FPFSept19 by Virginia Grogan

contents

closeups 3

history’s stories: flag-draped coffin heritage: fxbg pedestrian mall

what’s in a ruin?.....ildlewild mansion

ken crampton multi-faceted, high energy

20 Senior Care: protect seniors from fraud 21

it’s all energy..protect yourself

collette caprara artist, writer, volunteer

emancipated patients: cannabidol

art in the ‘burg

business conference for artists mYSTERY hOUSE

tame the social media monster

Bob walker & frances mooney the cat house people

Porch talk 4

on the porch...life in fredericksburg Messages

In the garden:Fall.= state fair, save seeds, plant bulbs

Companions: fall dangers

astrology & you poetryman: conquering hate

fredericksburg sketches

on the trails: watson ‘s hiking weekly

everything greens:common grounds

turning crabs into oysters

...And more!

fredtrails....making a difference

I have a friend. Another day walk suicide prevention

season’s bounty: ’a maine state of mind

pizza palooza...taste of italy comes to fxbg

cooking with kyle: sicilian swordfish

4th annual bookfest: find a new favorite!

vino...wines of portugal

16-17

Calendar of events

art attack! taking it to the streets

12 Cover: "Waugh Point Bell " by David C. Kennedy

september 2019

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Ken Crampton multi-faceted, Singular Mission

Ken Crampton, of Fredericksburg, multitalented artist, musician, philanthropist, business owner, school nutrition manager, etc. was recently on TEDx Fredericksburg. He spoke, and the audience was drumming, singing and laughing. The TEDx Talk, entitled, “Disruption, Distractors, and Defenders,” is about how we see the negative and turn it into the positive. Crampton earned recognition from the school system for providing nutritional food for Walter Grant school. He and long-time friend Brian Kiernan have been enriching school lunch programs providing healthy meals. Both

have helped with food trucks delivering to children, families and the elderly. After a chat with Crampton at Sammy T’s we learned that he and his friend, Brian coworked in Sammy T’s kitchen in the 1990’s. Both moved on together, now working for the school system and the community. Brian said: “When I first hired Ken at Sammy T’s, I thought of one simple word, “character”. Yes, he certainly was a character, yet he showed his truth and care for others. His ability to recognize the good around him and simply want to add to it, not for himself, but for those it would help. Following one of the first busy shifts we worked together at Sammy’s, we sat at the famous “Bar 4” booth sipping a cold beer yet saying nothing. He then said… “Hey BK, stand up for minute and let me give you a hug”. I looked at him as

BY aNNE hICKS

though he was “nuts”, but little did I know, it was exactly what I needed. How lucky I was to meet him back then and grateful we are p u s h i n g f o r w a r d together after 30 years.” Additional works include yet not limited are being a facilitator for drumming for a thousand people at the spring Equinox at National Cathedral, Washington, D.C. He created the Pear, Sound Sculpture and Drum Dragon Dance in First Night in Fredericksburg, served as Past President of the Fredericksburg Center of the Arts, and founding President of the Drum Circle Facilitator’s Guild and is also a Reverend, having married many couples through the years. And he plays, teaches and sells many different drums and other musical instruments from around the world. H i s therapeutic programs were designed to help all people understand themselves and their abilities. He has a vision to engage others to be artistic with the community and advance to the realm of mentor, to help foster growth through, music, language, arts, humane living and then to give back to each other. Crampton said children are our future and finds the child in persons of all age. Adding with his art and music, he creates a “safe place to experience healthy living for society.” What he’s experienced is when we open to ourselves and to each other creatively through music, art and character playing it promotes self-reflection, productive interaction, and sets a stage for growth and wellness. Crampton credits his two loving grandmothers, saying they doted over him and provided art supplies. By six years of age he produced his first oil paint and by seventh grade sold his first pencil drawing. Both grandparents were artists. Crampton’s mother, a home

daycare provider was an inspiration too. He said helped her with the family and the home care. Yet, when asked, he said his best role and creative moment is as a loving father. He even delivered his daughter to life from home. Eyeclopes Crampton’s was founded over 30 years ago. There are many drums and diverse instruments to

share, show or sell and stories about each one. His 22-year-old Parrot, Meeka lives in the front window. Her name means beautiful in Japanese. There is a lot to learn about Ken Crampton. Follow him on Facebook or connect with him at his studio, Community Art’s Facilitator, School Nutrition Manager, Reverend, Oracle at Eyeclopes & so much more.

Anne Hicks is a writer & a certified yoga teacher who works at the Department of Veterans Affairs. Eyeclopes Studio 620 Charlotte Street, Downtown EverybodyDrum.com 540-3 371-9 9040

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september 2019

Sue Henderson

ON THE PORCH Guest Porch Editorial

Contributing Writers & Artists Rita Allan Sally Cooney Anderson Dianne Bachman A.E. Bayne Laurie Black Kevin Brown Nick Cadwallendar Collette Caprara Dan Enos Christina Ferber Frank Fratoe Jon Gerlach Alexis Grogan Brad Hedrick Sue Henderson Anne Hicks Ralph “Tuffy”Hicks Karl Karch David C. Kennedy Vanessa Moncure Michelle Pierson Pete Morelewicz Patrick Neustatter DeLaura Padovan Gabe Pons M.L. Powers Gerri Reid Lynette Reed Rob Rudick Robyn Ryan Casey Alan Shaw Michael Smith James Kyle Snyder Mandy Smith Beth Stenstrom Georgia Strentz Tina Will Kathryn Willis Dawn Whitmore Sonja Petersen Wise Josie Wold Norma Woodward

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

The mission of Front Porch Fredericksburg is to connect the diverse citizenry of Fredericksburg with lively features and informative columns of interest to our community’s greatest resource, its people. Messages from our readers are welcome. All submissions must be received by e-mail by the 19th of the month preceding publication. Writers / Artists / Photographers are welcome to request Guidelines and query the Publisher by e-mail. Front Porch Fredericksburg PO Box 9203 Fredericksburg, VA 22403 Ad Sales: E-Mail: frntprch@aol.com Web Site: www.frontporchfredericksburg.com

our differences make us better by sue henderson What makes our region special? What makes us better than any other community? Economic Development specialists will say they can promote our region by focusing on our “uniqueness”. And I’ve been in many different sorts of meetings all over the region in the last couple of years looking to explore and define that little kernel of “difference”. Maybe you were lucky to be born and raised here. Maybe, like me, you had a choice. As a military kid I can’t really speak to what it’s like to know a place since childhood. But I can tell you what made our region, and I intentionally don’t see boundaries for this discussion, worth calling home for a quarter century. We’re different because we celebrate our culture. We celebrate our history, our arts, our food. You don’t find bluegrass and blues legends living and entertaining together all over the country. You can’t trip over a Pulitzer prizewinning artist at a local book festival in every similar population base. There are a few, but not many, places in this hemisphere who have such a storied history as we do from dinosaurs to battlefields, revolutionaries and patriots, Olympians and Hall of Famers. We celebrate different musical styles multiple times a month over the region. We have a multitude of artists and artisans plying their trade and maintaining a vibrant energy of creativity. I’ve lived many places of similar size and demographics that didn’t have five active community theater groups plus a healthy professional theater. Our unique and locally owned restaurants are a solid asset to our differences. As we grow and expand, it’s important to remember requests for chain shopping and restaurants have value but I definitely take time to appreciate the local-owned options as much as possible. I also try to go to decision-making meetings and support the individual small-business

choices that can get lost in the mix. How can we all get more engaged in celebrating our differences? Are you in a bit of a rut? Sometimes I am. Pretty easy to just skip the farmers markets and do all the shopping at one location to carve precious time from busy schedules. What about the upcoming holiday season gift buying? Are you just ordering online for ease? It’s not hyperbole to suggest buying local also supports the soccer teams and school bands and caregiver programs, etc. Want to meet people? Every gallery in the area can point you toward classes to meet new folks and learn something interesting at the same time. All the local brew pubs have music and activities weekly. There’s free music in multiple locations all over the region for a solid four months. Family-oriented programming is readily available both on these pages and online. Choirs and historical societies and dance programs open their doors to new members especially during the months of September in preparation for the season. Have you thanked someone lately that is offering local service and goods? As I write this in mid-August, Fredericksburg is in the running for the Best Small City in the South. That doesn’t seem like much of a stretch to me. Recently, we had visitors from England who’ve finally included Virginia in a visit to the US. We’ve known them for a couple of decades, from our time living as neighbors when stationed in the UK. I convinced them to

Facebook: @Front Porch Fredericksburg

In Memory

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.

Michael Kole

September 2019

July 15, 1956 - August 13, 2019 A gentle, sweet, kind, and godly man

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come visit by literally saying “You need to see REAL America. You can’t think visits to New York City, Texas and Florida cover how normal people really live.” Warts and all, we showed them around for a couple of days. We hit Paul’s Bakery for donuts, Chatham for centuries of history, a driving tour of historical sites all over the region, walked along Caroline Street, sat at a ‘beach bar’ along the Potomac, ate breakfast at a diner, kayaked the Rappahannock and showed off our region. We hope you do the same. Often. They left us with some British goodies and the note “Thanks so much for a great couple of days of brilliant hospitality and touring the real America. Thoroughly enjoyed by us all.” And, as hosts, we completely agree. We’re living in the real America and appreciating it from our porch every day. Enjoy this month’s issue of Front Porch… be sure to read it “cover-to-cover” Sue Henderson is an artist, a photographer, a writer, a musical performer, an involved community member who lives with her husband in FXBG.

Art Attack! Local artists taking it to the streets in Historic Downtown Fredericksburg!

Art Attack Fredericksburg, the annual grassroots event now in its eighth year, is taking to the streets again this year. Artists get out of their studios and go into the city's streets, making art in public, meeting fellow artists, share their creative process, and celebrate the local arts community. More than 200 artists will be transforming the downtown sidewalks into an expansive outdoor studio/gallery. Artists will be located on the sidewalks and other public spaces throughout the Caroline Street corridor between Amelia and Wolfe Street (600

Block thru 1000 Block) and William Street between Sophia Street and Princess Anne Street (100 block thru 300 block). Art Attack has coordinated this year's event to be running in tandem with the F r e d e r i c k s b u r g Independent Book Festival (fredbookfest.com) located at Riverfront Park. Having these two art-based events occurring adjacent to one another should generate a creative crossover for both the participants and the attendees. Founded by Bill Harris and Gabriel Pons in 2012, the Art Attack Project was originally conceived as a way to build solidarity among practicing artists. By occupying public space in an inclusive and constructive manner, Art Attack benefits not only the participants, but also the community at large.

Art Attack Saturday,September 21, 10a-4 4p Caroline St Corridor, Downtown

photos by Michael Smith

Give a Child

Become a Member

Something to Think About

Books, Games, Amusing Novelties

www.fredericksburgcsa.com

M-Sat. 10am-6pm; Sun. 1pm-4pm

810 Caroline Street (540) 371-5684

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September 2019

In the Garden Autumn: Attend state fair, save seeds, plant bulbs By Tina Will

Virginia State Fair September 27 to Meadow Event Park, Doswell Va October 6, 2019

horticultural practices and activities for school aged children. How to attract pollinating insects to the garden is one of the main themes at the Extension Master Gardener table. Master Gardener Tracy Day coordinates our volunteer schedule. Get location and event information at the Virginia State Fair website: www.statefairva.org

Seed Swap January 2020

Caroline County's Meadow Event Park in Doswell, VA hosts the Virginia State Fair. A huge and popular event, the Fair strives to both educate and entertain. Virginia Cooperative Extension Master Gardeners host a table presenting useful research-based information on

Tomatoes producing? Garden harvest full? Milkweed seed pods evident? Save some seeds and plan to share them on National Seed Swap Day on January 25, 2020. "But it's only September," you say? Yes, but now's the time to save some seeds from your favorite herbs, heirloom tomato varieties, or flowers. Let the seeds dry, then package them in labeled envelopes and keep them in a cool dry place. Saving seeds to swap at the Master Gardener National Seed Swap Day has become a great event for gardeners in our area, but you do not have to have

seeds to trade to attend! Our 2020 event will have environmental education activities for children as well as short lectures for adults. Master Gardeners Karen Brace and Linda Kline will be organizing the event. Great raffle items from local businesses always bring enthusiastic bidders. Seeds from flowers, fruits, herbs and vegetables are welcome. There is a website for the unwelcome seeds (invasive and noxious seeds) at: www.dcr.virginia.gov/naturalheritage/invsppdflist. Put Saturday, January 25, 2020 on your calendar, and note the address while you are at it. The Seed Swap event will be held at the Rowser Building, 1539 Jefferson Davis Hwy (Rte 1) in Stafford. Our website, mgacra.org, will have more information as January approaches. Come be part of the fun. It's a great destination for a cold January day.

