3ed king a beloved icon of fxbg arts
5trista chapman creates colorful, whimsy pottery
28anna swann rescued dogs from hoarder
Porch talk
4 on the porch...life in fredericksburg messages
6porchlight: valentines at the ready to give
7everything green: blobs in the pool
8In the Garden: friends
9 growing & crawling: vaspa garbo
12tidbits...small bites of local news
13 season’s bounty: sweet keto
15vino: winter sauvignon blanc
16-17Calendar of Events
18history’s stories: virginia central railroad in memoriam jon r. armstrong
19 our heritage: alexander mason garner
20mental health: fun facts about our nervous system
21 Emancipated patients: antibiotic resistance
22 flower essence therapy
24art in the burg ....galleries in February
25 fxbg film fest returns
26auto known better: realm of possibilities
29astrology & you poetryman: messenger
30fredericksburg sketches
31 robbie burns poet of the people celebrated
11 love is respect :healthy relationships
14 where does your food come from?
27traffic calming measures for fxbg
Cover: ”Amy WINEHOUSE” BY ED KING
Art First is sponsoring a “Tribute to Ed King” as part of our 33rd Anniversary show in February. Sadly, Ed passed away in August 2024. For our tribute, Art First will have a number of Ed King originals on display. In addition, our artists will be painting originals based on subjects that Ed liked to do.
Ed was a member of Art First for over 20 years and his mother, Alva King, was a member of the gallery too before he joined. Ed’s dad, Dr Luther King, was a Methodist minister and his grandfather was a Methodist minister too. Ed was born in Long Island, NY and received his Master of Fine Arts from the Pratt Institute in Brooklyn, NY
Ed King was truly a beloved icon of the Fredericksburg arts. He was an “artist’s artist” and his signature
Ed King a working manís artist
By Wayne Russell & David C. Kennedy
fantasy, classic movies, and other animals. Ed also was a prolific potter and worked with other media as well.
Ed was constantly creating art and he could be seen at the Rappahannock River painting river scenes, along the streets of Fredericksburg with his easel painting house portraits and at the Art Attack event yearly painting on Caroline Street. Ed constantly had his
I first heard about Ed when I moved to Fredericksburg from Crofton, MD in 2014. Being an artist and photographer myself, I made an effort to familiarize myself with local FXBG creative types as soon as I became a fulltime resident. Ed was most definitely a standout presence amongst the local artists - his work was
paintings were “Ed King Cows” No one could paint a cow quite like Ed. His other subject areas were many and varied and included musical icons, science fiction,
camera with him to take reference photos and if you ever rode with him somewhere, he would randomly ask you to stop so he could take pictures of what he saw.
Ed maintained his studio at Liberty Town Arts and was a teacher at Germanna Community College He would get people to sit for three hours sometimes during his classes and both Ed and his students would paint the person sitting. At the end of the session, Ed would give his painting to the person who sat that day.His musical talents were often on display as well.He played the guitar. He took lessons from Tim Bray who is a guitarist with local musician Karen Jonas.
Wayne Russell is a local artist
prominently featured in local galleries and even some businesses and restaurantshis bold, imaginative and very colorful paintings were certainly hard to miss! I became an instant admirer of his artwork.
When I finally met Ed at a First Friday gallery show, I was immediately impressed by his "no nonsense " personality, knowledge of all things art and his dry sense of humor. He was a natural teacher who was always more than willing to share tips and techniques as to how he produced his stunning artwork, which led to some very long and informative (mostly for me) conversations. He critiqued my own work on occasion, and I valued his opinion because I could rely on him to "call it like he saw it". He was never one to use pretentious "artspeak" when he'd comment about art, which I found to be very refreshing.
He was very much a "working man's" artist. I was always amazed at how prolific he was! How he found the time to produce all of that artwork, I'll never know. We had fun the day that I photographed him working on the "Riverside Painting" that was featured as a Front Porch cover - though he initially
balked at my idea for the composition of the photo. Long story short - the painting was only in its very early stages when I shot the photo - it was actually hard to figure out the subject of the painting - so I suggested that I take the photo of him with the existing ( nearly blank ) canvas and later "strip in" the completed river painting in place of the unfinished canvas. He thought it was a bad idea, but I tried to convince him that people would probably prefer to see the completed painting as opposed to a canvas with only a few preliminary brush strokes on it. I think that turned out to be a good idea and he eventually did agree with it once he saw the completed cover!
Ed was a supremely talented man whose incredible artwork touched so many people in Fredericksburg and beyond. His was a life well lived. I bid you a fond farewell, Mr. King, and thanks for leaving us with so many beautiful pieces of art to remember you by.
David C. Kennedy is a photographer. His work is frequently seen on the cover of Front Porch
Tribute Show: Ed King
Art First Gallery
824 Caroline St Opening Reception, First Friday February 7, 6-99p
Anne
HICKS
Contributing
Guest Porch Editorial
Writers & Artists
Rita AllanWayne Amann
Sally Cooney Anderson
Dianne BachmanSonja Cantu
Collette CapraraGary Close
Christien Conniff Ryan Cuhahy
Beth DalyJanet Douberly
Mary Beth GeilJeannie Ellis
Frank FratoeLeise Haley
Kathleen HarriganAnnie Harpe
Anne HicksRalph “Tuffy” Hicks
Karen KallayNancy Kelly
David C. Kennedy
Lenora Kruk-Mullanaphy
Ray MikulaVanessa Moncure
Pete MorelewiczPatrick Neustatter
Amy PeregoyKaren Pearlman
Paula RaudenbushRob Rudick
Wayne RussellMandy Smith
Rich SutcliffeErica Terrini
Rim Vining Tina Will Norma Woodward
Front Porch Fredericksburg is a free circulation magazine published monthly by Olde Towne Publishing Co. Virginia Bigenwald Grogan, Publisher.
The mission of Front Porch Fredericksburg is to connect the diverse citizenry of Fredericksburg with lively features and informative columns of interest to our community’s greatest resource, its people.
Messages from our readers are welcome. All 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
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Web Site: www.frontporchfredericksburg.com
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The opinions expressed in Front Porch Fredericksburg are those of the contributing writers and do not necessarily reflect the opinion of Front Porch Fredericksburg or its advertisers.
Copyright 2025
Front Porch Fredericksburg Magazine All rights reserved.
ON THE PORCH
Hearts & Valentines
By Anne Hicks
There is something and a lot of things to celebrate every month. February is special because we celebrate Valentine's Day - and of course, LOVE. That about covers a lot of what we want, need and hope for all the time. It is what we are and what keeps our hearts strong are minds alert and caring and our communities together and our healthcare workers caring. It is what we long for and grieve. I think, in case we forget, it is what we are made to be and to do. That is why I just love to celebrate love. This short month of a cold February is the month to remember this and there is a lot going on around town.
I just googled all events in Fredericksburg for February. There is a Valentine's Special - The Fredericksburg Symphony "What I did for Love", and Parent's Night, Valentines Day COED Doubles at the Fraternal Order of the Eagles on February 14th. Isn't it lovely that this year Valentine falls on Friday, the 14th of 2025? I'm sure you can find lots more to do around town on a Friday night too, like eat and dance or take a walk together. Here is more. There is, AP Musik & Gregory Turner Valentines Red & Black Party at Prince Hall Lodge on Saturday the 8th and Valentine's Day Cookie Decorating Class at Mimi's Vintage Cottage on Sunday, February 9th and Valentine's Tea and Tasting and Talk on February 11th at Spotsylvania Mall and Love and Laughter at Grace Church of Fredericksburg on Saturday Feb 22. The list may go on and on if I keep googling.
Whatever your interest is on Valentines Day please enjoy and take some time to reflect on the little things we may have done as children or adults on this day, like exchanging cards and little love hearts or eating lots of chocolate or wearing a red heart on our cheeks.
There is rich history about Valentine's Day that includes the Legend of St. Valentine, the history of Valentine's Day and story of the patron Saint and origins of a Pagan Festival and Cupid in Greek mythology of love, Eros. Notably, of course is that it is a day of romance and love. More so, to me it means living love in general on all fronts inside and outwards from heart and soul with spirit and intention.
This is important as we celebrate all other special events that have been created around our love, or hope, our
struggles and honor and loss, for their significance. For example, this is also, can you believe it? American Heart Month that is meant to help people understand and recognize heart diseases and to raise awareness about how important your heart is to your wellbeing. Please take care of yourself to keep your heart open and healthy. It is also Black History Month a month honoring Black Americans throughout history, the 2025 theme is "African American and Labor". Labors of gratitude in love. Also, it's National Bird Feeding Month and who sings love better than those sweet birds, especially when they come in springtime.
There is a general definition of Valentine as a noun, a card sent, often anonymously, on Valentine's Day to a person one loves or is attracted to and a person to whom one sends a card on Valentine's Day. A lot of us have our special somebody we love but a lot of us have a lot of people we love, family, friends, people in need, our business associates, people in our churches, neighbors, pets, garden, birds and or deceased loved ones, everyone! Of course, we can't send cards to everyone but to remember everyone and everything about love on this day is what makes it also so special. There is friendship love, compassionate love and more. If you are in love with your special someone it is better than the sweetest chocolate to spend February 14th together.
There is also a definition of love as an intense feeling of deep affection and a great interest and pleasure in something. And I found this online - Full Form of Love:
L = Life's O= Only V= Valuable E= Emotion
I find a lot of love reading the Front Porch Magazine each month from cover to cover in this town and love all the articles and authors advertisers and readers and all events celebrating love. Happy Valentine's Day.
Anne Hicks lives with her loving husband Tuffy in Fredericksburg and wishes all of you love
If you're looking for a great downtown Fredericksburg gift shop, wander a little off Caroline Street. Just around the corner of Amelia and Sophia, across from Tapa Rio restaurant, Sophia Street Studios has been offering fine crafts and unique gifts for nearly 30 years.
Originally purchased in 1982, Sophia Street Studios was the workshop of career production potter Phil Chapman Phil's wife Trista, also a potter, joined the creative venture in 1995, and the two managed the studio space together and worked national craft shows until 2005, when Phil's illness forced him to give up his work. Since 2008, Trista has continued doing shows and maintaining Sophia Street
Off The Beaten Path Sophia Street Studios
Studios' tradition of selling fine art and handcrafts.
Trista specializes in whimsically designed, colorful earthen ware pottery (photoright)for everyday use. Her brightly-colored creations range from tableware to tea pots, candle sticks, lamps, wall pockets and flower bricks and are guaranteed to add some zing to your home décor.
Trista's sense of whimsy and colorful zest sets the tone for the rest of Sophia Street Studios. The gallery carries an ever-cchanging variety of original work from local and regional artists, as well as eclectic commercial home decor Whether you're looking for oil or watercolor
paintings, handmade ceramics, garden art, greetings cards, glassware, baskets, jewelry, or upcycled original clothing, you're sure to find something fun at Sophia Street Studios.
