Front Porch Fredericksburg December 2023

YEAR 27

ISSUE 317

DECEMBER 2023

contents

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carol mauro creations benefit across miles Patrick madaj wild hare cider pub meghan mclees Volunteer of the year

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Porch talk

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history’s stories: christmas traditions

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Our Heritage: james mercer family tree

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mental health: the most difficult time of year

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Emancipated patients: mental status

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wellness: intro to naturopathic medicine

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season of reflection & gratitude

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art in the ’burg ...galleries in december

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auto known better: white christmas in our town

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Companions: silent night in the shelter

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astrology & you poetryman: sanctity

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fredericksburg sketches

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on the porch...life in fredericksburg messages

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everything green: protected in perpetuity

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In the Garden: plant & soil check

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growing & crawling: moth of heaven

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everyday things: most famous rocker in usa

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tidbits...small bites of local news

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season’s bounty: the month of sugar & spice

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vino: rocking around the christmas table

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peter morelewicz december cover artist

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Calendar of Events

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carol campbell new director mha

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fxbg arts commission public sculptures

...And More!

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Cover: “”Sleighing Power” by Pete morelewicz

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SPOTLIGHT Cover Artist Pete Morelewicz ABOUT THE ARTIST: PETE MORELEWICZ Pete Morelewicz (AKA Print Jazz) is an artist and graphic designer.

His studio at LibertyTown Arts Workshop features a diverse selection of his work, including prints, greeting cards, buttons, and more.

ABOUT THE ART: "Sleighing Power" University of Mary The Washington Power Plant proves irresistible to those who have an affinity for chimneys. Though not as tall as it once was, the smokestack still serves as a beacon along College Avenue for those on the naughty or nice list.

than helping to promote all of the positive aspects of our city. I love Fredericksburg, and sharing that enthusiasm with others - both locals and visitors - is most gratifying."

He'll be appearing at the Sunken Well's Tinsel Town Holiday Craft Market (Dec. 7) and the FAMFaire KrisKringlMarkt (Dec. 9.)

In addition to his own work, Pete has paired with the city to design various campaigns, including Restaurant Week, Paint the Town, FXBG Love Local, and the Chatham Bridge "Road Scholar" mascot. Pete says, "There's nothing better

Visit Pete’s Studio at LibertyTown Arts Workshop Studio 4 1/2 printjazz.com

“Darbytown”

Letters to Santa

For three weeks, a wonder occurs! A mysterious mailbox, bearing the image of Santa Claus himself, appears in downtown Fredericksburg. Legend has it that a child who deposits a letter into the mailbox will receive an answer directly from the North Pole.

Santa’s mailbox will appear for the holiday magic through December 18th, located at the corner of George Street & Caroline Street, in front of the Fort-To-Go Store.

The Santa Mailbox is overseen by the Fredericksburg Rappahannock Rotary Club.

Please Remember to Include Your Return Address So Santa Can Write You Back!

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ON THE PORCH Mary Beth Geil

Guest Porch Editorial

Contributing Writers & Artists Sally Cooney Anderson Rita Allan Dianne Bachman Sonja Cantu Collette Caprara Gary Close Beth Daly Archer Di Peppe Janet Douberly Jeannie Ellis Susan Fennell Frank Fratoe Bill Freehling Mary Beth Geil Daniel Gillison Kathleen Harrington Stephen Hu Ralph “Tuffy” Hicks Nancy Kelly David C. Kennedy Joyce Kinnard Lisa Chinn Marvashti Ray Mikula Lenora Kruk-Mullanaphy Vanessa Moncure Gabe Pons Pete Morelewicz Patrick Neustatter M.L. Powers Paula Raudenbush Rob Rudick Mike Salmon Nicholas Savage Jim Schepmoes Mandy Smith Rim Vining Tina Will Norma Woodward Von Young

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 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 2023 Front Porch Fredericksburg Magazine All rights reserved.

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December 2023

fredericksburg: a festive town By mary beth geil

Fredericksburg - A Festive Town emerges each year for the holiday season.

Why do I claim that Fredericksburg is festive?

For one reason, the website entitled Blue Ridge Mountains Travel Guide in October 2022 featured an article

by Molly Frazier "The 10 Most Festive Towns in Virginia To Visit" and Fredericksburg was ranked second. The ten towns were as follows listed from 1 to 10: Williamsburg VA, Fredericksburg VA, Richmond VA, Roanoke VA, Alexandria VA, Charlottesville VA, Abingdon VA, Bedford VA, Marion VA, and Bristol VA. The festive stage is set in the town with the decorations and lights.

According to the Fredericksburg Public Works Department, their decorations are installed in mid-November at least two weeks before the first Saturday of December. This allows time to make sure things are working properly before the famous Fredericksburg Christmas parade.

Businesses, places of worship and residences also set the festive stage with placement of wreathes, decorations and lights inside and out. Visitors can walk or drive to enjoy the festive holiday décor. If you want to sit back and leave the driving to someone else, you can ride on the trolley or on a horse drawn carriage. A trolley ride can be scheduled through Trolley Tours of Fredericksburg. Carriage rides are scheduled through Olde Towne Carriages.

Window Wonderland The provides an opportunity to explore the festive town and try to solve the riddles from the clues located in downtown shop windows. Window Wonderland started in November and runs to Saturday December 30. Bobby Hebert alias Quill is the riddle creator for this activity. He says this about this year "I've just completed 60 brand new riddles for the contest.

Categories include: movies, people, activities, songs, toys, traditions, people, and objects. There are several very hard riddles this year. Your best bet is to play as a multi-generational team." When asked to comment on Fredericksburg being festive, he responded "Fredericksburg is the real-life "Brigadoon": a timeless town that bathes visitors in music, mirth, and magic." If you want to play and enter for a chance to win one thousand dollars, an entry form must be completed with answers to riddles and submitted by December 30. All the details are on the form that can be obtained online or at the Fredericksburg Visitors center.

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The Fredericksburg Christmas Parade mentioned earlier occurs on the first Saturday of December and contributes to the festive environment.

The 2023 parade with the theme of "Christmas Under the Sea" had a maximum number of entries set at eighty floats or groups.

This popular event even has its own website: f r e d e r i c k s b u r g christmasparade.com. If you missed the parade this year, check the Fredericksburg, VA Economic Development and Tourism You Tube channel to watch a replay of this year's parade. Watch until the end or fast forward because you don't want to miss Santa.

How long has Fredericksburg been having a Christmas Parade? Your guess is as good as mine. I tried internet searches and even asked if anyone knew what year was the first parade in the Facebook group "You're Probably From Fredericksburg, Va. if….. ". One comment was made that "…in the 50's and 60's, we had a parade for Everything!!".

Fredericksburg Jaycees hosted the Fredericksburg Christmas Parade for many years. The city of Fredericksburg took over the parade coordination.

Perhaps the exact year of origin of the Fredericksburg Christmas parade will remain a mystery.

Whittingham and the The Kitchen at Whittingham located at 1019 and 1021 Caroline Street not only is a feast for the eyes when shopping, one can stock up on items to create a feast for the

stomach at home. This writer is pleased to have visited the store for the first time. I chatted with the owner, Bob Whittingham.

I asked Bob if he thought Fredericksburg was festive.

He answered, "yes and becoming more so". He described this year's window displays that would show a historic Fredericksburg from over 100 years ago. There will a scene showing the Rappahannock River, the Purina Tower and the train station.

I just scratched at the surface of activities in Fredericksburg, and I am convinced Fredericksburg is a festive town.

I hope you will check out the town as I will during this holiday season. Please do read this edition of the Front Porch cover-tocover and check out the calendar for December happenings.

Mary Beth Geil, a resident of Spotsylvania County enjoys writing about people and things that interest her.

Wishing You All the Hope, Wonder & Joy that the Season can bring!

Happy Holidays from the Front Porch Family

The Impact of Carol Mauro's Creations Gifts That Keep on Giving Throughout Time & Across the Miles

that they spoke about."

These personal creations include Memorial Quilts, which are made up of the clothing of a departed one.

Carol originally designed some of her products to meet her own needs, such as her classic ponchos. "I first made them for myself because it was too much to wear a heavy sweater when I walked in town and just needed something for my shoulders," she explained.

Her "town bag" met her need for a small grab-and-go pouch Carol Mauro & her Poncho Creations oto for keys and cash.

Her aprons The Season of Giving is here, and originated as gifts for her mother and her one workshop that is bustling with activity husband Frank's mother when they were is not at the North Pole. It's right here in the Burg where its sole "elf", Carol Mauro, just newlyweds, and they reflect her produces a panoply of fascinating memories of the half-aprons that women creations throughout the year. Those who wore at the time. "I remember the women purchase items such as pouches, bags, wiping their hands on their aprons, so I throws, quilts, pillows, and stuffed animals designed an apron with a tea towel as well as those who receive them as gifts incorporated in it," she said. will sense the love and care that was invested in making them and may feel a special connection with Carol's creations, each of which are unique originals.

Often, an item that resonates with a desired color scheme or spirit will "call out" to folks who view the crafts' displayed at two local restaurants or in Carol's home sewing room where they were brought into being. "All items of the same type are the same price and they are relatively inexpensive because I don't have to buy the fabric. People such as local upholsterers give it to me. That is why I can make these beautiful throws and purses."

In other cases, customers might request a commissioned item that connotes a special quality of a loved one or the relationship they shared. "Before I make something on request to symbolize a loved one, I ask my customer to tell me about them, and I will try to incorporate a personal item, experience, or tradition

Through the memories and the emotions they elicit, Carol's creations have an enduring and ongoing impact over time. In addition, the benefits of these "gifts that keep on giving" also expand across the miles. For the past 14 years, any and all proceeds from their sales have been donated to the Sagarmatha Children's Home to meet the needs of impoverished orphans nearly 8,000 miles away in Bhaktapur, Nepal.

Carol's commitment and dedication to this orphanage is rooted in a personal, life-changing experience. In 2009, Carol's 40-year-old daughter Dawn Mauro sought to adopt a child and explored the options to do so in Nepal, where she admired the spirit and peacefulness of the people. After a series of queries and research through an adoption agency, a 17-month-old baby girl was identified and introduced to Dawn via a photo. Little Sophia had been left under a bamboo plant near a temple and had

By collette caprara

been placed in the care of the Sagarmatha Children's Home in the care of its founder Manoj Kandel, who was well-known for his philanthropy in the region.

make a difference.

Carol's work at Sagarmatha is the embodiment of our values at work and it's an honor to help in this effort."

Dawn embraced the opportunity to provide a forever family for Sophia, and Carol accompanied her on her journey to Nepal where she would meet and bond with her new little daughter.