At last, Autumn! Once it cools down a little, fall gardening chores don't seem so daunting. Planting Spring bulbs should be done in October and November. Planting and transplanting small shrubs and trees is best done in the Fall, and it is time to reseed the bare lawn spots. We have a patch we reseed every year. The surrounding trees drink up most of the

September 2019

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rain that may have fallen, so the grass just struggles to survive. Composted leaves and grass clippings make terrific mulch around shrubs and trees and serve to retain moisture and act as an insulator once cold temperatures move in, which is a pleasant thought after some of the hot days we've had. Fall is also the recommended time to put down lawn fertilizer to encourage root growth over the winter. Ticks are still active so keep a watchful eye on arms and legs if yard work needs to be done. Tina Will has volunteered with MGACRA for 13 years and lives near Ferry Farm in Stafford County. photos bty Tina Will

On the Trails hiking weekly with the watsons By Kevin Brown

I’d like to share an inspiring story of a local parent, Becky Watson, who decided to #optoutside with her kids this summer. This motivated Mom took her daughter and son out and explored a different local trail every week, sharing reports and photos of their adventures on the “On the Fredericksburg VA Trails” Facebook group page. I asked Becky to share a bit about her family’s wonderfilled #10trailsofsummer. Q. What led you to challenge your kids with a weekly trail hike this summer? Becky: “In past summers, we have hiked a couple of times on local trails. Government Island in Stafford County has always been our favorite. This year we talked about coming up with a "Summer Bucket List" which involved a different hike every week. When I asked

the kids if they were interested in doing this, they both gave me an excited ‘thumbs up!’ I’m glad to say that during our hikes, they never complained and expressed great enjoyment in seeing butterflies, flowers, fish, deer and lizards. We strived to identify as many trees as possible, and in general, this became an educational experience in learning a lot about the great outdoors. We completed 10 hikes in 10 weeks, all but one being local on the Fredericksburg area trails.”

old cemetery), The Gordon Flank Attack Trail (deer, butterflies, and history), Mott's Run Reservoir (quiet, with hilly nature trails and water views), Lake Anna (a beach and expansive lake views), Ficklen Island (along the scenic Falls of the Rappahannock), Salamander Loop (lots of close up wildlife), Chancellorsville Trails (open fields, cannons and history), and Hamilton's Crossing (at the end of scenic Lee Drive) in the Fredericksburg Battlefield.”

Q. What trails did you hike?

Becky: “After all was said and done, I must say we enjoyed our “old faithful” Government Island the most. For this hike, we always make a whole day of it packing lunches, swim suits, walking sticks and rocks to hide, and we like to bring our beloved Blacktop the Bloodhound with us, which is a plus!”

Becky: “Our culminating hike was the Snead Farm Trail at Shenandoah National Park, with wonderfully expansive mountain views at the top. We of course hiked our favorite Government Island (easily traversable loop trail with a cool stone quarry and water views), The Massaponax Creek Trail (quick loop and

Q. What were your most memorable trails moments?

Q. Any advice for others who may want to follow in your footsteps, literally? Becky: “I used the All Trails application on my phone. It was great to see how many trails come up for this area. We were able to find places locally we never knew about. Abigail is 12 and Elijah is 8. It made me very happy to see them unplugged and outside in the fresh air. We always made sure we carried a lot of water, a first aid kit and our painted walking sticks. In parting, I’d like to express thanks to all our friends in the Trails group for encouraging us as we set out on this #10trailsofsummer challenge, we successfully accomplished our mission, and a great time was had by all!”

Kevin Brown is a City Resident and Administrator of the 'On the Fredericksburg VA Trails Facebook group'"

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September 2019

Everything Greens COMMON GROUNDS By Josie wOLD

Butterfly Garden @CRRL FXBG Branch

What do Downtown Greens Community Garden and the Central Rappahannock Regional Library have in common? I love both Downtown Greens Community Garden (DTG) and the Central Rappahannock Regional Library (CRRL). When I started thinking about what these places have in common, I got on a roll and here is what I came up with: Let’s start with kids. I am a children’s librarian so starting with kids always seems like a good idea to me. Both are great places for kids to be. They are surrounded by stimuli that encourage curiosity, observation, knowledge gaining, and imagination- like books, plants and

bugs. Children can get attention from grown ups who are not their parents and take part in thoughtfully planned, enriching, and most importantly, fun events, like the Youth Garden Club and Youth Farm Program at DTG, and Fabulous Fridays and Grow a Reader classes at CRRL. They are both good places to be with other people, grow and make things, build immunity to a variety of bacteria and pathogens, make connections, share ideas. A free exchange of ideas, along with access to information, is one thing essential to democracy. Community gardens and public libraries are good places to do this. They both build community by welcoming people of all socio-ecnomic levels and are excellent places for people experiencing homelessness to spend their time. Being surrounded by things of true value brings out the best in a person, don’t you think? I see it all the time. It happens to me at Downtown Greens and the library. Self-esteem and bonding both increase when a person makes a meaningful contribution to something, especially something that is big and good and beautiful. Both DTG and CRRL welcome and depend on volunteers of all sorts, all the time, including teen volunteers, college students and retired people. Here is a funny little thing to think about: the Fredericksburg Branch on Caroline Street has a new little butterfly garden in the corner of its new parking lot next to its big old library building. Downtown Greens Community Garden has a new cute little library in its big beautiful garden. So, there is a little garden at the big library, and a little library at the big garden. Don’t you love it?!!!

The garden inspires people to make art and gives them a place to do it. The library provides a place for people to display their art and other people to come enjoy it. And then there is the music! Bands play in both places. Music on the Steps and Fredericksburg All Ages concerts are two examples of music at the library. Downtown Greens has bands play at the Fork It Over Festival and the Down Home Ball. Both places are free to go to and offer tours so that people are welcome and familiar with what is available to them. The library raises money for community events by selling donated books during the Friends of the Library Book Sales. The Garden makes money by selling plants, and garden grown food, and honey at the Farmer’s Market. Both places welcome people who wear funny hats and they both crank up some super fun community celebrationsexample like Fun Fest and the Fork It Over

Library Box @DTG Festival. And if you went to both you will have noticed that there was a library booth at the garden event and a garden table at the library event. I bet you are brimming over with additional things that our community garden and our public library have in common. We want you to stop by and let us know what they are Josie Wold, Children's Librarian

Old Town’s Greatest Tour 35 Monuments, Markers, & Attractions AND the Fredericksburg Battlefields Weddings Reunions Shuttles Parties Group Outings Fredericksburgtrolley.com 8

September 2019

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540-898-0737

Stylish & Tailored Sweater Dress

Turning Crabs into Oysters river alchemists By nick cadwallender

723 Caroline St 899.8077 Daily 10-5:30; Sunday 12-5

cause a phenomenon called an algae bloom. Algae feeds on the n u t r i e n t s , eventually covering large sections of the river. When the algae dies it depletes the oxygen and blocks sunlight needed by aquatic life. Plants and animals die and Tommy Kellum hosing a load of oyster shell on a reef being that section of the restored by Friends of the Rappahannock in Carters Creek. river becomes a dead zone. The Friends of the Rappahannock is turning crabs into oysters. On September Rappahannock has more extensive dead zones than any other Virginia river. 21 they will hold their 29th annual With your help we can change Riverfest, an all you can eat crab feast on the banks of the river downtown. The that. Oysters take sediment, nutrients, and other pollutants out of the water, funds raised at Riverfest support river restoration efforts from the headwaters utilize some for their own nourishment to the bay including this yearâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s goal of and return their waste to the river in neat little pellets that feed other aquatic life. creating 10 acres of new oyster reefs. Working with watermen like One oyster filters 50 gallons a day. Tommy Kellum and restaurants including Imagine what the 10 acres will clean and how much new oyster seed they will The Confident Rabbit, Renatos, Kybecca, provide for the river. Restoring oysters The Urbanna Seafood Market and Raw Bar and The Happy Clam recycled oyster shell is being put back into river tributaries. The first reef sanctuary has been established right across from the Tides Inn on Carterâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Creek. Over the past 2 years FOR has been adding shell to an oyster lease donated by Kellum Seafood. This bed will never be harvested. It is now providing seed that tides carry further into the creek and out into the Rappahannock. Today you can see oysters starting to establish themselves on stone revetments along the creek. The Rappahannock is the longest free-fflowing river in the Chesapeake Bay watershed. However it is not without its problems. The high sediment load and excess nutrients running into the river

benefits the whole ecosystem. A clean river means better drinking water, more crabs, oysters, and more striped bass. A clean river means more birdlife, better paddling, safer swimming and a healthier seafood industry. Now in its 29th year Riverfest has become a major sustainer of Friends of the Rappahannock. A successful Riverfest means there are funds to continue protecting the health and scenic beauty of the Rappahannock. Join us in this important work and enjoy the best party in Fredericksburg. 3 live bands, open bar, crabs, bbq and a fun night beside the river. Tickets for Riverfest are available at RiverFriends.org So this is how we turn crabs into oysters. Now, if only the alchemists at Friends of the Rappahannock could turn river mud into gold. Nick Cadwallender is the development coordinator & environmental educator at Friends of the Rappahannock.-29th Annual Riverfest Benefits Friends of Rappahannock Saturday, September 21st RiverFriends.org

200 William St Downtown Fredericksburg 540-373-4421 front porch fredericksburg

September 2019

FredTrails Making a Difference By Kevin Brown

FredTrails was recently awarded a significant grant for trail building tools from the The Duff McDuff Green, Jr. Fund of The Community Foundation. In Fredericksburg, we are very fortunate to have a volunteer organization that is dedicated to protecting and expanding bicycle and pedestrian access to off-road trails in the greater Fredericksburg Virginia Region, by means of advocacy, communication, education, recreation and trail work, promoting health, wellness, community involvement and fun. I asked Fredericksburg Trails Alliance (aka FredTrails, or FTA) volunteer Rob Maple to provide an update on the amazing things that FredTrails has been up to recently. “There are so many awesome things in the works and we continue to strive towards opening new opportunities for our outdoor recreational community. We have been so blessed this year with the receipt of numerous donations from individuals, businesses, and have been awarded several grants. This fiscal momentum coupled with our volunteer’s physical contributions have put us in a great place to do great things for the trails. It is truly the sum of all the parts that make this whole thing come together. Rather than just be an organization that builds and maintains trails; we are first focusing on building a ‘community’…. that builds and maintains trails. “With the start of I-95 bridge project, we proposed building a new trailhead on the Quarry trails at Sunshine Ball Park. We worked with the City and the Foundation to show the public and safety benefit of this trailhead and highlighted our desire to have a larger parking area to accommodate all of our local and regional trail lovers. With a lot of effort from volunteers, City staff, and Foundation support, we now have better trail access and more parking, which makes for an excellent meeting spot for bikers, hikers, and

September 2019

95 runners! Thanks to the Transurban I-9 Corridor Community Grant Program, we have recently won a grant that will enable us to install a new kiosk and bike repair stand at the new Sunshine Trailhead. “Thanks to The Duff McDuff Green, Jr. Fund of The Community Foundation, we were able to purchase a covered trailer (see above) and specialized trail building tools. Severe storms and major flooding were a common occurrence over the last year, and volunteers spent hundreds of hours using these tools to remove flood debris and over 100 downed trees that were across our trails. In addition to using tools and saws, volunteerism comes in many forms. Trail users helped by sending map pins, pics, and emails to let FTA know where the trail blockages were located. This type of work is very significant, and saves the trail crews a lot of time locating these issues. “The trail connection between the Quarry and Motts and building trail around the entirety of the Motts reservoir ranks at the top of our very long list of milestones. We have invested significant effort on trail segments inbetween these trail systems and we are excited about how they will hopefully connect the dots for our outdoor recreational community. “ Moving forward, FredTrails continues to improve and expand upon our popular Quarry and Motts Run Reservoir trails. Volunteers are 100% necessary and if you are available and want to help, the trails need you. Got an hour, that will do...come on out! We hope that you will want to be that part in making this vision a reality. Please check out the FredTrails page on Facebook, or at www.fredtrails.org, for more information.

