FRONT PORCH FREDERICKSBURGapril2026

closeups

14tradition meets passion Emma & Paul Stoddard

25Journey of Artistic rediscovery kristopher patterson

31lifetime surrounded by arts bess haile

Porch talk

4 on the porch...life in fredericksburg messages

5motts run reservoir sustainability grant

6 homeworks...prepare your home for a/c season

7everything green: free fridge future

8In the Garden: garden visitors

9 growing & crawling: importance of aunts

10fredericksburg perspectives

12tidbits...small bites of local news

13 season’s bounty: out like a lamb

15Vino: earth day what’s in your glass

16-17Calendar of Events

18history’s stories:april fools’

19 our heritage: old stone warehouse

20mental health: dealing with serious emotional upset

21 emancipated patient: weight gain

22renewal...finding warmth & comfort all around

24art in the burg ....galleries in April

26auto known better: lilliputin world

27 virginia olympiad data centers digital infrastructures

28companions: puppy farms

29astrology & you poetryman: resurgence

30fredericksburg sketches

3 bill beck...unsung hero

11 cannons of fredericksburg

23wall of honor

“splash,

After paul clark”” by bess haile

If you know who Bill Beck is, then you know him as an avid preservationist, an antiques dealer, and as the Mayor of Fredericksburg from 2000-2004. You also know that whichever "hat" he may have been wearing at any time, he has always given 100% of his energy towards making

Unsung Heroes bill beck

sure that any task he undertook was done well.

Born in Morehead City, North Carolina during the Korean War, Bill and his family moved to Fredericksburg when he was one and a half years old when his father's active duty ended. He came by his love of historic buildings rightfully, from his father's love of old houses. At fourteen, Bill was working at the Mary Washington House on Charles Street as a tour guide and ordered his first magazine Antiques. He was also influenced by a onemonth course at Randolph Macon called The American Hom e, giving him the

By Archer & Robin Di Peppe

opportunity to study some significant architecture.

Then one day when Bill was home from college, destiny took an unexpected turn. He was walking down Caroline Street and decided to walk into the Kambourian Rugs shop. Jerry Kambourian was a lover of historic homes, too, and before Bill left, he had been given a job. Kambourian became his teacher and mentor for Oriental carpets. He laughingly remembers a day in 1973 when there hadn't been any customers in the shop for a week, so his job was to run out and feed nickels into the parking meter for his boss. One year later when Kombourian moved his business to Richmond, Bill went with him. He later worked for another Oriental carpet company, but slowly his interest was moving towards antiques.

To say the least, that move was the best move of his life because he met his future wife Susan at an antiques shop. Susan loved antiques, also, so she and Bill did antique shows, eventually buying the old Staples House and renovating it after a fire. It was a good place to raise kids.

In 1987 when their son graduated from high school, Bill and Susan moved to Fredericksburg and rented a space across from the Pump House and then at 701 Caroline Street, which later become Doris Buffett's home. Finally, they bought 708 Caroline Street where his Beck’s Antiques business remained for thirty-sseven years. He will never forget that Thanksgiving Day when the owner of The Chimneys set up a buffet for them right on the sidewalk while the family moved across the street from 701 to 708.

Bill decided to run for Mayor of Fredericksbur g because he viewed

Fredericksburg as a significant place and wanted to do what he could for the city. He deeply believed that you should do a good job for the right reason and gather all of the right forces for the good of the community rather than for self-interest. He wanted to set the tone and vision for the city in the future but said that he wasn't able to do this and regrets not being able to affect the direction of the city as much as he had hoped. He no longer follows Fredericksburg politics closely, saying with a mischievous smile, that he is still in recovery.

As Bill got older, he became aware the antiques business had changed, even though hardcore collectors have remained as serious as ever. So, after several years of looking at real estate, he and Susan moved to a Mid-Century Modern home in Fredericksburg just one mile away, continuing in the antiques business through becksantiques com, while enjoying their five grandchildren and ten great-grandchildren.

Bill will always view preservation as the key to understanding our community, our country, and our world. Without preserving the physical parts of the past, a community won't be able to understand the present. He worries about those who would limit what is taught about American History because if young people aren't able to read or see aspects of our history, he fears that all will be lost.

“All of us need to acknowledge that the past shows us how we got to the present and is the foundation of what we have become.”

Arch & Robin Di Peppe will be highlighting

Unsung Heroes each month in Front Porch

Arch

Di Peppe Guest Porch Editorial

Contributing Writers & Artists

Rita Allan Sally Cooney Anderson

Heather Appleton Roman Biernacki

Sonja CantuSuzanne Carr

Gary CloseArcher Di Peppe

Robin Di PeppeJanet Douberly

Jeannie EllisFrank Fratoe

Mary Beth GeilBess Haile

Kathleen HarriganKaren Kallay

Christie Hoernemann

Michael Thomas Harvey

Ralph “Tuffy” HicksNancy Kelly

David C. KennedyRay Mikula

Lisa Chinn Marvashti Ember Mercury

Vanessa Moncure Pete Morelewicz

Lenora Kruk-Mullanaphy

Patrick Neustatter Penny A Parrish

Amy PeregoyMary Lynn Powers

Paula RaudenbushRob Rudick

Mike SalmonMargaret Sandford

Clint SchemmerMandy Smith Meredith Stoddard

Paige Connor Totaro

Rim Vining Tina Will

Ellyn WenzlerNorma Woodward

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

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

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

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

Front Porch Fredericksburg PO Box 9203 Fredericksburg, VA 22403

Ad Sales: E-Mail: frntprch@aol.com

Web Site: www.frontporchfredericksburg.com

Facebook: @Front Porch Fredericksburg Magazine

Issuu @Front Porch Fredericskburg

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 2026

Front Porch Fredericksburg Magazine All rights reserved.

ON THE PORCH we are all in this together

By Arch Di Peppe

Obviously, we can't possibly know how many grains of sand there are on all the beaches of the world, but someone has estimated five sextillion (5 followed by 21 zeroes). That can make us human beings feel very small. Yes, the universe is a vast place with countless stars, but each of us has our own place in it.

The late Joseph Campbell said in his series The Power of Myth that we are here to experience living. So, there you have it in the simplest terms. Each of us, my friend, is on his or her own path. It is a mistake for us to compare ourselves to others. All of us must experience the joys and sorrows, the successes and disappointments, and the love and loss that are part of the human experience in accordance with our own life. We need to keep in perspective that no matter what we do or what we achieve, there will always be someone else who has either more or less than we do. To judge ourself against others can give us an unrealistic view of who we are, and we may come up short of our own expectations of ourself.

On a larger scale, who are we as a people, specifically as Americans? Chief

Two Eagles of the local Patawomeck Indian Tribe told me once that he did not like the label "Native American". He wanted to be called by the name "Indian" because everyone who is born in America is a Native American. It gave me pause and a whole different point of view.

If we ask any person on the street what it means to be an American, their answers would be as varied as snowflakes. In these difficult times with the media pushing its own agenda, often driven by fearmongering in order to get ratings, it is far too easy to forget who we really are as Americans. I would describe us as a people who got up one more time than the ones who got knocked down and stayed on the ground. No matter how hard the situation, we just don't give up. We may have our

messages

Virginia Thanks for all you do to spread the art love around town!

Pete Morelewicz

Can’t wait to dive in...this month’s issue is another good one! Sonja Petersen

struggles and differences that any nation has, but our core values have always helped us get through.

No matter where we are born on this planet or what our religious or philosophical beliefs may be, their exists in us a core identity of what it means to be human. If you don't believe this just watch people on the news who risk their own lives to save a perfect stranger who has fallen in a lake or gotten trapped in a burning car. Somehow selfpreservation takes a back seat at that moment and reminds us of what Joseph Campbell stressed: we are all interconnected I think it is important to remember this during times when we experience internal and external conflicts, whether it is within the family or as a nation. We are a nation that was born on the shoulders of diversity and faith. There is plenty of room for all of us to walk our own path and make room for others.

The Dalai Lama is quoted as saying, "My religion is kindness." I have such respect for this idea because it is all inclusive. He makes no distinction between religions, political points of view, or ethnicity. Kindness if the one thing that we as humans can understand, even if we don't speak the same language. It is a universal recognition that binds us together as one people: the human race. So does love. Love of family, love of friends, and love of self (sometimes the most difficult) keeps hope alive.

The world may seem to be in constant turmoil and this can bring to the surface our deepest fears. It always has and always will because humans, on both a singular and global scale, are stubborn and get in their own way. Remember those

Much appreciation for all you do to keep our community informed of its cultural heritage in your fantastic Front Porch Magazine : Sincerely, Danae Peckler (& HFFI)

Virginia Thanks for all you do for our community.

Sally Cooney Anderson

grains of sand? Look up at the stars on a clear and beautiful night and know that there are as many, and probably more, stars than grains of sand on all the beaches of the world and truly know that our lives do have meaning. Follow your own path, stay true to your own goals, and give others space to walk their path, as well, because, in the end, we are all in this together.

Arch Di Peppe has been a long time contributor to Front Porch and always makes us appreciate quiet moments

Front Porch

Luv this paper. First thing I read is Tuffy Hicks article. Look forward to this every month. Luv the whole paper, so informative on the area. I rely on the calendar. Thanks Front Porch!

Mary Ann Seay

David C Kennedy

Great cover (March 2026). Love Guinness, love stew, made me feel Irish Dan Standsky

receives sustainability grant from Jack o’neill Fund

The Fredericksburg Parks, Recreation & Events Department has been awarded a $20,000 grant from The Jack O'Neill Fund for a Green Community And the The Community Foundation to support sustainability initiatives at Motts Run Reservoir Recreation Area.

Motts Run Reservoir is a unique natural destination in Fredericksburg that offers residents and visitors opportunities for outdoor recreation such as hiking, biking, fishing, and boating. The reservoir and surrounding land also play an important role in protecting the watershed that contributes to the City's drinking water supply.

The grant will help the department continue its ongoing

By margaret sandford

sustainability efforts at the park. In recent years, staff have transitioned from park power tools to electric alternatives and replaced lead-acid marine batteries used in boat rentals with lithium-ion models.

With the support of the Jack O'Neill Fund, the department will now replace a gas-powered utility terrain vehicle (UTV) with an electric model. The new vehicle will assist staff with trail inspections, park maintenance, litter collection, and accessibility support for visitors while reducing reliance on fossil fuels.

"This generous grant helps us continue making one of Fredericksburg's most treasured green spaces even greener," said Ray Parrish, Outdoor Recreation Operations Coordinator for Fredericksburg Parks, Recreation & Events. "Motts Run Reservoir is a hidden oasis for our community, and investments like this

help us protect the natural resources that make it so special."

Fredericksburg Parks, Recreation & Events expressed its gratitude to the Community Foundation and the Jack O'Neill Fund for their commitment to sustainability and environmental stewardship in the region.

The new electric utility vehicle will support the department's mission to protect natural resources while continuing to provide high-quality outdoor recreation opportunities for the Fredericksburg community.

Maggie Sanford, Community Outreach Coordinator Parks, Recreation & Events

To learn more about Parks, Recreation & Events parks and programs, please visit FXBGparks com or call 540-3372-11086

Homeworks Preparing Your Home for Air Conditioning Season

By heather appleton

As warmer weather begins to settle into Northern Virginia and the Piedmont region, many homeowners are turning their attention to getting their homes ready for the months ahead. One of the most important-and often overlookedsteps is preparing your air conditioning system before the first stretch of summer heat arrives.

Your cooling system may not be ready to perform at its best without a little attention. Taking a proactive

approach now can help ensure comfort, improve energy efficiency, and reduce the likelihood of unexpected breakdowns during the hottest days of the year.

One of the simplest places to start is outdoors. Over the fall and winter, leaves, dirt, and debris can accumulate around your air conditioning unit. Because the system relies on proper airflow to function efficiently, it's important to clear away any obstructions. Trimming back nearby vegetation and gently cleaning the unit can make a noticeable difference in performance.

