Front Porch Magazine May 2020

contents

closeups 3

John Broome Higher Ed Learning Collective

26

ann glave keeping downtown humming

19

what’s in a survivor? braehead

21

24 art in the ’burg...galleries go online

26

25

public art initiative

27

Adopt a best friend

28

Companions: new norm

29

astrology & you poetryman:lessons

30

fredericksburg sketches cover artist David C. Kennedy

on the porch...life in fredericksburg Messages

6

stories of fxbg: emily’

7

tell your covid story Porchlight: we’re all in this together

8

everything greens: bugs with benefits

9

radio is on!

10

i have a friend: staying connected

11

In the Garden

12

run the marine half...virtually!

13

season’s bounty: pandemic pantry

14

Cooking with Kyle: shrimp ceviche

15

vino...everything coming up roses

16-17

bulletin board.....what’s open

it’s all energy.:triple warmer meridian

22 emancipated patients: corona in fxbg

Porch talk 4

history’s stories: 1918 pandemic in fxbg our heritage: normandy village

20 Senior Care: loneliness the silent killer

Meeting a COVID Need brandon vipperman

31

18

31 7

...And more!

5 .chatham bridge...past & future 12 FXBglOVELOCaL.com 26 downtown greens intern brooke coryell

Cover: “Emma Stoddard FXBG Love Sculpture” photo by David c. kennedy

Follow Us on Instagram@hyperion_espresso 2

May 2020

Front porch fredericksburg

John Broome UMW Professor's Online Initiative Attracts Tens of Thousands

By Jill laiacona University of Mary The Washington is among countless educational institutions worldwide that have switched to virtual classes due to the coronavirus threat, or COVID-19.

Suddenly, students are at home, and so are their teachers. The transition has been daunting for many professors, especially those who have never taught online. But one UMW faculty member saw it as an opportunity.

College of Education Professor John Broome, PHD launched the Higher Ed Learning Collective (HELC), a grassroots, we're-all-in-it-together kind of Facebook group for sharing high- and low-tech remote-teaching tools, sprinkled with a dose of self-care. He never imagined the Collective would gain traction across the globe in just a few weeks, morphing into a worldwide movement with over 24,000 members in more than 100 countries ‌ and counting.

HELC already has introduced a website and YouTube channel, and dozens of universities, libraries and online learning sites are recommending the group, as is UNESCO, the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization. The Collective is creating a

sense of community in a world that desperately needs one, and Broome hopes HELC will outlive the coronavirus pandemic, driving faculty to better address the diverse needs of students.

"Not everyone has access to good online or hybrid pedagogy," said Broome, who like so many fellow academics was anxiously posting on social media. "We're struggling as educators and as humans ‌ so why not teach each other for free?"

The group contains memes, photos of members' home-teaching environments, and thousands of posts about effective use of video-conferencing tools, whether to give grades or pass/fail, and communicating with students about the pandemic. Instructors have discussed students lacking access to broadband or computers, and if it's better for classes to meet together virtually or let students complete lessons on their own.

Broome created the Higher Ed Learning Collective to help faculty members around the world adjust to

teaching online. .

Kashef Majid was initially intimidated by the prospect of teaching online. "On HELC, I've gotten tips to make my classes more interactive," said Majid, who teaches marketing at Mary Washington. When his first day didn't go as planned, he said, he got reassurance from other faculty that they were experiencing the same problems.

instructors to become better teachers, both inside the classroom and online. .

Some professors intend to use the Collective in the short term, said Broome, but he's relying on his strategy management background to ensure that HELC has a lasting impact on higher education. Many of his UMW colleagues are already on board.

"It's like being a new instructor

HELC includes online coffee breaks and happy hours, daily live meditation and a virtual yoga studio - and lots of humor. A popular topic is the challenge of sharing physical living and learning spaces with families, as Broome found when a mother recently interrupted a student's advising session to put away laundry.

Plans for a blog, a book and a peer-reviewed e-journal are already in the works, as well as mentorship opportunities for professors looking for one-on-one guidance, and an educator-speaker program. A proponent of culturally responsive teaching practices, Broome encourages learning from those with marginalized identities, such as scholars who are black, indigenous and people of color and members of the LGBTQ+ and disability communities.

"They can upload profiles and connect with instructors who want to bring in a guest to give their students a different perspective," he said.

Broome is planning for the Higher Ed Learning Collective to live beyond the pandemic and continue to be a resource to help higher education

all over again," Middle Eastern Studies Tikriti said of teaching Professor Nabil Al-T online. With the group's support, his classes are running smoothly, Al-Tikriti said, and in some cases, individual participation has improved.

Overwhelmed with helping her students transition to virtual classes, College of Arts and Sciences Associate Dean Betsy Lewis didn't have a lot of time at first to explore HELC. "Then I noticed something beautiful and unexpected," Lewis said.

"The group brings together academics from my life that I thought would never be connected - from old grad school friends to young colleagues."

Creating community, Broome said, is the Collective's central mission."Faculty engagement, empowerment and advocacy is our goal," he said. "This is about the future of higher education ‌ a space where everyone can become a better teacher.

Jill Laiacona is UMW Media Manager, University Relations & Communications Photo by Kristina Meachem

front porch fredericksburg

May 2020

3

Christina Ferber

ON THE PORCH Guest Porch Editorial

Contributing Writers & Artists Rita Allan Kathy Anderson Dianne Bachman Mark Bass Sarah Kay Bierle Laurie Black Collette Caprara Sonja Cantu Katie Dunn Lily Eghtessad Christina Ferber Frank Fratoe Bill Freehling Jon Gerlach Ann Glave Alexis Grogan Christine Henry Ralph “Tuffy” Hicks Karl Karch David C. Kennedy Jill Laiacona Kenneth Lecky Lenora Kruk-Mullanaphy Kristina Meecham Vanessa Moncure Pete Morelewicz Guy Mussey Patrick Neustatter Sara Poore Gerri Reid Mirinda Reynolds Casey Alan Shaw Mandy Smith Emma Stoddard Georgia Strentz Marianne Tokarz Jheanel Walters 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 submissions must be received by e-mail by the 19th of the month preceding publication.

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

Front Porch Fredericksburg PO Box 9203 Fredericksburg, VA 22403 Ad Sales: E-Mail: frntprch@aol.com Web Site: www.frontporchfredericksburg.com Facebook: @Front Porch Fredericksburg The opinions expressed in Front Porch Fredericksburg are those of the contributing writers and do not necessarily reflect the opinion of Front Porch Fredericksburg or its advertisers.

Copyright 2020 Olde Towne Publishing Co. All rights reserved.

4

May 2020

#fxbgstrong by christina ferber In a matter of a few months, the world has changed, and we have found ourselves in a new world that many of us are unsure how to navigate. Having to adjust to changes in such a fast and drastic way has most certainly made many of us feel disconnected and overwhelmed.

I usually have a glass-is-half-full outlook, yet I have fallen into waves of grief at times, as I am sure many of you have. It has been difficult to focus on the positive and what we have gained, rather than what we have lost. For that reason, I am dedicating this editorial to some positive ways that this pandemic has affected our lives and made us #fxbgstrong.

We are connecting with each other and the outside world in new ways.

If you are like me, you have talked with more people in the last bit of time, than you have over the last few months or even years. We are checking up on friends and family and even reaching out to strangers and neighbors more often. Whether connecting through a video conferencing program or with a simple phone call, we are communicating more with each other and taking the time for more prolonged conversations. We are also able to access online content more readily. At the touch of a button, we have access to online retreats, free educational services, concerts, church services, and exercise programs. We have the opportunity to attend town halls and lectures from famous speakers from the comfort of our homes.

We are also fortunate that technology can bring us online views of our National Parks, zoos, and aquariums around the nation. Some of us are starting gardens for the first time, and many of us have taken more walks in the last few weeks than we have in the last year (being mindful of Compassionate Spacing, of course). We have had the opportunity to

messages

hit the pause button on our busy lives, and have gained a new sense of time and appreciation for this fabulous world that we live in.

We are showing up in new and different ways to help and serve others. This time period has seen a complete about-face for all of us, and we ve adapted to meet the challenge. From virtual wine dinners and tastings to family style food available for curbside pickup, many restaurants have been able to creatively change, and our community is supporting them however they can. Distilleries are making hand sanitizer for front line workers and the greater community, and those who sew are pumping out masks left and right. Local restaurants and schools are making sure that everyone has a meal on their table no matter their age or income level. Our local media outlets have stepped up as well, to highlight the businesses and essential workers doing all that they can to keep us going as a community. There are cheers and applause in our area neighborhoods and throughout the world for front line workers on a daily basis. This pandemic has shown us that we can come together to help and support one another.

We are doing the best we can. If you are like me, you have a list of things that you feel you should get completed since we now have the time. However, again if you are like me, not much has been crossed off that list. I have stopped putting pressure on myself, and instead try to do the best I can each day. Some days just getting up and getting dressed is my best, but I have had to learn that it is okay to not get everything done in a day, or even a week, or month. Everyone has

Hi, Virginia I really like this month's "Girl With Umbrella" cover (April 2020, Lynn Bailey, artist) - the swirly and colorful background is especially interesting!

David C. Kennedy

Front Porch is one of the most delightful publications in the Fredericksburg area and popular with most of us. Thanks to the publication, I found an attorney to assist with my will and final arrangements. He knows his advertisement worked.

Thanks for all you do., Sincerely, Madalin Bickel, aka Madalin Edwards Jackson

Enjoyed reading online the April issue. As always, you featured what is positive in our area.

H. Sanders

Thanks so much (for the neighborhood deliveries of FPF, April, 2020) Pat Powers Gaske

Front porch fredericksburg

met this challenge in their own way, and everyone's 'best' looks different, too.

Showing yourself and others some grace can go a long way as we find a way through this as a community.

As we move forward into whatever our new normal consists of, I have never been prouder to be a Fredericksburg area native. We are stepping up to meet what may be one of the biggest challenges of our lifetime in big and small ways. We are all making a difference and as you read this month's Front Porch magazine from "cover to cover," I hope you will notice many other ways that we are making #fxbgstrong.

Christina Ferber (above with son Jonah), is a teacher, writer, volunteer & a great friend to many in the FXBG community

Virginia Love the Front Cover (February 2020, "Neon & Chrome at Goolricks”) Gerri Reid Always something special in Front Porch! So happy to be able to read online this month.

Phyllis Whitley

Front Porch In these uncertain times, you bring a smile to my face & hope to my heart.

Paul Gaston

Chatham Bridge Past, Present, Future

By Lily Eghtessad & Sonja Cantu

Chatham Bridge, 1886

bridge in 1823 by the new owner of Chatham, Major Churchill Jones.

However, the bridge only stood approximately three years until 1826

The Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) is preparing to rehabilitate the State Route 3 Business bridge over the Rappahannock River. Also known as Chatham Bridge, it is a main connection between Stafford County and the City of Fredericksburg.

WHY

IS THE BRIDGE CLOSING NOW ?

Built in 1941, the Chatham Bridge is structurally deficient and repairs are needed to improve its overall condition. Its weight limit prevents heavier-weight emergency service vehicles from crossing the river, as well as some commercial delivery trucks. The bridge carries around 16,000 vehicles a day. (Compare this to the Falmouth Bridge, Route 1 Bypass at 35,000 vehicles a day or Interstate 95 over the Rappahannock River at 149,000 vehicles a day.)

According to VDOT, "Virginia's State of Good Repair program is funding this project, as the bridge has been identified in need of significant maintenance. When work is complete, the project will make it safer and easier for motorists, pedestrians and cyclists to cross the structure." The bridge closure is anticipated to begin as soon as late May 2020, and remain in place for an anticipated 16-1 18 months.

WHAT

IS THE HISTORY OF THE BRIDGE ?

The first bridge on record was built in 1796 by William Fitzhugh, owner of the Chatham property. The 1820 flood necessitated the construction of a new

Bridge Construction 1940 when a flood carried away the entire structure. According to the Virginia Herald, it was considered by many to be "one of our most delightful promenades." The bridge was rebuilt in 1832 and was eventually burned down by Confederates in April 1862, leaving nothing but the abutments. In July 1866, the bridge was rebuilt by C. S. Scott, and became known as "Scott's Bridge," which was destroyed by a great flood in 1889. A steel truss bridge was constructed in 1891 and William Street was raised 15 feet to accommodate the structure. This bridge was wiped out by the flood of 1937 and was eventually replaced in 1941 with the bridge we all know and use today.