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Jewell Wolterman 12225 Amos Lane, Ste 204 Fredericksburg, VA 22407 540-907-0574 www.elitetitleva.com jwolterman@elitetitleva.com

“I Have A Friend” Clara & Linda

campaign for suicide prevention

By Laurie Black

What makes a friendship work? There are probably a thousand answers to this question, because for every friendship there are a thousand little things that collectively bring friends together. For Linda Baumgartner and her friend Clara, the Senior Visitors Program brought them together and a simple game of cards and lively conversation keep them coming together every week. Linda heard about the Senior Visitors Program at the Art of Aging event for seniors at the Fredericksburg Expo Center. She had been thinking of volunteering for another organization that drops off necessities to seniors. Linda says, “I didn’t think I could drop and run without sitting and talking.” So, the Senior Visitors Program offered an opportunity for Linda to sit and visit and get to know a senior. Linda and Clara have been getting to know each other now for two years. “It’s a wonderful way to make new friends,” explains Linda. Linda says of Clara, “She moved back to Virginia to help her aging parents and ended up in a rural area with limited transportation options. I also live in a rural area and this resonated with me. We both like to play cards, just for the fun of

Another Day By Christina Ferber

it. We tease each other and Clara has a sassy sense of humor.” Clara says of Linda, “I enjoy Linda coming over. She keeps me from being lonesome.” When asked what their favorite activity or memory together is, Linda says she loved helping Clara celebrate her birthday with laughter and carrot cake. Clara says that she especially enjoys attending the Senior Visitors Program Annual Picnic. In addition to weekly visits from a volunteer, seniors in the program enjoy two annual events where they can come out and socialize with other seniors and volunteers. A picnic is held each summer and a holiday party is held each December. At these annual events seniors are treated to food, entertainment and door prizes, but it is the socialization that they most enjoy. At the most recent Senior Visitors Program Annual Picnic, a local dance troupe came and performed for the seniors. Seniors were delighted to see the young people perform and felt honored to receive such a special performance. “Providing weekly visits from volunteers, cards or notes from staff, a bi-monthly newsletter, and annual social events to seniors in our program, helps alleviate the loneliness and isolation seniors too often feel,” says Senior Visitors Program Director, Teresa Bowers. “We want seniors to feel connected to their community and have the resources or support they need to age well.” Clara and Linda are a perfect example of how the Senior Visitors Program touches individual lives in our community. Laurie Black is the Administrative Assistant for the Senior Visitors Program To learn more, call the Senior Visitors Program at (540) 371-2 2704 or visit our website at mhafred.org. Refer a senior or sign up to be a volunteer! The Senior Visitors Program is a free community service program of Mental Health America of Fredericksburg.

When my parents came to my house unexpectedly on a weekday morning eighteen years ago, I knew the news they brought about my brother would be badI just didn’t realize how bad. He was about to become a first-time uncle and seemed excited about it. Unfortunately, he didn’t live long enough to meet his nephew. My brother, Kent, was a bright star in many lives, and eighteen years later his friends and family still marvel at his brilliant wit, kindness for all, and incredible brain. He lived with no fear and traveled and accomplished more in his short time here than many do in a lifetime. But Kent took his own life at the age of twenty-seven. Unfortunately, my story is not unique. There are countless stories about loss of family and friends to suicide, and as with any loss of life, the healing process of those left behind never really stops. What has helped me along the healing path, has been sharing my story with others, and talking about it purposefully in order to help erase the stigma surrounding suicide. That is what brought me to Mental Health America of Fredericksburg and the Another Day Campaign for Suicide Prevention. The annual walk gave me an opportunity to share my feelings and heal with others who have been through the same process, and it still gives me a chance to talk about my story and help others through their own healing process. 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. It has also given me the chance to raise money that stays in our community and funds suicide prevention

programs in our schools. MHAF provides suicide prevention education in Fredericksburg and King George Middle and High Schools. They help young people recognize the signs and symptoms of depression and suicide, and more importantly, how to seek help. Because suicide is the 2nd leading cause of death for ten to nineteen-year-olds in the United States and it is preventable, I feel that the programs that MHAF provides are a significant piece of stemming the tide of rising suicides. Coming together as a community can help us heal each other and is a step in getting a suicide prevention conversation going and stopping more deaths. I hope that you will join me in continuing the conversation at the Another Day Walk for Suicide Prevention . When we come together with the common cause of helping our local community with suicide prevention programs and talking about suicide to try to find answers, hope and healing can and does occur. The Another Day Walk for Suicide Prevention is on Saturday, September 7th at Old Mill Park. Registration begins at 9. Walk in registration is welcomed, but you can register until September 4th online at www.mhafred.org/anotherday . You can also donate year-round at www.mhafred.org and be assured that your money stays in our community to support local programs. Please join me and let’s stand together and help those who need it realize that tomorrow is Another Day. . Christina Ferber is a teacher, Eden Energy Medicine practitioner & a MHA volunteer

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

540/371-9890

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September 2019

Pizza Palooza Brings A taste of italy to the ‘burg

By Kathryn WILLIS The evening’s fun is also enlivened by the Beatles tunes and other rock ‘n roll classics offered up by Acoustic Onion, a popular favorite band. Folks bring their folding chairs, their kids, and their dancing feet for this late summer party under the stars. Admission is $2 CASH, beer and wine are $5 a pour, and the culinary stars, the pizza slices, are still only $1. A chip

The famous Battle of the Pizzas is gearing up! On September 21, in Market Square, pizza fans will gather to cast their poker chip for the Best Pizza in the ‘Burg. Fredericksburg-E Este The Association, the sister city group twinned with Este, Italy, is the event host. Admissions volunteers give a poker chip to everyone who attends. Then, as folks nosh on their $1-a-slice pizza treats, they decide who does it best, casting their vote by tossing the chip into the bucket of the pizza maker of their choice. At evening’s end, the votes are tallied and the champs are announced.

reader is available for charging all but the admission price. By past attendance numbers, this combination of beer, pizza and rock ‘n roll is a huge hit! The event is staffed by sister city members as well as by volunteers from the Fredericksburg Area Museum, which partners in bringing the event to life. In B101.5 addition, boosts the event during their contemporary music programming.

Proceeds from the event help bring Italian-related programming throughout the year to the region, much of it offered free of charge. For example, in October, a free lecture on Education under Mussolini is scheduled for Oct. 11 at 7 PM, in the basement of St. George’s Church, and another free lecture, on Florence and the Medicis, on November 8. St. George’s is also the venue for a free Italian composers concert, this year slated for Friday, October 25. M o r e information is on the Fredericksburg-Este www.fredwebsite, este.org. Be sure to mark your calendar and come downtown for the fun. Better yet, visit the website, join, and become part of this active group’s varied program, bringing a taste of Italy to the ‘Burg!

The Sunken Well Tavern

Kathryn Willis manages Fredericksburg Sister City Association (FSCA) Photos courtesy o FSCA Pizza Palooza Saturday, September 21 Market Square, 5-9 9pm

Eat Well Drink Well Live Well 720 Littlepage sunkenwelltavern.com 540-370-0911 12

September 2019

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Season’s Bounty

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

A maine state of mind vanessa moncure

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

Locally Owned Irish Pub and Restaurant 200 Hanover St. ~ 373-0738

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

Serving Traditional Mexican, Tex-Mex Food and Something More!! Tuesday to Saturday 11am-9pm Sunday 11am-6pm

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

Have a hankering for some lobster rolls and blueberry muffins? When the weather here in Virginia is approaching three digits - along with an 85% + humidity percentage - I wish I could just click the heels of my LL Bean boat shoes and find myself on the windy, rocky shoreline of the North Atlantic in beautiful Maine. Dotted along the roughly 228-mile coastline (along with 3500 miles of tidal coastline) are some 65 lighthouses - the history of Maine is inextricably entwined with the sea. Deep ports and a multitude of bays make commercial fishing and sea transportation out of Portland ideal - naval and industrial shipbuilding is still a prime industry, along with paper and wood pulp products, food bush (the US number one producer of low-b blueberries) - tourism and outdoor recreation help to drive the economy. The “Pine Tree State” is America’s least densely populated state east of the Mississippi River, with over 80% of its land forested or in unorganized territories. Its unique land formations of massive rock are glacial legacies - Acadia National Park near Bar Harbor is the state’s only national park, although there are many other state parks. And did I mention lobster rolls and blueberry muffins? The state is well-known for its robust lobstering and groundfishing - besides blueberries, its major agricultural products are potatoes, maple syrup and maple sugar, apples, eggs and dairy products. Maine’s first colony was formed in 1607 by the Plymouth Colony at Popham Colony, the same year that Jamestown, Virginia was settled, although they left after fourteen lean months. We spent a refreshing and humidity-free (although if not sitting in a brisk breeze, the mosquitoes would attack) week at Prout’s Neck, a coastal peninsula located within Scarborough in southern

Maine. Known as the home and studio location of Winslow artist Homer, it is within easy driving distance to Kennebunkport, Portland, and the amazing Monhegan Island, a ferry ride away to incredible cliff walks, an active artists’ colony and a walk back in time, where there are only fifty yearround inhabitants, including seven students in the K-8 grade one-room schoolhouse. I did come home with a supply of blueberries, maple sugar and an urge to make Maine an annual getaway! BLUEBERRY MUFFINS Mix together 2 ½ cups flour (half regular flour, half cake flour for lighter muffins, reserving a tablespoon to toss with the blueberries), dash of salt, 1/3cup sugar, 2 ½ teaspoons baking powder and ½ teaspoon baking soda. Set aside. Mix together one-half cup melted butter plus two tablespoons canola oil, two beaten eggs and one cup of whole-milk buttermilk (low- or nonfat are easier to find, but the whole milk is so much better!). Preheat oven to 400F and either grease muffin tins or line with paper liners. Mix 1 ½ - 2 cups fresh blueberries with the reserved flour. Turn the wet ingredients into the dry, and stir only until combined, then fold in the blueberries. (½ teaspoon of vanilla can be added if desired). Spoon 2/3 full into cupcake tins, then sprinkle with coarse sanding sugar if desired, or add a streusel

topping. Bake 20-25 minutes or until golden brown. Serve hot, with plenty of butter or (even better) fresh maple syrup.

LOBSTER ROLLS Lobster rolls are the simplest and most delicious way (I think) to enjoy fresh lobster. The price per roll is usually determined by “Market Price” on local menus and signboards for restaurants. They seem to taste even better when purchased at a walk-up lobster shack - and this summer I had the most delicious bowl of lobster bisque I’d ever tasted, I think because of its freshness and simplicity just butter, milk, cream, lobster, salt, white pepper and paprika. No thickener, no preservatives. Boil one lobster per person remove the tail and claw meat - arrange on a that is split open on top. Squirt about a tablespoon of mayonnaise onto one end of the bun (homemade is best! But Hellman’s comes in second), then sprinkle with paprika. That’s it. If you mix the mayonnaise with the lobster meat ahead of time, it will draw moisture from the lobster and make it a bit watery (think some tuna or chicken salads). The best side order to a lobster roll is a large order of fried belly clams and some french fries. Then add a slice of fresh butter-and-lard crust strawberry-rhubarb pie. Or maybe a scoop of fresh-made Maine ice cream from a roadside dairy stand. And that’s a Maine state of mind!

