visa ~ Discover front porch fredericksburg

September 2015

Cooking With Kyle Simple, easy, delicious by james kyle snyder

Food brings back memories. When you say “the house smells like thanksgiving,” a particular picture or scene is brought forward and you can almost indulge in the sweet and savory smells and flavors you have collected and stored over the years. This emergent memory is not confined to the holiday season or location of the event. Something as simple as a sandwich can take you back to a found slice of your life that can not be fully absorbed without the anchor of the smells of food that had been enjoyed. I love Cuban food. Cuba is a true melting pot of cuisine showing influences from the Caribbean, Africa, Spain, and China. It shares similarities with Puerto Rico and the Dominican Republic. Simple dishes like moros y cristianos (black beans and rice cooked together) are called arroz con/y negro Frijoles when cooked separately. It is the ability to easily describe these nuances that implies care and high level of detail in their cuisine. In July, there was a sandwich contest in “the ‘burg” and the first thing that came to mind was a cubano. It conjured memories of: food trucks in Florida, the smell of the salty Atlantic air, hot sand, an ever-present breeze, and the mouthwatering mixture of grilled buttered bread surrounding carefully prepared pork shoulder, dill pickles, melt cheese, and a hint of spicy brown mustard. Because the pork is such a delicate flavor, the other ingredients need to be in the exact “right” proportions or the pork gets lost. We will talk about how to braise a pork in another article. Many use pork butts for this. I much prefer marinating and the tying a pork shoulder and then braising it ever-so-perfectly. Let’s just take it as a given that the pork is center stage and it must be moist and flavorful.

September 2015

I had trouble finding a good Cuban style bread for this sandwich so I purchased 8 different contestants for the experiment. The Jewish challa came in a close second. It’s only downfall was the missing crunch of the crust after grilling. The winner was the Torta from Costco. It had the requisite light-medium crust that would not get too tough, like Italian or French breads, but has a great flavor and texture for the finished product. Building a Cuban sandwich takes practice to get the portions right. Split the roll evenly, covering both insides with a thin layer of brown mustard. Evenly pile the thinly sliced pork on the bottom to about ¾ of an in thick. On the bun top, put two thinly sliced, pieces of sorano ham (this is an adaptation but a yummy one!). On the bottom, put one thin slice of Swiss cheese. On the top, one thin slice of the melty cooper cheese. Cover the Swiss with thinly sliced dill pickles. I get whole pickles and slice them thin my self. This is important or the pickles takeover the sandwich. Put the two halves together, butter both sides, and put on a pannini iron. I add a brick on to to help the compression of the sandwich. You can uses hot cast-irons to sandwich the sandwich as well. It takes about five minutes, on medium high, to get the cheese to melt and the bread to crisp. Experiment with different meats, turkey, chicken, prosciutto, or salami until the cubano is exactly how YOU like it. Remember, one great meal can give you years of memories so take the time to make even a simple sandwich spectacular! Hope you enjoy. Be well and keep it easy, simple, and delicious! Kyle brings as food that delights the palate each month in FP

Front porch fredericksburg

JUS POP’N Fxbg New gourmet popcorn store

By a.e.bayne Are you a salty or a sweet person? Maybe you like a little of both. Whatever you’re craving, you’ll find something to please at Jus Pop’n, Fredericksburg’s new gourmet flavored popcorn store. Carolyn Gipson and her son, Dominique Fowler, opened the shop in the small space next to Dragonfly Yoga Studio in the back of the Shop at 810 Caroline Street. You might say it is the perfect location, what with its close proximity to Jabberwocky Books. Gipson says her journey to business ownership came later in life, after years of commuting back and forth to Washington, D.C. for work. She had had a few years reprieve working at home, but then she was called back up to the office

to work onsite. The commute convinced her that there must be a better way. Gipson and Fowler looked at many storefronts downtown, but the space at 810 Caroline Street fit the bill. They completed the build-out and moved in for business. Gipson’s siblings had already successfully opened gourmet popcorn shops in other parts of the country - her sister with three in Iowa, and her brother with three in Wisconsin. She knew they would help her develop a business model that would work, and they would allow her to take their best recipes and tweak them for the tastes of locals in Fredericksburg. With Fowler’s help, Gipson started popping, first off-site, and then on. Today, she has a 16 ounce popper, a caramelizer, and many new recipes she’s developed with the help of her tastetesting team. It hasn’t been easy. Gipson says, “Getting people to realize that we’re back here has been a challenge. Doing events like the Sandwich Invitational and the Back to School Expo has helped with that. We’re making sure we have the proper staff who want to learn the popcorn business and aren’t just here for a sales job.” Gipson is also finding that space will be an issue in the future, which is actually

WELCOME TO OUR GREAT OUTDOORS It’s Beautiful ~ Night and Day!

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

Wine & Spirits a.bowman distillery wins two silver medals by Kristie Wooldridge

Serving Traditional Mexican, Tex-Mex Food and Something More!! Tuesday to Saturday 11am-9pm a good thing, as she says, “I see us growing a lot faster than anticipated.” Despite the obstacles, Gipson notes the kindness and support of her main street neighbors. “They’ve welcomed and accepted us. Everyone has offered to help in any way they can, and they’re always sending people over to check us out. I didn’t expect this much support from other businesses, and the outpouring of love has overwhelmed me.” Jus Pop’n offers a wide variety of flavors, but Gipson says customers have definite favorites. She says the Sea Salt Caramel is a best-seller. The Buffalo Ranch, “which has a little bit of a kick to it,” is also a hit. Gipson was surprised by the success of the dill pickle flavored popcorn. Of course, the kids go for birthday cake and Tutti-Frutti flavors. The pièce de résistance is the signature flavor of Fredericksburg, the Freddy – a combination of cheese and caramel popcorn that offers the perfect blend of salty and sweet. Gipson plans to grow the business, and she’s working hard to expand her customer base. She says, “We aren’t confined to the store. We do parties, weddings, special events, we ship, and we have online ordering.” For more information about Jus Pop’n, visit their Facebook page at JusPopn LLC, or check out the options on their webpage at www.juspopn.com . A.E. Bayne is a writer, visual artist, and educator who is a frequent contributor to Front Porch Magazine. She co-edits Fredericksburg Literary Review and has been living in Fredericksburg for 17 years.

Sunday 11am-6pm

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

The Sunken Well Tavern

Two bourbons from the A. Smith Bowman Distillery have each garnered silver medals at 2015 Los Angeles International Wine & Spirits Competition. John J. Bowman Virginia Straight Bourbon Whiskey, and Bowman Brothers Straight Bourbon Whiskey were each ranked among 365 spirits that were submitted from a total of 34 countries, and were ultimately awarded for demonstrating superior quality and taste.

720 Littlepage sunkenwelltavern.com 540-370-0911 Eat Well Drink Well Live Well

“It is a real honor for two of our bourbons to be awarded silver in this competition,” Brian Prewitt, master distiller, said. “It means a lot to us to be ranked among so many excellent spirits from across the globe.” The Los Angeles International Wine & Spirits Competition was formed in 2007, with an esteemed panel of judges using a blind-tasting method to award medals to the best distilled spirits from around the world. The award-winning entries will be displayed during the Los Angeles County Fair, Sept. 4 – 27, in “The Wine, Beer & Spirits Marketplace.” Complete results of the LAIWSC are available at www.laspiritscomp.com. A. Smith Bowman's distilling roots date back to the years before Prohibition when the Bowman family had a granary and dairy farm in Sunset Hills,

Virginia. They used excess grain from the family estate to distill spirits. In 1934, after the Repeal of Prohibition, Abram Smith Bowman and his sons continued the family tradition and built a more modern distillery in Fairfax County, Virginia called Sunset Hills Farm. In response to the rapid rise of taxes in Northern Virginia, the Distillery was moved in 1988 and is now nestled in Spotsylvania County near the city of Fredericksburg, 60 miles away from the original location. As a small and privately owned company, A. Smith Bowman Distillery continues the time-honored traditions on which it was founded. Considered a micro-distillery by today's standards, A. Smith Bowman produces an assortment of hand-crafted spirits distilled from only the finest natural ingredients and using the latest technology. This microdistillery focuses on the production of premium spirits honoring the legacy of Virginia's first settlers. For more information on A. Smith Bowman, please visit www.asmithbowman.com.

Kristie Wooldridge is the Associate Public Relatons Manager for A. Smith Bowman

front porch fredericksburg

September 2015

Cooking With Kyle Simple, easy, delicious by james kyle snyder

September 2015

Front porch fredericksburg

JUS POP’N Fxbg New gourmet popcorn store

WELCOME TO OUR GREAT OUTDOORS It’s Beautiful ~ Night and Day!

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

Wine & Spirits a.bowman distillery wins two silver medals by Kristie Wooldridge

Sunday 11am-6pm

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

The Sunken Well Tavern

720 Littlepage sunkenwelltavern.com 540-370-0911 Eat Well Drink Well Live Well

Kristie Wooldridge is the Associate Public Relatons Manager for A. Smith Bowman

front porch fredericksburg

September 2015

Merian Stevens & Nancy Williams "Abstract Expressions", Brush Strokes Gallery, 824 Caroline St. , exhibiting works in acrylic, oil, mixed media, watercolor on silk and Signature Scarves - a wearable art. Visitors will be enchanted with artists' abstracts, which combine emotional expression, spatial depth, bold movement, and passionate use of color.

september 2015…Back to School Daze Tuesday, September 1

Picnic in the Park Concert, 11:30-1:30pm a wonderful opportunity for visitors and residents of the Fredericksburg area to savor a beautiful day outdoors while enjoying live, local entertainment in historic downtown Bring a picnic lunch, a blanket, and come relax with the kiddos. Presented by Fredericksburg Parks & Rec Silver Liners line dancing every Tuesday morning at the Marshall Center, 8802 Courthouse Rd., Spotsylvania - 540-507-7533 - 9:30 AM - Free Music Tuesdays @Bistro Bethem309 William St. 710pm. Join us for Join us for ½ Drinks & pizzas.

