Front Porch Fredericksburg November 2023 by Virginia Grogan

YEAR 27

ISSUE 316

NOVEMBER 2023

contents

closeups 3

Christine Lush-Rodriguez, innovative artist jim schepmoes new downtown greens ed c.renee martin capturing nature’s beauty

Porch talk 4

on the porch...life in fredericksburg messages

seeking frejus exchange student hosts

In the Garden: bringing the garden inside

growing & crawling: a what now?

i have a friend: senior visitor program

everyday things: this is not a penny

tidbits...small bites of local news

season’s bounty: goodness how delicious

vino: finally, a french thanksgiving

16-17

Calendar of Events

history’s stories: thankful at 80

Our Heritage: hffi holiday open house

mental health: building connections

Emancipated patients: moss free clinic turns 30

kelsey’s story: a survivor of domestic violence

middle east crisis forum

art in the ’burg ...galleries in november

auto known better:frankly scarlett

high marks for umw

Companions

astrology & you poetryman: eden updated

fredericksburg sketches

...And More! 7

riverfront park improvements

whiskey & wood artisan festival

kalahari water park breaks ground Cover: “”Fall Road” by David C. Kennedy

November 2023

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A Special Gift to the Community FXBG Ornaments Reimagined By collette caprara Lush-Rodriguez's ornament was unanimously chosen by the selection committee and was eagerly purchased by families seeking to decorate their own Christmas trees or to send to friends and family who had visited the Burg. Former residents also welcomed the ornament that conveyed the essence of the city they had known and loved. In 2013, the folks at the Fredericksburg Visitor Center, wanting to offer its visitors a special holiday item that would be unique to the city, launched a contest among the Burg's many talented artists for a design of an ornament that would be readily recognizable, artist quality, and affordable. The contest sparked the imagination of Christine LushRodriguez, a ceramics artist, and a founding member and president of the Artful Dimensions Gallery, who based her entry on a photo of the city that she had taken from the vantage point of the Chatham Manor across the river. The creation of the finished ornament began with creating a drawing of the image, which she traced with a finepoint pen on a slab of clay. "I drew the majority of the buildings I could see and made sure that the three steeples were there, which are hallmarks of our skyline," she said. She then used her tools to sculpt the image. From that point, a plaster mold was made for additional ornaments and she continued the 21-step process involved in her creations, which included using a cookie cutter to define the shape of the ornament and was completed with its glazing and firing.

Yet, the story of this cherished ornament did not stop there. Throughout the following decade, Christine, has produced a new design every year, each depicting an iconic site or building of the

Burg. In addition to the original city-sscape with steeples, ornament images have featured the Purina Building and adjacent train tracks, a street view of Goolrick's, George Washington's Masonic Lodge, the Rising Sun Tavern, Market Square behind the Fredericksburg Area Museum, the Old Stone Warehouse, the Innis House near the Sunken Wall, the Train Bridge, and the Renwick Building. (The 2023 edition is awaiting its unveiling ceremony.) In

addition to yearly featured ornaments, Christine's creations include two that feature the Chatham Manor and St. George Church. FXBG ORNAMENTS RE-IIMAGINED As an artist who is always seeking innovations and new offerings for the community, Christine was fascinated with the idea of creating a new version of her artwork and is now in the process of converting her array of images to a new formatwall art that could be hung individually or in groupings that might expand through the years. Each rectangular piece of art will feature the image of its counterpart ornament but will be twice the size and will include elements that Christine will add, such as flowers or trees. In addition, variations in color that occur in firing, contribute to the unique qualities of each, which is a distinct and original work of art. The new wall art will be mounted on two layers of wood, a thin layer that serves as a mat, and a thicker rectangle that will be wired and ready to hang. Lush-Rodriguez, who will be the November featured artist of the Artful Dimensions Gallery, will produce five of each of the ten new wall-hangings for her exhibit titled "FXBG Ornaments Reimagined." Each will include her personal touch and will be numbered as prints are, specifying, for example, "3 of 50"indicating that the creations of each image will be capped at 50. It will now be possible for those who may have missed the opportunity to purchase the first ornaments to include them in their collections in this new format. A LABOR OF LOVE As impressive as her investment of talent, skill, effort, and time in her creations has been, Christine's artistry is truly a labor of love, and her affinity for ceramics and artistic creation is rooted in her childhood experiences and

experiments. "My mother was very innovative and she was constantly involved in creative projects, which I took part in," she recalls. Christine's affinity for ceramics and clay seems to be destined, given that her girlhood home was just a bike ride away from the Moravian Pottery Tile Works and museum of Henry Chapman Mercer, the trailblazing artist and genius who carved thousands of tile mosaics in his lifetime and, in 1912, was one of the first people to use concrete as a building material. In particular, Christine remembers a visit she made to Mercer's Tile Works with her Girl Scout troop when she was nine, in which the girls had an opportunity to make their own ornaments. "I loved the feel of the clay and knew that my tile was very precious," she recalls. "I protected it so it wouldn't get broken or destroyed until I was in middle school and had access to a kiln in art class. I fired my tile and I have it to this day!" In addition to her current involvement with the arts community, Christine has served to promote the arts as a pottery and hand-building instructor at Pots and Pallets, a member and vicepresident of the Brush Strokes Gallery, and an art teacher at Holy Cross Academy.

FXBG Ornaments Reimagined Artful Dimensions Christine Lush Rodriguez Featured Artist Opening Reception, First Friday November 3 Her email is fruitoid@aol.com.

Collette Caprara is a writer, artist & lover of all of life's blessings

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November 2023

ON THE PORCH Anne Hicks

Guest Porch Editorial

Contributing Writers & Artists Sally Cooney Anderson Rita Allan Dianne Bachman Sonja Cantu Collette Caprara Gary Close Beth Daly Archer Di Peppe Janet Douberly Jeannie Ellis Jenna Elizabeth Edwards Tim Eggers Frank Fratoe Bill Freehling Mary Beth Geil Anne Hicks Kathleen Harrington Sara Hood Ralph “Tuffy” Hicks Amy Jessee Nancy Kelly David C. Kennedy Joyce Kinnard David Kray Ray Mikula Lenora Kruk-Mullanaphy Vanessa Moncure Gabe Pons Pete Morelewicz Patrick Neustatter M.L. Powers Paula Raudenbush Rob Rudick Nicholas Savage Mandy Smith Rim Vining Catherine Wardner Tina Will Norma Woodward

Front Porch Fredericksburg is a free circulation magazine published monthly by Olde Towne Publishing Co. Virginia Bigenwald Grogan, Publisher. The mission of Front Porch Fredericksburg is to connect the diverse citizenry of Fredericksburg with lively features and informative columns of interest to our community’s greatest resource, its people. Messages from our readers are welcome. All article submissions must be received by e-mail by the 16th & calendar items the 19th of the month preceding publication. Writers / Artists / Photographers are welcome to request Guidelines and query the Publisher by e-mail. Front Porch Fredericksburg PO Box 9203 Fredericksburg, VA 22403 Ad Sales: E-Mail: frntprch@aol.com Web Site: www.frontporchfredericksburg.com Facebook: @Front Porch Fredericksburg Magazine The opinions expressed in Front Porch Fredericksburg are those of the contributing writers and do not necessarily reflect the opinion of Front Porch Fredericksburg or its advertisers. Copyright 2023 Front Porch Fredericksburg Magazine All rights reserved.

November 2023

the gifts of thanksgiving By anne hicks We just celebrated my husband's 80th birthday and with grateful hearts were blessed with the company of his closest and oldest friends from his childhood and his son. This celebratory friends-giving took place our home in Fredericksburg and while it was not a traditional Thanksgiving love, kindness and blessings were being served just like Thanksgiving. It's a gift to celebrate both. At Thanksgiving and some birthdays many gather and share hugs, smiles, stories, laughter, fears, joys tears and more. It is the gift that keeps giving. I find it's the most wonderful time of the year. As well as one in which I grow fonder of each year. Amongst the harvest of plenty whether traveling near or far there is a feeling anticipation and mostly always we look forward to being together at the table where we don't always get to be these days. And even more, helping each other whether it is cooking or cleaning or watching a football game or any myriad of things. We revisit moments and harvest new experiences and gather more stories to tell at the end of the day. It seems the wind is always blowing and most of the last of the colorful leaves are falling to the ground. This gem of a busy holiday created amidst the memories of a summer, Labor Day, Columbus/Indigenous Peoples Day, Veteran's Day comes and goes quickly but resonates in our memories and we give thanks and share in preparation for more giving. It's great in so many ways to have places to go and relish in the company of others, taking hold of what we mean to one another. We become closer doing this and hold each other closer with having shared to remember all we have done to improve our lives together and share our traditions and what we have done to help others to in times of need. Many of us have the opportunities and ability to be virtually sharing Thanksgiving with our children who are serving overseas or live in other states or cannot travel. This is one of the best of all types of ways to celebrate the essence of gratitude. Thanksgiving blessings have enriched and nourished our lives maybe for as many as 440 years now. I remember doing so much over the years to help provide Thanksgiving meals to others through work and church and community. I have special memories giving to those I have not had the chance to meet until sharing a meal.

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My mother and grandmother used to prepare a delicious feast for our large family and friends and as a child I would help from start to finish. They taught me well. Back in the days before computers and cell phones we had more relatives coming over everyone was talking. So many people would come to our house and the day was long and always interesting. The first year away at college and a visit home for Thanksgiving was one of my favorites having had been missing everyone. The quiet stillness in the early morning air, the smells of pumpkin, apple, mincemeat, and Turkey and homemade stuffing wafting in the air and feeling the love of seeing everyone is something that never goes away. For many years we travelled home with my children to be with our family upstate. Having been in Virginia over half my life now we have celebrated with the family and friends for many years especially with Tom and Pat Seay who serve up all the things mentioned here to perfection. Their a blessing and Tom calls Tuffy his brother and family. I found so many poems and quotes but the one below is my favorite. Thankfully as autumn recedes and the colors awaken sight and reflections, we have this prayer.

Thanksgiving Prayer, by Ralph Waldo Emerson For each new morning with its light, For rest and shelter of the night For health and food For love and friends For everything thy goodness sends For flowers that bloom about our feet; For tender grass, so fresh, so sweet; For all thing fair we hear or see, Father in heaven, we thank Thee! Don't forget to share your experiences or read about others in the Front Porch from cover to cover. Happy Thanksgiving. Anne Hicks lives and works in the FXBG with her husband Tuffy Hicks. Both enjoy writing for the Front Porch Magazine

Sister City Seeking Student Hosts Fredericksburg-FrÈjus Student Exchange Opportunity By Catherine Warder Area French students and francophiles, are you interested in connecting with French teens? Would you enjoy an opportunity to immerse yourself in French culture without having to plan your own trip? Did you know that Fredericksburg has ties to France? Read on! Since 1980, Fredericksburg has had a partnership with Fréjus, in southern France, as part of the Sister City program, created after World War II by President Eisenhower. Its purpose was to build international ties and foster friendship and an understanding of different cultures through "citizen diplomacy." To that end, the mission of the Fredericksburg Sister City Association Inc. is to cultivate a special friendship and cultural exchange between the citizens of Fréjus, and those of the Fredericksburg area.

Student Exchange Program. The exchange began in 1980 and has continued every year since, except for the 2-year disruption caused by COVID. In July of 2022, an even year, the exchange resumed, and we received a group of French teenagers, who stayed with American host families for approximately two weeks. In odd years, American students go to Fréjus. This coming summer (July, 2024), we will again welcome a group of French students to stay in the Fredericksburg area, so we are seeking students and their families who are interested in hosting. Those students who are selected to host will have the first option to be part of the 2025 exchange to Fréjus.

