Front Porch Magazine

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OTTER-LY AMAZING PUBLIC ART PROJECT JOHN REID PD16 PERSPECTIVE TROY PAINO UMW”S ROCK STAR PRESIDENT

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Porch talk 4

on the porch...life in fredericksburg Messages

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JOE EVELER NEW CCF ARTISTIC DIRECTOR

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everything greens: SUPPORT BIPOG FARMERS

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In the Garden: HERE & THERE

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growing & crawling: MILKWEED

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i have a friend: FRIENDSHIP

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authentic self-care :MINDFULNESS

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tidbits...small bites of local news

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season’s bounty: WHAT’S FOR DINNER?

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vino: CHILLIN WITH WINE

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Calendar of Events

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history’s stories: FATHER’S DAY what’s in A CONNECTION? WHERE IT ALL COMES TOGETHER

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OUR HERITAGE: DEMOLITION BY NEGLECT

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mental health: YOUTH CRISIS

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emancipated patients: GET POLITICALLY ACTIVE

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Life coaching: ACCEPTING CHANGE

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auto known better: TEK GEAR FOR FATHER’S DAY

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art in the ’burg ...galleries in June

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RED TAG ART SALE @FCCA

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sophia street throwdown

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companions: SUMMER FUN

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astrology & you poetryman: ATMOSPHERE SHARED

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fredericksburg sketches

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TIPS FOR EFFECTIVE SALESPERSON

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...And More!

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BRENDAN KELLY NEW MAIN STREET EXECUTIVE

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GOOLRICH’S TO REOPEN AFTER RENOVATIONS

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SOUNDS OF SUMMER CONCERT SCHEDULE

Cover: “Otter-ly” By Jim Simm

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June 2022

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The Otter-ly Amazing ! amazing PUBLIC ART PROJECT

By KITTY FARLEY

On May 21, Fredericksburg Virginia Main Street and the City of Fredericksburg unveiled a series of seven installations of bronze otters and pups scattered throughout downtown.

Fabricated by local (but internationally famous) bronze artists Steven and Stewart Wegner of Wegner Metal Arts (above), the otters are the only local public installation of theirs, when they have some public, but mostly private art across the country.

Local philanthropist Dr. John H. Coker, Jr. suggested the idea of multiple public art installations to Ann Glave, former Executive Director of Main Street, after he and his wife Linda visited Greenville, SC where there are a series of bronze mice sculptures, known as "Mice on Main." April Peterson, past President of Main Street and Co-Owner of River Rock Outfitter, had proposed the idea of a River Otter as the mascot for our Fred Nats baseball team, although a different mascot was selected. Ms. Glave put together the ideas of bronze sculptures downtown with River Otters and the Otter-lly Amazing Fredericksburg Project was born in November, 2021!

As an economic development tool, the otters are positioned downtown to g e n e r a t e m o v e m e n t between the newly opened Riverfront Park, Hurkamp Park, i m p o r t a n t historic sites and the Downtown Business District.

Otter-lly An Amazing Scavenger Hunt, designed by local graphic designer Pete Morelewicz of Print Jazz, and with clues provided by Bobby Hebert of Riddle Maker, provides a

engaging graphics are also used on the Otter Website, www.FXBGOtters.com, designed by Chris Muldrow of Rambletype, which provides information on the otter donors, River Otters and links to other germane sites.

The Otter-ly Amazing Fredericksburg Project is a huge community effort uniting lots of local talent!

"River Otters are a crucial indicator of an aquatic ecosystem's health," said Ms. Peterson. "Their presence is a sign of good water quality.

Thanks to the cleanup efforts of local environmental organizations like Friends of the Rappahannock, otters have started returning to our river!"

The Otter will now proudly serve as a symbol of the health and vitality of our city.

fun family activity that is appropriate for all ages year round.

Mr. Morelewicz's

Your Hometown Jeweler Since 1940

On-Premise Jewelry Repair Large Selection of ESTATE JEWELRY 212 William Street,Fredericksburg 540-373-5513 Mon-Fri 9-5:30; Sat 9-4 jewelboxfredericksburgva.webs.com jewelbox14k@yahoo.com

As they prepare to retire, the Wegners are thrilled to be creating this multi-faceted installation in their hometown.

"We have been casting for 40 years but this project is the most special we have worked on in our entire careers," says Stewart Wegner. "It's

Fingers Are Hard To Shrink

our way of giving back to our downtown that we love." In that giving spirit, the Wegners are furnishing the otters at a discounted price to the supporters of the Otter-ly Amazing Fredericksburg Project.

If you have not been downtown lately, come down to find the otters, stroll our historic streets, and linger in our shops and restaurants. You will realize that not only is Fredericksburg a very special city, but it is also Otter-ly Amazing!

Kitty Farley, a resident of downtown, is excited to be participating on the Otterly Amazing team headed by April Peterson of River Rock Outfitter.

Photo by Natalie Ealy Graphic by Pete Morelewicz

Otter Website: www.FXBGOtters.com

Where Fredericksburg Gets Engaged

So When Your Ring Doesn’t Fit Right, Let Us Size It So That It Does!

Tues-Fri: 10a-5p Sat: 10a-4p 606 Caroline Street Old Town Fredericksburg 373-7847

www.gemstonecreations.org

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ON THE PORCH Anne Hicks

Guest Porch Editorial

Contributing Writers & Artists Rita Allan Sally Cooney Anderson Amy Bayne Laurie Black Dianne Bachman Sonja Cantu Tom Conway Collette Caprara Trista Chapman Janet Douberly Jenna Elizabeth Edwards Kitty Farley Frank Fratoe Bill Freehling Jennifer Galvin Jon Gerlach Daniel Gillison Marcia Grimsley Ralph “Tuffy” Hicks Anne Hicks David C. Kennedy David James Anne-Tilley Melson Ray Mikula Vanessa Moncure Pete Morelewicz Laura Moyer Patrick Neustatter Kristin Nash Paula Raudenbush Rob Rudick Jim Simm Mandy Smith Rim Vining Tina Will Norma Woodward

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

The mission of Front Porch Fredericksburg is to connect the diverse citizenry of Fredericksburg with lively features and informative columns of interest to our community’s greatest resource, its people.

Messages from our readers are welcome. All article submissions must be received by e-mail by the 16th & calendar items the 19th of the month preceding publication.

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

Front Porch Fredericksburg PO Box 9203 Fredericksburg, VA 22403 Ad Sales: E-Mail: frntprch@aol.com Web Site: www.frontporchfredericksburg.com Facebook: @Front Porch Fredericksburg 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 2022 Front Porch Fredericksburg Magazine All rights reserved.

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summer fun in fredericksburg by anne hicks Fredericksburg is sprightly in every season. It's near summer again, and many events in and around all corners of town are taking place amongst the unique food stops, antique and jewelry shops, local and healing art spots. From past to present this town is in perpetual motion.

To name a few, you will find: The Sip of Summer Festival, The Great American Campout, Summer Dance, Outdoor Movie Night, Mobile Recreation Program, and Food Ministry. Free Group Sound Healing for Military, Veteran's, and their families for the lost service members during Operation Redwing on June 25, 2005, at the local library, June 28. Even famous musicians such as Kenny G are playing at Fredericksburg Nationals on June 5.

Google for details.

May there be special memories for your summer adventures and stories to give your heart that special feeling to pass on.

Here are a couple of stories I cherish living and journaling in town. In all seasons, the trails of Fredericksburg bring joy to me. The feeling of watching and listening to the wildlife, seeing so many people out in nature, being near river, and a place where such simple things as a walk are rich in community activity with everyone seeming to be doing what they like to do.

My husband Tuffy, born here and lifetime resident, except for a tour in Vietnam, recalls getting out of school in June and often fished and swam by the river called Sandy Bottom. This place is still alive with activity, fishing, swimming, tubing, sunning, resting, taking pictures, and having barbeques. People pass on the trail, some smiling, with pets, running, biking, taking walks with friends and family. I spontaneously asked a walker to take our picture and she was so kind to take a moment and give.

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I remember walking the trail with my grandson. We rested near the river and then on to Old Mill Park we saw a wedding. My dear friend and I walked in April.

She explained things about the Cormorant birds at the river.

I learned a lot from her telling of these birds and then shared some history of Fredericksburg. We also visited many shops and ate ice cream at Lil Abner's.

It was so delicious, I told her my husband would say, "Makes Your Tongue Slap your Brains Out." The next river trail story about having fun and being safe reminds me of how encaptivated you can be by the surroundings. Once, Tuffy and I took a canoe trip from Mott's landing and intended to return to the Canoe area near the end of the river.

It was a leisurely trip as we soaked in the tranquility and beauty of being together outdoors. It went by quickly and suddenly we were close near the destination. Being perhaps to relaxed, we found an obscure rapid in front of the Bulls Nose Rock under the I95 Bridge and got stuck between two rocks. The canoe turned over and standing there, in the rocks, a little stuck.

With grace, he untangled his leg, thankfully unharmed. We moved to the side of the river. Respectfully thanking the river let us go. We slowly walked our way out safely with only a couple of tick bites to take home. Our lost

canoe was found. And the lesson to never forget is you cannot be too careful around the river.

The start of summer also honors Father's Day, Juneteenth, the Summer Solstice, longest day of the year! My wish for our community is to cherish summertime in town with all its uniqueness. After all that's in flux, the hustle and bustle of this eclectic community brings more than one could expect. The aroma in town, and summer activities are alluring.

So, hoping you take it all and find the of a favorite café or activity or routine creating memories safely, with appreciation and respect for one another and nature.

Well, just found more to do: June 4-5, The Greek Festival; June 4th Jump into June Family Festival at the Fredericksburg Fairgrounds and also events at Old Mill Park right off the trail, called Rock the River!!

This community loves to share so keep your eyes out for whatever you like.

May you find events, opportunities, art, and more. You will also find it in this awesome magazine, reading the Front Porch Cover to Cover every month.

Anne Hicks lives and works in Fredericksburg

Fredericksburg’s Finest John Reid & PD16 Perspective by jenna elizabeth Edwards share of hard times in the past decade.

The Free LanceStar was revered for being a family and communityo r i e n t e d n e w s p a p e r meeting the highest standards of the industry for nearly five d e c a d e s .

Beginning in 1926, it was owned by the Rowe family. In the late 1980s, the publication received national recognition for its 'determined efforts in the area of freedom

"As a journalist, I have a responsibility to see people as God created them - in his image, with our similarities outweighing our differences."

A window into the faith-driven and solutions-oriented perspective of local author, publisher, media consultant, and youth minister John Reid, whom I'm honored to be teaming up with on PD16 Perspective, a new platform for addressing news deserts and promoting inclusivity in the Greater Fredericksburg Region. PD16 Perspective expands upon PW Perspective's success in elevating the voices of Black, Hispanic, Muslim and immigrant communities in Prince William County.

What is a News Desert?

A news desert occurs when community members have limited access to the credible and comprehensive information necessary to being a fully engaged citizen. Over the past two decades, various technological and economic factors have 'destroyed the forprofit business model that sustained local journalism in the United States for two centuries.' (Source: USNewsDeserts.com).

Virginia has six counties without a newspaper and 68 counties with a single newspaper. The entire Fredericksburg region depends on one newspaper - The Free Lance-Star, which has experienced its

of information,' by Time Magazine and by the University of Missouri - Columbia School of Journalism, respectively (Source: Time, The Free Lance-Star).

In 2014, the Free Lance-Star Publishing Co. filed for bankruptcy. The Rowe family forfeited ownership and involvement with the newspaper, and it has been subsequently owned by a succession of corporate conglomerates Sandton Capital Partners (2014), BH Media (2015), and Lee Enterprises, Inc. (2020), respectively. Lee Enterprises publishes 77 newspapers in 26 states, and currently ranks among the top five 'newspaper goliaths' in the United States (Source: US News Desert).