Upon landing at the airport, they were met by Manoj who drove them to the Children's Home. As the relationship between Dawn and Sophia developed, Carol was also enamored with the children at Sagarmatha, who giggled with delight in her presence and nestled in her lap when she sat on the floor. "Those children stayed in my mind and heart," Carol said.

"When we learned that a washer and dryer was needed at the orphanage, that was the gift that Frank and I ‘gave each other’`that Christmas.”

Currently, the work of Sagarmatha is focused on enabling children to live with their own families, no matter how poor, and to offer support for school tuition, lunch, uniforms, books and supplies for the families of children who might otherwise not be able to continue their education.

Those who wish to play a role in the uplift that is possible through the gifts that keep on giving through time and across the miles can contact Carol at cfmauro@yahoo.com and explore her creations at the Here and Abroad Deli, the Himalayan Heritage restaurant, and her home studio.

Throughout the years, Sophia has been a shining light in the lives of the entire Mauro family and she also embodies their hallmark quality of generosity. When a devastating earthquake struck Nepal in 2015, Sophia requested that, in lieu of gifts for her 7th birthday, donations would be made to the orphanage. Her campaign elicited more than $6,500 in funds. In addition, Sophia raised $2,000 for the Sagarmatha Children's Home from sales from her lemonade stand.

Donations also come from those who are moved by the difference the orphanage has made in the lives and prospects for the future of the children. One is now a university graduate, another attended an art school, and, for those who do not choose an academic route, Manoj has provided training in a gainful trade. Supporters have also become sponsors of a child or specific physical or educational need. A friend and admirer of Carol's efforts, former ambassador to Nepal, Scott DeLisi, who launched Engage Nepal-a nonprofit organization that provides a spectrum of programs and initiatives to address the needs of vulnerable Nepali families-has volunteered to coordinate those sponsorships. He said, "When I was an Ambassador, I was always so proud of the generosity of spirit shown by so many Americans who wanted to

Purses Carol has Crafted

Collette Caprara is a writer, artist & lover of all of life's blessings

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Everything Greens Protected in perpetuity

By Jim Schepmoes Many of you have been following our journey to protect 56 acres of land located on Belman Road in the Fredericksburg Industrial Park. We are happy to report that we have successfully recorded an easement with the Virginia Outdoors Foundation that protects our 56 acres of green open space land for current and future generations! With our Upper and Lower Gardens, that brings the total of protected greenspace in the city to 58.8 acres!

We are grateful for all the support that has brought us to this juncture. It has taken thousands of hours of staff, Board and volunteer work to get us here. It took City Council amending their Comprehensive Plan to incorporate the change of the land status for us to be able to get an easement. And it literally took a village, a village of 520 supporters during a four month campaign in 2021 to provide the necessary funds for us to be able to purchase the property.

The Belman Road propertywetlands, woodlands, and agricultural land, holds the promise of a diverse open space for all to enjoy. And it holds the promise of educational opportunities for all age groups as well. We are looking forward to working with schools in the area and the University of Mary Washington so that they can use the property as an outdoor classroom for nature based learning.

If you have not had a chance to see what this property entails, we urge you to take one of our New Land Walkarounds. Get your group together and join us for a tour! You can find upcoming dates for the walkarounds at downtowngreens.org and on our social media.

What's next for the property?

We are already at work! We have planted a fruit tree forest of 810 trees on several acres. We recently held a mulching party to help them continue their growth, and will be putting in fencing to keep the deer from munching on them. The fruit tree forest is a continuation of the successful open-access garden and green space for all to enjoy with education and community mindedness at its core.

Another opportunity for the land is an agricultural training center that will inspire, educate and equip the next generation of farmers. This would include the mechanics of 'hands in the dirt' farming as well as the critical components of managing a successful farm including marketing, small engine repair, food safety

training, irrigation and hydroponics, digital technologies and more.

Bringing all these components together in a thoughtful way for the new property will take careful planning, collaboration with community partners, land cultivation and resources. There is much work ahead for us to turn this opportunity into reality, something the entire city can be proud of. With your support, we look forward to the challenge.

Speaking of opportunities, there are plenty of opportunities to volunteer with us both at the Belman Road property and the upper and lower gardens downtown, the monthly food distribution in cooperation with the Fredericksburg Regional Food Bank, or volunteering to help with our Free Fridge program. If you are interested in helping out, please go to downtowngreens.org or follow us on social media to see upcoming projects.

Jim Schepmoes is Executive Director of Downtown Greens.

Downtown Greens, a nonprofit, mission is to enhance the well-b being of our community by connecting people with nature through education and the preservation of greenspaces.

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

56 acre property is located on Belman Road in FXBG Industrial Park

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In the Garden plant & soil check by tina will the soil and roots of airspace needed and will lead to root rot and insect problems. Old soil without disease problems can be added to an outdoor compost bin. Here is a link with supporting information: extension.okstate.edu/ articles/ 2023/reusing_potting_soil.html.

Master Gardener Classes through Fredericksburg Parks and Rec

Incoming Just what are we bringing indoors at the end of the growing season? Ray Mikula, wrote last month about all the plants he brings inside. He has great success, and I admire his ability and his indoor garden! In my first year with a Meyer Lemon, I discovered the effect of too much water; fungal gnats. Creepy flying critters that no one appreciates!

Fortunately, a repotting took care of that problem along with reduced watering.

Always look carefully at the plant before bringing it in since lurking insects or diseases need to be treated beforehand.

But I often wonder about the soil of indoor plants. Do the nutrients get depleted? Does all the soil need to be replaced? Should it be thrown away, or can it be revitalized? Potting mix isn't the same as outdoor garden soil; it's a mixture of perlite, vermiculite, and composted soil, is sterile and therefore a safer choice for indoor plants. Some research (and my intuition) says yes, depletion of nutrients occurs, and they can also be leached out over time just by watering. For indoor plants that have had the same soil for more than one season, the soil can be reinvigorated with the addition of liquid or slow-rrelease fertilizer, but restraint is needed; just a light application is needed.

Water needs can be hard to judge, and it's important to realize that too much water is as bad as too little. Too much water robs

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In 2024, Master Gardeners will be offering different horticultural classes each month that will be advertised through the Fredericksburg Parks and Rec Bulletin. Some will be at the Dorothy Hart Community Center (DHCC), and some at Cossey Botanical Park in warmer weather.

January's class is on Winter Seed Sowing using plastic jugs. It is scheduled for January 20, 2024 at DHCC. Other dates: February 24: Floral Design; March 9: Pruning at Cossey; April 16: Composting 101. Check out the January-April 2024 Fredericksburg Parks and Recreation Bulletin when it comes out (website: www.FXBGparks.com).

Our classes are free, but registration is required.

It's December!

Bring in the greenery, and check it for spider mite or other issues. Merry Christmas and Happy New Year, and here comes Winter, though a typical Winter isn't as predictable anymore. Before you know it, January will arrive. Our 8th annual Seed Swap has been planned for January 27, 2024 at the Rowser Building, 1739 Emancipation Hwy, Stafford, VA. We'll have seeds to give away, speakers on horticultural topics, and activities for children, Our website has the flyer posted: https://www.mgacra.org/seed-swapevent.html. If you bring seeds, follow the guidelines, but come even if you've no seeds to offer.

MGACRA Symposium is scheduled for April 13, 2024 at Gari Melcher's Home and Studio. Our website will have the information and registration/payment links: https://www.mgacra.org.

Have a wonderful Christmas/Holiday time!

Different Horticultural Classes Each Month in 2024

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Winter Seed Sowing using plastic jugs.

January 20 February 24: Floral Design; March 9: Pruning at Cossey; April 16: Composting 101.

Check out the January-A April 2024 Fredericksburg Parks & Recreation Bulletin www.FXBGparks.com

8th annual Seed Swap January 27 Rowser Building, 1739 Emancipation Hwy, Stafford, VA. MGACRA Symposium April 13 Gari Melcher's Home and Studio.

Tina Will is a Master Gardener and lives in Stafford County. She can be reached at brianandtina.will@gmail.com Cactus Photo by Tina Will

Growing & Crawling moth of heaven By janet douberly If you follow nature news you have probably already heard of the dreaded Spotted Lanternfly and its host plant, the deplorable Tree of Heaven a.k.a Ailanthus Tree. Knowing how awful these invasive trees can be, you will probably be cheered to learn about a pollinator taking advantage of this growing opportunity.

Native to South Florida down to Costa Rica, the Ailanthus Webworm Moth, or Atteva aurea, feeds and lives in its natural host plant, the native paradise tree.

When the Asian Tree of Heaven was introduced as a good tree for urban landscaping in 1784 (big sigh) the Ailanthus webworm moth found this invasive tree to be just as yummy and useful as its native host tree and has since been found more northward than in the past.

While Ailanthus Webworm Moths do die off in our cold winters, they quickly move back once spring hits and are considered a useful pollinator in our gardens!

In flight this moth resembles a wasp and when not in flight can look very similar to a beetle or true bug. As adults, they feed on the pollen and nectar of our beautiful blooms.

Before striking out to pollinate the world, these little diurnal moths spend

almost all of their life-cycles in the loose webs that enclose the leaves of the ailanthus tree, which allows the caterpillars to feed without leaving the safety of the web and stay until adulthood.

Janet Douberly loves the Ailanthus Webworm Moths at Downtown Greens.

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“I Have A Friend” under new direction By joyce kinnard years of customer service experience. She is passionate about giving back to the community and has always had a sweet spot for the elderly. As evident through her church volunteerism, and just helping a "friend of a friend", Carol has a heart for serving the senior community. She still keeps in contact with some of the senior friends she has met and befriended over the years.

In her free time Carol is a master gardener and a doting mom to one dog, four cats and one bird. All members of her pet family are rescues.

We are thrilled to highlight Carol Campbell, the new Director of the Mental Health of America, Senior Visitor program.

Carol has been our program Director for three weeks. She is a transplant from Gainesville, FL and relocated to the Fredericksburg area almost 8 years ago.

Carol has spent years in the travel industry and has been a successful business owner. Since her arrival, she has reached out to the volunteers to introduce herself. Her days are full with the tasks of getting up-to-date on her responsibilities and becoming acquainted with all the nuances of the organization.

Although new to this program, Carol has a long history of working with the senior community. She has over 50

I asked Carol to tell me about her vision for the future of the senior visitors program.

She replied that she would like to see many more volunteers.

Because of our expansive service area, the program has so many seniors on the waiting list and so few volunteers. Carol plans to focus on getting more of our community involved for such an important cause.

She is encouraged by the positive feedback received from our volunteers over the years: In the September 2022 issue of Front Porch, senior visitor Gwen said "I would tell anyone thinking of volunteering without hesitation, do it!

