Front Porch Fredericksburg April 2023

25charles mallum reconstruction mayor

Porch talk

4 on the porch...life in fredericksburg messages

7everything greens: native plants helps garden to grow

8In the Garden: spring came early

9growing & crawling: peonies peoneeds

10i have a friend: put spring in your step

11porchlight: symphony of promising notes

12tidbits...small bites of local news

13 season’s bounty: ham, lamb or rabbit

14 the right way to order a martini

15vino: india’s wine industry

16-17Calendar of Events

18history’s stories: mary washington hospital

19 what’s in an enigma? martha stevens

20mental health: kids should not have to be resilient

21Emancipated patients: immunity & cancer

23auto known better: humming right along

24art in the burg ...galleries in April

25umw galleries new exhibitions

26 we believe you!

28companions:hopping into spring

29astrology & you poetryman: cormorants

30fredericksburg sketches

31biz notes

...And More!

5#featurefrxbg...finest film destination

22 it’s kitten season!

27 national tartan day

Cover: “April Showers!” By Penny A Parrish

3irene piscopo rodgers umw alumni estate’s gift

6artist scarlett pon sophia street throwdown

Front porch fredericksburg

The University of Mary Washington has received a $30 million gift - the largest in the institution's 115-yyear history - from the estate of Irene Piscopo Rodgers A 1959 alumna and lifetime supporter of her alma mater, Rodgers passed away on July 18, 2022, in Huntington, New York.

Rodgers made a name for herself in the field of electron microscopy and helped pave the way for UMW graduates, especially women, to excel in STEM subjects of their own choosing. Mary Washington, as she often said, had "opened worlds " for her. Now, this generous gift - along with others that Rodgers made through the years - will carry on her legacy by helping the University prepare young scholars for successful careers in science, technology, engineering and math for decades to come.

"Students who benefitted from Irene's generosity welcomed her into their lives, so she was able to observe firsthand the transformative power of her gifts," said UMW President Troy Paino "This unprecedented donation guarantees that exceptional students will continue to have access to a UMW education that delivers the kind of highimpact learning experiences that Irene valued so much."

Rodgers' gift will grow UMW's undergraduate research program, Paino said. Students in the fields of biology, chemistry, physics, Earth and environmental sciences, computer science and math will have even more opportunities to explore their research interests throughout the academic year and at the University's Summer Science Institute, working alongside faculty mentors. Mary Washington also offers undergraduate, graduate and accelerated pathways for students aspiring to study law, medicine, engineering, conservation biology, pharmacy, accounting and business analytics through agreements with partner institutions.

The gift also supports the creation of four new Alvey Scholarships,

Irene Piscopo Rodgers

$30 million gift to UMW

By Jill Laiacona

providing full tuition, fees, and room and board for out-of-state undergraduate students for up to four years, in addition to the eight Alvey Scholarships that Rodgers already created.

To date, 85 students have earned awards through Rodgers' generosity, including 15 Alvey Scholarship recipients and 28 research fellowships, funded by Rodgers. Seven students received other scholarships and 35 students received scientific presentation grants for conference travel, also established by Rodgers.

American Cyanamid Company and Philips Electronic Instruments, where she met her husband, James "Don" Rodgers, who hired her at a time when there were few women scientists in her field.

Attending Mary Washington had been a game-changer for Rodgers, whose appreciation has been acknowledged through her philanthropy and donations to her alma mater for more than 40 years, beginning with a $50 gift in 1980.

In 2004, she donated a transmission electron microscope to Mary Washington and trained students and

her late parents, Justin and Helen Piscopo. This gift, in combination with gifts made during her lifetime, brings her total giving to Mary Washington to nearly $39 million

"The University is so grateful to have been the beneficiary of Irene's generosity during her lifetime and now as a lasting part of her legacy. This gift was made possible through relationships built over decades by numerous members of the Mary Washington community," said UMW Vice President for Advancement Katie Turcotte. "Everyone who knew Irene knows how much she loved Mary Washington and helping our students pursue opportunities to conduct research."

Rodgers often kept in close touch with her previous recipients, following their successes through graduate school and beyond.

She was a "fantastic lady," said sophomore Ally Fletcher '25, an Alvey Scholarship recipient majoring in the biomedical sciences. "I'm so grateful that she gave me this opportunity."

Hannah Checkeye '21, who also earned an Alvey Scholarship and is now a graduate student at The George Washington University School of Medicine, said Rodgers "paved the way" for her and other women in the sciences.

"Irene made it possible for me to go to Mary Washington and complete my pre-medical education," Checkeye said. "She changed the lives of so many students."

The funding will be offered to the most promising students, said UMW Provost Tim O'Donnell, and ensure that Mary Washington graduates will continue to be highly prized by employers and graduate schools.

"This gift will be transformational for UMW, establishing us as one of the premier institutions in Virginia, indeed in the country, for undergraduate STEM research," O'Donnell said. "The mentored experiences the University will be able to offer will be unparalleled. I don't know of another institution, regardless of size or mission, with such a focused investment."

Rodgers earned a bachelor's degree in chemistry from what was then known as Mary Washington College of the University of Virginia, followed by a master's degree in chemistry from the University of Michigan. She worked for the

faculty to use it. A decade later, UMW presented Rodgers with an honorary Doctorate of Humane Letters for her service and contributions to the institution. She also named a microscopy lab and several Alvey Scholarships after

Jill Laiacona is the Assistant Director of Advancement Communications

Virginia Osprey Festival in Colonial Beach

April 15 ~ 9am to 4pm

Virginiaospreyfestival.org

Educational Programs, Live Raptors, Craft Vendors, Children’s Activities, Trolley Nest Tours, Golf Cart Nest Tours, Something for Everyone

Rodgers poses in 2018 with a group of Mary Washington scholarship recipients who benefitted from her generosity To date, 85 students have earned awards thanks to funding she provided

Janet Douberly Guest Porch Editorial

Contributing Writers & Artists

Rita AllanWayne Amann

Sally Cooney Anderson

Dianne BachmanLaurie Black

Rachel BaileySonja Cantu

Collette CapraraTrista Chapman

Janet DouberlyJeannie Ellis

Jenna Elizabeth EdwardsFrank Fratoe

Bill FreehlingJon Gerlach

Ralph “Tuffy” Hicks

ON THE PORCH

small actions with hugh payoffs

by janet douberly

Christie Hoerneman

Jill LaiaconaNancy Kelly

Matt KellyDavid C. Kennedy

Lexi ManionAudrey Morgan

Ray MikulaVanessa Moncure

Pete MorelewiczPatrick Neustatter

Penny A Parrish

M.L. PowersGerri Reid

Paula RaudenbushRob Rudick

Laura SantMandy Smith

Anne TimpanoRim Vining

Tina WillNorma Woodward

Von Young

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

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

Front Porch Fredericksburg

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Fredericksburg, VA 22403

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The opinions expressed in Front Porch Fredericksburg are those of the contributing writers and do not necessarily reflect the opinion of Front Porch Fredericksburg or its advertisers.

Copyright 2023

Front Porch Fredericksburg Magazine

All rights reserved.

Having lived and worked in Fredericksburg a majority of my life, I have had the privilege of watching this town for decades. In my years working up and down Caroline Street, I have seen it garlanded in a show of pretty-looking yet disgusting Bradford Pear Trees and have watched in delight as they have almost all been removed and replaced with more appropriate and even more beautiful native trees. I have meandered by the lawns and lots, both lush with life and crowded with "weeds". I have seen the impact one idea can have on our people and our ecosystem. With that in mind, and in honor of Earth Day and Arbor Day happening this month, I am making a call to small action.

As of right now, Fredericksburg still has citizens from a large variety of socio-economic backgrounds. You can find our people dwelling in everything from mansions to efficiency apartments. No matter where each of us fall in that spectrum, I believe there are small actions we can take to support our ecosystem.

One of the conditions of living in the city is that very few of us have large yards, if any yard at all. Those of us who do have yards, no matter the size, can make quite the impact by taking a close look at what we have growing in them. Many popular landscaping plants can actually grow invasively and cause a lot of harm. For example, nandina is a very popular plant in this area despite the fact it does not support our native wildlife and can go so far as to actually poison our feathered friends. English ivy is another plant plastered all over our historic city that has been labeled as being highly invasive and, as you can see on any stroll, will eagerly take over large areas, choking out other plants and eradicating biodiversity. Even our non-invasive yet non-native plants such as the boxwood (yeah, I said it) can take up a lot of space

messages

FPF doing great commujnity work, (Black History Month in FXBG, March 2023)

Black Arts Collective

Front Porch

Thanks for the THE Beeping Egg Hunt Article (March 2023 issue)

Gari Melcher Home & Studio

without providing habitat and food for our native wildlife. And while in my perfect world, reading these words would make everyone jump up and immediately eradicate all nonnative plants in their yard to be replaced by useful and stunning native plants, I understand that is not feasible. My realistic hope is that those of us privileged to have a yard in this city, familiarize ourselves with what we have growing in our yards and start making plans to slowly replace any invasive species with native plants. Adding even one native plant to your yard is a small thing to do but the ripples started by that small action will radiate out to create large impacts on our wildlife.

But what about those of us without yards? Trust me, I can talk a big talk about what people should do with their outdoor areas but I have rarely ever had one for myself. So, aside from taking a page from my book and verbally dumping plant info on anybody that stands still long enough in my presence, what can we apartment dwellers do? I'm glad I've assumed you asked! The most obvious idea is window planters. These tiny little boxes of soil can host amazing amounts of native annuals that will not only brighten your day but also the days of our native pollinators and birds. No good window for a box planter? No problem! For those of you with black thumbs, the keyboard is mightier than the sword! Contact our planning commission asking for invasive and harmful plants to be removed from the city landscaping lists. Write our Virginia politicians to show support for the current bills proposing the banning of invasive plants being sold at plant stores and box stores alike. Have a

Great Article (Fred,Strong, Anita Crossfield, March 2023) Anita is quite a local treasure. Thanks for featuring her and Kristiana.

Kevin Brown

Stacy Gerise Brush Strokes Gallery is VERY Proud of you! (March 2023 Cover Artist)

Penny A Parrish

Thank you for all you do for the FXBG community

Kitty Farley

couple of extra hours? Volunteer for local organizations that promote and protect our ecosystem such as Friends of the Rappahannock, Tree Fredericksburg, and Downtown Greens. Brother, can you spare a dime? Go online and make a donation that will support the work others are doing for the cause.

There are hundreds of small actions we, as a community, can take to support the health and beauty of our town and the human and non-human beings within. And much like the plants I won't shut up about, each small action will grow and continue to support all the levels of our ecosystem.

Janet Douberly is a proud Fredericksburg citizen and currently Media Manager at Downtown Greens.

Virginia Congratulations on your 308th issue of Front Porch. This great service to our community that you & Rob began in 1997 has continued on. Keep going!!

Frank Fratoe

Virginia Thanks to you for all the work you, the writers, the artists and others put into getting that Front Porch onto my front porch each month.,

Jenny Strobel

In launching its recent Film Incentive Program, the City of Fredericksburg is encouraging on a local level what some Virginia legislators are hoping to grow statewide - film tourism, or the economic development strategy of attracting visitors to a particular place through its iconic portrayal or inspirational influence in films and television series.

Virginia, with a combination of tax credits and grants valued at $10.5 million, currently ranks 32nd among 40 U.S. states offering some form of incentive

#FeatureFXBG virginia’s finest film destination

by Jenna ELIZABETH eDWARDS

for film and television production. Further details and commonly asked questions about Virginia's incentive program are available via the Virginia Film Office (VFO) website.

The purpose of the Virginia incentive program is to bring business to the Commonwealth and jobs to its citizens. Special consideration, in the form of additional funding, is given to projects that hire Virginia residents, shoot in economically distressed areas of the state, or hire first time film employees, many of whom are recent university graduates of in-state film and new media programs. The total economic impact of the Virginia film industry in 2019 was $862 million with the employment of 5,629 people that same year, according to a study from Mangum Economics, a Richmond-based analytic research firm.

Virginia's film industry is hoping to grow with several proposed bills in the General Assembly for the 2023 session. Thus far, the most successful among these proposals has been the Television

Production Development Grant Program and Fund (SB 937), which was unanimously passed by the Senate Finance and Appropriations Committee on February 1, 2023. Other legislative initiatives have been tabled until more economic data is available for consideration.

