Front Porch Fredericksburgjuly2025

YEAR 29

ISSUE 336

JULY 2025

contents

closeups 3

Cathy Herndon Artist, Ambassador

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ana ojeda panda’s big heart

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ron perkins a life of art

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Porch talk 4

on the porch...life in fredericksburg messages

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swim safety

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everything green: what’s up at dtg

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In the Garden: scrubs for your landscape

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growing & crawling: forbidden love

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Fredericksburg perspectives

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Porchlight: twin peaks

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tidbits...small bites of local news

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season’s bounty: just beachy

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night of 1,000 pies

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vino: wine cocktails

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Calendar of Events

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history’s stories: 4th of july

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mental health: happiness may be a choice

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wellness: hip replacement..a personal experience

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create, connect, contribute

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art in the ’burg ....galleries in July

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auto known better: centennial

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Art & Wellness: music & performing arts

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companions: rescue a pet

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astrology & you poetryman: searchers

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fredericksburg sketches

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keeping families together

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...And More!

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Nicole Myers ...A life filled with art

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is the silversmith house haunted

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moss clinic closure

10 “American November” By nicole Myers

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Cathy Herndon local artist & sister city ambassador By judith hansen One of her early muralpainting projects occurred back in the Seventies, when she began air-brushing customized murals on vans.

That art form progressed to other murals in town when Orofino's opened and she painted a map of Italy in the restaurant's outside eating area. When Covid came along and Cathy was bored, she Cathy in front of “Dive #1” Mural at. 408 Frederick St created a Mourning Dove Photo by Brenda Martin mural on the side of a building Many local residents know Cathy (the former Meat Locker) on the street Herndon as a vibrant and industrious corner next to her house. (Photo - Cathy. former art teacher in Stafford and sitting on ground by mural) Fredericksburg schools. Though she has now retired from the classroom, you won't find her sitting around reminiscing about her 50+ years of successful teaching. In fact, she may be one of the busiest and most involved retirees in town!

Her energy and enthusiasm for people and new experiences is so infectious that she must never be bored even when alone.

For example, she recently spent a week at the beach, soaking up the sunshine and atmosphere while outlining plans for yet another art project.

Remembering that one of her first attempts as a 7-year-old budding young artist was a copy of Napoleon on his horse, Cathy has said "Art has been my life ever since childhood." This credo has guided her artistic efforts in both her private and professional life, and now in retirement, she focuses on a variety of artrelated projects.

For instance, she volunteers extensively in local art establishments such as Art First and LibertyTown Arts Workshop and, in addition, has also developed a reputation locally as a painter of murals.

“Light is Life, Life is Light” Mixed Media made in Fredericksburg and Frejus Cathy stays busy with local artistic projects but has long had a strong interest in foreign cultures and travel, which in recent years has found a particular focus in Fredericksburg's Sister City programs. Back in 1980, officials in

Fredericksburg signed an agreement to become a Sister City with Fréjus, a small city on the French Riviera.

This partnership has blossomed through the years, with annual travel of students and/or adults between the two cities. The program has fostered firm friendships among Fredericksburgers and Fréjusiens, and Cathy, a former president of the Fredericksburg Sister City Association, has frequently participated as chaperone for student exchange groups, as teacher of art classes abroad, as host for visiting adults during summer visits, or simply as a visiting adult traveling to Fréjus to paint or to visit friends.

In addition to the travel and hosting, Cathy has taken advantage of the exchange to take her art to Fréjus as well.

She has visited the city many times and has many friends there. Since 2025 is the 45th anniversary of our Sister City association with Fréjus, a big celebration is planned, and a sizable group from Fredericksburg will travel to France, stay with French families, and participate in the full program of celebratory activities.

Cathy will travel with the group, and plans are underway for her to paint a mural as a gift to Fréjus in celebration of this 45th anniversary. It will be on view at the downtown library in Fréjus and will have a "flying books" theme.

In the past few years, organizations in Fredericksburg have developed Sister City relationships with four other cities in addition to Fréjus: Este, Italy; Schwetzingen, Germany; Kathmandu, Nepal; and Prince's Town, Ghana.

Naturally, Cathy has taken advantage of the chance to visit and make friends with folks in these additional countries, getting to know the people, entering art competitions, and

"Icons of two Friendship's Cities, Schwetzingen and Fredericksburg" participating in art shows. As a result, she has created murals in both Este and Schwetzingen as well. Quite a plum for a Fredericksburg artist!

Asked about her response to these varied travel experiences, Cathy says that she has felt very welcome and honored by each host city and has been treated very professionally. One might say that she has "gone international," and all of these experiences, both personal and official, have made of Cathy an unofficial "ambassador" to these European Sister Cities.

Judith Hansen, a longtime member and past president of the Fredericksburg Sister City Association and a former French teacher at James Monroe High School."

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ON THE PORCH Janet Douberly

Guest Porch Editorial

Contributing Writers & Artists Rita Allan Sally Cooney Anderson Sonja Cantu Collette Caprara Gary Close Mary Raye Cox Elaine DeBohum Janet Douberly Kelley Drake Jeannie Ellis Paul Eakin Frank Fratoe Mary Beth Geil Annie Harpe Kathleen Harrigan Judith Hansen Michael Thomas Harvey Ralph “Tuffy” Hicks Karen Kallay Nancy Kelly David C. Kennedy Brenda Martin Ray Mikula Lenora Kruk-Mullanaphy Nicole Myers Vanessa Moncure Pete Morelewicz Patrick Neustatter Penny A Parrish Gabe Pons Paula Raudenbush Rob Rudick Jim Schepmoes Mandy Smith Lauren Souza Rim Vining Paige Connor Totaro Jaleessa Turner Tina Will Tracy Woods Norma Woodward Front Porch Fredericksburg is a free circulation magazine published monthly by Olde Towne Publishing Co. Virginia Bigenwald Grogan, Publisher.

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

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

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

Front Porch Fredericksburg PO Box 9203 Fredericksburg, VA 22403 Ad Sales: E-Mail: frntprch@aol.com Web Site: www.frontporchfredericksburg.com Facebook: @Front Porch Fredericksburg 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 2025 Front Porch Fredericksburg Magazine All rights reserved.

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the only constant is change By janet doublery I was recently speaking to a friend of mine that has lived in Fredericksburg for 5 years or so. We were trying to pick a place to meet for lunch.

She had heard of a new place that opened and when I asked where it was she told me many details that meant absolutely nothing to me. Finally, after looking up the address, I said "Oh, you mean the old Santa Fe" to which she replied with a blank stare.

For those of us who have been in this town a while, we have seen a LOT of changes! Enough so that when we give directions to each other the names of the past come to us first. The old Roxbury building. The old hospital. The old Anne's Grille. The Bridge to Nowhere. The Big Ugly! (Are we still allowed to say that?)

Folks that use the library still talk about the school that was in that building before. Almost every structure in the city can have "the old…" monicor.

It is no surprise we refer to new places by their old names when this town is filled with hundreds of years worth of "the old" and the new can sometimes come and go so quickly. Especially when you are growing as fast as our little city is.

New businesses and housing brings new faces! New ways to get to NOVA means a new boom in population.

We can now walk these streets for hours before seeing a familiar face. Well, at least 45 minutes.

The beauty is that all these new faces, these new folks and these new businesses keep us from getting stuck. It is so easy and tempting to stay the same.

To ignore new factors, ideas, and cultures because change is scary.

Especially changing our minds, our views, and our home.

Some of us hate all the new development happening. Even beyond the toll it will take on the environment, parking, and city resources, we miss the abandoned lots where we used to gather as teens, corners of greenery, mostly weeds, that we would gaze at from our car windows, and old buildings that are simply no longer there. In their place there are townhouses and apartments and new businesses. Scary stuff. We miss the familiar site of "the old…" and scowl at the new.

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All of this change is, of course, inevitable. It can also be very, very good. Imagine how the town felt when "the auction block" became "the old auction block". When "Crow Foot Bottom" became "Darby Town". Imagine the minds that had to be changed for that to happen.

A lot is changing in Fredericksburg but that has been the case for a long time.

It is almost as though the only true way to stay the same is by continuing to change.

Whether we realize it or not, in the city of Fredericksburg we can do change and we can do it well.

We can tell folks to meet us by "the Old Woolworth's" so we can walk down to the new coffee shop together. We don't forget what was and we support what is.

Constant change is a universal truth but within that change we can hold on to the pearls of the past. Some quite literally. We don't talk about "the old Carl's", because it has always been and still is Carl's, but we can wonder what business is going in down the street at "the old Hardee's".

The old Goolrick's is becoming the new Goolrick's.

We got this change-business downpat.

What doesn't change in this city is the community.

The heart.

The people's desire to connect with their neighbors, city officials, and local business owners. Our wish to work together for the best interest of the city is unwavering.

The organizations that have been around

for decades, shifting with the times to stay in the game, to continue to serve the community, working hand-in-hand with the newer organizations that have been created to serve even more disenfranchised communities. The passion we have for one another is constant and unwavering and that is why we can handle all the changes that come our way.

Front Porch Magazine is celebrating its 29th year of publication.

To keep up with all the changes make sure to read it from cover to cover!

Janet Douberly is in the same location as The Old Janet Douberly but with a new, ever-changing interior.

Nicole Myers a life filled with art

I honestly can't remember a time in my life without some kind of art or craft. I've always loved art and my parents

“Stay Little”

were always very supportive; even at a young age I recall being moved by Monet's Rouen Cathedrals when they took us to the National Gallery. So after a childhood well spent in all sorts of creative endeavors, I attended Christopher Newport University where I received my BA in Studio Art and completed my MAT for teaching Art K-12. Happily, I spent a decade teaching all levels of Art at Potomac Senior High School. I "retired" you could say after starting a family and wanting to be home for them. As “Hatteras Jetty at Sunset” a full time homemaker, I paint just pretty scenery.

They've become family. When I noticed this, I realized my whenever I can, usually if I can bribe the kids to nap, or after tributes to the trips we've made as a art had changed, if only slightly. I realized that this thing I've always loved and they're in bed for the I've always done "for myself," isn't night. Though I have been really about me anymore. It's still for known to paint with an infant on me, I still get just as much from it, if my lap while docenting not more; but it's not about me, or just at Art First, but only me, anyway. It's not just about what I while they're small and think was a pretty view or a beautiful easily contained. sky. It becomes about the days we've My favorite spent driving and walking, running and things to paint are laughing, and inevitably, bittersweetly evocative vistas, growing. It's been really therapeutic in dreamy, moody ways: immortalizing these otherwise landscapes and fleeting memories in paint that will historical architecture, outlast us all. When I get to share that making Fredericksburg with others, it's a real joy, and for that, and its surrounding I am forever thankful to have the areas a perfect match opportunity. for me. Since I prefer to paint from my own Nicolemyerspaints.com photos when I cannot Commissions are available. paint from life (not “Country Roads” Solo Show easily done with Art First, August toddlers in tow).

Nicole’s show will celebrate Without fail this means the beauty of rural Virginia in a many of my reference collection of new oil paintings. photos now have Opening reception is August 1st 6-9 9p toddlers bounding out show will remain on display ahead into the July 31-A August 31 compositions, and in doing so have made This month’s Cover Art, “Big Meadow, Shenandoah National Park” these works more than “American November”

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Swim Safe Tips from Rappahannock Health District Provides

By Jaleesa Turner Healthy & Safe Swimming The Rappahannock Health Department offers guidance to prevent illness, injuries and drowning, and to ensure a safe summer of swimming at the pool, in open waters or at the beach.

"While water can bring fun and connection, it also comes with risks," said Rappahannock Area Health Director Olugbenga Obasanjo, M.D. "Even the most joyful moments near water can take an unexpected turn. We encourage families to take simple steps - like supervising children closely and using life jackets near open water - to help make every water activity a safe one."

According to the CDC, drowning is a leading cause of death in children. In Virginia, nearly 500 people have accidentally drowned between 2020 and 2024. Of those who drowned, 90 were ages 19 and younger. Knowing how to swim is one of the best ways to reduce the risk of drowning. If drowning has occurred and the victim is not breathing, bystander-

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initiated CPR is the most effective way to promote a positive outcome.

