Front Porch Fredericskburg - February 2016 by Virginia Grogan

YOUR GUIDE TO THE LOCAL GOOD LIFE

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L o c a l G o o d N e w s S i n c e 1 9 97 YEAR 19 • ISSUE 223 • FEBRUARY 2016

Frontporchfredericksburg.com

contents

closeups 6

Keith Lebor ...Locally Focused

Life Well Lived ...Bernice Etthelia Edwards

rim & kathy vining ...giving to the community

porch talk 3

Johnny johnson....still trying new things

on the porch...life in fredericksburg Messages

on the trails:: a little ditty about kirk & shyenne

downtown buzz: #lovefxbg

Jane Shelhorse returns to pks & rec

Libations: winter cocktails

season’s bounty: time is on your side

Cooking with Kyle...perfect cheesecake fahrenheit 132...upscale steakhouse

a fair deal: accessible fresh food

16-17

Calendar of events

Jack Frost Nipping At Your Nose?

history’s stories.: fredericksburg! our heritage: presidential visits to the ‘burg

eden energy medicine helping us heal ourselves

companions: siberian husky

mind your mind: you & love renew: 20 minute workout

Senior Care: still doing it

wellness: 2016 the year to protect your brain emancipated patients: weeding your garden

art in the ‘burg: galleries seeing red in feb

stories of fredericksburg: sarah bachman Flashback: old slave block

arts commission

fxbg music scene: the honey dewdrops

call for writers & artists poetryman: celestial winter

fredericksburg sketches one of it’s kind... music & spirits: concert series

taking the freedom trail from my porch: what do you really need?

Johnny Johnson still trying new things By Sue Henderson between 5000 and 7000 students over his 60+ year career in art. Johnson remembers when Sherwin Williams had a very large art supply inventory and he was a regular. “I’d go buy in large quantities and share them with my students,” he said. “These days I get notices from students from 40 years ago on Facebook. I’m just very proud of the impact I appear to have had. I can often remember them if I see a picture of them.”

...And more! 14

first african-american High school in ‘burg

dynamic duo: cheryl howard & zena hemp

revitalizing the mill district Cover By Sue Henderson

“Anytime I mention okra to people they always wrinkle up their nose and cringe. I’ve always loved okra – no matter how it’s cooked”, said Johnny Johnson with a twinkle in his eye at the start of our interview to celebrate his 80th birthday at the end of January. I met Johnny as he was preparing to start his new series “Homage to Okra & More” for a featured exhibit at Art First in Fredericksburg in June 2016. Six or seven years ago he began thinking of the plant as a source of materials and collecting the pods, seeds and stalks to dry. Approaching age 80 he says “I’m not going to be so presumptuous as to assume I’ll be around forever so I need to get to it ratnow (he spelled it for me) and use all these pieces and ideas I’ve been saving.”

Have a Hot Drink

where warm hearts wish you Happy New Year

He’s always preferred to alter the surface of paintings with “found” items like sawdust and sand and natural products to add texture and various acrylic mediums to create the styles for which he is regionally and internationally well known. With the advent of acrylics in the 1960s he found more options for textures including adding canvas scraps from finished pieces. Anyone who’s been his student at Walker Grant and James Monroe High Schools over several decades knows his interest in new materials and processes. He reckons he’s taught somewhere

February 2016

Front porch fredericksburg

Helping You Heal Naturally

“Two percent of students might go on to art careers. So in arts education the real value is teaching the 98% to become good consumers and to grow up to support the arts, “he continued. His background was heavy in methods and light on art history so he learned along the way with his students. And he made a point of balancing contemporary black artists in the instruction. I asked him what he would recommend to new artists just beginning their interests and he replied, “I was of the mind that the older we get the more inhibited and less likely to make changes. I was dead wrong to think that way. You have to always be willing to try new things.” “The best advice I ever received was to take my love of nature to zero and keep going.” He interprets that to mean there is no subject an artist can exhaust in a lifetime. Hence his latest project taking him back to his early love of okra. “If you become complacent you will not grow as an artist. If you keep painting you’ll be blessed for many, many years. I hope to paint until I die,” he said. “But I hope I won’t be painting the same old things,” he added with a twinkle.

The Way Your Body Was Meant To Dr. Jason Sneed, D.O. 540-322-5040 www.odomedicine.com Where Customer Service and Title Insurance Become One

You can see his work at Art First and visit www.JohnnyPJohnson.com for contact and additional information.

Sue Henderson is a member of the Fredericksburg Arts Commission and a regular participant in Johnny Johnson’s art workshop. Photo by SueHenderson

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

February 2016

contents

closeups 6

Keith Lebor ...Locally Focused

Life Well Lived ...Bernice Etthelia Edwards

rim & kathy vining ...giving to the community

porch talk 3

Johnny johnson....still trying new things

on the porch...life in fredericksburg Messages

on the trails:: a little ditty about kirk & shyenne

downtown buzz: #lovefxbg

Jane Shelhorse returns to pks & rec

Libations: winter cocktails

season’s bounty: time is on your side

Cooking with Kyle...perfect cheesecake fahrenheit 132...upscale steakhouse

a fair deal: accessible fresh food

16-17

Calendar of events

Jack Frost Nipping At Your Nose?

history’s stories.: fredericksburg! our heritage: presidential visits to the ‘burg

eden energy medicine helping us heal ourselves

companions: siberian husky

mind your mind: you & love renew: 20 minute workout

Senior Care: still doing it

wellness: 2016 the year to protect your brain emancipated patients: weeding your garden

art in the ‘burg: galleries seeing red in feb

stories of fredericksburg: sarah bachman Flashback: old slave block

arts commission

fxbg music scene: the honey dewdrops

call for writers & artists poetryman: celestial winter

fredericksburg sketches one of it’s kind... music & spirits: concert series

taking the freedom trail from my porch: what do you really need?

...And more! 14

first african-american High school in ‘burg

dynamic duo: cheryl howard & zena hemp

revitalizing the mill district Cover By Sue Henderson

Have a Hot Drink

where warm hearts wish you Happy New Year

February 2016

Front porch fredericksburg

Helping You Heal Naturally

The Way Your Body Was Meant To Dr. Jason Sneed, D.O. 540-322-5040 www.odomedicine.com Where Customer Service and Title Insurance Become One

You can see his work at Art First and visit www.JohnnyPJohnson.com for contact and additional information.

Sue Henderson is a member of the Fredericksburg Arts Commission and a regular participant in Johnny Johnson’s art workshop. Photo by SueHenderson

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

February 2016

ON THE PORCH

On the Trails

Guest Porch Editorial Contributing Writers & Artists Ellen Smith Alden A.E.Bayne Kevin Brown Susan Brown Barbara Brown-Hill Collette Caprara Judy Chaimson Tom Conway Dan Czajka Barbara Deal Christina Ferber Frank Fratoe Joan M. Geisler Ann Glave Sue Henderson Alexis Grogan Ralph “Tuffy”Hicks Emily Hollinsworth Tramia Jackson Karl Karch Jo Loving Robert A. Martin Vanessa Moncure Patrick Neustatter Ryan Poe M.L.Powers Scott Richards Suzanne Scherr Casey Alan Shaw Jeremy Sutton Meg Sneed Georgia Strentz James Kyle Synder Christine Thompson 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.

Railroad tracks

February 2016

By Kevin Brown

BY rob grogan In this month when we recognize the sacrifices and celebrate the integral contributions of Black citizens to our community, I am reminded of Rob's editorial from February 2013 that related his lifelong desire to be an ally and supporter in the cause for racial equality. While we continue to strive to reach this goal today in 2016, Rob's words are a gentle reminder that a shift in consciousness takes steady determination, consistent openmindedness, and a lot of love. ~VBG In honor of Black History Month, I journey back on my own racial experience, which began at an early age, symbolized by a railroad track. The road to our church ran parallel to the railroad track, a crossing on the east end of the “colored section” in Red Bank, NJ. Every Sunday, when the family car cruised by, I would look with zooming eyes into that neighborhood, wondering exactly who lived there, why it did not look as fresh as mine, why my family never drove in there, and why I never saw its people at any of the places I went. I was 11 years old when I went there for a track meet sponsored by the recreation department. I showed up in sneakers for the 60-yard dash, the only white boy among dozens of black children wearing track cleats. We dashed at the start, my sneakers skidding on the cinder, while lean black legs shimmered out of sight ahead of me. When it was over, I walked alone toward the highway. Elder blacks smiled at me; the children paid me no mind, which only made me more curious about who they were and how they lived. Dr. King delivered his I Have A Dream speech at the March on

messages Hi Virginia, Thank you for including Little George and By George in this issue! ( "By George", January 2016)we want it to do well for them and god knows you are really helping with that effort! and of course for the Empowerhouse too. Byron Glazer Great article by Dawn Whitmore ("”Practice Acts of Kindness", January 2015) Remind us often. Randa McCool Simons

Little Ditty about Kirk & Shyenne

Front porch fredericksburg

Washington on August 28, 1963, the same year as my track meet. My dad and I watched on TV, he wrestling with his New York Times; me mesmerized by the enormous crowd, a sea of black with dots of white; beautiful ebony faces and purposeful looking men; another wideeyed glimpse beyond the railroad track. Dad put down his newspaper and shared the historic moment with me. When it was over, my heart felt better for the kids across the track. And dad gave Dr. King a quiet, almost silent, approval. At Duquesne University in September 1970, the Black Student Union was holding a meeting. A black man with big hair told me I could not enter. I suggested that if race relations were to advance, maybe they needed a member like me. He eyed me up and down, said he respected that, but affirmed that membership was for black students only. I said I understood and moved on. After college, I became a minority, working with and among a black majority, including a chief family court Judge who I saw stare down a group of white bigots on a field in Pittsburgh’s Southside. I worked with youth from places like north Philadelphia and Pittsburgh’s Hill. One boy in my care nearly wept when we gave him an overcoat for Christmas. He would wear it as pajamas in an apartment where the windows held no glass and a fire burned in a barrel in the living room. Another young man, whose sharp mind, steel eyes and muscular physique made him a leader, constantly battled me over right and wrong. One day, he thanked me. I thanked him back, for yet another glimpse beyond that railroad track. In the course of my early years in social work, I learned from black mentors, made lasting friends, stayed with ethnic families on either side of the track, and

Hi Virginia, Thank you so much for your wonderful coverage in January! ( "Art in the 'Burg, Connecting Through Art" January 2016) Suzanne Scherr Front Porch We love the Sunken Well Tavern! Best fries in the 'Burg! ("Sunken Well Tavern, A Well Spring of Community", January, 2016) Maribeel Barker

Take a cooking class get 10% off all kitchen items attended a black family reunion where an Air Force officer and an Ivy League graduate picked me last for a basketball game. I held my own to the surprise of some and the delight of others. I sat in a Philly jazz club where a mixed couple was as rare a sight as a white performer. I sat at kitchen tables for discussions on justice, race, and roots. Wise elders “took me to school” as we broke bread. A female friend and I grew close but eventually drifted apart by distance and new relationships, including my lasting one. Twenty-five years ago, I married a woman who completed me better than anyone I’d ever known, and still does. Her extended family is comprised today of European, African, Mexican, and Asian roots. Virginia and I watched on Martin Luther King Day as President Obama was sworn in for his second term, affirming once again that all men are created equal and no railroad track is a barrier. With open hearts and minds, may you cross all barriers this month, and enjoy the issue cover to cover ~Rob Grogan

Front Porch Fredericksburg

Highlighting Local People, Places & Events Since 1997

In tribute to the thousands of dog walkers on our trails, this month we feature Kirk Walter, South Stafford resident since 1988, and his trail buddy Shyenne. We asked Kirk to share a bit about Shyenne and their trail-walking experiences, “When my daughter adopted a pit bull back in 2008, we fell in love with the breed and decided to rescue one. Through Bully Paws Pit Bull Patriots (www.Bullypaws.org), we found Shyenne at the King George Animal Shelter in April 2011. She had been turned in by her previous owners with no name. They turned her in because they kept her tied to a tree and she was “getting mean”. Go figure. She was somewhat standoffish when we first saw her, hence her name, “Shy”enne. She warmed up to us quickly and so began our walking journey.” “I’m not sure how she knows, but Shyenne gets all excited when she senses I’m getting ready to take her out. She loves her walks! In the summer, we probably walk 4-5 days a week on the busy trails. Shyenne loves getting attention from other walkers. Once properly introduced, she’s always ready to give kisses.” “In the winter, our walks tend to be mostly on the weekends, although sometimes during the week, I leave work early and take Shyenne out on the trails. On colder days, sometimes we have the trail mostly to ourselves. If it’s bitterly cold and windy, we’ll tend to stay in. Around here, fortunately we don’t get too many of those days. “ “The trail we most often use is the Rappahannock Heritage Trail/Canal Path loop, especially since it was completed a few years ago. Even before the entire loop was complete, we would

An inspiring testimony and some welcome advice, Kirk! Thanks for sharing, and Happy Trails to Everyone!

Kevin Brown shares up to-date local trails news and photos as administrator of the “o the Trails” Facebook Group

BUSINESS OWNERS

Painting of Rob by Sue Henderson

Dear Virginia and the Front Porch Staff, Thank you for featuring Paulo Franco and the FSS in the January issue ("FXBG Music Scene, Songwriter's Showcase") It is so nice to read each edition of Front Porch and see names of people I know, like Ruth Golden and Penni Resio. I also like getting heads-ups on events like Restaurant Week and Empty Bowl. So, thank you for being there, and for all you do. And, Thank you for all you do to keep the arts alive and well in the City. Lou Gramann

walk the Canal Path from the First Christian Church on Washington Avenue to Fall Hill Avenue and back. The new bridge and underpass completed last year at Fall Hill Avenue were a very welcome addition. The other trail we use Ferry Farm trail is the Belmont-F that runs from Pratt Park over to St. Clair Brooks Park and then on across River Road and down to Historic Port Of Falmouth Park. It actually continues on up to Belmont but we usually just stop at the river. “ “My favorite aspect of the Fredericksburg area trails is that they are all easy to reach and provide plenty of parking. People that you encounter are generally very friendly. Also, there are ample places to sit, benches provided, grass along the river area. However, there are a few areas for improvement along the trails. Trash is a bit of an issue, to include folks who don’t pick up after their pets. Please use the trash cans and refuse bags provided along the trails. Dogs should be leashed, and owners should put themselves between their dog and passersby and other dogs. This makes it easier to control the dogs and there is less chance of anything happening. Some bicyclists need to use safer etiquette. Please announce your approach when coming up on people walking the trail with a “on your left” shout or have a small bell to give warning. Finally, for non-dog walkers, please ask the owner before approaching to pet a stranger’s dog.”

ARE YOU CONSIDERING RETIREMENT? ARE YOU RELOCATING? ARE YOU JUST BURNT OUT? DON’T JUST CLOSE YOUR BUSINESS DOWN. WE CAN SELL IT FOR YOU DISCREETLY AND CONFIDENTIALLY. CONTACT US FOR A NO-OBLIGATION CONSULTATION.