The ideal host student is between 14 and 17 years, and preferably has studied French for two years or more. Host families provide a " t y p i c a l " American home atmosphere for their French e x c h a n g e student. During weekdays, the American and French students will participate in numerous cultural and h i s t o r i c a l activities such as bus trips to D.C., Williamsburg, or Monticello, and trips to Kings Fredericksburg Exchange Students Visit Fréjus in 2023oto Dominion and baseball games. On weekends, host families may organize Fredericksburg's relationship further activities or excursions, as desired. with Fréjus has continued for 42 years and Again, the objective of the exchange is to counting. In September of 2022, the FSCA promote international understanding and hosted representatives from Fréjus for the to encourage friendships between our 40th anniversary of the pairing, a students and their French counterparts. celebration that had been delayed for two years due to the pandemic. Honoring If you are interested in learning anniversaries is one of numerous more about the exchange, or the Sister traditions shared by Fredericksburg and City program in general, visit Fréjus. Here, we host an annual Bastille www.fredericksburgfrejus.com, or contact Day party, and every 10 years, we us at fsca1980@gmail.com or on our commemorate the anniversary of our Facebook page, Fredericksburg Sister City founding with a Giant Omelet celebration. Association. Applications will be sent to In Fréjus, they celebrate our 4th of July area French teachers in November, and and Thanksgiving each year. will also be available on the website.

Catherine Warder is a French teacher at King George High School and currently serves on the FSCA Board of Directors. Her first experience with the exchange was to host a chaperone in 2018. Since then, both of her children have participated and she chaperoned trips to Fréjus in 2019 and 2023.

Interested in the FXBG -F Fréjus Student Exchange Program. Contact fsca1980@gmail.com or .fredericksburgfrejus.com FB @Fredericksburg Sister City Association

Fréjus Exchange Students Visit FXBG in 2022oto

The hallmark tradition of the Fredericksburg-Fréjus Sister City Association, however, has been the

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November 2023

Riverfront Park Improvement upgrades move forward By sonja cantu

in the permitting stage. The restrooms are expected to be in place for the upcoming holiday season. The meadow, which is the hillside area between the Rappahannock River and the park's promenade, has grown in significantly this summer with a wide variety of plant species to be viewed, including Mountain Mint, Virginia Wild Rye, Fox Sedge and Black Eyed Susan. Park patrons will soon be able to walk through mowed paths once most of the fences were removed in October. The sandstone benches and the second platform bench area will offer views of the river, and those walking along the park's paved promenade can sit on the edge to take in both the meadow and river.

The City's planned improvements to Riverfront Park are continuing to move forward, with the public restrooms nearing the final planning stages. The restrooms were originally planned to be open this summer, however, City staff and the design teams have been

November 2023

working diligently to ensure that the building's plans will work within the known floodplain as outlined in FEMA's April 2023 Flood Insurance Rate Maps. The restroom building has been fully funded, the design has received a Certificate of Appropriateness from the Architectural Review Board, and the project is currently

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Plans for the performance stage are also under way. Design parameters for the covered stage are being written, and an Invitation for Bids will be released in the coming months. Pending adequate funding, construction on the stage is expected to start early in 2024.

Riverfront Park, located at 701 Sophia St., opened in May 2022. Park visitors have been enjoying the fantastic river views while relaxing in the open spaces and children's play area. As the City's first Smart Park, Riverfront Park's amenities include free Wi-F Fi, solar-p powered lights and security cameras. Located across the street from the City's public parking garage, this park is a short walk to downtown businesses, art galleries and restaurants - and just two blocks from the Visitor Center (706 Caroline St.) and its existing public restrooms. The park, meant to be a hub for downtown events and culture, is a collaborative work to live a vision outlined as many as three decades ago. Riverfront Park is open daily, and is closed from 10 p.m. to 5 a.m. For more information, please visit fredericksburgva.gov or call 540-372-1086. Sonja Cantu is the Public Information Officer for the City of Fredericksburg

Everything Greens there is a season By Janet Douberly In the over 27 years Downtown Greens has been in existence, it has seen a LOT of changes. Not only within its gardens but also here in town. Homes have been built, dams have been brought down (with only some delay). Our population has grown, we've elected new mayors and city officials, new folks have become neighbors, and the river keeps flowing. A goose has become a star, the otters have come back, and our sweet river foxes have had many kits. But one thing that hasn't changed in Fredericksburg in the past 27 years is its heart and overwhelming sense of welcome. The same could be said about Downtown Greens. So much has changed and yet our roots stay constant. This organization, which started as slightly less than 2 acres, can now boast a whopping 58.8 acres of greenspace being conserved and utilized for and by our community. We've had Downhome Balls, Fork It Over Festivals, Downtown Runarounds, block parties, free yard sales, concerts, and Backyard Soirées. We remember times when hand sanitizer meant rinsing the mud off with a garden hose. We struggled along with our community during covid and found ways to support each other until we came through on the other side. Laura Shepherd and Lisa Beaver carved Downtown Greens out of the clay loam, growing flowers, food, and Sarah Perry came with a friendships. sharp mind and an eagerness to watch us grow and took on the mantle of running and greatly expanding this once small community greenspace. And now we enter the next phase.

Become a Member

Please welcome our new Executive Director and all round swell guy, Jim Schepmoes! Jim, a native Virginian, has over 20 years of experience working at nonprofits dedicated to preservation and to helping disadvantaged populations. He has a bachelor's degree from Virginia Commonwealth University and a master's degree from Kent State University. He and his wife, Rita, live on a small farm in King George County with Holly, their barky Beagle and numerous Wyandotte chickens. When asked what about joining the DTG team he was most excited for, Jim said "I am most excited about the expansion of educational opportunities at all levels that the new campus will provide to the community. We will be able to connect many more people with experiential greenspace education." And, of course, what DTG interview would be complete without some lightning round questions!

Favorite flower: Cone flower Favorite vegetable: Squash Favorite insect: Dragonfly Favorite Virginia native plant: Cone flower Favorite movie: Citizen Kane In addition to having great taste in flowers and vegetables, Jim brings to the table years of experience, a dedication to the mission, and a fresh take that will help Downtown Greens grow and provide even more opportunities for our community! Please join the staff and Board of Directors in showing Jim a warm Fredericksburg welcome! We look forward to this community standing together as it has done all these years to support our mission, celebrate the gains, and continue to enjoy the greenspaces made possible by our combined efforts. With Jim's guidance we cannot wait to see how much more we can do and how much further we can grow in the next 27 years.

Janet Douberly is Media Manager at Downtown

Downtown Greens, a nonprofit, mission is to enhance the well-b being of our community by connecting people with nature through education and the preservation of greenspaces. Office , Lower & Upper Gardens are located at 206 Charles Street

www.fredericksburgcsa.com front porch fredericksburg

November 2023

In the Garden bringing the garden inside by ray mikula

Every year, about this time, I transition from gardening mostly outside to inside. Many of my tropical and subtropical plants that have graced my patio and yard get transported to their winter home, inside my house. This is not always an easy task because of the size and needs of so many of them. Still needing

sun, the full sun plants get moved to south facing windows, while the shade plants move to north and east facing windows. With the reduced heat and light of the seasons the plants need less water and only need to be watered once a week. With just minimal care and some fertilizer, they will handily survive the harsh winter and be ready to be on display next summer. Along the way they give me the welcome illusion of the tropics throughout the winter.

you'll be rewarded in the summer with lemons, oranges, or grapefruit . If you bring your amaryllis inside in the fall, keep them in dark cool areas

Many plants bloom in the winter being triggered by the reduced light of the winter months. Citrus trees often bloom in January and if they are hand pollinated

Snead’s Farm

CHRISTMAS TREES

without watering for about 8 to 10 weeks. Then bring them back into the light with weekly watering and you'll be rewarded with a lovely flower display in the heart of winter. Bromeliads bloom on their own schedule if you let them. Just keep watering once a week and let them have plenty of light and the flowers will arrive on sched-ule, even though they are indoors. Poinsettias left in a room with windows and no lights at night will set blooms into motion in the fall to bloom in time for the holidays . And for the vegetable and herb lovers, you can buy table top grow

A Memorable Family Experience Select & Cut Your Own Tree!

Five Days Only! Black Friday November 24, Saturday November 25, Sunday November 26 Saturday December 2, Sunday December 3 10 mi. S.E. of downtown on right side of Rt. 17

Sneadsf arm.com 540.371.9328 8

November 2023

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stations with lights, growing medium, seeds and fertilizer to grow lettuces, tomatoes, peppers and herbs for garden fresh flavor throughout our coldest months. Now if filling your house with plants sounds a bit scary, try one or two at a time. You can start with easy care plants like cacti or succulents. Air plants are also easy, needing just a spray of water once a week with a mister. Many of the big box stores, local nurseries, and even grocery stores carry plants that will do great in your new indoor garden. If you already have houseplants, maybe try something new that you may have wanted for a while. There are more plants than ever on the market with new cultivars showing up daily. On a different note it's time to save the date for National Seed Swap Day on the last Saturday of January. The local chapter of Master Gardeners (MGACRA) is holding its annual seed swap on January, 27th from 9:30 am to 1:30 pm at the Rouser Building, 1739 Richmond Highway, Stafford, VA with garden talks at 10 AM and 12PM and free garden seeds. There's something there for every gar-dener. Till the next time, happy gardening.

RayMikula is a Master Gardener.He has several acres of garden space & has been gardening for 62 years.

Growing & Crawling a what now? By janet douberly It's a tree! It's a moss! No, it's Tree Clubmoss....which is actually a fern ally. Confused yet? Let's break it down! Fern allies are a diverse group of seedless (reproduces through spores) plants that are not true ferns. Essentially, these little dudes are plants that, like ferns, spread by producing and releasing spores instead of seeds. But they aren't ferns. Or trees. Or moss. This perennial evergreen, aka 'Dendrolycopodium obscurum', stays under a foot tall and creeps along the ground, usually in forest areas. Paired with our native ferns this gives us some excellent greenery in the middle of winter! In the fall, this plant releases its spores from green, upright, tubular growths, or "clubs"! Sadly, due to...well...humans, this species of plant is considered endangered in many areas. So if you see some growing, leave it be!

Fossils tell us that ancient tree clubmosses grew as much as 130 feet tall and 5 feet around long before the dinosaurs reigned. The spores released from this tiny spreader are so oily and waterresistant they have been used in many ways including powders to soothe chafed skin and protect wounds. Large quantities of the spores were also once used to coat pills to keep them from sticking together. In the early days of photography, the spores were used as flash powder. When ignited, the dry, flammable spores would explode in a brilliant flash of light.

Janet Douberly is a brilliant flash of light at Downtown Greens.

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November 2023

“I Have A Friend” Nancy & betty By joyce kinnard Nancy's last tidbit was how volunteering benefits all of us. She said that the rewards are great. Volunteering is something you do by choice, so you're doing what you want to do. It is a win-win opportunity.

Nancy is a volunteer with the Senior Visitor program and Betty has been her program participant for six months. After relocating to Virginia, Nancy wanted to get involved with giving back to the community. Additionally, she was very interested in getting to meet and know people in this area. She became aware of the program while researching Fredericksburg's senior resources and thought it would be a great fit for her. After losing both parents within the span of two years, Nancy felt serving as a volunteer with seniors was the perfect way to honor their memory.

"What's in the bag?" Both are excited about each visit and totally enjoy the oneon-one time together.

Since I was unable to meet them in person, I spoke to Nancy and asked her to describe Betty. She replied, "Betty is a talkative, lovely lady". Nancy enjoys their conversations immensely. From the Red Hat Society stories to tales of volunteering at the March of Dimes, Betty keeps Nancy filled with anecdotes and narratives from that time of her life. A typical visit may include drinking tea and munching treats, talking about family and a favorite neighbor, and, most importantly, playing board or card games. When Nancy arrives with her bag of games and magazines, Betty gleefully asks,

As our conversation came to a close, Nancy wanted to share another insight into her relationship with Betty. I had originally planned to meet Nancy and Betty on their next scheduled visit. The time and day were arranged and a day before we were to get together, Betty changed her mind. She was a little anxious and didn't feel comfortable with being interviewed. Nancy jokingly explained that I just wanted to talk with them and to see if they liked each other. Betty replied, "We don't like each other, we LOVE each other!"

As we talked, Nancy continued with her thoughts on and experience with the Senior Visitor program. She explained how this program made her feel very fortunate to live in Virginia, and, specifically, in Fredericksburg where such a program exists. She was surprised at the number of program participants who needed a volunteer. Nancy said, "There are far too many seniors in need of the program and too few volunteers."