WHAT

WILL THE NEW BRIDGE LOOK LIKE ?

Fast forward to 2020. The existing piers are in good shape and will be reused, with a new deck being built on top.

The finished bridge will be approximately 3' 7" wider with the same style of church railing and lampposts. A new shared used path is being added on the downriver side of the bridge (closest to the Old Stone Warehouse) with out for an overlook bump-o pedestrians to view the river.

It will connect Fredericksburg with Stafford's Belmont-Ferry Farm trail and will be designated part of the East Coast Greenway, connecting cities from Calais, Maine to Key West, Florida.

WHERE

IS THE DETOUR ?

Drivers from Stafford will be detoured along the Blue and Gray Parkway to the exit for Dixon Street to downtown Fredericksburg. GPS and private online mapping providers will be kept updated during the project by VDOT so that all tourists and visitors will seamlessly follow

the detour into downtown.

Downtown Fredericksburg will remain accessible by all other routes.

Street parking and public parking lots will be unaffected by the bridge closure and downtown will be operating "business as usual" throughout the Chatham Bridge Project.

MAY WE INTRODUCE THE "THE ROAD SCHOLAR?" You may recognize The Road Scholar as George Washington wearing safety equipment! He's our friendly guide on how to travel, work, visit and play in downtown Fredericksburg during the Chatham Bridge Detour. Find him online now at www.FXBGBridge.com. And coming soon, you'll see more bridge-related marketing campaigns courtesy of Fredericksburg Economic Development Authority and the City of Fredericksburg in support of our downtown businesses and restaurants.

For Questions and Suggestions please contact: City of Fredericksburg: Danelle Rose, Visitor Center/Tourism Services Manager, darose@fredericksburgva.gov, 540-372-1216 Sonja Cantu, Public Information Officer, spcantu@fredericksburgva.gov, 540-372-1010 VDOT Fredericksburg District: Kelly Hannon, Communications Manager, kelly.hannon@vdot.virginia.gov, 540-374-3344 Sonja Cantu is the Public Information Officer for the City of FXBG Lily Eghtessad is a Historic Preservation Major at UMW Photos courtesy of the Central Rappahannock Heritage Center & VDOT

Welcome to Spring With A Blooming Handbag 723 Caroline St 899.8077 Daily 10-5:30 Sunday 12-5 front porch fredericksburg

May 2020

5

Stories

of fredericksburg

Emily ’s Stor y From the Files of Empowerhouse concerns, her fears, and supported her in the decisions she made for her family.

Empowerhouse/RGI The Employment Specialist, Maureen, met with Emily to help her with getting a job and they talked about options for going back to school. The future seemed bleak to Emily: "I'd like to be a nurse, but that's pipe dreams. I don't have money; I don't know where to start; I have kids; I don't have a place to live. I don't have anything."

"I don't think I can make it."

"Coming here proves how strong you are. You are going to get through this."

Emily and her 7 children came to the Empowerhouse shelter after enduring physical, mental, and emotional torment from her husband. For years, Emily tried to hold her marriage together for the sake of the children. A terrifying moment between her husband and teenage son would ultimately change the course of their lives.

Her son, 13 at the time, was very protective of his Mom and one night he stepped in to shield her from his stepfather. Her son could sense things were going to escalate and he wouldn't leave his Mom's side. Her husband's rage turned toward her son and they started wrestling on the floor in a physical altercation until her husband had her son pinned down. The family dog came in and latched onto her husband, allowing her son to get away. He ran to the neighbor's

house and called the police. Her husband fled and eventually ended up in jail.

Emily was talking with a friend who got her thinking, "When he gets out of jail, he's going to come looking for me."

Her friend said there is a number you can call, and gave her the Empowerhouse hotline number. Emily thought to herself, "This is hopeless. They aren't going to have room for me and my kids." She tried it anyway.

To her surprise and relief, Empowerhouse did have a place for her and her 7 children to go. Broken down physically and mentally exhausted, Emily was worried and scared about her future.

How would she provide for her family?

Where would they live? Did her kids think she had failed them?

While in the Empowerhouse domestic violence shelter, Emily met with several Empowerhouse staff to figure out what to do next. They listened to her

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

6

May 2020

Front porch fredericksburg

Maureen looked at her and said "No, you're going to do it, Girl." Maureen believed in her and helped Emily believe in herself. She could do this. With support and encouragement, Emily successfully applied and won a scholarship to go back to school. She was accepted into the nursing program.

Finding a place to live for Emily and her 7 children was challenging, but not impossible. Emily worked with the Empowerhouse Housing Advocate to find a place that was big enough for the family and still affordable. Empowerhouse helped her get it started by using our rental assistance dollars on the deposit and rent, with some assistance continuing throughout the year. She had doubts that she could make it all work, with bills to pay, taking care of the kids, and going to school. She said "I'll just live this fairytale as long as I can until I figure something out." With each hurdle that presented itself, she found the strength to overcome one by one.

She says now "I'm in the Twilight Zone. I can't believe everything that's happened to me. I did it."

Emily and her kids are flourishing in their new life. Emily is on her way to becoming a nurse and fulfilling her dreams. The kids' grades have improved and they are doing well in school. They are out of the crisis; and seeing their mom succeed in school has been a great role model for them. Everyone is much happier now in a home filled with peace. Emily proved to herself that she has the tenacity to survive and provide a better future for her family. She has hope and built a new life filled with dignity, respect, and safety.

If you know someone who needs help, remember: it is all about the first step. You are not alone. There is help and support available by calling the Empowerhouse 24/7 Hotline number: 540-3 373-9 9373.

Thank you Kathy Anderson, Empowerhouse Executive Director for sharing Emily’s story

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

To help Empowerhouse's Domestic Violence Shelter families and provide the crucial items they need to get through this challenging time, please support our April Shower for the Shelter now through May 31st by clicking the Donate link below or by mailing your donation to: Empowerhouse, P.O. Box 1007, Fredericksburg, VA 22402.

Tell Your Covid Story Collection of Community Objects

Porch Light Stories that Shine a Light on Life

By Sara Poore

we are all together, apart By collette caprara

“Much needed socializing, with distancing and masks of course! These girls where good soldiers, did not remove them & worked hard to stay apart.They resisted hugs in such a sweet but sad way. They walked for almost three hours�. ~ Katie Dunn Fredericksburg Area Museum Announces Collection of Community Objects. Our community, Nation, and world at large are currently experiencing one of the most challenging events of our current lives. As we work together to forge our future, these times will forever leave an inherent impression on us. Whether a young child that has their working parents home every day, a school-aged student learning remotely (and not having to take those SATs!), a grandparent unable to share in the joy of a grandchild's birthday, a City official trying to make the best decisions possible, or a firstresponder, nurse, doctor, hospital administrator, we ALL are experiencing this together. But we all bring different perspectives, and we respond differently.

Material culture that represents our lives is different as well. Protective gear, remote learning notebooks, restaurant take-out/pick-up signs are all representative of this pandemic. COVID19 has rattled us to the core and the Fredericksburg Area Museum wants to ensure that this time receives its due

deserves.

In order to do this, WE NEED YOUR HELP! Please share your story with us, and please help us gather the objects and paper items that will help us tell our community's stories. Obviously, the FAM's current collection practices are not in place. Ideally this would be a face-to-face interaction, but in order to keep everyone safe, we can't do this. So, we turn to you.

Please set aside items that tell your families story!

Once the museum reopens, we will set up a Collection Day where staff will gather objects for review. We won't be able to take everything collected but we look for objects to help tell the complete story of this time.

So, again, I ask you to save items that will help us preserve this time in our community's history. Thank you and stay well.

Sara Poore is the President & CEO of the FXBG Area Museum.

She can be reached at 540-371-3037 or spoore@famcc.org www.famva.org Photo by katie Dunn

Historic Renwick Courthouse 815 Princess Anne Street, Downtown Fredericksburg

Many of us have all realized that, when our day-to-day busy-ness, and chatter, and preoccupations fall away, what emerges and comes into focus and are treasured are people. This includes the people in our homes, neighborhood, and communities, as well as those who are physically distant and those from our past and in our memories.

We are grateful that we can connect from afar by phone or Internet and are heartened to hear the voices of our son (in Japan), mother, sisters, brother, and friends. With time to think of memories and cherished times of the past, some connections have been reestablished even from long-ago periods in our lives. We recently were overjoyed to receive a letter from two sisters who had provided day-care for our son (who is now 31) when he was a preschooler! And I feel that I am not alone in my recollections of the mannerisms, sayings, and special qualities of loved ones who are no longer among us and the treasured moments we had with them.

My delight in people and personalities extends even beyond those I have had the pleasure of meeting and knowing. When I write, I set my computer up on a little table in my garage at the edge of the driveway and find pleasure in passers-by who wave and call out a hello as they walk by on the road. Likewise, my small joys include daily waves and shoutouts from neighbors across the street.

And the sounds of the neighborhood reflect the unique atmosphere of this time. There is a sense of delight in the voices of children we hear who are experiencing life with both parents at home all day long, and it seems that moms and dads are rediscovering the wonders of childhood as well. I have seen a little boy's face beaming with glee as he and his father ride their bikes together, and I witnessed one mom laughing with unbridled joy as she engaged in a downhill scooter race with her young son. A special delight of my walks is seeing one couple walking with a family flotilla of their baby daughter, preschool son, and three dogs and then seeing them later enjoying the sunshine on a blanket in front of their home.

We are all apart now, but somehow more "together" than ever

before, and special moments of compassion and care come into view. On one walk, we passed a couple who were tending to a garden they had planted in their front yard. They explained that they wanted elderly neighbors to help themselves to its bounty.

My husband's communication with colleagues and friends in different countries bring a realization of the far greater impact the health crisis is having in communities with far fewer resources. I have heard messages from people in Africa and India who expressed sincere gratitude for guidance on prevention and precautions against the Coronavirus but also said that some people do not have access to clean water and are facing a growing food shortage. Their gratefulness and service in the midst of their plight is a reminder of the blessings that we enjoy in this country. Recently, we also received an uplifting and inspiring message from abroad. One couple in Thailand described engaging in early-morning yoga on the roof of their building before their children awoke and seeing "a beautiful pink/orange moon to the west and, later, a fine golden sun to the east."

In the midst of this new life we are all discovering, the special gift of the Front Porch magazine with its good news and personal touch shines more brightly than ever before. A friend once told me that her mother eschewed all news media but looked forward to the uplifting stories of the Front Porch. A friend of another neighbor delivers issues of the publication every month to some residents of his community. We are truly grateful for this beacon of the community that, like a lighthouse in a storm, keeps its glow beaming.

Collette Caprara (above in her garageoffice) is a local writer and artist.

front porch fredericksburg

May 2020

7

Everything Greens

Bring a little sunshine to a senior’s life!

Too many seniors feel lonely and isolated.

Bugs with Benefits

By Janet Douberly Bugs with Benefits: the littlest helpers can make the biggest difference!

With spring in full swing, our outside world is waking up! The trees are budding, delicate sprouts are poking out of the ground, and insects are charging full speed ahead with their work! In some cases this is inconvenient for us gardeners.

The last thing we want to see on our tender shoots are little bugs "harvesting" them before their time!

will devour a slew of different pests including caterpillars, moths, beetles, and crickets, to name just a few! Braconid wasps help out in the most delightfully gruesome way!

They feed on tobacco hornworm, tomato hornworm, caterpillars, and aphids. Their method of feeding isn't as straightforward as the praying mantis. Instead the wasp will lay its eggs in the back of the pest. When ready, the eggs actually hatch inward into the pest-turned-host and consume the insect from the inside out! If you ever spot a hornworm with white eggs on it's back, leave it where it is! As soon as the eggs are laid, the hornworm ceases to eat and it will just play host to the next generation of helpful little wasps!

Though unpopular, paper wasps are another good insect with a bad rep!

While they can be intimidating, paper wasps are not only pollinators but will devour caterpillars, flies, and beetle larva with gusto! Green Lacewings are a delicate looking insect that also enjoys a

Luckily, a lot of these insects that are crawling (and flying) around are here to help! Below is a list of some of the arthropods that have our back when it comes to pest control! The darling of the insect world, ladybugs are actually ferocious hunters! They feed on pests including aphids, whiteflies, and Colorado potato beetles. In fact, a single ladybug can eat up to 5,000 aphids in its lifetime!