PUT IT TOGETHER ALL IN YOUR ORBIT JMPWOOD@AOL.COM 540-372-4343 OVER 35 YEARS EXPERIENCE IN BUSINESS BROKERAGE, VALUATIONS, LEASING & COMMERCIAL REAL ESTATE front porch fredericksburg

February 2016

ON THE PORCH

On the Trails

Railroad tracks

February 2016

By Kevin Brown

Little Ditty about Kirk & Shyenne

Front porch fredericksburg

Front Porch Fredericksburg

Highlighting Local People, Places & Events Since 1997

An inspiring testimony and some welcome advice, Kirk! Thanks for sharing, and Happy Trails to Everyone!

Kevin Brown shares up to-date local trails news and photos as administrator of the “o the Trails” Facebook Group

BUSINESS OWNERS

Painting of Rob by Sue Henderson

PUT IT TOGETHER ALL IN YOUR ORBIT JMPWOOD@AOL.COM 540-372-4343 OVER 35 YEARS EXPERIENCE IN BUSINESS BROKERAGE, VALUATIONS, LEASING & COMMERCIAL REAL ESTATE front porch fredericksburg

February 2016

Keith Lebor

Downtown Buzz

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

new owner keeps olde towne butcher locally focused

#lovefxbg

By christina ferber

By scarlett pons With Valentine’s Day around the corner, Fredericksburg Virginia Main Street is relaunching our #loveFXBG campaign. You guessed it, hashtag means Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter and this interactive project is focused on capturing and sharing beautiful photos of what we love about our downtown. Last year’s campaign was such a success that it lasted all year long with businesses and the public sharing photos and musings all inspired by downtown Fredericksburg. With 2016’s launch the Promotions Committee, chaired by April Peterson of River Rock Outfitters, hopes to reengage the public with this grassroots project. We are asking you to share what you love about your favorite restaurant, outdoor activity, shop, art gallery and historic site. Participants are to incorporate the postcard in their snapshot and include the #loveFXBG on the comment line along with what they love. Share your photos, have fun with it, get creative and we will choose four winners at the end of the month and reward their love for Fredericksburg with a $25 Downtown Gift Card. Fredericksburg Virginia Main Street will be distributing this year’s #loveFXBG cards at our next Community Meeting held at the Courtyard Marriott (620 Caroline Street) on Tuesday, February 9th at 8:00am. Cards will also be

SUZY STONE 540.847.0630 suzystone22@gmail.com C21redwood.com

Keith Lebor purchased Olde Towne Butcher in April 2015. Photo by Robert A. Martin, copyright Fredericksburg.Today online news Keith Lebor didn’t think of himself as a butcher shop owner. After 20 years in commercial real estate, he started looking for a retail concept in an untapped market. When Fredericksburg's Olde Towne Butcher at 401 William St. came on the market, he knew he'd found what he was looking for. "I was drawn to Olde Towne Butcher because I really liked what owner Lee Russell was doing,” said the 47-year old Cincinnati native. His family frequented the local butcher in Ohio, but Russell found them scarcer on the East Coast. "Olde Towne Butcher is a true butcher shop. There aren’t a lot of places in this area where you can buy local meat and other products," he said. Russell, who founded the shop, has been helping Lebor learn the ropes, but officially retired in October 2015. “When I bought the business this past April, I knew there was a lot I needed to learn. Lee has been fantastic and held my hand through it,” Lebor said. Lebor buys from local farms and is constantly looking for the best products available. He will look for a good local product first, but if there isn't one, he'll provide the best he can find. “I care about the environment, but wouldn’t have called myself a save the environment guy," Lebor said. "I’ve learned a lot more about how buying local has an impact and the importance of sustainable farming. Often the quality is a lot higher too,” he said.

February 2016

Each Office Is Independently Owned & Operated

“My business concept is that everything should constantly be evolving, nothing should ever be stagnant. I’m not afraid to try new things,” Lebor said. Plans for the future include finding the best local products, and trying out new processes and systems. “Everything we do takes a tremendous amount of customer service," Lebor said. "When a customer walks in, they get one on one attention with a butcher or meat cutter. You can’t find that anywhere else. I would like to find the formula that makes that work in other markets, too.”

available at local businesses. During the community meeting Brenda Sapenghilia, who is our new social media volunteer, will interview attendees about what they love about downtown and post their stories on our social media. The Promotion Committee sees #loveFXBG as an exciting way to rally the community and get businesses involved in

Lebor has called Baltimore, Boston, and New York home, but is now settled with his wife and four children in Leesburg. "I love Fredericksburg. The whole community has been friendly and helpful.”

ROXBURY F

ARM

Christina Ferber wrote this article for Fredericksburg.Today online news. Reprinted with permission Locally owned, locally focused, Fredericksburg.Today online news is on the web at Fredericksburg.Today, on Facebook at FredericksburgToday and on Twitter at @Fxbg2day. Contact Publisher Susan Larson at susan@fredericksburg.today

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

Show your Pride for Our Historic Downtown Share what you love about your favorite restaurant, outdoor activity, shop, art gallery and historic site. Incorporate this postcard in your snapshot and include the #loveFXBG. You could win a $25 Downtown Gift Card! Postcards available at local businesses downtown showing their pride for our historic downtown which is a core value of our Main Street program. This collective synergy expressed by the public strengthens all aspects of our community. At the community meeting we will present a year-end picture summary and lessons learned from 2015. This is a great opportunity to meet the new board members who will present our goals for this year. We will also recognize our 2015 Downtown champions. To attend, please RSVP to by info@fredericksburgmainstreet.org February 5th.

Scarlett Pons is co-owner of PONSHOP Studio and Past President FVMS

Follow Fredericksburg Virginia Main Street: Facebook: facebook.com/FredericksburgDowntown Twitter: twitter.com/fxbgdntn Instagram: instagram.com/fxbgdntn

& GARDEN CENTER

Since 1929

601 LAFAYETTE BLVD

roxburyfarmgarden.com

We have all your gardening needs! Come Shop With Us

#lovefxbg front porch fredericksburg

February 2016

Keith Lebor

Downtown Buzz

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

new owner keeps olde towne butcher locally focused

#lovefxbg

By christina ferber

SUZY STONE 540.847.0630 suzystone22@gmail.com C21redwood.com

February 2016

Each Office Is Independently Owned & Operated

Lebor has called Baltimore, Boston, and New York home, but is now settled with his wife and four children in Leesburg. "I love Fredericksburg. The whole community has been friendly and helpful.”

ROXBURY F

ARM

Front porch fredericksburg

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

Scarlett Pons is co-owner of PONSHOP Studio and Past President FVMS

Follow Fredericksburg Virginia Main Street: Facebook: facebook.com/FredericksburgDowntown Twitter: twitter.com/fxbgdntn Instagram: instagram.com/fxbgdntn

& GARDEN CENTER

Since 1929

601 LAFAYETTE BLVD

roxburyfarmgarden.com

We have all your gardening needs! Come Shop With Us

#lovefxbg front porch fredericksburg

February 2016

Life Well Lived

Who’s to Blame for School in the ‘Burg ?

local woman leaves storied legacy

first african-american high school

By tom conway

By ellen smith alden

We are all aware that Virginia, and of course, Fredericksburg, has a history of racism and segregation. When the Supreme Court ruled to end segregation in public schools, Virginia launched a massive resistance campaign to avoid integration. Throughout the 50’s and 60’s many protests, both nonviolent and violent captured our attention. That era was a great period of upheaval and turmoil for America as we struggled to live up to our Constitution’s promise of equality for all. And still that battle continues as the promises of the founding father’s have yet to reach full realization. As Martin Luther King, Jr., James Farmer, John Lewis and others emerged as well known leaders of the Civil Rights era, other seemingly ordinary people quietly lived their lives yet pioneered through this time right here in our town. A few weeks ago, as I sat in quiet reflection waiting for memorial services for an “ordinary” woman to begin, I recalled that this woman was anything but ordinary, in fact she not only soldiered through an era of turbulence, she thrived and was a trailblazer who never sought the limelight, but nevertheless, made a difference. Bernice Etthelia Acors Edwards was born here in the Fredericksburg area. She was a graduate of Spotsylvania schools, which were still segregated, and in 1950s she graduated from college with a Bachelor’s of Education degree. This fact

February 2016

doesn’t seem remarkable in our day, but she did this at a time when some Southern politicians actively blocked education for people of color. It was also a time when it was more likely for men to pursue higher degrees than women. Surely she faced adversity and racism, but it didn’t stop her from working to make the world a better place for her children, and all of us. A few years ago, when I became acquainted with Mrs. Edwards through her son, a colleague and friend of mine, I pondered writing an article on her. I imagined interviewing her, and listening to stories of her life and experiences, there were many questions I had. But, as time marched on, life took different turns and I never did that interview. But, with the help of her son, I have been able to put together a few of the remarkable things this local woman accomplished. Leggett When Department Store dominated Caroline Street, before there was Central Park, Bernice became one of the first black sales associates and department managers. This was at a time when a stroll down the block still found a segregated lunch counter, and a divided community. At a time when voting rights were being threatened, she not only voted, but worked the polls, no doubt encouraging her college sorority peers to also make their votes counted. In 1969, while riots raged across the country, in Fredericksburg she helped to open the area’s first integrated nursery school, The Children’s House. Today, also a turbulent time filled with fear and uncertainty, I take great inspiration from Mrs. Edward’s life. She lived a good life, all while trying to make Fredericksburg and the world a better place. She didn’t let the barriers of her day stop her from being an innovator and a motivator. She has passed that legacy to not only her son, but to all of us.

Ellen Smith Alden is a public school teacher and lives in Stafford County. Joseph Edwards is the youngest son of Bernice and Robert Edwards, he is also a teacher.

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Joseph Walker (right) never had to go to school. He didn’t have to learn to read and write, and he grew up healthy and strong and was seldom without a job. He was a deacon at Shiloh Baptist Church and a pillar of his community. Jason Grant (above) wasn’t so lucky. His father was born into slavery, but managed to escape to Canada, and when Jason was born he insisted on a topquality education. Most likely, Jason’s father didn’t have much education himself and had to work hard to send his son to school, but he did it, which was how Jason was able to become a respected teacher and principal here in Fredericksburg. As a teacher myself, I’ve known thousands of kids who would prefer to not have to go to school. They complain about being bored, about stupid assignments and about cruel teachers. They wish for snow days, live for summer vacation, and when school is out they escape into video games, Netflix, and Instagram, where no one checks their grammar and there is no math.

A Large Selection Available

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

Now used used by Fredericksburg City Schools for early childhood development programs, the original Walker-G Grant still stands in Mayfield. Not that this is new. Growing up in the 1970’s and 80’s, I disliked school, too, and had plenty of friends who agreed. Why would anyone want to suffer being corrected and tested? Why spend so much

time memorizing information and practicing basic skills. School is boring, and sometimes it’s hard. Which is why Joseph Walker was lucky. He never had to go to school at all. Born in Spotsylvania County in 1854, school wasn’t even an option. It was illegal, in fact, for anyone to teach him reading, writing, or arithmetic. Someone, back then, must have understood what kids really wanted. And yet, amazingly enough, when he and Grant got to know each other, what they did was start a high school for African-American children. It enrolled only 20 students when it opened in 1905

in the basement of the Shiloh Baptist Church, but the school grew despite the fact that there was little public funding available. For some reason, Joseph came to believe in education, and people in Fredericksburg agreed with him. They thought having a school was important, even if they had to pay for it themselves. In the 1920’s, the school moved to Mayfield and in 1935 a new building was built. In 1938, it became part of the Fredericksburg City school system and was Grant School in honor of renamed Walker-G Joseph Walker and Jason Grant. In 1968, when Fredericksburg City Schools were integrated, it became the city’s middle school. A new building was constructed off of Route 1 in 1988, but the name was kept. The 1935 building still stands, though, housing various city programs. Joseph Walker, born a slave, never had to go to school, but he helped make sure no African-American student in Fredericksburg was ever deprived of an education again. It’s enough to make one wonder if maybe – just maybe – there really is something important about an education. Like Joseph Walker, Tom Conway learned to appreciate education and has now taught English for 10 years at Walker Grant and Thornburg middle schools. Photo left by Tom Conway

front porch fredericksburg

February 2016

Life Well Lived

Who’s to Blame for School in the ‘Burg ?

local woman leaves storied legacy

first african-american high school

By tom conway

By ellen smith alden

February 2016

Ellen Smith Alden is a public school teacher and lives in Stafford County. Joseph Edwards is the youngest son of Bernice and Robert Edwards, he is also a teacher.

Front porch fredericksburg

A Large Selection Available

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

front porch fredericksburg

February 2016

Jane Shelhorse Returns to Parks & Rec by dawn whitmore

While having coffee with Fredericksburg Parks and Recreation Director, Jane Shellhorse a few things become quickly apparent… ~ She loves the Fredericksburg community ~ She is a gregarious extrovert ~ She is a tremendous asset to our Parks and Recreation (Parks & Rec) division Shellhorse started her Parks and Rec career in Fredericksburg. She worked for 20-plus years and would become Assistant Director. In 2007, Fredericksburg would lose Shellhorse to Louisa’s Parks, Recreation and Tourism board. The community of Louisa would benefit with her as their Director for 8 years. However, at the beginning of 2016, Jane would return to accept the helm as Director of Fredericksburg Parks and Rec. When asked absurd questions, by this writer, concerning future plans for Parks and Rec. during her first two weeks; Jane’s enthusiasm for Parks and Rec and the Fredericksburg community is evident.

“Parks and Rec is a great place to try something new,” says Shellhorse. She eloquently explains how a parks and recreation center can provide opportunities for participants to venture into new endeavors. They can investigate, examine and evaluate if their new adventure or hobby is really for them at a reasonable cost. A parks and recreation department is also a cost-effective way for families to expose their children to various opportunities in both sports and the arts. Back to those future plans, Shellhorse has a few…continue fostering community; bring back Fredericksburg’s First Night and provide more accessibility to Motts Reservoir Trails. Yet, what can be accomplished is budgetary contingent. A fact of life is funds are limited and programs need to cover their expenses. “ We have good quality programs,” states Shellhorse, “The people who teach with Parks and Rec do it because they want to, not because they have to.” Even with the quality programs available now, growth is always good. Do you have an idea for a special interest program? Think it is a good fit. Then let Shellhorse and her team at Fredericksburg Parks and Rec know about it.