Joyce Kinnard is a volunteer with the Senior Visitors program at Mental Health America of Fredericksburg.

If you know a senior who could benefit from having a weekly, friendly visit or if you would like to volunteer to visit a senior, call the Senior Visitors Program at (540) 371-2 2704 or visit our website at mhafred.org. Refer a senior or sign up to be a volunteer! The Senior Visitors Program is a free community service program of Mental Health America of Fredericksburg.

Supporting Local Business Since 1997

Spread the joy this Holiday Season by supporting the Toys for Tots Toy Drive! Donate a new, unwrapped toy at our store & make a child's holiday extra special. As a thank you for your generosity, we're offering 10% off one in-sstock item or 10% off one jewelry repair from November 1st to December 10th. 10

November 2023

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Donate to a Cancer Organization Let’s Find a Cure!

Where Fredericksburg Gets Engaged Tues-Fri: 10a-5p Sat: 10a-4p 606 Caroline Street Old Town Fredericksburg 373-7847 gemstonecreations.org

Everyday Things this is not a penny By Archer D i peppe It is distressing to learn we have been wrong all are lives. The United States does not and has never minted pennies. We mint one cent pieces. The English minted pennies. The first one cent piece we minted in 1792. Benjamin Franklin suggested the design, and Paul Revere provided the copper. Today it cost a little over two cents to make a one cent piece and distribute it. Last year the mint made 8.4 billion one cent pieces, and it is estimated that we lose over $900 million a year in lost time handling them. Canada, Australia, New Zealand, and Britian already have stopped making their lowest denominations. Why do we keep making one cent pieces? Sum it up to nostalgia and tradition. Fifty-five percent of Americans do not want to stop making them. Some have pointed out that if we get rid of the one cent pieces, everything will be

rounded up. It will end the prices like $9.99 which merchants like when they are having a sale. It seems that consumers tend to round down in their minds and believe they are getting a lower price. So, eliminating one cent pieces and using more nickels would be a great idea? No, because nickels now cost sixteen cents apiece to make. There has been a sharp rise in the price of zinc. One cent pieces used to be mostly copper. In 1943 we made "steel" ones. There was a copper shortage during WWll. The steel was really zinc. That lasted one year because people said they looked too much like dimes. From 1944 through 1946 the one cent piece was a darker hue because they were made of ammunition shells. By 1982 we took most of the copper out and replaced it with, you guessed it, zinc. Then the pandemic happened, and people tried to stay home. They bought products both local and online mostly with plastic. Although there were billions of one cent pieces, they about disappeared. When the stores reopened, the merchants were very short of coins. Banks and businesses across the country asked their customers to please bring their loose change back. You've seen "coins to cash machines" in the grocery stores. In 2023 the U.S. Mint is going to produce more one cent pieces than in any other year in the last twenty. Then they are going to stop making them for general circulation. Who knows what kind of Mint Sets they will make for collectors.

One Cent Piece made from Ammunition Shell

My interest in coins began long ago when I was twelve. I got a morning paper route and was up every morning at 4:30 am seven days a week for two years. With tips I cleared ten to twelve dollars a week. In the early 1960's it was easy to find Wheat (so called) Pennies, Buffalo Head Nickels, and Mercury Dimes. I would spend part of my money on rarer coins at the hobby shop. I spent most of it on comic books, Hostess Twinkies, and movies. The rest I wasted.

Archer Di Peppe is retired and lives in Spotsylvania County.

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November 2023

TidBits small bites of local News By Bill Freehling

Fredericksburg’s Hometown Irish Pub & Restaurant Since 1961

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

River Rock Outfitter Earns National Recognition River Rock Outfitter, the beloved outdoor adventure store on William Street, is getting the significant recognition it deserves. River Rock was one of seven finalist in the U.S. Chamber of Commerce 2023 America's Top Small Business Award, placing first in its region. River Rock is one of seven finalists competing for the award, beating over 15,000 applicants, the most that ever applied. April Peterson, owner said that this accolade is an exemplary recognition of not only her business and staff, but of Fredericksburg. "The idea that our area is so business-friendly, that it supports its little-teeny shops with big ideas…it allowed us to just grow," Peterson said. This accomplishment for River Rock Outfitter is well-earned, and speaks to the success of businesses in the City of Fredericksburg "Any recognition for Fredericksburg is big recognition," Peterson said. "Fredericksburg is just a place where you want to do business." River Rock Outfitter is located at 215 William Street. Follow River Rock Outfitter on Facebook. Bello Manzo Coming to Caroline Street

200 Hanover St. ~ 373-0738

Serving Up Local “Good” News For over a Quarter Century

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November 2023

A restaurant featuring hot Italian sandwiches is planned on the 700 block of Caroline Street in downtown Fredericksburg. Bello Manzo will be at 715 Caroline Street. Fork & Biscuit had been located there but has closed. A renovation is under way. Bello Manzo's Facebook page describes the planned restaurant as a place "where Italian culinary traditions meet the comfort of a hot, mouthwatering sandwich." We look forward to the opening!

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Michelle's Table Catering Wins Two Awards at the State Fair of Virginia When Michelle's Table owner Michelle Duggins heard about the Charcuterie Competition at the State Fair of Virginia, she immediately signed up to participate. Duggins used six ingredients that were made in Virginia (a requirement for the competition), including Appalachian Cheese, local goat cheese, and Caramel Apple Jam from Sprelly. After putting together her charcuterie board, Duggins won first place in the Charcuterie Competition, as well second place in the Grilled Cheese competition for another splendid recipe.

With Michelle's Table, Duggins has quickly made a name for herself as one of the leading, pristine catering companies in Fredericksburg. With these two awards, for which she received a blue ribbon for first place and red ribbon for second, Duggins has once again received deserved acclaim for her delicious food. Her focus on utilizing local ingredients is a substantial benefit to her business, and to the Fredericksburg community. Follow Michelle's Table on Facebook.

VRE Proposing Weekend Service The Virginia Railway Express (VRE) is proposing to start weekend service; allow children 18 and under to ride free; make permanent the current $5 fare for travel between zones 1, 2 and 3; and simplify fare payment. The changes are part of VRE's preliminary fiscal year 2025 budget. VRE is accepting public comments on the proposal until November 16.

Stores Relocate to the 700 block of Caroline Street The 700 block of Caroline Street is consistently growing in its number of local businesses. And soon, four Fredericksburg stores are relocating (two have already relocated) to the 700 block: The Fika Studio, Whitby's, Fredericksburg Jeweler, and Gifted Boutique. The Fika Studio is a permanent, custom-fitted jewelry store, and is now located at 719 Caroline Street. Whitby's is a new home decor and home goods store located at 703 Caroline Street, and will open in November. The previous tenant of 719, Fredericksburg Jeweler, has moved two doors down to 717 Caroline Street. And Gifted Boutique, which was formerly located at 604 Caroline Street, opened its doors at 709 Caroline Street. These wonderful shops have already brought an exciting flair to the Fredericksburg shopping scene, and soon, guests will be able to visit all three within a few steps of each other.

Vivify Has Been Sold Aby Bethem, Co Owner has announced. The last day of service will be November 11. “Since 2004 we have had the privilege of serving the Fredericksburg Area in the Restaurant Community we have enjoyed so much. “We have the opportunity now to sell Vivify and focus on new chapters in our careers and time with our boys.” Thanks for the memories!

Bill Freehling, Fredericksburg's director of economic development and tourism

The Sunken Well Tavern

Season’s Bounty goodness how delicious vanessa moncure Maybe your relationship with peanuts has never been closer than opening a jar of the butter, spreading swathes over your sliced bread, then topping with sweet Concord jelly. Or perhaps you’ve further reduced time and motion and have purchased a jar of PB and J, pre-swirled for your enjoyment.

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

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

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

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

Might it surprise you to hear that your face cream, the paint on your wall, and plant-based workroom solvents might all be derived from the humble goober pea? Peanuts are well-known cultivars in Virginia, and we are enjoying this year’s harvest now of our particularly delicious, large-seeded variety. Believed to have originated in Peru, peanuts were introduced throughout the world by early discoverers and traders - significantly to China in the 1600s. China is now the world’s largest peanut producer and exporter with the US a distant third (although how many countries can boast of two peanut-farmin’ presidents, Jimmy Carter and Thomas Jefferson). A significant source of protein, the peanut is in the legume (pea) family and is processed for food use whole, in spreads, oil, and gluten-free flour - and in non-nutritive applications such as cosmetics, medicines and textiles. Sooo... Peanut Fibre Dress, anyone? Americans consume about 3 pounds of PB per person each year, except known arachibutyrophobians (those who fear PB getting stuck to the roof of their mouths). Goodness, how delicious, eating goober peas! ROASTED PEANUTS While living in Georgia, I became a fan of fresh boiled peanuts. Somehow, the canned variety just isn’t the same (think fresh tomato vs. canned). If you can find some raw peanuts, try them roasted and/or boiled. Peanuts roasting on an open fire just isn’t quite as catchy as chestnuts, but more palatable to many! Thoroughly wash (in running water) 2 lbs. of raw Virginia peanuts in the shell. Drain and pat dry, then toss with ¼ c. peanut oil and 2 T. kosher salt. Spread on flat baking sheets with sides (jelly roll pan) in one layer only. Roast at 350F for 30 minutes, then let cool before eating. Virginia peanuts have one of the largest pea in shell and are usually favored for roasting. Check the Farmer’s Market.

PEANUT PIE CRUST One of America’s greatest agriculturists, George Washington Carver, is known as the “Father of Peanut Butter”, his accomplishments celebrated every year during Black History Month. Recipe #47 of his famous 105 peanut recipes is for Peanut Pie Crust (great added flavor, you can substitute any nut variety) - Add 1T.ground peanuts to pie crust recipe. “ You will be pleased with the agreeable change in piecrusts”. VIRGINIA PEANUT SOUP Adaptation from the King’s Arms Tavern in Williamsburg, VA, a Colonial hub original cream of peanut soup. Saute slowly until softened in ¼ c. butter, 1c. diced onion and 1 c. chopped celery, with leaves. When beginning to brown, stir in 3T. flour and cook slowly 5 minutes. Stir in 8 cups hot chicken stock, whisking constantly. Let simmer over medium-low heat 15-20 minutes or until thickened. Pour this soup into a sieve, pressing down on solids to release all the flavors. Return soup to a simmer, then whisk in 2c. smooth peanut butter and 2c. half and half - Do not let this mixture boil, but return to a simmer and serve with finely chopped salted peanuts as a garnish.

Serve with authentic fresh ricepaper spring rolls, OR leave thick and glaze a grilled chicken breast or pork tenderloin OR use as an all-purpose dipping sauce, great with seafood, too, or stirred into chicken broth with rice noodles, chopped peanut garnish.

TOO-E EASY CHEWY PB COOKIES You didn’t think I’d leave you without a sweet? Makes about 36 large cookies. Mix together 2c. your choice creamy or chunky PB, 2 c. sugar, 3 large eggs, 2tsp. baking powder and 1 T. vanilla extract. Scoop out 2T. portions onto parchment-lined baking sheets. Bake preheated 350F oven 12-14 minutes or until just browned and slightly firm. Did you know “Goober Peas” is an old Civil War era tune? “I wish this war was over, free from rags and fleas, we’d kiss our wives and sweethearts, and gobble goober peas!” Be prepared - November is National Peanut Month.

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

VIETNAMESE GOI CUON DIPPING SAUCE Combine the following ingredients in blender, then blend completely. If the consistency is too thick, add warm water 1 T. at a time. 1c. hoisin sauce, ¼ c. smooth PB, 1T. each rice vinegar and fresh lime juice, 2 crushed garlic cloves and 1T. thai chili sauce or to taste.

