11renee psaras
fxbg foundational family
25ed foreman
one-of-a-kind stained glass art
31alicia austin
Storytelling costume designs
Porch talk
4 on the porch...life in fredericksburg messages
6 the publisher hotel
7everything green: vernal veneration
8In the Garden: 10 tips to help pollinators
9 growing & crawling: pink pollen club
10 1st responders for vulnerable community
12tidbits...small bites of local news
13 season’s bounty: march into march
14food talk: fondue
15vino: back to basics
16-17Calendar of Events
18history’s stories: ides of march
19 advocates for women
20mental health: what is a good support group
21 Emancipated patients: health benefits of love
22 a match made in heaven
24art in the burg ....galleries in March
26auto known better: snips & snails
28companions: lydia grande
29astrology & you poetryman: for ella
30fredericksburg sketches
3 enriching summer program for hs students
5oyster roast niko curtis benefit
27 flowing forward...40 years of river stewardship
Cover: ””Watching the train” By david c. kennedy
High school students investigate the energy in biopolymers in carbohydrates and proteins by setting food on fire. The session, ' Polymers, Plastics and Me,' was one of several providing hands-on learning opportunities during last year's Summer Enrichment Program.
An Enriching Summer Awaits
UMW's Program for High School
Students
By Amy jessee
steeped in history and primed for the future. opening doors to a one-of-a-kind opportunity for students across the nation to get connected to college.
The 2025 program takes place July 13-19, with a cost of $1,200 for the week, including tuition, room and board, all course materials, field trips and recreational activities.
This summer, the University of Mary Washington invites high school students to experience college and get ahead academically through the 2025 Summer Enrichment Program (SEP ). Combining cutting-edge courses with hands-on activities, the program is open to rising 10th- through 12th-graders, with applications open now through March 21, 2025.
Apply Online for UMW's Summer Enrichment Program Through the Summer Enrichment Program at UMW, high school students can spend a week on a college campus, staying in the residence halls, taking classes with faculty and exploring the city of Fredericksburg, a location
Students take courses to test out potential college majors, explore career fields across subjects and get a taste of college life, from the dining hall to the residence halls during the week-long residential program.
Courses range from photography and printmaking to environmental engineering and electronic music. Students can uncover the secrets of cybersecurity, produce a live video broadcast and learn to harness the power of persuasion.
In addition, aspiring teachers can apply for the future teachers courses through the Summer Enrichment Program, connecting directly to UMW's College of Education and expert faculty. Tuition assistance may be available for the Explore Teaching courses.
See the 2025 Summer Enrichment Program course descriptions at www umw edu/summer/sep/summerenrichment-ccourses/
High school students investigate the energy in biopolymers in carbohydrates and proteins by setting food on fire One of several sessions providing hands-oon learning opportunities during last year ' s Summer Enrichment Program
With more than 20 topics to choose from, students will select three to fill their days, and have time to explore
learn things early and get ready for college life."
more interests on and off the UMW campus. Participants tour historic sites, complete community service projects, go to the gym or pool, and have outdoor and lab activities.
As one prior participant summarized: "It's a good opportunity to
UMW Summer Enrichment Program Open to rising 10th- through 12th-ggraders, from across the nation Applications open now through March 21, 2025
Amy Jessee is Executive Director of University Communication
Photos by Suzanne Carr Rossi.
Penny A Parrish Guest Porch Editorial
Contributing Writers & Artists
Rita Allan Sally Cooney Anderson
Dianne Bachman Bonnie Baker Sonja Cantu
Collette CapraraSuzanne Carr
Cat CarverGary Close
Janet DouberlyJeannie Ellis
Frank FratoeMary Beth Geil
Kathleen Harrigan
Janet L. HedrickRalph “Tuffy” Hicks
Amy JesseeKaren Kallay
Nancy KellyDavid C. Kennedy
Christine Koubek-Flynn
Lisa Chinn MarvashtiRay Mikula Parker Michels-Boyce
Lenora Kruk-MullanaphyM.C.Morris
Vanessa Moncure Pete Morelewicz
Patrick Neustatter Penny A Parrish
Amy PeregoyKatie Pomeroy
Paula RaudenbushRob Rudick
Mandy SmithRim Vining
Tina WillNorma 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
Ad Sales: E-Mail: frntprch@aol.com Web Site: www.frontporchfredericksburg.com
Facebook: @Front Porch Fredericksburg Magazine
Issuu @Front Porch Fredericskburg
The opinions expressed in Front Porch Fredericksburg are those of the contributing writers and do not necessarily reflect the opinion of Front Porch Fredericksburg or its advertisers.
Copyright 2025 Front Porch Fredericksburg Magazine All rights reserved.
ON THE PORCH a tale of two cities
By penny a parrish
I have written a few columns for Front Porch, usually during a month that has a theme. So when Virginia asked me to write something for March, I was stumped. At a local watering hole, I threw the challenge out to friends, and we came up with comparing March in Fredericksburg, VA to Fredericksburg, TX. So that is where this was headed….
Until I made three phone calls to people and businesses down there and either got no response or no interest in this idea. So on to plan B: are there other Fredericksburgs in the USA? Turns out there is an awesome one in Iowa
It's a bit smaller (about 1000 residents) and newer (incorporated in 1894). It is named after Frederick Padden a local settler who platted the area in 1856. They don't have historical figures like George Washington but they do claim Dr William S Pitts, a physician, composer and former mayor who wrote the familiar hymn "The Church in the Wildwood." I grew up singing that.
I reached out to Plum Creek Art Center in Fredericksburg, Iowa and was lucky enough to find treasurer, Linda Rosulek working today. About eight years ago, the City donated an empty bank building for an arts center. Within 3 years, a 63' addition was added through grants and donations. They are an all volunteer gallery/gift shop and have about 60 artists mostly from the region. They provide classes, sponsor shows and are a venue for community events and plan to add a colorful mural to their brick facade. Mondays after school they have art events for kids.
Linda says like many small towns, hers has had to be creative to stay alive. They are a can-do community. A few years ago, their local physicians said they were retiring and told the City in order to attract another doctor to the community, Fredericksburg should build a new clinic. The residents found grants and with many local donations, a new clinic was built. They also found grants and raised funds for a new City Hall.
A former winery is about to become a wedding destination site, a coffee shop is about to open, Westy's Hardware and a grocery store and other businesses keep Main Street alive and vital.
An anchor in the community is the Upham Library. I looked at their website and found a calendar of events, creative if on a smaller scale than our Central Rappahannock Regional Library Here CRRL has a Mahjong group. In Iowa on Tuesdays, there is a game room for Mexican Train Dominoes (which I had never heard of). Library Director Jackie Kush was kind enough to explain the basics to me, and mentioned that a group of ladies was in the midst of a round as we spoke. An upcoming Saturday features "chunky blanket" where residents learn to crochet with their hands and really fat yarn. Their book club in March is reading "By a Thread" by Lucy Score; our downtown branch is
reading "Malibu Rising" by Taylor Jenkins Reid. Jackie spent years as an educator, and brings the joy of learning to this job she's held for five years. Her library is a place to learn, to have fun, to interact and to be a bit noisy at times!
In talking to Linda, we realized that she and her family were passing through Virginia in the early 1990s when
they saw a sign for "Fredericksburg." They got off the Road (probably I-95) and drove through our town and took this photo (above). We laughed today realizing that my online search for a topic led me not only to another Fredericksburg, but to a woman who visited here years ago. What a small world.
Both Fredericksburgs are proud of their history, their people and the sense of community that comes from sharing life together. Their motto is "A place to visit, a place to live and a place to call home." That describes our City as well. Treasuring the past while working diligently for a successful future, we share common goals. And in both places, once the March weather brings spring, we can sit outside on our front porches, with our Front Porch and chat with friends and neighbors as we celebrate two very special places.
Penny A Parrish is a local photographer and writer.
Rosulek Family Visit to FXBG in the 1990’s
Welcome to Fredericksburg, Iowa
40th Annual Oyster Roast for the benefit of niko curtis
Nikolas "Niko" Curtis was a silly, soccer playing, Lego building, roller coaster riding 9-year-old kid with three siblings who were always on the go. However, within two weeks of starting 4th grade, after a long summer of waking up in pain, having a weird gait, multiple doctor visits, and x-rays on his hip and leg, Niko was admitted to VCU and received his diagnosis of Ewings sarcoma , a cancer of the bone and surrounding soft tissues, and started his fight with cancer.
Niko's tumor is near his spine and unfortunately is inoperable due to potential nerve damage. The doctors have recommended a combination of chemotherapy and radiation treatments. He had his first round of radiation in December 2024. His procedures, radiation and chemo will be
ongoing for the next several months with future monthly lab work and tests during the coming years.
Niko's parents Kyle and Kiersten are grateful that he has been selected as the beneficiary of this year's Oyster Roast Donations will go toward Niko's
medications, treatments, and other related expenses.
The Benefit Oyster Roast is an annual fundraiser to benefit an individual or family in the greater Fredericksburg community. The Oyster Roast has been held annually for over 39 years and is currently sponsored and hosted by Fairview Baptist and River Club churches in conjunction with McClung-Logan Equipment CompanyFredericksburg (formerly White Oak Equipment).
Since its inception, over $1.3 million has been raised to help others in our community. The event is unique in that there is no charge to attend the event; rather donations are accepted at the door or in advance. All donations go to the family or individual(s) selected as the beneficiary, as expenses for the event are paid for by various individuals, companies, and organizations in the area.
By bonnie baker
Baker is a member of the Fairview Baptist Church
Oyster Roast to Benefit Niko Curtis March 8, 2-55p FXBG Fairgrounds 24500 Airport Ave
Bonnie
The Publisher Hotel
A literary sojourn at publishing themed hotel
By christine koubek-flynn
Books and classic typewriters fill the shelves behind the check-in desk at The Publisher Hotel, a handsome hideaway occupying the former site of Fredericksburg, Virginia's oldest newspaper, The Free Lance-SStar
Opened in July in the city's historic downtown, the new build's 98 guest rooms and suites are appointed with leather headboards, a sitting area, comfortable working desk, complimentary Illy coffee and a mini refrigerator. Deluxe king or two queen rooms add a lovely balcony with outdoor seating. A handful of suites offer separate dining and living areas.
The onsite restaurant Five Chophouse & Bar is open for breakfast,
brunch, weekday happy hour and dinner. Start the day with a pudgy stack of blueberry pancakes or crabcake Benedict, then return for a dinner of tempting small plates (think croquettes, duck wings, seared octopus) or steaks prepared with a rub of your choosing.
Nearby attractions include scenic river walks, craft breweries, historic tours, boutique shops and more. Rates start at $375 per night. Valet parking is $22 per day.
The Publisher Hotel, part of Marriott's Tribute Portfolio, 711 William St., Fredericksburg, Virginia, 540-5182624
Christine Koubek-Flynn is an author at Arlington Magazine, where this article originally appeared
Courtesy photo from The Publisher Hotel
When you are a nonprofit dedicated to nature and educated in gardening the coming of spring can be revered as the true beginning of the year. On Thursday, March 20th at exactly 5:01am EST, spring begins How can we, as humans, tell this is the precise moment? Because we make up all the rules. Also, because that is the moment when day and night share their hold over us equally. At 5:02am the (hopefully) warm and enticing daytime will reign as we head into the whirlwind that is spring. Oh, what a lovely time to be alive!
Even now, in the soggy ground, seeds and bulbs are pushing out their
roots and shoots, reaching and growing, beginning to display their finery to attract their preferred pollinators. The bluebells are almost ringing, the spicebush is erupting flagrantly in neon green flowers, and the beautiful bloodroot is blooming deceptively white. Our native plants are bursting at the seams with their desire to get on with things!