Keep an eye out for the ladybug larvae which actually don't look like ladybugs at all! The fantastically creepy Praying Mantis is another great agent of pest control! Though it can be a bit unsettling when they turn their heads 180 degrees and stare at you, these amazing creatures

8

May 2020

Front porch fredericksburg

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

Volunteer training is provided & no special skills are required. nice snack of aphids, whitefly, leafhopper, mealybugs, and caterpillars of pest moths.

For lacewings, it's actually their larva that do the heavy work of devouring these softbodied pests!

So, next time you see a creepycrawly out in your garden, have no fear, they might be doing you a big favor!

Worried about missing our yearly Fork it Over Festival? Well, worry no more!

This year Downtown Greens is excited to bring you the first ever Fork it Over Telethon! This live telethon will have all the aspects of the festival that you've come to love including, music, raffles, and a silent auction but in a format that can be enjoyed from home! As with our yearly festival, this is the perfect opportunity to show your love for your favorite community greenspace! The Fork it Over Telethon will be held on Saturday, May 16th! Stay tuned to keep upto-d date as the details roll in!

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

Visit mhafred.org or call 540-371-2704

Janet Douberly. is Downtown Greens Program Coordinator

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

Radio is On! comfort, resources & support during pandemic

by Mark Bass I trust this finds everyone well and safe from the Covid-19 virus. I have been in the radio business for a number of decades and during difficult times, like a hurricane or other natural disasters, I am often asked "how do you operate under these circumstances"?

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

Dogs About Town

First, our company came out early with a plan to isolate most of the staff while we determine the impact of the virus on our community. As I write this we have been operating this way for six weeks now. Technology allows for some work to be done at home. That being said, the Jocks must come in as most of the shifts are too complicated to record in advance and we want to be able to provide real time information. Each day we only have a maximum of three people in the building at any given time; usually it's me, a Jock, and our News Director Ted Schubel.

Ted works out in the field and in the studio keeping track of the local impact of the virus; you may have seen his videos on our YouTube channel and on Fredericksburg.today online.

distancing, we're encouraging people to get out and walk! While they're out and about we've asked them to snap some pictures and submit them online. Some pictures will be featured on Facebook, Instagram, and in Front Porch Magazine's June and July editions.

Secret Sound Contest: Just for fun we are giving listeners a chance to play our "Secret Sound" game for a chance to win $500.00!

Radio has always been front and center during emergencies or times of crisis. Not only does radio keep the public informed, local radio provides a one of a kind service that you Independent locally controlled can't get from Spotify, newspapers like the Front Porch Magazine and Pandora or Sirius/XM. Here are just some of local radio provide an outlet for stories you will the unique free not see anywhere. They are a terrific resource community support for small businesses, community outreach, and initiatives B101.5 has the arts. Now more than ever LOCAL media implemented.

outlets such as these are important. When was

Taking a break from HomeSchooling & getting some fresh air is Virginia Mary with her buddy Frisbee enjoying a walk in her backyard

Dee's Local the last time Amazon, Facebook, or Google did Business Spotlight: anything for our local community?

Dee interviews and features local businesses Our top three goals right now are during her morning show. provide Information, support Operation Carryout: Local to eateries that are offering pickup and/or restaurants/locals businesses, and to be a delivery can submit their information friend through this time of crisis. We want online and be featured on our website and to be a source for our listeners by offering positive and creative things for them to via daily Facebook posts. enjoy.

Virtual Food Drive: We partnered with the Fredericksburg Regional Food Independent locally controlled Bank in hopes of keeping the shelves newspapers like the Front Porch Magazine stocked and our community fed.

Coloring Craze: Listeners can and local radio provide an outlet for download coloring sheets from our stories you will not see anywhere. They website. We've encouraged them to send are a terrific resource for small businesses, us a pic of them with their artwork, which community outreach, and the arts. Now more than ever LOCAL media outlets such we'll post to social media. as these are important. When was the last Walk Around Photo Challenge: To stay healthy during this time of social time Amazon, Facebook, or Google did

anything for our local community? Your favorite local restaurant, that downtown merchant you love, the local furniture store where you bought your couch, and the car dealership where you found your dream car‌ employ your friends, neighbors, and family members. Please support them by BUYING LOCAL! At B101.5 and local print mediums like Front Porch Magazine are constantly finding innovative new ways of serving our local business community. We are confident that after this crisis, your business will emerge stronger than ever; when that time comes remember your local media outlets that provided lifesaving information day after day. We are here for you today, tomorrow, and beyond. In the meantime be strong and healthy.

Mark Bass is the Marketing Manager at B101.5

front porch fredericksburg

May 2020

9

“I Have A Friend”

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

Let’s Make It Happen!

staying connected seperately

By Laurie Black

Friendships are important relationships for us all. Especially during times of crisis or sadness, our friendships can provide us stability and peace of mind.

In the midst of the current health crisis, longtime friends, Pat Quinn and Donnie, are grateful for their well-established friendship. They have found ways to stay busy and stay connected despite being unable to get together or to go out in the community.

Pat and Donnie met in 2006 through the Senior Visitors Program. Pat says of Donnie, "Every time I take Donnie out he thanks God for everything he has and everyone in his life, including our friendship. He always wears a cross around his neck. He reads the Bible often.

Donnie is a kind and warmhearted person. Every time we go out to eat he will ask the server their name, talk to them respectfully and tells them to have a good day. I have a lot of good memories with Donnie, but two stand out. First was seeing how much Donnie enjoyed Senior Visitors sponsoring the two of us taking a two-hour river ride on The City of Fredericksburg Paddle Boat and he getting a chance to steer the boat. He really enjoyed the write-up in The Free Lance-Star. Another favorite was when Donnie's sister picked up tickets for us to take the train to Alexandria where Donnie spent the day showing me all around the areas where he grew up.

He was quite the tour guide. He knew the city and its history very well. We walked a lot, rode the free bus around and ate a good lunch at an historical restaurant."

Donnie says of Pat, "Pat takes me to breakfast; sometimes he drives me around to places I've never seen before.

We both like football and talk about that a lot. He's taken me fishing, horseback riding and to several historical sites including Mt. Vernon and Montpelier. He always remembers to send me a birthday

10

May 2020

card. Pat and my sister are my best friends."

Donnie said he also enjoys the Senior Visitors Program events, which always have good food, door prizes, and a chance to catch up with old friends.

Pat is an active volunteer in the community in many capacities.

When asked what it is about the Senior Visitors Program that has kept him connected to the program for so long, Pat explains, "I've been a volunteer with Senior Visitors for a little over 18 years now, joining the program on January 12, 2002. I've volunteered with various nonprofit organizations for about 50 years so far. Volunteering with Senior Visitors fills a place in my heart with much satisfaction. There are so many seniors that need a friend to talk to about the good old days. One of the highlights of my life was back in 2007 when I was recognized and received the coveted Mental Health America of Fredericksburg Patricia Metzger Volunteer of the Year Award." In his 18 years with the Senior Visitors Program, Pat has given over 1,175 volunteer hours. Though Pat and Donnie have had to suspend their visits during this unusual time, Pat and Donnie have found ways to stay connected. "I recently sent him a card for his 76th birthday. I have stayed in touch with him by phone through his sister. He is staying busy by taking walks, doing word games his sister gave him and watching a lot of old movies, especially westerns." There is no doubt that Pat and Donnie will pick up right where they left off when they are able resume visits.

To learn more, call the Senior Visitors Program at (540) 371-2704 or visit our website at mhafred.org. Refer a senior or sign up to be a volunteer! The Senior Visitors Program is a free community service program of 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 website at mhafred.org. Senior Visitors Program is a free community service program of Mental Health America of Fredericksburg.

Laurie Black is the Administrative Assistant for the Senior Visitors Program

Front porch fredericksburg

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

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

540/371-9890

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

Where Customer Service and Title Insurance Become One

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

In the Garden time to think, listen, enjoy & act

By Tina Will Rarely has there been a time like this to observe the emerging Spring beauty. Our collective conscience may be urging action during this unique time of COVID-19 isolation, but a peaceful time of enjoyment is also something to indulge in.

When our restrictions will be lifted may come soon, but is not really known as I write this. Meanwhile, Spring has been beautiful, and there has been more time to take in its beauty. I have had time to divide huge clumps of Spring flowering bulbs and offer them to neighbors and friends.

Virginia Cooperative Extension Master Gardener activities are suspended, but will restart when they can. Citizens can still get advice and ask questions by calling the VCE office at 540-6 658-8 8000.

Meanwhile, our VCE Agent, Guy Mussey, has made teaching videos and posted them on youtube. On the youtube website search for "VCE Stafford Master Gardeners." This will list all the teaching videos that Guy Mussey has done during this time. Currently, there are three, and I summarize two of them below.

Shedding Light on Acclimatization Is there enough light for my plant to grow?

Guy's 'Acclimatization' talk (at this link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PcnPL HV-eSA&feature=youtu.be) effectively demonstrates the different levels of light that are available in different locations both inside and outside the house. Using a light meter, Guy measures light levels and shows that the differences are substantial just a few inches from a window, and a few feet from shade to full sun outdoors.

In his talk, Guy gives points of reference using a light meter. For indoor plants: full sun right by the window measured at about 300 foot candles (fc) (the technical term), but a few feet away towards the interior of the room, light measured at about 150 fc. To give a point of reference for outdoor plants: full sun light measured at 10,000 fc, and just a few feet away under the shade of a tree, the measure was just 600 fc. Proof is probably easy to see for those who try to grow sunloving plants under too much shade.

Shrubs may not flower as well, or will grow

with long, leggy branches. Grass is usually very difficult to grow under a heavy shade canopy, since most grasses need strong sun. If a plant tag says 'full sun', it means at least 6 hours of direct sun. A plant tag that says 'part sun' or 'part shade' will need less than that. Full shade still means that the plant will likely still benefit from an hour or two of sun, or bright, dappled light.

Creating a Tropical Paradise in Virginia Guy also loves tropical plants and has several in his home landscape here in Fredericksburg. His you tube video of this paragraph's title (at this link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CiEoB CCGIl4), shows his success and describes the care needed for plants that are not supposed to be hardy in our Zone 7a area.

That doesn't stop Guy from trying, and he has always told MGs that plants 'don't read the labels.' With the right location and care many tropical plants will grow well. One of his successful plants is Japanese Hardy Banana (Musa basjoo), though our growing season is too short for it to fruit. Guy's most favorite

tropical is Brugmansia (genus), with a common name of Angel Trumpet. It's wonderfully fragrant, blooms at night, and has long trumpet shaped flowers that are many inches long. This one needs to be kept inside during the winter.

There is a lot to learn while our normal life is interrupted. Take advantage of this time to learn from what's available on the internet. Virginia Cooperative Extension also has videos on Facebook on Basic Gardening, Container and Raised Bed Gardening, and others. Facebook link: VCEMasterGardenerProgram.

Tina Will has volunteered with MGACRA for 15 years and lives near Ferry Farm in Stafford County. photo by Guy Mussey

front porch fredericksburg

May 2020

11

fxbglovelocal.com helping the comunity get through the pandemic

Run Virtually Marine Corps Historic Half

By Jheanel Walters

By Bill Freehling

Downtown Fredericksburg is now a different place than usual, yet it is still very much alive amid the COVID-19 outbreak. Trees still bloom, the sun still shines and businesses are still finding a way to get their wonderful products to our community.

A new website called was created to help local residents find these businesses that remain open - many of them for online sales, takeout and delivery.

The website lists Fredericksburg businesses that are open and describes their services, allows people to buy gift cards, and provides suggestions on fun activities that remain available amid the current climate of social distancing. One of those activities is "Paint the Town," in which people can decorate Fredericksburgthemed postcards available at VisitFred.com.

The website also includes a special section called "Showing the Love to

12

May 2020

FXBG" where heartwarming stories of our community supporting each other are posted frequently.

Fredericksburg Visitor Center Manager Danelle Rose, who has spearheaded the website project, encourages people to send her stories of people "showing the love."

Danelle's email darose@fredericksburgva.gov "This is such a tough time for our community," Danelle said, "but it's also wonderful to see all the ways this virus is bringing us together despite our physical separation."

The new website is one of several ways the City of Fredericksburg is trying to help residents and businesses get through the pandemic.

The City of Fredericksburg and its Economic Development Authority (EDA) recently teamed up on a $200,000 grant program that provided financial assistance to 83 Fredericksburg small businesses. Checks went out in mid-April.