And if you're interested in making your own art, Sophia Street Studios now offers a variety of creative classes. Visit their website at www.sophiastreetstudios, or follow them on Facebook for updates.
So, the next time you're downtown, walk a little off the beaten path. Follow the signs to Sophia Street Studios and take home a little wahoo.
By Anne Harpe
Annie is a selftaught fiber artist. You can see her work at Sophia Street Studios or online at annieharpe.com.
Sophia Street Studios 1104 Sophia St sophiastreetstudios com fb: Sophia Street Studios
Porch Light A host of valentines at the reADY TO GIVE
By Collette Caprara
Though the mention of Valentine's Day typically elicits thoughts of romance and images of heart-shaped boxes of candy and flower bouquets, the
holiday also provides an occasion to recognize a spectrum of special folks who have brought warmth to our hearts a smile to our faces.
I'm thinking of the postman who faithfully makes his rounds regardless of the temperature and amount of precipitation that may be descending on us, the barista who cheerfully offers personal greetings to customers as they enter the local coffee shop, and the neighbor who makes a point of sending a smile and wave whenever our paths cross.
We may not carry a bundle of greeting cards for every person as a token of care, but each of us has a reservoir of small "gifts" for all those we encounter in
our daily treks. Our "valentines" can take the form of the attention we pay to their presence and the simple acts of consideration we can extend-be that holding the door for a person who happens to be walking behind us or emerging from the Deep Thought of "todos" for the afternoon to give full-face recognition and a smile to a person we are approaching on the sidewalk.
Such small moments of care can expand in an upward cycle, as those who are uplifted "pay it forward" as the energy and awareness we give can inspire others to share that spirit with others they encounter. The atmosphere created by such simple exchanges can go far in creating a sense of community that continues to grow through time and distance, enhancing the value of every moment of our days.
Collette Caprara is an artist & writer
While still in the icy clutch of winter, it is sometimes hard to remember ever feeling warm without wearing 5 layers of clothes, but we persist, doggedly waiting for warmth.
We humans are not the only ones waiting patiently for spring under a layer of snow and ice.
Deep in the forest of the Belman Road Campus the marbled salamanders are waiting with bated breath for the thawing of snow. Why? Because they need vernal pools.
Vernal, which means "relating to spring", is the name used for the small bodies of water that arrive in late winter and stay until the beginning of summer. (Barring drought, of course.) While some may see these pools of water as a "drainage issue" they are actually an extremely important occurrence for the salamanders and a million other lifeforms.
But before we talk further about these action-packed watering holes, let us go back in time to the fall of last year, and every year.
Last fall the male spotted salamanders came to the then dry area where the vernal pools appear. These males find a seemingly safe spot under a fallen log or thick leaf litter to deposit their sperm packet and then promptly vamoose. Who says romance is dead?
Once the males have left the scene the ladies move in. In the blindest date ever, the females select a sperm packet using some special salamander criteria and then slowly draw sperm into their body to fertilize their eggs. These
hard working moms then proceed to lay between 50 and 200 eggs in a little pile.
Afterwards the female sticks around protecting her eggs from the many creatures that find them to be a delectable and nutritious treat. Though once the temperatures get cold enough, they also take off to find a warm not quite freezing place to wait out the winter.
Of course, to come from these wee creatures, salamander eggs start off being quite small. Once the winter thaw hits and the vernal pools swell, the eggs also swell. If everything has gone to plan, the eggs are now submerged in these frigid waters, absorbing water and becoming turgid together in a large formation best described as "a blob". These blobs vary in size and can easily range from the size of a lemon to that of a quart size jar. Because of slight differences in their DNA, some marbled salamanders produce opaque egg masses while others are clear.
If you are lucky enough to find one of these egg masses and are brave enough to tread into the water to hold it in your hands you will notice all the tiny little bodies inside, each contained in their own egg. Hundreds of little salamander lives just waiting for their chance to hang out in the woods, looking cool.
Alas, for many, this will not be their destiny. The price you pay for being so scrumptious is the high probability you will be snacked upon by hungry predators. The ones that do make it hatch as fully aquatic larvae similar to a tadpole but quickly grow their legs, hopefully before the pools dry up. The luckiest ones of all can live up to 10 years.
is
to
Don't want to wait for the trails to enjoy the beauty of the Belman Road Campus? Come to one of our monthly nature walks, every 4th Saturday of the month! Go to our website www downtowngreens org for more details and to sign up!
Janet Douberly
keen
be knee deep in a vernal pool at Downtown Greens.
In the Garden garden with friends
by tina will
Stronger plants, better yield, fewer insect pests, prettier gardens? Companion planting is a well-known practice for some, but perhaps untested by many. February can be a great seed starting month for those ready to do so, and planning for this should include information on how to blend supportive flowers or vegetables. Blended gardens will be more productive, more aesthetically pleasing, attract more pollinators and insect predators, and be more intellectually engaging as new observations are made.
In her book, Braiding Sweetgrass, Robin Kimmerer, a Native American of the Potawatomi Tribe , eloquently expresses how plants and people are interdependent in many ways, that we should appreciate and cultivate plants with care, and seek to understand how to balance harvest and regrowth so that we (plants and people) all thrive. Her encounter with a field of purple aster and goldenrod with the gorgeous contrast in colors, captivated her mind and attention: why are they together in this wild field? It was one of the moments that directed her to pursue a degree in Botany. She honors her cultural heritage, and encourages all of us to reconnect with our need for plants physically, spiritually, and
aesthetically. We miss a lot when we only think of vegetables as food, and flowers as adornments.
Dr Laura Mentore, Professor at UMW gave a talk on Companion Planting at our MGACRA 2024 Seed Swap. You can view and listen to her talk on the youtube link through our website:
recordings html The internet or real books (!) can provide helpful charts, but here are a few facts; research can help separate fact from fiction.
Marigolds, though anecdotally recommended for tomatoes, and used by many, need to be planted as a cover crop before the tomatoes get planted Their main benefit to tomatoes is after they are turned into the soil; biochemicals can then be released, and are toxic to root nematodes. However, while in flower, they will attract other pollinating insects that help control other insect pests. https://ag.umass.edu/home-lawngarden/fact-sheets/companion-plantingin-vegetable-garden.
University of Minnesota research supports planting Nasturtiums and/or marigolds around squash plants to deter squash vine borer and cucumber beetle. In
an Iowa study, thyme, marigold, and nasturtium helped to reduce cabbage looper and imported cabbageworm damage to broccoli.
Author Louise Riotte's Carrots Love Tomatoes, provides a ton of information about plant companions Plant peas with carrots, turnips, radishes, cukes, corn, beans, potatoes, and herbs, but NOT onions, garlic or gladiolas. Plant Basil with tomatoes to enhance flavor, and reduce thrip populations
Master Gardener Ann Gorrell is an herbspecialist, and her advice proved
true at my house: the strong aromatic fragrances of Peppermint, Lavender, Rosemary, and Catnip will repel ants
Some companions are just aesthetically pleasing. My husband and I visited many gardens in Scotland in 2023. At Carolside Garden a border of Alchemilla was used extensively, and complemented the Astrantia growing behind it. Rabbits (and deer) avoid Alchemilla. Mixed borders add to the sense of completeness. Lavender grows abundantly in Scotland and is a beautiful front edging to larger shrubs and trees growing in the background. You will enjoy your gardening work more if you encourage companionship in your garden.
Next Up
Coming up on February 1st from 9a to 1:30 is the Master Gardener Seed Swap This year it will be at 20 Boscobel Road, Fredericksburg, VA at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. Bring seeds to swap or just stop by. There are plenty for everyone. Visit MGACRA.org for more information.
Also, save the date of April 5 th. for the Master Gardener Spring Symposium at Gari Melchers home and studio in Falmouth, VA.
Tina Will is a Master Gardener and lives in Stafford County. She can be reached at brianandtina.will@gmail.com
Top right photo by Rich Sutcliffe All other photos by Tina Will
In these frigid temps, most of our native insects have gone to the great colony in the sky or are hunkered down, hiding from the chill. That makes this the perfect time to talk about a non-native, the European Hornet
The European hornet (Vespa crabro) is the largest wasp native to Europe. These no nonsense flyers were introduced to the United States as early as 1840 and have naturalized on the east coast.
And while they justifiably terrify the average human, these hornets, like many others, are fairly docile unless they feel threatened. The females are the only ones that can sting. If they are on their own they usually only sting if being stepped on or grabbed in some way. Near their nest they can be a bit more aggressive in defense of their home and family. Also, like this author, they can get a little peeved when they are bothered while eating. Really they are much like Greta Garbo in that they want to be left alone.
Growing & Crawling vaspa garbo
By janet douberly
In return for our respect, these bodacious beauties will kill many other insects including other wasps as well as common pests and other insects. In fact, some beekeepers in Europe will keep hornets too in specially designed boxes in the trees. These hornets do a fine job of gobbling up the wax moths that threaten the honeybee hives.
So let's all give three cheers to the European hornet! Just not too loudly so they don't feel threatened.
Janet Douberly loves wasps at Downtown Greens.
Love is Respect educating teens about healthy relationships
1 in 3 teens in the United States will experience physical, sexual, verbal, or emotional abuse by someone they are in a relationship with before they become adults
February, a month that celebrates love, is also Teen Dating Violence Awareness Month. Each year, Empowerhouse joins organizations across the nation for this important prevention education effort to support young people.
Throughout the year, Empowerhouse works with schools and other organizations to educate teens about healthy and unhealthy relationships, recognize warning signs of abuse, and help build self-esteem. These crucial tools assist young people and those who support them. These include sharing our "Be Real" materials, which are targeted to teens, asking them to join us in promoting healthy relationships and connecting them to resources like our website and our 24-hour confidential hotline number.
During Teen Dating Violence Awareness Month, we are focusing on the theme "Respect That." The theme was chosen by the love is respect Youth Council. Love is respect (loveisrespect org) is a national resource to disrupt and prevent unhealthy relationships and intimate partner violence by empowering young people through inclusive and equitable education, support, and resources.
According to love is respect, "'Respect That,' is a powerful concept that
can transform relationships. Respecting someone isn't just a vague idea; it's action and a mindset. The theme 'Respect That' highlights the importance of treating partners with dignity, listening to their v i e w p o i n t s , respecting their boundaries, and valuing their autonomy by focusing on respect
Respect is one of the foundations of Empowerhouse's free interactive Healthy Relationships Classroom Presentations facilitated by our Youth Advocates. Last year, we delivered our ageappropriate programs to over 4,600
elementary, middle, and high school students.