Meanwhile, our dearly beloved insects (including the wasps and spiders, y'all, don't be weird about it) are poking their adorable little faces out of the leaf litter and the dried up stems of last year and looking for food and other joys that will bring them possibly hundreds of
offspring this season. The bees are buzzing, the slugs are slime-ing, and the cabbage whites are out flapping around all willy-nilly and being a jerk to vegetable gardeners. Millions of members of an important level of the food chain are crawling and flying everywhere. Ready for action.
Where there are bugs there are bug eaters. Our friends of the sky, land, and water are really starting to pack it away. Between meals, our blue birds are working on their first homes of the season. The males are scoping out locations nice enough to convince the females to lay their first beautiful blue clutch of eggs. Meanwhile, our pungently alluring skunk moms are staying up well past their bedtime to be spotted early in the morning digging holes to find the plumpest and choicest of grubs. They need the extra food for their acrid offspring. (If you have a Japanese beetle problem, pray for pregnant skunks.) Meanwhile, in ponds and pools everywhere, the Spring Peepers will soon start to scream loudly and frantically about dating.
This winter was a hard time for many. It is time to shake off the slush and ring in spring with all the fascinating delights it brings and all the hope for growth that naturally fills us, and the rest of the natural world, this time of year.
If you have the passion and interest in helping to connect the community with nature, would like to help shape the future and direction of Downtown Greens, and can attend monthly meetings along with advocating for Downtown Greens in the community, please reach out to Christie Hoerneman, Board President, at choerneman@downtowngreens org
Janet Douberly hopes you all get many chances to go out into nature and fill your head with springtime at Downtown Greens. At Downtown Greens, our mission is to help connect people with nature This not only takes a dedicated staff, but also countless volunteers who dedicate their time and energy in helping a dynamic organization
In the Garden 10 tips to help pollinators
by ray mikula
There are many kinds of pollinators in our world. Bees are the ones that usually come to mind but there are many others. Beetles, butterflies, moths, flies, ants, bats, and hummingbirds all do their part in making sure plants get pollinated and continue to reproduce. Our changing planet and climate have made it difficult for some of these useful creatures to survive as species. Bee, bird, bat and butterfly populations have been dwindling in the last few decades and researchers are busy trying to find out ways to reverse this trend. Habitat loss, and a changing climate which, encourages new pathogens, are some of the main culprits.
Here are ten things you can do that can help.
1. Delay your garden cleanup till spring when the temperature stays above 50 degrees for at least one week. Many insects are in hibernation till the weather warms. Usually this occurs in March. Removing and trimming plants too early
can remove, damage, or dislodge them and they will perish.
2 Leave woody stems about 8-12 inches high so next years insects can deposit there undeveloped offspring there.
3 Put up mason bee nests (pictured top left) so new bees can have a place to be housed.
4. Don't disturb nests in the ground, if possible. Seventy percent of our 400 Virginia bee species nest in the ground.
5 Assure these creatures have access to water during the hot dry sum-mer weather. If you already have a bird bath, put a rock in the middle so insects that might slip in have a way to climb out
sure to have some perennials in your garden.
7 We see red but most pollinators don't. Bees favorite colors are blue, purple, orange, yellow and white That's why hummingbird go to red flowers because they haven't been visited by other pollinators yet and there is more to eat.
8. Many pollinators like plants that are tall. Dwarf varieties of plants are seldom visited by pollinators.
9 Double flowers look great but do little for pollinators. Single flowers get the most action.
10 . Plant plants that bring pollinators to your yard. There are two categories of bees: generalists which will visit any nectar source plant and specialists which will visit as few as one or two types of plants. Plant plants that invite many types of bees to your yard. Blue Fortune agastache is one of the best for this. Others include Eastern Redbud trees, Canadian service berry, wild bergamot, and button bush. Make your garden a welcome space for as many pollinators as possible.
6
If you want to do more with your garden this year you might want to join the Master Gardeners of the Rappahannock at their Spring Symposium , April 5 at Gari Melchers Studio, 224 Washington Street, Falmouth, VA It goes from 8:30 am till 3:30 pm Featured speakers include Bryce Lane and Cole Burrell
For ticket information go to MGACRA org and click on 2025 Spring Symposium then online reg-iistration
RayMikula is a Master Gardener.He has several acres of garden space & has been gardening for 62 years. Before retiring Ray was a Earth Science & Astronomy Teacher
Most bees are attracted to native perennials instead of annuals. Make
Let's talk about a spring ephemeral that really puts the beauty in spring! Virginia Spring Beauty, Claytonia virginica, is starting to bloom on the forest floors of our region and the many pollinators that rely on this early source of nectar are rejoicing!
One pollinator in particular, the Spring Beauty Bee, Andrena erigenidae, a native mining bee, relies solely on this sweet pink bloom for its pollen and nectar without which their larvae could not survive. And much like other scenes of bees visiting flowers, these little mining bees do get covered in pollen while going about their pollination business. The only difference is the color of the pollen collecting on their legs. Spring Beauty flowers are very rare in that they produce pink pollen instead of the classic yellow or white. The bees take this pollen back to their nests and turn it into little pink cakes that are each decorated with a single bee egg.
Growing & Crawling pink pollen club
By janet douberly
Not only is this little flower useful to the bees, the whole plant is also completely edible for humans In fact the corms, the tuber-like growths on their roots where they store energy, are particularly delectable and a favorite among seasoned foragers. They are packed with vitamins A and C and can be consumed raw or cooked.
The flowers of the plant are nyctinasty, meaning they react to the change in light. They quickly close up when the sun sets or is covered in an eclipse
Janet Douberly is also a nyctinasty at Downtown Greens.
FIRST RESPONDERS for Vulnerable Community Members
By Nancy Kelly
According to Merriam Webster's Dictionary, a first responder is "a person who is among those responsible for going immediately to the scene of an accident or emergency to provide assistance."
For 47 years, Empowerhouse has been a first responder in our community, meeting people where they are, impeding or stopping traumatic harm or death.
We have empowered survivors of domestic violence and their children to believe in themselves and build new lives filled with dignity, respect, safety, and hope. With our free and confidential services, we help to break the cycle of violence through shelter, housing, advocacy, education, awareness, prevention, and intervention.
We answer the 24-hhour confidential Hotline and offer a caring ear and life-changing services. We show up at the hospital after a survivor has endured abuse, so they know they are not alone, and we can help. We accompany survivors
and their children to court and provide emotional support and assistance navigating the legal system when they testify against their abusers, a scary and stressful experience. We also do so much more!
In 2024, we helped over 3,400 people and delivered our Healthy Relationships Classroom Presentations to 4,600 elementary, middle and high school students.
However, with potential federal funding pauses and related complications placing one third of Empowerhouse's funding in jeopardy, our lifesaving programs are under threat
Without ongoing support, we will struggle to provide Crisis Intervention and Advocacy, Risk Assessment and Safety Planning and these free vital services to victims of domestic violence: Emergency 24-hour Residential Shelter and Housing 24-hour Confidential Hotline
Children and Youth Education and Outreach about Healthy Relationships
Court Advocacy, healthcare and hospital accompaniment
Location-based services at the King George, Stafford and Spotsylvania County Sheriff's Offices
Support Groups for women, children and teen girls
Spanish Language and Culturally Relevant Services
24-hour Lethality Assessment Protocol (LAP) response with law enforcement
Empowerhouse will continue to be here, but we will be challenged to meet the urgent needs of thousands of vulnerable community members who are at risk for harm or death.
Your tax-deductible gift can help us ensure that we continue to provide for the safety, health and well-being of our community. To donate, please go to our
website www empowerhouseva org. You can also support Empowerhouse and survivors of domestic violence by mailing your check to Empowerhouse, P.O. Box 1007, Fredericksburg, VA 22402. Thank you!
If you, or someone you know is experiencing domestic violence, please call Empowerhouse's free, confidential 24hour Hotline at (540) 373-9373.
Nancy Kelly is the Development Director of Empowerhouse.
Foundational FXBG Families renee's crÍpes & cakes
Back before Eagle Village, when we called it "The Park and Shop," there weren't a robust number of restaurant options in Fredericksburg. In the 80'sThe Parthenon Restaurant was a staple and a favorite among college students and families. A beautiful Greek-inspired mural adorned the wall, and the amazing smell of Greek and Italian dishes, drifted out the door…and the Pizza was simply amazing! And by the way, it still is!
Here's the story of a Fredericksburg foundational family business - in 1983, Sophia and Manny Psaras acquired the Fredericksburg restaurant and made it their own, having moved from Greece to the DC area in the early 1970's. The Psaras' restaurant was a family affair. As a "regular", I recall their daughter, Renee, in the Parthenon, when she was young.
"I grew up in the restaurant, I washed dishes at age nine, by age 11, I was taking orders and serving tables." Renee continued, "I graduated high school, became a dental hygienist, moved around a bit including living in Greece. I was planning to start a restaurant business there. I always knew
I wanted to build something of my own….but Fredericksburg seemed to call me back."
In 2015, Renee and her husband Foteinos (folks here call him Frankie), converted the shop one door away from The Parthenon, into a Crêperie Renee’sCrepes & Cakes At the crêpes shop, she has combined her love for Greece, the culture and the food, and her love of Fredericksburg. While crêpes are a French staple, and the flour is authenticimported from Europe -Renee's offers a rotation of sweet and savory, many with Greek-inspired flavors. Regular crêpeloving customers, travel from Woodbridge and Richmond to enjoy the delicacies. It is worth the drive as there is so much to enjoy including homemade soup each day and a wide-variety of Greek sodas and other dessert specialties. She loves to cater, too and can create any style
by M.C. Morris
cheesecakes, cake bites and other tasty options.
"I do love Fredericksburg - and what it has become," Renee added. And Fredericksburg loves having such authentic flavors, hospitality, and people who treat you like family, as soon as you walk in the door.
M.C.Morris is the Assistant Director of Tourism for the City of Fredericksburg
Mon-Thurs,11am-9pm Fri & Sat,11am-10pm Sun,11am - 9pm Bar open until 2am everyday
200 Hanover St. ~ 373-0738
Abbie is OLD in Retail Years
Bart Goldberg - at the Card Cellar - collects more than quirky gifts and amazing accessories - he collects friends that become family.
Meet, Abbie, she has been behind the counter for more than 20 years.
IF you do the math - that means Abbie has been running the store's register since she was 8!
Bart, the owner has had a best bud - for a REAL long time. That buddy also is Abbie's dad.
Since she was tiny, she loved coming to visit at the store. By the age of 8, she had learned to run the register. Bart is like a 2nd dad to her. Both Dad's would be hanging/working at the store and Abbie jumped right in, and never left.
Abbie, is now the Card Cellar's Social Media Maven, and she is still selling - at this iconic 915 Caroline Street store.
Friendships like Bart's, fun and enterprising young "ones" like Abbiemakes the Card Cellar - and Fredericksburg a very special place.
City Council Appoints Susanna Finn as Ward 3 Councilor
Finn will serve as City Councilor through the remainder of the current term ending December 31,2025
Finn is a public planning professional & Chair of the FXBG Planning Commission.
“Fredericksburg, and particularly Ward 3, is where my family and I have planted our roots, grown & thrives. I am excited about the bright future of our dcity”, stated Finn
TidBits small bites of local News
City Council Approved Rezoning for Jeremiah Community, Housing for the Chronically Homeless
The city council voted 6-0 to approve two ordinances and a pair of resolutions related to the Jeremiah Community, project championed by Micah Ecumenical Ministries as an enduring solution to homelessness in the city..
