Front Porch July 2020

contents

closeups 5

Anthony FootÈ being a leader in turbulent times

14

Norma Woodward traveling & taking pictures

stories of fxbg: mandy’s story

7

biz bits

8

In the Garden: a growing habit

9

walk around photo challenge

10

i have a friend: a terrific trio

11

everything greens: solidarity

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DISTILLERY REOPENING TOURS mOJITO TIME!

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season’s bounty: GRILLIN & CHILLIN

15

vino...WINES FROM INDIA

16-17

bulletin board.....what’s open

what’s in LIGHT?

it’s all energy

22 emancipated patients:: END OF LIFE DECISIONS 23

3

on the porch...life in fredericksburg Messages

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Porch talk 4

history’s stories: BASEBALL FREDERICKSBURG our heritage: BRINGING MEANING TO MARKERS

20 Senior Care: CENTENARIANS: IS 100 THE NEW 80?

chief of scoopologist ed wright the Ice Cream Man

31

18

WEAR A MASK...SAVE A LIFE IS FEAR PREVENTING AN HOSPITAL VISIT?

24 art in the ’burg 25

GABE PONS FXBGSTRONG DESIGN MUSIC ON THE STEPS

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PORCHLIGHT

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Companions: SPLISH, SPLASH

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astrology & you poetryman: JULY TREKKERS

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fredericksburg sketches

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...And more!

5 .umw welcomes new students virtually

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slave auction block removed

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OLDER PEOPLE NEED YOUNGER PEOPLE & VICE VERSA

Cover: “Flags of Fredericksburg”, By David C. Kennedy

Follow Us on Instagram@hyperion_espresso 2

July 2020

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One Footé in Front of the Other Being a Leader of Black Lives Matter FXBG By katie hornung

Since COVID-19, Anthony Footé lost his job as Director of Membership and Programs for the Fredericksburg Area Builders Association.

He'd helped represent over 370 companies in our region, District 16, for approximately one year.

Before that, he'd been a wedding planner and director for approximately 6 years. "All I did was plan weddings every day, all day," he laughed. Footé's successfully completed over 450 events, four of which were for his most recent employer, Maria Moore.

He ran into her a year ago and said her exact words were: "I didn't know I needed you until I've just seen you again.

I'm creating a job for you." She called him the following day with the job she'd created especially for his talents as a director and organizer. He quit his job in wedding planning a week later and accepted her job because "It fit. It was good change."

Now, he sees his work with Black Lives Matter FXBG in the same light.

"There are so many people with their hands in this pot, doing things, but I

became a face, I guess. But it makes me want to take a backseat because this is not about me. I mean, it's great, but I don't want people seeing me and thinking I'm hogging the spotlight. This all happened by pure mistake."

He was roller skating and happened to roll by the first protest on June 1st. He backed up and began live streaming it on Facebook, where he was able to provide up-to-date commentary on the events that occurred on the Falmouth Bridge that evening.

"I will call you out if you are negative or if you're a destructive person," he said. "If you're moving for peace, I support you." He also acknowledged that people have come into the City from "outside" and been destructive, and he doesn't agree with or like their tactics.

Ultimately, he notes that his leadership comes from understanding "all of the wants," and he believes he has the resources and solutions to get them done.

Leading with protestors' safety in mind

has been his first priority while working with FXBGb City Police to acquire permits, protest routes, and presence. "We can't make it anywhere if [the protestors] aren't safe."

While working with the Chamber of Commerce on the Young Professionals Board over the last four years, Footé fostered many relationships with local leaders and used that networking ability to safely organize and carry out protests that any supporter of Black Lives Matter would feel comfortable with and able to join.

"It comes down to who you know, not what you know sometimes […] and that's why [the Board of Black Lives Matter FXBG] are here. We were groomed through our careers to meet these people, […]

M a y o r Greenlaw, [Councilman] Chuck Frye, and [Rep.] Joshua Cole, all have a very important, critical role to play in the change we want to see."

More recently, Footé has taken the time to be introspective on his roller skating propelled activism.

He said, "Actually, Xavier Richardson has been a great mentor throughout my life. He said, and I quote, 'Boy, I've been trying to tell you for fifteen years: this is what you were made for.' The pride in this acknowledgement is palpable. Several others have said nearly the same thing to Footé over the course of his life, and he claims to have been stubborn.

"I was young. I was young just like these young adults who are out here with us. I was hard-headed. I didn't want to listen to my dad or anyone at college who was telling me otherwise. Now, here at 28, I realize- well damn, I kind of need 'the man.'" He sees that there's a give-andtake relationship that he and this movement must take part in order to see effective and transformative change happen in Fredericksburg.

Footé has begun to realize that he can have a career doing what he loves: helping others. The former foster child who'd lived in several homes only to be later adopted by a White man understands, perhaps better than many, what the needs of our community are.

"I've had so many lives in my short twenty-eight years that I can relate to the person who sleeps in the street because I slept in a parking garage for a few weeks when I got back to school and had nowhere to go. I know what it feels like to sleep on the streets because you've been evicted- your family has been evicted, and so forth. I know what it feels

like to have a great home to live in, with plenty of money coming in, to have no wants or worries. I know what both lives look like and what it takes to get to both lives, but the same common denominator keeps me very grounded- and keeps pressure applied to me: that's the skin color I was born with."

Footé has the support of his family who remain concerned for him as he continues to put himself on the frontline at each march and remain in the public eye.

"I have no ill-will. Kobe Bryant said it best, 'There's no coincidence that I wake up and every morning go to the gym at 4:00 A.M.' He said he knew his competitor is always going to work, so I have to outwork my competitor. And if you don't wake up and love what you do, change. Go find change."

Katie Hornung is an English and Theory of Knowledge teacher at James Monroe High School. She lives in the City with her husband and two children, and she remembers Anthony Footé's smile from when he was a student at JMHS. To get involved & active in the change: Black Lives Matter FXBG Facebook, online at www.blmfxbg.org/, and via email info@blmfxbg.org or therevolutionislive20@gmail.com.

THE BLM FXBG BOARD Anthony Footé: President Joye Thomas: Executive Director Broadway Harris: VP Adrienne Desrosiers: Secretary Daria Shamble: PR Geroge Barnick: Treasurer Sharelle Aldridge: Accountant

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Joe Hensley

ON THE PORCH Guest Porch Editorial

Contributing Writers & Artists Rita Allan Kathy Anderson Dianne Bachman Sarah Kay Bierle Laurie Black Sonja Cantu Collette Caprara Sandra Erikson Christina Ferber Frank Fratoe Bill Freehling Jon Gerlach Lou Gramann Ralph “Tuffy” Hicks Joe Hensley Katie Hornung Karl Karch David C. Kennedy Julie Laiacona Vanessa Moncure Pete Morelewicz Greg Murphy Patrick Neustatter Jake O’Shea M.L.Powers Gerri Reid Paula Raudenbush Danielle Rose Casey Alan Shaw Mandy Smith Brad Smith Georgia Strentz Glenn Valdez Tina Will Arlene Wilkinson Norma Woodward Kristie Wooldridge

Front Porch Fredericksburg is a free circulation magazine published monthly by Olde Towne Publishing Co. Virginia Bigenwald Grogan, Publisher.

a sign for our times

by Rev. Joe Hensley Just after the death of George Floyd and the initial protests for justice in our city, I shared the image and message of a sign with the congregation I serve, St. George Episcopal Church in downtown Fredericksburg. The sign disappeared just a few hours after I saw it, and I did not want it to be forgotten.

On Monday morning, June 1, I found a hand-lettered poster wedged atop St. George's graveyard fence. The heading was: "Remember these names." Written below were names of African Americans, George Floyd, Ahmaud Arbery, and many others, whose horrifying deaths in recent years (many at the hands of police sworn to protect public safety) have reminded us of centuries of racist brutality in America.

I do not know who posted the sign or why.

Was it a protest? A prayer (since it was left at our church)? Maybe both? It was a voice crying out to be heard.

solidarity and support to argumentation about why proposed solutions just won't work. White people will try to grab the microphone without asking and without listening. We will say, "I just can't support this," and walk away from the conversation again, refusing to see the signs.

Whites may not be conscious that they are doing this, but it happens all the time. We don't realize that for most nonwhite people the system, as it is, has not worked for a long time. The system is already insane for them, so a "crazy" solution might actually be more sane.

White people will use the fact that we can't

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 / Artists / Photographers are welcome to request Guidelines and query the Publisher by e-mail.

Front Porch Fredericksburg PO Box 9203 Fredericksburg, VA 22403 Ad Sales: E-Mail: frntprch@aol.com Web Site: www.frontporchfredericksburg.com Facebook: @Front Porch Fredericksburg 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 2020 Olde Towne Publishing Co. All rights reserved.

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July 2020

"Remember these names." "Black Lives Matter." "No Justice. No Peace."

These are signs of deep lament, cries for true justice, and perhaps prayers of hope for a world where the dignity of every person is important and we do not settle for peace that is just a slight improvement over the status quo. Someone took away the sign. Were they offended? I do not know why it was removed, but I do know that white people often get defensive when people of color speak out.

As a white person, I notice in myself and witness in other white people the tendency to resist what we may see as radical solutions proposed by people of color to systemic racism. The public conversation will subtly shift from initial

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agree with solutions or rhetoric that won't work for us as an excuse to quietly disengage, because we are uncomfortable, and let things stay the same. The status quo works for white people, generally. The status quo was created by and for white people. That is what "white supremacy" means, that our comfort is more important than other people's suffering.

Instead, let's pay attention to our inner work and breathe through our resistance.

If a proposal or a sign does not make sense, ask questions, do our homework, listen. Look beneath the rhetoric. We do not have to agree with every proposal or demand out there.

We can be uncomfortable with how things are communicated. But before we grab the microphone again to lecture people on why their idea won't work or why their

approach is inappropriate, listen. Listen to how we sound to people whom the system has labelled as "inappropriate" for generations, people who have been traumatized for generations. Listen. Ask questions. We can learn to live with some discomfort and uncertainty, so maybe this time we can get farther together toward a system that is just for everyone.

Love your neighbor as yourself.

Listen to your neighbor. Listen to yourself.

The poster on the fence also had this quote (by one of our favorite Bishop Desmond Episcopal/Anglicans, Tutu): "If you are neutral in times of injustice, you have chosen the side of the oppressor." It is appropriate for our church fence. The Episcopal Church, including St. George's, was often neutral or on the wrong side of justice. We have made much progress, as we now strive to welcome everyone. We have another sign on our fence that proclaims that message every day. In order for welcome to be genuine, though, we must acknowledge and struggle to change the realities of inequity which are the opposite of welcome. We still have more work to listen, remember our history, and take action in the present.

I wish I could thank whomever posted their sign on our church fence. I would tell them that it has challenged me to pray, to listen, to remember, and to act in love.

I am glad to share this story of the sign since it appeared on our collective Front Porch. Enjoy this issue “cover-tocover” Rev. Joe Hensley is the pastor of St. George Church. He and his family live in Fredericksburg

Virtual Orientation Umw goes online for new students orientation

By Jill Laiacona

When Shannon Hardy misplaced her bookbag at her UMW orientation, it felt like a disaster. But the help and reassurance she got from her orientation leaders reinforced that she made the right college choice.

"That's just how Mary Wash is," said Hardy, a rising junior. "Everyone here

wants you to succeed and gives you the tools to make that happen. I want every new student to feel the sense of belonging that I've felt since that day."

Hardy's among the 30 student orientation leaders who will shepherd hundreds of new Eagles through the University of Mary Washington's 2020 orientation.

Unlike her own orientation, though, she is connecting with incoming students via a computer screen.

Freshman orientation, pandemic style. Like other universities, UMW has had to shift from its traditional model of having new students experience life on campus to exploring their new home via

Zoom. June 18th marked the first of nine one-day virtual sessions geared toward freshmen, while transfers had their pick of three events that began earlier this summer.

But that's only the beginning - a series of online engagements with UMW faculty, staff and current students will guide incoming students throughout the summer and prepare them to step onto campus in the fall.

Earlier this year, when Melissa Jones, associate dean of Student Involvement, crossed paths with Associate Tim O'Donnell, Provost the pair mentioned that they should start talking about orientation. "We had already built such a successful system over the years, that it didn't even seem necessary at the time," O'Donnell said.

19 shuttered the But once COVID-1 campus, the Academic and Student Affairs teams realized they had to pivot from the in-person events they've planned in the past. They describe the new model as "extended, flexible, substantive, personal and exciting."

“Peer-to-peer interaction is a hallmark of the UMW experience”, Jones said, so it was important to convey that online. “Incoming students have already spent the last month engaging in a variety of virtual "touchpoints," she said, including panels with orientation leaders to learn about campus life, and game nights and bracket challenges over social media.