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

Shop Local Welcome to Downtown Fredericksburg’s Main Street District fredericksburgdowntown.org front porch fredericksburg

September 2019

Cooking With Kyle Sicilian Swordfish over pasta by james kyle snyder

Snead’s Asparagus Farm Ro a d s i d e S t a n d O p e n B l u e b e r r i e s, B l a ck b e r r i e s, R a s p b e r r i e s, C u c u m b e r s , S q u a s h , Ta l l Tu n n e l To m at o e s S u ga r & S p i c e C o r n , Z u c ch i n n i 9am - 6pm Daily 10 mi. S.E. of downtown on Rt. 17

It is September – where has 2019 gone? School begins again and this transitions the end of summer, but all things delicious have not perished. We can still enjoy the summer tastes until the first frost. Italian dishes conjure images of warmth, family, and security. Hearty pasta dishes are staples throughout the year, as is the vibrancy of combining simple garden ingredients with fresh fish to make a bright healthy meal. This time we are off to Sicily for an alfresco-inspired special meal to mark the end of summer – Sicilian swordfish over pasta. Swing by The Olde Towne butcher and say hi to Keith while you grab a steak – his shop is always fun! The garden is still producing this time of year and we have a bumper crop of basil! Much of this I will turn into pistachio pesto for portioning and freezing to use throughout the winter. . Start by preheating your grill or cast iron to medium high heat and set the swordfish filets out to warm. I have enjoyed my purple grape tomatoes all year, Cut into halves 1 cup of the tasty treats into a large skillet over medium heat in 2 TBS EVOO. Add 1 Tbs chopped garlic to the mix. Make a ten-leaf basil chiffonade (roll the basil tightly and cut the roll thinly to produce thin ribbons of basil). Add half to the sauce and save the rest for garnish. Cook the sauce for about 15 minutes. Our pasta is not going to be traditional. Spiralize a zucchini or two into spaghetti to add the necessary crunch to the meal. Simple. It will be added at the very end. While the sauce is reducing, prepare the fish by: washing it, patting it dry, lightly oil, dust with a pinch of salt

September 2019

and pepper on both sides and then a little lemon zest. Let this marinate. The sauce should be sticking a little to the bottom of the pan now and the tomatoes are reduced but still recognizable. Add ½ cup of white wine to the pan to deglaze all the incredible caramelization you have just created. Set the heat to medium, add the zucchini spaghetti and reduce again for 5 minutes. Time to throw the steaks on the heat! Swordfish can go from perfect to dry quickly. It needs to be cooked rapidly over very high heat. I prefer the cast iron because of the more predictable heat, I can watch it, it leaves great marks, and the burning of the flesh makes an earthier smoke flavor hard to duplicate without wood. A grill works well too if it can get hot enough, and of course, a broiler pan very close to the heat will produce great results but without the grill lines or flavor. Add ½ cup of white wine to the chef here, it’s almost dinnertime! 5-6 minutes per side is all you need for swordfish. Cook the steaks, flip, plate over the pasta, prick the surface of the fish with a fork to allow the sauce to enter, and cover with your al fresco sauce. The meal should be rested by the time you get it to the table. Raise a glass and enjoy this nofrills meal. Hanging onto the last flavors of summer is always a treat (like swordfish). But wait, there are still the fall garden items to enjoy so don’t rush out of the garden too quickly. Keep it simple, easy, and delicious. Be well! Kyle Snyder appeals to your palate and your other senses when it comes to good, simple, healthy eating

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540/371-9 9328

C L THE HAPPY M The Only Thing We “Overlook” is the Rappahannock! Monday ~ Saturday: 11am ~ 9pm Sunday: 12-8pm 1017 Sophia Street

540-899-0140 (ph)

540-899-0141 (fax)

Rand Sompayrac & Richard Moncure, Proprietors

Become a Member

fxbgfoodcoop@gmail.com fredericksburgfoodcoop.com

Vino Wines of Portugal by City Vino

Monday – Friday at 6 am Saturday – Sunday at 7 am Serving Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner $5.00 Weekly Lunch Specials

540-373-8300

620 Caroline St.

Olde Towne BUTCHER Corner of William & Charles Streets Downtown Fredericksburg 540.370.4105 www.oldetownebutcher.com Monday to Thursday, 10am to 7pm; Friday 10am to 8 pm Saturday 9am to 8pm, Sunday, 11am to 6pm Keith Lebor Proprietor

Winemaking in Portugal comes from the traditions that were introduced by ancient civilizations. Exports of wine to Rome started during the Roman Empire and modern exports developed with trade to England in the early 1700s. Portugal boasts of over 250 indigenous grape varieties, along with some imported vines that were suited for the Portuguese climate and terrain. Portugal has three established levels of wine quality, and these can be seen on every bottle label. Wines labeled as DOC (or DOP)—Denominação de Origem Controlada—are made in one of the 31 strictly defined geographical areas that have regulations defining which grapes are permitted to be grown and used for wines with the designation. In addition, these regulations define the quantity of grapes (yield) that can be harvested from a specific-size parcel of land. Wines from one of the 14 broader areas, with less strict rules regarding grapes and vine yields, would be designated as Vinho Regional, or IGP. This may imply that the wines will not be as high-quality as the DOC wines, but there are many high-quality and creative producers making wine in these defined areas. Finally, the most basic classification of Portuguese table wine is known as Vinho or merely “wine,” but these wines are rarely exported and are consumed within the country, itself. Vinho Verde DOP is one of the most important appellations in Portugal and is known for youthful white wines made from grapes such as Loureiro, which is the most-planted grape; Trajadura, and Alvarinho (known as Albariño in Spain). The most characteristic wine from the region is low-alcohol, with bright acidity and light fizziness.

Another important appellation in the country is the Douro, which is in a mountainous and remote area in Northern Portugal, along the Douro River. Port, the well-known fortified wine, is the most famous wine from this region and is made from grapes Touriga Franca, Touriga Nacional, Tinta Roriz (Tempranillo), Tinta Barrocca, and Tinto Cão. The region is also known for rich, dry, powerful red wines, known as Tinto Douro and made from the same grapes. Wines from the Dão appellation are lighter than those from the Douro, but age well because of the tannin levels and acidity that come along with growing grapes in this region of Portugal. Red wines from Dão include Touriga Nacional, Alfrocheiro, Aragonez, and Jaen e Rufete, and white wines made from Encruzado,Bical,Cercial, Malvasia Fina, and Verdelho. Wines from the Dão appellation are lighter than those from the Douro but age well because of the tannin levels and acidity that comes along with growing grapes in this region of Portugal. Red wines from Dão include Touriga Nacional, Alfrocheiro, Aragonez, and Jaen e Rufete and white wines made from Encruzado, Bical, Cercial, Malvasia Fina, and Verdelho. Wines from the Vinho Verde, Douro, Dao, Peninsula de Setubal and other appellations and regions in Portugal allow the curious or adventurous wine drinker to explore new and unusual grapes costeffectively. Pick up some Portuguese wine today! City Vino is located at 810 Caroline St. You can find owner Rita Allan on-site to provide answers to all your wine questions photo courtesy of City Vino

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September 2019

CALEND September 2019…Oktoberfest, Harvest Moon, Suicide Prevention Month Sunday, September 1

Smell of campfires & sound of marching feet fill the air at the Sunken Road & Marye's Heights Reenactors show weapons, uniforms, & equipment carried by soldiers Watch as troops march in formation and hear about the fighting techniques during the Civil War.9a-5p Musket firing demonstrations 11a; 2pon (may not be suitable for people or animals sensitive to loud noises info(540) 693-3200, or check www.nps.gov/frsp.

Monday, September 2 Labor Day

Tuesday, September 3

Red Dragon Brewery Beer & Trivia nigh 1419 Pr.Anne St. 6:30-8:30p

Wednesday, September 4

Spotsylvania Farmers Market @ Spotsy Regional Medical Center, 2-6pm Discover the bounty of the fresh, local vegetables, fruits, meats, seafood, eggs, cheeses, breads, and plants. Rain or Shine disAbility Resource Center Legislative Forum discussing topics that affect people with disabilities & their families, with candidates for the VA General Assembly, Board of Supervisors, mayor of Fredericksburg. topics to be addressed long-term care waivers, waiting lists, transportation, employment, assessible housing, etc. Salem Church Library, 6:30-8pm Sunken Well Trivia Night7:45pm, 720 Littlepage

Thursday, September 5

Ask a Dietitan practical answers about the role of nutrition in improving fitness, preventing disease, managing chronic conditions, and enhancing your overall well-being. Bring a bag lunch Noon-1 pm. Unitarian Universalist Fellowship, 25 Chalice Circle. fredericksburgfoodcoop.com Downtown Greens Garden Hours 3pm til 6:00pm Help us work the soil, Live Music at 7:30 Kenmore Inn. featuring amazing live performances with an eclectic range of musical styles - from soft jazz, blue grass and country, to pounding rock and roll..

Open Mic with Larry Hinkle Highmark Brewery!, 390 Kings HWY, Happy hour -4-6p

First Friday, September 6

Meet the Artists Van Anderson, Jennifer Galvin, Chris McClintock@Community Bank of the Chesapeake, 425 William St FCCA Member's Gallery opening reception Marcia Chaves & Jeff Saylor, 813 Sopia St.

Farmers Market, Hurkamp Park, 7am-2pm features 29 vendors selling a wide variety of fresh items

Night Catfishing @Motts 1a. Come hook your bai 786-8989

City Vino Wine Tasting Sample featured wines of the week. 12-4p The Shoppes @810

Randy McAllister & the Motherland, Sounds of FREE 7 - 9 PM Market S

Saturday, Septem Full Harvest Moon

"What a Wondeful World", Collette Caprara opening reception, Brush Strokes Gallery, 824 Caroline St, "Spanglish" Latin American Band, Sounds of Summer Concert Series FREE 7 - 9 PM in historic Market Square 907 Princess Anne Street.

Saturday Night Supper with John Vreeland and Rev. Joe hosted by St George Episcopal church Sabbatical Planning Committee 6 pm Sydnor Hall

SpotsyFarmers Market @ West/ Gordon Road, 8a ingredients Rain facebook@SpotsyFarmer

Jon Wylie & Brandon Snellings Live Music @LaPetite Auberge, 311 William St, 9-11. . No cover. lapetiteaubergefred.com

Music By Moonlight Concert, Hurkamp Park, 7pm Enjoy an evening of music & family fun. Silent Auction

Farmers Market, Hurkam 29 vendors selling a wid

Andrea Finch, "Botanical Curiosities, Dimensions Gallery, opening reception

Robert Keelin acoustic guitar & vocals@ Curitiba Art Café, 8-10p

Artful

Stage Door presents "Jane Eyre" 810 Caroline St, thru Sept 16

Sunday, September 8

FXBG Ducks Unlimited 49th Annual "Beef & Crab Festival", Fred Fairgrounds crabs cooked on-site, raffles, beer truck, open bar with local spirits, live musical entertainment, beef tenderloin dinner, and live auction. 2p

Tuesday, September 10

Art Battle FXBG @Katora Coffee, Caroline St, 2nd Annual Art Battle of local artists compete for 4 hours of live art. 6-10p. Come watch the magic! Karaoke Night @6 Bars & a Goat Brewery, 8pm

Saturday, September 7 National Beer Lovers Day

“Another Day Walk for Suicide Prevention”, Mental Health America of FXBG, Old Mill Park, 9am. www.mhafred.org/anotherday Art in the Park Fredericksburg Farmers Market, , 9am - 1pm at Hurkamp Park Browse and shop local artists and crafters on display

540~479~4116 1013 Princess Anne St , FXBG September 2019

Friday, Septembe

Fight Climate Change with your Fork, Learn how your nutritional choices can have an impact on global warming. BYO plate & utensils. 11:30 am1pm. Unity of Fredericksburg, 3451 Jefferson Davis Hwy, Fxbg. fredericksburgfoodcoop.com