When you volunteer, you feel more involved and part of the community. You can learn so much."

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Ackerman described her visits with her senior participant saying, "I find myself looking forward to our chats. It can be a very relaxing time to sit and talk with someone that enjoys the company and makes you feel very good about your visit. One finds self-wanting to do more for the person especially when [they] have little contact from [others]."

We welcome Carol onboard. Her enthusiasm for the program is just the infusion needed to kick start a new year of community support and new volunteers.

The staff and volunteers of the senior visitors program look forward to working with Carol to ensure our senior community is not forgotten.

Joyce Kinnard is a volunteer with the Senior Visitors program at Mental Health America of Fredericksburg.

If you know a senior who could benefit from having a weekly, friendly visit or if you would like to volunteer to visit a senior, call the Senior Visitors Program at (540) 371-2 2704 or visit our website at mhafred.org.

Refer a senior or sign up to be a volunteer! The Senior Visitors Program is a free community service program of Mental Health America of Fredericksburg.

Supporting Local Business Since 1997

In the December 2022 issue of Porch, senior visitor Darlene

Spread the joy this Holiday Season by supporting the Toys for Tots Toy Drive!

Donate a new, unwrapped toy at our store & make a child's holiday extra special.

As a thank you for your generosity, we're offering 10% off one in-sstock item or 10% off one jewelry repair thru December 10th.

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December 2023

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

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Where Fredericksburg Gets Engaged Tues-Fri: 10a-5p Sat: 10a-4p 606 Caroline Street Old Town Fredericksburg 373-7847 gemstonecreations.org

Everyday Things the most famous rocker in U.S. history

By Archer D i peppe

The Lincoln Rocker on Display at the Henry Ford Museum Robert Lincoln was heading to Washington from Harvard to spend the Christmas holidays with his family at the White House. The train platform was crowded, and Robert was standing at the edge of the platform as the train pulled into the station. Suddenly the crowd lurched forward pushing Robert against a train car. Then the train moved again slightly, and the action caused him to twist his legs and Robert began to fall between the train and tracks. Just then a stranger

grabbed Robert Lincoln's coat and pulled him up to safety.

including Mrs. Grant, who came near Lincoln wanted to steal him away.

Robert's benefactor was Edwin Booth, the most famous Shakespearean actor in the United States at the time and the older brother of John Wilkes Booth. Edwin was traveling with Harry Ford, one of the owners of Ford's Theatre.

Robert thanked Edwin Booth profusely and continued his journey to Washington.

Mrs. Lincoln contacted others to join them and eventually Clara Harris, the daughter of a Senator, and Major Henry Rathbone her fiancé accepted the invitation. Robert Lincoln was also invited, but he declined. He wanted to spend time with friends and go to bed early. He would regret that decision for the rest of his life.

He believed that he could have stopped the assassination because as the youngest of the party, he would have sat in the back of the box right next to the entrance door.

Fast forward to Good Friday of 1865, when Abraham Lincoln and his wife decided to go to Ford's Theatre for some well-deserved relief from the extreme stress of the last four years. They asked General Grant to attend the play Our American Cousin with them. The Grants respectfully declined because they had other plans to see relatives in New Jersey.

The truth was Mrs. Grant could not stand Mary Lincoln because she was extremely jealous and believed every woman,

The rocker that Lincoln sat in that night came from a parlor set moved from the lounge to the Presidential box because Lincoln used it whenever he visited Ford's theatre. Lincoln was very fond of rockers and had several in his own home.

government for the return of the chair.

She used a precedent set by Jefferson Davis's family for the return of seized property to win her case. She immediately put it up for auction. There was tremendous interest in the chair, and it sold for $2400 which is $41,658 in today's money.

The rocker was bought by Israel Sack, a well-known antique's dealer at the time. He knew Henry Ford of the Ford Motor Company would be interested, and that is where the rocker ended up. It is on display in the Henry Ford Museum today.

Many thanks to Donald Katz for his original idea to write about rockers, which was the seed of this story.

Archer Di Peppe is retired and lives in Spotsylvania County.

The rocker was seized as evidence and was kept by the government until 1929 when Ford's widow sued the

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TidBits small bites of local News

By Bill Freehling

Fredericksburg’s Hometown Irish Pub & Restaurant Since 1961

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

200 Hanover St. ~ 373-0738

Serving Up Local “Good” News For over a Quarter Century

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December 2023

Free Extended Holiday Parking in Historic Downtown 4 hour extended parking will be in place now thru January 31, 2024 in the historic downtown Fredericksburg shopping district. Two-hour parking spaces along the historic downtown streets, indicated by the red square on the holiday parking map, will be four-hour parking spaces! The four-hour restriction will apply Monday - Saturday, 8:00am 7:00pm. On-street parking during other periods is not time-restricted.

Please contact our Public Works Department. For holiday parking map

Cheeky's, the new cocktail lounge at Casey's, is now open Casey's, the classic restaurant on Kenmore Avenue, has an exciting new addition to its establishment: Cheeky's, a one-of-a-kind cocktail bar and lounge.

According to Phil Fickes, the head bartender at Cheeky's, this new lounge is the only true cocktail bar within 40 miles of Fredericksburg. One of the original cocktails available at Cheeky's is the Allegory, a riff on the old fashioned with rum.

Fickes intends for Cheeky's to bring in a larger, different clientele of cocktail enthusiasts, and by the looks of the gorgeous cocktail lounge, he is sure to succeed.

Cheeky's and Casey's are located at 622 Kenmore Ave. Follow them on Facebook.

I-9 95 Northbound bridge reopened in FXBG After five years of construction in the Fredericksburg area to build the $264 million Northbound and Southbound Rappahannock River Crossing projects, there will be a total of twelve lanes of I-95 spanning the river.

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Construction on the I-95 Southbound Rappahannock River Crossing started in 2018 and was completed in 2022.

Construction for the Northbound Rappahannock River Crossing broke ground in 2020 and will be finished by spring 2024. Maintenance work will be complete in early November on a $6.2 million bridge rehabilitation effort on the original northbound bridge.

Nearly 150,000 vehicles a day travel along I-95 in the Fredericksburg region. The new Rappahannock River Crossing projects reduce congestion by separating local traffic from regional traffic along the corridor.

Rex Rappahannock Opens at 311 Frederick Street Rex Rappahannock is a Christian bookstore that recently opened on Frederick Street, with a primary focus on Catholic books and materials. Heather Gardner, owner and operator, felt that there is a need for a local bookstore that is more accessible to the Catholic and Christian community.

The name originates from the Latin word for "king": Rex. Gardner works meticulously to sell goods and books from religious orders, such as monasteries and convents.

She has a background in working in rare books, and feels that combining her experience with her faith is insightful and rewarding. "The written word is so important to me," Gardner said. "The right book will reach the right person at the right time."

Gardner hopes that Rex Rappahannock can become a hub for the local community, and wants to be a resource for Christian events, charities, and information.

Fahrenheit 132 Receives Accolade in Northern Virginia Magazine Northern Virginia Magazine released its list of the 50 Best Restaurants in Northern Virginia, and solidified what Fredericksburg residents have known for years: Fahrenheit 132 made the list.

Fahrenheit 132, known for its top-notch, extraordinary steaks and pristine craft cocktails, has been a Fredericksburg favorite for years, and this accolade exemplifies the quality that this restaurant has brought to the city's dining scene. Located on William Street, Fahrenheit is a wonderful steakhouse for both happy hour and dinner, and is not to be missed on a trip to (or night out in) Fredericksburg.

Fahrenheit 132 is located at 318 William Street. Follow them on Facebook.

Susan Coleman's Patricia Lacey Metzger Award for Distinguished Achievement Local leader Susan Coleman has received the 2023 Patricia Lacey Metzger Distinguished Achievement Award. With successful stints in the Fredericksburgarea banking and medical industries, Coleman, now a life coach, was applauded for her career journey and dedication at the 29th annual Women's Leadership Colloquium at the University of Mary Washington.

Early in her career, Coleman set herself apart as a leader in the financial sector, serving in pivotal roles as a business development officer, branch manager and vice president at Wachovia Bank. Her responsibilities included overseeing branch offices throughout Richmond and Fredericksburg. Read more on UMW Voice.

Bill Freehling, Fredericksburg's director of economic development and tourism

The Sunken Well Tavern

Season’s Bounty

the month of sugar & Spice vanessa moncure

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

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

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

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

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

For eleven months of the year, my weekly grocery cart appears to hold your average family shopping - my receipt tallies up a generous assortment of fruits and vegetables along with the requisite proteins, grains, dairy and frozen foods.

Fine. But for the twelfth month…you might mistake my cart for a that of a Willy Wonka supply chain. Suddenly, replacing that average family shopping, is a cart full of butter, sugar, flour, chocolate, coconut, nuts, eggs, confectioner's sugar, marshmallow crème, cocoa, evaporated and condensed milk, dried fruits for fruitcakes, Karo syrups, mincemeat, heavy cream, cream cheese et al - and maybe the most healthful ingredients (at least in their natural unsweetened, unspiced and unfilled state), cranberries, apples, butternut squash, lemons, oranges, sweet potatoes and baby pumpkins. And I can't forget the spices! - ginger, cinnamon, cardamom, hard little nutmeg seeds for grating, mace, cloves - and a handful of vanilla pods. So. Now what? Well, all of these ingredients will make a sweet appearance in some form - cookies, candy, pies, cakes or end-of-holiday-dinner desserts.

I have a list of Family Favorites that are the Annual Imperatives. Recipes that have not only become my children's and grandchildren's favorites, but also those from my childhood - and going back further, my mother's and grandmother's passed-along favorites, too. Then there are recipes from various aunts, friends, friends-of-friends, and those found snipped from newspapers or found online, that are added yearly to this swelling sugary list. I've inherited almost two dozen antique cake tins, the December Repositories of Sweets. A small deep tin for the sherry-pecan-date cake, an even smaller tin for chocolate fudge, the largest tin for my grandmother's white fruitcake, the snowflake tin for crescent cookies, Santa tin holds the iced spice bars, candied and sugared citrus peel in the smallest tin - their holiday home finds them all stacked on the dining room sideboard. It's easy to tell who has been snacking - a trail of confectioner's sugar follows the culprit!

NUT CRESCENTS Mix together 1c softened butter with 1/2c confectioners sugar, a dash of salt, 2tsp vanilla extract, 2c plus 3T flour and 1c ground (or VERY finely chopped) nuts - my family's preference is pecans, but English walnuts, black walnuts, pistachios or hazelnuts work equally well.