Bringing it home to Fredericksburg, in May 2022, the Fredericksburg Economic Development Authority (EDA) and the Fredericksburg Department of Economic Development and Tourism (EDT) initiated the Fredericksburg Film Incentives Fund, with an initial allocation of $75,000 to bring film tourism to Fredericksburg and to benefit local businesses during productions. The program aims to establish the City of Fredericksburg as a premier destination for film and television by providing financial incentives, in the form of reimbursements, to eligible productions that spend at least $10,000 within the 22401 zip code. The program also aspires to bring 5% of Virginia's yearly film production to the city of Fredericksburg and to provide an outlet for diverse voices to share their cinematic stories.

Detailed eligibility requirements and restrictions, as well as application materials, are available at FredericksburgVA.com. Fredericksburg Tourism Marketing Assistant Ryan Cudahy shares more about his background, as well as his vision for the Film Incentives Program, in the September 2022 Guest Porch Editorial of the Fredericksburg Front Porch Magazine. Cudahy worked on four Virginia based productions - Swagger, The Walking Dead: World Beyond, Raymond and Ray, and Dopesick - that the Virginia Film Office reports as having contributed $160 million collectively to the state economy

I have witnessed first-hand the potential impact of film tourism on Fredericksburg. When one of my friends visited downtown for the first time, she exclaimed to me, "You're living in a reallife rom-com or Hallmark film, with how charming it is here!" My mother, who lives in New England, called me up eager to know if I have been to Carl's Frozen Custard after it was featured in a hometown date on ABC's The Bachelor (2018).

Fredericksburg has also appeared in the CBS crime documentary series 48 Hours (2016), HGTV's Tiny House Nation

(2015), and in a couple of historical television programs by National Geographic (2010) and The History Channel (2006) Gods and Generals (2003), an American-pperiod war drama portraying the Civil War, was filmed at the Fredericksburg and Spotsylvania Military Parks Most recently, the romantic comedy First Lady (2020) was produced by the Rappahannock County-bbased Renaissance Women Productions whose production team included Spotsylvania resident and editor Drew Trementozzi

The annual Virginia Screenwriting Competition is accepting screenplay submissions between April 3, 2023 and May 29, 2023. Scripts must take place in Virginia or at locations that could reasonably be found and filmed in Virginia. Let's get a winning submission featuring Fredericksburg, its incredible talent, and all the rich history, culture, and beauty it has to offer!

Learn More: Fredericksburg EDT and Fredericksburg EDA Joint Press Release, "Fredericksburg Film Incentives Policy." May 2022. Available at: www.fredericksburgva.com/DocumentCen ter/View/955/Fredericksburg-FilmIncentives-Policy.

FXBG Destination for Film Production, On the Porch Guest Editorial, Fredericksburg Front Porch Magazine September 2022. iissuu.com/frontporchfredericksburg/docs /fpfsept2022.

Virginia Film Office Incentives, www.film.virginia.org/incentives/.

Learn About Movies and TV Series Filmed in Virginia, www.virginia.org/things-to-do/arts-andentertainment/film/.

Virginia Screenwriting Competition Overview, Rules, Application, and Past Winners, /www.film.virginia.org/virginians/virginiascreenwriting-competition/.

Jenna Elizabeth is a partner of Edwards Law Firm PLLC and a local realtor. She highlights local business owners and community members to showcase why the Fredericksburg region is an amazing place to live.

Save the Date: June 10

6th annual sophia street pottery throwdown

By trista chapman

work with glazes she makes herself. Scarlett makes most of her work for PONSHOP's brick and mortar store in downtown Fredericksburg. She also takes commissioned work from private clients, retail stores and restaurants.

Jeff Vick: jvceramics com

"The work I make is primarily cone 6 porcelain. I love exploring glazes and use this passion in an attempt to

Mark your calendars for Saturday, June 10 for the annual Sophia Street Pottery Throwdown featuring over 25 local and regional ceramic artists Festival events will happen from 10 am5pm on the street in front of 1104 Sophia Street in downtown Fredericksburg.

Shop a wide variety of ceramic art, watch demonstrations, and enjoy live music from Fredericksburg's country/bluegrass favorite The Wellbillies You can also help local non-profit Empowerhouse support survivors of domestic violence by purchasing raffle tickets for an annual collaborative ceramic creation from Dan Finnegan and Trista Chapman.

The next 2 issues of Front Porch will showcase some of the artists participating in this year's Throwdown including:

create pieces that capture attention and allow you to explore the surface and intricacies of my pots."

process. While the research will never be complete, I have a palette of glazes that I developed through thousands of considered tests. With the glazes in mind, I sit down at the potter's wheel to create porcelain vessels with a simple elegance. Round, fluid forms are my favorite canvas to showcase glaze and vessel."

The annual Sophia Street Throwdown is sponsored by Trista Chapman of Sophia Street Studios. Trista has been throwing her fabulous "Tristaware" in downtown Fredericksburg for nearly 30 years. Sophia Street Studios features a variety of art, home décor and accessories and is open Wednesday through Saturday from 10-5.

Scarlett

Scarlett's ceramics draw inspirations from subtle curves in nature to create exquisite forms that are also functional. She uses a variety of techniques including slab, coil, the potters wheel and clay stencils, and finishes all her

"My work begins in the glaze lab, where I systematically approach experimentation with glaze chemistry to develop crystalline and iridescent glazes. The combination of small changes in the chemical makeup of my glazes and minor variations in the firing process drives my

Pons: ponshopstudio com

Lisa Zolandz: lisazolandzpottery com

Scarlett Pons

Jeff Vick

Lisa Zolandz

Everything Greens

native plants help your garden grow

By christie hoerneman

When growing a vegetable garden, there are so many variables that can either mean a successful garden with an abundance of fresh vegetables or a paltry yield. We tend to monitor how much water our garden receives, find the perfect spot so our plants get enough or perhaps not too much sunlight, and perhaps we remember that we need to add amendments to the soil so the plants get enough nutrients. One thing that we can easily overlook is the need for pollinators to help our vegetable plants produce those much wanted vegetables

So how do we help ensure that our yard is full of pollinators, such as butterflies, that can help pollinate our vegetable plants? By growing native plants that serve as hosts on our property, because it is the only way to help create more pollinators. A great example of a

shrub that many think are beneficial to ecosystems, but which are actually more harmful, is the butterfly bush. Many people believe that butterfly bushes-which are named as such, because many butterflies can descend on one all at once-is one of the best ways to invite pollinators, specifically butterflies, to their yards. However, a butterfly bush, which is considered invasive in many Mid-Atlantic states because they can spread outside of gardens and replace native plants in the ecosystem, do not serve as host plants as no caterpillars feed on them, thus they do not help create new pollinators. The best way to make sure that you have pollinators in your yard is to plant host plants. Host plants are those that other organisms live on and live off of.

To help your vegetable garden, here are some alternative native plants that serve as host plants for caterpillars (and are very beautiful):

Perennials: Butterfly weed, swamp milkweed, common milkweed: all serve as host plants for Monarch butterflies Swamp milkweed is an especially good choice for rain gardens and other heavy moisture areas.

Not all milkweed is native to our region, such as the tropical milkweed. A good source to double check any plants before purchasing is the Digital Atlas of Virginia Flora.

Shrubs:

Spicebush: a larval host for the Spicebush Swallowtail, this shrub is extremely versatile and will tolerate all types of sun exposure and moisture.

Common Winterberry: this shrub with beautiful red berries in the winter is a larval host for the Henry's Elfin. It's also a great replacement for nandina, because the winterberry's berries are edible by wildlife; whereas, the nandina's berries are toxic.

Trees:

Oak: Oak trees can support over 500 insects and animals, making it a very wildlife friendly addition to any yard. Oaks serve as host plants to the following butterflies: Striped Hairstreak, Banded Hairstreak, Mourning Cloak, Edwards Hairstreak, Red Banded Hairstreak, White M Hairstreak, and Horace's Duskywing.

Paw Paw: the paw paw only serves as a larval host to one butterfly, the Zebra Swallowtail. However, if you plant at least two Paw Paw trees (or maybe a neighbor has one), you not only support wildlife, but you can harvest the fruit for yourself.

Christie Hoerneman has a passion for native plants, is a librarian at Central Rappahannock Regional Library, and on the Board of Directors at Downtown Greens.

In the Garden Spring

by tina will

strength That will be enough, and it will increase the microbial activity in the soil which increases the availability of nutrients to the lawn you are trying to grow. If you want to mulch areas around trees, or in garden beds, apply mulch to the surface area around the tree where the feeder roots are, but NOT to the trunk. Mulch volcanoes do the tree's bark no good. The tree's own bark is the only covering it needs! Also, choose a mulch that is more like chipped bark which allows water and air to flow through more easily.

use native plants in the landscape. The HGW website gives all the particulars: www.vagardenweek.org/tours/fredericksb urg-king-george/.

While We Wait

Are you an early Spring Gardener? There is much that can be done. The cold hardy vegetables we all love can already have been started, and successive sowings can follow as the first crops get harvested. Cold hardy vegetables include lettuces, spinach, broccoli, kale, cabbage, peas, radish, onions, and leeks.

Lawn work? Virginia Cooperative Extension guidelines now recommend fertilizing only in the Fall because it feeds the roots which will produce better growth the following Spring. This once-ayear schedule reduces by half the potential fertilizer run-off into our waterways. If you can't resist putting fertilizer down in Spring, use a natural fertilizer (like composted manure) and apply it in half

Historic Garden Week Gardener's delight? Yes, especially when we can see what others have done. Historic Garden Week (HGW) in Virginia is a unique o pportunity to tour both the historical and current landscapes that are usually off limits to anyone but the owner.

This year, several historic properties in King George County will be on the tour on April 18 for ticket holders. Cedell Brooks, Jr Park is the place to start, and there you can get a tour of the Native Plant Demonstration Garden, now in its fourth year. What has been accomplished there is marvelous, and gives good examples of how to

While we await the hiring of a new Virginia Cooperative Extension Agent for this district, I would like to acknowledge our Master Gardener Coordinator Lisa Ellis Since September, almost single-handedly, she has kept our VCE office open and running. Lisa guides and tracks our volunteer work, and keeps us apprised of lectures and volunteer opportunities. In this interim position she's managing many different tasks with cheerfulness and encouragement. A new Master Gardener training class filled up with eager enrollees within 48 hours. It started in late March thanks entirely to her efforts. We are looking forward to working with the new Master Gardeners in the months to come. Thanks Lisa!

Spring Beauty

We might still get some snow or a late frost, but I am so glad to have had a Spring that let Magnolias and Camelias show their beauty. The Camelias at the entrance to the YMCA Butler Rd (pictured bottom left) had perfect conditions to produce a bounty of flowers! Yellow daffodils and wonderful pink tulips all around Fredericksburg lift our mood to welcome a lovely early Spring!

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

photos by Tina Will

MGACRA org

It is almost that time of year again! The too short, yet eagerly awaited time for the peonies to bloom!

It is a long held belief that peonies can't bloom without ants! It is no surprise people have thought this because this time of year you will see ants crawling all over peony blooms!

But this tale is just a myth! The reason ants flock to peony buds are because peonies secrete a substance called extrafloral nectaries. Essentially, this means that the buds are producing nectar, which is basically sugar, and the ants are drawn to it like...well... ants to sugar.

While these may seem like a really sweet thing for the peonies to do, they are not doing it just out of the goodness of their heart, they also benefit from the ants being there! While the ants are there feeding, they protect the forming flowers from insects that would feed on the plant itself This is a perfect

Growing & Crawling peonie peoneeds

By janet douberly

example of mutualism. Two organisms of different species benefiting one another.

Since peonies have a disappointingly short season, the ants have to constantly let other ants from their colony know to get it while the getting is good. Once an ant finds these beautiful nectar dispensers, they head back to their colony, leaving a trail of pheromones behind them that other ants can then follow to the buffet! Each ant leaves its own trail for its buddies!

Janet Douberly is the perfect example of mutualism at Downtown Greens.

