Salvador dali, Former Caroline County resident ForeCast For a PromiSing EConomY ‘PrEttY & Pink’ wines and pairings For your Valentine
Recapturing a
Imagine the possibilities. Loudin Building Systems wants to help construct your dream of a beautifully built home or commercial space to fit your needs, lifestyle, and budget. We’ve crafted our reputation on quality architecture and engineering, superior construction and excellent customer service.
Forgotten Culture Chief Robert ‘Two Eagles’ Green wants to reclaim his Patawomeck Indian heritage
Contact us today and let’s plan your new project together. CUSTOM HOMES
|
COMMERCIAL BUILDINGS
39 Loudin Lane, Louisa, VA 23093
540-967-2680
|
CHURCHES
www.loudinbuildingsystems.com
$3.95
JANUARY | FEBRUARY 2010
www.VirginiaNeighbors.com
WhereÊ eleganceÊ andÊ sophisticationÊ areÊ aÊ wayÊ of Ê life. OutdoorÊ WeddingsÊ •Ê SpecialÊ EventsÊ •Ê CorporateÊ Functions
Fredericksburg,Ê VirginiaÊ •Ê www.EdenTryEvents.comÊ •Ê 540.786.0037
JANUARY / FEBRUARY 2010 | VIRGINIA NEIGHBORS 1
2 www.VirginiaNeighbors.com
JANUARY | FEBRUARY 2010
Contents
38 Recapturing a Forgotten Culture From research to movie appearances, Chief Robert ‘Two Eagles’ Green of the Patawomeck Indian tribe, leads the way in preserving the traditions, history and language of his ancestors.
Your ideas are important to us, so if you’d like to recommend a story or send an event for Out&About, drop us a line at:
46 A Spirit of Adventure
Virginia Neighbors 520 William Street, Suite B Fredericksburg, VA 22401
You can’t pull one over on Barbara Willis. After almost thirty years of volunteering in the Virginiana Room of the Central Rappahannock Regional Library, she knows more than anyone about the people and history of Tidewater Virginia.
FrontDoor 9 Trends
Knitting circles are growing younger
10 BiTs&Pieces
Cutting edge iPhone applications, and traditional edible Valentine messages
12 oBservaTions
The ups and downs of marathon running and life
14 HisTorY
What brings U.S. Presidents to Fredericksburg
16 focus
Hello, Dalí!
18 flasHBack Roxbury Mill
Or, email us at: editor@vaneighbors.com
26 Profile
Applause
28 HuMor
53 arT
Economist Jack Albertine A spin on New Year resolutions
30 are We THere YeT? Whale watching at Virginia Beach
32 ouTdoors
Hit the slopes without crossing state lines
34 HoMe keePinG
Versatile pink wines and meal pairings
36 HealTH
Nintendo Wii, the video game that appeals to all ages
Local potter is an influence for many area artists
54 WriTer’s Block
Fall in love with a good book
56 BesT BiTes
It’s About Thyme
Out&About 61 George Washington
celebrates 278, Sci-fi musical, laugh with R. Bruce, and much more.
Cul-de-sac 64 Small Town reflections
BackYard 23 coMe & GeT iT
Chocolate Cherry Truffles
24 HoMeGroWn
Plants that love winter weather
« The UMW Department of History and American Studies presents the “Great Lives” free public lecture series. See page 61.
JANUARY / FEBRUARY 2010 | VIRGINIA NEIGHBORS 3
nextcare_VAneighbors_4C_0110 copy.pdf
12/15/09
5:15:16 PM
H1 Con N1 clu Ê Te siv sti eÊ ng ! Walk-inÊ MedicalÊ Care OccupationalÊ Medicine Physicals,Ê Labs,Ê X-rays InsuranceÊ Accepted DiscountÊ Programs
CO-PuBlISHER Kendall Childress CO-PuBlISHER / CREAtIVE DIRECtOR Don Saucier MANAGING EDItOR Susan Tremblay
Skip the waiting room; we’ll call you when your exam room is ready!
w!
Woodbridge Ne Dumfries 12581ÊMilst eadÊ Way
CONtRIButING WRItERS Drema Apperson, Marjolijn Bijlefeld Anna Billingsley, Robert Burke, Ted Byrd, Kirk A. Evans, Julie Finn, Lisa Ferreia, Daryl Lease, Kathy Lewis, David Lyne, Kristin Mattern, Susan Neal, Elizabeth Rabin, Nicholas Addison Thomas, Susan Tremblay
w!
Ne 3990ÊF ettlerÊP arkÊD r.ÊÊ
Fredericksburg 5825ÊP lankÊR d.Ê Ê Ê 330Ê WhiteÊOakÊR d.ÊÊ Ê
It’s more than where we live, it’s who we are.
15Ê S.ÊGa tewayÊ Ê Dr.
Mon-Fri 8am-8pm • Sat-Sun 8am-4pm
1-888-782-8918Ê www.nextcare.com/neighbors
GRAPHIC DESIGNERS Candice Carver, Adam DeSio CONtRIButING PHOtOGRAPHERS Adam DeSio, Jamie Haverkamp ADVERtISING AND CIRCulAtION DIRECtOR Gerald Childress
Beauty Meets Function • • • •
Design Cabinetry Counters Installation
ACCOuNt ExECutIVES Alex Belcher, Anthony Campbell, David Herrell
Virginia Neighbors is published every two months by:
520 William Street, Suite B Fredericksburg, VA 22401 540-899-3999 E-mail: editor@vaneighbors.com To subscribe visit:
www.VirginiaNeighbors.com
898-4811 2201 Lafayette Blvd. Fredericksburg, VA 22401 www.KitchenWorksVa.
More than 30 years experience! Come see our showroom!! 4 www.VirginiaNeighbors.com
All editorial, advertising, reprint, and/or circulation correspondence should use the above address or visit the website. Virginia Neighbors welcomes but accepts no responsibility for unsolicited manuscripts and art. © 2009 by Willow Publishing, Inc.
Financial professionals: carry everything and carry on. The Palm Pre is like an office ®
Caring for dogs and cats in the comfort of your home!
™
Pa lm ®
Pr e™
miniaturizer. It consolidates everything work-related down to fit right in your pocket. And it lets you do work instantly and be more productive than you ever thought possible. Appointments and assets, records and references, securities and statements. It’s all in a day’s pocket. Only on the ™ Now Network.
Th e
Servicing most of Spotsylvania, King George and Hanover counties. Appointments only.
Contact your Sprint Preferred Retailer: Adcomm Digitel Adcomm Digitel 3500 Plank Road 10035 Jefferson Davis Hwy Fredericksburg, VA 22407 Fredericksburg, VA 22407 540-786-7888 540-891-5660
540-840-3940
FREE
Car Charger with new activation Additional restrictions may apply. See in store details.
Use of the Palm Pre requires a Palm account, activation and acceptance of Palm terms. Available content and services may vary. Coverage not available everywhere. The 3G Sprint Mobile Broadband Network reaches over 255 million people. Offers not available in all markets/retail locations or for all networks. Other restrictions apply. See store for details. ©2009 Handmark, Inc. Handmark,® Pocket Express® and the distinctive hand design are registered trademarks of Handmark, Inc. in the U.S. and other territories. All rights reserved. All other trademarks belong to their respective owners. ©2009 Sprint. Sprint and the logo are trademarks of Sprint. Other marks are the property of their respective owners.
dmv@virginiapetmobileclinic.com www.virginiapetmobileclinic.com Luis Melendez DVM
1101_66_4C
Ask us about Suresmile
®
Shorter treatment time, fewer office visits and less discomfort!
LOCALLY OWNED
Specialist in Orthodontics
James E. Lupi, DDS 477 Garrisonville Road, Suite 101 Stafford, VA 22554 AMERICAN ASSOCIATION OF ORTHODONTICS
Offering traditional, clear and Invisalign® treatments.
540/720-4178 www.drlupiortho.com
The finest wood, carpet, ceramic, and vinyl flooring. Featuring Masland, Mohawk, Bruce, and Armstrong brands.
Locust Grove Arlington 540/854-2360 703/536-4116
www.DOMINIONFLOORS.com
Your “DUSTLESS” Floor Sanding Experts
JANUARY / FEBRUARY 2010 | VIRGINIA NEIGHBORS 5
More affordable than you think
d to s a up t hi ve th Sa wi 50 $2
Lifts install easily, with no structural change to your home
Locally owned and operated
Call today for FREE consultation about one of our many products designed to keep you active and independent
540.361.1679 or 1.800.361.5988
We provide sales and service for a full line of independent living products Ramps • Stair Lifts • Wheelchairs • Scooters • Power Chairs 2017 6 www.VirginiaNeighbors.com
Plank Road, Fredericksburg, VA 22401 • www.AllAmericanMobility.com
froM THe ediTor
d
M
y grandmother used to say no problem was so great that it couldn’t be solved while drinking a cup of hot tea. Her ritual didn’t put food on the table when she was raising a family during the Great Depression on a Methodist minister’s salary. Nor did it find jobs for the hobos who showed up on her back stoop. Yet I know what she meant. Hot tea, from the brewing to the sipping, can be calming, comforting, consoling. I guess that’s partly because making hot tea takes time and patience. (I recently read that a sure way to make a restaurant waiter hate you is to order a cup of tea. Hot tea is a more complicated order than coffee, it seems.) I start and end most days with a cup of tea. My favorite brand of tea bags has sayings on the tags. As I wait for the water to boil and the tea to brew I ponder those sayings. Some make me smile, such as Pancho Villa’s last words: Don’t let it end like this. Tell them I said something. Others come in handy. The excellence of a gift lies in its appropriateness rather than its value. That snippet from Charles Dudley Warner saved me a bundle when I was Christmas shopping. I think of my parents, both teachers, when I read this “wise saying from the Orient.” The tribute to learning is teaching. Mae West’s words, You’re never too old to become younger, make me realize I need to stay current with technology and trends. Surely I can learn to set the clock on my DVD player. Maybe I’ll start tweeting. And this statement from Hugo De Groot, Ignorance of certain subjects is a great part of wisdom, reminds me that there are some things I don’t need or want to know. (Maybe I won’t go on Twitter.) Some sayings send me straight to Google, such as Horace Walpole’s, The world is tragedy to those who feel, but a comedy to those who think. Walpole, an English historian, playwright and novelist, is credited with coining the term “serendipity.” As editor of Virginia Neighbors I try to find stories that do what those tea bag tags do for me: make you smile, inspire you and keep you current while introducing you to the people and places that make the Fredericksburg area a delightful place to live. This issue includes a story on Spanish surrealist painter Salvador Dali, who spent a year in Caroline County; a writer’s essay on how training for a marathon helps her run her busy life; wine suggestions and recipes for Valentine’s Day; and information about winter plants that bring beauty to this cold, quiet season. As always, we at Virginia Neighbors would love to hear from you, and we invite you to introduce us to some of the people you know. Give us a call at (540) 899-3999, shoot us an email at stremblay@willowpub.com or drop by our downtown office at 520 William Street.
Susan Tremblay Editor
JANUARY / FEBRUARY 2010 | VIRGINIA NEIGHBORS 7
As an Educator turned Realtor I Know The ABC’s of Home Buying and Selling,
Let Me Help With Your ‘Home’ Work! Home Sales, Listings & Rentals Shirley Sorrentino, Realtor OFFICE: 540/786-0088 EXT. 135 MOB: 540/538-1120 ShirleySorrentino@gmail.com
Special Offer
Tour our facilities, bring in this ad and register on the same day and receive a $100.00 Tuition Credit
Infant/toddler Care; PresChools; MontessorI PrograMs; PresChool readIness enrIChMent PrograM (PreP); JunIor KIndergarten (JK); Before/after sChool PrograMs; WInter, sPrIng, and suMMer CaMPs 13 Fredericksburg Locations Call 800-504-2993 www.minnieland.com
Quality Features
Safe & Secure Environment Degreed and Experienced Teachers Developmental Programs Kindergarten Readiness Music, Art, Foreign Language, Computers 8 www.VirginiaNeighbors.com
New Families Only, Expires 7/31/10. See School for details.
NEWS | HISTORY | BUSINESS | TRENDS | PERSONALITIES
FrontDoor
Trends
A Close-Knit Group
Every Thursday night Ashley Poe and a few of her friends get
together at Hyperion Espresso in downtown Fredericksburg to talk about life, love, work. And knit. The weekly gathering is a relaxing time to unwind with good friends. And for Ashley, it’s also a time to appreciate the simpler ways of living: the days when people made what they needed, gave handmade presents and shared their skills and their resources with one another. “When I knit I feel a connection to people I barely knew. My great-grandmothers had knitted, but that (skill) hadn’t been passed over to me,” Ashley said. Her mother-in-law, Cyndy Poe, taught her the basics. After reading the best-selling book, “Stitch ’n Bitch, the Knitters Guide,” Ashley was inspired her to start her own knitting group to “do this craft that women for centuries had been doing. And doing it with friends who are my own age is cool.” Ashley and her friends are among a rising number of women in their 20s and 30s who are flocking to knitting. Like Ashley, the women are drawn to the craft because it is calming, creative and community-minded. It doesn’t hurt that yarns now come in a variety of colors and textures that their grandmothers might never have imagined. And patterns range from the usual scarves and sweaters to string bikinis and cell phone covers.
Adam Desio Photo
»
JANUARY / FEBRUARY 2010 | VIRGINIA NEIGHBORS 9
FrontDoor
A CLOSE-KNIT GROUP continued ___________________________________ “Stitch ’n Bitch,” the 2003 book for “chicks with sticks,” has become somewhat of a cottage industry, with calendars, journals and five books, including “Stitch ’n Bitch Crochet: The Happy Hooker,” and “Son of Stitch ’n Bitch,” which has “boy-tested, boyapproved projects” plus “tips to help you avoid the ‘curse of the boyfriend sweater.’ The author, Debbie Stoller, who has a PhD from Yale in the psychology of women, uses wit, practical advice and funky patterns (see the aforementioned string bikini) to appeal to young women. Ashley and three friends started “Knit Night” four years ago. Usually five or six women show up each week. Some are seasonal knitters who use it to get themselves through football season and the holidays; others knit year-round. Leanna Clark, 23, who lives in Fredericksburg, started knitting last summer. “I love it. I love that I can relax and see what I’ve made after sitting for a few hours,” she said. Rachel Ullman, 24, said she expected to be surrounded by 80-year-old women the first time she showed up for “Knit Night,” and was pleasantly surprised to find other women her age. Now, she schedules her work around the weekly knitting group. Her coworkers teasingly call her an old lady when she pulls out her knitting supplies, but she doesn’t mind. Knitting makes her feel productive and she likes knowing she can make some of her own clothes even if it takes “months, and months and months.” The women said knitting for others gives them the most pleasure. And now, they appreciate even more the handmade gifts they receive. Ashley, who is busy knitting sweaters and booties for her first child, a boy due this winter, likes the idea that her son will be starting his life wearing clothes she has made. “When you’re making something, you touch every piece of fabric; you pour yourself into this project. It means so much more than what you could buy at a store. You’re getting this one-of-a-kind thing.” —Susan Tremblay
10 www.VirginiaNeighbors.com
Cool Apps
A
s of November 2009 more than two billion “Apps” had been downloaded. By the time you read this? Who knows. “Apps,” or computer applications, are the do-just-about-anything software wizards that started out on Apple iPhones in July 2008. They quickly spread to the iPod Touch, Motorola’s Droid and an everincreasing number of cell phones and other electronic gadgets. Get the weather, order a pizza, check Facebook. Call up a stock quote, refresh the Netflix queue, read Heart of Darkness or turn your phone into a flashlight. Apps do just about anything, and I’m hooked. Browsing Apps is easy. Apple has set up an Apps store where you search by category or popularity. Or search in iTunes. Most Apps are either free or available for a nominal price. Apple keeps 30 percent of sales, the remainder goes to the usually independent developer. Need to liven up dinner? Try Epicurious, where you can search more than 25,000 kitchen-tested recipes. News Addict gives you access to the New York Times, Washington Post, Fox News, CNN, Time, Newsweek and other news outlets. TMZ provides gossip on the Twilight crew, although Gossip Junkie offers about a dozen gossip channels, including Perez Hilton, E! Online, Page 6 and People, as well as TMZ. Not all Apps, however, are frivolous. Emergency Radio lets you listen
in on local police bands. HowCast offers video instructions on practical matters like backgrounding a financial advisor. And Google Earth will find you if you’re lost. Score Center tracks the weekend football games. Pocket Piano puts the electronic equivalent of a Baldwin upright on your phone and Yelp helps you find good restaurants, bars, banks and coffee houses, while White Pages tracks people or businesses. Bump—as in fist bump—lets you trade personal contact information with another phone and Personal Assistant apparently lets you manage all of your email, social networks, credit card accounts and utility statements from one screen. My favorite App, however, is Fluid, which simulates a pool of water gently rippling over a bed of polished stones. Hit the phone’s screen and the effect is like dropping another rock into the pool. —Ted Byrd
conversaTion HearTs What’s pink, or yellow, or purple and comes with sappy sayings such as “Be Mine?” Those candy Sweethearts, of course, an American icon that dates back to 1866 when New Englander Daniel Chase created the Sweethearts™ Conversation Hearts. Inspired by the Victorian Era tradition of printing messages on colored paper and placing them inside small candies, Chase invented a way to print the sayings directly on the candy. The Sweethearts Conversation Hearts are as popular today as they were more than one hundred years ago. Every year eight billion hearts are created and often sell out in six weeks after hitting the shelves. In 2004, the US Postal Service recognized the candy’s popularity with a commemorative “Love Stamp” featuring the candy heart. Perhaps Sweethearts remain so popular because the recipe and the process haven’t changed. New England Confectionery Company (NECCO) uses the same ingredients and the same machines, or in some cases, replicas, to make the colored candies. They come in six flavors: cherry (pink), banana (yellow), orange (orange), lemon (green), grape (purple) and wintergreen (white). There have been a few modifications. Originally the candies were larger. (That’s a switch. Remember Baby Ruth bars from the 1960s? It’s much smaller than the gargantuan ones today. But we digress.) The candies from the 1800s came in different shapes, too, with longer messages. Over time, the iconic heart shape is what stuck. The sayings became shorter, often one to two lines, to fit the smaller, heart shape. But the tradition-bound company has modernized its sayings over the years to adapt to changing trends and culture. Last year, NECCO’s theme, Menu of Love, featured sayings such as “Recipe 4 Love,” “Table 4 Two,” “Sugar Pie,” “Stir My Heart,” and “Honey Bun.” In 2008 weather and nature were featured with sayings such as “Wild Life,” “Cloud Nine,” and “Heat Wave.” Who knows what sayings will pop up on the Sweethearts this year. But take heart, those colorful confections are only about 5 calories a piece. So enjoy!