In coordination with area schools, Empowerhouse also expanded our offerings to young men to prevent futures where children grow up witnessing violence in their homes. We implemented "BE YOU," a new 10-week prevention program in a relaxed classroom setting, which assists young men ages 13-16 in building healthy relationships through self-confidence, self-expression and positive development.
How can you support the teens in your life? One way is to read Empowerhouse's Be Real: Start the Conversation with Your Teens About Healthy Relationships Parent & Teen Advocate Discussion Guide
By raising awareness during February, we can help stop teen dating abuse and provide essential resources to support teens and their families. If you're an adult, please continue to engage with the young people around you to discuss healthy relationships and dating abuse.
by Nancy Kelly
For more information (including a copy of the guide referenced above) about teen dating violence or our youth services, please go to Empowerhouseva org , teen resources page, or call Jackie at 540-373-9372. Empowerhouse has resources available in English and Spanish. To request an educational classroom presentation on healthy relationships and teen dating violence warning signs for your school or organization, e-mail mendyp@empowerhouseva.org.
For additional resources about healthy relationships for teens, visit loveisrespect org If you, or someone you know is experiencing domestic violence, please call Empowerhouse's free, confidential 24-hhour Hotline at (540) 3739373
Nancy Kelly is the Development Director of Empowerhouse.
3rd Annual Galentine's Shop Crawl
TidBits small bites of local News
By Amy Peregoy
A comfy gathering place that has been lovingly furnished with customers and community (aka friends) in mind.
Anita's Café is offering a wider variety of sandwiches and desserts, and more options for customers who have specific dietary guidelines.
Owner, Anita Crossfield is delighted with the Café and the team that has been working night and day - and the amazing energy that surrounds this new enterprise. "We are proud of our past and look forward to our future."
Arts & Cultural District Incentive applications due February 15
This February, it's time to gather your best girlfriends, embrace the spirit of Galentine's Day, and make your way to Downtown Fredericksburg for the Galentine's Shop Crawl. On Friday, February 7th, from 4pm to 9pm, the heart of Fredericksburg will be buzzing with exciting activities, delightful treats, and plenty of opportunities to bond with your besties. Whether you're a Galentine's Day veteran or this is your first time celebrating, this event promises to be a night full of laughter, creativity, and, of course, shopping!
Mon-Thurs,11am-9pm Fri & Sat,11am-10pm Sun,11am - 9pm Bar open until 2am everyday
200 Hanover St. ~ 373-0738
Discover Fredericksburg Through the Ages
Step into the rich tapestry of Fredericksburg's history with History Walks. From its Colonial roots to its role in the Civil War and beyond, explore the stories of the people, places, and events that have shaped this fascinating city. The guided tours bring history to life with engaging narratives, fun facts, and a deeper look at Fredericksburg's diverse past.
This one-and-a-half-mile tour is perfect for history enthusiasts and curious minds alike. Space is limited, so don't miss your chance to experience Fredericksburg's vibrant history firsthand!
The City of Fredericksburg established an Arts and Cultural District in an effort to increase the awareness and support for the arts and cultural communities and to provide incentives for qualifying businesses to remain and locate in the district.
Qualifying businesses include visual arts, dance, media arts and music studios and places of instruction, art and sculpture galleries, museums, performing arts venues, including live music, theatre, dance and opera and arts offices
Become a
Rebellion Bourbon Bar & Kitchen is honored to be named one of America's Top Whisky Bars by Whisky Advocate, ranking among the top 5 in Virginia and one of 125 nationwide.
With a carefully curated selection of whiskies, including rare and regional offerings, Rebellion is a destination for whiskey enthusiasts of all levels. The bourbon-inspired, locally sourced menu provides perfect pairings, enhancing the whisky experience in a welcoming and vibrant atmosphere.
This recognition from Whisky Advocate affirms Rebellion's position as one of the premier whiskey/bourbon bars in Virginia.
Great Lives Lecture Series Continues in February
Every Tuesday & Thursday. All are open to public free of charge & begins at 7:30pm in George Washington Hall’s Dodd Auditorium.
For complete schedule see back page of this issue of Front Porch
Amy Peregoy is FXBG Economic Development Manager
Rebellion Bourbon Bar & Kitchen Named to Whisky Advocate's List of America's Top Whisky Bars
Anita's Cafe & Dessert Bar Now Open at 620 Caroline St
The ketogenic diet - the keto diet for short - is a very low carbohydrate/high fat and protein diet, similar to the Atkins diet first published by cardiologist Dr Robert Atkins in Dr. Atkins Diet Revolution in 1972. He created this diet plan after studies showed that cutting out sugars and starch could lead to weight loss and he claimed that this diet was a "high calorie way to stay thin forever". The first Atkins cookbook was published in 1997an updated and revised ketogenic diet exploded in the early 2000s with approximately one in eleven American adults adapting their diet to a keto plan.
The keto diet is stricter than Atkins, allowing 70-90% fat, 5-10% carbohydrates while Atkins allows 55-75% fat and 20-30% carbohydrates. The Nutrition Facts Label (NFL), first appearing on foods in 1994, made counting fats and carbs less guesswork. When you significantly limit carbohydrate consumption, your body goes into a metabolic state of ketosis, meaning your body uses fat instead of carbs for fuel.
Most of my friends in college in the 1970s could be seen with Dr. Atkin's book in hand. Scrambled eggs and black coffee for breakfast, a dining hall salad bar lunch and a dried out hamburger patty and broccoli for dinner was our go-to menu for a while - but the craze swept past and we gradually abandoned our diets. The keto or Atkins diet in the long-term can be an effective way to lose weight for healthy individuals, but can cause complications for those with some medical conditions or on certain medications. If you ' re interested in trying a keto or Atkins diet, check with your doctor first
My daughter-in-law follows a ketogenic diet and has to avoid gluten. I have had to adjust my menus to avoid grains and starches, beans and legumes, root vegetables and tubers, fruits and many condiments and sauces - even sugarfree diet foods are off the list. A recent dinner of pork tenderloin, salad with oil, vinegar and fresh herb and garlic dressing and spicy roasted cauliflower followed by my CHOCOLATE TORTE was a great
success. For the torte - butter and line an 8" springform pan. Mix together 1 1/2C almond flour and the sugar substitute equivalent of 3/4C sugar (or if you're not following this diet, you can use sugar). Melt together 1stick plus 1T butter and 1C Lilys dark chocolate chips (use Nestle if not following diet). Beat 3eggs into the almond/ sugar mixture, then beat in the chocolate/butter and 1tsp vanilla. Smooth into pan, then bake in preheated 350F oven 30-40 minutes until the top appears slightly dry and a skewer inserted in the center comes out with moist crumbs. Do not over bake or the cake will be dry and crumbly. Cool then chill. Remove from springform pan and serve with freshly whipped cream (1C whipping cream, 1/4C sugar or substitute and 1tsp vanilla, whipped to soft peaks). Serves 8.
KETO SHORTBREAD COOKIES
Beat 1/4C softened butter with 3/4C Swerve (a sweetener I generally use but can substitute another) until creamy. Then beat in 2 eggs, 1tsp almond extract and 2C almond flour. Mix until it comes together in a dough. Scoop 20 portions onto parchment lined sheet pan and bake 15-18 minutes in a preheated 350F oven. Substitutions: 1) replace almond extract with vanilla extract and add cinnamon to make a snickerdoodle type cookie or 2) omit almond extract and replace with lemon extract to make lemon cookies or 3)replace almond extract with vanilla extract and add 1C sugar free chocolate chips and 1/2C chopped almonds to the batter.
KETO CHOCOLATE MOUSSE
This is a keto version of chocolate mousse that you can serve with fresh whipped cream in a martini glass OR
spoon into a pre baked almond pie crust (mix 1C crushed almonds with 2T melted butter and 2tsp Swerve, then press into buttered pie pan and bake 350F for 10 minutes. Cool before filling) and top with fresh whipped cream and drizzled with chocolate ganache (4OZ sugar free chocolate melted with 1/2C heavy cream) for a chocolate mousse pie. MOUSSEBeat 3OZ softened cream cheese until light - then slowly beat in 1/2C heavy cream,1tsp vanilla extract, 1/4C powdered zero-calorie sweetened (Swerve), 2T cocoa powder and a pinch of salt. Beat in high until the mixture is light and fluffy, 1-2 minutes more. Spoon into serving cups or pie shell and chill til ready to eat.
KETO LEMON PIE
If you're not a chocolate fan, here's a refreshing keto lemon pie recipe. Serve in almond pie crust, or substitute pecans or walnuts for the almonds if you prefer. Beat 1 1/2C heavy whipping cream until soft peaks form, then beat in 8OZ very softened cream cheese, 2/3C Swerve and 1tsp vanilla until firm peaks form. Beat in 1T lemon zest and 1/4C to 1/3C fresh lemon juice (to taste). Spoon filling into prepared pie crust and freeze for an hour or two before serving (the pie is much easier to cut when frozen).
Enjoy guilt-free KETO SWEETS for Valentines Day!
Vanessa serves up yummy recipes for all seasons & everybody
Food Talk
so where does your food come from?
By christien conniff
The average fruit or vegetable purchased from a grocery store will travel on average 1500 miles before it reaches your table In turn grocery store produce is priced higher to compensate for shopping costs. Did you know the United States imports nearly $204 Billion worth of food from other countries?
The Fredericksburg CSA offers members the opportunity to purchase organic produce from local farms.
The CSA program is a twoway relationship created by the purchase of a "share" in the annual harvest of our farmers. Our farmers provide fresh organic produce throughout the spring, summer, and fall growing seasons.
In turn CSA members make a financial commitment to the farms in the spring, and share in the harvest through the spring through autumn. This creates a market for our local organic farmers, and provides CSA members with a source of fresh, locally grown organic produce.
& liese haley
priority. Other CSAs may feature local produce, but FACSAP is committed to providing both local and
Naturally Grown produce to grace your table each week
Our mission is establishing, maintaining, and supporting local organic food producers. All FACSAP farms are within a 100-mile radius of the City of Fredericksburg, with the majority within 50 miles.
A weekly share in the harvest contains a diverse assortment of freshly harvested organic produce Each share typically includes about six to eight types of produce (sometimes more).
Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) has become a nationwide movement that brings small farmers and consumers closer together. The CSA concept is often credited to farm models established in Japan and Europe in the 1980s.
FACSAP (Fredericksburg Area Community Supported Agriculture) Fredericksburg's first CSA, committed to providing its members with organic food from local farmers since 1997. This dedication to food purity is the reason our CSA was founded and remains our top
Occasionally, the share will also include other special items such as local organic raw honey, handmade soap, and biologically grown apple cider
Our Summer Share Harvest season runs from late May through August, for a total of 16 weeks of delicious, quality produce and food to nourish you and your family We also have a spring share which is typically a 4week share and a fall 8-week share.