"Filling these local news deserts is the last great hope for journalism to survive," Reid says.

Promoting Inclusivity for the Benefit of All As John and I collaborate on PD16 Perspective, we envision it as a platform to promote the inclusivity of all voices and experiences - especially those that have been historically ignored or marginalized for the benefit of all.

"We have a responsibility and obligation to make sure that whoever you are, wherever you are, you have the opportunity to be heard with dignity. That is what justice looks like," Reid says.

to the experiences of persons of color and the atrocities they've faced. "But Black media needs to stop calling everyone racist. It's part of the problem because while there are certainly bad apples that need to be called out, we also need to celebrate the elected officials, police members, and church leaders who are making a difference. And we need to remember that we've all experienced hurts. Let's try to help each other find healing."

"Enough silos. Let's dissolve boundaries based on race, religion, or any other factor. Journalism should be about connecting EVERYONE with a common mission to create solutions," Reid adds, "Talk with someone you think is different than you. You'll leave the conversation realizing how much more you have in common than meets the eye."

Special thanks to the LCPM Network and Executive Producer Princess Frynchie. Follow PD16 Perspective on FB and stay tuned for the launch of its digital Juneteenth. newsletter on E-mail jreid@pwperspective.com to join the solution. Fun fact: For John, coffee shops epitomize a space where people show up for a common purpose (to be caffeinated) without thinking twice about their differences.

Jenna is a local realtor .

Her facebook, The Writing Realtor, highlights local business owners & community members showcasing why FXBG region is an amazing place to live

As a Black man, Reid is attentive

FLS owner and publisher Josiah Rowe III (1928-2018) was intimately connected to the region. As a two-term Fredericksburg mayor, he served the best interests of the city through initiatives to preserve and protect the Rappahannock and Rapidan rivers. He was also devoted to being a representative for all people, like when he joined the local procession following the assassination of Martin Luther King Jr - an action Rev. Lawrence A. Davies, the first local elected Black official, credited as protecting Fredericksburg from violence and destruction that occurred elsewhere.

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Brendan Kelly new main street executive director by bill freehling

Brendan Kelly, the new executive director for Fredericksburg, Virginia Main Street (FVMS), is officially on the job.

Kelly has more than 13 years of nonprofit experience with 10 years of executive experience. He was previously

executive director of the Gratiot Area Chamber of Commerce in Alma, Mich.

Before that he spent seven years as executive director of the Ocean Grove H i s t o r i c Preservation Society, which preserved and enhanced the Jersey Shore Arts Center, formerly a late-Victorian era high school in Ocean Grove, N.J. Much of his work has been in economic and small business development, with significant experience in historic preservation.

Kelly received his undergraduate degree from the University

of Mary Washington, and his Master's of P u b l i c Administration from Lincoln Memorial University in Harrogate, Tenn.

Kelly is the second executive director of the local Main Street organization, following Ann Glave.

“I am very excited to join an organization with such a bright future” Brendan shares. “The positive energy around FVMS was apparent from my conversations with the Board of Directors and downtown business owners, as well as the accomplishments of the organization. I hope to further strengthen the downtown and look forward to giving back to the Fredericksburg community that was so

welcoming when I was a student at Mary Washington.”

Welcome Brendan!

Bill Freehling is the Economic Development & Tourism Director for the City of Fredericksburg

Joe Eveler New Artistic Director of Chamber Chorale position permanently. He has a wonderful rapport with the group and has set up a challenging program for the spring concert which we know everyone will enjoy," said Jim Corrow, the Chamber Chorale's President.

Eveler has been the Choral Director of Stafford High Svhool since 2003. He also began singing with the Chamber DChorale in 2003. Joe hqas a Bachelor’s Degree in Music Education from Lebanon Vslley College and a Master’s Degree in Choral Music Education from Florida State University. He enjoys spending time with his wife, Molly, and his son, Calvin.

Joe Eveler has been appointed as the Artistic Director of the Chamber Chorale of Fredericksburg, beginning with their upcoming spring concert. Eveler served as Interim Director for all of 2021.

"Joe has been a dedicated member of the Chamber Chorale since 2003 and we are thrilled that he has agreed to take this

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The Chamber Chorale of Fredericksburg was founded in 1989 as a small ensemble dedicated to performing high-quality choral music in a wide variety of styles for the cultural enrichment of the community. Details and links to the concert schedules can be found on line at ccfbg.org.

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Chamber Chorale of Fredericksburg, Joe Eveler center

Everything Greens support bipoc farmers Dean’s Plastering Services Plaster, Stucco, Drywall, Art 540.656.2399 540.419.8878 luckyluckydean@aol.com

June 19th is the day we celebrate Juneteenth. Juneteenth, honors the (theoretical) end to slavery in the United States as it was the day when federal troops arrived in Galveston, Texas in 1865 (a full two and a half years after the signing of the Emancipation Proclimation) to take control of the state and ensure that all enslaved people be freed.

In honor of Juneteenth we would like to provide a list of resources for those who want to learn more about BIPOC (Black, Indigenous People of Color)farmers, gardeners, and ecowarriors, how we can support them, and why it is so important to do so.

BOOKS We Are Each Other's Harvest: Celebrating African American Farmers, Land, and Legacy by Natalie Bazsile American Grown: The Story of th White HOuse Kitchen Garden and Gardens Across America by Michelle Obama

Please join with me and continue to support our Local FXBG small businesses in 2022 SUZY STONE Mobile:540.847.0630 Office: 540-898-2900 suzystone22@gmail.com C21redwood.com

Where Customer Service and Title Insurance Become One

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

Farming While Black: Soul Fire F a r m ' s Practical Guide to Liberation on the Land by Leah Penniman

By janet douberly

F r e e d o m F a r m e r s : Agricultural Resistance and the Black F r e e d o m Movement by Monica M. White T h e Cooking Gene: A Journey Through African American Culinary History in the Old South by Michael W. Twitty Grow Great Vegetables in Virginia

by Ira Wallace MOVIES Homecoming - the first film to explore the rural roots of African American life. It chronicles the generations-old struggle of African Americans for land of their own which pitted them against both the Southern white power structure and the federal agencies responsible for helping them.

Forgotten Farmers: AfricanAmerican Land Loss - Although slave labor created the economic basis of U.S. agriculture, the long-term effects of racism and systemic discrimination from U.S. Department of Agriculture programs continue to sideline African American farmers from land ownership.

The Young Black Farmers Defying a Legacy of Discrimination - In 1925, most farmers in his rural hometown of Edgecombe County, North Carolina, were black. But now, the 26-year-old Kendrick Ransome is an anomaly.

Harvest of Shame - is a 1960 television documentary presented by broadcast journalist Edward R. Murrow on CBS that showed the plight of American migrant agricultural workers.

George Washington Carver: An Uncommon Life - Born a slave, George Washington Carver defies the odds to become a scientist, teacher, humanitarian, environmentalist and artist.

WEBSITES AND SOCIAL MEDIA PAGES Alexis Nikole Instagram: @blackforager

Marco Thomas - Instagram: @Macro_is_growing Black Girls With Gardens www.blackgirlswithgardens.com (also on instagram and facebook) Soul Fire Farm - Website: www.soulfirefarm.org (also on Instagram and Facebook) Sylvanaqua Farms - website: www.sylvanaqua.com (also on Instagram and Facebook) Botanical Bites Provisions www.botanicalbitesandprovisionsllc.com (also on Instagram and Facebook) Carter Family Farm www.thecarterfarms.com (also on Instagram and Facebook) blackfarmersindex.com - the largest, FREE, most comprehensive directory of Black Farmers Agrowingculture.org - A Growing Culture (AGC) is a non-profit organization working to unite the food sovereignty movement.

30000acres.org = Family Agriculture Resource Management Services (F.A.R.M.S.) is a charitable organization that offers legal and technical services to aging farmers while reducing hunger in the farmers community through our 30000Acres TM food bank program.

Janet Douberly is a humbled and grateful employee at Downtown Greens.

Don't forget! New Land Walk-A Around Saturday, June 18th at 9am, 1360 Belman Road, 22401 Wear your offroading shoes!

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In the Garden out & about By tina will Fredericksburg hopes to begin in June and plans to be there on the 2nd and 4th Saturdays through September. Our Facebook page, and website Calendar pages will also have this information.

Also, Thanks to MG Mike DiSalvo and VCE/MG Coordinator Lisa Ellis, we are now recording lectures and posting the link to listen and view them on our w e b s i t e https://www.mgacra.org/recordings.html.

A Flower Show for Kids (young and old) MG Laurie Clarkston is leading a new project to encourage children to grow flowers this summer, and show them off in August. She is planning to run several 'How to Grow a Flower' workshops at CRRL downtown library. This is open to everyone, and info on the dates for these workshops will be posted on our website mgacra.org, on Facebook, on the CRRL Calendar, and in FLS Calendar listings.

Earth Day It's refreshing to have restarted in-person events after a two-year gap.

Where did those years go? Though sidelined, we stayed active where possible.

We adapted to using Zoom, and started an MG Help desk which can be accessed by email: VCEStafford.helpdesk@gmail.com.

The VCE office phone is 540-658-8000.

Plant Clinics and Recorded Lectures Plant Clinics are Back!

Rte 3/Gordon Rd. has started, and gets a great following thanks to MG Ray Mikula and other MGs. They are enjoying re-engaging with the public on horticultural topics of concern. Our Plant Clinic at King George Middle School meets on the first Saturdays through October.

Hurkamp Park Plant Clinic in

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We spoke with hundreds of people at the Old Mill Park Earth Day. Children and adults loved to name the birds. Many assembled bird houses with Master Naturalist Jim Steele and his friendly team, or created rain on the Enviroscape.

Visitors enjoyed learning about the benefits of using composted soil on gardens and seeing the worm compost bin. A live opossum was there, and a Peregrine Falcon too.

VCE Agent Guy Mussey taught the timid to handle his Madagascar Cockroaches. Several MGs, and children and their parents, conquered their misgivings to the amazement of families and

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bystanders, and found these critters to be quite docile.

Opossums Why was a live opossum there?

Because we need to know of the good they do! Opossums eat ticks, snails, slugs, and snakes, and are resistant to snake venom.

They are part of the essential group of animals that act as scavengers of all of nature's debris. MG Karen Brace is also an opossum rescuer (not kidding), and has all the information you need. Her website is: https://www.awesomepossumz.com/.

Vines and Native Plants At our house, we replaced a vine that Japanese Beetles loved; I don't know why we endured that plague for so long, but I loved the berry that vine produced.

We are growing Carolina Jasmine (top, photo by Bruan Will) instead, and enjoying the bright yellow flowers. In its first year it grew fifteen feet and flowered beautifully. My dear husband continues to add to our Native Plant collection.

Pictured is Valerian. (photo by TINA wiLL) We'll keep an eye on Valerian which spreads rapidly.

Enjoy your garden this Summer!

Be brave; try something new.

Tina Will is a Master Gardener and lives in Stafford County. She can be reached at brianandtina.will@gmail.com

Growing & Crawling make way for milkweed By janet douberly The name Swamp Milkweed may not bring to mind the prettiest of images but that can't be further from the truth!

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

Asclepias incarnata, aka Swamp Milkweed, is a Virginia native that grows vigorously on roadsides, fields, marshes, and, of course, swamps. This Virginia native plant blooms May through August in our area and is a very important host and food source to many insects including our beloved Monarch butterfly. Most of the insects that depend on this milkweed have the same black and orange coloring as the monarch butterfly. This coloring serves as a defense mechanism called "aposematism" where their coloration warns predators of their toxic/bitter taste caused by cardiac glycosides which they acquire from the milkweed plant. These less famous insects include the creatively named red milkweed beetle, large and small milkweed bugs, and the swamp milkweed leaf beetle.