Rim & Kathy Vining giving through music By emily hollingsworth Music, food and good company is a must for fundraisers taking place in Fredericksburg. For more than 10 years, area couple Rim and Kathy Vining have provided these qualities and more for nonprofits who use fundraisers to give to the Fredericksburg community. The Vinings describe their own unique ways of giving back, and tell readers that getting involved in the community does not always require writing a check. It could be as simple as playing a favorite instrument, baking a pie, or asking what you can do. For Rim and Kathy, music has always been a large part of how they give back. Rim recalled first performing at a fundraiser in 1969, the proceeds going to a children’s hospital in Alexandria. Rim continued to perform into the 70s, meeting Kathy, who was also a musician. Kathy had traded playing piano for guitar, saying music was something she wanted to take with her. The two fell in love, married, and have been performing together since. Their first fundraiser near the Fredericksburg area was in Hartwood Presbyterian Church, beginning in 1997 to raise money for the church’s education building. They hosted concerts the second Saturday of each month, bringing in nationally recognized performers who offered a variety of acoustic, jazz and folk music to the audience. The proceeds from these performances contributed to the successful completion of the building, which opened in 2002. Since then, Kathy and Rim have been involved in numerous fundraisers around Fredericksburg, including the Empty Bowl and the Night of a Thousand Pies events given by Empowerhouse. They Home Ball in have taken part in the Down-H support of the Downtown Greens community garden and helped raise money for children’s dentistry as part of Rim’s 50th birthday celebration. For them, getting involved meant finding what area fundraisers needed, and

FXBG’ERS The dynamic duo by georgia Lee Strentz

doing specific tasks to fill that need. “When you have an event, you usually have something to eat or something to drink,” Kathy said. “It’s something we’re not afraid of, and something we like to do. We like to entertain and enjoy the way it brings people together.” Rim and Kathy’s involvement in the community often means providing more than music. Rim repairs and restores classic vehicles and has written regularly for Front Porch Magazine. Kathy works for Stafford Public Schools as an assistive technology coordinator, providing support for students with special needs. The Vinings’ wide interests and their desire to give have a way of coming together. Rim points out their vintage red sports car in their driveway. “It’s the only sports car that carries two guitars and your sweetheart,” Rim said. Several years ago, the couple organized the raffle of an MGB in support of the Fredericksburg Regional Food Bank. Fredericksburg is a prime place for volunteering, according to Rim. “Fredericksburg is so active on so many levels,” Rim said. “A lot of need out there. A bunch of good people.” For anyone looking to volunteer or give to the community, Rim said it only takes one word. “You just say ‘yes’,” Rim said. “You can find a niche.”

Today, I am sitting inside the warm, cozy Keystone Coffee Shop on Princess Anne St., sipping a delicious Chai tea and looking over the very healthy menu. I say hi to the owner, who I last saw sitting in my 7th grade science class at Drew Middle School a "few" years ago,with her same sweet smile. Wow seeing her, what a nice reward for a retired teacher living in our small town, where so many citizens choose to stay for a lifetime. We have a tremendous number of charitable organizations in Fredericksburg for a town our size. One of these organizations is the Salvation Army. I am here for this interview today at the suggestion of Maggie Brewer Zambon, of the Salvation Army resource information office. She suggested I interview two very active volunteers, Cheryl Howard and Zena Hemp. I call them "The Dynamic Duo," because of their awesome teamwork on behalf of the many children and seniors in our ‘Burg. All admires the Salvation Army with its active presence in our ‘burg. This year,they provided, along with their

community partners and donors, food and gifts for nearly 1,000 families and 2,400 individuals. Their year round work helps with emergency food and utility payments. You name it, they help in every facet of life sourcing services. Sometimes in your daily travels, you meet people who glow with good cheer and spread positive messages wherever they go, because they have a genuine love of life and people. They motivate you to want to be involved in positive words and deeds. These people donate a huge portion of their lives volunteering, helping, giving their time and talents, making their part of the world a kinder, better place for all of us. It is my good fortune that I met not one, but two of these people. Introducing Cheryl Howard and Zena Kemp, best friends, who make Christmas possible for so many children and seniors through the Salvation Army Angel Tree program. Cheryl and Zena work on this program all year. They start preparing for

the next year's Angel Tree program the day after Christmas. They shop, pack, wrap and store clothing in a tractor-trailer all year. Many generous merchants donate clothing and Cheryl and Zena shop the sales to make donor money go as far as possible. They also creatively plan strategy for fundraisers like in the past they chartered the paddle wheeler, which motored from our city dock along the Rappahannock. Cheryl and Zena could be salaried fund raisers for private organizations, but instead they give their time away to make the lives of those in need more comfortable and joyful.They both also do home care for family members and their pets.

Cheryl is a native of Spotsylvania, retired from a rescue squad career, while Zena is from Springfield, Va. and is also retired. Zena takes old Christmas tree decorations and turns them into wreathes to raise funds for their Angel Tree project. Laughing together, as representatives of our prolific volunteers in our Homeplace, they said as they rode out of sight, that Zena is the sparkplug of the "Dynamic Duo" and Cheryl is the GPS!

Georgia Strentz is retired and deeply involved in preserving our ecological world.

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.

February 2016

Front porch fredericksburg

front porch fredericksburg

February 2016

Jane Shelhorse Returns to Parks & Rec by dawn whitmore

FXBG’ERS The dynamic duo by georgia Lee Strentz

Georgia Strentz is retired and deeply involved in preserving our ecological world.

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.

February 2016

Front porch fredericksburg

front porch fredericksburg

February 2016

Libations 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

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

Cocktails to keep you warm

Classic Hot Toddy

Hot Toddy Toddy 1 oz cognac 1 oz aged rum 1oz lemon juice 1 oz simple syrup 5 dashes of bitters Add ingredients to 3 oz of boiling water in a mug. Garnish with a cinnamon stick & a lemon wheel studded with cloves.

Tom & Jerry 1 ounce dark rum 1 ounce Cognac or brandy 1 egg (or egg substitute) 1/2 ounce simple syrup or 1 teaspoon powdered sugar Hot milk or hot water Grated nutmeg for garnish Separate the egg white from the egg yolk and beat them separately. Fold the beaten eggs together and place into an Irish coffee glass.Add the sugar or simple syrup, dark rum, and brandy.Fill with hot milk or hot water.Stir well.Garnish with grated nutmeg

Winter Cognac Cocktail 1 oz cognac 5 oz lemon juice 5 oz simple syrup Splash of sparkling wine Shake cognac, lemon juice and simple syrup with ice. Strain into a Champagne flute and top with Prosecco or other sparkling wine.

Café Amore 1 ounce Cognac 1ounce amaretto Black coffee Whipped cream Shaved almonds for garnish

February 2016

Front porch fredericksburg

time is on your side recipes

Pour the Cognac and amaretto into an Irish coffee glass. Fill with hot coffee. Top with whipped cream Garnish with shaved almonds.

Tequila Mint Hot Chocolate 1/4 cup cocoa powder 1 tablespoon granulated sugar pinch kosher salt 3 cups whole milk 4 ounces milk chocolate chips 4 ounces bittersweet chocolate chips 4 ounces tequila 2 ounces peppermint schnapps Whipped cream and mint leaf garnish In medium saucepan, stir cocoa with sugar and salt. Stir in milk, milk chocolate, and bittersweet chocolate. Heat over medium heat until, stirring constantly, until chocolate is melted and mixture is hot. Gently whisk to completely homogenize mixture. Add tequila and peppermint schnapps. Divide into serving cups and top with whipped cream and mint.

From the BendingForest Winter Collection of Cocktails

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

By vanessa moncure

Baby it's cold outside. You want a great drink to warm you up. The recipes below will do just that!

1 ½ oz brandy, whiskey or rum 1 tblsp honey Juice of a ¼ lemon 1 cup hot water 1 tea bag Heat water in a tea kettle or the microwave. Once warm, add a tea bag and allow to steep for about 3-5 minutes.While brewing the tea prepare your mug or an Irish coffee glass by first filling it with warm water.Once the glass is warm, dump the water and coat the bottom with honey.Add the liquor and squeeze the juice from a lemon quarter.When the tea has steeped, pour it into the prepared glass and stir.

Season’s Bounty Time seems to be an enemy of the home chef. Back in the olden days, when my children were growing up and I was the chief cook and bottle washer for a young and hungry family, those busy days didn't leave much time for culinary creativity. Between carpooling, work and homework, playgroups, shopping, cleaning and…..well, I relied on a lot of go-to dishes. Not to-go meals, but ones which hit all five food groups and didn't require a lot of exotic ingredients or much diving into cookbooks. Didn't have the time! Well, that was then and this is now. Monolithic grocery stores now sell pre-washed micro greens and 150 varieties of cheese, “semihomemade” concoctions of their branded sauces, meats and vegetables and almost French bakery-worthy tartes and pastries. Amazing. Food convenience and more consumer knowledge have intersected at the family table. I let my 1000+ cookbook volumes go, saving only the “specials”. Being able to type “examples of sous vide food” into a search engine and seconds later having 194,000 answers to your query is amazing. A bit like science fiction looking at the world from my end of the Baby Boom generation. And throw in a 24hour Food Network, British baking shows, and Travel Channel - how wonderful to be able to vicariously experience world cuisine and recreate a semblance in your own kitchen. The go-to meals of my children's younger lives are not what my grandchildren are fed - the 5-year-old likes goat cheese on his arugula salad, the 7year old helps prepare fruit salad of cara cara and hydroponic berries, and even the twin toddlers pat out homemade dough for Friday night pizza rustica. And that's great. Time may always be a bit of a stressor in the kitchen, but home cooks today have visual knowledge of world cuisine at their fingertips- just set up the iPad on the counter and start typing….. What can be better in the winter than a hearty, warm soup or stew, long simmering, fragrant. Time is on your side with these dishes as you assemble them, then slow cook without further effort. A simple green salad and a loaf of crusty bread - and maybe a nice cherry clafoutis for dessert? Sorry, you'll have to Google that!

CASSOULET My variation on the traditional French specialty is in essence a dish of white beans and meats. Important to soak the dried beans overnight. The quickmethod results in mushy, slipskin-ned beans - the pre cooked canned beans cannot hold up to the longer cooking this recipe requires. Soak overnight one pound of dried great northern beans in plenty of

water. Pour off the water, then bring the soaked beans to the boil with water to cover and cook briskly about 15 minutes. Remove from heat and let beans remain in cooking liquid while preparing the rest of the cassoulet. Cut 6 slices thick-sliced bacon into 1-inch pieces and cook in 8-qt. Dutch oven over low heat until bacon begins to brown, then stir in 2T. olive oil and 2 chopped onions, 3 minced garlic cloves, 2 peeled and chopped carrots (about one cup) and 3c. boneless pork cut into 1-inch cubes and cook until vegetables are slightly tender. Stir in ¾ c. white wine (vermouth is good, too) and stir up browned bits. Then add a bay leaf, scant tsp.dried thyme, 4T. chopped parsley, 2 c. each beef broth and chicken broth and enough of the reserved bean liquid to just cover the beans, 1/4c. tomato paste, pinch of allspice, S&P and the beans. Cover and bake in the center of preheated 300F oven about two hours or more until beans are tender or 45 minutes to one hour simmering on the back of the stovetop. Check to see if more broth is needed about halfway through cooking time. Stir in one pound precooked fresh garlic sausage, sliced and with casing removed, into the cassoulet, along with more fresh parsley and up to one cup freshly made buttered bread crumbs to thicken. Adjust seasonings and serve. Great with a fullbodied red wine. A note - sometimes I use boneless duck or duck confit, salt pork instead of the bacon, or lamb stew meat either instead of or in addition to the other meat - garlic sausage is important!

OSSO BUCO Delicious Dutch oven dinner made with meaty veal shanks. Season 1c.flour with S&P and dredge 12 sections of veal shanks. Heat 1/4c. each olive oil and butter and brown veal on all sides. Remove meat from Dutch oven and stir in 4c. very coarsely chopped onions, 4 minced garlic cloves, ½ tsp. each dried basil, oregano and thyme, cook until onions are softened. Stir in one quart of canned plum tomatoes, 2 c. each white wine and beef stock. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer 15-20minutes. Return veal shanks to the pan, cover and bake 350F 75 minutes. Remove lid and bake uncovered another 30 minutes or until veal is very tender. Sprinkle with generous amount of chopped Italian parsley and 1 T. grated lemon zest. Serve immediately. Also great using lamb shanks. Serve with parslied rice and tiny fresh peas.

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

February 2016

The General Store

Restaurant

Since 1978

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

371-4075 2018 College Ave. Fredericksburg

Cocktails to keep you warm

Classic Hot Toddy

Café Amore 1 ounce Cognac 1ounce amaretto Black coffee Whipped cream Shaved almonds for garnish

February 2016

Front porch fredericksburg

time is on your side recipes

Pour the Cognac and amaretto into an Irish coffee glass. Fill with hot coffee. Top with whipped cream Garnish with shaved almonds.

From the BendingForest Winter Collection of Cocktails

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

By vanessa moncure

Baby it's cold outside. You want a great drink to warm you up. The recipes below will do just that!

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

February 2016

Cooking With Kyle perfect cheesecake

Fahrenheit 132 upscale steak house Joins Restaurant Row

by james kyle snyder

I have never been very good at alchemy. It is a very difficult skill to master, especially when it involves taking into consideration all the ever-changing naturally occurring variances. One day might be hot and humid while another cool and dry. To those who can consistently bake year-round and produce the same product every time, I solute you! Gavin came to town bringing a huge surprise. Russell, my brother. It is not often that we get to commiserate collectively, watch movies, share a live Caps game, and eat chicken wings, nachos, and other delicious forbidden treats daily. Hours were lost to laughter and silliness. Early in the process Gavin broke out a skill which far surpasses mine. A perfect cheese cake. I could get some semblance of the treat … occasionally – usually with a huge fissure through the middle – which could invoke half tilted smiles followed by “no really, its good, its just that…”Gavin had gleamed the cube. He said, “its easy dad” and proceeded to produce another one for the Best Neighbors Ever (BNEs). The matriarch a.k.a. the Queen of Effing Everything had made direct reference to a

February 2016

toll of cheesecake as entry to her kingdom. Gavin was happy to comply. “Those guys are great!” After setting the oven to 350 to preheat, and setting a pan large enough for the spring-form to fit in as a water bath ¼ full of water on the stove top he started with the crust by gently wrapping a spring-form pan with foil reminding me the key is to be gentle so that you don’t create holes that will ruin the crust. Next, in a bowl, he combined 15 crushed Graham crackers with 2 Tbs sugar, a pinch of salt, and 4 ½ Tbs of butter . Gavin meticulously pressed the mixture into the bottom of the spring-form then into the oven for 10 minutes. While that was baking he blended 2 pounds of room temperature cream cheese, 1 1/3 cup granulated sugar, a heaping teaspoon of vanilla (or a little more if you like), 4 large eggs, 2/3 cup sour cream, and 2/3 cup heavy cream until smooth. He removed the crust and lowered the oven to 325. Gavin poured the creamy concoction into the spring-form and smoothed it with the spatula. Next, he gently lowered the almost-done combination into the simmering water and then moved the water bath to the waiting oven. He was careful to ensure the water went up half way on the spring-form – no more, no less. After 1 ½ hours he simply turned off the oven and cracked the door. What a great idea! The slow cooling prevented the cracking I could not avoid. He noted that it needed to cool for at least one hour. My patience grew thin. After the hour Gavin removed the prize and grabbed another piece of foil to cover it. “hang on a second,” I protested noticing that there was still more wait time ahead. Gavin laughed and reminded me that the cake was for Her Majesty and his only way into the kingdom. As I dove a large spoon into the corner I reminded him that as a BNE myself, it was my duty to ensure there were no poisons in the gift – him being an alchemist and all! The cheesecake was accepted and more laughter ensued. I encouraged another attempt of sorcery – adding one cup of Nutella and an extra egg. Voila! Another entrance to the kingdom. We have immeasurable fun surrounding food. Hope you do too. Simple-ish, easy (if Gavin is home), and delicious. Be Well! Kyle treats us to simple, easy & delicious recipes each month in this space. Photo by Kyle Snyder

Front porch fredericksburg

Fredericksburg’s Hometown Saloon Since 1961

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

by M. L. Powers is a high demand area, and some of the local beef farms have as much as a two year wait for their cows. This partly explains the high cost of beef and veal in restaurants and grocery stores. Cole stated that produce is easier to procure locally, and they have a plan to team up with Wilderness Run Vineyards, and farm a ten acre plot starting this spring, enabling them to use much of their own produce. Their staff will not only be good at service, but also farming. Sounds like a blast! Their chef, Chris Henshall is a 17 year restaurant lifer, who worked around town helping to open some of the newer

Serving Traditional Mexican, Tex-Mex Food and Something More!!