Be a part of a community...while we're all about the food, it is our members and farmers who are the heart of our program! An annual members' meeting, weekly distribution, occasional potluck dinners, and our social media sites are all ways in which you can connect with and get to know your fellow members as well as the farmers who grow your food!
So, what do you think? Grocery stores produce that travels 1500 miles or fresh Vegetables/Fruits from a locally sourced farm within 100 miles and picked that day.
Hope to see you for the 2025 season.
You can find more information about FACSAP on our website at www fredericksburgcsa com If you have any questions about our CSA, please send an email to info@fredericksbugcsa.com.
Christien Conniff and Liese Haley are FXBGCSA Volunteers
A labor of love, the Volunteers of FACSAP believe in the message of bringing Healthy Food to its Members by connecting them to the small area farmers who believe in the same message
Tom Miller farmer for Plentiful Farms & CSA Board Member and Barton Schafer farmer from Three Oak Farms
CSA member Owen Cobey
Vino
winter white sauvignon blanc
As you become more familiar with wines from around the world, certain regions evoke specific adjectives that describe their wines. Would it turn your world upside down to encounter a white wine from Bordeaux, or a red wine from the Loire Valley? Perhaps. Perhaps not. These are not the grand, well-known productions their opposites might be, but
they certainly have the potential to surprise and delight.
We once received a request from a wine club member for an oaked Sauvignon Blanc to pair with a dinner they were attending that evening. At the time, we had none on our shelves, but the idea stuck with us: Yes, indeed, that would be a
special wine. After all, most Sauvignon Blancs are fermented in stainless steel and see little intervention beyond that. Providentially, one of our vendors later introduced us to a wine that fit the bill perfectly, and it led us to fall in love with the wines of Lismore Estate.
Samantha O'Keefe , a political science graduate with a background in television, left Los Angeles in 2000 to embark on a bold new journey in South Africa. She discovered, and fell in love with, a 300-hectare ranch named Riviersonderend, nestled in the shadow of the mountain range that shares its name. There, she built her house, planted vines, and established a winery. By 2003, Lismore Estate Vineyards was born, with the inaugural vintage released in 2008. Samantha's wines quickly captured the attention of top journalists, and in 2018, she became only the sixth woman inducted into the prestigious Cape Winemakers Guild.
The Overberg region, where Lismore is located, is gaining acclaim for its premium cool-climate grapes. Within this district, the Greyton ward has been officially designated, highlighting the unique terroir of the area. Remarkably, Lismore is the only registered wine estate in the Greyton ward, making its wines even more exceptional.
This month's "upside-down, backward" wine is the 2021 Lismore Estate Vineyards Greyton Sauvignon Blanc, from South Africa's Western Cape. Unlike the standard method of fermenting Sauvignon Blanc in stainless steel, Samantha chosen a more unconventional approach. Part of the wine was fermented in barrels, where it remained in contact with the lees (the residual yeast and particles from fermentation) to develop complexity. The remainder was fermented and matured in
by Rita Allen
a concrete egg, adding further depth and nuance.
We had some fun with this wine at City Vino, inviting customers to taste it blind and guess what they were drinking. The results were fascinating-many found it perplexing, as the wine displayed characteristics reminiscent of an oaked Chardonnay, yet retained the signature freshness of Sauvignon Blanc.
The tasting notes tell the story: aromas of citrus, gardenia, vanilla, char, and toast, with lemon-llime and a subtle hint of gooseberry The palate reveals layers of Asian pear, guava, fresh sea spray, grassy notes, white asparagus, and a touch of ginger The wine's mouthfeel is slightly oxidative from barrel aging, lending it a creamy texture and full body. This is a dry wine, with medium-plus acidity and a long, smoky, fruit-cup finisha truly unique expression of Sauvignon Blanc and an ideal white wine for winter
It was amusing to watch customers' reactions as they learned this was a Sauvignon Blanc. At first, there was shock and disbelief. But once the surprise faded, the wine's charm took over. Its creamy texture, smoky undertones, and bold fruit were complemented by the varietal's signature grassy brightness, creating a wine that defied expectations and delighted the senses This oaked Sauvignon Blanc proved to be a revelationa distinctive and memorable choice, perfect for savoring during the colder months
City Vino, 100 Hanover St (use Sophia St entrance) is were you will find owner Rita Allan to provide answers to all your wine questions
CALEND
Saturday February 1
Master Gardener Seed Swap 9a to 1:30p 20 Boscobel Road, at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. Bring seeds to swap Stroll with Rescue Dogs at Old Dominion Humane Society! Meet at 8:40AM, 3602 Lafayette Boulevard. Shorter distance, flatter terrain, smaller dogs, slower pace. EVERY Saturday
Walking Group, Fxbg Food CoOp, 9-10 Walk Along River Heritage Trail & Canal Path
Sunken Well Saturday: Brunch from 9-2, 720 Littlepage
Don't Tell Comedy Show is back at Virginia Credit Union Stadium! 7:30p
Live Music Whiskey Revival Duo@ 6B&G, 7-9:30p, 1140 International
Live Music@Strangeways FXBG Eric Becker Memorial Concert,
Live Music @Colonial Tavern Fist of Whiskey Band, 8-11p, 406 Lafayette
Sunday, February 2
Ground Hog Day…will he see his shadow?
Puppy yoga at Awesome 'Possumz, 211 William St., 20% proceeds to Old Dominion Humane Society! 10:30a-12p
Join Old Dominion Humane Society Hike with rescue dogs. Hikers meet at the ODHS center at 3602 Lafayette Blvd 8:30 a.m..EVERY Sunday
Sunday Brunch Sunken Well Tavern, 9a-2 , & bluegrass music from 6-8, 720 Littlepage
Empty Bowl benefiting Empowerhouse, 12-4p, Elks Lodge, 11309 Tidewater Trail support survivors of domestic violence and receive a beautiful bowl from local potters
Monday February 3
Open Mic @Colonial Tavern sign-up:6:45; Music begins &p, 406 Lafayettee Blvd
Tuesday February 4
"The Double Infinity of JUMPSTAR: Simmering", & Work of Sculpture Professor EMERITAS Garmon's Former Students, "Class: If You're Asking the Question, You Already Know The Answer", opening Receptions, 5-7p, UMW duPont & Ridderhof Martin Galleries, show thru March 23
Great Lives Series ", 7:30p Dodd Aud, John Glenn and Ted Williams, presented by Adam Lazarus. The Davenport & Company Lecture Tap into Trivia Night , Red Dragon Brewery , 1419 Princess Anne ST, 7p
Wednesday February 5
Trivia Night, Sunken Well at 6:30pm 720 Littlepage
Join Trapper Young at 6 Bears and a Goat for Trivia Night 7 pm.
Thursday February 6
Great Lives Series ", 7:30p Dodd Aud Crazy Horse & Sitting Bull, presentor Mark Lee Gardner.
Walk with a Doc, Fxbg Food CoOp, 4-5p Meet at CoOP and walk Heritage & Canal Path TRail
Open Mic w/Cosmic Collective , Red Dragon Brewery , 1419 Princess Anne ST, 6:30p
Live Music Acoustic Onion, featuring music of the Beatles, Colonial Tavern, 406 Lafayette Blvd
First Friday February 7
"Art is for Lovers", All Member Show, Brush Strokes Gallery, opening reception 5-9p, 824 Caroline St
FCCA Members Gallery: Erin Javier; All Photography National Exhibit, Karen O'Donnell, C.Renee Martin, Judy LaFratte, 813 Sophia St
US Army Band "Pershing's Own", UMW Dodd Aud 7:30p, FREE
"Pours & Pasties" Burlesque & Variey Show, Strangeways Brewing FXBG, 350 Lansdowne Rd, 8:30p
Free Music Friday , Red Dragon Brewery , 1419 Princess Anne ST, 6:30p
Live Music Connor Hitchcock @6B&G, 1140 International Pkwy 7-9:30p
Saturday, February 8
Old Dominion Humane Society puppies at Spotslyvania Towne Center, Visit our kissing booth to snuggle with puppies and let them shower you with kisses while helping raise funds for a fantastic cause! 11a-2p
Walking Group, Fxbg Food CoOp, 9-10 Walk Along River Heritage Trail & Canal Path
Sunken Well Saturday: Brunch from 9-2, 720 Littlepage
FXBG Kid Festy, Fxbg Convention Center non-stop entertainment and activities tailored exclusively for kids.
Snowball Fight Melee, VA Credit Union Stadium, 2-4p $
Practice your downward dog pose with puppies at Old Dominion Humane Society, 3602 Lafayette Boulevard, FXBG. Doors open at 5:30PM. No preregistration required.
Stand Up Comedy Show @StageDoor, Productions, 8pm 810 Caroline St
Superbowl Sunday February 9
Join Old Dominion Humane Society Hikes with rescue dogs. Hikers meet at the ODHS center at 3602 Lafayette Blvd 8:30 a.m..
Sunday Brunch Sunken Well Tavern, 9a-2 , & bluegrass music from 6-8, 720 Littlepage
Superbowl Chili Cookoff, Adventure Brewing North, 2-6p. Bring your Chili creation
Valentine's Day Cookie Decorating Class at Mimi's Vintage Cottage
Monday February 10
Open Mic @Colonial Tavern sign-up:6:45; Music begins &p, 406 Lafayettee Blvd
Tuesday February 11
Winter Farmers Market, Dorothy Ha Cat Yoga Dorothy Hart Community Tap into Trivia Night , Red Dragon B
Wednesday February 12
Music Trivia Night @ LogHome Brew Trivia Night, Sunken Well at 6:30pm
Join Trapper Young at 6 Bears and a International Pkwy
Thursday February 13 Great Lives Series ", 7:30p Dodd Aud Arsenault. The Irene and Curry Rob Walk with a Doc, Fxbg Food CoOp, 4 & Canal Path TRail
Open Mic w/Cosmic Collective , Re Anne ST, 6:30p
Valentine's Day Friday Feb Spring Home Show, FXBG Conventi contractors, more! show thru Feb
Fredericksburg Symphony "What Auditorium, UMW Free Music Friday , Red Dragon Brew
Saturday February 15
Lunar New Year Celebration, U celebration of the Year of the Sna cuisine, UMW Washington's Chandle Stroll with Rescue Dogs at Old Domin Lafayette Boulevard.
