Front Porch Fredericksburg August 2024 by Virginia Grogan

6josh summits new leader @ed & T

25gary close shares his vision of the world

28cori rydgren fosters dogs with unique needs

Porch talk

4 on the porch...life in fredericksburg messages

7everything green: seasonal highlights

8In the Garden: new skipper & first mate

9growing & crawling: flying zebras

12tidbits...small bites of local news

13 season’s bounty: the great garbanzo bean

15vino: summer sippin’

16-17Calendar of Events

18history’s stories: tribute to glenn trimmer

19 our heritage: history & future of alum springs park

20mental health: you are not alone

21 Emancipated patients: adverse childhood events

23adventure tails

24art in the burg ...galleries in August

26auto known better: gummy beer

27 tools for healthy relationships

29astrology & you poetryman: a sonnet

30fredericksburg sketches

3 high art...purina tower new look

5 joe winslow....artist & patriot

11 around town...burg charcuterie

Cover: “sunrise conference” by gary close

High Art

Painting an 85-foot tall tower...good cure for acrophobia

We Pons had the pleasure of putting the finishing touches on a refresh of the iconic "Purina" Tower in Downtown Fredericksburg. This grain elevator has stood beside the railroad tracks since WWI, and they were asked to paint the message "Welcome to Fredericksburg" on all four facades as a greeting to those on the roads and rail. This revitalization project was initiated by the building owner, Garrett Green, with the ambition to restore the tower's prominence to the city's skyline and provide a welcoming message to travelers. This initiative received assistance from the Fredericksburg Economic Development Authority in partnership with the city's Department of Economic Development and Tourism with funding from the American Rescue Plan Act

Designed by Print Jazz Pete was design consultant for the project team since the beginning and provided an array of schemes for the new paint job. The checkerboard is such an important part of the tower's identity that the owners wanted to keep it. That left a wide, shallow band sandwiched in between to place the text. Given that "Fredericksburg" is such a long name, the text needed to be on two lines. But how do you fit two lines in such a squat space? Eventually, he hit on the idea of scooping

By Pete Morelewicz & Gabriel Pons

out some space above "Fredericksburg" in order to nestle in "Welcome to". This allows the city name to be read from far away, a major consideration given the prominence of the tower on the skyline. The horizontal rays emanating from either side of the "Welcome to" help balance out the composition by filling in the rest of the scoop.

Planned by PONSHOP

It's one thing to design something on screen, but quite another to get it onto a wall. Gabe's done both, so he was in charge of getting us from pixels to paint. He decided we should use the "pounce technique" to transfer the design onto the concrete face. It's an age-old process whereby chalk is pushed through tiny perforations in a full-size paper

protocols (safety harnesses, lanyards and hard hats) to ensure that we made it back to the ground safe and sound. One essential art tool that we used was an 80foot telescopic boom lift Gabe had experience operating one on a previous mural project, and took the time to strategize how to stage the equipment to reach all four walls.

Execution

template. We practiced at his retail shop to work out the kinks before heading to the tower. Gabe is a meticulous planner, so he spent countless hours anticipating all of the pitfalls that might be awaiting us on site and also ensured that we followed the

At 70 feet in the air and in full public view, you'd better look like you know what you're doing. Fortunately with all of the preparation, the work itself was fairly straightforward and quite enjoyable. We'd take the lift up seven stories, measure the face of the wall to find the center point of the red stripe, and then chalk in guide lines to ensure the artwork would be centered and level. Next up was affixing the perforated paper template and using a chalk bag to pounce the design onto the wall. We then traced over the faint chalkline with a paint pen. This gave us the outline of each letter. Since we could only reach about 8 feet across from the lift's bucket, we worked in segments, repositioning the bucket to reach the next 8 foot section. Once all the letters were outlined in paint pen, we'd go

back section by section to fill them in with durable, exterior acrylic latex paint. After the first coat dried, we added a second coat to ensure an even opacity. Finally, we sprayed a clear varnish over the entire red

stripe to lengthen its lifespan. All told, we spent about two weeks working on site.

The Team

This was a group effort that could only have happened with the right team: Green Fitness (owner of the building), MC Morris and the Fredericksburg Department of Tourism (who persistently and creatively ensured it was a viable project), and Saul Garcia of Rainbow Painting (the man behind the checkerboards). Pete and Gabe also wanted to give a shoutout to the VRE passengers for their patience while they occupied the parking lot and everyone who stopped by the site to say hi, honked their horn and waved, or reminded us to wear our harnesses. Safety First!

Gabe Pons is an artist and Co-Owner of The PONSHOP on Caroline St; Pete Morelewicz an artist known as Print Jazz. His studio is in Libertytown Arts Workshop

photo by John Sims of Hyperbole

photo by John Sims

photo by Gabe Pons

Sue Henderson Guest Porch Editorial

Contributing Writers & Artists

Rita AllanMichael Aubrecht

Sally Cooney Anderson

Dianne BachmanSonja Cantu

Collette CapraraCamille Carney

Gary CloseJanet Douberly

Jeannie EllisFrank Fratoe

Kathleen Harrigan

Caroline HelsenSue Henderson

Ralph “Tuffy” HicksJason Jepson

Nancy KellyDavid C. Kennedy

Lenora Kruk-Mullanaphy

Ray MikulaKristin Moeller

Vanessa Moncure MC Morris

Pete MorelewiczPatrick Neustatter

Shane OliverDanae Peckler

Amy PeregoyGabe Pons

Paula RaudenbushRob Rudick

Mandy SmithRim 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

PO Box 9203 Fredericksburg, VA 22403

Ad Sales: E-Mail: frntprch@aol.com

Web Site: www.frontporchfredericksburg.com

Facebook: @Front Porch Fredericksburg Magazine

Issuu @Front Porch Fredericskburg

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.

ON THE PORCH transitions

By sue henderson

Been thinking a lot lately about transitions and letting go - of old thoughts and stuff, habits and even people. Summers are a good time to reflect on how we tend to move through life at warp speed until one day we turn around and can't believe how much has changed. There's something about the heat of July that slows us right down to think a little bit.

A couple years ago our daughter gave us those mom's/dad's memories type books to fill in from prompts. Truly they sat at bedside barely pushed out of the way to make room for glasses or tweezers or a bottle of water. It wasn't that we didn't have or want to contribute memories, but we were too busy making them. And maybe that's still true but, well, transitions.

While those books were waiting, we plotted downsizing and letting go of accumulated stuff from the longest place we'd ever resided with all the trinkets, memories, creations and just plain junk tucked into every nook and cranny of a house too large now for two. For a military family it wasn't all that hard to let go of most of those items. It's just things. But it was fun to remember why those things made it into that space. The gift from a friend in faraway lands, the tray my Mom gave me from one of her travels that never really quite hit the mark, old ceramic paint-your-own gifts from grandchildren now having children of their own, all made their way through my hands and back out again to bring others pleasure. We said goodbye to clothes that didn't fit and art we had created by giving them away. They had their place and did what they were supposed to more than once in my life and were sent off with good intentions.

I did find a couple of long-lost loves while cleaning out the deep recesses of the basement and my mind. Raggedy Ann from the 1960s with my kindergarten handwriting on her lovely muslin tummy made the move to a more visible place on my office shelf as did the Betty Crocker's First Recipe Book with my written-in pie recipe handed down from Aunt Carol and still the best pie crust ever. But the Girl Scout camping hat with Snoopy, Happy 13th, and troop patches handsewn on it did not. I plopped it on my head and laughed at memories of Camp Ita Kana on

hot Mississippi summer days and let the hat linger one last time before sending it off.

A few things caused more pause. What to do with the laminated poster from first grade while Dad was in Vietnam, and I won the prize for best story of "My Hero". Whew, he's been gone a long time but never far from my thoughts. The poster was photographed and let go. No one is left alive who was there and remembers it but me and the memory is stronger than the item. A moment in time to add to the book of prompts.

The beautiful thing about letting go is the peace we've been finding in the process. I feel lighter for not having that silly hat cluttering up space. I have a new memory of laughing with my granddaughter who asked, "are you downsizing my childhood, Grandma?" when I told her she could have the coffee cup back if she wanted it. (For the record, she didn't.)

Just like things, places and people come and go in our lives as well. It's all good. They are the very soundtrack and fabric of our lives and even when unraveled can find a place. Sometimes we just move on with strong memories of them and a good laugh, or cry, once in a while. The journey to freedom from them all is towards and not back.

I think the richness in slowing down, at any age, is the perspective to reframe the impact of those people, places and things. That's the transition of old thoughts I suppose. Folks often accuse me of being too positive, but the truth is I just don't spend much time on being negative. It's a conscious choice to look for valuable life lessons and turn them into a larger tapestry of that fabric. Decluttering our spaces and mind is another choice, but it comes naturally to me.

So off we've been now for a few months, transitioning into new habits and routines and moving away from old baggage and patterns. I'm writing in that book by the bedside more often and still reading The Front Porch from cover to cover.

Sue Henderson is a photographer, an artist, a writer, a performer, and CEO of Henderson Productions, a multi-service event planning & marketing company

Maj Joe Winslow, an artist and sculptor who now lives in the Shenandoah Valley, has a deep relationship with Fredericksburg through the many patrons of his work and Wegner's Foundry where he casts his sculptures. Those who have experienced the emotive quality of his artwork all share a deep and abiding bond of heart with him-and with each other. A prime example of the impact of his creations is the powerful bronze frieze that was unveiled in 2023 depicting a courageous team of Marines in the Second Battle of Fallujah in 2004.

Winslow participated in combat operations as a Field Historian and Combat Artist where he accompanied infantry assault units to record their historical importance for the National Museum of the Marine Corps He describes his role as "having a rifle in one hand and

has been fired on by an insurgent within a building as they are going inside to find the attacker. This battle, Operation Phantom Fury, has been deemed one of the bloodiest since the Korean War."

This is the first panel of a series of four that will depict the Marines' involvement in Al Ahnbar Province from 2004 through 2005, the period from the Blackwater Ambush to the free elections of the Iraqi people. This panel is 40 inches by 20 inches and is cast in solid bronze.

Winslow's depiction in this piece conveys the determination of each member of this band of brothers to

Joe Winslow An artist & true patriot

died in this battle."

By collette

“Through my art, I wanted to show that America's young men and young women were certainly up to the task of defending our country as much as they were during WWII, Viet Nam and Korea, and that when we call upon these young people who become Marines, they believe in our country. They believe in what they are doing and they are going to do whatever it takes-up to and including giving their lives-to defend what we have here. They make that choice willingly, and they are very capable of doing it."

He hopes that his series of friezes will elicit a sense of gratitude among those who view them. "Our

a sketch pad in the other." He completed field sketches and renderings of combat action and collected battle artifacts and came home to begin sculptural and fine art representations of Marines in action.