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November 2023

Whiskey & Wood Artisan Festival SIP WHISKEY & ENJOY HANDCRAFTED WOOD CREATIONS BY TIM EGGERS Artists, are most often thought of in terms of the media used to express their creativity. Painters may use oil paints, acrylics, or water colors. Potters, use clay. Glass artists will fuse or blow glass. We in the woodwork artisan world like to say that the media used to express our creativity grows on trees. Fredericksburg is host to a thriving, very talented, and growing community of artisans whose passion for woodworking brings them together as The Fredericksburg Area Woodworkers Guild. Having formed nearly ten years ago the Guild has created an opportunity for sharing woodworking skills as well as fostering creativity. As a vehicle to share with the community at large the artisanship that exists among the woodworkers, The Whiskey and Wood Artisan Festival was born. This annual event gives the Guild members the venue to showcase their latest creations. As in the past the Guild has partnered with The A. Smith Bowman

Distillery as our host. Located at One Bowman Drive, at Deep Run Fredericksburg VA 22408, this year's event will take place on Friday, November 10th from 4:00 pm to 8:00 pm and on Saturday November 11th from 10:00 am to 4:00 pm. Tours of the distillery and tasting experiences will be available. Admissions, tastings, and parking all come at no charge. Visitors will get to meet and connect with the 40+ local artisan woodworkers who will have their pieces on display and for sale. You will have the opportunity to explore with them their creative process and the results of their hand crafted efforts. This is a great opportunity meet the local woodworking community and add thier works to your collections. The Fredericksburg Area Woodworkers Guild gathers the first Saturday of each month from 8:30 to 10:00 am at The Workshop, located at 1104 Summit Street in Fredericksburg. All

who have interest in woodworking are encouraged to attend.

Tim Eggers can be found on Facebook and Youtube, is the owner of Highwheel Woodworks, is a member of the Liberty Town Arts Workshop, The Fredericksburg Area Woodworkers Guild, and a partner in The Workshop.

Whiskey & Wood Artisan Festival November 10, 4-8 8p & November 11, 10a-4 4p A.Smith Bowman Distillery

Fredericksburg Area Woodworkers Guild Meets 1st Saturday of each month 8:30a-1 10a 1104 Summit St All interested in woodworking are invited to attend

Join Us for Breakfast Get a Flavorful Start Breakfast Specials at The Bistro 540-373-8300 620 Caroline St.

Olde Towne Butcher Traditional Butchery - Fresh Perspective

Clean, local, sustainable, humane foods prepared fresh. Better for you and your family, better for our planet, better for local economy, better food! 401 William St - Fredericksburg 540-370-4105 - OldeTowneButcher.com 14

November 2023

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Vino finally, a french thanksgiving by Rita Allan red.

Previously, City Vino has written about wines from Italy, and then Eastern Europe, to pair with your Thanksgiving meal. This month, we go to France. Our selections of French wines include white wines, with some richness to them, that stand up to and complement your holiday bodied white wines may get dishes. Light-b lost among the dishes, so we selected whites with a heavier body, to harmoniously pair with your Thanksgiving bounty. Our red wine selections feature wines that are not bold nor high in tannins, as we do not want the wine to overshadow the food. Bold and hightannin wines do best with high-fat meats and cheeses. For Thanksgiving, while there are some fatty side dishes, turkey is a lean meat, and as such needs a bit of a softer

The wines we have chosen for a French Wine Thanksgiving are a white Rhône blend, a Chenin Blanc from the Loire Valley, a GSM blend (Grenache, Syrah, and Mourvèdre), also from the Rhône, and a Pinot Noir from Burgundy. The 2021 Baron Ermengaud Blanc Faugères is a white blend of 50 percent Roussanne, 20 percent Marsanne, 20 percent Vermentino, and 10 percent Grenache Blanc, and is from the Rhône Valley. As we stated above, the key to pairing a white wine with Thanksgiving is that it has some oomph, weight, or richness to it. This dry white blend may show aromas of peach, apricot, passion fruit, lemon, lime, honeydew melon, and honeysuckle. The palate brings forth lemon zest, pineapple, lemongrass, fennel, hay, and a green olive brininess. There is a generousness to the wine displaying in its

Thank You

richness, fruitiness, and freshness, with a fairly steady finish. This will pair well with your pre-meal cheese board and with the turkey and gravy and lots of other side dishes. It is also good with seafood and spicy dishes too. From the Loire Valley, we present the 2021 Clos Palet Vouvray. A wine labeled as Vouvray is certainly 100 percent Chenin Blanc, and it can be made either dry or sweet or even into a lovely dry, sparkling wine. The Clos Palet is off-d with a hint of sweetness on the palate. This yellow wine has hints of green reflected in it, and has aromas of acacia flower, honeysuckle, bruised apples, citrus, and fresh almonds. The taste is bright with high acidity, but the edges are softened due to that off-dry sweetness. The aromas are mimicked on the taste along with additional notes of chamomile, tangerine, quince, and marzipan. This is another wine that will compliment roast turkey or a plate of cheeses (Try it with sliced apples and goat cheese; thank us later!). Also from the Rhône Valley, we present the 2020 Domaine des Bernardins Beaumes de Venise Rouge which is comprised of 60 percent Grenache, 25 percent Syrah, 6 percent Marsanne, 5 percent Mourvèdre, and 4 percent Grenache Blanc. Why yes, Elizabeth, there are white grapes in my red wine! White grapes may be co-fermented with red grapes to help retain the red color from the pigments in the red grape skins. Also, white grapes may add a subtle hint of citrus fruit, acidity, and texture to the resulting wine. The Domaine des Bernardins was produced from whole-cluster fermentation, with aging in stainless steel tanks for up to 12 months. The wine will

not have any influence of oak here, and the fruit will shine through. Fresh black fruit aromas dominate this wine, with a hint of black pepper. The flavor profile includes cranberries, black currants, and black pepper, along with a smokiness. This is a full-bodied wine, but with smooth tannins. While one might expect to pair this wine with game or red meat, try it with your Thanksgiving table, especially with roasted vegetables, sausage stuffing, mushroom dishes, and anything with some lovely savory herbs. Our final wine is the 2020 Patricia Raquin Pinot Noir, from Burgundy. The Pinot Noir grapes are fermented in stainless steel and then 80 percent goes into old oak barrels, which have no oak flavors to impart on the wine. The other 20 percent goes into one-yearuse barrels so the oak flavor imparted on the wine is less than a first-use (brandnew) barrel. Then the wine is blended. The fragrance of the wine includes violets, roses, strawberries, and cherries. Sipping this wine, you will find floral and fruit, along with some minerality or wet stone taste. This wine has the earthiness that often comes with Pinot Noir along with smooth tannins and a nice finish. Pinot Noir tends to produce nice food-friendly wines, and this red will not overshadow your holiday meal. Happy Thanksgiving to all and to all a good drink!

City Vino at 810 Caroline St is were you will find owner Rita Allan to provide you answers to all your wine questions

Since 2004 we have had the privilege of serving the Fredericksburg Area in the Restaurant Community we have enjoyed so much. We have the opportunity now to sell Vivify and focus on new chapters in our careers and time with these boys. We'll see you around! We are excited for this next step in our family's lives. Thank you for all the memories.

Blake & Aby Bethem For Updates & What’s Next Follow Us:

vivifyburger@gmail.com vivifyburger

Vivify Burger & Lounge front porch fredericksburg

November 2023

CALEND november 2023 Be Thankful for All Blessings Big or Small Live music Darcy Dawn @FXBG Square, 6p, 525 Caroline St Wednesday November 1

Art Show by Bill Harris @Adventure Brewing Eagle Village, 6-8p

Open Mic@Katora Coffee, 615 Carol CLAP / SNAP / STOMP, as long as it

Pay-What-You-Can before opening night Performance of Matilda @UMW Klein Theatre, box office open at 5:30; performance 7:30p.

Live Music Superlocrain @Colonial Taven, 406 Lafayette Blvd, 9p-12a

Join Trapper Young at 6 Bears and a 7-9p, 1140 International Pkwy

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

Live Music Something Shiny @ 6Bears & a Goat, 7-9p,1140 Internaional

Live Music Chromatic Static @Court

Open Mic@Katora Coffee, 615 Caroline St, 7-10p, Audience is invited to CLAP / SNAP / STOMP, as long as it does not distract the performer.

Saturday November 4

Thursday November 9

Trapper's Trivia @6B&G 7 pm 7-9p, 1140 International Pkwy

Thursday November 2

Walk with a Doc 4-5p FXBG food CoOP, 320 Emancipation Hwy PA fun walking group on the Heritage and Canal Path Trail Live Music, Larry Hinkle, Highmark Brewery, 390 Kings Hwy, 7-10p Opening Night Matilda UMW Klein Theatre, thru Nov 19th Live Music The bleakworms @ Katora Coffee, 615 Caroline ST, 4p Live Music Acoustic Onion Beatles Night @Colonial Tavern, 406 Lafayette Blvd, 7-10p

First Friday November 3

Brush Strokes Gallery "Thankful For, opening reception 5-9p, 824 Caroline St

Market at the Community Center, 9 a- 3 , Dorothy Hart Community Center 408 Canal St Info: FXBGparks.com Spotsy Farmers Market , 8am - 1pm 12150 Gordon Rd SPCA Animal Rescue Festival, Hurkamp Park, 9:30a-4p,day kicks off with a one-mile Walk for the Animals at 9:30 a.m. followed by music, vendors, a beer and wine garden, and of course, adoptable animals Fall Harvest Festival , Belvedere Plantation has over 25 attractions to make your farm adventure filled with fun and laughter 10a-10p, 1410 Belvedere Plantation Night in Washington's Day, experience the 18th Century, Historic Kaenmore Plantation, 1201 Washington Ave, 7-9:30p Live Music The Wavos @ Strangeways Brewing, 350 Lansdowne Rd, 6p Live Music Whiskey Revival @ 6B&G, 7-9p, 1140 International Pkwy

"Shapes & Sizes" FCCA; in members gallery Nancy Owens, 813 Sophia St

Live music Thrashgiving VIII, Join us for this insane lineup of bands. Water's End Brewery, 525 Caroline St, 4p

6x6 Small Works Show, LibertyTown Arts Workshop, ope4nikng

10th Annual Jazz4Justice cncert, UMW Dodd Auditorium, 8:30-10:30p

C. Renee Martin, Photography, Guest Artist, Reception, Opening Reception 5-8:30, Darbytown Art Studio 241 Charles St

Sunday November 5

"Beautiful Places", Featuring a collection of new works by Judy Green and Wayne Russell, Opening reception 6pm to 9pm. Art First, 824 Caroline S

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

"F'XBG Ornaments Reimagined" Christine Lush-Rodriguez Artful Dimensions, 922 Caroline St Opening Reception, 6-9pm Jon Waters,Guest Artist, Opening Reception, Arts, 1517 Princess Anne

5-8:30p Canal Quarters

"Artist Market" PONSHOP 5-8p, 712 Caroline St Our Garden is open boasting a wide array of artists and makers. Sprelly in-store tastings & Samples, 10a-5p; It's been a long time, but Burlesque and Variety Show is returning to the Strangeways Brewing , doors open 8:30; 9p, 350 Lansdowne Rd Rappahannock Writers Conference hands-on workshops. presenters Chandra Gore, James Noll, Rick Pullen, and Elizabeth Spencer Spragins cover technique, marketing, and pacing. CRRL Howell Branch, 6-8p

Market at the Community Center, 9 a- 3 , Dorothy Hart Community Center 408 Canal St Info: FXBGparks.com

november 2023

Front porch fredericksburg

Walk with a Doc 4-5p FXBG food Co walking group on the Heritage and C

Live Music, Larry Hinkle, Highmark B

Live Music Chris Ryan Band @The Si

Live Music Jazz Jam @Colonial Taver

Friday November 10

Whiskey & Wood Artisan Festival FX Smith Bowman Distillery invite you sampling a variety of whiskeys. -8p. Live Music No & Mary @ Adventure

Saturday November 11 Veterans Day

Spotsy Farmers Market , 8am - 1pm

UMW Open House get an overview o and hear from the College of Arts an College of Education and take a cam

Tuesday November 7

Election Day...your vote counts Chair Yoga @ Food CoOP a gentle form of yoga that's done while seated or using a chair 320 Emancipation Hwy, 6-7p Shut Up & Write, Join us for an hour of writing! We've discovered that it's strikingly helpful to write with other writers. 6:30p Books-a-Million Spotsy Mall

Wednesday November 8

Fredericksburg Area Museum (FAM) fall Homeschool Investigators program, Dinosaur Discoveries. 10a-11:30p Trivia Night, Sunken Well at 6:30pm 720 Littlepage

fabtrail.com

James Farmer Multicultural Cen Celebration. Presentation on the his Tribes in the area by Victoria Fergus Nation of Virginia., 7:00 pm. Chan University Center, 1301 College Ave

Live Music Brisk @ 6B&G, 7-9:30p, 1

Daylight Savings Time Ends

Become a Friend Advocate ~ Donate ~ Volunteer

540~479~4116 1013 Princess Anne St , FXBG

Jingle Mingle, Sophia Street Studios Kathryn Murray, Catherine Hillis 6Company, wine tasting and light ref

FB @ FABeerTrail

Veterans Day Procession begin at Me 10a

Whiskey & Wood Artisan Festival, 10

Holiday Open House Weekend Down Walks Right Up Your Alley,Explore th FXBG. Stroll along some of the cit Visitors Center, 10a-12p

Walk with a Hawk, Motts Run Reserv Earthquest educators teaches you ab non-releasable hawk will follow us th

DAR of events

line St, 7-10p, Audience is invited to does not distract the performer.