Become a Friend Advocate ~ Donate ~ Volunteer

Spotsy Farmers Market @ Commuter Lot at Rt 3 West/ Gordon Road, 8a -1pm Shop local healthiest, freshest, most delicious ingredients Rain or Shine facebook@SpotsyFarmersMarket

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National Grandparents Day

Red Dragon Brewery Beer & Trivia night 1419 Pr.Anne St. 6:30-8:30p

Wednesday, September 11

Sunken Well Trivia 7:45pm, 720 Littlepage

Thursday, September 12

Bob Gramann's CD Release Concert: Curitiba Art Cafe, 7-9pm. No cover. The CD, "I Made it Just for You" contains Bob's unique take on love, social commentary, humor, and grand babies. Downtown Greens Garden Hours 3pm til 6:00pm Help us work the soil Live Music at 7:30 Kenmore Inn. Open Mic with Larry Hinkle Highmark Brewery!, 390 Kings HWY, Happy hour -4-6p

Bee Flix Movie Series, F blankets, lawn chairs 6 FredParksRec.com

City Vino Wine Tasting the week. 12-4p The Sho

Bourbon & Boxwood, M 10p. Annual fundraisin under the stars. Wasingt

Oktoberfest @6 Bears & plenty of traditional Ger on our awesome outdoo

Adventure Brewing 4th A fun day of live music, more. Perchwood Dr, FX

Tuesday, Septemb

Red Dragon Brewery Be Pr.Anne St. 6:30-8:30p

Wednesday, Septe

Sunken Well Trivia 7:45

Thursday, Septem

Downtown Greens Gard Help us work the soil, pi bulbs, move mulch, and

Live Music at 7:30 Kenm

DAR of events

r 13

e Scrappiest Band in the f Summer Concert Series Square

s Run, 6600 River Road 7pit and cast your line (540)

mber 14

REE, Hurkamp Park, bring -9pm info: 540-372-1086

@ Commuter Lot at Rt 3 -1pm local healthy, fresh, n or Shine rsMarket

mp Park, 7am-2pm features de variety of fresh items

Sample featured wines of oppes @810

Mary Washington House, 7g gala, delightful evening tonheritagemuseums.org

& a Goat Brewery, 11a-11p rman beer, food, live music or stage,

Annual Oktoberfest, 12-12 german dancing food & XBG

ber 17

eer & Trivia night . 1419

ember 18

pm, 720 Littlepage

mber 19

den Hours 3pm til 6:00pm ck weeds, plant saplings or so much more!

more Inn.

Sunday, September 22

Open Mic with Larry Hinkle Highmark Brewery!, 390 Kings HWY, Happy hour -4-6p

Friday, September 20

Riptide, Classic Rock Sounds of Summer Concert Series FREE 7 - 9 PM Market Square Acoustic Onion Live Music @LaPetite Auberge, 311 William St, 8-10.

Saturday, September 21

Find a new favorite author @FXBG Independent Book Fest, 10a-4p, Sophia St. FREE, info: fredbookfest.com Art Attack, local artists take to the streets, 10a-4p historic downtown. Art in the Park 9am - 1pm at Hurkamp Park Browse and shop local artists and crafters Rappahannock Model Railroaders, Fall Open House! 10am-4pm, 406 Hudgins Rd, www.rmrailroaders.com f Heiwa Matsuri Fall Festival, Aikido in FXBG, 10a-2p 6155 Hickory Ridg Rd, Spotsy Pizza Palooza, food, entertainment, music, dancing, FUN., Market Square, 5-9pm Bee Flix Movie Series, FREE, Hurkamp Park, bring blankets, lawn chairs 6-9pm info: 540-372-1086 FredParksRec.com 29th annual Fredericksburg Area Wine Festival at Old Mill Park. wine, dance, eat, shop . 11a-5p Spotsy Farmers Market @ Commuter Lot at Route 3 West/Gordon Road, 8a -1pm Farmers Market, Hurkamp Park, 7am-2pm features 29 vendors selling a wide variety of fresh items â&#x20AC;&#x153;Riverfestâ&#x20AC;?, A Good Party for a Great Cause Crabs , Catfish, Barbecue , Boat Rides, Open Bar, Bands, live auction and raffle of local arts, vacations and experiences, 4-8p City Dock McDaniels Riverside Property. Benefiting Friends of Rappahannock

Food Co-op Annual Meeting. Celebrate four years of amazing progress with the Fredericksburg Food Co-op! 3-4:30 pm. Dorothy Hart Community Center, 408 Canal St. fredericksburgfoodcoop.com

Tuesday, September 24

Spotsylvania Farmers Market @ Commuter Lot at Route 3 West and Gordon Road, 8a -1pm open Shop local and pick up some of the healthiest, freshest, most delicious ingredients the area has to offer. Rain or Shine facebook@SpotsyFarmersMarket

Red Dragon Brewery Beer & Trivia night 1419 Pr.Anne St. 6:30-8:30p

Farmers Market, Hurkamp Park, 7am-2pm features 29 vendors selling a wide variety of fresh items

Wednesday, September 25

City Vino Wine Tasting Sample featured wines of the week. 12-4p The Shoppes @810

Civil War Round Table of Fredericksburg guest speaker, Kevin Pawlak presents "Today we must fight harder- The Confederate Defense of the Sunken Road". Civil War Round Table meets at the UMW Jepson Alumni Center, 6:30-9pm. Eating for the Earth. tips for creating quick and easy stir fry meals Bring a plant-based dish for the potluck 5:30-7:30 pm. St. George's Episcopal Church,905 Princess Anne St. fredericksburgfoodcoop.com Sunken Well Trivia 7:45pm, 720 Littlepage

Friday, September 27

VA State Fair begins, Meadow Event Park Doswell, VA. rides, pet animals, shows, games, concert, food. www.statefairva.org thru Oct. 8th Rafael Ortiz & El Tumbao Urbano, Salsa Sounds of Summer Concert Series 7 - 9 PM Market Square Karen Jonas Live Music @LaPetite Auberge, 311 William St, 8-10. . No cover. lapetiteaubergefred.com

Saturday, September 28

Journaling for the Creative Soul: Workshop with Donna Jones and Dianne Bachman. 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. 540-845-7622 for information and to register. Health & Wellness Fair (Adults & Youth) , 10am 20pm Strong Tower Church 234 Ferry Road (540) 374-1588 www.strongtowerlive.com/contact/ Capital Ale House Oktoberfest, 11:30a Caroline St returning with more beer, brats, music and lederhosen! Bee Flix Movie Series, FREE, Hurkamp Park, bring blankets, lawn chairs 6-9pm info: 540-372-1086 FredParksRec.com

Behind the Scenes Tour of the Rising Sun Tavern, our includes a look underneath our reconstructed porch, through the network of lost doors inside, into the Civil War damaged attic, and a unique view of our gardenFor more information, call the Rising Sun Tavern at 540-371-1494. Downtown Greens Garden Hours 3pm til 6:00pm Help us work the soil, pick weeds, plant saplings or bulbs, move mulch, and so much more! Live Music at 7:30 Kenmore Inn. featuring amazing live performances with an eclectic range of musical styles - from soft jazz, blue grass and country, to pounding rock and roll.. 12-12 Harvest Moon Festival ,Highmark Brewery live Music, Vendors, Corn Hole Tournament, Food Trucks, a Pig Roast, Petty Zoo, crafts for kids and of course BEER!! , Kings Hwy

Monday, September 30

"League of Earth's Angels - meeting Howell Library in England Run, Room #3 at 7:30pm. We are a judgement-free women's discussion circle focusing on women's issues. webpage at: https://520727.wixsite.com/leagueofearthsangels for more info. All women are welcome!"

If you are reading this 266th issue of FPF, thank an advertiser as we celebrate our 23rd year of continuous publication! If you are an advertiser, list your events. Deadline for October 2019 issue is September 20th. To submit events go to frontporchfredericksburg.com/submit or email frntprch@aol.com: subject Calendar

3496 Fans (& Growing) Want You to Join

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September 2019

history’s stories

Flag Draped Coffin By Ralph “Tuffy” Hicks Recently on the nightly news was a story showing a military funeral with a flag draped coffin. The next channel there was a scene of a group burning the United States flag in protest.

I think it is time for some to know the true meaning of flag history. leaqrn why it is so respected. At the end of a military funeral they normally fire a 21-gun salute. You may have read that is the sum of the numbers in the year 1776 (21). This may sound nice and historical; however, it is incorrect as it was established by Public law 94-344, in 1890. Having attended many Military funerals in the past, I can only recall only one two times I have heard the recitation of the thirteen folds in the flag. Both of which were on Memorial Day. Any Veteran who has served in the military during war time, military member killed on active duty after May 27, 1941, and a veteran discharged in peace time after June 27, 1950 and all honorably discharged veterans since 1955 are entitled to have a United States flag placed upon his or her coffin. Any individual may request a flag be placed upon their coffin. At the end of the Military funeral, after the 21-gun salute and the playing of Taps the flag is folded. The flag is never allowed to touch the ground or be lowered into the grave and is always presented to the next of kin. There are many stories on how the story of the folds came about, none of which have been proven.

The flag is folded 13 times. The 1st fold is the symbol for life. The 2nd fold is the symbol for the belief of eternal life. The 3rd fold is for the veteran departing who served their country. The 4th fold represents the American citizens trusting in God. The 5th fold tribute to our country. The 6th fold is where our heart is, one Nation under God, indivisible with Liberty and Justice for all. The 7th fold is a tribute to the Armed Forces that protect our country. The 8th fold is a tribute to those who enter the valley of the shadow of death. The 9th fold is a tribute to womanhood and all Mothers. The 10th fold is to the Fathers. The 11th fold is for King David and King Solomon and glorifies in Hebrews eyes, the God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob. The 12th fold represents eternity and God the Father, the Son and Holy Spirit. The 13th fold when the flag is completely folded the stars are uppermost reminding us of our Nations motto, In God We Trust. There are many traditions with the United States flag that many of us who served in the armed forces preserving the rights and freedoms all American enjoy today were taught. The largest flag in the city is flown daily by the National Park Service located on Lafayette Boulevard. To the Memory of: Nancy Redgrave Sielski, T.C.Waddy, Scott Jones & Max Klotz Tuffy is the Front Porch resident FXBG historian

September 2019

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OUR HERITAGE fxbg pedestrian mall By dan enos Downtown Fredericksburg enjoys a very healthy economy in an era when online commerce is constantly touted as the bane of brick-and-mortar business. However, the health of the downtown economy was not always assured. In the late 1950s, local government officials and business owners struggled to conceive of ways to maintain the downtown business district’s ability to compete with newly developed malls and shopping centers on the outskirts of town. In 1960, Virginia’s Department of Conservation and Economic Development commissioned the somewhat awkwardly titled A Report On: The Fredericksburg Area 1960. The report acknowledged that the automobile has vaulted the American from the old horse and buggy days to the days of almost absolute dependence on the passenger car. People now will drive two blocks rather than walk. This points up the general problems facing the commercial center of Fredericksburg, namely (1) mixed land uses, (2) crowded streets and insufficient parking, and (4) vulnerability to outside competition (shopping centers). While the report never mentions what problem (3) was, the basic conclusion that downtown Fredericksburg’s business district was in danger of being supplanted by more accessible shopping centers with ample parking and clusters of popular stores was prescient. Indeed, many a downtown district fell prey to big retail over subsequent decades. But the report’s framers had a solution: a downtown mall. This downtown mall would have required some pretty radical changes in traffic patterns in the heart of Fredericksburg’s business district. Under the proposal, the six blocks bordered by Sophia, George, Charles, and Amelia streets would have been set aside as a pedestrian mall, closed to vehicular traffic. As for the parking problem, the suggested fix was to pave Scott’s Island, which is the tree-covered islet beneath the Chatham Bridge. Shuttle buses would circulate around the perimeter of the mall and to the parking island, delivering shoppers to and from their destinations. While the concept has some flaws (closing William Street to through traffic would have cut direct access to the Chatham Bridge, almost certainly creating a traffic-flow disaster, and the proposed parking lot

seems inconvenient, not to mention floodprone), it was a bold proposition that would have changed the entire character of downtown Fredericksburg. pedestrian mall in The Charlottesville, which opened in 1976, anchors a thriving retail and arts district. The success of that project could be an indicator of what might have happened here. However, Fredericksburg has found success by doing exactly the opposite of what the 1960 proposal recommended. Its authors sought to eliminate all residential properties from the commercial sector. Instead, Fredericksburg’s downtown is evolving, replacing older properties, such as the former Free Lance-Star building, with mixed-use developments that specifically blend residential and commercial uses. Instead of vying for the same customers as suburban shopping centers, the downtown district has carved out its own unique identity and has prospered. And as for competing with online shopping, nothing can replace a brisk December holiday shopping stroll and dinner at a (non-chain) downtown restaurant. Dan Enos is a teacher & writer who keeps his history nerd credentials up to date by volunteering at the CRRL's Virginiana Room. photo courtesy of Fredericksburg

What’s in a Ruin? Idlewild Manson By jon gerlach

When archaeologists first penetrated the Yucatan, they found ruins of ancient temples being consumed by the encroaching jungle. Questions - and mysteries - abounded. Who lived there, why did they leave, and what were these proud structures? The same questions

could be asked of a little-known place in Fredericksburg. It seems like time travel to walk through the woods, and suddenly find yourself gazing up at the towering walls of an old brick mansion.