Wednesday, September 2

Trivia Night w/quizmaster Josh Cameli @Sunken Well Tavern. 7:30pm. Get there early to get a seat! 720 Littlepage St. Light Jazz @LaPetite Auberge, 311 William St, 8midnight. Light jazz and Latin piano guitar at La Petite Auberge Restaurant & Lounge. Featuring Chris Phil Andy & Harry. No cover. lapetiteaubergefred.com

Thursday, September 3

Jason Ager, Live Music at 7:30 Kenmore Inn. featuring drink specials at the copper top bar The Village at Towne Centre & B101.5 Present Music On The Green., The Village Green, Spotsy Mall, 7-9pm

First Friday, September 4

Final Concert of the Season "Sounds of Summer Concert Series" @ Market Square, 7-9pm. Free Art First Featuring Darren Barnes All Members Exhibition Opening Eceotion. Show thru September 28 Libertytown Arts , all three Limbricks (Chris, Cameron & Missy) in one place at one time for a spectacular invitational show dubbed "Limbrick's Cubed". All three of these talented artists have been working on tons of brand new work for this show and it is one not to miss. 5-10pm

CALENDAR of events

"Near & Far" Photography Artwork of Lee Cochrane and Dawn Whitmore will shown in Member's Gallery at FCCA 813 Sophia St. Opening Reception, 6-9pm. Show thru Sept 27

Saturday, September 5

Olde Towne Carriage "Witch, Ghosts, Theives & Mayhem", Fredericksburg, America's Most Historic City, is also considered to be one of the most haunted cities in the country. So join us to see if you can find any undead on one of our Ghost Tours through historic downtown Fredericksburg. .oldetownecarriages.com. $. 8pm Saturdays: Art in the Park, Hurkamp Park 9-1pm. In conjunction with the Fredericksburg Farmer's Market, Art in the Park is an amazing showcase of local artists and their talents.

Sunday, September 6

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

Wednesday, September 9

Trivia Night w/quizmaster Josh Cameli @Sunken Well Tavern. 7:30pm. Get there early to get a seat! 720 Littlepage St.

Light Jazz @LaPetite Auberge, 311 William St, 8midnight. Light jazz and Latin piano guitar at La Petite Auberge Restaurant & Lounge. Featuring Chris Phil Andy & Harry. No cover. lapetiteaubergefred.com

Thursday, September 10

Jeremy Steding/Eddie D, Live Music at 7:30 Kenmore Inn. featuring drink specials at the copper top bar The Village at Towne Centre & B101.5 Present Music On The Green., The Village Green, Spotsy Mall, 7-9pm

Friday, September 11

208 Sale Trail Experience 24 miles of yard sales, antiquing, & sidewalk sales along route 208 in historic Spotsylvania County. Start at the intersection of Jefferson Davis Highway near exit 126 off of Interstate 95, follow Courthouse Road to Lake Anna. Bargans, antiques and one of a kind items galore. Be sure to pull completely off the road and watch out for pedestrians as well as great deals. Info tourism@Spotsylvania.va.us 8am -3pm.

Saturday, September 12

Monday, September 7 Labor Day

The Fredericksburg Area Museum and Cultural Center, along with Hallowed Ground Tours presents a special walking Neighborhood Tours the History of Our Homes @ Lower Caroline Street, 11:30am departs from he commuter parking lot on the corner of Caroline and Frederick Streets and lasts approximately 75 minutes.. $ St.Patrick Church Labor Day Bluegrass Festival, 9149 Elys Ford Rd., 22407 10am -4pm Tuesday, September 8 Music Tuesdays @Bistro Bethem309 William St. 710pm. Join us for Join us for ½ Drinks & pizzas.

208 Sale Trail Experience 24 miles of yard sales, antiquing, and sidewalk sales along route 208 in historic Spotsylvania County. 8am -3pm Celebrating the 125th Anniversary of the Saving of the Mary Washington House. 7-10 p.m. Mary Washington House, 1200 Charles Street. $. Casino games - live entertainment - 50/50 raffle delicious food and drink Historic Fredericksburg Foundation's "Vintage Route 1" event, 2217 Princess Anne (across from Carl's) 10-4pm. Vintageroute1.com . Heiwa Matsuri Fall Festival @ Aikido in Fredericksburg. A free day of activities and exhibits for all ages focused on healthy and peaceful living. 6155 Hickory Ridge Road, Spotsylvania. Free. Contact: sabine@aikidoinn.com 540-582-9600

3rd Annual Fredericksburg Rescue Squadapalooza 9AM until 2PM at Hurkamp Park. Live Music, Therapy Dogs, Ambulance Tours, Fire Truck Tours, and more! info@fxbgrescue.org History comes alive at the 8th Annual Yankees in Falmouth! And Some Confederates Too! at the Historic Moncure Conway House, 401 River Road Historic Port of Falmouth.Walk back in time and experience Falmouth the way it was 150 years ago during the Civil War! Come out and meet Union and Confederate soldiers and see their camps! President Lincoln will also be at this year's event and be available for a photo-op! All day. Free

Sunday, September 13

History comes alive at the 8th Annual Yankees in Falmouth! And Some Confederates Too! at the Historic Moncure Conway House, 401 River Road Historic Port of Falmouth.Walk back in time and experience Falmouth the way it was 150 years ago during the Civil War! Come out and meet Union and Confederate soldiers and see their camps! President Lincoln will also be at this year's event and be available for a photo-op! All day. Free Seurat Sunday at Caledon State Park, 9:00 am 4:00 pm Annual event for artists, patrons, and nature-lovers of all Paint, draw, photograph, model, or perform, on the beautiful grounds of Caledon State Park. Free to participate;

Tuesday, September 15

Picnic in the Park Concert, 11:30-1:30pm a wonderful opportunity for visitors and residents of the Fredericksburg area to savor a beautiful day outdoors while enjoying live, local entertainment in historic downtown Bring a picnic lunch, a blanket, and come relax with the kiddos. Presented by Fredericksburg Parks & Rec Music Tuesdays @Bistro Bethem309 William St. 710pm. Join us for Join us for ½ Drinks & pizzas.

Wednesday, September 16

Let's Go Fishing Ni River Reserve, 10516 Gordon Rd, 22407. Individuals with disabilities, along with their caregivers and friends, are invited to come fishing 9am - 3pm Trivia Night w/quizmaster Josh Cameli @Sunken Well Tavern. 7:30pm. Get there early to get a seat! 720 Littlepage St.

Thursday, September 17

Ashleigh Chevalier, Live Music at 7:30 Kenmore Inn. featuring drink specials at the copper top bar The Village at Towne Centre & B101.5 Present Music On The Green., The Village Green, Spotsy Mall, 7-9pm

Friday, September 18

Oktoberfest at Blue and Gray Brewing begins with keg-tapping ceremony. 6 pm. Continues on Sept 19.

Saturday, September 19

Oktoberfest at Blue & Gray Brewing. In traditional Bavarian fashion, Fredericksburg comes together under the big tents in September to celebrate the 13th Annual Oktoberfest! Family fun with sing along, stein holding contest, Oompah music, ginger bread walk. Authentic Oktoberfest Beer from Blue & Gray Brewing. 12-7pm

Thursday, September 24

Music By Moonlight Concert, Free outdoor concert by the Fredericksburg Big Band at Hurkamp Park. 7-10pm

Tuesday, September 29

Sunday, September 20

Jon Wiley & Bruce Middle, Live Music at 7:30 Kenmore Inn. featuring drink specials at the copper top bar Trolley Wine Tour 5 hour tour of Spotsylvania's 4 wineries. Ticket includes trolley pass, snack lunch, and wine tasting fees.FredericksburgTrolley.com for more information and to order tickets

4th annual Art Attack, 10 am-4pm Caroline & William Street. Come see the areas artist doing their thing!

Eden Try Estate & Winery Private gardens and boutique winery open 12-5 pm for wine tasting

After Art Attack Part, Liberty Town, 916 Liberty Street 4:30-7:30. Art Attack continues the party with food, refreshments and art activities for the public to enjoy. Including BYOS (bring your own stuff) Screen-Printing station.

4th Annual Fall Bazaar @ Resurrection Lutheran Church 6170 Plank Road Fredericksburg, VA 22407 - 1 mile west of Chancellor Elementary School on Rt 3 east side.1-7pm

Tuesday, September 22

Music Tuesdays @Bistro Bethem309 William St. 710pm. Join us for Join us for ½ Drinks & pizzas.

Saturdays: Art in the Park, Hurkamp Park 9-1pm. In conjunction with the Fredericksburg Farmer's Market, Art in the Park is an amazing showcase of local artists and their talents.

Wednesday, September 23

26th Annual Welsh Festval presented by the Welsh Society of Fredericksburg and the James Monroe Museum,908 Charles St. This popular street festival honors the Welsh heritage of James Monroe (through his mother Elizabeth Jones). It features live Welsh music, arts & crafts, food, dancing, and activities for children

Trivia Night w/quizmaster Josh Cameli @Sunken Well Tavern. 7:30pm. Get there early to get a seat! 720 Littlepage St.

Wylder, Live Music at 7:30 Kenmore Inn. featuring drink specials at the copper top bar The Village at Towne Centre & B101.5 Present Music On The Green., The Village Green, Spotsy Mall, 7-9pm

Picnic in the Park Concert, 11:30-1:30pm a wonderful opportunity for visitors and residents of the Fredericksburg area to savor a beautiful day outdoors while enjoying live, local entertainment in historic downtown Bring a picnic lunch, a blanket, and come relax with the kiddos. Presented by Fredericksburg Parks & Rec Music Tuesdays @Bistro Bethem309 William St. 710pm. Join us for Join us for ½ Drinks & pizzas.

Wednesday, September 30

If you are reading this 218 th issue of FP, thank an advertiser as we celebrate our 19 th year of continuous publication! If you are an advertiser, list your events. Deadline for September issue is Aug 20th. To submit events go to frontporchfredericksburg.com/submit

Lexi Grogan’s Pet Sitting Service Companionship Meal Preparation Medication Reminders Laundry

Light Housekeeping Shopping/Errands Personal Care Flexible Hours

Call for a free, no-obligation appointment

540-8 899-6 6787 16

September 2015

fortemusicstudios.com Front porch fredericksburg

540.899.1422 Each HomeInstead Franchise Office is Independently Owned & Operated

2599 Fans (& Growing) Want You to Join

“Your pet becomes my pet while in my care, and I care a lot!” (540-903-0437; lexig0892@gmail.com) On facebook as “lexi grogan’s pet sitting service”

Front Porch on

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September 2015

september 2015…Back to School Daze Tuesday, September 1

Wednesday, September 2

Thursday, September 3

Jason Ager, Live Music at 7:30 Kenmore Inn. featuring drink specials at the copper top bar The Village at Towne Centre & B101.5 Present Music On The Green., The Village Green, Spotsy Mall, 7-9pm

First Friday, September 4

CALENDAR of events

"Near & Far" Photography Artwork of Lee Cochrane and Dawn Whitmore will shown in Member's Gallery at FCCA 813 Sophia St. Opening Reception, 6-9pm. Show thru Sept 27

Saturday, September 5

Sunday, September 6

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

Wednesday, September 9

Trivia Night w/quizmaster Josh Cameli @Sunken Well Tavern. 7:30pm. Get there early to get a seat! 720 Littlepage St.