Beat the mixture until well combined, then

wrap in plastic wrap and chill at least an hour. Roll dough into 2" long cookies, then shape into crescents. Place about 2" apart on parchment lined cookie sheet and bake in preheated 325F oven until very light brown and set, 20-25 minutes.

While still slightly warm, roll in powdered sugar. Store airtight. Makes about two dozen cookies.

FRUITCAKE COOKIES Well, half of my family love these delicious, fruity, chewy cookies - the other half hear the word "fruitcake" and imagine the worst (think those cheap supermarket cakes). The butt of every bad Christmas joke, I agree, but try these and you may just become hooked. This recipe also makes about 24 cookies.

Cream together 1/2c softened butter with 3/4c brown sugar and one egg. Stir in 1 1/4c flour, a pinch of salt and 1/2tsp cinnamon and mix thoroughly. Stir in 1/2c chopped dates, 1/2c white raisins, 1/2c chopped pecans and 1c mixed candied fruit (pineapple, candied lemon and orange peel, chopped candied red and green cherries - I don't use citron, I use lemon peel instead) and mix until well combined. Roll into 24 balls and arrange on a parchment-lined baking sheet (12 per half sheet pan size). Flatten with the bottom of a glass, making each about a 1 ½" diameter. Halve red and/or green candied cherries and place one in the center of each cookie. Bake in preheated 300F oven for about 15 minutes or until lightly brown and slightly firm. These are great keepers and shippers and get better as they age!

PECAN KISSES Beat one egg white until stiff, then beat in 1c light brown sugar until completely combined. Stir in two cups pecan halves. Drop batter by teaspoonfuls onto a parchment-lined baking sheet. Bake in preheated 275F oven 12-15 minutes.

Allow to cool slightly before removing.

Store airtight - again, makes about 24.

GINGERBREAD COOKIES Melt 3/4c Crisco in medium saucepan and cool. Beat in 1c sugar, 1/4c molasses and one egg. Sift together 2c flour with 2tsp baking soda, 1/2tsp each salt, cloves and ginger and 1 tsp cinnamon and add to sugar mixture. Chill completely. Form into small balls and roll in granulated sugar. Place on parchmentlined baking sheets and bake in preheated 350F oven for 8-10 minutes.

MAMIE EISENHOWER'S CHOCOLATE FUDGE I found this yellowed newspaperprinted recipe taped (with cellophane tape) to an old 3"x5" card in my Nana's old

accordion-file recipe holder. Her recipe was from either the Washington Post or Washington Star newspaper's food column in 1953 - this recipe makes two pounds and can last two weeks stored airtight at room temperature. Very lightly butter a 9"x13" baking dish and, if desired, cut a long strip of parchment paper and place along the pan lengthwise to make for easier removal and neater cutting. Stir together in a large glass or stainless steel bowl 2C semisweet chocolate morsels, 12oz chopped Baker's German's sweet chocolate with 2c marshmallow cream. Set aside. Mix together 4 1/2c sugar, a pinch of salt, 2T butter and 1 1/2c evaporated milk in a medium saucepan. Over mediumhigh heat, bring to a boil and boil for one minute. Reduce the heat and simmer for an additional seven minutes, stirring constantly. Pour the hot syrup over the chocolate mixture and stir until smooth.

Stir in 2c coarsely chopped nuts (of your choice) if desired. Pour into the prepared pan. You may also sprinkle the top with additional chopped nuts if desired. Let stand, uncovered and undisturbed, at room temperature until firm - preferably overnight. If you've used the parchment paper, you can lift the fudge out of the pan to cut into small squares. Otherwise, cut them in the pan and store airtight, using a sheet of parchment or waxed paper between the layers of fudge. Instead of pouring the fudge into the prepared pan, my Nana let the mixture cool enough until she was able to make drop fudge candies, and always used chopped black walnuts from our family farm in Madison.

Happy Holidays!

Vanessa serves up yummy recipes from all kinds of places & for all seasons

front porch fredericksburg

December 2023

13

Virginia Apples, Trivia Night & Menu MAKES WILD HARE CIDER A DESTINATION

BY MIKE SALMON that makes Wild Hare a favorite among many locals in Old Town Fredericksburg."I always get their pretzels, with cream cheese and plum chutney," she said.

The pretzels were one of the first things on the menu when they opened.

While waiting for the food license, they were still able to serve this special pretzel, they named "The Flint Hill." "People still love it, they order it more than anything else," said general manager Patrick Madaj, who runs Wild Hare with his father, sister, brother and mother, before she hung up her cider apron. "My mom used to work behind the bar," Madaj said.

Hard Cider Bar is a Family-R Run Operation in Old Town Fredericksburg Wild Hare Cider has a wide variety of cider drinks and food but when Ashton Clodius walks through the door, she has a favorite food that fits her vegetarian diet. It's this kind of familiarity

The Wild Hare Cider in Fredericksburg is the fourth in a line of these family bar-restaurants, and they have a formula that is successful, starting with the Virginia apples they use. It's a locally-grown custom they adopted. They only use Heritage and Dessert Apples. "Our juice comes from an orchard ten miles down the road," Madaj said.

The cider menu has drinks like the "Willow," that contains berries and lime, or the "Harvest Moon," flavored by cranberries, orange peel, vanilla and spice. The "Fireball," contains cinnamon and chili pepper for the extra kick. On the food menu, there is "The Fred Vagas," which is a chicken dish, "The Three Amigos," street tacos or "The Baylie," burger to name a few. It's all cider on the taps behind the bar and there is no beer, although a few customers have asked.

The no-frills interior suits many. One wall is all brick, most Manager Patrick Madaj knows his drinks likely the original bricks from the and clientele 1800's when it started as the city's Mercantile Building. It was also a grocery Thursday nights is trivia night and general merchandise store owned by and there is musicians on other nights, Scott family for years. Hugh the Doggett-S usually about once a week. Sometimes it's Doggett enlisted in the Confederate army a band and other times, a singer with a in 1861 at age 45 and then went on to be the mayor of Fredericksburg from 1877- guitar. "Plenty of genres," of music is played, Madaj said. The Karen Jonas trio 1880.

"The whole building is original," said plays there sometimes, and other local Madaj. There are four booths, three tables musicians sporadically throughout the and bar seats looking out to William month.

Street. In the back there is a courtyard with more seating that is popular in the warmer months. The Wild Hare and the "Curio," restaurant, share the courtyard but there is a gate separating the two and the two crowds are to stay divided, says a rule from the Alcohol Beverage Commission.

Although Wild Hare is a place that is rich in history, like other downtown establishments, no relics or original items were found when they moved in. A history buff did come in one time though, saying something about Civil War cannonballs on the roof but they haven't found anything so far.

Wild Cider Pub & Courtyard 205 William St.Downtown (703) 402-7 7956 wildharecider.com fb@wild hare cider pub & courtyard Hours: Monday & Tuesday Closed Wednesday & Thursday 3 pm - 9 pm Friday 2 pm - 10 pm Saturday 12 pm - 10 pm Sunday 12 pm - 6 pm Mike Salmon is a seasoned journalist formerly from Fairfax VA now a proud Fxbg resident & homeowner

Olde Towne Butcher Traditional Butchery - Fresh Perspective

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 14

December 2023

Front porch fredericksburg

Vino rocking around the christmas table

by Rita Allan As fast as Santa can circumvent the globe dropping off his packages to be opened wide-eyed children Christmas morning, the year 2023 has gone by and now we have found ourselves at the holidays, yet again. If anything was learned, especially over the past couple of years, it is that time together, with family and friends alike, is precious and truly the best of gifts.

The team at City Vino wishes everyone an incredibly happy holiday season, and hopes that you get to rock around the Christmas table with a bounty of food and wine. The following wines are ones we hope you will consider sharing with your friends and family during those rocking festivities.

Many of the holiday's decorations include stars in reference to the star in the east that guided the three wise men. Along with the stars, our trees, houses, and lawns are decorated with flashing lights, all aglitter. The infamous Dom Perignon once stated, "Come quickly, I am tasting the stars!" as he sampled sparkling wine. It is fitting to serve this style of wine as it is always festive, celebratory, and a welcome beverage to serve, whether as an aperitif, or for a heartfelt holiday toast.

Our starry holiday sparkling wine for this month's tasting is the illii Prosecco Extra Dry from the Veneto in Italy and is made from 85 percent Glera and 15 percent Chardonnay. We suggest pairing this lovely bubbly filled with aromas and flavors of apples, pear, citrus, wisteria blossoms, and acacia flowers with a rousing singalong of "Santa Claus Is Coming To Town." When Santa comes, the party gets rocking.

Franc is king. Our selection is Domaine de la Chevalerie "Les Galichets" Bourgueil. Les Galichets is the vineyard and Bourgueil is the appellation which sits adjacent to the appellation of St-Nicolas-de-Bourgueil. The Caslot family have been harvesting from their land since 1640. The domaine has been passed down from generation to generation and currently the siblings Emmanuel and Stéphanie are in charge.

With their father, they were able to go transition to 100 percent organic and biodynamic farming of all their vineyards and to get certified, as such.This Domaine de la Chevalerie wine comes from old vines, 60 years of age or older. The wine is aged in large old barrels and bottled after six months, and is neither fined nor filtered. The wine has predominant notes of strawberry, cherry, violets, and earth.

Continuing with our rocking theme, this wine could be imbibed while being accompanied by The Beach Boy's "Little Saint Nick" (it was a stretch but St-Nicolasde-Bourgueil is right next door), or perhaps the King & Country's upbeat version of "O Come, O Come Emmanuel" in honor of the namesake.

Next in our line up is a lovely red Chianti Classico and is the 2019 Barone Ricasoli Brolio Reserva, also from Italy.

This is a blend of 80 percent Sangiovese, 15 percent Merlot, and 5 percent Cabernet Sauvignon. While this wine has aromas of irises, violets, oak, red cherries, vanilla, and herbs, on the palate there are classic (or is it Classico?) Christmas scents of cranberry, sour cherry, evergreen, and baking spices that emerge, making it perfect for the merry occasion. With the hint of evergreen in your glass, lets pair this wine with the holiday classic(o) Brenda Lee's "Rockin' Around the Christmas Tree."

The first red comes from the Loire region in France where Cabernet

We now take you to Argentina.

The wine, which is the 2014 Marcelo Pelleriti Felipe Staiti Vertigo. This wine is a blend of 70 percent Malbec, 20 percent Syrah, 10 percent Cabernet Franc. The wine is a rich, violet-blue color, with dark berries and dark chocolate notes on the palate.

The Vertigo earned 94 points from James Suckling who noted that "the palate is creamy and sleek, more Journey than Motorhead." Neither Journey nor Motorhead is on our rocking Christmas playlist, so let us play off the chocolate notes in this wine and rock with either Hot Chocolate's "Brand New Christmas," or "Chocolate Christmas" by Trout Fishing in America. Boom, choc-a-latta!