"The Second Battle of Fallujah frieze depicts the type of engagement that I had participated in and witnessed and experienced hundreds of times when I was in Iraq," Winslow said. “The scene features a rifle team of five Marines that

accomplish their mission, as well as the bond they share with each other. The pose and expressions of each Marine also signal concern about one another, such as a quick glance to check how their comrades are doing. "The men are very closely bunched together and viewers will see that each Marine is touching another, whether it's a hand on the shoulder of the guy in front or someone's back pressing against another's leg. This is my personal tribute to five particular Marines that

wonderful lives that we enjoy as Americans in this country are not an accident and didn't come by chance. The freedoms and privileges that we have in this country were bought and paid for by people like those I represent in my art."

Winslow served the Marine Corps for 21 years and joined when he was just 17. He describes his youth as either "being one of those kids running around the

caprara

alley behind my house in army clothes playing war with my friends all day or building theater sets and costumes at this catholic school." In the last four years of his career, he was selected to become a combat artist, and, though he retired in 2008, he continues to create artwork for the Marine Corps Combat Art Program at the National Museum of the Marine Corps.

Maj Winslow welcomes commissions and can be reached at (540) 630-5949. Additional information is available here: joewinslow1.com/about.

Collette Caprara is an artist, writer & appreciates & learns from all cultures

Winslow Shaping the Rough Clay

Above, Completed Clay Original; Below Completed Bronze

Josh Summits new fxbg economic development & tourism director

By mc morris

Meeting Josh is a pleasure; his style is relaxed and approachable. He is an outdoorsman at heart, but more of a city slicker in practice. Josh has spent fifteen years working in urban redevelopment, community revitalization, and economic development. Now we welcome him, as the Director of Fredericksburg's Economic Development and Tourism Team, beginning mid-August.

He came to our region via Stafford County, where he started in October 2019, serving most recently as Business Development Manager.

"I have spent the past five years working with Stafford to bring transformative economic development projects to the Fredericksburg Region. Each locality offers diverse and unique attributes and opportunities. The City of Fredericksburg has a robust list of amazing amenities and a thriving historical downtown. My core focus and energies will target corridor

redevelopment, and expanded business attraction and retention efforts," Summits stated.

Josh grew up in Davidsville, PA, graduating WVU with a BA in Urban and Regional Planning and a Masters (MS) in Regional Planning from Indiana University of PA.

Previously, he has worked as the Business Expansion and Attraction Specialist at the Urban Redevelopment Authority in Pittsburgh, PA and as Economic Development Coordinator for the City of Johnstown, PA. He is recognized by the National Development Council, as a designated Economic Development Finance Professional (EDFP) and is a member of the Chamber of Commerce's 2021 "Leadership Fredericksburg" Program.

City Manager, Tim Baroody, is delighted to welcome Summits, and his expertise, across the Rappahannock,

stating, "After a national search, we are very pleased to welcome a local professional with excellent Mid-Atlantic experience. Josh can hit the ground running, knowing the Commonwealth and the region well. The City of Fredericksburg has unlimited potential, and Josh will work to help us live it."

When Josh is not in the office, he enjoys maximizing the beautiful Virginia

weather and outdoors, hitting the mountains for a hike, biking the regional trail networks, throwing a round of disc golf, and assisting to coach his son's youth soccer team. Josh currently lives in

MC Morris is the Assistant Director of Tourism for the City of Fredericksburg Department of Economic Development & Tourism

Stafford with his son Graham.

This summer has already been a doozy but we are happy to report that the gardens, forests, and fields are thriving and completely abuzz with pollinators and wildlife!

Our gardeners and educators are being clever and careful to make sure the heat doesn't get the best of them and we are all looking forward to some cooler temperatures as well as some very exciting programming and events! Let's take a look at some highlights!

We have partnered with the Central Rappahannock Regional Library for a monthly gardening series. Join us at the Fredericksburg Branch on August 6th @ 10am to learn all about common insects, the friends and the foes. This is a free event with no signup required.

On August 10th we have the brilliant Ryan Mooney joining us in the lower garden and bringing the knowledge and everything you need to grow the

Everything Greens seasonal highlights

absolutely delicious and highly nutritious King Trumpet Mushroom! Tickets are $30 and each covers the grow kit and entry for two people into the class.

Our monthly Nature Walks on the Belman Road Campus continue on August 24 at 9am. Garden Coordinator extraordinaire, Em Ford, will lead you into the fields and forest of our newest campus and show you all the wonders nature has to offer! This is a free event but signup is required.

By Janet Douberly

Another class in the library gardening series is all about seeds. On September 3rd at 10am, president of the Board, Christie Hoerneman, will be joining our most beautiful and charming employee, Janet Douberly, to talk all about seeds. How to save them, how to keep them, and more! This is a free class with no signup required.

We tried this in July but it was TOO HOT so now we bring you the Sip n See Garden Tour on First Friday, September 6th, from 5-66pm. Join us as we pour some frosty beverages and take a tour of the gardens at our Downtown Campus. You'll learn about our organization, history, and many wonderful facts about the plants and wildlife we spy while sipping our bevvies. Once the tour is complete, you can mosey down to the trolley stop on the next block and enjoy all the First Friday festivities in town! This is a free event. Signup is encouraged and donations to Downtown Greens will be very welcome!

Have you heard the news? The Down Home Ball is BACK and better than ever! This will be our biggest and ONLY fundraiser this year. The Down Home Ball has been a fundraiser of ours for over a decade. The 2024 Down Home Ball will be an elevated, farm-to-fancy experience held at A Bowman Smith Distillery featuring live music by The Blue Tips, appetizers by Foode, silent auction, a cash bar with Joelle Cathleen & Co. serving up some scrumptious specialty cocktails and so much more! And, as always, dress code is a mix of your fanciest and farmiest! This will

be an event you don't want to miss! Tickets go on sale soon! The event is October 19th, 6-10pm. Tickets will be limited! Score yours before they go on sale by becoming a sponsor!

Information, signup, and tickets for all of these events can be found on our website www.downtowngreens.org

Janet Douberly is looking forward to all of these events at Downtown Greens.

Downtown Greens Monthly Gardening Series: All About Bugs Aug 6 CRRL Fxbg Branch, 10a

Ryan Mooney Trumpet Mushroon Aug 10

Downtown Greens Monthly Gardening Series: All about Seeds

CRRL Fxbg Branch, 10a

Sip n See Garden Tour on First Friday, September 6th, from 5-66pm

Downtown Greens, a nonprofit, mission is to enhance the well-bbeing of our community by connecting people with nature through education and the preservation of greenspaces

Office , Lower & Upper Gardens are located at Downtown Campus 206 Charles Street Belman Rd Campus , 56 acre property is 1360 Belman Road FXBG Industrial Park

In the Garden

It is wonderful to have the opportunity to introduce and welcome Grace Kunkel (above), our new Virginia Cooperative Extension Agent, and Samantha Ragon (Sam), our VCE/Master Gardener liaison, in the Stafford Virginia Cooperative Extension office Grace took office in late June, and Sam earlier this year. Virginia Cooperative Extension agents are located around the state to help reach farmers and homeowners with the agricultural and horticultural research done at Virginia Tech and Virginia State University. Their guidance on insects, diseases, and plant needs helps us all with whatever we choose to grow.

Honey Bees

Bring your insect and bee questions to Grace! While earning her Master of Science in Entomology at University of Maryland, Grace focused on honey bee nutrition, and did research on how pesticides can move through a colony.

She has also studied how conventional and organic pesticides perform in different vegetables, and we will be asking her to share her knowledge in the months ahead at one of our general meetings that are held monthly, and are free and open to the public. Photographing pollinators, bees, and the flowers in her garden is a favorite pastime of hers. Grace is taking the helm with enthusiasm, and encourages citizens to reach out with any questions. The VCE Stafford office phone: 540-658-8000.

MG Liaison

Sam Ragon (above right) cheerfully stepped into her role and responsibilities easily as Master Gardener Liaison and it has been a tremendous encouragement to us! She has a Bachelor's degree in Environmental Horticulture with a minor in Entomology from Virginia Tech, so she and Grace have a huge base of knowledge between them. Sam worked as an intern at George Washington's Mount Vernon gardens, and has worked at Braehead Farms here in town. Sam also has more than 40 indoor house plants, so I won't be

surprised if she gets calls for advice on house plants!

We are very grateful for 4H Agent Lori Clark who has been wearing two hats since last year. She has been and continues as the 4H Agent, and has helped Master Gardeners in official ways when certain issues needed the oversight of a VCE Agent. Thank you, Lori!

Fall Garden Prep at Dorothy Hart CC

Vegetable gardening does not need to stop when the weather turns cool. Renee Ford, Master Gardener, will help you discover how you can extend your harvest through the fall. You will learn about: planning and starting your fall garden,

cool weather crops, overwintering, and extending the season further. Saturday, August 10 at 10 a.m. The class is free, but please register at www.fredericksburgva.gov/363/ParksRecreation-Events (search Nature/MGACRA Programs).

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

Save the Pollinators Flower Show CRRL FXBG Branch August 20 & 21

Master Gardener Talks on Gardening Dorothy Hart Center, Aug 10, 10a CRRL FXBG Branch, 10am September 19

Fredericksburg Parks & Recreation Bulletin for Master Gardeners Classes: FXBGparks com/nature/mgacra August 10 at DHCC: Fall/Winter Garden Prep

photo by tina will

photo by grace kunkel

Last month I wrote about a delicious Virginia native plant, the Pawpaw tree. Now let's take a look at the Pawpaw's number one fan, the zebra swallowtail

The zebra swallowtail is a native insect that almost exclusively depends on Pawpaw trees.

Like other butterflies, this black and white beauty starts life as a plump caterpillar. Green and tempting, if you are into eating caterpillars, these wee babes are protected by feasting almost solely on pawpaw leaves which contain a toxin that is absorbed by the caterpillar, making them an undesirable meal for birds in-theknow. As if that wasn't enough, they are able to extend a brightly-colored, Y-shaped "horn" from directly behind their heads when they are disturbed. These horns are able to secrete foul-smelling defensive chemicals.

The adult butterflies live up to 6 months which is longer than most butterflies. They lay their eggs on the underside of a pawpaw leaf where it

Growing & Crawling flying zebras

By janet douberly

hatches and the caterpillar has one job. Gorge itself on the leaves before forming their chrysalis.

Of all the types of swallowtails, Zebras have the shortest proboscis, which is their mouthpart used for sucking nectar. This means they will prefer shorter, flatter flowers over the long tubular ones.

Aside from pawpaw groves, a great place to spot these safari patterned butterflies is around mud puddles. The males get their salts and minerals from a practice called "puddling" which means congregating at mudpuddles much like the office water cooler, to slurp up the mineral rich water.