Swimming in lakes, rivers, and other natural waters can be fun, but it's important to stay safe and healthy. These waters can sometimes carry germs that cause swimming-rrelated illnesses, diarrhea, skin rashes, pneumonia or flulike illness and irritation of the eyes or respiratory tract. To protect yourself and your family, avoid swimming after heavy rain, don't swallow the water, shower after swimming, and stay out of the water if you're sick. Adults should actively supervise children and wear U.S. Coast Guard-approved life jackets near open water. "Floaties," arm bands or water wings are not safety devices. Taking a few simple steps can help keep your time in the water safe and enjoyable: Don't swallow the water when swimming. A mouthful of water with germs can make you sick for 2-3 weeks.

Wash with soap and water before and after swimming. Wash your hands for 20

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seconds before eating or preparing food.

Cover any open wounds or cuts. Don't swim if your skin has cuts or open wounds.

Don't swim or play in water if you or your child has been sick with diarrhea in the past two weeks. Diarrhea and swimming don't mix!

Use swim diapers on infants and toddlers. Check swim diapers regularly.

Take kids on hourly bathroom breaks.

Thoroughly dry ears after swimming to avoid swimmer's ear.

Avoid going in water if there is a green film on the water or if the water is cloudier than usual. Some harmful algal blooms can be dangerous.

Visit swimhealthyva.com for more information on pool safety and open water and beach safety. Remember: swim safe, stay safe!

Jaleesa Turner is a Public Relations Specialist Rappahannock Area Health District

Everything Greens what’s up with Downtown Greens

By Jim Schepmoes

to the organization in June. We think you will be seeing a lot of our new addition around town. Our staff gathered in the Upper Garden to welcome and take a photo with our colorful new member. By now you may have guessed that the new face is actually our new typeface/logo. We are grateful for local artist Pete Morelewicz for working with us and developing the new logo. We will be rolling out the new logo with the most public facing places first such as our sign at the corner of Dixon and Charles Street in downtown, our website and social media.

As Executive Director of Downtown Greens I am often asked the question "Just what does Downtown Greens do?" And I completely understand the question, because when I told my wife I was going to work here she said she thought Downtown Greens was a restaurant!

Our mission at Downtown Greens is to connect people with nature through education and the preservation of green spaces. That has been our goal now for 30 years!

In those 30 years we have grown from the original Lower Garden space to the Upper Garden and Belman Road for a total of nearly 60 acres of green space in the City. While our green space has grown, so has our educational efforts to include partnerships with Fredericksburg City

Schools, Central Rappahannock Regional Library, Stafford Public School System and Stafford Junction.

We have also added new community partnerships including the Rappahannock Beekeepers Association and brought back honeybees in the lower garden.This partnership will also provide us with a share of honey each year.

If you have not had a chance to see our overall community effort, please read our 2024 Annual Report available on our website, downtowngreens.org. We taught 249 kids last year and 258 adults.

We had 176 volunteers with 668 volunteer hours working in our gardens and our Belman Road property.

So what's up at Downtown Greens? We were proud to add a new face

Planning is underway for our Down Home Ball on October 11 at the Jepson Alumni Center at the University of Mary Washington. A feature of this year's event will be line dancing lessons. Over our thirty years of existence this signature event has also grown, but one thing has remained the same, the quirky dress code.

Blue jeans and a bowtie. Overalls and pearls. Be sure to wear your cowboy boots or Muck boots to the line dance.

Meanwhile we continue our effort to do a comprehensive plan for our 56 acres on Belman Road. While our wish list is long, nature trail(s), community garden plots, greenhouse space to grow native plants, we know we need to rely on experts to help us come up with a comprehensive plan that places the environment at the forefront of those priorities. And that environment is complex as it includes pasture, woodlands, agricultural fields, and wetlands. So far we have had one landscape architectural firm do a walk around the property and give us a proposal for a first phase to do a schematic plan. We will keep everybody updated on the progress of this important property and its potential for the community.

Jim Schepmoes is Executive Director at Downtown Greens.

website www.downtowngreens.org

At Downtown Greens, our mission is to help connect people with nature.

This not only takes a dedicated staff, but also countless volunteers who dedicate their time and energy in helping a dynamic organization.

If you wish to volunteer contact us!

Office , Lower & Upper Gardens are located at Downtown Campus 206 Charles Street.

Belman Rd Campus , 56 acre property is 1360 Belman Road in FXBG Industrial Park

www.riverfriends.org 540-373-3448 Office:

3219 Fall Hill Avenue

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In the Garden Shrubs for your landscape by ray mikula Make sure you know how much sunlight the plant requires and how much sunshine occurs where you want to plant it. Too little sun will decrease blooming and retard growth. Too much sun may cause leaf burn or dehydrate the plant.

If you want to make a hedge, plant the plants a little closer together so they blend together as one.

Benefits of planting shrubs include providing a safe place for birds and small animals when predators invade.

Many shrubs, like pyrocantha, beauty berry, win-tter berry and holly, produce berries to feed wildlife.

Many of us live in a home that we rent or bought and the larger plants like trees and shrubs were already in the landscape. We might want to get new carpets, drapes or paint to make the house reflect our own tastes. But often it seems too hard to change out the shrubs or trees. Those little green balls in front of the house makes your house look like all the others. Why not take charge outside as well.

Shrubs, by definition, are woody plants that usually have several stems arising from the base and are less than 15 feet tall. There are hundreds of them from abelia to yews. They have been used in landscapes and gardens for hundreds of years. They can be planted close together to form a hedge or windbreak. They can be planted in groups with spacing like in a rose garden. Or they can stand alone like a camellia, lilac or rhododendron. They

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can help blend a wooded area with an open yard. They can be combined in a garden with smaller herbaceous plants like perennials or annuals. Flowering shrubs can add color to a garden while shrubs with less noticeable flowers can frame or provide a contrasting background to other garden flowers.

Some dos and don'ts about shrubs include the following.

Always allow enough space between plants or near structures.

Plan for how big they will become. If they will be four feet across, you need at least five feet between plants that are planted together.

If you need a four foot space for the plant, plant it 6 feet from house. This will give the plant room to grow and give you room to still get to the house for maintenance and to the back of the plant for pruning.

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Planting shrubs in front of your house with a four foot space between the plant and the house will help insulate your home in winter from cold winds.

Some of my favorite shrubs include azaleas, camellias, weigela, mountain laurel and forsythia. It's time to find your favorites and make your yard reflect your personality too.

On July 16th, at 1 pm at the Library in Fredericksburg , Janet Douberly will be speaking to Master Gardeners about Saving Seeds for planting.

The general public is welcome to attend. And on August 19th and 20th the Master Gardeners annual Flower Show takes place at the same Library.

Till next time, enjoy your garden.

RayMikula is a Master Gardener.

He has several acres of garden space & has been gardening for 62 years. Before retiring Ray was a Earth Science & Astronomy Teacher

Master Gardeners will have a table set up to answer your gardening questions at Farmers Market, Rt. 3 and Gordon Rd Saturdays this summer

Growing & Crawling forbidden love By janet douberly Many of us have had that one love in our life that we couldn't tell other folks about. We couldn't stand the shame.

We knew it was wrong. My forbidden love started when I was young. As soon as I climbed her branches and felt her fluffy pink poms brush against my skin, I was smitten.

'Albizia julibrissin', a.k.a. The Mimosa Tree is a wicked and invasive tree, brought to America in the 1700's, that can spread and crowd out our lovely native plants. It is bad, I tell ya. Bad, bad, bad!

I love it.

It is a gorgeous tropical looking tree from Asia, of course, with amazing delicate pink flowers that are beautifully displayed among the fern-like leaves and IT IS BAD! The scent of the flowers is light and floral yet strong in the mornings and IT IS BAD!

The petals and bark can be made into a tasty tea which has shown to improve a person's mood and sense of well-being by alleviating symptoms of anxiety and depression and IT IS BAD! Despite bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds being attracted to the lovely pink blooms, it does not provide the proper nutrition to our native pollinator species because IT IS BAD! So if you see one of these beautiful trees pop up on your property, ignore its appealing beauty and eradicate it because IT IS BAD and you deserve better.

Try a native buttonbush instead!

Janet Douberly is working on her unhealthy plant attachments at Downtown Greens.

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“Panda’s Big Heart” will touch your heart

Fredericksburg Perspectives

by Michael Thomas Harvey

By lenora kruk-Mullanaphy "Panda was rescued from rough beginnings, and she never knew love-until she finally found it," said Ojeda. “Her story is a heartwarming one of patience, resilience and the power of love beyond words."

Panda is a French bulldog with a story that's heartbreaking. When an irresponsible breeder wanted to "cash in" on the "fluffy Frenchie" trend, Panda was the result of inbreeding in an endeavor to create a designer dog. The consequences for Panda were dire-she was born deaf, suffers from chronic health issues, is allergic to most foods and can only eat a special diet ordered through a veterinarian.

1940’s Downtown Parade...Fredericksburg Loves Parades!

Panda's life would change forever in 2024 when she was brought to Avello Rescue, in Stafford, which was founded by After fostering dozens of rescue dogs from Old Dominion Humane Society (ODHS), Ana Ojeda, of Stafford County, has written and illustrated "Panda's Big Heart" to share her experiences. The book focuses on Panda, who changed Ojeda's life and has been an inspiration to her. With colorful pictures and endearing illustrations of Panda, the book is geared to young children and one that adults will enjoy, too.

Caroline St....Perhaps 4th of July? Let Us Know Your Thoughts

"I wrote this book after fostering many dogs from ODHS," said Ojeda, 42. "Panda, a deaf pup, especially changed my life. Her story inspired me to share with others that fostering and adopting really saves lives."

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

The book is about a little rescue dog named Panda who can't hear, but she feels everything. All she craves is a friend who understands that love doesn't need sound to be strong. It's a celebration of gentle hearts, different ways of connecting and truly being seen. The children's book will touch the hearts of youngsters who experience the world in their own special ways.

Ojeda said she wishes she'd known about fostering when she was younger. Now, she wants to help othersespecially children-understand the importance of fostering. With "Panda's Big Heart," Ojeda hopes to bring the message of how invaluable it is for rescues to have a safe and secure foster home while they're waiting to be adopted. She's gained so much inspiration from the rescues she's fostered that it motivated her to create the book, which includes ODHS and the nonprofit's work to rescue and find homes for dogs, including Panda.

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Ojeda. The rescue is a rehabilitation sanctuary for homeless dogs in need of time, love and healing. Panda is given comfort, unconditional love and the specialized care she needs, and the volunteers agree that she gives back tenfold with her gentle spirit. Avello Rescue is a private, nonprofit organization, where 100 percent of each donation goes to the dogs and puppies.

A multimedia artist and animal rescuer, Ojeda was born in Peru and raised in Virginia. She navigated Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder and dyslexia while she learned to speak and read English. Finding her voice through art, she works to rescue animals by telling their stories and helping them get adopted and having their chance to be loved.

To find out more about "Panda's Big Heart" and to purchase the book, visit Amazon, Ingramspark or visit the Avello website at https://avellorescue.org/book.

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Fredricksburg Perspectives@facebook

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

Porch Light

Stories that shine a light on life

twin peaks

By Mary raye cox by the device originated by the Stafford County Board of Supervisors, we woulda' taken first but alas, we had to settle for second place.

I watched Twin Peaks disappear down my driveway . . . .it was a bittersweet moment. If that canoe could talk, she would roll over in laughter about serious problem solving done with greasy gas station fried chicken, Busch Light (or anything cheaper) and two paddles.

The name, Twin Peaks, was fairly obvious. Two single women of a certain age, inspired by a course in canoeing taken at Germanna Community College, bought her at the annual end of season canoe sale Bill Micks held at Outdoor Adventures.

Memory does a complete dump on how much we paid, but she was worth every cent. Another name in competition was Husky Women, suggested by Rob who went canoeing with us. He saw us portage that sucker around the Embrey Dam, handling her with fearless grace and a great deal of wasted energy, navigating the rocky weed filled path around the dam. A comment was made about the potential for copperheads in such close proximity to the river. Rob said he would be just fine as he was in the company of a "couple of husky women" who could protect him. I often wonder whatever happened to Rob? Sometimes, I try to recall if he ever made it home after that trip.

pace of working in a local Department of Social Services during a recession.