"The best thing we can do for our new students is connect with them virtually all summer long," New Student Programs Coordinator Britni Greenleaf said. "Then, we can show them the spirit of UMW in August."

Each session will welcome more than 100 new undergrads to Mary Washington over Zoom, where they'll meet President Troy Paino, be introduced to UMW's values of ASPIRE and learn how to

access and use Canvas and UMW email.

They'll discover uniquely UMW entities like the First-Year Experience, the Common Experience and the Honor Code, and watch a video on "Designing Your Life."

In smaller breakout groups, they will get to know their peers, while a large panel discussion will give them the chance to pose questions to current students about dining and housing, service and community engagement opportunities, clubs and extracurricular activities, and more.

They'll also enjoy "UMW Live," a series of student-created skits to walk freshmen through campus life and university resources, Jones said, which will be prerecorded this year. "It's always everyone's favorite part of orientation," she said, adding that students can tune in afterwards to hang out and play games with orientation leaders.

In the coming weeks, students will begin virtual one-on-one advising sessions with faculty members in their intended major. It's a new feature that O'Donnell anticipates will become a part of future events once campus reopens.

But the conversation doesn't stop there, O'Donnell said, explaining that UMW will present a series of Canvas modules and live webinars throughout the summer for incoming students and their families.

Topics to be covered include resources for students of color, being first-in-family college students, health and safety procedures, and using the Center for Career and Professional Development.

"We want to make sure that every student knows we are here for them," said orientation leader Val Ortiz, who is a sophomore. "And that no matter the circumstances, we are still #OneUMW." Jill Laiacona is the Media Manager for University Relations & Communications, UMW

SUMMER SALE

25% OFF CLOTHING, SHOES, & HANDBAGS 723 Caroline St 899.8077 Daily 11-5 Sunday 12-4 front porch fredericksburg

July 2020

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Stories

of fredericksburg

Mandy ’s Stor y From the Files of Empowerhouse “I first connected with Empowerhouse when I met an advocate in the courthouse. I had never been to court before, but after my husband assaulted me and tried to choke me, I found myself walking the long path to the courthouse by myself, fearful of all that the next several hours would hold.

To my surprise, an advocate was waiting for me and called my name within a few minutes of sitting in the waiting area.

She told me about Empowerhouse services, particularly the women's and children's groups.

nervous the first night we arrived at group, unsure of what the evening would hold. The kids tried to get me to turn around at the last moment, but I knew we needed to at least try it for their sake.

It was so important for me that they begin to have options as far as talking about the experiences and learning about healthier relationships. I wanted my kids to be able to talk with others about things they are thinking about. I wanted them to meet others their age and know that they are not alone and that others can help.

“I had 2 children, ages 6 and 10 at the time. My 10 year old daughter who had seen the last incident where I thought he might kill me. I was looking for any kind of support for me and her, in particular, so I decided to try Empowerhouse's support groups.

“As we drove home that first night, the kids wouldn't stop chattering about what a great time they had had.

There were crafts, games, and food! And the first time my daughter said with amazement, "Someone else has been through what we went through with dad," I knew that groups were something we needed to continue doing.

“The kids and I were both

Dogs About Town

“I attended several different groups. Right off the bat, it helped me to address my biggest concern - how to start to help my kids cope with the experiences we had all shared.

“After a year of attending groups, I can honestly say that Empowerhouse groups have been the answer to helping my kids and I rebuild our lives. I went to counseling for a while, but it wasn't until my kids and I started attending groups that our lives began to change.

“My daughter just started attending the teen girls' group, and her comments this last week continue to

reaffirm this. She said, "Mom - these girls really get it, and since we've been out for a while, I think I can help them, too."

Empowerhouse Mission Statement Empowerhouse empowers survivors and their children to believe in themselves and build new lives filled with dignity, respect, safety, and hope. We give victims the time, space, and tools to heal their hearts, restore their connections, rebuild their lives, and renew their spirits.

Empowerhouse is a non-profit organization providing confidential domestic violence assistance in the city of Fredericksburg and the counties of Stafford, Spotsylvania, King George, and

Caroline. These services include a free and confidential 24-hour hotline, a temporary emergency shelter, information, referrals, and advocacy.

Empowerhouse is an accredited Virginia domestic violence program funded by state and federal grants, localities in planning district 16 (to include Fredericksburg, Stafford, Spotsylvania, King George and Caroline), Rappahannock United Way, donations, and fundraising events.

To help Empowerfhouse’s Domestic Violence Shelter and Families, please support the Shelter by mailing your donation to: Empowerhouse, PO Box 1007, FXBG, VA 22402

For Free Local Confidential Services call 540-3 373-9 9373

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July 2020

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

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212 William Street,Fredericksburg 540-373-5513 Mon-Fri 9-5:30; Sat 9-4 jewelboxfredericksburgva.webs.com jewelbox14k@yahoo.com

BizBits Are We In A New Era of Doing Business?

By Mandy Smith

200 William St Downtown Fredericksburg 540-373-4421 crownjewelersfredericksburg.com

It has been a rocky few months. and mortar store‌ curbside pickup, The landscape of "doing business" was delivery, and online sales became the new forced into a quick normal. The evolution due to COVIDquestion is, Through all this, one of the most 19. As we emerge from a are we in a amazing things to see was how space of uncertainty and new era of begin to "open up," what small businesses supported the hungry, " d o i n g does the landscape of business"? the homeless, and the front-lline your business look like?

Will these workers. They donated food, money, With every COVID-19 changes be and resources‌ truly stepping up punch that was thrown, the new in a time of need. were you able to bob and M.O.? weave to maintain sales T h e and retain customers? necessity and desire to shop at a brick and It was amazing to see fresh ideas mortar store or eat at a restaurant will emerge. Businesses found new ways to sell, not go away. If anything, this has been a service, engage, and feed our community. learning experience for a lot of businesses.

The changes they implemented over the Gone was the ease of walking into a brick

past few months have, in a way, allowed businesses to find new methods to take care of their customers; pushing them to engage through social media and setup online markets. These changes, though forced in some cases, are good and should stay in place. As the world grows and customer engagement evolves, it is only through the adaptation of one's business that they can survive.

Now is the time to look back and really inventory everything you did to stay in business. What worked? What did not work? What new business methods should you keep? Document this information. Put it in a binder. Use it as a reference if we find ourselves in this position again. This documentation will aid you in developing a "Plan of Action" for the future. Having a plan will lead to decisive decision making and customer retention.

Our community, in turn, did their best to support our local businesses and restaurants.

As we move through the phases and begin to "open up" more, keep in mind the need to reeducate people about who you are and what you do. Use social media, advertise, engage. Do not just assume because you are open, people will flock back. You need to remind them why your business is one in a million.

Mandy Smith is the Promotions & Marketing Director for B101.5. AKA "AJ" Weekend Air Personality

Historic Renwick Courthouse 815 Princess Anne Street, Downtown Fredericksburg front porch fredericksburg

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In the Garden Bring a little sunshine to a senior’s life!

Too many seniors feel lonely and isolated.

a growing habit

By Tina Will Left to ourselves in recent months, many Master Gardeners (MGs) have had far more time than usual to plant seeds, pull weeds, and improve our gardens and landscapes however we see fit.

Cool temperatures slowed things a bit, but summer is arriving, and gardeners are optimists so we press on. Talking with some our group was encouraging; gardeners are a growing bunch!

MG Susan Gingrich has about sixty feet of red, golden, and black berries that she prizes. Last year's bumper crop of tomatoes will keep her from needing to plant tomatoes this year since she

photo by glenn valdez

preserved so many. She uses a grow mat and fluorescent lighting to get seeds started in late Winter. In her garden bed of leafy greens she has interspersed flowers and herbs at the recommendation photo by tina will

Cornell of C o o p e r a t i v e Extension Master Gardener Sally Jean Cunningham in her book 'Great Garden Companions' (1998). She also gives resounding credit to the composted goat manure that she gets from the goats photo by arlene wilkinson she keeps and the R a p p a - G r o w compost obtained from the Stafford VCE and VSU have provided Landfill last year.

Gardeners and citizens with a Zoom teaching series "Get Gardening!" via In March MG Facebook at: Arlene Wilkinson www.facebook.com/VCEMasterGardenerPr had just started a ogram/live.

Spring project with children at her Professors have lectured from church when the their homes, yards, or greenhouses on isolation restriction many helpful topics: Container Gardening, was put in place.

Raised Bed Gardening, Good Bugs/Bad Everyone was Bugs, and Sustainable Indoor/Outdoor disappointed, but Vegetable Gardening. We've been able to the idea should be see more clearly what they are talking kept and used when about since many of the talks are from restrictions ease. their own yards or greenhouses.

Her plan was to give children two Multiple sources of inspiration flowering plants to care for, one for and information keep the soil turning, and themselves at home, and one to plant at keeps the produce coming. Grow what you St. Mary's Church garden in like and enjoy the beauty!

Fredericksburg. That is a great idea, that should not be lost to this season!

Glenn Valdez, in King George, has a vibrant garden that matches his energy. He's growing garlic, purple broccoli, and poppies along with a wide variety of vegetables, flowers, and fruits. Everything is growing extremely well. He is concentrating a bit more on labeling his plants this year.

Paula Loccisano is focusing on growing roses and other flowers this summer for an event in August. A new member of our MGACRA, Paula is grateful for, and has put to use the information she learned about pruning trees and shrubs.

In King George, MG Linda Kline has partnered with King George Parks and Rec to provide teaching videos on growing tomatoes for the Park's 'Family Activities' effort.

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July 2020

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Tina Will has volunteered with MGACRA for 16 years and lives near Ferry Farm in Stafford County.

YOU can make a difference by volunteering to visit a senior in the Fredericksburg area.

Volunteer training is provided & no special skills are required.

The Senior Visitors Program is a FREE community service program of Mental Health America of Fredericksburg.

Visit mhafred.org or call 540-371-2704

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

Walk Around Photo Challenge B101.5 & front porch wants your photos When you go for a walk do you find yourself taking pictures of flowers, trees, or some other beautiful photo worthy thing?

B101.5 & Front Porch Magazine has partnered to bring you the "Walk Around Photo Challenge" In an effort to stay healthy during social distancing, get out of the house and go for a walk!

Front Porch Magazine will be picking out a few of their favorite images to show off in this and future issues & maybe even a future cover!

“Back Deck”, Brenda Motley

“Around the Battlefields”, Mishselle Busby

“Chatham Manor”, Kris Brooks

“Along Quarry Trail”, Natasha Henderson

“Chatham ManorView”, Michelle Pickham

“Rappahannock River”, Luther Libby

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July 2020

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“I Have A Friend”

Large or Small, I Sell Them All! Dreaming of Fabulous City Living?

Let’s Make It Happen!

terrific trio

By Laurie Black

While in the midst of a global pandemic, it can be a challenge to feel connected to our friends and our community. However, Leigh Haverstick, her daughter Lauren, and their senior friend, Margaret, have met the challenge with added love and caring.

This terrific trio met in 2018 through the Senior Visitors Program. In her own words Lauren explains, "Ever since I was little, I've been a people person. I love being around anyone I could talk to. One day, I ran down into our kitchen and told my mom I loved "old" people. I said I wanted one I could talk to, a senior that could be my own friend - that I could visit with. My mom laughed and said she wasn't exactly sure how to help me. The next day, an ad on my mom's Facebook was for the Senior Visitors Program and we signed up."

Lauren goes on to say, "Mrs. Margaret is a wonderful lady! Since the first time we met her, she has been nothing but kind.

She is also very humorous; most of our visits are filled with laughs. She has a very good history of Virginia and I have learned a lot about what is around here from her. At 92, she is still very active and engaged. She even tends to go outside and do yard work!" Leigh says of Margaret, "She's wonderful! She's always up-to-date on the latest news in Fredericksburg and usually finds out about new things being built or opening before we do! I love hearing her observations on life over the course of 92 years."

When asked what she enjoys most about their visits, Margaret says,

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July 2020

"They are always so friendly. It is like we already knew each other.

It is nice to have both mother and daughter visit me. I feel uplifted and not isolated. I enjoy hearing about Leigh's work and Lauren's activities. It is nice to know what's going on in schools today. It is so different from when I was young.

And Leigh and Lauren seem to enjoy stories of when I was young."

Before COVID 19 restrictions, their weekly visits included playing games, putting together puzzles, walks, sharing stories and memories, catching up on their busy week, or baking oatmeal raisin cookies (their mutual favorite!).