Walking Group, Fxbgbg Food CoOp, 9 & Canal Path
Sunken Well Saturday: Brunch from Live Music Ryan French, Wild Hare Live Music Low Bonez ROCKIN . Colo Live Music Spike@6B&G, 7-9:30p 11
Sunday February 16
Join Old Dominion Humane Society ODHS center at 3602 Lafayette Blvd
Sunday Brunch Sunken Well Tavern, 720 Littlepage
UMW Theatre John Proctor is the Show theu Feb 16
DAR of events
art Community Center, 8a-1p Center, 5:30-6:30p Brewery , 1419 Princess Anne ST, 7p
wing, 5727 Courthouse RD, 6:30p m 720 Littlepage a Goat for Trivia Night 7 pm. 1140
d John Lewis, presented by Raymond berts Lecture
4-5p Meet at CoOP and walk Heritage
d Dragon Brewery , 1419 Princess
ruary 14
ion Center , landscapers, designers, 16
I Did for Love', 7:30p, Monroe
wery , 1419 Princess Anne ST, 6:30p
UMW Asian Student Association, ake, performances & Wide array of r Ballroom, 2p
nion Humane Society! 8:40AM, 3602
9-10 Walk Along River Heritage Trail
9-2, 720 Littlepage
Cider Pub 205 William St, 6p onial Tavern, 406 Lafayette Blvd, 8p 140 International Pkwy
Hikes with rescue dogs. meet at the d 8:30 a.m..
, 9a-2 , & bluegrass music from 6-8,
Villain, Klein Theatre, College Ave,
Monday February 17
Half-Price Admission Day, In Honor of Washington's Birthday @Rising Sun Tavern, Hugh Mercer Apothecary, Mary Washington House, 11a-4p
George Washington's Birthday Celebration, Ferry Farm, 10a-3p George will be there to celebrate, colonial games, stone-throwing, cupcakes, 10a3p, 268 George Washington Way
Open Mic @Colonial Tavern sign-up:6:45; Music begins &p, 406 Lafayettee Blvd
Tuesday February 18
Great Lives Series ", 7:30p Dodd Aud Captain James Cook, .
Tap into Trivia Night , Red Dragon Brewery , 1419 Princess Anne ST, 7p
Wednesday February 19
Trivia Night, Sunken Well at 6:30pm 720 Littlepage
Join Trapper Young at 6 Bears and a Goat for Trivia Night 7 pm. 1140
International Pkwy
Thursday February 20
Great Lives Series ", 7:30p Dodd Aud James A. Garfield
Walk with a Doc, Fxbg Food CoOp, 4-5p Meet at CoOP and walk Heritage & Canal Path TRail
Open Mic w/Cosmic Collective , Red Dragon Brewery , 1419 Princess Anne ST, 6:30p
Live Music Bruce Middle Group, 7:30-10:30p, Colonial Tavern, 406 Lafaette Blvd
Friday, February 21
Live Music @Seaco Fall Line & Friends, UMW Seacobeck 7:30pHall, "King Lear' Stage Door Productions, 810 Caroline St, Show thru March 2, check website for times & dates
Live Music Big Bob @6B&G, 7-9:30p, 1140 International Pkwy
Live Music @Adventure Brewing Sabin Band, 6-9p
Free Music Friday , Red Dragon Brewery , 1419 Princess Anne ST, 6:30p
Saturday, February 22
Happy Birthday George, Mary Washington House, 11a-4p Join our costumed interpreters at the Mary Washington House
Student Climate Action Summit, Rucker Univ Center, Join students tackling climate challenges & shaping a sustainable future 11a-3p
Sunken Well Saturday: Brunch from 9-2, 720 Littlepage
American Association of University Women guest speaker Liane Houghtalin, Professor Emerita of Classics at the UMW Combs 139.The mission of AAUW is to advance gender equity through research, education and advocacy 2p
Nature Walk on the Belman Campus of Downtown Greens, 11am. FREE.
Spaghetti Dinner Fundraiser for Dwayne Hoskins, Bethel, 1193 White Oak Rd, 5-7p
Spirits Festival, spirts & Cocktails galore, sample some of the best distillers in Virginia, FXBG Fairgrouds, 11a
Live Music Something Shiny @6B&G, 7-9:30p, 1140 International Pkwy
Sunday February 23
Sunday Brunch Sunken Well Tavern, 9a-2 , & bluegrass music from 6-8, 720 Littlepage
"She Said Yes" Wedding Expo, FXBG Convention Center meet with florists, baker, Caterers DJ's Photographers & more 11a-3p
Monday February 24
Live Music @Adventure Brewing North Danny Jams, 7-9p
Open Mic @Colonial Tavern Music begins 7p, 406 Lafayettee Blvd
Tuesday February 25
Great Lives Series ", 7:30p Dodd Aud Da Vinci, Shakespeare, Newton, Beethoven, and Einstein, presented by Bulent Atalay. The Coldwell Banker Elite Lecture.
Tap into Trivia Night , Red Dragon Brewery , 1419 Princess Anne ST, 7p
Wednesday February 26
Trivia Night, Sunken Well at 6:30pm 720 Littlepage
Join Trapper Young at 6 Bears and a Goat for Trivia Night 7 pm.
Thursday February 27
Great Lives Series ", 7:30p Dodd Aud Phillis Wheatly: America's First Black Poet, presented by David Waldstreicher. The UMW Museums Lecture.
Walk with a Doc, Fxbg Food CoOp, 4-5p Meet at CoOP and walk Heritage & Canal Path TRail
Open Mic w/Cosmic Collective , Red Dragon Brewery , 1419 Princess Anne ST, 6:30p
Live Music FXBG Blues Society Electric Blues Jam, open to all players, Colonial Tavern, 406 Lafayette Blvd, 7-10p
Friday February 28
"The Rescue, Restoration, Relocation and Rededication of Richmond's Columbus Statue," and the state of monuments and statues in society today. John Corritone, Italian American Cultural Association of Virginia, and sculptor Paul DiPasquale, St. George's Church, lower level, 7 p.m.
Free Music Friday , Red Dragon Brewery , 1419 Princess Anne ST, 6:30p
If you are reading this 331st 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 March 2025 issue is February 19th
Helping homeless children and families in City of Fredericksburg, Counties of Caroline, Stafford & Spotsylvania 540 371 0831
history’s stories
VA Central Railroad
By Ralph “Tuffy” Hicks
I first became aware of the Virginia Central Railroad in the 1950's as a young boy searching for Civil War relics. There was a rail bed built up that ran from the city into Spotsylvania and beyond along the Hazel Run. My friend Ray Carpenter who died in 1998, was very familiar with the rail bed as it ran thru his grandfather's farm which was located where todays Spotsylvania Mall is. The farm was a large dairy farm called HOLLY BROOK Dairy There was another VCR that was not connected with this VCR that was in operation during the Civil War that was from Louisa to Richmond and beyond. In March 1,1853, the Fredericksburg and Gordonville Railroad Company was incorporated and the construction of a railroad between Fredericksburg and the Town of Orange began. The construction was slow and involved extensive labor as the rail bed had to be built up as it progressed thru Fredericksburg and Spotsylvania due to the marshes and the many small streams such as Hazel Run. Today the rail bed is a walking trail (see photo above). The rail remained unfinished thru the Civil War, however the rail bed was used as a road by both North and South to move troops during the battles of Chancellorsville and the
Wilderness. The confederate army used it as a road during the Fredericksburg battle and there are many depressions that can be seen today where the southern army had camped in 1862.
After the Civil War in 1872, the incomplete rail line was sold and the new company was called Fredericksburg, Orange and Charlottesville Railroad Company, the name was changed just 2 years later to Potomac, Fredericksburg and Piedmont Railroad Owned by the Royal Land Company the railroad was completed in 1877, twenty-four years from its start in 1853. After one year in 1878 it was taken over by a man from Philadelphia, L H Richards due to financial problems. Mr. Richards continued to operate the railroad for the next forty-six years until 1924. The Virginia Corporation Commission ordered it dissolved and sold at public auction. The railroad was sold for $70,000.00 to another Philadelphian Gordon Richards, (no relation to L. H. Richards). Gordon Richards was intent on selling the line for scrap metal value. However, a group formed in May 1925 purchased the railroad from Richards under the name Orange and Fredericksburg Railway The railroad was sold again on April 2, 1926, to Langbourne Williams. Williams was
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! Contact us about donating collections of documents and photographs
intent on changing the narrow gage track to standard gage and connecting to the Chesapeake and Ohio tracks located in Orange which was completed in November 1926. Mr. Williams died in 1931and his sons took over operation of the railroad. In 1938 the railroad discontinued the use of the line to orange and the only use of the VCR line was one mile within the city of Fredericksburg.
June 23, 1967, L. M. Williams as a gift to the city of Fredericksburg gave all the stock to the Virginia Central Railway in memory of his father. Fredericksburg operated the railroad for eight years with Vice-MMayor Arthur Smith as its president. Rail vest, Incorporated in 1975, took over operations of the Virginia Central Railway until 1978, when they amassed close to two hundred thousand dollars in debt. With the help of the Richmond, Fredericksburg & Potomac Railroad the city came to agreement that the VCR would be operated by the RF & P Railroad within the industrial park and the federal tax laws would allow the RF & P to become financially solvent from payments owed to the VCR, by the service within the industrial park. Rappahannock Wire Company was the main customer of the RF & P.
On September 15,1983, the Virginia Central Railway ceased to operate, ending one hundred and thirty years since it was started. The Hazel Run Trestle was removed.
The walking trail today is 2.7 miles out and back across route 1, is very scenic and has easy access. It is planned that the entire VCR bed of forty miles to Orange will someday be a walking trail.
TO:
JON R. ARMSTRONG June 3, 1944December 13, 2024
College Roommate and Friend for Sixty Years, God Bless Him, Brenda and Family. ~ "Tuffy" Hicks
Dedicated
Jon Armstrong, Gladys Crouse, BOb Sizemore, & Peter Tompson
Tuffy is Front Porch’s Resident Historian
While researching the homes featured in the Candlelight Tour, a name came up several times. Who was this man, what other structures had he built, and how was he involved in the community?
Alexander Mason Garner (18521920) was a very busy man in Fredericksburg. He was a skilled carpenter, contractor, member of City Council (Lower Ward), and member of several fraternal organizations
Garner built the home where he and his wife, Mary, and daughter, Mollie, resided at 217 Princess Anne Street. He is
that put Garner in the news. He was hired to build a three-sstory annex to what was then Fredericksburg College at 1202 Prince Edward Street . The original property was a home built in 1789 for the Chew family. The Chews made their mark on Fredericksburg-as bankers, clerks of the court (three generations totaling 99 years), agriculturalists, enslavers, and Confederates. When the last Chew decided to sell the house in 1893, the building was converted into an educational institution. In later years, Stoner's Store-a museumoccupied the site.
also credited with building three other houses in his Darbytown neighborhood219, 232, and 313 Princess Anne Elsewhere in the city, he built a home for E D Cole at 1408 Washington Avenue and remodeled St Mary Catholic Church on Princess Anne (The church was housed there until it moved to its new building on Stafford Avenue in 1970.)