In addition, Fredericksburg eased restrictions on temporary business signs/banners, and gave residents and businesses more time to pay their personal property, meals, admissions and lodging taxes. The City and its EDA will be looking for additional ways it can help moving forward.

"Together we will get through this and emerge stronger on the other side," Danelle said.

Bill Freehling is Fredericksburg's director of economic development and tourism and a longtime avid reader of Front Porch Fredericksburg.

Front porch fredericksburg

The Marine Corps Marathon Organization (MCMO) is partnering with Motigo to offer virtual runners the opportunity to hear the authentic sounds and actual voices of the Fredericksburg event while virtually running the Marine Corps Historic Half in locations across the country.

Through the Motigo app, Semper 5ive, Historic Half and Devil Dog Double runners will hear specially recorded motivational and informational messages as they reach designated mile markers.

Some messages are inspirational; others will share what historic landmarks or oncourse benchmarks runners would be passing were they running the actual courses in Fredericksburg.

The special audio messages will play alongside the music or whatever else runners are listening to in their earbuds on the virtual run. Runners will hear the actual MCM emcee make the official start line motivational announcements; get special cheer messages from MCM Director Rick Nealis; Col Will Bentley, Commander, Marine Corps Installation National Capital Region-Marine Corps Base Quantico; Congressman Rob Wittman; City of Fredericksburg Mayor Mary Katherine Greenlaw; local radio personality Jessica

Cash; and many others. Runners can also invite their own friends and family to record cheer messages specifically for them.

Historic Half Audio The Experience is a free service available by downloading the Motigo app.

The Marine Corps Historic Half Virtual Run must be completed by May 21.

Additional information and instructions are available at www.marinemarathon.com and www.getmotigo.com.

The Marine Corps Historic Half Weekend hosted annually in Fredericksburg, VA, includes thousands of participants and spectators from all over the United States and the world to partake in the Historic Half Marathon, Semper 5ive and the Devil Dog Double which encompasses both distances. No federal or Marine Corps endorsement is implied.

Connect with the Marine Corps Marathon on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, YouTube and Flickr. #RunWithTheMarines

Jheanel Walters is the Public Relations Coordinator | Marine Corps Marathon Organization .Cell: 703 987 3191, Jheanel.Walters@usmc-mccs.org.

Season’s Bounty

The Sunken Well Tavern

Pandemic Pantry 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

Years from now, we may be identifying our lives as "before" and "after" COVID-19. "Before" was a balance of work and play, economic optimism, sports and concert arenas filled, normal political concerns, our lives chronicled in the 6PM newscast; life finding us with a somewhat self-skewed view of ourselves and our life's objectives as we "Like" the Kids of Instagram and download the latest video games on expensive screens. "After" feels mind-bendingly apocalyptic - the world is in the midst of a pandemic - masked and gloved, we stand in grocery lines for dwindling staples; cruise ships became floating viral incubators and all transportation including airlines, trains and mass transit at a virtual standstill; education is being conducted through distance learning; our service economy and non-essential-styled jobs have evaporated; no theatres, museums, restaurants, gyms or churches; gatherings are banned, so weddings are on hold - as are funeral services for the ever-increasing number of the COVID dead. This may be the 9/11 of this generation. And, as our nation has done in times of crisis past, we find ways to survive each day, together, and that is quite an achievement.

During WWII, at a time when America was having to ration food, the government urged citizens to plant "Victory Gardens" or war gardens, as a campaign to grow and can their own vegetables, saving commercially canned goods for our troops. Labor and transportation shortages affected production and harvest, and all Americans were urged to plant home gardens as a patriotic act and also as a way to feed their families while facing government rationing of sugar, butter, milk, cheese, coffee, meats and all canned goods. We may not today face such dire shortages, but having a backyard garden is full of benefits - you will improve your health by consuming more vegetables and fruits, particularly if grown organically; you will

get outdoor exercise, save money on groceries and find it a natural stress reliever as well as an educational exercise. And if you don't already, start a compost for your garden.

I t ' s not too late to plant your 2020 summer Victory garden! Give picky eaters a chance to choose the seeds, plant and tend - and surprise! They may begin to love homegrown veggies and fruits. Probably the easiest way to start gardening is with a raised bed, or even large planters on your patio. Sometimes I tuck herbs around my rock wall - most herbs have lovely flowers, and a low-grower like thyme can fill in between pavers - when you walk over them, the crushed leaves are so fragrant!

My idea of a pandemic pantry is in essence an expansion of the normal amount and type of foodstuffs in your dry pantry, freezer and refrigerator. But never rise to hoarding! Keep enough on hand to feed your family for at least two weeks purchase family-size packages of meats, then divide and freeze in portion packages, labeled with contents and dates. Or roast whole turkeys, pork Boston butts, whole hams, beef whole bottom round roasts, whole filets of fish, saving leftovers for future meals - great for sandwich meats as deli foods are often filled with preservatives and injected with fillers.

Canned proteins like canned tuna, salmon, chicken, chili, sausage, dried beef, etc. are handy. Think shelf-sstable options if fresh protein supplies become scarce. Keep on hand canned beans of all descriptions, (think hummus!), dried beans, lentils, pasta, white, brown, yellow and wild rice, tortillas, canned sauces (marinara, Thai, stir-fry, curry and chutneys), chicken, beef and vegetable bases, canned or frozen vegetables and condiments such as ketchup, oils, mayonnaise, soy sauce, assorted vinegars, mustard, sriracha, salad dressings, pickles, PB&J and cereals; potatoes and onions. Baking basics flours, sugars, yeast, baking soda, baking powder, flavorings like vanilla, almond or maple, nuts, chocolate or candy chips, oatmeal, cornstarch, cornmeal, Crisco or lard. Fresh or frozen fruits and vegetables And don't forget herbs and spices! to jazz

up cooking and make your own rubs and marinades. Herbs love to grow on a sunny kitchen windowsill. Shelf-stable milk can be stored at room temperature, but fresh milk, eggs, cheese, butter, cream, and juices must be refrigerated.

GO-T TO DINNER BOWL Serves 4.

Cook one package yellow rice - in the meantime slice two large poblano peppers lengthwise in ½" strips(remove seeds) as well as one large onion. Drizzle with olive oil, S&P and roast in 425F oven 15-18 minutes. Prepare topping - combine two finely diced Roma tomatoes, two cloves fresh minced garlic, zest and juice of one lime (or lemon), 1/4c. finely minced fresh cilantro, one minced small red chile pepper, 1 tsp. cumin, 2 T. olive oil, S&P. When rice is ready, heat 3 cups precooked chopped or pulled chicken, pork, fish or cooked shrimp. Into four bowls, place equal amounts of rice, top with meat, then onions and peppers and spoon over each the topping. Squeeze a bit more lime juice and/or add more chopped cilantro if desired. * wash your can opener after each use! * use a kitchen timer - don't guess * aprons will save clothes from permanent stains * wash your hands constantly, especially as you move between meats/fruits & vegs/cleaning products * invest in a salad spinner * don't use damp oven mitts, steam will burn you * don't waste food! Make soup if you can't think of anything else!

Vanessa Moncure serves up yummy recipes for every situation

Become a Member

www.fredericksburgcsa.com

front porch fredericksburg

May 2020

13

Cooking With Kyle

Spring is coming- Rooftop Dining opening soon!

Shrimp ceviche by james kyle snyder

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

Ceviche (suh-vee-chey). What a fun word. Although traditionally a South American dish, I tend to pronounce it with an Italian accent just for fun. Maybe it should be a thicker, Spanish-Moorish accent for authenticity, or Peruvian / Ecuadorian where it is argued the dish arose during colonization Spanish.

Regardless of the correctness, pick a favorite accent or two and try it a few times changing your accent. It's a great and fun word that can easily produce a smile or laugh around the dinner table.

Now that the piercing chill of late March is over, my food thoughts start to turn away from the heavier winter stews towards lighter spring-like salads. A favorite around the house is shrimp ceviche over kale (although arugula or spinach do very nicely) with half a seasoned avocado. This takes a little day-of preplanning or it can be made the night before. We make a pound-or two-at a time and use it as a main or just a snack. The availability of almost all fruits and vegetables year round has made the world more local - although I advocate sourcing your ingredients close to home as they come into season locally. We don't grow many avocados around here so I get them where I can.

Ceviche is not difficult to make.

Heat 2 quarts of water to a boil in a medium saucepan. Prepare an ice bath of 1 qt water and 1 qt ice. The shrimp will only be parboiled (short for partially boiled) for 30 seconds and then straight into the ice bath so it must be readied before cooking.

Rinse 1 pound of peeled and deveined shrimp under cool water. I like 26-30 shrimp (26 to 30 shrimp per pound). The smaller the shrimp, the shorter the parboil. Do not over parboil your shrimp. They will become rubbery. (A fancy way to serve this dish is to divide the

14

May 2020

shrimp lengthwise creating two long shrimp-shaped halves. This lessens the parboiling time to 15 seconds. It also produces a cute curly-q shrimp.) Once the unseasoned water begins to boil, place the shrimp into it for the aforementioned 30 seconds, remove it and put it straight into the ice bath to hold.

Making the marinade is quick as well. While the shrimp is holding, in a nonreactive bowl or Ziploc bag combine: 2 Tbsp salt, 3/4 cup lime juice (juice from 46 limes), 3/4 cup lemon juice (juice from 2-3 lemons), 1 cup finely chopped red onion, and, if you want some traditional spice, add 1 Serrano chili minced, ribs and seeds removed.

All that is left to do is combine the chilled shrimp with the marinade, cover (seal) and wait. The acid in the citrus juices will actually finish "cooking" the parboiled shrimp to citrusy zesty perfection.

Have fun with the flavors! Add cumin, orange, tangerine, or pineapple juice, coriander, or Moroccan spices to the marinade. This dish is very versatile and can easily be made into your own "secret recipe." Traditionalists do not parboil.

They just use the juice. I prefer the parboiled texture and consistency. Light fish can be turned into ceviche too. This is a great tool for your kitchen toolbox.

Now put it all together. Lay down a bed of kale. Season it or use a light vinaigrette if you like; I let the ceviche do that. Halve an avocado lengthwise and lightly season it with S&P (made by blending 1 cup kosher salt and Âź cup ground black pepper). (Call a friend and sit back to enjoy a simple, easy, and delicious spring treat. Be well!

Kyle Snyder appeals to your palate and your other senses when it comes to good, simple, healthy eating

Front porch fredericksburg

Fredericksburg’s Hometown Irish Pub & Restaurant Since 1961

Become a Member

Mon-Thurs, 11am-9pm Fri & Sat, 11am-10pm Sun, 11am - 9pm Bar open until 2am everyday www.fredericksburgcsa.com

200 Hanover St. ~ 373-0738

Stay Safe Stay Strong We are Here for the Community 540.373.8300

Vino everything’s coming up roses

by City Vino

620 Caroline Street

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

Become a Member

fxbgfoodcoop@gmail.com fredericksburgfoodcoop.com

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

540-898-0737

As the weather grows warmer, our minds turn to lighter-bodied wines that pair well with meals cooked on the grill, including barbequed meats and vegetables, as well as light fare like salads, or merely a wine to enjoy while sitting on the porch, or in the yard. Rosé wines always come to mind, because they fit the bill beautifully.

There are three ways of making rosé wine. The first method is called saignée, the second is called direct press, and the third is to mix a little red in with white, yielding a pink-colored wine. All three methods can produce lovely wines, capable of beautifully accompanying your meal, or providing a lovely wine to sip while relaxing.

Saignée is a French term that means "to bleed." This means the removal ("bleeding") of juice from a tank of wine destined to be red wine, within the first hours, or day or two. The removed juice would be light in pigment, not having been in contact with the skins for a long period of time. Also, because the wine may or may not have started to ferment yet, the juice would have little to no tannins, as tannins can only be extracted from the skins in the presence of alcohol. The remaining red wine in this tank would pick up more pigment since after bleeding there is a high proportion of skins-to-juice.

A wine that has been made via the saignée method is the Carol Shelton Wines Wild Thing Dry Rendezvous Rosé 2018. This wine is a blend of 62 percent Carignane, 36 percent Zinfandel, and 2 percent Petite Sirah, and is light cranberry color, with aromas of strawberry and watermelon, with a hint of fresh spring flower, and on the palate, orange, strawberry, with creamy tartness.

The second method of production of rosé is called "direct press."