Thursday, September 10

Friday, September 11

Saturday, September 12

Monday, September 7 Labor Day

Sunday, September 13

Tuesday, September 15

Picnic in the Park Concert, 11:30-1:30pm a wonderful opportunity for visitors and residents of the Fredericksburg area to savor a beautiful day outdoors while enjoying live, local entertainment in historic downtown Bring a picnic lunch, a blanket, and come relax with the kiddos. Presented by Fredericksburg Parks & Rec Music Tuesdays @Bistro Bethem309 William St. 710pm. Join us for Join us for ½ Drinks & pizzas.

Wednesday, September 16

Thursday, September 17

Friday, September 18

Oktoberfest at Blue and Gray Brewing begins with keg-tapping ceremony. 6 pm. Continues on Sept 19.

Saturday, September 19

Thursday, September 24

Music By Moonlight Concert, Free outdoor concert by the Fredericksburg Big Band at Hurkamp Park. 7-10pm

Tuesday, September 29

Sunday, September 20

4th annual Art Attack, 10 am-4pm Caroline & William Street. Come see the areas artist doing their thing!

Eden Try Estate & Winery Private gardens and boutique winery open 12-5 pm for wine tasting

4th Annual Fall Bazaar @ Resurrection Lutheran Church 6170 Plank Road Fredericksburg, VA 22407 - 1 mile west of Chancellor Elementary School on Rt 3 east side.1-7pm

Tuesday, September 22

Music Tuesdays @Bistro Bethem309 William St. 710pm. Join us for Join us for ½ Drinks & pizzas.

Saturdays: Art in the Park, Hurkamp Park 9-1pm. In conjunction with the Fredericksburg Farmer's Market, Art in the Park is an amazing showcase of local artists and their talents.

Wednesday, September 23

Trivia Night w/quizmaster Josh Cameli @Sunken Well Tavern. 7:30pm. Get there early to get a seat! 720 Littlepage St.

Wylder, Live Music at 7:30 Kenmore Inn. featuring drink specials at the copper top bar The Village at Towne Centre & B101.5 Present Music On The Green., The Village Green, Spotsy Mall, 7-9pm

Picnic in the Park Concert, 11:30-1:30pm a wonderful opportunity for visitors and residents of the Fredericksburg area to savor a beautiful day outdoors while enjoying live, local entertainment in historic downtown Bring a picnic lunch, a blanket, and come relax with the kiddos. Presented by Fredericksburg Parks & Rec Music Tuesdays @Bistro Bethem309 William St. 710pm. Join us for Join us for ½ Drinks & pizzas.

Wednesday, September 30

Lexi Grogan’s Pet Sitting Service Companionship Meal Preparation Medication Reminders Laundry

Light Housekeeping Shopping/Errands Personal Care Flexible Hours

Call for a free, no-obligation appointment

540-8 899-6 6787 16

September 2015

fortemusicstudios.com Front porch fredericksburg

540.899.1422 Each HomeInstead Franchise Office is Independently Owned & Operated

2599 Fans (& Growing) Want You to Join

“Your pet becomes my pet while in my care, and I care a lot!” (540-903-0437; lexig0892@gmail.com) On facebook as “lexi grogan’s pet sitting service”

Front Porch on

homeinstead.com front porch fredericksburg

September 2015

history’s stories

FREDERICKSBURG PROMOTES PEACE By Ralph “Tuffy” Hicks

The year was 1899 just 34 years after the end of the War Between the States, there was still deep feelings of hostility, especially in the Deep South where Sherman had destroyed much of the southern industry and farms. The loss of human life both Union and Confederate has been estimated at over 800,000, with property damage in the millions. Fredericksburg was well known for its hospitality and historical importance from the colonial days of George Washington. Some citizens in the town suggested to the City Council that it would be a gracious thing if Fredericksburg would invite the Society of the Army of the Potomac to hold its 35th reunion in Fredericksburg. We must remember that none of the Union veterans organizations had held a reunion on southern soil since the end of the war. On July 27th 1899, the City Council passed the resolution which in part reads, " Assuring its members that they will meet with cordial and fraternal welcome by our citizens generally, and that every effort will be made on our part to make their sojourn here pleasant and agreeable to them." The Society of the Army of the Potomac approved the request after Judge James Sener gave them a presentation representing Fredericksburg City Council. The dates for the reunion were set as May 25th and 26th 1900. The City Council established a committee of 15 to begin planning for the event for the next several months. Notable names on the committee were: Captain M. B. Rowe, A. T. Embrey, Judge John T. Goolrick and George Shepherd. Many ladies in the community were involved in the lunch and banquet that was planned. On the morning of May 25, 1900, the presidential party was met at Quantico and escorted to Fredericksburg on the RF&P. They arrived at the train station and were greeted by the Bowering band, several confederate veterans and a very large group of members of the Society of the Army of the Potomac. President McKinley (pictured above) was escorted by his entire cabinet with the exception of Secretary Wilson. The Marine band led the march from the station up Main (Caroline) Street. The streets were crowded with people waving and the President waving back. The procession would end at the Court House and it is written that the building was crowded with citizens. President McKinley would be dead a year later, in September 1901, assassinated at the Pan American Exposition. The reunion was the beginning of many on southern soil for the Union veterans. They could be seen walking and talking over the silent battlefield with their former enemies, exchanging handshakes. Fredericksburg was the beginning of a long healing process that would take over a hundred years. Dedicated to the memory of Doug Redgrave and Diane Carrington

OUR HERITAGE expanding fredericksburg By Emily Taggart Schricker . In 1939, New Year’s Eve fell on a Sunday. While the Free LanceStar speculated that the celebration surrounding the occasion would “likely be a quiet one,” more than a new decade was on the city’s horizon. At midnight, when the calendar page turned to January 1, 1940, the City of Fredericksburg would grow by more than 50 percent. Its boundaries would expand to the north, west, and south, and the most discussed benefit would be realized—the 1940 Census should calculate the city’s population as more than 10,000 people, thereby making it a “city of the First Class.” In 1938, City Council had created a special Annexation Committee to explore expansion of the city’s boundaries into parts of Spotsylvania County. The result was a case coming to court in December 1939, despite the goal to make the expansion effective only weeks later for the New Year. However, after a brief hearing before three Spotsylvania Circuit Court judges, the annexation was ordered. The official ordinance, documented in the City Council minutes, cites that most of the residents in the annexation areas already did business within the city boundaries and received many city benefits without paying city taxes. The Free Lance-Star reported that while the city’s water and sewer lines had already been extended out into the area, the ordinance stipulated that the city had to complete the sewer line expansion and provide garbage collection, as well as fire and police protection. Most of the area north of downtown annexed was called Elwood City and ran from approximately Pelham Street to Amaret Street. The properties facing Princess Anne Street (at the time more often referred to as Jefferson Davis Highway or U.S. Highway #1) were larger lots that contained commercial ventures, as they still are today. Restaurants and gas

Renewing Chatham: chatham windows - witness to history campaign By kathryn willis

stations were common in the area and being at the edge of town, travelers may have seen this as one of their first, or last, opportunities to refuel. Even in the years of World War II when rubber and gasoline (among other things) were strictly rationed, many service stations, garages, and car dealers could be found along the entire length of Princess Anne Street. It is a notable detail that the city could support such a large number of automotive businesses. As the country moved into the post-World War II era and Fredericksburg further expanded its boundaries, travel on U.S. Route 1 and the Route 1 Bypass (today’s Jefferson Davis Highway) boomed. Fredericksburg was adding new modern buildings, welcoming carloads of visitors, and growing into the city, that today, we call home.

Over Chatham’s long existence, its windows have witnessed the gaze of generations. From genteel Colonial guests viewing the docks and rooftops of a growing mercantile center, to Union leaders whose piercing focus was riveted on the town they were commanded to subdue, the windows of this noble home have framed the drama that shaped this nation.

“Summer House”, and having established a fund to help maintain its grounds and gardens, this intrepid group of dedicated volunteers has perhaps its most challenging task to date: refurbish and stabilize the windows and doors of this majestic silent witness. In September, Friends of Chatham will launch its campaign to have every one of those windows and doors

The mansion has weathered its nearly three centuries with grace. Inevitably, however, long decades and weather have compromised those windowpanes, mullions and sills. And now, it is time that we, the caretakers of this national inheritance, come to its aid. The National Park Service has restored the shutters to its 65+ windows, but the windows themselves are in danger of failing, and the Park Service has no funds to address this need. Enter Friends of Chatham. Having championed the restoration of the

“adopted” by folks who understand the importance of this noble home, both to our area and to our national heritage. The Window and Door Repair Project hopes to raise funds for each window and door. The cost for repairing and stabilizing each window ranges from $725 to $875, and a pre-launch gathering has resulted in nine windows already finding sponsorship. “This is not a true restoration project,” explains board member Nancy Fahy. “Restoration of each window requires taking the windows out of their frames, and the repair and replacement of

the inner-workings—a much more costly undertaking.” But, as Lynda Baer, the group’s president, adds, “This stabilization project will repair and protect the windows and doors against far worse, and inevitable, deterioration.” Because Chatham is under the aegis of the National Park Service, regulations are strict about the project’s management: the goal is to maintain the NPS’s high professional standards for historic preservation and donor recognition. Friends of Chatham works closely and harmoniously with NPS staff to assure that the guidelines are followed. The launch of “Chatham Windows: Witness to History” Campaign is slated for Tuesday, September 29, at 6 PM, at Brock’s Riverside Grill. Dinner, door prizes, a 50/50 raffle, and a live auction are planned. More information can be found at www.friendsofchatham.org, or by emailing friendsofchatham@gmail.com.

Friends of Chatham invites all to come hear more about this new endeavor, and to take an active part in investing in its future by investing in its past. Chatham’s magnificent profile now clearly commands its Rappahannock riverside hill, renewing interest in this jewel in the region’s historic glory. Its gardens and surroundings are sumptuous in trellis roses, lilacs, and wisteria vines. But its windows and doors need imminent attention.

Kathryn Willis has been a major advocate of the Fredericksburg community for many years, serving on numerous art, advocacy and education boards.

Want to learn more about the history of the Upper Princess Anne Street neighborhood? Join HFFI at the Vintage Route 1 Event on Saturday, Sept 12th, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the General Washington Executive Center for a guided tour of the area, history exhibits, a vintage fashion display, and fun family-friendly activities! For information, call 540-371-4504 or visit VintageRoute1.com Emily Taggart Schricker is currently President of HFI and spends much of her time gathering stories and information about Fredericksburg in the 20th century.