Now they stay connected through frequent phone calls and occasional drop offs of notes or word search books or little goodies. Margaret says, "Some younger people have no time for seniors, but Lauren gets so excited to call me. She tells me about her family, her grandparents, and school. It is such a joy!” Leigh has a unique perspective on keeping in touch.

"Our calls are so important. I'm a Respiratory Therapist and work mainly in the COVID ICU or ER. I can see what the virus does to people. I want to know she is okay."

Margaret says she also enjoys reading Front Porch Fredericksburg and the Senior Visitors Program bimonthly newsletter, Senior Spotlight. She likes the information that both provide for seniors and highlights about what is going on in the community (and the word search in the Senior Spotlight).

Leigh, Lauren, and Margaret all agree they will be glad when they can go back to visiting in-person. Leigh and Lauren both serve the community in many capacities, but Lauren says of being a volunteer with the Senior Visitors Program, "It's not hard to make someone feel so good. It is something cool to do for someone and makes you feel better about yourself." Lauren has spread this message to her friends and as a result, one of her friends and her friend's mother have also become volunteers!

SUZY STONE Mobile:540.847.0630 Office: 540-898-2900 suzystone22@gmail.com C21redwood.com

Wills and Trusts Provide for Incapacity Trusts for Minor Children Wealth Preservation Trusts Avoid Probate AhearnEstateLaw.com

540/371-9890

Shop Local Welcome to Downtown Fredericksburg’s Main Street District fredericksburgdowntown.org

Where Customer Service and Title Insurance Become One

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

Jewell Wolterman

Laurie Black is the Administrative Assistant for the Senior Visitors Program

12225 Amos Lane, Ste 204 Fredericksburg, VA 22407 540-907-0574 www.elitetitleva.com jwolterman@elitetitleva.com

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Everything Greens A Statement of Solidarity

By Brad Smith

Friends of the garden, I, along with our staff and leadership, have been considering the best way Downtown Greens can respond to the events sweeping our nation. I have been humbled, again and again, by the dedication and humility they continue to bring to our mission and the larger task of deconstructing systemic racism. As an organization and as individuals we stand firmly behind those who are peacefully protesting but know we must not stop there.

participants, supporters, and our entire community.

We hear our neighbors, and many in our Downtown Greens family, repeatedly crying "I can't breathe." This is a sentiment I, personally, have echoed. We refuse to treat these as empty words or a simple hashtag. We know that if we do not boldly stand together against injustice, we do a disservice to our black neighbors,

We want those that have carried the burden of injustice to feel seen, welcomed, and safe everywhere, but especially in our garden. We want our organization to be a resource and refuge-part of the healing and justice so desperately needed in our country.

It may be asked, "what does this movement have to do with growing tomatoes, picking flowers, or hosting community dinners?" Our answer: one of the main reasons our organization exists is to confront conditions caused by systemic inequality. Conditions that should not exist--economic disparities, the legacy of segregation, and equal access to food, clean water, and land.

I invite you to join us as we partner with, learn from, and seek direction and accountability from our neighbors in the black/indigenous/people of color communities. I look to the past and consider where the urban and community agriculture movements would be without the innovation, vision, and courage of those on the margins of society. As a member of the black community, I have always taken inspiration from our leaders who have sown seeds before me; whose words challenge me to "act as if it were possible to radically transform the world."

Transformation, whether barren soil or a hurting country, requires our hope. So I look forward with hope and ask that you join us as we do our part to build a world where no one must ever again say, "I can't breathe." A world where we all share the same breath.

continuing to grow with us.

Brad Smith has lived all over the world but now calls downtown Fredericksburg home. His grandmother instilled a practical and romantic appreciation for nature in him. He studied Conflict Analysis and Resolution at George Mason University. He is passionate about mental health, sustainability, veteran issues, youth advocacy, citizen diplomacy, writing, and food. He volunteered with Downtown Greens for several years and is now excited to serve on the Board of Directors as President.

Thank you for your time in reading this and, as always, thank you for

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11

Distillery Reopening for Tours

Summer Cocktail mojito

welcome back to A. smith Bowman

By the beach bartender

Kristie Wooldridge

One of the most iconic summer cocktails is the Mojito!

This iconic Cuban cocktail is refreshing and perfectly balanced with lime, rum and fresh mint. Perfect for when summer herbs are in abundance.

All you need is Fresh mint, lime juice, rum and simple syrup To make it, you’ll simply muddle mint with lime juice and syrup, then add the rum and shake it in a cocktail shaker. .

The Correct Way to Muddle Mint

A. Smith Bowman Distillery is preparing to reopen its doors to the public on July 1. Virginia's oldest and most award-winning distillery is ready to welcome guests with a new tour reservation system, bottling line, and updated tour guidelines to help #StopTheSpread.

Out of an abundance of caution during the COVID-19 pandemic, the Distillery has been closed to visitors since March 16.

"We have truly missed our guests and tour visitors and we're thrilled to welcome everyone back to the Distillery on July 1," said Master Distiller Brian Prewitt. "Our team is implementing many new procedures to offer the maximum safety for our visitors and staff."

In order to offer everyone the safest possible environment for their visit, guests will be asked to follow some new requirements upon arrival.

All guests will be required to wear a face mask upon entry. For anyone who forgets theirs, one will be provided.

Before entering the Distillery, staff members will conduct contactless temperature scans and gather contact information from each guest for contact tracing purposes.

Tours, while still complimentary, will require online reservations prior to a visit and groups will be limited to 10 guests.

The Distillery has also placed multiple sanitizer stations around the facility, and guests will notice new social distancing floor decals and plexiglass

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July 2020

barriers for added protection. There will be frequent cleaning and sanitizing of all common areas. In the complimentary tasting area visitors will have their very own tasting table, placed six-feet apart from others.

Besides the additional safety precautions, tour guests will also get to experience a new tour path. The upgraded route includes a great view of the Distillery's new state-of-the-art bottling line, which was installed during the closure.

Operating hours for A. Smith Bowman Distillery will return to normal, 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. Sunday through Saturday.

To register for your next visit, and to learn more about the safety precautions A. Smith Bowman Distillery is putting into place, please visit asmithbowman.com/planyourvisit/

As a small and privately owned company, A. Smith Bowman Distillery produces an assortment of hand-crafted spirits distilled from only the finest natural ingredients and using the latest technology. This micro-distillery focuses on the production of premium spirits honoring the legacy of Virginia's first settlers. As Virginia's oldest and most award-winning distillery, its various brands have earned numerous prestigious awards over the years, including John J. Bowman Single Barrel, which received a gold medal at the 2019 San Francisco World Spirits Competition. .

Kristie Wooldridge is the Sazerac Company Public Relations Associate Manager, Communications. She can be reached at kwooldridge@sazerac.com

Front porch fredericksburg

Muddling is gently mashing herbs or fruits to release their juices. This is often used when making cocktails, because it helps the flavors incorporate better than if you just threw a mint sprig right into the drink. Is there a right way to muddle? In fact, there is!

Here’s how to muddle mint…the right way: Place the mint leaves in the bottom of a cocktail shaker. If you don’t have one, you can use a large metal cup or bowl.

Using a wooden cocktail muddler or unfinished wooden spoon, gently mash the mint a few times to release the juices.

Do not mash the mint with a lot of force!

The key to muddling is a light touch.

Here’s a classic mojito recipe, perfectly balanced with lime, rum and fresh mint! This iconic Cuban cocktail is refreshing and just sweet enough.

3 mint leaves, plus additional for garnish 1 ounce (2 tablespoons) lime juice

1/2 ounce (1 tablespoon) maple syrup or simple syrup 2 ounces (4 tablespoons) white rum 4 ounces (1/2 cup) soda water In a cocktail shaker, muddle the mint leaves with the lime juice and syrup.

Add the rum and fill the cocktail shaker with ice. Shake until cold.

Place ice into a glass, and strain in the liquid. Top off the glass with soda water.

Garnish with additional mint leaves.

The best part about this mojito: it’s just sweet enough!

The Beach Bartender is a NC Beach Home owner who is anixiously awaiting her summer return to her “Outer” home.

Season’s Bounty

The Sunken Well Tavern

grillin' & chillin' vanessa moncure

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

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

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

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

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

Ahhh…..summer in Virginia. I just checked the weather ("Alexa, what is Fredericksburg's outdoor temperature and humidity? And the forecast?") and her answer was just about the same as the summer day before - "The temperature is 81F with humidity of 98%. You can expect scattered thundershowers throughout the afternoon ". Already feeling overheated and droopy, I don my garden clothes and clogs, floppy hat, give myself a spray of eau de Cutter and sunscreen and head out into the garden Amid months of social distancing, COVID scares, looking like Old West desperadoes with public masks and red bandanas, the quiet calm of the garden is a balm. I've seen more honeybees this year than in most remembered past years, buzzing from clover flower to clover flower in my clover-choked lawn.

Butterflies flit about in my herb beds, and tiny hummingbirds zip from flower to flower in my towering Rose of Sharon. And figs! Last year I was afraid I'd lost my fig tree forever to a killing frost - not one piece of fruit formed. But this may be THE YEAR if I can keep birds and squirrels away from my now 12' tree, covered in notFigs are a flowering quite-ripe fruit. member of the mulberry family - a volunteer plant I routinely pull up in the yard as I don't care for them, or their potential dark side. Mature berries are edible (also will permanently stain clothing, shoes, carpets, etc) but broken twigs as well as all parts except mature fruit ooze a poisonous white sap. If you take the time to study, many of our common and favorite plants can have a toxic or noxious side to their enticing blooms or growth, even garden plants.

Hostas, a common landscape feature, are practically the best treat deer can find yet poisonous if ingested by household pets or horses - and who knew my riotous rhododendron, sweet lily of the valley or stunning clumps of hydrangea flower blooms are all capable of causing coma or death if ingested? Fortunately no one will find sautéed "death by foxglove" on their dinner plates at my home. I'm too busy gathering the buckets of zucchini, yellow

s q u a s h , cucumbers and the first summer tomatoes. For the first time ever, our garden is overflowing with sweet carrots, earthy beets and buckets of Yukon gold and Norland red potatoes. Why the pea shoots are shriveled up and there isn't a green bean on the bushy rows, I can't answer. I'm just taking advantage of the bounty we are having!

GRILLIN' Last week, I cut zucchini and yellow squash into long slices, collected Swiss chard, trimmed green onions, cut potatoes into quarter-inch discs, halved peppers and large mushrooms and cut carrot strips - these I marinated in a 9"x13" Pyrex dish in an Italian dressing (made with olive oil) concoction. I have a grilling pan that will keep the vegetables from slipping between the grates, but use a cast iron pan if needed. Place the vegs on the grill, high heat, turning them as necessary, as charred edges are so tasty. Rub shucked corn with the dressing and add to grill if desired. I put them back into a large bowl and drizzle with the dressing. Serve straight from the grill, room temperature or chilled. Easy and yum, AND CHILLIN' Just thinking of homemade ice cream takes me back to childhood. This was always a summer treat, and I'm old enough to remember the sawdust-covered ice pulled from the ice house, large chunks placed in burlap bags and crushed with heavy blows from a steel head blacksmith hammer borrowed from its hanging place on the smithy wall.

The dark green painted wooden handcrank ice cream maker was held together with metal straps, and the "Peerless" logo faded away bit by bit with each use. There was a 6-8quart metal canister into which went the fruit-filled, sweet and creamy ice cream concoction, a paddle or "dasher" to stir the mixture with a hand crank on top and a locking mechanism to hold it together. Scoops of pulverized ice, followed by layers of coarse rock salt were packed tightly around the canister. Don't forget, this was hand-cranked, with no electricity. Turning the handle was easy at first, so the children lined up to turn the handle. As the cream began to freeze, turning the handle became harder and harder, so it was turned over to the men, until finally no one could turn it any more.

Carefully the canister was taken from the

salty slush and rinsed. This is when the children gathered around again - when Grandmother opened the top and lifted out the dasher - everyone wanted a lick!

She evened out the ice cream and covered it with a piece of an old quilt to insulate it, then placed it back in the bucket with clean ice all around. Anticipation building, the ice cream finally hardened satisfactorily and we gathered around, bowls in hand. The raspberries and blackberries we'd picked that morning topped off the fruity cold treat. I still have the hand- cranked ice cream maker but do admit to today using the electric version, with sawdust-less ice and already-cracked boxed rock salt. Closing my eyes as I eat the finished product, I am drawn back, though!

Recipe - mix together 4-6 cups chopped peaches (use bananas, berries, cherries, chocolate, nuts, mango - your choice!), 2 cups (more or less, taste with mixture for desired sweetness), 1 T. lemon juice, dash of salt, one quart heavy cream, 6 cups whole milk, 1 T. vanilla, 1tsp almond extract. Some use eggs, if you do use pasteurized equal to 4 eggs. Don't overfill the container, and follow manufacturer instructions.