Inside the home, regularly changing air filters is a small task that has a significant impact. Dirty filters restrict airflow, forcing your system to work harder while also affecting indoor air quality. For most households, checking filters monthly and replacing them every

one to three months helps maintain both comfort and efficiency.

In addition to these basic steps, scheduling a professional inspection is one of the most effective ways to prepare for the cooling season. A comprehensive system check goes beyond a quick visual review. It includes evaluating critical components such as electrical connections, refrigerant levels, coils, motors, and safety controls. Identifying and addressing minor issues early can help prevent larger, more costly repairs later on, while also extending the life of the system.

Routine maintenance also plays an important role in energy efficiency. As utility costs continue to be a concern for many households, ensuring that your system is operating properly can help keep energy usage in check during peak cooling months.

For homeowners with older systems, early spring can also be a good time to consider upgrades. Advances in

high-efficiency equipment and smart home technology offer improved comfort, better temperature control, and potential long-term savings. Enhancements such as programmable or smart thermostats and indoor air quality solutions are becoming increasingly popular for those looking to improve overall home comfort.

Ultimately, preparing your air conditioning system before the season begins is about more than convenience-it's about peace of mind. A well-maintained system is more reliable, more efficient, and better equipped to keep your home comfortable when temperatures rise.

Heather Appleton is the Marketing Director of Appleton Campbell

Appleton Campbell is a locally owned and operated heating, air conditioning, plumbing, and electrical services business servicing the community for 50 Years. Contact Appleton Campbell at 540 347 0765 or at appletoncampbell com

During the pandemic when programming was suspended, Downtown Greens ended up with a vegetable garden full of fresh produce and herbs, but without the usual group of children to learn about how to use the items in cooking nutritious recipes. So, inspired by the Richmond free food fridges and pantries, Downtown Greens realized that we could help the local community with food security and have a place to keep the extra produce until community members could stop by to pick it up by providing a fridge and pantry. This allowed neighbors to be able to donate and to access food directly in their neighborhood at any hour of the day. With the generous help of Dominion, Downtown Greens' Fridge and Pantry opened with a ribbon cutting on April 10, 2022.

Since the Fridge and Pantry opened, we have been able to restart

programming in the Upper Garden, and Downtown Greens has added 56 acres of farmland and wetlands located in the F r e d e r i c k s b u r g Industrial Park to our conservation easements. This has caused the Fridge and Pantry to be outside of our immediate mission, but the staff and the Board of Directors have seen the need for the fridge and pantry in our neighborhood and wanted a solution to keep them while also ensuring that the limited resources we have go towards our mission of connecting people with nature.

Fortunately, The FXBG Free Fridge and Food Rescue was started to grow the free fridge and pantries in the region, and on March 1, 2026, they officially took over the Free Fridge and Pantry located on Downtown Greens' Downtown Campus. In this partnership, Downtown Greens is the host for the fridge and pantry, where we provide the electricity and space, and FXBG Free Fridge and Food Rescue will provide volunteers to clean and perform daily inspections, and keep the structure, pantry, and Fridge in good condition and repair/replace when needed.

Community members who are interested in contributing to the fridge and pantry, have several avenues to help

Everything Greens free fridge future

By Christie Hoerneman

The first is to provide food Community members can drop off food items at any time. In order for the food in the fridge and pantry to meet safety standards, please see that all food items adhere to these requirements: all packaged, sealed, and labeled foods that are not damaged or expired are accepted as well as fresh produce (no labels needed), all uncooked meat products should be placed in the freezer, sealed and labeled prepared meals, produce, dairy, eggs, and other perishables can be placed in the fridge, all labeled and sealed nonperishables can be placed in the pantry.

Second, the Fridge and Food Rescue Group is looking for volunteers to help check, maintain, and clean the fridge and pantry. To sign up or ask more questions, you can visit their website www fxbg food. Also, they meet once a month on the first Monday of the month at 6pm usually at the Fredericksburg Branch of the Central Rappahannock Regional Library.

Finally, monetary donations can be sent to Downtown Greens to be used towards some of the upkeep for the Fridge.

We at Downtown Greens are thankful for this partnership, which allows us to continue to contribute directly to the neighborhood we have been proudly a part of for over 30 years.

Christie Hoerneman is President of the Board at Downtown Greens.

If you have a group or a business that would be interested in taking a guided tour of our Belman Road Campus on your schedule, please email us at admin@downtowngreens org

For information about upcoming activities including classes, guided walkarounds and volunteer activities at our Belman Road Campus, UpperGarden or Lower Garden, please visit our website at downtowngreens org, where you can view and sign up for our educational programs, our monthly newsletter, and support our conservation efforts by a financial donation

In the Garden garden visitors

by ray mikula

"Along came a spider who sat down beside her and frightened Miss Muffet away." Don't be Miss Muffet. The garden is full of visitors that sometimes frighten but often delight us. Butterflies are so colorful and non threatening we can't help but enjoy their presence as they visit our flowers. Five lined skinks, basking in the sun, delight us with their blue tails and shy personalities. And who doesn't stop to notice the occasional box turtle slowly traversing your driveway or lawn. But some visitors don't always elicit a sympathetic response. Spiders, snakes, bees, wasps, and rodents often produce a different reaction But very few of these animals pose any great threat and are beneficial to your backyard envi-ronment.

Bees in the garden do great work pollinating the flowers and vegetables but many people fear them. When they are in the garden they are so busy it is hard to distract them. Many males of the 400 plus bee species in Virginia have no venom. As long as you don't threaten them they are happy to go about their work.

There are thousands of species of wasps They are divided in two groups, social wasps and solitary wasps. Social wasps build paper nests and use their

venom to defend it. They include yellow jackets and bald faced hornets. Solitary wasps use their venom to paralyze their prey. They seldom attack people. The social wasps make up only 2% of all wasps. Most are not dangerous.

provoked or hunting prey. Their prey consists of rodents, frogs, snails, insects, and other snakes, but not people. Copperheads are generally shy and nonaggressive, just don't step on them or attack them.

Spiders have venom and our worst one is the Black Widow. They are reclusive and hide under rocks and come out to attack prey. These you need to be cautious of. The rest play a big part in controlling the insect population in your yard.

Of the snakes in our area we have only one with venom, the copperhead All others are non poisonous. Snakes will usually attack only when they are

Bright colored insects like some caterpillars or red velvet ants are fun to look at but not to touch. Their bright colors serve as a warning of venom. Other non threatening visitors include toads, frogs, fence lizards, rabbits, chip-munks, squirrels, and moles. Being careful around are garden visitors is always prudent. Most are there for a good reason and it is not to bother us, so enjoy their presence. They are part of our natural environment, all fulfilling their own pur-pose.

If you want some gardening information you can join the Master Gardeners at 1pm on April 15th at the

Fredericksburg library on Caroline St. for a presentation by Anita Tuttle on How to turn your lawn into a Meadow. You can also stop by our tent at the Spotsylvania Farmers Market at Gordon Rd. and Rt 3 if you have any gardening questions starting in May. And don't forget to enjoy your garden visitors.

Ray Mikula is a Master Gardener. He has several acres of garden space & has been gardening for more years than he can count

MGACRA Symposium Saturday, April 11, 2026 will again be at Gari Melchers Home and Studio Theme: 'Creating an Ecofriendly Garden' Speakers: Kathy Jentz (Gardening DC podcast), Carol Allen, and Heather Zindash Come and enjoy the day with fellow gardeners from all over Virginia Registration forms and option to pay through PayPal or by check through mail: www mgacra org/spring-ssymposium html

Often overlooked, and even scorned, aunts play such an important role in our lives that I would like to take a moment to sing their praises.

Firstly, aunts help other species reproduce. Either by introducing their pollen to each other or even taking their seeds away for a while to babysit and help them do some growing elsewhere so as to give the parent plant a break.

Aunts are also great at cleaning up! Without our aunts we would all be up to our hips in dead plants and wildlife! Leave it to the aunts to do the tidying!

Aunts also love plants! Ask any aunt and they will happily wax on about their favorite plants and which ones they think are the sweetest and which ones they have had to remove the bugs from.

Don't get me wrong, even in the aunt world there are bad seeds. Some aunts actually spend their energy caring for the pests that hurt our plants! No one

Growing & Crawling the importance of aunts

By janet douberly

Some aunts are known for their strong perfume! When squeezed, many aunts will give off a sharp odor to warn other aunts of danger. The scent is strong enough that it will get on you if you are the one that squeezed them.

likes having these aunts around but we all know at least one.

Some aunts taste like lemons! Go ahead, try one next time you see one!

Janet Douberly is a proud aunt who loves ants at Downtown Greens.

front porch

Fredericksburg Perspectives

by Michael Thomas Harvey

The Hotel McGuire was located at 521 Princess Anne Street in Fredericksburg. It served primarily Black travelers and lodgers during an era when segregation severely limited where African Americans could stay while traveling.

In mid-20th-century travel guides for Black motorists like the Green Book, the McGuire Hotel appears as one of the few safe and welcoming accommodations in the region for Black travelers.

The McGuire not only provided rooms but was a community hub of employment and lodging for African Americans connected to a variety of trades and services.

U.S. census records from 1940 and 1950 show that Dr. W. Lee Harris (a Black dentist) was listed as its proprietor and that the building housed him, his family, and many lodgers, all of whom were Black and held everyday occupations such as taxi drivers, cooks, barbers, laborers, and more.

Greyhound Bus Depot is shown bottom photo at the corner of Princess Anne and Wolfe Streets. Hotel McGuire and the railroad overpass can be seen in the background

By the late 1970s, the McGuire Hotel building had been demolished.

The adjacent Shiloh Baptist Church (shown in middle photo) purchased the site and expanded its facilities onto the property.

FREDERICKSBURG PERSPECTIVES is created to provide our community (greater Fredericksburg, Va.) with an avenue for public engagement in an exploration of our common social history.

The focus is placed on the businesses and institutions that accented and contributed to this social structure over the last 100 years.

Engagement, comment and sharing of the content is strongly encouraged Fredericksburg Perspectives@facebook

Michael Thomas Harvey is the Admin of Fredericksburg Perspectives Additional Information provided by FXBG Perspective members

Hotel McGuire

With the Civil War raging all around Fredericksburg in 1862, one element of the battles that remains consistent is the cannons that both sides used. There are cannons located sporadically throughout the city reminding today's residents of the horror, highlighting the frightening sound that the cannonballs made as the soared through the sky.

Ralph "Tuffy" Hicks has a cannon in his front yard that is wrapped in its own local mystery of sorts. It might have been made at the Hope Foundry , a local ironworks place that was located on Princess Anne and Charlotte Streets where the city courthouse is now. The foundry was rumored to provide guns for the Civil War and then more war materials all the way up to World War II, before burning in the 1950's. Although there aren't many pictures of the foundry or much information available, it is mentioned in a book by Noel G Harrison "Fredericksburg Civil War Sites, Volume One, April 1861November 1862," and it's on a reconstructed map by local historian John Hennessy

Hicks cannon may have been made or "poured" there as part of a Union deal where they bought a package of six cannons. When the Confederates did a

The Cannons of Fxbg capture history & decorate lawns

cannon pour, they only poured four at a time. Hicks knows where some of the others are but can't quite prove that his was part of that pour. There is an old letter floating around in the local historian circuit that may prove where his cannon was from, but for now the 1000-pound cannon remains the centerpiece in his front yard.

Another foundry where Union cannons were also produced at the Phoenix Iron Works in Phoenixville, Pennsylvania.

Hicks is a well-known expert on the Civil War action in this area and knows the story of the cannons. In fact, one of Hick's sister cannons that was also made at Hope Foundry is on display in front of the Virginia National Guard in Fredericksburg Although neither Hick's cannon or this sister cannon were used in war, one is a yard decoration and the other is part of

By mike salmon

training and ceremonies it said on the historic plaque beneath. The cannon was restored and dedicated by the Fredericksburg Guard Association in 2014.