A F AIR DEAL accessible fresh food =Healthy Lives

By A.E.Bayne The farmer’s markets in Fredericksburg, Spotsylvania and King George are burgeoning spaces, bustling with buyers and sellers during Virginia’s long growing season. What started as a collaboration between these farmers markets, The Farmers Market.co (TFM.co), has blossomed into an organization working to promote local farmer’s markets and to increase local food access and affordability, connecting those with limited means with programs that will get healthy food into their hands. All of this is positive and indicative of the growth that our region, one the size of Rhode Island, has experienced over recent years. Today,

Tuesday to Saturday 11am-9pm Sunday 11am-6pm

Fredericksburg is becoming a real contender in the foodie capitol arena. One can go into town and find almost any variety of delicious food. The latest addition to the restaurant row area is an upscale steak house named for the medium rare temperature of a good steak. I sat down with the owner, Cole Berlin, on one of the first really chilly days of the season. The atmosphere in the restaurant was warm and cozy. I liked the comfortable booths and rustic wood ambience. His story is one of determination, ambition, and the work ethic that goes above and beyond the usual in this day. He told me how he and his wife were both working three jobs when they met, and the only time they were free for dates was from 3 - 5 am. They were both of the same mindset that they wanted to save enough money to buy their own business. His wife, Kristina is from the Fredericksburg area and they both agreed they could make a start here. She migrated from DC to a position with Castiglias on William St. One thing led to another. The building next to the wine bar (owned by the Castiglias) had been vacant for about six months. A discussion began with Mr. Castiglia, Kristina and Cole, which concluded with an offer of a silent partnership. They just opened before the holidays, and so far the reviews are awesome. One friend had the Burrata stuffed Tomato appetizer, and she said she had to drop out of the conversation while she enjoyed it. Most local restaurants are developing locavore concepts. We talked about the availability of organic beef. This

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

The Sunken Well Tavern

local eateries. His knowledge of food, whether French Southern or Caribbean will bring flair to the steakhouse. Their wine list is a hand-picked selection of local and international wines. Cole trained as a sommelier, but says that having worked in bars from LA to Maui to DC, he also acquired the necessary hands on training. The bottom line is he is passionate and knowledgeable about wines, and that is apparent from the wine list. They also offer a selection of artisan cocktails that have an interesting allure. Cole is a detail oriented person, so training of staff is intense from the beginning, and continues daily to ensure knowledgeable and efficient service. So far, most of the reviews reflect this important aspect. Fahrenheit 132 has happy hour specials, and a cool concept called “Hangry Hour” where the last hour of business they have 1/2 price food specials geared towards restaurant workers. I think they are a brave new addition to the local scene, and look forward to a good steak or two in the future. Check www.fahrenheit132.com for hours and specials. Mary Lynn Powers loves her grandchildren, food and the local restaurant scene

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

TFM.co is evolving to address broader food access and food system issues. Recently a new nonprofit, the Virginia Community Food Connections (VCFC), has been formed to directly address these broader issues. While TFM.co will continue to focus on farmers market promotion, VCFC will focus on supporting fresh, local food accessibility and affordability, educating about the health benefits of nutritious, local foods, and supporting regional food systems that provide a fair livelihood for family farmers. Elizabeth Borst (above) and Bill Brooks, who have been associated with TFM.co for many years, will be leaders within VCFC. Brooks elaborates, “We’ve spun the food access piece off as a separate organization operating within the Fredericksburg region. It will position us to better support our mission, both in terms of increasing capacity and programs, and to more effectively gain funding to support this work.” Borst explains, “We’re working toward the development of a statewide network of nutrition programs, so that folks who do the work that we do are not doing it in isolation, but with a set of shared tools making the job easier and more impactful. There’s $1.6 billion in SNAP (food stamp) funding disbursed annually statewide, and only about $110,000 of that is spent at farmer’s markets today. That means there is a huge amount of growth potential, but it also

means getting those in need of healthy food to have access to more markets.” Borst says that right here in our region, Fredericksburg, Spotsylvania and King George offer SNAP access at farmer’s markets, but that doesn’t address the needs of the entire region. She notes, “For example, at the Spotsylvania Regional Medical Center market, we see tons of Caroline County customers. They’re driving long distances to use their SNAP benefits, and that’s not really efficient. We want to work to address that gap, to ensure that all members of our community have access to fresh, local food close to home.” As a part of the National Nutrition Incentive Network, and with their national partner Wholesome Wave, the VCFC has a strong resource network. Borst says they learn and borrow from each other, creating a huge collective impact. She remarks that even the USDA has taken notice: “They’ve come to see that these pretty simple programs can have a profound impact on hungry families, on family farms, and on local economy. VCFC plans to keep close ties with regional farmers markets and its community partners through the Fredericksburg Food Forum. Borst says working with community partners on food access and affordability issues has been extremely gratifying. “Just getting people together through the Fredericksburg Food Forum has been a big step towards developing a regional road map for addressing these issues. We’ll continue to operate in partnership to ensure we’re reaching all corners of the region.” For more information about VCFC, please contact VCFCinfo@gmail.com. A.E. Bayne is a writer and visual artist from Fredericksburg. She is a monthly contributor to Front Porch Magazine, as well as a writer and editor in chief at Fredericksburg Literary and Art Review (fredericksburgwriters.com).

front porch fredericksburg

February 2016

Cooking With Kyle perfect cheesecake

Fahrenheit 132 upscale steak house Joins Restaurant Row

by james kyle snyder

February 2016

Front porch fredericksburg

Fredericksburg’s Hometown Saloon Since 1961

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

Serving Traditional Mexican, Tex-Mex Food and Something More!!

A F AIR DEAL accessible fresh food =Healthy Lives

Tuesday to Saturday 11am-9pm Sunday 11am-6pm

Phone: 540-899-0969 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

February 2016

CALENDAR of events

february 2016…celebrating Black History & US Presidents Tuesday, February 2

Open Mic at the Bistro. Join us with your host Larry Hinkle. Food & drink specials starting at 8PM. Swamp Trash @ Bistro Bethem 8:00 pm - 11:00 pm Join us for half priced pizza, drink specials, and live music featuring Swamp Trash on our "stage" No Cover Local Hero’s Night @Adventure Brewing20% off if you are a military, police, fire, emergency, and teachers3:30-9pm (540) 242-8876, 33 Perchwood Dr Unit 101 Fredericksburg, VA22405

Wednesday, February 3

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 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, February 4

Karen Jonas Alt. Country Live Music at 7:30 Kenmore Inn. featuring drink specials at the copper top bar The Acoustic Onion @ Colonial Tavern 406 Lafayette Blvd, 8-11pm classic rock

"A Pair of Leckys." D.D. and Kenneth Lecky will exhibit their pottery and photography in a fabulous show. Refreshments, too! @ Water Street Studio Clay With Me First Friday Event @ PONSHOP Studio and Gallery, Couples are invited to get creative in clay with their sweetheart by exploring handbuilding techniques with PONSHOP owner, Scarlett Pons.In the gallery, features a wide selection of artisan jewelry in anticipation for Valentine's Day MARDI GRAS 2016. Costumes, Zydeco and Dancing, Jambalaya, and Crepes on tap for Fredericksburg Sister City's Mardi Gras party, 7-10 PM. Dorothy Hart Community Center, 408 Canal Street. Blackwater Mojo,Resophonic Stomp Rock, Colonial Tavern, 406 Lafayette Blvd, 9pm

Saturday, February 6

Thursday, February 11

Fredericksburg Jazz Collective Showcase & Jam, Colonial Tavern 406 Lafayette Blvd, 8pm

Friday, February 12

Valentine's Day at the Bistro @ Bistro Bethem , 3course prix fixe menu Friday, Saturday, and Sunday night. Call us at (540) 371-9999 to make your reservation.

Dinner Theatre at your local brewery, Blue Gray, The brewpub is transformed into a murder mystery for 1 night. Enjoy a 3 course meal while Entree Act moves about the brewpub in a classic whodunit. For tickets call 540-371-7799. 6:309pm

The Annual Fredericksburg Kids Expo will showcase exhibit booths featuring toys and games, sports and fitness, learning devices, safety products, health and nutrition, pediatricians, martial arts, dancing, day cares, schools, natural products, activity equipment, camps and more for every age and child., Expo & Conference Center, 2371 Carl D Silver Parkway Fredericksburg

Nature Noise at Art Mart night of nature projections and the best hip hop in #fxbg 6-9pm 21 & up, 1405 Princess Anne St

Tuesday, February 9

Showcasing Art of Ashley Call Williams @ Pitaiyo 1006A Caroline St.

Local Hero’s Night @ Adventure Brewing 20% off if you are a military, police, fire, emergency, and teachers3:30-9pm (540) 242-8876, 33 Perchwood Dr Unit 101 Fredericksburg, VA22405

810 Weekend Gallery, First Friday Reception, 68:30pm

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.

Dixie Power Trio @ Colonial Tavern, 406 Lafayette Blvd, 9pm

Swamp Trash @ Bistro Bethem Join us for food and drink specials and live starting at 8PM. No cover!

"Red is the Color" @ Brush Stroke Gallery, opening reception, 6-9pm

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

Stafford NAACP Youth Chapter Flapjack Fundraiser @ Applebee's Feb 6 @ 8:00 am - 10:00 am

First Friday, February 5

All Member Show @ Art First Gallery opening reception 6-9pm

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

Wednesday, February 10

Black History Month Keynote Speaker: Rasheed Cromwell @ Digital Auditorium, ITCC (University of Mary Washington) @ 7:00 pm

Saturday, February 13

Celebrate George Washington's 284th birthday at his boyhood home Ferry Farm with fun activities for the whole family, including games, crafts, exhibits, the Stone Throw Challenge , history theater, and birthday cake! "General Washington" will attend the Birthday Celebration to talk about his youth on the farm! 10am-4pm Ashleigh Chevalier with Bruce Middle Jazz Live Music at 7:30 Kenmore Inn. featuring drink specials at the copper top bar Valentine's Day at the Bistro @ Bistro Bethem , 3course prix fixe menu Friday, Saturday, and Sunday night. Call us at (540) 371-9999 to make your reservation.

Valentine's Day Couples Clay Class @ PONSHOP Studio and Gallery Couples are invited to get creative in clay with their sweetheart by exploring hand-building techniques with PONSHOP owner Scarlett Pons in a fun and intimate class setting. Artists Giving Back @ Central Rappahannock Regional Library Six artists combine talents to "give back" in gratitude to the community. Videography by Mats Jerndal; Photography by Bob Walker; Modern Dance by Will Sterling Walker III; Music by Mark Torgeson and Hayat Donna Bain; and Storytelling by Carol Fitzpatrick., 7pm JoJo Bayliss & his band @Colonial Tavern, 406 Lafayette Blvd, 9pm

Sunday, February 14

Innovative, hour-long art lessons inspire your child's imagination and creativity. Join Ms. Michelle for hands-on art activities, along with ageappropriate gallery or house museum tours, garden walks, entertaining stories, and more! 10am Local Hero’s Night @ Adventure Brewing 20% off if you are a military, police, fire, emergency, and teachers3:30-9pm (540) 242-8876, 33 Perchwood Dr Unit 101 Fredericksburg, VA22405

Wednesday, February 17

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

Valentine's Day

Valentine's Day at the Bistro @ Bistro Bethem , 3course prix fixe menu Friday, Saturday, and Sunday night. Call us at (540) 371-9999 to make your reservation. Cool Cow Comedy Valentine's Day with Todd Rexx @ Courtyard Mariott, 6:30pm

Monday, February 15 Presidents Day

Half price admission to the Mary Washington House, Rising Sun Tavern and Hugh Mercer Apothecary Shop in honor of President's Day. 11 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Archaeology Day @ Ferry Farm Enjoy crafts, theater performances, presentations by Muraca the Magnificent - Guru of Glues, tours of the archaeology lab, a scavenger hunt, and the Archaeology Artifact Challenge.FREE. 10am - 4pm Wylder, Indi Rock Star, Live Music at 7:30 Kenmore Inn. featuring drink specials at the copper top bar

Tuesday, February 16

Low Voltage @ Bistro Bethem Join us for food and drink specials and live music starting at 8PM. No cover! Preschool Palette Ages 2-5 years old @ Gari Melcher Home & Studio, Washington Street

Light Jazz @LaPetite Auberge, 311 William St, 8midnight. Light jazz and Latin piano guitar . Featuring Chris Phil Andy & Harry. No cover. lapetiteaubergefred.com 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, February 18

Preschool Palette Ages 2-5 years old @ Gari Melcher Home & Studio, Washington Street Innovative, hour-long art lessons inspire your child's imagination and creativity. Join Ms. Michelle for hands-on art activities, along with ageappropriate gallery or house museum tours, garden walks, entertaining stories, and more! 10am

Friday, February 19

Saturday, February 20

Dance Matrix in Concert @ Dorothy Hart Community Center @ 7:30 pm The dancers of Dance Matrix Dance Company are presenting a performance event combining the dance works of choreographers Beverly Mendez, Cherish Dobbins and Zaneta McKoon, and the live music of several local musicians. Reception to follow.

Sunday, February 21

George Washington Birthday Celebration at the Mary Washington House. Decorate your own cupcake in honor of George! Included with tour admission. Noon to 4:00 p.m. 1200 Charles Street Start planning for your Special Event at The Big Day Bridal Event Expo at the Fredericksburg Expo, 11am

Tuesday, February 23

Clay Mottley @ Bistro Bethem Join us for food and drink specials and live starting at 8PM. No cover! Local Hero’s Night @ Adventure Brewing 20% off if you are a military, police, fire, emergency, and teachers3:30-9pm (540) 242-8876, 33 Perchwood Dr Unit 101 Fredericksburg, VA22405

Wednesday, February 24

Thursday, February 25

Laurie Rose & Peter, folk Live Music at 7:30 Kenmore Inn. featuring drink specials at the copper top bar Fredericksburg Blues Society Jam Tavern, 406 Lafayette Blvd, 8pm

Friday, February 26

Fredericksburg Songwriters' Showcase, a monthly concert series featuring original acoustic music, presents Gaye & the Wild Rutz and Eyes Like Birds. Both groups are based in Fredericksburg and appear at 8 p.m. in the Picker's Supply Concert Hall, above 902 Caroline Street, downtown (enter through the alley round back). Admission $10 ($5 kids and students). Info at www.burgsongs.org or 540-429-0999.

