Front Porch Fredericksburg - January 2016 by Virginia Grogan

YOUR GUIDE TO THE LOCAL GOOD LIFE

front porch T H E R E G I O N ' S free C O M M U N I T Y M A G A Z I N E

L o c a l G o o d N e w s S i n c e 1 9 97 YEAR 19 • ISSUE 222 • JANUARY 2016

Frontporchfredericksburg.com

contents

closeups 9

A chance for exposure ...ruth golden greg crawford ...making the cut

New CRRL Director ...martha hutzel

porch talk 3

Sunken Well Tavern Celebrates a Decade

on the porch...life in fredericksburg Messages

on the trails:: team red, white & blue

downtown buzz: reflection & progress

Fxbgers: kathy mahoney resolution for 2016: practice acts of kindness

vino: wine to try in the new year

season’s bounty: mom’s glazed donuts

Cooking with Kyle charlie & grace market cafe

restaurant week: january 15-25

16-17

Calendar of events

where warm hearts wish you Happy New Year

January 2016

Front porch fredericksburg

history’s stories.: arlington house our heritage: snow

By george & little george!... locally made merchandise

companions: brush strokes’ rikki refuge fundraiser

mind your mind: post holiday blues renew: all aboard

Senior Care: centenarian spirit

wellness: a successful resolution emancipated patients: resolutions for patients

global perspectives: Seth Craig & Saeed Ordoubadi

stories of fredericksburg: brian lam Flashback: storm of 2010

caroline community theatre

fxbg music scene: songwriters showcase

goodall institute parisi speed school

fredericksburg sketches art in the ’burg: be my guest @ art first

poetryman: our city tonight autoknown better from my porch: begin it now

a well spring of community

nothing empty about “the empty bowl”

rikki’s refuge...unlikely friendships

Sunken Well Tavern By jeremy sutton

...And more!

Jack Frost Nipping At Your Nose?

Have a Hot Drink

music for Molly celebration of the life of molly rheinholtz Cover By ruth golden

It’ll be a full decade of business for Sunken Well Tavern here in 2016. The 720 Littlepage tavern (and tavern is really the best name for the place with its warm, embracing interior and convivial, cheerful, family-friendly-even-if-occasionally-rednosed vibe) has left all the “most restaurants close within the first 3 years” statistics comfortably in the dust. Owners Steve Cameli and Paul Stoddard (both UMW grads and working on 20 years living in town) have inserted themselves into Fredericksburg as a valuable part of the local dining scene. And if you ask Steve and Paul, it’s the community that is both the root of their success and the fruit of their labor. They credit our city’s residents with both allowing them to survive and thrive as well as expressing pride in servicing and providing a place for people to grow into that community….we don’t come together by ourselves in our living rooms, after all. “This community is stronger now than ever in the last 10 years,” says Stoddard, “we get fewer tourists here [than businesses on Caroline/William St.], our events both attract and help grow the community.” And he’s right. Sunken Well’s bluegrass open mic has been packed out every Sunday night at 7PM for 8 years solid. Race to the Top (the beer-y fun run that sends all proceeds to the SPCA each spring) will see it’s 9th running this year. Josh Cameli (Steve’s brother, who joined the team in August of 2008) and his nearlegendary Trivia night started in 2010 and hasn’t missed a Wednesday 7:45PM start time since (get there early!). The “Tinsel Town” Craft Fair just put on its biggest show yet in four years, allowing local artists to take over the restaurant with their wares for a pre-holiday shopping event now on its 4th year. Local Grammyaward winning artist John Starling (along with son Jay) will do an intimate show on January 21st, 2016 that will include a 5course wine-paired seated dinner. That’s an impressive get for a 42 seat restaurant in our little burg. “Because we’re also a

part of the community, we have access to the community and its talented members,” explains Cameli. All these events grew naturally as an extension of the scene created at the Sunken Well and by Fredericksburg itself. A restaurant needs customers, a community needs a space and place to grow. The two found a need they could provide for in each other, and like all good communities, each helped the other to the gain of all. “It’s an opportunity to express yourself” says Cameli of the best parts of owning your own business. And one of the best aspects of Sunken Well’s business is allowing others to express themselves, too. When asked about the recent explosion of new restaurants in our city (we counted 10 in the last 12 months and change, or about a new restaurant opening up every 45 days in 2015), Cameli and Stoddard were more than comfortable. “We’re excited the city is growing, bringing new places to town,” says Stoddard. “we hope they do well, it’s better than a bunch of places that open for a year and then don’t make it.” We’ll have to wait for time to tell us whether a few of the new additions cross the decade mark and become stalwarts in their own right, but healthy competition is certainly a good thing, and keeps everyone working hard to do their best. And with our parallel population growth (one of the fastest growing communities in the Commonwealth), there should be ample chance for everyone to show what they’ve got in the coming year. The Sunken Well is pretty sweet spot, and (at the risk of editorializing in the extreme), just about all you could ask for in a local watering hole. It’s a beautiful cross-section of our beautiful community, where folks are allowed to be themselves and, if they like, show that self to others. While “comfort” can sometimes infer stasis and stagnation, it can also be seen as a feeling that provides a safe, wonderful place from which to allow yourself and those around you to blossom and grow. The front porch is nice, but you might find the Sunken Well to be pretty comfortable, too. In addition to Steve and Paul, a third owner, Robert Ivy, helped open the Sunken Well back in 2006. His far-tooearly passing in 2008 is a loss still felt in all the hearts that hold him dear. Fortunately, we know Ivy would be proud of what’s become of the Sunken Well and the community he loved. Jeremy Sutton is a shamefully biased reporter, and wants you to know he knows that. front porch fredericksburg

January 2016

contents

closeups 9

A chance for exposure ...ruth golden greg crawford ...making the cut

New CRRL Director ...martha hutzel

porch talk 3

Sunken Well Tavern Celebrates a Decade

on the porch...life in fredericksburg Messages

on the trails:: team red, white & blue

downtown buzz: reflection & progress

Fxbgers: kathy mahoney resolution for 2016: practice acts of kindness

vino: wine to try in the new year

season’s bounty: mom’s glazed donuts

Cooking with Kyle charlie & grace market cafe

restaurant week: january 15-25

16-17

Calendar of events

where warm hearts wish you Happy New Year

January 2016

Front porch fredericksburg

history’s stories.: arlington house our heritage: snow

By george & little george!... locally made merchandise

companions: brush strokes’ rikki refuge fundraiser

mind your mind: post holiday blues renew: all aboard

Senior Care: centenarian spirit

wellness: a successful resolution emancipated patients: resolutions for patients

global perspectives: Seth Craig & Saeed Ordoubadi

stories of fredericksburg: brian lam Flashback: storm of 2010

caroline community theatre

fxbg music scene: songwriters showcase

goodall institute parisi speed school

fredericksburg sketches art in the ’burg: be my guest @ art first

poetryman: our city tonight autoknown better from my porch: begin it now

a well spring of community

nothing empty about “the empty bowl”

rikki’s refuge...unlikely friendships

Sunken Well Tavern By jeremy sutton

...And more!

Jack Frost Nipping At Your Nose?

Have a Hot Drink

music for Molly celebration of the life of molly rheinholtz Cover By ruth golden

January 2016

A.E. Bayne

ON THE PORCH Guest Porch Editorial

Contributing Writers & Artists A.E.Bayne Kevin Brown Collette Caprara Judy Chaimson Dan Czajka Barbara Deal Mary Dougherty Christina Ferber Frank Fratoe Emily Freehling Joan M. Geisler Ann Glave Bryon Glazer Ruth Golden Lou Gramann Alexis Grogan Ralph “Tuffy”Hicks Kathy Habel Emily Hollinsworth Karl Karch Ann Kuo Jo Loving Vanessa Moncure Patrick Neustatter Caroline Parr Ryan Poe M.L.Powers Mirinda Reynolds Scott Richards Suzanne Scherr Casey Alan Shaw Jeremy Sutton Meg Sneed Georgia Strentz James Kyle Synder Christine Thompson Rim Vining Dawn Whitmore

Front Porch Fredericksburg is a free circulation magazine published monthly by Olde Towne Publishing Co. Virginia Bigenwald Grogan, Publisher. The mission of Front Porch Fredericksburg is to connect the diverse citizenry of Fredericksburg with lively features and informative columns of interest to our community’s greatest resource, its people. Messages from our readers are welcome. All submissions must be received by e-mail by the 19th of the month preceding publication. Writers are welcome to request Writer’s Guidelines and query the Editor by e-mail. Front Porch Fredericksburg PO Box 9203 Fredericksburg, VA 22403 Ad Sales: E-Mail: frntprch@aol.com Web Site: www.frontporchfredericksburg.com The opinions expressed in Front Porch Fredericksburg are those of the contributing writers and do not necessarily reflect the opinion of Front Porch Fredericksburg or its advertisers. Copyright 2016 Olde Towne Publishing Co. All rights reserved.

resolutions, every day

January 2016

team red, white and blue By Kevin Brown

BY a.e.bayne I’ve been thinking a lot about love lately. In this town I’ve called home for nearly 18 years, I’ve seen love manifest in many forms among neighbors, lovers, family and friends; through secular and spiritual practices; and through my bond with my own son, a deep and primal love. "The moment you have in your heart this extraordinary thing called love and feel the depth, the delight, the ecstasy of it, you will discover that for you the world is transformed." ~Jiddu Krishnamurti I have known love and I have seen what this town makes of love among its citizens. In this, I’ve witnessed true understanding and unconditional compassion that transforms a place and is unstoppable. "Love your neighbor, but who is your neighbor. Your neighbor is the one who is sent to you from the Divine. Your neighbor can be one who is a total stranger to you from afar. Your neighbor can be someone living close to you. But what is true is that your neighbor is one of the Light who needs your support as much as you need his." ~ Jesus of Nazarath

Yes, I could do more regarding love. I do not always live as lightly in this world as I might, or in a way that others might share in the same comfort and ease to which I am privileged; however, I knowingly attempt to make changes in my behaviors and thinking so that I might more closely emulate the truest teachings and practices of unconditional love. I think that is all anyone can do, human as we are. "Do not consider any act of kindness insignificant, even meeting your brother with a cheerful face." ~ The Prophet Muhammad With the guiding examples of my most selfless neighbors here in the ‘Burg, I resolve to narrow my daily practice of love to devotion, loyalty, and care. In choosing an open heart, I am resolving to face fear and hate with quiet consideration, to shun the spiral of aggressive misunderstanding and ignorance so prevalent today. I know this will be difficult. I know that professionally, socially, and within the community I will be confronted with negativity toward myself and others; it’s inevitable and as old as time. However, I resolve to surround myself with people who stand with me in love. I will do this because I know it to be right. "A jug fills drop by drop." ~ Buddha

I’ve watched people make connections in this town, opening themselves like doors, offering comfort through words and deeds. My own understanding of love is to live intentionally with a generous heart, to love deeply and openly; yet, I could love more. Fear and anger sometimes get in the way of my loving as freely as I might wish, the way I know is right and true. "Love does not dominate; it cultivates." ~ Johann Wolfgang von Goethe

I’ve been called an idealist, an optimist, and a dreamer, often with a chuckle or a bite. I’ve been told to be realistic, that things just don’t work that way. It might be true, but it could be different. In the end, the only thing that matters is the personal choice I make each day to be a servant for equanimity, compassion, and altruism.

messages

Virginia:

Front Porch: Thanks for the feature in your Sept Issue. (FredExchange,Fostering Area Startups" by Christina Ferber) Libby O'Malley Thank you Front Porch & A.E.Bayne for the wonderful article (“City Soup”, December, 2015 Kelly Pawlick The December Issue is Great! Collette Caprara

On the Trails

Front porch fredericksburg

Front Porch Fredericksburg is an excellent publication. Liz Johnson President & Principal Consultant Mountain View Marketing

Dear Front Porch, Many thanks for all your support and to writer Emily Hollingsworth for her article about me and Fredericksburg Literary and Art Review. It was a joy talking with you, Emily, and it's my pleasure to write each

JANUARY 14, 2016

Happy Trails to Everyone in the New Year! Guilt over gluttony leads to a renewed focus on fitness this month, and what better organization to lead us out of our waddling wilderness than Team Red White & Blue (RWB) Fredericksburg. We asked Community Outreach Director, Margaret Clevenger, to share more about this inspiring group of avid trail users, and she graciously agreed. “Team RWB is an all-inclusive organization of veterans and civilians alike. We aim to enrich the lives of veterans by connecting them to their community through physical and social activity. Our chapter, which started in 2013, now has over 700 registered participants serving Quantico, Stafford, and Fredericksburg areas. The beauty of Team RWB is that we are here to support our members whenever they need us, and we have many events that fit everyone's schedule. We currently host nine athletic events per week, ranging from trail running, yoga at

BUSINESS OWNERS ARE YOU CONSIDERING RETIREMENT? ARE YOU RELOCATING? ARE YOU JUST BURNT OUT? Happy New Year, Fredericksburg!

A.E. Bayne is a visual artist, writer, and educator who makes Fredericksburg her home with her mother, son, and cat, Sophie. She has been a monthly contributor to Front Porch Magazine since 2011, and is Editor in Chief of Fredericksburg Literary and Art Review.

DON’T JUST CLOSE YOUR BUSINESS DOWN. WE CAN SELL IT FOR YOU DISCREETLY AND CONFIDENTIALLY. CONTACT US FOR A NO-OBLIGATION CONSULTATION.

JMPWOOD@AOL.COM 540-372-4343 OVER 35 YEARS EXPERIENCE IN BUSINESS BROKERAGE, VALUATIONS, LEASING & COMMERCIAL REAL ESTATE

month for Front Porch. Here's to a very successful and literary 2016! Best, A.E. Bayne Front Porch: Thank you for another year of making Fredericksburg a community. Lou Gramann Thank you so much Front Porch and Dawn Whitmore for creating such a fantastic piece! (“Habitat for Heroes, Homes for Vets”, December, 2015) Greater Fredericksburg Habitat for Humanity

PUT IT TOGETHER ALL IN YOUR ORBIT

Dragonfly Yoga Studio and a spin class at FLY Fitness Inspiration. In addition to our athletic events, we host a number of social and community service events, from First Friday dinner at J. Brian's Taproom, to creating art at Artful Dimensions, to volunteering at the Special Olympics. Our team hosts a trail run every Sunday, rotating between the Quarry Trails and Prince William Forest Park Trails. We change the distance, depending on which members attend, and we do not send anyone out alone. We also gather at Old Mill Park to exercise on the River Heritage Trail/Canal Path Loop on Monday evenings in Fredericksburg – this includes runners, walkers, and even bikers! Anyone is welcome to attend. For those who live closer to Stafford, we have a Park Ridge Path event three times a week for walkers, runners, bikers, or ruckers! On Saturday mornings, we head to the Fredericksburg Battlefield off of Lee Drive and run/walk/ruck together as a team. Additionally, many of our members enjoy participating in Ragnar Trail relay events (ragnartrail.com). Our team will start practicing on the trails together on Sundays to ensure we are all prepped and ready for the April 2016 relay in Richmond. We will likely have three full teams participating in that event. A most memorable team moment on our local trails last year was the 9/11 remembrance run on the Heritage Trail/Canal Path Loop. Our team came together, many carrying American flags, and ran the path. People stopped, clapped, and bowed their heads to our team as we ran by. It was a great moment of camaraderie and remembrance and meant a lot to our members. Another memorable experience

last year for me personally was a Quarry trail run where I took a hard fall. My teammates helped me get back up, brush it off, made sure I was okay, and then they helped me push through the rest. This happens regularly with our team, no one is ever left behind, and no one judges you based on speed or abilities. Everyone wants you to be the best that you can be, and out on the trails -- the team really shows you this first hand.” Thanks Margaret, so how do we sign up? “Anyone can join Team RWB for free by signing up at www.teamrwb.org/the-team/chapters. Members are required to act under our Eagle Ethos (www.teamrwb.org/ourapproach/eagleethos).”

Kevin Brown shares up-to-date local trail news and photos as administrator of the “On the Fredericksburg Va Trails” Facebook Group

Front Porch Fredericksburg

Highlighting Local People, Places & Events Since 1997

front porch fredericksburg

January 2016

A.E. Bayne

ON THE PORCH Guest Porch Editorial

resolutions, every day

January 2016

team red, white and blue By Kevin Brown

messages

Virginia:

On the Trails

Front porch fredericksburg

Front Porch Fredericksburg is an excellent publication. Liz Johnson President & Principal Consultant Mountain View Marketing

JANUARY 14, 2016

BUSINESS OWNERS ARE YOU CONSIDERING RETIREMENT? ARE YOU RELOCATING? ARE YOU JUST BURNT OUT? Happy New Year, Fredericksburg!

DON’T JUST CLOSE YOUR BUSINESS DOWN. WE CAN SELL IT FOR YOU DISCREETLY AND CONFIDENTIALLY. CONTACT US FOR A NO-OBLIGATION CONSULTATION.

JMPWOOD@AOL.COM 540-372-4343 OVER 35 YEARS EXPERIENCE IN BUSINESS BROKERAGE, VALUATIONS, LEASING & COMMERCIAL REAL ESTATE

PUT IT TOGETHER ALL IN YOUR ORBIT

Kevin Brown shares up-to-date local trail news and photos as administrator of the “On the Fredericksburg Va Trails” Facebook Group

Front Porch Fredericksburg

Highlighting Local People, Places & Events Since 1997

front porch fredericksburg

January 2016

Nothing Empty About the “Empty Bowl”

Downtown Buzz

Dreaming of Owning Downtown? Let’s Make it Happen!