Over at the Fredericksburg Battlefield Park, there is a line of authentic Civil War cannons up on Prospect Hill where one part of the battle raged on back in 1862. These cannons were actual Civil War cannons that were fired in the war but are not the same cannons in use when Prospect Hill was occupied by the Confederate army during the first Battle of Fredericksburg, December 11-115, 1862

This battle started the morning of December 13 when Union general Ambrose Burnside called for an attack by Major General George G Meade 's division but as they moved forward, they were greeted by a 14-gun barrage from Gen Stonewall Jackson 's cannons, putting the Union troops under fire. Soon the Union cannons and Confederate cannons were in an "artillery duel," park information stated.

Guard's monument commemorating local militia 1675-11903. This model 1841 Cannon was actually used by the militia in the late 1800's for gunnery practice,

A few months later in May 1863, aka the Second Battle of Fredericksburg, the Union attacked the Confederates at Sunken Road Although there were no cannons involved, the horror of war was captured in a famous photo by Andrew Russell, showing the immediate aftermath with Sunken Road littered with bodies,

rifles and shredded uniforms.

Park Ranger John Launius called it "one of the most intense artillery barrages of the war." The Confederate artillery continued to fire on the open terrain and this was later named " Slaughter Pen Farm," because of the destruction. The cannons now provide a good backdrop for park visitors' picnic blankets in warmer weather.

There is another cannon out in front of the Virginia National Guard but this one is more modern looking and has no Civil War ties. On the plaque, is says the cannon is "from US Coastal defense, circa 1917-1919, manned by the 10th Co of the United States Coastal Defense Artillery. Cannon on loan from American Legion Post 55."

Mike Salmon is a local journalist with years of experience as a reporter for the Alexandria Gazette, Mount Vernon Gazette and the Connection Newspapers in Fairfax County. Got a story idea? Contact him at MikSalmon6922@gmail.com.

the

Ralph "Tuffy" Hicks cannon in front yard

One of the cannons at Fredericksburg Battlefield Park

Cannon in Front of VA National Guard

Fredericksburg’s Hometown Irish Pub & Restaurant Since 1961

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

200 Hanover St. ~ 373-0738

Garden Day in Fredericksburg

The spring tulips of lower Caroline Street come into full bloom every April, which is why on April 29th, the Rappahannock Valley Garden Club is hosting a walking tour to view these beautiful flowers, in honor of Garden Day in Fredericksburg. Purchase tickets online, and tour the gorgeous gardens of Fredericksburg's Historic District, and the interior floral arrangements of five beautiful homes. The tour will begin between Caroline and Princess Anne Streets, in the 200-block of Princess Elizabeth Street. This tour is the perfect way to celebrate Historic Garden Week in Virginia, and exemplifies the natural, outdoor beauty of Fredericksburg. Follow Historic Garden Week in Fredericksburg on Facebook.

Summer Fun Starts Here!

The new Summer Activity Guide for the City of Fredericksburg Parks, Recreation and Events is now available and filled with exciting opportunities for all ages, including summer camps, youth programs, sports, arts, and enrichment classes.

Now is the time to explore your options and start planning for a fun and active summer. View the full guide online.

TidBits small bites of local News

New Restaurants in Fredericksburg

There have recently been a number of wonderful, delicious restaurants opening their doors in Fredericksburg, from downtown to Central Park. Here are some of the new restaurants in Fredericksburg:

KPOT Korean BBQ & Hot Pot

This long awaited Korean BBQ chain has made its way to Central Park! Head over to 1791 Carl D Silver Pkwy for tummy AYCE Korean BBQ!

First WatchLocated in the former TGI Friday's building, this popular breakfast restaurant is now open in Central Park!

Mu Cha - Located above Mian Noodle House, 1005 Princess Anne Mu Cha is now serving up yummy bubble teas.

Bubblebee - Now open in their new Central Park location! You can get your Bubblebee fix at 1865 Carl D Silver Pkwy Suite 108.

Stockyards - The Wild West has made its way to 407 William Street, complete with line dancing and a mechanical bull!

Kilwin's - Located at 721 Caroline St in Downtown Fredericksburg, this delicious sweet stop has is now open for you to indulge.

New York Fried Chicken & SubsLocated at 3052 Plank Rd. Enjoy a variety of chicken wings, subs, burgers, and halal options.

By Amy Peregoy

Restaurants Coming Soon!

Trelawny Infusion - Located at 1108-1110 Caroline St, Trelawney Infusion Jamaican Cuisine will bring a bold menu full of flavor to Downtown FXBG! Paris Baguette - Located at 1859

Carl D Silver Pkwy, this cafe will offer pastries, coffees, breads, and sandwiches.

Movie on the Lawn New Date

Raiders of the Lost Ark, starring Harrison Ford at Historic Kenmore, April 10th, this Steven Spielberg epic follows archaeologist Indiana Jones as he races to find the Ark of the Covenant. Actionpacked film fun for whole family.

Free popcorn.included with admission. Bring chairs, or blankets for seating. Grounds open at 6:30p, Movie starts at 7:30p

A New Chapter of Hope for FXBG

The City of Fredericksburg and the Rappahannock Area Community Services Board (RACSB), with the endorsement of the Continuum of Care and Fredericksburg Main Street, are partnering to assist individuals experiencing homelessness in the downtown area.

The new Community Outreach Case Manager will be a visible downtown presence engaging individuals in need and helping connect them to vital services. Learn more about this initiative, which has been titled, "Hopestarter

Amy Peregoy is FXBG Economic Development Manager

Snowy, chilly, windy March is now a meteorologic memory - maybe you didn't especially notice with the stillsubfreezing temperatures and a final snowstorm, but Spring began officially on March 20 this year, the annual vernal equinox in our Northern Hemisphere. Spring, and gardeners usually sit up and take special notice of the Almanac when mailboxes fill with planting catalogs and potting soil, fertilizer, seed cups and twirling racks of seed packets replace displays of snow shovels and ice melt at the local hardware store. Well, this year I might be a month behind with my garden. Last year, the weather was so mild, I was foolhardy enough to plant potatoes, sow rows of peas and onions sets, even transplant tender lettuces, cool-weather loving arugula and all of my herbs from seed to the garden before March 20th - I say I was foolhardy because I've had years where mistiming saw the potatoes rotted in too-wet ground, late freezes turned

lettuce to mush, and few if any seeds germinated. But the Almanac reassured me, and later I forked up bushels of Yukon Gold, Kennebec white and Beauregard sweet potatoes - best harvest ever! March 20th this year saw the ground frozen inches down, and now drowning in mudforget about the tiller, and I think even the tractor might get bogged down in the farm garden! If herbs could shiver, mine would. They're still in their peat cups, waiting to be transplanted, spending their days hardening on an outdoor bench. Last month I hoped to find my winter kale and spinach still living under a crusty blanket of snow - and yes! my south-facing stonewarmed greens were there, the curly spinach probably the equivalent of $100 of organic grocery spinach packages - and so much kale that I've welcomed every neighbor with a bag and exhortation to pick, cut or pull as much as they'd like - I know the tiller will be turning the soil, and remaining greens, over in the next few

weeks! A few recipes for the last of my garden greens…

GARDEN CRESS SANDWICHES

Garden cress is not watercressit's an herb related to mustard greens and watercress and shares their tangy, slightly bitter and peppery flavor. My grandmother used to cut and clean it, then blanch in several changes of boiling water and simmer with fat meat, S&P and an onion for several hours on the back of the stove, then serve with a vinegar cruet aside. I do like a bowl of cooked cress, if just for a memory, but really love the flavor garden cress adds to mixed salads tossed with a whole-grain mustard vinaigrette or especially added to sandwiches - more tang in the flavor profile. This is a favorite recipe and a fine way to use up your Easter eggs!

Peel and chop six whole hard boiled eggs and set aside. In a medium bowl, stir together scant ¼ c. mayonnaise, 1 T. whole grain mustard, ¼ tsp. dry mustard powder, ½ tsp. vinegar and finely chopped whole green spring onion or bunch of chives. Fold together with the eggs, adding more mayo by the teaspoonful if needed. Spread on dark bread, like pumpernickel, top with cress and enjoy! Sometimes I spread vegetable cream cheese on a tortilla, then cress and shredded carrots - roll and enjoy! OR have you ever heard of Taylor Pork Roll? Find it in the sausage/bacon aisle - it is a finetextured pork sausage mixture which you slice and brown in a skillet, then serve hot on an onion roll as a sandwich with scrambled eggs and some cress.

EASY SPANAKOPITA SIDE DISH

This is great with lamb, think about your Easter dinner, or even as a

stand-alone vegetarian dish. Cut, clean and coarsely chop about two pounds of fresh curly spinach (not baby spinach), then blanch or steam - you should have about 4-6 cups cooked spinach. In medium bowl, beat together 3 large eggs, ¼ tsp. whole thyme, S&P. Stir in ½ c. very finely minced onion or spring onions, ¼ c. melted butter, 10 oz. crumbled feta cheese, 1 T. minced fresh parsley - then add spinach. Place mixture in greased 9-in. square baking pan. Unroll defrosted phyllo dough (or use homemade - that would take another two columns to explain!!) and keep dough covered with linen towel while working with it, as it dries out so easily. (When you've finished with this recipe, follow directions on box for saving and refreezing leftover phyllo.) Cut a stack of about 20 sheets to size, then begin layering them over the spinach mixture, brushing melted butter on each layer. Bake in preheated 350F oven 35-45 minutes until phyllo is golden brown and spinach mixture is bubbly and cooked through. The filling can also be used to make traditional small triangular appetizers which freeze very well, and are great to have on hand for appetizer emergencies.

AND ALL THAT KALE

I'm actually a bit overwhelmed by the amount of kale still to pick! And if you're in the neighborhood, come on by and help yourself! Please!! Vanessa shares her fabulous recipes , with a bit of southern charm & wit, each month in FPF

Tradition Meets Passion

Galvin's Deli and River's End Speakeasy

by mary lynn powers

Speaking with Emma Stoddard, co-owner with her husband Paul Stoddard was an early morning pleasure at their new dream business. It will actually be their 1 year anniversary at the Galvin’s Deli and River’s End Speakeasy, so definitely a good time to catch up with them. When I walked into the shop, I was amazed at the transformation from the previous restaurant that had been there for years, and honestly was pretty run down. Emma said it took over a year to get the renovations done in order to open. This young couple are an example of the hard working people who make our town unique. Emma was feeding a 10 week old newborn when I arrived, and we spoke to the challenge of running a business and raising a family. They also have two older children, so life is busy. She does most of the back of house work, and accomplishes

much from home. The Stoddards appear to be a great team.

The downstairs area is styled on a NY style deli, selling homemade sandwiches and soups. The concept is based on Emma's NY heritage. She was raised in NYC, but went to the University of Mary Washington, as did Paul. They didn't meet there, but rather at Paul's first restaurant where Emma worked during college. So, again Fredericksburg gains two talented graduates who opt for our city as their hometown.

corned beef is brined in a multi-day prep, and cooked in house. They serve classic meat sandwiches (turkey, corn beef, pastrami and brisket) and interesting melts like Pimento Chicken and an

Eggplant Melt for the vegan eater. There are soup and sandwich combos, with the reuben as an exception. The soup choices include Matzo Ball soup which you won't find easily. All the baked goods are honed from Emma's own recipes including her bagels. They offer a babka bun, which Emma described as similar to a sticky bun. They offer catering for breakfast or lunch with hearty box choices for a group.

The River’s End Speakeasy, is based on Emma's great grandfather who actually ran a speakeasy in NJ during prohibition. They serve signature artisan cocktails, as well as food specials that change regularly depending on the season. You need to book ahead as there is limited seating. You enter through a secret door and you use an old rotary phone to access the upstairs. It feels like a walk in history. They just started offering brunch

on the weekends in the speakeasy, and will be open from 9 AM to midnight, both Saturday and Sunday with a break to prep for dinner. The logo of River's End is "where comfort meets class."

Check out the website for further details and new information. galvinsdeli com

Mary Lynn is a returning writer who enjoys meeting and talking to new business owners.