However, it was another project
Researching the Chew house for HFFI turned up an interesting article. In 1894, the Daily Star reported, "While Mr. Mason Garner was repairing the Chew property, recently purchased by the Fredericksburg Collegiate Institute, he found between a window sill and the weather boarding a beautiful gold ring set with a diamond and other precious stones. It turned out to be the wedding ring of the late Mrs. John James Chew [Eleanor Ann Patton Chew (1805-1890)], and was lost by her daughter, Mrs. Frank Forbes [Ann Mercer Chew (1826-1896)], about 50 years ago."
In 1937, this same story, with more detail, was recorded by N M Deaderick while documenting structures for the Works Progress Administration of
OUR HERITAGE Alexander Mason Garner
By beth
Virginia Historical Inventory. Frederic Franklin, then owner of the building, confirmed the story. Mrs Peter Daniel, described as a prominent older citizen, provided more details. The ring-with a ruby, emerald, garnet, agate, ruby, and diamond (spelling REGARD) may have been hidden during the siege of Fredericksburg in December 1862. What became of this treasure remains a mystery.
Additional research will find Mr. Garner's name will be associated with more buildings throughout the City, but few with such a sensational story! In 1908, Garner was elected to the City Council, and a newspaper article said, "He is known and liked by nearly everybody." He was also a member of Masonic Lodge Number 4, A.F and A.M., a Knight Templar, a
Pythian, and a member of the Presbyterian Church.
Mrs. Garner died in 1912, and A. Mason Garner's health began to fail. He moved to his daughter's home in Washington, DC, where he died in 1920. His death notice said Mr. Garner would return to Fredericksburg on the 1:05 train to be buried at the Confederate Cemetery next to his wife, with full Masonic honors
Daly is a HFFI Volunteer
Beth
Two Garner Houses Built by A Mason Garner at 219 and 217 Princess Anne Street
Mental Health
fun facts about our nervous system
By karen kallay
Fun fact #1: We have observed the living brain in real time for decades
Equipment called a functional MRI (magnetic resonance imaging), available around 1990, lets us see which regions of the brain are involved in specific activities. A brain SPECT (single photon emission computed tomography) scan is a nuclear medicine imaging test that uses a radioactive substance to create 3D images of the brain's blood flow. This can be used to identify and evaluate neurological conditions, such as strokes, epilepsy, and dementia. Pretty handy!
our heads directly with multiple organs in our chest and abdomen, but it also has areas where it processes information and makes decisions and sends out resulting signals all on its own! Also, the digestive system, not our brain, actually creates nearly all of our "happy" serotonin neurotransmitters!
Fun fact #3: Emotions may be more noticed in our body than our thoughts Of course some people are much more aware of their feelings than others are and even have words for them. But many people notice physical signals first. "My heart aches for you." "Her heart leapt with joy.""His heart froze with terror!" The heart region is noticed although the feelings are being processed in the brain. The heart sensation may be because it is handling a changed speed or blood pressure--the result of a cascade of neural and hormonal messages originating in the brain.
Fun fact #2: We have a "second brain"
Many biologists refer to our gut as our "second brain." This refers to aspects of our long winding vagus nerve which is heavily involved with our digestive system. It connects the brain in
With sustained strong emotions the brain tends to shut down the digestive system We lose our appetite. We may become nauseous. We may get a stomachache. Haven't we all had this when we are very nervous or scared? Of course stomach and digestive troubles may primarily be caused by more purely physical reasons like a bacterial infection, blockage, etc. At first it may be hard to tell.
We may first notice a strong emotion because we verbally or physically lash out at someone "without thinking."
Dang! Did I really just do that? Our brain tends to respond faster to perceived danger without allowing reflection. So unless this more mature-brain
intervention has been practiced many, many times, it's not fast enough to assess what might be less threatening situations
Fun fact #4: The last part of the brain to grow involves maturity and is up behind the forehead It finishes maturing during the mid-20's for males and a little sooner for females. "This portion of the brain is responsible for decision making, reasoning, personality expression, maintaining social appropriateness, and other complex cognitive behaviors." (National Institute of Health) Think of times when the teen does something very risky or foolish and is asked, "Why on earth did you do that? What were you thinking!" and honestly responds, "I don't know why!" Unfortunately, these teen years are when the brain is also more
susceptible to damage from recreational drugs. So mature judgement isn't just the product of more years of experience. It's also when that particular part of the brain has finished growing and becoming faster.
Karen Kallay lives in Fredericksburg and volunteers as Community Liaison for National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) Rappahannock affiliate. She served on the governing board of the Rappahannock Area Community Services Board for nearly a decade. She welcomes comments, questions, and column suggestions at kkallay@namirapp.org.
Many years ago, when on a working vacation in Australia I got a job driving around the suburbs of Melbourne doing house calls. I was summonsed to see a 12-year-old kid with a typical upper respiratory infection (URI) - sore throat, sinus pain, cough.
When I declared - in my best paternalistic doctor mode - "this is just a viral infection" and refused to prescribe antibiotics, I got in a major pissing contest with his mother who told me "our doctor always prescribes antibiotics" - and refused to pay my bill.
Then recently my daughter twisted my arm to prescribe her a Z-pack (azithromycin) for what sounded like a viral infection (though her argument was other people had got miraculously better with a Z-Pack and there was this apparent epidemic of "walking pneumonia" which
can be caused by the bacterium Mycoplasma pneumoniae).
As a primary care doctor, it is very common to see patients with sore throat, congestion, sinus pressure, ear discomfort and cough - all symptoms that most of the time are caused by a virus But frequently, like my daughter, the patient is wanting antibiotics.
We doctors are forever being warned that overuse of antibiotics creates strains of bacteria that will be resistant And the advice of the ivory-tower experts is "wait 10 days" - but my experience is then your patient will take themselves to an urgent care where some obliging provider will want to make them happy, and prescribe antibiotics.
By Patrick Neustatter, MD
Challenging the Dogma
This got me thinking, "is there really such a danger of creating resistant bacteria?"
I am reinforced in challenging this by a couple of hereticsHematologist/Oncologist Vinayak K Prasad MD, MPH and Professor of Medicine at University of Chicago Adam S Cifu MD and their book Ending Medical ReversalsImproving Medical Outcomes, Saving Lives.
They site multiple examples of medical dogma, which, when reexamined, have been found to have no validity - and have led to medical reversals.
So, is our concern about the danger of over-prescribing antibiotics one of those?
The claim is that about 90% of all antibiotic prescriptions are issued by general practitioners, and that treating respiratory tract infections is the leading reason for prescribing - but that 1 in 3 antibiotics prescribed are unnecessary, totaling 47 million prescriptions a year
But, the kind of bacteria that put the fear of God into doctors - Methicillinresistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), Vancomycin-resistant Enterococcus (VRE), and Carbapenem-resistant Enterobacteriaceae (CRE) - are not the kind of bugs that cause Upper Respiratory Infections, so over prescribing here will not create such malicious bugs - so is my over-prescribing for my daughter and my patients with possible viral URI's really so harmful?
Not to mention 80 percent of all antibiotics in the US (13 million kilograms) are used in agriculture - to grow bigger more valuable animals for us all to eat - despite the NIH reporting "use of antibiotics in agriculture is routinely described as a major contributor to the clinical problem of resistant disease in human medicine."
No Other Heretics
Search the Internet as I might, I couldn't find anyone claiming we are overthe-top about our concern about creating resistant bacteria however. Everyone seems to tow the party line that "overuse of antibiotics is creating resistant bacteria that pose a danger of becoming untreatable."
Although nobody quantifies this risk - as is so often the case with these kinds of cautions. Like when the healthcare pontiffs declare "high blood pressure is dangerous." Or "high cholesterol causes heart disease" usually nobody tells you how bad the risk is, so you can weigh the odds and decide for yourself if the risk of having a stroke/heart attack/creating resistant bacteria justifies taking blood-pressure medicines/statins/withholding antibiotics.
So, for now I will promote the party line. I will send this to my daughter, so she can know what anguish she causes me.
And I should go find that nasty mother in Melbourne and make her pay me.
Patrick Neustatter , MD
Flower Essence Therapy vibrational healing
By Mary Beth Geil
Complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) practices have been of interest to me for a while and have inspired me to write these articles. This month's topic is flower essence therapy. Flower essence therapy is considered a CAM practice. I have and do use flower essences.
In addition to a flowers' gift of beauty and aroma, it also has a unique vibration. This vibration is made available for healing through making an essence. The essence can be used for vibrational healing.
Flower essence use has a long history. The Papyrus scripts document the use of flowers to heal emotional imbalances in ancient Egypt. Australian Aboriginals used bush flower essences in healing ceremonies. Native Americans used flower essences. In the twelfth century. Saint Hildegard von Bingen, placed muslin sheets over flowers at night to collect dew, which she used to treat people with emotional imbalances.
Our modern day flower essence use is credited to Dr Edward Bach, a British bacteriologist, physician, and pathologist. Bach left his medical practice to develop a new healing modality derived from the fresh blossoms of plants. The new modality that he developed in the 1930's was flower essence therapy which included 38 essences known as remedies. According to Dr. Bach,. a healthy emotional life and a balanced personality will allow your body to find its own natural state of health. There are essences for humans and our beloved pets. Their website: https://bachcentre.com/en/ Home of Dr Edward Bach and the Bach flower remedy system has additional information on the history and education as well as products for sale.
In May 2017, I worked with local flower essence practitioner, Therese Braford (above). We worked together to hone in on several essences and then narrow down to a few to make a blend to help me at that time. Therese received her flower essence training through the Flower Essence Society and incorporates flower essence therapy into her herbal practice. Essences are usually in liquid form and can be taken directly, placed in a beverage, or infused in your bath
Therese shares "What I've come to understand about flower essences is that a flower is the divine expression of the plant and that the essence of that flower can work to open us to the divine expression we are meant to be! The beauty of flower essences is their ability to work within our energetic body system to clear blockages that may be from emotional wounds and thereby assist us in a safe, gentle and often very subtle way to bring us back into balance Each plant's flowers carry the unique essence (spirit/vibration/energy) of that plant. This energetic essence can be imprinted into a pure water source and preserved.