16th annual event on January 31st

Reflection and Progress

By rim vining There is nothing empty about the 16th annual Empty Bowl event This annual local event helps fund the critical efforts of Empowerhouse as they work in support of all victims of domestic violence. They provide emergency shelter & housing, counseling & legal representation as well as the means for victims and their families to transition into lives free from the threat of violence. There is nothing empty about this event but you do start with an empty bowl and then you add maybe 4 or 5 things... it’s so simple. First, get 20 - 30 dedicated potters to generously create and donate let’s say 500 examples of their work. Bowls of unlimited imagination are then formed with caring hands and fired in kilns throughout the land and given freely for this cause. Now you have something to sell. Second, find a benevolent organization that just happens to have a space big enough to serve your needs and ask if they will host the event… year after year. Since 2005 the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks has stepped up to the plate and worked with Empowerhouse

to ensure a successful event. Their help and support for the Empty Bowl is crucial and is appreciated more than they know. Thirdly, you casually ask area businesses and entrepreneurial cooks to provide soup, breads, drinks and desserts sufficient to feed the five-hundred. While it is an opportunity for unlimited epicurean creativity this is also where the logistical nightmare begins: Who is going to wash all those bowls? Who will receive the food, warm the soups, brown the bread, cool the beverages and not eat all the pies before the guests arrive? How many power strips do you need to keep the crock pots hot? Then there are table cloths, glasses, ice, decorations, trash bags, set-up, cleanup… the list gets long but hey, this is simple. We’re just selling an empty bowl. Oh yeah, and we need spoons; lots and lots of spoons. Finally you pull together and herd (yes, just like cats) more than 100 volunteers from every walk of life saying, “This will be fun!” They all believe this. Actually, since most of them return year after year and really look forward to the event you must have in fact told them the truth. The night may be busy and

crazy and go by in a blur… but it is a ton of fun! There are probably folks in our community who have a bowl from every event. I do not but if they are like me they use them for “certain meals” or for special events where, “we need something to put the olives in.” The bowls become part of who we are and what we are about. Growing up doing food and hospitality I am often asked by friends and family to help with special events. The most recent was to provide nourishment for a reception after services in the Shenandoah Valley to celebrate the joyous release of one Rosemary Sheatsley. The menu was easy but, “How to serve it?” I chose family pieces: platters and bowls of silver, fine china, glassware and elegant little spoons for the

By Ann Glave 2015: A time for reflection.

horseradish. Generations past and present were represented at the table so that everyone would be in attendance at such a miraculous event and there, for the olives, was this wonderful small bowl… Far from empty…far from empty. 16th annual Empty Bowl January 31 Elks Lodge #875 on Tidewater Trail. Attend. Buy a ticket. Get involved. Volunteer. www.empowerhouseva.org, (540) 373-9372, Tickets for sale @ LibertyTown Arts Workshop and Sophia Street Studios.

It’s been a wonderful, enervating Downtown and busy year in Fredericksburg. Main Street launched the #LoveFXBG social media blitz, manned the informational booth at the Expo Center Marine Corps Historic Half for the marathon and engaged the Downtown during the race, coordinated our first Department of Public Works William Street Sewer project between the City and the businesses, hosted the second successful Sandwich Invitational, our first Scarecrow Contest with Treats on the Streets, coordinated Small Business Saturday, and ended the year with hundreds gathering for Merry Carols in Market Square. Ongoing projects as Face the River, Market Square Alley Project and planters will continue into 2016. Many people make all these successful programs and projects come alive. Merchants, restaurant and service business owners, the property owners and the numerous volunteers all pitched in. Volunteers planted the trees, decorated Downtown, blew up balloons, became holiday characters, staffed gift-wrapping and coffee stations, managed social media and coordinated the activities. Main Street is grateful for the volunteers that make this happen! Special gratitude goes to Jeff Scott for his two years of dedication on the Board of Directors and the organization committee. More kudos to Susan Carter Morgan for her love of publicity and social media. Main Street also gives a shout out to Lisa Durham for her commitment and skills in social media. The Facebook page, Fredericksburg Downtown, has grown by leaps and bounds under her direction. Helen Keller’s remark, ”Alone we can do so little; together we can do so much” is a true reflection of Downtown Fredericksburg. Collaboration was and will

SUZY STONE 540.847.0630 suzystone22@gmail.com C21redwood.com

Each Office Is Independently Owned & Operated

ROXBURY F

ARM

MAIN: (540) 373-9124 NURSERY: (540) 371-8802

be a major role in Fredericksburg Main Street. City Council, the City's Departments of Public Works, E c o n o m i c Development & T o u r i s m , Community Planning and Building, Parks and Rec, and the Police are major partners. Many p r i v a t e organizations also came forward, i n c l u d i n g Fredericksburg Area Association of Realtors, Tree Fredericksburg, Courtyard Marriott, Fredericksburg Rappahannock Rotary, Fredericksburg Parent & Family Magazine, Central Rappahannock Regional Library, University of Mary Washington, Front Porch Fredericksburg and Marine Corps Historic Half Marathon.

2016: A time for progress. 2016 will bring more exciting changes. Fredericksburg Main Street expands their Board to nine Directors. This year welcomes new Board members: Ben Wafle (Heritage Wealth Advisors), April Peterson (River Rock Outfitter), Melissa Okrasinski (CMS Mortgage Solutions) and Mike Carmody (Dovetail Cultural Resource Group). Officers for 2016 are Wilson Greenlaw, president (Cushman Wakefield Thalhimer); DD Lecky, vice president (LibertyTown Arts Brian Lam, Workshop); secretary Judy Nave, (Skin+Touch Therapy); treasurer (VA Partners Bank) and Scarlett Pons, past president (Pons Shop). Next year will bring more collaborations, improved events and activities.

Update on the gift cards: Main Street will honor the old Experience Fredericksburg gift cards for the next 5 years. Stop by the Visitor Center or LibertyTown Arts Workshop with your old card to receive a refund for the balance on your card. New gift cards are available in $5, $10 and $20 denominations at the same locations. Information on fredricksburgmainstreet.org The next Fredericksburg Main Street Downtown Community Meeting is February 9th. Come out for breakfast at the Marriott at 8:30am. View a slide show featuring 2015 in pictures, meet the Board of Directors, listen to the strategic direction of 2016, and recognize our downtown Champions, the ones that make things happen. If you desire to become involved with Main Street, contact volunteer@fredericksburgmainstreet.org or call 540-479-1595. Thank you to everyone that cares about Downtown Fredericksburg. It shows! Exciting times ahead! Ann Glave is the Executive Director of Downtown Fredericksburg Main Street

& GARDEN CENTER

Since 1929

601 LAFAYETTE BLVD

roxburyfarmgarden.com

We have all your gardening needs! Come Shop With Us

#lovefxbg 6

January 2016

Front porch fredericksburg

front porch fredericksburg

January 2016

Nothing Empty About the “Empty Bowl”

Downtown Buzz

Dreaming of Owning Downtown? Let’s Make it Happen!

16th annual event on January 31st

Reflection and Progress

By Ann Glave 2015: A time for reflection.

SUZY STONE 540.847.0630 suzystone22@gmail.com C21redwood.com

Each Office Is Independently Owned & Operated

ROXBURY F

ARM

MAIN: (540) 373-9124 NURSERY: (540) 371-8802

& GARDEN CENTER

Since 1929

601 LAFAYETTE BLVD

roxburyfarmgarden.com

We have all your gardening needs! Come Shop With Us

#lovefxbg 6

January 2016

Front porch fredericksburg

front porch fredericksburg

January 2016

RIKKI’S REFUGE

A Chance For Exposure

An Unlikely Friendship and Unconditional Love

ruth golden utilizes creativity at home & abroad

By collette caprara

By emily hollingsworth

Seventeen years ago, Kerry Hilliard closed the door of her practice as a realtor in Northern Virginia and walked through the threshold of a new, fulfilling, and heart-warming life venture, creating Rikki’s Refuge, a 450-acre, no-kill sanctuary for animals at risk. Today the refuge is home to 1,300 animals of more than 22 species, ranging from peacocks and emus to pigs, sheep and goats. The fourlegged and feathered friends have thrived in a loving environment where a family atmosphere prevails among staff and volunteers. “We are all here for the same reason,” said volunteer coordinator and administrative director Lolly Busey, “We love animals and we love Rikki’s Refuge and what it stands for.” That spirit of camaraderie and depth of bond extends from people to animals and within the relationships of the animals as well. Two unforgettable examples are the tales of Patrick and Prescott and their loyal advocate and the surprising bond between Bub the Donkey and his goose Patrick and Preston are British Saddleback pigs who once lived at the

January 2016

working farm at Montpelier, and their story elicits memories of “Charlotte’s Web.” During one summer, Patrick and Preston were under the care of a 16-yearold girl, Sarah, who had taken a temporary job at the farm to earn money for college. Throughout those months together, Sarah developed a strong bond with the pigs. Being from a vegan family, she was unaware of the destiny of most farm pigs—until the end of the season arrived and it was time for Patrick and Preston to be auctioned off at market. Horrified at this prospect, Sarah used her entire summer earnings, and even some prior savings, to buy the pigs. When she learned of Rikki’s Refuge she determined that it would be an ideal new home for her friends and launched a fundraising endeavor to pay for the construction of a pen for them. As time has passed, Sarah has moved on to other life ventures and Patrick and Preston pass their days in contentment and camaraderie, unaware of their close brush with another fate. Bub the Donkey and his mate BeBe were just three years old when they were adopted from a wild horse and burro herd management program in the Western US. Through the years, the bond between the two grew ever stronger: This year marked their 40th anniversary.

not see one without the other,” said v o l u n t e e r coordinator Lolly Busy, “The goose preens Bub, follows him wherever he goes, and chases other animals away if they crowd him.” Visitors often bring snacks to the refuge, which attracts Bub’s attention—as well as that of any other animals that may be in the pasture. “A couple of weeks ago, we had pumpkin days—a time when area farms donate their left-over harvest—and one huge sheep did get too close to Bub,” said Lolly, “The goose literally jumped on its back: his beak latched on to its fur and he was flapping his wings furiously! It’s a beautiful story of a very unlikely friendship!”

Throughout January, the Brush Strokes Gallery at 824 Caroline Street will feature a special exhibit of paintings and artwork as a benefit for Rikki's Refuge. Subjects of the art will include actual residents of the refuge as well as similar animals whose personalities have caught the artists' attention. A portion of all proceeds of sales from this show will be contributed to meet the animals' needs. Collette Caprara is an artist, author and a community volunteer

Eventually their owner passed away and the pair was entrusted to Rikki’s care. It was there that they became acquainted with a pair of Canadian Geese, who were attracted as they flew over the

A Large Selection Available

While Ruth believes people can take meaningful photos at home, she encourages people to travel when possible. Born in Germany, she recently visited her home country for the first time in 35 y e a r s , experiencing a sense of familiarity and photo by mirinda reynolds belonging. Fredericksburg resident Ruth “Travel broadens your horizons,” Golden has taken some of her best photos Ruth said. “and brings so many aspects of in her back yard. yourself to light.” Taking close-up shots of tree Ruth has always been the person limbs shrouded in ice and sunsets coloring to grab a priceless photo when she sees it, the sky, Ruth says her photography is quickly pulling to the side of the road rooted in the need to keep a record of when she spots an amazing sunset or events in her life and to express creativity. trudging through the woods tracking “Beginning at a young age, it was flora and fauna. a strong urge in me,” Ruth said. She Ruth now uses a Canon E05 started taking photos at 10 years old series camera. It is an older model, using the family’s Instamatic camera. At according to Ruth, but for her, that time, the limitation of waiting for training her eye for photos is more film to be developed made it necessary to important than having the newest carefully choose each photo she wanted to camera. take. Now, in the age of digital cameras, “Developing your eye is most she has the freedom to take many photos important,” Ruth said. “Cameras are in the search for that one great shot. secondary.” Sorting and organizing all those Ruth does not only use photos can be overwhelming, particularly photography to express her creativity. the thousands of photos she snapped She was a potter for years at when she went with her husband and her Libertytown Arts, making bowls for (now) 16-year-old son on a very special her own use and to help with trip, spending the last year-and-a-half Empowerhouse’s annual “Empty traveling on their sailboat named Nalani. Bowl” fundraiser. They sailed down the coast to Florida, One of Ruth’s most meaningful around into the Gulf of Mexico, and then contributions to the Fredericksburg over to the Abacos in the Bahamas before community is giving other local artists, sailing the Atlantic back home again. particularly musicians, the chance for

exposure. She has hosted nine years of house concerts under the moniker “House About Tonight Productions.” Ruth has not produced any house concerts since returning from her trip, but she is planning to start the series up again in 2016. In the meantime, she has provided consulting and legwork for the local “Music & Spirits Concert Series,” whose shows are held at the A. Smith Bowman Distillery on a monthly basis. For her, photography, pottery, and house concerts all allow Ruth to reach a good frame of mind, improving her own creativity while also helping bring others’ talents to light. “Making art brings on a state of Zen,” Ruth said about pottery and photography. “Both arts require being centered and calm, a state that does not come naturally to me. I embrace it when it happens.” NOTE: Ruth Golden is this month’s cover photographer

Emily Hollingsworth is senior at Mary Washington University

Where Customer Service and Title Insurance Become One

refuge and decided to make it their new home. The foursome became a regular sight on the farm—until late winter, when the gander’s mate passed away. Then the health issues of Bub and Bebe also grew worse, and BeBe, also, went on to animal heaven. Then a remarkable thing happened…the widowers become inseparable, literally! “You absolutely will

Front porch fredericksburg

200 William Street Downtown ,Fredericksburg 540.373.4421 Mon-Fri: 9:30-6 Sat: 9:30-5 CrownJewelersFredericksburg.com

Price Match Parking Garage Christian Collectibles Gift shop Jewelry Kitchen Ware Books Crafts Supplies Antiques 611 Caroline Street 540.371.1333 LordAndLillys@gmail.com facebook.com/lordlillys www.lordlilly.com

Jewell Wolterman 1320 Central Park Blvd, Ste 200, Fredericksburg, VA 22401 540-907-0574 www.elitetitleva.com jwolterman@elitetitleva.com front porch fredericksburg

January 2016

RIKKI’S REFUGE

A Chance For Exposure

An Unlikely Friendship and Unconditional Love

ruth golden utilizes creativity at home & abroad

By collette caprara

By emily hollingsworth

January 2016

Eventually their owner passed away and the pair was entrusted to Rikki’s care. It was there that they became acquainted with a pair of Canadian Geese, who were attracted as they flew over the

A Large Selection Available

Emily Hollingsworth is senior at Mary Washington University

Where Customer Service and Title Insurance Become One

Front porch fredericksburg

200 William Street Downtown ,Fredericksburg 540.373.4421 Mon-Fri: 9:30-6 Sat: 9:30-5 CrownJewelersFredericksburg.com

Jewell Wolterman 1320 Central Park Blvd, Ste 200, Fredericksburg, VA 22401 540-907-0574 www.elitetitleva.com jwolterman@elitetitleva.com front porch fredericksburg

January 2016

FXBG’ERS kathy mahoney by georgia Lee Strentz

New Year 2016 begins. I write from the heart about my observations living in the Burg and about inspirational people who make our community happen. As I read a 2010 Pew Research Center Report about the decline in volunteerism and declining levels of civic engagement, I find it hard to believe that this would happen here in our Fredericksburg, with the likes of Rebecca Rubin, Mike Cotter,Barbara Stafford, Ruth Spratt, Thea Verdak, Kathy Mahoney, to name a few. I feel sure that this New Year will bring continued support to our town. Do not wait until some deed of greatness you may do. Do not wait to shed your light afar. To the many duties ever near you now be true. Brighten the corner where you are. ~ Charles H. Gabriel Cited in "Bless the Beasts: Pet Parables for Kids of All Ages" by Marilyn Holasek Lloyd of Fredericksburg (Thanks to Marilyn for writing such a wonderful book.) As we look into our own lives especially in these trying times, we understand and we see clearly how this philosophy can, should and will make our corner of the world a more peaceful and loving "Homeplace." Let me introduce you to Kathy Mahoney, our volunteer highlighted this month, which the words integrity, honesty and empathy describe so accurately. An extra-ordinary woman, add loving mother, grandmother, neighbor and friend, who we are fortunate to have in our midst. What drew Kathy to our town? Newly graduated from The University of New Hampshire and engaged

January 2016

to Bernie, a young man with a new Ph.D in chemistry, they were part of the young "Newbies," who migrated to Fredericksburg as the town started growing and changing in the sixties. Kathy said that they decided they would, "stay here for a couple of years" and "see how it goes," as Bernie's new job came through at Mary Washington College. The school at that time was an all girls school. Because of this, Bernie and Kathy had to prove they were engaged and provide an actual wedding date before Mary Washington College would confirm this young, single man's teaching contract.(How times have changed!) Fifty years later, three adult children out of the nest, Kathy and Bernie are both retired from successful teaching careers and are still here in Fredericksburg. They just celebrated their fiftieth wedding anniversary, so it looks like "see how it goes" went very well. Kathy has kept up a steady stream of volunteering efforts in our town. She is a woman who sees positive light and potential for good everywhere in life A hard worker who is constantly on the go, helping, improving, a real dynamo in any group or organization lucky enough to capture some of her busy day. She consistently supports the same volunteering efforts, which is not an easy task to keep your enthusiasm year after year. She taught ESL to immigrants at St. Mary's Church. She is a lector for St. Mary's, a client advocate for Birthright. She trains volunteers who work directly with women experiencing crisis pregnancies for the same organization and has been the editor of the newsletter for Birthright for 17 years . She also heads up the local book club ministries at St. Mary's church. Kathy is a shining example of our "Fredericksburgers," who stand up and help solve the puzzle of helplessness and hopelessness in our society and in our "Homeplace."