“I Have A Friend” put spring in your step

By Laurie Black

physically active, 4) help others, 5) get enough sleep, 6) create joy and satisfaction, 7) eat well, 8) take care of your spirit, 9) deal better with hard times, and 10) get professional help if you need it. (For each of these tools, visit Mental Health America's website for easy, specific tips. www.mhanational.org/ten-tools)

As I was contemplating these tools for my personal wellness inventory, I received a lovely note from a senior in our program which inspired me to ask several of our program participants how they "create joy and satisfaction" or in other words "What puts a spring in your step?"

sliding glass door and I can hear the birds and hear the bell I have hanging on my balcony ringing in the breeze. I love watching the trees leaf out and blossom. It is like everything is awakening from a winter sleep."

Lin shared, "Spring means time for fishing! [My volunteer] and I love fishing and we are looking forward to going soon. I also love flowers and blooms coming alive again from winter. I'm a gardener, so I automatically love spring!"

Spring has arrived and brought with it blossoms, sunshine, and renewed energy. For many people, spring is a time for those deep house cleaning projects and sprucing up the yard. It can also be a great time to take inventory of our overall health and wellness.

Our physical and mental health are connected, and we need to take care of both. Mental Health America's national organization suggests ten tools for feeling stronger and more hopeful: 1) Connect with others, 2) stay positive, 3) get

Mona wrote to me, "The other day I saw 6 bright red cardinal birds. They were across the street; in the yard and in the tree. I so enjoyed just watching them for a while until they flew away. It was a lovely sight! For the past couple of evenings, I see this cute little rabbit in my yard, just being so still for about 10 minutes, then he hops away. He must like the grass. Nature is so amazing!"

Sylvia said, "I enjoy putting away my winter coat and opening the windows. As the temperatures start rising I start think of excuses to go out in the community."

Micki said, "I live on the fifth floor above the tree line. I have a different perspective up here. I enjoy seeing the sky, the trees, and birds. I know spring is here when I open my

"I have already bought plants and seeds," said Doris. "I'm planning to grow tomatoes and other things with my roommate. I love spring! I love that all of the pear trees are blooming. I love being outside and gardening. I used to work as a florist and an interior designer, so I really love the blooms. Spring is like a new beginning every year. It is time to start something fresh and new."

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

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

As I write this, we have been in the midst of seasons of changes within a single week of March, in which cloudcloaked days of continual rain and piercing

Porch Light

Stories that shine a light on life

a symphony of promissary notes

By Collette Caprara

forsythia, would burst on the scene in a bold, brilliant, yellow hue that states in no uncertain terms that this is a time for celebration and that the chill and darkness of winter will soon be left behind.

Our City Dock is a special Place of Patience where a spectrum of hopeful beings gather throughout the year to cash in their promissory notes. These include the fishing folks, sometimes solitarily and sometimes in crews of friends, who sit with calm anticipation of that tug on their lines. The frequenters of the dock also include a line-up of photographers with impressive telescopic lenses, in hopes of sighting osprey or even a bald eagle. Recently, the patient frequenters of the dock have included the members of a

Supporting Non-Profits

Since 1997

winds alternate with sunlit warm days that reveal the treasure of Springtime, renewal and emerging life. Nature's peek-a-boo game at the cusp of Spring is a reminder of its symphony of "promissory notes" (pun intended) that give us hope and confidence that special gifts are in store for us.

It seems fitting that the first harbingers of the season, daffodils and

virtual seagull convention on the river and land awaiting a treat from humans. And a

perennial cherished visitor is the Burg's unofficial mascot, Gary the Goose , waddling the grounds to greet his fans, who often come bearing gifts.

The panoply of the expectations of all creates a beautiful mosaic of the power of enduring promise and hope.

Collette Caprara is a writer, artist & lover of all of nature’s blessings photos by Collette

Allman's Named One of Best BBQ Restaurants in Va Souuthern Living Magazine recently published the Top Five Best BBQ Restaurants in Virginia, and highlighted what residents of FXBG have known for years: that Allman's BBQ is one of the greatest spots for BBQ in the commonwealth.

Allman's, known for what owners Matt Haney and Matt Deaton call "Virginiastyle BBQ," was listed in the top five BBQ restaurants "We are just so proud of our team, and the support from the people of Fredericksburg," Deaton said. Allman's is located at 1299 Emancipation Highway

TidBits

small bites of local News

By Bill Freehling

Burlington is expected to open in the coming months in the space right next door (where Ashley Furniture used to be). Burlington will relocate there from its current location at the Greenbrier Shopping Center (2060 Plank Road).

New and Improved Patio Coming Soon to Renato's A beautiful new outdoor patio is expected to open at Ristorante Renato in downtown Fredericksburg in the coming weeks.

and gear, along with sports and leisure products, footwear, apparel and more.

Fredericksburg Area Museum Opening

Three New Exhibits

Just as Fredericksburg Area Museum has re-opened to the public for the 2023 season, so have three new exhibits:

1 SEEN: Viewing the Work of African American Artists in Fredericksburg - African American history is deeply rooted in Fredericksburg, and African American Artists have painted a vast portrait of Fredericksburg culture. SEEN is a stunning demonstration of these renowned artists, including famed painter Johnny Johnson and Palmer Hayden, who flourished in painting during the Harlem Renaissance. SEEN features African American Art from the past 100 years, and will run through December 2023.

Renato's, which celebrated its 45th anniversary, is converting a portion of its parking lot into a patio. The brick work that's under way now should be finished next week, and Renato's then plans to re-open the space.

In a few months Renato's will add the upper part of the new structure, which will include eight louvered retractable awnings that can hold up to 2 feet of snow.

Renato's is located at 422 William Street. We are so excited to see the final product!

2 Stomp: FXBC - Jurassic Quest was only the beginning of dinosaurs coming to FXBG. Stomp takes you back 12 million years, to learn of the dinosaurs that walked through VA This exhibit features the only known locations of dinosaurs from the Cretaceous period in the commonwealth, and is the perfect way to learn more about the beings who walked this Earth before us. This exhibit will be at FAM until December 2026.

Southern Bagel & Provision Open

619 Caroline St Bagel shop kneads its way onto Caroline Street. With the eclectic food and dining offerings to be found in downtown Fredericksburg, it's hard to imagine that something could have been missing. However, for the hardcore foodie, it has been evident for quite some time that Fredericksburg lacked - of all things - a bagel shop!

But unlike most bagel shops, their focus isn't solely on breakfast offerings, as they plan to serve lunch and dinner and apply for an ABC license. They will serve New York-style bagels and bagel sandwiches, including staples like baconegg-and-cheese bagel sandwiches and friedchicken bagel sandwiches.

T J Maxx store in FXBG Now Open

T.J.Maxx store is at 1811-1859

Carl D. Silver Parkway in the Central Park Marketplace. A.C. Moore used to be there.

Academy Sports + Outdoors coming to Fredericksburg

One of the nation's largest sporting goods and outdoor recreation stores is planning to open a FXBG location. They recently began preliminary construction work on the retail spaces formerly occupied by And That and Buy Buy Baby in Fredericksburg's Central Park shopping center (1320 Carl D. Silver Parkway). It offers a broad assortment of hunting, fishing, and camping equipment

3 Kiwanis: Building Through Service - As the Fredericksburg branch of the Kiwanis celebrates 100 years of international service, this exhibit features the stories of members and projects that managed to improve the lives of children and the FXBG community. Kiwanis is a wonderful exhibit to learn of how our past and present citizens have shaped the meaning of community service, and how we, as a community, can do the same. This exhibit will run through August 2023.

FAM is located at 907 Princess Anne Street.. Bill

Freehling, Fredericksburg's director of economic development and tourism

Ham, Lamb or Rabbit

Our April gardens are full of forsythia, sweet-smelling crocus, tiny viola and pansy flowers with their sweet heartshaped faces, daffodils bending their bright yellow frilled coronas toward the sun, tulips blooming in riotous color, and the intensely fragrant hyacinths with their star-shaped flowers. Days are longer, the Earth is in its cyclical renewal of Spring. Easter is a joyous spring celebration of the Resurrection, central to Christian faith. Symbols of Easter have given rise to more secular traditions - the Easter bunny bringing candy (forbidden during the Lenten season), Easter egg hunts, colored Easter eggs, Easter parades, fluffy yellow chicks and the Easter lily, growing from dormant bulbs to flowers representing hope and rebirth. And of course we can't forget our Easter dinner! The choice of foods can also be symbolic, like lambembodying pureness and sacrifice, and a traditional Passover meal. Or hambecause it is in season and is a staple of the holiday meal. Or…rabbit? No, not the Easter bunny, a fable of an egg-laying hare brought to our country by German immigrants in the 18th century, but farmraised rabbits or rabbits from the wild. Rabbit meat is a white meat - some compare it to chicken, but to me it is much more delicate as the meat is finegrained and with proper cooking, tender with succulent flavor. They are a quickbreeding source of high-protein and lowfat meat. As ranching is the practice of raising cattle and sheep, cuniculture is the agricultural practice of raising rabbit for meat, fur or wool. Fresh or frozen, rabbit is available year-round and is unique in that it is all white meat. Wegman's sells rabbit fryers, as does the gourmet food purveyor, D'Artagnan, along with rabbit loin, legs and even a rabbit sausage. It's much easier to find chocolate Easter bunnies in stores than it is to find the raised variety! Happy Easter!

GLAZED HAM

If you purchase a spiral-sliced ham, there is usually a glaze packet included. It's easy to use that, but it's also easy to make your own glaze. Trim and place a shank ham on a roasting pan. Roast at 325°F to 140° on a meat thermometer (about 30 minutes per pound). Remove from oven and cover with a glaze. Return to the oven for about 10 minutes or so.

Spicy Apricot Glaze

Mix 1 1/2 cups apricot preserves with 1 tablespoon of ginger and 1 teaspoon of granulated garlic.

Honey Mustard Glaze

Mix 1/3c honey with 1/3 cup French's mustard and 2T white corn syrup. Spread over just the top of the ham. This is delicious when making sandwiches later on.

LAMB ROULADE

Either purchase a boned lamb or bone one yourself (or, luxury, have a butcher bone one for you). Smash six large cloves of garlic with 2 teaspoons of salt. Spread the inside of the roast with this mixture. Mix together 1 pound of cooked chopped spinach, with two eggs, ?c sliced spring onions and 6-8 ounces of feta cheese. Roll the roast and tie up (you can easily find instructions online) making sure to fold the ends in, so none of the filling will come out. Smash two cloves of garlic with 1tsp salt and mix with 2tsp dried oregano, 1/3c finely minced fresh parsley and enough extra-virgin olive oil to hold it together. Spread over the roulade, roll it tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 24 hours before roasting. Unwrap from the plastic, in place on a rack or a roasting pan. Preheat oven to 450°F and roast for five minutes, then reduce the heat to 325°F and continue roasting to an internal temperature of 130°F for medium to medium rare. Serve with oven, roasted potatoes, and a fresh

AND NOW FOR PETER RABBIT

This recipe is for rabbit legs, although you could roast a whole rabbit and serve this sauce with it, Rehydrate 4 ounces of dehydrated wild mushrooms. Sauté two large shallots and 2 tablespoons of extra-virgin olive oil over medium heat until softened, about two minutes, then sauté the rehydrated mushrooms. Pour in 2 ounces of sherry vinegar, and simmer until reduced by half. Add 2 ounces of either chicken demi-glace or beef demiglace, or a combination of the two. Stir in three-quarter cups water and simmer until thickened, about five minutes. Add 1/2 cup sour cream, 3 tablespoons of butter, salt and pepper to taste. Spoon into Dutch oven. Pat four rabbit legs dry. Brown the legs in butter until golden. Nestle them in the sauce, then put a bouquet garni of fresh thyme, sage and parsley to one side. Roast at 250°F until the rabbit is done, internal 160°F on a meat thermometer, adding more liquid if needed during the approximately 1 3/4 to two hours cooking time. Try it! You may love it! Happy spring to everyone.

Vanessa serves up yummy recipes for every season

spinach salad with Kalamata olives and feta cheese.

SpiritS the

By audrey morgan

early 2000s saw many bartenders returning the Martini to more traditional ratios like 2:1 spirit-to-vermouth, and adding a dash or two of orange bitters, as would have been done in the early 20th century. However, ask modern bartenders how much of each ingredient should go into the mixing glass, and you're still likely to receive wildly different answers. And that's before you even get into the questions of gin or vodka, olive or twist, and so on.