Occasionally, we problem solved beaus, exes, supervisors, family and car woes. The gents never stood a chance when under a discussion fueled by fermented hops. The car woes vanished as long as my truck could get us and the canoe to the chosen body of water and back home again.

We entered Twin Peaks in the Jaycees Rappahannock 4th of July raft race in 1992 and were a sight to behold in our red, white, and blue bedecklement. Since our vessel was originally seaworthy, we were only eligible in the Super Speed category. Had our craft not been impeded

We only broached Twin Peaks once in higher fast water on the Rappahannock. Because of the swift trash filled waters, we were wearing out PFDs (Personal Flotation Devices); we hung onto the paddles and kept our feet up to avoid strainers and any misplaced alligators. The filled cooler floated; a fleet of kayakers practicing water rescues got real time canoe rescue that day. They got Twin Peaks off the rocks and all of our canoe's moving parts. We united for the rest of the trip down to city dock. Yes, there were more bruises.

When my partner in canoe Mary ownership graduated from Washington College (before it was a University), Twin Peaks served a very important role at the party celebrating

her birthday, graduation and the completion of the Community Services Board adjacent to our DSS offices. (The latter event provided over worked workers with eye candy, constant activity and lots to create rumors about.) We filled Twin Peaks with ice to cool the soft drinks, cold items for the picnic buffet and the keg.

Not only was Twin Peaks water worthy, she was handy to have around as an ice bucket; who knew?

Twin Peaks has been holding up the side of my garage for over 20 years, unused and definitely out of her element.

She has a new home now with a boy scout troop which will use her for water safety instruction, a new and different path forward. Even hoisting her away from the garage into the front yard made me realize that my canoeing days "done sailed". I had to smile as I watched her disappear down my driveway atop the Pathfinder. It REALLY does take a troop of boy scouts to replace a coupla' husky women.

Sunburn, mosquito bites, bruises, trash and empties were the usual things we brought home. But a day on the lake or the river usually resolved the frenzied

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TidBits

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

small bites of local News

By Amy Peregoy

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

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

Become a Member

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July 2025

Around the Town Trolley is Back Around the Town Free Trolley is a free trolley service for locals and visitors every Friday and Saturday from 5pm 8:30pm during the summer thru August 30 The free trolley stops are close to a variety of restaurants, coffee shops, art galleries, museums, parks, retail shops and public restrooms (look for these signs!).

Around the Town Free Trolley is a free trolley service for locals and visitors . .Twilight in Downtown Weekly Summer Series Fredericksburg Main Street, in partnership with the City of Fredericksburg, Economic Development & Tourism, is excited to introduce Twilight in Downtown, a new weekly event series designed to energize the downtown district and offer residents and visitors a fresh reason to shop, dine, and explore midweek.

Twilight in Downtown every Wednesday from 3 to 7 PM, bringing extended shopping hours, live music on the streets, and extended happy hour specials to the heart of Fredericksburg.

The event timing coincides with the new evening Farmers Market at Hurkamp Park, hosted by Fredericksburg Parks, Recreation and Events, making it the perfect blend of local flavor and community charm. "We know people are looking for fun and flexible ways to enjoy their evenings, especially in the summer," said Chris Allen, Executive Director of Fredericksburg Main Street. "Twilight in Downtown offers just that-an easy, lowkey way to shop local, grab a drink, listen to live music, and enjoy everything downtown has to offer." "We're proud to partner with Fredericksburg Main Street on this new initiative that supports our local businesses and brings added vibrancy to our downtown," said Josh Summits, Director of Economic Development and Tourism.

Front porch fredericksburg

Fredericksburg Nationals Welcome Diamond Baseball Holdings as New Owner The Silber family announced that it has agreed to sell the Fredericksburg Nationals to Diamond Baseball Holdings (DBH), an organization that owns and operates select Minor League Baseball (MiLB) clubs affiliated with Major League Baseball (MLB). The FredNats will remain the Single-A affiliate of the Washington Nationals and continue to call Fredericksburg home as they join the Nationals' Double-A affiliate, the Harrisburg Senators, on the DBH roster.

DBH will retain the FredNats' existing front office staff, led by General Manager Robert Perry.

Seth Silber will remain with the club as its President and a minority shareholder

FXBG Visitor Center Summer Hours Summer hours are in full swing at the FXBG Visitor Center!

We're now open until 7pm on Wednesdays, and until 8pm on Fridays & Saturdays through August 30th. Stop by and see us at 601 Caroline St in Downtown FXBG

Fredericksburg Civil Rights Trail ~ Oprah Daily Special Edition Summer 2025 Travel Issue Economic Development and Tourism staff were delighted to learn the Fredericksburg Civil Rights Trail was included in the Oprah Daily Special Edition Summer 2025 Travel Issue along with our other Virginia, United States Civil Rights Trail partners, including City of Fredericksburg, Virginia, Richmond Region Tourism, Robert Russa Moton Charter School and Danville Museum of Fine Arts and History. This is a huge honor and we are so appreciative to Oprah Winfrey and Virginia Tourism Corporation. The magazine is on sale at Barnes and Noble and other book sellers

Summer Restaurant Week is Back Mark your calendar for the annual Summer Restaurant Week, July 25August 3.

Restaurant Week features the best local restaurants from all over the city with delightful dishes, drinks & more Perfect opportunity to sample unique flavors of the city.

Check out participatuig restaurants and menus @FXBGRW.com

Amy Peregoy is FXBG Economic Development Manager

Season’s Bounty just beachy vanessa moncure far, so simple. Now for a few nights of dinners…

Virginia is a state with every recreational advantage - love mountains?

Climb nearby Old Rag in Madison County or head southwest to "The Grand Canyon of Virginia", the deeply cut chasm of the Pine River and greatest gorge east of the Mississippi River. How about rivers? Take your pick. The James River, "America's Founding River" of Jamestown and Williamsburg, now a vast watershed vital for commerce and recreation. Our local piedmont Potomac, Rappahannock and Shenandoah Rivers offer unparalleled fishing, boating and nature exploration.

Hiking? Catch Virginia's length of the Appalachian Trail. Leaf peeping in the Fall?

The Blue Ridge Parkway. Adventure parks?

The wild ponies at Chincoteague?

Glamping? Festivals? Annual Virginia State Fair? Wineries? Historic presidential homes of eight US Presidents as Virginia is known as "The Mother of Presidents"? We are SO fortunate to have almost endless recreational choices but arguably everyone's favorite summertime pastime is to head to the beach. And this month's article is brought to you from her white sands and private dunes of the Atlantic Ocean - aahh. Virginia is for beach lovers.

?? And on vacation I am looking for sun, fun and a lot of relaxation. But being in charge of vacation logistics includes three meals a day plus snacks and drinks for our beach crowd. And two quick negatives spring to mind - who wants to spend precious vacation hours shopping/cooking or hours queuing hours or more at popular beach restaurants that don't take reservations? My solution involves planning and portioning at home - and finding a great local seafood market and vegetable/fruit road stand at your sandy destination.

Start with your breakfast checklist and make that the easiest meal of the day - cereal, fruits, juices, coffee, maybe yogurt for smoothies. If you don't want to leave the beach, lunch can be at home. So PB&J for the younger crowd, sliced meats and cheeses (total 5oz per person per day per sub roll, pita, lavash, Hawaiian roll, etc), condiments&chips, plus plenty of lettuces, tomatoes, pickles and salad toppings and dressings for an al fresco salad bar. Drinks should be iced tea or lemonade (love the Chick-Fil-A gallons with ice available at the drive-thrus). So

Go to Costco and buy a two-pack of London Broils for a STEAK DINNER. This should be plenty for 6-8 adults.

Sprinkle with Montreal seasoning, bring to room temperature, then grill at home to desired doneness. Cool, then chill but do not slice. Refrigerate in individual gallonsized zip bags and they're ready to slice and serve along with baked potatoes and a big salad. No fuss trip to a local ice cream parlor for dessert and a family/friends competitive round of mini-golf.

While you're at Costco, pick up two rotisserie chickens for a CHICKEN FAJITA DINNER. You can pull the meat, or buy a bag of pre-shredded cooked chicken breasts for an even easier dinner. At home, slice one poblano pepper per person into strips, or the equivalent in green, yellow and red peppers (place in zip bag) plus bring along onions to slice right before dinner. Heap them in a large skillet and sauté on high until softened, or grill if you have one, or preheated 425F oven on a large sheet pan. When done, add cumin, garlic, oregano, S&P then mix with the chicken and keep warm. Have a buffet of tortillas, lettuce, tomatoes, fresh or pickled onions, sour cream, guacamole, salsa, drained and rinsed black beans and a bowl of defrosted corn - if you're more ambitious, cook jasmine rice in chicken broth and when done, stir in plenty of chopped cilantro. My family loves tortilla chips, too. Dessert? Some vanilla ice cream topped with chocolate sauce and cinnamon churros.

Finally from home, a BBQ DINNER. I BBQ smoke/grill/roast a pork Boston butt (not actually the butt at all, but shoulder meat. That explanation can be for another column!). When done at least 145F, cool it down and either chop, slice or lightly chop the meat in the food processor, mixed with a bit of NC-vinegarbased sauce to moisten. Chill in a zip bag.

If you like chicken instead, those whole chilled rotisserie chickens are pretty great reheated with BBQ sauce on them too.

Bring along your favorite BBQ sauce, a large can or two of premium baked beans, a bag of shredded cabbage&carrots with a container of coleslaw dressing, buns, some deviled eggs and a bag of chips. Slice that juicy roadside stand watermelon for dessert.

Then one night a SEAFOOD BOIL. You will need to prepare ahead by bringing along a large boil pot. You'll need Old Bay seasoning, small potatoes, corn on the cob, sausages, unpeeled raw shrimp and crab legs. Add the Old Bay, water, onions, whole garlic cloves, lemons and beer to the pot and bring to a boil. Add the ingredients in the order listed (potatoes will take longest to cook) and when all is done, pile onto a newspaper-covered picnic table, serve with saltines and plenty of drawn butter. Enjoy your beachy vacation!

See you when I get home!

Vanessa serves up yummy recipes at the beach, the mountains and for all seasons

Olde Towne Butcher Traditional Butchery - Fresh Perspective Open every Sat 7am-2pm Rain/Shine @Hurkamp Park Now ThruDecember 6

Clean, local, sustainable, humane foods prepared fresh.

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

401 William St - Fredericksburg 540-370-4105 - OldeTowneButcher.com front porch fredericksburg

July 2025

13

Night of 1,000 Pies enjoy a fun-filled evening & support empowerhouse By paul eakin of family violence? Or that Empowerhouse shelters as many children as adults each year? The critical monies that we raise from Night of 1000 Pies, (and our other annual fundraisers, Empty Bowl in February, and our Golf Tournament in October) help fund our 24-hour residential Shelter, 24-hour hotline, court advocacy, and healthy relationships prevention education programs in schools, to name but a few.

Be a sponsor of Night of 1000 Pies or purchase tickets at: www.empowerhouseva.org/

I think our mission statement says it all: Empowerhouse empowers survivors and their children to believe in themselves and build new lives filled with dignity, respect, safety, and hope. We give victims the time, space, and tools to heal their hearts, restore their connections, rebuild their lives, and renew their spirits.

Paul Eakin has been on the Empowerhouse Board of Directors since 2017 and has been Chair/Co-Chair for the Night of 1000 Pies event since 2020.

Would you like to be a part of our mission? Here's how:

If you're like me, it's hard to believe how quickly time passes. How can we already be more than halfway through 2025? I can't tell you that, but what I can tell you is there's an amazing event coming up that you're not going to want to miss! The 14th Annual Empowerhouse Night of 1000 Pies will be held at The Silk Mill on Saturday, August 23rd from 6:30 to 10:00pm. Where else can you enjoy home-baked sweet and savory pies, adult and soft beverages, music, dancing and fellowship in a charming, climatecontrolled and weather independent (which as you know is very important in August!) venue, all while supporting survivors of domestic violence and their children? The short answer is nowhere.

That's why we're hoping to see you there!