Janet Douberly chases butterflies at Downtown Greens.

Around Town burg charcuterie

Seen on Caroline Street Downtown for an event at True Bride is the premier mobile charcuterie bar, specializing in custom charcuterie boards, individual cups/cones, grazing tables, and so much more.

813 Caroline St. Fredericksburg, VA Serving Traditional Mexican, Tex-Mex Food and Something More!!

Tuesday to Saturday 11am-9pm Sunday 11am-6pm

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

Burg Charcuterie specializes in creating artisanal charcuterie boards, boxes, carts, sweet treats platters, fruit platters and grazing tables in Fredericksburg and the surrounding areas.

“We pour our hearts and souls into creating charcuterie for any occasion. Paying attention to every detail, from growing our own herbs and scouring the freshest farmers market offerings, to networking with local honey creators. Our large menu can accommodate any budget with gluten free, vegan, and vegetarian options.” says owner, Jennifer Peyton

Catch up with Burg Charcuterie at events in August; @ Frasier Wood, 1st Friday, August 2, 5-88p 1023 Caroline St Summer Fest @Bowman Distillery, August 3, 11a-44p, Fall Festival@Hurkamp Park, August 29, 1p-66p Martinis & Charcuterie @Cheekys in Casey's, 622 Kenmore Ave, 5p

burgcharcuterie.com, facebook, 916-749-0940

ThruAugust4

ABC 7's Kidd O'Shea Discovers the Charm of Fredericksburg for Good Morning Washington

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

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

Last week, WJLA ABC 7's Kidd O'Shea visited Fredericksburg to film segments for upcoming Fredericksburg Fridays episodes on Good Morning Washington From strolling down Caroline Street to exploring iconic landmarks on the trolley, Kidd O'Shea captured the essence of what makes Fredericksburg a must-visit destination.

Good Morning Washington is a morning news program broadcast by WJLA-TV (ABC 7). The morning news program informs and engages its audience with a mix of timely news coverage and light-hearted segments, making it a popular choice for morning viewers in the Washington, D.C. region.

Kidd O'Shea, a reporter with Good Morning Washington, is known for his adventurous and engaging segments. He covers travel or local outings that are accessible and enjoyable.

Stay tuned ABC 7 and follow Good Morning Washington's Facebook to catch these special segments about the Fredericksburg, VA community and all we have to offer!

Original Grinds Set to Open at 615 Caroline St

Simon Watts and Ethan Rusch will be continuing the vision and vibe of Katora Coffee. Announced yesterday via Instagram, Watts stated, "We couldn't just let it end." Original Grinds or OGs will be opening at 615 Caroline St.

They further stated, "The home we built at Katora Coffee didn't just change the town, it changed all of our lives. When we heard about the bankruptcy, we immediately got to work and came up with a plan to save the shop at 615 Caroline Street. Thanks from the constant support from the Zammas' and our landlord Sophia, Ethan and I purchased the bones of Katora, the espresso machine, the stage, and everything else we could. We have been

TidBits small bites of local News

well underway overhauling the space into something new, while preserving Katora's mission of inclusivity and creativity. Ethan and I's new business is called Original Grinds, but you can call it OGs for short. We'll be releasing more updates soon as they develop on our new page @ogsfxbg."

Delegate Cole presents Civil Rights Trail Resolution to the City & UMW

At last month City Council meeting, Delegate Joshua Cole (center) presented H.R. 420, which passed the House of Delegates on March 8, 2024. This resolution commended the work of the City of FXBG & the UMW in becoming the fourth site in Virginia included in the United States Civil Rights Trail. The 21stop Fredericksburg Civil Rights Trail "Freedom: A Work in Progress" includes sites articulating the local struggle for equality and preserves this important history

The work of Chris Williams , Assistant Director of the James Farmer Multicultural Center (left) and Victoria Matthews, Fredericksburg's Tourism Sales Manager, were particularly lauded, for their research and work within the community to obtain these remarkable stories and oral histories.

Rebellion Named in Nine of the South's Best Whiskey Bars

Rebellion Bourbon Bar & Grill, which has a location at 309 William Street, is listed as one of "Nine of the South's Best Whiskey Bars" by Garden & Gun

"Ask about the barrel picks of Southern-made bourbons, sample the rich, barrel-aged Manhattans and oldfashioneds, and graze from a food menu heavy on pub classics, such as loaded tots with bacon and peppercorn ranch, and a pork belly, ham, and pickle sandwich served on a banh mi bun."

Quite a Legacy - Combining for a Fresh Experience in Fashion

Kelly Denke has relocated her Lady Legacy business - and has a new collaborative partner who is as excited about fashion as she is! Kelly has a new

By Amy Peregoy

of this beautifully combined retail space. Kelley, with her friend Rebecca Henkel of Alan Furs, are creating a fresh experience in Fredericksburg fashion. Combining forces have inspired several other changes.

Legacy Clothing and Gifts will begin offering men's clothing and "fine tuning" many favorite lines, to enhance selection ladies have come to love.

Another special feature is a lovely, private loft. This is a place for individual consultation. A place to meet and talk about your special occasion, and the unique style you want to create.

132 receives a Best of Award of Excellence

Fahrenheit 132 has been recognized as a 2024 Best of Award of Excellence by Wine Spectator

Of 3,700 dining locations across the United Stated and 75 countries and territories, the steak-focused restaurant was revealed as a winner. According to the article by Cassia Schifer, the Best of Award of Excellence is given to restaurants that take their love of wine a step further, through staff training to ensure guests have knowledgeable assistance, hosting events such as wine dinners, or carefully designed presentation and more in-depth sourcing. These lists offer approximately 350 or more carefully curated selections, offering a vast array of wines from top producers, showing a wide breadth of varying regions and vintage depth.

Fahrenheit, which is at 318 William Street, was one of only forty-seven Virginia restaurants to receive the award. Congrats to Fahrenheit 132 on this well deserved award!

Amy Peregoy is FXBG Economic Development Manager

business name, too, Legacy Clothing and Gifts 804 Caroline Street is the new home

Fahrenheit

FIRST THINGS FIRST - ABOUT THE BEAN Garbanzo beans are a member of the legume family, along with kidney beans, black beans, lima beans and peanuts. Legumes produce edible seeds, called pulses, which are known to have high nutritional value and are a staple of many diets around the world, notably in Africa and Asia. India produces the most worldwide, but they are grown commercially in more than 50 countries. An excellent source of fiber, protein, iron and carbohydrates, the garbanzo bean, or alternatively the chickpea, also have a low glycemic index and produce beneficial gut bacteria when digested. The satiating effect of both high fiber and high protein may help with weight management. Chickpeas are widely available dried and canned. Pulses are a vegetarian diet staple - chickpea flour, also known as gram flour or cici bean flour, is popular in Middle Eastern and Indian cooking and baking and as a gluten-free alternative flour. Surprisingly, the bean flour can be used in cakes and quick breads as a 25% substitute for flour and to thicken soups, sauces and gravies. Dishes like falafel and papadums rely on it!

RECIPES COME NEXTCRUNCHY ROASTED CHICKPEAS

Drain and rinse one 15-oz can of chickpeas. Dry them well on a paper towel to remove as much liquid as possible and pat dry. Place the chickpeas on a baking sheet and roast in a preheated 425F oven. Remove from oven, drizzle with one tablespoon olive oil and sprinkle with one teaspoon dried spice (such as cumin, chili powder, curry powder, cayenne, etc) or a commercial spice blend (more or less to taste). Place them back in the oven and roast for another 10-15 minutes (depends on the amount of moisture left in the chickpeas). Best the first day, but can be stored at room temperature.

When you think of chickpeas do you automatically think of HUMMUS? I have a great recipe I'd like to share with you. Place all the following ingredients in a food processor with the metal blade. Process until coarsely puréed and add the chickpea liquid up to 2T as needed to get to a smooth consistency. Drop in 4 large cloves of garlic, 2 15-oz cans of chickpeas (or 3C of cooked, dried chickpeas) with the liquid reserved, 1/3C tahini, juice of 2 lemons, 1/4C olive oil, 1tsp each salt, cayenne pepper and cumin.

OR You can toast pine nuts and top them on your hummus with a drizzle of olive oil. OR Purée 1/3C roasted red

peppers with other ingredients and top with chopped peppers for roasted red pepper hummus OR substitute roasted garlic cloves for the fresh garlic and top with more roasted garlic cloves and drizzled with the olive oil they were baked in OR top with chopped Kalamata olives and olive oil.

CHICKPEA SALAD

Combine the following ingredients in a large bowl. Drain and rinse 2 15-oz cans of garbanzo beans. Add 1C each sliced cherry tomatoes, cucumbers and red bell peppers. Ad 1/2C each crumbled feta cheese, chopped Kalamata olives and chiffonade of basil. Top with the following dressing recipe and fold into the salad mix. Serve immediately or refrigerate until serving. Dressing - 2T red wine vinegar, 3T lemon juice, 2 lg. grated garlic cloves, 1tsp each Dijon mustard and dried oregano and 1/2tsp each S&P. Stir together these ingredients then slowly add olive oil while blending with an immersion blender or countertop blender.

CHICKPEA AND COUSCOUS SALAD

Chickpeas and couscous go together like peanut butter and jelly! And cous cous is SO easy to make. It's a traditional North African or dish of small steamed granules of rolled semolinaMoroccan cous cous is the same product. At the grocery store you may see the larger Israeli or pearl couscous - this is not really couscous but tiny balls of toasted pasta. Cook couscous by boiling one cup of water or chicken broth and pouring over one cup of couscous. Cover and wait 5 minutes before fluffing with a fork and continuing with your recipe. In a large bowl, add the couscous and stir in

1/2C green onions, sliced, 1/2C chopped red pepper, 1/2C sliced black olives, 1/3C minced parsley and one 15-oz can chickpeas, drained and rinsed. Into 3/4C Italian salad dressing (bottled or homemade), stir in 1tsp each cumin, oregano and garlic powder and pour over the salad. Cover and chill before serving.

And AQUAFABA - don't throw away the chickpea liquid! It's a thick liquid containing a mix of water and starch with emulsifying, binding and thickening properties. It works well as a flavorless, odorless egg replacer in recipes : one tablespoon of aquafaba = one egg yolk: 2 tablespoons = one egg white: three tablespoons = one whole egg.

It can also be whipped and sweetened for desserts - like this delicious VEGAN CHOCOLATE MOUSSE Melt 7oz premium chocolate in a heatproof bowl over simmering water. Set aside to cool. In a stand mixer, whip 1/2C aquafaba and 1/2C sugar for at least 10 minutes, until thee mixture forms stiff peaks. Fold the slightly cooled melted chocolate into the whipped aquafaba until no streaks of chocolate remain. Spoon the mousse into cups and chill at least one hour. Top with chocolate shavings and serve.