Our final rocking around the Christmas table wine is the 2018 Talamonti Tre Saggi Montepulciano d'Abruzzo. Tre Saggi translates to "The Three Wise Men," and is fitting for your Christmas table. The inspiration for the wine's name comes from the fresco

painting in the Church of Santa Maria in nearby Piano. This wine is made from 100 percent Montepulciano, and has wild berry, coffee, and hazelnut notes, along with warm baking spices that come from its aging in oak barrels.

The obvious pairing for the Tre Saggi is the Christmas classic "We Three Kings." For our rocking Christmas table, I send you to Youtube to the version performed by Alexander Jean, featuring Casey Abrams.

City Vino wishes you a rocking time around your Christmas table with food and wine. Cheers!

City Vino at 810 Caroline St is were you will find owner Rita Allan to provide you answers to all your wine questions

Join Us for Breakfast Get a Flavorful Start Breakfast Specials at The Bistro 540-373-8300 ~ 620 Caroline St. front porch fredericksburg

December 2023

15

CALEND december 2023 May the Season bring you Hope & Joy SNAPS Poetry Spoken, Katora Coffee, ,Bring those rhymes, flows

First Friday December 1

Pictures with Santa, FXBG Visitors Center, 706 Caroline St, 4-8p Bring your own camera for your pictures!

FXBG Arts & Crafts Show, FXBG Convention Centrr, 9a-5p Holiday Skate Night, Dixon Park, 6:30p. Info FXBGparks.com FREDVENS Holiday Market, Hurkamp Park, 5-9p Holiday Open House @Rising Sun Tavern, historically-inspired holiday treats and sing along to famous tunes performed by the local favorite, Colonial Faire. 1304 Caroline St, 5:30-8:30p FREE Merry Trees Open House, FXBG Area Museum, gallery spaces will be filled with fourteen miniature trees decorated by second-grade students at Hugh Mercer and Lafayette Elementary Schools. Visitors will have an opportunity to see each class's tree, participate in a family holiday I Spy game, and pick up a book from Bookmobile Fredericksburg. For more information please either contact Theresa Cramer at tcramer@famva.org, or visit us at www.famva.org. 5-7:30p

+ heart-torn woes. Inspire or be inspired. We're all family here. Audience is invited to CLAP / SNAP / STOMP,615 Caroline St, 8-10p

Saturday December 2

FXBG Arts & Crafts Show festive shopping featuring local artists & vendors, 9a-5p FXBG Convention Center Spotsy Farmers Market , 8am - 1pm 12150 Gordon Rd : Christmas Parade, .fredericksburgchristmasparade.com

Downtown,

5:30p

Katrina R. Canfield, Guest Artist, Reception, Studio 241 Charles St

5-8:30 Darbytown Art

Wilson (Will) Wolter, Guest Artist Opening Reception, 5-8:30p Canal Quarters Arts, 1517 Princess Anne Live Music Th String Queens in Concert @UMW Dodd Aud. 7:30-8:30p Live Music Laurie Rose Griffith & Peter MeALY, fxbg Food CoOP, 6:30-8p, 320 Emancipation Hwy Live Music Haze & Dacey @Wild Hare Cider Pub, 205 William St, 6p Live Music The Cold North @6B&G, 1140 International Pkwy, 7-9:30p Open Mic @Eagle Village Adventure Brewing, 6:30-9:30P

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december 2023

Front porch fredericksburg

Live Music Fist of Whiskey @Adventu

Live Music Johnny D & the Lowrides, 6B&G, International Pkwy, 7-9:30p

FAM Faire KrisKringleMarkt, historic outdoor shopping experience mode markets

Sunday December 3'

FXBG Arts & Crafts Show festive shopping featuring local artists & vendors, 10a-4p FXBG Convention Center

Pet Photos with Santa, Spotsy Towne Center, 8:30-10;30a Mary Washington House Holiday Open House, Allison Ashcroft Art Show, Adventure Brewing North, 12-6p

Monday December 4

Dungeon & Dragons Game Night, Adventure Brewing Eagle Village, 6:308:30p

Tuesday December 5

Rocking Horse Gallery childrens act meet world famous artists, 803 Car

Winter Kids Market, Dorothy Hart C

Historic Fredericksburg Foundation, 6pm Lewis Store, 1200 Caroline green decorations, neighborhood wa music, children's activities & more

Rappahannock Model Railroaders 2 The show will feature operating trai activities for the young Fraternal Springs Rd, 9a-5p

"The Nutcracker" from the areas lo Fredericksburg Ballet Centre's annu School 2p

Live Music American Dream Machin Anne St, 4p

Possum Punchlines Comedy Show wacky night of comedy! 211 William

Chair Yoga, FXBG Food CoOP, 320 Emancipation Hwy, 6-7p

Girls Night Out Show @Highmark Br

Wednesday December 6

Live Music Suzie & Stephen @Adven

Trivia Night, Sunken Well at 6:30pm 720 Littlepage

Live Music The LACS @Hard Times HWY

Open Mic@Katora Coffee, 615 Caroline St, 7-10p,

Zoom Comedy's Trilogy, FXBG Squar

Kwanzaa @UMW James Farmer Muticulltural Center 6p

Thursday December 7

Sunday December 10

Hanukkah Begins at Sundown

Sunken Well's Tinsel Town Holiday Craft Market, 5-9p, 720 Littlepage

Become a Friend Advocate ~ Donate ~ Volunteer

540~479~4116 1013 Princess Anne St , FXBG

Naughty Bingo @Haley;s Meadery, 1

Spotsy Farmers Market , 8am - 1pm

Tour the Mary Washington House in the spirit of the 18th- century Christmas. Shop for unique gifts in the museum store while sipping hot cider and sampling Mary Washington's famous gingerbread. 1200 Charlws St, 12-5p FREE

Art First December Christmas Extravaganza Collection of New Works by Members Opening reception 6pm to 9pm. 824 Caroline St

Happy "Paw"lidays, bring your pet & Community Center, 5p

Strangeways Brewing Ugly Sweater 350 Landsdowne Rd, 7-11p

Local on the Eights Tapas @Wild Hare Coder Pub, 2-5 William St, 4-8:30p

Artful Dimensions Gallery Holiday All Member Show, reception 6-9p

"Good Bears of the World" charity ev Artist Candlelight Reception, & Silen Gallery, 803 Caroline ST,

Saturday December 9

Live Music Bailey Hayes, Adventure Brewing North, 7-9p

Deck the Walls, All Member Holiday Show, Brush Strokes Gallery, 824 Caroline St, Opening Reception, 6-9p

Friday December 8

FXBG Winter Wine Festival, FXBG Fairgrounds, 11a-4p General ADMISSION: Includes unlimited samples. Get out of the COLD and enjoy some AMAZING Virginia Wines in our HEATED buildings! BOTH buildings will have Wineries , Vendors, Music and Food! This is a ALL-YOU-CARETO-TASTE affair.

Riverside Christmas Spectacular, Experience the excitement, memories, and joy of Christmas as our spectacular cast of singers and dancers present the very heart and essence of the holiday season. Riverside Center for the Performing Arts, 95 Riverside Pkwy, thru December. Call 540-370-4300 or riversidedt.com for dates & times

Give the Gift of Art, Members Gallery; Winter Blues, Main Gallery, FCCA , 813 Sophia St

The Acoustic Onion, 7-10p Colonial

fabtrail.com

FB @ FABeerTrail

Santa Brunch @6B&G, 1140 Interna to enjoy brunch & take pixs with St

DAR of events Tavern, 406 Lafayette Blvd

vent to benefit five service agencies, nt Auction 6-9p. The Rocking Horse

& make an ornament, Dorothy Hart 600 Princess Anne, 7-9p

ure Brewing North, 7-9p

Rappahannock Model Railroaders 26th Annual Christmas Train Show, The show will feature operating train layouts, model train vendors, and activities for the young Fraternal Order of Eagles Lodge#4123, Cool Springs Rd,10a-4p "The Nutcracker" .The Fredericksburg Ballet Centre's annual Nutcracker, James Monroe High School 2p TUBA Christmas Holiday Performance, Food Court, Spoptsy Towne Center, 3-4p

Monday December 11

tivities, refreshments, story telling, oline St

Storytime in Pajamas stories, sing songs, and play with loose parts (sensory bins). All participants are invited to come in pajamas for a quick bedtime transition. Great for children from babies up to 10 years old. Make it a family date night by grabbing dinner at the co-op! FXBG FoodCoOP, 320 Emancipation Hwy, 6-7p

Center, 9a-2p

Wednesday Dedember 13

m 12150 Gordon Rd :

c Market Square, 11a-6p, spectacular eled after traditional German-style

Inc.'s Holiday Open House Noon to Street. Featuring handmade freshalking tours, tours of the store, live

26th Annual Christmas Train Show, in layouts, model train vendors, and Order of Eagles Lodge#4123, Cool

ongest running Ballet Company.The ual Nutcracker, James Monroe High

ne @KC Music Alley, 1917 Princess

Come out to Possum-bilities for a m St, 7-9p

rewery, 9-11:30p, 390 Kings Hwy ture Brewing North. 7-9p

s Cafe, 6:15-11:55p, 10760 Partiot

re, 525 Caroline St, 8-10p

ational Pkwy, bring the wholw family Nick, 11a-2p

Trivia Night, Sunken Well at 6:30pm 720 Littlepage

Sunday December 17

Chamber Concert Series @St George Church, Princess Anne St, 3p FREE

Wednesday December 20

Trivia Night, Sunken Well at 6:30pm 720 Littlepage Open Mic@Katora Coffee, 615 Caroline St, 7-10p,

Thursday December 21 First Day of Winter Winter Solstice FXBGparks.com

Night

Hike,

Motts

Run

River,

5:30-7p

info

Live Music, Bruce Middle Group @ Colonil Tavern, 406 Lafayett Blvd, 8p

Friday December 22

Live Music Ian Blackwood @Adventure Brewing North, 7-9p

Saturday December 23

Open Mic@Katora Coffee, 615 Caroline St, 7-10p,

Live Music, Merry Mayhem, pink & rap spectacle, Katora Coffee, 615 Caroline St, 7-10p

Friday December 15

Sunday December 24

Rehana's Global Holiday Open House,Come join us for a three day event featuring global foods and holiday traditions from around the world. We will kick off the event with Live Music with Dave Guy on Friday evening, feature cooking classes on Tamales on Saturday and a Worldwide Cookie Decorating Class on Sunday with a Family viewing of Polar Express in our Main Dining Room on Sunday afternoon. Our menu will showcase foods from Puerto Rico, Mexico, Taiwan, Brazil, Ghana, and several European nations. 104 Wolfe St, 12-5:30p

Christmas Eve Service Riverside First Church of God, 3461 Fall Hill Ave, 10:30-11:30p

Christmas Day December 25 Hope you had lots under the tree!