Galvin's Deli and River's End Speakeasy 216 & 218 William Street

Galvin’s Deli Hours: Tues; Wed 11a-44p

Thurs-SSat 11a-88p Sun: 9a-22p

Closed Monday

River’s End Speakeasy Hours 216 Upstairs William Street Wed 5-110p

Thurs- Sat 5-112p

Sat/Sun Brunch; 9a-22p

Closed Mon & Tues 540-9940-66565 galvinsdeli.com galvinsedeli@gmail com

Different from other sandwich spots, they cook their own meat. The

Etc.

Earth Day... What’s in your glass

Earth Day was celebrated this year in many ways and by many different entities, including wineries and vineyards. After all wine is about terroir, which is all about environment, climate, and dirt and all of that is affected by how we treat this Earth As wine lovers, we should expect that those cultivating the grapes used for our wines are caring for their mother Earth.

There are some wineries that are taking the Earth and how we treat her sincerely. Domaine Carneros, a well-known sparkling wine producer, takes sustainability and living "light" on the land seriously. Since its founding in 1987, they are pushing that sustainability envelope in pursuit of the highest standards. They are constantly seeking out new areas to improve upon their high principles of sustainability, not only for the winery, but for its place in the community and as an employer. Their 2023 Avant Garde Pinot Noir Rosé -their first microgrid-ppowered wine They are one of the first wineries in the area to install this new technology. It is an expansion of their solar energy program. The new microgrid connects to a state-of-the-art battery system that can store energy to offset peak energy times and be used in off-peak times. Domaine Carneros is implementing practices such as owl boxes to encourage natural pest management, to taking grape pomace from every harvest and feeding it to local cattle. In 2013, they became certified sustainable by the California Sustainable Winegrowing Alliance, and in 2015 they were Fish Friendly Farming certified This certification is gained through dedicated efforts by the farmer to restore fish and wildlife habitat and improve water quality.

This winery gets it! Happy, healthy vines are a result of being kind to what feeds them.

Local Virginia winery DuCard has been green from day one, using wood for their floors and a re-purposed tasting bar recycled from a 100-year-old barn on the property. It has been named Greenest Winery in Virginia twice. The winery checks all of the boxes of environmentally friendly. They're solar-ppowered ; their cutlery is made from vegetable starch; they compost grape waste to use in their fields and gardens; and they plant wildflowers to feed beneficial insects. They also use lightweight wine bottles, disregarding the tradition of putting even their premium wines, in heavy (and wasteful) bottles. DuCard uses an artificial wetland system to process water, and partners with Re-CCork C'ville in a cork recycling program. Customers no longer will find plastic water bottles in the tasting room; they've switched to refillable glass. If visiting the winery in your Earthfriendly electric car, you can get all charged up while you relax over some award-wwinning Petit Verdot

Camila Carrillo, of La Montañuela, in Bethel, Vermont, feels that practices in her vineyard are the priority, using biodynamic, organic and regenerative methods to care for her vines. She believes that winemaking begins in the vineyard. Caring for the soil and the planet is a top priority. Because of this, she believes that biodynamic, organic, and regenerative agriculture are the best methods for healthy soils and healthy fruit. Her methods do not include chemical herbicides or pesticides in the vineyards,

by Rita Allen

she opts, instead, for plant-bbased trunk pastes and sprays "The trunk paste is horn manure, stinging nettle, horsetail and clay, which creates this white paste that attracts sunlight, which is healing for the vines and promotes new growth," says Carrillo. "Sustainability, to me, involves a mission to farm responsibly, to heal and to create abundance." She is innovative in the cellar as well, producing oxidative wines with grapes like Frontenac Gris and Petillant Naturel wines. Another winery embracing the value of the relationship between healthy vibrant vines and the earth that feeds them.

Wine is a product of what, how and when it is produced. It all starts in the vineyards, with happy grapes. If you have ever tried to grow anything, you know that it requires a good foundation, appropriate moisture, the right amount of sunlight, and nourishing surroundings. Nothing is truer for wine grapes! The grapes that go into wine are soaking up all that is sprayed and watered, along with what is in the dirt it is grown in. What ends up in the glass is a result of how, when and where the fruit is cultivated.

So Earth Day/Month should be recognized as a time to seek out those who are going the extra mile to take care of the foundation of the grapes that end up in your wine.

City Vino, 100 Hanover St (use Sophia St entrance) owner Rita Allan will answer all your wine questions

CALEND

Wednesday April 1 Fools Day Passover Begins

"River Rendezvous" Richmond artist Amie Oliver, thru April 18, TAG, Tappahannock Art Gallery, 200 Prince Street, Tappahannock, VA

LIVE MUSIC Scott Stallard @Courtyard Marriott 620 Caroline St ,6p

Saturday, April 2

James Madison Garden Club Plant Sale "Local Plants From Proven Gardens"King George Citizens Center, 8076 Kings Hwy King George,

Thursday April 2

Mini Mornings @the Museum, Flowers 10:15-11:15, Historic Kenmore preschool/kindergarden program

Wing It Thursdays Music Bingo @6B&G, 1140 International Pky, 7-9p

LIVE MUSIC Wave @Courtyard Marriott 620 Caroline St , 6p

LIVE MUSIC Laurie Rose Griffith & Peter Mealy @ Ironclad Inn 1200 Princess Anne, 6p

LIVE MUSIC Seth Morrissey @ Rebellion Bourbon Bar 309 William St 6p

First Friday April 3

Do Good Friday, Easter fun 10a 12p, Hurkamp Park family party packed with: Egg Hunts every 30 minutes Snow Cones Face Painting Crafts Scavenger Hunts Yard Games Food Distribution Everything is FREE

UMW Open House, See Why Mary Wash is right for You! 8:30a-2p

FCCA Members Gallery: "A Spring Trio with Needle & Brush, creating Botanicals & Florals"Anne McCahill, Celeste Johnston, Mary JohnsonMason. Frederick Gallery Mary Beth Hodil, Kari Franklin, & Arena Shawn, 813 Sophia St

"A Shower of Color" Brush Strokes Gallery, opening reception 5-9p, 824 Caroline St

"April Showers" Art First Gallery opening reception 6-9p

"Spring is in the Air", Artful Dimensions Gallery opening reception 6-9

Canal Quarter Arts' April featured artist, Kristopher Patterson, collection of his art on display and for sale opening reception 5-8:30

LIVE MUSIC Brisk Duo @6B&G, 1140 International Pky, 7-9:30p

LIVE MUSIC Robert Keelin @Adventure Brewing, 33 Perchwood, 7-9p

MUSIC Djs Kid Kasper & Dec 9p-1aHard Times Cafe Four Mile Fork, 10760 Patriot Hwy

LIVE MUSIC Retro Karaoke @ Reclaim Arcade 2324 Plank Rd 8p

Saturday April 4

Join ODHS Strolls at 7:45 a.paired with smaller dog, a different spot each week Don't miss the chance to get exercise, socialize with fellow dog lovers and give the dogs a chance to explore ***EVERY SATURDAY

Sunken Well Saturday: Brunch from 9-2, 720 Littlepage ***EVERY SATURDAY

Patawomek Easter Extravaganza, 638 Kings Hwy, 11a-4p explore village, crafters, easter bunny photos, egg hunt, moon bounce, music, food FREE Colonial Tavern Brunch, 11a-3p ***EVERY SATURDAY 406 Lafayette Blvd Sat Blues Jam, 2-4p Flea Market, King George Citizens Center,8076 Kings Hwy, 7a-12p

Colonial Fair @Historic Kenmore, Magic, Music, Pupperty, History, Games, 10a-4p, 1201 Washington Ave

Revatone Wedding Experience, not your typical bridal expo. Hosted at the stunning Revatone Farm, 12p-4p, 10828 Catharpin Rd, Spotsy Courthouse

Stand-Up Comedy Night. Jon Yeager's Callback Comedy Productions presents regional & national comedic talent 810 Caroline St, reservations AllstateCommunityTheater.org. Curtain 7:30pm

Live Music Laurie Rose Griffith & Peter Mealy @ Ironclad Inn, 1200 Princess Anne

LIVE MUSIC In The Groove: An R&B Affair All Vinyl DJ Party with DJ Nobe @ Reclaim Arcade o 8p

LIVE MUSIC Low Bonez @ Colonial Tavern 406 Lafayette Blvd,8-11p

Easter Sunday April 5

Sunday Brunch Sunken Well Tavern, 9a-2 720 Littlepage ***EVERY SUNDAY

Sunday Brunch Colonial Tavern 406 Lafayette Blvd 11a-3p ***EVERY SUNDAY

Sunday Hikes beautiful local trails and do wonders for the rescue dogs at ODHS meet at 7:45a be matched w/rescue dog a different trail each week 3602 Lafayette BLVD ***EVERY SUNDAY

Monday April 6

FXBG Food CoOP, Chair Yoga 320 Emancipations Hwy, 10-10:45a; 11011:45a *** EVERY MONDAY

Rappahannock Choral Society 7 -9P at Zoan Baptist Church, Plank Road across the road from Harrison Crossing Shopping Center. Seeking new members alto, tenors, basses, and soprano.*** EVERY MONDAY

Open Mic @Colonial Tavern 7p, 406 Lafayette Blvd *** EVERY MONDAY

Burger Night Capital Ale, 3p-Midnight, 917 Caroline St .*** EVERY MONDAY

Tuesday April 7

Tea Talk w/Mark Maloy, Lesser-Known Virginians of the Revolutionary War, 12n-2p, The Ironclad Inn, 1200 Princess Anne St

Ukulele Jamming, Fred Food CoOP Beginners, 6:30p Jam 7p 320 Emancipations Hwy

Sunken Well Tavern Burger Night, 5p, 720 Littlepage ***EVERY TUESDAY

Wednesday April 8

Pay-What-You-Can preview Henry V box office open 2 hrs before curtain at 5:30 pm Tickets first-come, first-serve basis, only sold at the box office , Klein Theatre, 1301 College Ave

LIVE MUSIC Brian Hill @Courtyard

LIVE MUSIC Rogue Johnsen @ Food

Thursday April 9

William Shakespeare's Henry V UMW FXBG 250 Revoluntary War H Fredericksburg", Fxbg Masonic Lodg

LIVE MUSIC Paper Hearts @ Rebelli

LIVE MUSIC Paper Hearts @ Rebelli

Friday April 10

Dr. Jason and Mother Hyde origin Door Productions, hilarious moder egos & powerful for .AllstateCommunityTheater.org. 2:3

Movie on the Lawn Raiders of the Historic Kenmore,. Action-packed fi blankets for seating. Grounds open

William Shakespeare's Henry V at U The Artists' Alliance Feature Painte 101, Colonial Beach. Opening from

LIVE MUSIC Mark Dunn @ Wing It T International Pky, 7-9p:30p

LIVE MUSIC Liquid A Band @Hard Patriot Hwy, 9a-1p

LIVE MUSIC Anthony G @Courtyar

LIVE MUSIC Fascination Street @ Plank Rd 8p

LIVE MUSIC The Cold North @Adve

Saturday April 11 Fxbg Farmers Market, Hurkamp P homegrown, homemade & baked g ***EVERY SAT

Spotsy Farmers Market , 8am - 1pm products grown by local farmers ** Sunken Well Saturday: Brunch from Colonial Tavern Brunch, 11a-3p 40 Master Gardeners Symposium "Cre Melchers Home & Studio, www.mga

Spring Arts & Crafts Shown Fxbg C vendors from across the region. Sh Muticultural Fair, entertainment, American food, ethnic crafts, Ball C Songs of Love, Chamber Chorale Church, 1019 Princess Anne, 3p &

LIVE MUSIC Stillhouse Junkies@6B&

DAR of events

Marriott 620 Caroline St , 6p

de 900 Princess Anne St 6p:

W Theatre Opening night, 7:30p.