T HE N ATIONAL M USEUM OF THE M ARINE C ORPS celebrates more than 232 years of United States Marine Corps history. Come follow in the footsteps of Marines: from boot camp to the boot prints left in the sands of the Pacific Islands, in the snow of the Chosin Reservoir, on Vietnam’s Hill 881, and in the continued global fight against terror. Visit us at www.usmcmuseum.org for more information.
National Museum of the Marine Corps
18900 Jefferson Davis Highway, Triangle, Virginia www.usmcmuseum.org|Free Parking & Admission Open 9 to 5 daily
—Kristin Mattern
JANUARY / FEBRUARY 2010 | VIRGINIA NEIGHBORS 11
FrontDoor
o B s e rvaT i o n s
Running Our lives Taking strides to a more positive life
I
’m training for a half marathon. What that means is that I wake up at 5 a.m. at least four times a week, lace up my Nikes, and just do it—“it” being pound the pavement for about two hours.
Please note: I am no svelte, born-to-run pacesetter; I am a back-of-the pack plodder. At age 52, I was pretty sedentary and satisfied. Why shake things up by attempting to run 13.1 miles in a single outing? Why? Because my world has been rattled—shaken to its core. Everything around me these days is volatile and disquieting. It’s not just the economy, although its nosedive has had ripple effects on every aspect of my life. It’s more than that—it’s my health (bespectacling my eyes, crowning my teeth, imaging my breasts, and scoping my colon) and the health of my family; it’s my career field of choice (how could that bedrock of democracy—print journalism—be in the throes of extinction?); it’s my relationships (why can’t we all just get along?); it’s traffic; it’s our deteriorating environment; it’s political infighting; it’s technology overload (I’m all atwitter because I don’t tweet regularly); it’s war, it’s famine; it’s life itself (hey— how can death or terminal cancer claim MY peers?). Running provides me some stability. It is one of the few things in my life over which I have control. At first, I thought I was using the regimen as an escape. I was running from my woes and the woes of the world. What I have realized en route to race day, though, is that I am plodding toward a brightness on the horizon. I am striving toward a more positive, purposeful life. (No—I am not writing this in some endorphin-induced haze!) Running has given me a lot of time to think. The psychological aspects have turned out to be as meaningful for me as the physical. And regular running has taught me lessons about how to run the rest of my life. Moving your legs for hours at a time may not be your thing. But I guarantee any endeavor you pursue with passion and persistence will make your life, too, more positive and purposeful. To give you a head start, here are some universal training tips that I have gleaned over the course of dozens and dozen of miles: 1. Be prepared. That tried-and-true Scout motto applies in nearly every walk (or run) of life. I wouldn’t think of showing up on that starting line without having spent
12 www.VirginiaNeighbors.com
It will be our little secret.
months building up my stamina and courage. For anything worthwhile, you can’t just show up; you have to do your homework—and your legwork. 2. Expect pain. There’s hardly a time I go out that I don’t reach a point when I wonder if I can continue putting one foot in front of the other. Nobody ever said that pursuit of a prize would be pain-free. My belief is that hardship strengthens us—and heartens us. 3. Stretch. My knees let me know if I haven’t properly warmed them up before asking them to perform. Do some deep knee bends and yoga moves before you charge out to change the world. Reach for the stars, but limber up first. 4. Hit your stride. Those first few steps are often the hardest. Get psyched for the task at hand, give yourself time, take some deep breaths, and fall into a comfortable pace. 5. Enjoy the journey. During my runs, I have witnessed caterpillars slithering across the sidewalk, spectacular sunrises and sunsets, rainbows, American flags billowing in the breeze, purple and yellow and pink wildflowers, and fellow runners. The destination is important, but so is the scenery en route. 6. To thine own self be true. Do not worry about the person who passes you on the track. Similarly, forget about people who follow different paths or employ alternate styles. You are you—no matter how you get there or how long it takes you to get there. 7. Don’t take shortcuts. Stick to your original plan and follow the established course. Cheating nearly always lands you in trouble, as does ignoring deadlines. The race will start whether you’re there or not. If you want to be a contender, be there. 8. Rest. You can’t run 13 miles every day. You can’t write a thesis or make a million dollar sale or prepare dinner for 80 every day. Regroup and revitalize between big bursts of energy. 9. Have faith. I believe in myself and in a higher power. I trust that what I am doing has meaning. Without that assurance, I would never be disciplined enough to run on a regular basis.
Now you can keep hiding your hearing loss. Radius™ is a new generation of hearing instruments designed to fit your lifestyle. Not only will you get the comfort and performance you demand, but Radius hearing instruments are engineered to be both small and discreet. No one needs to know you’re wearing them! Your family and friends will notice your improved hearing, but only you’ll know you’re wearing hearing aids.
Your secret is safe with us. Call today for your FREE demonstration! Central Park Hearing Aid Center 1171 Central Park Blvd., Suite 104 Fredericksburg, VA 22401 www.centralparkhearing.com
Call 1-540-785-4676 today to schedule a FREE hearing screening! 40% OFF A PAIR OF HEARING AIDS!
Haywood Kube BC-HIS, BA, MA, M.Div.
Call for your 30-day, Risk-Free trial, FREE hearing evaluation, and FREE office visits for life! Call 1-540-785-4676 today! Not valid with any other discounts. Limited time offer.
Call Me Construction Free Estimates • Licensed & Insured
Patios • Retaining Walls • Ponds Walkways • Sod Installation All Other Landscaping Needs Office 540.854.0060 • Cell 540.379.0313
10. Keep your eye on the prize. Never give up. Persistence pays. On the day of the race, my goal is straightforward: cross the finish line. Of course, I will follow as many of the above guidelines as possible. My time won’t be that big a deal. I will know that despite factors over which I have no control—the weather, my knees—I will have done the best I could do. In running our lives, that’s all that matters. —Anna Billingsley
www.callmeconstructionllc.net JANUARY / FEBRUARY 2010 | VIRGINIA NEIGHBORS 13
FrontDoor
Left to right: Abraham Lincoln after the victory at the Battle of Fredericksburg; George W. Bush addressing the Rotary Club of Stafford; President Barack Obama at a Mary Washington University voting rally
HisTorY
Presidents in Fredericksburg from birthplace to rally point, our region is rich with presidential history
V
irginia’s claim to the title “Mother of Presidents” is well established, the commonwealth having spawned eight leaders of the nation. (Pop quiz: How many of the eight can you name? List is at the end of this article. No peeking.) The ties of George Washington and James Monroe to Fredericksburg, as well as James Madison’s connections to nearby Orange County are legendary, so there is no need to re-plow that fertile historical ground here. What may not be so well remembered is that the region has been a magnet to presidents, past and present, either while in office or while on the campaign trail. Let’s start with Abraham Lincoln, who made at least two visits to the area during the dark days of the Civil War. Lincoln rode in the city on May 23, 1862, to address the occupying federal troops from the steps of Farmer’s Bank, which had survived heavy bombardment from Union artillery at Chatham Heights. An account by James Hunnicutt, publisher of the “Christian Banner” newspaper noted: “There were no demonstrations of joy... from any of the citizens.” Betty Herndon Maury wrote in the same newspaper: “Our Mayor did not call on him, and I did not hear a cheer as he passed along the streets.” Lincoln would return to the area less than a year later, a few months after the overwhelming victory by Confederate forces in the Battle of Fredericksburg in December 1862. Lincoln, first lady Mary Todd Lincoln and son Tad spent five or six days in April 1863 at Chatham Heights, where the 14 www.VirginiaNeighbors.com
president reviewed the Army of the Potomac. Years later, Presidents William McKinley and Calvin Coolidge would come to Fredericksburg to honor the Civil War dead. On May 25, 1900, McKinley dedicated the cornerstone of a monument to the heroic soldiers of the Army of Potomac. Coolidge delivered a speech on Oct. 19, 1928, to dedicate the Fredericksburg and Spotsylvania Battlefields National Park and to “commemorate the deeds of immortal valor” by the troops. Coolidge, as vice president, had come to Belmont in Stafford County in July 6, 1922, to help promote the preservation of Belmont, the 1775 home built in Fredericksburg by Washington’s sister Betty and her husband Fielding Lewis. The next president to visit Fredericksburg was Dwight D. Eisenhower, who came on Mother’s Day in 1954 to pay tribute to Mary Washington, mother of the first president. The event created some tension as local police and Secret Service agents investigated an alleged plot to assassinate Eisenhower during his visit. The plot soon was discounted and Eisenhower went on his way. During the visit, Eisenhower met 85-year-old twins Julia Link Wine and Martha Link Quick from Hanover County, his distant cousins. Jump ahead to 1960, when Democrats John F. Kennedy and Lyndon Johnson were campaigning. LBJ, in a whistlestop foray into GOP strongholds in Virginia, stopped briefly in Culpeper and Orange. As his train pulled
out of Culpeper, he asked the crowd, “What has Dick Nixon ever done for Culpeper?” “Nothing, nothing,” cheered some. One report quoted a bystander as grumbling, “What has anyone ever done for Culpeper?” The only father-and-son presidents to visit the Fredericksburg area were Republicans George H.W. Bush and George W. Bush. The senior Bush came on Sept. 4, 1992, to tour Fredericksburg Hardware and Goolrick’s Modern Pharmacy. It was a particularly warm day. At Goolrick’s, area resident Myrtle Correll said, “I know, honey, it’s hot” as she wiped sweat from the president’s brow. Fifteen years later, the junior Bush addressed local business leaders at the Holiday Inn on U.S. 17 in Stafford County. He spoke about incentives for small businesses. The Democratic team of Bill Clinton and Al Gore, retracing Jefferson’s route from Charlottesville to the White House, spent time in Culpeper and Warrenton. During the pre-inauguration trip on Jan. 7, 1993, they attended a service at Culpeper Baptist Church and addressed a crowd of several thousand on Main Street in Warrenton. But it was Democrat Barack Obama who attracted the largest turnout ever for a White House hopeful appearing in Fredericksburg. Obama, along with running mate Joe Biden, drew a crowd of 26,000 to a rally at the University of Mary Washington on Sept. 27, 2008, according to the Free Lance-Star. Sarah Palin, the Republican vice presidential candidate, had an audience of 8,000 when she spoke a month later at Hurkamp Park, the paper reported Answers to pop quiz: George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, James Madison, James Monroe, William Henry Harrison, John Tyler, Zachary Taylor, Woodrow Wilson. —David Lyne
Save 10% By Mentioning This Ad
Window & Door Replacement Siding & Porch Railing Installation Kitchen & Bath Remodeling
Financing Available
WWW.MadisonAveRemodeL.COM
540-654-5576
99 Madison Avenue Fredericksburg, VA 22405
The knowledge you need.
Cheryl Myers
Colleen Butler
Mary Greene
THE SERVICE YOU EXPECT.
Michelle Schiavone-Arnold
Kathleen Sullivan
Whether you’re buying or building a home, M&T makes home financing easy. Look forward with M&T. We’re here to help. Call M&T Bank today at 1-877-848-0974.
EQUAL HOUSING
LENDER
www.mtb.com © 2009 M&T Bank
JANUARY / FEBRUARY 2010 | VIRGINIA NEIGHBORS 15
FrontDoor
focus
Hello Dalí! artist salvador dalí sought refuge in caroline county’s Hampton Manor
H
ampton Manor sits a few miles outside of Bowling Green, bordered by forests. A model of Jeffersonian design, the house is a lasting symbol of Old Virginia, complete with red brick and a portico with white columns. The pastoral scene includes a lush garden and a nearby lake. A piano floating on the water’s surface shines with reflections of light rippling over the wood. Sunken nearby, veiled mannequins keep it company. In the house, an artist with a shock of black hair stands naked before a mirror, twirling his curved moustache. Such is the scene evoked in the epilogue of Salvador Dalí’s autobiography. Ask a handful of Virginians if they know about his stay here. Many would be surprised at the news even though his eventful visit was nearly a year long. Not to mention the fact that he completed five paintings as well as his autobiography while staying. While few traces may remain of that time, you wonder what the surrealist artist thought of Virginia. His imagination had already toyed with soft watches and crutches holding up melting figures. What would he find to play with in a rural Southern town? Articles in the Washington Times-Herald and Time and Life magazines all tried to answer these questions. In 1941, the press came calling to Hampton Manor in anticipation of Dalí’s major exhibition in New York later that year. All three articles have fun trying to depict Dalí at home in the South. Look at Dalí in this rural town. He brings a bull into the house to have tea. He suspends a piano in the pond. He sits in front of the pot-bellied stove at the country store and drinks Cokes. Can you believe it?! But to tell the truth, the “strange home life” in each article is mostly the same, betraying the anticipated absurdity. The Times-Herald article ends with, “And he knows what he’s doing. Even if you and you and you and me too, don’t. And what is more, he is very obliging, very friendly, and as attractive a personality as you would meet through any week’s walk through any Never Never Land.” World War II had forced Dalí and his wife Gala— like so many others—to seek refuge in America. The previous year, one of Dalí’s oldest American patrons, Caresse Crosby, offered them a place to stay. She had recently acquired and restored Hampton Manor, a stately
16 www.VirginiaNeighbors.com
home that had been built by gentleman-farmer and state delegate John Hampton DeJarnette. Crosby had quite an artists’ commune in mind for her new home; she had invited Henry Miller and Anais Nin to stay as well. Crosby seemed to be a perfect patron, a combination of idealism and high society. In his autobiography, “The Secret Life of Salvador Dalí,” he describes the atmosphere of her former salon in France as “a mixture of surrealists and society people” where there was Champagne, intellectual debate, and “the phonograph never stopped sighing Cole Porter’s ‘Night and Day.’” Staying at Hampton Manor was an opportunity to recapture the magic of those days. In Crosby’s papers, which are housed at Southern Illinois University at Carbondale, there is a picture of Dalí at Hampton Manor. Dressed in a pinstripe suit, he squints in the sun and smiles enigmatically. Dalí worked to prepare for his upcoming exhibit at the Museum of Modern Art in New York. According to the Dalí Museum in St. Petersburg, Florida, he completed five paintings, one major piece being “Daddy Longlegs of the Evening—Hope!” As the painter completed his autobiography, his housemate Henry Miller, the writer, found time to paint in watercolors. However, life at Hampton Manor could be less than ideal. It quickly became clear that Gala, Dalí’s strong-
Historic Fredericksburg Sponsored By
Daddy Longlegs of the Evening—Hope painted by Salvador Dalí during his stay at Hampton Manor
willed wife whom he worshipped, had taken charge of the group. In her journals, Nin wrote, “They hadn’t counted on Mrs. Dalí’s talent for organization. Before anyone realized what was happening, the entire household was there for the sole purpose of making the Dalís happy.” Each person had assignments: Nin translated articles for Dalí; Crosby invited Life to come do a feature. No one could use the library; it became Dalí’s exclusive studio space. Gala expected these tasks to be done without question. Not only did tempers flare, Crosby’s personal problems also invaded the refuge. Her third husband, Selbert Young, had a reputation for being wild; he had once been arrested for shooting out the street lamps in the town of Bowling Green. One night, while Crosby was away, Young broke into the house and awoke everyone with drunken threats to destroy Dalí’s canvases. The guests briefly decamped elsewhere. Clashing egos and dramatic exits could have ruined his stay, but there is a sense that Dalí was intrigued with Virginia. There are a number of photographs showing him painting a scene of black locals in front of Hampton Manor’s gleaming white portico, trying to capture “the spirit of the old South.” In his autobiography, Dalí writes one of his own romantic fantasies: “[O]n certain nights the spectre of Edgar Allan Poe would come from Richmond to see me, in a very pretty convertible all spattered with ink.” Maybe part of the reason so few people know about Dalí’s stay in Caroline stems from the façade the place presents. A drive down the main street of Bowling Green takes you through town quickly, past retro brick buildings and whitewashed churches enduring the turn of years. Yet who’s to say this sleepy town doesn’t still hide a surrealist fancy and dreams of floating pianos in the moonlight? —Elizabeth Rabin
Capital Ale House capitalalehouse.com 917 Caroline Street 540-371-2337
Downtown Retail Marketing Inc.