Whether you're a long-time supporter or this is your first time attending, we're counting on you to make this year our most successful event ever!

Since our humble beginnings at the home of Drs. Rosemary O'Grady and Mitch Sojack, Night of 1000 Pies has grown from around 60 guests to more than 250 attendees, which is amazing! So why is this event so important to our community?

July 2025

This event sells out quickly; so close out the summer by doing something good for others while enjoying a night out!

After all, who doesn't love pie?

14th Annual Empowerhouse Night of 1000 Pies Home-B Baked Sweet and Savory pies, Adult and Soft Beverages, Music, Dancing Saturday, August 23rd The Silk Mill 6:30 to 10pm.

Sells out Fast Purchase Tickets Now www.empowerhouseva.org

Summer is as delicious as a pint of Fresh-PPicked Raspberries or Peaches, Tomatoes & More!

Summer hours Open Daily 9-66 through Labor Day. See you on the farm!

Well, did you know that nationally 1 in 4 women have experienced violence by an intimate partner? Or that every 5 days, a Virginian is killed because

Supporting Non-Profits Since 1997 14

Volunteer to bake pies or help with the event at: eakinpaulm@gmail.com

Front porch fredericksburg

10 mi. S.E. of downtown on right side of Rt. 17

www.sneadsfarm.com

fb@sneadsfarm

The Soup & Taco, Etc. 813 Caroline St. Fredericksburg, VA

Vino Wine Cocktails for summer chillin

by Rita Allen 4 large peaches (1 1/2 pounds frozen peaches) 4 1/2 ounces prosecco 1 ounce peach purée 1/2 ounce raspberry syrup (optional)

Serving Traditional Mexican, Tex-Mex Food and Something More!!

Tuesday to Saturday 11am-9pm Sunday 11am-6pm

Phone: 540-899-0969 soupntaco@yahoo.com

The Sunken Well Tavern

Eat Well Drink Well Live Well 720 Littlepage sunkenwelltavern.com 540-370-0911

The world of cocktails is rich with history and creativity, offering a diverse array of drinks that reflect cultural influences and innovative spirit. Among these are the Bellini, Pineau Spritz, and Kalimotxo.. Each has unique stories and flavors that have contributed to their enduring popularity.

Bellini The exact timeframe of the creation of the peach and sparkling wine cocktail known as the Bellini is somewhat unclear, but it is believed to be between 1934 and 1948. Harry's Bar, founded in 1931 by Giuseppe Cipriani, is where the Bellini originated. Cipriani named the cocktail after the 15th-century Venetian painter Giovanni Bellini, inspired by the artist's use of pink hues that seemed to glow on the canvas, according to Cipriani's son, Arrigo Cipriani.

Harry's Bar became a favorite spot for many famous authors, including Sinclair Lewis, Orson Welles, Alfred Hitchcock, and Ernest Hemingway.

Hemingway, while writing Across the River and Into the Trees, frequently visited the bar and favored the Bellini. The bar is mentioned multiple times in the novel, reflecting Hemingway's fondness for the location. In recognition of its cultural significance, the Italian Ministry for Cultural Affairs declared Harry's Bar a national landmark in 2001.

The Bellini, with its perfect balance of bubbly sweetness and a hint of tartness, has become a global sensation.

As a delightful alternative to the mimosa, Bellinis are an excellent brunch choice, thanks to their fruit juice and light sparkling wine flavor. The refreshing sips will wake you up and pair nicely with fruitforward breakfast food.

Make peach purée Blanch for 15 seconds, fresh peaches to remove the skins and pits. If using frozen peaches, bring to a thaw. Blend peaches in a food processor until smooth. Add sugar to taste.

Chill the flutes Put purée on bottom, Pour prosecco over Drizzle raspberry syrup to color.

Pineau Spritz The Pineau Spritz is a relatively modern cocktail that combines Pineau des Charentes with sparkling water or tonic and sometimes other ingredients to create a refreshing, aromatic beverage. Pineau des Charentes is a French fortified wine produced in the Charente region, primarily associated with the Cognac region. Legend has it that in the 16th century, a winemaker mistakenly poured grape must (unfermented grape juice) into a barrel containing Cognac, thinking the barrel was empty. The Cognac raised the alcohol level of the must, halting fermentation and resulting in a sweet, aromatic wine. This "mistake" became the basis for Pineau des Charentes.

The spritz part of the cocktail has roots in the Veneto region of Italy and traditionally combines prosecco, a bitter liqueur like Aperol, and soda water. The spritz became popular in the 20th century and has seen numerous variations since.

Ice cubes 3 tablespoons (1 1/2 ounces) Pineau des Charentes 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice 1 tablespoon Honey Syrup 2 dashes Angostura bitters 2 (1 1/2-inch) lemon peel strips, divided Sparkling wine Fill a cocktail shaker with ice; add Pineau des Charentes, lemon juice, syrup, and bitters. Hold 1 of the lemon peel strips by a long edge, skin facing down in shaker. Pinch peel strip to express citrus

oils; drop into shaker. Cover and shake vigorously. Strain into an ice-filled Collins glass, top with sparkling wine, and garnish with remaining lemon peel strip.

Kalimotxo The Kalimotxo (also spelled Calimocho) is a popular Spanish wine cocktail made from equal parts red wine and cola. In the States, people tend to scoff at the idea of mixing anything with wine. However, in the Basque region of Spain, they aren't only drinking sangria-in fact, mixing wine with soft drinks is somewhat of an obsession all over Spain.

This simple yet refreshing drink has an interesting and somewhat humorous origin story from the Basque Country of Spain in the 1970s. More particularly, its creation stems from the Old Port of Algorta (Getxo) in 1972.

During a local festival, a group of young people discovered that the red wine they had bought for the event had gone bad. To mask the unpleasant taste, they mixed it with cola, and to their surprise, it became a hit. The name "Kalimotxo" is believed to be derived from the Basque words "Kali" (a colloquial term for "cheap" or "bad") and "Motxo" (a term meaning "mixture" or "blend").It's a symbol of creativity and resourcefulness, demonstrating how a potentially ruined situation (bad wine) can be turned into something enjoyable with a bit of ingenuity and a touch of humor.

Over the years, the Kalimotxo has grown in popularity beyond the Basque Country, becoming a staple drink across Spain. It is especially favored among young people and is commonly enjoyed at festivals, parties, and casual gatherings. As the wine cocktail traveled to other places, variations began to develop. Some people add a splash of lemon juice, a shot of rum, or even a sprinkle of sugar to enhance the flavor. The drink is usually served over ice, making it particularly refreshing in hot weather.

1 part red wine (often a less expensive or lower quality wine is used) 1 part cola Ice Optional: a slice of lemon or lime for garnish Fill a glass with ice.

Pour in equal parts of red wine and cola.

Stir gently Garnish with a slice of lemon or lime if desired.

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

front porch fredericksburg

July 2025

15

CALEND July.... Red, White & Barbeque!

Tuesday July 1

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

320

Open Mic w/Green Bean, Adventure Brewing, 33 Perchwood, 7-9p

Live Music: Sounds of Summer, Market Square, 6:30-8:30p, Ladia, pop/rock/country Live Music 6B&G, Bob Hale, 7-9p 1140 International Pky

Mid-Week Farmers Market, Hurkamp Park, 3-7p Twilight in Downtown every Wednesday from 3 to 7 PM, bringing extended shopping hours, live music on the streets, and extended happy hour specials Trivia Night Sunken Well Tavern, 6:30p, 720 Littlepage

Stafford Opera Troupe, Pirates College Ave

Farmers Market, Hurkamp Park, 7a-1p

LIVE MUSIC: Sounds of Summer Wiley & His Virginia Choir (Rock

Spotsy Farmers Market , 8am - 1pm 12150 Gordon Rd Master Gardeners answer your gardening questions at Farmers Market, Rt. 3 and Gordon Rd **Saturdays this summer

Trivia Night with Trapper Young, 6B&G, 7p, 1140International Pky

Walking Group, FXBG Food CoOp, 9-10 Walk Along **EVERY SATURDAY 320 Emancipations Hwy

Open Mic @Original Grinds, 615 Caroline St, 7:30-10p

Stroll w/Rescue Dogs ODHS 8:40AM, 3602 Lafayette Blvd. *EVERY SAT

Music Trivia, Log Home Brewing CO, 5727 Courthouse Rd, 6:30p

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

Thursday July3

Fxbg Peeps Show FXBG Visitor Center and see the 3rd Annual FXBG Peeps Diorama Show and Exhibition! Mon - Thurs 9a- 4p Fri & Say 9a to 8p Walk with a Doc, FXBG Food CoOp, 4-5p

320 Emancipations Hwy

History Trivia Night, featuring James Monroe, 5th POTUS, James Monroe Museum, 6-8p Open Mic w. Larry Hinkle, 7-10p Highmark Brewery, 390 Kings Hwy Trivia & Burgers, Wild Hare Cider & Pub, 205 William St LIVE MUSIC, Adventure Brewing Co, Sally & Brian, 7-9p LIVE MUSIC Grateful Thursday ght Band Colonial Tavern 406 Lafayette Blvd 8-10:30p

First Friday July 4

Red, White, and Lights 2025: 10 a.m. at Meadow Farm Museum, 3400 Mountain Road in Glen Allen. Celebrate independence in style familyfriendly event music, food, a dazzling laser-light show finale.

Fabulous Fourth at Ferry Farm: 10 a.m., Celebrate Independence Day at Washington's boyhood home! Tour the Washington House, take a selfie with George Washington, learn about archaeology at Ferry Farm, watch a patriotic flag retirement ceremony, food trucks, historic reenactors, festive music, living history demos , make crafts, , and much more Family Fun at the Rising Sun Tavern: 12 p.m. at Rising Sun Tavern Museum, 1304 Caroline St. costumed interpreters read children's books on the American Revolution and the Fourth of July..

Fourth in Fredericksburg Festival: 12 p.m. at Riverfront Park Fredericksburg, 701 Sophia St. Art & Craft Show with many great artists along Sophia Street. Sponsored by Beth Sholom Temple. Children's Activities. Food Vendors - great variety of options. Live Music July 4th Fireworks in Fredericksburg 9 p.m. at Virginia Credit Union Stadium (parking lot). firework show 9 pm, public can view from cars up to two miles away.

Fireworks @ John Lee Pratt Memorial Park, live performance Fxbg Concert Band, 6:30p, family games, Fireworks begins @9:15p. Viewing areas: Pratt Park, Old Mill Park (residents free, non-residents $10/car; $5 walki-in

Skate night Summer Luau! music Skate rentals available at $5 you

Saturday July 5

Art in the Park, Farmers Market, Hurkamp Park, 9a-1p...Sonja

Wednesday July 2

Friday July 11

Geo Washiongton Lodge #4, Pancake Breakfast, 8-10a, All you can eat, 803 _rincess Anne St

LIVE MJUSIC: 6B&G , Spike, 7-9:3

LIVE MUSIC Suspect Down, Adven

Music Trivia with Brandon & Mixe Princess Anne St , 7:30p

Saturday July 12

Stafford Opera Troupe, Pirates College Ave Farmers Market, Hurkamp Park,

Spotsy Farmers Market,8a - 1p 1

Patrick the Magican, Adventure Brewing N, 4-5p

Sunken Well Saturday: Brunch fr

LIVE MUSIC 6B&G 3 Exits to Memphis, 7-9:30p 1140 International Pkwy

Fxbg Comic Con, Fxbg Conventi packed with vendors, artists, craf

Sunday July 6

Sunday Brunch Sunken Well Tavern, 9a-2 , 720 Littlepage, Sunday Brunch at the Colonial Tavern 11a-3p Art Show by Brandi Parrish Stalnaker, Adventure Brewing N, 12-2p

Monday July 7

FXBG Funnies, a night of stand-u Allstate Community Theater, 8p

LIVE MUSIC: 6B&G, Fist of Whisk

LIVE MUSIC: Heavy Metal Night A

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

Sunday July 13

Music on the Steps, Made in the USA 6:30-7:30p, CRRL FXBG Branch,

Sunday Brunch at the Colonial T

Wednesday July 9

Summer Family Games, food

Mid-Week Farmers Market, Hurkamp Park, 3-7p Twilight in Downtown 3 to 7 PM, bringing extended shopping hours, live music on the streets, and extended happy hour specials Trivia Night Sunken Well Tavern, 6:30p, 720 Littlepage Trivia Night with Trapper Young, 6B&G, 7p, 1140International Pky Open Mic @Original Grinds, 615 Caroline St, 7:30-10p Music Trivia, Log Home Brewing CO, 5727 Courthouse Rd, 6:30p