Resolution for 2016

MAKING THE CUT

practice “acts of kindness”

Greg Crawford talks paper portraiture, fan arts & trading on Instagram

By A.e. Bayne

By Dawn Whitmore Happy New Year everyone! As we are all packing up Christmas, may we not pack up our giving spirit. It is wonderful to see everyone helping to make our community a better place during the holidays. Yet, if you peruse any of my articles, it quickly becomes apparent there are many wonderful people and organizations in our area. These organizations need our help throughout the year, not just during the holidays. It is has been said, “the happiest people are not those getting more, but those giving more.” My challenge to our wonderful community is to give during 2016. “Acts of Kindness” have the ability to create better lives and smiles all over Fredericksburg. Want to do ‘acts of kindness’ all of 2016, but don’t know where to start? Here are just a few ideas from various sources: 1) Coats under the Bridge: A group put coats, gloves and hats on the Canal Path for the homeless. The items were left in shopping bags on chain link fences and under the Rte 1bridge. 2) Seen on the Internet where people suggest filling an old purse with toiletries, non-perishable snacks and feminine products. Suggested giving to a homeless woman. 3) Local charities. I wrote about Manarc and Habitat for Humanity. This one is simple Shop their stores. Manarc’s thrift shop is downtown and Habitat’s Restore has recently relocated to Rte 3. 4) Mary and the Spotsy Free Site. I first learned about Mary in another publications article. Since then I have had the pleasure of meeting with her.

She runs the Spotsy Free Site on Facebook to be able to arrange food boxes for those in need. Her motivation to do ‘acts of kindness’ was born from the fact; she has been there and understands what it is like to not have enough for your family. During 2015, Mary and her ‘group of angels’ assisted her in preparing food baskets for 350 families. She also gave Christmas to 6 families. 5) Gracie’s Gowns. Jessica from Gracie’s Gowns also appeared in one of my articles. She creates gowns for children who must spend large amounts of time in the hospital due to illness. The first gown request is free. You know have a few suggestions to get your 2016 ‘Acts of Kindness’ off to a start. Maybe you will decide to do a different act for each month or stick with one for the whole year. Whatever works for you. Use your creativity. Drop us a line here at Front Porch and let us know how you plan to compose your ‘acts of kindness’. I leave you with these words, “A simple act of kindness can make a tremendous impact on a person’s life”, anonymous.

A little over five years ago, Greg Crawford began experimenting with his wife Candace's excess scrap booking paper. He’d always enjoyed working with collage and decoupage, and he had developed an eye for light and shadow through his interest in photography. When he came across a short video tutorial showing paper cut portraits, he knew he’d found a new creative outlet. Pairing his love of fan art with intricate knife work, Crawford began sharing his portraits on Instagram, leading him to join a community of fellow artists who are

in it for the trade. Crawford begins with quality 8x10 craft paper in layers of two to three colors to create a variance of shadows and light. Crawford’s Instagram site sports Superman and Yoda next to Frankenstein and Jessica Rabbit, but also intricate black and white portraiture created by hashing out marks in varying widths and lengths across black paper overlaid on white. The effect is remarkably like a pen and ink drawing or a black and white photograph from afar. Crawford says, “I began with monochromatic pieces and just recently started doing more color, but I love black and white photography. My own personal collection of paper portraits is most often done in black and white.” Crawford describes himself as a reverse stencil artist, explaining, “A stencilist will cut to expose what he wants to paint, whereas I cut to expose what I want to keep.” To create his portraits, he starts with a strong photograph and some tweaking in Photoshop to enhance the shadows and light. He uses a plotter to design the 8X10 sheets. He sets the

lightest paper as the light source at the bottom of the layers; places his mid-tones next, which he cuts to expose the lighter color underneath; and finally places a third layer to create the shadows. To execute the intricacy of a hash-worked portrait, he keeps a steady hand and uses sharp knives. Crawford says, “The plotter makes the process a lot faster, but I do a lot of hand cutting because you make one little rip on that main sheet and you have to start over.” In the end, Crawford takes the most pleasure out of trading his pieces with a community of artists on Instagram, and he credits this community with his continued growth: “People see my work and ask me to create a piece of fan art or portraiture a certain way. I always ask for two or three options that would be suitable, because I can’t always do what they request. I do try, though, and that forces me to attempt new things.” Crawford describes the art trading community on Instagram as encouraging, saying, “Not only are we sharing each other’s art, but we’re following and promoting each other.” He calls the community intentional, noting that while fan art is not often displayed in galleries, it’s a way for people to express

their “fandom.” Traders often advertise their openness to trade in their bios, and a popular form of trade comes in the form of 2 ½ x 3 ½ inch art cards that can be collected and promoted online. These promotions can quickly lead to positive exposure, as Crawford describes, “There is an artist from Korea who does amazing pencil carvings, but he only had 260 followers. I contacted an art features site on Instagram and promoted him, gaining him over 10,000 in just a week. That’s what a community like this does for each other.” Crawford would like to see more trading happen within the arts community, both online and locally. He says, “I’ve traded with people in Germany, Australia, and all over the United States, but none have been local to Virginia or Fredericksburg.” Until that time, Crawford says he will continue to enjoy the not-sosimple act of planning and creating unique paper cut designs for his friends and online community. Follow Greg @papergizmo on Instagram to view his work and set up trades. A.E. Bayne is a writer and visual artist . She is a monthly contributor to Front Porch Magazine, & Editor in Chief at Fredericksburg Literary and Art Review (fredericksburgwriters.com).

Dawn Whitmore is a landscape photographer and writer who lives in Spotsylvania. Learn more by visiting her on FB: facebook.com/dewphotographypage or her website at www.dewphotographyva.com.

Georgia Lee Strentz is retired an enjoying life in the Burg

Front porch fredericksburg

front porch fredericksburg

January 2016

FXBG’ERS kathy mahoney by georgia Lee Strentz

January 2016

Resolution for 2016

MAKING THE CUT

practice “acts of kindness”

Greg Crawford talks paper portraiture, fan arts & trading on Instagram

By A.e. Bayne

Dawn Whitmore is a landscape photographer and writer who lives in Spotsylvania. Learn more by visiting her on FB: facebook.com/dewphotographypage or her website at www.dewphotographyva.com.

Georgia Lee Strentz is retired an enjoying life in the Burg

Front porch fredericksburg

front porch fredericksburg

January 2016

Vino The Renowned Northern Italian Restaurant once in Stafford on Garrisonville Rd moves to downtown Fredericksburg’s “Historic Chimney’s Building” on Caroline Street adding Internationality to their Cuisine

The General Store

Restaurant

Since 1978

Italian/American Food Monday-Saturday 11 am-10 pm

371-4075 2018 College Ave. Fredericksburg

January 2016

Open 7 days a week Monday to Saturday 11 am to 10pm International Sunday Brunch 9am to 3pm Dinner from 3pm to 9pm Private Dining Rooms for Your Holiday parties or any occasion!!! 623 Caroline Street Fredericksburg VA 22401 Tel (540) 368-1 1107 Fax (540) 368-1 1108

Front porch fredericksburg

winter in the vineyard By scott richards Well, it is finally over, the holiday season I mean. I started seeing signs of Christmas the end of September and that is just too much commercialization. For many vineyard workers, we were still harvesting at that time. While I like Christmas, I believe Thanksgiving is merely sandwiched in there as the day before Black Friday. Since my recent beginnings in agriculture, I have come into an appreciation of the Thanksgiving holiday, because it is at that time the crops have been harvested. If anyone has ever had a commercial crop, you know what I mean. In the vineyard around harvest time there is a lot of concern about the race to get in the grapes at just the right time and do so ahead of the deer and birds their annual foraging. All that to say Thanksgiving has become a holiday that has increased in importance over the years. Now all that is past, as was mentioned before, and a whole new set of worries is put on the plate before me. Everyone talks about the balmy winter we are having, and many are understandably delighted. However, prior to winter pruning, cold weather is required to stop the sap from flowing in the vine, known as hardening, due to the fact the canes (upper vines) actually become stick like. If the vines are pruned prior to this process, sap can flow, opening it not only to disease, but also allowing the cold (when and if it comes) to get into the vine. The cold damage done can be anything from killing the vine to splitting it wide open. Vines with this kind of damage look as if someone took a knife and cut it all the way down to the ground, when moisture gets into the vine and freezes splitting the vine open. So, you ask, why do people grow grapes and other things (orchards have many the same problems vineyards do). Quite simply, it is pure joy to work in a vineyard. Each stage of growth, while presenting things to worry about, are such a wonder to behold that the problems and worries are all worth it. In the winter after pruning, the vines look like sticks coming out of the ground and spreading right and left at the first wire of the trellis. Sometime around the middle of April, buds open up and green growth appears. May and June are my favorite times, when leaves really come out and the personality of each individual vine becomes apparent. There is plenty of time to observe the changes in not only the leaves, but also the development of the grapes as sprays are judiciously applied.

Christmas is something that comes everyday in the vineyard, with new fruit hanging, not to mention the surprises (good and bad) that comes every season. The joy of it all lasts all year and is something to be experienced. It cannot be explained in this brief column. Thanksgiving comes only once a year, because harvest is only once each season. I guess my idea of Christmas comes from an agricultural viewpoint that goes well beyond the commercialization we have all fallen prey to. There is a lot that goes into a bottle of wine. Drink what you like, and know a lot of love goes into every bottle. Scott Richards is owner of Loch Haven Vineyards, and a free lance writer Read his blog at fromthevine.wordpress.com or Contact him at bgmeadowswine@yahoo.com

Wines to Try in the New Year Best 2015 Wines Wine Spector List December, 2015 Peter Michael Cabernet Sauvignon Oakville Au Paradis ,2012 Quilceda Creek Cabernet Sauvignon Columbia Valley,2012 Evening Land Pinot Noir Eola-Amity Hills Seven Springs Vineyard La Source, 2012 Il Poggione Brunello di Montalcino,2010 Mount Eden Vineyards Chardonnay Santa Cruz Mountains, 2012 $10 Wine 2015 Hall of Fame Wine Curmudgeon Castillo Perelada Cava Reserva Brut Bodegas Muga Rioja Rosado Zestos Old Vine Garnacha Louis Jadot BeaujolaisCono Sur Bicicleta Pinot Noir McManis’ Petite Sirah

Season’s Bounty mom’s donuts

Olde Towne BUTCHER Corner of William & Charles Streets Downtown Fredericksburg 540.370.4105

By vanessa moncure If you haven't seen me around since mid-December, there's a reason. I'm more or less housebound. And definitely in deep need of some comfort comfort which I usually find in long-remembered foods (in moderation of course!) While carrying a jumbled load of clothes to the basement laundry room, I somehow missed a step and pitched headlong down a flight of stairs, with a landing in the middle, to the cold concrete floor below. I heard someone screaming, long bursts of agonized wailing, as if from far, far away. Then realized it was me. And that I couldn't seem to stop. Almost nine days later, multiply fractured, braced and concussed, I was wheeled to my car by a cheerful hospital volunteer who admonished me to “have a happy Christmas, anyway”. Twelve long weeks of wheelchair/walker conveyance stretched out long before me, as did the immediacy of only six shopping days before Christmas along with an expected household of children, grandchildren, a greatgrandmother, the elf dashing around from shelf to shelf as well as Santa himself. After almost forty years of warm holiday baking, what would be missing in those battered holiday tins, stacked on the dining room sideboard? Iced spiced bars and black walnut fudge, pecan sticky buns and an inebriated raisin cake, gingerbread men, fresh candied Florida orange peel, cranberry bread, lemon squares and fudgy diamonds, yes. Any food item from the kitchen which required standing or sitting to accomplish. Even the kitchen sink and refrigerator were suddenly out of reach, not to mention the stovetop, oven and microwave. As much as I'd physically miss the annual shopping, planning, baking, cooking and serving all the traditional goodies and meals (oyster stew and country ham biscuits, anyone?), what I realized I'd really be missing was the annual giving of myself to both nurture and nourish my family. Since this column is written in advance of its publication date and my clairvoyance-y skills are as yet untapped, I'm unable to report whether the groaning board was represented by a country ham or cartons of take-out Chinese. But I can tell you that my daughter told me she's ready to learn the intricacies of sticky buns! And as for my glazed comfort? Well, I need a sweet companion sometimes, too - in the guise of my mom’s glazed buttermilk doughnuts - in moderation, everyone!

www.oldetownebutcher.com Hours Monday - Saturday, 9am to 9pm; Sunday, 11am to 6pm Keith Lebor Proprietor

MOM’S GLAZED BUTTERMILK DOUGHNUTS Cream together 1/2c. softened butter and 1c. sugar then beat in 2 large eggs until light and fluffy. Stir in 1 T. finely grated lemon zest. Sift together 4 ½ c. allpurpose flour, 2 t. each baking powder and salt, ¾ t. baking soda, 1 T. ground nutmeg (no, not a typo. The lemon and nutmeg complement each other well.)Add dry mixture alternately with 1 c. buttermilk (whole if available). Mix well but do not over-handle the dough. Roll out about ¾” deep on floured board and cut with 3 ½” doughnut cutter. I use a set of cookie cutter rings - practice at least once with the sizes you choose as the center hole is proportionally larger as you go up in size, and if you don't cut the center large enough, you'll end up with a gooey doughnut. Preheat about 4”canola oil to 365F, then fry the donut rings first in the hot oil, then the doughnut holes. Doughnuts take about 4 minutes - when they rise to the top of the oil, turn over with long tongs - fry until golden brown, but do not turn again. Drain them on a cooling rack with waxed paper beneath. When cool enough to handle, dip in either glaze or cinnamon sugar. These are surprisingly good if made a day ahead of serving, but who can resist a hot doughnut?? Glaze - Mix 4 c. Confectioners sugar with enough water to make a syrupy glaze. Dip warm doughnut in glaze, covering completely. Let cool on rack, don’t let doughnuts touch. If you prefer a sugared doughnut, dip and cover them thoroughly in a mixture of 1c. sugar with 2 t. ground cinnamon. To keep overnight, I cover the doughnuts, still on the cooling rack, with a light linen dish towel. Recipe makes about 20 doughnuts and their holes!

S ammy T’ s DOWNTOWN FREDERICKSBURG’S

Serving Great Food Since 1981

Home of the “Camper Special” & the Best Burger in Town 801 Caroline Street

(540) 371-2008

Try Our Self-Serve Yogurt open 11:30 am Daily Still Owned by the Emory Family

Open Daily 11am - 4pm 540.371.2233 www.thevirginiadeli.com 826 Caroline at the corner of Caroline & George Streets Master Card ~ Visa ~ Discover front porch fredericksburg

January 2016

The General Store

Restaurant

Since 1978

Italian/American Food Monday-Saturday 11 am-10 pm

371-4075 2018 College Ave. Fredericksburg

January 2016

Front porch fredericksburg

Season’s Bounty mom’s donuts

Olde Towne BUTCHER Corner of William & Charles Streets Downtown Fredericksburg 540.370.4105

www.oldetownebutcher.com Hours Monday - Saturday, 9am to 9pm; Sunday, 11am to 6pm Keith Lebor Proprietor

S ammy T’ s DOWNTOWN FREDERICKSBURG’S

Serving Great Food Since 1981

Home of the “Camper Special” & the Best Burger in Town 801 Caroline Street

(540) 371-2008

Try Our Self-Serve Yogurt open 11:30 am Daily Still Owned by the Emory Family

Open Daily 11am - 4pm 540.371.2233 www.thevirginiadeli.com 826 Caroline at the corner of Caroline & George Streets Master Card ~ Visa ~ Discover front porch fredericksburg

January 2016

Cooking With Kyle Simple, easy, delicious

Charlie & Grace european market cafe by M. L. Powers

by james kyle snyder Cold January days lend themselves to deliciously warm dishes. Mitzi and I were driving around, trying to figure out what to write about this month. During the trip we got hungry and stopped in on our favorite Indian restaurant Taj at 2032 Plank Rd, Fredericksburg, VA 22401. Before we got into the restaurant Mitzi exclaimed, “Chicken Tikka Masala.” It is one of her favorites – bite sized pieces of marinated chicken grilled to perfection. We had never made this dish before so I set to the task of trying to figure it out. I poured over other’s recipes to finally come up with this effort. We like the nuttiness of basmati rice so get it going first. Next the marinade.

these until the onion is opaque – about 5 minutes. Add: ½ t ground cardamom, 2 t ground cumin, 2 t paprika, 1 t turmeric, 1 t salt added at the end (adjust to taste at the end – most likely will need more), 1- 8 ounce can tomato sauce, 1 C Greek yogurt or heavy cream, and ¼ cup chopped fresh cilantro. Let this simmer, stirring occasionally to keep it from burning, while the chicken is cooking.

