All things Italian
The Sunken Well Tavern
All month long By Kathyrn Willis
Fredericksburg-E Este Association is serving up treats pleasing to the body, mind and soul this month. First up is a program for the lifelong-learner. The interesting insights of Billy Chestnut, scholar and teacher, and long-time Italian habitant, will focus on Pre-Roman history and culture in a free lecture on Friday, October 12, at St. George’s Church, 905 Princess Anne Street (entrance on the George Street side). The evening begins with a gathering time and
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October 2018
light refreshments at 6:30; the lecture begins at 7PM and concludes at 8. All are welcome, as are donations. The second offering is for the eyes: Nadir Frizzarin, (tattoo art above) an Italian artist at the top of his game, will visit Fredericksburg for two weeks beginning in midOctober. In addition to vibrant and energetic oils, pastels, and acrylics, Frizzarin has a wide reputation as a master body art tattooist. He will work alongside Fredericksburg artists, and will present a program of his works at LibertyTown on Sunday, October 21, for members of the Association and LibertyTown patrons. This Este’s Artist Exchange visit is part of Fred-E Program. Third up appeals to taste, smell, and rock ‘n roll. The ever-popular Pizza Palooza! is scheduled for Saturday,
Front porch fredericksburg
I Didn’t Know .... a male hooker until i met johnnie
October 20, in Market Square. Folks can buy pizza for $1 a slice, and each slice will be accompanied by a gaming chip. Everyone will then vote for their favorite pizza, and at evening’s end, the People’s Choice award will be presented. Acoustic Onion will offer Beatles covers, Adventure Brewery and Italian Wines will be served for $5 a pour. Admission is only $2 IN CASH, please. A card reader will be available for food and beverage purchases. Bring your folding chairs and dress casually for this easygoing evening. The Fredericksburg Area Museum and the City’s Parks and Recreation are partners in making possible this fun time. The month concludes with the Annual William Prescott Carter Italian Concert Series, a free performance given
By k. Jeanne fraser in memory of Bill Carter, well-loved teacher, counsellor, community leader, and enthusiastic member of the Fred-Este group. This year, the accomplished and delightful performers of Washington’s Camerata (above), the early music ensemble established in 2009, will perform at St. George’s Church, on Friday evening, October 26. Watch for details on community online calendars, and Facebook (Fredericksburg-Este, Twinning). Also, sign up for our Newsletter—visit the website at www.fred-este.org. Better yet, join! Members are included in all-member events. The Fredericksburg-E Este Association, founded in 2015, is a sister city partner with Este, Italy. Its purpose is to nurture friendship and cultural understanding between the two cities through exchanges, programs, and events. The group’s website, www.fred-este.org, offers more information. Kathryn Willis happily advocates for the region's arts and culture
Eat Well Drink Well Live Well 720 Littlepage sunkenwelltavern.com 540-370-0911
"Tinker, tailor, soldier, spy." No, those don't work. "Butcher, baker, candlestick maker." Nope, these don't either. Retailer, barber, phlebotomist, flight attendant. Yes, that's it. But these titles barely begin to describe Johnnie Wood. After 30 years of flying around the world, first with Braniff in 1974, where he was a pioneer into the world of male flight attendants commonly known as stewards, and then with United, Johnnie decided on early retirement in 2004. "It was time." But retirement didn't mean not working. "I've had a variety of jobs, but never again will I do something I don't want to get up to do." For the moment, that means working on the desk at Hampton Inn and Suites South Fredericksburg, where he meets people from cities he used to fly to. Johnnie moved to Arlington, Virginia, in 1986 from Texas then to Fredericksburg in 2003. "At first I hated it because I was used to living in cities, but then I realized it has a sense of being the real America. There are people from all
beliefs and walks of life; it's a microcosm for the country. For better or for worse everything comes together here." What makes Johnnie unique is what he does in his free time. After learning to crochet in 2010, he has become an awardwinning crocheter making hundreds of hats, scarves, and blankets for people who need comfort and warmth. "My heroines are Tanis Galik (a recognized leader in the world of crochet) and Lily Chin, twice named the "Fastest Crocheter in the World" in international competitions. They both design beautiful wearables and home décor. They're my favorite hookers." Using single crochet for his first six afghans eventually led Johnnie to YouTube to learn more about his new hobby and enabled him to expand his stitch repertoire. "What I find there challenges and rewards me." Ann's A chance comment at Jo-A Fabric and Craft while he was buying yarn sent Johnnie looking for From the Heart Stitchers, a Virginia charitable organization with 1400 stitchers. According to Pam Greswolde, area coordinator for the group, (pegreswolde@comcast.net for more information) "Johnnie won't say this, but his work is stunningly beautiful and he is the most patient teacher I've met in 50 years of crocheting and knitting." When he starts to talk about From the Heart, his voice softens as he describes the impact of the group. "When I got involved with participating in charitable work I felt a paradigm shift in myself. I went from a life of selfindulgence to one of caring more about others. My compass for life is joy and
what we do as a charity elicits joy and peace." He recalls the family of one woman who received a Johnnie original who wrote to the group: "My mother cherished that blanket. She was clutching it when she had the last fusion in her cancer treatment." Today Johnnie is working on developing his own designs for other crocheters and knitters (he learned how to knit two years ago). "They're whimsical and fun" in keeping with his goal of having joy in his life. (514) Not willing to waste a minute, Johnnie works on a current project while talking. “Everyone has a story. I can't see it, but I believe there is a neon sign on my forehead that reads " Talk to me" and so people do. And I listen.” ~ k.jeanne fraser
front porch fredericksburg
October 2018
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