Heroes Lecture Series, "Lodge at ge No.4, 7p, FREE

ion Bourbon Bar 309 William St 6p

ion Bourbon Bar 309 William St 6p

nal comedic play produced by Stage

rn day take on the classic tale of alter rces. 810 Caroline St,. 30pm and 7:30pm thru Sunday

Lost Ark, starring Harrison Ford at ilm for whole family.F Bring chairs, or at 6:30p, Movie starts at 7:30p UMW Theatre, 7:30p Ck website dates

er Cindy Falkenstein 100 Taylor St., # m 6-9

Thursdays Music Bingo @6B&G, 1140

d Times Cafe Four Mile Fork, 10760

d Marriott 620 Caroline St , 6p Reclaim Arcade, 2324 Plank rD2324

enture Brewing, 33 Perchwood,7-9p

Park Opening Farmers & bakers sell oods,local fresh farm produce 7a-1p

m 12150 Gordon Rd, selection of food

**EVERY SAT

m 9-2, 720 Littlepage ***EVERY SAT

06 Lafayette Blvd ***EVERY SAT

eating An Eco-friendly Garden", Gari acra.org/spring-symposium.

Convention Center over 150 talented how thru April 12

children activities, international & Circle, UMW Campus, 10a-5p of Fxbg Season Finale, Fxbg Baptist 7p &G, 1140 International Pky, 7-9p:30p

Sunday April 12

Deaf Hard of Hearing Day tour Historic Kenmore interpreted w/ American Sign Language. 1p & 2;30p.,1201 Washington Ave

Thursday April 14

Karen's Line Dancing, country, hip-hop, & Rock Strangeways Brewing 350 Landsdowne, 6:30-8:30p

LIVE MUSIC Open Mic @Adventure Brewing, 33 Perchwood, 7-9p

Wednesday April 15

Preserving Our Communities 6:30 - 7:30p. UMW's Jepson Science Center College Avenue, UMW, HFFI & College Terrace Neighborhood FREE

LIVE MUSIC Dave Nichols @Courtyard Marriott 620 Caroline St , 6p

Thursday April 16

Cultural Quilt Lecture Series Italians in 18th Century Virginia. Scott Walker. Cultural Quilt Lecture Series Free 6:30pm CRRL 1201 Caroline James Monroe HS Theatre Dept presents "Come From Away", 7pm, JMHS Washington Ave

LIVE MUSIC John Benjamin, Stockyards, 407 William St, 6p

LIVE MUSIC Mo @ Rebellion Bourbon Bar 309 William St 6p

Friday April 17

Twelfth Night - And Now for Something Completely Different. A not so serious teen adaption of William Shakespeare's romantic play adapted by award winning playwright Ray Manfredi. 10 Caroline St; reservations .AllstateCommunityTheater.org.2:30pm & 7:30pm THRU April 18

James Monroe HS Theatre Dept presents "Come From Away", 7pm, JMHS Washington Ave

LIVE MUSIC UMW Philharmonic Spring Concert, FREE, Dodd , 7:30-9p

LIVE MUSIC Something Shiny @6B&G, 1140 International Pky, 7-9p:30p

LIVE MUSIC Y'all or Nothing country band Hard Times Cafe Four Mile Fork, 10760 Patriot Hwy 9p-1a

LIVE MUSIC Scott Stallard @Courtyard Marriott 620 Caroline St 6p

LIVE MUSIC Elby Brass @ Reclaim Arcade 2324 Plank rD 8p

LIVE MUSIC David Moran Band @Adventure Brewing, 7-9p

Saturday April 18

Bath Tea Workshop, hands-on workshop inspired by historic apothecaries , James Monroe Museum, 908 Charles St, 10a

STEAM-H Day full day hands-on activities, live demos, K-12 students. 102p Germannna Fxbg Campus, 1000 Germanna Point

Thrift World -Fxbg Convention Centers mix of vintage & modern fashion, shoes, nostalgia, records, toys, mod, retro, art

LIVE MUSIC VA Rum Runners @6B&G, 1140 International Pky, 7-9p:30p

Sunday April 19

Foraging Walk in the Garden, FREE class, Downtown Campus Downtown Green, 206 Charles St, 11a

LIVE MUSIC UMW Spring Choral Concert, Dodd Aud, 7:30-9p, FREE

Monday April 20

Spring Opening @The St James House, a Fxbg treasured landmark elegant example of colonial architecture, period furniture, stunning art guided tour, 1-5p, 1300 Charles St ONE WEEK ONLY thru April 25

Wednesday Earth Day April 22

Swapped - The Musical which holds no boundaries when it comes to gender related performances.Plethora Theater Group. 810 Caroline St, reservations AllstateCommunityTheater.org. 1 Nite Only 7:30pm

LIVE MUSIC Tommy Filkoski @ Foode 900 Princess Anne 6p

LIVE MUSIC Cylas Ibanez Courtyard Marriott 620 Caroline St , 6p

Thursday April 23

LIVE MUSIC Swing'n'Strings @ Rebellion Bourbon Bar 309 William St 6p

Friday April 24

Plena in the Square, celebrate Puerto Ricoan Plena thru Dance, 6-7:30p, Fxbg Market Square

LIVE MUSIC Greg Roth Band @Adventure Brewing, 33 Perchwood, 7-9p

LIVE MUSIC Chris Ryan Band Hard Times Cafe Four Mile Fork, 10760 Patriot Hwy 9p-1a

LIVE MUSIC Prabir Trio w/Fuzzy Goldmine @ Reclaim Arcade 8p

LIVE MUSIC The Cold North @6B&G, 1140 International Pky, 7-9p:30p

LIVE MUSIC Todd Hall @Courtyard Marriott 620 Caroline St , 6p

Saturday April 25

America 250 @Ferry Farm "Drums Along the Rappahannock: Echoes of Revolution" Old Guard Fife and Drum Corps, Revolutionary War-era reenactors, immersive event connects visitors to the people, sounds, and ideas that shaped the nation's founding. 10a-2- FREE

Strangeways Brewing ODHS rescue dogs "Barks and Brews" 12. to 5p

LIVE MUSIC Spike @6B&G, 1140 International Pky, 7-9p:30p

Sunday April 26

Food Truck Festival for foodies, families,Fxbg Fairgrounds support local food trucks and enjoy vendors, DJ, kids activities, & more!

Thursday April 30

America 250 Revolutionary War Medicine Stories Historical interpreters from Hugh Mercer Apothecary Shop bringing 18th-century medical practices to life through stories, demonstrations and historical context. 6-7:30p , CrrL Fxbg Branch, 1202 Caroline St, 6-7:30p

LIVE MUSIC Acoustic Aubrey @ Rebellion Bourbon Bar 309 William St 6p

If you are reading this 345th issue of FPF, thank an advertiser, now in our 29th year of continuous publication!

List your events email frntprch@aol com: subject Calendar/Events

Deadline for May 2026 issue is April 19th

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

By Ralph “Tuffy” Hicks

I am often asked where April Fools' Day originated. That is an excellent question as the origin of this day may never be found All Fools 'Day which is not normally used, is a yearly event on the first day of April when practical jokes and pranks are played on our friends and neighbors. The origin of the event is not known; however, it has been associated with The Canterbury Tales as far back as the 1300's too the "Nun's Priest's Tale"

history’s stories April Fools ’ Day

April 1st hoax in 1965 when they claimed a professor had invented "SMELLOVISION" , where the television could transmit aromas over the network. Many viewers called the network stating they could detect the aromas of the April fool hoax. On April 1, 1992, the NPR radio network, said that Richard Nixon, who resigned during Watergate scandal, was now in the presidential race and his slogan was "I never did anything wrong, and I won't do it again.

In 1986 New York City begin the April Fools' Parade The parade included satirical floats, featured celebrities, and often had participants wearing costumes of political figures portrayed as "fools." The event will crown a King of Fools. It is all done in good humor. Many of us can recall the common pranks of writing a note and putting it on a friend back with a saying like "kick me." Telling someone their shoe is untied or pants unzipped. The Internet today has pranks that can embarrass a large segment of the users.

In 1957 on what was the first televised hoax , the BBC televised a program that featured spaghetti growing on trees in Switzerland. The broadcast further stated that it was a bumper crop of spaghetti. Today it is said to be the biggest hoax ever pulled by a news network. The British network did another

It is important that in the spirit of April Fools' Day that it be harmless pranks and jokes. That it is crucial to be sensitive to the emotions of others and to avoid harmful situations where you may harm the feeling of others or even your own family members. We all realize that social media can cause elaborate hoaxes today that can reach an audience in many areas within minutes, from fake announcements about a product or viral videos.

Remember, April Fools' Day is a time to share laughter and friendship. To avoid becoming a fool, it is always wise to maintain skepticism. I always remember the old saying, if it is too good to be true. I am always alert, especially on April 1.

Prayers for Anne Ddedicated To: Robert Green & Jon Weinhardt

Tuffy is Front Porch’s Resident Historian

OUR HERITAGE old stone warehouse

By clint schemmer

Historic Fredericksburg Foundation helped save the Warehouse Fxbg landmark has slowly shed its myths

Stout and distinctive, it occupies a corner of a well-trafficked crossroad. You can't miss Fredericksburg's Old Stone Warehouse - there's nothing else like it in town.

However, area residents have long been misled about this landmark beside the Rappahannock's Chatham Bridge. Said to have been a jail and a place of public punishment, it was neither.

Built of hand-hhewn sandstone blocks to make it fireproof and having survived floods and the Civil War, it rose four stories next to an important ferry landing off Sophia and William (formerly Water and Commerce streets).

The building's prominence on the riverfront is clear in a circa-1893 image by New Jersey photographer Henry B Hoffman, (above top) which recently came to the Historic Fredericksburg Foundation, Inc. Florida amateur archaeologist Jack Edlund, who investigated the warehouse

and welcomed visitors for 39 years, donated the image and others.

Because the building resembled a jail-with iron bars in the windows-and historians knew Fredericksburg had a stone jail in 1732, people misidentified it as a pre-Revolution lockup for decades. In the 1950s, it carried a sign "Colonial Warehouse, built prior to 1760," and a pillory for

to store dry goods, mainly wheat and flour, atop the foundation of a 1794 warehouse.

After the War of 1812, the building served as a lumber house, a brewery, a tomato cannery, and a feed and fertilizer warehouse During the Civil War, artillery shells pierced the roof at least five times

In 1942, the city bought the building after a flood inundated downtown. From 1943 to 1956, Mayor C M Cowan cured saltfish there. However, when the new Chatham Bridge opened in 1942, its construction raised Sophia and William streets and half-buried the warehouse's city facade. The pressure tilted the walls 1.5 feet toward the river.

To preserve the structure and share its history with a wider audience, HFFI leased it in the 1960s. In 1975, HFFI and partners including the Virginia Department of Historic Resources built a reinforcedconcrete retaining wall and drainage system beneath the building's Sophia Street yard to keep it standing tall.

miscreants. Oops. The jail and the first, circa-1740 courthouse were on Princess Anne Street.

"Because of its unusual construction, the Old Stone Warehouse has long attracted dramatic versions of its history-it was the a) the oldest masonry building in town or b) a jail or c) a colonial tobacco warehouse," HFFI researchers noted in the 1990s. "The facts prove it was none of these."

The building one of very few survivors of the many masonry warehouses that lined the port's riverside. Its site was surveyed in 1728 as part of the town's 50-acre charter. By 1754, Charles Dick, trans-Atlantic trader Fielding Lewis's friend and neighbor, managed a warehouse on the site.

After the fire of 1807, local businessman Thomas Goodwin constructed the Stone Warehouse in 1813

In 1985, the warehouse became the Fredericksburg Area Center for Archaeology, with Edlund and archaeologist James Harrison III directing volunteers to probe its secrets and interpret its past. "The preservation, continued rehabilitation, and public use of the Old Stone Warehouse are crucial to sharing its role in Fredericksburg's vibrant commercial history over the last two centuries," Harrison said.

The warehouse, protected by a state easement and the city's downtown Historic District, was closed in 2019 for the Chatham Bridge's latest renovation.

"HFFI has stepped in to save the Old Stone Warehouse on numerous occasions since it was purchased by the city, and we are pleased to once again lend our support to its rehabilitation," HFFI preservationist Danae Peckler said. "Our city's historic treasures do not deserve to be left vacant for decades."