Accounting, Tax, and Financial Planning for Individuals and Small Businesses
Tax preparation Help with IRS Liens/Levies/Penalties Monthly Financial reports Retirement Planning Estates and Trust Accounting
Brammer & Associates, LLC Bob Brammer, EA, ATP
804 Lafayette Blvd Fredericksburg, VA 22401-5615
(540) 374-0545 www.bobbrammer.com
The greater of
$25 Or 10% Off Tax Prep Bill with this ad
JANUARY / FEBRUARY 2010 | VIRGINIA NEIGHBORS 17
FrontDoor
FLASHBACK
Reinventing the Mill Joyce Ackerman’s home is a time capsule for Roxbury Mill
F
or three centuries, Roxbury Mill has had numerous owners, but only a handful of uses. Harry Beverley and Larkin Chew built the mill for their family’s use in the 1720s. The grist mill was used to grind grain into flour. Later, it was a commercial mill renamed for each new owner. In the 1900s, it became a furniture-making factory. Afterwards, it exchanged hands of many buyers who seemed to think its only value lay in selling it. That is until 1969, when Joyce and George Ackerman bought it, made it their home and restored its original name. Roxbury Mill is located just north of the Thornburg exit to Interstate 95 on Roxbury Mill Road North. It sits beside a dam on the Po River, left of a one-lane bridge that crosses the Po. The bridge is no longer accessible. But at one time, Confederate soldiers may have held one side of the bridge while Union soldiers were positioned across the river on the other side. Like the bridge, Roxbury Mill bears the invisible footprints of the past. “We tried to keep everything in the house that was historic,” Joyce explained. An old metal sign high on the living room wall announces “Spotswood Quality Flour Meal Feeds—Sold Here, There, Everywhere—Milling Co. Thornburg.” A metal chandelier hangs from the ceiling in the same room. It was created from a conveyor-belt wheel found in the basement and had been used in the operation of the mill. Calculations scrawled in pencil on a wooden door
18 www.VirginiaNeighbors.com
between the dining room and a bedroom appear to have been jotted during a transaction. The bedroom, which has a door to the outside, was most likely the mill entry way, explained Joyce. “My daddy remembers the mill. He used to come up here and get grain for the store.” Joyce grew up in Guinea Station in Caroline County. Her father, William Blanton, owned Blanton’s General Store. Joyce met George Ackerman in Maryland, where she was living with her three daughters from a previous marriage. George had two sons from a previous marriage. The two married and after a 3½ month camping adventure, moved to Spotsylvania to put down roots. In the fall of 1968, George told Joyce about the “prettiest old mill for sale.” Joyce loved what she saw, and the couple bought the property. George built interior walls to create bedrooms, a living room with a dining area and a kitchen. Initially, the house had four bedrooms. Today it has seven. “We just kept building,” said Joyce. Above the living room is a loft that was probably used for storage when the mill was in operation. Much to the delight of Joyce’s daughter, who was 14 at the time, this became her bedroom. The mill entry way was slated to be a kitchen until George discovered a grain shaft behind one of its walls. So the grain shaft became a kitchen. The wall on the opposite side also concealed a grain shaft. Once this wall was removed, the mill entry way became a spacious bedroom.
HEATING & AIR-CONDITIONING
Below a wooden door in the floor of the living room is a set of narrow steps that descend to a cavernous basement composed of stone walls and a dirt floor. At one end are the remains of the grain crushing apparatus: a wooden encasement and a section of the shaft that, at one time, spanned the height of the basement and rose beyond the main floor of the mill. The shaft was part of the mechanism used to control the mill stones that crushed grain into flour. Water from the river powered the gears that turned the shaft. In the formal dining room that George remodeled in preparation for a large family gathering, the wooden shaft juts unobtrusively from behind the wooden bar. It can be mistaken for an artistic accent like the metal ones George created that are placed throughout the home. In 1987, George died of cancer. Afterwards Joyce managed the Mount Vernon Club in Fredericksburg, and she sold real estate. Then in 1992, she transformed her home into Roxbury Bed and Breakfast. She had the attic remodeled into a honeymoon suite and a kitchen. She used the suite and two other rooms for guests. Joyce operated Roxbury Mill Bed and Breakfast until three years ago, when it became too much to handle. She’s had guests from around the world, including a priest from Kyoto, Japan, and a prince from Kuwait. Memorabilia from guests, some she now calls friends, are displayed in the rooms, along with mill relics and family keepsakes. They have become part of her memories and the history of Roxbury Mill. —Kathy Lewis Adam Desio Photo
JANUARY / FEBRUARY 2010 | VIRGINIA NEIGHBORS 19
Where Business Flourishes a faMily Business worthy of acclaiM
Crown Trophy has been providing Fredericksburg and Spotsylvania with top of the line awards for any occasion for over seven years. They recently opened a second location in Stafford and have ambitions of expanding a third into Prince William County. Owner Chris Hara, along with his wife and daughter, own and manage both of
their locations. They pride themselves on a high level of customer service, not making mistakes, and having a very fast turn-around on their products. Chris appreciates his customer orders and accepts the challenge to complete every order with the passion to impress all recipients. He loves to see his customers eyes open up with ‘wow’ when they come
More than the eyes can see
Dr. Davis is a Developmental Optometrist, a specialty within optometry, who earned his degree at the Southern California College of Optometry, did a fellowship at Yale and has thirty years of experience. Primarily working with children, but also helping adults, he works with those who have learning problems due to their vision. With vision, it is not seeing 20/20 that is the problem, what vision refers to is understanding what you
20 www.VirginiaNeighbors.com
back to pickup their order. He’s thrilled to see how happy people are in the end and to hear “You guys did a great job”. For him it is a “dream job” to do what he does. Mr. Hara notes that Crown Trophy isn’t just a trophy store; they also sell plaques, medals, cups, pins, acrylic and crystal awards, and do a lot of engraving so as to personalize gifts, as well as awards. Utilizing the cutting edge technology of laser engraving, the end product of their work is always pristine, and beautiful. Crown Trophy ensures that the customer is happy with the end result, “The end is what it’s all about,” as Mr. Hara says. www.crowntrophy.com 540-374-8118
are seeing, also called visual processing or visual perception. Symptoms of visual difficulties are reading comprehension, rubbing of eyes, Homework battles, and headaches. Dr. Davis helps his clients by providing “physical therapy,” in a way, for vision. “I love my work. I have a chance to make an impact and change people’s lives. To see kids change is where the gold is. That’s so important,” says Dr. Davis. His staff and his goal is to reach as many children as they can. Correctly identifying a child’s learning problem helps them to function in the classroom and in life and also increases their self-confidence. The office also offers community outreach programs like workshops that educate the public about what they do and how they can help children who are having difficulties in school due to their vision. Dr. Davis truly makes a difference in peoples lives. www.davisvisiontherapy.com / 703-753-9777
everyday excellence
Dr. Phillips, DDS’ office is like walking into your own living room, that is how comfortable and quaint it is. With 32 years of experience, and an education from the Medical College of Virginia. “I am very much a patient advocate,” says Dr. Phillips, “If you are a health practitioner you are obligated to be in continued education; the last day I do dentistry should be the best work I have done because if you are truly a student of medicine you are never satisfied with where you are.” Dr. Phillips definitely lives up to his strong words, as he continues to study under two world-renowned dentists, works to educate his patients on maintaining their dentistry, and was on the 2005 list for Best Dentists of America in which only three percent of dentists were included and was only issued for one year. He gives his patients the skills to be able to maintain the work that he does for years to come, and strives to make his procedures comfortable. Dr. Phillips is also very passionate about his non-forprofit Smart Driving School in which he teaches teenagers in the community preventative driving techniques in the hopes of saving lives. www.gtomphillipsdds.com 540-371-6700
d
d .
t
over twenty years of exceeding custoMer expectations The primary goal of STA Title and Escrow is to provide customers with service that exceeds their expectations. EVP and Owner/Operator, Sonia Kuppert feels strongly that “it’s all about the people… the relationships you build are the best part.” Spotsylvania Title Agency was established in 1986. As the business grew outside of Spotsylvania, the company’s name changed to STA Title and currently has locations in Fredericksburg, Locust Grove and Caroline County. “We want to help home-
owners with the settlement process”, says Kuppert who also works hard to educate industry partners on the ever-changing title and escrow process. STA provides title insurance and closing services along with title searches and recording. As a local, part attorney owned company; STA has access to a team of legal council for document preparation and related services. As part of their mission, STA strives to utilize leading technology as a way to keep customers, vendors and industry partners informed of
focused on the custoMer
Keller-Williams in Fredericksburg has spent the last five years “working to help homeowners and homebuyers make the best decision for their families when buying a home,” says realtor Mrs. Debbie Irwin. Their mission statement is “To build careers worth having, business worth owning, and lives worth living,” and from the happy demeanor of everyone in the office, one can tell that they live up to it. The realtors at Keller-Williams are extremely knowledgeable and are trained from “A to Z,” as Mrs. Irwin says, from the basics of contract to the preparation of bank negotiations. Their realtors also learn how to run a business, stay focused on customer service, and to abide a code of ethics. Keller-Williams also works with Bank of America and have a lender on site in order to make the process of purchasing a home, or selling, more convenient for their clients. Whatever the buyer or sellers time frame, Keller-Williams can get the job done, if necessary they can help a client find a house in a weekend, or the client can leisurely browse for a year. In addition to their dedication to assisting their clients, Keller-Williams gives back to the community by working for the Fredericksburg Food Bank and adopting families around the holidays. www.fredericksburg.yourkwoffice.com / 540-785-2225
every step in their transaction. With “Paperless Closer”, all parties have twenty-four hour access to the status of their files. Electronic Closings are also offered for participating lenders. Striving for continuous improvement, these technologies help to make the home buying process faster and easier for their clients. Their knowledgeable staff, with over 100 years of combined experience in the title industry, includes 5 licensed agents along with support staff in the processing and search departments.
All employees keep up with the industry changes through on going training. Employees are encouraged to participate in charity and community service work. Giving back to the community is a very important part of being a local business. www.statitle.com 540-368-5501
The first rule of running a successful business is finding just the right location. Strategically located between Washington, D.C. and Richmond, Virginia, Westwood Office Park is on Route 3, less than a two minute drive from the ramps to Interstate 95. Your business or professional practice will benefit from the easy access to either major market as well as the surrounding counties. Call or go online today for more information about how you can get your business off to a great start.
www.westwoodofficepark.com 202-329-7711 JANUARY / FEBRUARY 2010 | VIRGINIA NEIGHBORS 21
1•800•FURNACE
Serving You When You Need Us The Most
PIRRONE’S CLUB MEMBERSHIP: • Straight Forward Pricing
Your family’s comfort & safety is most important
• Repair Discounts • Semi-Annual Visits • Priority Member Service
Join Today for only $20 per month*
• Highly Trained Technicians • Licensed and Insured • Complete Sales, Service & Installation • Certified in Air Balancing, CO & Combustion
Pirrone’s Heating & Cooling, Inc. 4911 Commerce Drive Fredericksburg, VA 22408
www.Pirrones.net 307 22 www.VirginiaNeighbors.com
*Single System Service Plan
HOME&GARDEN | TRAVEL | HEALTH | FOOD | FAMILY
BackYard
COME & GET IT
Chocolate for your Valentine February—the month of chocolates and romance, of presidents and sales. It’s the perfect time to honor both St. Valentine and the February-born Father of Our Country by flavoring decadent chocolate truffles with cherries, the fruit made famous in the mythology of George’s boyhood.
»
Adam Desio Photo
JANUARY / FEBRUARY 2010 | VIRGINIA NEIGHBORS 23
BackYard
CHOCOLATE FOR YOUR VALENTINE continued ___________________________________________________ Chocolate truffles make a romantic and thoughtful gift, even more so when you’ve made them yourself. Named for their resemblance to the rare fungi beloved by the French, chocolate truffles are among the easiest candies to make at home—yes, really! Chocolate and cream melted together, cooled and shaped, the very simplicity of truffles encourages imaginative flavor ad-
Corylus avellna ‘Contorta’ (Harry Lauder’s Walking Stick)
Stachyurus praecox ‘Issai’ (spiketail)
ditions. Add chopped dried cherries and cherry brandy and you have a decadent seasonal treat. No need to let that special someone know they were a cinch to make. Chocolate for Valentine’s Day, cherries to honor George. Or just because chocolate and cherries are sublimely delicious together. Who needs more reason than that?.
Chocolate Cherry Truffles Makes approximately 30 one-inch truffles 4 ounces quality bittersweet chocolate 4 ounces quality semi-sweet chocolate (Scharffen Berger or Ghirardelli chocolate recommended) ½ cup sweetened dried cherries ½ cup heavy cream 2 tablespoons cherry brandy ¼ teaspoon almond extract ¼ cup dark cocoa powder Finely chop the chocolate and place in a medium bowl. Set aside. Finely chop the dried cherries. In a small saucepan, combine the cherries, heavy cream, cherry brandy, and almond extract. Gently heat this mixture, stirring frequently, just until bubbles break the surface. Pour the hot cream mixture over the chocolate in the bowl. Stir until the chocolate is fully melted. Cool in the refrigerator one hour, stirring every 10 to 15 minutes. Scoop out two-teaspoon sized portions of the chocolate mixture and drop onto pie or cake tins. Refrigerate until very firm, about 30 minutes. Remove portioned chocolate from refrigerator. Place the cocoa powder in a small bowl. Put on latex gloves if you don’t like getting messy. Roll the portions of chocolate between your palms into one-inch balls. You don’t need to be too precise. These are supposed to look like their namesake mushrooms. Then roll the truffles in the cocoa powder, tapping off excess. Store the completed truffles covered, in the refrigerator. Remove from refrigerator 30 minutes before serving. —Drema Apperson
24 www.VirginiaNeighbors.com
HOMEGROWN
Winter Blooms A variety of plants that brighten cold days
A
pril is the cruelest month, or so said T.S. Eliot. He obviously never spent a February in Virginia. Or a January, for that matter. It’s bleak, lifeless hereabouts. Oh, you might see a few shivering birds huddled by the dryer vent, hoping to catch a warm breeze. But all else is despair. The grass crunches, the trees creak, and the wind – bitter and cold – knows your name. What you need at a time like this, to lift you up and carry you along, is Harry Lauder’s Walking Stick. It’s a shrub—a fairly unremarkable one at that, for much of the year. But as winter approaches, it drops its leaves and reveals its twisted charm. Corylus avellana ‘Contorta’ dates back to the mid-19th century when it was discovered in a hedgerow among ordinary-looking hazel. This specimen of hazel was different – a jumble of corkscrew, every-which-way branches. Think of it as botany having a bad hair day. When you take a look at its stark, hurly-burly branches, it’s hard not to smile. The shrub’s common name honors Harry Lauder, a Scottish comedian and musician popular on both sides of the Atlantic during the first and second world wars. One of his characters was a kilted goof who ambled about with a misshapen walking stick. Lauder, who lost his only son on the battlefield, was known for his dedication to entertaining the troops; he’s credited with first suggesting that stage and film stars take their acts to the trenches, a contribution that later helped earn him knighthood. Years later, Sir Harry’s namesake enlivens many a winter garden, particularly when illuminated from below at night or placed next to a pond to capture its reflection. The shrub, maturing at about eight feet tall, makes an ideal winter focal point. Branches can be brought inside for display in vases. In late February, Harry’s branches are festooned with yellow catkins that work nicely in arrangements.