In short, there's no one-size-fitsall Martini, which is why the drink's dedicated fans have developed highly specific orders tailored to individual preferences. Here are common questions that arise, and tips to help you find your perfect Martini.

How to Pick Gin or Vodka for a Martini

or Manhattan, are stirred rather than shaken

However, stirred Martinis aren't gospel. Shaking ultimately produces a colder cocktail more quickly, which you may find to be the most important factor if your base spirit has a neutral profile. The colder the vodka, the better it tastes

How to Pick Your Martini Garnish

Most bars or restaurants will ask which garnish you'd prefer: a lemon twist or an olive. Like the spirit, it's a decision that comes down to personal preference.

Audrey Morgan is an Associate Editor for Liquor.com & a free-lance writer

Graphic by Laura Sant

First lesson: There isn't one Let's get this out of the way: No matter how you order your Martini, you may get a strikingly different cocktail at two different bars. The drink is heavily based on personal preference, technique, and the skill of the person making it-that's going to be the case whether you ask for it "bone-dry" or "filthy."

"The best part of Martinis is how customizable they are," says Samantha Casuga, head bartender at Temple Bar in New York City.

To understand what makes the combination of spirit and dry vermouth so versatile, it's helpful to think about the Martini's history. Although its exact origins are murky, the traditionally ginbased cocktail originated as a much

sweeter drink in the late 1800s, when sweet Italian vermouth was used. By the turn of the century, dry vermouth had replaced sweet, and by 1905, a "Dry Martini" may have included equal parts gin and dry vermouth.

Over the years, the Martini called for less and less vermouth. As cocktail historian David Wondrich writes in The Oxford Companion to Spirits and Cocktails, Martini aficionados could expect a ratio of at least 5:1 gin-to-vermouth by 1954. Fast-forward to the '60s, and vodka's rise in popularity made it the preferred spirit for the cocktail. Then there are the fruity and espresso-laden 'Tinis of the '90s that aren't really Martinis but served to muddle the terminology even further.

The craft cocktail revival of the

"Gin or vodka?" may be the most common Martini question. To be clear, there's no wrong answer Gin makes the most classic version of a Martini, but your choice ultimately comes down to personal preference. A Gin Martini will feature more prominent botanical notes, while you may find that a Vodka Martini has a cleaner, more neutral profile.

How to Pick The Right Amount of Vermouth in a Martini

Dry vermouth is a fortified wine that adds gentle aromatics to a Martini. "It's a very subtle thing but it goes a long way,"

Should a Martini be Stirred or Shaken? It's Not That Simple

As a rule of thumb, cocktails with only spirits and liqueurs, like the Martini

There are specific places in the world where you would expect to get a bottle of wine and others, not so much. In textbook terms, wine vines grow between 30 and 50 degrees latitude, both north and south of the equator. Beyond that, there must be some incredible compensating factors.

Lower latitudes would require a cooling element in the form of elevation, maybe, or a cold ocean current pushing afternoon relief. And conversely, the higher latitude would require lower elevation, with, say, a hole in the ozone layer like in New Zealand. Much of India resides in the too-hot, too-closeto-the-equator position to make good wine, right? The assumption is that as a culture, Indians don't drink wine. You wouldn't necessarily go to an Indian restaurant and say, "Let me have a bottle of ????" More likely, you would ask for a beer.

For the last couple decades, the world has been experimenting, accepting, adopting, and then demanding wines from the outside-tthe-bbox wine regions Sometimes it starts with varietals that are familiar, just from a different location. This exposure is just that, just to get noticed that quality wines have a potential. The second wave is to start introducing varietals that are indigenous on a world stage.

Also growing, in these last couple of decades, is India's middle class that now had means to travel around the world and experience new and different cultures. They discovered wine was not just for the elite. Wine consumption for them began to be associated with relaxation, communing with others, food, and other enjoyments.

To tap into this growing demand for wine within India, wineries such as Sula Vineyards (biggest producer) and Grover Zampa Vineyards (2nd biggest producer) put up their flags in the Indian states of Maharashtra and Karnataka, to produce quality wine. With wine tourism still a new activity, the thought is to expose India's native as well as international tourist, with winery destination vacation packages. The international wine companies are eyeing this growth, and have identified India to have strategic long-term growth. The Australians have moved a step further by

by Rita Allan

sending consultant winemakers and vineyard managers, fostering a regulatory environment,& improving market access.

We encourage you to try 2021 Grover Zampa Vineyard Art Collection Shiraz Rose Grover Zampa is of the current oldest wineries in India that started as a vision in 1960s. Kanwal Grover is, in a sense, like our own Gabriele Rausse, the modern day father of Indian viticulture. Kanwal Grover, as a businessman, dealt in high-technological equipment, the space program, defense production, and machine tools. His company imported products directly and only from France. With each visit to France, his taste for fine wines grew, and he was hooked to the great French gastronomy. On one of his trips to France in the early 1970s, he visited some wineries where he met George Vesselle. The two shared a birthdate and became good friends. The friendship and the beauty of winemaking convinced Kanwal to transform his passion into a lifetime dedication. In 1988 Kanwal and George planted the first vines and by 1992 had their vintage. Then in 1994, Kanwal caught the attention of Michel Rolland, the world's most influential ecologist. These connections gained world attention. The forecast for Indian wines to continue to grow both domestically and international are strong. In efforts to increase supply, vineyards are implementing strategic alliances, partnerships, geographical expansion, and product launches to enhance their presences in the market. In efforts to increase demand, the industry will have to increase use of online sales channels, increase applications like food and wine pairings, and grow awareness for these wines and for the health benefits they can bring.

CALEND

impaired or blind children and their families to participate in a Beeping Egg Hunt, 2-4pm

Saturday April 1 April Fools

Food CoOP Walking Group gather at the Co-op for a walk along the Rappahannock River Heritage Trail and Canal Path, as well as other areas close to the co-op neighborhood. 9a

Master Gardener Symposium will begin at 8:30 am on April 1st at Gari Melchers Studio, 224 Washington St., Falmouth, VA.

FXBG Community Easter Egg Hunt, Free join us for a day of fun with the family and local community , 11a-3p Old Mill Park, 2201 Caroline St

Muticultural Fair, an entire day devoted to multicultural entertainment, children's activities, international and American food, and ethnic craft vendors , UMW James Farmer Multicultural Center, 10a-5p

Spring Arts & Crafts Show, Expo Center local artists, local shops, crafters, designers, merchandise and the like Show thru April 2

"The Scottish Society of Fredericksburg celebrates National Tartan Day 11 am to 3 pm in front of the Hugh Mercer Apothecary Shop, 1020 Caroline Street. Stop by and learn about Scottish culture and history

SprellyFest Block Party Celebration of Everything Peanut Butter & Jelly on National Peanut Butter & Jelly Weekend the Canal Quarter in Downtown FXBG filled with PB&J inspired brews, cocktails, food, vendors, art and much more. 12-5p

FXBG Beer Fest, Craft beer CRFT Cidar, Distilled S[pirits, local live music & more, FXBG Fairgrounds, 11a-4p,

Live Music Kreek Water Band @Billikens , 623 Caroline St, 7p

Adult Easter Egg Hunt, Strangeways Brewing, 350 Landsdowne Rd, 710p, find the golden egg, prizes

Live Music Andrew Washington @Cowboy Jack's, 7p, 2312 Plank Rd

Live Music Johnny D & the Lowriders @Colonial Tavern, 406 Lafayette Blvd, 8-11p

Live Music Peter Mealy & Laurie Rose Griffith @Curitiba Art Cafe, 8-10p, 919 Caroline St

Sunday April 2: Palm Sunday

Sunday Brunch Sunken Well Tavern, 720 Littlepage, til 1p

Annual Beeping Egg Hunt, Gari Melchers Home & Studio invited visually

Fun Land of FXBG Fun Easter Egg day at the park! The first 200 people will get to participate in Easter Arts and Crafts, go on an Easter Egg scavenger hunt, and receive goodie bags! 12P, 1351 Central Park Blvd

Monday April 3

Pollination Investigation, uncover what, where, when, why & how of pollination by exploring the unique relationship between pollinators & flowers in this exhibit. CRRL All Branches thru April 29

Wednesday April 5

Passover begins at sundown

Trivia Night, Sunken Well at 6:30pm Match wits with the 'Burgs finest minds. Prize! 720 Littlepage

First Friday April 7

Good Friday

First Friday Artisan Market at Hurkamp Park , live music, food truck, local artisians, 4-9p

, Darbytown Art Studio, Guest Artist Kimberly Cartier, owner of Planty of Happiness

Canal Quarter Arts Guest Artist Jordan Lette, Live music and art display

"The Pen Works" Ron Rosiello, Artful Dimensions, 922 Caroline St Opening Reception, 6-9p

FCCA, Alan J. Ramshothan, Members Gallery, 813 Sophia St

"Spring Fling" All Member Show @Brush Strokes Gallery, opening reception, 5-9p, 824v Caroline St

"Pretty Little Things" All Member Show, Opening Reception 6-9p, Art First, 824 Caroline St

Doggy Easter Egg Hunt, Bring Fido dressed to enter the doggie costume contest to compete for prizes! Memorial Kenmore Park, 6-7p, Fred Nats vs Lynchburg Hillcats, 6p

Open Mic @Adventure Brewing Eagle Village, 6:30-9:30p

Live Music Shree @6B&G, 1140 International Pkway, 7p

Saturday April 8

Block Party at Historic Kenmore educational stations Kids "egg scavenger hunt". Archaeologists, Living Historians, & other experts lawn games, crafts, and more! 10a-2p

Downtown FXBG Litter Clean Up, jo clean up our community & prevent at Hurkamp Park to pick up a litter g there volunteers will disperse to d distance away to pick up litter. 10a

UMW Performing Arts Club Big Show

Live Music JD Roberts & Crowfoot B

Live Music Tom Arbisi from the A surprise guest, Elliot Curry! Highma

Sunday April 9

Easter

Sunday Brunch Sunken Well Tavern, Fred Nats vs Lynchburg Hillcats, 7:3

Wednesday April 12

Indoor Play Park The gym is open! B maybe build with blocks and color! E your child. Dorothy Hart Communit

Live Music Chromatic Static @ Court

Trivia Night, Sunken Well at 6:30pm

Thursday April 13

FXBG Area Museum "Evening with a Revolution" Chas.McDaniels, 7p,907

Friday April 14 "Water, Water Everywhere", Catheri Alliance, 100 Taylor St, Suite 101 C

UMW Philharmonic Season Finale, 7:

Open Mic@Adventure Brewing Eagle

Live Music Tyler Rose @Adventure B

Saturday April 15

Farmers Market Opening Day, Hurka Spotsy Farmers Market 8am - 1pm 1

Ospry Festival in Colonial Beach,9 Trolley Nest Tours, Kid activities & Dueling Pigs BBQ Challenge, Highma

FebruaRY 2023 Front porch fredericksburg

april 2023...From Showers to Flowers

540~479~4116 1013 Princess Anne St , FXBG

DAR of events

oin us out in downtown FXBG help litter from reaching our river! Meet grabber, gloves and trash bags. From downtown and other parks walking

w, 5p

Bottom @Cowboy Jack's, 7p coustic Onion along with a Special rk Brewery, 390 Kings Hwy, 6:30p

Wild & Scenic Film Festival, Friends of the Rappahannock, UMW Chandler Ballroom, 1600 College Ave 5:30p

Sunday April 16

Sunday Brunch Sunken Well Tavern, 720 Littlepage, til 1p

Join the Royal Forest of Stierbach's Saunterers for a walk on the hiking trails at Motts Run. pack your lunch! Kids,dogs welcome. , 10a

UMW Choirs Spring Concert, Seacobeck Hall, 7:30p

Monday April 17

St. James' House Spring Opening see its beautiful collection of antiques and decorative arts. stroll the gardens . 1300 Charles St, 1-4p

Wednesday April 19

Photography Meet & Greet,for local photography enthusiasts at Chatham Manor. attendees into small groups for congenial collaboration while competing in a friendly photo contest. Chathm Manor, 120 Chatham Lane, 5p

Live Music Shannon Peterson @6B&G, 1140 International Pkwy, 7p

Fred Nats vs Delmarva Shorebirds, 7:30p

Sunday April 23

Sunday Brunch Sunken Well Tavern, 720 Littlepage, til 1p

Fred SPCA Annual Kickball Tournament Duff McDuff Green Memorial Park, Fred SPCA is teaming up with the Rappahannock Golden Boars Rugby team once again for our third annual Kickball Tournament!