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

Open every Sat 7am-2pm

Rain/Shine

@Hurkamp Park

Now Thru October 26

It's officially Summer, so you're going to need some wines for all those summer activities, like boating, picnics, pool parties, camping, and tailgating! For all those warm-wweather, outdoor activities, the refreshment needs to be easy to chill, easy to transport and preferably in an unbreakable container. Consider trying some of the new canned or boxed wines out there!

Wait! Before you hit the exit and dismiss this post, open your mind, read on, and ponder the idea of an alternative vessel. There are some very credible wines found in alternative packaging that are worth checking out. In the same manner as making choices for traditionally packaged wines, it is, in most cases, to both consider the source, and be willing to pay a bit more than the mass-produced versions. Great strides have been taken in the care and consideration of the packaging for some more premium and small-production box and canned wines. For example, the cans are not the same cans your favorite soda come in; they are lined cans, and the slim design is beneficial to its containment as well. Box wines have a sealed spout and can keep wines fresh

(when kept in temperature control) for up to six weeks!

These are just a few canned wines that are worth trying, Dear Mom Wine Co Sparkletown from Oregon is one. In fact, if you can, purchase a canned version and the bottled version and do a blind comparison. It's a fun experiment, and you probably will be pleasantly surprised with a positive outcome. Broadbent Vinho Verde is available in both a white and rosé. They are labeled as "Spritzy White," and "Spritzy Rosé," both hailing from Portugal, in the Barcelos commune, from a small region in Northern Portugal. The white is a blend of 50 percent Loureiro, 40 percent Trajadura, and 10 percent Pederna. With notes of fresh, tart green apple, white peach, and melon flavors, and with a crisp and zesty finish, it is a perfect summer sipper. The Rosé is a blend of 40 percent Borrac¸al, 30 percent Espadeiro, 20 percent Amaral, and 10 percent Vinha~o. The Rosé has notes of pomegranate, raspberry, and pear. Both won the international canned wine competition, 2022.

Several local (to Virginia) wineries are also doing wines in cans and worth seeking out. King Family,is one of those wineries that produces an exceptional Rosé, called Crosé, and is packaged in both a bottle and can version. It is a blend of Cabernet Franc, Merlot and Malbec. The juice was left on the skins for

just two days, then into the tank for three weeks, resting on the lees (grape must) until filtering and bottling. The wine has notes of grapefruit, lime, watermelon, and a light grassiness on the nose. One other standout is a rosé named Erato, from Muse Vineyards. It is a blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot grapes that are harvested early and fermented like a white wine in temperature-controlled, stainless-steel tanks. This wine is also found both in bottle and in the can.

One great benefit of the boxed wine is that even after opening, the wine will stay fresh for weeks, so it makes it a great choice for parties, camping, boating, or even just as your daily sipper. You will not feel bad if you have one glass and cannot finish it; you have weeks to tackle that challenge! Boxed wines have a bladder inside and a sealed spout, so they're excellent for boating, tail gating, or any other recreation where you have a cooler. Throw the bag in ice and you are all set, and a box is comparable to four bottles, so very budget friendly! There are now boxed wines that fully surpass the quality of the original grocery store versions. You can find premium wines from France, California, Spain and Argentina-all respectable wine regions. Here are just a few examples:

La Petite Frog Picpoul de Pinet Premium wine, from Les Costières de Pomerols, Languedoc-Roussillon, France. This is a wonderfully crisp wine, great for summer and oysters! 100 percent Picpoul, the nose is elegant, with aromas of fresh citrus fruit, especially grapefruit. It is wellbalanced with typical zesty acidity. Known as the "Muscadet of the South," Picpoul is perfect with oysters and fresh seafood.

True to its name, "Really Good Box Wine" is just that-really good, boxed

by Rita Allan

wine! The company is all about sustainability and producing a quality product. Most mass-produced wines in a box taste the same every year, because they add stabilizers and other "stuff," like additional sulfites, to ensure a consistent product. These wines are good because they source good fruit from premium sites, added sulfites (if any) are very limited and the people making the wine care about making an exceptional wine. Currently their lineup includes a Sauvignon Blanc from the Russian River Valley, CA; an Un-Oaked Chardonnay, from Yakima, WA; Cabernet Franc Rosé from Lodi, CA; Cabernet Sauvignon from Paso Robles, CA; and a Pinot Noir from San Luis Obispo, CA. With an average price between $40-$60, and containing the equivalent of four bottles of wine, that is a great deal! If you are aware of the great producer of Pinot Noir, Sokul Blosser, you may know that they now have a version in a box as well as does Maipe, known for their Malbec. La Vieille Ferme, from the Rhone Valley, makes a Rosé and a Red blend that are both quality wines to seek out.

Your next summer party, camping or boating trip is worth having some good wine to enjoy, and now you have a good path forward and some ideas of wines to seek out. Whether you want a good everyday wine for yourself, but hate opening a whole bottle, or have a party coming up for some wine-loving friends and need to stick to budget, or have a trip planned that includes a cooler, and needs to be easy and safe to transport, there is a can or box in your future!

"The best way to learn about wine is by drinking." -Alexis Lichine.

City Vino at 100 Hanover St (use Sophia St entrance) is were you will find owner Rita Allan to provide you answers to all your wine questions

CALEND

August ... Enjoy the Last Month of Summer

Thursday August 1

Fxbg Agricultural Fair continues thru Aug 4

Fxbg Summer Restaurant Week continues thru Aug 4

Walk with a Doc 4-5p FXBG food CoOP, 320 Emancipation Hwy PA on the Heritage and Canal Path Trail

Acoustic Onion, Colonial Tavern, 406 Lafayette Blvd 7-10p

First Friday August 2

Catherine Hillis FCCA Members Gallery, Frederick Gallery, Caroline Nachem & Katrina Rae, 813 Sophia St

Carol Waite "Beautiful Blooms" @Brush Strokes Gallery. Opening reception 5-9p, 824 Caroline St

"A Walk in the Garden"New Work by Leah Fromer Opening reception 6pm to 9pm. Art First, 824 Caroline St

"A Capitol Vase" Works by Joseph Wilkinson Artful Dimensions, 922

Caroline St Opening Reception, 6-9pm

Caleb Matthews "Land & Sea: art opening @Kickshaw's Bakery 4-8p, 1511 Central Park Blvd

Sounds of Summer, Goodtime Alibi, , Market Square, 6:30-8:30p

Comedy in the :Back Room", 911 Charles St, 7p

Pours & Pasties, Burlesque Show, Strangeways Brewing Co, 8:30p 350 Landsdowne Rd

Live Music Eric Tubbs @ 6B&G, 7p, 1140 International Pkwy

Live Music Hokie Joe @Adventure Brewing North, 33 Perchwood, 7-9p

Live Music Michael Lofton Acoustic @Colonial Tavern 6-9p, 406 Lafayette Blvd

Live Music Nate Oyler @Log Home Brewing Co, 6-9p, 5727 Courthouse Rd

Saturday August 3

Art in the Park @Farmers Market, Hurkamp Park, 9-1p

Sunken Well Saturday: brunch from 9-2, 720 Littlepage Fxbg Farmers Market, Hurkamp Park,7a-2p

Spotsy Farmers Market , 8am - 1pm 12150 Gordon Rd

A Smith Bowman Summer Fest, 11a-4p mix and mingle with local vendors while enjoying live music, food, and activities , tour distillery, FREE, 1 Bowman Dr

Live Music Lucky Has Fallen @Colonial Tavern, 406 Lafayette Blvd,8-11p

Live Music Robert Keelin @Highmark Brewery, acoustic rock, country, pop, blues, folk & americana, 6-8p, 7829 Dolleys Court, King George

Live Music Made in the USA @Log Brewing Co, 6-9p, 5727 Courthouse

Sunday August 4

Sunday Brunch Sunken Well Tavern,9a-2 , & bluegrass music from 6-8, 720 Littlepage,

Sunday Brunch at the Colonial Tavern 11a-3p

Monday August 5

Music on the Steps, DJ Strevvss the Live Peecussionist, 6:30-7:30, Fxbg CRRL

Sunken Well Wing Night, 75 cent Wings

Tuesday August 6

Downtown Greens Monthly Gardening Series: All About Bugs, CRRL Fxbg Branch, 10a

Wednesday August 7

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

Trapper's Trivia @6B& 7 pm., 1140 International Pkwy

Thursday August 8

Walk with a Doc 4-5p FXBG food CoOP, 320 Emancipation Hwy PA on the Heritage and Canal Path Trail

Photography by Wayne Butler Sunken Well Tavern, 720 Littepage Opening Reception, 6-9pm

Art After Hours: Concert Band @Gari Melchers Home & Studio, enjoy food & drinks while istening to a classical music, 6-8pm)

Friday August 9

Nancy Brittle "Sweet Summer Stuff" Opening Reception , 6-9p Art Alliance at Jarrett Thor Fine Arts 100 Taylor St., Suite 101, Colonial Beach

Live Music Rocky Guttman, @6B&G, 7-9:30p 1140 International Pkwy

Live Music The Anti Janes @Adventure Brewing North, 7-9p

Live Music Big Rob@Log Home Bfewing, 6-9p 5727 Courthouse rd

Saturday August 10

Sunken Well Saturday: brunch from 9-2, 720 Littlepage

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

Spotsy Farmers Market , 8am - 1pm 12150 Gordon Rd

King Trumpet Mushroom Workshop, Downtown Greens, 1-2:30p

610 Cruisers Annual Charity Car Svhool, 839 Garrisionville Rd

FXBG Walks, explore the back stree outside Visitors Center, 10a

Live Music Spike @6B&G, 1140 Inte

Live music 3 Exits to Memphis @Adv

Live Music Cactus Jack @Log Home B

Sunday August 11

Sunday Brunch Sunken Well Tavern 720 Littlepage,

Sunday Brunch at the Colonial Tave

Fxbg Greater Virginia Bridal Show, Fx Ave

Monday August 12

Music on the Steps, Limon & Latin F Sunken Well Wing Night, 75 cent Wi

Wednesday August 14

"Murder on the Orient Express", Rive show thru Sept 8

Karen's Line Dancing @Strangeway from country, hip hop & rock, 350 Trivia Night, Sunken Well at 6:30pm Trapper's Trivia @6B& 7 pm., 1140