Saturday, February 27

Honey Dewdrops @Music & Spirits Concert Series, at the A. Smith Bowman Distillery ,Doors to the Distillery open at 5:00pm the evening of the concert. Food and drink will be available for purchase at the concert, as well as tours of the distillery.. 16th Virginia Black History Month Gala, Fredericksburg Expo & Conference Center 2371 Carl D Silver Parkway, 5-9pm, contact (540) 9071857, joneswe5@yahoo.com

Sunday, February 28

Belmont Guided Woodland Hike Guided Woodland, 2 p.m.Conducted by Virginia Master Naturalists, these informative walks cover a mile of trails in both woodlands and fields and also touch on the historic ruins of Belmont's past. Please wear sturdy footwear. Meet outside the Visitor Center.

If you are reading this 223 rd 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 March 2016 issue is February 20th. To submit events go to frontporchfredericksburg.com/submit

@Colonial

Lexi Grogan’s Pet Sitting Service

2752 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

February 2016

fortemusicstudios.com Front porch fredericksburg

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

Front Porch on

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February 2016

CALENDAR of events

february 2016…celebrating Black History & US Presidents Tuesday, February 2

Wednesday, February 3

Thursday, February 4

Karen Jonas Alt. Country Live Music at 7:30 Kenmore Inn. featuring drink specials at the copper top bar The Acoustic Onion @ Colonial Tavern 406 Lafayette Blvd, 8-11pm classic rock

Saturday, February 6

Thursday, February 11

Fredericksburg Jazz Collective Showcase & Jam, Colonial Tavern 406 Lafayette Blvd, 8pm

Friday, February 12

Valentine's Day at the Bistro @ Bistro Bethem , 3course prix fixe menu Friday, Saturday, and Sunday night. Call us at (540) 371-9999 to make your reservation.

Nature Noise at Art Mart night of nature projections and the best hip hop in #fxbg 6-9pm 21 & up, 1405 Princess Anne St

Tuesday, February 9

Showcasing Art of Ashley Call Williams @ Pitaiyo 1006A Caroline St.

Local Hero’s Night @ Adventure Brewing 20% off if you are a military, police, fire, emergency, and teachers3:30-9pm (540) 242-8876, 33 Perchwood Dr Unit 101 Fredericksburg, VA22405

810 Weekend Gallery, First Friday Reception, 68:30pm

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.

Dixie Power Trio @ Colonial Tavern, 406 Lafayette Blvd, 9pm

Swamp Trash @ Bistro Bethem Join us for food and drink specials and live starting at 8PM. No cover!

"Red is the Color" @ Brush Stroke Gallery, opening reception, 6-9pm

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

Stafford NAACP Youth Chapter Flapjack Fundraiser @ Applebee's Feb 6 @ 8:00 am - 10:00 am

First Friday, February 5

All Member Show @ Art First Gallery opening reception 6-9pm

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

Wednesday, February 10

Black History Month Keynote Speaker: Rasheed Cromwell @ Digital Auditorium, ITCC (University of Mary Washington) @ 7:00 pm

Saturday, February 13

Sunday, February 14

Wednesday, February 17

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

Valentine's Day

Monday, February 15 Presidents Day

Tuesday, February 16

Low Voltage @ Bistro Bethem Join us for food and drink specials and live music starting at 8PM. No cover! Preschool Palette Ages 2-5 years old @ Gari Melcher Home & Studio, Washington Street

Thursday, February 18

Friday, February 19

Saturday, February 20

Sunday, February 21

Tuesday, February 23

Wednesday, February 24

Thursday, February 25

Laurie Rose & Peter, folk Live Music at 7:30 Kenmore Inn. featuring drink specials at the copper top bar Fredericksburg Blues Society Jam Tavern, 406 Lafayette Blvd, 8pm

Friday, February 26

Saturday, February 27

Sunday, February 28

@Colonial

Lexi Grogan’s Pet Sitting Service

2752 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

February 2016

fortemusicstudios.com Front porch fredericksburg

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

Front Porch on

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February 2016

history’s stories

FREDERICKSBURG By Ralph “Tuffy” Hicks

In 1908 Quinn was thinking about the future of the Town when he spoke of the new power company and the impact on manufactures and industry. He went on to say “capitalist and manufacturers must answer this question.” He went on and said that the Fredericksburg scenes with the sun risings and settings rival in grandeur of those in far off Italy. The enchanting walks beyond are equal to the “Lovers Lane”. Which in olden times was so attractive, even enchanting where words were spoken and vows made that led to union of hands and hearts that nothing earthly could weaken and sever. I often wonder what these men and women would utter today with a walk around the City. Many of us have lived in and around Fredericksburg all our lives and yet there are interesting sites that we have never seen or visited. Washington Avenue has several sites within a few minutes of the Kenmore mansion. Directly in front of Kenmore stands the Hugh Mercer Monument erected in 1906. A small monument dedicated to Lewis and Clark is directly in front of the Hugh Mercer statue. At the north end of the mall area stands the Mary Washington Monument which was dedicated on May 10, 1894. The Meditation Rock just a few yards from the Monument was a favorite place of Mary Washington for prayer and reading. Directly in front of the Mary Washington Monument stands the Religious Freedom Monument. The stone cottage adjacent to the Monument was built for the caretaker of the cemetery property and Kenmore. A few hundred yards south on Washington Avenue on the right is the City and Confederate Cemetery. You will enter thru the beautiful iron gate that was made in Fredericksburg by the Hope Foundry. Actually two such gates were made by the foundry one of which was at Hurkamp Park, this gate was taken down and donated for the metal scrap drive during World War II along with many of the ornate iron fences in the area. When you enter the Cemetery the left side of the drive is referred to as the City side and the right is the Confederate side. On May 10, 1865 the first Ladies’ Memorial Association was formed in Fredericksburg to take care of the Southern graves, the organization is still active and History comes alive with all the interesting grave markers some of which are very ornate. I was recently speaking about my visit to Williamsburg during the holidays and the beauty of that area. When I was asked what is the main difference between there and Fredericksburg, I said that in Williamsburg you enter most of the building that were reconstructed and walk on the floors that the patriots never touched. In Fredericksburg you enter the homes and places where they actually lived and worked. Spend a day around the city and enjoy a meal and the quaint shops.

In Memory: Richard Allan, Richard Burnside, Doris Crist, Bob Hodge, Dan Poppen, Jerry Snider, Tommy Wheeler If you have a question about anything Fredericksburg, contact Tuffy Hicks at corvette02001@aol.com

February 2016

Front porch fredericksburg

Eden Energy Medicine

A monthly look at the Central Rappahannock Heritage Center collection

presidential visits to fredericksburg

John Smith said over four hundred years ago, “that heaven and earth never agreed better to frame a place for man’s habitation,” than the beautiful valley of the Rappahannock and Fredericksburg. Quinn in his 1908 book on the History of Fredericksburg ended with the words that “we hope for more prosperous days: for “Reason’s whole pleasure---all the joys of sense—Lie in three words—Health, Peace and Competence.”

OUR HERITAGE

It seems appropriate to write about Presidential visits in this month of Presidential birthdays. Due to its location near Washington and its place in history as the hometown of the Washington family, Fredericksburg has certainly seen its fair share of Presidents. At least fourteen came to Fredericksburg either before or during their presidencies. Some passed through rather quietly – Franklin D. Roosevelt paused outside the General Washington Hotel on Princess Anne Street while headwaiter, Henry Griffin, came out to his car with refreshments before the President continued on his way – while for most, the town turned out with great fanfare and hoopla. The folks in Fredericksburg were surely used to seeing George Washington in their midst, but as President, he was received as an important personage and favorite son. He was once honored with “an entertainment given by the citizens…” at which Fredericksburg Mayor William Harvey told him: “The inhabitants of Fredericksburg, Sir, as they can boast the first acquaintance with your virtues, claim a peculiar pleasure in testifying to the world your exalted merit.” Thomas Jefferson penned the Virginia Statute for Religious Freedom in Fredericksburg Washington’s mother drew Presidents to Fredericksburg into the 20th Century. Andrew Jackson was the first to dedicate a monument to Mary Washington in 1833. By the time that project was finished in 1894, Grover Cleveland was the President who came to dedicate it for the second time. Dwight D. Eisenhower spent a rainy few hours on Washington Avenue on Mother’s Day in 1954 participating in the service to honor Mary Washington, “America’s First Mother”. During the Civil War, both Jefferson Davis and Abraham Lincoln spent time in Fredericksburg – Davis bringing news of the Confederate Army’s retreat, leaving the city vulnerable to attack; Lincoln to consult with his

commanders at Union Headquarters (now National bank of Fredericksburg building). In the 20th Century, William McKinley attended a reunion of the Army of the Potomac (1900) and Warren G. Harding participated in a re-enactment of the Battle of the Wilderness (1921). Calvin Coolidge was the speaker at a ceremony celebrating the beginning of work on the National Battlefield Park in 1928. In more recent years, Fredericksburg has been a meet and greet stop for Presidential incumbents or hopefuls. Adlai Stevenson, Jr. stopped here in 1952, Gerald Ford played golf and met with community leaders at Lake of the Woods in 1974, and George H. W. Bush drew huge crowds on a very hot morning in 1992 when he visited Fredericksburg Hardware and Goolrick’s Pharmacy during a campaign tour prior to the November election. Barack Obama gave a campaign speech in the rain to a large crowd at the University of Mary Washington in September 2008, during his first presidential campaign.While all of these men were welcomed warmly by most of our citizens, Fredericksburg was not a particularly lucky stopover for any of their election outcomes! As improved transportation has made it possible for Presidents to easily visit far-flung cities, and as the events for which Fredericksburg is known recede further into the past, our town has had fewer Presidential visits. In light of recent political rancor, maybe that’s just as well!

All of the information contained in this article came from collections at the Heritage Center where you do not have to be an important elected official to receive a warm welcome – though if you are one, we would be glad to see you, too.

Central Rappahannock

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

The Heritage Center

Maury Commons

900 Barton St

Fredericksburg

Helping us heal ourseves By Christina Ferber

We all want to be healthy, but sometimes conventional medicine doesn’t have all of the answers on our road to wellness. Fortunately, there are complementary methods that can help us and one of those techniques is energy medicine. Eden Energy Medicine (EEM) is an integrative modality that empowers everyone to take charge of their own health. By activating the body’s own natural healing abilities, it can address physical, emotional and mental issues while promoting wellness and vitality. “What energy medicine allows us to do is to look at illness from a different perspective,” says Michelle Earnest, Director of Education for Eden Energy Medicine. “Instead of looking at symptoms, we look at the body’s energy systems, find out where the blocks and imbalances are, target them, and make corrections to help the body heal.” Created by renowned author, teacher and healer Donna Eden, EEM draws from ancient practices such as acupuncture, yoga, Qigong, and kinesiology, and adds in other techniques that help to maintain wellness. Practitioners work with the energy systems in the body to create balance by re-patterning the way the energy moves in order to activate our natural healing capabilities. “The thing that I love about EEM is that it gives us a set of tools that we can use to dialogue with the body’s energies and find specifically where the problem is. We can then make a correction at that level,” says Earnest, who is also a board certified Nurse Practitioner. “I had been having health issues that conventional medicine couldn’t fix. After I attended a Donna Eden workshop, I found a way to

heal myself and decided that day to become a certified EEM practitioner.” A typical EEM session usually includes a comprehensive energy assessment that focuses on the basic energy systems and corrects any imbalances. First, practitioners assess the body’s energy by checking for such things as grounding and making sure the energy is moving correctly and crossing over. Then they will do some general body balancing that might include holding specific points, massaging certain areas, and other methods that help the body get on the path to healing. EEM is all about empowering the individual to help heal themselves as well, so techniques such as the Daily Energy Routine are taught, along with other exercises specific to any issues that were found during the session. The client then has tools to use to take power over their own health by learning to work with their own energy systems. “Energy Medicine is simple, noninvasive, and is all about helping the body find its way back to wholeness. It works on the physical, emotional, and spiritual levels and as an integrative and complementary therapy, it can work with what you are already doing to create wellness,” says Earnest. Upcoming EEM workshops in our area include a class for children aged 5-18 on February 6th at Ultimate Family Wellness and an Aging Gracefully class on March 19. For information about either of or these, visit www.fredtherapies.com contact Michelle Earnest at enhealing@gmail.com . To find out more about Eden Energy Medicine or find a practitioner in the area, visit www.innersource.net Or www.energymedicinedirectory.com/. Want to get a taste of what EEM is all about? View the Daily Energy Routine a t https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Di5Ua 44iuXc

Christina Ferber uncovers undiscovered gems in Fredericksburg monthly for Front Porch

front porch fredericksburg

February 2016

history’s stories

FREDERICKSBURG By Ralph “Tuffy” Hicks

February 2016

Front porch fredericksburg

Eden Energy Medicine

A monthly look at the Central Rappahannock Heritage Center collection

presidential visits to fredericksburg

OUR HERITAGE

Central Rappahannock

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

The Heritage Center

Maury Commons

900 Barton St

Fredericksburg

Helping us heal ourseves By Christina Ferber

Christina Ferber uncovers undiscovered gems in Fredericksburg monthly for Front Porch

front porch fredericksburg

February 2016

Companions

ANIMAL RITES, USA Pet Cremation Service

Outgoing, Alert, Gentle, Friendly, Intelligent: The Siberian Husky

by Joan M. Geisler training method to use with this dog is the clicker method, say a command the husky will respond, you click and give treat. These fun loving dogs are also very energetic, they cannot help chasing small animals if you do not have a fenced in yard take them to a dog park and let them run, they love and live to run its in their nature they need it. Good nutrition for this dog starting as a pup is very important, you are going to want to feed them a formula of food that is specific to their digestive needs, this also depends on the size of your dog as an adult, most dog food brands have breed specific foods just for the type of dog you have. The Siberian husky is a medium breed and has a lifespan of 12 to 15 years, what you feed your pet is your choice but working with your vet or breeder will be the best way to determine the frequency of meals as a puppy and as an adult. This dog does require occasional grooming a bath and brushing once a week should do the trick, the nails should be clipped regularly and the ears should be cleaned out to avoid infections. Just like all breeds there may be some health issues, most common is hip dysplasia and eye disease. A majority of huskies are very healthy but just like other dogs they may have these health issues at some point during their life. These dogs unlike other dogs can maintain a healthy weight on less food, but they should be fed a high quality protein based food. These dogs were bred to pull a light load at a fast pace over long distances to do this they need more muscle than fat, please do not allow your husky to be over weight. If you ever plan on getting a dog make sure to do

When it’s time to say “Good-bye”

Private, Individual Cremation Personal Pick Up & Delivery Respect for all “Best Friends” your research and find the dog that best fits your life style, if you live in an apartment or townhouse this is probably not the dog for you since they need room to run and release energy. Be sure to make the right choice for both you and your new furry friend so you both live happy, healthy lives. If you need someone to care for your pets while you are away, call or email Alexis Grogan at : Lexig0892@gmail.com or 540.903.0437

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

February 2016

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If that fact does not amaze you, then you are not in the baby boomer generation. I am going to bet that most of you reading this said the same thing as I did, “No way!” He was 40 years old when he made Chitty Chitty Bang Bang. I just finished reading Dick Van Dyke’s autobiography. His title is his philosophy. “Keep Moving”. He attributes his long life and health to staying active in mind, spirit and body. He goes to the gym everyday, walks on the treadmill and lifts some weights. Oh, did I mention he is married to a woman 46 years his junior. He is says, “Life is all about attitude. You cannot choose when you die but you can choose how you live.” So lets take a few pointers from this man who has made 3 generations laugh and sing. Let’s move everyday. Here are 4 essential moves that you can do from the comfort of your living room floor. 1) Push ups – This military staple engages all muscles. Start on your knees if you must. But count out how many you can do with out stopping. Do that number (reps) 3 times (sets). The next day add just one more. One more rep or one more set.