Thursday July 10

Art After Hours , BoltrIDERS Surf Rock Band FREE, Belmont Gari Melchers Home & Studio, 234 Washington St, 6-8p Open Mic w. Larry Hinkle, 7-10p Highmark Brewery, 390 Kings Hwy Trivia & Burgers, Wild Hare Cider & Pub, 205 William St

Sunday Brunch Sunken Well Tave

Night, 6-8p Hig

Monday July 14

Music on the Steps, Trash Rocket

Tuesday July 15

Ukulele Jamming, Fred Food CoOP

Wednesday July 16

Mid-Week Farmers Market, Hurka

Twilight in Downtown 3 to 7 PM, the streets, and extended happy

Trivia Night Sunken Well Tavern,

Trivia Night with Trapper Young Open Mic @Original Grinds, 615 Music Trivia, Log Home Brewing

Become a Friend Advocate ~ Donate ~ Volunteer Open every Sat 7am-2pm

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

july 2025

Front porch fredericksburg

fabtrail.com

FB @ FABeerTrail

Rain/Shine @Hurkamp Park Now Thru-October

DAR of events

c, games,Wear your best Hawaiian attire! u or bring your own Dixon Park,t of Penzance, 7p, Seacobeck Hall, 1711

r Market Square 6:30-8:30p:: Jon Tyler / Singer-Songwriter

Thursday July 17

Open Mic w. Larry Hinkle, 7-10p Highmark Brewery, 390 Kings Hwy Trivia & Burgers, Wild Hare Cider & Pub, 205 William St Thurs Bruce Middle Group Colonial Tavern 7:30-10:30p

Friday July 18

LIVE MUSIC: Sounds of Summer brings free live music to Market Square 6:30-8:30p"1996" (90s))

0p, 1140 International Pkwy

LIVE MUSIC: 6B&G, Justin Trawick, 7-9:30p, 1140 International Pkwy

nture Brewing N, 7-9p

LIVE MUSIC Marc Alred, Advneture Brewing N, 7-9p

ed Elements , Red Dragon Brewery, 1419

Saturday July 19

Art in the Park, Farmers Market Hurkamo Park, 9a-1p of Penzance, 7p, Seacobeck Hall, 1711

Farmers Market, Hurkamp Park, 7a-1p Spotsy Farmers Market , 8am - 1pm 12150 Gordon Rd

7a-1p

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

2150 Gordon Rd visit Master Gardners

Step back in time at Eden Try Ice Cream Social a sweet summer day of wine, music, and vintage ice cream parlor vibes! 6818 River Road, 12-5p

om 9-2, 720 Littlepage

on Center, 10a-4:30p Enjoy a full day fters, authors, and so much more.

Books & Brews, book fair for Adults, 12-5p, Strangeways Brewing

Friday July 25

FXBG Agricultural Fair returns thru Sunday, August 4, 2025 for it's 287th year!, Fxbg Fairgrounds, Weekends 1-10p; Weekdays 5-10p Music Trivia with Brandon & Mixed Elements , Red Dragon Brewery, 1419 Princess Anne St , 7:30p LIVE MUSIC: Sounds of Summer brings free live music to Market Square 6:30-8:30p"Shades of Gray Band" Disco / 70s Dance LIVE MUSIC: 6B&G, Emily Woodhull, 7-9:30p, 1140 International Pkwy LIVE MUSIC: Log Home Brewing Co, 5727 Courthouse , Jim Ferrell, 6p

Saturday July 26

Farmers Market, Hurkamp Park, 7a-1p Spotsy Farmers Market , 8am - 1pm 12150 Gordon Rd Sunken Well Saturday: Brunch from 9-2, 720 Littlepage Countdown to Christmaas Craft Show, Fred Convention Center over 150 talented vendors from across the region 9a-4p; Sunday 10a-4p Possum Pinchlines Comedy Show, Quirky Standup, 7p 211 William St LIVE MUSIC: 6B&G, School of Rock, 7-:30p, 1140 International Pkwy

Sunday July 27

up comedy, 810 Caroline St, 4th Floor,

Drag Me to the Museum Join Shenandoah, the dazzling and selfproclaimed "Queen of Wigglesburg," for an unforgettable evening of drag, history, and revolutionary flair! brings story of Revolutionary War hero Marquis de Lafayette to life. Fxbg Area Museum, 7-8:30p

key, 7-9:30p 1140 International Pkwy

80"s Pop Music Trivia, Adventure Brewing n, 7-9p

Summer Family Night, 6-8p Highmark Brewery, 390 Kings Hwy, Board Games & Backyard fun

Adventure Brewing n, 6-9p

LIVE MUSIC: 6B&G The Reckless Brigade, 7-9:30p, 1140 International

Monday July 28

ern, 9a-2 , 720 Littlepage,

Sunday July 20

Sunday Brunch Sunken Well Tavern, 9a-2 , 720 Littlepage, Sunday Brunch at the Colonial Tavern 11a-3p

CRRL FXBG Branch monthly sale of books. low prices thru Aug 2

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

Music on the Steps, Tampa Taiko, CRRL Fxbg Branch 6:30-7:30p

avern 11a-3p

Sunday Brunch at the Colonial Tavern 11a-3p

Wednesday July 30

ghmark Brewery, 390 Kings Hwy, Yard

Summer Family Night, 6-8p Highmark Brewery, 390 Kings Hwy,90's Night

Monday July 21

t, CRRL Fxbg Branch 6:30-7:30p

Trivia Night Sunken Well Tavern, 6:30p, 720 Littlepage

Wednesday July 23

Trivia Night with Trapper Young, 6B&G, 7p, 1140International Pky

Twilight in Downtown 3 to 7 PM,

amp Park, 3-7p

Trivia Night Sunken Well Tavern, 6:30p, 720 Littlepage

extended shopping hours, live music on hour specials

Trivia Night with Trapper Young, 6B&G, 7p, 1140International Pky

, 6:30p, 720 Littlepage

g, 6B&G, 7p, 1140International Pky

Twilight in Downtown 3 to 7 PM

Music on the Steps, Eric Byrd Trio, CRRL Fxbg Branch, 6:30-7:30p Mid-Week Farmers Market, Hurkamp Park, 3-7p

P Beginners, 6:30p Jam 7p

Mid-Week Farmers Market, Hurkamp Park, 3-7p

Open Mic @Original Grinds, 615 Caroline St, 7:30-10p

Thursday July 24

Open Mic w. Larry Hinkle, 7-10p Highmark Brewery, 390 Kings Hwy

Caroline St, 7:30-10p

Trivia & Burgers, Wild Hare Cider & Pub, 205 William St

CO, 5727 Courthouse Rd, 6:30p

FBS Electric Blues Jam Colonial Tavern 406 Lafayette Blvd, 7-10p

Thursday July 31

Gari Melchers Home & Studio Picturing New Connections program for people with memory loss, their families, or care partners,10:30-Noon Open Mic w. Larry Hinkle, 7-10p Highmark Brewery, 390 Kings Hwy Trivia & Burgers, Wild Hare Cider & Pub, 205 William St

If you are reading this 336th 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 August 2025 issue is July 19th.

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

July 2025

17

history’s stories

July4th 2025

By Ralph “Tuffy” Hicks

I t has only been a federal paid holiday since 1938, the Fourth of July brings back visions of my early childhood with cookouts local parades in downtown Fredericksburg and the fireworks. The waving of flags and the local National Guard putting on demonstrations with their tanks and equipment. I remember as a Boy Scout in troop #171 being in the parades with other troops and all the high school bands and groups such as the Masons, Knight's of Columbus, Fire Departments and other organizations.

The streets would be crowded like at Christmas time. Before the American Revolution the main celebration would have been King George III's June birthday marked by ringing of bells, bonfires and speeches.

celebration took place in Boston and Philadelphia on July 4, 1777, as reported in the Pennsylvania Evening Post the next day.

Fireworks yes. Today we spend over a billion dollars in fireworks each Fourth of July. The history of the use of fireworks goes back long before the days of American independence.

China is credited with the discovery of gunpowder and ever before with the use of bamboo to cause explosions. It would not be until the early 1800's that color would be added to fireworks.

Tuffy is Front Porch’s Resident Historian

On July 4th, 1776, it is recorded that the colonial troops rejoiced as the document of the Declaration was read by the toppled of the equestrian statue of George III, decapitating it, and parading the head around the town to the beat of fifes and drums.

The first official

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

Contact us about donating collections of documents and photographs 18

July 2025

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OUR HERITAGE Is the Silversmith House Haunted?

By david c. kennedy employees have had similar things happen to them. I've never heard an account of anyone witnessing visual phenomenon like Fredericksburg's historic Silversmith House. a spectral form, A building steeped in history - and mystery. but considering the other soundAre things "going bump in the night" from ghostly activity at related activity that's been reported, I Fredericksburg's historic Silversmith wouldn't be at all surprised if an actual House? A small group of locally-based sighting might eventually take place. paranormal investigators recently attempted to find out. After the investigation took place, I sat down with Rebecca Tyrrell - a member of the group for a Q and A session. Before I get into the details of the interview, here's a brief background to the story: the Silversmith House (circa 1785) is one of the oldest surviving buildings in Fredericksburg and it's sheltered many people over the years families, tradesmen, merchants and even Confederate soldiers have all dwelled within its walls. The building now houses the area's oldest art gallery, The Fredericksburg Center for Creative Arts ( FCCA ) which purchased the property back in 1963. Taking into consideration the colorful and rich history of the home ( and the history of Fredericksburg in general ), if there's a location that may actually harbor wayward spirits, it's arguably a prime candidate!

I've been personally involved with the FCCA for over 10 years and during my time there I've encountered some strange events in the building on a few occasions sounds like disembodied voices, heavy footsteps, banging and scraping noises and electronic devices that malfunction and/or inexplicably lose power. I'm not alone in my experiences - other FCCA members and

The following are highlights from my interview with paranormal investigator Rebecca Tyrrell: Q: What inspired you to get involved in the field of Paranormal Research?

A: I've been interested in the paranormal since I was a child - starting at around the age of 5. I used to check out books at my school library that dealt with supernatural subject matter and as I got older, my interest just kept growing.

I've had a few personal experiences most notably seeing a ghostly image of a deceased pet cat. I've also heard footsteps in an attic of a relative's home and seen an apparition looking out at me from a window in the same house. I do consider myself to be a "believer", though I don't let that belief influence me when I'm conducting an investigation. I always strive to maintain a healthy level of skepticism when assessing any evidence that's being analyzed. I've just scratched the surface of visiting places that I want to investigate!

Q: Tell me about your Paranormal Investigation group - how many of you are in the group? What equipment and techniques do you employ?

A: We've only been together for a short time - a month or so - and we're so new that we haven't even settled on an official name for the group yet! There's 4 of us at the moment. We're hoping to take on additional members over time.

We use a variety of tools to detect any audio and visual anomalies electromagnetic field detectors, "Spirit Boxes", which can pick up disembodied EVPs ( electronic voice phenomena ), digital cameras, proximity detectors and of course our own eyes and ears. Some of the group members are sensitive to "vibes" that they detect at some locations and that ability also helps to enhance the overall investigation.

Q: What prompted your group to investigate the Silversmith House? Were there any findings?

A. Carrol Morgan ( Curator at the FCCA ) showed me a video that you'd taken where you could hear what sounded like footsteps and a disembodied voice in the Silversmith House. I found it to be very fascinating and thought that an investigation might yield some interesting results. The group arrived and set up in the early evening. One of the psychically sensitive investigators felt that the active areas were the back room gallery and the upstairs front room.