Fredericksburg’s Hometown Saloon Since 1961

The Soup & Taco, Etc. 813 Caroline St.

Combine: 1 C Greek yogurt, 1 T minced garlic, 1 T minced fresh ginger, 1 T of masala, 1 T turmeric, 1 T lemon juice, 2 t ground cumin, 1 t ground cinnamon, 2 t cayenne pepper, 2 t freshly ground black pepper, and 2 t salt. The marinade will be thick. Add 2 pounds of washed, boneless, skinless chicken breast which has been cut into bite sized pieces. Set this aside for at least 30 minutes; an hour is better. Prepare the sauce. In a sauce pan, heat 1 T butter and add 1 thinly sliced small onion, 1 clove garlic, minced, and 1 jalapeno pepper, finely chopped. Cook

January 2016

Once the chicken has rested for five minutes, plate the rice, ladle the sauce, and stack on the chicken. Dinner is served! Although this is not a technical dish, nor is it particularly hard to make, it does take some time to prepare. If you spend time together in the kitchen, this is a fun one to share together and make an evening out of. It is one of the coldest months of the year after all. Happy New Year from Mitzi and I! Simple-ish, easy-ish, and definitely delicious. Be Well! Kyle Snyder is the CEO of SCRUM Training Academy, a gourmet chef, jack-of-all trades, and an all-around happy guy

Front porch fredericksburg

By emily freehling

Serving Traditional Mexican, Tex-Mex Food

Fire up the grill! We love grilling in the winter. These skewers can be done over wood, gas, or even hot cast iron depending on the flavors you are looking for. We like the smokiness of wood. While the grill is heating-up, prepare skewers by rinsing off the marinade, and ensuring there is a little space between each piece

of chicken on the skewer. Try to group similar size pieces on one skewer so the cook time is the same. Grill time should only take 3-4 minutes each side. The juices will run clear when internal temp reaches 165 degrees. Be very careful not to overcook the chicken. Season the sauce with the salt and add the chicken. We are almost there!

try out fxbg top restaurants

Fredericksburg, VA

and Something More!! Tuesday to Saturday 11am-9pm Sunday 11am-6pm

Phone: 540-899-0969

There are lots of variations out there. I usually go for the simpler recipes but had to ditch that idea to produce the layers of flavors that Indian cuisines possess. This is not a “hip-pocket” recipe but only takes some good together time to get it to the table. To save space - “T” = Tablespoon and “t” = teaspoon. If you are using brined chicken breast, do not add the salt.

RESTAURANT WEEK TURNS 10

When Anita Carshult and Chef Jeff decided to open a storefront on Sophia St, their intent was to establish a specialty shop that sold fine cheeses, wines, and other sundries, many of which they would source locally. But as all plans go, sometimes a change in the plan allows for a new perspective on the situation. This is how the latest eatery came to be. Not realizing the full cost and amount of time it would take to open a shop, they decided to add a few tables when they were finally ready to open and showcase Jeff’s diverse talents. The specialty shop is still in the plan, but right now they seem to be focused more on food service. The reviews have been very good, and though small, the shop has a definite Fredericksburg feel to it. Housed in one of the old buildings on the corner of William and Sophia, it has a tough location. Most of the local eateries line William and Caroline, but this little spot is off the main drag. Nevertheless, a good reputation can overcome this obstacle. I first heard of Charlie and Grace’s from a friend who asked if I had ever tasted a Muffaletta. This sandwich is a typical New Orleans concoction of different meats and cheeses, topped with an olive tapenade. She had tried one on a lunch outing, and it was out of this world. Many of the lunch choices are inventive and not something you find at other places around town. Another friend raved about the Grilled Portabella Melt, with swiss, bacon and caramelized onions. The chicken and waffles on the brunch menu can stand up against any in the region, according to Anita. She explained this dish has a cult following with people traveling specifically to try different restaurant’s

versions of this specialty. Jeff is a self-trained chef, most recently having spent 7 years in New Orleans learning Cajun style cooking. His menu reflects this, with goodies like Cioppino (fish stew), Shrimp Etoufee, and the ever popular Shrimp and Grits. Then he goes off the grid and offers the Italian Herbed Rubbed Lamb Lollipops, which is a 1/2 rack over lemon mornay sauce and asparagus with tomato basil couscous. That’s a mouthful! The name for the shop came from Anita’s son and Jeff’s daughter, both still school age. The kids thought of the eye catching logo, which reminded them of the many times they had swung together at a local park. Local artist, Rachel Hicks perfected the design. If you are coming into town over the bridge, and turn right on Sophia, the sign is on your left. Watch closely, or you could miss it! Right now their hours are limited, but that is intentionally done to allow room for evening events. They recently held a five course wine dinner for a group of people, including one unnamed local chef (who writes for this paper). We look forward to watching the progress of this new addition to the local food scene. 1002 Sophia St, Downtown Tuesday - Thursday: 11am-6pm Friday & Saturday: 11am-8pm Sunday: 10am-4pm (brunch) Monday: Closed 540-361-1002 Mary Lynn Powers is a frequent contributor to FP who really enjoys covering the vibrant restaurant scene in the ‘Burg

E-mail: soupntaco@yahoo.com

The Sunken Well Tavern

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

Mark your calendars for Jan. 15 – 25, when Fredericksburg’s 10th annual Restaurant Week will bring diners out for special menus at 23 different restaurants. In the 10 years that this winter tradition has been running, Fredericksburg’s culinary scene has evolved in big ways, gaining the city notice for the work of its growing community of creative and talented chefs. Restaurant Week allows diners at participating restaurants to enjoy threecourse dinner menus for $20.16 per person, and 2-course lunch menus for $10.16 per person. A full list of participating restaurants and sample menus is available on VisitFred.com. “This is a perfect time to try new restaurants, as well as visit your longtime favorites,” Fredericksburg Visitor Center Manager Julie Perry said. “We just really want to encourage people to come downtown and be a part of this tradition.” In addition to the special pricing, Restaurant Week is an opportunity to celebrate the accomplishments of Fredericksburg’s restaurant community, which, over the 10 years that Restaurant Week has existed, has racked up some impressive accolades. Bistro Bethem and La Rosetta— both Restaurant Week participants—have both been named to Northern Virginia Magazine’s Top 50 Restaurants list in the past five years. Poppy Hill Tuscan Kitchen was named one of Epicurious.com’s top 10 farm-to-table restaurants in the nation. This past summer, Spencer Devon Brewing’s Bittersweet IPA was named a National Grand Champion beer at the U.S. Beer Tasting Championship in Portland, Maine. Foode’s Chef Joy Crump brought the national spotlight to Fredericksburg last year as a contestant on Bravo’s Top Chef, then followed that up by winning the title of Best Dish in Virginia for Foode’s chicken and waffles in the Virginia is for Lovers Culinary Madness competition. During this year’s Restaurant

Week, you can try Foode’s new sister restaurant, Mercantile. That’s not the only new addition. Fahrenheit 132—named for the temperature of a medium-rare steak— brings a modern steak-and-seafood menu to William Street, located between family favorites Castiglia’s and Vivify. Kybecca has recently redecorated its dining room, and Chef Wade Truong and the restaurant’s expert mixologists ensure there’s always something new to experience here. Cork & Table is a relative newcomer to the Caroline Street restaurant scene, and owner James Fallon puts years of training as a sommelier to work here in expertly pairing wine with his dishes. Deutschland Downtown and the Bavarian Chef provide two options for German cuisine. The Happy Clam serves up fresh seafood and homemade desserts and Sunken Well Tavern’s menu continues to evolve in creative and delicious directions. Venture out on Princess Anne Dixon Café, which Street to visit Mason-D serves comfort food amped up a notch. Don’t forget about old favorites like Brock’s Riverside Grill, where you can dine overlooking the Rappahannock River, and La Petite Auberge, which has been serving top-notch French cuisine since 1981, with a wait staff that makes an evening here feel like a VIP experience. There is so much variety to be had within the relatively small geographical confines of downtown Fredericksburg, and Restaurant Week is your invitation to explore a little, to sit down at one of those restaurants that’s been on your bucket list, or simply to enjoy the work of a chef you’ve admired for years. Find full details on Restaurant Week, including sample menus, at VisitFred.com. See ad pg 3 for Restaurant Week details Emily Freehling is a Fredericksburgbased freelance writer who authors the Call Me Fred blog at VisitFred.com/blog.

front porch fredericksburg

January 2016

Cooking With Kyle Simple, easy, delicious

Charlie & Grace european market cafe by M. L. Powers

Fredericksburg’s Hometown Saloon Since 1961

The Soup & Taco, Etc. 813 Caroline St.

January 2016

Front porch fredericksburg

By emily freehling

Serving Traditional Mexican, Tex-Mex Food

try out fxbg top restaurants

Fredericksburg, VA

and Something More!! Tuesday to Saturday 11am-9pm Sunday 11am-6pm

Phone: 540-899-0969

RESTAURANT WEEK TURNS 10

E-mail: soupntaco@yahoo.com

The Sunken Well Tavern

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

front porch fredericksburg

January 2016

CALENDAR of events

january 2016…to a year of beautiful moments and cherished memories Friday, January 1, Brush Strokes Gallery at 824 Caroline Street will feature a special exhibit of paintings and artwork as a benefit for Rikki's Refuge. Subjects of the art will include actual residents of the refuge as well as similar animals whose personalities have caught the artists' attention. A portion of all proceeds of sales from this show will be contributed to meet the animals' needs. Throughout the month Art First Gallery will share space with invited guests for the entire month of January. Don’t miss this opportunity to view the work of more than 40 local artists. Jerry Wade Band and PHOENIX 90 at Hard Times Cafe-Four Mile Fork January 1st @ Hard Times Cafe- Four Mile Fork, 7pm

Saturday, January 2

White Elephant Party @ Adventure Brewing, 33 Perchwood Dr, 101, Fred 22405. T'was a week after Christmas and all around Stafford the citizens were glum. For Dear Old Santa had already come Santa had left some unhappy campers this year, leaving socks, toasters and fruit cakes. What do you do with those gifts you really don't want, Bring them to our White Elephant Party For heaven sake. Bring one wrapped gift to participate in the fun. There will be deals, steals and tricks. All of the fun one could expect from your favorite Brewer in town.

Tuesday, January 5

Local Hero's Night at Adventure Brewing, 3:309pm. 20% off if you are a military, police, fire, emergency and teachers. (540) 242-8876 33 Perchwood Dr Unit 101 Fredericksburg, VA22405

Wednesday, January 6

Coop's Game Night @Adventure Brewing Co. Every Wednesday our resident game master invites enthusiasts to try out one of our board, card, or other tabke top games.(540) 242-8876, 33 Perchwood Dr Unit 101 Fredericksburg, VA22405 Open Mic at the Rec Center 8 pm .Scott Wagner hosts the coziest and best sounding open mic in Fredericksburg. Sign up starts at 7, music at 8. 213 William St.

Thursday, January 7

THE LIFE AND FILMS OF INGMAR BERGMAN famous Swedish film director, the life and his movies will be examined by veteran film lecturer Gary Olsen. CRRL Main, 6:30pm Trivia Night @ Adventure Brewing, Each Thursday our live trivia MC runs a contest between as many as 20 teams for fun and prizes. Loud, brazen and audacious banter is expected Trivia starts at 8pm..(540) 242-8876, 33 Perchwood Dr Unit 101 Fredericksburg, VA22405

First Friday, January 8

The Mixed Media Work of Kathy Craddock @ Water Street Studio, 5-8:30pm Holiday Hangover Party @ PONSHOP Studio and Gallery, 6-10pm. We invite our fans and friends to visit us and enjoy all of our creative offerings. The gallery will be featuring fine art by Gabriel Pons, Maddie Huddle, and Sarah Lapp with ceramics by co-owner Scarlett Pons. Twelfth Night @Kenmore a dramatic theater presentation, the year is January 1776. It is the first Christmas that Fielding and Betty Washington Lewis celebrate in their newly built home. It is not the usual celebration, however. War brings fear, doubt, and frustration to the Lewis family and their friends. Immerse yourself in the experience the candlelight, music, and decorations of an eighteenth-century Christmas! Performance Times: 3:00, 3:45, 4:45 and 5:30 p.m. Reservations required. Call 540-370-0732 x24 or email hayes@gwffoundation.org Tribute to Elvis @ Adventure Brewing Celebrate Elvis' Birthday With Us! Come Dressed in your best

Elvis Impression, to enter in the Elvis Look-A-Like Contest Drink a Pint of "Go East Young Man" Our tribute to Elvis on his birthday. A special wheat beer made with peanut butter, banana and fluff. 33 Perchwood Dr, 101, Fred. 22405, 540-2428876, 7pm MARJO DELUXE @ Adventure Brewing MARJO DELUX has a passion for great songs performed well; from classics like the Beatles, Rolling Stones, Muddy Waters, Yardbirds, Tom Petty, Zombies 33 Perchwood Dr, 101, Fred. 22405, 540-242-8876, 8pm

Saturday, January 9

Twelfth Night @Kenmore a dramatic theater presentation, the year is January 1776. It is the first Christmas that Fielding and Betty Washington Lewis celebrate in their newly built home. It is not the usual celebration, however. War brings fear, doubt, and frustration to the Lewis family and their friends. Immerse yourself in the experience the candlelight, music, and decorations of an eighteenth-century Christmas! Performance Times: 3:00, 3:45, 4:45 and 5:30 p.m. Reservations required. Call 540-370-0732 x24 or email hayes@gwffoundation.org Join us for our first Art Show Featuring the Works of Anna Maples @ Adventure Brewing

Sunday, January 10

Tuesday, January 12

Music Tuesdays @Bistro Bethem309 William St. 811pm. Join us for Join us for ½ Drinks & pizzas. Local Hero's Night at Adventure Brewing, 3:309pm. 20% off if you are a military, police, fire, emergency and teachers. (540) 242-8876

Wednesday, January 13

SophistiChat Women's Networking Breakfast .@ Mick's Restaurant,2866 Jefferson Davis Hwy, Stafford, VA 22554 8:30-10am. re you looking to establish new business relationships with business women? Come join us, have breakfast and make new connections with other business owners, and learn something new that can help you to grow your business. Open Mic at the Rec Center 8 pm .Scott Wagner hosts the coziest and best sounding open mic in Fredericksburg. Sign up starts at 7, music at 8. 213 William St. Trivia Night w/quizmaster Josh Cameli @Sunken Well Tavern. 7:30pm. Get there early to get a seat! 720 Littlepage St. Light Jazz @LaPetite Auberge, 311 William St, 8midnight. Light jazz and Latin piano guitar . Featuring Chris Phil Andy & Harry. No cover. lapetiteaubergefred.com Coop's Game Night @Adventure Brewing Co. Every Wednesday our resident game master invites enthusiasts to try out one of our board, card, or other tabke top games.(540) 242-8876, 33 Perchwood Dr Unit 101 Fredericksburg, VA22405

Thursday, January 14

Trivia Night @ Adventure Brewing, our live trivia MC runs a contest for fun and prizes. Loud, brazen and audacious banter is expected and everybody has a great time. Trivia starts at 8pm..(540) 2428876, 33 Perchwood Dr Unit 101 Fred, VA22405

Sunday, January 17

Brock's 5th Annual Bartenders Ball to benefit the Grace Oughton Cancer Foundation @ Brock's Riverside Grill, 8pm. Several local Fredericksburg area bars will attend the ball and each will serve a specialty cocktail to guests for the chance to compete and win $1,000. Guests will have the opportunity to vote for their favorite cocktail and their favorite bar. The evening will open with a solo acoustic set with local musician, Shannon Peterson, followed by D.J. Bill Carroll. There will be a silent auction with various items donated from local business and B101.5 is the official sponsor for the ball. One hundred percent of all proceeds will go directly to benefit the Grace Oughton Cancer Foundation.540.370.1820

Tuesday, Januray 19

PreSchool Palette - Snowy Day,10 am Innovative, hour-long art lessons inspire your child's imagination and creativity. Join Ms. Michelle for hands-on art activities, age-appropriate gallery or house museum tours, garden walks, entertaining stories, and more! Geri Melchers Home & Studio, Wshington St, 540-654-1851, ages 2-5 Laurie Rose Griffith & Peter Mealy @ Bistro Bethem Join us for half priced pizza, drink specials, and live music , 8-11pm Local Hero's Night at Adventure Brewing, 3:309pm. 20% off if you are a military, police, fire, emergency and teachers. (540) 242-8876 33 Perchwood Dr Unit 101 Fred, VA22405

Wednesday, January 20

as 20 teams for fun and prizes. Loud, brazen and audacious banter is expected and everybody has a great time. Trivia starts at 8pm..(540) 242-8876, 33 Perchwood Dr Unit 101 Fred, VA22405

Friday, January 22

Saturday, January 23

Fredericksburg Festival for the Performing Arts' 2016 Young Artist Competition Finals Concert @ Chancellor Baptist Church, 11324 Gordon Road in Spotsylvania, VA., 7:30pm. fredfest.org or thearts@fredfest.org for more information.