Thursday August 15

Walk with a Doc 4-5p FXBG food CoO Heritage and Canal Path Trail

AT-Home Archivists, join curators to of keepsakes & heirlooms, 6-7p, Fred

Friday August 16

Sounds of Summer, Brisk, Market Sq

Live Music @Curitiba, Latin Night Concert FREE , 6-9p, 919 Caroline S

Live Music Dueling Pianos,@Log Hom

Live Music Sonic Trouble Trio @6B&

Live Music John Burton @Adventure

Saturday August 17 Art in the Park @Farmers Market Hu

DAR of events

Show, 9a-2:30p, No Stafford High

ets & untold stories of Fxbg, meet

rnational Pkwy, 7p

venture Brewing North, 7-9p Brewing, 6-9p, 5727 Courthouse rd

n,9a-2 , & bluegrass music from 6-8,

ern 11a-3p

xbg Fairgrounds, 1-5p, 2400 Airport

Feeling Band 6:30-7:30p, Fxbg CRRL

ings

erside Center of the Performing Arts,

ys Brewing FXBG, learn line dances Landsdowne rd, 6:30-8:30p m 720 Littlepage

International Pkwy

OP, 320 Emancipation Hwy PA on the

o leran best practices for taking care

d Area Museum

quare, 6:30-8:30p

w/ Spanglish Latin American Band

me Brewing 6-9p 5727 Courthouse

&G, 1140 International Pkwy, 7p Brewing North 7-9p

urkamp Pk, 9a-1p

Sunken Well Saturday: brunch from 9-2, 720 Littlepage

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

Spotsy Farmers Market , 8am - 1pm 12150 Gordon Rd

5th Annual RappArts Porchfest, 11a -5p, 1300 & 1400 Block Franklin Street family friendly music festival, food trucks & porta potties available

Live Music Metal Fest @Strangeways, 7-10p, 200 Lafaytte Blvd

Live Music Trey Schneider @ Cowboy Jacks, 6-9p, 2312 Plank Rd

Live Music Jason Michael Carroll @Hard Times Cafe, 6:30-10:30p, 1070 Patriot Hwy

Live Music Acoustic Onion @6B&G, 1140 International Pkw, 7p

Live Music Brian Franke @Log Home Brewing 6-9p, 5727 Courthouse

Sunday August 18

Sunday Brunch Sunken Well Tavern,9a-2 , & bluegrass music from 6-8, 720 Littlepage,

Sunday Brunch at the Colonial Tavern 11a-3p

Live Music the Docksters@Strangeways Brewing, beach band, 2-5p, 350 Landsdowne rd

Monday August 19

Music on the Steps, Semilla Cultural, 6:30-7:30p

Sunken Well Wing Night, 75 cent Wings

Wednesday August 21

PreSchool Palette nuture your child's creative spirit, Gari Melchers Home & Studio, kn Museum Shop, 10-11a, thru Aug 24

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

Trapper's Trivia @6B& 7 pm., 1140 International Pkwy

Thursday August 22

Walk with a Doc 4-5p FXBG food CoOP, 320 Emancipation Hwy PA on the Heritage and Canal Path Trail

Friday August 23

Live Mjusic Whiskey Tango 6 @6B&G, 1140 International Pky, 7p

Live Music Harlen Simple @Log Home Brewing Co, 6-9p, 5727 Courthouse

Saturday August 24

Sunken Well Saturday: brunch from 9-2, 720 Littlepage Fxbg Farmers Market, Hurkamp Park,7a-2p

Spotsy Farmers Market , 8am - 1pm 12150 Gordon Rd

Downtown Greens monthly Nature Walks on the Belman Road Campus continues 9am.

Live Music Van Vest Band @6B&G, 1140 International Pkwy, 7p

Sunday August 25

Sunday Brunch Sunken Well Tavern,9a-2 , & bluegrass music from 6-8, 720 Littlepage,

Sunday Brunch at the Colonial Tavern 11a-3p

Woodland Hike at Gerri Melchers Home & Studio, Conducted by Virginia Master Naturalists, informative walks cover a mile of trails in woodlands and fields and also touch onthe historic ruins of Belmont's past. 2-3pm. meet outside the Visitor Center

Monday August 26

Music on the Steps, Trash Rocket, 6:30-7:30 p, Fxbg CRRL

Sunken Well Wing Night, 75 cent Wings

Wednesday August 28

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

Trapper's Trivia @6B& 7 pm., 1140 International Pkwy

Thursday August 29

Walk with a Doc 4-5p FXBG food CoOP, 320 Emancipation Hwy PA on the Heritage and Canal Path Trail

Friday August 30

Sound of Summer, Shades of Gray, Market Square, 6:30-8:30p

Live Music Demun Jones @Hard Times Cafe, 10760 Patriot Hwy

Live Music David Davol @6B&G, 1140 International Pkwy, 7p

Saturday August 31

Sunken Well Saturday: brunch from 9-2, 720 Littlepage

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

Spotsy Farmers Market , 8am - 1pm 12150 Gordon Rd

Live Music Fist of Whiskey @6B&G, 1140 International Pkwy, 7p

Live Music Chris Hanks @Log Home Brewing 6-9p, 5727 Courthouse

If you are reading this 325th issue of FPF, thank an advertiser now in our 28th year of continuous publication!

List your events email frntprch@aol com: subject Calendar/Events Deadline for September 2024 issue is August 19th

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

history’s stories

Tribute to Glenn Trimmer

By Ralph “Tuffy” Hicks

I was sad to learn of the passing of Glenn Trimmer a longtime friend who along with D P Newton (d2019) were responsible for the Stafford Civil War Park that was completed in 2013. D.P. would always say that Glenn with his military connections and experience was the main person responsible for the Park. Glenn who was a graduate of VMI in 1977 and he had a career in the Air Force for 24 years retiring with the rank of Colonel. He was known as a Civil War historian and Civil War relic hunter with an extensive collection of artifacts that he had found over the years and like myself had his own cannon in his yard.

Glenn and D.P. were very active in preservation in Stafford County and spent many evenings speaking before the Board of Supervisors in the county, about preservation of the many civil war camp sites throughout the area. I like many of the citizens feel that the County should have taken over the operation of the

White Oak Civil War Museum after the untimely death of D. P. Newton in 2019. Most of the Museums artifacts are now located in a Manassas museum on display. Together they were responsible for the preservation of the Park. Glenn was responsible for drawing up the maps for the project and D. P. did many of the illustrations. Glenn told me that the National Guard used the project as a training exercise. Glenn and D. P. were on site most every day and after the project was completed they continued to work on the walking trails and doing site improvements. Glenn was modest as he always said "Tuffy there were many more people involved other than D. P. and myself." That is a true statement, however, Glen and D.P. saw the project from its planning stages until the dedication ceremony in 2013, and continued working after all the festivities..

The forty-two acres was not an easy project especially with the rough terrain .After the Union defeat at Fredericksburg on 13 December 1862. The XI Corps was ordered by General Hooker who had recently replaced General Burnside, to build a defensive position along heights to protect the base at Aquia Landing a major supply depot for the army. The Union army was concerned about the Confederates coming across the Rappahannock and making a counterattack. D. P. and Glenn were very knowledgeable of the location and the camps in the area. Glenn always said that

The Central Rappahannock Heritage Center is a non-profit, all-volunteer archives whose mission is to preserve historically valuable material of the region and make it available to the public for research

900 Barton St #111, Fredericksburg, VA www.crhcarchives.org contact@crhcarchives.org 540-373-3704

Volunteers Wecome!

the earthworks were so well preserved that very little work had to be done in placing the cannon, so visitors visualize how the fortifications looked during the time the Union army was at the site during those winter months.

The winter of 1862-1863 was extremely cold with ice and snow some soldiers called the camp The "Union Armies Valley Forge". Over 3,500 Union soldiers died of exposure and disease while camped in the county It is recorded not a tree was standing between Stafford and Washington, because of the use of firewood for warmth and cooking during the extensive cold as firewood was in constant demand. The majority of the northern troops had been camped in Stafford for at least ten months. Many of the camps had to be relocated due to the lack of trees for firewood.

Glenn found original sections of the road paved with logs (corduroyed) that made movement of troops and equipment faster especially in the mud and snow. This was part of the Potomac Church Road that went into the camp. Troops from the states of New York, Pennsylvania, Wisconsin, Ohio, Illinois were in the camp.

I encourage you to take a trip to the Stafford Civil War Park located at 400 Mount Hope Church Road I know how proud Glenn was of this accomplishment. Some of the most beautiful scenery and walking trails in the area.

The Stafford Civil War Park will be forever be in their memory.

Dedicated To: Glenn Trimmer, Carol Shelton, Norman Brabant, Bill Mitchell, & Conrad Warlick

Tuffy is Front Porch’s Resident Historian

The land in Alum Spring Park has long provided us a great place to picnic, but it was also once:

A place to camp and a source of clay for local indigenous populations

The site of multiple 18th and 19th century grist and saw mills with millworker houses

A hospital and prison camp for Hessian and British soldiers marched to Fredericksburg after Cornwallis' surrender in October 1781

A place for dueling and more than a few tragic deaths

A place of refuge for locals during the Civil War and site of many veteran reunions into the 20th century

A quarry for local sandstone

A plentiful source of ice in the winter

A popular swimming hole in the summer

And lastly, a wondrous place for exploring Fredericksburg's natural and cultural history.

Local newspapers and long-time residents credit Robert Hodge-a geologist, educator, and local historian-as the galvanizing force behind the creation of Alum Spring Park. After moving to Fredericksburg for a teaching job at James Monroe High School in 1956, Hodge began taking students to Alum Spring to illustrate the area's natural history, using its diverse rock formations-from the bed of Hazel Run to its sandstone cliffs-as visual aids for teaching geologic time.

In November 1964, Hodge publicly appealed to City Council, the Public Property Committee, and Planning Department to purchase the property and save it from becoming a 200-300 unit townhouse development (Hodge 1991:37). Just days later, an editorial in The Free Lance-SStar enthusiastically supported the idea. A few weeks later, the City's Planning Commission recommended purchasing property to create a park, emphasizing the importance of buying a 4acre tract owned by the estate of Joshua Stewart (a Black railroad brakeman who bought land between Hazel Run and the railway in the late 1910s) in addition to land owned by the townhouse project developers.

34.75-acre property, emphasizing that "the primary purpose of the park was to preserve the natural state of the tract as much as possible.”

By danae pickler

g efforts will substantially impact the natural and cultural landscape of Alum Spring Park Both plans aspire to acquire a neighboring 34acre tract of woodland east of Emancipation Highway and north of Hazel Run owned by the University of Mary W a s h i n g t o n (UMW).

In October 1965, Fredericksburg City Council voted unanimously to purchase the land that comprises Alum Spring Park today (The Free Lance-Star, Oct. 6, 1965:4). The City's Recreation Commission made a careful study of the

The Parks & R e c r e a t i o n Master Plan is proposing a wholesale redesign of Alum Spring Park, reorienting it to the busy Emancipation Highway (Route 1), closing the present entrance, and building a new larger parking lot, bathroom/welcome center, and playground area on UMW's undeveloped tract. Simultaneously, the Small Area 5

Plan proposes to construct a new "connector road," extending from the William Street/Blue & Gray Parkway (Route 3) intersection to meet with Idlewild Drive or Beverly Lane (Figure 1).