Nobody felt any negative energy in the air. We formed a circle and the question of "Is there anybody here that would like to talk to us?" was said aloud in the hope that audio equipment might pick up a response. It did. Later, when the recording was being reviewed, a faint voice was heard to say "NO", even though nobody in the group heard the word audibly when it occurred. That was the extent of the evidence collected that evening. I have to point out that after 10 o'clock pm or so, the psychic energy in the building seemed to wane

considerably. We all thought that maybe the spirits had gone to bed for the night!

Maybe we were there on an "off night" for spirit activity and we'll have better luck with a follow-up investigation. I've been informed about many other locations in the FXBG area that are supposedly haunted and I'm excited with the prospect of conducting more local investigations in the upcoming weeks and months. We definitely have our work cut out for us!

Q. Do you have any theories as to what's happening at the Silversmith House?

A. Even though we didn't collect strong evidence of ghostly activity, the general consensus of the group is that it's likely to be a "residual" haunting - which is by definition a phenomena where spirits or ghosts keep repeating events.

Residual hauntings usually occur in older locations and may be ghosts reliving important events in their lives-marriages, births, deaths, etc. Some researchers claim that the events are not ghosts in the classic sense, but are energies trapped in the location that repeat like a recording on an "endless loop" of magnetic tape. There are other types of hauntings which are classified as Poltergeist, Intelligent ( ghosts that can interact with the living ), Demonic, Apparitions and Orbs. Take note that this is only a partial list - the internet has a wealth of information about these and additional types of hauntings for anyone who cares to learn more about the subject.

Dave Kennedy plans on doing followups on haunted locations in the ‘Burg

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Mental Health happiness may be a choice By karen kallay I'm referring to happiness as a general ability to enjoy one's life along with the inevitable failures, disappointments, and even boredom.

The pursuit of happiness seems universal and is even included in our country's Declaration of Independence.

But it can be elusive, shaped by cultural, economic, and societal factors. Many people find it difficult to escape the pressures of modern life, from rising income inequality to the relentless pace of technological advancement.

And surely we will choose what is or looks enjoyable when we can. So why does America rank somewhere in the midteens on international happiness rankings, year after year?

Yes, nations get measured for "happiness," too, not just for GDP or Gross Domestic Production. Usually, the surveys are based on surveys of massive amounts of self-reporting. A big part of it seems to be the frustration that builds when expectations in the face of massive advertising aren't met, especially as income inequalities grow wider. Think about it: a shrinking middle class means fewer stepping stones for people with big dreams and drive, leaving more people frustrated.

Let's briefly look at how neuropsychologists see how our society frustrates our brains.

We evolved to meet three fundamental needs: avoid harm, approach rewards, and attach to others. So unease is a frequent companion.

We are bombarded by messages daily that tell us that our worth is based on accomplishments, wealth, and appearance.

More unease. Our brains are more like Velcro for remembering bad things and like slippery Teflon for remembering good things. And much of this is in our subconscious and from long ago where we're not aware of it. More unease…and decisions that may not be appropriate for the present.

Here's another apparent reality about our brains: those feel-good chemicals like dopamine fade naturally after a while. It's part of why that new car, fancy vacation, or even the thrill of a big win soon loses its shine.

Add to that online whirlwind of modern life, rapid changes, scattered families, employment instability-it's a lot for our brains and bodies to adapt to. So, what can we do?

For starters we can be more aware of the good moments and soak in them!

Here is a quote from Dr. Rick Hanson, researcher and author of multiple books and podcasts.

He advocates replacing inevitable frustrations with deliberate focus on filling up on the good moments.

Finding this fullness, let it sink in.

For survival purposes, the brain is good at learning from the bad but bad at learning from the good. So, help it by enriching a good experience by making it last 10-20 seconds or longer, fill your body and mind, and become more intense. Also, absorb it by intending and sensing that it is sinking into you as you sink into it. Do this half a dozen times a day, maybe half a minute at a time. It's less than five minutes a day.

But you'll be gradually weaving a profound sense of being already fundamentally

Sign Up For A CPR Class 540-903-8090 classycpr.com 20

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peaceful, happy, loved, and loving into the fabric of your brain and your life.

This is a much safer strategy than the endless options of chemistry in the form of drinking or smoking various drugs. Initially this promotion of fullness from savoring the good requires more intention and practice, but it gets easier and automatic with time.

This is not to encourage rejection of modern society entirely, but to encourage each of us to be more realistic about how we're built and how we can be a little more "filled" with happiness within that environment. This isn't new. There are many books, podcasts, and YouTube videos on this and related topics.

Ready to give it a try?

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.

Emancipated Patients moss closure

By Patrick Neustatter, MD

With the help of beer and margaritas, the mood of the Moss Clinic staff, gathered at Rey Aztec for a sort of impromptu commiseration party, lightened temporarily.

Just an hour before it had been a glum, maudlin shell-shocked group gathered in the clinic waiting room to be given the official news by members of the Fredericksburg Area Regional Health Council, myself included, that the clinic was abruptly closing.

This because the Lloyd F. Moss Free Clinic, that has provided care since it was founded in 1993 in response to a Joint Resolution in Virginia legislature concerned about the plight of the underserves medically indigent, and where I have been Medical Director for the last 15 year's, did not have funds to pay staff to work even one more pay period.

Empty Coffers To coin a phrase from death certificates, the "immediate Cause of Death" was lack of funds.

The fatal flaw of a free clinic like Moss is that it does not generate income ( yes, we had started taking Medicaid after

the Affordable Care Act expansion, - but it is recognized, and a constant complaint among doctor's, that what Medicaid pays often does not cover the overhead).

Fully functional the clinic cost about $ 2.2 million a year to run.

As we found out, fund-raising is a skill unto itself. We have been pilloried for not doing a better job, but we were a healthcare organization, not a fund raising one (I find it hard to already have to write about this in the past tense).

Many were working for less than they could have been making in the open market, but the staff stood out as a group that believed in their mission. A staff who were more attuned to the plight of the "medically indigent." They are people who are more responsive than most to the needs of a population who otherwise often would get no care - thanks to living in a country with no universal healthcare, made worse recently by the growth of wealth inequity.

Staffed by people who understood that "there but for the grace of God . . . . . . ".

Though other places have stepped up to offer to help out with our abandoned patients, the fear is these people, who often have transportation challenges, will not get the "one-stop-shop" capability of Moss that offered medical, dental, pharmacy, mental health, eye care

and social services all in one place.

I have this feeling like there has been a death in the family. And there is the loss of a key player in Fredericksburg community that tried hard to fulfill its founding mission "to assure each person in the region access to prompt and exemplary medical attention."

Without outside help and expertise. Without the backing of some fundraising organization, we were just unable to rally the funds needed.

Pulling the plug in such an abrupt and peremptory way, making this sudden announcement to the staff was not the ideal way to do this. I can see why they needed beer and margaritas.

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

Scaring up $2.2 million from grants and charitable donations is a challenge - and is becoming more so as the current administration defunds more and more organizations that provide help to people at the bottom of the socioeconomic ladder.

There is more competition for those charitable dollars and unfortunately our fund-raising abilities were not commensurate with our ability to provide healthcare.

Disbanding the Family Any team that works together will usually become close. But somehow at Moss the bonds seem particularly strong.

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Wellness hip replacement: my personal experience By mary beth geil This tale is about preparation for Hip replacement from my personal experience.

It started when I was first told I needed a hip replacement. Pain and walking with a "limp" led me to see an orthopedist. My lower back was evaluated to include a Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI). For the MRI, you lay on a hard surface and then are slid into a machine with little wiggle room and get to listen to the sound of jack hammering as the imaging is being taken. The orthopedist reported no immediate surgical needs in the lower back.

As I was leaving, the doctor witnessed my abnormal gait alias "limping" and referred me to the hip specialist. The hip specialist informed me that my right hip was very arthritic, and a replacement was recommended. A few months later, I got a second opinion from another orthopedic practice in the area and got the same diagnosis and recommendation. I did not schedule the surgery at this point and chose to try more conservative measures.

As I was told "You will know when it's time."

It was not time yet. I was in denial and fearful and went into a "prevent/prehab mode" which included a

combination of CAM (Complementary and Alternative Medicine) and conventional approaches. I got a referral for Physical Therapy (PT) and did that. Both orthopedic visits suggested a cortisone injection. It is useful as a diagnostic tool.

However, getting the injection delays surgical joint replacement three months due to increased risk of infection. I did get the cortisone injection in my hip. It helped some. I started to get issues in my calf

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area of my leg that likely stemmed from my low back, so I got an injection in my spine which was very helpful for the lower leg issues. Even with the injections, I still had the "limp".

incorporate post-surgery.

I finally knew it was time after about a year.

I scheduled my hip arthroplasty with the second opinion practice mentioned earlier. I had hip replacement surgery in March of 2025.

These days hip arthroplasty surgery is done on an outpatient basis in most cases.

Of course, I ended up being in-patient for two nights due to low blood pressure. The picture shows the post-surgical Xray of my Hip and graph of replacement joint. The surgery and aftermath in another article.

Mary Beth is a Spotsylvania resident who is enjoying retirement and her family. She plans to continue writing so lookout for more articles in the future.

I was also experiencing pain and achiness in my legs that didn't seem to be from hip arthritis. My primary care physician referred me to get an ultrasound of my legs. I was diagnosed with venous insufficiency in both legs which can be treated with ablation.

However, my insurance required trying compression stockings for twelve weeks to see if that relieves the symptoms. I bought the stockings and tried wearing them.

They didn't totally relieve symptoms.

Next step was ablation. They treat one leg per procedure.

The first procedure worked on the leg that required least treatment.

The local numbing procedure felt like bee stings going up your leg. For the next procedure, I asked to be sedated.

Thank goodness for sedation. This procedure went more smoothly on my part once the IV was set up and in use. The ablation did help my painful, achy legs, but I still had the "limp".

As for CAM practices, I had massages, chiropractic sessions, yoga, Myofascial Release, gait analysis, emotion code, reiki, energy sessions, topical essential oils, sound vibrational work, acupuncture, dry needling, Neuro-B BioElectric Stimulation of the muscles, and orthotic insoles. As for these, I did not start soon enough and was not consistent with their use. However, I am sure they all prepared me in their own way for surgery and planted seeds for self-care to

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Create, Connect, Contribute art commission update

by Pete morelewicz & Kelley Drake project aligns with Fredericksburg's arts community. We also consider the kinds of support applicants bring to the table, like volunteers, partnerships, or in-kind donations.

connections, too.

These updates aim to make the process smoother and more accessible, and to ensure that city arts funding continues to support impactful and inclusive programming.

Need a way to part with those unopened or lightly used art supplies you've been holding onto?

The Fredericksburg Arts Commission's quarterly Art Supply Drive offers a simple way to share materials with those who need them most.

Questions? Reach out to us at: ArtsFunding@fredericksburgva.gov

Resources for Artists... and Aspiring Artists

Art Attack is an annual event that floods downtown with artists of all disciplines Updates to the Fredericksburg Arts Commission's Arts Support Program What do Sounds of Summer, Art Attack, Bomba in the Square, the Fredericksburg Concert Band, and the Fredericksburg Theater Ensemble have in common? They've all received financial support from the Fredericksburg Arts Commission. And you can, too.

If you're an artist, organization, or community group planning a publicfacing arts event in Fredericksburg, we encourage you to apply to the Arts Support Program. This program provides funding and promotional support for events and projects that strengthen the city's cultural life.

Beginning in fiscal year 2025, the program will move from four annual funding rounds to three. New application deadlines are April 1, July 1, October 1, with funding decisions made at the Commission's August, November, and May meetings.

A new online application portal is now live, making it easier to apply. You can complete and submit your application directly at fredarts.com/arts-ssupportprogram. We encourage all applicants to read the updated guidelines carefully before applying.

The Arts Commission has also introduced a new evaluation rubric. The Commission pays close attention to things like community engagement, clarity of budget, event readiness, and how well the

Are you looking for art shows to enter? Does your theater group need rehearsal space? Is your band looking to perform at local events? Do you want to connect with other artists?

The Arts Commission has launched a Community Resources hub at www.fredarts.com.

This information center is intended to help FXBG artists practice their craft and perhaps take it to the next level. You'll find listings for artist meet-ups, shops that sell local work, studios for rent, performance and maker spaces, casting calls, and more.

The Arts Commission surveyed artists and found that an overwhelming number had the same two questions: Where can I show/perform my work?