Direct press is a term used to describe when winemakers harvest grapes to make rosé only, unlike saignée, where the rosé is a byproduct of making a red wine.

Harvesting grapes for rosé specifically means that the grapes are picked earlier

than for red wine. The earlier the grapes are picked, the higher the acidity in the grapes and the lower the sugar.

Lower sugar means lower alcohol levels, which is desirable in a rosé. Red wines have higher alcohol levels to balance with the phenolics, tannins, and barrel aging textures and flavors. For direct press rosés, the only contact between the juice and the skins is while the juice is being pushed out of the skins in the press, which is the machine or tool to separate juice from skins.

For a wine made via direct press, we journey to the Provence region of southeastern France, for the Les Vignobles Gueissard Méditerranée Le Petit Gueissard Rosé 2018. Provencal rosé can only be made via direct press, by law. This one is made from 35 percent Grenache, 35 percent Syrah, and 30 percent Cinsault.

The wine is light coral in color, and has aromas of grapefruit, strawberry, wildflowers, and wet slate. Flavors of strawberry, raspberry, pink grapefruit, and hints of flowers culminate in a clean and citrus-bright zip on the palate.

Our final method of rosé production is the mixing of a little bit of red wine into a white wine. This is the method that is used to make rosé Champagne, despite its usually strict laws.

This method of making rosé is not legal in Provence, but it is legal in Champagne and in many, many regions around the globe.

This method of production allows the winemaker to dictate the shade of the final wine, as the wine is blended usually after fermentation had been completed.

For this final method, City Vino presents the Orchard Lane Rose 2018, from Marlborough New Zealand. This wine is 92 percent Sauvignon Blanc, blended with 8 percent Pinot Noir. The Pinot Noir adds a bit of strawberry-and-cream notes to the zippy, juicy, citrusy notes. This wine has five ram/liter of sweetness, so the wine is off-dry, with just a hint of sweetness.

If you want to compare the three rosé wines, let us know, and we will gladly put them together for you to pick-up via curbside delivery, or shipped to your home.

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

front porch fredericksburg

May 2020

15

BULLETIN May 2020... Be sure to check online stores, galleries, restaurants & facebook pages to keep current.

372-7755

Thanks to B101.5 (Operation Carry-Out) & City of Fredericksburg (fxbglovelocal.com)

"There cannot be good living where there is not good drinking" ~Ben Franklin

Allman's BBQ, 1299 Jeff Davis Hwy, Curbside Pickup. Don't miss your favorite BBQ..it is "comfort food"! , 540-373-9881, fb@allamnsBBQ

Hartwood Winery, Good Wine Makes Social Isolation Bearable call ahead we will deliver wine "car-hop" style. 540-752-4893.

345 Hartwood Rd.

Alpine Chef, train station downtown, take-out & delivery, 540656-2101

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

Bangkok Cafe Thai Cuisine, 825 Caroline St CarryOut and Free Delivery with in 5 Miles radius (minimum $15), 540-373-0745

Potomac Point Winery, 540-446-2251, Vineside Pickup for food, wine & wine-cakes, check website for more info

Basilico Italian Market, 2577 Cowan Blvd; & 7011 Harrison Rd.Curbside pick up and delivery of food, WINE and BEER basilicodeli.com 540-370-0355 540-370-0355; 540-412-6244

Red Dragon Brewery, takeaway beer. curbside pickup, 540-3718100. Princess Anne St, FXBG Adventure Brewing, to go or get it delivered. order form on our web site pick up or delivery, adventurebreing.com, 242-8876,

722

Caroline

St,

Spencer Devon Brewing, 106 George St.curbside pick-up of food and BEER! 540.479.8381 to order. delivery of beer within a 30 minute radius of the brewery. To place your beer delivery order please TEXT 843.384.5750 with your beer order. 540-479-8381

Carrabba's Italian Grill, 548.1122, Carryout, delivery from GrubHub & UberEats

Humanity runs on Coffee ~ Unknown

Colonial Tavern, 406 Lafayette Blvd, Curbside orders, which can include beer &/or wine, 540-373-1313 Eileen's Bakery & CafĂŠ, 1115 Caroline St, website for menu

2400 Diner, 2400 Princess Anne, curbside pick-up, -373-9049 Abner B Ice Cream, 821 Caroline St. Aladin Restaurant, 2052 Plank Rd, delivery, pickup, curbside,

Become a Friend Advocate ~ Donate ~ Volunteer

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

May 2020

Front porch fredericksburg

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

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

Only,

Highmark Brewery, 390 Kings Highway.Fridge stocked? Get your Growlers and cans Check facebook for daily hours

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

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

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

Castiglias Downtown, 324 William St, Take out as well curbside delivery. 540-373-6650

Hyperion Espresso, 301 William St, takeout/to-go, 540-3734882

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

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

Carl's, walk up window for carry out .200 Princess Anne

Agora Downtown Coffee Shop, 520 Caroline St delivery service Grubhub." (540) -369-8180, fb@agoradowntowncoffeeshop

Here & Abroad Bistro, 1004 P 371-2999

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

6 Bears & a Goat, 1140 International Parkwy, 22406, delivery & curbside pick-up of food & BEER! @6bgbrewingco.com

25 30 Espresso, 400 Princess Anne, full service walk-p & delivery through UberEats

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

Carl's, 2200 Princess Anne, walkup service

Fahrenheit 132, 318 William St A condensed menu, Also offering butcher cut steaks, uncooked, Everything is at a very discounted price as we are trying to keep as many employees working as possible. We are offering wine at 40% off for pick up.

540.940.2614 Foode & Mercantile, Foode & Mercantile have consolidated into one building at Foode's location of 900 Princess Anne St downtown carryout & delivery - and that includes many grocery items. the list is always changing, so please visit our website at foodefredericksburg.com for daily updates. 404-790-3409 Guru Indian Cuisine, Take-out, curbside, delivery, wine & beer to go. 3140 Cowan Blvd, 540-548-1011

Marco Pizza, 316 White Oak Rd

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

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

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

Ristorante Renato, Carry out a

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

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

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

Sunken Well Tavern, 720 little Food/Wine/Beer.& Uber Eats Food/Beer/Wine 540-845-960

N BOARD

k-Up 5099D Jefferson Davis Hwy,

Vinny's Italian Grill, 201 Kings Hwy, Ferry Farm Shopping Center, 540-374-8288

River Rock Outfitter, 215 William St 540-372-8708 gear and apparel online store at www.riverrockoutfitter.com

Princess Anne, breakfast & lunch,

Vivify Burger, 314 William St., old town carry out or pick up! menu available will change but it will remain current on Uber Eats and our website. (540) -656-2500

Skin+Touch Therapy Spa ,714 Caroline St | 540-479-6470 Gift Cards online store spa boxes and skin care

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

m St., 373-3800, curbside pickup

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

m Street downtown.providing take -371-2727

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

d, 373-4014, pickup

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

ery, curbside pickup 373-1352

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

out orders 2020 Augustine Ave, 0)368-0420

and curbside takeaway. 371-8228

y out and curb side delivery 213

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

, !0045 Jeff Davis, continuing full

epage st. curb side pick up for . We also provide deliver for 9

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

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

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

Curbside Pickup.

Taste Oil Vinegar Spice, 815 Caroline St 540-373-1262 Oils, Vinegars, Spices, and Specialty Food.Pickup & shipping available.

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

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

Not All Classrooms Have Four Walls Virtual Fun & Tours

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Purchase gift cards!

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

3636 Fans (& Growing) Want You to Join

Front Porch on

front porch fredericksburg

May 2020

17

history’s stories

Pandemic 1918

By Ralph “Tuffy” Hicks

Normandy Village Midcentury Modern Then and Now

By Christine Henry

The "Spanish Flu" Killed over 50 million people worldwide more lives than World War I which claimed 22 million.

After many years of research James Higgins, a research historian from LeHigh University believes that many of the questions have been resolved as to the origin of the disease. It was originally designated the Spanish flu due to the wartime censorship in that Spain was neutral and the media was allowed to report the disease freely. The disease did not originate in Spain. It is almost certain that the Pandemic started in Kansas around March 1918 from a Chinese labor camp as 25,000 Chinese came across the Canadian border to Kansas, over 90,000 Chinese laborers were used by the English and French during World War I. This was done to free up soldiers as they were needed in the front lines. This along with the soldiers moving all over the world led to the rapid spread of the disease worldwide.

In March 1918, 48 soldiers stationed in Kansas were dead. The unusual aspect of the disease is that it was fatal to a younger group of individuals being in age group from 20-40.

Virginia was initially infected in the autumn of 1918 and by the spring of 1919 over 16,000 Virginians would be dead. With thousands of military men and women in Virginia waiting to be transported. The ships were leaving daily from the Norfolk Naval base for Europe, the disease spread to almost every town in Virginia.

Richmond the largest city in the state with a population of 170,000 had over 10,000 cases in the first week of October. Like today Richmond prohibited gatherings at theaters and churches and all schools were closed and for the first time the State Fair was cancelled. High Schools were turned into hospitals with Medical Students as staff.

Undertakers were overwhelmed and there was a shortage of coffins. Some states even resorted to burying their dead in mass graves, fortunately Virginia never allowed that to happen.

Fredericksburg had several deaths due to the disease and the Mayor J.P. Rowe issued a proclamation on September 28, 1918, in the DAILY STAR newspaper that prohibited public assembly. Florence Barnick a local historian and researcher especially the City Cemetery assisted me in my research, as there are vast amounts of information in the Daily Star files. Death certificates were required by the state of Virginia starting in 1912, however, with the pandemic many of the certificates only state the cause of death as Pneumonia, it was difficult to determine the exact cause of death if there was no attending Physician as it was during these times.

The symptoms began with what appeared to be flu like symptoms (coughing, fever, runny nose). Very quickly after being admitted to the hospital the patient developed a vicious type of Pneumonia with dark spots over the cheek bones. A few hours later the person is turning blue from lack of oxygen (ventilators nonexistent) and within a matter of hours they are deceased dying a horrible death.

We must remember it was a time of just the local newspaper (Daily Star), no TV, Smart Phone or Computer and very few homes had a radio.

"Those who forget the past are doomed to repeat it.”

My favorite quote: Dedicated to: Peter Armatis, Doris Sullivan, Phili Fuller, Larry Stewart, Tommy Viros, Tink Johnson & Pete Wright Tuffy is the Front Porch resident FXBG historian

18

OUR HERITAGE

May 2020

Front porch fredericksburg

When people think about historic resources in Fredericksburg, our rich 18th and 19th century downtown usually comes to mind. However, the neighborhood just west of our urban main street embodies a different and more modern history.

With large grassy front yards and wide streets, Normandy Village exemplifies the suburban ideal designed across America just after World War II. This neighborhood (roughly bound by U.S. 1, the canal, and the river) is a showcase of mid-century modern design, recently "rediscovered" as hip, although long-time residents have always appreciated its charm. Along this neatly platted grid of streets that echo the folds of the Rappahannock River are nearly 300 houses designed in restrained versions of traditional styles such as Neocolonial and Minimal Traditional. These houses, like many built in the past century, have pitched roofs and shutters on the windows, but the sizes and shapes of these structures reveal many changes in how Fredericksburgers-a and many Americanswanted to live after WWII. These modest low-slung ranch houses, Cape Cods, and split levels are placed 30 to 40 feet from wide streets with plenty of on-street parking and concrete sidewalks. The overall impression is one of spaciousness, conjuring images of children with hulahoops and croquet sets out front while grills fill the air with smells of backyard cookouts.

Fueled by the 1944 Servicemen's Readjustment Act, more commonly known as the GI Bill, homeownership across the country became much more affordable.

Returning white soldiers were able to receive 30-year low-cost mortgages with no down payment, an opportunity sadly denied to black soldiers because of federal policy on loan guarantees as well as local customs of racial segregation.

Fredericksburg's population swelled from 10,066 in 1940 to more than 12,158 in 1950, with many of the newcomers looking for housing. In 1946, U.S. 1 traffic that previously traveled Princess Anne Street straight through town, began using the Bypass created to alleviate congestion on our historic streets, paving the way for expanding homeownership locally.

In 1951, land to the west of the Bypass, a former site of the Fredericksburg Fairgrounds, was annexed by the city. Shortly thereafter, the Normandy Village neighborhood was

designed by three larger developers, Normandy Village Inc, B&C Homes, and LRR Curtis. More than 100 houses were built by 1956, and another 142 building permits were filed for modest houses, averaging 983 square feet and selling for $12,000 to $15,000.