This recipe will freeze hard and not very scoopable, but here's a hint if you want a softer scoop ice cream, and you won't taste it. Add 1-2T. vodka to the mixture before churning.

My grandparents certainly wouldn't have thought of that, and I don't believe there was ever any left over to refreeze!

Vanessa Moncure provides recipes & useful tidbits for every season

Become a Member

www.fredericksburgcsa.com

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July 2020

13

Chief Scoopologist abner B’s ed wright

Join Us on the Rooftop for Chill VIbes, Tasty Eats, & Cold Drinks

by M.L. Powers

314 William St..656-2500..fb@vivifyburger..vivifyburger.com

If we are honest with each other, many of us have had a bit of ice cream over the last few months. No judging, a sweet treat was needed as we waded through the mess of a quarantine. Now we are into the dog days of summer and ice cream is always on the agenda somewhere. Fredericksburg is lucky to have a few really fantastic stops to fill this craving. One of these is the completely

renovated and newly opened Abner Bs Ice Cream at 821 Caroline Street where ice cream is made fresh on-site daily. Abner Quizit Guatemalan Coffee B's also hosts X-Q Roasters, Fredericksburg's first in-house coffee roaster.

Wondering how you go from a career as a Lieutenant Colonel in the Air Force to owner of an ice cream parlor baffled me until I spoke with Ed Wright, Abner Bs owner and Chief Scoopologist.

He is so down to earth that he fits in perfectly with the Fredericksburg downtown scene. He spoke of his love of ice cream going back forty years when the family would drive to Grandma's house and always stop at the same spot along the way. So after a long career in the military, he could have continued on easily

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July 2020

with a contractor or government position, but he thought he'd go for something totally new and different. It seems like that was a good decision! Back in 2011 he built a commercial factory in his garage and started selling primarily at local farmers markets, events, and school functions.

You can always spot the "purple cow" ice cream truck with its bright purple and yellow stripes. Jump to 2019 and Ed decided to take the leap to a storefront.

His son Edward works alongside his father and it seems they have found a viable niche in Fredericksburg. Both are incredibly hard workers and seem to never quite slow down.

They have a great website that tells a more extensive story of the company's origin and the flavors that are available. So far, their official record has it that they have experimented with over 250 flavors. My first experience was with a strawberry made from local fresh berries.

I am not an ice cream connoisseur, but this was probably one of the richest ice creams I have had the pleasure of tasting. With over 90 rotating flavors in the shop, it's never hard to find a great flavor though it might be hard to hone in on a favorite. I think it might be fun to try, though. Especially interesting to me is the coffee flavors made from Xquisit's cold blend.

Ed indicated that even during the lock-down, business has been good. The shop is now on "summer" hours through mid-September. It's a great time to surrender to the sweet tooth craving.

WELCOME TO OUR GREAT OUTDOORS It’s Beautiful ~ Night and Day!

Become a Member

Locally Owned Irish Pub and Restaurant

Mary Lynn enjoys meeting and writing about interesting people in the 'burg. .

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

www.fredericksburgcsa.com

200 Hanover St. ~ 373-0738

Need to Get Away? Need to Escape?

We Got You Covered! $109 plus tax Includes Room, $25 Gift Card for Downtown Restaurants & we will donate 10% of the Room Rate to the Fredericksburg Food Bank!

540.373.8300

620 Caroline Street

Olde Towne BUTCHER orner of William & Charles Streets Downtown Fredericksburg 540.370.4105 www.oldetownebutcher.com Monday to Thursday, 10am to 7pm; Friday 10am to 8 pm Saturday 9am to 8pm, Sunday, 11am to 6pm Keith Lebor Proprietor

Become a Member

fxbgfoodcoop@gmail.com fredericksburgfoodcoop.com

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

540-898-0737

Vino wine from india

by City Vino The country of India conjures up thoughts of exotic spices; colorful fabrics, woven with golden thread; intricate handdrawn henna hand art; elaborate gold jewelry; and beautiful temples; but did you know that it is a growing wine region?

Grape growing in India dates back a couple of millennia, but modern-day winemaking in India saw its start around the 1980s, with the rise of the middle class and its demand for wine.

India is a large country, encompassing both diverse climates and geologies, much of which aren't suitable for grape growing, due to the extreme temperatures and tendency to have monsoons. The wine regions fall into tropical areas, but this is mitigated by planting vineyards at higher altitudes and along slopes, to take advantage of the cooler air and protection from winds.

Heat and humidity determine much of the farming practices used in the vineyards. Vines are often grown in a pergola style, where the vines grow up and over trellises or wires, so that the grapes are far from the ground.

This configuration allows more air flow around the grapes, reducing the likelihood of molds and funguses that would come along with the high humidity. Vineyards usually require irrigation, due to the hot weather.

There are approximately 111,000 acres of vineyards producing 1.2 million tons of Indigenous grapes a year, however less than 10 percent are used for wine production, as the rest are table grapes. Nashik is the top wine producing region in the country, and is known as the wine capital of India. Other top wine producing regions are Pune, Bangalore, Hampi Hills, Bijapur, and Northern Karnataka. Harvest usually takes place in February; however, there are a few warmer areas like Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, and Karnataka, where the grapevines produce crops twice a year.

Many international varieties like Chardonnay, Chenin Blanc, Viognier, Sauvignon Blanc, Riesling, Sangiovese, Shiraz, and Cabernet Sauvignon are grown here.

A featured wine from India at City Vino is the Grover Zampa Vineyards La Reserve Blanc 2016, from Kamataka, India. Grover Zampa was founded in the 1970s by Kanwal Grover and George Vesselle, who was formerly the technical director at Champagne Mumm. Kanwal's daughter Karishma, who studied enology at UC Davis, is the winemaker. This wine is a Viognier and Sauvignon Blanc blend, aged in French oak barrels. The wine has a

refreshing-y yet-rrich texture, with aromas of peach, apricot, and tropical fruits, in conjunction with lovely floral notes, and a hint of honey. This would be a great accompaniment to pork, chicken, salads, or a mild cheese.

The second Indian wine is the Sula Vineyards Chenin Blanc Estate Bottled 2019 from Maharashtra, India.

Rajeev Samant started Sula Vineyards in 1999, after a few visits to his family's land.

He spent a few months working with a friend at a small winery in California, and the seed was planted, so to speak. That friend, Kerry Damskey, is now the winemaker at Sula. Sula is India's leading wine company, and sees well over 300,000 visitors a year. This wine is 100 percent Chenin Blanc and is, in fact, the first Chenin produced in India, and is its bestselling white wine. The wine is a dry wine, featuring refreshing, semi-d tropical fruit aromas, and flavors of pineapple, pear, and green apple. This wine will pair beautifully with something with some spice or with a seat in the shade on the porch. The Sula wine has a beautiful, brightly colored mustached sun on the label, and would be a great wine to pair with Summer grill foods!

City Vino is located at 810 Caroline St. You can find owner Rita Allan on-site to provide answers to all your wine questions

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BULLETIN July 2020... Be sure to check online stores, brick & mortar stores, galleries, restaurants & facebook pages to keep current with re-opening plans & schedules. Thanks to B101.5 (Operation Carry-Out) & City of Fred(fxbglovelocal.com)

"There cannot be good living where there is not good drinking" ~Ben Franklin Hartwood Winery, Good Wine Makes Social Isolation Bearable call ahead we will deliver wine "car-hop" style. 540-752-4893.

345 Hartwood Rd. City Vino:, 810 Caroline St, curb-side pick-up, shipping, & delivery 540-368-0400, online store @ cityvino.com.

Potomac Point Winery, 540-446-2251, Vineside Pickup for food, wine & wine-cakes, check website for more info Red Dragon Brewery, takeaway beer. curbside pickup, 540-3718100. Princess Anne St, FXBG Adventure Brewing, to go or get it delivered. order form on our web site pick up or delivery, adventurebreing.com, 242-8876, 6 Bears & a Goat, 1140 International Parkwy, 22406, delivery & curbside pick-up of food & BEER! @6bgbrewingco.com Highmark Brewery, 390 Kings Highway.Fridge stocked? Get your Growlers and cans Check facebook for daily hours Spencer Devon Brewing, 106 George St.curbside pick-up of food and BEER! 540.479.8381 to order. delivery of beer within a 30 minute radius of the brewery. To place your beer delivery order please TEXT 843.384.5750 with your beer order. 540-479-8381

Humanity runs on Coffee ~ Unknown

25 30 Espresso, 400 Princess Anne, full service walk-p & delivery through UberEats Agora Downtown Coffee Shop, 520 Caroline St delivery service Grubhub." (540) -369-8180, fb@agoradowntowncoffeeshop Hyperion Espresso, 301 William St, takeout/to-go, 540-3734882

One cannot think well, love well, sleep well, if one has not dined well" ~Virginia Woolf

Allman's BBQ, 1299 Jeff Davis Hwy, Curbside Pickup. Don't miss your favorite BBQ..it is "comfort food"! , 540-373-9881, fb@allamnsBBQ Alpine Chef, train station downtown, take-out & delivery, 540656-2101 Bangkok Cafe Thai Cuisine, 825 Caroline St CarryOut and Free Delivery with in 5 Miles radius (minimum $15), 540-373-0745 Basilico Italian Market, 2577 Cowan Blvd; & 7011 Harrison Rd.Curbside pick up and delivery of food, WINE and BEER basilicodeli.com 540-370-0355 540-370-0355; 540-412-6244

July 2020

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Juan More Taco,826 Caroline store pick up and limited delive

Mason-Dixon Cafe 2100 Princes Stafford,full menu curbside through Ubereats. (540) -220

Only,

722

Caroline

St,

Carl's, walk up window for carry out .200 Princess Anne Castiglias Downtown, 324 William St, Take out as well curbside delivery. 540-373-6650 Carrabba's Italian Grill, 548.1122, Carryout, delivery from GrubHub & UberEats Carl's, 2200 Princess Anne, walkup service Colonial Tavern, 406 Lafayette Blvd, Curbside orders, which can include beer &/or wine, 540-373-1313 Eileen's Bakery & CafĂŠ, 1115 Caroline St, website for menu Fahrenheit 132, 318 William St A condensed menu, Also offering butcher cut steaks, uncooked, Everything is at a very discounted price as we are trying to keep as many employees working as possible. We are offering wine at 40% off for pick up.

540.940.2614

Guru Indian Cuisine, Take-out, curbside, delivery, wine & beer to go. 3140 Cowan Blvd, 540-548-1011

16

Jay's Sport Lounge, 409 William including beer & wine

Benny Vatili's Pizza , Pickup Fredericksburg (540) - 368-1690

Aladin Restaurant, 2052 Plank Rd, delivery, pickup, curbside, 372-7755

540~479~4116 1013 Princess Anne St , FXBG

Italian Station 620 Caroline St pizza panini, baked/delivered drinks and Steep hot teas. curbs drinks (540) -940-2165

La Petite Auberge, 311 William out, Curbside delivery, (540) -

Abner B Ice Cream, 821 Caroline St.

Become a Friend Advocate ~ Donate ~ Volunteer

Here & Abroad Bistro, 1004 P 371-2999

Battlefield Restaurant, 1018 Lafayette Blvd, pick-up only, 540846-9661

Foode & Mercantile, Foode & Mercantile have consolidated into one building at Foode's location of 900 Princess Anne St downtown carryout & delivery - and that includes many grocery items. the list is always changing, so please visit our website at foodefredericksburg.com for daily updates. 404-790-3409

2400 Diner, 2400 Princess Anne, curbside pick-up, -373-9049

Hard Times Cafe, Drive-Up Pick 540-710-6771

Marco Pizza, 316 White Oak Rd

Metro Diner, offering Metro M @metrodiner.com. 540-642-13 UberEats Orifino,1006 Caroline St, delive

Olde Towne Butcher, 401 Willia fresh beef, pork, poultry, eggs

Renee's Crepes & Cakes Take Eagle Village Plaza 22401, (540

Ristorante Renato, Carry out a

Recreation Center FXBG, Carry William Street, 540-371-6498

Soup & Taco 1 & 2- Offer carry in 5 mile radius 813 Caroline S 806 William St (540)899-0941

Sonic Drive In, 5817 Plank Rd, menu car-service

Sunken Well Tavern, 720 little Food/Wine/Beer.& Uber Eats

N BOARD

k-Up 5099D Jefferson Davis Hwy,

Princess Anne, breakfast & lunch,

, Pastries, gelato, salati, arancine, FRESH DAILY. Lavazza espresso side and carryout for all food and

m St., 373-3800, curbside pickup

St, curbside pick up , regular in ery.(540)-372-TACO

m Street downtown.providing take -371-2727

ss Anne St. &11 Hope Rd Ste. 115 pickup, take out and delivery -8867 and (540) -288-3131

d, 373-4014, pickup

Meal Packs, feeds 4-6, check menu 369 .Pickup, curbside, DoorDash,

ery, curbside pickup 373-1352

am St , 540-370-4105 Local farm & dairy. all for orders for pickup

out orders 2020 Augustine Ave, 0)368-0420

and curbside takeaway. 371-8228

y out and curb side delivery 213

out and curb side orders delivery St 540-899-0969; Soup an taco 2, 1,

Food/Beer/Wine 540-845-9609 Vinny's Italian Grill, 201 Kings Hwy, Ferry Farm Shopping Center, 540-374-8288 Vivify Burger, 314 William St., old town carry out or pick up! menu available will change but it will remain current on Uber Eats and our website. (540) -656-2500

hopping is Cheaper than Therapy ~Unknown Sh 2 Hearts 1 Dress, 614 Caroline St 540-370-8082 merchandise & gift certificates online. Follow social media for featured items.

