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F AREWELL , B ISTRO B ETHEM
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history’s stories.: stafford county windows on the world
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It’s all energy: igniting your joy
making it work ...andi mcconnell
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Senior Care: i’ll do the remembering
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wellness: the truth about high blood pressure emancipated patients: skepticism sports physicals
riverfront superhero ...mighty joe young
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life in motion: cost of the fall renew: let food be your medicine
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civility: mindful communication
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art in the ‘burg: Elizabeth & ina Art Attack invades downtown
porch talk
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STORIES OF FREDERICKSBURg mYSTERY hOUSE
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fxbg book fest is back!
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2nd chance dog rescuers lisa roosa & jesse reeve
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companions: fredSpca
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casey shaw’s downtown designs
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fredericksburg sketches
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Improving the plot: library gardens in fxbg
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On the trails:: our rappahannock canal
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by Mary Lynn Powers
an extraordinary life.... edward russell
on the porch...life in fredericksburg Messages
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thanks for the excellence
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I have a friend: kindred spirits another day starlight vigil
...And more!
Poetryman: fall equinox
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everything greens: an invitation
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italy in the burg
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season’s bounty: consider the cabbage
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farewell to fxbg restaurant icon
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cooking with kyle: sicilian swordfish cocktail hour benefit
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porchlight: celebrating grandparent day
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sister act: agora downtown coffee shop
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Rim Vining’s cancer journal
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Calendar of events
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Cover: “Flowers in a Vase” by Betsy Glassie
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September 2017
Front porch fredericksburg
Anyone who has lived in and around Fredericksburg knows there is a special charm to downtown. It is big enough that there is anonymity, but small enough that you always see someone you know. Even if you don’t see a familiar face, people are generally friendly and toss a greeting or smile your way. In my experience, there is always somewhere you are drawn to in a town, and calls you back time and again. Bistro Bethem has been that place for me for many years. It’s not hard to say exactly what is so special about
the “Bistro.” The staff for one is always attentive, but not overly so. The artwork is always fascinating, and shows the artistic heart of Fredericksburg. It is difficult to put a descriptor on how satisfying every meal was at Bistro. In case anyone caught the was in the last sentence, that is because Bistro Bethem has sold the business to another local chef. By the time you read this, the local fave will have a new name and owner. Many of us were shocked to hear
the news, but understood that running a great restaurant is a full time plus endeavor. Aby Bethem shared with me her perspective on moving forward. Their main intention is that she and Blake want to spend more time with their family. They have two young boys who many of us have watched grow into precious youngsters. This is an understandable priority. They will still run Vivify, the burger bar across the street. Aby said they will let the dust settle for a year or so before they address any new possibilities. Though knowing the Bethems, Vivify will soon take on a new personality. Hints at serving the free range chicken dish over the counter have already been hitting the rumor mill. Over the 14 years that the Bethems owned Bistro, many people have celebrated special occasions, holidays, weddings and graduations in the quaint eatery. We have watched key players go on to become teachers, nurses, and published writers. Aby and Blake looked
for the best and always pushed their employees to be the best at their job, as well as their futures. We all suffered the loss of Fredericksburg’s favorite bartender, Rob Grogan, who was a permanent fixture at the bar on Friday and Saturday nights for over ten years, and who passed away three years ago due to a rare cancer. Rob was one of the bigger than life characters that made Bistro a special spot. It was a close family affair at the Bistro. So, it is with fondness and many great memories that the Front Porch says farewell to an outstanding part of the community. To one who has supported the Front Porch over the years, you will be missed by many, and in many ways. We wish you the best of success, and look forward to seeing what is in store for the future! Mary Lynn was a server at Bistro many years ago & a frequent customer for 14 years
front porch fredericksburg
September 2017
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