How do I connect with other artists?

These Community Resources will help point you in the right direction. Of course the heart of any community is built on personal relationships, so be sure to get out there in person and make those

Got Unused Art Supplies?

We'll Put Them to Work

This initiative supports underserved members of our community by collecting and redistributing supplies to local programs that provide open access to creative resources. The first beneficiary is Community Canvas, a welcoming space in Fredericksburg where people of all ages can gather to make art, use available materials, and express themselves in a supportive environment. (for more info contact: communitycanvas3@gmail.com Galleries throughout the city serve as drop-off points, making it easy to contribute during regular visits or First Friday events. The Arts Commission supplies collection boxes, coordinates outreach, and promotes the drive in connection with quarterly gallery networking meetings.

For updates and drop-off information, email info@fredarts.com.

Kelley Drake is the co-owner of Fredericksburg Tattoo Works.

Pete Morelewicz is an artist and designer. They both serve on the Fredericksburg Arts Commission.

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Art in the Burg Art Galleries in July Artist Alliance at Jarrett Thor Fine Arts Opening Reception 6-9 9p 100 Taylor St., Suite 101, Colonial Beach.

The Artists' Alliance (AA) at Jarrett Thor Fine Arts is excited to stage a feature show with the work of our directors; Art Director Connie Canby, and Managing Directors Rob Rudick and Peter Fahrney.

Connie is well known for her abstract paintings. Rob and Peter are photographers. Rob Wayne Russell “Brian Wilson of Beach Boys” will be showing landscapes and @ Art First florals on a variety of media; Peter works in black and white.

Additionally, all AA members are A Collection of New Works by displaying their array of painting, The Artists of Art First sculpture, photography, ceramics, jewelry, Opening reception July 4 and wood furniture in the main galleries.

6pm to 9pm. ~Rob Rudick Art First, 824 Caroline St Celebrating all things American.

That's the theme of our Gallery Exhibit in July. Music, landscape, flags and all things that the evoke the American Experience are the subject matter of the show. What better month than July to celebrate our uniquely vibrant American culture? Each creation reflects the unique vision of the artist -- so get ready to be inspired.

Opening Reception will be during First Friday, July 4th 6-9pm. Light refreshments will be available. The collection will otherwise be on display during normal gallery hours, Thursday July 3- the 27th, 11am-5pm Gary Close

"Shawls and Scarves" Woven Works by Linda George Opening Reception: July 12 , 6-9 9pm Artful Dimensions Gallery NEW LOCATION: 1025 Caroline Street Linda George enjoys weaving wearable pieces that are light and drapey silk shawls and soft and warm woolen ones made from alpaca, mohair, and crisp, bamboo in a huck lace pattern.

Says Linda, "I have always enjoyed most types of needlework, especially knitting, sewing, and cross

Linda George@Artful Dimensions

Wild and Wacky Show Tappahannock Art Gallery 200 Prince St, Tappahannock, VA Array of artists displaying all things wild and wacky. Fifteen artists have contributed works in both two and three dimensions to stimulate your imagination, make you laugh, or cause you to think about things just a little differently ~Paige Conor Totaro “Searchers”, Ron Perkins@ BSG

Ron Perkins Featured Artist We hope everyone will stop in before heading off to picnics and fireworks.

Opening Reception Brush. Strokes Gallery, First Friday July 4, 5-9 9p, 824 Caroline St

Rob Rudick, “Pink Peony” @Artist Alliance

See feature on Ron pg 25 ~-Collette Caprara

stitch, and I have a strong interest in history, especially women's work and material culture.

I joined the Fredericksburg Spinners and Weavers Guild in 1987 and discovered that spinning and weaving are a great combination of both interests."

Most of Linda's weavings are functional, and bring beauty to everyday settings, such as towels and placemats, rugs and blankets, and wearable art. She has taken many classes at The Mannings Weaving School, Red Stone Glen Fiber Arts Center, Vavstuga, and at the MidAtlantic Fiber Association Conference. She has won awards and ribbons from the Maryland Sheep and Wool Festival, Montpelier Fall Fiber Festival, and the Virginia State Fair for hand-spun yarn. She was also awarded third place in LibertyTown's Patron Show for her handwoven wall hanging. ~Sally Cooney Anderson

“Vessel”, Courtney Burke @ Ponshop “Sweet Season” solo exhibit featuring Courtney Burke PONSHOP Studio & Gallery 712 Caroline St Gallery Talk, 2nd Saturday" July 11, 6pm Exhibition Runs thru - July 31

810 Caroline Street, Downtown 540.371.4099 “Incoming ll”,Robyn Ryan 24

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“Talking A Blue Streak”,Beverley Coates

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“Refuge” Lynn Abbott

Artist on Site Saturdays

Ron Perkins a life of art by penny a parrish

The first thing I noticed about Ron Perkins is his enthusiasm and energy.

He's a tall man, with wide gestures and a big smile when he talks about his art. And his art is CERTAINLY worth talking about!

male canaries sing). Ron studies birds - live, in photos and through research - before putting them in his artwork. The backgrounds, however, are straight from his imagination. If he thinks a bird should be perched in a tree, he creates limbs and tiny leaves for the avian. He loves that minutiae, like "painting eyebrows on a gnat." Creating backgrounds, Ron says, lets his creative juices flow.

Though Ron currently focuses on acrylics and colored pencils, he has a strong background in other art forms as

Ron is 88 years old (or young), and art has been part of his life since childhood. In high school, he admits to being a pretty bad student except in art. His teacher recognized his talent and helped Ron send off a portfolio to the Walt Disney Company.

He was accepted as an illustrator, which meant about three years of being under the thumb of a mentor before actually allowed to create his own work. But this was 1954, he was 18 years old, and the military draft was going on. Ron turned down Disney and enlisted in the United States Marine Corps, where he served for 22 years before retiring in 1976. Even during his time with USMC, art was part of his life. He did graphics and maps as well as illustrations and eventually was named Exhibits Chief at the old Marine Corps Museum.

Living in Florida for many years, he became fascinated with birds, which are one of his main subjects for his paintings. He says they have personalities, just like dogs or cats. At home, he is serenaded by a male yellow and white canary named Buddy (I learned that only

“Searchers” Ron's show at Brush Strokes Gallery is not his first venture in art in Fredericksburg. Decades ago he worked alongside Johnny Johnson and Cliff Satterthwaite to create an art studio on Hanover Street, where he was a member.

well: drawing, photography, air-brushing and silk-screening to name a few. He has an Associate Degree in Creative Art from Northern Virginia Community College.

How long does it take Ron to do a painting?

Well…that question was unanswerable. He often starts one piece, steps back and looks at it, and puts it on hold while he ponders the next step.

Meanwhile, he begins a new piece, so he often is working on two or three paintings at once. He likes working with acrylics, because after a "mistake" dries he can quickly paint over it and no one will ever know the error existed. Watercolors, he says, require deep thinking before an artist begins because once the paint is down, it's there.

Ron is a self-taught artist. While he may not have excelled in regular course

work in school, he believes that "God gave me the talent to create art." Throughout his life, from the military to business careers, his hand has been holding a pen or a brush. I asked Ron what creating art does for him, and he said "It gives me enjoyment." Those of us who have seen his art can say that the same thing happens to us when we view it. His birds, flowers and scenes of nature take us outdoors, giving us both enjoyment and peace in his amazing creations.

Penny A Parrish is a local writer and a photographer at Brush Strokes Gallery.

Ron's paintings on display at Brush Strokes Gallery from Thursday, July 3 through Sunday July 27.

The gallery open on July 4, a reception for Ron from 5-9 9 pm. We hope everyone will stop in before heading off to picnics and fireworks. Brush Strokes is open Thursdays-S Sundays 11-5 5.

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25

Auto Known Better

Give a Child

centennial

Think About

Something to

By Rim Vining manual choke and a key and then start the 90's pickup with an automatic choke and a key. I then try the 20-year-old Ford with a key for starting and a "fob" to unlock the doors. That prepares me for the "FOB in the pocket, foot on the brake, push the button" starting sequence… so much to learn.

It's July and I'm thinking all positive thoughts, almost, so let's start with the new car lament: A fob is what you have on your pocket watch. It is leather and hangs out of the little pocket on the breast of your overalls or it might be a chain leading to the pocket of your vest. It might even lead you to the "watch" pocket on your jeans. It lets you retrieve the watch to check the time like the train conductor in every western movie. You can hear the ticking…

But much has changed since I bought my last new car twenty years ago.

This one came with a fob. No watch, just a fob… and a 100 page instruction manual for all the gee-gaws and bells and whistles that are built into this "new-fangled contraption" like they called the Model T. I understand their pain.

This beast does things for me I do not want to do. It won't let me control the headlights. They dim and brighten at will depending on how the camera "senses" the degree of darkness or approaching traffic. What if I like driving with low beams especially since the new LED lights are so damn bright? I'm sorry Mr. Vining but we are not programmed to receive driver input…

Lights are just the tip of the iceberg with "auto-stop" turning the engine off whenever you come to a stop. I call that stalling. My first experience with that feature was in a rental car just north of El Paso as we headed into the desert for an hour and a half of desolation and I'm thinking I have a car that stalls? Does it restart every time? Where will I be when the starter gives out?

I'll get it figured out but the real event of the month is my mother Primrose's 100th Birthday!

I figure the fireworks and celebration of our independence and freedom are the perfect pre-party for her birthday on the 5th and always have been.

In full disclosure, as some of you know, Primrose passed away in 2013 at the tender age of eighty-eight.

A Hopkins nurse trained during the war; she was a proud American and fiercely loyal to her family and friends. As one of the first licensed nursing home administrators in the country she cared deeply and was quite outspoken about respecting the dignity of our older population and providing for their needs.

Congress take note!

While I'm whining about adapting to the "fob", my mother went from carriages to men on the moon and primitive phones to email and never missed a beat. She was fascinated with all new things and embraced them. She also instilled in me the importance of celebrating those who came before us and honoring their traditions while recognizing their sacrifices which gave us the wonderful life we enjoy today.

So, this year I'll do a lady's luncheon in the Baltimore tradition (without tomato aspic, sorry) and we'll raise a glass with some family and friends.

She will be there in much more than spirit.

We won't discuss politics as we already know her thoughts: "He's a man who would pinch little girl's bottoms!" Happy 100th mom. ~autoknownbetter@gmail.com

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

But I'm learning to adapt. I've established a warmup routine where I start the sixty-year-old MG with the

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

810 Caroline Street (540) 371-5684

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Art & Wellness music & the performing arts

by ANNIE HARPE relax), alleviate pain, lower our blood pressure, help us sleep, and more.

Neuroscientist, musician and author Daniel Levitin says, "Music listening, performance, and composition engage nearly every area of the brain that we have so far identified, and involve nearly every neural subsystem … The ability that music has to engage us wholly and completely is one of the reasons it can be such a powerful therapeutic agent."

Curitiba Open Mic with the FXBG Jazz Collective The power of art is that it can connect us to one another, and to the larger truths about what it means to be alive and what it means to be human. ~ Daniel Levitin, I Heard There Was a Secret Chord; Music as Medicine

Music is a fundamental part of being human. Music can lift us up when we're down, help us celebrate when we're up, enhance whatever emotions we are experiencing, and help us process those emotions. Music engages our bodies and our minds. It can inspire us to work (and workout) harder, help us concentrate (or

increase communication, social skills, selfesteem and creativity, but even watching theater has benefits. Live theater, like live music, can induce audience synchrony, community connection, and even awe.

So add some LIVE music, dance and theater to your summer! Here are some local places to start:

Music can help alleviate symptoms of Parkinson's, Alzheimer's, dementia, stroke, depression, pain, and more. For information on the medicinal uses of music, check out Levitin's book, I Heard There Was a Secret Chord; Music as Medicine. Many studies have tried to deconstruct music and parse out exactly which aspects promote specific responses, but according to Levitin, music is an epiphenomenon. "It is the end product of a number of different elements coming together ... one that involves, indeed requires you as part of the experience."

Musical preferences and effects vary widely, but overall, studies show that therapeutic effects are enhanced when the music is chosen by the person using it.