Tuesday December 26 Kwanzaa Begins

FXBG Symphony Holiday Pops "Home for the Holidays", Lifepoint Church Central Park, 7:30p

Wednesday December 27

Live Music The Cold North@Adventure Brewing North, 7-9p

Open Mic@Katora Coffee, 615 Caroline St, 7-10p,

Comedy Extravaganza, Mr. K @Central Station Hall, 1917 Princess Anne, 8p

Friday December 29

Saturday December 16

Saturday December 30

Meet Mr & Mrs Claus, Rocking Horse Gallery 12-3p, 803 Caroline St Spotsy Farmers Market , 8am - 1pm 12150 Gordon Rd : "Sounds of the Season" Chamber Chorale fxbg, fxbg Baptist Church, Princess Anne, 2p & 7p Live Music Darcy Dawn @Highmark Brewery, 390 Kings Hwy, 6p Ugly Sweater Party@6B&G, 1140 International Pky, 7p , Live music by Ella Buettner Live Music #UNCHAINED Colonial Tavern, 406 Lafayette Blvd, 7p Live Music Marc Allred @Adventure Brewing North, 7-9p

Trivia Night, Sunken Well at 6:30pm 720 Littlepage

Stand Up Comedy @Strangeways Brewing, 350 Lansdowne, 7:30-9:30p Live Music, Merry Mayhem, pink & rap spectacle, Katora Coffee, 615 Caroline St, 7-10p

Sunday December 31

New Years Eve ring in the new & toast to all the past blessings .If you are reading this 317th issue of FPF,

thank an advertiser now in our 27th year of continuous publication!

List your events email frntprch@aol.com: subject Calendar/Events Deadline for January 2024 issue is December 19th.

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

donatelifevirginia.org dmv.virginia.gov/drivers/#organs.asp front porch fredericksburg

December 2023

17

history’s stories

Christmas Traditions

By Ralph “Tuffy” Hicks

Christmas is my favorite time of the year, as I look forward to celebrating my 80th Christmas with Anne, family and friends. We all should remember especially during these times that Jesus is the reason for the season.

Easter in the early years of Christianity was more celebrated than the birth of Jesus. In reading the Bible there is no mention of the date of the birth of Jesus. In Europe and other countries the month of December was a time of celebration especially from December twenty-first through January during winter solstice when they were looking forward to longer hours of sunlight.

December 25 became the day that Pope Julius I chose for the Feast of the Nativity, that would spread and replace the pagan religion by the middle ages. It is believed that the birth of Jesus was sometime in the spring, however the custom of December spread to England and many countries between the fourth and sixth century and Christianity had replaced the pagan religion .

Christmas was not a holiday in the early American colonies the holiday was outlawed in Boston between 16591681, and you would be fined for celebrating Christmas. The holiday actually was not made an official federal holiday until 1870. In the early 1800's Washington Irving wrote several stories about Christmas, he felt that it should be a peaceful warm hearted time with people celebrating the birth of Jesus. Around that time Charles Dickens created the story A Christmas Carol, a story of charity and good will. The American family was becoming more sensitive to the children and their needs, and Christmas provided families a day to lavish gifts and attention to their children.

America was first to embrace Christmas and how the day should be celebrated.

The next hundred years Americans built a Christmas tradition all their own such as decorating trees, charity to others, gifts and sending holiday cards along with the legend of Santa Claus.

Traced back to a monk named Saint

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December 2023

Nicholas who was in Turkey in the third century. Story is that he gave aways all his wealth to help the sick and poor. In 1822 Episcopal minister Clement Moore wrote Visit From St. Nicholas or as we say today "T'was The Night Before Christmas". The story was about a jolly man dressed in red with a sack of toys.

During the War Between the States Thomas Nast drew the image of Santa that we know today.

I still treasure my picture with Santa taken over seven decades ago. Many of us still look forward to the TV special A Charlie Brown Christmas, that first was televised in December 1965. Charles Schulz's comic strip was actually rejected by the executives. Little did they know it would be enduring and win an Emmy. The Gingerbread House, Queen Elizabeth I gets the credit for this, however, the Germans lay claim to starting the tradition along with the famous ginger bread man cookies.

Believe it or not Candy Canes are the top non chocolate candy sales during December and date back to 1670. The first candy cane machine was made in America in the 1950's.

Actually the first Department Store Santa was James Edgar in his Dry Goods store in 1890 Fruitcake was a favorite at Princess Diana and Kate Middleton weddings.

It has been a standing Christmas joke for decades.

Johnny Carson said the worst Christmas gift is a fruitcake in 1985. It is still a Christmas tradition Salvation Army Bell Ringers are one of my favorite activities with their red kettles collecting money for the needy.

They started this activity in 1891 and have helped millions of people. Please give often when you are shopping during the holidays. As you read Front Porch cover to cover remember Jesus is the reason for the season.

God Bless & Merry Christmas Dedicated To: Mary Jo Littlefield, Nelson Withers, Herb Collins, Lewis Sullivan, and Nila Trigger Tuffy is Front Porch’s Resident Historian

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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

907 Princess Anne Street, Downtown Fredericksburg

OUR HERITAGE james mercer family tree project By susan fennell The St. James House- at 1300 Charles Street- is one of Fredericksburg's oldest buildings, constructed in 1768 by James Mercer (1736--1793).Now a Washington Heritage Museums property, it and is open twice a year for tours. It was during one of these tours that volunteer Susan Graham spoke up and said, "Wouldn't it be helpful if we had a Mercer Family Tree…something we could reference and that would it help us and our guests during the tour?"

This idea made its way to the Historic Fredericksburg Foundation, Inc., Marker Committee, headed by Sue Stone.

This volunteer committee researches the histories of eligible Fredericksburg buildings and produces a marker report and a HFFI house marker. Part of each marker report is information about the owners and occupants. Using this research, HFFI undertook to make the James Mercer Family Tree.

Although

there

are

many

interesting connections and stories involving James Mercer's father, John Mercer, and others going back several generations to England and Ireland, HFFI's project begins with James.

James Mercer's' two sons, John Fenton and Charles Fenton, who had distinguished careers, never married or had children, but his two daughters did.

That is why, today, we have many descendants of James Mercer, many of whom still live in Virginia and some who reside in Fredericksburg.

James' oldest daughter, Mary Eleanor Dick Mercer (1774--1837) was named after her mother, Eleanor Dick, and her grandmother, Mary Roy. She married James Mercer Garnett of Essex County in 1793. The couple had 10 children; three of whom then had issue. The Garnetts resided at Elmwood, an estate in Essex County that was built for them by his father Muscoe Garnett.

In 1910, Professor James Mercer Garnett (1840--

1 9 1 6 ) produced a book aptly t i t l e d "Genealogy of the MercerGarnett family of Essex C o u n t y , Virginia, which contained an extensive record of his family's history up to that point and which provided the clues necessary to bring the tree up to date. Among the many surnames that came from this line are; McGuire, Nelson, Payne, Sasser, Boyd, Smith, Helfenstein, and Yellott. This line of the family has many ancestors whose first names include James Mercer and Fenton, a salute to James's Irish grandmother Grace Fenton Mercer.

James's youngest daughter, Lucinda "Lucy" (1776--1831), married Solomon Dyre Betton of Queen Anne, Maryland, in 1795. Research found that Lucy moved to Milledgeville, Georgia, which was the state capital from 1804-1868.

Unfortunately, there is not an abundance of records about Lucy Mercer Betton or her children. Only a brief notice of her death appears in 1831 in a Charleston, South Carolina, newspaper.

Currently, only one son, Solomon, Jr., is known.

His children then scattered throughout the states of Georgia, Alabama, and Florida.

The HFFI Mercer family tree, which will continually branch out, will be supplemented by brief individual histories, pictures, and newspaper articles to give it fuller detail and visual references.

Susan Fennell, a resident of Fredericksburg, has been a volunteer docent at the St. James House and a member of HFFI's marker committee for several years.

Historic Fredericksburg Foundation, Inc.'s Holiday Open House Saturday, December 9 Noon to 6pm Lewis Store, 1200 Caroline Street.

Featuring handmade fresh-g green decorations, neighborhood walking tours, tours of the store, live music, children’s activities & more

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

540-898-0737

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Mental Health The most difficult time of the year

By Daniel Gillison Even though my mom passed away nine years ago, it still feels like yesterday. I was actually in the room when it happened. I was playing her a song when, suddenly, she suffered from a heart attack she wouldn't recover from.

Christmas was my mom's favorite time of the year; she loved spending time with family and watching her grandchildren open their presents. Ever since her passing, the holidays have never quite felt the same. So for me, the holiday season is always accompanied by a tinge of sadness.

And sadness can be challenging to cope with when all around you people are singing about how this is "the most wonderful time of the year." How do you handle so many movies and ads broadcasting family and togetherness if you've lost a loved one or you feel all alone? What do you do with so many messages about everything being "merry and bright" when, in most places, it is quite literally cold and dark?

The truth is that, for many, this can actually be the most difficult time of the year. In 2014, NAMI found that 64% of people with mental illness say the holidays make their conditions worse. A 2021 survey showed that 3 in 5 Americans feel their mental health is negatively impacted by the holidays. And as we face a second holiday season during the COVID19 pandemic, we know that more people than ever will be grieving someone or something during this time.

during this hectic season: Accept Your Feelings The holidays can bring up a range of emotions for people. Sometimes you can even experience seemingly contradictory emotions all at once. Try your best to acknowledge and accept your emotions rather than place judgment on them. It's OK to feel happy; it's OK to feel sad; it's even OK to feel both happy and sad. Give yourself compassion and allow yourself to sit with whatever you're feeling.

Maintain Healthy Habits For many people, the holidays lead to a massive disruption in your dayto-day routine. But maintaining healthy habits like going to therapy, getting enough sleep and exercising are critical to keeping your mental health on track.

Set Boundaries People like to be generous during the holidays, but that generosity doesn't have to come at the expense of having healthy boundaries. If hosting an event or buying an expensive gift is too stressful, it's OK to say no. It's also OK to limit the time you spend with family that you may have a complicated dynamic with.

So if you find yourself feeling anxious for the holidays, you are certainly not alone. Here are a few steps you can take to prioritize your mental health

Make Time To Connect Connection and meaning are critical to our mental health. Make time for your important relationships and connect with yourself through self-care.