According to Meghann Cotter (Michah Executive Leader), Micah and other stakeholders will spend the next 6-8 months site planning, a process that involves city staff. They're also looking to raise an additional $17.5 million for the project, with approximately $6 million already raised, Cotter said.
The initial phase of the project will be built off Wicklow Dr. and will include 50 small homes and a community center. Cotter said she envisions the community center as "a hub for a lot of the supportive services," needed by the development's future residents, many of whom fit the definition of chronic homelessness. Those services include case management, healthcare and income development.
Community
Announces Retirement q“Yes, I am leaving my beloved Germanna Community College in July of this year to work a more flexible and less demanding schedule. We will stay in the area, and I hope to consult as an executive and organization coach”, says Gullickson.
By Amy Peregoy
Virginia Tourism Corporation Announces U S Civil Rights Trail Podcast
Virginia Tourism notified Fredericksburg Economic Development and Tourism that they will be producing a 3-eepisode podcast of the US Civil Rights Trail sites in Virginia Fredericksburg was added to the US Civil Rights Trail in February 2024,. The Fredericksburg Civil Rights trail is a 21-stop trail that highlights impactful sights and stories told by local oral histories in the City and on the University of Mary Washington campus.
Always Flavored Announces New Location
Always Flavored, the awardwinning, locally sourced brand known for its premium hot sauces, seasonings, and gourmet offerings, is excited to announce the relocation of its store from 610 Caroline St to a new, expanded location at 619 Caroline St, (formerly Southern Bagel) The move is expected to be completed no later than March 31, 2025, with hopes of opening sooner. "We are excited to stay in downtown Fredericksburg and continue being part of this vibrant community," said Rita Witte, founder and owner of Always Flavored. "This new space will allow us to connect with our customers in a more personal way, host exclusive tastings and events, and further our mission of providing high-quality, locally sourced flavors to the community."
Amy Peregoy is FXBG Economic Development Manager
Germanna
College President, Janet Gullickson
March is one of my favorite months of the year - the promise of Spring is finally here. I've spent this snowy winter looking through garden catalogs, planning the varieties of vegetables that I will grow, and ordering the seeds. It's easy to grow seedlings indoors, then to transplant them after they've grown and been hardened off. I probably won't plant six zucchini and yellow crooknecks again - even my neighbors were overwhelmed with the bounty!
Summer 2024 was our season of peppers, too many peppers. Green bell peppers, poblano, cayenne, Tabasco, jalapeño, even ghost peppers practically took over - never in all my years of gardening have I ever seen such a bounty crop! The mild fall saw me picking green
bell peppers and poblanos into November - my freezer is still full to bursting with peppers. I made hot sauce, dried cayenne peppers and ground them to make my own spice, pickled jalapeños and donated the ghost peppers to a hot-sauce making friend. So, make a note of fewer peppers this year. This is a fun part of gardening, planning before the sweat work of the summer. But the results are even betterfor me, it's time to clean out the freezer of last year's bounty. Here are a few recipes to try.
ENCHILADAS POBLANO
In a large saucepan over medium high heat, brown one pound of ground beef with one half pound each chopped poblanos and onions.
When cooked through, stir in 1tsp each oregano, chili powder and granulated garlic, 2tsp cumin, 1/2tsp each black pepper, paprika, smoked paprika and cayenne pepper and 2T chicken base. Then stir in 1/4cup tomato paste and 1/4c water - cook over medium low heat until well combined.
Then stir in 1/2c shredded mixture of Monterey Jack and sharp cheddar cheeses (or a packaged Mexican blend). Add more salt if needed, then set aside. Stir together 1/4c tomato paste with 3/4c water and 1tsp garlic and cumin, 1/2tsp each oregano and chili powder. Pour several tablespoons in the bottom of a 9"x13" pan.
Fill 8 flour tortillas with the meat/pepper mixture, rolling them up and placing them in the pan seam-side down. Pour the remaining sauce evenly over the tortillas, then cover with additional one cup of shredded cheese mixture. Bake in preheated 375F oven until bubbly and cooked through. Top with chopped fresh cilantro and green onions and serve with sour cream atop (if desired).
SHEET PAN SAUSAGE AND PEPPERS
Cover a sheet pan with parchment paper and preheat oven to 425F.
Place 6-8 sweet or hot Italian sausages on the pan along with 1/2inch thick slices of 3 green peppers (or a mixture of green, red, yellow and orange) and 1/2inch slices of 3 medium onions
Drizzle with olive oil, add S&P to the vegetables and roast on the top rack of preheated oven 18-20 minutes until the sausages are cooked through and the vegetables are done.
While they are cooking, make marinara sauce. (I also froze a TON of tomatoes. You can use a jarred marinara sauce instead, but FRESH MARINARA SAUCE can't be beat.) Sauté one medium finely chopped onion and 4cloves grated garlic in 3T of olive oil in a deep sauté pan over medium to medium low heat until the onions are softened and translucent. Add in 6cups of defrosted Roma tomatoes (or 2-28oz canned Romas - or even fresh in the summer), S&P to taste plus 1tsp sugar, 1/2tsp each dried oregano and basil (or 1T each finely chopped fresh) plus hot pepper flakes if desired and simmer together about 20 minutes.
And for dessert, I'm pulling out the last of my frozen peaches for PEACH FROYO To the bowl of a food processor add 4c frozen peaches, 4T honey, 1/2c Greek yogurt plus 1T fresh lemon juice and process until creamy, about 4-5 minutes. Serve immediately or freeze airtight. I hope you enjoy cleaning out your freezer as much as I do - happy Spring!
Vanessa serves up yummy recipes for all seasons
Food Talk
Fondue, that is still a thing?
By rita allen
After a day carving through the snow-covered Alps, there's nothing quite like gathering with friends around a steaming pot of fondue, accompanied by a glass of chilled white wine. It's the ultimate après-ski ritual, combining warmth, flavor, and camaraderie. Whether you're dining at a family-run chalet in a mountain village, or exploring the cobblestone streets of Geneva's Old Town, fondue is as quintessentially Swiss as their iconic chocolate or precision-crafted watches.
The word fondue comes from the French verb fondre, meaning "to melt," and translates directly as "melted." Its first appearance in French was in 1735 in Vincent La Chapelle's Cuisinier moderne, and it entered the English language in 1878. Initially, the term referred to dishes combining cheese and eggs, resembling something between scrambled eggs and a cheese soufflé.
Although fondue is now synonymous with Switzerland, its roots trace back much farther. Around 800-725 BCE, Homer's Iliad described a dish made of goat's cheese, wine, and flour-a precursor to the modern dish. Centuries later, fondue as we know it began to take shape in the 18th century in Switzerland. Alpine villagers, facing harsh winters, created a practical dish using aged cheese, stale bread, and wine.
The earliest recipe resembling modern fondue appeared in a 1699 Zürich cookbook under the title Käss mit Wein zu kochen ("to cook cheese with wine"). It called for grated or cut-up cheese melted with wine, served with bread for dipping. What began as a dish of necessity, made from leftover ingredients, gradually evolved. In the French Rhône-AAlpes region, peasants used cheese rinds, strong alcohol, and crusty bread to sustain themselves during the cold months. Meanwhile, town dwellers in French-speaking Switzerland embraced the dish, refining it with rich cheeses like Gruyère and Vacherin, which were initially too valuable for widespread rural use.
By 1875, a recipe for cheese fondue (without eggs) had been published, marking its recognition as a Swiss national dish. The addition of cornstarch in 1905 further improved its consistency, making preparation easier and expanding its appeal.
Fondue's rise to cultural prominence was propelled in the 1930s by the Swiss Cheese Union (Schweizerische Käseunion), which promoted it as a symbol of Swiss unity. The Union's marketing campaigns emphasized fondue's communal and national significance, creating regional variations, and even distributing fondue sets to Swiss military regiments. Following World War II, as rationing ended, fondue was transformed from a rural necessity into a glamorous après-ski tradition enjoyed by the wealthy.
The dish's popularity soon spread beyond Switzerland. In 1964, fondue was showcased at the Swiss Pavilion of the New York World's Fair, introducing it to a global audience. Americans, captivated by its interactive and communal nature, embraced it as a dinner party staple in the 1960s and 1970s. Swiss and German immigrants brought fondue traditions to places like Wisconsin, further embedding it into culinary culture.
Fondue comes in four distinct varieties, each offering a unique experience.
Cheese Fondue is perhaps the most iconic. Depending on the region, the cheese combinations vary, but the most popular is moitié-mmoitié, meaning "half and half." This blend typically combines Gruyère with a cow's milk cheese such as Raclette, Appenzeller, Emmentaler, or Vacherin Fribourgeois In classic Swiss recipes, two cheeses are used-one for flavor and another for texture-along with kirsch for aroma, garlic for zest, and a crisp white wine to bring everything together. The wine also helps to keep the cheese from becoming too stringy.
Traditional Swiss fondue features gruyère and emmentaler cheese, combined with flour, garlic, and a dry wine, sometimes enhanced with spices like paprika, nutmeg, or cayenne. Accompaniments include crusty bread, diced potatoes, cornichons, and pickles. Gruyère, with its rich, nutty flavor, has ancient roots..
Beyond cheese, Meat Fondue emerged in the Middle Ages in Burgundy. Peasants working long hours would cook skewered meat in a communal pot of boiling oil, creating Fondue Bourguignonne This hearty tradition continues, offering a satisfying way to prepare tender, flavorful meats.
A lighter alternative, broth fondue, owes its origins to a Swiss traveler who experienced a Chinese hotpot and brought the concept back home. Known as Fondue Court Bouillon, this method uses a seasoned broth to cook meats slowly, infusing them with subtle flavors. Broth-based fondues are often paired with dipping sauces inspired by global cuisines. From Tunisia and Algeria comes a spicy harissa-ttomato sauce, while India offers a curry-ttomato blend. Hungary contributes paprika-bbased sauces, and Bulgaria combines mustard, ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, and demi-gglace Provence adds mayonnaise-bbased sauces like aioli, Dijonaisse, or horseradish mayonnaise to the mix.
Chocolate Fondue , a modern addition to the fondue repertoire, is believed to have been invented in the 20th century, possibly in America or as a French chef's Toblerone promotion. Regardless of its origins, chocolate fondue is beloved worldwide. It pairs perfectly with items like cookies, pound cake, brownies, Rice Krispie Treats, meringues, and even candy.
Whatever type of fondue you choose-whether melted cheese, savory meats, or indulgent chocolate-its charm lies in the communal nature of the meal. Sharing the experience with good company makes every bite even more memorable.
Preparation
To create an authentic cheese fondue, start by selecting high-quality, meltable cheeses. You might start with a visit to a farmers' market. Or, you can pick up a box of ready-made fondue mixes of grated cheeses from City Vino, of a mix of Emmentaler and Gruyère. For a creative twist, consider cheeses like gouda, provolone, cheddar, or Monterey Jack, which also melt smoothly into a creamy consistency.
An authentic fondue set is essential. Upscale shops you'll find caquelons-ttraditional earthenware pots These pots heat evenly and retain warmth, ensuring your fondue stays perfect throughout the meal. Start with a bit of
Chassalas, and as it warms, add the cheese. It is really as easy as that.
You can flavor your fondue with mountain herbs, nutmeg, mustard, or even a hint of tomato coulis. Bread is the classic accompaniment-sturdy white or brown bread cut into bite-sized cubes-but potatoes, cornichons, and pickled pearl onions also pair beautifully.