The swamp milkweed grows between 2 to 5 feet high and spreads vigorously in the right conditions. It sports beautiful, sweetly scented clusters

of pink and purple flowers that give way to large seed pods that can produce more than 200 seeds. Each seed is attached to its own bit of white floof, called a pappus, that allows the seed to travel via wind.

This process helps the milkweed spread far and wide and provide food and shelter to

all of its brightly colored insects, making it a favorite among Virginia native plants!

Janet Douberly is a Large Milkweed Employee at Downtown Greens.

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“I Have A Friend” IMPORTANCE OF FRIENDSHIP

By Laurie Black somebody and Joyce and I have each other now.

- Barbara

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

I've met some wonderful people.

- Richard The thing that is important about this program is] friendship, caring, and giving. - Pat When asked why the senior visitor program is important my mind went directly to a Beatles lyric: "All the lonely people, where do they all come from?" In a world overcrowded with people, it seems a tragedy that anyone should be lonely. Since seniors have difficulty reaching out to others, they desperately need someone to come to them. In reaching out to help another, I found a friend and a purpose. How rewarding! - Lisa

Each month I try to share with you a glimpse into the friendships being formed through Mental Health America of Fredericksburg's Senior Visitors Program.

In the past 20+ years the Senior Visitors Program has worked to alleviate the loneliness and isolation too many seniors experience by connecting them with a volunteer visitor. Having friends and connections within our community is so important to our overall well-being and resiliency.

In April the Senior Visitors Program hosted a luncheon to honor our volunteers who have individually given over 500 hours of service. Many of these volunteers have been with the program since its early years. Their dedication says a lot about them - but also about the important work of the Senior Visitors Program.

In their own words, here's why they feel the Senior Visitors Program is important: The Senior Visitors Program is important because if fills a gap between the random friend or relation who may or may not be available at regular times and the professional whose work is not free, will be much less regularly available, [and is] certainly not just [there] to say hello and spend some quality time. Like most volunteer service, both the server and the served benefit. - Dan The program is important because there are so many lonely and

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disconnected older people in our community. It's amazing how much encouragement a hug or phone call brings.

Joyce Senior Visitors benefits the volunteers and the seniors in equal measure. Learning about each other's history, backgrounds, and cultures, helps to enrich our lives. This program has brought someone into my life that has helped me see the bigger picture. - Steve We need each other - to keep involved, informed, and feeling needed. Senior Visitors Program allows us to give of ourselves and help others at the same time. - Judy.

The Senior Visitors program creates a lifeline for a senior population who for various reasons, has reached a point in their lives where they are disconnected and perhaps lonely. The socialization and affirmation we volunteers offer, help to normalize their lives and make living more pleasant.

- Laura The program is so important because it brings human contact to people who cannot get out or have no one. It is also very satisfying to the volunteer. It is not always easy, [yet] it is very rewarding emotionally. - Maria I shall pass through this world but once, therefore, any kindness that I can do, I do now. I am "needed" and it's my pleasure too. Everybody needs

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I wish a whole lot more people could experience this and see through [the eyes of a senior - Janice

Laurie Black is the Senior Visitors Program Coordinator at Mental Health America of Fredericksburg.

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

donatelifevirginia.org

Authentic Self-Care! mindfulness as a tool for self-care By anne-Tillery Melson Nowadays, we often think of selfcare as doing something for ourselves that feels comfortable and easy - like lighting an expensive candle, putting on our coziest sweatpants, and settling into bed to watch Netflix. But true self-care isn't always that simple.

Truly caring for ourselves is not just a having a chill night in - it's more than that. And dare I say that self-care is even, at times, difficult, uncomfortable, and challenging?

This is the second story of a series in which I delve into what authentic self-care is by having conversations with local mental health professionals listed in Mental Health America of Fredericksburg's HELPLINE resource.

Recently I spoke with Alison Sullivan, LCSW, one of the local therapists listed in Mental Health America of Fredericksburg's HELPLINE resource. She is

the owner of Alison Sullivan & Associates, an integrative mental health practice located on Lafayette Blvd in Fredericksburg.

When I asked Alison to define self-care, she replied: "Self-care from a mental health perspective is related to actions and activities that cultivate and nurture a harmonic sense of wellbeing - whether that's physical, emotional, relational, psychological, financial, etc."

Alison believes that self-care involves both comfort and challenge. She says that self-care involves "actively taking a risk on behalf of what you need." Not all self-care feels comfortable in the moment. For example, it can be difficult to have a hard conversation with a loved one, but that form of emotional and relational self-care is ultimately nurturing when we lean into that discomfort.

Self-care can take many forms.

Mindfulness is a valuable practice that teaches us self-love and acceptance. Alison explains: "Mindfulness allows you to acknowledge what you're feeling and regulate those feelings so they don't prevent you from going where you want to go."

At its core, mindfulness is simple.

For people who want to try this practice as part of their self-care routine, Alison suggests starting with this: "Be with yourself in the moment and connect with your breath."

For anyone interested in exploring mindfulness in more depth, Alison created an online course called Mindfulness 101, which you can find on her website, alisonsintegrativehealth.org.

MHAfred maintains an extensive list of local mental health providers that we call the HELPLINE. We keep track of the services offered in the area, insurances accepted, and new client availability. If you are looking for a local mental health provider or want to learn more about MHAfred's programs, call Mental Health America of Fredericksburg at (540) 3712704 or visit our website at mhafred.org.

Anne-Tillery Melson is the Suicide Prevention Education Coordinator at Mental Health America of Fredericksburg.

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June 2022

11

TidBits

Become a Member

small bites of local News

By Bill Freehling sizable courtyard in the back, from Jarrell Properties Inc. Go check it out! They're open Wednesday through Sunday.

www.fredericksburgcsa.com

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

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

Sunken Well Debuts New Outdoor Patio Sunken Well's outdoor seating was met with an overwhelmingly positive reaction, and prompted owners Paul Stoddard & Steve Cameli to accomplish a multi-year goal: building a patio The new patio increases the seating of Sunken Well Tavern significantly, and will be a great addition during the spring and summer months SW patio upgrades included new fencing, and extended concrete behind the building to add more space. The parking lot was also improved. Landscaping and a garden is on the edge of the patio. The patio is complimented by giant, light blue umbrellas, brings a welcoming vibe to any guests of Sunken Well Tavern.

Locally Owned Irish Pub and Restaurant 200 Hanover St. ~ 373-0738

Serving Up Local “Good” News For a Quarter Century

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June 2022

Seafood Restaurant & Brewery Coming to FXBG A modern raw bar that pairs fresh seafood with craft beer brewed on site will open later this year inside the former Spencer Devon Brewing building in downtown Fredericksburg.

The Port Oysteria & Brewery is set to open in a 5,400-square-foot space at 106 George St. that will be fully renovated.

Wild Hare Cider Pub Open The location at 205 William St. is Wild Hare's fourth Virginia location; the others are in Leesburg, Middleburg and Warrenton.

The cider-focused pub is leasing the space at 205 William, which includes a

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Sounds of Summer Returns Fredericksburg Area The Museum's popular Sounds of Summer livemusic series will return to Market Square in downtown Fredericksburg starting in June .

The free series will occur every Friday night in June, July and August from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. (Market Square will open for the series at 6 p.m.; guests are encouraged to bring their own chairs.)

Guests 21+ can purchase beer or wine with valid ID.

Bike Racks Installed Around FXBG Downtown FXBG got even more welcoming to bicyclists and pedestrians this month with the completion of a project spearheaded by Fredericksburg VA Main Street Inc. (FVMS).

Fredericksburg Public Works crews this month completed the installation of 15 bike racks, one bike corral (near the intersection of Charles and William streets), two benches, multiple trash cans and planters, and two bike-repair stations (Riverfront Park and Hurkamp Park) around downtown .

Two bike shelters will be installed near the train station once some construction upgrades to the area are completed.

Main Street has been working on the Downtown Streetscape Project for several years. The organization raised money privately and from a Virginia grant program to fund the project. It then purchased the items and provided a list of locations to the City, which handed the installation.

"FVMS is happy to provide the city with this new resource," said April Peterson, past president of the downtownfocused organization. "This Downtown Streetscape Project continues our joint efforts to enhance the quality of life for our residents, economic vitality of our commercial district, and sustainability initiatives."

Thanks to Main Street for this great addition to our City!

Collage Spa Open Collage Spa takes your breath away as you enter its doors on 804 Charles Street in downtown FXBG..

Brian Lam Owner welcomes his clients as if they are dear friends and family. The inviting and brilliant array of color creates a one-of-a-kind experience.

The staff is committed to creating a connection, whether you are receiving a relaxing massage, nail or lash service, or invigorating facial. There are many more services to choose from to create your own well-being journey. Come and enjoy an adventure for your mind, body and soul.

Collage Spa was formerly Skin+Touch Therapy at 714 Caroline S

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

The Sunken Well Tavern

Season’s Bounty what’s for dinner nana? 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

My daughter occasionally travels for work, and for short jaunts she and her husband coordinate schedules with their four children and the family at home usually survive on cereal, Lunchables, and DoorDash for all three meals of the day - and it works. Most of the time. They're both in education, and as teachers and administrators alike can tell you, even the best daily plans can easily be waylaid - and when an extended trip collides with a spouse's must-do schedule, and after-school sports, projects, homework and tween-age social life become part of the mix, well then, better call Nana and Granddaddy!

We love seeing their children, 11 and 13 year-old boys and just-turned-8 year old twin girls, especially since they moved from Nashville to Greensboro a year ago - we can leave after an early breakfast and be there by lunchtime instead of having a 12-hour Nashvillebound slog on I-81(crash after crash, backups for miles) and I-40(never-ending construction). When we do visit, we have the four grandchildren, two dogs plus ours, hefty laundry duty, a children transport service - and of course meal duty. That I don't mind! Trying to plan the meals, I asked my daughter what I should fix - she vaguely blew me off with "try to use up stuff in the refrigerator and freezer" and then she was off to the airport. OK. Well. Two hours later, after school pickup, a jumble of grandchildren piled in the back door, shedding four backpacks, four water bottles, eight sneakers and four hoodies, along with random wrappers, drink bottles, homework folders and library books. And almost in unison - "Hi Nana, what's for dinner"??? I think I did pretty well overall, judging from the amount of food eaten.

But I admit I'm a bit out of practice as it's been at least 35 years since I've had to pack lunch boxes, organize backpacks, supervise school wardrobes, prepare breakfast and have four children out the door by 7:20am! Yet amazingly here I am, filling you in with a few meal winners.

SAUTEED APPLES This was an easy breakfast side that I served either on or next to waffles with a slice of ham. There was a bowl of slightly wrinkled Honeycrisp apples - I quartered and cored 5 apples, slicing the quarters into four pieces (do not peel).

Using a knob of butter, heat with apples in a medium saucepan over medium-high heat, stirring occasionally until they begin to color. Turn heat down, stir in 1/3c orange juice, 2T. light brown sugar, 1/2c or less of craisins and 1/2tsp (or to taste) ground cinnamon. Serve hit, room temperature or chilled.

CHEESY BACON-Y Y POTATOES Cover baking sheet with aluminum foil (use sheet with sides) and spray with cooking spray. Using rinsed Yukon gold potatoes, slice about ?" thick slices and arrange on the sheet, touching, then sprinkle with S&P. On top rack of preheated 425F oven bake for 10-12 minutes or until fork tender. Remove from oven and using a spatula loosen the potatoes until they are together and touching. Sprinkle liberally with precooked bacon and shredded Colby-Jack cheese.

Return to oven until the cheese is bubbly.

Remove from oven and plate into portions, then top with sour cream and chopped chives or green onions. Great with ham or steak.

chicken tenders, about 12-14. In a refrigerator-proof bowl, beat two eggs and stir in one cup whole milk buttermilk. Add chicken tenders, cover and refrigerate at least two hours or overnight. The coating - mix together 3 cups flour with ½ tsp each garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, salt, dry mustard, ¼ tsp each thyme and cayenne pepper, 2 T paprika.