, 720 Littlepage, til 1p 0p

Bounce a ball, chase your friends, or Enjoy some non-structured play with ty Centet, 9:30-11:30a

tyard Marriottt, 620 Caroline St, 6p

m . Prize! 720 Littlepage

an Expert: FXBG Leadership in the Princess Anne St

ne Hillis Opening, 6-9p, The Artists' olonial Beach

:30p

Village, 6:30=9:30p

Brewing North, 7-9p

amp Park, 7a-2p

12150 Gordon Rd

9-4p, Live Raptors, Craft vendors, more

ark Brewery, 12-4p, 390 Kings Hwy

Indoor Play Park

The gym is open! Bounce a ball, chase your friends, or maybe build with blocks and color! Enjoy some non-structured play with your child. Dorothy Hart Community Centet, 9:30-11:30a

Trivia Night, Sunken Well at 6:30pm Match wits with the 'Burgs finest minds. Prize! 720 Littlepage

Thursday April 20

Spring Theme Show of local artists at Red Dragon Brewery, 4-9p Sponsored by Darbytown Art Studio and Canal Quarter Arts. Show thru April 21

Like Music The Acoustic Onion, 7-10p, Colonial Tavern, 406 Lafayette

Friday April 21

Live Music Chase Matthew @Hard TimesCafe 10760 Patriot Hwy, 6-12p

Open Mic @Adventure Brewing Eagle Village, 6:30-9:30p

Saturday April 22

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

Spotsy Farmers Market 8am - 1pm 12150 Gordon Rd

Earth Day Festival Old Mill Park, Free Family Event, 11a-4p

FXBG City Social, for the whole family! engaging, fun, and informative experience First Responders from the FXBG Fire Dept with fire truck, demos, hats and coloring books e Fxbg City Police Dept onsite offering car seat install safety checks Sheriff's Office with none other than "McGruff the Crime Dog" to teach families how they can "take a bite out of crime". The FXBG SPCA foster parents some of their adorable pets available for adoption and information on how you can become a foster parent , Gus, the mascot from the Fredericksburg Nationals Baseball Team, 1931 Plank Rd, 10a

Wednesday April 26

Indoor Play Par gym is open! Bounce a ball, chase your friends, or maybe build with blocks and color! Enjoy some non-structured play with your child. Dorothy Hart Community Centet, 9:30-11:30a

Trivia Night, Sunken Well at 6:30pm Match wits with the 'Burgs finest minds. Prize! 720 Littlepage

Thursday April 27

Live Music FXBG Blues Society@Colonial Tavern, 7p

Friday April 28

Live Music Brisk Band, FXBG Square, 525 Caroline St, 6:30-9:30p

Saturday April 29

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

Spotsy Farmers Market 8am - 1pm 12150 Gordon Rd

FXBG Food & Wine Expo, FXBG Expo Center If you are a Wine Lover, FOODIE, or just want to have a day of FUN…

BBQ & Bluegrass, Grace United Methodist Church come enjoy Bluegrass music, featuring The Just Wingin' It Bluegrass Band and a delicious pork platter, or sandwich, with all the fixins', sides and dessert. All are welcome!!! 13056 Elk Ridge Rd, 4-7p

Sunday April 30

Sunday Brunch Sunken Well Tavern, 720 Littlepage, til 1p

If you are reading this 309th issue of FPF, thank an advertiser now in our 26th year of continuous publication!

List your events email frntprch@aol com: subject Calendar Deadline for May 2023 issue is April 19th

Mary Washington Hospital

By Ralph “Tuffy” Hicks

Part 2

The year was 1946 and Fredericksburg was still a quiet community that was beginning to experience some growth. The Civil War was less than a century in the past with many building still showing some damage from the extensive shelling by the Union artillery. Many of the area citizens had served in the military and local National Guard in World War I and II. Two notables William Powell Sale and Carl D Silver would make a lasting impact on the area, that would be ongoing in present times in the business community.

Mary Washington Hospital would still be vital part of the community at the initial location on Sophia Street, many older residents still referred to it by it old name "Water Street". The building committee established in the early 1940's. It is recorded that of the 16 doctors 6 were serving the Army Medical Staff active duty. It was in 1945 that a form of Blue Cross insurance became available for the public The Hospital building committee finally approved a site across from James Monroe High School on Fall Hill Avenue be purchased from the City. With federal and state funds and over $350,000 in donations made the project feasible.

On May 13, 1949, Mayor Josiah Rowe held the ground breaking ceremony. On December 3, 1949, Fredericksburg Masonic Lodge laid the cornerstone. The New Mary Washington Hospital (pictured) on Fall Hilll officially opened on February 18, 1951, the next day 5 babies and 53 patients were moved to the new hospital. Along with the staff C J Papandreou was hired as the business manager and he would serve until 1975. In 1951 Red Cross Volunteers became known as the "Gray Ladies" and Harry Bach was hired as the new president of the hospital and he would serve in that position for twentyeight years, retiring in August 1981.

The old building on Sophia Street became a townhouse project, after Riverside Convalescent Home ceased operations and is still private homes. The Fredericksburg area would continue to grow especially the Stafford and Spotsylvania counties increasing the use of the hospital facilities. In 1961 a project that would cost almost two million dollars was completed. With the addition of Interstate I-95 would increase the usage

OUR HERITAGE

FXBG only foreign-born mayor

By matt kelly

of the Emergency Room that a full time Physician would be required. The Fredericksburg Rescue Squad a volunteer organization was the mainstay for transporting patients to the hospital. The local counites would soon have their own volunteers. Many of can still remember the local fund drives to raise monies for the units. Most all of them today are paid units. The largest expansion in the hospital history occurred in 1979 with a cost near 12 million dollars. This would increase the beds from 285 to 340, and two new wings. After Harry Bach the hospital hired William "Bill" Jacobs. It was under his leadership that a major change was made with the formation of "MWH MediCorp" was established . MWH MediCorp with the subsidiaries such as MediCorp Properties and Mary Washington Hospital Foundation the abilities to expand and raise funds and accept donations. The Cancer Center of Virginia that was completed in 1985 was a result of donations such as the land by Carl Silver and fund raising in excess of 1.5 million dollars. James Monroe High School was one of the first to have a LPN (License Practical Nurse) program where students could receive training for positions in all medical facilities. Many went on to work for the hospital and many Physicians in the area.

In 1993 Mary Washington Hospital would open on land known as "Snowden" This would be the third location in ninety-four years, all within the city of Fredericksburg still being used for residential and business.

Dedicated to All the Present & Past Doctors, Nurses & Staff of MWH

In Memory: Cathy Van Valzah, Hale V Pecor, R K Steckler, Mike Blevins, Jimmy Rodgers, K T Skinner, & Waldo Beck

Tuffy is Front Porch’s Resident Historian

Charles E Mallam holds a unique place in the history of Fredericksburg. He was the city's first appointed mayor during Reconstruction after the Civil War He was also the city's only foreign-bborn mayor The circumstances of his appointment and subsequent removal from office provide a nuanced picture of Reconstruction politics.

Mallam arrived in Fredericksburg in the fall of 1866 as district whiskey inspector. Born in Oxford, England, he served in the British Army before arriving in the United States in 1861 at the beginning of the Civil War. He joined the Union Army and by war's end was a brevetmajor.

In the Reconstruction South of 1868, Virginia was known as the First Military District. Elections in Virginia had been postponed, and Civil War Union Gen John Schofield, commander of the district, was tasked with appointing local officials who had not supported the defeated Confederacy. In carrying out this directive, Schofield gave local leaders the opportunity to recommend candidates who met the qualifications.

Lt George Greenough, Military Commissioner to Fredericksburg, was responsible for making recommendations to Gen. Schofield for appointments to the Common (City) Council. His recommendations-endorsed by Schofieldleft 4 of 12 Council members in place. Three of those appointees had previously been endorsed by the local African American community

The Fredericksburg Herald noted, "The military Commissioner, Lt. Greenough, who had the power of recommendation, has entitled himself to the thanks of the people for his judicious recommendations." The position of Mayor remained vacant.

The Fredericksburg Ledger reported, "A communication, signed by many of the leading Conservative citizens, was in circulation, calling on Col. Charles E. Mallam…to make application for the office." The paper went on to say, "If appointed, he will no doubt give satisfaction."

Councilman John Hurkamp nominated Mallam for Mayor at a meeting of the Common Council on April 17, 1868. On a vote of 7 to 3, the Council favored Mallam over Councilman George Eve The official appointment came from Schofield. Charles Mallam's term was both uneventful and short-lived. He was removed from office a little over a year later. His removal from office had nothing to do with his actions as Mayor but rather due to a change in command and his actions on the state political stage.

In fall 1868, Mallam wrote an open letter, reprinted in several Virginia papers, taking issue with the negative portrayal of the south "made by some persons and presses in the north." In March 1869, at the Republican state convention, he supported Gilbert C Walker for governor over the Radical Republican candidate Henry Wells

General Edward Canby, who took command of the First Military District in 1869, was less inclined to accommodate local interests and backed the Radical Republican agenda. He removed Mallam from office that July.

Charles Mallam died in Hampton on October 29, 1902. He is buried in Arlington National Cemetery.

Matt Kelly is an avid local historian and a member of City Council.

PhotoCourtesy of Library of Congress

Gen Ambrose Burnside and his 9th Corps Staff at Cold Harbor in 1864 Charles Mallam is one of the unidentified officers This is the only known photo of Mallam

Walking along the Sunken Road by the Stone Wall, you'll come upon a simple arrangement of granite blocks that trace the outline of a historic home, the Martha Stevens House Here, visitors pause to reflect on the life and times of its owner, a true enigma in Fredericksburg's history.

Her story resonates with different people for different reasons: diversity and equal rights, the horrors of slavery, the Civil War and its "lost cause" retelling. Prior to Emancipation, a large proportion of city residents were enslaved persons, and some of our city residents today are their direct descendants. Even now, we still feel ideological divisions about our past, present and future.

Fredericksburg is awash in a complicated social history. Emblematic of our struggles to accept and understand one another, is the question of how we interpret the wording on the monument erected on the site in 1917 which reads: "HERE LIVED MARTHA STEVENS FRIEND OF THE CONFEDERATE SOLDIER 18611865"

She remains the only woman of Fredericksburg to have a Civil War monument erected in her honor. But what, exactly, are we honoring? As historian John Hennessy puts it, "to most Fredericksburgers, she would have been near the bottom of the list of prospective heroines, for Martha Stevens lived an unconventional life on the edges of Fredericksburg society."

By jon gerlach

If you could travel back in time and visit the Fredericksburg Battlefield in the 1880s, when the house was still standing (it was destroyed by fire in 1913), you might happen upon its owner, the legend herself, Martha Stephens (aka Martha Stevens, d. 1888). Her house sat at ground zero during both battles of Fredericksburg. Ever the businesswoman, she would later sell off parts of her bulletriddled house to souvenir seekers, and frequently regaled visiting veterans of both armies with her colorful tales of the battle.

A fiercely independent businesswoman who never married, she owned several parcels of real estate … at a time when that was a rare thing. She could neither read nor write, and signed her name with a simple "X". She smoked a pipe, was rumored to associate with AfricanAmerican men, and ran afoul of the law for dispensing alcohol out of her house. History has been both kind and condescending to this remarkable person

Before the Civil War, her reputation was sullied: "a woman of abandoned character and an outcast of society", wrote one man. Her friend John Goolrick described her as "uneducated, too free and too outspoken in what she said and how she said it." She was thought to have run a brothel, but that has since been mostly debunked. Her activity as a saloon-keeper may have contributed to her questionable reputation in the community.

Martha never married. Evidence indicates that she lived with one Edward Stevens for nearly 30 years. She even took

on his last name (aka Stephens). Under Virginia law, real property owned by a woman would promptly pass to her husband upon marriage. Perhaps she stayed single to retain ownership and control over her real estate holdings.