Becks Antiques, 708 Caroline St 540-371-1766 | Interesting antiques added to website every day. Call to place your order.

Fraser Wood Elements, 1023 Caroline St ,Store Hrs 11-4 with private or virtual appointments any time. Free Local Deliver.

Curbside Pickup.

River Rock Outfitter, 215 William St 540-372-8708 gear and apparel online store at www.riverrockoutfitter.com Skin+Touch Therapy Spa ,714 Caroline St | 540-479-6470 Gift Cards online store spa boxes and skin care Taste Oil Vinegar Spice, 815 Caroline St 540-373-1262 Oils, Vinegars, Spices, and Specialty Food.Pickup & shipping available.

Whittingham / The Kitchen at Whittingham, 1021 Caroline St | 540-374-0443 gift shop and kitchen shop open Limit 10 We have open arms (but six feet apart!) for you. Come see us!

Wildflower Collective, 208 William St 540-940-8932 Free Same Day Delivery!

Not All Classrooms Have Four Walls Virtual Fun & Tours

Gemstone Creations, 606 Caroline St 540-373-7847 Appointment only jewelry repair, custom design consultations, jewelry evaluations and appraisals. Website sales.

Art Time for Kids, 101 Hanover St 540-842-6250 virtual art class, Weekly Art Instruction K-6th grade.Art History lessons drawing, painting, sculpture!

The Grove of Brite Blessings, 914 Caroline St 540-273-2778 All products & readings by phone. curbside pickup .

Jabberwocky Books &Toys, 810 Caroline St | 540-372-5684 | shipping, curbside, in store shopping by appointment

"Paint the Town" postcards are now available that feature a variety of black-and-white Fredericksburg scenes. print them out, color them in with your choice of design and share them on social media with #fxbgcolor #lovefxbg #fxbgstrong.

Kimman's Co., 820 Caroline St | 717-515-9506 Shop online for curbside pickup and shipping. Visit websites & facebook Lady Legacy, 723 Caroline St 540-899-8077 Curbside pick-up & shipping Email bjblegacy@gmail.com gift cards are also available.

Fredericksburg Area Museum, 907 Princess Anne St | 540-3713037 virtual tours of our exhibits and educational resources.

FXBG & Spotsy National Military Park Virtual Classroom , Explore the experience of war in Fxbg & Chancellorsville through interactive activities, primary sources and multimedia

Latitudes Fair Trade Store, 800 Caroline St 540-370-8778 Shop online on the website. Facebook and Instagram for updates. .

Peacaloo Boutique, 720 Caroline St 540-940-2818 Shop online!

Purchase gift cards!

LibertyTown Arts Workshop Virtual art classes, with detailed directions, online videos, and skill building. kids. Adult

Phosphene Studio, 806 Caroline St collection of beautiful, ethically made goods from independent designers online shop is open 24/7; visit us at www.phosphenestudio.com.

Rappahannock United Way, Story time takes place every day at 11:00 am Facebook page.

PONSHOP Studio and Gallery, 712 Caroline St | 540-656-2215 Online Classes available for children ages 6+.

, !0045 Jeff Davis, continuing full

PONSHOP Studio and Gallery, 712 Caroline St 656-2215 Ceramics, Artist Edition T-Shirts and Artist Prints Order online.

Pickup and shipping available. Curbside Pickup

Virtual Museum Tours, Check out the Louvre in Paris, NASA Space Center, The National Gallery of Art, National Women's History Museum , The Vatican Museums, Toyota Automobile Museum, or The Spy Museum!

epage st. curb side pick up for . We also provide deliver for

Re-Run Shoppe, 1017 Caroline St 540-371-7221 Consignment for Women's & children's clothing Call for an appointment.

Wine & Design Fredericksburg, 709 Caroline St | 540-809-0899 Party with us at home! Virtual Classes. FB page for schedules.

3672 Fans (& Growing) Want You to Join

Front Porch on

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July 2020

17

history’s stories

Baseball FXBG

By Ralph “Tuffy” Hicks

bringing meaning to markers

By Sandra Erickson

I was asked a few months back if I were excited that baseball was finally coming to Fredericksburg and that we would have the opportunity for players to move up to the Majors?

The question caught me dumbfounded for a few seconds as I replied that we have had baseball since the fall of 1862, with the arrival of the Union Army in Stafford.

With limited space I will say that Base Ball AKA (Goal Ball, Town Ball and Stick Ball) was derived from other games such as Cricket and Rounders. Cricket first recorded game was in Sussex England in 1697.

In the United States there are records in Philadelphia of Base Ball being played in 1833 and in New York where it became quite popular in the 1840's with Abner Doubleday being called the Father of the game, however, there were many individuals being associated with the game up until the Civil War period. The late D. P Newton had several letters in his White Oak Museum with solders writing about playing "Stick-Ball" in the camps to relax during the boredom of camp life. While we were talking about the subject D.P. Reminded me that he had worked for one of the more famous Major League ball players from the Stafford area, Russell "Russ" Sullivan who played for the Detroit Tigers for 3 years in the 1950's.

Grandfather Withers would often tell me stories about the early baseball days with Ty Cobb and George "Babe" Ruth and some of the early teams in the area. There were numerous teams in the Northern Neck and the White Oak area and Fredericksburg Smiths Team that I have a button from a uniform with Gold Smiths had a Gold-S embossed upon it. I remember the Stafford AC's playing at Lorton and we had lunch with the inmates. The ball field was called Mitchell's as it was directly across from Mitchell's Log Cabin Restaurant.

It was in the 1950's that Jim Coates from Farnham became a free agent as a Pitcher with the Yankees and would go on to win two World Series (1961-1962) championships. He was inducted into the Virginia Sports Hall of Fame in 1994. He published his autobiography Always a Yankee in 2012. Jim Coates recently died on November 14, 2019, at 87.

Brad Bowie advised me that his father always felt that Al Bumbry was one of the top players he recruited as a scout for Baltimore. My longtime friend Gary Butler was kind enough to connect myself and Al together again and we had a nice talk as he remembered when we had Al Bumbry Day in Fredericksburg in 1983, when I was ViceMayor. Alonza Benjamin Bumbry was born and raised in King George County and attended Ralph Bunche High School where he excelled in all sports. He went to Virginia State College on a Basketball scholarship for 4 years. He batted .578 playing baseball.

After college he entered the Army as a Lieutenant and received the Bronze Star for action in Vietnam. After his discharge he was recruited by Dick Bowie for the Baltimore Orioles. He was Rookie of the year in 1973. He would go on to spend 13 of his 14 Major League seasons with the Orioles, winning the World Series in 1983. He is in the Orioles Hall of Fame and the Virginia Sports Hall of Fame. He visits his old home King George often and has a sports memorabilia store in Maryland. His son Steve also played for the Orioles in 2009.

Just a short drive west to the Town of Orange is home to Larry Haney. He was an outstanding athlete at Orange High School. Larry from 1966 to 1978 played Catcher for the Orioles, Seattle Pilots, Oakland Athletics, St. Louis Cardinals and Milwaukee Brewers. Larry finally retired in 2006 after 40 years in Major League Baseball. Chris Haney unlike his father was a Pitcher and a second-round draft pick with the Montreal Expos. He resides in Orange County.

YES, Fredericksburg we have had several outstanding MAJOR LEAGUE players from the area. We still have many fine young players in the area, and I wish them well and with our local Minor League team will give them the opportunity to play in the Major League someday.

Dedicated to Mary Grenn, Jim Coates, Dorothy Jones, & Marsha Hudson Edwards Tuffy is the Front Porch resident FXBG historian

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OUR HERITAGE

July 2020

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Wander the streets of Fredericksburg and it won't be long before you notice bronze markers on historic buildings. These markers-over 300 of them-inform the public of its historical importance. Who puts the markers there?

What do they mean? And how can you learn more?

First, properties are researched.

Volunteer researchers for Historic Fredericksburg Foundation, Inc., are thoroughly trained in the use of materials unique to Fredericksburg and bring a variety of backgrounds and skills to the research process. Volunteers examine primary sources at the Fredericksburg and Spotsylvania courthouses, the Virginiana Room of the Central Rappahannock Regional Library, University of Mary Washington, and other repositories.

Researchers enjoy discovering interesting stories. Did you know that the Crismonds, who lived at 505 Hanover Street in the late 1800s and early 1990s, had many children on the honor roll at school? Or that Augusta Bode of 1206 Washington Avenue made headlines in 1910 and 1911 when it was reported that she had purchased automobiles? For every discovery, there are more questions needing to be answered.

If a property owner already has information on the property, a researcher will verify it and incorporate the material into a final report. In order to qualify for a bronze marker, research must be evaluated by a member of the Marker Committee.

A completed Building Marker Report includes a property's chain of title, land-tax information, information about previous owners and uses, and copies of relevant documents. For example, the report on 704 Prince Edward Street cites articles, marriage announcements, and

obituaries for some of its former residents. It details that three generations of Hirshes lived there from 1863 to 1958, a span of nearly 100 years. One of the earliest Jewish families in Fredericksburg, they were prominent merchants, owning several mercantile, grocery, and jewelry stores over the years. During the Civil War, a wounded man, William Wright of New York, had his arm amputated in the parlor of their home and came back to visit 46 years later.

The duration of the research project is determined by the volunteer's time, the complexity of the property's history, and the availability of historic documentation. Property owners receive a bound copy of the completed report, along with suggested information to be included on the bronze marker.

Each bronze oval marker is individually designed and cast exclusively for the building, and lists the original owner or builder and the date of construction. To apply for research and a marker, please visit the HFFI.org website.

A copy of each report is located at HFFI Headquarters in the Lewis Store and in the Virginiana Room. The public can access these reports for their own research or knowledge. Frequently, students from the Historic Preservation Department at the University of Mary Washington access these for projects. HFFI is working on developing a part of their website (https://hffi.org/hffi-markermap/) where brief summaries of the reports and historic photos can be accessed. Each property has a story to share, so we hope next time you take a walk downtown and look at the markers, you'll learn something new.

Sandra Erickson is the Director of Operations with HFFI

What’s in a Light? charlotte Street Luminaria By jon gerlach

In the midst of the Coronavirus Pandemic and the Black Lives Matter Movement, people are struggling mightily.

The Summer of 2020 is proving to be a trying time for our entire city. We believe there is a light at the end of the tunnel.

This is a story about that light, and the people who keep it burning.

The annual Luminaria at the Fredericksburg National Cemetery was canceled for 2020 due to the Coronavirus pandemic. Instead, residents Jeffrey Miller, Christian Malles and Matt Tankersley lit hundreds of candles in paper bags along Charlotte Street on Memorial Day, and Bugler David Mersiovsky played "Taps" every 15 minutes. On the very ground beneath this neighborhood, hundreds of Union soldiers fell on December 13, 1862.

Today, their bodies rest in the cemetery on the heights they failed to reach. Below the heights, on the Killing Fields, it seems fitting to mark with solemn tribute the place where the arc of life abruptly ended for so many brave men.

Another striking light show happened here, long ago, one night during the battle: the Northern Lights brightened the sky. Rarely seen this far south, science attributes the phenomenon to a solar event known as a Corneal Mass Ejection.

To the soldiers who were simply trying to survive another night on the battlefield, it was a sign of hope that they might be reunited with loved ones some day. Many were.

Time has a way of easing great pain. In the early 1900s the Killing Fields developed into the Fairview Neighborhood.