Rappahannock Model Railroaders at the Spotsylvania Towne Centre Mall near the food court 10am-8pm More info. at www.rmrailroaders.com

a Goat for Trapper's Trivia Night at

Live Music Larry Stephenson Band @Fraternal Order of Eagles #4123, 21 Cool Springs Rd, 4p

tyard Marriott, 620 Caroline St, 6p

Live Music Ryan French 2 6B&G, 7-9:30p, 1140 International Pkwy

and SaraGray Designs, Paintings by -8 Pop Up with Southern Brim Hat freshments.1104 Sophia Street

nter's Native American Cultural story and culture of American Indian son, member of the Monacan Indian ndler Ballroom A&B, Cedric Rucker e 22401. Free.

Sunday November 12

Live Music Duck chuck Goose @ Adventure Brewing North, 7-9p Live Music The Wavos@ Water's End Brewery, 6:30p, 525 Caroline St Live Music bOn @ 6B&G, 1140 Intrnational Pkw, 7-9:30p

Sunday November 19

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

Holiday Open House Downtown FXBG

Holiday Crafts & Drafts @ Aventure Brewing North, 1-6p

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

Tuesday November 21

Rappahannock Model Railroaders at the Spotsylvania Towne Centre Mall near the food court 11am-5pm More info. at www.rmrailroaders.com

Monday November 13

oOP, 320 Emancipation Hwy PA fun Canal Path Trail .

Food Co-op Storytime in Pajamas with Loose Parts Play Led by Amber Dawson, director of the Brompton Community School, engage in stories, songs, and sensory bins. ideal for babies and children up to age 10, and you're encouraged to come in pajamas for an easy bedtime transition.

Brewery, 390 Kings Hwy, 7-10p

Tuesday November 14

ilk Mill, 1707 Princess Anne St, 6p

Shut Up & Write, Join us for an hour of writing! it's strikingly helpful to write with other writers. 6:30p Books-a-Million Spotsy Mall

rn, 406 Lafayette, 7p

Wednesday November 15

XBG Area Woodworkers Guild and A. to interact with local artisans while Show continues on Saturday

Open Mic@Katora Coffee, 615 Caroline St, 7-10p, Audience is invited to CLAP / SNAP / STOMP, as long as it does not distract the performer.

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

Brewing North, 7-9p

Join Trapper Young at 6 Bears and a Goat Trivia Night 7 -9p, 1140 International Pkwy

1140 Ionternational Pkwy

Thursday November 16

Live Music Bruce Middle Group @ Colonial Tavern, 406 Lafayette 8p Walk with a Doc 4-5p FXBG food CoOP, 320 Emancipation Hwy PA fun walking group on the Heritage and Canal Path Trail .

Shut Up & Write, Join us for an hour of writing! it's strikingly helpful to write with other writers. 6:30p Books-a-Million Spotsy Mall

Thanksgiving November 23 Give Thanks

Black Friday November 24 Support Local Merchants!

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

Saturday November 25 Small Business Saturday

Spotsy Farmers Market , 8am - 1pm 12150 Gordon Rd Live Music Mark Dunn @6B&G, 1140 International Pkwy, 7-9:30p

Sunday November 26

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

Wednesday November 29

Trivia Night, Sunken Well at 6:30pm 720 Littlepage Open Mic@Katora Coffee, 615 Caroline St, 7-10p, Audience is invited to CLAP / SNAP / STOMP, as long as it does not distract the performer.

Live Music, Larry Hinkle, Highmark Brewery, 390 Kings Hwy, 7-10p

Join Trapper Young at 6 Bears and a Goat for Trivia Night 7-9p, 1140 International Pkwy

on student life, academic programs, nd Sciences, College of Business, and mpus tour. 8:30a-2p

Friday November 17

Thursday November 30

emorial Park to FXBG War Memorial,

Live Music @Curitiba, Latin Night w/ Spanglish Latin American Band Concert FREE , 6-9p, 919 Caroline St

m 12150 Gordon Rd

0a-4p

town FXBG he back streets and untold stories of ty's oldest alleyways, Meet outside

voir hike through the woods while a bout hawks During walk, a flighted, hrough the woods in the trees. 2-3p

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

Saturday November 18

Walk with a Doc 4-5p FXBG food CoOP, 320 Emancipation Hwy PA Lauren Bock will lead this fun walking group on the Heritage and Canal Path Trail where we'll learn about health and meet new friends. Live Music, Larry Hinkle, Highmark Brewery, 390 Kings Hwy, 7-10p

Spotsy Farmers Market , 8am - 1pm 12150 Gordon Rd Gingerbread House Workshop, Geo Washington Ferry Farms, 11a-12:30P A Wee Christmas Miniature Making Workshop Create a holiday-themed "room box"1-3p Historic Kenmore Spotsy Farmers Market, 8a-1p, Gordon Road Park & Ride Lot Children's Christmas Tree Lighting, riverfront Park, 701 Sophia St, 4p

.If you are reading this 316th issue of FPF,

thank an advertiser now in our 27th year of continuous publication!

List your events email frntprch@aol.com: subject Calendar Deadline for December 2023 issue is November 19th.

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

donatelifevirginia.org dmv.virginia.gov/drivers/#organs.asp front porch fredericksburg

November 2023

history’s stories

Thankful at 80 By Ralph “Tuffy” Hicks

I sit here on my 80th birthday (October 18) writing my Front Porch story for the November issue many fond memories past thru my mind. I am often asked how far can you remember back thru the years in your life over those 29,000 plus days? I am blessed to have had wonderful parents, my mother Pauline Withers Hicks and Ralph A. Hicks, Sr (above with Tuffy in 1949) were such good role models. Having been born during World War II was a trying time in America when everyone came together for the war effort and many friendships were made that would last a lifetime. I remember riding in the rumble seat of my grandfather's 1931 Ford roadster when I was five years old. We lived next door to my cousin Virginia Mann (Torrice), a lifelong friend whose was at my birthday party . Thanksgiving is a time of reflection for many of us especially as we go thru life. In our younger years we sighed as we heard our parents and grandparents say "IN THE GOOD OLD DAYS". I find myself uttering near the same words when I say to my wife Anne "REMEMBER WHEN", Anne will sigh and say "Tuffy" that was some time ago”. I am often asked what is the secret to longevity? My longtime friend Bill Sale

who lived to be 100, would answer that is the sixty-four dollar question. I will answer that I believe having the blessings of many friends, keeping active and the gift of good health along with the support of family. When I was younger the family was different than today. Life was not as rushed, and relatives were located close to one another. The word "FAST" was not used as much such as "FAST FOOD, FAST DRIVE THRU. Most stores were closed after 6PM and on weekends. Religion was important to the family and on Sunday the local churches were crowded.

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

Times have changed. That is the standard answer we hear if anyone ask the question. Actually times are the same, we have changed thru the years. We have see improvements in medicine and our overall knowledge of how to live a healthy lifestyle which makes us wonder why many Americans are obese, smokers and alcoholics? Many families today are separated due to the high divorce rates , distance from each other and political differences of opinion. I look forward to THANKSGIVING each year as it is a time when we can come together with friends and family. This being my 80TH THANKSGIVING I am especially thankful for my wife Anne, my son Allen and his wife Rachel and grandchildren Connor, Emily, Harrison and Hannah. I am very thankful for my many friends that I have coffee with each morning and those I see throughout the year. We will be going over the hill and thru the woods to Andora Farm (1787) for a traditional Thanksgiving dinner with many guest, Tom and Pat Seay have continued this tradition for over twenty years. I hope I am blessed to be writing this column on my 90th birthday. Have a blessed Thanksgiving Dedicated To: Ray Little, Jud Honaker, Tom HigginsIII, and Claude Pitts, Jr. Tuffy is Front Porch’s Resident Historian

November 2023

Front porch fredericksburg

907 Princess Anne Street, Downtown Fredericksburg

OUR HERITAGE holiday Open House By Beth Daly

What better way to celebrate the holiday season than to visit Historic Fredericksburg Foundation, Inc.'s (HFFI) Holiday Open House on Saturday, December 9 The event will be held from noon to 6 at the Lewis Store, 1200 Caroline Street. It's free, -a gift from HFFI to celebrate the holidays, history, and preservation. The open house will feature handmade fresh-green decorations, neighborhood walking tours, tours of the store, activities for children, cookie decorating, ornament making, needlework demonstrations, live music, a minimuseum showcasing an amazing collection

of Fredericksburg artifacts gathered by a local historian, and refreshments. The Lewis Store (pictured above), built by John Lewis in 1749, is perhaps the oldest retail establishment in the United States. Lewis, -whose son, Fielding, married George Washington's sister, Betty, -operated the store during the Colonial period. Colonists exchanged raw goods for manufactured items imported from England. The store has been HFFI headquarters since the early 2000s. The building was a gift from Dr. Robert and Mary Ellen Wheeler. It has undergone

several major renovations-a perfect example of adaptive reuse of a historic property. AIt was a store until 1823, and then a private residence until 1980. It's also a survivor. AIn 1807, a fire that began in a structure behind it damaged, but did not destroy it. During the repairs, a full second story was added In December 1862 during the first Battle of Fredericksburg , fierce fighting took place in the neighborhood, but again, the store survived. The Lewis Store is surrounded by history. so our guided walking tours will explore neighboring landmarks. For example, the brick structure, diagonally across the street at 1119 Caroline Street, was built in 1835 to house the Female Charity School. Founded by the women of St. George's Episcopal Church in 1802, the school provided lodging and education for orphaned girls.

northeast corner belonged to Joseph Alsop. His daughter, Lizzie, kept a Civil War diary and was known as the "Yankee Hater." The fourth home belonged to James Marye, Lieutenant Governor of Virginia. Walk a little further up Lewis Street to 307. Jane Howison Beale, a widow, huddled in the basement during the first Battle of Fredericksburg with several of her children. Her memories, " were published by HFFI in A Woman in a War-Torn Town. Since its founding in 1955, HFFI's mission has been advocating preservation. The organization has prevented destruction of many historic structures, starting with the Silversmith House, now the Fredericksburg Center for the Creative Arts. HFFI provides support and education to promote and protect Fredericksburg's most precious resource, its history.

Up the hill, the intersection of Princess Anne and Lewis streets has been called the "Power Corner." Before the Civil War, the movers and shakers of Fredericksburg occupied the four homes.

Come to the Lewis Store on Saturday, December 9; -celebrate the holidays, history, and preservation.

James Temple Doswell lived on the southwest corner. The pressed ironwork on the porch reflects Mr. Doswell's connection to the Deep South and his business as a cotton broker. Across Lewis Street is the Kenmore Inn, once the home of Thomas Fitzhugh Knox, Jr., and his family. Knox's six sons joined the Confederate army. The letters the family exchanged were published by HFFI and the Central Rappahannock Heritage Center in "The Circle Unbroken: Civil War Letters of the Knox Family of Fredericksburg." . The home on the

Beth Daly is a retired Federal employee who loves history.