Oddly, by the time of her death in the late 1880s, her status had swung dramatically, from town nonconformist to beloved heroine. By the time the monument was erected in 1917, it was believed that she had tended to wounded soldiers during the December 13th 1862 battle, although there are no wartime accounts of this ever happening. Perhaps the genesis of the legend came from her own story-telling to veterans who visited the battlefield, as suggested by John Hennessy in his Wordpress article Martha Stevens Redeemed: Pariah to Heroine - a Matter of Faith or History?

Martha Stephens was often shunned, misunderstood, and beloved, so the enigmatic view we have of her today is not surprising.

So what's in an Enigma? Here, a true maverick who history remembers in starkly different ways.

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

photo: Stevens House postwar photo courtesy of npsfrsp.wordpress.com

Mental Health children should not have to be resilient

By lexie manion

You've likely heard someone say that "children are resilient." Historically, parenting and child psychology books have touted that young people have the ability to overcome and "bounce back" from hardship and trauma. However, those working with children often fall back on the concept of resilience without fully understanding the scope of the battles some young people are facing on their own.

As a society, we may assume that children facing trauma is a rare occurrence; however, 61% of children before age 18 have experienced adverse childhood experiences (ACEs), such as violence, abuse, neglect, substance use or mental health problems within the family unit. We may not always hear stories due to the shame or stigma of attempting to conceal the deep pain and trauma. .

Mentioning that children are resilient is often well-intentioned, but this idea, and its accompanying rhetoric, can be detrimental to a child's growth and development; in fact, it can invalidate their realities. Offering this "compliment" to compensate for a child's traumatic environment is something we must reevaluate. With the notable prevalence of ACEs, it matters for adults to know how to support children best.

Parents, counselors, educators, coaches, etc. can work collaboratively to meet children's needs. What this can look like is ensuring the child is in a safe environment, offering emotional support while being mindful of any triggers and vulnerabilities and allowing time for children to heal.

My Experience As A "Resilient Child"

I've noticed that the adults in a child's immediate life typically describe

children as resilient when they learn of the battles we have faced - abuse, unsafe home environments, loss of loved ones and more. Having grown up in dysfunction and unpredictability, I have shared my trauma with teachers and counselors in the pastand, as a result, been on the receiving end of the "You are resilient" and "You are so brave" observations.

I initially glowed with joy as I was called "brave" and "resilient." I relished the positive attention, as most of the attention I received at the time were words and actions fueled by anger and blame. In those rare moments of affirmation from others, I felt comforteduntil I returned home and nothing else had changed about my trauma. I was not rescued; I was trapped. Without tangible support, I felt helpless - and my mental health deteriorated over time.

I felt a heavy pressure to continue being "the brave, resilient one" in moments I deserved to rest, recuperate and simply be a child. I would force myself to be strong. I spent years of my life tucking my pain into neat little boxes of resilience that inevitably tore open, with intense emotions spilling out.

Prioritizing Safety

While it is nice to commend children for "bouncing back" from an unsafe situation, children simply should not have to "bounce back." They should always be given safety and stability. American psychologist Abraham Maslow famously developed a "Hierarchy of Needs" which lists safety as a key component to ensure one's proper growth and development. Safety is comparable to water, food and shelter to us; we depend on these necessities to live.

Giving Emotional Support

Additionally, children need

emotional support and validation for what they are experiencing. Some of my trauma involved life-altering issues being swept under the rug in my family unit. I spiraled because my dark reality was not acknowledged in the home - or outside.

My response is consistent with research on the topic; a study by Washington State University, found that, "Kids are good at picking up subtle cues from emotions. If they feel something negative has happened, and the parents are acting normal and not addressing it, that's confusing for them. Those are two conflicting messages being sent."

Changing Our Language

It is more fitting for someone to recognize how I effectively coped with the after-effects of trauma rather than being called brave and resilient for surviving it; the language and implications matter significantly. Support that serves me better as an adult now is when my supports recognize my strengths and triumphs that I actively work hard on addressing every day.

As a child, I was not always willing to embrace change, so perhaps finding smaller goals to recognize along my path to recovery would have better served me, rather than facing the implication that survival is admirable - or even that I need to be grateful for my trauma. The truth is that some children face unjust and highly traumatic experiences - and not everything "happens for a reason."

Allowing Time To Heal

I do not want to be validated for

withstanding or surviving; I fell behind my peers and severely struggled growing up because I had no choice but to survive. Rather than being called brave, I want to be able to make mistakes and recover in my own time.

Through my recovery from trauma and mental illness, I have learned that I never had to be resilient; I do not owe anyone else resilience. If anything, I owe myself rest, self-love, compassion and understanding. I thrive when I receive compassion and understanding from others.

Meeting children who are struggling with the correct actions and the intention to resolve the issues at hand is imperative in getting them on a path toward healing. Many trauma survivors face punishment and silence when what they need is the follow-through of rescue and resolve.

Trauma survivors are more than what we survived. We are brave for overcoming, redefining and living life beyond the darkest moments.

Lexie Manion is a published writer, passionate artist, psychology and fine arts student and mental health advocate..

My wife Paula and I are in London on a rather somber mission - to spend time with my sister Angie, who has been diagnosed with advanced ovarian cancer.

When we got here, we both promptly caught covid, which is particularly problematic as Angie is getting chemotherapy - so, perversely, we have had to avoid her, rather than be with her. But that is by-the-by.

To help mitigate the adverse effects of the chemo' and to help her immune system fight off the cancer, she is also being treated with moxibustion

A Strange Business

Moxibustion is a treatment that uses heat generated by burning a preparation of mugwort to stimulate

acupuncture points Here it is meant to relieve side effects of chemo but also boost the immune system.

Administration was by Integrative Medical Practitioner Dr Friedrich Staebler, a tall, slightly gaunt man, dressed in earth tones. He knelt on the bed beside Angie and used a Sharpie to mark out points along two meridians either side of her spine.

Then, taking what looked like a cigar that he had lit in a candle, he held the glowing tip about 2 inches above each point for 2 minutes. The skin became slightly reddened. "This is good" he told us in his slight German accent.. "The body is wanting the heat. She sucks it in"

By Patrick Neustatter, MD

As well as reducing the nausea, pain and fatigue of chemo, this was supposedly promoting the flow of vital energy (qi) in the meridian, and so boosting Angie's immunity.

Immunity and Cancer

There seems to be a growing realization that the action of immune system is a vital component in fighting cancer. Whether we get cancer or not depends on an ongoing game of cat and mouse between cancer cells and the immune system

Specifically, our immune system's T cells are constantly scanning for mutating cells that could grow and form into a cancer, and taking them out before they do. So anything that boosts your immunity is good.

There's all that good old common-sense stuff that your doctor is always on about, to boost your health in general, and your immunity - get lots of sleep, eat a healthy diet, exercise, manage stress.

There's some very cutting-edge stuff being tried to boost certain aspects of your immune response however.

When I was in residency doing a pediatric rotation I remember a bunch of noisy kids wearing turbans who were in the hospital with cancer. They were sitting around the TV apparently playing Pacman. "Haven't they got something better to do?" I thought to myself rather uncharitably. But I learned they were part of a study of a video game where T cells gobble up cancer cells to see if it boosts the T cell's function.

There are also some very high powered (and expensive) medicines like

interleukins, cytokines (Interferon for example). Drugs that block the mechanism that holds the immune system back (immune checkpoint inhibitors). And some medicines that boost T cell function.

Then there are "biologicals" like monoclonal antibodies, that have been in the news a lot. These are antibodies that have been programmed to see cancer cells as invaders. and nail them.

What About Complementary and Alternative Medicines?

There are a lot of alternative therapists promoting a bunch of different treatments to help with your cancer - and moxibustion comes in that category it seems. But those allopathic, evidencebased, skeptics complain there are either no clinical trials or only flawed ones for these (the only thing moxibustion is verified as helping with is turning babies who are breech presentations - explain that!)

The lack of evidence is partly because of that catch, that nobody wants to pay to do the trials on CAM treatments because there's not some exclusive, patentable product that the tester can make a fortune from at the end. You can't patent mugwort.

Whatever, it is my passionate hope that whatever Angie is doing will fix her, even if there isn't good western scientific evidence for the moxibustion.

I just don't know what's wrong with those Chinese - that they continue to use it still after 2,500 years.

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

Don't 'Kit-Nap' the Kittens!

fred spca offers kitten foster training

By: Von Young

April showers bring…kittens! If you're in the animal rescue or sheltering world, the colloquial term 'kitten season' is used to reference the beginning of spring and the onslaught of requests for help with limited resources. The weather warms, the buds are in bloom, and babies are being born. Felines are seasonally polyestrous , so as the days get longer, we begin to see an influx of kittens making their way into the world. A cat can have two or three litters a year with an average of four to six kittens per litter. Hundreds of requests for intake will flood inboxes and voicemails, and there will be a revolving door of people showing up on doorsteps with "emergency" found kittens.

The truth of the matter is there is a capacity for care concerning what organizations can do and beginning in

If kittens are sick or injured, Animal Control in the jurisdiction you are in can assist and if kittens are in a precarious spot you can move them to a close-by, safer location.

early spring until late fall, the animal welfare world will be continuously pushing those limits. A lack of supplies, 24-hour staffing, and safe housing areas away from other animals and communicable diseases mean that kittens cannot stay safely overnight in most shelter environments. The problem remains - where do they go after they are born and how can we help them?

Contrary to popular belief, a mother cat will not reject its offspring if a human scent is picked up. Kittens who are born outside, look otherwise healthy, and are not in a dangerous location have the best chance of survival with no human intervention As animal lovers, this goes directly against our urge to help, however, removing neonatal kittens from mother cats can increase mortality rates by up to 40%. This is a 'mother knows best' situation since newborn kittens are fragile and require very specific care to ensure their survival. If a wellmeaning person removes a kitten from its nesting area, the clock begins ticking for them to find someone to step in the role of its mother with temperature regulation, around-the-clock feeding every two hours that can only be done with special kitten milk replacement formula (no cows milk), and manual stimulation to remove waste after every feeding.

It sounds like a lot of work and can be daunting for those unprepared to take on the caretaking role, which is why the Fredericksburg SPCA is hosting a kitten foster training on April 14, 2023,

for the public to attend. Once you have the knowledge and tools neonatal kitten care is a life-saving and rewarding experience. The Fredericksburg SPCA expects to accept 400-500 kittens this year and will need fosters families to care for them. The shelter provides supplies, training, medical care, a 24-hour emergency line, and community support. To register for the training go to fredspca.org/events - this event is open to the entire community, you do not have to be a Fred SPCA foster to attend.

With over 500,000 cats still being euthanized in the USA each year, the biggest impact you can have on kitten

season is to make sure the cats in your neighborhood are spayed and neutered before they have kittens While the Fredericksburg SPCA does not have a trapneuter-release program, we do offer feral cat packages in our clinic to those who can TNR and offer affordable spay/neuter surgeries to the public. Visit fredspca.org/clinic to learn more about our Fred SPCA Locke Community Medical Center

Von Young is the Communications & Marketing Manager Fredericksburg SPCA

Fredericksburg SPCA

Kitten Foster Training

April 14

To register for the training go to fredspca org/events

Auto Known Better humming right along

By Rim Vining

Evidently I hum... … not like a fluorescent light but I actually hum all the time. Songs, ditties, the Gettysburg Address… I never knew! My wife, my co-workers and if I think about it all my siblings say I always hummed. My earliest memories actually include humming. I would sit at the table on Saturday mornings as a kid reading the back of the cereal box and eating my shredded wheat while humming.

I'm thinking my automotive lifestyle over the past 60 years has only encouraged and promoted my humming addiction. I never had a stereo of my own until well into adulthood and never had a car stereo at all. Miles and miles of driving trying to reign in a weak signal on an AM radio in cars with so much wind noise it was a struggle to hear anything at all.

Then about 45 years ago I sealed my fate by making an MG my daily driver. The hum of a 4-cylinder tractor motor with a few clacking valves and a "sporty" exhaust note drowns out any thought of sound reinforcement. So you adapt. I did try a cassette deck for a while in my first GT but you only heard every fourth note. Pointless.

So in keeping with my innate ability to be a decade behind, I am fascinated by the evolution of automobile sound enhancement. The ability of Detroit and the Pacific basin to churn out new products while tugging on old strains of thought and childhood memories is truly dizzying.