Central Rappahannock

HERITAGE CENTER Volunteers needed to process historical documents and aid researchers. Training provided. Phone 540-373-3704 or email crhc@verizon.net Open to the public for scholarly research

The Heritage Center 18

September 2015

Maury Commons

900 Barton St

Front porch fredericksburg

Fredericksburg

front porch fredericksburg

September 2015

history’s stories

FREDERICKSBURG PROMOTES PEACE By Ralph “Tuffy” Hicks

Renewing Chatham: chatham windows - witness to history campaign By kathryn willis

Kathryn Willis has been a major advocate of the Fredericksburg community for many years, serving on numerous art, advocacy and education boards.

Central Rappahannock

HERITAGE CENTER Volunteers needed to process historical documents and aid researchers. Training provided. Phone 540-373-3704 or email crhc@verizon.net Open to the public for scholarly research

The Heritage Center 18

September 2015

Maury Commons

900 Barton St

Front porch fredericksburg

Fredericksburg

front porch fredericksburg

September 2015

Companions

ANIMAL RITES, USA Pet Cremation Service

celebrates 125th anniversary

puppy school

So it's now that time of year again, back to school, we all love to learn and others like to teach, well dogs love to learn too, so they need to be taught the right and wrong of their behavior. There are so many misconceptions of dog training, the belief that puppies should be disciplined through the use of punishment, incorrect. A different approach is to reward good behavior with treats and praise, this approach will help build and bond and relationship with your puppy because it involves understanding the way dogs think. The key to training is consistency, yes we all get busy with our lives but a new puppy is like a baby, they are top priority, by devoting time into your puppy's training he will grow into a well behaved dog that is a joy to own. Poor or lack of training can lead to many behavioral problems such as, moodiness, aggression, and disobedience, this can lead to struggles in family life. Always be consistent with your training, if one day your pup hops up onto the couch

yell your pup will not listen to you and will not benefit from the wrong behavior, he will just continue it. A dog (puppy or adult) has an associative memory of about three seconds, so if your pup pees on the floor and you don't notice it for ten minutes by the time you see it and scold him, he will not understand what you are scolding him for. Firm and fair, when you catch your puppy in the act of peeling on the floor immediately stop him and give a firm "no" and take the pup outside to show him that this is where he goes to the bathroom, not on your nice clean kitchen floor. The trick to training is time and consistency, I have met so many good dogs with my line of work, and the owners have told me that they spent thousands of hours training their pet. Yes that may seem like a very long time but when you are doing it everyday for a young pup it becomes second nature. Alexis Grogan is the owner of Lexi’s Pet Sitting Services. She can be reached at 540-903-0437, lxi0892@gmail.com and on facebook

Private, Individual Cremation Personal Pick Up & Delivery Respect for all “Best Friends” Serving the Area since 2003 Visit Us at Our Website: www.animalritesusa.com Call Us At: 540-361-7487

Grooming Salon Canine & Feline Boarding Dog Training with Play Time Alternative Therapies: Therapy Laser: Helps with Pain Relief, Decreases Inflammation & Enhances Healing Chiropractic Adjustments: Provides Comfort & Restores Motion & Function to many patients

540/374-0462 September 2015

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MYTH #1: Weight Training Will Make Women Look Too Bulky. The women body builders that come to mind train very long and hard to achieve their physiques. Don’t worry. When you lift weights to the point that you sweat a little is not going to make you to look like them. It will, however, add muscle density to your body, which in turn will burn more calories. It takes more calories to move a body of muscle than a body of fat.

When it’s time to say “Good-bye”

Full Service Hospital featuring:

www.woahvets.com

by Joan M. Geisler I would like to share with you my thoughts from an article by Dr. Joseph Mercola and encourage you to check out his website, fitness.mercola.com

Stacy L. Horner-Dunn, DVM Gary B. Dunn, DVM Melanie M. Bell, DVM Sandi L. Pepper, DVM Melissa A. DeLauter, DVM Jennifer V. Skarbek, DVM Sheree M. Corbin, DVM

7 exercise myths

By anne r. darron

By Alexis Grogan and he looks adorable, he's also not doing any harm and then the next he hops up and is all wet and muddy, and now your couch is a muddy mess and you yell at him, that's inconsistency. If you decide your pet is allowed on the couch, when he is muddy do not allow him on until he is dry, if you do not want your pet on the couch he must know to get down when you say so. Food, it is yours not your dogs, your pup must respect your eating times, when you sit down to eat never give scraps of your food to your pup, your just asking for years of constant begging and whining, I have an issue with this my self. If your pup does come begging when you eat do not change your habit, people have thought of they give their dog food it'll make the dog love them more, no! Continue to eat if he persists a stare or a firm "no beg" should suffice; if that does not work a gentle push may do the trick. Keep in mind dogs are opportunists and scavengers, do not leave your food unattended, if your pup learns to steal your food while your up in the kitchen getting a drink it's your fault for basically handing him the plate, you can only be upset with yourself not your pup. Now scolding, there is a difference with scolding and yelling. If you

Renew

Mary Washington House

IN 1890, a small group of women banded together to protect the Mary Washington House from being dismantled & shipped to Chicago to be on display at the Columbian Exposition World's Fair. Slated to be sold to the Chicago Columbian Exposition in 1890, the Mary Washington House was to be dismantled and moved piece by piece to Chicago, where it would likely have burned in the fire. A small group of local women banded together and with help from the newly formed Association for the Preservation of Virginia Antiquities, raised money and acquired the house saving it from certain loss. 125 years later, we must continue to honor their commitment and tenacity. As the current stewards of the Mary Washington House, it is up to each of us to continue their efforts to save the house for future generations. On Sept 12 th, walk back in time to 1890. Join us under the stars for “Saving Mary’s Home” at the Mary Washigton House, 1200 Charles Street. Enjoy popular activities, newly introduced

foods and gadgets being showcased locally and at the Chicago World’s Fair. Washington Heritage Museums is a 501(c)3 membership organization established to assume ownership and management of four historic house museums in downtown Fredericksburg: Mary Washington House, Hugh Mercer Apothecary, St. James' House and Rising Sun Tavern. We are an active organization of several hundred members dedicated to grow the support that will ensure the relevance of these legacies for generations to come. Washington Heritage Museums hosts regular educational programs and social events. Our organization manages, maintains and staffs the museums. We continue to grow our active membership to generate the resources necessary to preserve these priceless historic properties for enjoyment and appreciation of current and future generations. Anne Darron is the Executive Directo of the Wasington Heritage Museums. Contact her at 540-373-5630 or ADarron@WashingtonHeritageMuseums. org

MYTH #2: It’s Dangerous to Start Exercising When You Are Older. I laughed out loud when I read this one! Most of my clients are 65 plus. They love how their toned muscles allow them to move through life with ease. MYTH #3: Walking Is Useless. Who ever thinks this way does not have a regular long distance habit. I have power walked off more than 200 lbs. (total gain with 4 pregnancies). No matter what your size or fitness level, everyone can begin a walking program. MYTH #4: You Have to Exercise Long and Hard to Lose Weight and Improve Fitness. Now, we know strength and fitness does not come easy but studies show that 20 minutes of mild exhortation that raises your heart rate and makes you perspire even a little, yields tremendous benefits. MYTH #5: You Can Target Fat Deposits with Spot Training. 100 sit-ups a day will not give you a flat belly. You might develop a 6 pack but it is hidden under a thermal blanket of fat. Fat does not

shrink through exercising. You cannot out work your diet. I see big strong guys at the gym that do a great job hiding all their hard earned muscles under a layer of cheeseburgers and Budweiser. MYTH #6: If You Don’t Need To Lose Weight There is No Need To Exercise. The new buzzword is “Skinny Fat.” Just because you are thin does not mean you are healthy. Anorexia anyone? Skinny people need to be strong too. We all need to build a strong heart muscle and do weight bearing exercises to condense bones and offset osteoporosis. All you naturally slim people, do not be lulled into thinking that thin equals healthy. MYTH #7: No Pain No Gain. This statement is so filled with testosterone that it has a 5 o’clock shadow. The sentiment is well taken but it is not to be taken literally. Pain is an indicator that something is wrong. I like to say, “No sweat, no gain.” The best part of my job is when I hear a client say, “I never knew I could be so strong!” It is my pleasure to help women make their ‘arms strong for the task.’ The take away is; Incorporate some sort of sweat producing activity into your every day life. Start with 3 days and fall in love with exercise.And as always, I am here to help you. Joan Geisler is starting her 6th year with Gold’s Gym where she dispels these and other myths all day long.

Front Porch Fredericksburg

Supporting Preservation Since 1997

10 Walsh Lane front porch fredericksburg

September 2015

Companions

ANIMAL RITES, USA Pet Cremation Service

celebrates 125th anniversary

puppy school

Private, Individual Cremation Personal Pick Up & Delivery Respect for all “Best Friends” Serving the Area since 2003 Visit Us at Our Website: www.animalritesusa.com Call Us At: 540-361-7487

540/374-0462 September 2015

Front porch fredericksburg

When it’s time to say “Good-bye”

Full Service Hospital featuring:

www.woahvets.com

by Joan M. Geisler I would like to share with you my thoughts from an article by Dr. Joseph Mercola and encourage you to check out his website, fitness.mercola.com

Stacy L. Horner-Dunn, DVM Gary B. Dunn, DVM Melanie M. Bell, DVM Sandi L. Pepper, DVM Melissa A. DeLauter, DVM Jennifer V. Skarbek, DVM Sheree M. Corbin, DVM

7 exercise myths

By anne r. darron

Renew

Mary Washington House

Front Porch Fredericksburg

Supporting Preservation Since 1997

10 Walsh Lane front porch fredericksburg

September 2015

Senior Care every 67 seconds By Karl Karch handle some common issues with compassion and respect that may arise from customers. By taking a short 30 minute training module, a business can earn the “Alzheimer’s designation Friendly Business”. For an individual with Alzheimer’s, the disease eventually affects every part of September 26 their life, and will significantly 9 am - 11 am impact the lives of those closest University of Mary Washington Campus to them. For example, a woman who was stubbornly Contact: Sandy Grady independent now requires 24804-967-2517 hour supervision just to ensure sgrady1@alz.org her basic safety. Or an articulate, highly educated man Many of you are already well doesn’t recognize his children, or becomes acquainted with Alzheimer’s disease, but overwhelmed when choosing which shirt probably are not aware that every 67 seconds someone in the United States to wear. Or the exhausted, anxious family develops Alzheimer’s disease and currently members struggling to cope with the responsibilities of Alzheimer’s care over five million Americans are living with the disease. Anyone touched by the desperately need the support of respite disease knows that those with Alzheimer’s services. As a primary family caregiver, it always get worse and always end up is particularly stressful to see the changes requiring full-time assistance with daily your loved one is going through as the living. It is the only cause of death among disease progresses. Someone diagnosed with the disease may be stressed and the top 10 in America without a way to prevent it, cure it, or slow its progression. angered as they see life as they knew it Experts estimate that Alzheimer’s will slipping away. Lori Myers, Fredericksburg Regional Director of the Alzheimer’s someday impact an estimated one-third of Association Greater Richmond Chapter, is families with 70 percent caring for their ready to help by conducting family loved ones at home. This year there are caregiver support groups as well as group an estimated 5.3 million Americans with and individual meetings. Contact her at the disease costing our country $226 billion. Unless something is done, 540-370-0835 for dates and locations as Alzheimer’s will cost an estimated $1.1 well as any other information. trillion (in today’s dollars) in 2050. While deaths from other major causes have decreased significantly, deaths from Alzheimer’s disease have increased An estimated 130,000 significantly. Virginians have Alzheimer’s disease, which is the equivalent of the population of Spotsylvania County. The cost of 452,000 unpaid Virginia caregivers is $6.3 billion. Caregivers often stay home and become isolated from the community as their loved ones’ disease progresses. They avoid shopping and running errands with them because they fear businesses can be busy and confusing for their loved one causing anxiety or disruptive behaviors. According to a recent Home Instead Senior Care survey, caregivers want businesses to be Alzheimer’s friendly. In response to this need, Home Instead Senior Care developed a website (www.AlzheimersFriendlyBusiness.com) to help businesses gain insight into the disease and offer tips to help employees