Historic Fredericksburg Foundation, Inc.'s Holiday Open House Saturday, December 9 Noon to 6pm Lewis Store, 1200 Caroline Street. Featuring handmade fresh-g green decorations, neighborhood walking tours, tours of the store, live music, children’s activities & more

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

540-898-0737

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November 2023

Mental Health time with peers can improve mental health By david krasy At the risk of showing my age, I preface this blog post by saying, "back when I was a kid, all we did was hang out with each other." We'd go to the mall, play sports, hang out at each other's houses and go home only when we had no other choice. As a licensed school psychologist, I've noticed that young adults' social experience is different now. Their connections are increasingly happening online, and they are consumed by academic and family pressures in their limited free time. Unsurprisingly, then, according to the CDC, about 40% of children and teens are experiencing elevated rates of depression and sadness. Even scarier is that about 20% of high school students have reported thoughts of suicide. It is difficult to point the finger to one specific factor for the rise in these numbers because it is most likely a combination of psychosocial and environmental factors: rise in social media usage, onset of a pandemic, greater school demands, family stress, etc. However, many of these factors are difficult to predict or control. One factor we can control is the quality and quantity of our children's connection to peers. The Importance Of Peer Connections Looking at children and teens from an evolutionary perspective shows us that, for thousands of years, they have spent most of their free time with peers. Our brains are hardwired to depend on these interactions for our overall mental well-being.

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November 2023

As hard as it may be to prioritize social time, I believe that the benefits greatly outweigh the costs. Many parents have shown apprehensiveness about letting their children have sleepovers, go ride bikes with friends or stay out until dark because of their own anxieties; however, data has shown that if children know how to avoid danger and be safe, their chances of harm significantly decline. On the other hand, some children may not want to leave the comfort of their bedrooms because they prefer the comfort of the technology (TikTok, YouTube, Netflix and gaming) available to them. This is where parents should set strict limits and demand their children get at least some unstructured face-tto-fface time with peers. Here are some easy ways to promote these interactions: 1. Use the One-to-One Ratio: If you have a child that refuses to leave the house or spend any time with peers, use the one-to-one ratio of one hour of time with peers equals one hour of technology time. 2. Determine Your Comfort Level: If you are nervous about your child doing certain activities with peers, find options that you are comfortable with, including having friends come to your house, meeting at a park/trampoline park/mall or staying close by when your children are with peers. 3. Take the First Step: For some children, initiating these interactions can be difficult, so help them by taking the first step. This may look like the families hanging out at first while they become more 4. Encourage Structured Peer Time: Any time children and teens get to spend with peers is going to be

donatelifevirginia.org

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beneficial (even if it is difficult) because they are constantly learning and connecting in ways they cannot do online. For older children, you can require part-time jobs or joining clubs and organizations in school. For younger children, it may look like having weekly meetups with other children. Children and teens need meaningful connections in their lives. To accomplish this, they need face-to-face opportunities with peers in non-school settings. Many things get in the way of accomplishing this -overscheduling, too much homework/studying, anxious parents - but it must become a priority if we want to see the rates of childhood and teen depression diminish.

David Krasky is a licensed school psychologist who has been working primarily in private practice for the past 14 years. He has had the opportunity to work directly with children, teens and young adults experiencing mild to severe symptoms of anxiety, depression, autism and ADHD. .

If you or someone you know is experiencing a mental health, suicide or substance use crisis or emotional distress, reach out 24/7 to the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline (formerly known as the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline) by dialing or texting 988 or using chat services at suicidepreventionlifeline.org to connect to a trained crisis counselor. You can also get crisis text support via the Crisis Text Line by texting NAMI to 741741.

Emancipated Patients moss free clinic turns 30 By Patrick Neustatter, MD A medical institution in Fredericksburg that I have a particular enthusiasm for, is about to celebrate its 30th year anniversary - but at the same time reach out to its supporters for help. I refer to the Lloyd F. Moss Free Clinic, which I have a particular interest, enthusiasm, and desire to help because I have been the medical director sine 2010. We are there to take care of the medically indigent - those people who fall between the slats in a country that is lacking universal healthcare. A GROWING CONCERN The clinic was started in 1993, in response to a need identified at that time, spearheaded by Lloyd F. "Jeppy" Moss, a Fredericksburg native and internist and a member of the Pratt Medical Center when I joined in 1986 - so had the honor to be a contemporary for a short time, before he retired from being a "physician leader in Fredericksburg for more than six decades."

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Guided by the Fredericksburg Area Regional Health Council - a board comprised of representatives from local healthcare, social, legal, and religious organizations - the clinic has grown to take care of an ever increasing number of uninsured, low income citizens of Fredericksburg, and the counties of Stafford, Spotsylvania, King George and Caroline. Starting with just two-p physician and a bi-w weekly evening clinic, Moss now provides behavioral health and eye care in addition to full time primary care, with ability to refer to local specialists and order all labs and imaging studies generously provided as charitable donation by local hospitals - primarily Mary Washington. Also providing much needed dental care is a busy dental clinic whose Dental Director is Jeppy's son Lloyd Moss perpetuating the family tradition. When I started working at Moss, I felt like I was back at the mission hospital in Zimbabwe where I did a short stint- such was the acuity of the patients, who so often had received no preventive care to contain the ravages of their illness.

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Now, we offer increasingly complex management, with appropriate procedures and tests - fulfilling a growing expectation of our patients, and comparable to private medical care.

The downside is providing this care gets ever more expensive. FUNDING Talking about money is considered indelicate in refined society. But the reality is that the expenses of running a clinic and trying to expand much needed services to the growing population of Fredericksburg takes a lot of funding. And contrary to popular belief the Moss clinic is not affiliated with or receiving major funding from any healthcare facility. Currently the clinic receives about 15 percent of its annual budget of $2.2 million is from state and local government sources. The balance from contributions solicited from the and grants. But the lions share to date has come from funds raised in a capital campaign some ten years ago organized by the Mary Washington Hospital Foundation.. Now the capital campaign funds are dwindling, and, as the clinic prepares to celebrate its 30-year anniversary on November 3rd there is concern about the level of services we can continue to provide - services that keep local employers workforce functional (some 60 percent of our patients are employed), and save significant healthcare dollars by keeping patients out of the ER or the hospital. It's a bit of a struggle, despite free clinics having the ability to levergae $36 of healthcare for ever $1 donated. The nation-wide network of so called "safety-net" clinics that Moss is a part of, that were created in response to the need of the medically indigent in the early 1990's "was seen as a stop gap when it looked like the Clinton administration was going to create a system of universal healthcare" notes Karen Dulaney - Moss Clinics Executive Director who has been at the helm since 1995. Maybe one day our lawmakers will come up with a system of universal healthcare (don't hold your breath). Meanwhile, the wellbeing of the 1,200 odd patients we cared for last year is now almost totally dependent on the largess of the local community. So with apologies for such an unsubtle solicitation - if you feel an irresistible urge to donate - or want to know more about our services and eligibility - go to the Moss Clinic website at mossfreeclinic.org. Patrick Neustatter, MD is the Medical Director of the Moss Free Clinic

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November 2023

Kelsey’s Story a survivor of domestic violence By nancy kelly 1 in 4 women in the U.S. have been a victim of intimate partner violence. Since 1978, Empowerhouse, a non-profit agency, has been breaking the cycle of domestic violence through shelter, advocacy, education, housing, awareness, prevention, and education. In the past year, we have provided life-changing services to more than 3,800 people in Fredericksburg City and Caroline, King George, Spotsylvania, and Stafford counties. The following is a true story of healing and gratitude from a survivor of domestic violence who was helped by Empowerhouse. . Part 1 "I could feel death was near. I could feel it & I could sense it." “I began dating my abuser when I was only 16, and he was 24. He actively groomed me those first several years. He controlled me. He even formed my behavior & thinking patterns. There were periods of terrible physical & sexual abuse. I was so young & unaware of red flags & what domestic violence was. I thought this was normal. I believed with my whole heart he loved me. I trusted him more than I trusted my own self”. … Part 2 "I remember while I was actively running that this was like one of those nightmares that you just can't run fast enough in or wake up from." “You see, he did all of this in front of the children & they were obviously beyond hysterical. As he left, in that moment I knew it was the only shot I would have to save my own life. So, I silently darted to the basement door, fled the house, scrambled my way over the privacy fence & ran. All with a newly broken neck”. …

November 2023

Part 3 "Of the people who suffer my type of injury, only 3% live.” “Laying in that hospital bed, these questions raced through my mind. The type of fracture I had is what's known in the medical field as a Jefferson fracture. My vertebra was broken in three places. Of the people who suffer this fracture, only 3% live. It is a miracle that I am walking & speaking…that I am even alive.”… Part 4 "Can you imagine; a place to go when you're unsure you have anywhere to go & your only option may be back to the house of horrors you came from?" “Empowerhouse offered me support in the way of support groups. I was able to meet & make friends with other victims of domestic violence at these support groups. I met with Susan again & again & she was the first one to open my eyes to get an understanding of what Domestic Violence is & the power & control wheel. It may sound strange but I mean it when I say the abuse was so severe, I couldn't recognize it as abuse. I had been conditioned to believe these things were my fault. Susan helped me identify what this was.” Part 5 "The cycle of abuse will very hopefully not fall to my children & our children are the future." I look back on those days when my children & I were newly freed, I have such a love & gratitude for that time. Those feelings of aloneness, uncertainty, confusion, & hopelessness were turned into confidence, hope, & positivity & I am so grateful for Empowerhouse making it their mission to help victims & survivors alike in so many ways”

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“Because of Empowerhouse' support, education, & resources, it gave me the ability to learn & grow myself. I now educate my children on red flags, abuse, power & control, setting & keeping healthy boundaries, & more. I like to think of myself as being a cycle breaker. The cycle of abuse will very hopefully not fall to my children & our children are the future. The abuse ended with me in my family & I owe a big portion of that to Empowerhouse. A time that so very easily could have been the hardest part of my life turned into one of the best because of Empowerhouse' support, encouragement, & resources”. “Their love, kindness, caring, their resources & groups, & events are life changing. We are so blessed to have been able to experience the work they provide”.

To read to full version of Kelsey's powerful and inspiring story, and learn about the how the different free services provided by Empowerhouse and how they supported Kelsey on her journey as a survivor, please follow @Empowerhouseva on Instagram or Facebook. Each week, starting in November, we will share a part of her story and then post the story in its entirety in December on our website www.empowerhouseva.org.

Nancy Kelly is the Development Director at Empowerhouse. If you, or someone you know is experiencing domestic violence, please call our free 24-h hour confidential hotline at (540) 373-9 9373.

Middle East Crisis Forum Compassion & grief by Amy Jessee University of Mary The Washington will host a community forum called "The Middle East Crisis: Extending Compassion and Recognizing Grief in Our Own Community" on Wednesday, Nov. 1, at 7 p.m., in George Washington Hall, Dodd Auditorium. The forum is open to the public and features experts from UMW's faculty and staff, as well as community leaders, who will discuss their thoughts on dealing with the ongoing conflict in Gaza and Israel. Speakers will include Dr. Melissa Palguta, a staff therapist from the University's Talley Center for Counseling Services; Imam Sherif Shehata from the Masjid Aliya Islamic Center and chaplain to Stafford County Fire and Rescue; Rabbi Ronda Wanderman Young, now retired, longtime member of the greater Fredericksburg Jewish community; and the Rev. Ethan Lowery, campus and young adult missioner at Trinity Episcopal Church. "This forum aims to go beyond politics or history, and we're not focused on who's wrong or who's right. It's about community," said Associate Professor of Political Science and International Affairs Ranjit Singh, who organized the event. "Each panelist will speak about how their tradition or profession deals with reconciling trauma and grief with compassion." Sponsored by the Khatib Program in Religion and Dialogue at UMW, the event will be moderated by Professor of Religious Studies Mary Beth Mathews.

"The Khatib Program in Religion and Dialogue at UMW was founded from tragedy in a terrorist attack, when Dr. Reza Khatib and Mrs. Georgianna Clifford Khatib drew inspiration from the aftermath of that terrible day," Mathews said. "They believed that, through mutual understanding and respect for other religions, we can foster peaceful coexistence. This forum embodies that approach."