I completely missed the debate over removing ashtrays and cigarette lighters and replacing them with power ports. I'm finishing up a 1964 Lincoln Continental four-ddoor convertible in the shop and it has an ashtray and lighter for every occupant… and wing vents… and a rear speaker which I'm sure worked well at 70 MPH with the top town. True hifidelity as they called it in the day.

Evidently I also skipped the sound evolution. If it weren't for the two years when we had a Mazda 3 with the Bose six-speaker system designed to hide the deafening road noise made by the sport tires I wouldn't have known CD

players were passé. I look in my house and all my stereo "stuff" is obsolete outside of my own home. Thumb drives and Pandora have replaced the "Wolfman" and WBZ. Take a trip down memory lane and watch Vanishing Point again. Epic tale of DJ's controlling the airwaves and everyone's thoughts and actions. The power of Hertz and Marconi is greater than The Force!

I'm most impressed by the new Jeep Grand Wagoneer which features a McIntosh stereo with the power to take down the walls of Jericho. It has 23 speakers, a sub-woofer and a 1375 watt amplifier. That should stop the road noise. Truly a biblical feat. And for your $100-grand you get actual VU meters on the display just like the ones on the first Sony reel-to-reel you ever saw. Tugging those strings.

Now that I have been told that I hum constantly I have become somewhat self-aware that it is actually happening. I wake up with a tune in my head from nowhere. Who starts their day singing Blow the Man Down? Who strolls the fish aisle with a loop tape of the Kingston Trio? I am singing or humming or reciting drivel at all times.

All right, I admit it took me a while but I figured out what I am suffering from… Alls-hummers! What else could it be? Forty-five years in an MG will do that to you.

~autoknownbetter@gmail.com

Rim Vining, humorist, friend and a devoted community volunteer

Art in Burg

Art Galleries in April

vital energy of the season, including Penny A Parrish in her photograph "Tulip Burst" and Kimberly Zook' s "Bloom Blue" watercolor. Carol Haynes drawing of "Jesus Donkey" reminds of us of the ultimate celebration of new life and renewal, while the heavenly guardians in Marianna Smith's drawing "Angels" seem to stand watch and Michele Milano's "Antique Bronze Lapis Purse Necklace" conveys lasting beauty.

Collette Caprara

“The Pen Works” Ron Rosiello

Artful Dimensions, 922 Caroline St

Opening Reception, First Friday April 7, 6-99pm

“Spring Fling” All Member Show

Opening Reception

First Friday, April 7, 5-99p

Brush Strokes Gallery, 824 Caroline St

In their April exhibit, Brush Strokes Gallery artists invite visitors to join them for a Spring Fling, with artwork that conveys a spectrum of aspects of the season. In her Sumi-e depiction of "Magnolia Branch," Carol Waite captures the precious quality of the emerging blossoms and Stacy Gerise celebrates the delicate and ephemeral beauty of early blooms in her painting "Japanese Magnolia." Rebecca Triana gives a hat-tip to one of the first creatures to welcome this long-awaited season in her painting "Bluebird."

Other artists give a glimpse of the treasured times that Spring may have in store for us, such as Taylor Cullar' s special moment of "Fishing Lessons at the Dock" and Collette Caprara 's "Sunlit Path" that beckons viewers on a stroll through woodland flowers. Lois Baird celebrates youthful beauty in her painting "Girl in the Purple Tutu" whose figure itself is blossom-like, and the simplicity of Norma Woodward's "Strawberries" remind us of the cherished gifts of the season that can be found in quiet moments. The abstract image of Shawn Pilj 's "Beta Fins" conveys the brilliant color and delicacy of emerging life in Spring, while other artists convey the

Featured Artist, Jordon Lette Opening Reception, First Friday, April 7, 5-88:30p

Canal Quarters Arts

1517 Princess Anne St

Jordan Lette is an artist based out of Richmond, VA. He has been into art his whole life and has taken influence from the knowledge he gained while studying art/art history throughout his academics. Jordan has recently taken on art professionally, having been commissioned for many pieces, including murals. His other passions include music and horticulture. He continues to learn about life through art.

Ron Rosiello considers his pens to be artistic creations that can be used and appreciated on a daily basis. Using a combination of domestic and exotic hardwoods and burls, as well as natural and manmade resin-casted materials, he creates pens in traditional, retro, and modern styles.The beauty of these natural woods and burls coupled with various pen styles and finishes is stunning. Says Ron, "Life is too short to use an ugly pen!"

Catherine Hillis is exhibiting watery landscapes from her travels and plein air painting escapades. Some of the paintings are created in the studio and others are created en plein air. The show will be a good example of what students can hope to learn in her upcoming Plein Air workshop in July. AA members also are displaying their painting, photography, pottery, sculpture, jewelry, and wood furniture.

Rob Rudick

Featured Artist, Kimberly Cartier

Opening Reception, First Friday, April 7, 5-88:30p

Darbytown Art Studio

241 E Charles St

~ Sally Cooney Anderson

“Pretty Little Things” All Member Show

Opening Reception First Fri, April 7, 6-99p

Art First, 824 Caroline St Exhibit focus on diminutive works of art work no larger than 11 inches X 14 inches or 154 square inches. abstraction, landscape, portrait/figure, still-life, and more. Artwork media may include acrylic, assemblage, collage, drawing, oil, photography, printmaking, textiles, threedimensional objects, and watercolor.

.

~Anne Timpano

“Water, Water Everywhere”

Kimberly Cartier is owner of Planty of Happiness and will be our Guest Artist offering small plants and aeriums for sale at our First Friday, April 7, 5-8:30 at Darbytown Art Studio.

Jeannie Ellis

Jordan will be playing a few acoustic songs while displaying his art/prints for sale

~ Jeannie Ellis

Catherine Hillis

Opening April 14, 6-99p

The Artists' Alliance 100 Taylor St, Suite 101 Colonial Beach Watercolorist extraordinaire

810 Caroline Street, Downtown

540.371.4099

Artist on Site

Saturdays

Jordon Lette@ Canal Quarters Arts

“Foxes”,Robyn Ryan“Autum Hues”,Beverley Coates “Sunrise Princess Anne St”,Lynn Abbott

Taylor Cullar'”Fishing Lessons at the Dock”@BSG

RonRosiello @Artful Dimensions

“ A New Morning” Catherine Hillis @Artists’ Alliance

“Pretty Little Things”, Sheyl Crowell @Art First

The University of Mary Washington Galleries is pleased to present two new exhibitions. Amazing artwork to promote arts education on campus and in te local community

Annual Student Art Exhibition

The Annual Student Art Exhibition features a guest curated exhibition of UMW students' studio artwork. This year's submissions will be juried by Jimmy LeFlore. Three awards of excellence where announced at the Awards Ceremony on March 30th: The Anne Elizabeth Collins '73 Memorial Art Award, the Emil R. Schnellock Award for Excellence in Painting, and the Melchers Gray Purchase Award. For this specific award, the recipient's artwork is purchased from the exhibition to become part of the UMW Galleries permanent art collection.

The exhibition will be on view through April 23rd in duPont Gallery Admission is always free.

UMW Galleries two new exhibitions

by Rachel Bailey

Mirror Mirror!

Mirror Mirror looks at contemporary women artists who focus on issues of identity - as a woman, artist, mother, wife, and/or daughter. Curated by Dr Christine Fowler Shearer , this exhibition brings together 30 works by artists around the country.

Artists featured in the exhibition include Erin Holscher Almazan (printmaking), Alicia Brown (painting), Jessica Calderwood (ceramics), Kristen Cliffel (ceramics), Rebecca Cross (textiles), Jessica Gardner (ceramics), Marcella Hackbardt (photography), Mabi Ponce de Leon (mixed media), Bellamy Printz (printmaking), Stephanie Rond (mixed media), Margo Selski (painting), and Babette Wainwright (ceramics).

The exhibition will be on view through April 28th in Ridderhof Martin Gallery . Private tours run May 1st through June 4th, just email gallery@umw.edu to schedule your visit! Admission is always free.

We Believe...

and empowerhouse can help

By Nancy Kelly

We believe - two powerful words that become even more so when you add the word "you." For survivors of domestic violence, the words "We believe you" let these vulnerable community members know that help and support is at hand. At Empowerhouse, we believe that everyone should be treated with dignity, respect, safety and hope. No one should be subjected to violence in any form, physical, emotional, or verbal. There's no reason to suffer in silence or alone. Empowerhouse is here for you.

We empower survivors of domestic violence and their children to believe in themselves and build new lives filled with dignity, respect, safety, and hope. We give victims the time, space, and tools to heal their hearts, restore their connections, rebuild their lives, and renew their spirits.

Empowerhouse breaks the cycle of violence through shelter, housing, advocacy, education, awareness, prevention, and intervention. We address the crisis and domestic violence services needs of the entire family. With our programs and services, we promote healthy and safe relationships, homes, and communities.

We serve the city of Fredericksburg and Caroline, King George, Spotsylvania, and Stafford Counties. Over the past year, Empowerhouse has:

·Continued to sustain high numbers of households, 39 adults and 61 children, in our Housing Program as we did during the worst part of the pandemic.

Served 413 people, the highest number of participants in our history, with Shelter and housing services, up 28% over pre-covid census.

·Assisted our sheltered and housed domestic violence survivors and their

children with 33,000 total bed nights, a 33% increase over pre-pandemic levels.

Served a record number of individuals from the Hispanic community, over 280 people, thanks to our four bilingual and bicultural advocates.

·Answered an all-time high of 2,112 calls to our 24-hour, confidential hotline from community members needing help, a 36% higher rate than pre-covid calls.

Delivered our free, age-appropriate Healthy Relationships Classroom Presentations to over 3,400 area elementary, middle, and high school students, which covered topics like bullying, boundaries, equality and respect, and effective communication.

·Launched a new Lethality Assessment Protocol (LAP) program in partnership with the Stafford Sheriff's Office and the Virginia Attorney General's Office. The LAP program identifies survivors of domestic violence (DV) in high danger during law enforcement response and immediately connects victims to one number answered by a dedicated Empowerhouse advocate. In addition to prioritizing time and resources by law enforcement and advocates, the partnership expanded Empowerhouse's reach and services.

Establishing an immediate connection with the DV survivor during this critical phase of the crisis opens a support system that victims otherwise may be unaware of and makes them likely to avail themselves of services that allows safe escape for them and their children. Since the Lethality Assessment Protocal assessment is done while an officer is still on the scene, it also ensures that the survivor is safer, connected with follow up, and can more easily leave the scene if needed.

As of December 31, preliminary data from the LAP pilot program reveals 234 assessments completed by Stafford deputies responding to DV calls. Of these, 135 were assessed as high danger and/or officer concerns. 113 survivors were connected to Empowerhouse with over 70 accepting follow-up services. Over 85% of those receiving follow-up services had never heard of Empowerhouse. These are critical, lifesaving connections. 75% of the highrisk victims had been strangled by their intimate partner. 68% of them had experienced stalking from their partner.

· Helped over 3,700 people in our community find services, safety, and a new start.

We believe you and we can help. If you, or someone you know is experiencing teen dating violence or domestic violence, please call our free, confidential 24-hhour Hotline at (540) 3739373

Nancy Kelly is the Development Director at Empowerhouse

The Scottish Society of Fredericksburg will get an early start on celebrating National Tartan Day in front of the Hugh Mercer Apothecary Shop, 1020 Caroline St., April 1, from 11 am to 3 pm.

"Holding it before (on Saturday), vice the actual day of (Wednesday) April 6, enables more people to celebrate with us," said SSF Chief Perry Darley

National Tartan Day is a celebration commemorated annually on April 6. The day is used to mark the Declaration of Arbroath, also known as the

National Tartan Day scottish society of FXBG celebrates

By wayne amann

Scottish Declaration of Independence

The day was signed in 1320, which gave them the right to form their military.

This national holiday stemmed from Canada in the mid-1930s. At the time, Canada only constituted 15% of Scottish people. On this day, people of Scottish heritage in different countries come together to celebrate their traditions and mark the day when Scotland gained independence. Besides the U.S., other countries that commemorate this holiday are Australia, Canada, Scotland, and Argentina.

This day is very important in the United States because theDeclaration of Independence in America was modeled after the Declaration of Arbroath Plus, around half of those who signed the Declaration of Independence, and nine governors elected to form the new United States, were of Scottish descent

You don't have to be Scottish to observe this day in various ways...you can: Be part of a parade

On this national day, many parades are organized in different cities. The parades usually highlight different Scottish traditions. People who attend are usually dressed in kilts and are accompanied by bands using drums and bagpipes to provide an experience similar to being in the Scottish Highlands.