Thursday, January 28

Trivia Night @ Adventure Brewing, Each Thursday our live trivia MC runs a contest between as many as 20 teams for fun and prizes. Loud, brazen and audacious banter is expected and everybody has a great time. Trivia starts at 8pm..(540) 242-8876, 33 Perchwood Dr Unit 101 Fred, VA22405

Friday, January 29

The Fredericksburg Songwriters' Showcase, a monthly acoustic concert series, presents Gwen Levey, Darryl Ellyson, Ben Shirley, and Paulo Franco at 8 p.m. Picker's Supply Concert Hall, above 902 Caroline Street, downtown (enter through the alley round back). Admission is $10 ($5 kids and students). Info @www.burgsongs.org or 540-429-0999.

Saturday, January 30

Trivia Night w/quizmaster Josh Cameli @Sunken Well Tavern. 7:30pm. Get there early to get a seat! 720 Littlepage St.

Tuesday, January 26

Brokedown Boys @ Bistro Bethem, Join us for half priced pizza, drink specials, and live music

Endurance Sports EXPO, a can't miss event for any athlete that participates in any activity, Fred.Expo Center, 10am

Light Jazz @LaPetite Auberge, 311 William St, 8midnight. Light jazz and Latin piano guitar . Featuring Chris Phil Andy & Harry. No cover. lapetiteaubergefred.com

Local Hero's Night at Adventure Brewing, 3:309pm. 20% off if you are a military, police, fire, emergency and teachers. (540) 242-8876 33 Perchwood Dr Unit 101 Fred, VA22405

National touring acts, P.O.D and 10 Years with special guests Dead Letter Circus and War of Ages will be performing at Hard Times Cafe - Four Mile Fork , 8pm

Wednesday, January 27

Sunday January 31

Open Mic at the Rec Center 8 pm .Scott Wagner hosts the coziest and best sounding open mic in Fredericksburg. Sign up starts at 7, music at 8. 213 William St.

Thursday, January 21

PreSchool Palette - Snowy Day, 10am Innovative, hour-long art lessons inspire your child's imagination and creativity. Join Ms. Michelle for hands-on art activities, along with age-appropriate gallery or house museum tours, garden walks, entertaining stories, and more! Geri Melchers Home & Studio, Wshington St, 540-654-1851,

Trivia Night w/quizmaster Josh Cameli @Sunken Well Tavern. 7:30pm. Get there early to get a seat! 720 Littlepage St. Light Jazz @LaPetite Auberge, 311 William St, 8midnight. Light jazz and Latin piano guitar . Featuring Chris Phil Andy & Harry. No cover. lapetiteaubergefred.com Coop's Game Night @Adventure Brewing Co. Every Wednesday our resident game master invites enthusiasts to try out one of our board, card, or other tabke top games.(540) 242-8876, 33 Perchwood Dr Unit 101 Fredericksburg, VA22405 Open Mic at the Rec Center 8 pm .Scott Wagner hosts the coziest and best sounding open mic in Fredericksburg. Sign up starts at 7, music at 8. 213 William St.

Empty Bowl to benefit Empowerhouse. 5-7:30 pm, Elks Lodge #875 on Tidewater Trail. Attend. Buy a ticket. Get involved. Volunteer. www.empowerhouseva.org, (540) 373-9372,

If you are reading this 222 nd issue of FP, thank an advertiser as we celebrate our 19 th year of continuous publication! If you are an advertiser, list your events. Deadline for February 2016 issue is January 20th. To submit events go to frontporchfredericksburg.com/submit

Trivia Night @ Adventure Brewing, Each Thursday our live trivia MC runs a contest between as many

Lexi Grogan’s Pet Sitting Service

2722 Fans (& Growing) Want You to Join

“Your pet becomes my pet while in my care, and I care a lot!”

540-8 899-6 6787 16

January 2016

fortemusicstudios.com Front porch fredericksburg

(540-903-0437; lexig0892@gmail.com) On facebook as “lexi grogan’s pet sitting service”

Front Porch on

front porch fredericksburg

January 2016

CALENDAR of events

Saturday, January 2

Tuesday, January 5

Local Hero's Night at Adventure Brewing, 3:309pm. 20% off if you are a military, police, fire, emergency and teachers. (540) 242-8876 33 Perchwood Dr Unit 101 Fredericksburg, VA22405

Wednesday, January 6

Thursday, January 7

First Friday, January 8

Saturday, January 9

Sunday, January 10

Tuesday, January 12

Wednesday, January 13

Thursday, January 14

Sunday, January 17

Tuesday, Januray 19

Wednesday, January 20

as 20 teams for fun and prizes. Loud, brazen and audacious banter is expected and everybody has a great time. Trivia starts at 8pm..(540) 242-8876, 33 Perchwood Dr Unit 101 Fred, VA22405

Friday, January 22

Saturday, January 23

Thursday, January 28

Friday, January 29

Saturday, January 30

Trivia Night w/quizmaster Josh Cameli @Sunken Well Tavern. 7:30pm. Get there early to get a seat! 720 Littlepage St.

Tuesday, January 26

Brokedown Boys @ Bistro Bethem, Join us for half priced pizza, drink specials, and live music

Endurance Sports EXPO, a can't miss event for any athlete that participates in any activity, Fred.Expo Center, 10am

Light Jazz @LaPetite Auberge, 311 William St, 8midnight. Light jazz and Latin piano guitar . Featuring Chris Phil Andy & Harry. No cover. lapetiteaubergefred.com

Local Hero's Night at Adventure Brewing, 3:309pm. 20% off if you are a military, police, fire, emergency and teachers. (540) 242-8876 33 Perchwood Dr Unit 101 Fred, VA22405

National touring acts, P.O.D and 10 Years with special guests Dead Letter Circus and War of Ages will be performing at Hard Times Cafe - Four Mile Fork , 8pm

Wednesday, January 27

Sunday January 31

Open Mic at the Rec Center 8 pm .Scott Wagner hosts the coziest and best sounding open mic in Fredericksburg. Sign up starts at 7, music at 8. 213 William St.

Thursday, January 21

Empty Bowl to benefit Empowerhouse. 5-7:30 pm, Elks Lodge #875 on Tidewater Trail. Attend. Buy a ticket. Get involved. Volunteer. www.empowerhouseva.org, (540) 373-9372,

Trivia Night @ Adventure Brewing, Each Thursday our live trivia MC runs a contest between as many

Lexi Grogan’s Pet Sitting Service

2722 Fans (& Growing) Want You to Join

“Your pet becomes my pet while in my care, and I care a lot!”

540-8 899-6 6787 16

January 2016

fortemusicstudios.com Front porch fredericksburg

(540-903-0437; lexig0892@gmail.com) On facebook as “lexi grogan’s pet sitting service”

Front Porch on

front porch fredericksburg

January 2016

history’s stories

ARLINGTON

OUR HERITAGE

By Ralph “Tuffy” Hicks

A monthly look at the Central Rappahannock Heritage Center collection

I have always been fascinated with Arlington National Cemetery since I was a young boy watching the changing of the guard with my father and mother. The story of Arlington goes back almost two hundred years prior to the War Between the States to 1669.

By Judy Chaimson and Kathy Habel

Governor Berkeley gave a land grant to Robert Howsen who later transferred title to the Alexander family. The Alexander’s lived on the land until the late 1700’s when it was sold to John P. Custis the stepson of George Washington. John’s son George Washington Parke Custis inherited the vast estate when he was just 21. He chose the hill overlooking Washington as the site for a home that he would name Arlington House. George Washington Parke Custis had a daughter Mary who in June 1831 would marry a young West Point graduate named Robert Edward Lee, 24 years old, in the drawing room of Arlington House. Lee had graduated from West Point without a single demerit. Mary the only child would inherit the home and she and her husband would reside there while he was in the United States Army. Lee spent little time at Arlington as he was away on military duties.

With the advent of the Civil War, Lee made the decision he would follow his state of Virginia. When Virginia left the Union he gave his resignation to the Army on April 20, 1861. He accepted a command in the Confederate Army in Richmond, Virginia. He and his wife Mary left Arlington House

for the final time. The War Department seized Arlington House for the duration of the Civil War. General Montgomery Meigs who disliked Lee, made Arlington House his headquarters. Megs decided to make the grounds at Arlington a Cemetery. On May 13, 1864 the first grave was dug for Private William Christman of the Pennsylvania Infantry. The grave was dug by James Park, a former slave that was born at Arlington House. On June 15 1864 the government officially established Arlington as a National burial place. Robert E. Lee would never return to Arlington House, however, his son sued the government and was awarded the Mansion. He sold it back to the government for $150,000.00 as he said that no one could ever live there again. By the end of the Civil War 5,000 soldiers were buried there. Many Confederate veterans were buried in the cemetery around a monument to their service. Today over 400,000 soldiers from the Revolutionary War and all other conflicts that the United States has been involved in rest there. Several million tourists visit the cemetery yearly. The Tomb of the Unknowns and President John F Kennedy’ tomb are some of the most popular along with the still standing Mansion Arlington House. Visit there with gratitude and respect. DEDICATED TO ANDREW MCDANIEL, JOHN BURRUSS, SUSAN DEPUTY, AND GERALD BROWN

Snow - it will come this winter, to some extent or another, whether we hope for it or wish it away. Winter snowstorms have brought enjoyment, beauty and difficulties to the Fredericksburg region. Transplants from Northern climes have been known to scoff at our response to the first flake – bread, milk and, for some reason, toilet paper fly off grocery store shelves, schools close, generators are tuned up. But, in fact, there have been some notable storms in our history. Many Fredericksburgers still feel the way Elizabeth Stearns’s correspondent did in December, 1933, when she wrote to Elizabeth “I saw the first snow in eight years and it goes without saying twas not a welcome sight. I could do nothing but shiver and pull the covering over my head to shut out the sight of it.” A storm in January of 1863 made travel difficult for Confederate troops stationed near Fredericksburg. Robert Knox wrote to his sister, Virginia: “On the 27th [January] Our Division …was marched twelve miles through the rain to a point six miles above Fredericksburg …We encamped in the woods on the wet ground & during the night it commenced snowing & did not cease until the snow was 8 to 10 inches deep.” Apparently, that storm also provided a means for some recreation for the young men in Robert’s regiment as he describes: “Our Brigade…that is some of each Regiment, charged Genl Armsteads Brigade this morning & drove them from their Camp with snowballs, then both joining together proceeded onward to Genl Toombs Brigade, whipped them [and] then pushed on [to] Genl Kempers Brigade & are now still fighting with snowballs three miles from here…It is quite exciting to see them & to hear their yells as they charge. It sounds very much like the real strife with the exception of the cannon &c.” (Robert T. Knox to sister Virginia – 1 Feb 1863) In 1935, a December storm dumped eight inches in a 35-hour period, but the City was prepared with two

snowplows continuously on the streets. Due to very low temperatures and the depth of the snow, however, few sledders were out on the Cornell Street hill. The popularity of Cornell Street hill in the winters of the 1920’s, 30’s and 40’s is readily seen in oral histories and in newspaper articles of the period. The street was roped off, and sledders would be able to slide from Washington Avenue to Kenmore Avenue in relative safety. During that winter of 1934-35, Dr. Edward Alvey, Jr. hired a horse-drawn sleigh from the livery and taxi service of R. G. Hilldrup and spent the afternoon with his six-year-old daughter riding through Fredericksburg. According to Dr. Alvey, “We became part of the Currier and Ives setting as we glided along that winter afternoon. Adults looked on with nostalgia; some children shouted to us, while others stared incredulously to see a real horse-drawn sleigh.” Whether we see snow as a blessing or a curse, most of us will try to make the best of it, as Fredericksburg residents have done throughout history. The documents at the Heritage Center reveal human-interest stories for all seasons. Visit us on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays in the Maury Commons Building, Fredericksburg. Judy Chaimson and Kathy Habel are with CRHC. photo Princess Anne St, Feb. 1936

HERITAGE CENTER Volunteers needed to process historical documents and aid researchers. Training provided. Phone 540-373-3704 or email crhc@verizon.net Open to the public for scholarly research

Tuffy Hicks shares his historical insights every month in in this column

January 2016

Front porch fredericksburg

locally made merchandise By Byron Glazer

Central Rappahannock

The Heritage Center

By George !

Maury Commons

900 Barton St

Fredericksburg

Back in March Julie Perry, manager of the Fredericksburg Visitor Center, and Bill Freehling, the city’s assistant director for Economic Development, stopped by our studio to find out what we do. We shared some of the projects we were working on, our identity and marketing work for Empowerhouse and our line of ZoLO products. Julie put out a challenge to see if we could apply our unique combination of branding expertise and experience creating product to the Visitor Center. Yes! For about twenty-six years now, both my business partner Sandra Higashi and I have always been in awe of what Fredericksburg offers. Such a rich history, a wonderful community overflowing with inspiration, talent and energy. Sandra and I are both natives of Southern California, rich in culture but our history was the Chumash Indians and the Spanish padres (a bit of stretch). What about a line of product that revolved around one of Fredericksburg’s biggest assets? A character that is almost larger than life yet lived right here. That is how Little George and By George was created. But beyond that, we wanted anyone visiting Fredericksburg to be able to take the experience of touring our illustrious city and surrounding area home with them. Instead of a line of products inspired by our area but made in, say, China, what if we had all of those products made locally? We have Robert Davis and Abbas Haider, of Aspetto, they

could make bags! Those bags could be printed at Itty Bitty Press, they are practically local. We have Liberty Town, Misha Sanborn could make mugs! How about a cherry tree in a can? Good Turn Earth Co., duh! Georgia Rathje of Tart Cart could make Little George Cherry Yum Bars! We could make journals and postcards out of cherry wood from Night Owl, owned by Jennifer Tathum who lived here and worked for us. Close enough. And we think this is just the tip of the iceberg. Once Tramia Jackson and M.C. Moncure of the Stafford Economic Development & Tourism Department got on the bandwagon things really started to take off. Rome wasn‘t built in a day but this line of products practically was thanks to Ray Woodruff, our operations and production manager who can make anything happen. Two weeks after the launch all the mugs have sold out and Misha has had to jump back on the wheel. So we are off to a good start. We are looking forward to expanding the line and are thinking maybe a picture book about Little George would be natural. He grew up here and as a young man all of the influences of that experience led to our first President. It doesn’t get better than that. I cannot tell a lie. I know that might be mythology but it is a dang good one. Byron Glaser is co-founder of Zolo/Higashi Glaser Design. A digital portfolio can be found at higashiglaserdesign.com. Little and By George is available at the Fredericksburg Visitor’s Center, the Mary Washington House and Belmont. front porch fredericksburg

January 2016

history’s stories

ARLINGTON

OUR HERITAGE

By Ralph “Tuffy” Hicks

A monthly look at the Central Rappahannock Heritage Center collection

By Judy Chaimson and Kathy Habel

HERITAGE CENTER Volunteers needed to process historical documents and aid researchers. Training provided. Phone 540-373-3704 or email crhc@verizon.net Open to the public for scholarly research

Tuffy Hicks shares his historical insights every month in in this column

January 2016

Front porch fredericksburg

locally made merchandise By Byron Glazer

Central Rappahannock

The Heritage Center

By George !