Chim (Fragr
i’ l)
Chimonanthus praecox (Fragrant Wintersweet)
Prunus mume (Peggy Clarke, or Japanese apricot)
You also can bring Harry indoors. The shrub can reside happily in a 3-gallon pot on a balcony, patio or front porch, then be ushered indoors temporarily to add some winter pizzazz to your home. It’s easy to keep a crooked shrub crooked and healthy. Because Harry is grafted, it’s important to remove any suckers that shoot up from the rootstock. If you don’t, Harry will head toward the straight and narrow. Treatment with a systemic insecticide in early spring will ward off some of Sir Harry’s more unruly fans – Japanese beetles – before they arrive in June. Here are a few other plants that can take the edge off the winter doldrums: Stachyurus praecox ‘Issai,’ aka Spiketail, offers an elegant, distinctive companion for Harry Lauder. In autumn, this shrub boasts rosy red leaves that slowly drop, revealing eye-catching cinnamon bark and harbingers of the flowers to come. In late February or early March, dripping ringlets of yellow, bell-shaped flowers arrive. The ‘Issai’ cultivar is a connoisseur’s shrub, known for its larger, showier flower cascades. In the winter, you can cut budding branches, drop them in a vase and force an early bloom. Like Harry, the shrub also can be grown in a 3-gallon container outside and brought inside for brief winter visits. Chimonanthus praecox, or Fragrant Wintersweet. Like Harry, this hardy shrub isn’t a looker most of the year. But in December or January, it transforms into a stunner with nodding,
Lonicera fragrantissima (Winter Honeysuckle)
pale yellow flowers streaked with reddish-purple. Bring a budding branch inside, and February won’t seem so harsh. At maturity, Wintersweet reaches 10 feet by 10 feet; be sure to plant it near a walkway so that you can enjoy the rich scent. Prunus mume ‘Peggy Clarke,’ or Japanese apricot. This small tree, reaching about 15 to 20 feet, is great for a small yard with full sun. It offers fluffy, rosy-pink double flowers from January to March and may bloom as early as Christmas. One of its appealing features is that it blooms on bare branches, giving you the full effect of the flowers. They’re great for cuttings, and the blooms are also very fragrant, emitting an almond scent. In Japan, the fruit is eaten raw and the flowers are used in tea. But a word of caution: The seeds are toxic. Enjoy the flower and the fragrance, but do more research before testing the tea or the fruit. Lonicera fragrantissima, or Winter Honeysuckle. This shrub, also known as Sweet Breath of Spring, is one of the few non-invasive forms of honeysuckle. It’s not much for the eyes or nose most of the year, but in January, it springs to life. Its creamy yellow blossoms emit a citrus scent; again, the branches make great cuttings. Other bonuses: It’s longblooming, very hardy and adapts to any kind of soil – wet or dry, low or high pH. At maturity, it’s 6 to 10 feet tall and wide. All of these winter wonders are available online or at specialty nurseries in the region.
Where do you go for practical marketing advice? Most business owners don’t have a seasoned advisor to help tackle marketing problems and discover new advertising opportunities. Willow Marketing Agency fills that void. We realize that advertising your product or service is just one important part of running a company. You have hundreds of issues that need your attention. Well, here is one worry we can take off your plate. Find out how Willow can help you get the results you’re looking for.
gchildress@willowmarketingagency.com
540-899-0999
—Julie Finn and Daryl Lease JANUARY / FEBRUARY 2010 | VIRGINIA NEIGHBORS 25 mj09VaN_WillowMktg.indd 1
4/29/09 8:42:34 PM
BackYard
PROFILE
Local Economist Guardedly Optimistic Former presidential advisor predicts better economy in the future
J
ohn M. “Jack” Albertine rose to prominence in the late 1970s when Texas Senator Lloyd Bentsen appointed him executive director of the Joint Economic Committee, one of only four standing committees with members from both houses of Congress. It’s responsible for tracking the state of the U.S. economy and making suggestions for improving it. In the 1980s he was president of the American Business Conference Inc., a Washington, D.C.-based lobby group that represents some of the county’s fastest-growing mid-sized companies. (He was hired at the suggestion of Massachusetts’s Senator Ted Kennedy). Jack, who lives in south Stafford with his wife Mona, was an aggressive supporter of Ronald Reagan’s economic program and a frequent visitor with the president. He has also been on the board of directors of many companies, including Fruit of the Loom. He has a doctorate in economics from the University of Virginia and taught at Mary Washington College, now the University of Mary Washington, from 1969 to 1977. He works for Albertine Enterprises, an economic consulting and lobbying company in Washington. VN: You predicted that the 2008 economic
downturn, when it came, would be particularly hard. How did you come to that conclusion? JA: I was a pretty strong critic of Alan Greenspan in the ’80s and ’90s, and of the fact the Federal Reserve had increased the money supply too far and too fast. What happened was banks ended up with a lot of reserves on their balance sheets. 26 www.VirginiaNeighbors.com
Banks want to loan that money out and they eventually worked down to people with less-than ideal credit ratings. And all of that home buying elevated prices and people borrowed against the inflated value of their homes. The fundamental problem was the money supply grew too rapidly.
VN: Many believe the economy has turned a corner even though some places are still losing jobs. Do you agree? JA: We’re not going to have a Great Depression. I never thought that. But we may not be out of the recession yet, and we may not know that for another 18 months. The question is going to be the character of the recovery. The economy is beginning to grow again but it has to grow at three percent a year just to account for new employees. Unemployment will probably peak at 11 percent, which it’s almost at now. But it won’t fall much, maybe to 8.5 percent through 2013. I think it’s going to be a slow, uneven recovery and it doesn’t help that the Fed has been printing a lot of money again in recent months. Banks may not be lending now, because they’ve just been burned, but they are again accumulating a lot of money on their balance sheets.
VN: You’re not a big fan of easy money, so was the Obama administration’s stimulus plan a mistake? JA: It’s not working and it was predictable that it wouldn’t work. You can’t inject that much money into the economy that fast, so a lot of it will end up being
spent, five, six, seven years down the road. It’s better to cut taxes and let people buy things.
Visit Our Showroom Today! More than 100 years of combined service and installation experience v Quality manufacturers and products v Co-ordinate products and installations in new construction and remodels.
VN: Will recessions ever be avoidable? JA: When I was in graduate school in the late ’60s, the prevailing view was, yes, we knew how to use monetary and fiscal policy to avoid downturns. That went out the window in the ’70s with the emergence of stagflation— the combination of inflation and a stagnant growth rate. There are huge gaps in our knowledge about how the economy works, and globalization means that many more players are on the board. On top of that, even if economists could predict events, that doesn’t mean politicians would heed their advice.
VN: Thomas Friedman wrote a New York Times column last year that China intends to become a leader in “green” technology. How important is that technology to long-term economic prosperity?
540-373-4251
E-mail: thefloorshopltd@verizon.net
2103 Jefferson Davis Hwy., Fredericksburg, VA 22401
The Hair You’ve Always Wanted C y b e rhair
®
Wigs and Full Cranial Prosthesis for Alopecia & Chemotherapy Patients
Amy’s Presence Wigs The wig you can swim in
www.amyspresence.com Call for Free Private Consultation: (540)371-3077 CHD Hair Replacement Center Helping Men and Women with Hair Loss since 1969
JA: That was kind of a dumb column. Clean air is a commodity like anything else. China is still a very, very poor country. In a poor economy, people worry about shelter and food. At the next level they worry about electricity. When you get to be relatively rich, then the commodity of environmental purity becomes much more important. In 50 years, when China is a First World country, they’ll do green stuff. Now, they may focus on cleanup technology for export, because that’s what they live for. But the notion they’re going to lead the way is ridiculous. The United States and Western Europe will lead the world in environmental clean-up. —Ted Byrd JANUARY / FEBRUARY 2010 | VIRGINIA NEIGHBORS 27
BackYard
HUMOR
Resolving to be Healthier An easier approach to New Year’s Resolutions
L
ike the annual retelling of “A Christmas Story,” the holidays prompt my husband, Mike, to share his most memorable holiday tale—one that I’d rather forget. It’s a story that has grown to epic proportions and reminds me that perhaps I should make a New Year’s Resolution to be more Zen-like. I’ll present you with just the edited version here minus his exaggerations and reenacting skills. Once upon a time, we returned home on Christmas Eve after spending a quiet evening with relatives. As we entered the house, I noticed the Christmas tree skirt was wet. Pushing the soggy presents aside, I realized that the Christmas tree stand had a crack in it and that I had been watering our brand new wood floor for days. The formerly glossy finish was peeling and the oak planks were warped. Now, that upset me a wee bit and I broke the silence of that sacred night with some not-so-nice expletives that, fortunately, our infant son slept through. My tirade ended with a javelin-like toss of the Christmas tree out the front door and into the yard. Thankfully, I had the good sense to remove the most precious ornaments before the big fling. You have to understand that we’d just had those wonderful wood floors installed throughout the house—a project for which we’d saved for several years. But excuses aside, if I had a chance to redo that moment, if I could unfling that tree, I would. I guess the appeal of New Year’s Resolutions is that chance for a redo—a chance to hope to be better. I confess I haven’t made New Year’s Resolutions in, well, years. But this year I’m going to give it a try. If I get my goals out of my head and into my daily life I’ll be more likely to achieve them, right? Or perhaps, if I actually tell people my plans, I’ll be too embarrassed not to accomplish them. To start, I took an unofficial poll and discovered, not surprisingly, that some of the most popular New Year’s Resolutions (I’ll call them NYRs for short) include losing weight, exercising more and getting organized. No wonder most NYRs are broken before the New Year’s Eve confetti hits the floor. They almost always result in feeling more pressure in your life—and worse,
28 www.VirginiaNeighbors.com
motivation by self-loathing. They’re full of deprivation and hard work. Quite simply, they’re no fun. While one of my resolutions is fairly common— “Become healthier”—I’ve reworked it to make it more fun and, thus, more likely to be achieved. My motivating steps on the road to becoming healthier include: 1. Eat more chocolate—I’ve read that the dark stuff has some healthful antioxidants and the latest study indicates that it has a relaxing effect. 2. Drink red wine—It too contains antioxidants and other potentially heart-healthy compounds. Obviously, it, too, is relaxing. 3. Sleep more, taking naps as needed—Helps repair the body’s immune system so that I can fend off nasty bugs and besides, it feels yummy. 4. Upon waking, drink MORE coffee—A new study says it may stave off Alzheimer’s. Come to think of it, drinking more wine, beer and cocktails is supposed to do the same thing—yippee! My NYR has more chance of sticking if I make some for the rest of my family: A no-brainer NYR for my 6- and 8-year-old sons is, “Clean up toys without being asked” but then I thought we’d have more fun (at least I would) if I added, “Learn to wash dishes and do the laundry.” They can drag chairs over to reach the counter-high faucets, right? The NYR list I made for my husband starts with “Never ever tell the Christmas tree toss story in public again.” After all, it is for me, both a regrettable and unforgettable memory already. And I promise, even without putting it on my NYR list, to never ever fling a tree again—at least not on Christmas Eve. So whether you are a New Year’s Resolution maker or breaker or non-believer, I wish you a Happy New Year and the chance for a redo whenever you may need it. —Lisa Ferreira
EUROTECH AUTO SERVICE INC.
Mercedes & Volvo Service and Repair
Independent Mercedes & Volvo service Factory scheduled maintenance & repairs Competitive rates Only minutes from Stafford Courthouse and Central Park
540/657-1007 866/481-2931
Call For An Appointment Monday–Friday 8 a.m.–5:30 p.m. 17A Potomac Creek Drive Falmouth, Va 22405
WWW.MERCVOLVO.COM
PHANTOM™ S
C
R
E
E
N
S
it’s about the V
Central Park (next to Panera Bread) 1740 Carl D Silver Pkwy Fredericksburg, VA 22401
(540) 548-8878
Intersection of I-95 & Rt. 234 3709 Fettler Park Dr. Dumfries, VA 22025
(703) 441-2044
iew and You
North America’s leading provider for retractable screen solutions for doors, windows and more. We provide our customers with innovative and superior quality retractable screens that provide comfort, convenience, and sophistication to any design project.
A R D 2, Inc.
Authorized distributor for Central Virginia
1-888-359-3710 www.ARD2.com
JANUARY / FEBRUARY 2010 | VIRGINIA NEIGHBORS 29
F A M I LY F U N
A “Shore” Thing for Family Fun Whale Watching in Virginia Beach
T
he holiday season is over, but that doesn’t mean you have to stop treating yourself or your family. Here’s a belated present you can’t quite gift-wrap: watching the world’s biggest mammals breach Virginia’s shores and explore their natural habitat. For those eager to kick-start the new year with a memorable outing, whale-watching is the perfect recreational launch pad. It’s a relatively inexpensive and once-in-a-lifetime opportunity that combines maritime education with upclose entertainment. Best of all, you don’t have to drive far for your ocean adventure. The best place to witness the region’s marine mammals is at the Virginia Aquarium & Marine Science Center, one of the most impressive aquariums and live animal habitats in the country. Located in Virginia Beach—about a three-hour drive from Fredericksburg—the aquarium is home to a variety of Chesapeake Bay fish and other ocean species. The expansive aquarium is best known for its 700,000-gallon tank and immersion-oriented exhibits, all of which attract thousands of visitors a day. And then there are its whale-watching expeditions, the aquarium’s popular boat tours designed to educate visitors about the history and habits of Virginia’s whales. For the past two decades, the aquarium has hosted seasonal whale-watching excursions off the Virginia Beach coast, affording visitors rare glimpses into the ocean’s diverse species. Apart from its tranquil beaches and popular fishing holes, Virginia Beach is a prime destination
30 www.VirginiaNeighbors.com
for whale-watching enthusiasts. The best time to take a trip is in the winter, when most whales begin to migrate to warmer waters. Oftentimes, the traversing whales breach the water to feed or play, putting their beauty on display for those lucky enough to be nearby. While there are no guarantees that tourists will get a glimpse of the whales— whale behavior is contingent on a number of factors, making sightings unpredictable—the sheer possibility is more than worth the price of admission. If you are lucky enough to witness whales darting solo through the water or swimming in pods, you’ll typically see humpback or right whales, though other whales have been known to make an appearance along the shore. According to the Virginia Aquarium and Marine Science Center, in recent years visitors on these excursions have spied a whale roughly 90 percent of the time. Currently, the number of whale sightings near Virginia Beach is being studied through ongoing research, and soon experts will be able to better estimate the number of whales migrating past Virginia Beach annually. Last year, the aquarium’s season-opening event gave wide-eyed visitors a rare look at a North Atlantic whale and its calf, followed by an amazing encounter with a family of fin whales. Tourists were able to learn more about these mammoth creatures thanks to on-board aquarium educators, all of whom are trained through museumdriven identification programs and participate in every tour. Each two-and-a-half-hour excursion is narrated by a
Rocky Top
Embroidery & More
Making the Ordinary, Special!
Custom Embroidery Screen Printing Promotional items Sports Equipment
trained aquarium interpreter, while experienced volunteers show whale artifacts and answer questions. This type of hands-on experience makes the tour even more memorable, ensuring that everyone gets the most out of the trip. If a whale sighting isn’t in the cards, visitors can experience other amazing sights, including historic landmarks like the Cape Henry Lighthouse, DeWitt Cottage and the Old Coast Guard Station, among others. Tourists may get to witness international shipping traffic and exciting U.S. Navy maneuvers, as well as experience the best in birdwatching—northern gannets, brown pelicans and doublebreasted cormorants can often be seen dancing in the air and feeding off schools of fish. If you’re interested in witnessing these magnificent creatures this month, you’re in luck—the aquarium’s whalewatching trips have returned from a seasonal hiatus. The aquarium is currently running daily tours from January 2 to March 14. The trips run Thursdays and Fridays at 2:30 p.m., and on Saturdays, Sundays and holiday Mondays at 9 a.m., noon and 3 p.m. Each boat departs from the Virginia Beach Fishing Center—located at Rudee Inlet—and embarks along the beautiful Virginia shoreline. Note that the expeditions run weather permitting, and guests should dress warmly, since it will be a few degrees colder on the water. And while the cost of each trip is modest—$28 for adults and $24 for children ages 4–11—the chance to experience the majestic nature of whales with the family is priceless.
10051 Kings Highway King George, VA 1-540-775-9564
www.RockyTopOnline.com
Mention this ad and receive 15% off your first order
—Nicholas Addison Thomas To learn more about the aquarium, or to plan your whale-watching trip today, visit www.virginiaaquarium.com or call (757) 385-FISH.