Clint Schemmer is a retired Free Lance-Star editor and writer.

photos: Henry B. Hoffman & Historic American Buildings Survey

In this circa-11893 view of Fredericksburg's riverfront Stone Warehouse, a neighbor's wash dries at left and the Chatham Bridge's steel rises at right St George's Episcopal Church and the city's courthouse cupola are at rear

Seen from Sophia Street, the warehouse stored fertilizers in the early 1900s and sat beside the "Free Bridge" (left) The Falmouth Bridge exacted a toll

Mental Health

Dealing with Serious Emotional Upsets

By karen kallay

Last month we looked at a variety of ways to help oneself cope with life's inevitable setbacks. As I promised then, this month I'll outline professional or trained help resources, with emphasis on most affordable when possible.

A reminder: I'm not a professional myself. But I have been active in the local mental health field for a few decades as a client and advocate volunteering with organizations and networks big and small.

In case you are concerned about someone who may be suicidal, that can't wait so we'lll start there. The local emergency response service is at (540) 373-33223 For an instance requiring immediate physical response, dial 911, say that it is a mental health crisis, and ask for the response team to include a mental health specialist

But now let's take a deep breath, take several steps back, and consider what professional therapists or counselors are trained to do. In the briefest terms, they can help individuals to be more self-aware, build coping skills, improve relationships,

and achieve personal growth. Confidentiality is absolute. Success usually requires the work of strong personal effort, a good match of personal styles, and, sometimes, medication.

Abe, who has been having trouble sleeping and concentrating, who hasn't enjoyed much of anything for weeks, and has tried a self-help book and video with little improvement. He's ready to try one on one professional. Another example could be Beth, who is utterly frustrated with her life despite many conversations with friends and family. Another could be Chiquita, whose employer has told her to get help with her addictions if she hopes to remain employed. Another could be Danielle whose older child causes frequent calls from school staff for behavior problems and whose younger child is extremely withdrawn.

Two basic factors apply that are also pertinent for even more serious situations:

Determine what insurance might be available. Does one's health insurance include mental health? (Legally, it's supposed to, but maybe for only a few

sessions or big copay.) Does one qualify for tax-supported programs?

Medicaid (under age 65) 1-855-2428282 (toll free) or 1-888-221-1590 (TDD) or visit www.coverva.org or Medicare (older) 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227? Whatever applies, phone or get online to learn the details.

Get professional recommendations to a provider. Possibly from a physician. Definitely from the free referral service maintained by Mental Health America Fredericksburg www.mhafred.org/mhafred-helpline/ which can be accessed online or by phone with a confidential helper, open weekdays 9 - 2 (540) 371-22704 Their service facilitates searches by multiple factors like specializations, costs, insurance, location, availability, etc. Some services take payments on a sliding scale based on ability to pay.

The pandemic moved many counseling services to shift to online services, usually still covered by insurance. But there is often a waiting list, so start the search the sooner the better.

Karen Kallay lives in Fredericksburg and volunteers as Community Liaison for National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) Rappahannock affiliate. She welcomes comments, questions, and column suggestions at kkallay@namirapp.org.

NAMI is the National Alliance on Mental Illness, the nation's largest grassroots mental health organization dedicated to building better lives for millions of Americans affected by mental illness through education, support and advocacy

The BMJ (which is what we are meant to call the British Medical Journal these days) has put the cat amongst the pigeons with a paper about what happens when you stop using GLP-1 agonists.

GLP-1 1 agonists are those drugs like Ozempic, Wegovy, Mounjaro Trulicity Victoza (which contain one of the three different generic ingredient, semaglutide, liraglutide and dulaglutide) that have become wildly popular. Roughly 12% of American adults have used them, there has been a 40-fold increase in use between 2017 and 2021, with spending on semaglutide growing from $410 million in 2018 to $26.42 billion by 2023.

This because of what they do; stimulate pancreatic beta cells to produce more insulin; suppress glucagon (a hormone that raises blood sugar) ; slow the rate of gastric emptying and act on receptors in the brain to increase feelings of fullness ; and to a small extent raise the rate of metabolism (thermogenesis). This makes them very effective in treating diabetics, (lowering the average HbA1c - a blood test is a long-term measure of blood sugar - from between 0.8 and 2.1%.)

They also are good for vascular disease improving "cardio metabolic markers" (cholesterol, triglycerides, systolic and diastolic blood pressures) reducing risk of strokes and heart attacks.

But the thing that has made them infamous is their effect on weight. Numbers show they cause a 15% to 20% loss of body weight over roughly 1 year. And though invented for treatment of diabetes, 38 percent of their use is for weight loss

Those Kill-jjoys at the BMJ Wonderful. A panacea. just what we need now as obesity is overwhelming us and is being recognized not just as a lack of willpower but as a metabolic pathology - for example, people prone to gaining weight have "cue-induced" cravings, preference for energy-dense foods, a stronger dopamine release with such foods, less reduction of the effects of the "hunger hormone," ghrelin, so people keep eating. And a common tendency to stress eating. All of which makes it hard to lose weight.

But now the BMJ has put a damper on GLP-1 agonists - or the team from Oxford University in England who wrote the paper after reviewing 37 studies on weight change after stopping taking

By Patrick Neustatter, MD

weight management medicines or lifestyle changes are actually the killjoys.

They found when the medicines were stopped there was " rapid weight regain and reversal of beneficial effects on cardiometabolic markers " And that weight gain was faster than when stopping behavioral weight management programs.

The implication they say is "caution in short term use of these drugs without a more comprehensive approach to weigh management" - meaning people are confronted with the prospect of needing to take these medicines for ever.

Condemned to a Life of Medication?

There has not been much in the way of adverse effects from GLP-1 agonists reported - though they are still relatively new.

Their effect on gastric emptying can cause nausea, or possibly more serious paralysis of the stomach (gastroparesis) and bowel obstruction. And occasionally there have been reports of problems with the gall bladder. But "serious adverse events are rare."

But this research suggests stopping taking them is a problem, because of the weight re-gain. But some half of all people who do take them stop. "Discontinuation rates outside of clinical trials are around 50%" the authors say - a lot of the cause likely because of cost.

If you don't have insurance coverage, Ozempic for example can cost up to $2,000 a month - though there are various programs to help people get it cheaper.

No doubt the manufacturers are happy with the implication that you can never get off these medicines. But it doesn't seem an ideal solution.

God forbid we should do anything to combat the flourishing industry of calorie-dense, highly processed foods that is advertised everywhere with the intention of giving us food cravings.

Patrick Neustatter, MD is the Former Medical Director Lloyd Moss Free clinic, & Author of Managing Your DoctorThe Smart Patient's Guide to Getting Effective Affordable Healthcare. Website managingyourdoctor.com

Renewal Finding Warmth & Comfort All Around Us

By nancy kelly

"The beautiful spring came; and when Nature resumes her loveliness, the human soul is apt to revive also."

- Harriet Ann Jacobs

Ah, the warmth of the sun, the sound of birdsong and the smell of azaleas, and hyacinths, spring is here, and with it, comes a sense of renewed hope. There are so many things about spring that bring us warmth and comfort - sitting by the Rappahannock River, listening to the water rush over the rocks and watching the wildlife flourish around it, walking our dog in John Lee Pratt Memorial Park, and grabbing a good cup of coffee downtown in a cozy café with a dear friend. Warmth and comfort come in many forms.

Now, imagine not being able to be comfortable or comforted because the person who claims to love you hurts you physically and emotionally. What do you do? Where do you find safety, warmth and comfort?

Empowerhouse is here to help. For 48 years, Empowerhouse has empowered survivors of domestic violence and their children to believe in themselves and build new lives filled with dignity, respect, safety, and hope. With our caring services, we give victims the time, space, and tools to heal their hearts, restore their connections, rebuild their lives, and renew their spirits.

For survivors of domestic violence, the path to healing starts with a call to our 24-hhour confidential Hotline at (540) 373-99373 Empowerhouse's trained advocates meet survivors where they are to discuss safety planning and see how we

can help and provide vital services. Our 24-hhour residential Shelter accommodates up to 40 vulnerable community members at a time and offers a safe, nurturing environment as our Shelter team cares for survivors and their children to ensure they receive the support and crucial resources they need.

Our Latina advocates compassionately work with our Spanishspeaking community to navigate a sometimes scary and challenging path forward. Just as we seek to bring renewed hope to our survivors, they inspire us with their courage and their ability to lift each other up as they heal together in our peer support groups or laugh together at dinner in our Shelter kitchen.

We see the warmth and camaraderie as students participate in our age-appropriate, facilitated Healthy Relationships Classroom Presentations, which we bring to area classrooms for free. These engaging, interactive presentations help break the generational cycle of violence and cover topics like bullying, healthy friendships, boundaries, warning signs of abusive behavior, equality and respect, and improved communication.

We are also the lucky recipients of warmth and comfort thanks to many wonderful people in our community who give back to us. Our Empty Bowl event, which was postponed to March, was a community celebration as we gathered to support survivors, enjoy friends, new and old, eat great food, and take home fabulous ceramic bowls donated by our fantastically talented local potters. In

addition, we've had the touching and powerful experiences of former Shelter residents making meals for us, bravely sharing their stories at our events like Night of 1,000 Pies or using their incredible life skills to serve on our Board. As we welcome spring, a time of renewal and hope, please know that Empowerhouse is here for our community throughout the year offering care, warmth and comfort.

To learn more about Empowerhouse's programs or to support our life-changing and lifesaving work, please go to our website at www empowerhouseva org If you, or someone you know is experiencing domestic violence, please call our free, confidential 24-hhour Hotline at (540) 373-99373

.Nancy Kelly is the Development Director of Empowerhouse. photo by Roman Biernacki.

Wall of Honor nominations for 2026 now be accepted bY Caitlyn McGhee

The Fredericksburg Memorials Advisory Commission is seeking nominations for the City's Wall of Honor for 2026. T

Established in 2000, the the Wall is located inside Fredericksburg City Hall, 715 Princess Anne St. Up to four people are honored annually.

The Wall of Honor recognizes individuals who made significant, longterm contributions to the welfare of the City and the betterment of the community

Nominees must have been residents of the Fredericksburg area and must have been deceased for at least one year prior to nomination. Any individual may submit a nomination, except immediate family members. Please avoid submitting multiple nominations for the same person; however, letters of support and other supporting documentation (such as obituaries and news articles) are encouraged.

The Wall of Honor Application is available on the City's website at fredericksburgva.gov/FormCenter/BoardsCommissions-5/Wall-of-Honor-Application-

For questions, please contact Brenda Martin, Deputy Clerk of Council, at bmartin@fredericksburgva.gov. The deadline for submissions is May 15, 2026. For additional information, please visit fredericksburgva.gov/240/MemorialsAdvisory-Commission.

Caitlyn McGhee, Public Information Officer , City of Fredericksburg

Publisher Note: Rob Grogan, the late Editor & Co-FFounder of Front Porch Fredericksburg was Honored in 2022

Fredericksburg Wall of Honor Can Be Viewed at City Hall, 715 Princess Anne Street

Art in the Burg

Art Galleries in April

“April Showers”

All Members

Opening Reception April 3, 6-99p

Art First Gallery, 824 Caroline Street

Continuing the seasonal theme, the gallery's April exhibit is "April Showers" which follows the March theme, "March Winds" and will be followed by "May Flowers" in May. Artists have free reign to paint or create whatever inspires them -and gallery visitors will see the results.

Opening Reception will be during First Friday, April 3, 6-9pm. Light refreshments will be available. The collection will otherwise be on display during normal gallery hours, April 2 -April 26, Thursdays through Sundays, 11am-5pm

Gary Close

“A Shower of Color”

All Members

Brush Strokes Gallery

Opening Reception , First Friday April 3, 1, 5-99p 824 Caroline St April is a month characterized by the arrival of the colorful display of spring blooms. April showers soften the soil

allowing the dormant bulbs and seeds waiting for warmth to emerge.