Maury Commons

900 Barton St

Fredericksburg

January 2016

Companions

ANIMAL RITES, USA Pet Cremation Service

brush strokes holds fundraiser for rikki’s refuge Rikki Refuge is a 450-acre, no-kill sanctuary for animals at risk. Today the refuge is home to 1,300 animals of more than 22 species, ranging from peacocks and emus to pigs, sheep and goats. Brush Strokes' members pay tribute to the cute critters from Rikki's Refuge (see pg 8, this issue) throughout the month of January. Proceeds from the sale of photos and renderings of Rikki's adorable furry, feathered and frolicking friends will go to the support of the rescued animals who reside there. This crowd pleasing show will bring a smile to your heart. Join us January 8, 2016 for the Artists' reception from 6-9 p.m. at Brush Strokes Gallery, located at 824 Caroline Street in downtown Fredericksburg. Gallery Open Daily 11:00 am to 5:00 pm, 540-368-0560 contact@brushstrokesfredericksburg.com www.brushstrokesfredericksburg.com, www.facebook.com/Brush.Strokes.Gallery

all aboard the train

Private, Individual Cremation “Ralph” by Beverly Toves

Personal Pick Up & Delivery Respect for all “Best Friends” Serving the Area since 2003 Visit Us at Our Website: www.animalritesusa.com Call Us At: 540-361-7487

"Showing off my Colors" by Kathleen Willingham "Emus: Are We There Yet?" by Carol Waite

Full Service Hospital featuring: Grooming Salon Canine & Feline Boarding Dog Training with Play Time Alternative Therapies: Therapy Laser: Helps with Pain Relief, Decreases Inflammation & Enhances Healing Chiropractic Adjustments: Provides Comfort & Restores Motion & Function to many patients "Catitude" by Peggy Wickham

This is NOT a column on New Year resolutions. This is your stake in the ground, your line in the sand, to live a life that has no regrets! Think of 2016 as a train taking you on a journey. You are about to board a train that will take you to the promised land of a healthy, energetic, abundant life. This train runs on the two tracks of nutrition and fitness. These tracks have also come to be known as strength & vitality or discipline & self control and sometimes by their more common name of diet & exercise. Everyone ever born will climb aboard this train. Sadly, many get off at the first station called “Easy Street.” As train travel entails, it can be monotonous and repetitive, with not much room in which to mill around. Others stay on and enjoy the benefits of the train’s ‘conductor’ until the train gets too crowded with other passengers called, freshmen 15, demanding job, fast food, marriage, children, in-laws (they pay extra to ride). But the train keeps a rollin’ along the bend as steady as the conductors pocket watch. It makes its scheduled stops for fuel and maintenance at small towns out west called sprained ankle mountain, wounded knee, migraine falls or gall bladder canyon. And then the steadfast passengers load back up and keep riding. As the train nears the end of the line, it takes about 80 years to get to its destination; these steadfast, faithful passengers have become as few as the hairs on their head. But by golly, they made it. They climb off the train, stretch their backs and legs and briskly walk around taking in the fruitful, fertile

January 2016

Front porch fredericksburg

I, too, have been on this train and I will continue to ride this train with you to the end. Let’s finish the trip together! On the train I will teach you how to build a lifestyle of strength, peace, vitality, wisdom, and yes discipline and self-control. I have been a conductor on this train for a long time. I have encouraged many passengers to stay on the Good Choice train and not get off when the trip gets tiresome and tedious. You probably have noticed already, but the train seems to pick up speed as it nears the destination. But if you stay on the train you will arrive in much better condition than had you chosen to disembark at the beginning and walked to the final destination. Because we will all arrive at the final destination sooner or later. The best part about this train is that you can jump on at any time in your life! The train is no respecter of person. With just a wave of your hand, and the commitment to embark, the Good Choice train will stop and welcome you aboard. As your conductor, it is my privilege to help carry your bags and stow them in the overhead compartment. Joan Geisler is a certified nutrition coach at Golds Gym. Contact her for her tips on simple baby steps to begin new habits for the new year. at trainerjoans@gmail.com

What? After Christmas blues? Doesn’t seem to make sense. But wait. Think about it. Let me elaborate on some themes. Did you hope for less conflict this holiday? Hope somebody doesn’t drink so much? Hope NOT TO drink so much? Then there are those unresolved hopes from the past. Fantasies of being loved and accepted, played out in gifts that are unsatisfying. Those gifts that just don’t satisfy those longings to be understood, acknowledged, validated, symbolized in those gifts. Then, those reactions from loved ones that leave you upset, angry. As an adult, you have learned to dismiss these feelings. You say “that’s childish. It’s the gift, the thought that counts.” And then, still there is the nagging irritation, “why do I let that bother me. They always….or “they never…” If dismissing these thoughts is successful, go for it. If not, read on. Never mind, the bills, the money you spent, willingly or honestly out of obligation. But then, maybe you did stay within your budget. There is something else that can be troublesome, more tenacious, emotionally. Maybe it was an effort to negate a misdeed, a gift of remorse. You know it was your, possibly hopeless , effort to free yourself from self blame or those disapproving looks, or even worse. Then, there follows, obsessing back and forth. As if that weren’t enough, you can look forward to that dreaded cultural expectation to make “ New Year’s resolution.” That belief that the new year can reverse bad habits with motivation rears its hateful head.. Of course, you know that not exercising, not eating right tend to be the most common aspirations for changing. And often, the failed aspiration and follow through past January. Wow. Reading this, maybe, gave you the Blues or helped you see that others share these reactions There is some thought that more depression and even suicides occur after

the holidays than actually d u r i n g distractions of hurrying, being lost in the lights and the singing and buying presents. Many colleagues agree. The worrisome times, tend to be at other moments, such as anniversaries of deaths, d i v o r c e s , miscarriages, friendships having ended. All told, these are our own personal and unique Truths. Experiences that give us meaning, purpose and joy. Or not. Should you be able to just release these, go for it. Another season comes, better next year. Protect yourself with boundaries inside and out…Stay out of the way of bad behavior in others, absent yourself, limit conversations, go home. Also, no drinking or drugging your sorrows away Watch yourself. How are you doing now? How much are you bogged down? you might ask a friend of family member for a take on it. .If one was already on edge with depression, these struggles complicate sorting out the disappointments. One could possibly even relive conclusions reached about failures perceived inadequacies, rejections and more pervasive feelings of hopelessness. Don’t go it alone. Depression is the Great Deceiver, making you think you will feel this way forever. If truly one HAS felt this way forever. Talk to somebody. Somebody who can “get you”. Now THAT is a New Year’s resolution that can be life changing. Barbara Deal MA, LCSW is a psychotherapist at Mental Health Resources, ( 540 ) 899-9826

35 Monuments, Markers, & Attractions AND the Fredericksburg Battlefields Weddings Reunions Shuttles Parties Group Outings

540/374-0462 10 Walsh Lane

scenery. They look forward to the days to come because they are clothed with strength and dignity and their arms are strong for their task. I call this train “Good Choices.”

Old Town’s Greatest Tour

Stacy L. Horner-Dunn, DVM Gary B. Dunn, DVM Melanie M. Bell, DVM Sandi L. Pepper, DVM Melissa A. DeLauter, DVM Jennifer V. Skarbek, DVM Sheree M. Corbin, DVM

www.woahvets.com

post holiday blues By Barbara Deal

by Joan M. Geisler

When it’s time to say “Good-bye”

"Where Is Mine? by Penny Parrish

Renew

Mind Your Mind

Fredericksburgtrolley.com

540-898-0737 front porch fredericksburg

January 2016

Companions

ANIMAL RITES, USA Pet Cremation Service

all aboard the train

Private, Individual Cremation “Ralph” by Beverly Toves

Personal Pick Up & Delivery Respect for all “Best Friends” Serving the Area since 2003 Visit Us at Our Website: www.animalritesusa.com Call Us At: 540-361-7487

"Showing off my Colors" by Kathleen Willingham "Emus: Are We There Yet?" by Carol Waite

January 2016

Front porch fredericksburg

35 Monuments, Markers, & Attractions AND the Fredericksburg Battlefields Weddings Reunions Shuttles Parties Group Outings

540/374-0462 10 Walsh Lane

scenery. They look forward to the days to come because they are clothed with strength and dignity and their arms are strong for their task. I call this train “Good Choices.”

Old Town’s Greatest Tour

Stacy L. Horner-Dunn, DVM Gary B. Dunn, DVM Melanie M. Bell, DVM Sandi L. Pepper, DVM Melissa A. DeLauter, DVM Jennifer V. Skarbek, DVM Sheree M. Corbin, DVM

www.woahvets.com

post holiday blues By Barbara Deal

by Joan M. Geisler

When it’s time to say “Good-bye”

"Where Is Mine? by Penny Parrish

Renew

Mind Your Mind

Fredericksburgtrolley.com

540-898-0737 front porch fredericksburg

January 2016

Senior Care centenarian spirit By Karl Karch

Lexi Grogan’s Pet Sitting Service “Your pet becomes my pet while in my care, and I care a lot!” - Lexi (540-903-0437; lexig0892@gmail.com) On facebook as “lexi grogan’s pet sitting service” Prices: Dogs - $15 per canine per visit Cats - $12 per feline per visit

Another year has passed and every day 10,000 Baby Boomers reach the age of 65. The 85 plus age group continues to be the fastest growing segment of the population. From 1900 to 2013, the percentage of Americans 65+ has more than tripled while the 85+ group (6 million) was 49 times larger. There were 67,347 people age 100 or older in 2013, more than double the 1980 figure of 32,194. Lynn Adler, founder and director of the not-for-profit National Centenarian Awareness Project said: “People have been fascinated by longevity ever since learning of Ponce de Leon’s search in Florida, five centuries ago, for the fountain of youth.” From her talks with thousands of centenarians, Lynn found that many have a positive yet realistic attitude about life. Many people in their 60s and 70s might complain about disabilities and a declining quality of life while centenarians typically recognize their limits and cherish their lives. According to Adler, "They accept the losses and changes that come with aging, and don't let it stop them. They find ways to cope, adjust, adapt." In my March 2015 article, I referred to this as “resilient aging”. Dr. Thomas Perls, a geriatrician at the Boston University Medical School and founding director of the New England Centenarian Study also studies centenarians. He uncovered some similar secrets to achieving a long life. The New England study found that most centenarians share several characteristics among those being: emotional resilience, self-sufficiency, intellectual activity, a good sense of humor, religious beliefs, strong connections with other people, and a zest for life. One key finding was the phenomenal ability of centenarians to cope with diseases as they age. They avoided age-related disabilities even though they had age-related diseases,

January 2016

another key to resilient aging. A great example of redefining longevity is Garnett Beckman. Ms. Beckman was born in Newport News, VA on April 23, 1907 and grew up on a farm along the Rappahannock River. She attended Lynchburg College and after graduation taught high school in Beckley WV and Alexandria VA. She hiked the Grand Canyon a total of 22 times from age 75 to 91. In her 80s, she went trekking the Andes in Ecuador and whitewater rafting near Juneau, Alaska. "Retirees have time on their hands," she said in a 2003 Arizona Republic interview. "So why not fall in love with your body and take an interest in it." Garnett never wanted to be defined for her longevity as a centenarian but just as a “little old lady who walks”. Although she stopped hiking the Grand Canyon at 91, she continued to remain active by taking walks closer to home, sometimes to the senior center where she volunteered and taught bridge on weekends. Ms. Beckman died peacefully on November 26, 2010 at the age of 103. Her obituary stated: “Garnett was a force of nature, a woman propelled by sheer will power, whose zest for life was unparalleled. One of her mottos was ‘keep moving, so you can keep moving’.” Attitude is an important factor exhibited by the “centenarian spirit”. Well before reaching the oldest of the oldest old status, they act as if they are still living, rather than dying. So, help redefine longevity and heed great advice from Here’s a New Year’s centenarians. resolution applicable to all ages. Fall in love with your body, have a zest for life, and “keep moving, so you can keep moving”. Happy New Year! Karl Karch is a local franchise owner of Home Instead Senior Care, a licensed home care organization providing personal care, companionship and home helper services in the Fredericksburg and Culpeper region.

Front porch fredericksburg

Emancipated Patients resolutions for patients

Wellness a successful resolution

by patrick neustatter, MD Better value, more love for your pet than if you kennel board him!

It is of course New Year, and time to make all those resolutions. I like the one about how resolutions are like babies – fun to make, but difficult to maintain. For the sake of your poor overstretched doctor I would like to propose a list of resolutions all patients should adopt (but don’t expect your doctor to reciprocate as we are all guided by the maxim “do as I say not as I do”) If I was really cynical, I would put top of the list: Be Insured – or alternatively rich enough to pay the bill. “Self-pay” is the euphemism used in the business to describe patient who don’t have insurance. But which all too often actually means “don’t-pay.” Not the doctor’s favorite. Be Straightforward: Don’t present with one of those conditions that drive doctors mad – like fatigue (as a lark, I Google’d “causes of fatigue” once. The result? “The majority of illnesses known to man list fatigue.”). Be Brief: save your loquaciousness for the New Years Party. Doctors want the hard dry (brief) facts – because, as you understand, they’re always running late. When you insist on telling your doctor the details of the car you were fixing when your back went out. Or what the maître d said at the restaurant where you caught the food poisoning, your doctor may just grab you by the lapels, shake you violently and say “get to the point.” Be Appropriately Dressed: I went and helped out at Colonial Forge High School one time doing sports physicals. Every girl I tried to examine was wearing a cameo, and to get a good listen to their heart or lungs required a lot of very unseemly pulling and forcing of the stethoscope down around their boobs.

And then scandalized hateful looks from these buds. Be Demure: By which I mean don’t be belligerent and demanding. Although as an enthusiastic proponent of medically emancipated patients I am encouraging some assertiveness, together with being involved and informed. But that’s not quite the same. I had a job once driving around Melbourne, in Australia, all night doing house calls. I was called to see a kid who had an obvious cold/viral infection, but the mother refused to pay because I wouldn’t (inappropriately) prescribe him penicillin “like his proper doctor always does.” She wasn’t demure. Patients on opiates who have just run out tend not to be demure. Patients are not demure when they demand they be prescribed the latest ED medicine they saw advertised on TV last night. Lastly be a good communicator. Tell the doctor your symptoms not your diagnosis. If ‘no-speeka-da-samelanguage” take a translator. If your deaf bring a signer perhaps? Though I had a deaf patient who I couldn’t talk to, but who communicated his needs perfectly, through a mime act that would put Marcel Marceau to shame. Incidentally, did you know there are different accents for sign language for people from different places? Of course the best resolution of all is, don’t get sick – but as the cynics point out, your doctor won’t love you if you’re well and never need to see him. Remember he has a boat payment to make. Patrick Neustatter is the Medical Director of the Moss Free Clinic. He is interested in stories of emancipated patients/people and would like to hear any stories of this kind from any readers. Contact him at pneustatter@aol.com

By dan czajka Welcome to 2016! Yet another year has passed and now many of us will make our New Year’s resolution; committing to eat less, exercise more, reduce stress, etc. Regardless of the resolution, we often fall short of achieving our desired outcome. Why might this be the case? Well, the answer to that question is as complex as each individual and the resolution they set. Several prominent findings have surfaced regarding this topic, which we will explore in a bit more depth. Carleton University professor of psychology, Timothy Pychyl, states that many resolutions are half-measures, attempting to motivate the individual in a behavioral change to which they are not truly prepared to commit. This predicament leads to failure more often than not, lowering motivation and perceptions of self-worth. Similarly, Dr. Arya Sharma of the Canadian Obesity Network, has noted that many people set unrealistic goals for their personal circumstances. Psychology professor Peter Herman and his colleagues termed this situation "false hope syndrome,” identifying an inconsistency between the individual’s ability and their perception of themselves. False hope syndrome generally results in heightened expectations of success, paired with devastating failure when the goal is not achieved. Building upon this idea, psychological research has shown that the perceived benefits of failed personal goals are often generalized beyond their actual impact. For example, if someone sets their New Year’s resolution as eating healthier, they may think that this change will make them a happier person because they could lose weight, exercise more, and make friends in the process. While eating more nutritional foods may influence these aspects of the individual’s life, the degree

of this influence is limited. When the perceived returns of the resolution investment do not come, people often feel defeated and stray from their goal. Fortunately, there are three key strategies to achieve your resolution this year and the years to come. According to the American Psychological Association (APA), developing realistic goals is key to success. In order to make sure that goals are realistic, one should develop the ultimate goal first and establish a timeline for more immediate achievements to progress to that goal throughout the year. The APA also suggests establishing a support system for your goal by telling others of your plans and asking them to check-in on your progress at random times. This support will heighten your awareness of the goal and raise the stakes beyond your personal knowledge of success. Finally, you should be willing to have some flexibility within your goal. Circumstances will inevitably change throughout the year that may make your objective difficult to attain. Provide yourself with some leeway, achieving a bit less or surpassing your original goal. Keep in mind, no matter what resolution you decide to attempt, you are ultimately committing to selfimprovement. Like so many things in our lives, self-improvement is on a spectrum and can be adjusted. Pride yourself on making a positive gain, despite the quantity, as some improvement is better than none. As always, stay happy and healthy!

Dan Czajka is the Community Development Manager for the Fredericksburg Area HIV & AIDS Support Services and can be contacted at (540) 371-7532 or www.fahass.org.

The Natural Path Holistic Health Center

~Nature’s Sunshine Products ~Quantitative Fluid Analysis ~VoiceBio Analysis ~ionSpa Foot Detox ~Zyto Bioscan Compass Natural Products for Health & Wellness

online: www.save7lives.org

Barbara Bergquist, CTN Board Certified Traditional Naturopath

891-6200

www.thenaturalpath.us

4413 Lafayette Blvd. Fredericksburg

in person: Dept. of Motor Vehicles front porch fredericksburg

January 2016

Senior Care centenarian spirit By Karl Karch

January 2016

Front porch fredericksburg

Emancipated Patients resolutions for patients

Wellness a successful resolution

by patrick neustatter, MD Better value, more love for your pet than if you kennel board him!

Dan Czajka is the Community Development Manager for the Fredericksburg Area HIV & AIDS Support Services and can be contacted at (540) 371-7532 or www.fahass.org.