Generations of families have lived here since. Today, the 700 and 800 blocks of Charlotte Street are home to a mix of musicians, teachers, retirees, accountants, students, lawyers, government workers, and lots of families with children. Last summer the annual Fredericksburg Porchfest was held here, with over 1,000 people attending!

Fairview is a wonderful familyoriented community. Musicians Pete Mealy and Laurie Rose Griffith entertain at the annual Charlotte Street Block Party, often accompanied by other fine musicians such as Bruce Middle and David Nichols. It's like a mini-fair. Friends and family congregate

on front porches, where neighbors gather to share food, wine and conversation, while children and dogs pass by on a first name basis. Ruth Coder Fitzgerald, renowned author of "A Different Story: a Black History of Fredericksburg, Stafford, and Spotsylvania", was my neighbor across the street. Ruth organized the first block parties, and she welcomed me with open arms when I moved in. Our friendship lasted for the rest of her life, and I miss her. She loved this place and its people.

After a recent shower, a magnificent rainbow formed in the skies above Fredericksburg. Those who saw it will never forget. Somewhere over the rainbow is a place where everything is beautiful. That place is here, at the place you call home.

At six o'clock every evening, the Tankersleys ring the farm bell in their front yard. Folks come out on their porches and greet each other, sharing joys, concerns, and stories of the day. On some nights folks gather around a community firepit. Every few days someone announces that they are placing an order for groceries & supplies: friends add to the shopping list and chip in for their share of the cost. During the BLM protests, neighbors supplied bottled water to the protesters and police - 125 cases in total. The rest was donated to the Thurman Brisben Center and the Fredericksburg Fire Department.

So what's in a light? Each neighborhood in Fredericksburg is unique, with its own history, charm, and special character. In the end, the people are what makes this place so special. Together we carry the light of the world, and it will guide us through these difficult times.

An attorney and retired archaeologist, Jon Gerlach serves on the Architectural Review Board.

Photo Collage by Greg Murphy

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Senior Care centenarians: is 100 the new 80?

By Karl Karch

Dog Walking Pet Sitting Companion Play Time & Mini Furies, Too! (540-903-0437; lexig0892@gmail.com) On facebook as “City PetSitting�

Recent articles highlighting naturally (walking, gardening, herding); centenarians (those living to 100 or older) (2) They had a sense of purpose ("why I prompted me to do some research on wake up in the morning"); (3) They have longevity. Kirk Douglas died at 103. A routines to relieve stress (pray, take 103-year-old Monroe, Virginia woman still naps); (4) They don't overeat (stop when helps run a pie shop she opened 70 years 80% full); (5) They eat more plant based ago.

A 100-year-old North Carolina foods; (6) They drink alcohol moderately woman in an assisted living facility was and regularly; (7) They belong to a faithhauled off to jail to based community; Fall in love with your body, cross off an item on (8) They put family have a zest for life, and keep her bucket list. A first; (9) They chose Stafford couple caring moving so you can keep moving.... or were born into for their still active social circles that Living to 100 is worth it 101 and 103-year-old supported healthy mothers. These are only a behaviors. few of the articles I read.

Two other well-known groups The number of centenarians in found similar results to the Blue Zone the United States has increased study. Lynn Peters Adler, J.D., founder significantly over the years. There were and director of the National Centenarian Awareness Project, said centenarians 32,000 in 1980, 67,000 in 2013, and 82,000 in 2016.

Statista, a leading accept the losses and changes that come provider of market and consumer with aging, and don't let it stop them. statistics, projects that by 2060 there will They find ways to cope, adjust, adapt. Dr. Thomas Perls, a geriatrician at the Boston be 589,000 centenarians in the U.S. and University Medical School and founding 5,455,000 worldwide. Surprising to me was that the U.S. has the highest absolute director of the New England Centenarian Study found the phenomenal ability of number of centenarians in the world with Japan ranking second. centenarians to cope with diseases as they Studies conducted on twins have age. They avoided age-related disabilities consistently found that genetics accounts even though they had age-related diseases. for 25% of longevity. The other 75% is While everyone ages differently, determined by lifestyle and environment. experts agree people do have some control Dan Buettner, a National Geographic over their longevity: having the right Fellow and New Your Times bestselling outlook on life (sense of purpose, stress author teamed up with National management, feel younger than your age), Geographic in 2004 to study the lifestyle eating wisely, exercising (moving and environmental secrets of longevity. naturally), and having social connections.

He discovered five places around the world It's never too late to take control. Fall in where people reach the age of 100 at 10 love with your body, have a zest for life, times greater rates than in the United and keep moving so you can keep moving.

States. He called these places "Blue Zones". I've heard people say they don't want to The U.S. has only one Blue Zone: Seventh- live to 100. But here is one secret shared day Adventist community of Loma Linda, by centenarians. Living to 100 is worth it!

CA. The other communities were Ikaria, Karl Karch is a Gerontologist and local Greece; Sardinia, Italy; Okinawa, Japan; franchise owner of Home Instead Senior and Nicoya, Costa Rica. He found nine Care, a licensed home care organization lifestyle and environmental things these providing personal care, companionship zones had in common: (1) They move and home helper services in the Fredericksburg and Culpeper region.

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Have You Tried Acupuncture?

It’s All Energy Small Intestine meridian by christina ferber

Call Now to Schedule 540.847.6985 AcupunctureFredericksburg.com

Astrology for You A language of planetary patterns that connect us with universal energies.

We are born with unique configurations that can advise us, guide us, help us grow to our highest potential Consultations by Dianne Bachman 540.845.7622 dbachmanlcsw@gmail.com diannebachman.com

Donate to a Cancer Organization

ble at Availa n.com Amazo

Do you have a hard time making decisions or do you ever question decisions that you have already made? If so, working with the Small Intestine Meridian (SI) might be one way to make those decisions a little easier to make.

The Small Intestine organ is an important part of the digestive system and makes constant decisions about what nutrients the body needs and what should be separated and eliminated. An unhealthy Small Intestine can affect the decisions it makes, which can result in poor absorption of nutrients that are important for our health.

Just like the Small Intestine organ, the Small Intestine Meridian (Meridians are energy pathways in the body) is all about decision making. A balanced SI allows us to be decisive and discern what is important and what is not.

However, an imbalanced SI can lead to panic or the inability to make decisions, feeling divided and pulled in many directions, irritability, and indecisiveness about our life's direction. Physically, we can experience among other things cramping, bloating, poor circulation and digestion, weakness in the legs, and sore or stiff shoulders. Luckily, there are some ways to bring SI into balance using Eden Method techniques and Traditional Chinese Medicine wisdom.

The Small Intestine Meridian, along with a few other Meridians, is part of an element called the Fire Element. The Fire Element is associated with the season of Summer, so the following exercise is a great one to do throughout the season.

Place your hand on your forehead being sure to cover the area above each of your eyebrows, and place your other hand on the back of your head directly behind your eyebrows. Breath into this a few times as you hold these two areas with a light touch.

Small Intestine Meridian runs on both sides of our body from our little finger, up our arm and neck and ends near the ear. You can massage or press on points along the meridian to balance them and the meridian itself. The eleventh point on Small Intestine (aptly called SI-11) is located in the middle of our shoulder blade (see graphic) and is an extremely

powerful point that can clear mental congestion and bring awareness to what we want out of life. It can also help to relieve anxiety so that we can discover what is ours to do.

Another point that can help balance SI energy is SI-4. It is located on the outside area near the wrist on the back of the hand in line with the pinky finger. This point is the Source Point for SI, which means that it directly helps the SI organ when you work with it. It is also indicated as a good point to work with if you have diabetes, tinnitus, or pain in the wrist. With any of these points, work them on both sides of the body, and please don't get hung up on exact location. Just have the intention that you are on the point as you work with it. You can sometimes feel a soreness as you work with them and that is one way to tell you are in the right spot.

Working with our Neurolymphatic Points helps to release toxins from our body and can balance the associated Meridian. Deeply massage and rub the points underneath the ribs (see graphic) to work with the Small Intestine Meridian.

For more exercises to balance the Small Intestine Meridian and the other energy systems in the body, visit www.itsallenergywellness.com.

Christina Ferber is a Certified Eden Energy Medicine Practitioner

It’s always more fun in the Scenter of Town!

Essential Oils Liquid Herbs Reiki Reflexology Aromatherapy Custom Blending Aroma-Therapeutic Massage Harmonic Resonance Therapy Products ~ Services ~ Classes 907 Charles Street, Downtown thescenteroftown.com

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Emancipated Patients end of life decisions

By Patrick Neustatter, MD

Every couple of months for the last couple of years, a group of mostly elderly Unitarians gather around the board room table in the Moncure Conway room at the Unitarian Fellowship building in Fredericksburg and talk about how they're going to end it all.

Not how they are going to take their own lives, but how they want their final days/weeks/months/years to go.

Principal organizer of this group is Gloria Lloyd, age 80, who worked for years as a grief counselor for Mary Washington Healthcare Hospice before retirement.

I wrote about her in December 2018, noting she says she wants "my death to be thoughtful, intentional and ethical."

Incidentally, she has appointed herself as my big sister here in The Colonies. She thinks I need a stand in for my real big sister in London. Someone who "is not bossy but knows what's best."

I jest of course. Although she's always recruiting me (and everyone else) in projects, she does it with such good grace The Issue Gloria's husband Bob, age 86 has been having some medical problems. He, like Gloria and the rest of the group, is very much a believer in not getting caught up in the "ODTAA syndrome" that bestselling author and surgeon Atul Gawande talks about in his book Being Mortal: Illness, Medicine, and What Matters in the End. This stands for "one damn thing after another" - referring to how so many people get in to futile, expensive, often punishing attempts at cure, rather than palliative care at the end of life.

Bob and Gloria want "to let nature take its course."

Bob's medical problems include "spells" of being very fatigued and "out of it" following what appeared to be a small stroke. A growth in his forearm, that appears to be a recurrence of a squamous cell carcinoma that is pressing on a nerve and causing pain.

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Bob has been a regular tennis player, playing 5 days a week until recently. But now because of his problems, and an arthritic knee, has had to resort to a walker.

Both Gloria and Bob are very conflicted about what degree of treatment is right. He has got caught up in having various tests - MRI's, a biopsy, visiting different doctors and surgeons. He still may need to go to a neurologist or perhaps a cardiologist about his "spells."

An oncologist about his arm. A rheumatologist about his knee - all of whom will surely want more tests.

"This is not what we wanted" notes Gloria.

No Easy Answer There are a growing number of people who realize doctors get a little carried away, because they hate to do "nothing" when they have more tools in their toolbox - though good end of life care is not doing "nothing" of course. It is focused on maximizing comfort and function rather than length of life.

But Bob's situation makes the point that you can have your plans drawn up, your "do not resuscitate or hospitalize" order, your living will and all those preparations but where do you draw the line?

He is likely to die of something else before the squamous cell cancer gets him, and the surgery was a big deal.

Should he have just taken pain medicines?

And what about his "spells" - should he do a lot of tests to try and diagnose those?

Bob and Gloria are in that difficult "no-man's-land" of trying to decide. For all their resolve there are still anguished decisions to make. And though I have been trying to provide council, I don't have a good answer.

I would like to acknowledge Bob and Gloria's generosity in being willing to share their personal story.

Patrick Neustatter is the Medical Director of the Moss Free Clinic.

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Fears of COVID Preventing ER Visit?

Save a Life...

Delaying Care Could Cost Your Life

wear a mask

By Jake O'Shea, MD

The news continues to be full of stories about COVID-19, the global pandemic caused by a previously unknown virus. Across the world, we've seen a variety of strategies for preventing spread of COVID-19, including lockdowns, shelterat-home orders, and social distancing.

These changes to our normal life and the unknowns associated with this new virus have created a good deal of fear and anxiety in our communities, and that fear is causing some people to avoid going to doctors and hospitals. This has led some healthcare professionals to raise concerns that people will suffer from a "second pandemic", not of COVID-19 itself, but of worsening serious medical conditions in people who have delayed seeking medical care because they are afraid of contracting COVID-19.

As the Chief Medical Officer for HCA Healthcare's Capital Division, I have worked closely with 19 hospitals within HCA's network, including Spotsylvania Regional Medical Center, throughout the COVID-19 pandemic.

From my vantage point, I can confidently tell you that you are safe to seek care in an HCA hospital, and in this article will discuss reasons you should feel safe and comfortable going to an HCA hospital for emergency care or surgical care needs.

Emergency Care Traditional emergency room visits for strokes, heart attacks, broken bones, trauma or other serious conditions have decreased significantly during this pandemic, and we have heard multiple stories of people putting off visits to the ER despite having symptoms that warranted emergency care.