Simply put, the spirit/life force of the flower imprinted in water becomes a conduit, and works within the electrical system of our bodies, which are mostly water. The right essence will be recognized and used by the body to clear the blockage and help bring balance to emotional issues that cause stress, perhaps before it becomes a physical disease. "
Therese and I chose St John's Wort (shown in picture) to feature. Its flower essence brings brightness and joy, and can literally bring sunshine into the body, helping to sustain light within us. It is an excellent flower essence for those suffering from Seasonal Affective Disorder This flower essence is useful for people experiencing deep fears and anxieties.It is a protective essence useful for all forms of nighttime disturbances including insomnia, night-sweats and nightmares
If you are interested in this therapy, Therese can be reached via email at Allwayshealing2014@gmail.com.
The information provided should not be used for diagnosing or treating a health problem or disease, and those seeking personal medical advice should consult with a licensed physician. Always seek the advice of your doctor or other qualified health provider regarding a medical condition.
Mary Beth lives in Spotsylvania County. She has been inspired to write articles on healing. Stay tuned.
Therese Braford Allways Healing Allwayshealing2014@gmail com
Art in the Burg
Art Galleries in February
“Art is for Lovers”
All Member Exhibit
Opening Reception First Fri, Feb 7 --99p
Brush Strokes Gallery
"Art Is for Lovers," the artists celebrate artistic creations as a vehicle for the expression of love.
The jubilant pair of fowl in Carol Waite's Sumi-e painting "Snowy Dance" conveys the uplifting spirit that love brings to a couple and all the lives they touch, while the candy hearts with Valentine's greetings featured in Stacy Gerise's "Sweethearts" acrylic painting may elicit fond childhood memories of reaching out to that special someone through a classroom delivery. The frozen branches of Laura O'Leary's "Quiescent" photo remind us that love, like the coming spring, has the power to transform the spirit of a site. Artwork such as Norma Woodward's "The Musician" convey the capacity of musical compositions to uplift and bring hope amidst a seemingly dismal scene, while the lines etched on the face of the subject of Valerie McCarney's "The Wise Woman" seem to tell the story of all the emotions recorded in the lines on the face of one individual. Meanwhile, Michele Milano's photograph of the West Point Memorial sculpture is a reminder of the love that
enables those who are committed to the protection of our country to risk all, including their lives, for that mission.
Collette Caprara
The 33rd Anniversary Show
An All-MMember Tribute to Ed King
Opening reception Feb 7, 6pm to 9pm
Art First, 824 Caroline St
Ed King, described as an artist's artist, upon his passing in August of 2024, left a trail of unique paintings and devoted friends as he worked in the Fredericksburg art scene. No one painted a cow quite like Ed. A 20-year member of Art First it seemed only fitting on this the 33rd anniversary of the gallery opening to remember Ed King. Original paintings by Ed will be on display in the main room. Gallery artists will create their own work using his style and techniques as inspirational.
Gary Close
"Coral Reef"
Work from Riverbend High School Artists
Artful Dimensions, 922 Caroline St
Opening Reception, First Friday February 7, 6-99pm
At Artful Dimensions, we always support the emergence of new artists, especially those who work dimensionally. This month, we feature oceanic creatures made from paper, created by Riverbend High School students.
~ Sally Cooney Anderson
“Art Impacts”
Highlighting Black History
Artists' Alliance at Jarrett Thor Fine Arts
Opening Receptions , February 14, 6-99p
100 Taylor St, Ste 101 Colonial Beach
CB Creative , 114 Washington Ave, Colonial Beach
The Artists' Alliance (AA) at Jarrett Thor Fine Arts is celebrating Black History month with a feature show in collaboration with CB Creative (CBC) and Art Impacts International. Art Impacts' director Carolyn Goodridge is curating. The theme of the show is, "How do the six purposes of the US Constitution, found in
the preamble, relate to the diaspora across the globe, and history?"
Additionally, AA artists will display an array of painting, sculpture, photography, ceramics, jewelry, and wood furniture in the far gallery.
Rob Rudick
Ellyn Wenzler, Feature Artist, Canal Quarters, 1517 Princess Anne St Opening Reception, Feb 7 , 5-88:30p
Ellyn Wenzler is a self-taught abstract artist based in Spotsylvania, VA. After years as a computer scientist and raising her family, she turned her painting
hobby into a career in 2018, creating bold, colorful artwork.
Working primarily with acrylics, Ellyn paints vibrant abstracts and scenic landscapes inspired by cherished memories, imagined destinations, and places she'd love to visit. Using palette knives and repurposed materials like gift
cards, she creates highly textured, quiltlike compositions that blur the line between paint, fabric, and paper
Jeannie Ellis
“Sweethearts”, Stacy Gerise@ BSG
“Incoming ll”,Robyn Ryan “Me & Mrs Snow ”,Beverley Coates “Rappahannock Winter”Lynn Abbott
“Coral Reef” @Artful Dimensions
“Fountain of Youth”, Diane Wenzler @Canal Quarters
Ed King@ Art First
Celebrating Black History @Art Alliance
FXBG Film Festival returns this april!
The second annual Fredericksburg Film Festival (FFF) returns to FXBG from April 16-220, and while our lineup is yet to be announced, we can confidently say that the films we will screen will put this city, and festival, on the map as a major hub for cinematic creativity.
By Ryan Cudahy
For the first year of FFF, we strived to showcase films that are not only creative and innovative, but are a tad off the beaten path. This year our theme is "it's not the camera, it's the eye " , which is dedicated to the idea that it is not the camera that determines the strength of a film; it is the eye of the filmmaker who
dreams it into reality
Some of these films may have been bound by budget, but they are unbound by the formulaic structure of mainstream cinema. In that spirit, FFF emerged with one of the best lineups of Virginia film festivals, in only its first year.
FFF screenings, panels, workshops, and mixers will be held at multiple venues in Downtown Fredericksburg, including Courtyard Marriott, Red Dragon Brewery , and Ironclad Inn. The festival will highlight filmmakers from across Virginia and across the country, many of whom will be in attendance. And as of this week, VIP passes for FFF are now on sale!
swag. The Standard VIP Pass earns attendees admission to all FFF screenings and social mixers, as well as priority seating and FFF swag. All-Access VIP passes start at $175 and Standard VIP passes start at $140, until our lineup is announced in March, when the prices will be raised.
Purchasing either pass additionally earns attendees access to an exclusive VIP mixer at Reclaim Arcade on Wednesday, March 19th at 6:00pm. Swing by to play some free arcade games, and get to know other FFF VIP's and filmmakers.
FFF 2025 is shaping up to be an event that not only celebrates the creativity of our extraordinary filmmakers, but provides the people of Fredericksburg with a great opportunity to experience new, innovative cinema.
The All-AAccess VIP Pass earns attendees admission to all FFF screenings, panels, workshops, and social mixers, as well as priority seating and exclusive FFF
Ryan Cudahy is Programming Director for the Fredericksburg Film Festival.
Purchase VIP passes for Fredericksburg Fiolm Festival at fxbgfilmfestival com
Fxbg FIlm Fest 2024 Panel Discussion
Auto Known Better realm of possibilities
By Rim Vining
It took a while, but AI has arrived in Microsoft Word to really irritate anyone who just wants to type a sentence. Their cute little icon appears every time you hit the shift key. "Are you sure you want to write this all by yourself? What about using our copilot? Your editor won't mind." Hence the following AI generated words based on my thoughts above and the intro of "I love old British Sports cars…." Even managed the segue.
This latest development in technology feels as intrusive as a backseat driver, always there to offer unsolicited advice. Ironically, I find solace in the simplicity of vintage machinery, a realm where I can disconnect from the digital world.
I love old British sports cars. There's something undeniably charming about their classic designs and the roar of their engines. The raw mechanical experience, free from modern technological interference, offers a refreshing escape. Whether it's the elegance of a Jaguar E-Type or the spirited drive of a Triumph TR6, these cars embody a time when driving was purely about the connection between man and machine.
Sounds typically British with a pompous flair don't you think. MidSummer Murder-ish where someone dies in a quaint village on que just to keep Barnaby from having a real vacation or celebrating an anniversary. However, it is nice to hear that my world of olde cars, busted knuckles and leaking carburetors is actually a 'realm' where I can disconnect.
Sorry, I got distracted by the cute little copilot icon that suddenly appeared. I meant to begin this month with an apology for January's dark turn in my ramblings as I lambasted the Mush Man and his Cybertruck even if well deserved. I vowed to find only joyous and lighthearted things to write about in this winter month of Groundhogs and Valentines and President's Days but that ended pretty quickly. Groundhogs Day did
not make the cut on my phone's calendar! Meghan Hicks is not happy.
It makes it on the National Geographic and the Nature C o n s e r v a n c y calendars, and the I-phone has it listed but not on a Samsung? How do you know when you get a do-over?
That got me spinning again and rather than think good thoughts about Herbie the Love Bug and the fun little Fiat 500 I went to one of my pet peeves, the seriously bright lighting on modern cars and especially pickup trucks.
A brief history: prior to 1958, dual headlights (i.e. more than two per fender) were illegal as they were deemed too bright and would blind oncoming drivers. In 1974, standardized ride height for all cars and 5 MPH shock-absorbing bumpers were mandated, effectively killing the sports car industry.
Fast forward and we now have LED lighting that can turn night into day and seemingly no enforcement as to how many lights can be on at one time…. and forget ride height limits. I can drive under half the trucks I encounter and their headlights are above the roof of my car blinding me completely. I have had some close calls on back roads when pickups come around the corner and you are completely blinded. One jacked up 4X in town has LED spotlights mounted in all the wheel wells blinding everyone around them. Very dangerous and yes, I will say it… they need more regulation and enforcement.
So with 20% of the vehicles on the road being pickups that aren't even dirty what do these people carry in them? Laundry? Spare air? Evidently, they are now called "Lifestyle" vehicles so I guess that's what it's all about. Style! ~autoknownbetter@gmail.com
Rim Vining, humorist, friend and a devoted community volunteer.
Traffic Calming Measures public input needed on potential traffic changes by erica terrini
Last month, a public meeting held at the Fredericksburg Visitor Center brought locals from in and around the downtown area to hear the latest findings from the "Fredericksburg Downtown Street Conversion Corridor Study " The ongoing research focuses on potential traffic calming measures along with bicycle and pedestrian safety initiatives Area residents gathered to hear reports from the study, which was conducted by members of the Community Planning and Building department in collaboration with the Timmons Group , a national
engineering, design and technology firm.
Thomas Ruff of the Timmons Group's Traffic Analysis, Planning, & Design, said the meeting was the latest outreach effort in order to make the public aware of current steps being taken as part of a larger effort falling under the city's long-term Comprehensive Plan The public policy document aims to establish a vision for the future and heavily relies on civic feedback that will be collected and reviewed through May 2025.
"As of right now, these are suggestions that are in the realm of the possible. These recommendations can be enacted or rejected based on the public's input," Ruff said. "We did look at each of the traffic signals in the downtown area. to encourage more precaution... increasing safety for pedestrians, cyclists and motorist overall."