You can even connect with loved ones who are no longer with you through a family tradition or a personal remembrance ritual. For me, every Christmas I try to find a quiet space where I can listen to the song that was playing when my mom died; and even though she is not physically

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donatelifevirginia.org

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present with me, I spend time talking to her.

I will always miss my mom during Christmas. But at the same time, I will always be thankful for the many Christmases I did get to spend with her, and I'm so happy that she is no longer in pain. This year, I'm reminding myself that it's OK to still be grieving; at the same time, I don't have to feel guilty about enjoying the holidays without her.

This holiday season - whether you find it to be the most wonderful or most difficult time of the year - I hope you'll join me in taking care of your mental health by accepting whatever emotions come up, maintaining healthy habits, setting boundaries on stressors and making time for meaningful connection.

If you or someone you know is experiencing a mental health, suicide or substance use crisis or emotional distress, reach out 24/7 to the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline (formerly known as the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline) by dialing or texting 988 or using chat services at suicidepreventionlifeline.org to connect to a trained crisis counselor. You can also get crisis text support via the Crisis Text Line by texting NAMI to 741741.

Daniel H. Gillison is the chief executive officer of NAMI (National Alliance on Mental Illness). Prior to his work at NAMI, he served as executive director of the American Psychiatric Association Foundation (APAF) in addition to several other leadership roles at large corporations such as Xerox, Nextel, and Sprint.

He is passionate about making inclusive, culturally competent mental health resources available to all people, spending time with his family, and playing tennis.

You can follow him on Twitter at @DanGillison.

Emancipated Patients mental status

By Patrick Neustatter, MD As I was leaving the Fredericksburg Unitarian Fellowship the other day, D.H., a middle-aged lady and a dear friend, was standing by the door looking dejected.

This isn't entirely true. People in the early stages may be aware - but it's much commoner for family or friends to have seen changes and bring someone for assessment.

She got tearful when I asked her what was wrong. "I'm worried that I'm developing Alzheimer's" she told me.

Can You Diagnose Yourself?

The very simplest test of mental status is the clock drawing test.

She had a referral for an in-depth mental status exam at University Hospital in Charlottesville, but was going to have to wait months for an appointment.

Here you are asked to draw a clock face, with the hours marked and the hands showing a specific time - I was always taught it should be ten minutes to two (don't ask me why).

Then I was talking to my daughter, Tegan who is a psychologist and does a lot of testing - mostly of kids - to assess for things like ADD/ADHD, autism, learning disability.

This is sometimes used as a screening to know if there should be further testing.

"Isn't there a test someone can do that will detect dementia?" I asked her.

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The What it Is, and What it Isn't, of Dementia Dementia is more than just forgetfulness. People with dementia forget important information. They have problems thinking, asking the same question over and over. Have problems with socialization and activities of daily living. They get lost in places they are familiar with. Have trouble organizing complex tasks. There may be associated personality change disorientation, and sleep disturbance or mood disorders like agitation and depression - though depression itself can cause a pseudodementia.

There are different types - some irreversible, like Alzheimer's, vascular, Lewy body, and frontotemporal dementia.

And some secondary to other condition like infections, endocrine disorders, nutritional deficiencies, brain tumors, hydrocephalus, and side effects of medicines - which may be fixable. The pseudodementia from depression is treatable.

Alzheimer's seems to be the one that is singled out as the scariest. It is the commonest, and even though there are medicines, even the most effective, donepezil (brand name Aricept) doesn't stop the progress, just helps the memory a bit.

ble at Availa n.com Amazo

I have had a lot of people ask me about "how do I know if I'm getting Alzheimer's?" My smart-ass response is "if you think you have Alzheimer's you haven't" - if you truly are developing it, you usually don't have the insight to see it in yourself.

Next step is the Mini Mental Status Exam (MMSE). This assesses:

· Orientation by asking where the person is, the time and the date.

·Registration of information by getting them to repeat the names of three objects.

·Attention and calculation with "serial 7's" (repeatedly subtracting 7, starting from 100) or by spelling "world" backwards.

·Recall by repeating the three objects named.

·Language by naming an object like a pencil or a watch and explaining its function. And/ or repeating a sentence like "no ifs, ands, or buts." And/or following a 3-stage command like "take a sheet of paper in your hand, fold it in half, and put it on the floor."

There are other, not so relevant tests, like the WAIS-IV (Wechsler Intelligence Scale for Adults). The CAARS (Connors Adult ADHD Rating Scale). The Beck Depression Inventory. The Goldberg Bipolar screening. Yale-B Brown Obsessive Compulsive Scale. University of Maryland has a list of types of procrastination. But none of these will specifically indicate dementia.

The Alzheimer's Society Is a little skeptical about self-assessment. They say it's just memory screening, and if done by someone for themselves "is not necessarily helpful."

It's true that when you go to a health-care provider they will take note of other stuff like awareness, responsiveness, general behavior and mood.

But, in keeping with advocating for patient emancipation and selfempowerment it doesn't seem unreasonable to me, if you are like D.H. and fretting over whether you are developing Alzheimer's, for you to do an MSE - if you accept it is a bit limited.

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Wellness intro to naturopathic medicine & philosophy By nicholas savage, ND addresses the main aspects of care (similar to those identified by whole person care): physical/structural, emotional/ mental, nutritional/chemical, environmental, and spiritual health. As an approach to care, the US Veterans Administration focuses on patient- centered, personalized care in its description of whole health as "...what matters to you, not what is the matter with you."

“Introductions to Naturopathic Medicine must be occasionally made to explain to readers how it is different from the American Medical System model of healthcare. The passages here are to highlight the importance of this holistic approach to healthcare”. ~ American Association of Naturopathic Physicians and Institute for Natural Medicine Why Naturopathic Medicine? Why Now? Today, the health of Americans and the nation's healthcare system are significantly challenged by an increasing incidence of non-communicable and lifestyle-related preventable diseases, such as obesity, type 2 diabetes, and cardiovascular disease, compounded by a sharp escalation in multimorbidities that present specific challenges to primary care environments. With declining life expectancy and decreasing access to care, especially for vulnerable individuals, the US has been engulfed by a global pandemic that further burdens its population and health system. In addition to millions of lives lost and monumental pressure on its heroic healthcare workforce, the profession of medicine and the public it serves remain vulnerable to this and to other unpredictable threats to public health.

Licensed naturopathic physicians contribute an accessible, effective model of primary and specialty clinical care to address these unprecedented current and future healthcare challenges.

Its comprehensive systems approach to clinical decision making addresses underlying contributions to disease and incorporates behavioral, lifestyle, and other interventions to support disease prevention and to improve patient outcomes.

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To achieve their patients' goals this model supports the interprofessional collaboration of naturopathic physicians with other healthcare professionals.

Naturopathic physicians working in integrative settings provide an exceptionally well qualified experience base for fostering high performance, cost effective team-based care.

Naturopathic Medicine Is: Comprehensive in its approach to whole health, whole person primary care.

Focused on addressing underlying causes of acute and chronic diseases.

Dedicated to health promotion, minimally invasive therapies, and reducing healthcare costs.

Individualized to engage patients and to support health-related lifestyle and behavioral change.

Holistic and Whole Person Care Explained Whole Person Care, in some cases, refers to integrating systems of care: namely, primary care and behavioral health, and in some models, social services.

The nursing profession's model of whole person caring focuses on domains of care (physical, emotional, social/relational, mental, spiritual), and on 'therapeutic partnering' with patients. This term also is used to refer to health care that incorporates the social determinants of health. A 2018 study by Thomas, et al., found primary care doctors use the term to refer to, "...an approach that considers multiple dimensions of the patient and their context, including biological, psychological, social and possibly spiritual and ecological factors, and addresses these in an integrated fashion that keeps sight of the whole."

Whole Health Care, as described by the National Institute of Whole Health,

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Holistic Care encompasses similar body-mind-spirit domains, but also is described by the American Holistic Health Association as conceptualizing individuals as interdependent living systems.

Although holistic care includes complementary and alternative medicine therapies, it is foremost, "...an approach to health and disease that transcends any particular therapy." It incorporates 'more recent scientific discoveries' such as psychoneuroimmunology that is used effectively to reduce stress, inflammation processes, etc. and biofield coherence therapies used effectively for mental health wellness and pain, and that show

promise in chronic diseases like cancer, cardiovascular disease, etc."

For more information about Naturopathic Medicine in Virginia visit the Virginia Association of Naturopathic Physicians at VAANP.org.

Dr. Nicholas J. Savage received his Doctorate in Naturopathic Medicine from Southwest College of Naturopathic Medicine, Tempe, Arizona, in 2019.

Prior to that he received an Bachelor of Science degree, in Health Sciences, from James Madison University in 2015.

He is a member of the Virginia Association of Naturopathic Physicians and the Washington DC Association of Naturopathic Physicians.

Capital Naturopathic Medicine Dr. Nicolas Savage Offices in Fredericksburg 2601 Princess Anne Street, Suite 101 Colonial Beach.

215 Jefferson Street DrNickSavage.com facebook @capitalnaturopathicmedicine

A Season of Reflection & Gratitude empowerhouse reviews 2023 by kathleen harrington I would like to share with you a bit of a November day that I spent with Kathy Anderson, Executive Director, and the staff of Empowerhouse. We set aside our normal tasks and focused on our individual and organizational experiences of the past four years (aka the Covid Times). We explored our hopes and needs for the future and considered the challenges and triumphs we've faced. It became abundantly clear; there has been A LOT going on!

As an organization, we have responded to a sustained rise in resources needed as evidenced by a 40% increase in hotline calls and 52% increase in bed nights at the Shelter at the height of the pandemic. We've endured days without power at our Shelter (during a snowstorm Jan. 2022), as well as a fire (July 2022) that required us to find other locations to shelter women and children for months.

As individuals, we've worked from our homes during lockdown, battled illnesses, grieved for our losses, and dealt with traumatic events unfolding around the world.

By the end of the day, it was also clear that strength and courage was abundant as staff actively listened to survivors of domestic violence bear witness and tell their stories, while withholding judgment and offering comfort and support. There was so much for their hearts to hold; brains to navigate; and bodies to carry, and such grace in their actions.

Historic Market Square spectacular Outdoor Shopping Modeled after Traditional German-Style Markets, 11a-6p

donors across the community, we have a 40-b bed Shelter, complete with a new generator to keep the lights, heat and AC on for survivors of trauma during everincreasing power outages from violent storms.

And, did you know that Empowerhouse served more than 3,800 people last year; women, children, and yes, also men -- those in urgent need of someone answering a hotline call, helping with safety planning, providing a place to shelter, having an advocate in court, someone to listen to their stories, offering comfort and support? Last year, Empowerhouse reached out to schools across the Fredericksburg region, helping 3,700 students learn about healthy relationships.