Lay out a sheet of waxed paper on the counter. Remove tender from egg mixture and roll generously in the flour. Lay them out on the waxed paper as they'll need to be cooked in batches. Heat canola oil or Crisco on high in a deep frying pan, add in a knob of butter. When oil begins to shimmer, add tenders without crowding.

Reduce heat to medium high and fry until golden. Drain on paper-towel lined plate.

Serve with

HONEY MUSTARD Mix together 1/2 c French's mustard with ? clover honey. Whip in 1c Hellman's mayonnaise and ¼ c or more to taste Open Pit BBQ sauce. Store extra in refrigerator.

Vanessa serves up yummy recipes for all seasons & every hungry kid!

CRUNCHIES One of the grandchildren started calling my fried chicken tenders crunchies.

And they are! Purchase a family pack of

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June 2022

13

GOOLRICK’S to reopen under new ownership

by bill freehling

Olde Towne Butcher Traditional Butchery - Fresh Perspective

A Fredericksburg real estate development firm has purchased the historic downtown building that is home to Goolrick's and plans to reopen the longtime business following a renovation.

The building is in dire need of repair and renovation following years of

Jarrell Properties (JPI) purchased the 4,780-square-foot building at 901 Caroline Street on Monday, according to a news release from the company. The releases stated that Jarrell will preserve the soda fountain with "that nostalgic feeling of yesteryear" and reopen it. There are no plans to re-open the pharmacy.

Goolrick's has been described as being "America's Longest Continuously Operated Soda Fountain," with a history that dates back to 1867.

The Jarrell family in the news release detailed their long and fond relationship with Goolrick's. Company President James "Jay" Jarrell III, who was born and raised in Fredericksburg, recalled working a construction job in high school one summer and having two egg salad and bacon sandwiches on white toast for lunch from Goolrick's almost every day. His children - son, James Jarrell IV, and daughter, Jewels Jarrell Stover - also grew up in Fredericksburg, now run the family business and are equally fond of Goolrick's.

14

June 2022

Clean, local, sustainable, humane foods prepared fresh.

Better for you and your family, better for our planet, better for local economy, better food!

401 William St - Fredericksburg 540-370-4105 - OldeTowneButcher.com

Our Store is Open

heavy use, flooding and evidence of old fire damage, according to the news release. JPI plans to renovate the entire building as soon as possible with the allimportant goal of reopening Goolrick's so it will continue to be a meaningful part of the Fredericksburg downtown well into the future. The dining space will be expanded, and the lunch counter and bar stools will be restored. The Jarrells plan to bring back original sandwich recipes and other classic Goolrick's favorites for future generations to enjoy.

The Jarrells seek a food service professional to manage and operate the soda fountain. Interested parties should contact Jewels Jarrell at 540-899-3825.

Visit Goolricksfxbg.com to track the building's progress as it makes its way through the renovations.

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320 Emancipation Hwy fxbgfoodcoop@gmail.com fredericksburgfoodcoop.com

Open every Sat 7am-2 2pm Rain/Shine @Hurkamp Park masks & gloves recommended

Vino

Join Us for Breakfast Now Serving Lunch $6 Weekday Lunch Specials 11am - 2pm Daily

chillin with wine

by Rita Allan

540-373-8300 ~ 620 Caroline St. FXBG, VA

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

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

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

Warmer weather is approaching, and that means that more people will be turning to chilled white wines, rosés, and lighter-bodied reds for their summer wine consumption. The temperature of the wine either mutes or accentuates the characteristics of a wine.

An aromatic white wine will have muted aromatics and flavors, if chilled to refrigerator temperatures. On the other side, a full-bodied tannic red wine will become very astringent, as the tannins are enhanced if the wine is over-chilled.

While there are temperatures that are recommended for each style of wine, if you like your white wine super cold and your red wines at your home room temperature, then by all means drink it that way. Wine is about enjoyment, and each individual likes what he or she likes, the way he or she likes it.

Recommended temperatures for a light and fruity wine are between 45 and 50 degrees.

For bubbly wines, recommended temperatures range from 40 to 50 degrees. Prosecco being fruity and bright would do best on the lower end of that scale, where more complex Champagne would do better on the high end. Fuller-bodied white, liked oaked Chardonnay or Viognier, light-bodied reds, and dessert wines do best when at 50 to 60 degrees. Full-bodied reds are usually served between 55 and 65 degrees.

Kitchen refrigerators usually run between 37 and 40 degrees. If we want our light white or rosé wine between 45 and 50 degrees, put the wine in about 2 to 3 hours before serving time. If the wine has been in the fridge longer than that, the easiest way to attain the recommended serving temperature is to

remove the wine from the refrigerator about 20 minutes before serving. For fuller-bodied red wines that we want to serve at 55 to 60 degrees, place the bottle in the fridge about 20 minutes before serving.

If you forget to refrigerate your wine or yours guests were super thirsty and you want to open another bottle of wine and none is chilled, fear not, as there are ways to chill the wine relatively quickly. Fill an ice bucket two-thirds full of ice and tap water and then a generous handful salt and your wine bottle. The salt brings the freezing point of water down and the ice draws in heat and in about 15 minutes you have a properly chilled bottle of wine. Also, if you spin the bottle within the bucket, it speeds the process up a bit.

Can you put wine in the freezer to chill it quicker than the fridge? You can but if you do it is best to set a timer so that you do not forget it. Remember that 85% of wine is composed of water and when water freezes it expands and that means that if left too long in the freezer, the wine freezes, the cork can be pushed out and you could have a mess on your hands.

Cheers to chilling with wine this summer!

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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June 2022

15

CALEND june 2022...Celebrate Father’s, Flags & Beginning of Summer Master

Gardeners Plant Clinic at King George Middle School horticultural topics of concern

Wednesday June 1

Billikens Chimney Top Comedy Open Mic, 623 Caroline St Adventure Jeopardy at Eagle Village, 7:3-9p,

Thursday June 2

Live Music @the Recreation Center, Big Gorgeous,Asylim 213 & more, 6:30p, 213 WILLIAM sT Live Music @KC Music Alley at Central Station, Blaggards w/Faith & Scars, 7p, 1917 Princess Anne

First Friday June 3

FCCA , Kathyrn Murray, Members Gallery "Sea & Sky", by Hailey Light, Brush Strokes Gallery opening reception 69p, 824 Caroline St "Colors of the Sea", by Sally Cooney Anderson, Artful Dimensions, opening reception 6-9p, 922 Caroline St. "Impressions from Nature" by Karn Julihn, Art First, opening reception 6-8p, 824 Caroline St YumFest, Highmark Brewery, 6-9p , 390 Kings Hwy, -presented by Laura Visioni Photography Patriot Park Amphitheater All Star Night Karaoke Concert, 6p Live Music @FXBG Market Square, Americana/Alt-Country songwriter Karen Jonas knows how to tell a story. She's both "warmly nostalgic" (American Songwriter) and "insightful, tenacious, and vulnerable" Stage Door Productions Improv Team, 810 Caroline St, 8p Live Music@Recreation Center Resistor K*l the Imposter w/ Local support: Noxious 3Peace Roachzilla Delenda , 6p, 213 William St Live Music @Adventure Brewing North, Jason Frye, 7p

Saturday June 4

Farmers Market, Hurkamp Park,7a-2p, homemade, or hand baked goods sold

open air markets home grown,

Every Saturday- Bowling Green Farmers Market 9am-1pm 211 N Main .

Spotsy Farmers Market 8am - 1pm Location:12150 Gordon Rd Kids Fishing Derby, Motts River Reservoir, 11:30a-4:30p 65th Annual Antique Auto Show, Caroline St, Downtown, all day

Become a Friend Advocate ~ Donate ~ Volunteer

540~479~4116 1013 Princess Anne St , FXBG 16

June 2022

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Rock the River, Old Mill Park, 11a-6p, live music, great craft beer, arts and crafts, and tasty food.

The WIZ-ard of OZ, 2p, James Monroe HS Jump into June Family Festival, FXBG Fairgrounds, 2p Greek Festival delicious, handmade Greek food favorites, beer, wine, music, & Greek family fun! , 12326 Sposwood Furnance Rd, 11a-4p All Day Musical Festival & Community Picnic, Patriot Park, 12p DowntownThrowdown, The Recreation Center, 213 William St, 6Live Music @Old Mill Park, Two time Grammy nominated, and Internationally touring Frank Solivan & Dirty Kitchen simmer a progressive bluegrass stew of infinite instrumental, vocal and songwriting 4p Live Music @the Recreation Center, Change Today features Joe Wood performing music from his 10-year tenure as the singer and guitarist for the legendary Los Angeles punk band, TSOL, along with a mix of new and original material 7p, 213 William St

Wednesday June 8

Art of Aging Expo, FXBG Expo Cente

Friday June 10

Live Music Night Featuring Celaris, T Trivial Difference. This lineup is on Music Alley at Central Station, 1917

Works by Kathleen Walsh, Artist Alli opening reception 6-9p

Live Music @the Recreation Center and The Ambulance Review , 7p 21

Live Music @Mellow Mushroom, Dar

Live Music@Adventure Brewing Nort

Saturday June 11

Sophia Street Throwdown, 5th ann Sophia Street Studios, more than 2

Farmers Market, Hurkamp Park,7a-2 homemade, or hand baked goods so

Live Music @Adventure Brewing North, Radar Theory, 7p

Every Saturday- Bowling Green Farm

Live Music @Adventure Brewing Eagle Village, Susan & Steven, 7p

Spotsy Farmers Market 8am - 1pm L

Sunday June 5

Master Gardeners Hurkamp Park Pla

Sunday Brunch @ Billiken's Smokehouse @The Chimneys, 623 Caroline

Experience an Eighteenth Century Co Historic Kenmore. 10a-3p performa

Sunken Well Tavern Sunday Brunch, 720 Littlepage til 1p

Bluegrass on the Patio, Sunken Well Tavern 6-8pm Sunday Brunch at the Colonial Tavern 11:30-3p

Cornhole for a Cause to benefit domestic violence, Maltese Brewing B. Questions - E-mail crystal@beethe

Kenny G @fred Nats Jazz saxophonist one of the best-selling artists of all time with over 75 million records sold.

Busy Bee Comedy Show, great drin comedy Show , 7:30-(p, 1600 Prince

Greek Festival delicious, handmade Greek food favorites, beer, wine, music, & Greek family fun! , 12326 Sposwood Furnance Rd, 11a-4p

Open Mic@Adventure Brewing Eagle

Live Music @Marks & Fitz Amphitheter, 5030v Gordon Shelton Blvd, 7p

Sunken Well Tavern Sunday Brunch,

Monday June 6

Music on the Steps Concert Series, CRRL, FXBG Branch 7-8p

Tuesday June 7

Picnic in the Park, Ice Cream Day with Karen Jonas, Memorial (Kenmore) Park, 11:30-1:30p Trivia Night, Sunken Well at 6:30pm 720 Littlepage

Sunday June 12

Sunday Brunch @ Billiken's Smokeho

Bluegrass on the Patio, Sunken Well

Sunday Brunch at the Colonial Tave

Monday June 13

Music on the Steps Concert Series, C

DAR of events

er, 9a-1p

The Plan, Path to Exile, Artusha, and FIRE! Doors open at 6:30 pm , KC's 7 Princess Anne St ance, 100 Taylor St, Colonial Beach,

r Huntingtons, American Television, 3 William ST

Tuesday June 14

Friday June 24

Picnic in the Park, Flag Day with Colebrooke, Memorial (Kenmore) Park, 11:30-1:30p

Live Music @Billikens, #unchainedrocks, 7-11p, 623 Caroline St

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

FXBG Pride March, Musical Performances! Local Vendors! Local Organizations! Raffles! , Old Mill Park, 10a-6-

Twilight History for Kids, Explore history and follow in the footsteps of George Washington hands-on activities, projects, and games at Hugh Mercer Apothecary, Mary Washington House, & Rising Sun Tavern. 6-8p 540-373-5630; YouthPrograms@WashingtonHeritageMuseums.org

Farmers Market, Hurkamp Park, 7a-2p, homemade, or hand baked goods sold

Flag Day

Great American Backyard Campout @Dixon Park, 6:30p-10a on June 25

Friday June 17

rcy Dawn, 7pm, 609 William St

Live Music@Marks & Harrison Amphitheater, Cole Swindell

th, Reckless Brigade, 7p

Saturday June 18

nual Cermics Showcase, in front of 20 exhibitors, 10a-4p

2p, old

open air markets home grown,

mers Market 9am-1pm 211 N Main t.

open air markets home grown,

Every Saturday- Bowling Green Farmers Market 9am-1pm 211 N Main .