Brush Strokes artists have produced a shower of color in the current exhibit. Penny Parrish's "April Showers" pictures a group of bright umbrellas which could be needed for a walk in the spring rain. Tracey Brinckman's "Secret Garden" explodes with the brilliant hues of emerging flowers. "Dream of the Dance" by Val McCarney is a celebration of the season. Kimberly Zook's "Memory Tree" is a joyful depiction of blues and yellows and "Two Hyacinths" by Carol Waite shows one of the favorite flowers of the season.

Stacy Gerise's photograph "April Rain" sparkles with ripples in the swirling water.

Do not miss the hand-crafted jewelry by Liana Pivirotto, watercolors from Beverley Coates, charcoal drawings by Carol Haynes, glasswork by Lisa Gillen, paintings by Collette Caprara and Ron Perkins , photographs by N orma Woodward and more.

Brush Strokes Gallery is open Thursday through Sunday from 11:00 am to 5:00 pm. Join us for a reception on First

Friday, April 3 from 5-9 pm. It is a wonderful time to meet our artists and to mingle with other art lovers in our community

Norma Woodward

"Spring is in the Air"

All Member Show

Opening Reception: Fri April 3, 6-99pm

Artful Dimensions Gallery 1025 Caroline St

Lots of green, And flowers too!

Great subjects for art, We hope to see you!

~Sally Cooney Anderson

Kristopher Patterson, Featured Artist

Opening Reception April 3, 5-88:30

Canal Quarters Arts 1517 Princess Anne Canal Quarter Arts is pleased to feature resident artist Kristopher Patterson during the month of April.

Kristopher is a talented multidisciplinary artist whose work includes finely rendered graphite drawings, creative multimedia endeavors, and incredibly expressive paintings. Over the coming year, he plans to focus on creating artwork inspired by Fredericksburg - exploring the local landscapes, architecture, and character that makes the area unique.

~ Ellyn Wenzler

100 Taylor St , # 101, Colonial Beach

Opening Friday, April 10, from 6-9 9

The Artists' Alliance (AA) at Jarrett Thor Fine Arts will feature artist Cindy Falkenstein. Cindy is an accomplished mixed media artist and her April show will feature a collection of multimedia works using acrylics, textiles, collage, and assemblage

Kathryn Murray

“River Rendezvous” featuring by Richmond artist Amie Oliver Thru April 18

TAG, Tappahannock Art Gallery, 200 Prince Street, Tappahannock, VA "River Rendezvous" begins and ends with water from the Tappahannock, the James, the Potomac, and other coastal terrains, mixed with permanent ink, acrylic paint, liquid graphite and occasional sand, crystals and regional remains

The Artists' Alliance Feature Painter Cindy Falkenstein

Paige Totaro

“April Showers”, Penny A Parrish @ Brush Strokes Gallery

Works By Beverley Coates

“April Showers”, Robin Hatty @ Art First

Artful Dimensions Gallery

“Land & Sea”, Amie Oliver @Tag

“California Dreamin” Cindy Falkenstein @Artists' Alliance

Fredericksburg, Va-based artist Kristopher Patterson , draws from a diverse life experience to create captivating works across multiple mediums, including acrylic and oil paint, pencil, and mixed media.

After graduating from high school in 1996, he placed a partial fine arts scholarship on hold to serve in the United States Marine Corps, where he spent nearly 17 years. During his military career, art largely faded into the background. Facing a personal crossroads however, Patterson rediscovered his creative voice and turned to art as both a necessity and a means to survival. He began by sharing his work in coffee shops and accepting commissions, gradually rebuilding his artistic path and practice.

Artist Kristopher Patterson A journey of artistic rediscovery

curiosity. Working with a variety of mediums, he uses vibrant color and dynamic composition to capture both the beauty of the natural world and the depth and essence of human experience. Each piece offers a glimpse into his perspective, inviting viewers to explore the emotions, experiences, and stories that inform his work.

Rooted in a personal journey from military service to artistic rediscovery, Patterson's work celebrates the complexity and beauty of life. From

Since leaving the military in 2012, Patterson has grown into one of Fredericksburg's premiere and most recognized artists, earning acclaim and commissions from collectors locally, across the country and internationally. His journey from military service to full-time artist reflects a deep commitment to creative expression and a remarkable ability to translate emotion and experience into visually powerful work.

His art reflects the world around him, shaped by a deep sense of wonder and

detailed, lifelike portraits that evoke familiarity and connection to expansive, awe-inspiring landscapes, he explores the space between reality and imagination, transforming the ordinary into something extraordinary.

Through his art, Patterson seeks to inspire, provoke thought, and foster meaningful connections. Whether a portrait resonates on a personal level or a landscape transports a viewer to elsewhere, his goal is to create art that leaves a lasting impression - encouraging

By ellyn wenzler

viewers to see the world through a renewed and thoughtful lens.

In the months ahead, rather than focusing on a specific medium, Patterson has chosen to direct his creative energy toward subject matter. Outside of commissioned work, he feels there is no better place to concentrate that focus than on the city he knows best - the place where he rediscovered his passion for art: Fredericksburg Through his art, both completed works and those pieces yet to come, he offers a tribute to a city that continues to grow not only in size, but also within the vibrant and supportive arts community he is proud to be part of. This body of work will stand as his nod of appreciation to Fredericksburg and the place that helped shape his artistic journey.

Kristopher Patterson's art can be seen locally at Fredericksburg's Canal Quarter Arts where he is the featured resident artist for the month of April.

Ellyn Wenzler, a former writer and computer scientist, is a resident artist at Canal Quarter Arts.

“Coming Home”

Patterson with “Snow on the River”

“Beach Trail”

Auto Known Better

lilliputian world

By Rim Vining

Here I am being whimsical again and that's no April Fool!

The reason I listen to NPR and shows like "Wait, Wait Don't Tell Me" (recorded live at the Studebaker Theater in Chicago!) is to learn amazing things. Such as… there's a hallucinogenic mushroom, Lanmaoa asiatica, that when sampled everyone seems to have the same experience. In this case it is seeing small, colorful, or fantasy figures referred to as "Lilliputian hallucinations." The Chinese call the mushroom "xiao ren ren" literally seeing "little people."

I think I should get some kudos for getting tripping on psychedelics and a plug for Studebakers in the first paragraph. How's that for whimsy! Yeah, when times got tight during my junior year in high school, the folks had to sell the beautiful but scary '68 Mustang GT coupe so the "second" car became a $150.00 -1961 Studebaker Lark VI in dead-paint brown… talk about a chick magnet!

Having recently learned about this exotic herbal transformation, the history of the world started to make more sense. Take the author of Gulliver's Travels, Jonathan Swift He was an AngloIrish writer in the early 1700's, which explains much about the Anglo-Irish car industry and some of the chapters in the book. From the beginning of the industrial revolution the English and the Dutch had all the ships and traded around the world. I think they brought back a fair amount of "xiao ren ren" from their travels and consumed it freely with tea every day at 4 o'clock. So, in their view of the world, people were much smaller than in reality… which explains why all British cars are so damn small! They were meant to fit the "small, colorful, fantasy" people they cavorted with every afternoon at four with their crumpets!

Now to bit of trivia. Do you know how to capture an elephant with binoculars, a pair of tweezers and a milk bottle? Simple: look at the elephant backwards through the binoculars and he will look really small. Then you just pick him up with the tweezers and put him in the milk bottle! Or "xiao ren ren" might work. Hasn't been tested.

Okay it should be spring by now, but the squall line is coming through as I'm writing and today's temperatures are dropping by 30 degrees, but I am holding out hope. I need a spring fix, a sports car romp, the smell of the car-corral and a Friday night Cruise-In to see how everyone spent their kid's inheritance over the winter.

You know the kids are thinking Dad must be crazy to keep dumping money into an old car that doesn't have A/C or decent brakes and barely does 55 MPH downhill. And they're right... busted knuckles, greasy fingernails and they always smell like differential oil and gasoline. But how would you know if it was your Dad or your Grandpa if they didn't smell like that? Imposters smell like Old Spice!

So for the guys not having 4 o'clock tea, the real-size car shows start with local cruise-ins wherever they pop up, and the big one is Spring Carlisle April 22 through 26th For those who are still enjoying the magic 4 o'clock tea with crumpets the lilliputian car show starts with Britain on the Green at Gunston Hall in Lorton on Sunday April 26th I might actually go as a spectator this year… no booth, no business cards, just stroll the field and see what's old!

In these troubled times I'll leave you with this quote from Jonathan Switft… 'We have just enough religion to make us hate, and not enough to make us love one another.'

~autoknownbetter@gmail.com

Rim Vining, humorist, friend and a devoted community volunteer.

M-Sat. 10am-6pm; Sun. 1pm-4pm

VA Science Olympiad

Celebration of STEM Learning

by Lisa Chinn Marvashti

Eliora Teshome held her breath while her balsawood bridge was put to the test. The Lake Braddock Secondary School student from Burke, Virginia, had worked for months - in her school's testing lab, during library hours and late at nightwith fellow eighth-grader Rebecca Huang to build the miniature model into a winning weight-bearing structure.

"It's a lot of fun testing it out and seeing it improve," said Teshome, whose engineering-category entry claimed no construction-parameter violations but collapsed under the weight of added sand.

knowledge to look for the likeliest suspect in a crime-solving scenario that provided a series of clues. Using microscopes, beakers and test tubes, they sifted through provided evidence - including the shoe prints of alleged perpetrators - using methods like burn tests and chromatography to analyze fibers and substances. "I love to explore new topics," Kim said of the process of preparing for Saturday's competition. "I improved a lot in forensics."

Jack Gab, an 11th-grader from Thomas Jefferson High School in Alexandria, answered test questions about rocks and minerals - how they were formed, what they say about the planet's history and other fundamentals. "You get to touch and interact with actual samples," he said. "It's a fun way to show what we've been learning over the last few years."

"We have a lot more events coming up so we're going to give ourselves some grace with this one."

The middle-school team members were among hundreds of competitors from across the Commonwealth to converge on the University of Mary Washington in early March for a Virginia Sci99nce Olympiad (VASO) regional competition. A celebration of STEM (science, technology, engineering and math) learning, the tournament brought fifth- through 12th-graders together to battle it out in nearly 50 contests covering anatomy, meteorology, water quality and everything in between.

"This tour brings together the best schools in the state," VASO State Director Emily Owens said of the event, with challenges fanning out on all four floors of the Jepson Science Center, as well as the Goolrick Fitness Center and Hurley Convergence Center "It's an amazing opportunity for our students to share their work, and the best part is it's collaborative."

Sixth-graders Elena Shahpar and Leon Kim from Spring Hill Elementary School in McLean used their forensics

Contests also included chemistry, coding, electricity, genetics and more, plus the construction and performance of rubberpowered helicopters, self-propelled hovercraft and completely electric vehicles. In addition to showcasing STEM learning, VASO competitions encourage creative thinking, problem solving and team building, said UMW Senior Lecturer of Biology Michael Stebar, who helps coordinate the event on campus.

"The Olympiad is a great experience that nurtures students' curiosity in science and math," he said. "It helps them develop analytical and interpersonal skills, which will definitely help them succeed in school and life in general."

He also noted that participants' time at Mary Washington provides a glimpse of a college campus and what it's like to work in a modern university laboratory.

"Working with the Science Olympiad is always inspirational," Stebar said. "Seeing the students' enthusiasm and determination reinvigorates my own interests in science and makes me optimistic for our future."

Lisa Chinn Marvashti Director of Media & Public Relations

Carr Rossi.

Data Centers Digital Infrastructure

By Mary Beth Geil

Why write an article about data centers? Come to find out, the farm where I grew up will be the home for a data center complex. Back in the 1970's, the sign of interconnectedness was the recently constructed Interstate 95 visible from the house and social media was the telephone party line. I grew up watching interstate commerce on I-95 meanwhile eating my morning cereal with milk from the dairy cows. The groundbreaking for the first of three 300 Megawatt data centers to be located in Caroline County at the former Virginia Bazaar center property (formerly the farm ) was featured in the local news. My curiosity about data centers was piqued.