September 2015

The Alzheimer’s Association Walk to End Alzheimer’s, the association’s largest fundraiser, is held annually in more than 600 communities in September and October. The greater Fredericksburg area annual Walk To End Alzheimer’s will be held September 26th from 9:00am – 11:00am at the University of Mary Washington campus. You can make a difference in the effort to find a cure for Alzheimer’s by attending the walk and/or making a donation. So, please consider joining us in supporting this effort.

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

Front porch fredericksburg

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

Emancipated Patients european medical ramblings

Wellness solving a lingering threat

by patrick neustatter, MD Better value, more love for your pet than if you kennel board him!

I am on a European jaunt with wife Paula and daughter Tegan. I thought some medical observation from the road might be of interest. St Vitus’ Dance Why a Sicilian martyr who lived in Roman times has a cathedral in Prague, I don’t know, but we visit the splendid Cathedral of St Vitus and wonder about the origin of the name of his dance. “St Vitus Dance” is a synonym for Sydenham’s Chorea - a neurological disorder, that, together with Rheumatic Fever, is a rare complication of strep throat, causing bizarre, writhing movements.. Story is that St Vitus, as a mere seven year old, would not forsake his Christianity. He died from being tortured (including by his father). Wikipedia says the name is from people dancing before statues of St Vitus on his saints day. Our guide told us it was named for the writhing movements Vitus performed when thrown in hot oil. Absanthe Fiendish green liquor served in “Absantheries” around Prague. Traditionally made from wormwood herb, and containing thujone – whose molecular structure is similar to THC in marijuana. This draft gained popularity – and notoriety – among impressionist painters, who supposedly benefited from its hallucinogenic effects. Some claim the name means “undrinkable,” but we had to try it of course. Tegan posted pictures on Facebook. I can see how it would make you cut off your ear. Semmelweis A name associated with one of the great breakthroughs in medicine. A Hungarian doctor working in Vienna (where “Magyars” were looked down on) realized women were dying of “child Bed Fever” because doctors, coming from the mortuary after performing autopsies, were disseminating the

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causative streptococcus. When he insisted they wash their hands, there was great resistance but dramatic improvement. But Pasteur had not proven the germ theory yet; his colleagues weren’t thrilled at being blamed and Semmelweis, rather than rationally defending his position, was irascible and furiously disparaging of his dissenters. He died an ignominious death in an asylum back in Hungry. The University of Vienna now stands on the site of the Allgemeine Krankenhaus where he saved so many women from a horrible death. All that remains is an, unrelated, circular prison like structure where lunatics were housed (sometimes chained to the wall). There is no acknowledgment of Semmelweis and his achievement – and our doctor/guide on a tour of the tower was positively dismissive when I enquired. Great testimony to the hubris of the medical profession. If you don’t fit in, forget it. Mental Health Morning Tegan, as a doctoral student in psychology, was adamant we move on to visit the Freud museum - a different twist on treatment of mental illness to the Madman’s Tower and the chains. A pleasant apartment on Berggasse. But to Tegan’s dismay, the famous couch is in London (where Freud fled just before WWII – but not before paying a ransom of about $200,000 to the Nazi’s). One discrete display here shows a cocaine bottle – and description of Freud’s use of it to cure a friend of morphine addiction (creating cocaine dependency instead), and on himself. Colonic Function When you expose your microbiome to foreign foods, it’s not uncommon to get a little disruption. It’s not always the conventional revenge of Montezuma. Slight dehydration, jet-lag, doubt about the hygiene and privacy of many foreign loos can cause “Travellers Constipation” – especially in women. This “has spoiled a good number of honeymoons for brides and grooms still embarrassed by bathroom anxieties in the round-the-clock presence of their newly minted significant other” warns the publication Gut Sense. Paula and I are no newlyweds. We talk freely about such delicate issues – though it always seems to be at meal times. See you back in Fredericksburg.

By dan Czajka HIV/AIDS came to the forefront of American society in the early 1980’s. At that time, little was known about the risks, transmission, and prevention of the disease. The lack of knowledge in the medical community allowed for widespread panic among the public, fueled by conjecture and ignorance. Despite medical advances in prevention and treatment, misperceptions about HIV persist; stigmatizing those infected, affected, and at greatest risk. HIV and AIDS are often used interchangeably in the public sphere; however, they are not the same. HIV is an abbreviation for the human immunodeficiency virus, which targets healthy immune cells (CD4 cells). The virus hijacks the replicating mechanisms of CD4 cells, rapidly producing new HIV virion. Subsequently, the immune system’s function diminishes and increases the likelihood of transmitting the virus. If left unchecked, the amount of HIV in the blood, known as the viral load, increases as the CD4 count decreases. Without treatment, an HIV positive individual typically progresses to an AIDS status. AIDS stands for acquired immune deficiency syndrome and is the result of an extremely compromised immune system. In this state, a number of infections can establish themselves because of the limited immune response. It is important to note that one can have HIV and not AIDS; however, to have AIDS, one must be HIV positive. Another misunderstanding about HIV is the way in which it is contracted and transmitted. There are only four HIV transmitting fluids; blood, semen, cervical/vaginal fluid, and breast milk. The risks of contracting or transmitting the virus are associated with behaviors that expose us to these fluids. Sexual activity, drug injection use, tattoos, and occupational hazards are all HIV risk

behaviors; however, they vary in the degree of risk. Preventive measures are incredibly effective at reducing these risks, including consistent use of prophylactics, clean “works” (needle, syringe, and plunger), frequent HIV status testing, and adherence to treatment regimens. Over the past few decades, advances in HIV treatment and prevention have improved significantly. Today, HIV is no longer a death sentence if identified and treated early in its progression. Unfortunately, many people do not get tested because they are unaware of the risks and/or fear being stigmatized. As a result, people are unknowingly contracting and transmitting the virus. To address these issues, national, state, and local health agencies provide resources to their communities. One local organization is the Fredericksburg Area HIV/AIDS Support Services (FAHASS), which provides an array of free HIV-related services. Prevention services are open to the public and include HIV status testing, education, counseling, and prophylactic distribution. Individuals who test positive for HIV are linked to care the same day, improving health outcomes and reducing the risk of transmitting the virus to others. Care services are for those identified as HIV positive and cover the gamut of their needs; including case management, program eligibility, transportation, mental health, housing, and food assistance. On September 24, 2015, FAHASS will be hosting its First Annual Golf Tournament. Help to improve our community’s health by registering today at www.fahass.org! Dan Czajka is the Community Engagement Coordinator for the Fredericksburg Area HIV & AIDS Support Services and can be contacted at (540) 371-7532 or www.fahass.org.

Patrick Neustatter is the Medical Diector of the Moss Free Clinic. Contact him at pneustatter@aol.com

front porch fredericksburg

September 2015

Front porch fredericksburg

Emancipated Patients european medical ramblings

Wellness solving a lingering threat

by patrick neustatter, MD Better value, more love for your pet than if you kennel board him!

The Natural Path Holistic Health Center

891-6200

www.thenaturalpath.us

4413 Lafayette Blvd. Fredericksburg

Patrick Neustatter is the Medical Diector of the Moss Free Clinic. Contact him at pneustatter@aol.com

front porch fredericksburg

September 2015

Art in the Burg Abstract Expressions

Images from the backyard to beijing

by norma woodward Art First Gallery September Featured Artist: Darren Barnes “Images from the Backyard to Beijing”

Brush Strokes Gallery September Featured Artists: Merian Stevens and Nancy Williams “Abstract Expressions” Artists Merian Stevens and Nancy Williams have teamed up to present their show “Abstract Expressions” at Brush Strokes Gallery. While both at times paint representationally, Stevens and Williams also share a love of sheer play, the many facets of abstract painting and were thrilled to be able to do a show together. Art lovers will find new horizons and new perceptions in “Abstract Expressions.” During the past year, an artistic conversation between Stevens and Williams evolved as they shared images they were working on for discussion and inspiration. They feel this show represents the best of their continued artistic conversation.