Spotsy Farmers Market 8am - 1pm Location:12150 Gordon Rd Master Gardeners Hurkamp Park Plant Clinic horticultural topics

Downtown Greens New Land Walk-Around Wear your off-roading shoes!

Farmers Market, Hurkamp Park, 7a-2p, homemade, or hand baked goods sold

Saturday June 25

9am, 1360 Belman Road,

open air markets home grown,

Every Saturday- Bowling Green Farmers Market 9am-1pm 211 N Main t.

Spotsy Farmers Market 8am - 1pm Location:12150 Gordon Rd

Kidzfest, Fred Expo Center free family-friendly event for pre-school and elementary age children, their families and friends ,

Sunday June26

Sunken Well Tavern Sunday Brunch,. 720 Littlepage til 1p Sunday Brunch @ Billiken's Smokehouse 623 Caroline Bluegrass on the Patio, Sunken Well Tavern 6-8pm

Location:12150 Gordon Rd

Juneteenth Celebration, free community event, dj, food, fun, & family activities, Patriot Park, 5710 Smith Station Rd, 11a-4p

ant Clinic horticultural topics of

Father Daughter Afternoon Tea, CRRL FXBG Branch, 2p

olonial Fair on the beautiful lawns of ances, along with games, crafts,

Sunday June 19

Empowerhouse and survivors of Co. 12pm, 11047 Pierson Dr. Suite erellc.com

Juneteenth, honors the end to slavery in the United States .

Live music @the Rec Center Call in Dead, Rough Dose, Rise defy, 7p

Sunken Well Tavern Sunday 720 Littlepage til 1p

Tuesday June 28

nks, incredible food, and a hilarious ess Anne St

Sunday Brunch @ Billiken's Smokehouse @The Chimneys, 623 Caroline

Picnic in the Park, Beach Day with Bill Carroll, Memorial (Kenmore) Park, 11:30-1:30p

Bluegrass on the Patio, Sunken Well Tavern 6-8pm

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

Monday June 20

Wednesday June 29

e Village, 7p

Father's Day

Music on the Steps Concert Series, CRRL, FXBG Branch 7-8p

, 720 Littlepage til 1p

ouse @The Chimneys, 623 Caroline Tavern 6-8pm

Tuesday June 21 First Day of Summer

Picnic in the Park, Selfie Day with Johnny D & The Lowriders, Memorial (Kenmore) Park, 11:30-1:30p

ern 11:30-3p

CRRL, FXBG Branch 7-8p live

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

Trivia Night, Sunken Well at 6:30pm Match wits with the 'Burgs finest minds. Prize! 720 Littlepage

Sunday Brunch at the Colonial Tavern 11:30-3p Hinder & Buckcherry, Fred Nats Concert Series, Multi-platinum American rock band Hinder, best known for their hit song "Lips of an Angel" and "Better Than Me," will be joined by fellow rock band Buckcherry, , 6-11p

Monday June 27

Live Music@the Recreation Center Valley Delinquent Asylum 213 Motel Portrait (On Tour) Vampires In Saigon The Get Off, 6:30p, 213 Willaim

If you are reading this 299th issue of FPF, thank an advertiser as we celebrate our 25th year of continuous publication!

List your events email frntprch@aol.com: subject Calendar Deadline for July 2022 issue is June 19th.

Dog Walking Pet Sitting Companion Play Time & Mini Furies, Too!

540-735-8228 On facebook as “City PetSitting” front porch fredericksburg

June 2022

17

history’s stories

Father ’ s Day

By Ralph “Tuffy” Hicks

"Where it all comes together" is Fredericksburg's new brand. This moniker can mean many things, and it perfectly describes the newly re-opened Chatham Bridge.

In 1909, a young girl by the name of Sonora Dodd, began a campaign to honor her father who raised her and her five brothers after her mother had died. She produced the idea of June as it was her father's birthday month. She had support from several churches in the Spokane Washington area and she started a movement that would take well over a half century for her dream to become law.

Sonora would travel all across the United States campaigning for the Father's Day holiday.

Many of the countries in Europe celebrated a holiday called Saint Joseph's Day in March of each year in honor of Joseph the husband of Mary the mother of Jesus. Joseph was the example of the ideal father, as far back as the 1300's. This day is still celebrated in the Roman Catholic Church which may include their spiritual father the Parish Priest There is also a holiday called International Men's Day, celebrated on November 19th of each year. This is celebrated in several countries in Europe.

Sonora never gave up on her idea of Father's Day and in the 1930's she began a campaign that included making smoking pipes, ties and even glass mugs to celebrate and advertise Father's Day. She came up with the idea as being economically beneficial to the business community as a way to sell gifts for men.

It was President Lyndon Johnson who issued the first official Father's Day proclamation from the White House in 1966.

Many people have tried to take credit for the idea of the Father's Day holiday; however, it was Sonora Dodd of Spokane, Washington that received the honor. Her father a Civil War veteran raised her and five brothers, he did not live to see her dream come true. Sonora lived see her idea become a Holiday and she died in 1978 at the age of 96. HAPPY FATHER'S DAY

Dedicated to: Sandy Tierney, Terry Smith, Liz Hooe, ichard Pates, & Ralph Hicks (MY DAD above)

Tuffy is Front Porch’s Resident Historian

June 2022

where it all comes together By jon gerlach

I was recently thinking about the upcoming issue of Front Porch and at once thought of FATHER'S DAY, and my father's birthday which is also in June. My dad will have been gone twentyfour years this year, however, I think of him daily. Many of my friends as does FP readers I am sure share the same memories of their parents. We just celebrated Mother's Day which was set up well over a hundred years back in 1914 as an official United States holiday. It was not until 1972 when President Richard Nixon finally signed the Father's Day resolution that would become law in 1974.

18

What’s in A Connection?

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The bridge (see photo) offers a pedestrian overlook with a great view of the historic Rappahannock River, Scott's Island and the Old Stone Warehouse. It's also a walking/biking connection between the public trails on the Stafford and Fredericksburg sides of the river.

This area is rich in history.

George Washington grew up nearby and was said to hurl a silver dollar all the way across the river. Nearby, the Union army built pontoon bridges to get into Fredericksburg, and back out again.

During the Civil War, Enslaved Americans crossed to freedom on the opposite shore and started new lives. Today, kayakers, canoeists and stand-up-paddlers enjoy the river's beauty, and hopeful fishermen congregate in Spring for the shad run. See "What's in a Crossing" in the Oct. 2020 issue of Front Porch Fredericksburg magazine for more history of the Chatham Bridge.

Scott's Island, sitting underneath the bridge, is a special place that saw over a century of festivities. Barbeques, picnics, tea parties, dances, 4th of July celebrations and spectacular fireworks occurred here, along with wrestling and boxing matches and all manner of amusements. At times up to a thousand people would cram onto the island! It was once called Brown's Island, for its owner, John Brown, a silversmith, Town Council member, and warden/trustee of St. George's Episcopal Church. In the late 19th Century its name changed to Scott's Island. Starting in 1910 this was the home of Casino Island, which boasted electric lighting, arcade games, and a theater seating 700 people for "moving pictures", vaudeville acts and concerts. A bustling amusement park, Richard Southworth's Pleasure Island, operated here from 1921 to 1924. See "What's in an Island" in the May 2021 issue of Front Porch

Fredericksburg magazine for more on this fascinating place.

At the City's end of the bridge is the Old Stone Warehouse, which closed to the public in 2019 in preparation for the bridge rehabilitation. The front of the building appears to be a full story shorter, thanks to the raising of Sophia Street just before WWII to match the grade of the bridge, but the entire building is still visible when viewed from the river side (see photo). The three-story masonry building (four counting the attic) was constructed of locally-sourced Rappahannock Freestone, with massive chestnut timbers and a slate roof. City records, and research by Historic Fredericksburg Foundation, Inc. (HFFI), indicate that the structure was built around 1813 by Thomas Goodwin, atop an earlier stone foundation dating from the 1750s which probably supported a tobacco warehouse in the Colonial era. See "What's in a Photograph" in the Nov. 2019 issue of Front Porch Fredericksburg magazine for more on this wonderful building.

Time marches on, as they say. In the future, the Bankside Trail will cross the rear yard of the Old Stone Warehouse giving trail users the view shown in the photo. Folks of all ages will walk or bicycle along the riverbank, enjoying views of the island, the warehouse, and a connection to the rest of the trails in the City and south Stafford County.

So … what's in a Connection?

Here … truly a place where it all comes together.

An attorney and retired archaeologist, Jon Gerlach serves on Fredericksburg's City Council, Ward Two. Photo by Jon Gerlach

OUR HERITAGE demolition by neglect

By David James danger.

Demolition by Neglect is alive and well across the country.

Last week, in New Castle C o u n t y , Delaware, permits were requested to demolish two h i s t o r i c properties.

How could this happen in a county that has a strong Architectural Review Board (ARB)?

I have news for you-it happens right here in good old Fredericksburg, Virginia, too. In 2012, our ARB chairperson resigned because the circa 1700s house at 1407 Caroline Street was torn down. The demolition permit was issued on a Friday, and on Saturday, the building was demolished. The ARB was never notified. Later, in 2015, a historic duplex on Sophia Street was torn down.

The demolition was not endorsed by the ARB. HOW COULD THIS HAPPEN? The demolition permits were not subject to ARB approval because a

This past month, another landowner asked for a demolition permit to raze a historic building in the historic district to build a workout room. The landowner's engineer said it was a "danger to life and safety." Sound familiar? City staff recommended that the ARB approve the request to demolish the building-even after the city had hired a structural engineer who reported that the structure could be renovated. The report, paid for by the city, says the structure could be repaired. However, believe it or not, the ARB approved the demolition. Perhaps our city ARB and staff should look at the city's goals, one of which reads: "Demolition must and shall be a last, unavoidable resort difficult to realize." Historic Fredericksburg Foundation, Inc. (HFFI) is now considering appealing the ARB decision to City Council for review.

Carolina, to review the Historic District Handbook. He suggested that programs should be available to identify "inordinate hardship" and provide gap financing, incentives, and, if necessary, regulatory procedures to prevent the demolition by neglect of historic resources. I think he is right.

Obviously, the problem is how to write an effective ordinance. I understand that the city has since agreed to take a closer look at the Demolition by Neglect issue, using Dan Becker as a resource. My goal is a demolition by neglect ordinance, endorsed by Dan Becker and approved by City Council. Wish me luck.

David James is President of the Historic Fredericksburg Foundation, Inc., and an avid preservationist.

HFFI hired an outside consultant, Dan Becker of Heritage Arts of North Fredericksburg Building Maintenance Code official deemed the structures unsafe. The building code official was quoted as having said about the Caroline Street house: "The building, in my opinion, met the definition of an unsafe structure....Once that happens, according to the statewide unified building code, an owner is allowed to do three things; repair it completely, do an exterior renovation, or they can demolish…the structure. We have no control over which option they choose."