The Natural Path Holistic Health Center

~Nature’s Sunshine Products ~Quantitative Fluid Analysis ~VoiceBio Analysis ~ionSpa Foot Detox ~Zyto Bioscan Compass Natural Products for Health & Wellness

online: www.save7lives.org

Barbara Bergquist, CTN Board Certified Traditional Naturopath

891-6200

www.thenaturalpath.us

4413 Lafayette Blvd. Fredericksburg

in person: Dept. of Motor Vehicles front porch fredericksburg

January 2016

Global Perspectives Photography opens a Year of Diversity in Art at UUFF Gallery

By A.E.Bayne

Stories

of fredericksburg

by ryan poe

A paired photography show from Seth Craig and Saeed Ordoubadi kicks off UUFF Gallery’s Year of Diversity in Art. An opening will be held on Sunday, January 3, 2016, from 11:30 a.m. until 2:00 p.m., at 25 Chalice Circle in Fredericksburg. Come out and enjoy this pairing of populations, cultures, and natural habitats that span the globe.

of wildlife and the people living near it. Craig’s work shows not only the nurturing of life, but the pitfalls and trepidations as well. From the mama cheetah dutifully carrying her curious cub back to the fold by the scruff of his neck, to the elephant family nurturing a calf near a water hole, to the mother warthog leading three piglets in search of grubs, Craig’s photos strike chords in the hearts of his audience. Each photo tells a story, and Craig eagerly shares his personal encounters with the humans and animals in his them. Saeed Ordoubadi begins his artist statement, “I was born in the ancient city of Shiraz – the city that gave the world her deep red wine.” Though he spent his professional life as a researcher, statistician, economist and university faculty, Ordoubadi describes the “rebirth” he has experienced in his retirement: “All my life I was mesmerized by light “Quizzacle Leopard”, Seth Craig and colors and the images Seth Craig may be most familiar they create. Everywhere I worked, there as a local physician, but many know him were lots of lights, day and night. The for his skills with a camera as well. lights, however, were all artificial, the Encompassing over fifteen years of cross- colors unnatural, and the images appeared continental travel with an eye toward the fake.” In retirement, Ordoubadi says he natural world, Craig’s photography will has learned a new language, “the language transport you to the veldt of Africa and of the soul spoken in images.” dazzle you with the deserts of India. It A Taste of Cuba is a selection of images Ordoubadi captured during a weeklong visit to the country, which he describes as rich with culture, warm people, and beautiful bright c o l o r s . Ordoubadi says, “It has been a marvelous soulful journey. I hope the viewers hear “Daily Life”, Saeed Ordoubadi the Soul the way I will carry you from the coastline of heard her speaking to me.” California, to the peaks and valleys of the The show and gallery will be open Adirondacks, to the banks of our very own Sundays directly after services or by Rappahannock River. With clarity and appointment throughout January and precision, Craig captures the rich February. Stop by during open hours, or biodiversity of our planet while infusing a call (540) 310-4001 to set up an sense of spirituality and universal appointment. meaning into each piece. Information provided by the Visual Arts Craig reveals these connections Committee at UUFF Gallery, in his unique and detailed close captures Fredericksburg, Virginia.

January 2016

Front porch fredericksburg

I met Brian Lam one afternoon for tea near his downtown spa, Skin +Touch. It was unseasonably warm for December so we sat outside. I asked Brian how long he’s lived in Fredericksburg. “It’s been five years now. I was just thinking about it. I feel like we’re sophomores. We’re not freshmen where we know a few people, but we’re certainly not seniors.” I know the feeling. I moved here when I was three and there are still times when I feel like a transplant just because my family hasn’t lived here for multiple generations. But at the same time Fredericksburg is a welcoming place. Brian went on to tell me how his business got started. “I was working at a spa in New York and I thought if we were to move to Fredericksburg, I’ll work a little bit and see what there was. I worked for a couple months and then I was like, ‘Ok, I think I’m ready to breakout and do my own thing.’ I started real small. I rented an office by the Friends of the Rappahannock. It was just the bottom part of the building in the middle of the woods. I liked it because it was secluded but I think people were like, ‘It was really hard to find and I didn’t even know there was a building back here.’ I made them drive through a wooded area so it was kinda of creepy. But I think people got it after a bit and fortunately they stuck with me. Eventually it grew and I was like, ‘I want to move downtown.’ I found another little spot and now this is the third spot (714 Caroline

Street). I never thought that I would have it be this big but there was an opportunity there to do it, so I did it. There’s good opportunities for people who want to be an entrepreneur. I don’t think it’s the easiest thing. I don’t think everyone should do it. You know, you need some skills and you do it right and you put in the time. This place is not oversaturated with businesses, so there’s openings for opportunity.” “Lately I’ve been inspired when I meet people who are doing things. We have a lot of talent in this town. There’s a lot of opportunity to meet and work with them. When I see their work, I’m like, ‘Oh! This is awesome! It’s not such a small town and here are these awesome people doing their thing.’ Great artists or designers. Those are the people that I’m attracted to because they’re creating different worlds.” “I’ve been working with Main Street and we’re doing this branding thing. I’m in this meeting with several artists and other public people. And Byron [Glaser] and Sandra [Higashi] are showing this branding and it struck me, ‘This is kind of brilliant. It’s really great.’ And there’s Gabe and Scarlett [Pons] next to me and I really respect their work. In this little meeting there’s these great people that do work and now they’re doing this for the city and it will be really great when we launch it.” “The last two years I’ve been building my business, so I’ve been holed up in my own thing. And now I’m like, ‘I gotta get out there and meet other people and see what they’re doing.’ We’re all dayto-day doing our daily grind but then it’s nice to meet other people when they do their thing and just appreciate their work. I feel like the business is going well enough and I can start meeting more people. Get inspired more. I’m looking forward to that in the new year.” You can meet Brian and see what he does at Skin+Touch Therapy Spa on Caroline Street.

flashback Remember the blizzard of 2010? It’s one thing to have a wedding. It’s quite another to have a wedding when it seems that the forces of nature are working against you. Honestly, when you get two feet of unexpected snow in Fredericksburg Virginia what are you suppose to do? You’re still suppose to get married – and that’s exactly what Kyle and Christie did. The memorable weather made for some even more memorable photos that set the scene for this gorgeous winter wedding! What were you doing during this blizzard? Mary Dougherty Fine Art Wedding Photos www.marydougherty.com

If you have a Story of Fredericksburg, email storyfburg@gmail.com. Ryan Poe is a father, husband, son, and brother living in Fredericksburg. He brings us "snippets" of real 'Burg folks each month in FP. Photo by Ryan Poe

front porch fredericksburg

January 2016

Global Perspectives Photography opens a Year of Diversity in Art at UUFF Gallery

By A.E.Bayne

Stories

of fredericksburg

by ryan poe

January 2016

Front porch fredericksburg

front porch fredericksburg

January 2016

On Stage !

FXBG Music Scene 606 Caroline Street Old Town Fredericksburg

Caroline Community Theatre Troupe

373-7847 www.gemstonecreations.org

By scott richards The Caroline Community Theatre presented the Tom Dudzick play Greetings, a play that deals with the reaction of a Catholic family when the son brings home a girl who is an Jewish atheist for Christmas and introduces her as his fiancée. This is not your typical Christmas play. In this masterpiece, Dudzick lays out a discussion involving a crotchety retiree Phil Gorski, his sweet wife Emily, and their son Andy and his fiancée, Randi Stein. Off to the side, at first, is Andy's intellectually challenged brother, Mickey, who has a very limited vocabulary. Beginning with the difference with the family's stand on Catholicism as opposed Judaism, the conversation moves quickly to a God and not God argument when it is discovered Randi is an atheist. Traditional theology and New Age ideology soon become the center of the conversation that is decidedly cerebral, yet at the same time very emotional. At the height of this discussion, Mickey stands up and begins speaking in a clear and concise, somewhat British voice. A wily and wise spirit, known as Lucious, channels off and on through Mickey and speaks with each member of the family, including Randi, helping them to uncover past events and hurts that have isolated them from each other and from society as a whole. Presented throughout the latter part of the production was the theme of one's struggles with the past ideals in relationship to the discovery of a changing reality. At one point the question was posed whether old ways are worth it just because they are old ways or should the heart be listened to? At the end, differences in individuals was celebrated and embraced. Rift with intellectual conflict and emotional highs and lows, the cast could not have been more natural. David

Own The Movie A 40-minute film with aerial and underwater photography that tells the story of the Rappahannock River from the Blue Ridge Mountains to the Chesapeake Bay.

DVD $14.95; Members $11.96 www.riverfriends.org 540-373-3448 3219 Fall Hill Ave.

January 2016

Front porch fredericksburg

Featherston was a natural as a crotchety old retiree. No stranger to the stage, Featherston has been acting since 1964, appearing in six states, three countries and Washington, DC. His experience and expertise came f o r t h immediately. T w o veterans of the left to right: Justin Smith, Kelly Snead, Will Whiteside, C a r o l i n e Penni Resio Curtis, and seated, David Featherston C o m m u n i t y Theatre, Kelly Snead as Randi Stein, and and delve into the story as it is being Justin Smith as Mickey Gorski, added a presented. , finally got off the night shift depth that would have left this play and the theatrical community is all the wanting without their participation. better for it. Greetings! was a very difficult Snead's facial expression and body language interpreted her role more than play, very well written and portrayed her lines. Justin Smith, who did not sing excellently by the troupe at the Theatre. for the first time in many productions, This type of play speaks to the expertise was stellar in his portrayal of Mickey. shown by the Sneads and those who take a While conversation was going on, Smith part in the leadership here. While there was totally in character, rocking back and are those who can be counted on time and forth, playing with Christmas ornaments, time again to appear at the Caroline and displaying facial and body language Community Theatre (that's you Justin that was totally convincing. His Smith) there are new people appearing at transformation back and forth from every play put on, speaking of the Mickey to Lucious and back again had to popularity of this troupe. John Snead, who with his wife be difficult, but was pulled off with out a Kelly Snead, helped start Caroline hitch. "This role took a lot of Community Theatre, stated, "We are concentration," remarked Smith, "There constantly searching for new talent to put in a play." was no room to break character." Auditions for The Foreigner will Penelope "Penni" Resio Curtis, a be held January 17 and 18. Go to newcomer to the Caroline troupe has been www.carolinetheatre.org for more info. involved in theater for some time and is another one who uses both experience and talent to carry out a natural role that invites the audience to forget themselves

Scott Richards is owner of Loch Haven Vineyards, and a free lance writer

Songwriters’ Showcase: Paulo Franco and more by Lou Gramann

Tuesday - Saturday 10-5 Wednesdays until 6:30 and by appointment

Where Fredericksburg Gets Engaged

rs avo g l F 30 untin o &C

Lem

ona

Mon-Sat: 10a-6p; Sun: 1-5p 810 Caroline Sr. #104 ~ 540.899.3714 www.juspopn.com

January 29 brings the kind of ‘something for everyone’ line-up that helped the Fredericksburg Songwriters’ Showcase build its reputation. Four performers will share the stage. Ben Shirley writes songs and instrumentals for bluegrass banjo. Darryl Ellyson is a longtime blues performer. They will go round-robin with UMW student Gwen Levey’s pop influences and the multi-faceted Paulo Franco. In an email interview, Franco talked about his music and his background. “I love making music,” he says. “It’s in my DNA. My day job pays the bills to keep the lights on and my daughter in college. The music pays the bills I owe to my soul.” Franco has played extensively in his hometown Richmond area and in Northern Virginia, as well as in Austin, Boston and other large cities. You may already know him as part of Paulo Franco and the Rateros. At his solo gigs, however, most of the songs he does are originals, often inspired by his family. A country-rock tune, “Married in a Black Dress,” tells how Franco’s mother chose to defy tradition in her native Colombia. Franco’s grandmother had insisted that his parents marry in Colombia by proxy, rather than let her marry in the US where Franco’s Dad was doing post-grad studies at U Penn. The song tells of her spunky response. Franco also writes in Spanish, a part of his heritage as a first generation American. One of his favorite bands is Los Lobos, he says, and he recently began fusing traditional Latin music with American rock and roll. One such fusion, ‘La Estrella del País’ (‘The Star of the Country’), is an homage to his parents home town of Medellín. Other songs are more bluesy, like ‘White Line Highway.” Franco cites diverse musical styles influencing his originals, but says not all of his songs make it to the stage. He was careful in choosing the

songs for his second CD, due out in Spring. “I’ve written a ton of songs that will never pass through the ear canals of another person,” he says with a songwriter’s flair for imagery. “You have to write the bad ones to let the good ones come out.” Franco looks forward to playing FSS and performing here for the first time. “This is an opportunity to play Fredericksburg and get known up there, in a setting that suits what I do,” he says.

“Doing shows like this allows me to meet other songwriters, to see what other folks are doing. I’ve developed a lot of friendships through these types of gigs.” A few years ago, he says, he became friends with Ray Woodruff (of our Burg) when the two played at the same show. Woodruff suggested Franco’s name to FSS director Tres Seaver and hopes to attend the show, weather permitting of course. Weather Note: If you see snow on January 29, don’t let that ruin your plans to go downtown for some music. If roads are clear and there is parking available for the audience, the show will go on. The same rule holds for February 26, when the showcase will present Gaye & the Wild Rutz and Eyes Like Birds. Check www.burgsongs.org Lou Gramann is a volunteer for the Fredericksburg Songwriters Showcase and loves the snow.

front porch fredericksburg

January 2016

On Stage !

FXBG Music Scene 606 Caroline Street Old Town Fredericksburg

Caroline Community Theatre Troupe

373-7847 www.gemstonecreations.org

Own The Movie A 40-minute film with aerial and underwater photography that tells the story of the Rappahannock River from the Blue Ridge Mountains to the Chesapeake Bay.

DVD $14.95; Members $11.96 www.riverfriends.org 540-373-3448 3219 Fall Hill Ave.

January 2016

Front porch fredericksburg

Scott Richards is owner of Loch Haven Vineyards, and a free lance writer

Songwriters’ Showcase: Paulo Franco and more by Lou Gramann

Tuesday - Saturday 10-5 Wednesdays until 6:30 and by appointment

Where Fredericksburg Gets Engaged

rs avo g l F 30 untin o &C

Lem

ona

Mon-Sat: 10a-6p; Sun: 1-5p 810 Caroline Sr. #104 ~ 540.899.3714 www.juspopn.com

front porch fredericksburg

January 2016

Martha Hutzel new CRRL director by caroline parr

The Board of Trustees of the Central Rappahannock Regional Library is pleased to announce their appointment of Martha Hutzel as the Director of the Library, effective January 1, 2016. She was selected from a pool of candidates after a nationwide search. She replaces Director Donna Cote, who retired September 11, 2015, following 44 years of service at CRRL. The Library Board selected Hutzel from a national pool of candidates. Kathryn Miller, Chair of the Library Board, stated, “The Library Board is very pleased to have someone of Martha’s caliber take this important position of leadership in the community. We feel sure that her expertise in library leadership, advocacy, community relations and library management will benefit library customers, staff and the community at large.” Ms. Hutzel has more than twenty years of professional library experience and holds an MLS from the University of Maryland at College Park and a BS in Public Administration from St. Francis College. She has worked for the CRRL since 1988 in positions ranging from Head of the Circulation Department to Branch Manager of the Snow, Porter and England

Run libraries. At the England Run Library, which she has managed since 2013, she oversaw successful community-wide programs such as the Festival of Makers in 2014 and CRRL-Con, a comic book convention, in 2015. Hutzel is very active in community organizations, where she has served as the secretary and president of the North Stafford Rotary Club; as a Steering Committee member of the Chamber of Commerce Network of Enterprising Women; and as an Advisory Board member of the Leadership Colloquium at the University of Mary Washington. She was elected President of the Virginia Library Association for the 2015-2016 year. “It has been my honor to work with some of the brightest, most highly motivated professionals in any field. I feel privileged to serve the public in an institution that has garnered so much genuine respect and admiration in our community, our state and across the Nation.”, states Martha. “I believe that libraries are uniquely positioned to lead their communities in new ideas, technologies, programs and services and that public libraries in particular are already on their way to becoming the best community resource available to every citizen. "My vision is for CRRL to continue to be the best source for life long education for everyone in the region, to continue our community partnerships to an even stronger degree, to offer the absolute best customer service possible, and to continue to transform this community," she said. Caroline Parr, is the Deputy Director of CRRL. Contact her at 540-372-1160 or cparr@crrl.org

Concert Held to Celebrate the Life of Molly Rheinholtz Maxine, Abeel & Hoskins to perform at St. George’s

The Parisi Speed School Making Athletes of Us All

comes to hugh mercer elementary By Christina Ferber

Soprano Toni Maxine, Cellist Chris Abeel, and Pianist Cathy Hoskins will perform a concert to celebrate the life Molly Rheinholtz on January 10, 2016 at 3:00 pm at St. George’s Episcopal Church. “Molly’s love for life touched everyone she met,” explained soloist and concert organizer Toni Maxine. “While she is deeply missed, we want to celebrate her life through music.” Music selections include: “Panis Angelicus” by Cesar Franck, “Ave Maria” by Franz Schubert, “Can’t Help Lovin’ that Man of Mine” by Jerome Kern, and many more. “The music for the concert is not only beautiful, but also has a special connection to Molly,” noted Maxine. Molly Rheinholtz died unexpectedly in October of 2015 at the age of 55, leaving numerous loved ones to grieve at the sudden loss of their dearly loved friend. Three of them joined together to honor her memory in the best way they knew how—with an afternoon of music. Toni Maxine, Chris Abeel, and Cathy Hoskins hope to honor Molly with a celebration of hope and love that only music can achieve. There is no admission fee for concert. At the close, a love offering will be taken to benefit Molly Rheinholtz’s daughters. For more information, contact operatoni@hotmail.com. About the Performers: The cello has been described as the most human of all instruments. Cellist and cello intertwine as the musician gently coaxes a melody from the strings. This physical relationship mirrors that of a soloist and her voice. Cellist Chris Abeel and Soprano Toni Maxine bring these expressions to life and, with the delicate touch of Cathy Hoskins at the piano, create a musical experience unlike any other. Combined these three ladies have been performing and teaching for decades within the

Fredericksburg community. Audiences have described their performances as a “peaceful escape to a beautiful place”. With Music for Molly, these performers hope to do just that for their audience as they dedicate this concert to their dear friend.

Music for Molly: A musical celebration of the life of Molly Rheinholtz will take place Sunday, January 10 at 3:00 pm at St. George’s Episcopal Church.