JANUARY / FEBRUARY 2010 | VIRGINIA NEIGHBORS 31
BackYard
OUTDOORS
It’s A Short Trip To Get Your Winter Sports Fix You don’t have to leave Virginia to find snow covered slopes
A
sk people around here to pick their favorite spot for skiing or snowboarding and a lot of them will start raving about places far from Virginia. Like Robert Schwab, a retired Locust Grove resident who’s planning a week-long trip this month to Winter Park Resort, a 10,700-foot-high mountain in Colorado. Or Rusty Baron, a 17-year-old snowboarder from Stafford County who loves Sugarloaf Mountain in Maine. “That’s a big, big mountain,” he says, with dozens of trails, and terrain parks for boarders and freestyle skiers. “It’s gorgeous up there.” Okay, it’s true that the mountains in and near Virginia aren’t as high and don’t have snow as deep as those out west or up north. But even veteran snowboarders and skiers can get their thrills on expert trails at resorts just a few hours’ drive from here. Plus, if you’re new to the slopes, these mid-Atlantic mountains are a good place to start. They all offer newcomers the requisite equipment rentals and lessons, and gentle hills to get started. If you haven’t tried it, here’s the appeal of sliding down a mountain. First, there’s the adrenalin rush—it’s kind of primal to stand at the top of a steep slope that you think might kill you. “I love the feeling of just being up there,” Rusty says. Snow sports also push you out in the elements 32 www.VirginiaNeighbors.com
during months when lots of other people are planted indoors, looking at seed catalogs. “It’s nice out in the fresh air,” Robert says. “You meet a lot of different people. It also forces you to train a little better so you’re in shape when ski season comes. I just like it.” Lots of skiers and snowboarders like the Wintergreen Resort in central Virginia near the Blue Ridge Parkway, which is just a couple of hours’ drive from greater Fredericksburg. “I think it’s one of the better ones around,” Robert says. It has about 1,000 feet of vertical drop, which is a measure of how much of the mountain is used for actual skiing. “It’s got excellent snowmaking and quite a few different trails,” Robert says. Another toptier resort within reach for a weekend trip is Snowshoe in West Virginia, which has some of the best snowfall in the mid-Atlantic region and 1,500 feet of vertical drop. Even closer is the Massanutten Resort, a few miles east of Harrisonburg in the Shenandoah Valley. There are plenty of other places as well, such as the Bryce Resort, also in the valley region, about 80 miles from Fredericksburg. Other solid resorts include Timberline and Canaan Valley in West Virginia. Or, take Interstates 70 or 81 into Pennsylvania and you can usually find better
snow conditions at resorts such as Blue Knob or Seven Springs. Many of these places have morphed into four-season resorts over the years and offer other stuff to do, such as snow tubing, a no-skill thrill for kids and adults who don’t want to ski or snowboard. They couldn’t stay in business by just catering to skiers, which is a lesson they learned years ago, Robert says. The business of snow sports wouldn’t have survived if it hadn’t accepted the new blood that younger snowboarders brought. “I think snowboarders saved skiing,” he says. “If it wasn’t for snowboarders, skiing might have been dead or close to dead. The ski areas couldn’t operate.” Still, buying a day or a week at a mountain resort isn’t cheap. Between equipment rentals and lift tickets, it’s easy to burn through $75 or $100 in a day, depending on when you go. Weekends are always the highest prices, of course, but the resorts all offer a variety of package deals that cover almost every cost. If you’re serious about a snow sport adventure and want to cut costs, it’s hard to beat ski clubs. The Fredericksburg Ski Club has about 60 members and is part of a bigger network of clubs, called the Blue Ridge Ski Council. This is where the real deals are, says Connie Wiley, the club president. If you join one club you can sign up for trips other clubs offer at a steep discount. Robert’s Winter Park trip, for example, is a club trip. For $1,065 you fly to Denver and back and get six nights of lodging plus five days of lift tickets. “The council trips are always a really good deal, because you not only get the transportation and lift tickets and all that, but you also get the social time” of going with a group, Connie says. “We’ve got people of all abilities. So you’ve always got somebody to ski with.” —Robert Burke JANUARY / FEBRUARY 2010 | VIRGINIA NEIGHBORS 33
BackYard
HOME KEEPING
Seeing Pink Celebrate Valentine’s Day with Pink Wine and Champagne
V
alentine’s Day makes some people see red. With its aura of forced romance, its ability to confer feelings of inadequacy on the un-partnered, its dubious history in this country as primarily a “Hallmark Holiday,” it’s not hard to see why. However, it makes me see pink. Valentine’s Day, which falls on a Sunday this year, is the perfect time to break out the pink wine, pink Champagne, and even pink food. Pink, or rosé wine, is an often-disparaged category of wine. Although dry rosé wine has been around for centuries, it was in the 1960s in America that pink wine became popular. First, with jug rosé, later, with white zinfandel. The sweet, simple flavors of these wines appealed to novice wine drinkers and college kids. Later, these same people, having fueled the explosion of white zinfandel through the 1990s, suddenly became “sophisticated” and turned up their noses en masse at anything pink, and sweet wine in general. I can’t tell you how many times I have offered a dry rosé to a person at my tasting table, only to have them wrinkle up their face and exclaim “Eeew! Sweet! I don’t do sweet!” They typically refuse the sample, take a swig of Coke and walk away. Very sophisticated. The fact is, that rosé, either still or sparkling, can be sweet or dry, or in-between. You’ll find bright, fresh flavors of strawberry, cherry and watermelon typically backed by brisk acidity. They can be low alcohol or high. And luckily for us, today’s rosé has made something of a comeback, elbowing its way through crowds of “sophisticates” to land a
34 www.VirginiaNeighbors.com
place in every serious wine shop and on any serious wine list. And it’s the perfect color for romance. For those fortunate enough to have a cherished partner to delight with thoughtful deeds on Valentine’s Day, what follows is a day-long celebration of love and pink drinks to celebrate and savor. Choose whichever course—or courses—fits your time and budget. Breakfast. French Toast and Tocco Prosécco Pomosas, $12 Not much is more disappointing than soggy, floppy French toast, except maybe a mimosa made with cheap wine and reconstituted orange juice. Both are promises made and subsequently broken. Here is a recipe for thick, luscious French toast and a refreshing Pomosa, a twist on the mimosa, made with fresh pomegranate juice and a lovely sparkling Italian wine called Prosécco. I like Tocco: appley, fresh and bright. Lunch. Charcuterie and Chateau Routas Rouviere Rosé 2008, $15 Since you spent time cooking and cleaning that big breakfast, take a break and let someone else do all the work for you. Simply present your sweetie with a selection of cured and smoked meats and fish, soft and semisoft cheeses artfully arranged on a wooden block or cutting board. Serve with a baguette and wash it down with the lovely Provençale rosé from Chateau Routas. This dry rosé is made from the red grapes Syrah, Grenache and Cinsault. During fermentation, the juice and skins mix for only a short time, yielding a salmon-pink dry wine with flavors of cranberry and strawberry.
Dinner. Steamed Mussels in Leeks and White Wine and Champagne Gatinois Rosé D’Ay, $50 If there were one day in the year to splurge on Champagne, this is it. At its best, rosé Champagne exhibits racy acidity and flavors ranging from tangy raspberry to soft, nutty characters. This range and power makes them ideal matches for food. The dry, refined Gatinois is an excellent example to drink while supping on fresh mussels steamed in white wine. Dessert. Berries with Mascarpone and Meringue and Innocent Bystander Pink Moscato 2009, $12/375ml Save an hour before Business Time to whip up and eat this luscious creation by The Food Network’s Giada De Laurentiis. The fruit, cheese and cream serve as a perfect foil to the silky, lightly sweet Innocent Bystander Pink Moscato, a low-alcohol, fizzy confection of a wine from Down Under that has a melon and sweet raspberry flavor. —Kirk A. Evans
RECIPES French Toast 1 loaf stale Challah (egg bread) cut into slices 1½-inches thick 6 eggs 1 tsp freshly ground cinnamon ¼ tsp freshly grated nutmeg ½ tsp salt 1 tsp vanilla ¼ cup heavy cream Butter for frying Thoroughly whisk wet ingredients and spices together in a large bowl. Dredge one or two slices of bread at a time in the egg mixture, turning and poking each slice with a fork to ensure the egg mixture is soaking in evenly.Melt butter in a heavy skillet. Fry toast over medium heat till both sides are golden brown. Buttered Maple Syrup 2 T butter 1 cup maple syrup 1 tsp cinnamon Melt butter in small stockpot. Whisk in maple syrup and cinnamon. Steamed Mussels in Leeks and White Wine 2 lbs small to medium mussels, scrubbed and de-bearded 1 cup white wine 2 bay leaves 2 leeks, green parts removed and chopped 2 T butter 2 cloves garlic, minced ¼ cup chopped parsley Salt and freshly ground black pepper Add wine, leeks and mussels to stockpot and bring to a boil. Lower heat to medium and cover pot. Steam mussels until they open, about 8 minutes. Discard any that don’t open. Scatter cooked leeks over the mussels. In a separate pot, melt butter and sauté garlic over medium heat. Strain mussel broth, whisk into butter/garlic mixture and reduce until you have about one cup. Add chopped parsley, season with salt and pepper and use as a dipping sauce.
Berries with Mascarpone and Meringue Recipe adapted from the original by Giada De Laurentiis 5 ounces fresh strawberries, hulled and quartered ½ cup fresh raspberries ½ cup fresh blackberries ½ cup fresh blueberries 1 tablespoon sugar 1 teaspoon fresh lemon juice ¼ cup mascarpone cheese ¼ cup whipping cream Pinch ground cinnamon 2 meringue cookies, coarsely crumbled Toss the berries, one tablespoon of the sugar, and lemon juice in a medium bowl. Let stand until juices form, tossing occasionally, about 30 minutes. Meanwhile, stir the mascarpone cheese in a large bowl to loosen. Using an electric mixer, beat the cream, remaining tablespoon of sugar, and pinch of cinnamon in another large bowl to soft peaks. Fold ¼ of the cream into the mascarpone cheese to lighten. Fold in the remaining whipped cream. Using a slotted spoon, divide the berries among plates. Spoon the mascarpone cheese atop the berries. Sprinkle the meringue cookies over top. Drizzle the berry juices around the dessert and serve immediately. Pomosa 1 ounce simple syrup 2 ounces pomegranate juice ½ teaspoon fresh lemon juice 3 ounces chilled Prosecco wine Pomegranite seeds for garnish In a cocktail shaker, mix the pomegranate juice, lemon juice and simple syrup. Add the ice, shake. Strain into sugar rimmed glass, top with 3 ounces of chilled Prosecco. Stir gently to blend. Garnish with pomegranite seeds.
Camille’s Catering! We Deliver For All Occasions!
Enjoy a FREE cookie tray with your first catering order 1911 Carl D. Silver Pkwy. Fredericksburg, VA 22401 Cafe (540) 548-3663 Offer available at this location only. Not to be combined with other offers.
Floral & Landscape Design Unique floral arrangements for parties or weddings. Personalized landscape designs and seasonal container gardens. How-to lectures and workshops. Enchanting gardens especially for children.
540`371`5461 828 Marye Street, Fredericksburg, Virginia 22401
www.carolynhelfrichinc.com JANUARY / FEBRUARY 2010 | VIRGINIA NEIGHBORS 35
BackYard
H E A LT H
A More Convenient Way to Exercise Nintendo Wii appeals to a wide range of age groups with their new Wii Fit games
L
ast October, Guiness World Records confirmed the largest ever Nintendo Wii game bowling tournament. Six hundred bowlers converged on Houston—all senior citizens. Long the turf of teenage male geeks, physical therapists now say that video game stations are breaking the age barrier. Nursing home therapists around the country—and in the Fredericksburg area—say the fantastically popular devices are a good way for middle-aged and older people to improve muscle strength and sharpen mental acuity. Two studies from the United Kingdom have also preliminarily shown improvement in balance with Wii users, which should reduce falls, therapists say. “Now there is research out in our discipline about the benefits of the Wii system,’’ said Colleen Stiles, a therapist with the Woodmont Health Care Center on Kings Highway in Stafford County. “One of the more popular ones is bowling. We use bowling and baseball as our primary ones.”
36 www.VirginiaNeighbors.com
Launched in fall of 2006 with 33 different games, Nintendo has so far sold more than 56 million Wii units —generally for about $250, although the price is falling in some cases. The units include a laser-controlled hand piece that allows players to simulate bowling, baseball, auto racing or any number of activities. The Wii Fit, also a nursing home game favorite, comes with a floor pad that records movements and offers feedback on balance from yoga and other aerobic exercises. But it’s not just the elderly, or the nerdy, who have flocked to the Wii. Libby Jacoby, a 56-year-old Falmouth resident, uses the machine as she jogs. “It’s a lot of exercise,” she said. “I’d like to use it everyday but I do have some sort of life going on.” Her parents—in their 80s—have a Wii. Her kids, in their 20s, have them. After her son’s first boxing session, he had trouble raising his arms the next day, Libby said.
In addition to being a good work out, the Wii can be a more convenient way to exercise. “Sometimes it’s just a nice alternative to a run or going to the Y,” said Kristi Hastings Allison, a 44-year-old teacher with the Fredericksburg school system. It’s also an attractive option when it’s 30 degrees outside. The nursing homes lean towards games that challenge on a number of levels, but especially programs that improve flexibility for daily living activities, like dressing, bathing or walking. Nintendo gears its advertising to all age groups, according to a spokeswoman with the Japanese-based company’s American headquarters. But the company has specifically reached out to baby boomers and senior citizens. Nintendo worked with Erickson Retirement Communities, one of the country’s largest developers of senior living facilities, to equip them with Wii systems. And Erickson sponsored a bowling tournament of its own for residents. Nintendo has also participated in conventions sponsored by AARP—formerly the American Association of Retired Persons. There, game exhibits for Wii Sports or Nintendo DS games like Brain Age had lines backed up. “Nintendo created Wii with the idea that every member of the family could play it and have fun,’’ the Nintendo spokeswoman said. (Nintendo spokespeople can’t use their names, apparently). “The only real surprise was how fast the phenomenon spread among baby boomers and seniors.” Fredericksburg area therapists said the games created a buzz in their industry, but many also had Wii at home for their kids. “It’s good for coordination,” said Christine Byrnes, assistant director of recreation at the Golden Living Center in Spotsylvania County, which has residents young and old. “And for those who can’t stand up, they can do the stuff the people who are walking can. So it’s good for their self-esteem.” “The Wii bowling you can do at your own pace, so it’s good for all ages,’’ Christine said. She and Colleen, the Woodmont therapist, both said residents had been open to the games, despite some misgivings. “There are always that handful that turn their nose up at technology,’’ Colleen said. “But they seemed fairly receptive to it.” Physical therapists say the games also foster competition, something fitness experts say ratchets up a workout’s intensity. “They’re pretty competitive once they get the hang of it,” Christine said. “They do have a good time.” Libby would like to arrange more group events, but has found that hard to do. So she’s content to take the machine on one-on-one. “I think people probably think I own stock in this.” —Ted Byrd
Boating without owning... it’s about TIME! There are simple yet profound differences between enjoying boating, and owning a boat. We offer you all the pleasures of water recreation without the expenses and hassles of boat ownership. With 17 locations, and a variety of boat styles to choose from, membership in the Carefree Boat Club gives you the luxury, convenience, and privilege of boating when you want and how you want all at a fraction of the cost of ownership.
Find out more on our website or call 540-623-0494. Learn how we can make your boating experience....CAREFREE! WWW.CAREFREEBOATS.COM New location now at Hope Springs Marina in Stafford VA
REDISCOVER YOUR ALLURE
call today to schedule your free consultation and Visia skin care analysis
Experience rejuvenation and relaxation with Allure Medspa’s customized treatment packages for all skin concerns. Our Licensed Medical professionals and state of the art technology enable us to give you the personal care and results you deserve in a relaxing spa environment. Services include: S S S S S
laser hair removal skin rejuvenation botox & dermal fillers lipotherapy microdermabrasion
S therapeutic spa facials S stretch mark & scar removal S teeth whitening S chemical peels
2128 Jefferson Davis Highway, Suite 201 Stafford, VA 22554
540.658.1100
JANUARY / FEBRUARY 2010 | VIRGINIA NEIGHBORS 37
38 www.VirginiaNeighbors.com
Recapturing a
Forgotten Culture The Patawomeck Indians were the first hunters, farmers and waterman on the Potomac River. Stafford County’s Robert “Two Eagles” Green is working to reclaim that heritage. by Marjolijn Bijlefeld photography by Adam DeSio
JANUARY / FEBRUARY 2010 | VIRGINIA NEIGHBORS 39
O
n a sunny, summer afternoon nearly 16 years ago, Robert Green stood alone on the land of his ancestors and asked for guidance. The woods around him, now part of Stafford County, had once been
The two eagles that Robert first encountered have returned to the Aquia Landing area and were, in fact, seen the day we visited the medicine wheel.
40 www.VirginiaNeighbors.com
home to the Patawomeck Indians, an ancient tribe whose people had helped the Jamestown colonists survive the “Starving Years” of 1609-1611. Time and neglect had all but erased the tribe and had scattered those few who still remembered. Other than a collection of writing from early explorers, much of the culture and the language of the tribe had vanished. Maybe it is not too late, he thought, to gather up what remains of the Patawomeck. Give me a sign, he remembers thinking to himself as he walked back to his car. And the sound of a screech in the woods behind him—“like a woman’s blood-curdling scream,” he said—spun him around. A bald eagle swooped low above his head, followed by a second one, and he could hear the rush of wind around wings. In seconds they were gone, but Robert felt they had come with a reason. “The eagle is the highest spiritual totem, because it communicates directly with the creator,” he said. To him their appearance was a message, and with it he took a new name: Two Eagles. “The name reminds me of why I am doing this,” he said. What he wants to do is save the story and the tradition of the Pawatomecks. That’s no small task. None of the tribe’s 700 or so remaining members grew up speaking the dialect of the Algonquin language, largely because for generations, Native Americans in Virginia and elsewhere were pushed to sweep away their Indian heritage. Virginia’s racial purity laws of 1924, for example, stipulated that people could label themselves either white or colored. “Most Indian families kept their mouths shut,” he said. The state’s miscegenation law prohibiting interracial marriage stayed on the books until it was rejected in 1967 by a 9–0 vote of the U.S. Supreme Court.