We, the people of Fredericksburg, MUST change this thought pattern. We need a new requirement that allows the ARB chairperson and our city Historic Resources Planner to halt a demolition if the building official is not following the guidelines and the public is not truly in

The Central Rappahannock Heritage Center is a non-profit, all-volunteer archives whose mission is to preserve historically valuable material of the region and make it available to the public for research 900 Barton St #111, Fredericksburg, VA www.crhcarchives.org contact@crhcarchives.org 540-373-3704 Volunteers Wecome!

Contact us about donating collections of documents and photographs

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Mental Health youth crisis By daniel Gillison i m p a c t e d equally.

Cheslie Kryst was crowned Miss USA, achieved her J.D. to work as an attorney to help reform the U.S. criminal justice system and established herself as a successful online fashion blogger and entertainment news correspondent. Ian Alexander Jr. was the son of acclaimed actor and producer Regina King; he frequently accompanied his mom to red carpets and was pursuing a promising career as a deejay. And Katie Meyer was on the dean's list at Stanford University, where she was also captain of the soccer team.

Despite the appearance of so much success, happiness and potential for the future, all three of these young people tragically died from suicide earlier this year. Cheslie was 30 years old; Ian was about to turn 26; Katie was only 22.

The loss of these bright and talented young people serves as a harrowing reminder of what CDC statistics have recently further confirmed: Our young people are struggling. We are in a youth mental health crisis. And the need to talk about and address this crisis is urgent.

Where We Are According to CDC statistics released last month: More than 1 in 3 high school students experienced poor mental health during the pandemic.

Nearly half of students felt persistently sad or hopeless.

A quarter of teens struggled with hunger.

Two-thirds said they had difficulty with schoolwork.

More than half of students experienced emotional abuse in their home.

And not all young people were

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F e m a l e students were more than twice as likely to have attempted s u i c i d e compared to male students.

Lesbian, gay and bisexual students were twice as likely to report physical abuse at home compared to their heterosexual peers. Black students were most likely to report hunger. Asian, Black and multiracial students were most likely to report experiencing racism at some point during their life. And students who had experienced racism were more likely to report poor mental health and not feeling connected to others at school during the pandemic.

How We Got Here Young people's mental health has been struggling for a long time. Before COVID-19, suicide was already reported as the second-leading cause of death among people aged 10-34, and the CDC reported that youth mental health was already declining. But since the start of the pandemic, the state of youth mental health has undoubtedly worsened.

Between the constant comparisons and challenges to keep up with the pressure to perform on social media; the expectation of being "always on" that comes with technology, instantaneous communication and troubling news cycles; the isolation, uncertainty, trauma and grief that have come from an unprecedented global crisis; and the recent legislative attacks against LGBTQ+ youth, who are already a vulnerable population... Young people today are being challenged in ways we couldn't believe.

We all have a responsibility to help.

What To Do Now The first step to show up for our young people is to listen to them. We can't assume we know how they are really doing, and we can't assume we know what they need. We have to be intentional about asking, and we have to give them the judgment-free space to truly answer.

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That's why we started NAMI Next Gen, an advisory group representing the voices of youth and young adults across the country to advise, create and innovate NAMI programs and content aimed at meeting young people where they are. We received more than 760 applications for this new group - which tells us that there are not only so many young people who are struggling, but there are also so many young people who want to help. We just have to let them.

ble at Availa n.com Amazo

We need to listen to our young people. We need to commit to keep learning about what they are going through. And we need to invest in them.

We can't afford to lose any more young people to suicide or to allow them to suffer in silence any longer.

Our young people need us - and we need them.

Daniel H. Gillison, Jr. is the chief executive officer of NAMI (National Alliance on Mental Illness). Prior to his work at NAMI, he served as executive director of the American Psychiatric Association Foundation (APAF) in addition to several other leadership roles at various large corporations such as Xerox, Nextel, and Sprint. He is passionate about making inclusive, culturally competent mental health resources available to all people, spending time with his family, and of course playing tennis. You can follow him on Twitter at @DanGillison.

To learn more about NAMI programs, visit Website namirapp.com.

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

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

Have You Tried Acupuncture?

Emancipated Patients get (politically) active

By Patrick Neustatter, MD

Call Now to Schedule 540.847.6985 AcupunctureFredericksburg.com

Sometimes being an emancipated patient means more than just having all those virtues that safeguard your personal wellbeing, and that are cleverly encompassed in the term 'e' patient (equipped, enabled, empowered and engaged).

Sometimes it means being politically active and lobbying our hopeless politicians about legislative strategies that affect the healthcare industry.

This is the case in what I see as an unhealthy trend, enabled, and encouraged by financial and tax policies, that are damaging your healthcare.

Gutting Healthcare to Feed Shareholders I refer to the corporate takeover of healthcare which is happening all around.

Private equity firms are buying up medical facilities of all kinds and tweaking them to make them as profitable as possible then selling them off at huge profits - a move condemned as "fundamentally incompatible with sound healthcare that serves patients" says a report form the American Antitrust Institute.

A recent article in Mother Jones talking about private equity companies that "stalk and gut" other companies and are part of a "corporate world that grew accustomed to valuing shareholders over everyone else" really brought this to my attention.

Unfortunately, these predators seem to see the healthcare industry as fertile ground - to the detriment of those served.

A study by the Becker Friedman Institute for example, showed "private equity ownership increases the shortterm mortality of nursing home residents by 10 per cent" due to lowered nursing staff to patient ratios, and "diversion of patient care funding to private equity owners.’”

Other reports accuse private equity funds of buying dental practices and incentivizing an increase in the volume of procedures, regardless of necessity.

They've taken over companies providing staff to healthcare facilities more than a third of the country's emergency rooms rely on private equity firms. They own travel-nurse companies (which have had massive leverage with staff shortages associated with COVID) so Aya Healthcare, for example, is advertising travel nurses the possibility of earning $6,950 a week).

One of my pet-peeves is the massive proliferation of urgent cares which are a private equity favorite.

Though convenient, they syphon off "the gravy," the easy, profitable business from primary care practices (trivial illnesses, minor injuries, and minor procedures all of which are disproportionately profitable) making it harder for primary care practices to survive - when what is needed is old fashioned primary care practices with established doctor-patient partnerships to oversee health and prevention on a longterm basis.

But it's an uphill battle. The number of private equity deals in healthcare has nearly tripled between 2010 and 2019.

Close To Home Corporate takeover sparing Fredericksburg though.

is

not

The Pratt Medical Center was owned and operated by the doctors in the days when I was there. Now it is in the hands of what seems to be a large, somewhat avaricious company - Hospital Corporation of America (HCA).

Though not a private equity firm, they have a track record that suggests profitability at any cost - in 2012, they paid $1.7 billion (the "largest recovery ever reached by the government in a health care fraud investigation") for what the Justice Department alleged were false claims to Medicare and other federal health programs.

However, The Motley Fool reports now HCA seems to have bounced back, with its stock giving an "almost 900 percent return over the past decade."

A return that benefits the shareholders - though one could fantasize about it being used to reduce prices to patients or improve quality.

It may not be fair to single out HCA, as the corporate takeover of healthcare is just part of a national trend in all sectors that results from "50 years of policies that have prioritized the profit-m making of a few over the wellbeing of many" notes the Mother Jones article.

I see it as a microcosm of the whole wealth inequity that is growing in the US - and that requires strident political lobbying of your politician.

Patrick Neustatter, MD is the Medical Director of the Moss Free Clinic

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Sounds of Summer Live Music Series returns

Life Coaching accepting change

By Marcia Grimsley

Fredericksburg Area The Museum's popular Sounds of Summer livemusic series will return to Market Square in downtown Fredericksburg starting in June .

“Sounds of Summer is going to be BACK and better than ever this summer”, the museum wrote on its Facebook page.

The free series will occur every Friday night in June, July and August from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. (Market Square will open for the series at 6 p.m.; guests are encouraged to bring their own chairs.)

Guests 21+ can purchase beer or wine with valid ID.

Here is this year's lineup:

June June June June

JULY July 1: Bruce Middle Trio with guest performer Ralph Gordon July 8: Shades of Gray July 15: Harry Wilson Band July 22: Jon Tyler Wiley and his Virginia Choir July 29: Dixie Power Trio

August August August August

AUGUST 5: Riptide 12: Acoustic Onion 19: Elby Brass 26: Major League

Be sure to follow the Fredericksburg Area Museum (FAM) on Facebook for the latest news about the series.

JUNE 3: Karen Jonas 10: Spanglish 17: Brisk 24: Whiskey Rebellion

"Most of us feel our way of life is threatened when we experience any major change, especially if it is around relationships, money, or health.

If change is occurring in one or more of these areas, it can be challenging, extremely difficult, and even frightening."

Written by Neale Donald Walsch in his book When Everything Changes, Change Everything.

I so clearly remember my ophthalmologist sitting with me in his New York City office. He was delivering a heart wrenching message. Yes, there was surgery that could possibly improve my failing eyesight, but it could be dangerous.

He cautioned that I could also lose the total sight in both my eyes.

I never thought anything would be worse than the agony of that year. A year that had been spent living in a dark and shadowy world. I was wrong. This revelation was now worse. The fearful decision to proceed with a risky surgery was mine to make. For me, it became a defining moment of change inside me.

I believed that my future held promise and purpose. I was 24 years old and had dreams of law school, which would require extensive reading ability.

So, how could this be happening to me? I slowly came to understand that it was up to me to accept my present circumstances.

It was up to me, to continue to hope for the full return of my sight.

Eventually, much of my sight was restored, but my dreams of law school were not to be realized.

Instead, my career choice took me in another, very fulfilling direction.

This frightening experience brought with it new possibilities and forced me to look at the world with an expanded inner vision.

Rather than trying to control my life, I have learned to adjust to an ever-

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changing present. I now ask, what can this moment teach me? How may I live more meaningfully today? Cultivating a flexible attitude can be a powerful key. Goal setting for the future is always valuable.

However, accepting the present, instead of living at cross currents with it, allows us to be more responsive to our inner guidance.

As my life propelled me into a new direction, I was able to find joy and passion in a new career that did not require normal vision.

Right now, so many changes are occurring for so many people. These changes are re-shifting lives.

Many experts are advising that we should adjust quickly, because this is our "new normal."

Flexibility and creative thinking are being called for!

We are experiencing the convergence of a pandemic, climate change, and social upheaval, as well as political chaos. This is certain to feel overwhelming to most of us.

So, what can be done? I have observed that the human spirit is miraculous. We can choose to reach into ourselves and pull forth that which is creative, compassionate, and courageous.

We can decide who we want to be going forward, not perfect by any means, but proud of the vision we choose to embrace for ourselves.

As my eyesight diminished, I was forced to adjust to a new normal.

Adjustment to change has continues to define my life, and creativity has become my most valuable tool. We should always remember that inner guidance is available to each person in every situation. Trust your mind, your heart, and your intuition.

You can make it through!

Marcia Grimsley, BA, MS, is a Professional Life Coach.She offers Personal, Career & Business and Health & Welllbeing Coaching 540-785-4104 orwww.marciaslifecoaching.com

Auto Known Better “tek Gear” for father’s day

By Rim Vining 907 Princess Anne Street, Downtown Fredericksburg

www.donatelifevirginia.org

Did you know you can no longer buy sweat pants?

Now we have Active Wear! I needed a new pair of "sweat pants" but instead had to buy what the label said was, "Tek Gear - OPEN BOTTOM PANT." Not being a novice at putting on my pants one leg at a time I'm thinking "CLOSED BOTTOM PANTS?" They call that a potato sack. Besides having the new age "OPEN BOTTOM" they also advertise "relaxed through the hip and thigh and… relaxed leg openings!"

Help me please.

Aren't sweat pants, buy definition, baggy assed, floppy, comfortable cotton pants for around the house and gym? These are the pants that you're not supposed to wear to the store but sometimes do… often with slippers.

They make a "slim fit" too: I tried them and that is as close to panty hose as I hope to get.