Perched on a hilltop between the Idlewild Subdivision and I-95, sit the impressive ruins of a magnificent old home: the Idlewild Mansion. Historic Preservationist Donna Chasen, who is committed to seeing it restored one day, recently gave me a tour of the property, which is fenced and overgrown. I neglected to use insect repellent, and as I write this article the chiggers are still having their way.

tendrils.

The 2 ½ story, Gothic Revivalstyle, brick mansion was built by James Tongue in 1859. This was a magnificent, if not imposing structure, completely underlain by an English basement. The first owners were William Yates Downman and his wife Mary. A few years after moving in, William was taken from Mary by typhoid fever. When fighting swept across the property during the Chancellorsville campaign in May, 1863, the mansion was struck by artillery fire.

Thanks to the dedicated work of committed preservationists, the site was listed on the National Register of Historic Places and the Virginia Landmarks Register. In 2008, during the economic recession, City Council considered several proposals to fully restore the mansion, but for various reasons none were accepted, not least of which was the economic climate of those times.

For 90 years the mansion stayed in the hands of the original family, the Downmans. When the Reverend John Yates Downman passed away in the 1940s, his older sister, Ann, sold the property. Thirty years ago, the site was vacated and nature began its inexorable process of reclaiming the buildings. Tragically, the beautiful mansion succumbed to arson in 2003, utterly gutted by a raging fire that destroyed the roof and nearly all the rooms. The City, which owns the site, undertook emergency stabilization using steel beams to brace the mansion's towering brick walls. Everyone agrees this is not a permanent fix, and the future of the site remains uncertain. It clings to life by its steely

Three outbuildings remain relatively intact behind the mansion: a square smokehouse, a possible dairy building, and a two-story structure with three bays that was renovated midcentury. One or more of these dependencies may have been living quarters for enslaved people who labored there.

So … what's in a Ruin? Here … an impressive mansion struggling against time for a new life.

An attorney and retired archaeologist, Jon Gerlach chairs the Architectural Review Board in Fredericksburg B/W photo by Brad Hedrick, Color photo by Jon Gerlach

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September 2019

Senior Care protect seniors from fraud Dog Walking Pet Sitting Companion Play Time & Mini Furies, Too!

By Karl Karch

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

The recent Spotsylvania County fraud of roughly $600,000 resulting from a “phishing scam” prompted me to again discuss financial fraud of our older senior population. According to a 2016 report by the AARP Public Policy Institute, one in five older Americans are victims of financial exploitation each year costing losses of $3 billion annually. The U.S. Consumer Financial Protection Bureau stated the average financial loss to older Americans in 2017 was $34,200, and that may be just the tip of the iceberg. Other analysts estimate losses may be as high as $36.5 billion annually. Unfortunately, much elder fraud is committed by family members or people they trust so they may not report an incident because they are ashamed, embarrassed, or afraid to be seen as vulnerable and not capable of remaining independent. The older population is targeted not only because they have accumulated $18 trillion in assets according to AARP, but also because they are more likely to suffer from problems with memory and judgment, making them vulnerable to fraud. However, as evident by the Spotsylvania scam, the degree of sophistication goes beyond memory issues. These frauds have the potential to put local seniors at greater risk of losing their life savings, their homes, and their trust in others. The victims’ quality of life can be affected by becoming reclusive, embarrassed and distressed, and/or causing them to suffer from poor selfconfidence. The magnitude of the senior fraud problem has the attention of our federal government. On May 24, 2018 President Trump signed the Senior Safe Act in a bipartisan banking reform package. The Senior Safe Act encourages financial institutions to train employees to monitor for elder abuse. While it doesn’t mandate action, it does grant limited immunity to individuals at

September 2019

financial institutions who report such abuse to law enforcement or regulators in accordance with the Act. On June 13, 2019, U. S. Attorney General William Barr announced the establishment of the Transnational Elder Fraud Strike Force to “focus on investigating and prosecuting individuals and entities associated with foreign-based fraud schemes that disproportionately affect American seniors. These include telemarketing, mass-mailings, and tech-support fraud schemes.” FBI Director Christopher Wray, whose agency is a strike force partner, stated: “We're committed to keeping our elderly citizens safe, whether they're being targeted door-to-door, over the phone or online from thousands of miles away”. Locally, our region is fortunate to have a wonderful organization called the Spotsylvania Stafford Fredericksburg Regional TRIAD whose function is to reduce criminal acts to senior citizens through training and educational presentations. Our organization, Home Instead Senior Care, developed a “Senior Fraud Protection Kit” which includes valuable information and checklists to help seniors stay safe at home that can be downloaded www.caregiverstress.com/seniorfrom safety/senior-fraud/senior-fraudprotection-k kit/. ; I particularly like the “Scam Proof Your Senior Checklist”, and the “What to Do If Your Senior Has Been Scammed” one-page guide. You may also sign up for free “Watchdog Alerts” by going to AARP Fraud Watch Network. By arming older adults with information and helping them feel more secure, seniors can have the confidence they need to protect themselves from scammers and fraudsters. Karl Karch is a Gerontologist and 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.

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Our body's energy can be affected by our surroundings, activities, and the people in our lives. Think about how you may feel after watching a nightly newscast, and how different your energy feels when you are in nature, or with friends and family that you love to be around. Throughout our day, our energy can be high and upbeat, but also hit some lows depending on what we are doing, and who or what we are around. Some of us may be more sensitive than others, but none of us are immune to how our environment affects us. Strengthening our Aura, or Biofield is one way to pattern the body's energies so that we can remain strong when our surroundings may not be optimal. The Aura is the field of energy that surrounds our bodies. It acts like a spacesuit keeping the energy we don't need away, and like an antenna, channels harmonious energy to us. When it is balanced, it protects and nourishes the other energy systems in the body. Clearing and strengthening the aura helps our physical body and affects how we experience our environment. It is critical for our survival. The following are just a few of many Eden Energy Medicine (EEM) exercises that you can use to strengthen your Aura. I urge you to pick one, make it part of your daily routine, and see if you don't feel a little better or a little less sensitive to the energy around you. Swimming the Aura is one technique that can strengthen our Biofield, and if you really pay attention, sometimes you can feel the energy around you when doing this. Rub your hands together vigorously for a few moments and then with your palms facing out, create a swimming motion in whichever way you choose. You can bring one hand forward and the other behind you. You can reach both hands out to the sides or

up and down. Continue doing this in all directions around your body, as well as toward the head and feet. The trick is to do this slow and imagine that the energy you created when you rubbed your hands together is flowing through your palms and into the space around you. Figure Eights are a hallmark of EEM. They are good to do over any part of your body that does not feel well, and they also strengthen our aura and surrounding energy field. Simply move your hands in a large figure eight pattern around your body. There is no wrong way to do this, simply trace eights in a way that feels right to you. The Celtic Weave exercise helps to "fluff" your energies so they can protect you in a better way. It is a powerful technique that reinforces the figure eight crossover patterns in the aura and helps to connect all of your energies together. Stand tall with your hands on your thighs. After a deep breath in through your nose, and out through your mouth, rub your hands together vigorously for a few moments. Then bring your palms to either side of your ears, bring your elbows together and swing your hands out to the side. Do this same motion again, but this time bend a bit forward so that you are near your waist. On the third 'swing out' perform the technique at your ankle area. Then scoop up the energy you just saturated your aura with and pour it over your body. If any of these techniques are confusing in written form, please view the videos of the above exercises and more at www.itsallenergywellness.com and keep your energy strong.

Christina Ferber is a Certified Eden Energy Medicine Practitioner

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September 2019

Emancipated Patients Cannabidiol By Patrick Neustatter, MD some states allow free use. Others allow it with a doctor’s recommendation. The website of the Marijuana Policy Project has a lot of information.

Neighbor Terry, (who my wife Paula refers to as my “yard husband” because he helps me with so many projects) has had neuropathy in his feet for years. He asked me the other day “what do you know about CBD oil?” as he has a friend, JoAnn, in Richmond, who has seen dramatic improvement in her foot pain. At that point, it would have been like one of those jokes about “the shortest book in the world.” But as it is a hot topic (my inbox is inundated) I thought it worth researching. What I Found CBD stands for cannabidiol, which is one of some 113 cannabinoids in the cannabis plant (marijuana is the dried flowers of cannabis). The crucial difference is that CBD doesn’t have that wicked THC – which is the chemical that gets you high. Both work on the endocannabinoid system (ECS) that we all have (which makes me think we are wired to all be pot-heads). This regulates much of what goes on in our body – inflammation, appetite, sleep, even cognitive function. The medicinal effects of cannabis have been known for eons - Chinese Emperor Fu Hsi noted it was a “very popular medicine” back in 2900 BC. It is now touted as a veritable panacea, for arthritis, multiple sclerosis, insomnia, smoking cessation, drug withdrawal, psychosis, schizophrenia, PTSD, anxiety, and all kinds of pain. The only thing it is FDA approved for however, is an obscure form of epilepsy. Legal status is confused. The rules tend to conflate cannabis and CBD. CBD is illegal on the federal level, but

September 2019

Proof of the Pudding CBD is available as oil, capsules, inhalers, gummies, but also CBD-infused smoothies, bath bombs, jelly beans, beer and god knows what else. Terry’s friend, JoAnne, who is 70, has foot pain from plantar fasciitis and sciatica. She also has restless leg syndrome that stops her sleeping. She tried CBD oil, and told me she normally has trouble sleeping, but that night she fell asleep, then woke an hour later, and realized she wasn’t hurting so much and “oh my god my legs quit jerking.” Dosage is whatever is advised on the package, or start at about 20 to 40 mg per day usually divided twice a day. Then advance slowly about 5mg each time. Capsules should specify dose, but for drops – which you put under the tongue – you may have to calculate how many (usually they will contain about 5mg per drop). Adverse effects reported are fatigue, diarrhea, weight gain or loss. It also interferes with metabolism of many prescription drugs in the same way as grapefruit juice. But I read “continuous use of CBD, even in high doses like 1,500 mg a day, is tolerated well by humans.” Is it for You? The advice everybody gives is “ask your doctor.” But my suspicion, confirmed by my colleagues, and by what JoAnn told me about visiting her doctor, is that most doctors don’t know much about CBD. So you may be on your own. Anything that can treat so many diverse illnesses makes me a little suspect – and there isn’t much solid research to date. But it seems fairly safe, so not unreasonable to give it a try. Terry has decided to. I will tell you if he turns into a toad or grows another head.