Ruff said several traffic calming measures were addressed These countermeasures to effectively reduce speeds in the downtown area included mini roundabouts to reduce conflict points and control speeds. Speed tables were proposed to be inserted on long corridors, ahead of pedestrian crosswalks. Lastly, the inclusions of curb extensions would potentially expand pedestrian areas and shorten the travel distance to safely cross roadways. These extensions would also reduce corner radius to slow turning vehicles and physically restrict parking near crosswalks.
According to Director of the Community Planning and Building department, Mike Craig, another focus of the department during the traffic study was the consideration of changing the directions of certain streets downtown from one-wway to two-wway roads
“The city has been doing a series of small area plans.” Craig says “The process has included meetings there is a lot of designer input focused on enhancing the community and focusing on bicycle and pedestrian safety and mobility. "
The study is just the beginning and requires a hefty amount of public input. Work will continue in following months, in accordance with the city's contract with the Timmons Group that extends into the spring of 2025.
"You're going to have to stay tuned because it does take time. Keeping people engaged in the process is not only the right thing to do but it is absolutely necessary for us to make this investment for the sake of the safety of the greater community," Craig said.
C o m p a n i o n s dogs rescued from hoarder by lenoraKruk-Mullanaphy
Old Dominion Humane Society (ODHS) volunteers rescued 33 dogs living in deplorable conditions in an 11-hour, round-trip trek to Southwestern Virginia on January 19. The scared, but friendly, pups, which range in age from two weeks to three years old, were crammed in the house, as well as living outside in the freezing temperatures. Only 11 dogs remained, and they'll be rescued by the county's animal control.
"Our community, once again, amazes me by stepping up so quickly to foster these dogs," said Anna Swann, a 20year-old ODHS volunteer who made the trip to pick up the dogs. "All 33 babies were placed in foster homes immediately."
Swann's 11-hour journey didn't end once she arrived back at the ODHS facility. She and other volunteers teamed up to provide "intake" to the dogs, which included vaccinations, microchipping and examinations. They were fed and given warm blankets and crates to be transported with the fosters to homes where they'll be cared for until they're adopted.
ODHS is entirely run by volunteers and has more than 300 fosters ready to nurture rescues. Once placed in their foster homes, the dogs thrive by being socialized, cared for and given the love and attention they deserve.
Swann, who has been a volunteer with the organization since she was 12, said the rescues are now beginning a new chapter in their lives and it was truly a team effort by the ODHS volunteers.
"The animal control agency said it saved the county shelter from a mass euthanasia by ODHS taking more than 30 dogs directly from the owner," she said. "It was a long trip and a late night, but the team had a great time helping the rescues." If anybody's wondering how we transported all those dogs, we did the job with a Subaru Forester and a little Tetris."
The dogs are now all in foster care and will be ready for adoption shortly.
Lenora Kruk-Mullanaphy is a Public Relations Professional & a ODHS volunteer
ODHS hosts Saturday Strolls and Sunday hikes every week, and the public is welcome
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
Anna Swann, a 20-yyear-oold ODHS volunteer who made the trip to pick up the dogs
THE THE POETRY MAN POETRY MAN
By Frank Fratoe Messenger Messenger
Somehow long ago I began to discover our human caring and wish everyone would learn it too instead of seeing nothing but gloom and ugly acts done by those so morbid hating themselves they cannot accept the good of others.
For we are blessed witnessing seasons change year to year crowded with life that is so beautiful as we are right now and will be in turn if our minds open to consider it all and we listen for messages the heart keeps on telling us..
Frank Fratoe writes poetry from the heart
Astrology & You cleansing
By Dianne Bachman
influence of Chiron (the wounded healer) to the mix and we may find ourselves overwhelmed. The gift here is that we have the energy to come to a deeper understanding of ourselves, others, our world Chiron in Aries flavors this time with courage and the warrior spirit. Mars and Chiron present themselves for some dynamic healing.
February 9: Mercury conjunct the Sun in Aquarius, or Mercury cazimi. Utilize the energies of the union of the Sun and Mercury to be innovative, color outside the lines, get in touch with your inner eccentric and let the brainstorming begin! This is especially powerful if there is a group or cause you can affiliate with.
Did you know that February is named for a Roman festival called Februa?
The word translated in Latin means 'purification ' It was typically celebrated mid-month, and the purpose of the festival was to cleanse, to wash away the old and welcome a fresh start for the new year. We no longer celebrate the feast of Februa but this month the astrological theme has a lot to do with cleansing, but on an emotional level. Mars and the planetoid Chiron are the influencers throughout the month that can bring this gift of cleansing for the emotions
Though Mars energies can bring up frustrations and emotional vulnerability, there is an upswing. We may notice strong feelings arise; many times, related to old wounds. These can influence our sleep, or we may worry, feel angry or afraid. Since Mars is in the sign of Cancer, these may relate to our families or the places we call home. There may be the tendency to want to hide away, to cocoon, but remember this is temporary. Add the
Added to the Mars/Chiron energies is that of Uranus. Uranus will be making a sextile (an energizing 60-degree angle) to Mars, adding air to the fire! The energy of Uranus is swift and sometimes feels like a situation comes out of nowhere. So, astrological charts are kind of like weather reports If rain is forecast, you take your umbrella or raincoat It may or may not rain, but you will be prepared to manage the rain rather than getting caught in a deluge
If you do find yourself in the midst deep hurt, please remember to reach out. Your well-being is important and there are helpers out there who care. Mental Health America Fredericksburg is an amazing organization and a good place to start. Here is their website: www.mhafred.org/.
Now here are highlights for the rest of the month:
February 1: Venus in Pisces conjunct Neptune. For the next two weeks, sensitivity is heightened and the energies bring enhanced creativity and is fabulous for artists and musicians. Create, create, create! Romance is also featured but watch out for Neptune's ability to blur boundaries or produce illusions. Overall, this has the potential to be a time to connect with others in a loving, unconditional manner.
February 4: Jupiter stations direct in Gemini. This is an excellent time to begin a course of learning. Meaningful and exciting communication is also favored, as Mercury makes a trine (120 degree angle) with Jupiter today. Jupiter will remain in Gemini until June of this year.
February 4: Venus enters Aries. Since Aries is the first sign of the zodiac, this can give us a clean start around relationships, romance, or money Certainly, Venus in Aries can be very passionate! Venus will remain in the sign of Aries for the entire month, then station retrograde March 2.
February 12: Full Moon in Leo. Embrace the essence of your inner child. Remind yourself that you have value in this world even if no one is there to applaud. Turn the warmth of the Leo energy back onto yourself and allow it to lead you to confidence.
February 14: Mercury enters Pisces. Intuition is high today Try to set aside time to dream or imagine. Happy Valentine's Day!
February 18: Sun enters Pisces. A quiet period to rest and renew before spring bursts forth with the dynamic energy Aries season. Artistic pursuits are favored. February 23: Mars stations direct in Cancer at 17 degrees Cancer. Though Mars is now direct, we will be in the shadow period until early May when Mars returns to 6 degrees Leo (the point where it went into retrograde). You may notice a lightening of the emotional load and a sense of forward motion. It is now time to begin to integrate the revelations you may have gleaned earlier this month.
February 27: New Moon in Pisces. Meditate on your dreams and enjoy this highly creative day Remember: "Dreams are illustrations from the book your soul is writing about you." (Marsha Norman)
Dianne Bachman is a psychotherapist & astrologer practicing in FXBG. She can be reached at dbachmanlcsw@gmail.com
Fredericksburg Sketches
A visual Celebration of our community
By Paula Raudenbush
Fredericksburg Citgo Station
Often, it's the mundane that catches my eye, especially if I have only a few minutes to devote to a sketch. This is the gas station near my house. There's nothing special about it, just a typical island of gas pumps. It's said that drawing is simply taking a line for a walk, and that's what I did here. I spent about ten minutes on it. If you've made a new year's resolution to start sketching, you'll find that improvement comes with just a few minutes of drawing each day. Cheers!
Paula Raudenbush is the founder of the local chapter of the Urban Sketchers International. She shows her work at Libertytown Arts Workshop
Robbie Burns
poet of the people celebrated by wayne amann
Since 1995 the Scottish Society of Fredericksburg has been honoring Scotland's iconic poet and lyricist Robert Burns. Beloved the world over, "Rabbie" as he was known by his contemporaries, spoke directly to the hearts of workingclass Scots, celebrating their lives with warmth, insight, humor and occasional satire.
This annual tradition continues Saturday, Feb. 1, 2025, when his life and works will be highlighted by the SSF's "Robbie Burns Night," at the Fredericksburg Holiday Inn & Conference Center, 20 Sanford Drive, beginning with a social hour at 5 p.m.
The Scottish Society of Fredericksburg celebrates all things Scottish Scots and their far-flung kin have been remembering and honoring this perennially popular 'poet of the people'
for more than 200 years around the world. Fredericksburg Scots link themselves with all of them during their traditional observance.
Born on Jan. 25, 1759, in Alloway, Scotland, Burns is known as the National Bard, Bard of Ayrshire and the Ploughman Poet, among various monickers. He's widely regarded as the national poet of Scotland and is revered worldwide.
For those unfamiliar with the Burns Supper, a.k.a. Burns Night, the first one was held in memorium at Burns Cottage by his friends on July 21, 1801, the fifth anniversary of his death. Since then, the suppers have been held on or about his birth date by numerous Scottish organizations.
The itinerary for Burns Night
begins with the aforementioned social hour, followed by opening remarks, then a performance by the University of Mary Washington Eagle Pipe Band and Highland Dancers Traditional Scottish bagpipers signal the parading of the Haggis, (a liver, onions, oats and spices main dish). An Ode to the Haggis and the Selkirk Grace follow.
The Welsh Band DragonFyre will perform authentic Celtic music throughout the evening.
A buffet dinner of traditional Scottish and American favorites precedes a round of toasts, a speech about the life of Robert Burns, a recital of Burns poems, a satirical toast to the lassies, and their tart reply to the laddies. Then it's a cash-only ticket raffle for Scottish-related items before the evening concludes with everyone singing "Auld Lang Syne," which Burns himself wrote.
Dress is evening attire. Men wear kilts or jackets and ties while women and children wear something dressy.
In 2009, Burns was chosen as "The Greatest Scot" of all time by the Scottish public in a vote conducted by Scottish television channel STV, narrowly beating William Wallace, who was depicted in the Academy Award-winning movie Braveheart.
Wayne Amann is the Scottish Society of Fredericksburg Publicist
"Robbie Burns Night," Saturday, February 1 Fredericksburg Holiday Inn & Conference Center, 20 Sanford Drive, Beginning with a Social Hour 5 p m