Using the fragrant smoke of dried sage, Robert purifies the medicine wheel at Patawomeck Band Memorial Park. JANUARY / FEBRUARY 2010 | VIRGINIA NEIGHBORS 41
But there are still traces of the tribe’s history. Some traditions were passed along quietly from one generation to the next. And that’s why Robert, now 63, feels an urgency. He and a handful of others now collect stories and videotape older members of the tribe who have heard stories or learned crafts that might otherwise be lost. Tribal members have made some tremendous strides in trying to recreate the particular Algonquin language used by the early Patawomeck Indians. Tribe members Becky “Nokomis” Guy and MaryAnn “Mourning Dove” Berry are key contributors to the effort and Becky is teaching the language. It’s a difficult language to learn, said Robert. “We’re not familiar with the sounds, and they are difficult to form.” In addition, the language structure is different. Instead of talking about a swimming beaver, early Indians would describe the beaver who swims. But tribe members have made progress by using existing research and cross-referencing that with other dialects of Algonquin to recreate a language that became nearly extinct hundreds of years ago.
Three generations of Greens: Robert, son Jason and grandson Kade attend the 2009 Dog Mart.
42 www.VirginiaNeighbors.com
Robert, who is quick to smile, speaks deliberately. He seems delighted to tell about accomplishments and discoveries that the tribe has made. And even though he has told the story of the Patawomeck countless times, he retells it with patience and pleasure. For example, he is enthusiastic—as are those who study Indian culture— that some tribal members knew how to weave eel baskets. The craft of weaving a Delaware fish basket—so named because they had only been found in areas where Delaware Indians lived—has now been videotaped and is being taught again. The work to regain some of the Patawomeck traditions is helped by a substantial amount of writing done in the early 1600s by explorers and traders who encountered the local Indians. Henry Spelman, who traveled with John Smith on expeditions, lived with the Patawomeck for about a year. During that time, he wrote extensively about their houses, hunting, planting and government. Much to Robert’s delight, Spelman also described the wedding traditions. Robert has brought those traditions back: when his oldest son, Christopher Parrish Green, married, his was the first traditional Patawomeck wedding ceremony held in Stafford County in 400 years. Younger son Jason McBrian Green followed suit a few years later when he wed in a traditional ceremony. From the clothing they wore to the food that was served, Spelman’s writing provided the blueprint. Christopher Parrish now lives in New Zealand, another country where the native Maori culture is gaining recognition, and is supportive of his father’s work. Son Jason has become even more involved. He apprenticed with a master flint knapper and can be seen at many of the Indian cultural events throughout the year demonstrating how Indians made arrowheads. As chief, Robert has taken on a role traditionally held by Indian fathers—giving people an Indian name. He tries to match an animal totem that matches the person’s personality along with an attribute. His oldest son is Dancing Rabbit; his younger son is Brave Eagle. Their immersion in the culture and history also landed father and son a role in the 2005 movie, “The New World,” set in Jamestown, Va., and starring Colin Farrell as
(Above left): The “weeping tear” pendant is a reproduction of a mask that some believe honors one of the Patawomeck gods. The claws are from a snapping turtle which represents the spirit of the turtle on whose back many native people believe the world was built. (Above right) Chief Two Eagles dressed as a Powhatan elder for the filming of “The New World“. Using split white oak, the tribe has resurrected the craft of handmaking fish traps like the one seen at left.
JANUARY / FEBRUARY 2010 | VIRGINIA NEIGHBORS 43
44 www.VirginiaNeighbors.com
Capt. John Smith. Some Indians protested the making of the movie as a Hollywood interpretation, but Robert and other Indians met with the crew. He came away from the meeting with producer Sarah Green, no relation, convinced she wanted to accurately and honestly portray the story. He developed a friendship with her and costume designer Jacqueline West. He provided technical advice and gave a large number of turkey feathers and deer antlers. Virginia prohibits the sale of animal parts, but Robert has been given a large number as gifts over the years. In exchange, he asked that they cast his son as one of the Indians. They did. Jason is a warrior—and Robert, too, has a non-speaking role as a Powhatan elder. Both appearances made the final cut, “but you have to know where to look for us,” Robert said, laughing. Among his favorite memories of the filming was one evening on the movie set. “They cut off the lights. There was a bonfire burning, and all these Indians in authentic clothing or regalia were gathered around it.” They began singing their tribal songs in their native languages, he recalled. “It was a surreal moment where I felt like I was living like my ancestors.” That moment helped crystallize the importance of recapturing the culture of the Patawomeck Indians. Initially, the tribe’s goal was to protect Indian sites in Stafford. There are five large ossuaries, or burial grounds, in the county. “We had no say if someone wanted to develop the land there because we weren’t formally recognized,” he said. The challenge for Virginia’s Indians is that 400 years ago, the tribes negotiated their treaties with the English crown or the early colonists, not with existing state or federal government representatives. Despite a nearly obliterated history and archeological sites that have been built upon, Robert is hopeful that the history and culture of the region’s earliest people can be preserved and promoted. The tribe is establishing a nonprofit educational foundation to help with that goal. “State recognition can come later,” he said. “We still want it, but we need to get the stories and videotapes with the elders now.” d
If you would like to help the Patawomeck Indians gain tribal recognition, contact your state senator or the Virginia Council on Indians and express your support. For more information visit www.patawomeckindians.org or contact Robert at twoeagle@cox.com
JANUARY / FEBRUARY 2010 | VIRGINIA NEIGHBORS 45
46 www.VirginiaNeighbors.com
A Spirit of Adventure Whether exploring the world or searching the past,Barbara Willis discovers something new every day.
by Susan Neal photography by Jamie Haverkamp
JANUARY / FEBRUARY 2010 | VIRGINIA NEIGHBORS 47
(Right) One of Barbara’s souvenirs collected on her travels around the world. (Below) David J. Black of Edinburgh, Scotland, receives help from Barbara for a book he’s researching.
48 www.VirginiaNeighbors.com
Barbara Pratt Willis loves to go.
When she travels to Kathmandu this year, the energetic 75-year-old will have circumnavigated the globe. In a multitude of trips over the years, she’s been to more foreign countries and more places stateside than she can count. But make no mistake—Barbara is a hometown gal. Always was and always will be. When she finally slows down and breathes her last breath, the essence of the Rappahannock River will remain in her heart. She’ll go to a heaven where the streets are named Charles and Princess Anne, and the restaurants serve ham biscuits and oysters. She’ll know lots of the good souls there, as well as where they lived and who they’re kin to, because Tidewater Virginia, its people and history are in her head as well as her heart. But Heaven’s in the distant future for Barbara, because she’s much too busy with life. In addition to being a wife, mother, and the grandmother of 10, Barbara is active in church, garden club, and historical organizations. And for nearly four decades she has been a guiding light in the Virginiana Room at the Central Rappahannock Regional Library, a highly regarded repository of historical and genealogical materials that exists to keep the past alive. Located at the library’s headquarters on Caroline Street, the Virginiana Room contains an astounding array of materials and resources relating to historical Virginia—old books, new books, bound volumes of newspapers and loose newspaper clippings, newspaper indices, quarterly magazines, genealogy journals and charts, cemetery records, death and birth records, census records, maps, charts, rare books, city directories, old
voting records, deed books, church registries, insurance policies, slave birth records, books on native Americans. In all, there are nearly 8,000 catalogued items in the collection and hundreds that haven’t been catalogued yet, according to Michelle Brown, the library’s head of reference. “And that doesn’t even include materials in the extensive vertical files. It is simply flabbergasting.” Barbara is familiar with every piece, Michelle said. “She wows me every time I see her. People just have no idea what a resource she is.” Housed in a climate-controlled room in the library’s basement, the collection obviously appeals to professional historians, but it also satisfies other needs in the community and beyond. Students use it for history papers and projects, real estate agents come in to research old houses they’re trying to sell. “Buyers want to know the stories, especially if they involve a ghost,” Barbara said. Genealogists come from near and far. Besides the many printed books and indices, there’s a cabinet devoted entirely to family names, with manila This genealogical historiography folders holding charts, handwritten of George Washington is part of notes, and family histories. Researchers the treasure to be found in the can read old newspapers on microfilm library’s Virginiana Room. JANUARY / FEBRUARY 2010 | VIRGINIA NEIGHBORS 49
and use computers to access Ancestry.com and other online resources. “Genealogy is the No. 1 indoor hobby in the United States,” said Barbara. “Whenever someone comes in with research, I ask if they’ll share, and they’re always glad to do so. Sometimes they find long-lost cousins by sharing.” History buffs and casual students of history search the stacks and cabinets for materials on a variety of general topics relating to Virginia
history. There are files containing information on hundreds of specific topics. The ones that see the most use, Barbara said, are those dealing with Indians, goldmines, railroads, and the Rappahannock River and its dams and floods. Among the most useful items are indices, especially those compiled by Robert Hodge, a former biology teacher at James Monroe High School who became interested in making genealogy more accessible while researching his own family history. Robert indexed old newspapers, cemetery records, births, deaths, and obituaries. “They are absolutely invaluable and such a time-saver,” said Barbara. “It’s great to be able to look at old newspapers on microfilm, but nobody has time to sit and read them for hours looking for a single name. Bob made it easy to find what you’re looking for.” Barbara’s name is synonymous with the Virginiana Room, but she insists that library staff members and volunteers deserve more credit than she does. She says the collection got its start in 1969 when the old Wallace Library moved from its longtime building on Princess Anne Street to its current location in the former Lafayette School. Librarian Marjorie Whidden put together a collection of historical materials that included $600 worth of old books purchased from a local estate. She called it the “Virginiana collection” to reflect the geographic range of its materials. The goal was to provide access to the materials to the general public, especially historians and genealogists. Barbara began volunteering at the library in the early 1970s and she found her niche with Marjorie amidst the historical collection. She helped organize the materials, assisted patrons with research, and also used the materials for projects of her own. As a charter member of the Junior Board of Historic Fredericksburg Foundation, organized in 1970, she researched local history to write scripts for guided tours. She also co-authored a Fredericksburg guide book with Paula Felder, another longtime local historian. Barbara stayed on as a volunteer in the Her family tree has it’s roots firmly planted in Virginia’s history. Here Barbara sits below a portrait of one of her grandmothers.
50 www.VirginiaNeighbors.com
Virginiana Room after Marjorie left and librarian Debbie Spiller took over. In 1977, Barbara became a paid employee working eight hours a week in the Virginiana Room, a schedule she still maintains. She helped move the growing collection from its tight quarters in the library annex to its present location in the renovated basement. Barbara oversees acquisition of newly published histories and biographies, and she is always on the lookout for pamphlets, articles, and clippings of local interest to add to the files. To a certain extent, though, the Internet has revolutionized historical research and made it less crucial to keep paper files, she said. But even as more and more indices and library databases are computerized, she said she believes there will always be a need for hard copies and books. “Some people, me included, just like to have something to hold in their hands,” she said. Barbara said what she enjoys most about her work is helping people do research. “It’s kind of like being a detective,” she said. “Someone will come in with a little clue, and that’s all you have to go on. But then you look here and you look there and you find another clue and that leads you to another. It’s just a lot of fun. You definitely get caught up in it.” One patron from Vermont got more than just historical facts from Barbara while doing some research at the library. “She was here researching for a few days so I got to know her pretty well. I thought it would be nice to show her some Fredericksburg hospitality so I invited her to come to my house for dinner. I fixed Brunswick stew and ham biscuits and we had the best time. She just raved over it and went home and made some for her family.” Becoming associated with the Virginiana Room was a natural fit for Barbara, whose ancestral ties go back to the earliest days of the Virginia colony. Raised at Camden, a Pratt family home on the Rappahannock River in Caroline County, she grew up in a family that cherished stories from the past. “We always loved history,” she said. “I knew three of my great-grandparents and I had three great-great-aunts across the river at Mount Airy. So I grew up hearing all of these wonderful stories that were passed down in the family, and then I married into a family that did the same thing.”
After graduating from Westhampton College in Richmond with a degree in history, Barbara married Jere Malcolm Harris “Mac” Willis Jr., a Fredericksburg native who also sprang from old Virginia roots. They were married in 1956 in a double wedding at Camden, where Mac’s brother, John, married Barbara’s sister, Robin. Except for a year in Charlottesville while Mac finished law school at the University of Virginia, the Willises have made their home in Fredericksburg. For many years they lived with their four boys in an old Willis family home on Princess Anne Street that is thought to be the second oldest house in Fredericksburg. Several years ago they downsized, turning that house over to their son, Gordon, and buying another house on Charles Street where Mac had lived as a young boy. The “new” house is only a block away. A retired judge with the Virginia Court of Appeals, Mac Willis says his wife’s energetic pace sometimes makes his head spin. But they maintain an active lifestyle together, sailing and boating and spending lots of time with family, which includes six grandsons and four granddaughters. Last year over the Thanksgiving weekend, Mac and Barbara led the family’s 42nd annual hike up Old Rag Mountain, 22 people representing three generations. Also last year, the couple traveled to Egypt and Jordan, and now they’re looking forward to seeing the sights in India and Nepal. Barbara says “travel just opens your eyes. Besides the wonderful things you see, it makes you realize you have something in common with people the world over. No matter where you go, people are usually centered around the family.” But as much as she loves traveling to new places, Barbara thrives on the familiar soil of Fredericksburg. She realized something not long ago that helps explain her affection for this part of Virginia. “Nobody on either my mother’s side of the family up in Baltimore or my father’s side in Caroline County ever moved west of the Fall Line,” she said. “That’s very unusual—most families have relatives who ventured out to western regions where there was more space and more opportunities. But we stayed put. That must say something about why I’ve never wanted to leave. I simply have never wanted to live anywhere else.” d
JANUARY / FEBRUARY 2010 | VIRGINIA NEIGHBORS 51
Resolve to
SAVE ENERGY
MAKE A RESOLUTION YOU CAN KEEP!
We build it. We install it. We stand behind it.
33 OFF %
Champion Windows And Siding*
tRim GuttERs
soFFit vEnts
sidinG
1,500
$
Tax Credit‡ applies to champion patio rooms & vinyl replacement windows
• • • • •
FREE in-home estimates LowER energy biLLs incREasEd home vaLuE FactoRy diREct pricing LiFEtimE warranty including installation
“...our furnace runs about 25% less than it did the previous year, accounting for the temperature difference. you were more than correct in telling me that we would experience a significant energy savings.” -david w.
$2,500 OFF 33% OFF Champion Patio Rooms*
Follow us on @championwindows
weekend & Evening appointments available
Call Champion Today!
Champion Entry Doors*
1-888-465-5004 Set an appointment on-line ChampionFactoryDirect.com
10300 northlake Park dr. asHLand
‡champion’s windows and doors, including those in our all season Patio Room, can qualify for a Federal tax credit of up to $1,500. ask your tax consultant For details. 52 www.VirginiaNeighbors.com *minimum purchase required: 4 windows, 400 sq. ft. of siding, 160 sq. ft. patio room. all discounts apply to our regular prices. all prices include expert installation. sorry, no adjustments can be made on prior sales. offer expires 2-28-10. ©champion, 2010
OFFER CODE: VAN0110
ART | ENTERTAINMENT | MUSIC | DINING
N
m
0110
ART
The Poet of Pottery LibertyTown Arts Workshop’s first artist-in-residence
L
ong known for its agricultural and historical ties, Fredericksburg is fast becoming one of the most prominent artistic communities in Virginia. Helping to build that identity is Neal Reed, a local potter whose carefully crafted work has influenced countless artists in the region. For more than a decade, Reed has made a name for himself by shedding new light on his craft and creating works of art that are as useful as they are stunning. Neal’s path to pottery perfection began in 1986, when
Adam Desio Photo
he signed up for a beginner’s class in his Minnesota hometown. Eager to get his hands dirty, he committed himself to understanding the intrinsic elements of the craft. Years later, he moved to North Carolina and cycled in and out of pottery classes. It wasn’t until 1995, however, that Neal got his big break—the burgeoning artist landed a job as an assistant to noted potter Phil Chapman, with whom he worked for five years. A few years later, Neal branched out on his own, which led him to LibertyTown Arts Workshop.