Patrick Neustatter is the Medical Director of the Moss Free Clinic. author of "Managing Your Doctor, The Smart Patient's Guide to Getting Effective, Affordable Healthcare", available at Amazon.com

Publisher Note: CBD capsules are available at Scenter of Town 907 Charles Street, Downtown

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Thank You Fredericksburg for Your Support Since 1997 Accepting New Patients Emergency Patients Welcome Participant With Most Major Insurance Plans 131 Park Hill Dr, FXBG, 22401 540-373-0602 fdadental.com

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September 2019

Art in the Burg Galleries in September AA members will be also be displaying an array of painting, photography, pottery, jewelry, and basketry. The opening reception in conjunction with Colonial Beach's Second Friday Art Walk. The show runs through October 6. "Life", New art by Sophia Constantine and Wayne Russell Opening Reception Sept 6 ArtFirst Gallery, 824 Caroline Street

“Botanical Curiosities”, Andrea Finch @Artful Dimensions "Botanical Curiosities" by Andrea Finch Opening Reception First Friday, September 6, 6-9 9pm Artful Dimensions Gallery 922 Caroline St Andrea creates her quilts using the sewing machine as a pen and the fabric as her paper. Her creations call to be touched and explored as texture abounds and fabrics are used to create flora that pops off the surface. Say's Andrea, "After years of fermentation, three once separate parts of my life -- photography, quilting and horticulture -- now come together in my quilts." Exhibit thru Sept ~Sally Cooney Anderson "Autumn Greetings" by Beverley Coates Opening Reception, September 13 6-9 9pm Artists Alliance, 100 Taylor St, Suite 101 Colonial Beach The Artists' Alliance (AA) at Jarrett Thor Fine Arts is featuring watercolorist Beverley Coates. Beverley's "Autumn Greetings uses gentle, yet vivacious colors, while focusing on flowers and scenes of Fredericksburg and the Northern Neck. The viewer can feel the refreshing and nippy fall air in her work, and can appreciate the rich colors of the fall foliage depicted. ~Rob Rudick

“Roses”, Beverley Coates

Local Fredericksburg artists Sophia Constantine and Wayne Russell have joined forces for a combined featured artist show. The two artists are

“Swan”, Wayne Butler @Art First neighbors living in downtown Fredericksburg. They've known each other for about four years and have taken classes together and have participated in various art events during that time. The exhibited paintings for both artists center around the Fredericksburg area. Sophia Constantine has an undergraduate degree from the Savannah College of Art and Design and majored in Fashion Design and Textiles, with a minor in Art History. After college and while in Pittsburgh, PA, she continued with art by teaching classes at the Pittsburgh Center for the Arts along with other local community

September 2019

Community Art Series Meet the Artisits: 2-5 5p, First Friday Van Anderson, Jennifer Galvin, Chris McClintock Community Bank of the Chesapeake 425 William St

“Autumn Greetings”, Beverley Coates @Artists Alliance

“Mural Artist”, Penny A Parrish

810 Caroline Street, Downtown Fredericksburg 24

centers. She is a mother of three children, but continues to find time to enjoy her passion. She currently focuses on oil painting with a desire to pursue portraiture. She has a love of historic Fredericksburg and that has inspired her to paint Fredericksburg's local buildings. Wayne Russell has “Cityscape 2”, Sophia Constantine @Art First an undergraduate degree from Virginia Tech in Mathematics and also a masters degree from Virginia Tech in Computer Science. He has always drawn since he was younger and started formal art classes locally several years ago. .His interests in art include wildlife, portraiture and popular art. Most of his wildlife paintings are based on photographs that he taken taken while walking on the Fredericksburg Canal Path and along the Rappahannock River. Wayne's work is inspired by “Houses Walk the River Line”, Impressionist and Pop Art Jennifer Galvin@ Community Art Series, artists. ~Casey Shaw Community Bank of the Chesapeake

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“Flowers Forever”, Lynn Abbott Daily 10 to 6.

Artist on site Saturdays

540.371.4099

Business Training for Artists interactive Conference

Name This House win downtown gift certificate

By dawn whitmore

The Clark Hulings Fund for Visual Arts is bringing their art conference to Fredericksburg in November. Local artists who knew of the Art-Business conference contacted representatives of the Clark Hulings Fund (CHF) because they felt artists in the Fredericksburg-area would benefit from this type of interactive business training. Business conference The VA Art-B has two parts, which, Carolyn Edlund, Sales & Event Director for The Clark Hulings Fund for Visual Arts (CHF), explains are “distinct but related.” The first component is an intensive two-day business training focused on professional development of artist with creative endeavors facilitated by CHF Director, Elizabeth Hulings, Education Director Daniel DiGritz, and the aforementioned, Edlund. The training is for artists who are ready to launch or grow a sustainable business to include topics of setting career objectives, portfolio development, pricing marketing and sales strategies. Subjects covered have continued learning accessible after the conference, through The Clark Hulings Fund for Visual Arts digital campus and is obtainable to registered attendees. “The conference will be highly interactive, with an emphasis on networking through building teams of artists who collaborate to help each other succeed. Often artists work in isolation, without the benefits of a strong

community, support or mentorship, and this experience begins to overcome that,” says Edlund. The Thriving Art Exchange is the second component of the conference. This portion of the Art-Business conference is where, this writer proposes, CHF takes their conference to the next level. The Thriving Art Exchange plans to bring together a wide-range of the community to include artists, arts advocates, curators, collectors, staff from area economic development and tourism, and other stakeholders interested and invested in the future of the arts economy in the Fredericksburg-area and beyond for a guided discussion. “The Thriving Art Exchange is a guided process of sharing ideas, gaining consensus and creating a roadmap towards a more vibrant and thriving local arts economy,” explains Edlund. One concept, which may be explored, is creative placemaking. “Creative placemaking, a process of planning and shaping community development with specific emphasis on the creative economy and quality of life in a region can revitalize a local economy, put a region on the map as an arts destination, shares Edlund, “I feel that any artist concerned about the future of the region in terms of developing a healthy art ecosystem should plan to attend.” Edlund has been working with artist entrepreneurs for 10 years through her business, Artsy Shark LLC, and as the Executive Director of a non-profit presenting art business workshops. “About 18 months ago, I joined The Clark Hulings Fund after meeting Elizabeth Hulings and learning more about her vision for supporting artists in becoming thriving self-directed businesspeople,” explains Edlund, “Her (Elizabeth’s) father, painter Clark Hulings, was a famous American artist whose own business flourished because he understood how to work in the industry and create his own success. Elizabeth and her mother founded CHF in 2013 to honor his legacy by working to empower artists to thrive.” For more info or to register for the VA Art-B Business Conference by visiting: clarkhulingsfund.org/events/art-b businessconference-v virginia/

Identify this mystery house and you could win a gift certificate from a downtown merchant. Here’s how: Email frntprch@aol.com, Subject: Mystery House, Identify house address, Your name, address, email. The poem below is a hint of the location of the mystery house. Good Luck!

Last Month’s House: 804 Sylvania Ave. Winner of a gift certificate: Latittudes Fair Trade Store is Lauren Braney

Ode To a Stone House Oh stone house, how small you look, with your huge pet tree,hovering above. You peek around her trunk so massive, looking up at the college,serene and secure. Your neighborhood streets, all end at the pond, past the huge castle, strange and prolonged. Mr. Silver's house next door, a sprawling big rambler, strange doings inside my dear?

Dawn Whitmore, The “Old Barn” Lady is a barnscape photographer and writer facebook.com/dewphotographypage ; www.dewphotographyva.com front porch fredericksburg

September 2019

Find A New Favorite 4th annual book fest By A.E.Bayne Sophia Street between Hanover and Charlotte Streets. This will allow for easier access, clearer pathways, and cross traffic between Art Attack on Caroline Street and FIBF on Sophia. Register for free online for opportunities to participate in r a f f l e s throughout the day. This year on Saturday, September 21, 2019, FXBG Book Fest has paired with Art Attack and the Fredericksburg Wine Festival for a truly epic day of arts and culture in

As in years past, FIBF will host panel discussions and speakers, offer giveaways from our vendors, and create a space for open dialogue between authors and readers,

Fredericksburg. We’re taking it to the streets and hosting the festival directly on

promoting literacy and learning about authorship and the writer’s craft.

September 2019

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Festival partner James Noll says, “We’re excited to bring the festival back to downtown this year! With over fifty authors, UFO food truck and our usual cache of speakers and panels, it’s going to be a great day. AND we’re partnering with Art Attack and the Fredericksburg Wine Festival, so there are going to be some pretty cool giveaways this year too.” Chris Jones, a festival partner, is thrilled to have Robert Pruett of Brandylane Publishers keynoting this year’s festival. He says, “Robert will be discussing how authors should navigate the process of vetting and choosing publishers and what they need to do to get their books picked up by a publisher. It’s a topic that comes up again and again and were excited that Robert will talk about it.”

We’re excited to return to the downtown area with new ways for the community to interact with local authors throughout the year and continuing support for independent publishing in our region. Follow us on Facebook and Instagram to get the latest information as it’s happening, and join us on Saturday, September 21 st , between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m., for the 4 th Annual Fredericksburg Independent Book Festival. A.E. Bayne is an organizing partner in the Fredericksburg Independent Book Festival and the publisher of Fredericksburg Literary and Art Review. photos from last year's festival by Michelle Pierson.

Biz Marketing tame the social media monster By mandy smith

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When operating a business in todayâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s tech savvy world it is imperative and required to have a social media presence. The difficult part is figuring out which platform works best for your business out of the big three: Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter. Facebook Facebook is a social media network that allows users to post photos, comments, share live videos, stories, etc. I highly recommend that all businesses setup a Facebook business page. Double check that all the content under the about section is accurate. If your phone number changes, this area needs to be updated. If you add your location, followers will be able to check-in when they visit your business. There are several images that users need to be aware of. Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s important to make sure these images are sized correctly. Facebook Images: Desktop Sizes Profile Picture: 170 x 170 pixels. Cover Photo: 800 x 312 pixels. Event Photo: 1200 x 628 pixels. About Section 800 x 445 pixels. Instagram Instagram is owned by Facebook and is a social media platform where users can share photos, videos, and stories. When creating an Instagram account, be sure to set it up as a business account. Instagram is not appropriate for every business. If you have a business where you can take a picture daily of something that followers want to see, then Instagram is for you. Restaurants, furniture stores, car dealerships, real estate agencies, and home remodeling companies are great examples of businesses that should have an Instagram account. They all have the ability to post something fresh daily. Instagram is a great way to edit photos before posting and if you link your Instagram account to your Facebook page, the edited photo will automatically post to Facebook! Instagram Notes Instagram Profile Picture : 180 x 180 p You cannot post from your desktop; however you can search & interact Editing is more limited on the desktop, use your phone to edit and to track analytics. Web links do not work on Instagram. Twitter Twitter is an interesting social media platform. In 280 characters you can tweet your thoughts to the world and post a picture or a video. At its core, Twitter is a great way for celebrities and the media to engage with people. For users, Twitter is filled with witty comments and observations about life and

events, which can be liked and re-tweeted causing a viral effect. If you are a business who can actively engage and generate followers through witty tweets, then this is the platform for you. You have to be extremely active on Twitter. Therefore, ask yourself if you have the time to dedicate to Twitter and whether this is really where your shoppers spend their time. If not, then you should focus your efforts on Facebook and Instagram. Twitter Cover Photo Dimensions: 1500 x 500 pixels, leave a sizeable border and center your graphic. Profile Picture : 400 x 400 pixels. In order to tame the social media monster you must view social media as an advertising medium. You must dedicate the time and effort needed to keep your platforms active. You should, at a minimum, post once a day on each site. If you do not have the time to do it right, then consider hiring someone who can help you. It is very important as business owners that you embrace social media. Additional Notes It is very important to research all advertising opportunities in your area. Social media is just one piece of your marketing plan. Be sure to look into radio, press and other advertising mediums. Once your social media pages are setup, be sure to add their icons to your website and hyperlink them. Always post like a friend; not like a business. Check your analytics on a regular basis. You can schedule posts directly on Facebook. You cannot schedule posts directly on Twitter or Instagram. To schedule these posts consider using a social media management tool such as Hootsuite. Website links work on Facebook and Twitter, they do not on Instagram Always double check your posts! You can edit Instagram and Facebook, you cannot edit Twitter. Look into a free graphic design tool such as Canva.com Mandy Smith is the Promotions & Marketing Director for B101.5

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September 2019

Companions fall into the season by Gerri Reid dvm flea/tick prevention is easy to apply due to low volume of product. These preventions will ensure your pet’s exposure to fleas/ticks is minimal and should be used year-round. Dogs love to play in the leaves! Running and diving into a pile of leaves is fun for everyone. But Beware! ‘Tis the season for snakes to be lurking in the leaves and found curled up under the wood piles. Many of us have encountered a Copperhead snake in the yard or in the garden. Snakebites can be deadly not only for us but also for our pets. If your pet has been bitten by a snake, please take your pet to your regular Veterinarian or the local Emergency clinic for immediate treatment.