By today's standards, these houses would be considered small, but because of the large lot size, many of them have been greatly expanded to the rear, retaining the midcentury feel on the street side while accommodating new ways of living in the 21st century. Surrounded by the River Heritage Trail/Canal Path as well as adjacent shops along U.S. 1, Normandy Village feels like a protected oasis that provides a glimpse of Fredericksburg's recent past.

The Historic Fredericksburg Foundation is planning a Mid-C Century Modern festival in Normandy Village, with neighborhood architecture tours, fashion shows, classic cars, and house tours.

Originally scheduled for May 30, the event has been postponed owing to coronavirus.

Christine Henry is an Assistant Professor of Historic Preservation at the University of Mary Washington & has lived in downtown Fredericksburg since 2016.

She gives special thanks to UMW Professor Andréa Livi-Smith and her fall 2016 HISP 405 class on whose research this article is based.

What’s in a Survivor? historic braehead By jon gerlach

When you are out and about, enjoying the scenery along Lee Drive, you'll see Braehead, the large brick residence at 123 Lee Drive. This is the sole surviving antebellum house on the southern half of the Fredericksburg battlefield.

Built in 1858-59 by John Howison at a cost of $15,000, Braehead is a magnificent Greek Revival structure of 6,200 square feet. It's listed on the National Register of Historic Places and the Virginia Landmarks Register. Breahead originally sat on a 585 acre farm of wheat, corn and oats. The Howison family lived in one part of the house, enslaved people lived in the other, connected by a hyphen.

Although this paints a picture of wealth, it appears that Howison was deeply in debt and struggling financially at the start of the Civil War. Remarkably, the home was lived in by the Howison family for over 150 years!

Dr. Wesley Graham Stephens was the last member of the Howison family to live at Braehead. In 2008 I spent a wonderful afternoon visiting there with Dr. Stephens. His lively storytelling and engaging personality had me transfixed … a day I will never forget.

General Robert E. Lee had his headquarters on Lee's Hill, adjacent to Braehead. On the morning of the battle, December 13, 1862, Lee took breakfast at

Braehead before fierce fighting erupted along the Confederate lines. Before the day was over, watching the carnage unfold, Lee was heard to say: "It is well that war is so terrible, or we should grow too fond of it."

Dr. Stephens explained to me that when Lee came to Braehead for breakfast, he tethered his magnificent horse "Traveller" to the walnut tree in the yard, a witness tree that still stands today.

The mount is entombed near his rider in Lee Chapel at Washington & Lee University.

Also that morning, the situation for Fredericksburg residents suddenly grew dire, as Union artillery bombarded the town. Howison's sister, Jane Howison Beale, fled with her children to Beauclaire Plantation (off Harrison Road in Historic Spotsylvania County).

Fredericksburg Foundation Inc. offers copies of her wartime journal A Woman in a War-Torn Town: The Journal of Jane Howison Beale, at www.hffi.org. It's been called one of the best civilian diaries of the Civil War. The original diary is on

permanent display at the Fredericksburg Area Museum.

A preservation easement held by the Virginia Department of Historic Resources protects Braehead's 18.8 acres of woods from ever being developed or The Central Virginia subdivided.

Battlefields Trust held a contingency on the property. A few years ago, Diana & Robert Almy acquired Braehead for $950,000. With help from Habilis Construction and historic tax credits, the Almys carefully restored the house.

Braehead could be yours today: it's currently for sale (MLS# 1005941981).

So … what's in a Survivor? Here, an architectural gem, rich in Fredericksburg history.

Jon Gerlach is a candidate for an At-Large seat on City Council.

An attorney and retired archaeologist, he serves on the Architectural Review Board in Fredericksburg.

Photo courtesy Virginia Department of Historic Resources

front porch fredericksburg

May 2020

19

Senior Care loneliness: the silent killer Dog Walking Pet Sitting Companion Play Time & Mini Furies, Too!

By Karl Karch

(540-903-0437; lexig0892@gmail.com) On facebook as “City PetSitting�

In a time of social distancing, staying connected has never been more important. Older adults are at a higher risk of isolation and loneliness and it has been that way long before COVID-19 disrupted daily life. It is important for family caregivers and society to better understand the significant implications of 19 isolation and loneliness. While COVID-1 may be an invisible killer, loneliness is the "silent killer" of older adults. Research shows that loneliness can have considerable health implications, worse than that of obesity, alcoholism, and even smoking 15 cigarettes per day. A report last year by the National Institute on Aging said social isolation and loneliness are linked to higher risks of high blood pressure, heart disease, obesity, a weakened immune system, anxiety, depression, cognitive decline, Alzheimer's disease and even death.

Loneliness and social isolation, while closely related, have distinct differences. Social isolation is the absence of meaningful social contact with other people, especially those who provide needed or desired social support. It is well documented that as adults age, many experience social isolation from their friends and family members resulting in psychological difficulties such as feelings of loneliness, depression, anxiety, and lowered self-esteem. The COVID-19 pandemic and government directives exacerbate older adult isolation.

Loneliness is more subjective. It is when an individual experiences negative feeling about their level of social contact, and thus feel they are alone because there is not enough contact, or the quality of the social relationships are inadequate.

Because loneliness is a perception, individuals can live solitary lives and not feel lonely as well as have many social relationships and still experience feelings of loneliness.

New research shows four in ten Americans are lonelier now more than

20

May 2020

ever as a result of the coronavirus pandemic self-isolation. If social distancing and quarantining continue much longer, 19% feel it will have a major effect on their mental health. According to Dr. Dean Aslinia, counseling department chair, University of Phoenix who commissioned the survey, "Feelings of loneliness are not solely due to isolation or social distancing. Some of the challenge is that our connections are not emotionally fulfilling and are increasingly less personal, genuine, and may be void of real empathy."

Dr. Aslinia cited technology overuse as one example and went on to say: "If something good can come from this pandemic, we can hopefully recognize the need for meaningful contact." He suggested that instead of texting or emailing friends or loved ones, a phone call or video chat can build a more meaningful connection.

A consequence of the coronavirus pandemic is that people are thinking of creative ways to stay connected.

The daughter of one of our clients was diagnosed in Florida with COVID-19 and was in the hospital. Using her smart phone, our caregiver connected the client and her daughter via a video call, making a huge difference in their lives. My sister, her two daughters and their families coordinated a virtual Easter dinner using Zoom, a video conferencing technology (Skype is a similar technology).

My daughter is trying to organize a family game night using Zoom. So, let your creative juices flow and find your own ways to stay socially connected and reduce loneliness while maintaining required social isolation. Don't let the "silent killer" impact the health and well-being of your loved ones.

Karl Karch is a Gerontologist and local franchise owner of Home Instead Senior Care, a licensed home care organization providing personal care, companionship and home helper services in the Fredericksburg and Culpeper region.

Front porch fredericksburg

Have You Tried Acupuncture?

It’s All Energy triple warmer meridian by christina ferber

Call Now to Schedule 540.847.6985 AcupunctureFredericksburg.com

Astrology for You Natal Charts Transits Consultations Diane Bachman 540.845.7622

Donate to a Cancer Organization

ble at Availa n.com Amazo

As we move through this unprecedented time, most of us are having to deal with changes and challenges, as well as an upending of the way we function on a daily basis. For many of us, this can result in anxiety, worry, and stress, which is the reason I have chosen this month's highlighted Meridian: Triple Warmer.

Triple Warmer (TW- also known as Triple Burner or Heater) is the Meridian in charge of our survival instinct. Meridians are energy pathways in the body usually related to an organ system, however TW is not directly related to any particular organ in the body.

Instead, according to Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), it has the massive task of regulating our fight-flight-freeze response when we feel threatened or in danger. It also has much to do with chronic physical issues, such as allergies and autoimmune diseases, adrenal exhaustion, feelings of overwhelm and anxiety, and is the keeper of habits.

Because of the demands of society and our lifestyles (even before COVID-19), TW is often in an overactive state because it perceives dangers all around us. There might not be any sabertoothed tigers that TW needs to protect us from, but there are environmental challenges with pollution, excessive noise, electromagnetic energy, and lifestyles that are full of different stressors that we place on ourselves.

However, when we work with techniques that calm this meridian, TW can help us to feel safe, meet the demands of life, and even support us in ways that help us to thrive in all that we do. The following are just a few Eden Energy Medicine exercises that can calm TW and balance our stress response.

One easy way to "Harmonize TW" is to place one hand on your forehead and the other hand above your naval. Hold this for at least a minute and breathe.

Another way to balance TW is by tapping on what is called the TW "Gamut" Point. Place one hand over your heart area and tap on the back of your hand between your ring finger and little finger. Breathe deeply as you do this and tap for 10 taps, pause, take a deep breath and then tap about 30 more times. Repeat on the other side.

The Mellow Mudra is another good exercise to bring TW back into balance. Make an "OK" sign with both hands with the thumb covering the nail of your first finger. Place your thumbs on your temples and lay the rest of your

fingers over your forehead. Chances are, you will feel a sense of calm after a few deep breathes holding this position.

Calming the TW Neurovascular Points can help to calm our stress response and help to bring a sense of joy into the energy of TW. Place your thumb, first and middle fingers in a cluster together (called a 3-finger notch). Put those fingers at the "V" at the bottom of your throat above your collarbone (you can use a flat hand if that is more comfortable). Then, place the other hand on the side of your face with your fingers flat at your temples. Take some deep breaths and then switch sides.

These are just some of the many ways to bring balance to Triple Warmer Meridian and find a sense of calm within the chaos we can sometimes feel. For more exercises and videos visit www.itsallenergywellness.com and bring a little more balance to your life.

Christina Ferber is a Certified Eden Energy Medicine Practitioner

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

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

front porch fredericksburg

May 2020

21

Emancipated Patients corona in FXBG

By Patrick Neustatter, MD So much for my smartass predictions in last month's column that maybe we'll all just be remembering corona virus as a scare by the time the April issue came out.

Spinoffs and Silver Linings When we're all in fear of finishing up on the bread line, it's nice to know there's some philanthropists out there just busting to give us their money.

It is obviously still with us and some profits of doom tell us the wave in Virginia hasn't crested yet - but taking the pulse of this epidemic with input from different agencies around town gives me hope.

There have been some other interesting spin offs of this whole crazy pandemic as well - you can see the fish in the canals in Venice. You can breath the air in London my sister tells me. Friends have been able to buy a 24 count cases of Corona beer for $10.

"The ER thought they would be overrun" but there not. And the 30 odd cases of COVID-19 in Mary Washington Hospital "are highly labor intensive, require a lot of resources," and the "staff are tired" notes Dr. Chris Newman, MD, Chief Medical Officer of Mary Washington Healthcare. Tired but "inspired."

Fredericksburg Health The Department also feels they have to some extent dodged the bullet says Allison Balmes John Public Information Officer.

The information about this pandemic is "rapidly changing" and "we are getting new information all the time." But they are finding ways to cope by working from home and using Medical Reserve Corp volunteers for labor intensive jobs like contact tracing. But we "are not overwhelmed" she says and "we're holding up emotionally."

Reporting on those first responders that have to be first on the scene, it's a problem when a patient who doesn't seem to have COVID-19 turns up with a positive test later Wayne Perry, Executive Director of the Rappahannock EMS told me - in New York they're just treating everyone as infected,. But "this will bring people back to using universal precautions" he hopes - which "has become a little lax" in his opinion.

Though the need for careful personal protection means they are now getting through 10-15 changes of PPE a day, the REMS stockpile has kept up he notes.

At Moss Free Clinic, Executive Director there, Karen Dulaney notes that, though there are less patients coming to clinic, "I'm busier than ever" trying to snag much needed funds from the gratifying slew of grants that philanthropic organizations seem to have been moved to offer - for telemedicine by George Mason University, for various services by Delta Dental. And Rx Partnership is providing money for mailing prescriptions to people's homes for example.

22

May 2020

There are concerns however. It is reported women's boobs are in danger of sagging as they all run around sheltering at home not wearing a bra.

There are some subtle influences exerted on the medical profession.

Telemedicine is having explosive growth - I "saw" my dermatologist just yesterday from my desk at home.

We will be shaken in to better planning for pandemics in the future suggest Wayne Perry - in the same way South Korea was primed by a MERS outbreak to jump in to widespread testing so quickly.