“ Rainbow Tsunami”, Merian Stevens

ors Flav ting 0 3 oun &C

Lem

ona

“ Portals”, Nancy Williams Merian Stevens works in mixed media, acrylic, and watercolor on silk. Those already familiar with Stevens' creations as wearable art, will be delighted to experience her Signature Scarves as framed fine art. With an unmistakable style that is all her own, Stevens’ new pieces marry passionate expression with vibrant colors, bold movements, and intriguing shapes. Drawing inspiration from “a new season in life, living behind the unproductive,” Stevens hopes that her art will challenge the viewer to experience textures, shapes and colors with new insight and a sense of liberation. Nancy Williams’ recent focus has been to convey a feeling of movement and spatial depth in her abstract paintings. Viewers will also find an emotional and conceptual depth in her paintings. She is displaying work in acrylic, oil, and mixed media. She particularly enjoys painting in palette knife, which results in a varied texture, an interesting mixing of colors directly on the canvas, and unexpectedly happy surprises. Nancy Williams feels that the visual arts are, “A form of communication as important as speech.” “Abstract Expressions” will show from August 31st through Sept 27th at Brush Strokes Gallery, 824 Caroline St. An opening reception will be held on Friday, September 4th from 6 to 9 pm. All are invited to view the exhibit and meet the artists. 540-368-0560, brushstrokesfredericksburg.com

Mon-Sat: 10a-6p; Sun: 1-5p 810 Caroline Sr. #104 ~ 540.899.3714 www.juspopn.com

September 2015

Casey Shaw

Norma Woodward, a photographer, is a member of Brush Strokes Gallery

Front porch fredericksburg

For the month of September, Art First devotes the front “featured” section of the gallery to Virginia Darren photographer Barnes for his show Images from the Backyard to Beijing . The show features a number of eclectic images captured from “ Washington, C.C.”, Darren Barnes home and around the globe. Photographs will be sunrise and sunset. I like to think my presented on Canvas, Metal Prints and images provide a brief respite from traditional Paper, and in a wide range of today's hectic world, allowing the viewer sizes. to see and appreciate the beauty around Born and raised in Western us that oftentimes goes unnoticed”, says Pennsylvania, Darren has lived in the Darren Northern Virginia area since 1996. In “Images From the Backyard to Beijing” will addition to his images of Fredericksburg, show through September 27th daily 11:00 Washington, D.C. and the surrounding a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Opening Reception: First Friday, September 4, 6:00 to 9:00 p.m. Art First Gallery , located at 824 Caroline Street, is open daily from 11 am – 5 pm. In addition to this month’s featured theme show, you’ll also find a variety of handmade art displayed by more than twenty-five local artists. 540-371-7107 docent @artfirstgallery.com

“ Beijing”, Darren Barnes area, Darren likes to combine his passion for photography with travels far and wide. This has resulted in an ever expanding portfolio of images from around the globe. While Landscape and Nature images are his favorites, he has an eclectic portfolio appealing to a wide range of tastes. Darren resides in Northern Virginia with his wife, who is his travel companion, sometimes photography assistant, and always patient partner. “I strive to produce images with a unique perspective, pulling the viewer into the scene. I prefer big and bold scenes with vibrant colors, while striving to keep the final results true-to-life. Many times those colors are a result of shooting in the golden hours before and after both

Casey Alan Shaw is a local artist and mediacontact for Art First Gallery. Contact him at 540-846fredericksburg.com6222 or casey@caseyshaw.com

by megan byrnes I'm notoriously horrible at goodbyes. Like, really bad. There's always crying and moping and a general malaise I am convinced will never leave my body (spoiler alert: it always does). At the same time, I understand the importance of moving forward. It's a funny dichotomy between relishing change and being incredibly nostalgic and sentimental. You'd think the two sets of emotions would be incompatible inside one persons heart .....and you'd be right. Sometimes it's hard being me, y'all! My favorite quote of all time comes from a book called Reading Lolita in Tehran by Azar Nafisi: "you get a strange feeling when you're about to leave a place, I told him, like you'll not only miss the people you love but you'll miss the person you are now at this time and place, because you know you'll never be this way ever again." And I think it's a particularly fitting thing to insert here - my last Scene and Heard with the Front Porch. After my eight year reign as the town gossip (but, like, the nice kind!), it's time for me to hand off my crown (please tell me I have a crown to hand off).

I've had so much fun writing this column for so many years. I've met the most interesting people, attended a whole host of awesome events and even gotten a couple pieces of hate mail or two (I'd sometimes include phrases used in those angry missives in my columns in subtle ways that only Rob would be able to spot, much to his delight). It's been a joy and an honor to get to write about all the positive, special, inspiring people and happenings in Fredericksburg for so long and I will miss it - and you! tremendously. As for my successor, he'll tell you all about himself and his vision for the column next month. Most of you probably already know him and think he's totally cool and for those of you who don't, I promise you'll think he's totally cool. Be sure to write in to ask him his views on types of ice and their luxury levels - that'll get him talking for sure. Thanks again, y'all. Ok, let's get into the goss, albeit an abbreviated version:

Happy September b’days to Kelly Pawlik, Kadeana Langford, Kenny Ellinger, Calvin Roberts, Mari Kelly, Mike Payne,

Aby Bethem, Gabe Pons, Edwin Wyant, Chris Ippolito, Ruth Casell-H Huynh, Bill Beck, Jenny McGee, Christian Etienne Renault, Cathy Herndon and Blaize Rai!

Scene:

Heard

Aj Rasure of White

Umbrella Photography won an Honorable Mention during August Regional Show at Fredericksburg Center for the Creative Arts (FCCA)

A Vivify beer coozy

making an appearance at a Phish concert alongside Jessica (above) and Jeremy Sutton; Joelle Gilbert rocking yet another art show with her latest at the Sunken Well; Dave Hitchens and Mollie Connors getting engaged (congrats, guys!); and congratulations to Maggie McGraw and

Welcome

to Meg and Jason

Sneed’s newest edition Lily who arrived safely weighing in at 9lbs, 4oz.

Dave Guzman (above) on tying the knot last month!; Wayne Gootee and Cathy Stewart (below) vacationing in Germany;Ashley Chevalier playing a songwriting showcase in Annapolis.

front porch fredericksburg

September 2015

Art in the Burg Abstract Expressions

Images from the backyard to beijing

by norma woodward Art First Gallery September Featured Artist: Darren Barnes “Images from the Backyard to Beijing”

“ Rainbow Tsunami”, Merian Stevens

ors Flav ting 0 3 oun &C

Lem

ona

Mon-Sat: 10a-6p; Sun: 1-5p 810 Caroline Sr. #104 ~ 540.899.3714 www.juspopn.com

September 2015

Casey Shaw

Norma Woodward, a photographer, is a member of Brush Strokes Gallery

Front porch fredericksburg

Casey Alan Shaw is a local artist and mediacontact for Art First Gallery. Contact him at 540-846fredericksburg.com6222 or casey@caseyshaw.com

Happy September b’days to Kelly Pawlik, Kadeana Langford, Kenny Ellinger, Calvin Roberts, Mari Kelly, Mike Payne,

Aby Bethem, Gabe Pons, Edwin Wyant, Chris Ippolito, Ruth Casell-H Huynh, Bill Beck, Jenny McGee, Christian Etienne Renault, Cathy Herndon and Blaize Rai!

Scene:

Heard

Aj Rasure of White

Umbrella Photography won an Honorable Mention during August Regional Show at Fredericksburg Center for the Creative Arts (FCCA)

A Vivify beer coozy

Welcome

to Meg and Jason

Sneed’s newest edition Lily who arrived safely weighing in at 9lbs, 4oz.

Dave Guzman (above) on tying the knot last month!; Wayne Gootee and Cathy Stewart (below) vacationing in Germany;Ashley Chevalier playing a songwriting showcase in Annapolis.

front porch fredericksburg

September 2015

New Beginnings

Donna Cote

Stafford High School Opens new site

Library Director retires

By A.E. Bayne Colonial Forge and Mountain View transition a smooth one. She says, High Schools, but with input from “Our children will learn in a safe, students and staff. With shorter updated, new facility. I am proud wings and a third floor, the new that my children will all experience Stafford High School is a truly the new Stafford High School.” modern complex. Career and Rising freshman, Morgan Technical Education classes reside A., is excited for the new school on the first floor with easy access year. She says, “I do not know much to the streets around the building. about the old high school, but as a Students will climb the expansive new hockey player who has been stairs to the second floor for conditioning on our beautiful turf academic classes like English and field all summer, I am thrilled that social studies. A world class media the high school also be updated, center with student opted Cyber fresh and new. Also, it makes a Café is also on this level. Traveling freshman feel little less Architectural elements in ceilings to the third floor, students will find overwhelmed knowing everyone else science classrooms with close access will be lost the first week of school, Brothers Mitch and Matthew A., to safely ventilated labs. The too.” both juniors, are looking forward to the cafeteria is open and tech wired; Parent, Amy Jo Steele, and her spaciousness of the new high school. there is even a charging station for daughter, Amberly, note the importance Mitch says, “I am really looking forward to cell phones and electronics along of the light enhancements to the new the new band room. We hear there is some the wall. Outside seating is structure. Steele says, “I’m most excited great new technology involved, including available for lunch at tables in the about the windows. That may sound silly practice rooms with a variety of ‘venues’ courtyard. The building boasts an to some, but I have been very concerned for acoustics. Also, the ceiling is higher for updated theater with tiered seating about the negative health impacts of the better sound quality.” Matthew adds, “I Evolution of Stafford High School brought over from the old site and old, nearly windowless school. Studies have am looking forward to the natural light of It comes down to windows – excellent light and sound systems. The shown that people who work in windowless the new building. It often felt like a closet windows and light. According to students band room has precision acoustics and environments score lower on tests and or, as the story goes, a prison due to the who will enjoy the newest high school in sound proof practice rooms, much like you have sleep issues. The very idea of lack of windows in the old building. I think southern Stafford County this fall, these find on a university campus. To windowless classrooms to "eliminate it will feel more energizing and promote a are the details that most excite them accommodate the large machinery, the distractions" is absurd and quite frankly better feeling overall being in the new about their new scholastic home. Of automotive tech program gets a has the opposite effect. Three cheers for building.” windows, there are plenty, and light is technology enhanced building of its own windows!” Rising sophomore, Phillip M., is abundant; however, Stafford High School across parking lot from the school. Amberly concurs, “It's going to glad parts of the old site will stay intact, students have many sweet surprises in Students, parents and teachers feel a lot better being in a classroom with “As an NJROTC cadet, I am glad the Amee store as they start school year 2015-16 in have positive hopes for the new facility. some natural light instead of feeling Building is staying because the ROTC a state of the art building designed for Longtime dramatic arts teacher, Michael cramped in the windowless rooms of the students presented a good case to the 21st Century learning. D’Addario looks forward to the scene shop old school. I'm very much looking forward Board of Supervisors to keep the building. Stafford High School has gone and dedicated storage space for scenery, to a larger, technologically and As a lacrosse player, I am looking forward through many incarnations over the props and costumes. to eventually having our own practice years. Decades ago, it was in the building He says the lighting field." where Drew Middle School is today. The system will Michael D’Addario adds, “I think most recent site on Indian Lane was built incorporate some that the new building demonstrates that in the mid-1970s and housed both amazing technology Stafford County understands the Stafford and North Stafford High Schools, that they’ve not had importance of education and the which attended using a split-day schedule. access to in the past, environment in which it takes place. My Assistant Principal Harry Johnston says it including LED and great hope for the new building is that had a uniquely west coast inspired design, moving lights. He students will understand the gift they are explaining, “When it was built, it was open muses, “Like most, I being given. I hope they understand how classroom. Most of the areas, with have some sentimental much effort and resource has been exception of some of the science classes, attachment to the old invested in their education and that their didn’t have rooms, and that’s why the theater. I have some mindset will reflect its importance.” building has so few windows. The style great memories in Valerie Cottongim, Stafford probably started at the elementary level that space and taught County Public School’s Public Information Bleachers in New Gym to create a more open and engaging some incredible Officer, notes the challenges that early atmosphere. I think they found that students who had a big impact on my life architecturally improved band room. I feel changes to the design and inclement between the noise pollution and the there. Every time I looked around that like a new environment for the band will weather throughout the winter have students interacting between classes, it theater room and stage, it was full of lighten the already jaunty mood shared caused for meeting the deadlines for the was a very short lived experiment, memories of great people and the things across the group and hopefully bring more new high school. She also says there will particularly here at the high school level.” we accomplished there.” interested students in! I'm honestly really be period of adjustment as students and Johnston goes on to say that the building Parent, Lisa A., feels the new site excited to attend school in the new teachers learn new patterns of time and has been through a couple of remodels “to will be a positive and welcoming building. I feel like the energy will be so space management in their new academic try to make it more contemporary and environment for the community. She much lighter, and everyone's going to be home; however, she is optimistic. more useable with varying degrees of thinks that even though there has been at least a little happier. It's so much easier “It’s going to be a fantastic success.” anxiety over the school year starting on to learn and engage in a pleasant environment to work in,” Cottongim says, The new facility was designed time, she believe county administrators environment.” beaming, “I see kids in here having an using architectural elements of both will do everything possible to make the amazing time.”