Wear a kilt and sporran

Several shops sell traditional Scottish attire as the celebration approaches. Most people will have a kilt and sporran during this observance. The sporran is a traditional purse that complements the kilt. Since the kilt does not have pockets, the sporran helps you safely carry your phone and wallet in the parade.

Cook a traditional Scottish meal

There are many dishes, but the most common is black pudding and Haggis. Haggis is made of various sheep organs such as the heart, liver and lungs. The dish is then boiled in oatmeal, suet, and seasoning. Black pudding is also different because it's made of dried pig's blood, oatmeal and suet.

Did you know...?

The tartan is a plaid fabric or woolen cloth, checkered or crossbarred with narrow bands of various colors, much worn in the Highlands of Scotland.

The Scottish created the popular New Year's Eve song, "Auld Lang Syne." It's a Scottish folklore tune written by Robert Burns, the renowned Scottish poet.

Most people believe bagpipes originated in Scotland, this is not true. The bagpipes were musical instruments invented in ancient Egypt and the Middle East.

The Scottish people have still embraced their ancient language, Gaelic, which is still spoken in Scotland alongside English, and taught in several schools.

The national animal of Scotland is the Unicorn Scotland selected the unicorn because it represents courage, purity, strength and unity. The Scottish are also known for their belief in myths.

To learn more about Scottish culture and history join the Scottish Society of Fredericksburg's observance of National Tartan Day!

Wayne Amann, Scottish Society of Fredericksburg Publicity Committee

Post on social media

Perhaps the easiest way to celebrate this holiday is to post photos and videos of yourself with a kilt and sporran, or when eating a Scottish meal on social media. When posting these images, use the hashtag #NationalTartanDay.

Scottish Society of Fredericksburg National Tartan Day Celebration front of Hugh Mercer Apothecary Shop, 1020 Caroline St , April 1, 11 am to 3 pm

C o m p a n i o n s

hopping into spring

by gerri reid, dvm

Spring is always a favorite time of the year for most people. Flowers begin to blossom, trees come alive and the birds begin to chirp. We get to spend more time outside in the sunshine with our friends and family and of course, our pets. Time for Easter egg hunts, baby chicks and bunnies! This is the time of the year people tend to purchase baby bunnies for their young children. And trust me, nothing is as cute as a picture of young children with a bunny. But caring for a rabbit is not exactly easy.

Rabbits are great pets! They are smart, loving and at times entertaining. And of course, they are so cute! But what people don’t realize is having a rabbit is a 10-yyear commitment. Whether they are kept indoor or outdoors, the level of care they need can be time consuming and expensive. So, if you are thinking of getting a rabbit, let me offer you some advice before you JUMP to make that decision.

First, you will need to get a housing for your rabbit For outdoor rabbits, choose a hutch or enclosure that is spacious for your rabbit depending on its size/breed. As for an indoor rabbit, like my own, you can either have them free roaming within a destinated room or also provide a hutch, bunny condo or large rabbit cage. The ones in most pet stores are rather small so be sure it’s big enough for your rabbit to hop around a bit. Place your cage in an area (Family Room) where you are often since rabbits are very social animals

Now that you have chosen a housing setup, it is time to Bunny proof your home! Rabbits like space to run and explore. They are very curious and mischievous at times. To provide them with a safe area and to protect your belongings such as cords, you will need to cover them up or put them up away from

your rabbit’s reach. Rabbits love to chew! Be sure to provide your rabbit with lots of toys to chew. A good cardboard box castle is perfect for them to chew on, fun to make and offers hours of entertainment for your rabbit.

A rabbit’s diet mainly consists of fresh hay which should be given daily. Baby rabbits should eat alfalfa hay and adult rabbits should be fed Timothy hay. Supplement your rabbit’s hay diet with fresh vegetables, fiber-rich pellets and fresh water. Remember to limit the quantity of pellets you give to adult rabbits. For those with a Green thumb, planting a garden for your rabbits is a great idea. Plant herbs such as basil, parsley and mint which they just love!

The one advantage rabbits have as pets is that they can be litter-ttrained since they use the bathroom in one area. Place a litter box near the food/water/hay feeder. Rabbits like to eat hay and use the bathroom at the same time, so placing the hay in the litter box will promote good bathroom habits. Recycled newspaper litter is best as clumping litter is not recommended.

My 2 Lionhead bunnies, Bun Bun and Smokey Hare are a joy! I sit in my office in the mornings and watch them run and jump around feeling so happy. I think free roaming rabbits are the best. But I do realize that caring for my bunnies takes time and effort. They love to see me coming and greet me with lots of snuggles. If you are thinking of getting a rabbit, trust me, you won’t regret it.

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

@ReidMobileVetServices

THE THE POETRY MAN POETRY

Astrology & You pluto transit

MAN

By Frank Fratoe Cormorants Cormorants

Flying toward the Rappahannock not emitting a slightest sound they land upon water midstream and then overcrowd the surface or perch on shore near current spreading dark wings distended to dry-out their wet feathers before each goes stalking fish.

Every April they obey instinct riding a passage far northward there to nest on rock-islands or in trees if a lake is close and they are here just briefly as sojourners migrating onward who can enrapture us once more when a season renews and warms.

When a planet changes signs it can be a big deal, especially an outer planet that takes a lot of time to travel through a sign. On March 23, Pluto entered the sign of Aquarius, which was

By Dianne Bachman

Pluto's first sign shift in about 15 years. Pluto has not visited Aquarius since the year 1778! Due to intermittent retrograde motion, Pluto will be shifting back and forth between Capricorn and Aquarius until November 19, 2024, and will then stay in Aquarius until January, 2044. So, what does Pluto in Aquarius mean?

I have heard Pluto referred to as "the Cosmic Roto Rooter." Pluto brings forth the energy of transformation, digging deep, ultimately inviting that which no longer serves a purpose in our society or personal lives to fall away Capricorn, where Pluto has been, is all about structure and rules. Pluto in Aquarius tends to break the rules, innovate, and create a desire for intellectual freedom. With the Aquarian energy and Pluto, we get changes in the collective regarding ideas, social justice, and focus on the greater good. There can be, however, a seemingly dark lining to every silver cloud. Pluto (being the god of the underworld) can also bring power struggles and a deep need for control. What has been hidden or secret is brought to the surface. Pluto energy digs deep. But the seemingly negative aspects assist us in recognizing and examining our darker sides, or shadow-selves, the things that weigh us down, so in the end it is all good.

If you find yourself caught up in the undertow of this Pluto transit, remember this: go with the flow until you can safely get back to shore The harder you struggle, the more exhausted and frustrated you can become . Sound ominous? I don't mean to, but there is an intensity to Pluto and it is easy to forget that this too shall pass!

Now, here is a look at the astrological weather for April: April 1: With the Sun and Chiron (the Wounded Healer) making a wide square to Mars in Cancer, we might choose to reflect on taking the initiative to heal any rifts in our close relationships. Aries Sun lends courage to reach out. If you plan on doing any elaborate April Fools jokes, they are likely to backfire! Mars in Cancer can be a little touchy.

April 3: Mercury enters the sign of Taurus. Slow down, stop to smell the spring flowers. This is a good time to think or talk about things you might

create that are intended to last a long time.

April 6: Full Moon in Libra. For the next few days try focusing on balance and harmony in your life. If the sky is clear and the temps are warm, enjoy a lovely moon bath.

April 11: Venus enters Gemini, bringing lighter, social energies. Venus will be making a trine to Pluto, so if you are single the next few weeks is a grand time to attract new relationships. It can also be a very constructive time to examine the patterns in your existing relationships and make changes where necessary.

April 19: New Moon in Aries brings lots of dynamic energy, so fill your cup! For some, this energy can be a bit much, so pace yourself and watch any tendency to give into anger or frustration. If you have stalled or forgotten intentions set previously, this is a great time to focus on how to initiate them.

April 20: Sun enters Taurus. Smell the earth as it warms, soak in the color, listen for the bird song in the morning. Celebrate the Earth as it awakens by enjoying with all your senses.

April 21: Mercury will be in the sign of Taurus and stations retrograde until May 15. Note that Uranus will be conjunct Mercury for a week or so, then will be conjunct again in early June. This energy can be especially disruptive, depending on the personal aspects in your chart to these planets, so be especially mindful of financial or weather related issues popping up. The energy of Uranus is quick!

April 24: Moon Wobble. Astrologically, when the Sun is either conjunct or square a node of the Moon, it is called a Moon wobble. Disruptions, foggy thinking, and more proneness to calamity is possible. Take the last week or so of April and the first two weeks of May s-l-o-w-l-y. Consider making any changes to include a healthy diet, exercise, and getting good sleep.

Dianne Bachman is a psychotherapist & astrologer practicing in FXBG. She can be reached at FourwindsastrologyLLC@gmail.com Artwork “taurus”, Johfra Bosschart

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

Fredericksburg Sketches

A visual Celebration of our community

By Paula Raudenbush

Hyperion

301 William St

Allman’s

This month's sketch is actually from a photo because if I had sketched from real life I would have been run over. As it was I dodged traffic to get the photo. Established in 1954, Allman's has been serving barbeque to generations of locals and visitors. I stopped in for a sandwich the other day and realized I'd never sketched it so here 'tis.

There's always a question of what to put in and what to leave out of a sketch and with this one I added some people but left them unpainted. I left out some of the buildings to the left of the restaurant but added the white tent and building behind on the right. I left this side fairly vague because the restaurant is the focus.

Stop in for a pile of minced or a sandwich with slaw. It's part of our history. Cheers! And happy Spring!

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

Our mission at B101 5 is to be part of the community whether it's supporting a run or a school festival, we love to send our B-Crew team members and Buzzy out to help bring the FUN! We are very fortunate to be involved in some of the biggest community events like The Great Train Race, The Marine Corps Historic Half, Sunshine Baseball League's Opening Day, and Stafford County's Via Colori, to name a few. We have amazing people on our B-crew and we'd like to take a moment and let you get to know them.

Amy

Bogardus

Hello, I'm Amy. I was a military brat and have lived all over the US, but never abroad. Learning new things as well as being outside are two passions of mine. I have had many jobs over the years and am currently working as a pharmacy technician. One of my favorite things to do at the B is to help host Trapper's Trivia

GetToKnow

B101.5 Promotion Assistants: Pt 1

Night at 6 Bears and a Goat. It's fun to learn new things at trivia night and test my knowledge. I do a lot of dog/pet sitting and have not found a dog I don't like yet! No thank you to pet snakes and spiders! I really love being involved in church and I'm in charge of the youth group and nursery,

I enjoy working for the B and it really doesn't feel like work. It's like I just get to hang out with a group of friends!

Stephen Tutchings

By Mandy Smith

Hi my name is Stephen and I have been with B101.5 for 9 years as Buzzy and a PA. I live with my mom and one of my brothers and have 2 other brothers as well. My favorite T.V. shows are Blue Bloods and Beat Bobby Flay. I love going to Disney world to see the characters and the fireworks at magic Kingdom. My family also likes to take trips to the Outer Banks! I love working with all the DJ's and B crew at the station and being Buzzy. My favorite thing about being Buzzy is getting to dance with the kids!

Christian Brewer

Hello! My name is Christian Brewer, I'm 19 years old. I love singing, swimming, acting, playing board games, and listening to music. I have a big family! Besides my mom, dad, and grandma, I have an older brother Jared, a sister-in-law Erica, Aunt Debbie, Uncle Roy, and my family list goes on from there. We are a cat family! I have 4 cats inside (Winnie, Janie, Gumball, and Coco) and 5-7 outside cats as well. l love working at B101.5 because l like learning new radio skills and getting to meet and talk to people!

Amy, Stephen, and Christian are not the only members of the B101.5 Crew. We also have amazing team members: Ashlee, Zach, Jonathan, Hannah, Heather, Candice, Abbi, and Bill! Learn more about our PA team next month! When you see our BCrew out and about, make sure you say hello!

Mandy Smith is the Promotions & Marketing Director + On-Air Personality + Queen of All Things Nerdy for B 101.5

America Stands for Freedom

America Stands With Ukraine