»
JANUARY / FEBRUARY 2010 | VIRGINIA NEIGHBORS 53
WRITER’S BLOCK
LOCAL POET OF POTTERY continued _________________________________
An oasis of artistic infusion, LibertyTown is Fredericksburg’s hub for all things creative. The largest art center is filled with dozens of studios and fosters artistic growth through community classes. An eclectic group of artists—from painters and potters to photographers and weavers—work or teach in LibertyTown, affording visitors an up-close look at the practice and power of art. As the studio’s first artist-in-residence, Neal has been with Liberty Town since it opened in 2002. Much of his success, he says, is due in part to his supportive environment. “Liberty Town has helped me tremendously as far as exposure to a wider audience goes, and it has also been an excellent place to work. It is helpful to have others doing similar things around me; it’s very much a tight-knit community,” said Neal. For the past several years, Neal has served as one of many teachers in Liberty Town, where he encourages students to realize their creative visions through arts and crafts. In this position, he has learned to appreciate new aspects of pottery, as well as better understand the methodology behind the construction process. One of the best parts of his job, Neal says, is teaching people the ins and outs of working with clay. For Ruth Golden, a local potter, Neal’s classes offer new insights into the design and construction process of pottery. The long-time Fredericksburg resident has been attending the popular classes for six years. “I thoroughly enjoy the vision he brings to everyday forms like boxes, vases and tiles,” said Ruth, who also took one of Neal’s hand-building pottery classes. “He is a gentle, patient guide who has helped me gain confidence and renewed my artistic spirit.” Neal’s own works of art, heralded for their alluring nature themes, has helped position him as one of the region’s most popular potters. What sets his work apart from others is its exquisite structural balance and attention to detail— the scales of a fish on a bowl, for example, seem almost lifelike in repose. Influenced by ancient pottery and artistic styles, Neal classifies his own style as “ancient, with a modern bent.” “The most challenging part of pottery at this point is finding the time do it now that I have Baxter, my two-year-old son. Along with that, it’s tough trying to figure out ways to make things faster,” said Neal. “The most rewarding part of being a potter is actually making the piece. It truly is all about the process. Working in clay is almost mesmerizing in that I get lost in it.” —Nicholas Addison Thomas If you’d like to get lost in Neal’s work, you can view select pieces at www.libertytownarts.com/artists/nealreed/neal.htm. To learn more about LibertyTown, visit www.libertytownarts.com. 54 www.VirginiaNeighbors.com
An EyE-OpEnIng TRuE STORy Robert Kurson, “Crashing Through” Few works of nonfiction drive home the importance of living life to the fullest better than “Crashing Through,” a moving story about a blind entrepreneur and adventurer who obliterated stereotypes to find success. After a freak accident stole Mike May’s vision at age three, he taught himself how to dress, drive and always get up after a fall. In this inspiring book, the author challenges readers to put themselves in May’s shoes and proves there’s more to living than meets the eye.
A ThRILLIng hISTORy LESSOn Heather Terrell, “The Map Thief” World history as we know it may be marred by factual error. At least that’s what the author of “The Map Thief” would have us believe. In this rip-roaring read, real history is fused with mystery, leaving readers to question the truth behind the Age of Discovery. In a highly detailed fashion, Terrell paints a vivid picture of maritime mania before the days of Columbus, creating an exciting and informative book that will have readers scratching their heads in glee.
ThE REpERCuSSIOnS Of WAR David Bergen, “The Time in Between” The far-reaching effects of war and the pursuit of selfacceptance serve as the framework for David Bergen’s spellbinding fourth book. Toggling
between a war veteran’s journey to shed his sins and a family’s heavy dilemma, “The Time in Between” is philosophical fiction at its best, enticing readers to consider those tangible moments between life and death. Few authors are able to produce the type of fiction that encourages readers to question their own reason(s) for existence, but Bergen does it with ease and elegance.
SuRvIvIng TEEnAgE yEARS InTACT David Mitchell, “Black Swan Green” It should be known that anyone who survives adolescence should be crowned a victor. No one is more deserving of that title than Jason Taylor, the gawky protagonist of this coming-of-age novel from two-time Booker Prize finalist David Mitchell. Altogether touching and semi-autobiographical, “Black Swan Green” manages to accomplish what so many books haven’t: capture the innocence and brittleness of youth through the eyes of a misunderstood teenager.
American Insurances Auto - Home - Business Life - Health
Fredericksburg, VA
540-479-6623 Stafford, VA
540-720-8740 HEATHER ADKINS Licensed Agent Stafford
SONIA KUPPERT Executive Vice President
LORI BUHMANN Licensed Agent Fredericksburg
Full Service Salon and Spa * Up-dos * Manicures * Pedicures
540/735-4542
www.theparisianspaandsalon.com Lafayette Square•125 Olde Greenwich Drive•Suite270
Ask About Our Delicious Chocolate Spa Pedicure
A SOBERIng LOOK AT SOCIETy Elie Wiesel, “Night” A 1986 winner of the Nobel Prize for Literature, “Night” could arguably be the most emphatic portrayal of the Holocaust in publication. This autobiographical depiction of a young boy’s life in concentration camps brings to the surface the little-known details of the Holocaust and forces the reader to consider the possibility that man could ultimately cause the end of mankind. All and all, “Night” is a book heralded for its ability to take a controversial subject and transform it into a truthful portrait of tainted humanity. —Nicholas Addison Thomas JANUARY / FEBRUARY 2010 | VIRGINIA NEIGHBORS 55
BEST BITES
European Flavors Found in Culpeper A popular restaurant among locals
J
ohn Yarnall was in Paris, France, when he first heard of Culpeper, Virginia. An American acquaintance with ties to the area was bemoaning the lack of dining establishments in Culpeper and suggested that he open a restaurant there. John, a veteran restaurateur, gave the suggestion the attention he thought it deserved—he dismissed it immediately. But when Fate demands, she will not be denied. Two and a half months later, John saw an advertisement in the Washington Post for a restaurant for sale—in Culpeper. His curiosity piqued, John visited the town but didn’t feel the advertised restaurant was a viable opportunity. Before heading back to his Maryland home, he stopped for a meal at another establishment on Davis Street and, along with 25 other hungry customers, waited 45 minutes for what turned out to be a lousy lunch. John tracked down the absentee owners and made an offer, setting in motion the chain of events that led to the opening of Culpeper’s “It’s About Thyme” in 1997. Thyme’s European Country menu features dishes of simple ingredients carefully and interestingly prepared. Chicken and dumplings enlivened with a bit of curry.
56 www.VirginiaNeighbors.com
Salmon filet served with saffron glacé. Chicken breast on country bread with homemade dill mayonnaise. Fresh ham cooked with berries and port wine, served with Champagne sauerkraut. There are always two soups, and the daily specials highlight seasonal local ingredients. Thyme’s menu has always featured locally sourced ingredients, long before “locavore” became popular. With a comprehensive wine list to complement your menu choice, you’re assured a memorable dining experience. Thyme is a family business. The chef who so deftly produces the delicious fare at Thyme is John’s own daughter, Joclyn, a Grand Diplôme graduate of Le Cordon Bleu in Paris. The front of the restaurant is managed by another Yarnall daughter, Jodi. Together Joclyn, Jodi and their skilled and friendly staff serve approximately 1200 lunch and dinner customers every week in the 54-seat restaurant. In the last few years, John has expanded Thyme to include an inn and a market. The Inn at Thyme features three elegantly appointed yet reasonably priced rooms above the restaurant. Next door is the take-out oriented Thyme Market, with a wood oven and a wood rotisserie.
Managed by warmly personable Connie East, Thyme Market offers a variety of sandwiches, sides, breads and pastries along with locally produced cheeses and meats as well as an impressive selection of specialty goods. Wood oven cooked pizzas are always available, and a variety of specials are featured daily. For example, Saturdays are suckling pig days. If you’re planning a party, Thyme Market has virtually everything you need, from ideas for your own do-it-yourself menu to full catering. The Market is also the place to grab a cup of coffee, glass of wine, or quick lunch or breakfast to enjoy at a table inside or al fresco in “The Alley,” a café area between the two buildings. “It’s been truly a pleasure to be in Culpeper. I have a very strong local client base,” says John. Culpeper’s downtown renaissance over the last decade has made it a destination drive, attracting people from distant areas to shop and dine along Main and Davis Streets. But without local support, downtown Culpeper businesses could never have flourished, a situation John fully appreciates. The man who once dismissed Culpeper so cavalierly now says, with feeling, “This town has been good to me.” Ever on the lookout for an opportunity, John recently purchased yet another space, next door to Thyme Market, and will soon open an oyster bar and fish market. Additionally, he is currently renovating a 26,000-squarefoot building on Main Street which will house banquet facilities, executive suites, retail space, a 3000-square-foot restaurant, and efficiency apartments. Look for an opening in late 2010.
SPECIAL SUBSCRIPTION RATE www.VirginiaNeighbors.com/subscribe
Order today. For yourself, a friend, or a neighbor.
SAVE 50% When you subscribe for 1 year (6 issues) at only $12!
SAVE 63% When you subscribe
for 2 years (12 issues) at only $18!
VAAF729
Unrivaled experience & results have made Nicholls Auction the AUCTION COMPANY OF CHOICE.
—Drema Apperson It’s About Thyme 128 East Davis Street, Culpeper, VA www.thymeinfo.com for hours, directions, and menus Restaurant and Inn 540-825-4264 Thyme Market 540-825-1011
One generation later... One generation later ...
OUR COMMITMENT & VISION REMAIN STRONG
OUR COMMITMENT & VISION REMAIN STRONG
w w w. n i c h o l l s a u c t i o n . c o m
(540) 898-0971
JANUARY / FEBRUARY 2010 | VIRGINIA NEIGHBORS 57
5 Things
Everyone Should Know About Identity Theft: 1.
You’re Only as Safe as Your Weakest Link.
2.
Once Your Social Security Number is Out, It’s Staying Out.
3.
Anyone Can Be A Target.
The challenge in protecting your identity is that your personal information is everywhere. Even if you shred your private documents, or use secure websites and strong passwords, what about everyone else who has your Social Security number – like your doctor, dentist or the 17-year-old clerk handling your credit application at the electronics store? The problem quickly becomes obvious: you may be doing everything right, but what about everyone else who has your information?
If your credit or debit card is stolen, you can replace it, but what happens when non-changing information like your Social Security number is stolen? The fact is, once it’s out, it’s out. Identity thieves buy, sell and trade stolen information, using it over and over again for years. Is your Social Security number really secure?
Recent news reports revealed that even the chairman of the Federal Reserve1 was one of the 9.9 million Americans who were victims of identity theft in 2008.2 Other reports describe how one identity theft ring was responsible for two of the largest thefts in history, resulting in the theft of more than 130 million credit and debit card numbers.3 Think you could be at risk? (See #1.)
4.
How Protected Are You?
5.
There is Help.
You may think you’re protected, but are you really? Your credit card may be safeguarded; but that won’t help if thieves open new lines of credit. Credit monitoring will only alert you once something bad has already happened. Neither method will help prevent identity theft, nor resolve problems once you’ve become a victim.
LifeLock, the leader in identity theft protection, helps protect your identity – even if your information gets in the wrong hands. And at LifeLock, we are so confident in our service that we back it with a million dollar guarantee – if you become a victim of identity theft because of a failure in our service, we will help you fix it, up to one million dollars. Of course, restrictions apply and we want you to check it out by calling us now. Then use promo code ‘FIVEFACTS’ for a special offer on LifeLock.
Enroll Today and Receive a Special Offer. 1-877-439-1946
USE PROMO CODE: FIVEFACTS
Source: Isikoff, Michael. “Bernanke Victimized by Identity Fraud Ring.” Newsweek. 25 August 2009. Web. 20 September 2009. 2Source: Javelin Strategy & Research. “2009 Identity Fraud Survey Report.” February 2009. 3Source: Wallack, Todd. “Hacker Pleads Guilty in Data Theft.” The Boston Globe. 12 September 2009. Web. 20 September 2009.
1
The Marketplace
Individual, Business, Estate & Trust Tax Returns Financial Statements, Bookkeeping & Payroll Services
4941 Commerce Drive, Fredericksburg, VA 22408 • 540-891-8111 d-scustoms-auto@live.com • Mon-Fri 7am-6pm, Sat 7am-2pm
540-479-3541
www.acctgsolutionsllc.com 510 Princess Anne Street, Suite 200 Fredericksburg, Virginia 22401
AS_VaNja09.indd 1
6/19/09 12:50:42 PM
I can help make sure your coverage is up-to-date. Call me today. STACY HORNE (540) 373 5146
2515 Fall Hill Avenue, Fredericksburg stacyhorne@allstate.com
Ron Rosner Family YMCA of Spotsylvania County 5700 Smith Station Rd Fredericksburg, VA 22407
Insurance subject to availability and qualifications.Allstate Insurance Company and Allstate Property and Casualty Insurance Company, Northbrook, Illinois © 2009 Allstate Insurance Company.
Mention Virginia Neighbors and Receive $5.00 Off Full Service Wash
RACE CAR FAST
20 minutes or less or your next car wash is FREE!*
*See store for details
540-735-9622 www.family-ymca.org
2101 Jefferson Davis Hwy. Fredericksburg, VA 22401 540.372.SUDS
13550 Hull Street Rd. Midlothian, VA 23112 804.639.SUDS
WWW.DENNYHAMLINSPEEDWASH.COM JANUARY / FEBRUARY 2010 | VIRGINIA NEIGHBORS 59
150 NOW GET OVER
Now $5599 for oNly mo.
29
$
99
mo.
for 12 months The CHOICE™ package
chaNNEls local channels included† And many more of your favorite independent channels in select markets.
And many more!
Price includes $21 bill credit for 12 mos. after rebate, plus an add’l $5 when you submit rebate online, register acct. on directv.com with valid email & consent to email alerts.^
Save $26 a month and lock in your price for for a limited time get:
frEE
FOR 3 MONTHS
frEE
frEE
UPGRADE
IN UP TO 4 ROOMS
DIRECTV HD DVR
^
®
Get 21 movie channels!
Spanish Available
DIrECTV Más™ Service
PRO INSTALL
Over 150 of the best Spanishand English-language channels!°°
29
$
199
$
Value
12 Channels
9 Channels
Models may vary.
Over $70 Value!
Set your home DVR with any cell phone or computer.°
With activation of CHOICE XTRA™ package or higher.
With CHOICE XTRATM package or higher.**
99
mo.
for 12 months
The ÓPTIMO MÁS™ package Custom installation extra. Handling & delivery fee $19.95. Lease fee of $5/mo. for second & each additional receiver.
Price includes $10 bill credit for 12 mos. after rebate, plus an add’l $5 when you submit rebate online, register acct. on directv.com with valid email & consent to email alerts.^
Offers end 2/8/10 & are based on approved credit. Credit card req’d. New customers only. (Lease req’d. Must maintain programming, DVR service and/or HD Access.) Hardware available separately.
It’s as easy as 1,2,3 schedule your 1 CALL to free installation the package 2 SELECT you want America’s #1 3 ENJOY Satellite TV Service
Switch from cable to DIrECTV!
1-877-735-7486
No EquIpMENT To buy! No STArT-up CoSTS!
Credit card not required in MA and PA. †Eligibility for local channels based on service address. °DVR Scheduler requires Internet access via computer or mobile phone and directv.com login. Remote connections may vary. In rare instances, scheduled recording(s) may not be recognized. Only available on certain receivers. Visit directv.com/dvrscheduler for details. °°Includes English-language broadcast channels with alternate Spanish audio. ^BILL CREDIT/PROGRAMMING OFFER: Free SHOWTIME for 3 months, a value of $38.97. Free Starz and SHOWTIME for 3 months, a value of $72. LIMIT ONE PROGRAMMING OFFER PER ACCOUNT. Featured package names and prices: CHOICE $55.99/mo.; CHOICE XTRA $60.99/mo. In order to receive full $26 credit, customer must submit rebate form online and register account on directv.com prior to rebate redemption. Requires valid email address and must agree to receive emails. ÓPTIMO MÁS $44.99/mo. In order to receive full $15 credit, customer must submit rebate form online and register account on directv.com prior to rebate redemption. Requires valid email address and must agree to receive emails. Upon DIRECTV System activation, customer will receive rebate instructions (included in customer’s first DIRECTV bill, a separate mailing or, in the state of New York, from retailer) and must comply with the terms on the instructions. Rebate begins 6–8 weeks after receipt of online redemption, or 8-12 weeks for mail-in redemption. Account must be in “good standing,” as determined by DIRECTV in its sole discretion, to remain eligible. DIRECTV not responsible for late, lost, illegible, mutilated, incomplete, misdirected or postage-due mail. IF BY THE END OF THE PROMOTIONAL PRICE PERIOD(S) CUSTOMER DOES NOT CONTACT DIRECTV TO CHANGE SERVICE THEN ALL SERVICES WILL AUTOMATICALLY CONTINUE AT THE THEN-PREVAILING RATES, INCLUDING THE $5/MO. LEASE FEE FOR THE 2ND AND EACH ADDITIONAL RECEIVER. In certain markets, programming/pricing may vary. Package pricing at directv.com/packages. DIRECTV System has a feature that restricts access to channels. LIMIT ONE BILL CREDIT PER DIRECTV ACCOUNT. **HD DVR INSTANT REBATE: Advanced equipment instant rebate requires activation of the CHOICE XTRA ($60.99/mo.) package or above; MÁS ULTRA or above; Jadeworld; or any qualifying international service bundle, which shall include the PREFERRED CHOICE programming package. DVR service ($6/mo.) and HD Access fee ($10/mo.) required for HD DVR lease. LIMIT ONE ADVANCED EQUIPMENT REBATE PER DIRECTV ACCOUNT. SYSTEM LEASE: Purchase 24 months for advanced receivers of any DIRECTV base programming package ($29.99/mo. or above) or qualifying international services bundle required. FAILURE TO ACTIVATE ALL OF THE DIRECTV SYSTEM EQUIPMENT IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE EQUIPMENT LEASE ADDENDUM MAY RESULT IN A CHARGE OF $150 PER RECEIVER NOT ACTIVATED. IF YOU FAIL TO MAINTAIN YOUR PROGRAMMING, DIRECTV MAY CHARGE A PRORATED FEE OF $480. RECEIVERS ARE AT ALL TIMES PROPERTY OF DIRECTV AND MUST BE RETURNED UPON CANCELLATION OF SERVICE, OR ADDITIONAL FEES APPLY. VISIT directv.com OR CALL 1-800-DIRECTV FOR DETAILS. Programming, pricing, terms and conditions subject to change at any time. Pricing residential. Taxes not included. Receipt of DIRECTV programming is subject to the DIRECTV Customer Agreement; copy provided at directv.com/legal and in your first bill. Starz and related channels and service marks are the property of Starz Entertainment Group LLC. Showtime and related marks are registered trademarks of Showtime Networks Inc., a CBS Company. ©2009 DIRECTV, Inc. DIRECTV and the Cyclone Design logo, CHOICE XTRA, FAMILY, CHOICE, ÓPTIMO MÁS and DIRECTV Más are trademarks of DIRECTV, Inc. All other trademarks and service marks are the property of their respective owners.