For more info: (540) 455- 3405 operatoni@hotmail.com

JANE GOODALL I NSTITUTE

The number one fear among parents of young athletes is that their child will get injured. In fact between 2001 and 2009, 2.7 million kids under age 20 were treated for sports-related injuries (Centers of Disease Control and Prevention). Fortunately, The Fredericksburg Parisi Speed School aims to change that statistic by offering children and adults a place to develop and sharpen their sports skills in a safe environment focused on injury prevention. “The Parisi program doesn’t cater to a mass group of people where you have to sit on a bench. Instead every kid gets a chance to play here and every child gets the opportunity to improve,” says Dr. Andrew Reno, owner of Fredericksburg’s Parisi. Classes offered focus on skills such as change of direction, linear speed, strength, and total conditioning that helps build cardiovascular endurance. After a free evaluation, a membership plan provides the chance to drop into any class that fits the child’s level. The school also offers team training that helps develop speed and strength specific to a sport while reducing risk of injuries on the field.

“One of the reasons I opened this school was to give children a place to work on their athletic ability in a fun way. They aren’t yelled at or drilled, instead we focus on developing confidence and motivation while working on skills needed to excel at their sport” says Dr. Reno. “It’s all about the ride home. Our aim is to have every kid talking about their class and how much fun they had, while at the same time helping them develop into better athletes.” His background as a chiropractor (he is also owner of the Spine & Injury Center of Fredericksburg) as well as his new international certification that allows him to work with Olympic athletes, has been a big motivator in opening the free standing gym in June of this year. He wanted to focus on the youth sports aspect first, but will also be expanding classes to adults this month. Starting January 1st, adult programming will help those who may have sat at a desk for a period of time get back into the fitness world, and those who are already in it improve their abilities. A physical therapy technique, called functional movement screening, takes participants through a series of movement patterns and can basically predict an injury before it occurs. Dr. Reno mentions that it is important to fix the patterns of injury first before really delving into a workout. The workout then becomes unique to every individual. “The goal of our school is to help everyone learn how to reduce the risk of injury and improve their functional movement patterns to become faster, stronger, and more confident,” says Dr. Reno. Parisi is located at 4110 Lafayette Boulevard. To find out more about the programs they offer, visit www.speedandstrengthschool.com or call 540-207-3009. Christina Ferber reports on many of the ‘Burgs unique businesses each month in FP

by Ann Kuo As 400 pant-hoots echoed throughout the gymnasium, Shawn Sweeney, of the Jane Goodall Institute (JGI), continued sharing with the students at Hugh Mercer Elementary about the behavior of chimpanzees and the importance of conservation. More importantly, that each of them can help do their part in supporting conservation. This key message—that everyone can help protect wildlife and do their part in conservation, and the importance of reaching today’s youth—is a critical aspect Day CEO Rebecca Rubin’s of Marstel-D #StandwithWildlife Campaign. Rubin shared that, “when I look at this audience, I see the future of conservation” and her hope is that activities like this one are something they will remember all their lives. The kindergartners, 1st, and 2nd graders at Hugh Mercer gathered in the gymnasium to learn about Jane Goodall’s Roots & Shoots program. Shawn showed a video about Jane’s childhood and her dreams of living and working in the jungles of Africa with chimpanzees, and then there was a personalized video message from Dr. Goodall herself. Children and adults alike listened excitedly as she emphasized, “each and every one of us makes a difference each and every single day, and you can choose what sort of difference you want to make.” The second portion of the program involved “chimpanzee yoga” as well as learning about Roots & Shoots, which is JGI’s global youth action program focused on engaging young people that improve the world and address issues concerning people, animals and the environment within the community. Michele Phillips, gifted teacher at Hugh Mercer, shared with the group, conservation projects that Hugh Mercer

students had initiated addressing the environment and animals, and also spotlighted projects from former rd students, who are now 3 graders, who are passionate about animals and the environment. During the summer months leading up to this event, Anna Dickinson of Marstel-Day coordinated the event details with JGI and Hugh Mercer, and worked with Michele to incorporate chimpanzee conservation and other conservationfocused work of the Jane Goodall Institute into the Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) curriculum for the year. In addition, Michele is hoping to potentially launch Hugh Mercer’s own Roots & Shoots program. The assembly at Hugh Mercer Elementary in partnership with the Jane Goodall Institute is the second children’s program that Marstel-Day has helped to organize as part of its #StandwithWildlife campaign. The previous program was in partnership with the Wildlife Center of Virginia, the Children’s Museum of Richmond (Fredericksburg), and Friends of the Rappahannock. The #StandwithWildlife campaign aims to bring awareness about the plight of wildlife and what people can do to help. To learn more about the #StandwithWildlife campaign and to watch the previous talks, visit www.marstel-day.com/media/standwith-wildlife/. To learn more about Dr. Jane Goodall, the Jane Goodall Institute and Roots & Shoots visit, janegoodall.org.

Ann Kuo is the research analyst to Marstel-Day, LLC’s CEO and President Rebecca R. Rubin.

Give a Child Something to Wills and Trusts Provide for Incapacity Trusts for Minor Children Wealth Preservation Trusts Avoid Probate AhearnEstateLaw.com 28

January 2016

540/371-9890

Front porch fredericksburg

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

810 Caroline Street (540) 371-5684 front porch fredericksburg

January 2016

Martha Hutzel new CRRL director by caroline parr

Concert Held to Celebrate the Life of Molly Rheinholtz Maxine, Abeel & Hoskins to perform at St. George’s

The Parisi Speed School Making Athletes of Us All

comes to hugh mercer elementary By Christina Ferber

Music for Molly: A musical celebration of the life of Molly Rheinholtz will take place Sunday, January 10 at 3:00 pm at St. George’s Episcopal Church.

For more info: (540) 455- 3405 operatoni@hotmail.com

JANE GOODALL I NSTITUTE

Ann Kuo is the research analyst to Marstel-Day, LLC’s CEO and President Rebecca R. Rubin.

Give a Child Something to Wills and Trusts Provide for Incapacity Trusts for Minor Children Wealth Preservation Trusts Avoid Probate AhearnEstateLaw.com 28

January 2016

540/371-9890

Front porch fredericksburg

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

810 Caroline Street (540) 371-5684 front porch fredericksburg

January 2016

Art in the Burg

Fredericksburg Sketches A visual Celebration of our community

connecting through art By Casey Alan Shaw

By Suzanne Scherr

“Natty Blur”, Dan Reams “Be My Guest” Show in the Heart of Downtown The members of Fredericksburg’s oldest cooperative gallery voted to try something new in the New Year. Art First Gallery will share space with invited guests for the entire month of January. Don’t miss this opportunity to view the work of more than 40 local artists. In 2017, Art First will celebrate a 25th anniversary, a rare milestone for any member-owned and volunteer-run group. One of three original members, Linda Warshaw, credits the gallery’s staying power to the people who “just step up”; the realistic understanding that life can interfere with one’s ability to make art, and the recognition that artists need support to share art with the public. Linda also acknowledges that the gallery’s cooperative spirit began long before its beginnings in a bar that was repainted by the first artists. Founding members included such prominent Virginia artists as John S. Darling and Jane T. Woodworth of the North Windsor Artists – a group formed decades before in King George. Another decision that has contributed to the gallery’s longevity is the diversity of work displayed. Original paintings in traditional and abstract styles are shown with photography, ceramics, weaving, sculpture, jewelry and mixed media. Each artist in the 26 member coop invited someone whose work seemed compatible with his or her own. Linda Warshaw will share her exhibit space with Bill Leap. She’s known Bill since they taught at the same school in 1989. Their paintings address the concept of flight in very different ways. The gallery’s newest member, Suzanne Scherr, met her guest through the Lake of the Woods Facebook page. Both she and Dan Reams are recent transplants from Maryland. Dan has already started a photography club at the lake and frequently posts lake photos. They discovered they’d both completed

January 2016

Casey Shaw, current gallery President, invited Paula Raudenbush. Paula and Casey met through “Sketch Fredericksburg”, a group Paula started, now a Regional Chapter of the international Urban Sketchers. She is also a member of North Windsor Artists and several art associations. Kubarick knew Member Sally Rhone-K of Susan Ishii long before they met. When Susan, a former member, joined Art First, they realized they were neighbors. Susan also founded and shepherded an “uninstructed drawing group” which Sally attends. Leah Comerford also invited a close friend and former Art First member, Pat Thalman. They admire and collect each other’s work and appreciate their differences in style. Sheryl Crowell and her invited guest, Kristi Zerull, agreed to show brightly colored works. Work will also be shown by: Gloria Affenit, Richard Affenit, Elena

Leah Comerford Broach, Jessica Cannon, Carol Coffman, Adam DeSio, Jan Duffy, Ariel Freeman, Barbara T. Hall, Iryna Hamill, Tarver Harris, Cathy Herndon, Patty Hoskins, Johnny Johnson, Sheila Jones, Sandra Kennelly, Ed King, Joyce Leatherwood, David Lovegrove, James Lyman, Margaret MacNamara, Delores Moody, Chris O'Kelly, Kandra Orr, Lynette Reed, Ana Rendich, Robyn Ryan, Susan Tilt, and Jo Love Willis. To make your own connection to local art, visit Art First Gallery at 824 Caroline Street. This show runs from Wednesday, December 30 to Sunday, January 31, 11 am – 5 pm, every day except New Year’s Day. An open reception will be held from 6:00 to 9:00 p.m. on Second Friday, January 8. Suzanne Scherr is an artist and a member of Art First www.artfirstgallery.com , 540-371-7107.

Front porch fredericksburg

16 tons and what do you get?

That’s how Autoknown Better started 16 years ago and now that I am 16 years closer to reaching the Pearly Garage doors I’m hoping that heavenly “Pick-aPart” locations were part of the master plan. I’m not sure on which one of the six days they were created but I have faith that somewhere between the Duckbill Platypus and Yellowstone, He found time to provide so that He would have something to do on His day off. Ever wonder what He drives?

SKETCH #15: Winter's Eve. This wintery sketch was my family Christmas card last month. It depicts one of my very favorite spots in town because there's so much history on that single street corner. Here's what I wrote on the back of the card:"At the corner of Princess Anne and George Streets in old town Fredericksburg, you’ll find a little park with a special tree the City decorates during the holidays. Across the street sits the Presbyterian Church where Clara Barton forged the beginnings of the Red Cross when it served as a hospital during the Civil War. On the National Bank building’s front steps, Abraham LIncoln stood to address Union troops after one of the area’s major battles. You’ll also find St. George’s Episcopal Church where George Washington's relatives attended worship services while he was a boy growing up here. (The present St. George’s church building with its majestic steeple rose in 1849.) Also sitting in this neighborhood park, the columns on the right belong to Fredericksburg’s first public library building." Now how many towns the size of Fredericksburg can boast a street corner like that? Casey Alan Shaw is a local artist. He exhibits his original artwork and limited-edition prints at Art First Gallery and at www.caseyshaw.com.

Your Hometown Jeweler Since 1940

On-Premise Jewelry Repair Large Selection of ESTATE JEWELRY 212 William Street,Fredericksburg 540-373-5513 Mon-Fri 9:30-6; Sat 9:30-5 jewelboxfredericksburgva.webs.com jewelbox14k@yahoo.com

begin it now

By Rim Vining “I wonder if there are junkyards in heaven?”

cityscapes at night.

From My Porch

AutoKnown Better

In many ways writing this column has been like trying to start a cold motor with too little time to let it warm up enough to clear the windshield before putting it into gear… “Damn! Late for school again.” I have procrastinated… I have missed deadlines… I have paid the price of going over my word limit… I have learned a lot and made some great friends… but now it is time to put the car on blocks, pull the motor, do the rebuild and try some new stuff.

THE POETRY MAN - By Frank Fratoe

Our City Tonight Dark obscures the horizon beyond Town at day’s end as someopne returns home after his drive to family. He saw grandchildren play and knows each is secure despite the peril of wrath and dread in human hearts. Somewhere men declare war to verify they are unjust exporting terror by choice wantonly across the world. Let children endure and arise following dawn to celebrate new devotion of a city that is at peace.

Dedicated to the Memory of Rob Grogan Frank Fratoe lives & writes in the city. He wrote this poem as a tribute to the artists of Fredericksburg

I like Jay Leno’s philosophy that you should restore a car to the highest level possible and then you should drive it hard and fast until it needs restoring again. It is kind of like writing. The Front Porch has provided a forum for me to share my view of the world through my own personal windshield and see what there was to see between the passes of worn out wiper blades. Are you old enough to remember the smiley service station guy who came out and pumped your gas, checked under the hood and made sure the tires were properly inflated? Do you remember how he got back at you for all that “friendly service’ by taking that greasy red shop towel out of his back pocket and wiping your windshield as you were leaving assuring the fact that as soon as night fell or a rain drop hit the glass you would not be able to see a damn thing? This has been a fun ride. Kind of like driving way too fast in an old Studebaker but a fun ride. Pappa G’s only question when I suggested writing the column was whether I thought I had more than one column in me? I found out quickly that life, when viewed through the windshield, provided unlimited topics and my only regret is that I am leaving before playing the Trump card. This is how it always went... for 16 years… Real life, unlike the Donald’s, gives us so much to go crazy about. I want a Trump card in my pocket. I want to pull up to the pump, swipe the card, and have the pump ask if this is debit, credit or bankruptcy? I want to hit that “bankruptcy” button, fill my tank and drive away without having to pay. I want a convertible top on my car that looks like a comb-over. I am going to miss writing about the elections. It was fate that I met Rob & Virginia Grogan as they hopped the fence at Curtis Park to check out an MGA Coupe I had for sale. They were newbies to town. They were going to start something new and they did. The Front Porch is our town crier for the good stuff. It does not deal in controversy. It only deals in the positive and I’m pleased to have been part of what residents and visitors to our town read, cover to cover, every month in The Front Porch. Wonder opener works?

garage

door

Front Porch will miss the monthly Wit and Wisdom of Rim Vining.

By Jo Loving

Whatever you can do, or believe you can do, begin it. Boldness has genius, power, and magic in it. Begin it now. ~ Often attributed to the German philosopher Goethe, but actually a quote from W. H. Murray, based loosely on Goethe’s work, Faust. “New Year, New You.” “New Year’s resolutions.” “Turn over a new leaf.” Whatever phrase you use, or don’t use, there are times when we re-evaluate and change the direction of our lives. In my life, change has been more constant than anything. I’ve enjoyed success in a variety of careers, which seem to be completely disparate. In a strange and fascinating way, each was built on skills developed in the others. I started out in a field that built upon my business education, then took on a challenge as a technical program manager in a field primarily dominated by scientists and engineers, moved on to executive management, and then took a major plunge and decided to retire from my Federal career. I sold my home, moved to a different state, and became an AmeriCorps Park Ranger in a remote State Park. As a direct result of that decision, I later became an Environmental Specialist, a Master Naturalist Instructor, and found myself tromping in and out of pine woods, snorkeling in the Gulf of Mexico, and monitoring Eagle’s nests. I met and married my husband, and relocated again. I still taught classes and served on boards of environmentally-conscious organizations, but I felt it – the tug of change again. By now, I had figured out

that a person can accomplish many things, if they believe in themselves and are willing to work hard for it. So I entered nursing school with my oldest daughter, and worked as an aid at both a hospital and a long-term care facility. After graduation, I was hired as a nurse in the same assisted-living facility and worked with a geriatric population I had grown to love. What do all of these disparate careers have to do with one another? The skills I learned in business, as a manager, and as an executive were valuable as a Park Ranger with a work portfolio that included, in addition to trail maintenance and erecting sand fencing; public speaking, setting up an educational program, working with Boards of Directors, and managing volunteers. The work as a Park Ranger and all of my previous careers helped when I took a position as an Environmental Specialist, where I also oversaw a major renovation project at the facility in which I worked. As a nurse in Assisted Living Facilities, my management skills, people skills and writing skills come in very handy, and time management skills learned over the course of all of my career fields are essential. What’s next? I don’t know, but whatever it is, it will be a blast. So as you evaluate and decide where you want to go, don’t let fear of change hold you back. It can be wonderful, and it can lead you to new people, new experiences, and a new life that you could not have planned or imagined before you started your journey. Begin it now. Jo Loving is enjoying her change-built life, on the porch of her small cottage, and is not looking back. She happily embraces changes in her life before they come, and wishes you the very best in the New Year, whether or not change is involved.

Every Child Deserves A Family

Learn about our adoption opportunities Domestic & International

301-587-4400 Cradle of Hope Adoption Center front porch fredericksburg

January 2016

Art in the Burg

Fredericksburg Sketches A visual Celebration of our community

connecting through art By Casey Alan Shaw

By Suzanne Scherr

January 2016

Front porch fredericksburg

16 tons and what do you get?

Your Hometown Jeweler Since 1940

On-Premise Jewelry Repair Large Selection of ESTATE JEWELRY 212 William Street,Fredericksburg 540-373-5513 Mon-Fri 9:30-6; Sat 9:30-5 jewelboxfredericksburgva.webs.com jewelbox14k@yahoo.com

begin it now

By Rim Vining “I wonder if there are junkyards in heaven?”

cityscapes at night.

From My Porch

AutoKnown Better

THE POETRY MAN - By Frank Fratoe

Dedicated to the Memory of Rob Grogan Frank Fratoe lives & writes in the city. He wrote this poem as a tribute to the artists of Fredericksburg

garage

door

Front Porch will miss the monthly Wit and Wisdom of Rim Vining.

By Jo Loving

Every Child Deserves A Family

Learn about our adoption opportunities Domestic & International

301-587-4400 Cradle of Hope Adoption Center front porch fredericksburg

January 2016