Consumption and Etiquette
Fondue is served family-style, making it a cozy, communal dish. Each diner skewers a piece of bread or other accompaniment, dips it into the bubbling cheese, and swirls gently to coat the morsel. Take care not to soak the bread too long-it might disintegrate and fall into the pot! Losing your bread is considered a faux pas, often met with playful penalties like buying a round of drinks or washing the dishes.
Stir the cheese occasionally in a figure-eight motion to prevent sticking and ensure even consistency. While bread is the classic dipper, feel free to get creative-fruits, vegetables, and even meats are delightful when coated in melted cheese. In fact, nearly anything tastes better with cheese!
Whether you're enjoying fondue as a main course, appetizer, or dessert (think chocolate fondue), the focus remains the same- savoring delicious food while sharing good company.
Whether you're savoring the last bites of cheese or indulging in a decadent chocolate dip, the experience is about more than just the meal. It's about connection-sharing stories, laughter, and warmth with those gathered around the table. Fondue continues to bring people together, turning a simple dish into an unforgettable experience And as you raise your glass of chilled white wine, you can't help but smile, knowing that some traditions are as rich as the cheese itself.
Spring is a good time to go back to "wine" school and get down to basics; to go back to the root of your wine enthusiasm. Whether you drink wine for sport or edification, it always enriches the experience to get down to the roots. Going back to basics is always a good exercise, to not only enhance your experience, but to refresh the mind and awaken your palate to new experiences.
Why go back to the basics? "I have been experiencing/drinking wine for years," you say. "I know what a Chardonnay tastes like, I know what Merlot tastes like, etcetera, etcetera." But have you gone back to the benchmarks of Chardonnay, Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, or Pinot Noir? You might be surprised if you reach back to the good ol' standards and do some comparisons. In fact, you might find a new favorite, or discover you like another style of your favorite grape. A great exercise to start with is to grab a few bottles of the same varietal but from "benchmark" old world regions
Keep the exercise simple. Go with a single varietal, or a wine with at least 80 percent of a varietal. For whites, choose a Chardonnay from California, a White Burgundy (most times referring to Chardonnay sometimes referring to Aligote, from Burgundy or "Bourgogne,") and one from Chablis (which is always Chardonnay) the benchmark being the White Burgundy. Choose a Sauvignon Blanc from New Zealand, one from the Sancerre region in France, and one from Chile. Another white to consider would be Pinot Gris, choose one from Veneto, Italy, from Washington State, and from California. For Reds, choose a Merlot from California, one from the right bank in Bordeaux (St. Emillion is an easy-to-find area), and one from Washington State. Cabernet Sauvignon from California, Chile and Left Bank Bordeaux (Look for StEstèphe, Pauillac, St-Julien and Margaux). A Pinot Noir from Oregon, Burgundy (Red Burgundy or Bourgogne), and Northern California. To challenge yourself, you could conduct the tasting blind, and maybe invite a few of your closest wine friends to join you Have an impartial person bag and number the wines.
The benchmark for the Chardonnay would be the white burgundy, with characteristics of apples, pears, and
Vino back to basics by Rita Allen
possibly some brioche notes, with medium acidity and, if oaked, would be very well integrated so as a complement, and not in the forefront. In comparison, you might notice mineralities and wet stone in the Chablis, and most likely more oak presence with some diacetyl, and possibly more ripe or bruised apples, crisp green apple, in the California Chardonnay, depending on what area you choose. Chardonnay can be a chameleon, being affected by its terroir and production. For the Sauvignon Blanc, we recommend using the New Zealand as the benchmark Characteristic notes being hay, gooseberries, lemongrass, and kiwi, whereas the other too will be lighter on all those attributes, and the Sancerre will be a little more restrained, with notes of guava and more floral, possibly fullerbodied, a little less acidic, and a bit more oiliness (covers the tongue) on the palate. As for the Pinot Gris, you can use the Italian one as your benchmark, but in this case, it is up to your discretion. "Pinot Gris" is the grape but is also a style. Pinot Grigio is the style in which Pinot Gris is done in Italy as well as many other regions, with crisp citrus notes of lemon lime, possibly, high acidity. "Pinot Gris," the style as done in Washington state, is a little more stone fruit, and a little fullerbodied; more elegant, if you will.
For the red wines, the benchmark for Merlot would be a right bank Bordeaux with at least 80 percent Merlot The benchmark for Cabernet Sauvignon would be a left bank Bordeaux, where the Cab is at least 80 percent. You will find that the focus in wines from Bordeaux is on balancing the fruit with oak as an integration, with possible notes of dark raspberries, eucalyptus, and vanilla in Merlot, and black cherry, baking spices, cedar, and leather in the Cab Sauv. Both will have an average alcohol level. In
comparison, a Merlot from California may be more fruit-forward, with notes of blueberries, or red plums, and depending on any blending or oak treatment, may be more one-dimensional. The Cab from California might have a heavier oak presence, with dark fruit and a bit more cedar notes, and a higher alcohol content from fruit ripeness. A Cabernet Sauvignon from Chile would be old-world style, as in France, with fruit notes of blackberry, black currant and vanilla, chocolate, tobacco, and cedar. For the Pinot Noir, again starting in the old world, a red burgundy is going to be light in body upon appearance, and filled with black cherry, dark plum, and hints of baking spices like cardamum. Most Pinot Noirs from Oregon mimic the flavor profiles of Burgundy, especially those from the Willamette Valley area; however, in other areas and in California some have a bit higher alcohol and are more fruit-forward, with a stronger presence of black cherry notes.
Keep this exercise simple or expand it and challenge yourself and your friends For homework, browse through wine notes on Wine Folly or from Jancis Robison, or your favorite wine resource. Start with the benchmark wine, take some notes, and then follow through with comparisons, or do the whole thing blind, and see if you can pick out the new world vs old. Take time with each wine to examine the color, the flavors you are getting, whether it has high alcohol presence, the viscosity and make it interactive with your "classmates." There are so many ways you can tailor this, so have fun with it! If anything, this exercise might cause you to be more aware of the wines you are tasting … not just drinking.
"The best way to learn about wine is by drinking." -Alexis Lichine City Vino, 100 Hanover St (use Sophia St entrance) owner Rita Allan will answer all your wine questions
Saturday March 1
Winter Farmers Market, Dorothy Hart Community Center, 8a-1p
Stroll with Rescue Dogs at Old Dominion Humane Society! 8:40AM, 3602 Lafayette Blvd Shorter distance, flatter terrain, smaller dogs, Sunken Well Saturday: Brunch from 9-2, 720 Littlepage
Wine & Food Expo, Fxbg Convention Center, 11a-4p, guided tours, interactive activities, family fun $
Live Music @6B&G, Sharif, 7-9p, 1140 International Pkwy
Live Music @Colonial Tavern The Big Land, 8-11p, 406 Lafayette Blvd
Sunday March 2
Pups On The Patio At Starbucks 821 Warrenton Rd, meet some adorable Old Dominion Humane Society pups & dogs looking for fur-ever homes
Join Old Dominion Humane Society in Hikes w/ rescue dogs. dogs paired with hikers on the trails. ODHS center 3602 Lafayette Blvd 8:30 a.m..
Sunday Brunch Sunken Well Tavern, 9a-2 , & bluegrass music from 6-8, Sunday Brunch at the Colonial Tavern 11a-3p
Bridal Show Under the Stars, enchanting evening with wedding inspiration. Vendors,samples, bridal fashion, photographers , Silk Mill & Woolen Mill 1707 Princess Anne St, 5-7:30p
Monday March 3
Open Mic @Colonial Tavern sign-up:6:45; Music begins &p, 406 Lafayettee Blvd
Tuesday March 4
Tap into Trivia Night , Red Dragon Brewery , 1419 Princess Anne ST, 7p
Wednesday March 5
Trivia Night, Sunken Well at 6:30pm 720 Littlepage
Join Trapper Young at 6 Bears & Goat Trivia Night 7 pm. 1140 International Pkwy
Open Mic @Original Grinds coffee shop, 615 Caroline St, 7:30-10p
Music Trivia Night @Log Home Brewing, 6:30p, 5727 Courthouse Rd
Thursday March 6
WHM Speaker Series 10 A CRRL Aud Bacon's Rebellion: local by Scott Walker, retired educator & local historian. Free,
The Urban Sketchers (Warsaw) monthly sketching meetup Three Dogs Whine Winery, 7981 Kings Highway King George, VA. 3p
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, 6:30
Live Music Acoustic Onion, featuring music of the Beatles, Colonial Tavern, 406 Lafayette Blvd
First Friday March 7
"Spring Fever" artist invitational show, Brush Strokes Gallery opening reception 5-9p, 824 Caroline St
Take Me Away"Works by Cindy Madigan Artful Dimensions, 922 Caroline St Opening Reception, 6-9pm
FCCA "Faces & Figures", Sharon Boyle, Tom Updike; Members Gallery, Michael Dean, 813 Sophia St
"Into the Woods and Beyond" Maggie Lawrence Opening reception 69pm. Art First, 824 Caroline St
Live Music @Wild Hare Cider Pub, Laurie Rose Griffith & Peter Mealy, 6p, 205 WILLIAM sT
Free Music Friday , Red Dragon Brewery , 1419 Princess Anne ST, 6:30p
Dr Yum Casino Night, party with a purpose, Dj Seth Casana, Old Silk Mill 1701 Princess Anne, 7-11p
Live Music @Adventure Brewing Sabin Band, 7-9p 33 Perchwood Dr
Live Music @6B&G, Marc Allred, 7-9:30p
St George Lenten Weekend Program with Rev Dr Lauren Winner acclaimed writer, professor & Episcopal priest, "Accounting for Hope" All faiths, traditions,& walks of life invited complete agenda www.stgeorgesepiscopal.net/lenten-weekend-2025.
Saturday March 8
Stroll w/ Rescue Dogs at ODHS8:40AM, 3602 Lafayette Blvd Every Sat.
Sunken Well Saturday: Brunch from 9-2, 720 Littlepage 40th Annual Oyster Roast to benefit Niko Curtis *(see pg5)
Coffee with a Cop @Anita's Cafe, Caroline St, 9-11a
FXBG Funnies, a night of standup comedy, Allstate Theatre, 810 Caroline St, 4th Fl, 8p Mature Audience
Live Music @6B&G Night Cap, 7=9:30p, 1140 International Pkwy
Live Music @Log Home Brewing, Unsung Rock, 6p, 5727 Courthouse Rd
Live Music @Wild Hare Cider Pub, The Ralstons, 6p, 205 William St
Sunday March 9
Daylight Saving Begins
ODHS Hikes w/ rescue dogs. dogs paired with hikers on the trails. Hikers meet at the ODHS center at 3602 Lafayette Blvd 8:30 a.m..Every Sun
Sunday Brunch Sunken Well Tavern, 9a-2 , & bluegrass music from 6-8, Sunday Brunch at the Colonial Tavern 11a-3p
Monday March 10
Open Mic @Colonial Tavern sign-up:6:45; Music &p, 406 Lafayettee Blvd
Tuesday March 11
Tap into Trivia Night , Red Dragon Brewery , 1419 Princess Anne ST, 7p
Remember the Ladies 6 PM CRRL Month, exciting discussion panel to who have left an indelible mark on F Great Lives Series ", 7:30p Dodd Au Elizabeth Varon.