Strokes and heart attacks are examples of conditions that are best managed as soon as possible after their onset. Delaying care for these emergency problems could have catastrophic consequences, and emergency rooms are still the most appropriate-and safestplaces to treat people who are suffering from traumatic injuries or severe pain.

We encourage people who believe they may have a serious medical condition to go to an ER or call for an ambulance immediately.

While the global spread of COVID-19 has made a tremendous impact on how emergency rooms conduct patient care, patient safety has always been our top priority. At Spotsylvania Regional Medical Center, the team has enhanced already rigorous protocols and precautions to keep patients and staff safe. These precautions include: Isolating COVID-19 patients, as well as those suspected to have COVID-19, to a designated section of our ER and dedicated inpatient unit Maintaining access restrictions and strict visitation policy

By Danelle Rose

Comprehensive screening and temperature checks for staff & patients Requiring all staff, patients, and visitors to wear masks Through these strategies, we are insuring that our ER is safe and ready to care for people with possible COVID-19 or serious or life-threatening diseases.

Surgical Safety When the Commonwealth’s surgery restrictions was lifted, our hospitals began rescheduling procedures explaining to patients the rigorous infection-control efforts put into place to ensure their safety.

While many of those postponed procedures have since been rescheduled, we know some people continue to delay care out of fears of COVID-19. This is leading some people to live with painful or even debilitating conditions that can adversely impact their quality of life.

As with seeking emergency care, it's safe to get surgery in HCA hospitals like Spotsylvania Regional Medical Centers.

Our enhanced surgical protocols make it safe to have procedures that can enhance your quality of life now, rather than putting them off. These infection control procedures include: Universal masking for all e Separate treatment areas for COVID patients away from surgical patients Universal protections: patients & staff Our hospitals' extensive experience in infection prevention, expertise in providing safe environments for care of all manner of medical issues, and our enhanced COVID preparedness and prevention efforts make HCA's Spotsylvania Regional Medical Center a safe, effective, and available resource to treat your emergency, surgical, and routine health issues. If you need medical treatment, we are ready and able to care for you today.

Spotsylvania Regional Medical Center's efforts to treat the community while preventing the spread of COVID-19, visit spotsrmc.com/covid-19/index.dot.

Governor Northam Announces Face Coverings are required in public settings.

Under the Governor's executive order, any person age ten and older must wear a mask or face covering at all times while entering, exiting, traveling through, and spending time in the following public settings: Here is a list of FXBG Stores/Shops where masks of all colors, designs, & fabrics can be purchased: Alan Furs, 804 Caroline St, 373-8833, The Card Cellar, 915 Caroline St, FB, 891-9549 FORT, 900 Caroline St, Facebook Fredericksburg Visitor Center, 706 Caroline St, fxbglovelocal.com Freedom Society, 1015 Caroline St,FB Goolrick's Modern Pharmacy, 901 Caroline St,373-9878, 50 only.

J&Zs Boutique, 1013 Caroline St. FB, 373-4908 Kimman's Co, 820 Caroline St, FB, 310-4800 Lady Legacy, 723 Caroline St. FB, 899-8077 Latitudes Fair Trade Store, 800 Caroline St, 370-8778, Web, Facebook

Monkee's of Fredericksburg, 827 Caroline St, -368-2111, Facebook The ReRun Shop, 1017 Caroline St, 371-7221 | Facebook Shoppes of Caroline, 914 Caroline St | 540-371-4454, Facebook Studio Dior Hair Salon, 1111 Caroline -621-2820, Facebook Whittingham, 1021 Caroline St, -809-0899, Facebook

Danilelle Rose is the Visitor Center Manager & the spearhead behind fxbglovelocal.com Masks pictured above are available from the Deptartment of Economic Development & Tourism.

Order at fxbglovelocal.com for pickup or mail delivery

Dr. Jake O'Shea is the Chief Medical Officer for HCA Healthcare's Capital Division, comprised of 19 hospitals & associated components across Virginia, Indiana, New Hampshire, and Kentucky. front porch fredericksburg

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Art in Burg Art Galleries in July Association of Hand Papermakers and Paper Artists (IAPMA) and FCCA, in addition to Art First Take this opportunity to enjoy the abundance of great art created by local Fredericksburg-area artists. ~Casey Shaw

Most galleries are opening under Phase Three Reopening of Gov. Northam.

Please check websites for updates and hours of operation

“Celebratory Exhibit Brush Strokes Gallery 824 Caroline St. Open Fridays & Saturdays 11am - 5pm.

“Blue Moon Sonata’, Jennifer Galvin @Art First Gallery

“Giving Back”, Jennifer Galvin Art First Gallery 824 Caroline Street Art First Gallery is happy to present "Giving Back" by July featured artist Jennifer Galvin (above).

Galvin is asking that people bring a donation of canned food to the gallery in July. Donations will be given to Micah Ministries and SERVE. It is Galvin's hope that in this time of the pandemic and the food insecurity that has resulted that my artwork can "give back" to the community.

Part of the proceeds from the sale of her art will also go to Micah and SERVE. The Stafford-based artist is a pulp painter, working in paper. She takes recycled jeans, t-shirts and matboard and turns them into paintings. "I love to take what is being discarded, what other people consider trash, and turn it into something beautiful," Galvin shares. "My paintings are based on what I see around me. The metamorphosis of the painting itself is a part of my process. As the pulp becomes the painting, it is transformed into something entirely new-something beautiful out of what was once seen as

used up.. I love the hope that comes from making something new out of something that people see as used up-seeing beauty in the broken, hope where there is hopelessness."

“Sunrise at the Pier, Buddy Lauer@Brush

Jennifer has an art degree from Oregon State University. She started making paper 18 years ago to trying to do collage and cut paper illustration after taking a class from Ellaraine Lockie, the author of "The Gourmet Papermaker."

"I fell in love with the process and have been experimenting with the world of papermaking ever since," says the artist who is a member of The International

Throughout the past months in their home studios, our artists have been busy creating new works. A sampling of the gallery's July exhibit exudes a spirit of hope, optimism, and joy epitomized by Norma Woodward's Phoenix, Kathleen Willingham's Happy Dance, Ben Childers' Holiday and even a "wearable celebration"-a unique colorful beaded bracelet designed by Liana Pivirotto.

In addition, artists have depicted sights and scenes that warm and uplift the hearts of all, including the dew drops on a flower in Beverly Toves' After the Rain, the inspiring break of day in Buddy Lauer's Sunrise on the Pier, the enchanting photo, A Bird on a Sunflower, by Penny A Parrish, Megan Lee Crockett's Irises and Lilacs and the timeless, alwayswelcoming storefront of Meet Strokes Me at Goolrick's by Nancy Willliams. In addition, Peter Zinck adds his characteristic thought-provoking sense of humor in his metal sculpture Spider Web, a transformed hanging bracket that is brought to life.

Brush Strokes artists work in a spectrum of mediums, including handcrafted jewelry, unique glass art, charcoal drawings, pastels, photography, paintings in oils, watercolors, acrylics, metal sculpture, porcelain painting, and mixedmedia, which can be viewed and purchased

at

www.brushstrokesfredericksburg.com.

In addition to its weekend hours, Brush Strokes Gallery will continue its online presence and sales at other times.

In addition, the gallery will be open by appointment. To ensure the well-being of all, safety protocols, including the use of masks, will be followed. contact@brushstrokesfredericksburg.com facebook.com/Brush.Strokes.Gallery ~Collette Caprara

“Irises & Lilacs”, Megan Lee Crockett @Brush Strokes Gallery

810 Caroline Street, Downtown 540.371.4099

“Happy Faces”, Beverley Coates 24

July 2020

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“Tulip Time”, Penny A Parrish

“If Walls Could Speak”, Lynn Abbott

Artist on Site Saturdays

Music on the Steps.....

Virtual Concerts in July

There will still be a 35th Annual “Music on the Steps� Concert.

Only it will be virtual due to Covid safety concerns.

Here is what is up in July: July 20: Cabin Creek (Original & Old Time String Band) July 27: Nick McAlister (Rock, Oldies, Blues) Go to librarypoint.org/music-ssteps for updates, and links to watch. There is also a dial-in number if you are unable to watch online The library hopes to hold live concerts in August outsde the FXB Main Branch, with appropriate social distancing measures. Space at live concerts will be limited. Check for updates as season progresses

FXBG Strong contoured wall hanging

Conceived as a rallying cry during the Covid-19 crisis, "FXBG Strong" is a testament to the enduring spirit and pride of the Fredericksburg, Virginia community.

The silhouette of the state of Virginia is cut out of a 1/4" plywood plate that is sanded, primed, and painted by Gabriel Pons. The "FXBG Strong" text is applied using a wide acrylic paint marker. Each piece is sprayed with a polyurethane sealant. The wood plate is fastened to 1x1 wood slats in the back and equipped with a hanging wire. Each piece is signed, dated, and numbered by the artist.

PONSHOP features Fine Art, Ceramics as well as Handmade Jewelry and Accessories by local and regional artists. Classes available for children and adults 712 Caroline Street Ponshopstudio.com; FaceBook

Give a Child Something to Think About

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

810 Caroline Street (540) 371-5684

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176 Year Old Slave Auction Block Removed relocated to FAM by sonja cantu City Manager Timothy Baroody, "The block was a painful reminder of a dark period in our nation's history, and that corner is now available for this community to actively reclaim it. The work of "telling the whole story" of our community, especially the experiences and contributions of African

The Slave Auction Block in Fredericksburg, Virginia is a large stone that was used as an auction block in historical slave auctions. It was located on the corner of William Street and Charles Street, and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places as part of the Fredericksburg Historic District.

After almost a century of debate as to whether or not it should be removed as a symbol of racial oppression, the auction block was removed from its site on June 5, 2020, following protests triggered by the killing of George Floyd.

The city council had been planning the block's removal since 2017, with a court victory by the council in February 2020 having cleared the last remaining legal obstacles to moving it. The block is planned to be loaned to Fredericksburg Area Museum.

"We achieved a major milestone on June 5th, City staff removed the slave auction block from the corner of William and Charles streets.

This act lived Council's direction from 2019, direction that came from more than 18 months of robust community dialogue on race." Said

Crews began their work early in the morning to minimize pedestrian and vehicular conflicts later in the day.

Stabilizing straps, weights, and mechanical equipment were used to lift the freed stone onto a custom-designed pallet intended to support the approximately 800-pound artifact.

Dovetail Cultural Resource Group provided oversight of the removal operation.

The auction block had become a focus of local protesters serving as a way stop along procession routes on multiple days of demonstrations. "Move the block!" became a chant of those protesting the death of George Floyd in Minnesota. The block was spray-painted with graffiti twice over the course of the days of protest.

Americans, will continue on that spot and throughout the City."

"This is the significant step to relocate the historic artifact, and to work to better tell a more complete history of Fredericksburg - specifically its storied African American history.", Bsrody continued

Mayor Mary Fredericksburg Katherine Greenlaw reflected on James Baldwin's quote: "History, as nearly no one seems to know, is not merely something to be read. And it does not refer merely, or even principally, to the past. On the contrary, the great force of history comes from the fact that we carry it within us, we are unconsciously controlled by it in many ways, and history is literally present in all that we do.� "Truer words never spoken," she concluded.

Sonja Cantu, a local artist , is the Public Information Officer for the City She can be reached at 540-372-1010 ext. 304, or spcantu@fredericksburgva.gov Photos Dovetail Cultural Resource Group.

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Porch Light Stories that Shine a Light on Life

Older People need Young People These Days...AND Vice Versa

by Lou Gramann As "older folks" I like to think we know our limits. Covid-19 has challenged that assumption, because the joy of being around children isn't something we want to give up, no matter how cautious we intend to be. Here is another look at how grandparents, and others, can keep in touch while distancing, because the kids can feel as restless as we do.

"Aunt Mary" gets excited when she talks about zoom calls to her niece's son and daughter. They compete for the phone so they can take her to their rooms and show her toys or artwork. They are studying Nature with their Mom, so Aunt Mary takes photos of trees and leaves for them to identify. She also ordered art supplies online for a friend's children. She can't visit them, but can engage in thoughtful giving.

"Grandma Donna" misses her outof-town grandchildren, but Picker's Supply

helped her find something the 12-year-old could spend time on. Stephen started guitar classes at school in January using one of the school's instruments, but that ended suddenly in March. On a rare visit to Fredericksburg, Grandma and Dad and Stephen went downtown to find an affordable guitar for him to take home.

Beyond thoughtful!

I want to feel needed, too, so I picked up on an idea that others have used. Every week or so, I send individual notes to my 3 grandkids in Northern Virginia. I include comic strips, newspaper articles, or colorful "Art in the Burg" pictures from Front Porch. Recently, The Free Lance-Star printed a story, with lots of pictures, about making stethoscopes with a 3-D printer. Fascinating for a 12year-old? I hope so.