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Old Town’s Greatest Tour

Fredericksburgtrolley.com

You and love; now and then

dick van dyke is 90 yars old!

By alexis grogan Normally I write about different topics on animal care. Looking out my window on this snowy day, I decided I would write about a specific breed. You guessed it, in winter what better dog to write about than the Siberian Husky. The Siberian husky were breed by the Chukchi people of northeastern Asia as endurance dogs., These semi-nomadic people had to expand their hunting ground so they bred the husky as a sled dog to pull them across the large snow covered land in search of food and supplies. In the 1900s Americans in Alaska began to hear about these great sled dogs, they began to appear in the All Alaska Sweepstakes Race of 1909. Later on that year a large number of them were imported to Alaska by Charles Fox Maule Ramsey and his team won the grueling 400 mile race in 1910, From there on out the husky captured most of the racing titles in Alaska. These dogs come in a variety of colors and patterns, usually with white paws and legs, facial markings, and tail tip. The most common coats are black and white, then less common copper red and white, grey and white, pure white, and the rare agouti coat. Most recognized for their bright blue eyes. The husky is more known for its howling and less for barking, they are very talented in escaping, digging under, chewing through, and even jumping over fences. These dogs are born pack dogs as most are, they enjoy being with their family member and do very well with other dogs. They also are great with children, but they don't like being left alone for long periods of time. If you do not train a Husky properly you can expect to come home to chewed up furniture and possibly a pulled up rug (yes I have witnessed this). A good

Renew

Mind Your Mind

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

540/374-0462 www.woahvets.com

2) Now flip to your side. This is a side hip thrust. Lean on your elbow with your legs stretched out like you are on a balance beam, lift your hips up and down and work on the side of your waist, your obliques. Flip to the other side. Count how many reps you do and do them for 3 sets.

3) Now flip again and lay on your back. With hands gently behind your and elbows out wide, lift your face to the ceiling and do crunches. Again, count how many you do and do 3 sets. The next day do one more.

4) One last flip and you are back on your stomach. Get in push up position but this time just hold your extended arms in a plank position and count. How many seconds can you hold a plank? This is unbelievable abdominal work! Planks can be more beneficial than crunches.

There you have it! A 20 minute work out that can be done nearly every day in the comfort of your living room. It is quiet and you do not need any special equipment. Add a mile or 2 or 3 of walking everyday and you too can dance your way into your 90th birthday party. I plan to do just that. My goal in life is to touch the floor all the days of my life! Another great thing Dick Van Dyke said was, “There comes a time when you stop lying about your age and start bragging about it.” I see many 70 and 80 year old people at the gym and they are such an inspiration. They make me not afraid to grow old. He and I share one philosophy. Live a life of no regrets. Keep moving! Don’t stop! And as always, I am here to help you.

By Barbara Deal Nowadays, psychotherapy focuses on, identifying what IS and what HAS worked instead of what went wrong in a person’s life, childhood difficulties, mistreatment, misunderstandings, failures. Simply put, not ‘where does it hurt’ but ‘where does it not hurt’. Of course, this is a twist and may even twist one’s head around in surprise. Somehow, it just doesn’t seem right or even helpful to not address THE PROBLEM. Well, it depends. Actual threats to safety, for example, must be addressed in an immediate, methodical intentional thoughtful set of steps and actions. Some emotions, however, motivations, responses such as overwhelm, feeling hopeless can undermine resolving the problem. REMEMBER WHO YOU ARE BY REMEMBERING WHO YOU WERE. . Here are some suggestions about how you might go about it. Read the options, see what resonates with you. Select one. Outsmart yourself and go to successes, not failure. Make a commitment So “mind your mind” Think of an earlier life problem: Identify ways you sorted out, settled it, plugged yourself back in. Specify what you did that worked and what you did that didn’t help. You do know yourself best, from the inside inward, and what, actually, went down at the time.(Others contribute their own sense of it; that can be additive.) Or, recall the strongest feeling of warmth and grounding you can recall, e.g. a moment, a time, season, or event that was either embryonic in effect or intensely satisfying, life-changing, gave you a different perspective, a new way of being in the world, A time when you really took good care of yourself. Something evocative, a person who cherished, or praised you or helped you aspire to a higher purpose challenged you in some meaningful way, gave you the feeling loved or

understood, was “being with” you on a deep level A pet A longing satisfied Something else now that is immensely pleasurable, promising , full of joy Select one, write it down as a heading. Next, make it more vivid. (If you are tapping your feet impatiently, choose another thing for your focus) Elaborate on your subject. First facts. Your age? Where?. Who else was present? What season was it? What else stands out to make this so positive for you in your world, your memory? Stay with that—is there a picture? An odor? A temperature? A color? A taste that also happened at the same time? Stay with this for a time, at least 10 seconds. Specify feelings that emerge. Wait. Exhale. Pay attention. Be still. Go through this slowly. What is your body doing.? Your skin? Your breathing? (is there a sigh and a sense of your shoulders dropping in) What about your tummy? Your hands? Your feet relish in this. Hold on to this. Celebrate you, that You did this. You let yourself be open to that. Remind yourself that YOU DID that. You were there. You participated. Yes, the event/person, etc happened , and you were the actor in those special moments. . Where you went, what you did, how you felt and how you have continued onward. Find in yourself the joyful, the hopeful, the wonder of your being. This remains. Barbara Deal MA, LCSW is a psychotherapist at Mental Health Resources, ( 540 ) 899-9826

Joan Geisler is a certified nutrition coach at Golds Gym. Contact her for her tips on simple baby steps to begin new habits this year at trainerjoans@gmail.com

10 Walsh Lane front porch fredericksburg

February 2016

Companions

ANIMAL RITES, USA Pet Cremation Service

Outgoing, Alert, Gentle, Friendly, Intelligent: The Siberian Husky

When it’s time to say “Good-bye”

Serving the Area since 2003 Visit Us at Our Website: www.animalritesusa.com Call Us At: 540-361-7487

Full Service Hospital featuring:

Therapy Laser: Helps with Pain Relief, Decreases Inflammation & Enhances Healing Chiropractic Adjustments: Provides Comfort & Restores Motion & Function to many patients

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

February 2016

540-898-0737

Front porch fredericksburg

Grooming Salon Canine & Feline Boarding Dog Training with Play Time Alternative Therapies:

Old Town’s Greatest Tour

Fredericksburgtrolley.com

You and love; now and then

dick van dyke is 90 yars old!

Renew

Mind Your Mind

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

540/374-0462 www.woahvets.com

Joan Geisler is a certified nutrition coach at Golds Gym. Contact her for her tips on simple baby steps to begin new habits this year at trainerjoans@gmail.com

10 Walsh Lane front porch fredericksburg

February 2016

Senior Care still doing it By Karl Karch

After graduating from college, I moved away from home and only visited my parents and sister on holidays. When I came back for a visit one holiday, my mother was excited to show me their new apartment. As we entered the bedroom, I saw two single beds with a night table separating the beds. My mother was quick to say they separated the beds to sleep better, then added, “but we still do it”. I was surprised to see separate beds, but shocked to hear from my mother’s mouth that my parents still “did it”. After all, they were over 65 and at that time in my life that seemed old. Even Downton Abbey broached the subject of seniors and sex. In Episode 1 of the current Season 6, Mrs. Hughes and Mr. Carson are now engaged and Mrs. Hughes has been postponing setting the wedding date. She confided in Mrs. Patmore that she was very concerned about the issue of consummating the marriage. As it unfolded, she was fearful of how she would look exposed in the bedroom. After Mr. Carson assured her of his love for her, she finally said he can have her “warts and all” and then they kiss. In my quest to learn more about aging adults, I find that researchers are prolific in their studies about older adults, and sexual intimacy among older adults is no exception. Organizations like AARP, Mayo Clinic, and National Council On Aging (NCOA) all have covered sex and older adults. In my January 2015 Front Porch article I discussed aging stereotypes. One negative stereotype is that older people don’t have sex or enjoy it. This couldn’t be further from the truth. The phrase “use it or lose it” applies to more than mental stimulation. Stephanie A. Sanders, PhD associate director of the sexual research group The

February 2016

Lexi Grogan’s Pet Sitting Service

Emancipated Patients

“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”

Weeding Your Garden in an Integrative Way

Prices: Dogs - $15 per canine per visit Cats - $12 per feline per visit

Kinsey Institute stated: “There is no age limit on sexuality and sexual activity.” Older adults have a whole lifetime of experience and they find that, like a fine wine, sex improves with age. However, it’s important to note that not everyone wants or needs an active sex life as many think of it, and that’s okay. Intimate relationships can involve more than sex. One advantage of growing older is that personal relationships can take on increased importance as children and careers take a backseat. People can express their affection and closeness in other ways such as cuddling, kissing, and stroking. As one older adult said in a survey: “Sex is being warm and caring; sex isn’t just sex.” February 14th is Valentine’s Day. For some seniors, this can be your time to recognize that it’s never too late for romance. Dating is not just for the young, but also for the young at heart. And for you young people out there, throw those negative stereotypes about older adults and sex away. Cupid doesn’t discriminate and the desire for companionship and intimacy does not diminish with age. One finding by the National Council on Aging (NCOA) is that people find their mates more attractive. That addresses Mrs. Hughes concern about marrying Mr. Carson. So, don’t worry about all the physical changes that come with aging. There are many older adults out there that are willing to take you “warts and all”.

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

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

Integrative medicine (which is the now preferred term to “alternative” or “complimentary”) seems to be being taken up in some fairly unexpected places. Locally Mary Washington Healthcare’s Regional Cancer Center is using this “thinking outside the box” approach. They will treat your cancer, or more correctly, you, with stuff like healing touch, music therapy, reiki, massage, yoga and life coaching. A range of stuff that allopathic doctors normally tend to be a little skeptical of. “How will coaching about diet, goals, relationships, or massage help my cancer?” you might ask. Bushy bearded guru of all things natural, Andrew Weil, and Donald I. Abrams, M.D., of the Osher Center for Integrative Medicine explain in their book Integrative Oncology, that we should “think of cancer as a weed”. Modern western oncology is focused on destroying the weed, they say, “while integrative oncology concentrates on the soil the weed grows in.” And I say, best of all is to take care of the soil before the weed starts to grow. The Price We Pay Talking of Mary Washington Healthcare, it is now possible to know how much of a markup they make on the treatment they provide at Mary Washington Hospital – and the same for Spotsylvania Regional Medical Center. One of the complaints about healthcare is that it’s impossible to know how much profiteering is going on because you can’t know what this or that treatment cost the hospital – that stuff is usually top secret. Nor can you normally find out what the hospital will charge you for that service in advance. You have to wait for the bill – it’s likened to signing up to buy

a car, but the car-salesman won’t tell you what the car costs costs. Now, however, there are various sites that are helping you be more emancipated by allowing you to research those prices in advance. One such is Doctors.org. This organization reviewed charges for the 100 most common discharge diagnosis in 7 million patients in 3,000 hospitals across the country. Then compared the hospital retail charge with what Medicare pays for that service (Medicare pays cost, plus what the government considers a reasonable markup of 6% according to Steven Brill in his seminal article ‘Bitter Pill - Why Healthcare Bills are Killing Us’) and published the results on their website. For Mary Washington Hospital, the average bill was $22,118.04, and Medicare payment $6,313.38. In other words the charge was 3.50 times what Medicare thought was a reasonable price. At Spotsylvania Regional Medical Center, the average bill was $20,399.13, with a Medicare payment of $6,841.64 giving a ratio of 2.98. You might think it pretty outrageous that these hospitals are charging about 3 to 3.5 times what Medicare thinks is a reasonable charge (not a few doctors and hospitals think what Medicare pays is seriously cheesy mind, and claim they actually lose money seeing Medicare patients). Our local hospitals are in the little league however. Bayonne Hospital Center in Bayonne New Jersey charge 15.11 times what Medicare pays. 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

Wellness the year for protecting your brain

By christine H. Thompson, D.C. Alzheimer’s disease seems to be increasingly in my awareness these days and I found myself wondering if it was truly escalating at what seems an alarming rate. Sure enough, the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) reports that the death rate from Alzheimer's disease increased by 39 percent from 2000 through 2010 and Alzheimer's disease is the sixth leading cause of death in the United States. The medical community has not come to a clear consensus on the cause of Alzheimer’s disease or this increase, but for those of us in holistic care, we tend to look to the lifestyle factors causing the majority of diseases today. In my article in the April 2015 issue of Front Porch, the gut-brain connection, many of these lifestyle factors also affect the blood-brain barrier and consequently, brain dysfunction and deterioration. Daniel Amen, MD a clinical neuroscientist, psychiatrist and author, is clear on the causes and treatment of brain dysfunction. He finds areas of the brain where activity is diminished or absent through the SPECT scan and then treats mainly through natural means such as diet, supplements and mental/emotional therapies. Dr. Amen explains in his book, Preventing Alzheimer’s, the best way to prevent Alzheimer’s Disease is to prevent other lifestyle-mediated diseases such as heart disease, cancer, diabetes, stroke, depression, hypertension, obesity, hormonal imbalance and inflammation. Quite a list! But ALL of these disorders are related to lifestyle and preventable through lifestyle changes. The “blood brain barrier” is the layer of cells that transport glucose and nutrients to the brain while keeping toxic chemicals, bacteria and harmful organisms from getting into the brain. It is an amazing and intricate protective mechanism which is dangerously impeded through environmental chemical

exposure, sterilization of our microbiome and corruption of our foods. Some scientists now believe that Alzheimer’s disease, MS, epilepsy and other brain disorders are, at their roots, a breakdown of the blood brain barrier. The underlying cause of this damage to the blood brain barrier is inflammation and, although our body has a built-in system to control inflammation, lifestyle factors are creating unmanageable inflammation. The number one culprit is refined sugar. Close on its heels are the other irritating foods in the SAD (Standard American Diet) which include (but certainly not limited to) wheat, corn, soy, dairy, and artificial sweeteners. Add in environmental chemical exposure and you have an inflammatory perfect storm. Some practitioners call Alzheimer’s Disease “diabetes of the brain” meaning that it is at its root a problem with delivering energy to the brain. They believe that the brain is able to use ketones better than glucose and recommend a diet heavy in medium chain fatty acids because they are ketogenic and provide needed energy to a struggling brain. While orthodox medicine and the pharmaceutical industry are industriously involved in finding new ways to get their drugs past the blood brain barrier to treat diseases such as Alzheimer’s, I like to promote a gentler, and (I believe) safer solution: heal the blood brain barrier and let your body heal the brain. With the recent ground-breaking news that the brain has its own lymphatic system that appears to be activated by sleep, we know the brain has resources for healing itself and we have tools for assisting that healing. The current escalation of degenerative brain disorders makes it imperative, and also fairly certain that we will all be advancing our knowledge and brain-healing skills in the coming years.