Wednesday March 12
Trivia Night, Sunken Well at 6:30pm Trapper Young at 6 B&G Trivia Nig
Open Mic @Original Grinds coffee sh Music Triva @Log Home Brewing, 6:
Thursday March 13
Gari Melchers Home & Studio Pictu people w/memory loss, their famili guided discussion in art galleries, a Emphasis on engaging participants 12p, 224 Washington St, Falmouth
Discover VCAP: Conservation Assist Braehead Farm - Red Shed Great Lives Series ", 7:30p Dodd A Beethovan & Einstein, presented by Open Mic w/Cosmic Collective , Re Anne ST, 6:30
Friday March 14
74th Annual Fine Art Show & Sal
Dorothy Hart Community Center FR "Youth Art" Artists' Alliance at Jarret March 14 6-9p 100 Taylor St, Ste 1 Free Music Friday , Red Dragon Brew Live Music @6B&G, Paper Heart Duo
Live Music Phenomenal Conundrum,
Saturday, March 15
74th Annual Fine Art Show & Sal
Dorothy Hart Community Center FR Sunken Well Saturday: Brunch from St Patrick Day Celebration, 7-9p, A
Find your lucky charm at the ODHS have adorable pups and dogs lookin
AAUW Guest Speaker Stephen J. Farn U.S. Presidential Election Results," FX
Historic Frederickburg Foundation Central Rappahannock Area Library Wild & Scenic Film Fest series of insp conservation , Chandler Ballroom, U
DAR of events
Aud In honor of Women's History
o highlight the remarkable women Fredericksburg's history. .
ud James Longstreet, presented by
m 720 Littlepage
ght 7 pm. 1140 International Pkwy hop, 615 Caroline St, 7:30-10p 30p, 5727 Courthouse RD
ring New Connections: program for ies, care partners. interactive tours a relaxing hands-on art experience. thru music, touch,& smell. 10:30-
tance for Your Property, 4pm-6pm,
Aud DaVinci, Shakespeare, Newton, Bulent Atalay
d Dragon Brewery , 1419 Princess
le with the annual Kid's Art Show REE , 10a-8p
tt Thor Fine Arts Opening Receptions 01 Colonial Beach
wery , 1419 Princess Anne ST, 6:30p o, 7-9:30p, 1140 International Pkwy , @Adventure Brewing N, 7-9p
le with the annual Kid's Art Show REE , 10a-6p
9-2, 720 Littlepage Adventure Brewing North booth at Spotsy Towne Center, We'll g for their forever homes.6p-10p
nsworth, PhD, UMW"Analyzing 2024 XBG Library, Rm2, Lower Level. 10 a
Annual Membership Meeting , 1pm Theater, 1201 Caroline Street.
pirational films featuring adventure, MW, 1600 College Ave, 5:30-8:30p $
FXBG Symphony Orchestra "Lolli-Pops" Concert, a one-hour kid friendly performance, James Monroe High School, 2-4p
Live Music @6B&G, Rocky Guttman, 12-2:30p, 1140 International Pkwy
Live Music @6B&G, Tennyson Dragon, 7=9:30p
Live Music @Wild Hare Cider Pub Ryan French, 6p, 205 William St
Sunday March16
74th Annual Fine Art Show & Sale with the annual Kid's Art Show
Dorothy Hart Community Center FREE , 10a- 4p
Sunday Brunch Sunken Well Tavern, 9a-2 , & bluegrass music from 6-8, Sunday Brunch at the Colonial Tavern 11a-3p
Puppy Yoga @Awesome Possumz 211 William St, 10:30a-12p beginnerfriendly, low impact yoga class
St Patrick's Day Monday March 17
Open Mic @Colonial Tavern sign-up:6:45; Music begins 7p, 406 Lafayettee Blvd
Tuesday March 18
Motts Run Reservoir Clean-Up, 9a-1p
Tap into Trivia Night , Red Dragon Brewery , 1419 Princess Anne ST, 7p
Great Lives Series ", 7:30p Dodd Aud Hedy Lamarr, presented by Stephen Michael Shearer
Wednesday March 19
Trivia Night, Sunken Well at 6:30pm 720 Littlepage
Trapper Young at 6B&G Trivia Night 7 pm. 1140 International Pkwy
Open Mic @Original Grinds coffee shop, 615 Caroline St, 7:30-10p
Music Trivia Night @Log Home Brewing, 6:30p, 5727 Courthouse Rd
Thursday March 20
Spring BeginsGreat Lives Series ", 7:30p Dodd Aud Jay Gatsby, presented by Bob Batchelor. .
Repurposed/Recycled/Reused Art Exhibition March 20-23 Canal Quarters, 1517 Princess Anne St Opening Reception, March 30 , 5-8p
Live Music Bruce Middle Group, 7:30-10:30p, Colonial Tavern, Open Mic w/Cosmic Collective , Red Dragon Brewery , 1419 Princess Anne ST, 6:30
Friday March 21
"Pints & Predictions", Adam Stone Mind-Reading, Hypnosis & Magic Show @Log Home Brewing, 7p, 5727 Courthouse Rd
Live Music Suzie & Stephen Acoustic @Adventure Brewig North, 7-9p
Live Music @6B&G, Crowded Minds, 7-9:30p, 1140 International Pkwy
Saturday March 22
March Nature Walk on the Belman Campus, Downtown Greens, 11a
Free Music Friday , Red Dragon Brewery , 1419 Princess Anne ST, 6:30p
Live Music with Ladia @Sunken Well Tavern, women in music celebrating women in music, 720 Littlepage, 7-9p
Live Music @6B&G, John Paul Brown, 7-9:30p 1140 International Pkwy
Sunday March 23
Join ODHS Hikes with rescue dogs. 3602 Lafayette Blvd 8:30 a.m..
Sunday Brunch Sunken Well Tavern, 9a-2 , & bluegrass music from 6-8,
Monday March 24
Open Mic @Colonial Tavern sign-up:6:45; Music begins &p, 406 Lafayettee Blvd
Tuesday March 25
Tap into Trivia Night , Red Dragon Brewery , 1419 Princess Anne ST, 7p
Wednesday March 26
Trivia Night, Sunken Well at 6:30pm 720 Littlepage
Trapper Young at 6B&G Trivia Night 7 pm. 1140 International Pkwy
Open Mic @Original Grinds coffee shop, 615 Caroline St, 7:30-10p
Thursday March 27
Live Music FXBG Blues Society Electric Blues Jam, open to all players, Colonial Tavern, 406 Lafayette Blvd, 7-10p
Open Mic w/Cosmic Collective , Red Dragon Brewery Pr Anne ST, 6:30
Friday March 28
Spring Break Cinema, Riverfront Park, 6:30p, FREE
Free Music Friday , Red Dragon Brewery , 1419 Princess Anne ST, 6:30p
Live Music @6B&G, Bailey Hayes, 7-9:30p, 1140 International Pkwy
Saturday March 29
Stroll with Rescue Dogs at Old Dominion Humane Society! 8:40AM, 3602 Lafayette Blvd
Brickfair LEGO fan expo, celebration of all thimgs lego, exhibitors, vendors FXBG Convention Center, 10-5p. Show thru Sunday
Swamp Trash Band USA CD release party Colonial Tavern 8-11 PM. Hear songs from new CD "Homeboy's Place", songs
Live Music @Wild Hare Cider Pub KAVLICK, 7p, 205 William St
Sunday March 30
ODHS Hikes w/rescue dogs. 3602 Lafayette Blvd 8:30 a.m..
Monday March 31
Open Mic @Colonial Tavern sign-up:6:45; Music begins &p, 406 Lafayettee Blvd
If you are reading this 332nd 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 April 2025 issue is March 19th
Helping homeless children and families in City of Fredericksburg, Counties of Caroline, Stafford & Spotsylvania 540 371 0831
history’s stories
Ides of March
By Ralph “Tuffy” Hicks
The Romans did not have a number for each day of the month such as 1 thru 31 as we do. The Romans counted back from the three fixed point of the month. The Nones was the 5th or 7th eight days before the Ides (13th of most months) however, the 15th in March, May, July and October. The Kalends was the first day of the following month. Simply the Nodes 5th thru 7th, Ides the 13th for eight months, and the 15th for March, May, July and October.
In 44 BC the Ides of March became famous as the date of the assassination of ruler Julius Caesar
Originally the Ides were supposed to determined by the full moon, reflecting the lunar origin of the Roman calendar March (Martius) actually was the first month of the Roman year that was not change until the second century BC. In the earlier Roman calendars the Ides of March was the first full moon of the new year. The Ides had many functions set to happen every month such as rents were due and all payment of debts were to be
March (Martius) was named for the Roman god Mars, whose birthday was celebrated on the first day of the month.
The Ides of each month was a religious day to the Romans supreme deity Jupiter. The high priest would sacrifice a sheep. The Romans celebrated several events during the month of March with picnics, drinking and revelry. A celebration as we do on New Years Eve ending the old year and celebrating the coming of the new year.
The assassination of Julius Caesar in 44 BC on the Ides of March is one of the best known events on that date. Caesar was stabbed to death at a meeting of the Roman Senate by over 60 individual's to include Cassius and Brutus his best friends. Caesar joked with the seer that had warned him that harm would come to him on the Ides. Caesar passed the seer and said ,"the Ides of March are come."
The seer replied, "Aye, they are come, but they are not gone." Caesar's assassination
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
was the beginning of the end of the Roman republic.
There were several civil wars that led to one of Caesar's heirs Octavian in 27 BC that led to the end of the Roman Republic. Octavian on the fourth anniversary of Caesar's death executed 300 Roman senators and others that had fought against him. This was done to avenge Caesar's death. The Romans treated the day as a religious celebration
Prayers for my wonderful wife Anne in her battle with Cancer Love You
Dedicated To: Robert Sullivan, Charles Herron, Wayne Ubank, Doug Hall, & Robert Gibbons
Tuffy is Front Porch’s Resident Historian
Painting “Death of Julius Caesar”, Vincenzo Camuccini, 1806
Advocates for Women American Association for University Women
AAUW Returns to Fredericksburg
The American Association of University Women (AAUW) was established in 1881 and has been working to advance gender equity and to level the playing field for women and girls for more than a century. The original mission of advocating for women and girls through research, education, and advocacy continues to guide the organization today. On March 27-28, 1925, the seven already
existing local branches of AAUW in Virginia met in Williamsburg. When they adjourned, the Virginia Division of AAUW was a reality. In the 1950s, Fredericksburg established a branch of AAUW, but that chapter disbanded in recent years.
As the AAUW of Virginia celebrates its 100th Anniversary on March 28-29, 2025, the organization welcomes its newest branch, AAUW Fredericksburg Area Branch, a re-creation of the branch that was disbanded. The Fredericksburg Area Branch was launched in 2024 by myself, who currently serves as president of the local branch. Other officers include Marjorie Och, Treasurer; Debe Garrison, Secretary; and Barbara Williams, Membership Chair.
When I moved to Fredericksburg in November 2023, I was disappointed to learn that Fredericksburg no longer had a
By Janet L. Hedrick
branch of AAUW. I had been an active member of the Mount Vernon Branch of AAUW, one of several branches in Northern Virginia. I consulted with Patsy Quick, the president of the Mount Vernon Branch, and the process to form a new branch began. The bylaws were approved in August. The branch was approved by the National Board of Directors in September of last year. All the requirements to establish the Fredericksburg Area Branch were completed by the end of 2024.
The local branch of AAUW will be participating in the AAUW of Virginia 100th Anniversary Conference on March 28-29 in Old Town Alexandria. I and a fellow member, Vicki Meadows, will be attending the conference. The branch will be sponsoring an ad in the Conference Program featuring a picture of the bridge over the Rappahannock River. The branch will be contributing a basket of items from Fredericksburg to be raffled with baskets from other branches to raise funds for AAUW's Greatest Needs. The basket called "Fun and Frolic in Fredericksburg" is designed to promote historic Fredericksburg.