Kids' Pages and features can be clipped and shared, as can word puzzles.

Just resist the temptation toward overload, I've found. Four items is about right, and a note to relate the content to their interests. A 7-year-old loves Garfield, so that's easy. He also loves dinosaurs, so I can send him Jon Bachman's fossil worksheet, from the Stratford Hall website.

I don't get out to volunteer or demonstrate as I did before I was so Covidcautious, but I do open the paper with an added sense of purpose. I even peeked into a recent Lions Magazine that my father-in-law received. The article about the blind beekeeper caught my eye, and his - so off it went.

My father-in-law, Robert G. Gramann, gave me additional perspective on what kids might really need these days.

Born in 1922, he can't reminisce about

current parallels to the 1918 flu epidemic, but how about these words he wrote when recalling the Great Depression: "The Depression was not tough for me. Quite the contrary; all of a sudden my Dad [laid off from his railroad job] stopped 'going away' and was home all the time. That was great for me. I was a pre-teenager and old enough to spend a lot of time with him wherever his odd jobs took him around town. I got to ride with him in his truck."

So look at things from a child's point of view. They won't forget.

Lou Gramann is a grandmother and former teacher, which is probably obvious.

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Companions splish splash

by Gerri Reid dvm

Summertime is just getting started!

Time for lounging in the backyard enjoying the brisk summer nights or firing up a bonfire for some Smores! Due to COVID, many people are working at home. We are now spending more and more time with our family and our pets. The jury is out if our pets really enjoy us being home so much but for some pets it is a real treat! So, here are some tips to keeping your pet happy, healthy and safe!

Some dogs love jumping in and swimming in the pool. Nothing better than a wet dog on a hot day! Swimming is great exercise for your pet and at times you may ask yourself did I build the pool for us or the dog? For those dogs that can't get enough of the water, I recommend after a day of swimming to wash your pet off to remove any chlorine left on the coat. Also, consider flushing your dog's ears with a basic ear cleaning that is labeled as a drying cleaner. Using the ear cleaner will ensure the ear canal to be dry. You don't want the ears to remain wet inside as this can lead to ear infections. Some dogs don't like the water at all. Be mindful when they are around the pool and consider a life jacket to keep them safe. Hey…not all dogs like water!

It is definitely that time of the year when mosquitoes, fleas and ticks are in abundance. Seems like this year started early with the appearance of ticks! Don't forget to put your dog on flea/tick prevention such as Nexgard.

This chewable tablet given once a month will help keep those ticks away.

I do recommend to always check your dog after being outside for any ticks. Places to look include the ears, behind the ears, the anal area, and under the front/hind legs.

Not only will this keep them safe from tick-bourne diseases such as Lyme but it will also keep you safe from getting ticks.

As we venture outside in our

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backyards, playtime for dogs can be endless. Some dogs just like to run around in the yard or lounge while others may like to play "fetch". Be aware of the time of day your pets are outside in sun. "Heat Stroke" is very common in the summer.

Due to their short muzzles, breeds such as Bulldogs, Pugs, and Boston Terriers tend to overheat often where the nasal passages/airways can begin to swell.

These dogs become over heated from the heat and it can become life-threatening.

Always have fresh water outside or accessible and make sure your dog has a shady place to get out of the sun. Take breaks and bring your dog inside to cool off. Consider having those playtimes in the early morning or late evenings.

Lastly, it's that time of year where people love to throw some ribs or steaks on the grill. Your dog may be sitting pretty and begging to get some of those tasty bones or meat. Resist the temptation and "Cuteness"!

Avoid the urge to throw your dog a bone!

Veterinarians see too many cases of corn cob stuck in the belly or the bone that just won't come out. Stick to dog food and dog treats as this will save you the hassle of a trip to the Animal Emergency Clinic.

Summertime is for fun in the sun and making great memories with your family and pets.

Our lives may have changed a bit due to COVID but being at home can be a positive thing. We are able to spend more time with our pets and bond with our Furry Best Friend. Take these tips provided and ensure that your pets will be safe and get thru the Dog Days of Summer!

Gerri S. Reid is the Owner/Veterinarian of Reid Mobile Veterinary Services. has been named “2020 Best Veterinarian in the “Burg, 540-623-3029; reidmobilevetservices.com

Front porch fredericksburg

THE POETRY MAN

Astrology & You owning your eris

By Frank Fratoe

By Dianne Bachman

July Trekkers

sweet and helpful. Underlying all of it, she is fiercely competitive and will not only win, she is rather sadistic.

She delights in creating pain and discord. Yikes, right?

My summer is crowded with dragonflies and groundhogs and sumac and tuliptrees, Wherever chicory flowers stretch out in dawnlight and I trek through midday,

But Eris has some positive sides if we stop to ponder and delve deeply into her competitive spirit. Here are two key points in appreciating the energy of Eris:

When a wanderer on a path ventures toward me alone ambling his convergent way, Until in passing we both acknowledge how woodlands grace this fine afternoon, and share however briefly the surroundings we prize of an approach always new.

Frank Fratoe lives & writes in the city.he loves.

Lately, I have been keeping my eyes on Eris, second-largest dwarf planet in the Solar System. Eris was discovered in 2005 and is named after the Greek goddess known for discord and contention. This dense little planet about the size of Pluto takes 550 years to complete an orbit around the Sun and is currently at 24 degrees Aries.

It is interesting to note that Eris entered Aries in the 1920s, when our world saw the rise of fascist parties in Europe. If Eris is the mean girl planet, then Pluto is the bad boy planet and they have been slow dancing at an exact square with each other since the end of April 2020.

Ever see the movie, “Mean Girls”?

Some of us did not even have to watch the movie! We lived it in our middle and high school years.

Perhaps we found our vulnerable young selves discounted at the hands of kids that did not even know us.

Couched beneath their façade of 'I'm your best ally', the mean girl is most likely an angry soul who struggles with envy, insecurity, status, and control.

She blindsides you.

She sets you up for humiliation, struggle, or strife and all the while she would have you believe she is

1) Competition is not all bad. It helps give us the oomph to be better at what we do, whether it be a painting, a poem, or growing tomatoes. Without competition we might not have the motivation to refine and improve the way we operate and the things we create.

2) In the myth of Eris, she is the epitome of the uninvited. She was deeply bitter because she was excluded from the guest list of a wedding party and her vengeful, wounded nature ended up causing the Trojan War! We all have a bit of Eris in us, some more than others. It is reflected in how we treat (or do not treat) each other with respect and dignity, even in the face of losing. Eris can help us look at what it means to win. Eris helps us ask ourselves if we want to win for the right reasons, or if we want to win just to see the 'other' suffer? If we feel left out or wronged, do we lash out and wish ill will to fall upon the other?

So, like Pluto, Eris can be a harsh teacher but there is gold to be gleaned in the grit. The gold lies in recognizing how these energies manifest in our lives. They can be the catalyst to transform old structures, to get back on courses with behaviors that promote cooperation and goodwill. They can point us to areas of growth that bring true peace and unity rather than an 'us vs. them' world where no one truly wins. I do not know about

you, but I believe healing our divided places is possible. All we need to do is pay attention to the mirror we gaze at each day. It will help us locate where Eris, the uninvited, resides within our hearts.

Because she could be invited in. There is enough room for everyone at the party……

Astrological events of note for this month: July 1: Saturn retrograde enters Capricorn-Here we go again! Saturn will travel retrograde to 25 degrees Capricorn by late September, where it was on February 1. This time it will be within 3 degrees of Pluto, which is also in Capricorn.

July 5: Full Moon Lunar Eclipse in Capricorn at 13 degrees--This particular Sun/Moon blend (Capricorn/Cancer) may connect with the energy of family, emotions and emotional vulnerability (Cancer) with the more practical aspects of life, like work and attending to the business side of things. Some say the eclipse energy can be a catalyst for change.

July 12: Mercury stations direct at 5 degrees Cancer.

July 20: New Moon in Cancer-heightens our potential to look within the watery depths of our psyches, to nurture what needs to come to light, to arrive at deeper levels of emotional security through understanding the Self.

July 22: Sun enters Leo .

Diane Bachman is a psychotherapist & astrologer practicing in FXBG. Reach her at dbachmanlcsw@gmail.com “The Wedding of Peleus and Thetis”, by Abraham Bloemaert (1566-1651)

Open every Sat 7am-2 2pm Rain/Shine @Hurkamp Park

Stay Connected While Apart

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Fredericksburg Sketches A visual Celebration of our community

By Paula Raudenbush Hi everybody! I'm excited to fill in for Casey for the next few months.

I'm always grateful to be asked.

Like many of you I expect, this strange new world we're living in has changed so much in my life. One thing that happened early on was my sketching muse deserted me.

My creativity was accessed by cooking (I'm a novice), gardening and building things but, when I thought about sketching, I just wasn't interested. I used to fill a sketchbook every couple of months but that came to a screeching halt in March.

It wasn't just sketching either. Since my studio at LibertyTown Arts Workshop was closed, I wasn't going there to work or teach and my studio at home didn't feel comfortable. It made me feel really sad to lose my art mojo.

Then a wise friend said just relax and ride it out so I let go and just continued playing in the kitchen, garden and workshop.

Then, last week things felt different so I grabbed my sketchbook and went for a walk.

I've been drawing every day now and I think my muse is back!

This building is the Superintendent's Residence at the Fredericksburg Battlefield on Lafayette Boulevard. I've always been intrigued by its architecture but I've never sketched it before. I'm trying to keep my sketches simple and loose so I'm not spending a lot of time with details. It felt really good to be back in the saddle.

Paula Raudenbush is a local artist and organizer of the Fredericksburg Chapter of Urban Sketchers International (on Facebook at Urban Sketchers Fredericksburg).

Now Featuring Jewelry Appraisals & Various Jewelry Evaluations

by Nancy Yun-Sheldon.

606 Caroline Street Old Town Fredericksburg 373-7847 www.gemstonecreations.org

Please call for an appointment

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Tuesday - Friday 10-5:30 Saturday 10-4

Shop Local Welcome to Downtown Fredericksburg’s Main Street District fredericksburgdowntown.org

S A Y C H E ES E Norma Woodward also past President of Fredericksburg the Photography Club.

Norma McGehee Woodward received her first camera, a Brownie Hawkeye, which she still owns, as a preteen and was immediately captivated by photography.

But she wasn't able to pursue her love of photography on a full-time basis until later in life. After her retirement as the data analyst for Fredericksburg City Schools, she found more free time to devote to her twin passions of photography and travel.

She is currently a member of Brush Strokes Gallery and FCCA in Fredericksburg. Norma also is a member of the Photographic Society of America, as well as photographic organizations in Texas, Mississippi and California. She is

numerous countries aboard (her favorite country is Italy, favorite city is Paris) She can't say whether the travel influences her photography or whether her photography drives her wanderlust. She just says they go together nicely.

"Our world is a smorgasbord of p h o t o g r a p h i c opportunities. I have been lucky enough to travel our country and internationally; however, many of my most successful images have been taken near my home in my quest to capture the intrinsic beauty of common things as well as those which are exotic" says Norma Norma, originally from Mississippi, has lived in Fredericksburg since 1962 when her husband Les graduated from college and accepted a position at nearby Dahlgren.

After raising three children, she went to college at University of Mary Washington and received her cross categorical degree Psychology, Sociology, Education in 1991 at the age of 52.

"That's my thing is to travel and take pictures. There's so much interesting detail that people do miss if they are just tourists and just wander through," she said. Norma’s Trip Journals are always anxiously anticipated!

While Woodward has entered her work in juried contests in the United States and Europe, and exhibits her work in numerous venues, she says, "The photography is for me. I love selling, don't get me wrong, but that's not my point. I don't shoot for judges, I shoot for me. If they love it, that's wonderful, but that's not my point" .

“2 Shutters”

"Jackson, MS is my hometown, but I have lived in Fredericksburg VA for over fifty years. My photography is mostly self-taught though I do attend an occasional seminar and read art and photography books extensively and a times view training websites.

And, of course, entering various juried shows is also a great way to learn. For several years I have also served as the president of the local photography club “Ground Zero Blues Club” which now has over ninety members."

Woodward travels a lot. She's traveled Route 66 seven times. And has put more than 35,000 miles in less than a year on her car. Norma has been to every state except Alaska and Hawaii and

Norma is currently exhibiting at Brush Strokes Gallery, 824 Caroline St.

Dog Walking Pet Sitting Companion Play Time & Mini Furies, Too! (540-903-0437; lexig0892@gmail.com) On facebook as “City PetSitting”

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