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

February 2016

Senior Care still doing it By Karl Karch

February 2016

Lexi Grogan’s Pet Sitting Service

Emancipated Patients

“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”

Weeding Your Garden in an Integrative Way

Prices: Dogs - $15 per canine per visit Cats - $12 per feline per visit

Front porch fredericksburg

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

Wellness the year for protecting your brain

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

February 2016

Art in the Burg

Stories

of fredericksburg

Galleries Seeing red in Feb

by ryan poe

For the first three weeks of February, new work will, as usual, be on view from 11 am to 5 pm every day. However, the gallery will close for remodeling for the final week of the month and reopen with a new show on March 1. Art First Gallery is located at 824 Caroline Street in Fredericksburg. Additional information is available at www.artfirstgallery.com or by calling 540371-7107.

“Red Room”, by Stacy Gaglior @ Brush Strokes Gallery

Every month, the 25 artists of Art First Gallery refresh the gallery walls and shelves with new paintings, fiber art, photography, fine crafts, prints and assemblages. Generally, each First Friday, many of the members attend the open evening reception and are available to discuss their work.

“Red Roses”, Sarah Flinn @ Brush Strokes Gallery

“Venitian Valentines”, by Casey Shaw @ Art First February 2016

Gallery info provided by Norma Woodward, Penny Parrish and Suzanne Scherr

“Prelude”, by Traver Harris @ Art First

Brush Strokes Gallery is all about Red in February! Whether it is a gift for a Valentine, or just time to brighten your decor with something bright, red is the color theme for this month! Choose from the display of artful photography or paintings in all media; watercolor, acrylic, oil or pastels. One-of-a-kind hand painted scarves, delicately beaded jewelry, fused glass bowls and wall art are also on display. Join us February 5 for the Artists' reception from 6-9 p.m. at Brush Strokes Gallery, located at 824 Caroline Street in downtown Fredericksburg. Show runs through February 28th.

“Belle Grove Heart Window” by Penny Parrish @ 810 Gallery

810 Weekend Gallery will celebrate First Friday on February 5 from 6 - 8:30 pm. The Gallery, located at 810 Caroline Street, features watercolors by Beverley Coates, photography by Penny A Parrish, and oils and acrylics by Lynn Abbott.

Front porch fredericksburg

I ran into Sarah Bachman at the Rec Center on a Friday evening. We grabbed drinks at the bar and headed back to some seats near the pool tables. Sarah and I share a mutual interest in local folklore. “I really spend a lot of my time looking into the history of the area. I love to go to old places, abandoned places, places that are sort of forgotten about. I was at an abandoned place today that has two hundred years of history and you can see it all at once and it’s amazing. I love things like that. It’s a little bit like that to work at Roxbury Farm & Garden Center; old and new being integrated into one. The measuring devices that we use were purchased in the 1930’s. You can walk into Warehouse 2 - which is haunted, so I don’t often go into Warehouse 2 - but if you go into the warehouse and go upstairs you can find the original typewriters and cash registers from when the business opened. There’s this sort of wonderful history to Roxbury that I’d love to preserve. There’s so many things that happened there.” “Andy [Lynn] was telling me the other day how in the 80’s they had a wood stove to heat the place. Everyday they would cook soup on the wood stove. They would cut up a potato, onion, and throw in a pound of beans and make soup on the wood stove and that’s what everybody would eat; the staff and also homeless people.”

“It’s such an interesting place to work because there’s that integration, where it’s old and new, and also the people that come in... you see such a range of poor and wealthy. It’s everything all at once. You get such a wonderful taste of the culture of Fredericksburg. That’s one of the reasons why I feel like I could never leave; the range of experiences you get talking to somebody who has nothing and lives on very little and really needs to make the crops work this year because that’s what they eat, to the person who every year buys different annual flowers to plant in their gardens for parties they have during the Spring. There’s this great juxtaposition there of class and also time. It’s weird. It’s lovely though. I love working there.” The jukebox in the corner cut on as two people played a game of pool next to us. “Daily life has the potential to be very mundane at Roxbury, just going to work and watering plants all day and then coming home. But you try to look at it as every single person that you’re interacting with has a story to tell you, and everything that you’re touching a lot of the objects are so old at Roxbury, think of what that was like, this counter that we use was in the Fredericksburg Hotel that was down the street on Caroline and you’re touching it. The scales, how many people over the years have used those scales? How many seed counter girls were there? Many over the years, and you’re one of them, one in a long line. How much longer will it be before all of it’s shopping strips and they demolish all of it? It’s so important for me to hang onto every word of these 85 to 90 year old men who come in and tell me what it was like in Fredericksburg when Roxbury was the Black Diamond Disco and there was a delicatessen down the street. And now it’s all gone.” “I cling to this history. It feels like living history. It does. And that’s why I love it.” If you have a Story of Fredericksburg, email storyfburg@gmail.com.

flashback Corner William and Charles Street, 1920, Fredericksburg, Virginia Old Slave Block 1920s postcard The shaped block of stone sits unnoticed by most directly in front of the building that was once the Planter’s Hotel. But to some people it is one of the most compelling urban artifacts in America. This block was likely used by many women to mount horses in front of the hotel. And many things were sold here at auction, tools, livestock, homegoods and slaves. Albert Crutchfield, shown in the picture was sold from the block in 1859 at which time he was a boy about 15 years old.

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

February 2016

Art in the Burg

Stories

of fredericksburg

Galleries Seeing red in Feb

by ryan poe

“Red Room”, by Stacy Gaglior @ Brush Strokes Gallery

“Red Roses”, Sarah Flinn @ Brush Strokes Gallery

“Venitian Valentines”, by Casey Shaw @ Art First February 2016

Gallery info provided by Norma Woodward, Penny Parrish and Suzanne Scherr

“Prelude”, by Traver Harris @ Art First

“Belle Grove Heart Window” by Penny Parrish @ 810 Gallery

Front porch fredericksburg

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

February 2016

FXBG Art Commission facilitates community art programs By Jeremy Sutton Art often starts as a solo endeavor. The artist channels their personal energy/experience/expression into/onto a canvas/microphone/sculpture. Artist’s let loose a bit of themselves so that something new can exist; but that’s only part of the chain, and not the full connection. We, the audience, complete the circuit, and are powered by their work: both aesthetically and emotionally. By transferring their energy, channeling its form and direction to an audience, the artist is in turn powered to create again, funding for the event, but contacting and for the Creative Arts and current and continue the cycle. It’s one of the completing the necessary forms and paper commission member. things that makes art so electric, the work to the City to make your art a Anyone can apply for assistance ability to physically manifest our reality. “We love events that along with through FAC. Their website (again: spirituality out into the world. supporting the arts also support the fredarts.com) puts you in touch with Km The Fredericksburg Art Leone (Commission chair) and Julie Perry community” says Commission member Commission (FAC), created in 2013, seeks Steve Cameli. (the City staff representative) for to be a vital part of this circuit by inquiries. helping to facilitate funds and Art and expression (and as logistics to artists so that they can A Public Arts Program will kick off in 2016 importantly the sharing of these share their energy with the that will bring both sculpture and things) are what powers true community. From their website community. Fredericksburg is 2D art to the city. fredarts.com: changing rapidly….possibly more A series of four sculptures will be placed Fosters artistic growth in the rapidly than at any time in the last region by providing information around the City, viewable both by 100 years or so. But with the help of resources, hosting celebratory pedestrians and vehicular traffic, FAC, City Council and the City arts events, and co-sponsoring residents, we can help make these which will rotate yearly. community cultural events and changes aesthetically and emotionally projects. And naturally they’re creating endearing, to the benefit of the entire Advocates for the arts by creating a their own programs as well. A Public Arts community. unified voice for encouragement of arts Program will kick off in 2016 that will The Arts Commission meets the support at local, state, and national bring both sculpture and 2D art to the third Wednesday of each month at 6:30 levels and by drawing connections city. A series of four sculptures will be pm in the 2nd floor conference room at between the arts and the community. placed around the City, viewable both by City Hall, 715 Princess Anne St. Meetings Coordinates programs for partnership pedestrians and vehicular traffic, which are open to the public, and there are that educate citizens about the arts, will rotate yearly. A second project opportunities for open comments at the increases access to the arts, and provide envisions one or more “art frames” beginning of each meeting. forums that address art-related issues in that will be installed around the city, our community showcasing local two-dimensional art. “We Have an idea for an outdoor anticipate having the first round of Jeremy Sutton is a husband, father, Spring fashion show in Hurkamp Park? sculptures installed in the Fall of 2016; friend and a fxbg cheerleader. Want to create an architectural walking the first "Art Frames" to be fabricated and tour of downtown? A dance recital in installed sometime this summer” says Market Square? Submit your idea to FAC Preston Thayer, a former Director of and they may be able to help with not just Exhibitions for the Fredericksburg Center

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.

February 2016

Front porch fredericksburg

FXBG Music Scene

Say “Happy Valentines Day” with a real Rose in your choice of colors lacquered and trimmed in 24 Karat Gold and an 18 inch strand of MultiColored Freshwater Cultured Pearls - for $99!

606 Caroline Street Old Town Fredericksburg

The Honey Dewdrops to appear

373-7847

at Music & spirits concert feb. 27

www.gemstonecreations.org Tuesday - Saturday 10-5 Wednesdays until 6:30 and by appointment

by barbara brown-hill

Where Fredericksburg Gets Engaged

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

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

Laura Wortman and Kagey Parrish have shared their love of acoustic music since 2003, when they met in college while playing in a band. The Virginia natives (Laura is from Charlottesville and Kagey is from Richmond) have since come together as a duo both on and off the stage. The married couple perform and tour together as The Honey Dewdrops, a striking Americana duo with masterful instrumentation, gorgeous harmonies and thoughtful lyrics. Kagey plays mandolin and guitar. Laura plays clawhammer-style banjo, guitar and harmonica. They both sing and harmonize on an old school- style single microphone. The Honey Dewdrops sent their My Space link, in 2008, to the acclaimed radio show, Prairie Home Companion; which led to them being invited to enter Prairie Home Companion’s talent competition. They won the competition. Kagey and Parrish eventually quit their day jobs as teachers and devoted themselves full- time to writing, performing and touring. After living on the road for a year, Kagey says that The Honey Dewdrops decided to “switch things up” and change their original home base in Charlottesville to a “place they had never lived before.” They moved to Baltimore. Kagey says they were drawn to Baltimore by the presence of “music and art schools, formal and informal jam sessions in the city, and the opportunity to meet & collaborate with other writers.” Their fourth album, Tangled Country, was recorded there and released last spring. They call it an “engaging take on modern American roots music, and the first album of theirs entirely written, arranged, and recorded in one place; a testament to the power of home.”

The duo are currently touring all over the country and will be heading to Fredericksburg on February 27 th to perform in the Music and Spirits Concert Series, at the A. Smith Bowman Distillery. Although the group has made private appearances in this past, this concert marks their first appearance open to the public in the Rappahannock area. Parrish said that The Honey Dewdrops are looking forward to the February 27th show. “We always look forward to playing in our home state; and this will be our first public appearance in Fredericksburg, thanks to the Music and Spirits Concert Series.” After Jack, an all-female, Virginia based trio, named the 2014 Americana Vocal Group of the Year by the Appalachian Cultural Music Association, will share the Music and Spirits Concert Series bill with The Honey Dewdrops on February 27th. After Jack couples a modern sensibility with old time energy; blending bluegrass, gospel and folk elements to give the audience soulful harmonies and the energy of a foot stomping string band. Tickets for the Music and Spirits, Honey Dewdrops and After Jack concert are available online now, or at the door on February 27th. For tickets and other concert information, please visit the Music and Spirits website: www.musicandspirits.com ;

Barbara Brown-Hill is the manager of local duo The McTell Brothers.

front porch fredericksburg

February 2016

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.

February 2016

Front porch fredericksburg

FXBG Music Scene

Say “Happy Valentines Day” with a real Rose in your choice of colors lacquered and trimmed in 24 Karat Gold and an 18 inch strand of MultiColored Freshwater Cultured Pearls - for $99!

606 Caroline Street Old Town Fredericksburg

The Honey Dewdrops to appear

373-7847

at Music & spirits concert feb. 27

www.gemstonecreations.org Tuesday - Saturday 10-5 Wednesdays until 6:30 and by appointment

by barbara brown-hill

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

Barbara Brown-Hill is the manager of local duo The McTell Brothers.

front porch fredericksburg

February 2016

CALL FOR S UBMISSION

- By Frank Fratoe

FLAR logo designed by Elizabeth Seaver FLAR CALL FOR SUBMISSION Fredericksburg has a number of quality publications available for writers and artists to share their work with the public. Three years ago, Susan Carter Morgan, Elizabeth Seaver, and Lynnette Reed - with guidance from author Steve Watkins - launched a magazine with the sole purpose of providing a place for people to publish poetry, short fiction and short nonfiction called Fredericksburg Literary Review (FLR). Morgan recalls, "I was eager to provide a place for local writers to share their work, and as an avid reader of lit mags myself, I wanted to try my hand at creating and publishing one.” The publication featured primarily local writers and printed in limited quantity with all posts available on a blog managed by Morgan through Water Street Writing and Art Studio. FLR continued as a blog that accepted rolling submissions, but went on hiatus after FLR’s summer run in 2014.

Writer and visual artist A.E. Bayne had contributed to FLR since its beginning. A seasoned interviewer with over twenty years of editorial, features and creative writing experience, she approached Morgan about resurrecting the magazine as a bi-annual, online “flip” version, giving it a more traditional periodical appearance. Bayne also suggested the addition of visual arts and profile interviews covering prominent writers and artists from Fredericksburg and Virginia. Morgan, Seaver, and Reed agreed to pass the logistics of FLRover to Bayne with Morgan serving as a consultant during the fall of 2015. With the help of rotating literary and art panels comprised of area experts in the fields of editing, writing, and visual arts, Bayne is now editor in chief for Fredericksburg Literary and Art Review (FLAR). The magazine accepts submissions from around the world, but focuses on writers and artists from Virginia and Fredericksburg. Bayne says FLAR is a true labor of love, expounding, “In 2006, Paul Lewis gave me a copy of The Art of Looking Sideways for volunteering at The Wounded Bookstore, and I never looked back. I have long been inspired by literary and art magazines like The American Poetry Review and Tin House, as well as design fixtures like Print and HOW. Online journals Hi-Fructose and Juxtapose offer contemporary inspiration. The past decade has seen an explosion of high quality online journals, and that is where I’d like to see FLAR flourish. I was eager to try some new ideas with the first updated version of FLAR. With the help of

a talk with ed whelan

Celestial Winter

FLAR offers opportunity to writers & artists

Morgan was rethinking the direction of the magazine/blog.

Revitalizing the Mill District

THE POETRY MAN

experienced literary and art panels, my goal is to publish critically reviewed, thought-provoking writing and visual art that is representative of Fredericksburg and beyond.” Bayne notes that while print copies of FLAR are available for purchase through the hosting site, ISSUE, they are costly. “At 140 pages full-color, the print copy is gorgeous, but runs about $35.00.The digital version pops, too, and it’s free for all to view online.” Local contributors are pleased with the fall edition. Writer Scott Chevalley says, “As a first time published author, I am deeply honored for my writing to be recognized by Fredericksburg Literary and Art Review. The presence of such a magazine in Fredericksburg gives an avenue for established and first time authors and artists of various genres to present their work in a professional way.” Author and contributor Lynda Allen says, "Fredericksburg is a community overflowing with creative talent. In that kind of environment, it is essential to have a forum for writers and artists to share their work with each other and the wider community." FLAR is accepting submissions for its Spring 2016 edition, February 1st March 18th. Visit fredericksburgwriters.com for specific submission guidelines in each category. You may view the Fall 2015 edition of FLAR through a link on the website, and follow FLAR’s Facebook and Twitter pages for the latest deadline information and news about profiled writers and artists.