Science aside, most of us include music in our lives simply because it makes us feel good. We create workout playlists, sing in the shower or the car, dance in the kitchen when no one is watching. But however great your Spotify playlist is, recorded music is a pale alternative to experiencing music live. Recorded music can make us feel good, but live music makes us feel, as my granddaughter used to say, even "guider." Live music inspires more body movement, greater stress reduction, and has a powerful communal effect. Live music synchronizes brain and body states in the audience, and also between the audience and the performers.

Live music makes us feel more connected to each other, and to something larger than ourselves. And that sense of connection can be a powerful tool for addressing the modern epidemic of disconnection that can lead to depression and addiction.

These articles are short, so I've been referring just to music, but the therapeutic effects of dance and theater are similar, and equally powerful. Studies have shown dance can be as effective as walking, team sports or going to the gym, and people tend to stick with dance more easily than with other forms of exercise.

Participation in theater has been shown to

Music - FREE Sounds of Summer - Friday nights in the marketplace behind the Fxbg Area Museum: Music on the Steps - Monday nights at the downtown library: Bello Manzo - First Fridays, music by Becky and Slam (jazz/funk) 6:30-8:30 Sunken Well Tavern Curitiba Art Cafe The Sky Bar at Castiglia's: check their Facebook page Open mic Colonial Tavern: Mondays: Highmark Brewery Thursdays with Larry Hinkle Curitiba Art Cafe 2nd Thursdays, Fxbg Jazz Collective If you're a performance artist and want to participate in the upcoming Love, Light and Wellness Festival, visit: www.sunagolife.com/festivals for more information!

Annie Harpe sells her upcycled clothing at Sophia Street Studios, and teaches yoga at Rivers Edge Healing Arts.

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Companions feed a rescue pet by lenora Kruk-Mullanaphy surrendered animals they take in has risen in the last several years. Additionally, ODHS is a no-kill rescue, saving dogs from shelters where they would otherwise face euthanasia.

Sara Evans, above, is good with other dogs and kids, and her foster mom says she's a snuggle bug with great crate manners. This sweetheart is available for adoption.

Old Dominion Humane Society (ODHS) encourages the community to donate food or a monetary gift for National Feed a Rescue Pet Week, July 2430. One of the costliest expenses for the nonprofit ODHS, it spends approximately $1,642 a year for each dog. With 120 rescue dogs cared for on average a month, the total amount to feed all of the dogs is nearly $200,000 annually. (The cost rises when dogs have specific diets due to food allergies.)

Now in its eighth year, National Feed a Rescue Pet Week is held to raise funds and provide food for rescues. This enables the organizations to allocate funds for other necessities to keep the animals in their care safe, healthy and comfortable.

Animal rescues and shelters welcome the donations during the annual week and throughout the year, because the number of stray, neglected, mistreated and

"As a no-kill and nonprofit organization led entirely by volunteers, ODHS depends on the kindness and caring hearts of the community to help the rescue dogs," said Chrissy Hamilton, ODHS founder. "With these donations, we're able to ensure the rescue dogs are well fed and nourished. It allows us to concentrate on the many other needs of taking in these rescues, such as veterinary care, vaccines, microchipping, housing them in a safe and comfortable facility and more."

National Feed a Rescue Pet Week began through the partnership of GreaterGood.org and The Animal Rescue Site, which initiated an annual drive to provide animal shelters across the nation with food for animals in their care, according to Pango Vet.

You Can Help!

Donate: Celebrate the event by donating dog food, monetary gifts and other necessities, including cleaning supplies, blankets, paper towels, trash bags and more. A complete list is available on the ODHS website.

Volunteering: ODHS is a volunteer-led organization, and there are many ways the community can participate. From taking a dog out of the facility for a few hours to decompress,

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walking rescues for potty breaks and spending time with a pup on the premises to cleaning the facility, keeping up with the laundry and joining one of the crews (Sunday Cleaning Crew, Puppy Crew, Puppy Pawties), there's something for everyone. Volunteering helps to socialize the dogs and help a frightened pup begin to trust humans again. Whether it's five minutes or five hours, ODHS appreciates the time given to its many four-legged friends.

ODHS hosts Saturday Strolls and Sunday Hikes, where the public is invited and it's not necessary to be a volunteer.

It's an easy way to help by getting the rescues out for exercise and meeting other people in the community.

Report Suspected Animal Cruelty or Neglect: The public is urged to report any suspected animal cruelty or neglect to local animal control. The dogs at ODHS have come from many different situations and are finally able to be relieved of the stress and other abuses they endured. At ODHS, they're on their way to getting a

second chance at the lives they deserve with loving families.

Adopt, Foster or Slumber Party: An ideal way to help ODHS and other rescues is to adopt, foster or host a homeless dog for a Slumber Party (offered to individuals interested in fostering). By taking dogs out of the facility, it makes room for other dogs to be saved. Adopting and fostering greatly helps when the facility is filled to capacity and gives the dogs an opportunity to decompress, show their personalities and find a new best friend.

Lenora Kruk-Mullanaphy is a Public Relations Professional & a ODHS volunteer Old Dominion Humane Society is here to provide well-m matched, permanent homes for animals in need through rescue, rehabilitation and education ODHS is located at 3602 Lafayette Boulevard in Fredericksburg. www.olddominionhumanesociety.org.

Astrology & You THE POETRY MAN

By Frank Fratoe

Uranus in Gemini: Lord of Lightning

Searchers

By Elaine DeBohun

Pine-hills cover the coast where a path weaves inland sheltered against the wind which has spurred breakers to dash cliffs of limestone left here from another age.

It is for this reason that Uranus is associated with innovation, revolution, and drastic change. And unlike Mars and Saturn (which are both considered malefics in ancient astrology) Uranus is considered a neutral party. Upheaval might seem negative at first glance, but at times, it is necessary. Sometimes, it even works in our favor-old towers topple so new ones can be built. But what makes Uranus transits unnerving is the unpredictable nature of them. More times than not, astrologers try to predict what Uranus will do, only to be thrown a major curveball.

And we can follow the trail under an overhang of vines continuing our walk onward and not stop until we reach someplace to share together moving forward hand-in-hand.

A beacon runs over the edge toward forest imbuing dark while shoreline glows again and we discover our passage to advance us through time within the realm of beauty .

Frank Fratoe writes poetry from the heart

In the United States, as tensions rise internally and globally, it's becoming increasingly difficult to ignore the unrest.

You don't need me, as an astrologer, to tell you that things are tense here. You already know it. It's on full display for the world to see. What I can do, though, is help bring context to these unpredictable times. So, for this July article, I will try my best to do just that.

If there is one astrological configuration us astrologers have been side-eyeing for the last couple years, it is Uranus' move into the sign of Gemini on July 7, 2025. The United States was founded under this transit, which means it will be having its third "Uranus Return."

Uranus takes about eighty-four years to circle the zodiac, so we only have two historical examples of this. The first Uranus Return for the US was from April 1859 to March 1871. The second was August 1941 to September 1948. If you are a history buff, you don't need to Google those years. And if you do, I'll save you the time-the first instance coincided with the American Civil War, and the second coincided with the United States' involvement in WWII.

was discovered by William Herschel in 1781. As recounted by his son, Varley would get up every morning and look in his ephemeris to see what the daily transits would be to his chart. He had some suspicions about what this new planet might mean so when he saw a transit from Uranus to his birth chart one morning, he was convinced something dire must be coming. On the day of the transit, he was away from home, but returned to find his house in flames. Varley was apparently so delighted by his prediction that he took a seat outside, laughing as he watched it burn.

A similar image comes to mind Waite Tarot when we look at the Rider-W card, The Tower, which displays the image of a tower on fire, having been struck by lightning. In the canon of Tarot, this card represents unexpected upheaval, and while most would read that as innately negative, I disagree. Lightning is the divine spark that ruptures worlds, and if lightening is the epiphany, the fire is autonomy. And fire spreads.

Wherever Gemini falls in your own chart, expect the unexpected, then reverse it. Flexibility and adaptability are key here. Much like life, the only real certainty is the revolving Wheel of Fortune. We might be down one day only to find ourselves up the next, so don't lose hope-whether on a personal level, or when looking at the world scale. The tide is always changing, and Uranus could always swing things in your favor.

Elaine DeBohun is a stargazer and storyteller from Fredericksburg, VA. She can be found on Instagram at @morganofthe_sea for astrology content, and @elainedebohun for her fiction writing. For astrology consultations, she can be reached at elainedebohun@gmail.com.

Artwork, John Trumbull, 1819, Declartion of Independence,

As I write this article, I find myself walking the line between not wanting to sugarcoat the astrological weather, while also not wanting to sound too fatalistic at the same time. So, at this point I will state for the record: history does not always repeat. However, we cannot deny how it rhymes. And the best way to anticipate that rhyming is to understand the archetype at play.

Regency astrologer, John Varley (1778-1842) was the first to figure out the astrological function of Uranus after it

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Fredericksburg Sketches A visual Celebration of our community

By Paula Raudenbush

Carl’s Hi folks. Now that it's summer, one of the most popular things to do in Fredericksburg is to visit Carl's and sample their frozen custard.

Recently, the Fredericksburg Urban Sketchers sat in the shade and sketched the iconic building and some of the customers until we couldn't resist and got our own cones and sundaes.

The unassuming building has been painted and sketched many times, but it was the customers who attracted my attention.

From my vantage point, the people were rather small, but it was fun trying to capture their anticipation for their chocolate malts and hot fudge maple nut sundaes.

Enjoy your summer trips to Carl's, and maybe you'll get the urge to sketch it, too.

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

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The Pets Program keeping families together

By Lauren Souza

Pet Pantry Helper Sprocket In 2018, the Fredericksburg SPCA launched the People Empowered Through Support (PETS) program, an initiative designed to help families stay together by providing essential resources for their beloved pets. Through free supplemental pet food & supplies, and accessible veterinary care, PETS has helped countless households keep their pets right where they belong: at home with the people who love them.

Life can change in an instant. A sudden job loss, unexpected move, or shift in family circumstances can leave people scrambling for solutions. For pet owners, one heartbreaking option may be surrendering a pet to a shelter. Thanks to the PETS program, that doesn't have to be the only choice.

The Fredericksburg SPCA serves as a resource hub for pet-owning families.

In addition to food available for pickup at the Pet Pantry at the shelter, Mobile Meal deliveries are offered when volunteers are available, supporting clients who face transportation challenges. The PETS program also includes Safe Haven, which provides temporary housing for pets while their families work to regain stability.

Sadly, space is limited, with only two dedicated kennels and a long waitlist. To expand this resource, the program is actively recruiting foster families who can care for Safe Haven pets in a home environment and help open shelter space for others in need.

If someone is in need of assistance, families can register for the PETS program online in just a few steps.

Once enrolled, pet parents may pick up food once a month during designated hours, and can set up vaccination and spay/neuter surgery appointments.

In 2024, the PETS program supported 5,239 pets across 1,224 families. By May 2025, it had already served 4,261 pets from 920 families. At this rate, the program is on track to assist even more households this year. This growing reach is made possible in part by a grant from the ASPCA, which provides PETS clients with a 50% discount on vaccines and spay/neuter services.

About the impact of the program, PETS coordinator Kaitlyn Truong said, "Every time we help an animal and spare a family the heartbreak of surrender, it's a powerful reminder of why the PETS program exists.

I truly believe it will continue to be a lifeline for our community, thanks to the compassion of our supporters and the strength of our partnerships. When we come together, we keep families whole."

How can PETS Continue to Offer These Vital Services?

The answer is simple: donations.

The PETS pantry is stocked entirely through community contributions, with the most-needed items consistently being wet and dry dog and cat food. Donations aren't limited to supplies; volunteering time and energy, or fostering a Safe Haven pet, is another meaningful way to support the program.

Those interested in volunteering or fostering with the Fredericksburg SPCA can sign up at fredspca.org. Donations of food and supplies can be dropped off outside the front doors at any time, or brought inside during shelter hours, Tuesday through Sunday from 12 to 6 p.m. The Fredericksburg SPCA shelter is located at 10819 Courthouse Rd Fredericksburg VA 22408.

Lauren Souza is the Communications Coordinator for the Fredericksburg SPCA

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