These plans will be discussed at upcoming meetings of the Planning Commission and City Council and also as part of the ongoing effort to rewrite our Comprehensive Plan. You can submit your comments on each department's website or communicate directly with members of City Council and Planning Commission.

Peckler is Preservationist staff at Historic Fredericksburg Foundation, Inc.

Top left photo courtesy of CRRL, The others courtesy of Fredericksburg.com, “Longtime Fredericksburg Area Favorites Collection”

Danae

Alum Springs Park Ribbon Cutting (l) Mayor Rowe, with Hodge

1968 Hodge takes students for tour of the New Alum Springs Park

Mental Health you are not alone

By caroline helsen

I plugged in my phone, hit start on Google Maps and began the 57-minute drive from Brookline to Concord, New Hampshire. I was new to the state, having just moved there for my husband's job, and was nervous for the long drive. Or was I nervous to share my story with a group of strangers who couldn't possibly understand?

I made that drive, round trip, to NAMI New Hampshire's office every Thursday for twelve weeks and cherished every moment with that group of strangers. We were there for the NAMI Family-tto-FFamily program, a free educational course for family caregivers of individuals living with mental illness. Eager to learn more about my mom's mental illness and become a volunteer for NAMI, I soaked up every bit of information from each class.

It didn't take long for me to realize the other family members in the class did understand my story. It had been 18 years since my mom's diagnosis of

schizophrenia, so I was both comforted to finally hear parts of my experience echoed by other people and frustrated to realize others struggled with similar challenges.

My Four Lessons Learned

Here are four lessons I learned that I hope make other family members and loved ones feel seen.

1 There are a lot of us out there, and even if you don't think you know someone, you probably do. According to the National Institute of Mental Health, 14 1 million adults aged 18 or older in the U S live with a serious mental illness (SMI) - defined as those with a mental illness that causes "serious functional impairment, which substantially interferes with or limits one or more major life activities." Now multiply 14.1 million by the number of spouses, children, parents, siblings, grandparents, friends and others who love someone with an SMI. We are here, and it's important for us to share our storiesand for others to listen.

2 Early intervention is critical According

to NAMI, the average delay between when symptoms first appear and intervention is approximately 11 years. I came to understand that my mom may have experienced postpartum psychosis not long after I was born. Nine years later, my mom experienced postpartum depression and was eventually diagnosed with schizophrenia. "You don't know what you don't know" is a phrase we talked about a lot in class when someone learned a new piece of information that retrospectively could have helped them get better care for their loved one. While it was sometimes comforting, it was also a reminder that families deserve better. Programs and research that promote early intervention need more investment. My hope is that someday families will repeat the phrase, "we knew what we needed to know, when we needed to know it."

3 Receiving an accurate diagnosis can be complicated I hesitate often in sharing my story because it's not a linear story, and the more I share, the more I feel the need to explain. Saying "my mom has schizophrenia" is succinct. But it's not entirely accurate. Saying "my mom has schizophrenia, but I think it might be bipolar I with psychosis or schizoaffective disorder, and even though it's been 23 years since her diagnosis, I'm still not sure," is much more complicated. Especially when you feel compelled to share the ways in which our mental health care system is deeply flawed. Not to mention that people of color are disproportionately diagnosed with psychotic disorders compared to white individuals. But sharing these complicated stories is the point. It highlights the need for better provider training, patient education and access to quality mental health services.

4 It takes a village The family members I met spoke of a similar feeling of responsibility as a caregiver. But it does take a village. No one can do it alone. Research shows social connectedness is an important component of mental health. Whether or not you think of it as a village or passing the baton in a relay race, you are not alone and you can accomplish more as a team. Siblings of

children with a mental illness and children of parents with a mental illness can build resiliency and receive support through a community of trusted adults. I had many trusted adults in my life, including an elementary school teacher, who had an immense positive impact on my life.

I continue to be grateful for those trips to Concord, the people who shared their stories and the NAMI volunteers who facilitated an incredible learning experience. However frustrating it was to hear that others struggle with similar challenges, I now know that frustration points to a more important truth - a better world is possible for our families. A world where all family members feel understood and know they are not alone in their experience. A world where it is possible for loved ones to receive timely, accurate, comprehensive mental health care. A world where there are not one or two people supporting your family, but an entire village.

Caroline Helsen volunteers as a NAMI Family-to-Family facilitator, where she helps other family members learn about their loved one's mental illness. A Caroline ihas her MPH from Yale School of Public Health

NAMI is the National Alliance on Mental Illness, the nation's largest grassroots mental health organization dedicated to building better lives for millions of Americans affected by mental illness through education, support and advocacy

If you or someone you know is experiencing a mental health, suicide or substance use crisis or emotional distress, reach out 24/7 to the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline (formerly known as the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline) by dialing or texting 988 or using chat services at suicidepreventionlifeline.org to connect to a trained crisis counselor

You can also get crisis text support via the Crisis Text Line by texting NAMI to 741741

I'm across the pond visiting the homeland - which included a trip to Devon to stay with an old school friend, we both having gone to a somewhat radical educational establishment - Dartington Hall School

That might sound a bit like something out of Harry Potter, but it was one of several so called "progressive" schools - founded on the idea of an atmosphere of freedom and approval. Trying to promote intrinsic motivation, critical thinking and problem solving in kids, with as many hands-on experiences as possible.

Now, hearing the recent warnings from Surgeon General, Vivek Murthy, about increasing anxiety, depression, and suicide among kids. And having learned in the past about the profound effect of adverse childhood events (ACE's), it got me thinking about the significance of that school environment in which I spent five of my most formative years.

Risks and Rewards

Dartington was a boarding school, and I know there is a bit of tendency for Americans to think of boarding schools as synonymous with child abuse, but this was a healthy, happy experience. No question we were privileged

and had the good fortune to be the progeny of aberrant intellectualsmany philosophers, psychologists, psychiatrists, or just independent minded typesand be schooled in this nurturing environment. Some have described the pupils as "hot-house plants" but it promoted a healthy self-esteem and independence.

There was a strong emphasis on experience - which sometimes meant being exposed to potentially dangerous stuff. Cutting down trees with axes and cross-cut saws. Descending swaying rope ladders to deep dark holes in the ground to go caving. Making explosives from weedkiller and using that to arm mini cannons.

Activities that I fancy would give any modern day, risk averse, parent or school principals fits. But which was undoubtably a learning experience. This has made me sad to see kids these days, denied adventurous opportunities by overprotective parents. Over afraid of their kids being exposed to any kind of hurt.

The Other Side

At the other end of the scale to my experience at Dartington are those of children exposed to ACE's.

Those experiencing abuse, neglect, exposure to substance use in the household. Even just divorce. These are noted to cause behavioral issues like criminality and risk-taking (way beyond

By Patrick Neustatter, MD

what we got up to), substance dependence and abuse, depression, and suicide.

ACE's also cause physical illhealth. Things you might not expect from a troubled childhood. Emphysema, cancer, heart disease, obesity, and reduced longevity.

There is a lot of talk about kids and teens experiencing alarmingly high levels of anxiety, depression, and suicidewhich Surgeon General Vivek Murthy blames in large part on a new kind of adversity.

On violent, sexually explicit, bullying, oppressive and harassing websites - which he thinks need a health warning like cigarettes.

Together with a healthy school environment, the home is obviously important. And you might surmise from my having been sent to Dartington and my sister to Summerhill - an even more

radical school - that our parents had liberal views.

They were definitely parents that didn't believe in the maxim "spare the rod and spoil the child.".

Going to a boarding school makes the school culture possibly more important than the home. But either way, it would be good if kids got to grow up in an environment as recommended to help victims of ACE's.

A community teaching how to regulate psychological and behavioral responses Learn to act rather than react Make reasoned choices rather than emotionally motivated impulsive ones And especially have " attachment to someone or some organization that will show consistent love and validation."

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

The Fredericksburg SPCA was one of the first of its kind to launch a doggy day out program in 2016/2017, catching the eye of Maddie's Fund, a national organization dedicated to offering the animal welfare industry important funding opportunities and learning resources. The Fred SPCA is proud to say

Adventure Tails

doggy day out program

Maddie's Fund still uses its protocols, training and content to help educate and build the foundations for other shelters and rescues across the nation that are launching their very own short term fostering programs.

Adventure Tails invites the community to take a dog out for the day, whether it be a car ride, a hike or a walk in the park! This program offers shelter pups a break from stressful communal living, allowing them to showcase their true personalities while enjoying mental and physical stimulation outside of the shelter environment. After enjoying the day out, the Fred SPCA saw a dramatic decrease in stress for its dogs which led to better kennel presence (less barking, pacing, jumping). Better kennel presence and getting to know dogs outside the shelter environment helped increase adoptions by 22% during the years the program was active! By spending time with adoptable dogs, the community helps gather valuable insights into their behavior in different settings which lets the adoption team match them with the right family.

Not only does Adventure Tails benefit the dogs, but it also enriches the community. Participants can bond with canine companions and make an impact without the pressure or lifelong commitment of adoption. This is especially beneficial for those not currently in a position to adopt. The Fred SPCA sees a lot of college students, military families, or those simply not able to adopt due to housing or finances participating in Adventure Tails. Alternatively, if you are looking to adopt and find your pal a good fit, you can go back to the Fred SPCA and process a same day adoption!

Von young

After the program shuttered due to the closures for covid in 2020, it struggled to officially relaunch due to staffing shortages and funding. Thanks to the hard work of dedicated staff on team Fred SPCA and Sheehy Subaru of Fredericksburg for sponsoring the 2024 Adventure Tails supplies, the program relaunched on July 19th!

To participate, stop by the Fredericksburg SPCA any day of the week after 12:00 pm to check a pup out for the day and return them back to the shelter by 5:00 pm. No pre registration is required, but those holding the leash must be 18+ with a valid form of ID.

So what are you waiting for? Give adoptable animals a well-deserved day out while brightening your own day with some canine companionship! Don't forget to send pics to socialmedia@fredspca.org!

Von Young is the Director of Communications for the FBG SPCA

Shelter Dog Kane Visiting River Rock Outfitters

Art in the Burg

Art Galleries in august

“Beautiful Blooms” Carol Waite

Opening Reception First Fri, Aug 2, 5--99p

Brush Strokes Gallery

824 Caroline Street

.Throughout August, visitors of the Brush Strokes Gallery who experience the "Beautiful Blooms" exhibit by Carol Waite will enter an uplifting world of the delicate beauty of the flora she features, conveyed through the unique media of Sumi-e e ink and Chinese watercolor. Her artwork is comprised of strong but fluid strokes of brushes that mimic the movement & flow of nature, conveying the essence of her subjects, which are often flowers, cranes and other birds. Sumi-e ink itself is comprised of elements of nature and is made from a mulberry bush, or other wood that is burned and pressed into a cake and blended with water.