The branch is also participating in a statewide effort to donate 100 items to a charitable organization in the branch's community. AAUW Fredericksburg Area Branch is donating 100 bags of feminine hygiene products for female students in grades 5 - 12 to be distributed during School Dressing Days in July 2025. School Dressing Days is an annual event that provides new school clothes and supplies to financially disadvantaged families in the city of
Fredericksburg and the counties of Caroline, King George, Spotsylvania, and Stafford.
The branch upcoming educational programs.
On Saturday, March 15, Stephen J Farnsworth , Professor of Political Science and International Affairs and Director of the Center for Leadership and Media Studies at the University of Mary Washington, will make a presentation on "Analyzing the 2024 U.S. Presidential Election Results." The meeting will be held at 10 am in Room 2 on the lower level of the Fredericksburg Library, 1201 Caroline Street, Fredericksburg.
On Saturday, April 26, Jennifer Swann, Director of Information Security at Bloomberg Industry Group, will address "Artificial Intelligence (AI): The Future and Its Risk" at 2 pm in Room 2 on the lower level of the Fredericksburg Library, 1201 Caroline Street, Fredericksburg.
For more information on AAUW, please contact Janet Hedrick at jhedrick815@gmail.com.
Janet Hedrick is a Phi Beta Kappa graduate of the University of Mary Washington. She taught high school mathematics and physics for several years before launching a 45-year career in fundraising. She wrote the book "Effective Donor Relations" which was published in 2009 and she received the Distinguished Alumni Award from Mary Washington in 2023. She moved to Fredericksburg in November 2023.
Mental Health what the heck is a good support group?
By karen kallay
This isn't about supply lines for a military incursion. It's about being human and honoring what we need beyond air, water and food!
Social Supports
Humans are very social beings. Across the eons, this seems to have been part of surviving long enough to procreate. Today, we instinctively seek to develop friendships and belonging. We learn to practice social skills ("getting along") everywhere we go. Initially, we are developing these skills automatically with family, friends, neighbors, and teachers. Soon, these skills and connections are helping us to complete training, get jobs, find fun and lovers.
What about the child, youth or adult who lacks these social skills and supports? Well, statistically they are more likely to be on the fringes of society and unhappy. They are more likely to be physically and/or mentally ill We do need to remember that some mental illnesses
emerge from a genetic predisposition, but most seem to be the result of some combination of trauma and lack of selfworth, social support, and/or skills of resilience.
Resilience and Informal Supporters
Some people, through some combination of nature and nurture, have strong resilience, the ability to handle setbacks and difficulties, to dust themselves off and move forward. Fortunately, a good night's sleep often lets our brains do some of that automatically. Most of us also find the process easier if we can talk or write it out. Another aide is to "journal." This means typing or writing out our stream of consciousness with no editing and the expectation of guaranteed privacy. Ideally, we each have a special friend or relative who can be trusted to just listen and care and maybe echo back the main things they are hearing.
Sometimes we can benefit from a support group, whether informal friends, or more formally provided.
Organized Support Groups
These are groups of people with some issue in common and who are led by a person with a relevant background and training to help ensure that the group's time is productive. These are NOT "pityparties!" The commonality might be dealing with adjustments to a new culture and language. It might be dealing with a medical diagnosis and learning to navigate the medical community. It might be about raising children with significant special challenges. It might be about having an emotional illness oneself.
Support groups are provided by a huge variety of social, mental, and physical service providers, by for-profits, and nonprofits. Ever since Covid, most are online. Many are free. Look online. Ask around!
Why do people enroll in a mental health support group? According to the nonprofit National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI), here is why:
To leave feeling better than when they arrived
To feel that they contributed and that they were supported
To feel that they have something in common with others
NAMI trains its peer facilitators how to promote a positive experience. We assume that participants want a safe place where they won't be judged and where boundaries are enforced by capable facilitators.
All of NAMI's support groups (and other services) are free. They are listed with details on the local NAMI website at www namirapp org/connection Some are for parents and some for troubled adults.
The local Rappahannock Area Community Services Board (RACSB), in addition to its professionally provided individual and group services also offers free online support groups led by specially trained peers. Some have a more particular focus. They are described and listed here rappahannockareacsb.org/peer-support/
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.
You aren't to know, but, appropriately, I am writing this on Valentine's Day.
Appropriate because I am writing about love - which you might think a little squishy - but it has relevance to your health.
I am inspired to write about love in part because our new minister at the Fredericksburg Unitarian Fellowship, David Brown , talked to our End-Of-LifeConversations group, about the book Love and Death by Forrest Church
Church, was the minister at the Unitarian Church of All souls in New York for 30 years. He wrote this in 2007 when he got the news that the esophageal cancer had come back. He died in 2008.
"I Cannot Tell What This Love May Be"
However, this "love" thing confuses me a bit.
I am put in mind of Patience in the Gilbert and Sullivan operetta of the same name, which was the school play one year at the boarding school I attended, and I was a proud member of the chorus of Dragoons.
Patience, seeing a lot of swooning, lovesick maidens besotted with the foppish poet Archibald Grosvenor (a spoof on the aesthetic movement of the 1880's and Oscar Wild) sings "I cannot tell what this love may be. . . . . it cannot be joy and rapture deep, or why do these ladies weep ?. . . "
This is a bit how I feel. But this
whole love business seems to be a bit overthe-top in America.
The Brit's think of love as when you fancy someone - romantic love. They don't tell their children "I love you" every time they end of a phone call. Some curmudgeonly Brits' even consider love a four-letter word.
Church's beautifully written book is mostly about his dealing with the death and his personal theology - though he does claim "without love, nothing matters" and that God is love.
I was prompted to explore.
A Whimsical Health Benefit This took me to new realms.
Writer Alain Badious in his book In Praise of Love, recognizes three kinds of love. Romantic ecstasy. Legalistic contract. Or perhaps, a bit cynically, a "skeptical illusion."
Schopenhauer known as a gloomy pessimist - hated love. Kierkegaard - who was despairing about the compromises and cruelties of lifethought love was divine. Philologist, philosopher, poet, and composer Nietzsche says it's an "instinctual force related to our biological and cultural drives."
A comment on Reddit I rather liked was “love can be considered somewhat overrated, mainly due to the emphasis on romantic love being portrayed as the ultimate source of happiness and fulfillment."
The Unitarians - who seem a little OTT about love in my opinion, with the
By Patrick Neustatter, MD
billboard declaring "love is love" (which I don't quite understand but read is " a core teaching") seem to see love not just as having the hots for someone but a force for good.
This is where the health benefit comes in If it builds community, companionship, and healthy, supportive relationships, these are things that are documented as having a distinct health benefit. It boosts our immune system, makes us tolerate pain better, lessens risk
of depression, makes us live longer, improves behavior and reduces stressaccording to researchers at the University of Texas.
So . . . . . love thy neighbor and all that. It's good for you - it's good for them as well.
Patrick Neustatter , MD is the Medical Director of the Moss Free Clinic
AMatch Made in Heaven
Joyce & Sophie
By lenora Kruk-Mullanaphy
Old Dominion Humane Society (ODHS) has come a long way since Chrissy Blake, ODHS founder, opened its doors to find forever homes for rescue dogs. Every rescue that's paired with the perfect family is a step toward providing them the life they deserve and, for many of them in dire situations, a chance to finally trust humans. ODHS is celebrating Sophie, the first-eever rescue dog adopted from its organization about a dozen years ago Sophie has lived happily all these years since she was adopted and has overcome her harsh years as a puppy.
Sophie's case was a sad one, as she was originally rescued by ODHS from living her young years in a stark shed. Through the seasons, she weathered storms, the freezing temperatures and oppressive heat. The scared dog was neglected to the point that her fur was matted, and it was so bad she even had a lollipop embedded in it.
"Sophie was originally named Ninja before my grandmother, Joyce Kleff , adopted her," said Alyssa Perry "We saw Sophie's picture, and her eyes were so soft and loving. She was about the same size and age as my grandmother's other dog, Roxie. We just had this feeling she'd be a really good fit and companion for my grandmother and Roxie."
Kleff and Sophie live in Beaverdam, Va., and the rescue has been a loyal companion. When Roxie passed away, Kleff adopted another dog named Lily. Sophie, being the sweet and good-natured dog she is, welcomed the new dog to the family.
"I'd known Chrissy (Blake) since we went to elementary school together, and I was aware of the work she was doing to help dogs in our local area," said Perry. "I knew Sophie would be a great dog for my grandmother, because I trusted Chrissy and knew she'd ensure that the adoption process went smoothly."
Perry said Sophie is healthy and a great match for Kleff. All these years later, Kleff is still smitten with Sophie and enjoys sitting in her recliner watching movies and snuggling with her. A match made in heaven, the four-legged friend sleeps in bed with Kleff each night and is a Velcro dog-she sticks like glue to Kleff's side.
Sophie loves everyone she meets and has lived a wonderful life since being adopted 12 years ago. From the caring
volunteers at ODHS to the loving heart of Kleff, Sophie has received regular grooming and any and all veterinary care she's ever needed.
"Sophie's spoiled and even has my grandmother trained that every day around lunchtime she gets two chicken jerky snacks," said Perry. "Sophie waits by the pantry to get her treats."
While Sophie holds the title of being the first rescue adopted from ODHS in 2013, the organization has found homes for more than 7,000 dogs since then Blake continues to dedicate her life to rescuing dogs in dire situations, including mistreatment and neglect, owner surrenders, those with disabilities (deaf, blind, leg amputation) and others from high-kill shelters. The nonprofit organization is a no-kill rescue entirely run by volunteers, and it cares for and houses the canines while helping to find perfectly matched homes for them
Lenora Kruk-Mullanaphy is a ODHS volunteer
Joyce Kleff enjoys a relaxing afternoon with Lily (left) and Sophie, the first rescue dog adopted from Old Dominion Humane Society in 2013
Art in the Burg
Art Galleries in March
“Spring Fever Artist Invitational Show in Support of Local Artists
Opening Reception First Fri, March 7 --99p
Brush Strokes Gallery
824 Caroline Street
Brush Strokes Gallery is honored to host its Artist Invitational Show "Spring Fever" this March, showcasing the work of six local artists: Elizabeth Seaver, Jane Cariker, Joan Limbrick, Joelle Cathleen, Julie Neumann, and Tracey Brinkman Media include oil, acrylic, watercolor, and mixed media.
The "Spring Fever" Artist Invitational Show is also about community connection, bringing together artists and patrons of the arts.
"To witness the moment when someone connects with a piece of art is so rewarding as an artist," said Kimberly Zook, a member of Brush Strokes Gallery. "With this show, we are supporting artists in our community and helping visitors to see their art."
More than just an opportunity to showcase the work by local artists, this show gives the community an experience to celebrate Spring through the creative works of art by Brush Strokes Gallery members and invited artists.
In addition to experiencing the impressive creations of the guest artists in Brush Strokes March invitational exhibit, visitors will also have the opportunity to explore the artwork of gallery members in
a variety of styles ranging from realism to stylized symbolism. Original art is a treasured keepsake and, as a gift, is a lasting, personalized expression of care and common heart.
~-Collette Caprara
"Into the Woods and Beyond" Featuring The Works Of Maggie Lawrence
Opening reception March 7, 6pm to 9pm Art First, 824 Caroline St
A stunning collection of moody and enigmatic paintings make up Maggie Lawrence's solo show in March. "I see life in layers," Lawrence explains of her body of work, "so I paint in layers. I want to be in places that suggest a story and a mystery. As a result, I paint locations that create that for me as well." Art First artists will bring in new works for the March exhibit.