Amy Jesse is Executive Director of University Communication

The Middle East Crisis: Extending Compassion and Recognizing Grief in Our Own Community" Wednesday, Nov. 1, at 7 p.m, George Washington Hall, Dodd Auditorium

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November 2023

Art in the Burg Art Galleries in November

Taylor Cullar, “FXBG Dock” @BSG “Holiday Gifts By Gifted Artists” All Members Exhibit Opening Reception First Fri, Nov 3, 5-9 9p Brush Strokes Gallery 824 Caroline St. Once again, Santa's helper elf, Beverley Coates, has been busy coordinating the design of the table that will feature small original works of art, which will include cards, jewelry, and "mini art" paintings and sculptures, as well as ornaments that will be displayed on the gallery's Christmas Tree. The gallery will also feature a perennial favorite, its "Deck the Walls" display of art with images that may elicit memories and dreams of treasured seasonal moments that warm the heart in even the coldest months. In addition, the gallery's more than 25 gifted artists have created a range of artwork that will lift the hearts of all who receive them. Many present images of the enchanting world of nature that reflect their creators' unique sensibilities and talents, including Carole Waite's sumie painting, "Fall Scene," Lois Baird's "Apple Pickin," Taylor Cullar's photograph, "Fredericksburg Dock," that captures the beauty of the river and the range of people who enjoy its offerings and Seija Martin's enchanting depiction of "Early Snow." Other artists convey the legendary and mythological aspects of images inspired by nature, such as Stacy Gerise's "Creepy Tree Sun," which was included in

her thought-provoking series of black and white paintings, Abigail Horton's untitled silkscreen creation, in which the heart motif that permeates the stylized figure of a bird may connote a message of love, and Nori Eicholtz's abstract composition, "Dream Washi Tape" may have a unique meaning for each of its viewers. Al Latorre's "El Cubano" connotes the colorful personality of his subject and the culture he reflects. The works of several artists open a door of perception that highlights alluring aspects of our built environment that may go Medina unnoticed, including Roberts' painting "City Center DC #3," Norma Woodward's "Fractured" photo of a building's façade, and Penny A Parrish's photograph "Purple Lattice" on the shutter of a building laden with leaves. Meanwhile, Michele Milano's Bronze Deco Garnet Gem Necklace Set may be the perfect fit for a gift for a cherished someone. ~-Collette Caprara

"Beautiful Places" Featuring a collection of new works by Judy Green and Wayne Russell Opening reception 1st Friday, November 3, 6pm to 9pm. Art First, 824 Caroline St Judy Green and Wayne Russell are the featured artists for the November . Both are well known in the local art scene for their unique styles: Green for her vibrantly fused realistic paintings and Russell for his solidly grounded pop art. The title of the show is aptly named "Beautiful Places" given the subject matter of each artist. Green gives a taste of the

“Venice”, Judy Green @Art First international while Russell explores among other things--Bigfoot. Green focuses on realism and detail while Russell style tends more to being abstract, impressionistic and pop "art'ish". The mix of styles creates a dynamic show. ~Gary Close

Christine Lush-R Rodriguez” FXBG Reimagined @Artful Dimensions C. Renee Martin, Photography Guest Artist, Reception, Nov 3, 5-8 8:30 Darbytown Art Studio 241 Charles St See spotlight on Martin, pg 25 ~Jeannie Ellis

"F'XBG Ornaments Reimagined" Christine Lush-R Rodriguez Artful Dimensions, 922 Caroline St Opening Reception, First Friday Nov 3, 6-9 9pm Christine Lush-Rodriguez has been creating a different Fredericksburg city scene or building in clay for the last eleven years. She says, "I always want to present the ornament images so they can

“Lake George NY at Sunrise”, Wayne Russell @Art First be hung on a wall, as a piece of art. Each of the panels have been expanded and enhanced." Christine's first ten ornaments, as well as St. George's Church and Chatham Manor, will be on display at Artful Dimensions Gallery during October. Each ornament has a numbered limited edition of 50 pieces. This year, only the first five of each ornament will be available for purchase. ~ Sally Cooney Anderson Jon Waters Guest Artist Opening Reception, First Fri Nov 3, 5-8 8:30p Canal Quarters Arts, 1517 Princess Anne Drawing on Geometric Design, much of Jon's work has a Southwestern or Mexican motif. ~Jeannie Ellis “Artist Market” PONSHOP Nov 3, 5-8p, 712 Caroline St Our Garden is open boasting a wide array of artists and makers. ~Gabe Pon

Seija Martin, “Early Snow” @BSG

810 Caroline Street, Downtown 540.371.4099 “Redwinged Blackbird”, Robyn Ryan 24

November 2023

“Southern Duo”,Beverley Coates

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“Sunrise Princess Anne”, Lynn Abbott

Artist on Site Saturdays

Spotlight c.renee martin, photographer “Early on, I learned to respect and value the natural world. I got into photography and fell in love with capturing images of the gifts that surround us. God has given us the beauty of nature, and I celebrate that beauty through my photographs.

“Winter Highlights” The guest artist for Darbytown Art Studio for the month of November is an amazing photographer, C. Renee Martin “A lover of wildlife and nature, made even more so by growing up in the Appalachian Mountains. The days I spent exploring the mountains and hollows back home are some of my earliest and most precious memories.

“As I captured that moment in time, I hoped to inspire and create the same feelings in others. I want you to experience the force of the waves crashing at the water's edge, the wind sweeping the clouds across the sky, and the warmth of the sun painting the sky in colors only found on God's palette.” Martin decribes herself as “a selftaught landscape and nature photographer who is inspired by nature's beauty.”

“ M y images usually involves research on the weather, moon, stars, sun, Milky Way, and so much more. In my photography, I usually utilize two techniques: Long Exposure and Focus Stacking.” “ L o n g exposures are used in the majority of my waterscapes to create a serene, tranquil, even otherworldly atmosphere. When I want to produce astounding clarity from the very front to the very back of an image, I rely on focus stacking”

“Golden Hour”

C. Renee Martin, Photographer Guest Artist for Darbytown Art Studio for the month of November First Friday reception, November 3, 5:00-8 8:30.

“Most importantly, I want the viewer to experience the same sense of tranquility and awe that I experienced when photographing these images.”

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November 2023

Auto Known Better frankly, scarlett By Rim Vining Rhetoric: The use of expressive language as epitomized by Rhett Butler. Keep it short and to the point. "Frankly Scarlett …" Rhettired: Another use of expressive language made famous by Rhett Butler shortened to just, "Frankly, I don't give a... " Rhettorical: How many times do I have to say, "Frankly, I don't…" Let's start with RHETORIC! In a nutshell, we are in the season of mailboxes full of colorful flyers with all sorts of misleading or outright lies printed below smiling air-brushed photos of candidates running in this November's election. I wish I had saved them all so I could study the various phases of the campaigns as they switched from aligning with one candidate or another to endorsements from others until finally landing on some scare tactic to make you vote against the other guy. The campaigns aren't about what the candidate might do for the world around us but how horrible life will be if they aren't in charge and you should be terrified of life in "their opponent's" world. They don't debate and they don't take questions. They just spout rhetoric. To paraphrase the bard of my generation, Mr. John Prine: Blow up your TV. Throw away the flyers. Do a little research and get off your brains and VOTE! Now that I've gotten that off my chest let's move on to RHETTIRED! So I took my own advice and asked the same sweetheart to join me in

the MG for a long weekend of fall car shows. As is typical we hit the road on a warm sunny day and watched the forecast turn to "showers overnight" which does impact the turnout at car shows. Especially British shows where weather gear like working windshield wipers and a defroster are a stretch. But we had fun! The less traveled by-ways of the Shenandoah Valley and the Blue Ridge Mountains are still best seen from a sports car. Yep, real relaxation like retired people who don't fish, golf or play mahjong. We saw old friends and made some new ones, spent too much money in good restaurants and got home safely with the real understanding that it was pasttime to install the new seat foam that has been sitting on the shelf for a year or more. Just a bit 'tush numbing. A good winter project. I've now had enough working retirement time to see folks on the street I haven't seen in years. Like a rare sighting of Dan Finnegan getting ready to head out for a teaching gig in North Carolina. He told me he still loves what he does and admonished me about my hesitation to jump headlong into the world of no real deadlines saying, "Just go do it!" Or as translated by Mr. Butler, "Frankly, you don't have to…" Which brings us to the RHETTORICAL. There are actually things you can do over and over again and never grow tired of them. You can drink your coffee slowly. You can swing by Hyperion in the afternoon to see who still stops in everyday for their afternoon pick me up and collect all the latest local news. Folks can ask you what you're up to and you can

Small Business Saturday November 25 26

November 2023

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say, "Frankly, I'm not up to a…" You can say it over and over again to whoever cares to inquire and never get tired of saying it. Eventually I'll join the ranks of those retirees who have graced the pages of the Front Porch as elder statespersons reading it cover to cover, maybe even buck naked because, "Frankly Scarlett I don't …." ~autoknownbetter@gmail.com

Rim Vining, humorist, friend and a devoted community volunteer

High Marks UMW receives impressive national rankings by Amy jessee University of Mary The Washington is once again among the top 100 schools, earning regional accolades, recognition for its liberal arts and sciences mission, and top marks from students via annual surveys. Washington Monthly, known for guiding students and families toward institutions that contribute to the common good, included Mary Washington in rankings released September 2023. UMW ranks 78th of 199 institutions in the Best Liberal Arts Colleges listing, which rates schools on contributions to social mobility, research and providing opportunities for public service. And Mary Washington ranks in the top 100 in the region-by-region Best Bang for the Buck category, which considers how well institutions help nonwealthy students attain marketable degrees at affordable prices. One way UMW keeps costs low is a flat tuition rate in 2023-24 for undergraduate students. As Washington Monthly Editor Rob Wolfe explained, the publication recognizes institutions "that welcome students from everyday and low-income backgrounds and help them to graduate on time, with good jobs and low debt." Further, the publication considers "the generosity of alumni toward their community: How many join the Peace Corps and the military, or pursue careers as social workers or teachers" Those are all worthy endeavors for UMW grads, as about 3% of the most recent class went into military service, while just under 25% pursue graduate school and more than 65% go straight into their careers.

The Princeton Review, nationally regarded for helping aspiring college students and their parents find the right collegiate fit, has included UMW among The Best 389 Colleges - 2024 Edition. It's a selective listing; The Princeton Review features only about 15% of America's four-year colleges. UMW made The Princeton Review's list of 100 schools named best in the Mid-Atlantic region. And UMW Theatre got a shout-out, with Mary Washington among only 25 schools nationwide to be included in the Best College Theatre listing. UMW RECEIVES HIGH MARKS IN U.S. NEWS 'BEST COLLEGES' The University of Mary Washington has been recognized among the nation's top schools by U.S. News & World Report, which released its 2024 "Best Colleges" list.. UMW ranked 11th among public liberal arts colleges and 154th among national liberal arts colleges, both public and private.

Previously, Mary Washington received high scores in the publication's "regional university" listings. Now recognized nationally among liberal arts universities, in just the second year in this category, UMW continues to advance, particularly among the peer survey and in key metrics such as the faculty resources rank and graduate performance rate rank. UMW's student retention also increased notably, now up to 83%, and UMW joins Virginia Military Institute, a fellow Virginia university that perennially makes the list, along with the sector leaders of military colleges. Now in its 40th year, the U.S. News rankings evaluate more than 1,500 colleges and universities on up to 19 measures of academic quality. "For 40 years, students and their families have come to count on Best Colleges as a vital resource as they navigate one of the most important decisions of their lives," said Eric Gertler, executive chairman and CEO of U.S. News.

"The significant changes in this year's methodology are part of the ongoing evolution to make sure our rankings capture what is most important for students as they compare colleges and select the school that is right for them." U.S. News also included UMW on its "Top Performers for Social Mobility" roster for efforts to advance opportunities for economically disadvantaged students. UMW's graduation rate for Pell-eligible students, a key indicator in this category, also increased, and the University continues to enhance and expand initiatives for students to succeed through graduation and Life After Mary Washington. In addition, U.S. News named UMW programs in business, nursing and psychology to their annual lists.