Carol began drawing in grade school with her parents' encouragement eventually went on to major in Fine Art at George Washington University with studio work at the Corcoran Gallery of Art in Washington DC. Her work has merited acclaim and numerous awards and has been exhibited in venues in Northern Virginia, as well as in Brush Strokes and other local galleries. Her "Beautiful Blooms" exhibit will feature more than 15 paintings, four of which will be large, vertical works. Adding to the experience of an East-Asian culture, Carol signs each work with her unique Hanko or symbol, comprised of the Kanji letters "wei" and "toe" which means "upper way" in Japanese matches the pronunciation of her name.

Collette Caprara

"A Capitol Vase"

Works by Joseph Wilkinson Artful Dimensions, 922 Caroline St Opening Reception, First Friday August 2 , 6-99pm

Says Joe, "I've 'played' with wood my entire life. There's always a surprise when I start with something other than a board that's been cut and sanded.

"A few years back, I was contacted by the U.S. Capitol Visitor's Center about using tree cuttings from the Capitol grounds to create works to sell in their gift shop.

“The Capitol has a team of arborists who ensure that all the trees on

the grounds are in healthy and safe conditions. When they trim the trees, they contact me and I go to the Capitol to pick up the log sections. I cut them into blanks and let them dry. With guidance from the shop, I make my creations and ship them back.

"As with all lumber processing from tree to useful product, there's some wood left over. In a lumberyard, this 'waste' is generally used to produce heat to dry the lumber. For this show, I've use that wood, most of which was too small to use for the shop items, and I created the vases and other works."

~ Sally Cooney Anderson

"A Walk in the Garden"

New Work by Leah Fromer Opening reception 1st Friday, August 2, 6pm to 9pm

Art First, 824 Caroline St

Well-known local artist, Leah Former, has created a special exhibit entitled "A Walk in the Garden" for our August exhibition. Her paintings convey the rich colors and textures of the Virginia flower garden brilliantly showcased in this collection. A lifetime artist, she studied at the Art Center Design College in Albuquerque N.M. and later with Carol Josefiak and Bill Harris at Liberty Town Arts. "I love being a part of Fredericksburg's vibrant art community," she said of her work at Art First Gallery and her artistic experience in Fredericksburg.

Gary Close

100

by Wayne Butler

Sunken Well Tavern, 720 Littepage Opening Receptio, August 8, 6-99pm Wayne is a self-taught photographer. Wiith ambitious artistic goals, e strives to positively influence the world through his works of art, connect people through stunning aesthetics, and raise awareness to the importance of environmental conservation.

Oil

Nancy

the featured artist in August. Her show is titled Sweet Summer Stuff, and is about all the good things she loves about summer; ice cream, trips to the beach, hikes in the mountains, pastries Show runs from August 9 - September 8

Photography

Nancy Brittle “Sweet Summer Stuff” Opening Reception Fri, August 9 , 6-9 9 Art Alliance at Jarrett Thor Fine Arts

Taylor St , Suite 101, Colonial Beach

painter

Brittle is

~ Rob Rudick

“Peony & Bees”, Carol Waite @ BSG

“Incomingll”,Robyn Ryan “Happy Faces ”,Beverley Coates “Refuge”,Lynn Abbott

Joe Wilkinson@Artful Dimensions

“Potomac River Sunrise” Wayne Butler Sunken Well Tavern

“Beach Reading”, Nancy Brittle @Art Alliance

“A Walk in the Garden” Leah Fromer @Art First

Gary Close remembers drawing at age five, painting in tempera at ten and in oils at seventeen. Since then, he has painted throughout his workday careers in journalism and law. His quest to share the

beauty of the world that he perceives has taken him from the mountains of Haiti to the rolling hills of Virginia to the liquid beauty of the Chesapeake. Those that appreciate his straightforward style of painting and the philosophy behind it range in geography from Brussels to Massachusetts, from New York to Florida and of course in all regions of Virginia.

His subjects are varied but primarily he paints landscapes or marine subjects. Usually, he uses a combination of plein air and studio in which to work. Canvas/linen and board are his substrate materials, and he works in oils almost exclusively. "I like the classic quality of an oil painting," he explained for his usage of the sometimes-difficult medium. "There is," he said, "often a transparency in the paint that lends to the richness of the work and its message."

His first art show was in college at the University of Virginia-Wise in 1980. Since then, he has exhibited at various venues in the Culpeper and Fredericksburg area as well as at the General Assembly Building in Richmond. In 2002 he was invited to exhibit at the Embassy of Lithuania in Washington, D.C. Two of his paintings are in the permanent collection of the Museum of Culpeper.

Gary Close august cover artist shares his vision of the world

"Edward Hopper sums up my approach to painting:. ‘If I could say it in words there would be no reason to paint.’ Close explains "I paint because I see beauty and meaning all about. I want to capture that vision and share it with others so they can see what I see".

Currently Close lives in Orange County. He is an avid sailor. When he is not painting or sailing, he walks the battlefields of the Civil War with his companion, Super Dog Sandy, a yellow lab. He is married and the father of two children. His works are on regular exhibit at Art First Gallery.

See More of Gary Close Artwork @ garyclose.com Art First Gallery instagram; facebook

“Witness Tree”

“Starboard Tack on the Mark”

“Shell Collecting on the Sound”

Auto Known Better gummy beer

By Rim Vining

Really? It's the dog days of summer in a globally overheated world and instead of a cold summer lager or crisp pilsner the purveyors of relaxing beverages are pushing Gummy Beer? The Annie Green Springs of the brewer's art! Guys and Gals we have some problems.

Politically, we are staring down an ever changing abyss while suffering through arguments over the need to shift to sustainable energy sources because windmills cause cancer? Ask a coal miner or a family in Love Canal about disease. Wind, water and solar… pretty sure we should be looking there. Oh yeah and it is 104 degrees in Portland Oregon! It also snows there now… didn't used to.

Personally, I'm struggling between the desire to retire and those calls I get about old car 'projects' that peek my interest but would be foolish to take on. There's also that nagging guilt from the first Earth Day that finds me driving a sports car with no pollution equipment whatsoever and wondering if an EV conversion might be in order. Hmmm?

On the silly front, we all know Don Henley's line "saw Deadhead sticker on a Cadillac... you can never look back…" So imagine my surprise seeing Bon Jovi on the cover of AARP magazine. Does that make him old or just make me feel older? What if they had not called the movie Grumpy Old Men? What if it was just Two Irritated and Disgruntled Elder Statesmen lusting over the new girl in town? Oh yeah, that just takes us back to politics.

Now about haircuts… I'm assuming everyone, male and female, has been getting a haircut pretty regularly most of their lives unless their name is Godiva. One thing most of us have noticed

is the steep rise in the price of these periodic rituals. At the same time, most of us have noticed a decline or certainly a change in the yield from the harvest. Despite proper watering and fertilizing it now seems to be self-thatching with most ending up in brushes or just down the drain.

So the question arises how come with less to cut the price continues to increase. Take me for example who at this point produces a minimal yield from the harvest. Still, I am paying the same as the client before me with a robust head of hair that yielded bales of thick black locks while my plot yields mere wisps of feathery gray. Less to cut, less to clean up, same price.

Foolishly I queried Mr. Junior, Sir Snips, the master of the scissors as to this seeming inequity to which he merely replied, "Finders fee." Fair enough. Touché and thanks to Dr. Suess for the Sir Snips moniker.

All this merely explains why the world sees men and women in sports cars with the top down on beautiful sunny days always wearing hats. It is to keep what remains of their once youthful crop from merely blowing away at speed with the added bonus of not burning the tops of their heads. And good hats aren't cheap either.

But it's hot guys. The summer harvest is coming in with the fields yielding fruits and vegetables and folks gathering with family and friends for cookouts. Fresh corn and tomatoes, peaches and melons, grilled burgers and ribs slow cooked all to be enjoyed with the relaxing beverage of choice. May I suggest the Gummies IIPA Fruit Punch or perhaps the Kickaround Pog Tart with passion fruit, orange and guava!

Or how about a beer! Stay cool and Bon Jovi does seem to have a nice head of hair. Hair Envy. autoknownbetter@gmail.com

Rim Vining, humorist, friend and a devoted community volunteer.

Interactive Classroom Presentations giving students vital tools to develop healthy relationships

.As families prepare for the new school year, so does Empowerhouse, our local non-profit domestic violence organization. We are getting ready to deliver our successful, interactive Healthy Relationships Classroom Presentations to area students.

In our community, 10,000 children witness family violence each year. 1 in 3 adolescents in the U S is a victim of physical, sexual, emotional, or verbal abuse from a dating partner, a figure that far exceeds rates of other types of youth violence. Violent relationships in adolescence can put the victims at higher risk for substance abuse, eating disorders, risky sexual behavior, and further domestic violence.

One of the best ways to end the cycle of domestic violence is to nurture healthy relationships through prevention education

For over 30 years, Empowerhouse has partnered with local schools to offer our free age- appropriate, facilitated program to students and provide them with the crucial tools to realize healthy relationships. In fiscal year 2024, our Youth Team delivered Healthy Relationships Classroom Presentations to over 4,600 area elementary, middle, and high school students, a 24% increase from the previous year. These interactive presentations covered topics like bullying, boundaries, equality and respect, and better communication

We taught important information and skills in the following school districts: Fredericksburg City and King George, Spotsylvania, and Stafford Counties We focus on what healthy relationships look like versus unhealthy relationships. The presentations include "hands on" activities, Q&A with our trained facilitators and post-presentation questionnaires.

Our presentations educate students about self-esteem, better communication, and healthy boundaries, and provide crucial resources for students involved in abusive dating relationships or

The Moss Free Clinic Needs Our Support!

experiencing domestic violence at home. These include leave-behind materials with Empowerhouse's 24-hhour, confidential hotline number on them.

For the youngest audiences, we provided information and activities on healthy friendships. With the help of The Community Foundation's Youth in Philanthropy Grant and Stafford Printing, we distributed a newly developed and printed resource for younger children in the form of a workbook to help them navigate and practice using this information. This dual-purpose educational tool is both an engaging activity booklet for children 10 and under and a guide for parents, teachers, and their adult advocates.