It is speculated that the oldest bits of intentionally-stored data are cave paintings. An example being the Bison depicted at the ‘Cave of Altamira” in Cantabria, Spain, dated to the Upper Paleolithic period. Fast forward to the 21st century and data is processed and recorded in a much different fashion. Data Centers are facilities that house digital infrastructure which includes equipment to store and process internet data files including emails, reels, texts, ebooks and a place to store files that we upload and download.

Data centers support 24/7 digital services, from streaming, email, and banking to real-ttime AI processing , providing crucial infrastructure for daily life and business operations. I confess I enjoy a life with numerous conveniences of the digital world. For example, this article was produced using information gleaned from googling with sometimes ten search tabs open and written using word processing software on my home computer. I emailed the article and pictures to the editor.

Data Centers are not new to Virginia. In 2019, Virginia hosted the largest data center market with more than 35% of all known data centers worldwide, according to The Virginia Economic

Development Partnership website. The next generation of data centers are designed to support our expanding AIfocused digital use. In our local area, there are some being built and more in the review and planning process. Data centers are not plug and play in most locations. These "hyperscale" data centers have a significant critical load for electricity and water

As far as electricity goes, a heavy duty outdoor extension cord will not do the trick to provide power. I asked an electricity savvy source how many 200 amp serviced homes could be powered by 300 megawatts. His response was jaw dropping: "300 megawatts would serve approximately 15,000 fully loaded homes with 200 amp service. Most homes don't use nearly that much of their 200 amp service so it's probably safe to assume 300 megawatts would serve 25,000 to 30,000 homes."

In regards to the data center water use, the standard garden hose won't cut it. Per NatureForeward org : Data centers' water consumption refers to the amount of water withdrawn from its source that is not returned, generally water that has evaporated off during the cooling process. Enterprise data centers' consume, on average, 300,000 to 500,000 gallons of water per day, but this can vary significantly based on size and cooling method. Large hyperscale centers generally consume one to five million gallons per day. For context, five million gallons per day is equivalent to the water use of a town of 10,000 to 50,000 residents. This already high consumption typically increases during the summer, when warmer weather can triple water demand.These centers require extensive cooling which requires water.

I have met my word limit and also exceeded my bandwidth (LOL).

Mary Beth lives in Spotsylvania. She has picked up writing articles as a hobby. Next topic is the Caroline County Agricultural Fair.

Photos by Suzanne

Soles of suspects' shoes were among clues competitors sorted through during a forensics competition at the Virginia Science Olympiad

by lenoraKruk-Mullanaphy

Since she founded Old Dominion Humane Society (ODHS) in 2013, Chrissy Hamilton said the number of dogs at the facility is at nearly 300, an all-time high. One of the reasons is an uptick in cases dealing with irresponsible commercial and backyard breeding facilities Animal control offices throughout Virginia have received reports about animals existing in uninhabitable conditions-living outdoors in severe weather, having barely any food or water and being locked in crates day after day--leading them to seize dogs more and more.

"Animal control offices have their hands full with seizing dogs from irresponsible dog breeders right now," said Hamilton. "These breeders are selling the dogs to puppy stores, and some are supplying several of them. One group bred labrador retrievers to sell to service dog companies. ODHS and other rescues have worked with the animal control

offices to save as many of these dogs as we can."

Hamilton has participated in many rescue efforts in every corner of Virginia and beyond throughout the years, and 2026 has already proven to be a busy one. She's seen the saddest situations, including dogs living in overcrowded cages with little to no shelter and being exposed to all types of extreme weather. Many of the dogs lay in excrement day in and day out and suffer from starvation and malnutrition. Sick or dying animals get little attention and no veterinary care. After a life of constant breeding, many of the dogs are destroyed or discarded

Commercial breeding facilities or " puppy mills" continuously produce dogs to sell at pet stores or advertise through classified ads and the Internet. Some breeders house hundreds of dogs in cages for their entire lives with the purpose of producing puppies continuously. Whether it's to create purebred dogs or the newest fad in "designer" mixed breeds, their entire reason for existence is to reproduce.

A no-kill rescue, ODHS saves as many dogs from these cases as they can hold at the facility, bringing them to surroundings where they'll be cared for, taken to a veterinarian, if necessary, placed with foster families to decompress

and to finally be able to trust humans as they socialize with volunteers.

"ODHS is extremely active in saving the dogs from these cases, and we're grateful for the fosters and people in the community who've stepped in to nurture and care for so many of our rescues," said Hamilton. " With this combined effort, there's more room at the facility to save other dogs from mistreatment. The ultimate goal is to find loving families to adopt these dogs. The best thing to do if you're looking to add a dog to the family is adopt from a rescue or shelter. When you adopt from ODHS, you're saving a dog's life and keeping him from living a miserable existence as we've seen in so many of these cases."

.Lenora Kruk-Mullanaphy is a Public Relations Professional & a ODHS volunteer

Old Dominion Humane Society is here to provide well-mmatched, permanent homes for animals in need through rescue, rehabilitation and education ODHS is located at 3602 Lafayette Boulevard in Fredericksburg www olddominionhumanesociety org

Adoption events are Wednesdays from 5-7 7 p m , Fridays from 6-8 8 p m , Saturdays from 11 a m to 3 p m and Sundays from 11 a m to 1 p m

Don't miss out on the events planned with Old Dominion Humane Society (ODHS) rescue dogs in April From weekly strolls with little dogs and vigorous hikes with bigger, four-llegged friends to adoption events at local businesses and "Egg My Yard" that delivers treats to the doorstep for both kids and canines, there's something for everyone Join the fun, meet the rescue dogs and bring a new best friend home to the family For those individuals not sure if they want to adopt, fostering or hosting a slumber party for a few days is an ideal way to help the dogs decompress and socialize Check Calendar on pg 16-117

THE THE POETRY MAN POETRY MAN

By Frank Fratoe

A Resurgence A Resurgence

The lone silkwood-tree appeared to have died unlike greenery near it whose foliage sprouted across their branches to redirect the warmth hours bestowed on them as they had always done.

But the silkwood slept defying frozen nights until April intervened and endurance exploded to make a white-cover of long silken flowers that divulge its name brought back from death...

Frank Fratoe writes poetry from the heart

Astrology & You year of the fire horse

In the Chinese zodiac, the Fire Horse is one of twelve animals who act as symbols for each year in the 12 year cycle Chinese astrology runs on a Lunisolar calendar, in which the New year begins between late January and mid-February. The cycle also includes the concept of Wu Xing or the 5 elements: wood, fire, earth, metal, water, which runs on a 60 year cycle. The 12 animals are split into either Yin or Yang based on the amount of toes and the earthly branch in which it inhabits.

February 6th 2026-February 5th 2027 is the year of the Fire Horse. The last one to occur was from January 21st 1966February 8th 1967 The U.S. had over 400,000 troops in Vietnam, The Black Panthers were founded, The hippie movement soared, The Summer of Love changed culture forever. It was the year of Jimi Hendrix and The Beatles, of anti war protests and mind numbing substances. I see a distinct parallel between this year and 66'- 67' In the midst of so much chaos and devastation, the scroll of a thumb across a screen has become the new mind numbing substance.

The Year of The Fire Horse is an opportunity to reclaim our dying light. The energy this year is inviting us to make bold moves, to embody our inner power The astrology of April is quite literally on fire. With the Sun & Moon simultaneously in Aries for almost 5 days, along with a 7-

By ember mercury

celestial body stellium in Aries, our inner fire will have no choice but to burn. On April 2nd, the full Moon in Libra combined with the Sun in Aries creates a push & pull dynamic between our desire for harmonious relationships and our inherent need for autonomy and self-identity. If you have been self-sacrificing for the sake of others, these transits will reveal the ways in which that self neglect has impacted your sovereignty and the pursuit of your dreams. To find more details on how this energy will manifest in your personal life, check where Mars, Venus, Aries, and Libra are placed in your birth chart, and any other planets/points placed in the same houses. On April 9th, Mars will also enter Aries followed by Mercury on the 15th, this encourages us to express our passions through bold communication.

The culmination point of this Arian energy will occur on the April 17th New Moon in Aries. Between the 16th and 17th, the Moon, Sun, Venus, Mars, Saturn, Neptune, and Chiron will all be under the sign of Aries. Falling on the night of the New Moon, this stellium is a rare opportunity for ritual and manifestation around self-iidentity and our dreams for our life The wisest way to utilize this time is to reflect on the passions you talk yourself out of pursuing due to fear, or to double down if you are already pursuing them. Aries asks us to embody the archetype of the Warrior, of the Wild Woman. For an Aries New Moon ritual, you could light a candle, lay out objects that

pertain to your passions, then write a letter from the future version of yourself that has already succeeded in the pursuit of said passions. You could then meditate on this letter and perhaps pull a Tarot card if you feel inclined. For in depth historical and symbolic lore surrounding the Tarot, I highly recommend the book 'Seventy-EEight Degrees of Wisdom' by Rachel Pollack.

These powerful points in time come every so often, it is up to us to answer the call. Only by sitting with your soul can you begin to understand. It has never been about searching out for the answers, for drive, for passion. Passivity breeds regret, stillness breeds wisdom We must sit with ourselves in the darkness of the night and consciously choose to kindle the flame from which a star is born. Invite your soul to lead you, it is always there, waiting for you to realize the profundity of your existence as a conscious being.

This life flashes by in the blink of an eye, what are you going to do with the time that you have left?

Ember Mercury is a singer/songwriter, mystic, photographer, & writer based in Virginia. Find her on Instagram @embermercury | embermercury.com

Illustration: "The Storyteller" by Lou Benesch

Fredericksburg Sketches

A visual Celebration of our community

By Paula Raudenbush

Happy spring, everyone! I'm so happy to be able to get out and work in my garden and hit the local scenic spots to sketch.

This month I'm sharing two small sketches. One is of the University of Mary Washington's Carillon It was fun to try to get the perspective right on this one. The other is the Front Gate at Belmont

As many times as I've sketched there, this was the first time I actually drew the lion on the pillar.

I hope you are enjoying the weather after the crazy winter we had. Maybe this will be the year you grab a sketchbook and pencil and join the urban sketchers.

P.S. I have recently written a book (see the ad elsewhere in this issue), and the cover started as a simple sketch. You never know where this endeavor will take you. Cheers!

Paula Raudenbush is the founder of the local chapter of the Urban Sketchers International. She shows her work at Libertytown Arts Workshop

Bess Haile was raised in a house pulsing with art. She grew up in Richmond, VA, where her mother was a founding member, and the first president, of the James River Art League. Music, literature, dance, drama, and painting filled her childhood. She studied violin at the North Carolina School of the Arts and at the Accademia Musicale Chigiana in Sienna, Italy Back home she played in the

“While music was my first love, eventually my fascination with people took pride of place” comments Haile.

“Watching the magic of emotions as they play across a face has captivated me my whole life”.

Throughout her working life she experimented with a vast array of creative arts from pottery and ceramics to gardening to fiber arts, in which she taught spinning and knitting and gave story programs at schools and fiber arts fairs.

“I am so complimented that you wish to use Splash! for the April issue of Front Porch Fredericksburg. The whole reason I painted this was to try to capture the feeling of April that I remember from childhood, when I would walk home from the bus stop after a rainy afternoon in school to find the

Richmond Symphony till her life took an abrupt turn and she landed in Tappahannock, VA as the library director of the Essex Public Library

Spotlight Bess haile

By Paige connor Totaro

“Self-PPortrait, Expressive Style”

"I love to experiment with different styles but you can find that hint of me in everything I create" says Bess. She lives on a farm with her husband and dogs and eagerly awaits visits from her grandchildren. She is a member of the Tappahannock Art Guild (TAG) and her

work can be found at the gallery in Tappahannock, VA and on her website at besshaileart.com/

Paige Connor Totaro is the Executive Director of the Tappahannock Artists’ Guild (TAG)

perfect puddles to jump into. I was very inspired by a similar painting by the artist Paul Clark so I want to credit him as well.”