In this day and age of superspecialists in medicine - so that "Jack-of-alltrades" family physicians, internists etc are being replaced by "otolaryngologyneurotologists" for example - we will see a trend to "un-specialize" notes an article in The Journal of Hospital Medicine.

It's maybe not quite as far gone as my lurid imagination can conceive - like gynecologists "repurposed" to replace the speculum and "intubate" different parts but Chris Newman told me Mary Washington Hospital is looking to anesthesiologists to maybe help with cases in respiratory failure.

There's still challenges, like getting enough testing done; nursing home leery of taking back patients who have had COVID-19; the possibility of a "second wave" and that the virus mutating. But overall things look a lot rosier than a month ago.

I just hope my powers of prediction are not as bad as a month ago.

Patrick Neustatter is the Medical Director of the Moss Free Clinic. author of "Managing Your Doctor, The Smart Patient's Guide to Getting Effective, Affordable Healthcare", at Amazon

Front porch fredericksburg

front porch fredericksburg

May 2020

23

Virtual Art in Burg Art galleries go online for May A number of works crafted jewelry, featured in May celebrate unique glass art, the hope and beauty of the charcoal drawings, Spring season, and the p a s t e l s , arrival and emergence of p h o t o g r a p h y , birds, their delicate beauty, paintings in oils, and the smiles they w a t e r c o l o r s , Buddy sometimes elicit. acrylics, metal “Tulips in a Julip Cup”, Laura Craig @LibertyTown Lauer's photography sculpture, porcelain conveys the essence of a painting, and chirping black and items by contactless delivery to white Warbler, while Fredericksburg and the surrounding his "One of those counties on Mondays and Fridays, but if Days!" photo you're outside this range, we can ship presents the humor them to you as long as the postal service “A Caroline Street Night”, by Penny A Parrish of a frog exploring (at is running!!! @BSG close range!) the beak ~Kenneth Lecky and throat of a lucky Brush Strokes Gallery crane, and Trish Vermillion's May Artwork Conveys the porcelain painting captures the fleeting image of a bird reflected in a pool of water.

Also featured in May are a Sheese & Butter Dish, Misha Sanborn painting of Carl's ice-cream stand @LibertyTown

by Nancy Williams that presents the promise of Summer and Norma Woodward's romantic image of a train mixed-media, which can be viewed and engine making its way through an Autumn purchased at landscape. brushstrokesfredericksburg.com.

--Collette Caprara

“Wall Pocket”, Dawn Fergueson @LibertyTown Beauty of the Seasons While our gallery is temporarily closed, Brush Strokes artists are busy creating new works at home and we are presenting our creations on our Web Site and Facebook pages, so folks can still purchase uplifting, unique art for their home or as a gift for that special someone.

LibertyTown Arts Workshop Virtual Shopping Every Saturday, 11am Well you all have asked for it, and we finally figured out a way to let you come inside LibertyTown again...virtually!

Every Saturday at 11am we will be hosting a live virtual shop of LibertyTown!! Each virtual shop will be themed, and work “Carl’s”, Nancy Williams @BSG featured in the shop (plus Brush Strokes artists work in a MORE) will be up on the website for spectrum of mediums, including hand- immediate purchase. We will be delivering

“Black & White Warbler”, Buddy Lauer @BSG

Ponshop is also offering Virtual Classrooms & Online sales (see Bulletin in this issue for info

810 Caroline Street, Downtown 540.371.4099

“Happy Faces”, Beverley Coates 24

May 2020

Front porch fredericksburg

“Tulip Time”, Penny A Parrish

“If Walls Could Speak”, Lynn Abbott

Artist on Site Saturdays

Public Art Initiatives a mural inception

By Mirinda Reynolds

Give a Child Something to Think About

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

810 Caroline Street (540) 371-5684

F o r those of you who don't know me, my name is not Miranda. I am named after my mother's caregiver, Aunt Mary Mirinda, who my family took in during the Great Depression. My grandmother was a landscape artist and my mother is a fabric genius. I thank my generations of artistic nurturing and the gift of constant curiosity. Twenty-five years ago I moved to Fredericksburg for a job with Stafford County Schools and have been here ever since.

Front Porch readers are familiar with our vibrant arts scene and plentiful opportunities to experience the arts in Fredericksburg. While individuals create art for sale to residents and businesses, conceptualizing art for a public space involves many minds and hands. We even have a Fredericksburg Arts Commission to assist artists, businesses, and property owners with the infusion of large-scale artwork to showcase our city to every visitor and local alike. My humble beginnings with public art started with Pawsitively Fredericksburg in 2005. I witnessed the behind the scenes work of a large event- from fundraising, finding venues for artist meetings, auctions, distribution, and display.

Since then,I have strapped tarps to paint on with children between trees for Rock the River, tiled tiny mirrors on the side of Roxbury Mills, taught French teenagers from Frejus, crawled on the streets to paint for Via Colori, matted and instructed hundreds of artworks for the Fredericksburg Childrens' Art Festival, spent months painting and hundreds of dollars on framing to prepare for Uniquely Fredericksburg,represented Fredericksburg in Houston, Texas painting in a multinational street festival for several years, coached young artists in FAM summer events, taught bowl-making to fifty fourth graders for Empty Bowl, and worked on the streets covered in bubbles wet felting for Art Attack. My most enduring contribution involves mural designing, mentoring students, and painting for public spaces at 104 William Street, 520 Caroline Street, 909 Sophia Street , 2621 Princess Anne, and 2206 Princess Anne. Experiencing enriching opportunities to interact with the community has bettered me as an artist and teacher; and creating murals has been no exception.

As we wait for restrictions to be lifted, I'm busy designing new murals for businesses in North Stafford and a proposal for the Big Ugly. The building located on Caroline Street has a Facebook page dedicated to promoting our city's artistic qualities by offering up ideas for

the 75-foot brick (blank canvas to us muralists) facade. While the city waits to decide the future of this enormous building, my biggest challenges lie ahead.

Safe equipment that meets OSHA standards, funding, approval and support, willing partners, gallons of sunscreen, and terrific weather. Did I mention paint and rollers?

My concept involves infusing the vibrancy of the city with the beauty and impact of the Rappahannock River's most endearing creatures.. Yes, it is modern, colorful, and long-lasting. It is one person's vision. But isn't that how anything gets started? If you are interested in supporting this initiative, please feel free to contact the Fredericksburg Arts Commission and myself.

Thank you and stay hopeful, Mirinda Reynolds mirindamurals@gmail.com fredarts.com Photo cap: The Hope Cat‌.Mirinfa w/Barrett Pawsitively FXBG 2005 Mirinda Reynolds is a FXBG Muralist.

You can see her work gracing walls throughout the’Burg

front porch fredericksburg

May 2020

25

Meet Brooke Coryell

Brandon Vipperman

Downtown Greens Intern

meeting a need by alexis grogan

By Marianne Tokarz

"At first it was just a thing to do for some friends who couldn't make it themselves.

Then followed other requests", Vipperman comments. "Once someone asked for a replaceable filters option and I found my niche, expanding on the changes. I started using plastic snaps instead of a messy velcro to hold the opening closed. I recently started prototyping adjustable elastic straps.

I've been busy with orders coming in every day from Etsy, so social distancing hasn't been an issue.”

A: Getting more involved, seeing more changes, and doing more things to help out.

Q: What is your favorite plant?

A: I learned about this at camp -it's parasitic. The common name is "Indian pipe", but I don't know what its scientific name is. It's really beautiful and really cool and doesn't photosynthesize. It looks like white asparagus. It's local, so you can find it just hiking around.

Q: If you could be any animal, what would you be?

A: I'd be a cat, because I'd love to just sleep all day.What is your favorite 8Os band?Joy Division or New Order

Marianne Tokarz is the Office Administrator for Downtown Greens Q: Tell us a little about yourself.

A. I really like nature and working at Downtown Greens because of all of the natural elements. Since I started going to a summer camp called Nature Camp Virginia I've been interested in these kinds of things.

Q: How long have you been involved with Downtown Greens?

A: I started volunteering in late January and I've already seen so many changes in the garden!

Q: Do you have a favorite thing about Downtown Greens?

A: Probably either the people (because you are all super nice) or how much the garden changes, even day to day.

Downtown Greens is a non-p profit community greenspace in Downtown FXBG dowtowngreens.org

Fork it Over Telethon!

Saturday, May 16th!

Live telethon will have all the aspects of the festival that you've come to love including, music, raffles, and a silent auction but in a format that can be enjoyed from home!

As with our yearly festival, this is the perfect opportunity to show your love for your favorite community greenspace!

Q: What's something that you are looking forward to in the coming months?

This is a difficult time for everyone, tensions are high and necessities are low.

Some have found a way to combat the stress of accessing what is needed. A local man Brandon Vipperman is one who has put his creative skills to use.

Brandon is a graduate of James Monroe High School and has lived in Virginia his whole life. He has always been a crafty person "I have always collected crafting materials, I just love being creative and you never know what you'll need when you get an idea, whether it be with clay, cloth, paint or even electronic components" Being one of the lucky few to be working as his job is considered essential due to government contracts (Brandon is a Production Manager at Zentech Electronic Manufacturing) he has still made time for his crafts. Brandon taught himself how to sew a few years ago with the initial goal of sewing electronics onto fabric. With much trial and error, he went a simpler route and began making pull string pouches and reusable paper towels.

With the pandemic among us there is a need that kept growing. He has started making face masks, first it was for some friends that couldn't access, or make any them selves, then from word of mouth, the demand grew.

“Thank you Brandon for the masks.

I’ve gotten so many compliments on this one”. ~ Katie Harding

Visit Brandon on facebook@ Brandon Faolin Vipperman ETSY Store: “Order of the Couch”

Alexis Grogan, a Pet-Sitter is currently Home schooling her daughter.

They are taking many walks, with masks on, of course

Highlighting Local People, Places & Events Since 1997 26

May 2020

Front porch fredericksburg

Dont’t Be Alone Adopt a best friend

By Lenora Kruk-mullanaphy

Oslo & friend enjoying a break from training classes with Michele Storm, owner of Paws and Heel Dog Training.

With virtually everyone mandated to stay home because of coronavirus (COVID-19), many people have cabin fever. More than ever, it's a good time to adopt a four-legged buddy at an animal shelter in the Fredericksburg area.

Spending time with a pet and bonding is a bonus for all parties.

According to the National Alliance on Mental Illness, dogs can add happiness to our lives, reduce stress and anxiety, ease loneliness and improve all-around health.

Michele Storm, owner of Paws and Heel Dog Training in Fredericksburg, said shelters are full now as a result of people losing jobs. It's an ideal time to adopt for those who are financially able to

take care of a dog, and a lot of people have the time to help a shelter dog decompress and adjust to a new living environment.

"It's important to keep a dog on schedule when you adopt," she said. "Once life gets back to normal, we don't want them to become destructive because of separation anxiety or lack of exercise."

Storm's years of experience with rescue and shelter dogs enables her, as a trainer, to know why many dogs are surrendered by their owners. She strategizes about how she can keep a dog from ever ending up in a shelter.

Paws and Heel offers group classes, private one-on-one sessions, and "board and train," where dogs stay and

train at Storm's facility for a short time.

Storm and the dog owner determine the best course of training.

With four dogs of her own, numerous foster dogs throughout the years and hours devoted to volunteering at animal shelters, Storm's love of canines and ability to train every type of dog made opening Paws and Heel a natural venture.

"Dogs offer companionship and therapy," she said. "The more important thing is what you can give a dog if you adopt. They need stability, lots of exercise, structure and attention. You also must be able to afford veterinary care and training if needed. Make sure to look at local rescues and shelters to find a good match for you and your lifestyle."

Animal shelters offer safe ways adopt a new friend.

Old Dominion Humane Society: www.olddominionhumanesociety.org View available dogs and their descriptions, and fill out an application online. Once the application is reviewed and approved, an email will be sent to arrange a meeting with the dog.

(Adoptions are usually held on Wednesdays from 5-7 p.m. and Saturdays from 12-4 p.m.)

Fredericksburg SPCA: www.fredspca.org Adoptions are currently by appointment only, because all animals are in foster care. To arrange an appointment, visit www.Fredspaca.org/adopt and complete the adoption survey--one for cats, another for dogs. Check out available animals and the adoption team will be in contact to arrange an appointment for a "meet and greet."

Stafford County SPCA: www.staffordspca.org Check out adoptable pets on the website (listed in the PetFinder box), and

Muppet, a Yorkshire Terrier mix, is a senior and available for adoption at Old Dominion Humane Society fill out and send an online application. An adoption coordinator will be in touch to schedule an appointment.