September 2015

Front porch fredericksburg

By caroline parr Donna Cote has announced her retirement on September 11, 2015, after thirty-four years as the Central Director of the Rappahannock Regional Library (CRRL). She previously held positions at the CRRL as the Library Secretary, Reference Librarian and Assistant Director. During the course of her tenure, Cote spearheaded many initiatives and cemented vital community partnerships that have seen the CRRL firmly established as a core component of the educational and cultural infrastructure of the region. Building projects across the system have included the renovation of the Headquarters; the building of the Porter, Salem Church, England Run, Montross and Newton libraries; and the establishment of the Cooper and Snow Libraries in renovated and expanded spaces. The CRRL moved from a card catalog to the dynamic web-based catalog that library customers use today. The CRRL was among the very first libraries in Virginia to establish a website back in 1997, and it is now a heavily used virtual portal to the library’s collections. Under Cote’s leadership, the library has been positioned as a resource for lifelong learning, a destination for artistic enrichment, and a welcoming community meeting center. Meanwhile, books and reading remain a core mission, even as the library has added new formats - eAudio, eBooks, eMagazines and more - over the last forty years in response to public demand. Cote said, “My biggest thrill over the past decades has been seeing the public embrace and use public library services in record numbers. I’m grateful for the support of the Library Board, elected officials, Friends of the Library, and community members. I am proud of the talented and dedicated library staff who believe strongly in public service.”

Library Board Chair Sam Smart said, “Thanks to Donna’s leadership, the Fredericksburg area benefits from an award-winning library system that is heavily used and beloved by our community. She has been a passionate and tireless advocate for the library, and we are grateful for her years of dedicated service and inspired leadership. She has made an extraordinary contribution not only to the library but to the entire Fredericksburg region.”

Caroline Parr is the Deputy Director, of the Centeral Rappahannock Regional Library. She can be reached at cparr@crrl.org, 540-372-1160, ext. 261

Frontporchfredericksburg.com FB@FrontPorch Magazine front porch fredericksburg

September 2015

New Beginnings

Donna Cote

Stafford High School Opens new site

Library Director retires

September 2015

Front porch fredericksburg

Caroline Parr is the Deputy Director, of the Centeral Rappahannock Regional Library. She can be reached at cparr@crrl.org, 540-372-1160, ext. 261

Frontporchfredericksburg.com FB@FrontPorch Magazine front porch fredericksburg

September 2015

Porch Light

FREDERICKSBURGERS volunteering service

Stories that shine a light on life

by georgia Strentz

We have such a cheerful downtown in Fredericksburg, with big bowls of water sitting on the streets, outside of our many interesting shops. The proprietors cheer us with smiling faces and of course there are the many snoozing "store cats." What does this say about our town to visitors, tourists, even the citizens who relish the laid back town atmosphere, with music playing in Hurkamp Park, with colorful blankets spread in the grass? It says compassion. It says kindness. It speaks to our hearts. Our town has endless possibilities to demonstrate compassion, as we have a large supply of organizations where you are welcome to come and donate your time. Most of the volunteer organizations have specific jobs for you, a schedule, special people to help, children and animals to hold and love, and a roof to fix. There are also creative, independent people who start small animal oriented non-p profit organizations. They operate mostly on their own personal funds, supplemented by kind citizens and businesses. These people are needed, because there is a huge problem with homeless abandoned animals. These creative individuals are committed to taking care of suffering, helpless animals. Highlighted this month is Thea Verdak originally from Suffolk, England. Thea commuted for many years to the Office of General Counsel of the Nasdaq Stock Market, Inc., while starting her nonprofit group, The Rappahannock Humane Society, to which she dedicated years of humane work. She worked hand in hand with a local shelter, aiming for a no-kill goal. She adopted, rehabbed and found homes for countless animals from our county shelters, plus the many abandoned pets she collected in her travels, including

September 2015

Cheetah, found at Burger King, whose kitten collar had become a tourniquet. Cheetah has slept on my bed for last 10 years. Thea's motivation can be understood fully in her own words: "It is in the eyes of the animals," she said to me. "Their eyes fixate so directly. I have seen that look in abused animals. Their body language shows fear of more abuse. Some are so used to neglect and they show no expectation when offered compassion. They show their gratitude with the deepest looks. There was never any question as to why these animals were worthy, it was only where can these animals be placed after rehabilitation. Being in awe of life, is in no way naïve. I never want to lose that awe. Each of us can do something special for those who have been tossed away. Twelve years ago, I trapped a cat at a local business, I named him Roger Moore, because he behaved so elegantly and tame after having medical treatment. I was recently called by the businessman who adopted him, who said he thought Roger had serious medical issues. I was with Roger when he was released from his struggle. It was important. His life was important.We can reduce suffering with serious attention to spaying and neutering and eradicate abuse in our communities through education." Thea recently attended the National Animal Rights Conference in Alexandria, Va. She supports and visits Farm Sanctuary in Watkins Glen, New York. She volunteers for paws4vets, "Got Your Back Dog Walk" (to be held Oct. 3rd, 2015) which raises funds for PTSD canines. A recent study by Arizona State University in, "Psychology and Aging," in a study of older adults,by Professor Morris Okun, Ph,D., Professor of Psychology, stated, "volunteering can result in a 25 percent lower death rate." Thea Verdak's activism includes a book, "The Barn Teacher" which highlights the plight of chained dogs (Children’s Books, Amazon).

bench warmers By rob huffman

Give a Child Something to Think About Books, Games, Amusing Novelties M-Sat. 10am-6pm; Sun. 1pm-4pm

810 Caroline Street (540) 371-5684

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

540/371-9890

I'm kicked back, lounging in the bath-warm sun of a fading summer evening. A few yards away a young man is talking to my teenage daughter. He's obviously excited, even animated; he seems to want my daughter to watch how he kicks, the specific mechanics of leg motion and foot placement. My daughter watches him carefully – warily? - but her body language doesn't suggest any fear or discomfort. Am I being a negligent father, sitting there rooted to my small claim of grassy real estate, as my little girl fends off some weirdo? Nope, it’s just that I see no reason to interfere with a soccer coach simply doing his job. He's merely explaining the right way to kick a soccer ball, using the instep and not just booting the ball straight on with the toes like some old-time, high-top-cleats-wearing NFL placekicker. In fact, Emma's team has two coaches - let's call them John and Jeff, since this happens to be their actual names and I intend to praise them so there's no need for fake names - and both are relentlessly encouraging, tirelessly enthusiastic and unwaveringly positive. It's a fascinating process, too, watching a somewhat chaotic gaggle of girls slowly but steadily transformed into a polished (well, less unpolished, in any case) and unified soccer juggernaut. Okay, maybe the juggernaut part’s an exaggeration. But anyhow a unit stronger than its individual parts. A team. They're everywhere, these coaches. Ubiquitous. Drive around suburbia any late afternoon and wherever you see a sports field you'll almost certainly find that an enthusiastic adult has commandeered it and is busily working with a ragtag platoon of energetic kids. You’ll hear him (or her: women coach, too) cajoling, instructing, and

encouraging the youngsters above the thud of shoulder pads, or the clack of field hockey sticks, or the thump of kicked soccer balls. Coaches are such a commonplace of suburban evenings, like birds mustering in trees, or street lights flickering on, that we almost don't notice them anymore. But they are very much there. And they are very involved. And the children of our community - and of all communities - are lucky to have them. Coaches are a value-added service in any town and certainly to any child. Memories of my own boyhood coaches are generally good. Of course, I played sports back in sixties and seventies, before the invention of adult sensitivity. Coaches could yell at you then, just like your parents. Sometimes they yelled together, mom and dad screaming right alongside Coach Whoever. Trophies were only awarded to the team that came in first. Weaker players logged lots of bench time, consoling themselves with Pixy Stix and watery Cokes. Even so, I recall those days, and (most) of those coaches with fondness. Coaching seemed a lot less complicated back then, too. Coaches told you stuff like "Get out there and play hard!" or "Nice shot" or "Huffman, take a seat." Simple stuff, direct and laconic. And I don't recollect any indignant parents accosting coaches who failed to see the future athletic greatness in their offspring and didn’t play them accordingly. In all honesty, don’t all of us who have kids involved in sports grumble a little from time to time about having to ferry our children here and there for practices and games and about how tough those 9 am Saturday games are? But let’s compare our contribution to the coach’s. Ours involves sleepily driving the

minivan for a few miles, unfolding our foldable chair, and then sitting down to sip from our giant Wawa cup of coffee while our kid gambols before our prideful eyes. The coach does all of the above, minus the sitting down. Minus the coffee, too. No time. And coaches never sit down. In fact, for the duration of the game, the coach serves as a kind of megamom or super-dad and all team members are his or her children. And besides Jim Bob Duggar, who knows what it feels like to have that many kids? Coaches are a species of hometown hero that we seldom acknowledge properly (except when they let our child play a lot, of course, and we applaud their sagacity. Or they don't, and we question their intelligence.). A coach's heroics are less dramatic and obvious than the more visible valor displayed by, say, firemen, police officers, or soldiers. Consequently, their contributions don't always register on our

radar. In some deep way, we prefer our heroes mysterious, and their trials opaque and ambiguous. We'd probably really rather not know what things they encounter on dark city streets, or in flame-engulfed buildings or in hellish war zones. Next to such individuals, a coach’s heroics can’t help but seem muted and unglamorous. But make no mistake - it is heroism. It’s a heroism of dutiful and punctual presence: the kids can count on you being there with, and for, them. It’s a heroism of kindly but firm authority, steel encased in velvet. And it’s a heroism of committing to do just about the most important thing any adult can do for kids: spending meaningful - and fun - time with them.