My sincere condolences to all those who have suffered with such things through the ages.

So now it's June and time to celebrate Father's Day, among the most awkward holidays in existence. What do you get a dad who buys his own toys? I had a father who wore Brooks Brother's suits and Florsheim Imperial Wingtips and made us wear a coat and tie to go on vacation. He and his generation were guys who looked like somebody's dad.

My father was 38 in above photo and the average age isn't much past forty. He is 3rd from the right next to the gentleman with an uncanny resemblance to Christopher Walken. This is how men looked in the fifties and it explains why I have a closet full of white starched buttondown shirts with an occasional blue one thrown in. If it's not blue or white it was a gift.

Try as I might, I do not look like someone's father even with a tie. My oldest son is almost 40 and wears the tie and button-down quite well but looks even less like someone's dad. The spikey hair, skinny slacks and Reefs might have something to do with it but I'm beginning to believe it goes deeper and I'm going with environment over heredity, societal norms over family influences.

Let's talk nicotine and wood smoke.

Ever watch Perry Mason?

A cigarette is lit in every scene by almost every character except Della Street. The second hand smoke in cars, bars and teacher's lounges not to mention restaurants, office buildings, church parish halls and oh my Lord planes…

Craziness!

Abraham Lincoln, Teddy Roosevelt and Ernest Shackleton all looked old at 35 and grew up in sooty houses and log cabins with open fireplaces. They all smoked tobacco and they all had receding hairlines just like the men from the fifties.

It's as if they spent too much time in dark sweat lodges so their skin turned to leather and their eyes became deep set almost afraid of the light.

My generation had central heat and air conditioning. We finally started to quit smoking and could open the windows.

We made some strides in clean air and water and you can't smoke in a plane! It was a start, not enough and yeah, we brought our own bags, but feeble at best.

So what should the dads who don't look like dads ask from their daughters and sons this Father's Day? Nothing small, just save us from ourselves.

Two thousand years of buying our own toys hasn't worked out well.

Bigger, better, shinier isn't too far from the craven image and the golden calf.

Do it for your kids and let us help. It can be done. autoknownbetter@gmail.com

Rim Vining, humorist, friend and a devoted community volunteer autoknownbetter@gmail.com

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Art in Burg Art Galleries in June Hailey Light “Sea & Sky” Opening , First Friday June 3, Opening recption 6-9 9p Brush Strokes Gallery, 824 Caroline St. In her June featured exhibit "Sea and Sky," Hailey Light presents fascinating images that capture the fluidity and grace of both realms, which may elicit fond memories or spark the imaginations of visitors.

“Colors of the Sea” Works by Sally Cooney Anderson Opening Reception First Friday, June 3, -6 6-9 9pm Artful Dimensions, 922 Caroline During a recent trip to the beach, fiber artist Sally Cooney Anderson was inspired by the colors and textures of the environment. This show of her recent work includes both wearable and hangable pieces inspired by the sea. Visit Artful Dimensions Gallery throughout the month of June and on First Friday, June 3. ~ Sally Cooney Anderson Canal Quarter Arts 1517 Princess Anne ST First Friday, 6-8 8:30 ~Jeannie Ellis

Darbytown Art Studio First Friday, May 6, 5-8 8:30 .

“Seagull Sunset”, Hailey Light @Brush Strokes Hailey explains that the theme of her June exhibit is rooted in early experiences with her family. "Growing up, my family was very outdoorsy and, while we moved around a lot, we almost always lived on the coast. For me, summer has always meant time on the water. With this show I aim to capture the essence of warm weather and the relaxing energy of the ocean, while celebrating all the beautiful and diverse life that thrives above and below the surface. The random fluid nature of pour painting lends itself particularly well to depicting the subject of water."

Light gives viewers a glimpse of the dance-like movement of undersea creatures in paintings such as "Green Sea Turtles" and "Dolphins," while "White Caps" conveys the power of the ocean and "Seagull Sunset" depicts the fleeting and rapidly-changing vista at the climax of each day at the shore. ~Collette Caprara

PONSHOP, 712 Caroline Street Features fine art, ceramics, jewelry by local artist and regional artists

Dance of the Cherry Blossoms”, Kathleen Walsh @ Art Alliance

“Impressions from Nature”

by Award-W Winning Artist Karen Julihn Opening Reception, 6-8 8pm Art First, 824 Caroline ST Art First Gallery in historic downtown Fredericksburg is delighted to present a new show of paintings by award-winning artist Karen Julihn. "Impressions from Nature" is a dazzling ensemble of Julihn's richly textured canvases highlighting her powerful strengths as a colorist.

Karen Julihn, formerly of Brushstrokes Gallery, has been creating and displaying her art in the Fredericksburg area since 2009. Taking inspiration from her travels to gardens, mountains, woodlands and water ways, Julihn aims to capture her memories in vivid color with dramatic, bold strokes.

Her recent works are refreshingly captivating.

Whether you are one of the many local collectors of Karen Julihn's art or are new to her work, this show of brilliantly colored flora and fauna will not disappoint .. ~Jennifer Galvin

Sally Cooney Anderson @Artful Dimensions negative space. "It is the empty space which is never empty but full of delicate variations of color, tone, and texture."

Come out and see her beautiful work. ~ Rob Rudick

Works by Kathleen Walsh The Artists' Alliance opening June 10, 6-9 9p 100 Taylor St, Suite 101 Colonial Beach Gallery open Sat-S Sun, 11a -5 5p The Artists' Alliance (AA) at Jarrett Thor Fine Arts is thrilled about the June show.

We are featuring area painter Kathleen Walsh.

Kathleen's show will highlight floral images, and her honed approach to using art to appreciate the world around us.

“Sunflowers”, Karen Julihn, @ Art First She is a master colorist, and in describing painting Cherry Blossoms stated, "Painting a branch, one becomes aware of its subtle color changes. A branch is not brown, but blue and gray with hints of red."

She is also a sophisticated user of

810 Caroline Street, Downtown 540.371.4099 “Radiant Roses” Beverley Coates 24

June 2022

“Winter Trees Gulf of Finland”, Penny A Parrish

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“Sunrise Princess Anne St”, Lynn Abbott

Artist on Site Saturdays

Red Tag Art Sale FCCA Cleans out the attic bY tom conway Original art can bring any room to life, but quality art is often far too expensive when designing on a budget.

The Fredericksburg Center for the Creative Arts (FCCA) has your solution.

After nearly 60 years of rotating exhibits through its three galleries, the museum will be cleaning out the attic in preparation for a Red Tag Art Sale, to be held from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. on July 2, 2022. Proceeds will benefit the museum's outreach art education programs.

"It's a wonderful opportunity to find some real bargains," says Carrol Morgan, the museum's curator. "Artists from all over the country have donated pieces to the museum after shows, and it leaves us with a bit of a treasure trove.

In some cases, we could sell the works online or at auction, but at this point we simply need the storage space. A red tag sale just seems like the way to go."

The works will be displayed in the garden outside the FCCA during the town's annual Independence Day weekend celebration. Individual works of art will be marked down by as much as 50%, with all sales going to benefit the gallery and outreach art education.

Among the works for sale will be numerous works by noted California artist Teresa Blatt, who has exhibited frequently at the FCCA and has donated a significant number of her works.

The FCCA is the oldest art museum in Fredericksburg and is housed near the banks of the Rappahannock River in the historic Silversmith House, constructed in 1785. FCCA's mission is to foster a sense of community by encouraging and promoting interest in, study of, and making of visual art through exhibits, classes, workshops, lectures and other art focused events.

Happy Harpsichord (right) is among the many works by artist Teresa Blatt that will be offered for sale at the FCCA's Independence Day Weekend Red Tag Art Sale.

Tom Conway is a Fredericksburg resident, writer & supporter of the Arts

Independence Day Red Tag Art Sale July 2, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Outside Garden Fredericksburg Center for the Creative Arts, 813 Sophia Street, www.fccagallery.com 540-3 373-5 5646

Supporting Local Artists Since 1997

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Sophia Street Throwdown ceramics showcase Saturday June 11 Saturday, June 11th the annual Sophia Street Pottery Throwdown to showcase local ceramic art will be happening in front of the Sophia Street Studios at 1104 Sophia Street in downtown Fredericksburg. More than 20 exhibitors will be set up in the street to display and sell a wide variety of ceramic art.

life's ephemeral moments, telling stories of the cycles of nature and the changing seasons of our lives." See more of Christina's nature-inspired work at: www.christinabendo.com/ Neal Reed (below) enjoys making both functional and decorative ceramic work. Born in Steven Summerville Virginia, he studied clay in Minnesota, North Carolina and Virginia. Neal's functional works are decorated using the before him. He works and teaches at the Arts Workshop in ancient technique of sgraffito - carving LibertyTown through one layer of clay to reveal the Fredericksburg. See Neal's work, or contact him about lessons at: https://libertytownarts.com/artist/nealreed/

This month's highlighted artists include: Steven Summerville, Christina Bendo and Neal Read.

The Sophia Street Pottery Throwdown was started by longtime local ceramic artist and Fredericksburg resident Trista Chapman of the Sophia Street Studios. Trista has been making pottery for over 30 years and is known for her crazy colorful "Tristaware." You can see Trista's work and other fun furniture, jewelry, paintings and more at the Sophia Street Studios, 1104 Sophia Street, open Thursday through Saturday from 10-5.

Neal Reed Steven studied ceramics at Berea College in Kentucky, spent 3 years working with Dan Finnegan in Fredericksburg, and was inspired by travels in England and visits to the studios of fellow utilitarian potters David Leach and Michael Cardew.

Steven's colorful creations can be found at: https://stevensummerville.net/ Steven Summerville (above) throws pots in the studio he built in his home in Bumpass, Virginia, and spends his off-hours tending his garden and goats and sharing his space with friends.

Christina Bendo (below) grew up helping her parents grow food in the rich

"My life-long passion for pottery was sparked when I was a 10-year-old child in Kalamazoo, Michigan. A potter came to our school to give a demonstration and I was immediately transfixed by the magical process of throwing pots on the wheel. As I watched, the potter skilfully transformed a lump of clay into a beautiful and useful form.

Amazing! I fell in love with the process then, and I am still in love with it today.

I take great pleasure in making strong,

red clay soil of Virginia. After earning her B.A. at the University of Mary Washington, she went on to complete a three year assistantship with potter Trista Chapman.

She has been a resident at LibertyTown Arts Workshop, the International Ceramics Studio in Hungary, STARworks Ceramics, the North Carolina Pottery Center, and Watershed Center for the Ceramic Arts. Her work has been featured on gallery pedestals and kitchen tables in the US and abroad. In 2019 Christina opened her own studio in downtown Waynesville, North Carolina.

Christina Bendo simple forms that are completely useful, fun to look at, and that make everyday living more interesting and satisfying."

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"My pots are a study in the contrast between everyday ritual and the constant change that surrounds us. I seek to make work that is imbued with

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layer beneath. His designs are inspired by nature and by artists who have come

Sophia Street Throwdown June 11, 10a-5 5p

Rock Star President Troy Paino

by Laura Moyer University of Mary Washington colleagues have long known how committed President Troy D. Paino is to the student experience - and to the faculty and staff who work day in and day out to make it the best it can be.

Now, student affairs professionals throughout the Southeastern United States are spreading the news. NASPA, the organization of student affairs administrators in higher education, will recognize Paino with its Region III President's Award for 2022 during a summer symposium in Charleston, South Carolina.

"This prestigious award signifies that your fellow student affairs colleagues value the contributions you are making in the field," awards committee co-chairs Stephen M. Howard and Nicholas Hudson wrote in an email informing Paino of the honor. "It also exemplifies your hard work within the profession, your institution and NASPA Region III." In supporting Paino's nomination for the recognition, UMW Vice President for Student Affairs Juliette Landphair emphasized the president's compassionate approach to strategic planning and decision-making and pointed out, "He is, above all, a student-centered leader."