Amy Jesse is Executive Director of University Communication

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November 2023

Companions handmade toys from shs key club by lenora kruk-mullanphy

Chloe, a rescue puppy at Old Dominion Humane Society (ODHS), finds a surprise box of toys to play with courtesy of the Stafford High School Key Club. The club collected t-sshirts and created handmade, braided dog toys for the rescue dogs

ODHS is not government-funded and is a 501c3 nonprofit organization now in its tenth year of existence. Its goal is to decrease the number of animals needlessly euthanized by pulling dogs from high-kill shelters and educating the community about animal rescue. Its mission is to provide well-matched, permanent homes for animals in need through rescue, rehabilitation and education.

Lenora Kruk-Mullanaphy is a Public Relations Professional

ODHS is located at 3602 Lafayette Boulevard in Fredericksburg. Adoption events are Wednesday from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m.; Friday from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m.; and Saturday from 12 p.m. to 4 p.m. Applications in advance are preferred and take priority over walk-ins. For more information about the dogs available for adoption and adoption applications, as well as upcoming events,

Old Dominion Humane Society is here to provide well-m matched, permanent homes for animals in need through rescue, rehabilitation and education. www.olddominionhumanesociety.org. ODHS is located at 3602 Lafayette Boulevard in Fredericksburg

Old Dominion Humane Society (ODHS) received a box heaped with handmade toys for the rescue dogs thanks to members of the Stafford High School Key Club. Students throughout the school donated used t-shirts, which the club's members made into dozens of braided dog toys and presented to ODHS volunteers last week. "Old Dominion Humane Society relies entirely on donations to take care of our rescue dogs," said Chrissy Blake, ODHS founder. "The students have invested their time and efforts in helping the dogs by making these wonderful toys, and we're so thankful for them." When a few of the ODHS puppies were presented with the toys, they climbed into the box, picking out their favorites. The toys will be available to both the rescue center dogs and the foster dogs who are cared for by volunteers until they're adopted. The Stafford High School Key Club is a highly active service club that works on community service projects for the needy and homeless. Part of the school for more than 60 years, it is sponsored by the Fredericksburg Kiwanis.

November 2023

Betty (left) and Chloe, two of the rescue puppies at Old Dominion Humane Society (ODHS), are curious to find out what presents await them in a big box sent to them by the Stafford High School Key Club. volunteering, fostering and donating items, visit olddominionhumanesociety.org.

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THE POETRY MAN

Astrology & You what is psychological astrology

By Frank Fratoe

By Dianne Bachman

Eden Updated

years pass, we can compare our birth charts with the position of the current transiting planets, allowing us to utilize the wisdom of the ages to guide us to our highest potential.

Because scientists attempt to unearth a new pattern wherever the mind inquires we learn beyond ourselves from our curiosity within. the riddles surrounding us seem to have no plan at all until we study and organize what their formations are in microscope or telescope. We search around this Eden at complexity far or close to understand what is there finding cells, worlds, suns in a massive kind of garden. . Frank Fratoe lives & writes in the city.he loves.

Most of us gain familiarity with astrology through Sun signs. We see the astrology columns in newspapers and magazines offering a monthly horoscope for each of the twelve signs. Though they speak to an important aspect of our personal make up, the Sun sign is just one facet. Truly, the personal horoscope is a very complex diagram that includes all the planets. We can view it as our unique wiring diagram, our road map for understanding what makes us tick. As the

Ha! New Age fluff you say? Well, think again. Astrology dates to 30,000 BC. Archaeologists trace astrology back to the roots of civilization, with cave paintings and rock carvings noting lunar cycles. From 300 BC to the 5th century AD, the Greeks refined the system of planets, houses and signs as evidenced by the writings of Ptolemy. During the Middle Ages, astrology was practiced by doctors, astronomers, and mathematicians. Charts became more sophisticated. But, as the church gained power, astrology was seen as heresy and scientists such as Galileo were forced to denounce their beliefs and practices in astrology. During the 17th and 18th century, the separation of religion and science was prominent and created an inhospitable environment for astrologers, the most prominent made to work under pseudonyms. During the 19th and 20th centuries, the resurgence of curiosity and mysticism relating to ancient practices brought about a renaissance for astrology. Carl Jung, psychologist, brought about a fresh look at astrology and its usefulness in psychotherapy and depth analysis of the personality. It is primarily from Carl Jung's work that psychological astrology had its rebirth. Here is what Carl Jung had to say about the matter: "Obviously astrology has much to offer psychology, but what the latter can offer its elder sister is less evident. So far as I judge, it would seem to me advantageous for astrology to take the existence of psychology into account, above all the psychology of the personality and of the unconscious." So, what can modern psychology learn from astrology? I do believe that the natal chart (given an accurate date and time of birth) can act as a map for our greatest potential. From childhood on through our adult years, we can look at factors influencing our journey, depending on the planets and the way they interact with each other. Imagine the zodiac wheel is a big conference table. When we are born, the planets are sitting in assigned seats and each seating position designates an integral part of us. As time passes, the

planets move around the table, each trying out the comfort or goodness-of-fit of each other's seats and roles. Their perspectives and behaviors change, depending on their position around the table. We grow older and our inner dynamics evolve with time and culture. Astrology is a message from the ancients and if we take the time to unwrap it, we are given the gift of understanding. Now, here is a look at some astrological weather for November: November 4: Saturn stations direct at 0 degrees Pisces. It is always significant when a planet changes signs. Though Saturn is not at all at home in watery Pisces, the tension this creates can be a good time to explore your beliefs. What structures and rules support your growth and what might hinder it? Saturn in Pisces can also be helpful in giving yourself a reality check or a kick in the pants if you need a bit of tough love. November 8: Venus enters Libra, focusing us on balance, relationships, and for some, romance. Cooperation is supported during Venus's time in her native sign. November 10: Mercury enters Sagittarius. The next month or so supports any efforts at expanding your understanding of the world at large. Try listening to or watching news from other countries vs what we are fed through our networks here in the US. Learning about cultures other than your own is also supported by this transit, maybe even traveling to places where life is much different than your own day-to-day. November 13: New Moon in Scorpio brings a watery, deep, mysterious vibe. If you are inclined to work on shadow issues or personal traits that seem to trip you up, this New Moon may help reveal what has been hidden. If you find yourself feeling emotional, a good dose of self-care is in order. Think comfort and self-compassion to soothe and renew. November 22: Sun enters Sagittarius. We move from watery Scorpio to fiery Sagittarius just in time for the holidays. Get your ugly Christmas sweater out of storage, turn up the volume on holiday music, and be adventurous with those holiday recipes! Kick out the jams-this is a needed boost so take advantage of it. November 27: Full Moon in Gemini. Communication is highlighted along with curiosity and social engagements. If you have been hibernating, this is the time to emerge from the cave. Dianne Bachman is a psychotherapist & astrologer practicing in FXBG. She can be reached at dbachmanlcsw@gmail.com Graphic “Mandala”, Carl Yung

front porch fredericksburg

November 2023

Fredericksburg Sketches A visual Celebration of our community

By Paula Raudenbush

Give a Child Something to Think About

Books, Games, Amusing Novelties M-Sat. 10am-6pm; Sun. 1pm-4pm

810 Caroline Street (540) 371-5684

Frederick Street I was a perfect fall day when I sketched this scene. My view was from the front of the 25-30 Expresso shop on Princess Anne Street up the hill on Frederick toward Caroline Street. It was an interesting angle and I liked the shadows. I did edit out the cars that were parked along the street but otherwise, it's everything I could see. I did it rather quickly but tried not to get too sloppy. It's done in waterproof ink in a fountain pen with watercolor over top. I hope you're able to get outside and sketch this fall. There are so many wonderful places in Fredericksburg that can capture the imagination. Cheers! Paula Raudenbush is an admin for the Fredericksburg Chapter of the Urban Sketchers and maintains a studio in Libertytown Arts Workshop.

Dianne Bachman,LCSW Psychotherapist/Astrologer Now offering psychological astrology & astrological consultations In addition to Individual, family & marital therapy Hypnosis Expressive Arts 540.845.7622 diannebachman.com dbachmanlcsw@gmail.com 30

November 2023

Front porch fredericksburg

Waterpark Breaks Ground Kalahari Resort comes to Spotsylvania By sara hood through increased tax revenue, which keeps taxes low while providing access to safe, family fun for our community, as well as visitors.” Spotsylvania County, known for its natural beauty and historical significance, with convenient access off I95, and short drives from Washington D.C., Richmond, Baltimore, and many other large East Coast cities, was thoughtfully selected as the site for the new Kalahari Resorts location. "We have always loved Virginia," Nelson explained. "We can't wait to share the Kalahari experience with the people here."

Todd Nelson, CEO and Owner of Kalahari Resorts & Conventions, addresses guests at the groundbreaking event for the company's fifth resort. Kalahari Resorts and Conventions, home to America's Largest Indoor Waterparks, broke ground in Spotsylvania County, Virginia - it's fifth resort - on October 20th. The ceremony marked the beginning of the construction of the 1.38 million-square-foot resort, estimated to open its doors to the public in 2026. "Kalahari Resorts and Conventions is a welcome addition to Virginia's ever-growing travel and tourism industry," said Secretary of Commerce and Trade Caren Merrick. "Tourism development is essential to building our economy and positioning the Commonwealth as a premier travel destination. The opening of Kalahari Resorts and Conventions will attract more visitors and businesses to Virginia, which will generate hospitality jobs and create a significant economic impact for the region." Kalahari Resorts and Conventions is privately owned and operated by the Nelson Family and is renowned for its award-winning indoor waterparks, aweinspiring family entertainment centers, beautifully appointed rooms and suites, best-in-class culinary experiences and beyond-expectations convention centers. "Our family could not be prouder to call Spotsylvania County, Virginia home to our fifth Kalahari resort," said Todd Nelson, owner and founder of Kalahari Resorts. "County and Commonwealth officials and the Virginia people have been incredibly welcoming

and supportive in helping us to make Kalahari Resort's fifth location a reality in this beautiful state."

The resort will be nestled amidst picturesque landscapes and will provide guests an authentically African-tthemed experience. With a wide range of amenities and attractions, including over 150,000 square feet of meeting and convention space, the resort aims to become a premier destination in the region.

Marshall continued, "The Nelson family has a proven track record of being an excellent community partner, and we look forward to working with them through the construction and execution phases of the project, and for many years to come."

Sara Hood is the VP, Director of Public Relations, Jacobson/Rost Image courtresy of Kalahari Resorts For more information, on Kalahari Resorts, the Nelson Family and Kalahari's Spotsylvania County location, please visit the Kalahari Resorts media site at kalaharimedia.com . For questions specific to the Spotsylvania development, please visit the FAQ on the Spotsylvania County website at https://www.spotsylvania.va.us/2460/Kala hari-P Project.

Years in the making, the groundbreaking marked a monumental step forward in the highly anticipated project that will contribute significantly to the Commonwealth's economy, creating numerous jobs in the region. The Spotsylvania County Kalahari Resort location will offer 907 guest rooms and suites, a 175,000-ssquarefoot indoor waterpark (admission to the waterpark is included for all registered overnight guests) featuring thrilling waterslides, dedicated children's areas, a massive wave pool and surfing simulator, ten acres of seasonal outdoor pools, a 90,0000-ssquare-ffoot Tom Foolerys Adventure Park, featuring thrill rides, a ropes course, climbing walls, arcade games and more. The site will also include 12 onsite food & beverage outlets, including buffet and quick-bite options and four signature dining experiences. "The new Kalahari Resort in Thornburg not only signifies a considerable investment of over $900 million in the county by the Nelson family, but also positively impacts our community in other ways," said Berkeley Supervisor Kevin Marshall, Spotsylvania Board of Supervisors. "This is a direct investment in Spotsylvania that will generate jobs during construction, create over 1,400 full- and part-time permanent positions ranging from entry to executive level, and stimulate economic growth

front porch fredericksburg

November 2023