By laying the foundation for healthy relationships early, and with our Youth Team to help and support them, we are giving children the vital tools they need as they mature and develop friendships and relationships

The powerful feedback we've received from students, teachers, and parents demonstrates the positive impact our presentations make. One female high school student noted, "I learned how to

By nancy kelly

recognize harmful behavior in relationships and started to recognize them in myself, too." Another student said, "I learned that boundaries are okay, and we both deserve them." We are equipping young people with life-changing skills for better and healthier relationships. In addition, our classroom presentations often raise awareness about Empowerhouse's other domestic violence resources and services. Family members and teachers of children who've participated in our presentations have reached out to us because they, or someone they know, are experiencing domestic violence. Our classroom presentations can be a lifesaving link to community members who are in urgent need of crisis intervention and assistance

If your school is interested in scheduling a Healthy Relationships Classroom Presentation, please e-mail mendyp@empowerhouseva.org for more information. If you, or someone you know is experiencing teen dating violence or domestic violence, please call our free, confidential 24-hour Hotline at (540) 3739373.

Nancy Kelly is the Development Director at Empowerhouse.

C o m p a n i o n s

cori rydgren fosters dogs with unique needs

by lenoraKruk-Mullanaphy

Cori Rydgren, of Fredericksburg, began volunteering at Old Dominion Humane Society (ODHS) as a foster in 2020. She isn't just any foster, either-Rydgren has found her niche in taking dogs that don't get along with other animals. Lucky for Canela, a mixed breed rescue from Puerto Rico, Rydgren chose her.

"There are so many reasons Canela is an amazing dog," said Rydgren, 27. "She's the perfect combination of everything you'd want in a dog. She was not only rescued from the large stray population in Puerto Rico, but she was later taken from a rescue that continually put her in situations with other animals where she felt she needed to defend herself."

When it comes to people, Canela just loves them. She's the perfect companion-affectionate, but not needy. She'll sit on the couch napping while Rydgren does chores around the house. The thing that melts Rydgren's heart is the way Canela greets her with the happiest little wiggle, her snuggles and how cute she is when she plays with her

stuffed toys. Canela is a great mix of being lazy around the house and putting in a few miles on the trails. In fact, Rydgren and Canela have a mission to visit every state park together, although she hopes Canela finds her forever home before then Traveling won't be a problem, because this rescue also loves car rides.

Rydgren started fostering Canela in 2022. A great match all the way around, Canela needed a home without other animals and Rydgren's fit the bill. Originally planning on fostering Canela for six weeks, it's now been two years, and the benefits to both are immeasurable. Canela is the best foster that could have pawed her way into Rydgren's life. She needed someone to look beyond her past and see how amazing she is with people.

"Canela has challenged me to stand up for dogs with unique needs, and she's been the best example of overcoming those odds that I've ever seen. I wouldn't be the foster I am today without Canela being part of this journey. I can't wait to see her change someone else's life the way she's changed mine."

There's no doubt in Rydgren's mind that Canela will make a great companion for somebody. Most people have only one dog, so the perfect family is out there waiting for her. By providing her with a home that's calm and free of other animals and small kids, she'll be their best friend. While she's been the best foster, Rydgren can't wait to find her a home to call her own.

ODHS has provided any and all solutions for Canela to allow her to live a life of love and adventure, while keeping other animals safe. Canela wears her custom-made muzzle that protects her and other animals. This has enabled her to take adventures throughout Virginia, including camping, hiking and visiting state parks.

When people ask Rydgren why she just doesn't "foster fail" (adopt)

Canela, she says her job as a foster is to find the rescue a home. She sticks to that mission and continues to search for the perfect home for Canela. Once Canela finds that long-awaited home and her adoption journey is complete, there are other people-only dogs waiting to get the same shot that ODHS has given Canela.

"Canela is amazing and, despite everything she's been through, she continually loves people," said Rydgren. "All she wants in life is for a human to love her."

Between her job as an engineer, volunteering at ODHS up to 15 hours a week and fostering Canela, Rydgren is kept busy.

For more information about Canela and other dogs at ODHS, visit www.olddominionhumanesociety.org. Click on "Our Dogs" at the top of the home page to view adoptable dogs available at ODHS.

Lenora Kruk-Mullanaphy is a Public Relations Professional & a ODHS volunteer

ODHS is located at 3602 Lafayette Boulevard in Fredericksburg Adoption events are Wednesdays from 5-7 7 p m , Fridays from 6-8 8 p m and Saturdays from 12-4 4 p m Applications in advance are preferred and take priority over walk-iins For more information about the dogs available for adoption and adoption applications, as well as upcoming events, volunteering, fostering and donating items, visit www olddominionhumanesociety org

Old Dominion Humane Society is here to provide well-mmatched, permanent homes for animals in need through rescue, rehabilitation and education

Cori & Canela enjoy spending time hiking and visiting state parks

THE THE POETRY MAN POETRY MAN

By Frank Fratoe

A Sonnet A Sonnet

(For Alexa & Mike)

Juices flowing in a pine tree carry with them a sacred force not unlike the blood of people running through artery and vein.

A river's voice carries with it the talk of human generations beginning from the first one that resounded in each ocean.

Part of what has been created resides within everything made so you will sense it surging slow and quick under your skin.

There is nothing more to say except body and soul are love

Frank Fratoe writes poetry from the heart

Phew! I don't know about you, but I found that Uranus/Mars conjunction in mid-July rather intense! And what I did not mention in last month's article is that together, Uranus and Mars made a conjunction with the fixed star, Algol (also referred to as the "Demon Star"). Algol can be bad news, bringing with it negativity and destruction. It can be found in the constellation Perseus, atop the Medusa's snaky head. Is the hair on the back of your neck getting prickly yet? You can't make this stuff up! Just wait….there is more!

weather for august

Astrology & You cosmic

By Dianne Bachman

So, on July 13, there was an attempted assassination of former President, Donald Trump. At that time, transiting Uranus and Mars and Algol were within a degree of each other and made a conjunction with Trump's midheaven. The midheaven has a strong connection with one's public life. If we left it at that, there was some powerful, explosive energy there. But, these three astral bodies made an exact square to Trump's natal Mars. So, we have Mars, symbolizing violence and aggression coupled with Uranus, the bringer of unexpected and rapid change Trump's natal Mars is in the sign of Leo and tucked away in his twelfth house, triggering what could be interpreted as something hidden or unknown. Moreover, Algol is associated with the human head due to its location on Medusa.

As I have stated many times before, astrology is not so good at predicting things. But we can treat the transiting chart as we would a forecast. If we use astrology to gauge the cosmic weather for the collective, we may be in for a wild ride this fall Pluto has been traveling back and forth between 1- and 0degree Aquarius and 29 degrees Capricorn but will finally move into the sign of Aquarius on November 20 of this year. The last time that Pluto was at 29 degrees Capricorn was 1777. Our country was in the throes of turmoil then and certainly has the potential to devolve into ugliness in our modern times. We have problems, but we also have potential. Astrology does not impel us to do anything. In Aquarius, Plutonic energy compels us to re-examine our relationship with the collective, the greater good, innovation. What we choose is up to us.

Now, lets look at the cosmic weather for August:

Aug 1 Venus square Uranus. Relationships could be unpredictable or have the potential to change quickly this week. Go with the flow, avoid drama, breathe!

Aug 4 Mercury conjunct Venus. Focus on the practical side of relationship is favored-talk about plans, organizing, making a budget with your partner. Service to others and expressions of selflessness are featured.

Aug 4 New Moon in Leo. New Moons are good for planting ideas and dreams Leo is about warmth, playfulness, creativity. How are these traits expressed in your world? This is a good time to reflect. Venus enters Virgo. Until the end of the month focus on service to loved ones, developing a health plan or exercise regimen, and tidying up

your living space to boost its aesthetic appeal.

Aug 5 Mercury retrograde in Virgo. This retrograde is asking you to pay attention to your health and practical matters like daily routines. Review, reflect, and reassess This is a short retrograde and will end on August 28, but we will be under the shadow of the retrograde until September 12 when Mercury returns to 4 degrees Virgo.

Aug 13 Mars conjunct Jupiter in Gemini. For most of August, Mars themes will be expanded by Jupiter. Initiate new ideas, begin a course of study, plan for travel Watch the temper, though! When we mix Mars fire with Gemini air there can be an intense, combustible quality. Equally possible is developing a passion for learning something new. I always recommend astrology, but then again, I am biased.

Aug 15 Sun trine Chiron. Leo the Lion can open the heart and fill it with warmth and healing goodness. If there are hurts from the past, take advantage of this energy lasting about a week. Mercury continues retrograde and enters Leo. Review, reflect, reassess. Time to look at the question, "Are we having fun yet?"

Aug 19 Full Moon in Aquarius. Focus on your goals and dreams, the collective, how you fit in with your tribe. Also, an excellent time to look toward how you can contribute to the community.

Aug 28 Mercury stations direct at 21 degrees Leo. Party like its 1984! Have some fun. Dust off the karaoke machine and let your hair down. Leo is cheering you on.

Aug 29 Venus enters Libra. The planet of love is in her glory when she is in a sign she rules. Seek harmony, peace, beauty Focus on comfort, aesthetics, and sharing social moments.

Throughout the end of August and through the first part of November, Uranus will be making a trine with Pluto and both planets will be connected to Neptune by a sextile. The trine is an easy, cooperative energy and the sextile is positive and stimulating. Neptune may make it a bit difficult to see things as they are. The Uranus/Pluto is a big energy transit that encourages us to take responsibility for ourselves and our actions

Dianne Bachman is a psychotherapist & astrologer practicing in FXBG. She can be reached at dbachmanlcsw@gmail.com artwork is circa 1416, "Anatomical Zodiac Man"

Give a Child Something to Think About

Books, Games, Amusing Novelties

Fredericksburg Sketches

A visual Celebration of our community

By Paula Raudenbush

UMW Heating Plant

The heatwave we've been experiencing here in Virginia this summer has been brutal, but it hasn't stopped the intrepid sketchers from recording their world. It was already 93 degrees at 9 a.m. t he other day when some of us sat in the shade and sketched this unusual building. If you don't recognize it, I'm not surprised. It's a rather non-descript industrial building that I understand is a power plant for the University of Mary Washington (if I'm wrong about that, someone please correct me), and I've sketched it several times.

It doesn't take much staring at it to see its idiosyncrasies -the wonderful tall windows and the little round ones over the doorsto realize this isn't an ordinary building.

I didn't get the stack straight, but somehow, it just adds to its charm. Take the time to notice it next time you drive down College Avenue, and if you get the urge, stop and sketch it. T he parking lot was empty on Sunday.

Cheers and stay cool ya'll!

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

Dianne Bachman,LCSW Psychotherapist/Astrologer

Now offering psychological astrology & astrological consultations

In addition to Individual, family & marital therapy Hypnosis

Expressive Arts 540.845.7622 diannebachman.com dbachmanlcsw@gmail.com