BEGINS IN JUNE

That's not lost on the students themselves. Paino is known for his personal attention to their concerns and his commitment to understanding diverse perspectives - viewpoints he intentionally seeks during regular dinners with students at his residence, Brompton.

His "self-effacing humor goes a long way with students, staff and faculty," Landphair said.

She recounted a day in summer 2019 when student orientation leaders were on campus preparing to introduce incoming first-years to UMW. To thank them for their hard work, Paino unexpectedly brought them a cake."When he and I walked into the room, the surprised OLs began squealing like Troy was a rock star. And indeed, for them, he is."

Dean of Students Cedric Rucker also noted Paino's unique rapport with students. In adding his voice to Paino's nomination for the NASPA award, Rucker said, "He takes seriously those matters

that impact their learning environments.

He enthusiastically embraces traditions that give their university experiences meaning."

Rucker praised Paino's insistence that all students be valued and heard."President Paino believes passionately that the university's population and programs should reflect values of diversity and inclusivity throughout," Rucker said. "His enthusiasm and energy for dedicating the resources of this university to being outwardthinking resonates well, especially in times of the sort of ethnic, racial, economic, political, social and environmental instability and inequality that we have been witnessing over recent years."

Paino's student focus encompasses athletes, noted Director of Athletics Patrick Catullo and Associate Director of Athletics Caitlin Moore. That was especially evident during the early days of COVID-19, when Paino made it a point to Zoom with the Student-Athlete Advisory Council as team members struggled with the personal impacts of the pandemic.

Once sports activities were able to resume, Paino enthusiastically appeared at games and homecoming.

"During a time where it's easy to sit behind a desk (or screen)," wrote Catullo and Moore, "President Paino has been actively engaged in all areas of the campus community."

Laura Moyer is the Associate Editor of University Relations & Communications

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Companions fun in the sun by gerri reid, dvm

Summer is here!

Kids are starting to get out of school so let the FUN begin! It is time for long days at the pool, family gathering and lots of cookouts.

And don't forget about Family vacations.

But what about your pet? What should we do when we go away or even have people over?

Well, let's talk about the precautions we should take for our pets this summer.

Summertime is the time of the year where we spend more time outdoors.

And pet owners tend to walk their pets more. Here a few tips to keep your pet safe when outdoors or walking.

Be mindful of the pavement/asphalt. I always tell my clients that if you can't wake barefoot on it, your pet can't either.

Damage to the paw pads is common injury at this time of the year. And don't forget to bring some water along with you especially on long walks/hikes. Pets can suffer a heat stroke if out in the sun for extended periods of time. Always ensure your pet has a shaded area to lay in addition to fresh water. Remember, the best time to walk your pet is early in the morning or late evening when it is not too hot.

Many of us love to enjoy a day at the beach. And for some of us, we will bring our pets along to enjoy some fun in the sun and sand. When at the beach, I always suggest a life preserver for your pet. Yes, dogs can swim but when at the beach they can get caught in a wave or a current. Be sure your pet does not ingest sand as this can cause digestive issues. Oh, and beware of sand fleas! Apply monthly flea/tick prevention to help prevent any infestation. For pets that are white in color, try to decrease their exposure to

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the sun as they can get sunburned easily.

Apply sunscreen to their ears and bridge of nose will help will in the sun. And don't forget, sand gets hot too, so avoid walking your pet on the sand when the sun is at its peak.

Dogs love to ride in the car with the windows down and their ears flopping in the wind. As we venture out with our pets in tow, remember to secure your pet in their seat. You can purchase a pet seat pet online or at your local pet retail store.

This will ensure their safety as well as your safety when driving. And if you decide to just "run" into the store to get something, the average person takes at least 10 minutes to come back out to their car.

Leaving your pet is never a good idea as your car can heat up fairly quickly. The average temperature here in the summer is 85 degrees and in just 10 minutes, your car will feel like 104 degrees! Too many pets are loss due to the negligence of pet owners by being left in the car. So, it is wise NOT to leave your pet in your car for any amount of time.

So, get outdoors with your pet and enjoy the Sunshine! As much as we love the summer, I think we all love our pets a bit more and want them happy & safe!

Following these helpful tips will ensure you and your pet have the best summer ever!

Dr. Gerri S. Reid is the Owner/Veterinarian of Reid Mobile Veterinary Services. She can be reached at 540-623-3029 or reidmobilevetservices.com or facebook @ReidMobileVetServicesa

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Astrology & You THE POETRY MAN

lunar eclipse: A beacon for Change

By Frank Fratoe

By Dianne Bachman

Atmosphere Shared

Moon. But even if we cannot view it through the clouds, we will be graced with her gifts should we choose to receive them.

The Scorpio Moon is illuminated by the Sun in Taurus, bringing to light that which is deep, hidden, unacknowledged, or waiting to be expressed. Scorpio supports us in searching into the deep folds of our subconscious, in seeking our truth. Taurus is all about what we value, our values, possessions, things we buy or own, our physical bodies, how we feed and nurture ourselves in body, mind, and spirit. So, the universe supports us in taking a deeper dive and the eclipse provides a catalyst for any changes we may want to initiate.

Air Enveloping our Earth amid darkness and dayfire circles in steady motion above continental prairie, next to the mountaintops, across longitude of ocean, cooling the polar regions, warming all rain-forests.

Yet when we think awhile it can help us understand that this air is breathed by a cougar in wilderness, grazing herds of antelope, each dolphin within a sea, bird-flocks crossing sky, and our entire human race.

The atmosphere has mixed Its action of beneficence to re-energize the globe and exhilarate our lives.

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

As I am drafting this article a lunar eclipse is about 6 hours away. Lawn chairs are strategically placed, telescope is ready. Now all we need is for the weather to cooperate so we can enjoy some serious moon bathing under this impressive red

In addition to the powerful eclipse energy, there are two other influences that bring together favorable energies for change.

Saturn is simultaneously making a square to both the Sun and the Moon. Saturn speaks to structure, plans, constraints, responsibilities, and our practical wisdom.

Saturn in Aquarius invites us to look at our social selves, our groups, where we are outwardly connected and where we could be more independent or innovative.

Saturn wants to know what the plan is, who is going to pay the bill, how we are going to get there. Add to this Mercury in retrograde making a wide angle to the Sun. Mercury in airy Gemini is stimulating, social, mentally expansive. But Mercury is making its way back to Taurus, slowing things down, giving us an opportunity to ground any ideas and to bounce them off wise old Saturn. Mercury will station direct on June 2, but we will be in the shadow of the retrograde until June 19, giving us extra time to prepare to integrate any insights we have gained moving forward from the May eclipse. This is an excellent time to check in with yourself and reflect on how your current habits, relationships, and environment are supporting you.

June 2 Mercury stations direct at 26 degrees Taurus. Though it is , it back on track, it will take 17 days for Mercury to return to the point where it stationed retrograde. We call this time the "shadow."

Though we are tempted to rush ahead with plans, best to double check, review, and take a second look. Movement forward is supported later in the month.

June 11 Venus is conjunct Uranus in Taurus, reflecting on the eclipse theme of independence, relationships, creativity, and innovation. There could be some surprises, so try to broaden or quiet your

expectations. If you are launching a creative project, this is an excellent time to do so.

June 13 Mercury enters Gemini.

What a wonderful time to be social, to entertain, to share ideas with others. A trine with Pluto accents powers of concentration and pursuing research of any kind.

June 14 Full Moon in Sagittarius ignites our love of travel, adventure, and a yearning to expand our horizons. The June Moon is traditionally called the "Strawberry Moon" and is said to bring prosperity.

June 22 the Sun enters watery Cancer, bringing forth a theme of comfort, nurturing, and a focus on family and home. Plan to spend time with loved ones, catching up, taking time to be present with each other. Also, a fantastic time to plan a personal retreat, whether it is an hour, a day, or a week, focus on being present with yourself. This would be especially healing, considering all the energies that are settling from the lunar eclipse in May and the Mercury retrograde.

June 22 Venus enters the sign of Gemini and favors meeting new people, sharing creative ideas, or brainstorming about your own creative ideas for future projects.

June 28 New Moon in Cancer echoes the theme of nurturing, self-care, and looking deeply into understanding what nurtures and supports us in our dayto-day life. Though the sign of Cancer can seek comfort through eating, the true nurturing comes from comforting our minds, our bodies, and our spirits. Plant the seed and work with these Cancerian themes to develop an intention regarding how you express love to a most important person; yourself!

P.S. The clouds parted, and I was extremely excited to view a good portion of the eclipse! What a gift.

Dianne Bachman is a psychotherapist & astrologer practicing in FXBG. She can be reached at FourwindsastrologyLLC@gmail.com "Black Sun" from Splendor Solis, a German alchemical treatise, 1582

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Fredericksburg Sketches A visual Celebration of our community

By Paula Raudenbush

Little Chapel Today was the first really hot day this spring so I found a shady spot and sketched this hidden gem. Tucked away behind Sunken Well Tavern, this little chapel/workshop was created during 2020 as a COVID project.

The craftsmanship is impeccable and it looks like it has been in place for decades. I would like to have spent more time on it but it was really hot even in the shade and my spot was a bit too close to traffic for my comfort.

I left the tree blank intentionally because it felt to me like the whole sketch would be too dark if I painted it. I could have gone the other way and painted the tree while leaving the building as a line drawing but this was how it came out. Maybe I'll try it the other way next time. Check it out next time you're in the neighborhood.

Paula Raudenbush is a local artist & organizer of thr Fredericksburg Chapter of Urban Sketchers International

Give a Child Something to Think About

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

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810 Caroline Street (540) 371-5684

Biz Notes tips on being an effective salesperson B y Kristin Nash As badly as I want to make a big sale, the minute I focus on the sale or myself, I find myself in a dry spell. I stay clear of being "sale-focused" and instead, direct my attention to the client. I want to meet their needs, help them grow, and guide them in the right marketing direction. Changing your thought process is key to being successful in sales.

I'm Kristin and I have a passion for Radio! I'm a single mother with no other income, I'm hungry and I like motorcycle parts. I woke up one morning with a voice in my head saying, try your hand at selling radio… here are some of my best-selling techniques.

I have been in the Fredericksburg radio market for over 20 years. I believe in radio, and I know it works. I have seen little mom and pop businesses expand to large fleets. I've also watched businesses struggle when they stop advertising or drop their marketing budget.

Goals are very important too!

You need to have a goal, something to strive for, something to achieve. I have my goals plastered all over the place. On my computer, office walls, and yes on the bathroom mirror. Not only do I have long term goals, but daily goals as well. I must talk to at least 3 potential clients every day. Once you get your head in the right place amazing things happen.

Organizing my day is very important to staying on track. I spend the morning making a running list and prioritizing it. Then before I hit the street, I review the list again and reprioritize it if necessary.

has to offer. I've learned during this process most clients care more about the creative than the money. They want something fresh, new, interesting, and different. How can I set this furniture store apart from the rest? How can I make this car dealership standout?

I love my job. I love helping businesses grow. If you're going to live the sales life, you must be committed.

Sales is not a career for the unmotivated.

If you're considering working in sales, the 5 key things you need to remember are; 1) Believe with your whole heart in what you're selling 2) Focus on the client… their needs and not the paycheck 3) Set goals 4) Organize your day 5) Keep yourself motivated!

Kristin Nash is the Senior Marketing Consultant & Midday Personality at B101.5

When I visit with a potential client, I know going in that I have something that help them achieve their marketing goals. It's always important to be prepared. Make sure you take notes, bring a business card, and a little gift.

Additionally, I research the business before I talk with them. I want to understand who they are and what they have to offer.

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

During our first conversation I ask, "Have you ever considered advertising on the radio?" I love to hear what businesses have to say. What works for them and what hasn't worked. I always bring an idea or a package with me. It allows them to see all the things B101.5

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