The Fall Season is right around the corner. Time for the leaves to start changing colors and begin to cover the ground. Fredericksburg will draped in picture-perfect backgrounds full of color! Pumpkin Spice is in the air and will appear in anything you can eat or drink! More walks will be made along the numerous Hiking trails in the area. So, how do we prepare our pets for the change of Season? Here are some helpful reminders and tips to ensure your pet is ready to Fall into the Season. As the hot weather begins to subside and we start to have cooler mornings/days, more pets will spend a good amount of time outdoors. With this exposure, it becomes important for your pets to be on Flea/Tick prevention. There are many options but I recommend Nexgard, a oral chewable flea/tick prevention. With the ease of giving this product, I find that clients are more likely to give Nexgard monthly as opposed to the traditional topical flea/tick preventions. Topicals products can be messy and difficult to give due to the large volume of product to apply. Other products such as Seresto flea/tick collar is an excellent alternative to Nexgard. This collar is water resistant with no residue and last for 8 months. For cats, I recommend Revolution. This topical

September 2019

As our pets spend more time outdoors, we can't forget about Mosquitoes! I not only recommend giving flea/tick preventions yearround but I also recommend giving Heartworm prevention monthly. Mosquitoes transmit heartworms causing Heartworm disease which is a parasite that lives in the heart. This disease can be fatal but giving heartworm prevention monthly will prevent heartworm disease. Products such as Heartgard is a chewable pill that is easy to give to your dog. Most dogs tend to love the pill and think of it as a special monthly treat! Fall is one of my favorite seasons! The warm brown, orange, red and yellow colors that Nature creates is simply breathtaking. The smell of pumpkin spice reminds you that Fall is here. Time for crisp cool mornings and comfortable evenings. As we prepare for the season change, remember to give your pets monthly heartworm prevention as well as flea/tick prevention. Watch out for SNAKES! But remember to get outdoors with your pet(s), take a stroll in Downtown FXBG sip on a Pumpkin Spice Latte and take this suggestions to keep your pet safe and healthy!

Dr. Gerri S. Reid is the Owner/Veterinarian of Reid Mobile Veterinary Services. 540-623-3029; reidmobilevetservices.com ; facebook eVetServices photo of Dr. Reid newest addition, “Chocko”, by Gerri

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Astrology & You

THE POETRY MAN

Month of Harvest Moons & Long Shadows

By Frank Fratoe

By Dianne Bachman

Conquering Hate

initiating things, like the harvesting of seeds we planted during the spring equinox, whether it be a bumper crop of tomatoes or the accumulated success of a new idea. Day and night will balance into just about equal duration and the shadows we cast as we walk about our days will gradually grow longer from this point until the winter solstice. Libra invites us to restore balance in our lives, to appreciate the natural beauty of the trees as they turn to crisp yellows and reds, and to look at harmony within our inner and outer circles.

Hatred grows whenever we are self-possessed: our dread that results from self-pity and fear, our inquietude coming from self-indulgence, our jealousy and anger a self-delusion brings, distrust enhanced by self-serving ambition. Yet how it might be to step outside ourselves: see what things are like from other men’s vision, wander in their shoes and know grace together, discover a path ahead without hate or terror, to advance humankind by a shared compassion. Frank Fratoe lives & writes in the city.he loves.

It has been decades since I graduated from high school, but I still get that butterfly feeling in my stomach as September approaches. I guess it is a mix of excited anticipation for a new season and the realization that it is time to hunker down and get busy again. Gone are the poolside novels and leisurely mornings sans alarm clocks to wake us up on time. Back when I was a kid, though, I don’t believe I ever payed attention to the equinox, but it is, indeed, the start of a new cycle. On Monday, September 23, the Sun will enter the sign of Libra. To be exact, 3:50 a.m., Eastern Daylight Time, will mark the autumnal equinox. Libra is a cardinal sign, which means it engages in

Preceding the equinox will be the full Moon in Pisces on September 14. If you haven’t already guessed, this is called the ‘Harvest Moon’. Conjunct the Moon will be the modern ruling planet of Pisces, Neptune, and squaring the Moon and Neptune will be Jupiter, the traditional ruler of Pisces. These planetary placements give us the opportunity for forgiveness, to let old grudges or bitterness wilt away like the cornstalks in the fall fields. It can be an emotional time, for certain, but if we can sit with the tension, we can name that which needs healing or releasing. Watch out for Jupiter, though. It can create an inflated sense of optimism, so this will be a time to use discernment when taking on duties and responsibilities, lest we may bite off more than we can chew. Mercury and Venus will enter Libra on the 14th, giving us a means to use diplomacy and equanimity in our dealings with others.

the Moon, Mercury, Venus, and Mars. These five planets will be within 12 degrees of each other at one point, shedding light on the more practical side of love, communication, what we value, and how we care for ourselves. Much as we are eager to forge giddily ahead with the bounty of the harvest, we are reminded to take stock of what needs to be done, to troubleshoot our plans, and to get ourselves organized. There is another important planet that will make some changes in September. Saturn has been stationed in retrograde since April 30 but will go direct on the 18th, giving us the go ahead to move forward with putting bones to whatever it is we want to build. Saturn brings the ability to focus, so whatever seems to have been stalled over the past months may once again resume progress. Saturn is in the sign of Capricorn and Capricorn is a cardinal sign, so this gives extra oomph to any plans in the making or any new beginnings. Capricorn can be single-focused and too serious at times, though, so please do remember to take time to enjoy the aesthetics of fall: woodsmoke in the morning air, migrating flocks against stark blue heavens, the profusion of stars in the New Moon sky on the 28th, and perhaps the sacred quiet of a walk under a fall forest canopy.

Diane Bachman is a psychotherapist & astroger practicing in FXBG. She can be reached at dbachmanlcsw@gmail ..com Artwork this month is a SoulCollage card created by Diane

At the very beginning of September, the Sun will be in Virgo, as will

Dog Walking Pet Sitting Companion Play Time & Mini Furies, Too! (540-903-0437; lexig0892@gmail.com) On facebook as “City PetSitting” front porch fredericksburg

September 2019

Collette Caprara What a Wonderful world! “In my encounters with adults and children throughout the world, I have continually been impressed with how, across all differences in cultures and lifestyles, human nature is consistent and bonds us all together, and I strive to convey that in my paintings. “When we encountered her along a dusty trail in Africa, a woman bearing a heavy bundle of wood, returned a warm smile and greeting in spite of her burden. A group of children in Nepal formally greeted my camera with a traditional "Namaste" salutation, while one young boy broke rank to sample a snack he is holding--as kids 'round the world might do. And, like children of all cultures might, a young Russian girl hiking with her mother in the Himalayas is enthralled when she encounters young mountain goats who echo her curiosity. “I am looking forward to sharing all of these works and more with our gallery visitors throughout September."

Throughout September, Brush Strokes Gallery will feature an exhibit of paintings by Collette Caprara titled "What a Wonderful World! Celebrating Creation and the People of our Precious Planet." Collette writes below of how the idea for this exhibit emerged and what she hopes it will convey to those who view it. "I have been blessed to have had the opportunity to visit such wonderful and diverse countries as Kenya, South Africa, Uganda, Mongolia, India and Nepal and to witness the beauty of ~ contributed by BSG nature and the people of each. At the same time, I am continually amazed by the natural beauty of our own United Statesfrom the aweinspiring beauty of the Grand Canyon to tiny wildflowers growing in our woodlands and meadows-each perfectly formed with intricate patterns that seem to be doing all they can to reach their full p o t e n t i a l , “Namaste”, Collette Caprara regardless of whether or not they will ever be appreciated, or even viewed, by a human being. Collette Caprara “In my Wonderful World exhibit, “What a Wonderful World!” I strove to capture the unique Brush Strokes Gallery personality of a spectrum of animalsSeptember 2 - September 29 from a regal lion, sleek cheetahs and Opening Reception on "First Friday," lumbering elephants to tiny insects that September 6, 6pm to 9pm. often escape our attention (such as the little honeybee that seems dwarfed by the sunflower it has alighted on). Some of my subjects even convey an element of humor, including a parrot grooming his feathered friend and a racoon surreptitiously peering at the viewer through the leaves of a tree.

September 2019

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Fredericksburg Sketches A visual Celebration of our community

By Casey Alan Shaw

SKETCH #58: "City Dock" by guest artist Robyn Ryan Robyn Ryan is a wonderful painter who shows her work at Art First Gallery in downtown Fredericksburg. Robyn's paintings are well-known for the intricate layering and use of texture that bring a very personal look to her work. So when I saw that she'd gathered her pens and sketchbook and joined the local Urban Sketchers group for a local outing, I was intrigued to see her results. I was even more intrigued when she said, " Thirty-plus years in the Fredericksburg area and I've never spent time at the City Dock!" I think the results speak for themselves. Who doesn't love a nice view of the iconic railroad bridge? But what I'm especially impressed with is the nature scene. If you've ever sat down and tried to record summer foliage with a simple set of pens, you'll appreciate the way she was able to render the variations in light and texture in the trees. It's not easy to do! Casey Alan Shaw is a local artist. He teaches art at James Madison University and Germanna Community College and 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

DOWNTOWNERS Bob Walker & Frances Mooney

by georgia Lee Strentz Who chooses to visit our historic venues, run the rapids, canoe, nature walk, ride the river, shop at our numerous and interesting shops downtown, take historic tours,and eat unbelievably delicious food, sleep downtown at the Marriott? Well lots of interesting people from all over the world choose Fredericksburg, as also there are the numerous bed and breakfast inns all in downtown!!! Lets not forget trolleys, and horse drawn carriages, and our outdoor market and entertainment at Hurkamp Park. Some of these stimulating and interesting people and tourists like Fredericksburg so much, they choose to stay, buying a darling historic house, or in the suburbs surrounding our town. Today I find myself having a great lunch and visit at our local Castiglia's, with Bob Walker and his wife

Frances Mooney.who chose this town. I am surprised at my good fortune at being introduced to Fred and Frances, as I had only heard about them through the media, and the book Fred wrote, with

Frances, that became world famous, "The Catsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; House." Animal Planet featured their work, stories, and creative attention- getting photography, with the combined talents of colorist Frances and Bob's superb photography. . The couple lived in San Diego, California with their cats, and the creative house they turned into a feline fun-land. (see more photos @www.catshouse.com; book available at: amazon.com/Cats-H H ouseBob-W Walker) This fantastic book, a creative story, about the house and its unique maze for the cats, the photos gorfeous. The couple and their unique living situation is amazing. His photos of the home, the humanistic concept, was even heralded as the first animal activist-type thinking and action. This started new more humanistic thinking toward

homeless pets in that year of 1996. Bob is a native Californian, and Frances was raised in D.C. They met on a political fundraiser for a political action group in San Diego in 1970. Frances is a world class artist in framing, setting up and displaying art individually or in art exhibitions. Bob is also very active in art exhibitions and was past director of a prestigious art venue in San Diego. The couple came here, visited, loved the people, went back to California and bought an RV, hit the road, broke down in the desert, met alot of interesting people (in RV garages) and here they are home for good in their town. Ready to meet you, your family, your pets, memory making events, & help your business with photo coverage of your event large or small. . Georgia Strentz is our Gal About Town. Look for her on her three-wheeler and her pet companion"Bailey" Bob@BobWalkerPhotography.com Pets, People, Events 540-8 850-3 3580

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September 2019