Gary Close
“Youth Art”
Artists' Alliance at Jarrett Thor Fine Arts
Opening Receptions March 14 6-99p
100 Taylor St, Ste 101 Colonial Beach
We will celebrate Youth Art Month in Virginia, with a feature show of work from Colonial Beach High School students. Additionally, all AA members are returning from hiatus, to display their array of painting, sculpture, photography, ceramics, jewelry, and wood furniture
Rob Rudick
bench, tucked away in a corner, creating with leather. I'd go with him on Saturday mornings to the local leather shop to pick up tools and supplies. When he passed away in 2016, I inherited his tools and a wish to someday carry-on this tradition. His tools sat in my basement until the fall of 2020. After working in the corporate world for more than 30 years, I decided to follow my passion. I dusted off my dad's tools and launched Cinder Goods the following year, creating beautifully crafted leather goods that are longlasting and artfully designed."
~ Sally Cooney Anderson
Repurposed/Recycled/Reused
Art Exhibition
March 20-223
Canal Quarters, 1517 Princess Anne St
Opening Reception, March 30 , 5-88p
~Jeannie Ellis
“Take Me Away” Works by Cindy Madigan
Artful Dimensions, 922 Caroline St
Opening Reception, First Friday March 7, 6-99pm
If you dream of getting away from it all, take a journey with Cindy Madigan to some of our beautiful National Parks, just by seeing her work. Each piece represents a different get-away that is good for the body and the soul. Using the highest quality full-grain leather from around the world, Cindy represents the Shenandoah Valley, The Virginia Blue Ridge, Wolf Trap, Joshua Tree National Park, and many more!
Says Cindy, "My interest in leather-craft is rooted in my childhood. To unwind from work, my dad would come home each night and work at his
Third Annual Expressions of Tomorrow
Art Center of Montross 14961 Kings Hwy Montross, VA 22520
Show through March 23
An inspiring exhibition showcasing the artistic talents of students from Westmoreland County. This exhibition features a diverse collection of paintings, drawings, sculptures, and mixed media works, reflecting the imagination and artistic growth of these emerging talents. Don't miss this extraordinary showcase of tomorrow's artists!
“Spring in the Desert” Jane Cariker, @ BSG
Artist
“Incoming ll”,Robyn Ryan “Talking A Blue Streak”,Beverley Coates
“Refuge”Lynn Abbott
“Blue Ridge Tote”, Cindy Madigan @Artful Dimensions
“Expressions of Tomorrow” @Art Center of Montross
“Into the Woods”, Maggie Lawrence @ Art First
Celebrating Youth Art Month @Art Alliance
Ed Foreman
creating one-of-a-kind stained glass art
By Jeannie Ellis
As a child growing up in a small town in Pennsylvania, Ed Foreman was fascinated with the beautiful stained glass windows in the Presbyterian Church his family attended, not knowing the full impact that would have on him until moving to Fredericksburg, VA
Ed discovered his passion for stained glass in 1999 through a beginner class offered by the Navy MWR at Dahlgren. The class taught the basic concepts of designing and crafting stained glass panels. After the month-long class, Ed was hooked on crafting stained glass! In that class he learned how to pattern, cut, grind, wrap, solder and frame glass into stained glass pieces.
What started as crafting Christmas ornaments for family and friends and renderings of the wedding engagements of his family members as wedding gifts quickly grew into designing custom, commissioned pieces.
With his wife Piper's help, Ed created a stunning rendering of the Presbyterian Church of Fredericksburg as a gift for a retiring pastor, and people began to notice After posting the picture to social media and people seeing it in person, interest grew to have customized windows and panels made for gifts and for made for people's homes.
Today, Ed and Piper stay busy creating beautiful, one-of-a-kind stained glass art and keeping the bay window at Canal Quarter Arts filled with their vibrant designs.
From small ornaments, to fulllength window stained glass inserts, restoring lamps and historic stained glass art, Ed's work and ability continues to grow. Ed and Piper have done a number of commissioned stained glass windows for gifts or to fill specific windows in people's homes when they are looking for a one-ofa-kind piece of art made just for them and designed with their vision in mind.
During a First Friday event in Fredericksburg, Ed and his wife Piper met up with me, the owner of Canal Quarter Arts Studio (CQA) and as luck would have it, the window space at CQA was available and I was looking for someone to fill the window with stained glass. As interest in his stained glass grew, Piper began helping by drawing and designing pieces, helping to select glass and doing some foiling of the glass pieces.
His gift is rendering your most special moments into one-of-a-kind stained glass windows.
Jeannie Ellis is the owner of Canal Quarters Art Studio
Foresman
Auto Known Better snips & snails
By Rim Vining
Snips and snails and puppy dog tails or as my wife chimed in :
Raindrops on roses and whiskers on kittens
Bright copper kettles and warm woolen mittens
Brown paper packages tied up with strings
These are a few of my favorite things
I needed someone to snap me out of my malaise. I am having a hard time being lighthearted about the coming year or even the coming weeks but fear not! There is a solution.
Take a young lady for a ride in the old 1955 MG TF that will someday be hers and the one she has always dreamed her father would drive her to her wedding in. Add to that the fact that the car has been in grandpa's garage most of her life but she has actually never ridden in it. Oh, and she can't drive a stick. There might be some hurdles to overcome but… such a smile on someone's face does make you have faith. She sees a bright future, so you just smile.
Cream-colored ponies and crisp apple strudels
Doorbells and sleigh bells and schnitzel with noodles
Wild geese that fly with the moon on their wings
These are a few of my favorite things
Not really. The whole ponies and strudel thing does not make me want to bake and I'm more inclined to do rack-olamb with my noodles. Add to that a nice shitake mushroom gravy finished with Courvoisier! Quite tasty. And oh, by the way, Carl's is open… get it while it's cold and creamy. I highly recommend the strawberry with a drizzle of good chocolate sauce. Can't hurt.
Girls in white dresses with blue satin sashes
Snowflakes that stay on my nose and eyelashes
Silver-white winters that melt into springs
These are a few of my favorite things
This a verse you have to like, especially the winter melting into spring. After all, we live in Virginia so this can't last much longer. That's not to say March can't be dreary and cold and damp but there are those warm days and the early crocus popping up and Guiness and Irish whiskey and...
Now that we're feeling all warm and fuzzy, I can hear that left rear about to go flat and I don't see a Mobile to pump up the flat wheel and I don't have a spare. So, while we wait for the tow truck: I can't help but make the analogy between current events in government and real life issues In the span of a few short weeks many of the people who have served our country faithfully for decades in civil service, defense and law enforcement have been summarily dismissed. Instead, the new administration has purchased an entire fleet of Edsels and parked them in the garages of government. They were a poor design to begin with, they are not at all reliable and they are way too expensive but they are flashy so they will look good in the circular driveway for the photo op. The horse collar grill seems fitting.
Imagine if we had all the auto mechanics count off 1.2.3.4 and then fired all the #3s? Think you lose any knowledge? Think anyone who did the firing knows who was fired and what was lost? Think your car will still be ready by the end of the day?
But I do take heart. Spring means sports cars and motorcycles waking up from long winter naps. You hear them in the distance on a warm evening like a faroff train whistle and you know all is well. Someone is having a good time. autoknownbetter@gmail.com and thanks to Rogers and Hammerstein Rim Vining, humorist, friend and a devoted community volunteer.
Flowing Forward
F.O.R. Celebrates 40 Years of River Stewardship
From the mountain streams in the Blue Ridge Mountains to the rushing rapids along the fall line in Fredericksburg to the vast briny waters at the mouth of the Rappahannock, the river is in constant motion-a current of life flowing past meadows and farmlands, through vibrant communities, and into the Chesapeake Bay. Just as the river never stops flowing,
Friends of the Rappahannock (FOR) never stops working to protect this treasured resource.
For 40 years, Friends of the Rappahannock has been a guardian of the river and its tributaries. Founded in 1985 by a passionate group of paddlers, conservationists, and river enthusiasts, FOR has served as an outdoor classroom for thousands of future river stewards, a launchpad for innovative restoration projects, the voice of the river, and a gathering place for volunteers to impact the river they love. As we celebrate this milestone anniversary, we reflect on our past and look to the future-to the students, educators, advocates, volunteers, and supporters who
by cat craver & katie pomeroy
will take up their paddles and continue rowing us forward into the next 40 years.
One of the founding voices of FOR is Bill Micks, whose love affair with the Rappahannock began as a Boy Scout in 1959, the first time he dipped his paddle into its waters. That moment sparked a lifelong devotion. Bill taught canoeing through the American Red Cross, launched an outfitting business to help others experience the river firsthand, and eventually helped establish Friends of the Rappahannock. His passion, joy, and tenacity for river advocacy led to incredible achievements, including the removal of Embrey Dam, which restored the Rappahannock and established it as the longest free-fflowing river on the eastern seaboard allowing native fish to return to their historic spawning grounds.
But Bill's passion wasn't just about preserving the river for himself, it was about sharing it with others. "You get hooked," Bill says, "and you want to make sure that doesn't change."
Thanks to his leadership and the work of countless volunteers and staff, 3 generations of Fredericksburg area children - over 130,000 have explored, studied, and played at FOR's headquarters in downtown Fredericksburg. Tens of thousands of Boy Scouts have camped along its banks, with many leaving lasting marks through Eagle Scout projects. Last year alone, over 8,000 students experienced environmental education on the property, but a waiting list of over 3,000 students remained.
campaign, community members have many ways to contribute, made even more impactful by a $250,000 matching grant:
Major Gifts & Naming Opportunities: Donors can leave a lasting legacy by naming classrooms, outdoor learning spaces, or conservation areas in honor of their support.
Legacy Giving: Planned gifts, such as including FOR in a will or donating stocks, ensure the river's protection for future generations.
Community Support: Every donation, no matter the size, makes a difference-whether it's a one-time contribution or a recurring monthly gift.
As FOR looks ahead, the organization is embarking on an ambitious capital campaign to ensure its ability to serve the community and the river for generations to come The campaign will support the revitalization of its headquarters, an expansion of its educational programs, allowing them to meet the growing demand, and the acquisition of a 22-acre forested parcel to conserve for the future.
FOR and its mission have always been fueled by the generosity of its supporters. As part of the capital
For 40 years, Friends of the Rappahannock has worked tirelessly to keep the river clean, accessible, and protected. Now, as we honor this legacy and invest in the future, we invite the community that built us to join us once again. Thanks to the anonymous matching grant, your support is doubled, and together, we can ensure that the Rappahannock River continues to inspire, teach, and sustain for generations.
Cat Carter is the Development Director, and Katie Pomeroy is the Membership Manager at FOR Cat & Katie are both residents of downtown FXBG and river lovers who work to engage the community and empower everyone to protect and restore the Rappahannock River.
To learn more about the campaign and ways to give, visit www riverfriends org/the-nnext-440
Micks Family
Students at FOR Headquarters
C o m p a n i o n s
Lydia Grande
by lenoraKruk-Mullanaphy
Lydia Grande, of Fredericksburg, began volunteering at Old Dominion Humane Society (ODHS) two years ago, pitching in with walking dogs, cleaning the facility, transporting the rescues to the veterinarian and picking pups up from shelters to bring to ODHS. Though she enjoyed all aspects of volunteering, she found her niche was caring for senior rescue dogs Her caring nature and patience helped the frightened new arrivals learn they could trust humans.