Stardust aglow at night are flurries descending which sparkles above us to imitate a snowfall.

Interview with Susan Brown

Life brings much more than the next i-phone or a crowded schedule everyone races to keep. Wonders are lost again if we become diverted going fast somewhere or viewing text on screens. Within the chilliness a moonburst has flared and hovers beyond shore making us yield to awe. A tribute to the artists of Fredericksburg Frank Fratoe lives & writes in the city. He wrote this poem as a tribute to the artists of Fredericksburg

Front Porch Fredericksburg

Supporting Local Artists Since 1997

Washington Woolen Mill during Civil War Last month, the Fredericksburg City Council approved Phase One of the Mill District project,* a mixed use property development comprised of a new brick/stone Germania Mill commercial/residential complex that will be built on Princess Anne Street. Later phases, if approved, will include revitalization of adjacent historic features such as the Virginia Electric and Power Company. We asked visionary developer Ed

planning to replace these dilapidated structures with stately new historic-based buildings like the widely-admired Shockoe Bottom and Rockett’s Landing areas of Richmond. Now that approval has

been granted, our next step will be the full-scale design process that may take up to a year. So although we are all excited to see this project completed, it will

unfortunately not be built overnight. As we bring this project to life over the next few years, we trust there will be continued support and momentum towards a community of revitalization projects on this corridor. “ Washington Woolen Mill Site Currently “We are confident today that the Whelan to tell us more about this project public has come to embrace and overwhelmingly support transforming the and future plans. “Starting with the successful Princess Anne corridor and the Mill District. Over a thousand citizens have revitalization of the Inn at the Old Silk Mill, I have been working on improving the added their names, and affirmed their strong support for our plan on our Mill District for about 10 years. This Mill page District project formally originated about Facebook People two years ago. Phase One will be located (.facebook.com/MillDistrictYes). supported our plan to remove a longon the historic Woolen Mill site (see 1864 photo), which now is occupied by an standing eyesore, create an attractive abandoned ice plant and former BP gas entrance corridor to our downtown and station (photo above). As can be seen in create a healthy new economic engine for the graphic representation, we are our city (estimated city revenue is

expected to be close to $1M annually)”. As for opposition to the project, City Council and nearby residents expressed concerns about parking and residential density. We came before the Council and met repeatedly with our neighbors and those who voiced opposition or concerns. Research was presented showing that increased residential density is the number one driving success factor in an

restaurant choices, quaff a fresh craft beer, binge on Virginia’s finest ice cream, explore their artistic side, hear some live music, shop and sightsee in historic Downtown, workout at the gym next door, stroll on the scenic 3.1 mile River Heritage Trail/Canal Path loop, play at spacious Old Mill Park, and paddle on the Rappahannock River. Speaking of the river, as part of revitalizing this area, we

Phase One: Front View Mill District Project urban neighborhood’s revitalization efforts. We agreed to provide underground parking space to mitigate that concern. As a result of a real team effort and countless negotiations, I am proud to say we eventually earned the support of nearly all those who previously voiced opposition.” “Looking forward, we were pleased to see the nearby Red Dragon Brewery receive City Council approval along with the Mill District project. Further revitalization will require partnerships with the city government, adjoining Fall Hill and Rising Sun neighborhood associations, and upstanding businesses such as Little Tire, the 2400 Diner, Carl’s Ice Cream, Mason Dixon Café, Keystone Coffee & Auto Spa, The Inn at the Old Silk Mill, Olde Town Steak and Seafood, ArtMart, and BIO Crossfit West. This Gateway to the City is destined to become a popular district where residents can step outside their front door and dine at a wide variety of

strongly encourage the city’s “Face the River” effort to consider selective clearing of the overgrown wooded area between the river and Caroline St. This is a potential recreational amenity next to Old Mill Park where we would like to see a network of nature trails and water access. In conclusion, I want to take this opportunity to say thank you to the city officials and citizens of Fredericksburg for all your support for the revitalization of the Princess Anne corridor and the Mill District.”

Interview conducted by Susan Brown, city resident and revitalization advocate. * NOTE: City of Frdericksburg staff report for the Mill District by Mike Craig, Zoning Administrator, can be viewed at http://vafredericksburg.civicplus.com/AgendaCent er/ViewFile/Item/3087?

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February 2016

540/371-9890

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

February 2016

CALL FOR S UBMISSION

- By Frank Fratoe

a talk with ed whelan

Celestial Winter

FLAR offers opportunity to writers & artists

Morgan was rethinking the direction of the magazine/blog.

Revitalizing the Mill District

THE POETRY MAN

Stardust aglow at night are flurries descending which sparkles above us to imitate a snowfall.

Interview with Susan Brown

Front Porch Fredericksburg

Supporting Local Artists Since 1997

planning to replace these dilapidated structures with stately new historic-based buildings like the widely-admired Shockoe Bottom and Rockett’s Landing areas of Richmond. Now that approval has

been granted, our next step will be the full-scale design process that may take up to a year. So although we are all excited to see this project completed, it will

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

February 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

February 2016

ONE OF IT’S KIND Concert Series creators By emily hollingsworth

There is no shortage of musical talent in Fredericksburg, or often venues where musicians can perform, even if it’s on the corner of Caroline Street. When it comes to performances housed in a historic distillery, “spirits” coming from both the home-brewed whiskeys within the A. Smith Bowman Distillery and the Fredericksburg community gathering together to create a magical evening, the “Music and Spirits” concert series stands on its own. “Music and Spirits” began three years ago by area residents Laura Cooper, husband Bryan Blakemore (above) and friend Joe Showers. Their goal was to create a music venue that would hold national touring acts with up-and-coming musicians from Fredericksburg. According to Cooper, no longer would Fredericksburg music devotees have to drive to Northern Virginia, Washington D.C. or Richmond for a concert. They could hear great music at home. The trio had been involved with and inspired by the house concerts Fredericksburg resident Ruth Golden hosted, called “House about Tonight.” As Cooper, Blakemore and Showers’ idea for a concert series and a nonprofit organization bringing music to Fredericksburg materialized, Golden became their advisor, showing them the process of booking and setups for shows. For reaching musicians, they turned to Golden’s mailing list. Initially, Cooper, Blakemore and Showers meant for the series to be an annual music festival. While searching for a location, Showers stumbled upon the A. Smith Bowman Distillery. Once there, Showers asked master distiller Brian Prewitt to lend the space. Prewitt agreed, and “Music and Spirits” came into fruition. Since its first show in April 2014, there have been 15 concerts that have hosted over 30 musical acts. Some of

February 2016

these musicians have ranged from International Bluegrass Music Award winner Joe Newberry, Grammy award nominee Seth Glier to area musicians Cabin Creek, according to Cooper. “[The shows] all do what only live music can, and beautifully represent why we love live music,” Cooper said. “There’s nothing like it. Music connects us to ourselves, to our inner lives, and to each other. And when you have a room full of people living that experience it can be pretty amazing.” Through “Music and Spirits” Cooper, Blakemore and Showers strive to make the venue inclusive. They reserve seats for members with special needs and have hosted an American Sign Language Interpreter for Seth Glier’s show. One of their main goals for future shows is to continue hosting an ASL interpreter. Cooper, Blakemore and Showers’ nonprofit organization related to the concert series, “Keep the Music Playing,” (see FP, December 2015, “Measure By Measure”) has extended out of the distillery into some profound places. They have recently started a program that will teach free music lessons to foster kids in the area, called “Measure by Measure.” The program will give loaner instruments and weekly music lessons to foster youth in the area, taught by local music instructors. The Fredericksburg Department of Social Services will also be involved, helping to choose the initial participants in the program. The students in the program will then be given a chance to earn an instrument to keep by creating individualized goals with their music instructors, according to Cooper. “Music and Spirits” next concert will be Saturday, Feb. 27 from 7:30 to 10 p.m., hosting the duo “Honey Dewdrops” and Americana vocal group “After Jack.” Emily Hollingsworth is senior at UMW

Front porch fredericksburg

Fredericksburg Sketches A visual Celebration of our community

By Casey Alan Shaw

Taking the Trail to Freedom the forgotten stories of African Americans in our region.

This particular sketch seems appropriate for February to me because this is usually one of the least lonely corners in town and a cold February afternoon might be the only time you'll see one lone pedestrian in this area. This little corner has become the crossroads between the increasingly popular restaurant area of upper William Street and the shops down on Caroline Street. Inevitably, when I meet up with friends this will end up being the corner where we all convene. So, of course, I wanted to sketch it. But in all honesty, I'm still a little shy when I sit down to draw, so I kind of enjoyed picking a day when I had the corner mostly to myself. Perhaps I'll return to draw this same corner in the Spring when the color palette (and the number of people) will be completely different. 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.

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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

what do you really need?

By Tramia Jackson

SKETCH #16: Corner of William and Princess Anne. This lonely, winter scene depicts one of my favorite corners in downtown.

From My Porch

Whenever I go jogging along the Canal Path or strolling through Falmouth Beach along the Rappahannock River, surrounded by homes, cars, construction sites and restaurants, it’s hard to imagine the river as both a gateway to freedom and bondage. That plurality of the river’s history reverberates throughout all of American History. It’s often hard to share all of those stories at once. As someone who works in museums and public sites, I know that many factors including resources, politics, ability, memory and even bias can effect whether a story is told to the public. Working and living in the region I was surprised to learn that the National Bank Building on Princess Anne Street in Fredericksburg was once visited by President Lincoln during the Civil War. It was also the home of a slave named John Washington, who escapes to freedom during the Civil War before the Emancipation Proclamation. Both narratives are told today, as are others, but at one time, this connection to slavery was lost. Often these multiple stories are lost to time and memory, until individuals bring the story to the forefront. Trail to Freedom is one of many groups that makes it their mission to tell the forgotten or little known stories of African Americans in our region. Formed out of a grant to celebrate the 150th Anniversary of the Civil War in Fredericksburg, The Trail to Freedom Group began in 2009 as the “Crossing Work Group”. The group produced a successful event called The

Crossing and a physical trail called the Trail to Freedom to commemorate the 10,000 men, women, and children who escaped the surrounding counties beginning in the spring of 1862. Many crossed the Rappahannock River into Union camps stationed in Stafford County. The physical Trail to Freedom highlights various routes associated with the mass exodus of slaves from the area in 1862. We know of these sites thanks to the writings of that escaped slave John Washington’s memoir Memories of the Past which was rediscovered and republished in David W. Blight’s book, A Slave No More. The Trail reflects John Washington’s life as a slave and his journey to freedom as both a walking and driving tour that runs through Fredericksburg and Stafford. Today, the Trail to Freedom is a non-profit organization with various community partners who continue to work together to honor the legacy of the 10,000 slaves who left the area. They collaborate with organizations through exhibitions, driving tours, symposiums, special events and collaborative events with other organizations within the region. “It’s an exciting time watching the African American experience becoming more part of the dialogue of American History, the good and the bad,” said Trail to Freedom member, Denise Benedetto. “Organizations like the John J. Wright Education & Cultural Center Museum’s African American Heritage Trail, the Underground Railroad seeing these groups bring recognition of individual African Americans to the forefront is really awesome to see.” Groups like the Trail to Freedom and organizations including the National Park Service and John J. Wright Education & Cultural Center Museum continue to host events and add African American history to the narrative of mainstream history. As a resident of the region, someone of African American decent and a museum professional I feel hopeful and excited to see this narrative continue to grow proving how rich our American history truly is.

Tramia Jackson grew up in Stafford county, Virginia and worked as the Director of Education at the Fredericksburg Area Museum and Cultural Center in downtown Fredericksburg. She currently lives in Brooklyn, New York and works with the International Coalition of Sites of Conscience.

By Jo Loving “Experiment to discover how little you need.” ~ Alan Cohen, author A little over a year ago, my husband and I made the decision to experiment. We downsized from our home to a small cottage, and moved from a city to a rural area. I wasn’t keen on the idea at the beginning. The big surprise, after a year of cottage living, is that we both live happily in our cottage and our small, friendly, quaint little village. So how do we live in 750 square feet? Many of our friends and family have asked the question – usually with a raised eyebrow, a tone or expression indicative of doubt that this experiment could possibly work for two people and a dog. But it does. Apartment-dwellers have done this for eons. Here is some of what we learned: 1) We do not need a walk-iin closet filled with clothing. Our cottage closets (two of them) are less than two feet wide. I ruthlessly reduced my wardrobe. Most of what I own is multi-seasonal, classic, and coordinates with other items -- scarves, brooches, and other accent pieces that don’t take up much space. Four dresses – one timeless black, formal number, a little black dress, gray dress, and a gray/black color block dress; jeans; black pants – skinny, boot cut, and palazzos; dressy and casual tanks; classic white shirts; cardigans; and one jazzy suit -- Donna Karan would be so proud. One thing I have not yet mastered is reducing my shoe, boot, and sandal wardrobe to a more manageable number. I might work on that – but then again, SHOES!

2) Furniture items should serve multiple purposes. We have a couple of small storage ottomans in the living room that store toys for our grandchildren’s enjoyment when they visit, and double as footstools when reading or relaxing on the couch. The vintage drop-leaf table that I refinished and painted transforms to seat four, and folding tables and a small tea cart augment serving and dining areas when we have company. 3) You don’t have to own something to enjoy it. We donated most of our books and instead use e-books and the public library. 4) Make your porch and yard work for you. Our porch, although small, is perfect for alfresco dining and visiting. We also have a swing, strategically placed in our yard for “surveying our kingdom,” while listening to birds, gazing at the stars at night, watching day break and nightfall. Things don’t make us happy – experiences do. 5) Keep it neat and organized, and use simple color schemes. We use a variety of tools – baskets and bins, and other storage items are usually white or natural, in keeping with our cottage color scheme. So, year one of our experiment taught us that we can live with much less, but gain much more, because our smaller quarters require less care, leaving us more time to devote to each other, to friends, family, and community. We have found peace, happiness, and freedom in parting with ‘stuff,’ and focusing on experiences. We have discovered how little we need, and appreciate what we have gained. Jo Loving is enjoying life in the Blueberry Cottage – with her husband, dog, and, for now, her shoe wardrobe.

Every Child Deserves A Family

Learn about our adoption opportunities Domestic & International

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

February 2016

ONE OF IT’S KIND Concert Series creators By emily hollingsworth

February 2016

Front porch fredericksburg

Fredericksburg Sketches A visual Celebration of our community

By Casey Alan Shaw

Taking the Trail to Freedom the forgotten stories of African Americans in our region.

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

what do you really need?

By Tramia Jackson

SKETCH #16: Corner of William and Princess Anne. This lonely, winter scene depicts one of my favorite corners in downtown.

From My Porch

Every Child Deserves A Family

Learn about our adoption opportunities Domestic & International

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

February 2016