Spotsylvania County Animal Shelter: www.facebook.com/SpotsyPets/ The Spotsylvania County Animal Shelter's hours have changed in response to COVID-19, opening from 12-4 p.m.

Wednesday through Saturday by appointment only. To view videos and photos of available pets, visit www.facebook.com/SpotsyPets or www.spotsypets.petfinder.com. For more information, call (540) 507-7459 or email animal@spotsylvania.va.us.

Lenora Kruk-Mullanaphy is the president of KMMG, LLC., a public relations and marketing company. She volunteers for Old Dominion Humane Society in FXBG, where she has "foster-failed" twice, adding two more dogs to the family.

Stay Connected While Apart front porch fredericksburg

May 2020

27

Companions this is our new norm

by Gerri Reid dvm

With the COVID-19 pandemic amongst us, we are forced to live life a bit different. We are "Home Bound" and have to incorporate our daily chores that we pay others to do into our every day busy life. This is not the first pandemic but certainly won't be our last but we find ourselves having to adapt to a way of life that we never thought we would be living.

We all have laughed at seeing Chinese people in China go about their days wearing a mask to do run their errands or even go to work. But is this our new Norm? Are we going to live our lives sheltered and cut off from everyone just to ensure our health? It definitely looks that way‌ I never imagined that I would be sitting at my kitchen table sewing face masks for the medical staff at Mary Washington Hospital. As I dust off my sewing machine and try to dig up my sewing skills again. I tell myself, "It is just like riding a bike‌close your eyes and just let it happen". Okay, the first masks was a Bust but the rest of them were made to perfection, well, my perfection.

I thought about the women during World War I who would sew clothing and dresses for women and children. I had a moment where I wondered what Betsy Ross felt like when making our American Flag. There is a sense of dignity and pride when lending your skills for the health and well being of others during this time. I would at times chuckle to myself and Thank God for my Mother teaching me how to sew. Is this

28

May 2020

my new Norm? Is this our new Norm?

History tends to repeat itself and like any war or epidemic/pandemic, many suffer and many will die.

Unemployment levels soar to an all time high. People trying to make ends meet and a Government trying to do what they can to preserve the Economy.

But it's the Small Businesses that take the biggest hit. Our "Mom & Pop" shops who were hanging in there are now forced to close under the circumstance.

It's the new Entrepreneur who just got started with their Business Dream that won't get to get it off the ground. And a Company who is in their 2nd year of business that feels the effects of what a crisis like COVID-19 can do to a thriving business in a matter of a day. They say "That's Business" but is that fair? Dreams and Businesses being destroyed because of the biological war that is taking place in the world and in our community.

But as a Society and as Americans, I believe we will prevail.

As a Small Business owner, myself, I feel the effects and the consequences of the fallen economy. We are concerned with protecting our health and maintaining "Social Distancing" the best we can.

Many businesses have changed their whole business model to adjust to the new way of life. As the days go on with no end in sight, we begin to change our routine and mold ourselves to manage each day. As for my Business who depends on seeing our clients and patients at their home, we are forced to rethink how we are going to interact with them, still maintain our business and keep everyone healthy and safe. But at the end of the day, remember, many have lived in a time of crisis and have survived. If this is our new Norm, then we have to make the best of it‌one day at a time.

Please Stay Safe, Stay Healthy and Stay at Home!

Dr. Gerri S. Reid is the Owner/Veterinarian of Reid Mobile Veterinary Services. 540-623-3029; reidmobilevetservices.com ; facebook eVetServices Photo of Huey by Reid Mobile Services

Front porch fredericksburg

Astrology & You THE POETRY MAN

minding your moon

By Frank Fratoe

By Dianne Bachman

Lessons From a Pandemic

what the Moon can bring to us.

See what comes up for you!

We will get over apprehension of viral plague and a dread which has dared us to exist, because with human consensus love could restore the world to heal those afraid or sick, giving back our hopefulness as we learn about the gifts all have inherited everywhere, but take so much for granted running after useless things that hide what can renew us, and be devout to one another where we will find compassion in our brotherhood together.

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

Most everyone has participated in sunbathing, but have you ever moon bathed? Depending on the weather and the comfort of your surroundings, it can be a delicious way to appreciate the night sky. Pull up a comfy chair, set out a soft blanket or string up your hammock, prop yourself with pillows or blankets and get ready to soak in lovely lunar energy. It's a great way to unwind, maybe with a cup of chamomile tea.

The Moon shines down on us through her various phases, bringing light to our emotions, assisting us in knowing the depths of our soul. The Moon's energy is what motivates us at our core and meditating on the properties of the transiting moon is a very powerful avenue for self- awareness, personal growth as well as renewal. The Moon is the filter for our emotions, the keeper of our most primal needs.

If you know what sign the current transiting Moon is in, you can moon bathe or meditate with the intention of infusing your being with the attributes of that particular sign or the planet that rules it. Each person will experience the transiting Moon differently, based upon their own Moon sign and planets that share an angle (aspect) with it. Below are some generalizations regarding the properties of the Moon in each sign. You can use these as guides for focus while moon bathing or meditating, but these are not limited and represent just a sampling of

Aries: Courage, strength to begin something new, putting yourself first, zest for life, warrior spirit Taurus: 'just let it be' attitude, accepting change, sensual pleasures, relationship with Mother Nature, what we value, our possessions Gemini: Communication, thinking, working with ideas and writing, what is entertaining and clever Cancer: Home, family, emotional security, birthing new projects or ideas, emotional protection Leo: Passion, outer vs. inner validation, creativity, the heart of the child within, applause Virgo: Health, service to others, focus on details, accuracy, correctness Libra: Balance, relationships, harmony, how to manage conflict, finding the mirror in the other Scorpio: Mysteries, secrets, death and dying, transformation, control, selfsufficiency Sagittarius: Learning new things, philosophy, travel, spirituality, being listened to and respected Capricorn: Career, work, limitations, maturity, structure, leadership, making things happen, planning Aquarius: The greater good for society, independence, unique or quirky traits, helping others, inventiveness, innovations

Pisces: Deep meditation, music, solitude, sensitivities, dreams, how we are confined or isolated On May 7, the full Moon will be in the sign of Scorpio at 6:45 a.m. The full Moon brings light to our feelings, our relationships and our emotional selves.

The Sun will be in Taurus, allowing us to illuminate that which is deep or has been hidden about our relationship with things like what we value, nature, change, and what gives us pleasure. Scorpio Moon allows us to dive deeply into what the Sun is reflecting upon it. During this time of stay at home many people I have talked with seem to find this reevaluation of values to be either a choice they are making or something that is forced upon them.

May 22 at 1:39 pm brings the new Moon in Gemini. The new Moon phase is a time when the night sky is the darkest.

I like to see this as a cosmic offering of potential within the seemingly empty sky.

It is a time to dream, to plant the thought seeds about what we would like to grow.

Gemini is ready to dip into our arenas for: communication, opening the mind to new ideas, beginning a writing project or journal, or fostering humor. It is also a good time for working with our siblings or staying in closer touch with them.

There are many astrology websites that offer free charts if you are not sure what your Moon sign is. I hope you will explore this gift from the night sky because in a world of unpredictability, it is constant, reliably and ever present and free of charge!

Diane Bachman is a psychotherapist & astroger practicing in FXBG. She can be reached at dbachmanlcsw@gmail ..com “Soul Collage� by Diane Bachman

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

May 2020

29

David C. Kennedy

A visual Celebration of our community

May Cover Artist 30 year professional journey as an illustrator, graphic artist and photographer, finding employment at various advertising agencies and design studios.

“My passion for the visual arts started when I was no more than 2 or 3 years old. I have vivid memories from those early years of hours spent playing with pencils, markers and crayons scribbling at first like all children do,

For commission work, event, portrait, and architectural photography, and photographs along with damaged/antique photo retouching and restoration. contact David C. Kennedy Photography atdkphotography.photoshelter.com or by calling 240.205.1505.

Photo: “Flagcycle”, by David

We are currently buying gold or silver jewelry.

If you have found any old or broken jewelry you no longer need during your time at home contact us for an appointment. www.gemstonecreations.org. 540.373.7847 We love to work with you

Where Fredericksburg Gets Engaged 30

May 2020

By Casey Alan Shaw

“I worked as an designer, illustrator and The photographer at Washington Post. I've made my home in Fredericksburg where I've transitioned to becoming a full-time freelance photographer and part-time fine artist.

These days inspiration often comes to me by way of the city's rich history, natural beauty and the creations of other local artists and photographers. As a freelancer, I've chosen to specialize in event, portrait and architectural photography. I strive to capture and render images that demonstrate a unique point of view and I often like to experiment by altering my photos using Adobe Photoshop, which is a powerful digital editing program. I refer to these edited pictures as "photo illustrations", owing to the fact they're a blending of art and photography.

“In my free time I enjoy going on long walks, skateboarding, drawing, painting, drumming and most of all spending time with my family - and of course, taking lots of photographs.”

then later attempting to draw scenes that I observed from life and images from my imagination. Eventually, I decided to turn my hobby into a career, and after graduating from The Art Institute of Pittsburgh, I began my over

Fredericksburg Sketches

Front porch fredericksburg

SKETCH #64: Purina Tower; Carl's.

Last month's sketch was a stark black and white graphic inspired by an illustrator named Jim Flora who designed some of my favorite 1940s and 50s record album covers. This month I've included two more from that same series: the Purina Tower and Carl's … two buildings that sit like iconic bookends on opposite ends of the historic downtown area.

The technique I used to make these is actually quite simple. I start out with a very bold line drawing, almost cartoonish. Next, I scan the line drawing into the computer and reverse the entire picture so that I have a black page with a white line drawing. Lastly, I erase the black area around the drawing leaving the uniquely bold little buildings. .Casey Alan Shaw is a local artist. He teaches art at James Madison University and Germanna Community College and exhibits his original artwork and limited-edition prints at Art First Gallery and at www.caseyshaw.com.

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

DOWNTOWNERS Ann Glave

by Virginia B. Grogan 'The health of our downtown is a reflection of the health of our community’.”

When you see that wide, bright smile you immediately feel welcomed. That smile belongs to Ann Glave, Executive Director of Fredericksburg Main Street.

You will often see her downtown, talking to shop owners, restaurateurs, visitors and shoppers. Not only is it her job, it is her passion. She genuinely cares about downtown Fredericksburg. "Main Street is about the whole of downtown. If downtown is successful, everyone wins."

Glave commented. "I recently saw a quote:

Ann and her sister owned Glave & CO, a popular downtown Fredericksburg store that focused on sterling silver jewelry and crafts predominately made in the USA. (On a personal note, I loved this store, bought many unique gifts, and lots for myself). She closed her store after becoming a mom to son Grayson. "Being a successful business owner, open seven days a week with strong customer service, requires a huge time commitment. Even though I had a wonderful staff, I wanted more flexibility and less responsibility".

Glave returned to Fredericksburg years later to become the Executive Director of Main Street saying that she really had not completely left. "I maintained friendships and connections

here and returned often. I have always loved the downtown area. It has all the things I enjoy-history, art, food, music and shops" Uniquely qualified for the job, Ann has an MBA from Virginia Commonwealth University, BS in business & marketing from Virginia Tech and numerous certificates in fundraising & marketing. She also was a Certified Residential Specialist (CRS) and held a Graduate Realtor Institute (GRI) degree, as well as a successful business owner. Ann reflects, "My various jobs and education give me the ability to relate to the various stakeholders-the shoppers, the residential and commercial property owners, the business owners and the city government-that all contribute to downtown."

Numerous events and projects have occurred in downtown under Glave's tutelage: #LoveFXBG marketing campaign,

Open Late Initiative, downtown planters, Gift Card Program, Find Fred holiday instagram contest, to name a few. The "Downtown Affair on Caroline", is one of the more memorable. The collaboration dinner filled the street with beautifully adorned white table cloths. Designed to highlight the local restaurants, shops, local craft beers, historic venues, artists and unique services found in downtown was a fundraiser to support Main Street Downtown's programs.

During these crazy times, Ann wants to remind everyone to "Support Local Safely". We will get through this together because we are Downtown Strong.

Ann Glave can be reached at info@fredericksburgmainstreet.org 540-4 479-1 1595 Stay in touch with Downtown at fb@Fredericksburg Downtown

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

front porch fredericksburg

May 2020

31