"I chose to foster because there are so many lovable dogs in the facility," said Grande. "I can't save them all, but I can help one more get adopted by loving it until it finds a forever family."
Grande has a soft spot for senior dogs, because, at times, they come with some challenges. Being older, a lot of them are scared of being in the rescue facility. She feels she makes the biggest impact with these dogs, who have lived their lives and are pretty settled in temperament.
As part of the transport team to bring dogs from other shelters to ODHS, she picked up Rambo, an eight-year-old mixed breed. He was surrendered by his original owners, and she was told he was a biter and aggressive. At only 21 pounds, it
was hard to think he could be hard to handle, but it took three staff members to put a leash on the frightened pup.
As Grande tried to lift him into her car, he protested and attempted to bite her. She said the dog looked absolutely petrified, so she let him get into the car by himself. For the first few weeks at his foster home with Grande, he'd cower when approached and flinch if someone reached out to pet him. Loud noises and sudden movements were especially scary for Rambo. Known for her patience, Grande was on hand to provide him with support and be a constant presence by his side. One day, the love she gave Rambo finally paid off, and she won his trust.
Rambo slowly warmed up to Grande, who'd give him his space, food and the occasional pet. The breakthrough came a few weeks after arriving at his foster home when Grande woke up in the middle of the night to find the pup staring at her. He walked over to her and nuzzled her hand, and Grande pet him. Then, he allowed her to pick him up and place him on the bed, where he flopped down and let her pet his head and belly. The reward and best moment of Grande's week was when he gave her kisses.
"This is why we foster-to restore hope," said Grande. "I'd like to think Rambo sees the good in the world, and I see the goodness in him."
Grande has "foster failed" twice while at ODHS. She adopted Little Man and Willow, who are her best four-legged friends. She keeps an open "third dog spot" in her home for a rotating foster. Grande knows she can't adopt every dog she fosters, because her mission is to help more dogs find their forever families. By taking in senior dogs and letting them know the world isn't all bad, she provides a safe space and plenty of love to help them overcome their mistrust and fear of humans.
Lenora Kruk-Mullanaphy is a Public Relations Professional & a ODHS volunteer
Rambo, an eight-yyear-oold rescue dog is with foster mom, Lydia Grande of FXBG
THE THE POETRY MAN POETRY MAN
By Frank Fratoe
To My To My Granddaughter Granddaughter (F (F or Ella) or Ella)
As you grow from a girl to a woman be proud that each family gave you their heritage from faraway- lands, when ancestors traveled to America embracing progress and the chance to settle where freedom is a right.
Go as far as your skill and energy will take you toward all the goals which the future can surely bring, if you are never deterred by those who renounce equality or goodwill because they cannot see the light.
And when I have gone remember this: I shall love you through eternity...
Frank Fratoe writes poetry from the heart
Donate to a Cancer Organization Let’s Find a Cure!
Astrology & You Equinox & eclipses
By Dianne Bachman
Under a Venus retrograde, relationships, things we value, and even our own feelings of self-worth are up for re-examination. We may begin to observe how we connect with family, friends, as well as our own true selves. If you are feeling a bit introspective, that is a natural experience for this astrological event. We are being called to correct the course
March 2 Venus retrograde in Aries (see above)
March 19 Sun conjunct Neptune: The veil is thin over the next few days, intuition is easier to access. Take time to ground yourself if you are the intuitive type.
March 20 Sun enters Aries/Spring equinox: Night and day are equal length Hopefully, we are rested from our winter sleep and ready to engage in busier times
March is looking like a busy month! We have two planets stationing retrograde, the spring equinox, a lunar eclipse, and a solar eclipse. The days grow longer, and the earth warms, giving way to the elevated energies of new growth and the greening of our world. When I was reading the Old Farmer's Almanac, I also found out that on the third day of March we celebrate "What If Cats and Dogs Had Opposable Thumbs Day." I don't know about you, but my family pets will be expecting to celebrate that one BIG TIME!
We begin the month of March with Venus stationing retrograde, which occurs about every 18 months. This year Venus begins the journey backward at 10 degrees Aries and travels back to 26 degrees Pisces over a 40 day/40-night period. Venus will go from being the Evening Star (setting after the Sun) to the Morning Star (rising before the Sun). Every eight years Venus will cycle back through a retrograde in the same sign, i.e., in March 2017, Venus was also in Aries. I like to look at this cycle as an opportunity to begin anew, to go for a fresh start. You may want to look at what was happening in your life in 2017, as this can be a continuation of patterns that relate to this eight years cycle.
Mercury conjunct Neptune: This transit can be double sided. Creativity can abound through thoughts, words, and works Watch out for illusion, especially around when communicating with others. Listen for undertones and get a reality check before making any decisions.
March 3 Mercury enters Aries: Liberate your thinking! Self-determination and selfconfidence building is supported by this transit.
March 11 Mercury conjunct Venus: Get your creative thinking cap on, as this energy is strong over the next few days. Enjoy the company of others
March 12 Sun conjunct Saturn; Slow but steady wins the race. Pace yourself if you are trying to accomplish an important task.
March 14 Full Moon in Virgo: Reflect, meditate on health regimens, how well you serve yourself health-wise and how you might serve others. Overall, it is a wonderful time to begin volunteering or assisting others in the community
March 14 Lunar eclipse in Virgo: Healing energy focuses on transforming those places in our lives that have become out of balance or unmanageable. Take time to reflect on what feels right in your life and what does not This will give clues on how to get the most benefit as this eclipse applies to your life and your wellbeing.
March 15 Mercury retrograde: You know the drill-reassess, repair, and renew. Avoid signing any important contracts during a retrograde. Delays and interruptions can be triggered, so give yourself plenty of time to make up for the unexpected.
March 17 Sun conjunct South Node creates and astrological Moon wobble. The energy around a moon wobble can be unstable, so people tend to find themselves preoccupied or scattered. Be careful, take your time when driving And Happy St. Patrick's Day.
March 23 Sun conjunct Venus: Enjoy the people you call friends. Feel the love and celebrate loving connections with others.
March 24 Sun conjunct Mercury: (Mercury cazimi) Explore the power of positive thinking today, as Mercury in Aries brings abundant mental energy. This is a good day to exercise your brain with confidence.
March 27 Venus leaves Aries and enters Pisces: This is a suitable time to look back and take stock of your feelings. Also, it is a good day to dream and imagine Even if you aren't an artist, create your masterpiece today.
March 27 Venus conjunct Neptune: This conjunction strengthens the dreamy, creative energies. Art, music, nature inspire and inform the muses
March 29 Full Moon in Aries and partial solar eclipse: Courage, adventure, and the warrior spirit are all features of this month's dramatic full Moon. It is also referred to as a Blood Moon because of the orange and red hues that are cast by the eclipse The eclipse should be visible starting at 12:55 am EDT in the United States
March 30 Mercury leaves Aries and enters Pisces: Intuition is high today. You may want to take time to daydream and tap into your creative imaginatio n. This energy will be with us to varying degrees until the end of April 2025.
March 30 Neptune enters Aries: The start of a 14-year cycle through the sign of Aries as well as the start of a 165-year cycle around the zodiac. The energy is creative, the ability to use intuition and to cut through the illusion toward the truth of a matter. This cycle is expected to manifest in social change.
Dianne Bachman is a psychotherapist & astrologer practicing in FXBG. She can be reached at dbachmanlcsw@gmail.com
Artwork: “Stil Life with Robon’s Eggs”, Fidelia Brodges, circa 1863 front porch fredericksburg March 2025 29
Fredericksburg Sketches
A visual Celebration of our community
By Paula Raudenbush
Lamp in the Snow
As I write this, it's still February and we are between snowstorms. I love snow but I do hope this next one will get it out of its system. The daffodils have stuck their noses out of the ground, and like them, I'm ready for spring.
Snow is a challenge to sketch, like anything white-on-white, but the shadows are usually blue which helps define the mounds. This is one of the lamp posts at the end of my front walk. The trunk of the tree is in the yard across the street. I love how the snow piled up on the lamp, especially when the light is on.
By the time you read this, I hope the sun is shining and it's nice enough to be outside sketching again. Cheers!
Paula Raudenbush is the founder of the local chapter of the Urban Sketchers International. She shows her work at Libertytown Arts Workshop
Alicia Austin breathes real life into costume design
A single garment, recently dyed, rattled around in the dryer. A sewing machine hummed, its needle stabbing into the waistline of a pair of pants. The University of Mary Washington's Costume Shop was in full swing as student workers and a special guest alumna prepared for a new production by the Department of Theatre and Dance
Brooklyn-based costume designer Alicia Austin '16, whose talent has contributed to shows like the smash Hulu hit Only Murders in the Building, came back to campus to dress cast members of John Proctor is the Villain in February. The play reinterprets the Arthur Miller classic The Crucible and features the kind of gritty, true-to-life wardrobes Austin has come to adore.
"With shows like this, it's about breathing real life into them," she said of John Proctor, which examines the comingof-age thoughts of highschoolers in a small Georgia town. "Those clothes [most of which she snagged from Goodwill] have been lived in. You can tell they've got a story behind them."
So does Austin, who enrolled at Mary Washington to study psychology. It came into play, she recalled, in a costume design course taught by A s s o c i a t e Professor of Theatre Kevin McCluskey "I loved figuring out what kind of people the characters were and how we could use clothing as a language," Austin said of the class that changed her college trajectory. "I was hooked."
She switched her major to theatre and, after graduation, left behind Forage, the Fredericksburg consignment shop she'd co-founded, to study costume design at Yale. There, she worked on a series of lavish Shakespearean plays. But, by 2020, when she earned a Master of Fine Arts degree, Covid-19 had wreaked havoc on the performing arts.
Television and film sprang back much sooner than theatre, and Austin found herself working on a new streaming TV show. "You take any opportunity you get," she said of the now Emmy Awardwinning Only Murders, expected to release its fifth season this summer. "You never know what will be the next big thing."
By now, her résumé brims with big things, like the Peacock series Bupkis starring Pete Davidson ; the comedic feature film Babes, released last May; and
by lisa chinn marvashti
theatrical productions in the Big Apple and beyond. Plus, she teaches costume design at New York's Skidmore College
"A critical component of our program is connecting our students with professional guest artists," said Department of Theatre and Dance Chair Gregg Stull, who directs the show. "When we can bring an alum on campus, that's a bonus. This helps our students realize that the gap between graduating from our program and finding success is achievable."
Austin fuels her success through research. She mines scripts for details, analyzes characters and works closely with directors to find or design costumes with "a hyper realistic aesthetic."
For UMW's production of John Proctor, set in a rural town near Atlanta, she mapped out high schools in similar locales and accessed their yearbooks from 2018, the year the story takes place.
"Every character in the show was in those yearbooks," said Austin, who doled out the trends. Nell, played by senior Ariana Adamek, got defined eyebrows. Ivy, played by senior Nikki Rizzo, got a Baby-G watch. Ahead of a Monday night dress rehearsal with professional photos, Austin delivered a laundry list of last-minute alterations. Shorten the sleeves of a cardigan sweater. Sew a snap on a dress. And if someone could wipe their greasy hands on this hoodie, that would be great, she said.
Anything to make the costumes more realistic. "I like that theatre affords the time to really get to know the characters in the story," said Austin, who still also clings to her first Mary Washington major. "It's the psychology that keeps me coming back for every single production."
Lisa Chinn Marvashti Director of Media & Public Relations
by Parker Michels-Boyce
Photo
Alicia Austin works with UMW Sophomore Kate Rutherford, a Department of Theatre and Dance Shop Assistant