60 www.VirginiaNeighbors.com
WHAT’S HAPPENING IN AND AROUND THE NEIGHBORHOOD
Out&About
2010 Chappell Lecture Series
The UMW Department of History and American Studies presents the “Great Lives” free public lecture series during the spring semester. Begins at 7:30 p.m., Dodd Auditorium, GW Hall, UMW, Fredericksburg. Schedule:
e
s
1/14/2010 James Goehring of the UMW Dept. of Classics, Philosophy, and Religion will be discussing Jesus of Nazareth.
2/4/2010 Robert J. Norrell, U of Tenn. Professor and author of ‘Up from History: The Life of Booker T. Washington’ discusses his book.
1/19/2010 Stephanie Plunkett, Deputy Director and Chief Creator of the Norman Rockwell Museum discusses Norman Rockwell.
2/11/2010 Raymond Arsenault from the University of South Florida and author of ‘The Sound of Freedom’ discusses Marian Anderson.
1/26/2010 Alan Pell Crawford, author of ‘Twilight at Monticello’ discusses Thomas Jefferson.
2/23/2010 Jason Davison of the UMW Dept. of Political Science will be discussing Margaret Thatcher.
1/28/2010 Carter L. Hudgins of the UMW Dept. of History and American Studies will be discussing Blackbeard.
2/25/2010 Robert Morgan, Cornell University English Professor discusses Edgar Allen Poe.
George Washington’s Birthday at Ferry Farm From 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on February 15th, this great party includes games, crafts, refreshments, and of course—a birthday cake! Meet George Washington and some of his family members to learn more about life in the colonial period. More info: www.ferryfarm.org.
For more information visit:www.umw.edu/greatlives
™
hels!°°
e
us an add’l v.com with
p
available on OGRAMMING ails. ÓPTIMO s (included standing,” as RVICES WILL s. LIMIT ONE rogramming onal services PRORATED time. Pricing e registered
1/1/2010
First Friday First Friday celebrates the arts community and thriving downtown scene in historic Fredericksburg. Visit galleries, stroll down historic streets, enjoy wine and cheese at an artists reception or eat a wonderful meal at a chef-owned restaurant. Every First Friday Fredericksburg rolls out the red carpet for visitors and locals a like from 5p.m. to 9:30p.m. 1/2/2010 - 12/31/2010
many historic properties and monuments in Fredericksburg. Historic Fredericksburg Walk includes the battlefield, along the Rappahannock River, and through the University of Mary Washington campus and the Marye’s Heights Trail. Same day registration and starting point atFredericksburg Visitor Center (540)373-1776, open daily, 9am-5pm Monday-Saturday, and 11am-5pm Sunday., 706 Caroline Street.
River Walk and Historic Fredericksburg Walk Begin
1/9/2010
River Walk features the Rappahannock River, City Dock, Old Mill Park, the canal path along the Snowden Wetlands, and
Join the Fredericksburg Area Museum and Cultural Center as we celebrate our history with family friendly hands-on activities, the second Saturday
Candice Carver illustration
Second Saturdays at the Museum
of every month from 1-3 pm. In the Museum, Hallowed Ground Tours will be offering architectural walking tours of downtown Fredericksburg. Tours. All included with Museum admission. 1001 Princess Anne Street, www.famcc.org. 1/9/2010
Art Class: Doing it Mr. Rockwell’s Way! Have you ever wanted to learn how to paint a picture that tells a story using your own life as inspiration? Norman Rockwell based many of his paintings from photos he took of models, family members and friends. Students will learn to create a narrative composition from their own lives using personal photos of family members, friends, pets
and more. Instructor Cathy Herndon will lead a tour and discussion of Norman Rockwell’s paintings in the special exhibition, “Picturing Health: Norman Rockwell and the Art of Illustration.” Accepting students from Grades 3-8. Saturday, January 9, 1 p.m.–3 p.m. Snow date:
JANUARY / FEBRUARY 2010 | VIRGINIA NEIGHBORS 61
Out&About Sun, Jan 10, 1 p.m.–3 p.m. at Gari Melchers Home and Studio, Fredericksburg. To register, please call Education Coordinator Michelle Dolby at (540)654-1851. 1/17/2010
Hugh Mercer’s Birthday Celebrate the birthday of Dr. Hugh Mercer. You’ll learn from Dr. Mercer’s assistants what combination of herbs, extracts and barks were used to cure what ails you. Take a walk in the herb garden. Leeches, lancets, snakeroot, and crab claws made up just some of the remedies. FREE 12 p.m.–4 p.m. For reservations and information: (540) 373-3362 or hmas@ preservationvirginia.org. Hugh Mercer Apothecary Shop, 1020 Caroline Street, Fredericksburg.
1/19/2010
Luncheon with Stephanie Plunkett On Tuesday, January 19, a luncheon featuring Stephanie Plunkett, Deputy Director and Chief Curator of the Norman Rockwell Museum, will be held in the Studio Pavilion. The cost of the luncheon is $35 ($25 for Friends of Belmont) and will include admission to the exhibition. Reservations are required. Contact Betsy Labar at 540 654-1848. Gari Melchers Home and Studio, Fredericksburg. 1/21/2010 to 2/1/2010
“The Road to Salivation” Restaurant Week Many downtown restaurants offer prix fixed lunch and dinner menus for the special
price of $10.10 for lunch and $20.10 for dinner. Sample the toothsome cuisine offered in the unique and chef-owned restaurants of Fredericksburg. 706 Caroline St. 1/30/2010
and cheese at an artists reception or eat a wonderful meal at a chef-owned restaurant. Every First Friday, Fredericksburg rolls out the red carpet for visitors and locals alike from 5 p.m. to 9:30 p.m.
Annual Barrel Tasting
2/6/2010
Become a true wine connoisseur. Join Hartwood Winery to taste the wine before its time. Sample the wine directly from the barrel and compare it with finished bottled wines. Hartwood Winery, Fredericksburg.
“ICY-8” HR Adventure Trail Run
2/5/2010
First Friday First Friday celebrates the arts community and thriving downtown scene in historic Fredericksburg. Visit galleries, stroll historic streets, enjoy wine
Held at Lake Anna State Park in Spotsylvania County, starting time will be 7:30a.m. This run seeks both new and experienced trail runners. Runners will have the opportunity to select from or combine two course loops— either 4.7miles or 8.0miles. All runners will receve a longsleeve technical shirt, free admission to the park, and a post-run meal. Personalized awards will also be given for each category. For categories, cost, registration and further information visit: www. athletic-equation.com/Endurance-Events/8hratr.html 2/13/2010
Second Saturdays at the Museum
Little Shop of Horrors—Live Musical This charming and hilarious musical is an affectionate sci-fi movie spoof. It became one of Off-Broadway’s longest-running musicals. In this story, a down-and-out skid row floral assistant discovers an exotic plant with a mysterious craving for blood. Soon, “Audrey II” grows into an ill-tempered, rhythm and blues singing carnivore who offers shy florist Seymour fame and fortune in exchange for frequent human feedings. Enjoy this tongue-incheek tale and dinner from the privacy of a candlelit dining table. Running from January 15th to March 7th. Time: Wed matinee 11:30 a.m. lunch, 1:30 p.m. show; Th-Sat 6pm dinner, 8 p.m. show; Sun 1 p.m. dinner, 3pm show. (540) 370-4300. Riverside Center Dinner Theater.
62 www.VirginiaNeighbors.com
Join the Fredericksburg Area Museum and Cultural Center as we celebrate our history with family-friendly hands-on activities, the second Saturday of every month from 1-3 pm. In the Museum, Hallowed Ground Tours will be offering architectural walking tours of downtown Fredericksburg. All included with Museum admission. 1001 Princess Anne Street, www.famcc.org. 2/15/2010
President’s Day at Hugh Mercer Apothecary Shop Half-price admission in honor of George Washington who was a friend of Dr. Mercer’s. Dr. Mercer practiced medicine
for 15 years in Fredericksburg serving the citizens with medicines and treatments of the time. Take a walk in the herb garden. Leeches, lancets, snakeroot, and crab claws make up just some of the remedies. This eighteenthcentury building was restored to house the Hugh Mercer Apothecary. 1020 Caroline St., 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. www.preservationvirginia.org 2/15/2010
President’s Day at the Mary Washington House Visit the home of George Washington’s mother, Mary. Enjoy a guided tour with a costumed hostess, and visit the gardens Mary enjoyed so much. 1200 Charles St. 12 p.m. to 4 p.m. For more information: www.preservationvirginia. org/marywashingtonhouse 2/15/2010
President’s Day at the Rising Sun Tavern Enjoy a living history tour at with the tavern “wenches” at the Rising Sun Tavern as they tell about life in colonial times. 1304 Caroline St., 11 a.m.to 3 p.m. For more info: www.preservationvirginia. org/risingsuntavern 2/21/2010
7th Annual African American History Celebration Let’s Communicate, History, Expectations, Information, Success and Life Changing Wishes. Sponsored by Spotsylvania County to celebrate, educate, share and enjoy. Participating schools include Spotsylvania High, Freedom Middle and Berkeley Elementary. For more information call 582-6142. 8800 Courthouse Road, Spotsylvania.
2/22/2010
George Washington’s Birthday Visit the Mary Washington House, which George bought for his mother. We will celebrate Washington’s birthday with costumed tours and refreshments. 1200 Charles St., 12 p.m.-4 p.m. (540) 373-1569. For more information e-mail: mwhouse@preservationvirginia.org. Fredericksburg. 2/27/2010
Virginia Black History Month Association Formal Dinner Actress, director and producer Kim Fields will be the keynote speaker at the Virginia Black History Month (BHM) Association’s annual formal dinner at the Fredericksburg Expo & Conference Center. A social hour begins at 5 p.m. followed by dinner at 6 p.m. The event, which is open to the public, also includes entertainment and dancing at 8 p.m. The association is a volunteer organization whose sole purpose is to plan, organize and execute positive events in recognition of Black History Month. For more information visit www.quanticobhmcommittee. com 2/27/2010 to 2/28/2010
Mid-Winter Wine Celebration Help chase away the winter blues! Escape to Hartwood Winery, who will be joined by one guest winery, for wine tastings, tours and light hors d’oeuvres. Music will entertain you on the front porch (weather permitting). Admission to this inside event includes a complimentary glass. Hartwood Winery, Fredericksburg.
It’s Time For A Laugh The holiday festivities are over, but the aftermath lingers: credit card bills, weight gain, cold, dreary weather. Who couldn’t use a laugh? To beat the winter doldrums, check out the January comedy show featuring Fredericksburg’s own, R. Bruce. Bruce, a singer/songwriter/comedian, will perform Jan. 29 and 30 at 9:30 p.m. at the Colonial Tavern on Lafayette Blvd. Described as a cross between George Carlin and Jimmy Buffet, Bruce travels around the world, performing at corporate retreats, church groups, fund raisers and comedy festivals. He was a featured performer at the 2008 Melbourne International Comedy Festival, and his routines are broadcast on two Sirius-XM stations: Blue Collar and Raw Dog. Bruce has ties to the Fredericksburg acoustic blues trio, Saffire— The Uppity Blues Women. He wrote the lyrics to “Too Much Butt for One Pair of Jeans,” which the trio recorded last year. Bruce, who was raised in Hampton, started playing music in bars and lounges when he was in high school. “I’d joke around on stage. The funny part became more and more of the show,” he said. In school, Bruce said, he was always the funny kid. “I think there’s a certain insecurity that is shared by people who tend to be funny. When people laugh with you, you’re getting their approval.” Three times a year, Bruce performs for Fredericksburg area audiences, including a show for all ages at Fredericksburg’s First Night New Year’s Eve celebration. The January performance is for adult audiences. His routine is about “everyday situations. All the things we have in common, but never about the things that divide us,” he said. “My show is for people to have fun.” To learn more about R. Bruce’s programs, go to his Web site: www.rbruce.net. Tickets to the January performances are $10 and can be purchased in advance at Colonial Tavern.
JANUARY / FEBRUARY 2010 | VIRGINIA NEIGHBORS 63
Cul-de-sac
City Boy, Country Town By Daryl Lease I was driving home from a PTA meeting at my daughter’s elementary school a few months ago when it hit me at warp speed: I’d become a time traveler. Somehow, I’d managed to stumble into Spotsylvania County, circa 1974. I really didn’t want to end up here. After a decade in wild, weird and wonderful Florida, my wife and I decided in early 2008 to venture back to Virginia, to Tidewater Virginia, where I would take a new job and she would pursue a long-deferred dream. In our search for a home with a little land, Julie and I ended up somewhere we hadn’t expected—just across the state line in North Carolina. Here, we’ll set up a home-based plant nursery, and I’ll peddle words for a living a half-hour away in Virginia. If I had my druthers, we would be raising our 11-yearold daughter, Phoebe, in an old house in a tree-lined city neighborhood within walking distance of civilization, i.e. a strong cup of coffee, a generous selection of newspapers and decent array of restaurants. But my wife convinced me it was time to mosey down the road not taken. Civilization looks mighty different to me now; there are no coffee shops, newspaper vending machines or Thai restaurants in the fields of soy and corn surrounding our home. As I look around me now, I’m reminded of an old Talking Heads song, “(Nothing But) Flowers,” a tongue-in-cheek lament about what a de-urbanized America might be like. “This used to be real estate. Now it’s only fields and trees,” David Byrne plaintively sighs. “Where, where is the town? Now, it’s nothing but flowers… Don’t leave me stranded here. I can’t get used to this lifestyle.” I’m growing used to it, though, and so, I hope, is our daughter. In unexpected ways, it feels like home—in a time and place I thought I’d never want to see again. The parallels aren’t exact, but we’ve settled in a community that’s much like the Spotsylvania of my childhood, before successive waves of newcomers, looking for a little bit of country, a little bit of small town, arrived. Those newcomers changed the place where I grew up,
64 www.VirginiaNeighbors.com
for the better and the worse. They made it less insular. They uprooted old attitudes and prejudices. But, sadly, they also plowed under some of the better angels of our nature. They bulldozed its character, its sense of place. They turned fields and trees into real estate. As a teenager, I couldn’t wait to get out of that Spotsylvania. But, for a variety of reasons, I was well into my 30s before I left. Now, here it is in front of me again, in a different incarnation. Our daughter now attends school in a two-story brick building with hardwood floors. With her mom, she volunteers on Sundays at an animal shelter so far out in the boonies I’d need a GPS to find it again—assuming it even registers on GPS. Phoebe likes to take photos of the sun setting along the tree line. She joins us on Saturday mornings in the summertime when we take her mom’s plants to sell at the farmers market. She’s as apt to play fiddle now as she is the classical violin. She marvels, as I do, at how quiet it is at night, at how many stars are visible, away from the city lights. I’m not sure how long it will be before the next timetravel occurs. “This was a Pizza Hut, now it’s all covered with daisies…” Byrne sings. “I miss the honky tonks, Dairy Queens and 7-Elevens.” I realize we’re part of a transformation in our new community. Others just like us—people who want a little bit of country, a little bit of small town—are showing up. Some day, I expect, I’ll be looking out my window at houses sprouting up in the fields. The soy will give way to swing sets, the corn to cul-de-sacs. I don’t know how to stop it. I don’t know that I should if I could. I am certain of one thing, though. On our little piece of the past, there will be nothing but flowers.
___________________________________________________________ Spotsylvania native, Daryl Lease is an opinion writer for The Virginia-Pilot. Candice Carver illustration