Rob Huffman is a frequent contributor to FP

. Georgia Lee Strentz is retired and enjoying life as a Fredericksburger.

Front porch fredericksburg

front porch fredericksburg

September 2015

Porch Light

FREDERICKSBURGERS volunteering service

Stories that shine a light on life

by georgia Strentz

September 2015

bench warmers By rob huffman

Give a Child Something to Think About Books, Games, Amusing Novelties M-Sat. 10am-6pm; Sun. 1pm-4pm

810 Caroline Street (540) 371-5684

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

540/371-9890

Rob Huffman is a frequent contributor to FP

. Georgia Lee Strentz is retired and enjoying life as a Fredericksburger.

Front porch fredericksburg

front porch fredericksburg

September 2015

Fredericksburg Sketches

Currents

A visual Celebration of our community

Rappahannock Ceramic Series

By Casey Alan Shaw

AutoKnown Better hot, damn hot If you survived August and are reading this, thank an air-conditioning tech because it was hot…. really hot. I will drive my MGs in extreme heat but even I gave them up for a few weeks and went with the A/C. So don’t feel ashamed if you didn’t bike around as much or put the top down after lunch to feel the wind in your hair and burn the top of your head. You are not alone. September is upon us and we are getting back to driving season. Open roads, colorful classics easing down the byways to destinations with curb service, so relaxing evening drives are right around the corner. But first the answer to a question: What makes a road a “byway?”

PONSHOP owner Scarlett Pons will be exhibiting a series of custom ceramic plates inspired by “Rappahannock”, the 2014 film by Bayley Sillek. The film inspired Pons to create artwork that raises awareness of our local river and the wildlife that depend upon it. Scarlett designed a variety of fish- shaped plates glazed in bold speckled patterns that are both functional and decorative. Throughout the month of September, and in conjunction with the Rappahannock RiverFest Fundraiser on September 19, the artist will be donating 20% of all ceramic fish plate sales to the Friends of the Rappahannock, a local nonprofit dedicated to the health and vitality of the Rappahannock River. Friends of the Rappahannock (FOR) was formed in 1985 as a nonprofit, grassroots conservation organization. We are citizens from all walks of life, whose common goal is to maintain the water quality, living resources, and scenic beauty of the Rappahannock River and its tributaries.

This comes up as one of the local roads between our house and Grandma’s is a winding bit of fun known as Rte 218. It has many names as it morphs from White Oak Road to Caledon Road and only the section closest to Caledon is a “designated byway.” So my wife asks innocently enough, “What is a byway?”

We work with a wide variety of stakeholders, from local governments to elementary students, to educate about the river and to advocate for actions and policies that will protect and restore the values that make the Rappahannock River so special. Learn more at www.riverfriends.org PONSHOP is a multifaceted storefront: an artist studio, gallery, retail store, and classroom. The vision of the owners, Scarlett and Gabriel Pons, is to provide a place that embodies what they love: art, design, and creative education. The gallery/shop features a variety of work from artists both near and far. Their studio also doubles as a classroom, providing workshops for students interested in everything from painting, ceramics, and architecture to street art and skateboarding. Exhibition Dates: September 427, 2015, PonShop, 712 Caroline Street, Opening Reception: Friday, September 4 (6-10pm).

So the research begins and we

SKETCH #11: St. George's Clock Tower. Time. It's time for summer to shutter. It's time for the first clues that autumn is coming. It's time for my teenage son to put his days of sleeping until noon behind him and head back to school in the early morning darkness. And my timely contribution to Front Porch this month is this sketch of St. George's clock tower. People often think the most important part of creating a sketch is the drawing. But it's not. The most important thing is to take the time to look at the thing you're drawing. Really look. It's a lot harder than it sounds. It takes a lot of practice. I am guilty of glancing at my subject and then jumping into my sketch, spending most of my time drawing what I think I saw. If you look at previous sketches I did of this clock tower, you'll find a clock face depicted much larger than it really is. The clock was such a focus for me when I glanced at the tower that I naturally assumed it was bigger. This was the first drawing I did where I slowed down and took the time to allow myself to really look at how all the pieces of the tower really fit together. So grab that sketchbook and take a look at the things around you. It might surprise you what you see . . . if you REALLY look. Casey Alan Shaw is a local artist. He exhibits his original artwork and limited-edition prints at Art First Gallery and at www.caseyshaw.com.

606 Caroline Street Old Town Fredericksburg 373-7847 www.gemstonecreations.org Tuesday - Saturday 10-5 Wednesdays until 6:30 and by appointment

Where Fredericksburg Gets Engaged 30

September 2015

The Beauty of Wood the direction of life

By Rim Vining

By Gabe Pons

Front porch fredericksburg

THE POETRY MAN - By Frank Fratoe

Picture Gallery Our eyes are hands which want to touch the bronze and stone painted upon canvas. Then alder and brook intrude a calmness unpossessed but near from an artist’s mind. Incarnation perhaps is brought to view of what she thought or saw probing far. A spectrum blended within her shading will yield response as day mingles night. Pictures on a wall render sudden truth of the sacraments we must be to live.

Frank Fratoe lives & writes in the city. He wrote this poem as a tribute to the artists of Fredericksburg

From My Porch

find a byway is “a little traveled side road… a secondary or little known road.” But that just begs the question what is the difference between a lane, a road, a highway and a parkway and why do some locals call certain sections of woods near the highway a wayside? Now a lane is a narrow path between hedges, fences and buildings while a road is a wide way leading from one destination to another and may have a surface suitable for vehicles. Might not be, hence the 4x4. Highways on the other hand go from city to city and town to town and a parkway is naught but a landscaped highway. Turnpike is another kettle of fish entirely. Commonly thought to be a road with a toll it started life as a turnstile or wooden beam “turning on a pike” used to block horse traffic from foot paths. It then went on to be a toll gate and as we now know it, a place to bottleneck traffic while amateurs try to pitch quarters in a basket to hear the bell ring. Regardless, it is now September so get those cruisers out and go for a ride or take in a show or two. The driving season is upon us and once again you have to ask yourself are you going to be stylin’ and smilin’ or sittin’ and wishin’… turn the key and get out there. Clifton Antique Car Show, 9/7 in Clifton, VA off 12e near Burke. 16th year for this show and lots of nicely done vehicles. Quantico Show, 9/12. A mid-day show from 10-2 and an easy drive. Stop in the Marine Museum on the way. Manassas 40 th Annual Edgar Rohr Memorial Antique Car Meet, 9/19 Huge show with cars from every age in every color under the sun. Great family event. Classics on the Green, New Kent Winery 9/20 One of Richmond’s biggest sports car shows featuring all sorts of British marques along with Ferrari and other exotics

By Jo Loving ‘My father, who was a cabinetmaker, told me, “Wood has a grain and if you go into the grain, you have beauty. If you go against it, you have splinters – it breaks,” and I took that as my view of life. You have to follow the grain – to be sensitive to the direction of life.” ~ Christian Laboutin It all started in childhood. My grandfather, a cabinetmaker, is to blame. I was his shop girl. That is, he had a workshop in the garage, and, because I loved to be at the home of my grandparents, I hung out with him in his shop. My favorite job was to sweep the sawdust off the floor, and from the moment I walked in the door of that shop, I was enveloped in the scent of wood – whether it was cedar, oak, or maple, pine, cherry, or walnut. I loved all of it: the sound of the woodworking equipment: lathes, planes, saws, hammers, or whatever he was using. Like all good helpers, I knew I had “made it,” when I graduated from sweeping up sawdust to handing hand tools to him. To be a good assistant in my grandfather’s shop, I had to learn the difference between a phillips head and flat head screwdriver, a tap and a hammer; what a countersink was; a variety of grits of sandpaper and their uses; the kind of putty he wanted; and which vise was needed for which task. Some of the best days in my childhood were spent helping him build things (rather, handing him tools while he built things) – cabinets for family kitchens, a hope chest for me, a window seat cabinet, and a ton of other projects. I loved the feel of the wood after it had been freshly

sanded, its smell, the warmth of the wood to the touch, and the look of the grain. So I became a huge fan of wood and handcrafted items. Some people collect coins, designer bags, stamps, shoes, or figurines. My collections involve wood of some sort: Indonesian Rod Puppets, handmade wooden boxes, and wooden bowls. My favorite stores are hardware stores and lumber stores, and I am a sucker for artisan markets. Having been my grandfather’s assistant is part of the reason I love wood objects, because they represent the patience, vision, love, time, and skill of the artisan. The grain, weight, smell, and appeal of wood is timeless. One of my prized possessions is a small wooden bowl handcrafted by my brother-in-law. It will never go out of style. Its warmth, color, the feel of the wood – all speak to me. In every town in which I have lived, I’ve sought out the places where artistic wood interpretations are available. I especially enjoy people who work in reclaimed wood products – using what already is there, but making it into something completely new. Fredericksburg boasts many artisans, and shops abound with handmade wooden goods. Old Town is teeming with shops – dealing in new, restored, or reclaimed items. Take the time to check them out. You might just find a lovingly crafted treasure that will become a family heirloom. As Laboutin stated in this month’s quote, “…follow the grain - to be sensitive to the direction of life.” Jo Loving is inside today, not on the porch. Directly in her view is the beautiful wooden bowl made by her brother-in-law, Chuck Smith, which brings her great joy. She is on the lookout for the next great wooden item to add to her collection.

Every Child Deserves A Family

Fall Carlisle starts 9/30 The Granddaddy of them all - a week of car sales, acres of vendors and car loads of car nuts. Mecca for motor heads. From big shows to simple Saturday night cruise-ins at Virginia BBQ or the DQ… go look, get hooked and enjoy what fall has to offer. autoknown@aol.com

Learn about our adoption opportunities Domestic & International

301-587-4400 Cradle of Hope Adoption Center front porch fredericksburg

September 2015

Fredericksburg Sketches

Currents

A visual Celebration of our community

Rappahannock Ceramic Series

By Casey Alan Shaw

So the research begins and we

606 Caroline Street Old Town Fredericksburg 373-7847 www.gemstonecreations.org Tuesday - Saturday 10-5 Wednesdays until 6:30 and by appointment

Where Fredericksburg Gets Engaged 30

September 2015

The Beauty of Wood the direction of life

By Rim Vining

By Gabe Pons

Front porch fredericksburg

THE POETRY MAN - By Frank Fratoe

Frank Fratoe lives & writes in the city. He wrote this poem as a tribute to the artists of Fredericksburg

From My Porch

Every Child Deserves A Family

Learn about our adoption opportunities Domestic & International

301-587-4400 Cradle of Hope Adoption Center front porch fredericksburg

September 2015