THANK YOU for listening, believing, giving your time, and donating much-needed funds to support survivors of domestic violence. Thank you for being here and letting vulnerable community members know that they are not alone.

This is also the season for planning the EMPTY BOWL!! This year, we are celebrating the 25th anniversary of the Empty Bowl fundraiser and friendmaker. I've been feeling gratitude for 25 years of beautiful bowls, gracious hosts, numerous volunteers, sponsors, and attendees. I've also been reflecting on how the breadth and extent of services provided by Empowerhouse have changed over the years and how the Empty Bowl has supported the ever-increasing needs of our community. Thank you to the generous and talented potters, and to our caring and wonderful community, who have made the success of Empty Bowl and the growth of Empowerhouse's mission possible.

If you want to learn more, or contribute to the efforts of Empowerhouse, visit our webpage at empowerhouseva.org where you can: ·Read Kelsey's Story by a recent survivor supported by Empowerhouse, ·Empower a New Generation to help break the cycle of domestic violence with programs for children and youth, or ·Register for the Empty Bowl (held on Sunday, January 28th) as a sponsor or attendee.

Did you know that in the beginning, victims of domestic violence were sheltered in the homes of Board members and volunteers? Now, thanks to

If you, or someone you know is experiencing domestic violence, please call our free 24-h hour confidential hotline at (540) 373-9 9373.

Kathleen Harrigan is a member of the Empowerhouse Board of Directors and strongly believes in breaking the cycles of violence wherever we can.

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Art in the Burg Art Galleries in December

“Snowy River”, Lois Baird @BSG “Memorable & Meaningful Gifts of Art” All Members Exhibit Opening Reception First Fri, Dec 1, 5-9 9p Brush Strokes Gallery 824 Caroline St. .

Throughout December, Brush Strokes Gallery's exhibit emanates the essence of the spirit of the holidays in a spectrum of original unique works of art that can convey the heart and care that gift-givers have for their special someone.

The entire back wall of the gallery features a special "Deck the Walls" display of paintings with winter images such as a twilight blue woodland scene, a joyous carefree snowman with reindeer friends, the dramatic palette of the Northern Lights, and a rural road through the countryside. In addition, for those who want to celebrate hallmark sites of Fredericksburg, artwork also depicts special features of the historic Chatham Manor and a flock of seagulls huddling at the City Dock.

Brush Strokes artists have also created a plethora of small gifts that are displayed on its Annual Holiday Table, which are a perfect way to say thank you to folks who play an important role in our daily lives. These creations include ornaments featuring whimsical little

creatures as well as iconic images of sites such as Goolrick's drug store, Allman's barbecue, and Fredericksburg's steepled skyline. .

In addition to these special seasonal displays, the creations of Brush Strokes artists include paintings, jewelry, and glass that are displayed throughout the gallery. Lois Baird depicts a classic winter scene in her "Snowy River" oil painting, while R. Taylor Cullar includes a thought-provoking twist in his riverside photo of "Boy with a Giant Goose" by manipulating the relative sizes of the two subjects in his composition. Penny A Parrish's "Ginter Reflection" photograph conveys the dramatic splashes of reflected colors of the botanical gardens' holiday exhibit of lights. In contrast, in her painting "Old Cossey Pond," Stacy Gerise demonstrates how the absence of color in her black-and-white painting can accentuate the mystical atmosphere of the scene she depicts, while Abigail Horton presents a welcomed glow of warm colors in her block print of "Magnolias in Winter."

Katrina R. Canfield, Guest Artist, Reception, Dec 1, 5-8 8:30 Darbytown Art Studio 241 Charles St Katrina employs soft pastel, mixed media, and oils, on board, for archival creations. Apprenticing under sculptor John Mori and studying under world renowned ceramist Susan Stevenson, Katrina's art has graced national and international exhibitions, including Art Prize Nine and the Saginaw Art Museum. Her diverse talents and commitment to growth shine through.

Housed at the Rappahannock Tribal Center and Museum is her collection, featuring indigenous pieces that reflect her artistic evolution. ~Jeannie Ellis

Artful Dimensions

Wilson (Will) Wolter, Guest Artist Opening Reception, First Fri Dec 1, 5-8 8:30p Canal Quarters Arts, 1517 Princess Anne Will has travels has taken hime to more than 37 countries and all 50 states.

Along the way he discovered photography as a means to chronicle his adventures. “I have transformed my life’s journeys into canvas prints” ~Jeannie Ellis

“Artist Market” PONSHOP Dec 1, 5-8p, 712 Caroline St Our Garden is open boasting a wide array of artists and makers. ~Gabe Pon

~-Collette Caprara “Holiday All Member Show” Artful Dimensions, 922 Caroline St Opening Reception, First Friday Dec 1, 6-9 9pm Visit Artful Dimensions during December where you will find a wonderful assortment of gifts for every holiday and every person (even some pets), at a broad range of prices. Give a gift that is handmade, locally. ~ Sally Cooney Anderson

Wilson Wolter @Canal Quarters

Katrina Canfield@Darbytown December Christmas Extravaganza Collection of New Works by Members Opening reception 1st Friday, December 1 6pm to 9pm.

Art First, 824 Caroline St An all-member show at Art First Gallery, focusing on Christmas, promises a dynamic mix of styles and media for discerning art enthusiasts in the Fredericksburg area in December. With new artists being added almost monthly, the vibe of the gallery is fresh and eclectic.

This show is no different. Every artist in the Gallery is contributing to the themed show but in his or her unique style.

Prepare to spend more time than normal in the Gallery to see all that's offered. ~Gary Close

“Christmas Truck” Ariel Freeman @Art First

810 Caroline Street, Downtown 540.371.4099 “Redwinged Blackbird”, Robyn Ryan 24

December 2023

“Southern Duo”,Beverley Coates

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“Sunrise Princess Anne”, Lynn Abbott

Artist on Site Saturdays

Public Sculptures fredericksburg arts commission program

By Stephen Hu

“Sunrise, Sunset”, Matthew Duffy If you have passed by the public sculptures displayed around Fredericksburg and wondered how they got there, they are part of a program by The Fredericksburg Arts Commission. The public sculpture program is organized by volunteer and project champion Preston Thayer. A competitive application process finds artists interested in displaying their work. This most recent selection process reviewed nearly 30 applications which were voted on by the Arts Commission.

The program started in 2016 and rotates different sculptures after one or two years.

"The public sculpture project is a wonderful example of our city's commitment to bringing beautiful and

interesting art to residents and visitors," said City Councilor Jason Graham, who elect Kerry also sits as a liaison with Mayor-e Devine on the Arts Commission. "This initiative demonstrates our values and character, and we're grateful to the volunteers who helped bring this art to Fredericksburg."

form of the spiritual self and depth of humanism. These sculptures are an effort to ignite and excite the public about art and science.

"This sculpture reflects great strides and a new momentum to my own development and research, They delve deeply into sources which are entirely my own. These sculptures are inspired by the cosmos from the micro to the macro. It derives from natural formations, natural combinations of geometric and organic forms and shapes, alluding to science biology, math, and the physical world. the imaginative abstraction and the knowledge we comprehend through seeing and feeling both allows knowing to happen and gives meaning to our humanity."

The newest works on display are "At Home With Higher Thoughts" by Charlie Brouwer at the train station on Caroline Street; "Sunrise/Sunset (Sawblade)" by Matthew Duffy at Fall Hill Avenue and Village Lane; and "Atomic Structure" by Hanna Jubran at Dixon Park.

Brouwer's sculpture is part of a series of wooden works depicting a human form with a house shape for the torso that he titles "Homebody".

"I was thinking how people get uncomfortable when somebody tries to raise the level of conversation to something more serious," said Brouwer. "I thought I would do a sculpture of someone who is at home with higher

At Home With Higher Thoughts" Charlie Brouwer thoughts”. So he's waiting for higher thoughts that people might suggest.

"My outdoor sculptures are all locust wood. It's very hard; it's local. I get it quite easily because I live in the Blue Ridge Mountains where there's saw mills that cut locust so it's available to me."

The new additions to the public sculpture program join "Dancing Milkweed" by David Boyajian at Canal Street at Prince Edward Street; "Morning Glory Bench" by Jim Gallucci at Riverside Drive at Wellford Street along the Heritage Path; and "Three Musketeers" by Michael Bednar at Wolfe/Kenmore/Prince Edward Street Triangle.

Duffy's "Sunrise/Sunset (Sawblade)" is constructed of angular planes of welded stainless steel.

"Sunrise/Sunset is an exercise in the abstraction of form and heuristics," said Duffy. "An archetype of our sun is reduced to simple geometries, duplicated, flipped, and connected. The resulting aggressive, mechanistic aesthetic resembles a saw blade and alludes to the high-capacity industrial power of solar energy. The peach color of sunrise is contrasted with the bold red of sunset, with sky blue in between. This arrangement is based on the old saying 'Red sky at night, a sailor's delight.'"

Atomic Structure is one of a series of steel sculptures by Jubran reflecting science and geometry.

"My sculpture project concept and development evolved from my interest in astronomy and forms that inform and incorporate language, symbolic meanings, and actual astronomical events that explore the meaning of our existence and the cycles of evolution," said Jubran.

More importantly they inform us of a visible

"Atomic Structure" by Hanna Jubran Stephen Hu is a Fredericksburg writer, musician, and member of the Fredericksburg Arts Commission “At Home With Higher Thoughts" Charlie Brouwer, Caroline Train Station "Sunrise/Sunset (Sawblade)" by Matthew Duffy at Fall Hill Avenue and Village Lane; "Atomic Structure" by Hanna Jubran at Dixon Park

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Auto Known Better White Christmas in our town

By Rim Vining month.

It's like "Our Town" but different. A musical without a lead so to speak but everyone is free to join the cast and chorus, work the set crew and build scenery or just watch the show!

Some of you started humming a Bing Crosby number while others are thinking this is the year to actually use the sled found under the tree. Me? I think of the Dutch artist Jens Haaning who installed two blank white canvases in a museum to satisfy a commission of $77,000.00. Not a bad return for two years of doing nothing. Almost as good as member of congress and at least he had to give the money back. Just saying.

I am pretty sure Mrs. Clause, the esteemed editor of this elf-filled toy factory we call the Front Porch was not going to give me a pat on the back for blank pages. Coal yes, accolades no. But it did get me in the spirit to imagine what it might be like if all the writers were assembled in some sort of primary colored factory churning out all manner of colorful tales to fill stockings all over town.

That's not as farfetched as it sounds. You could get a few extra copies of this Christmas issue and stuff the stockings of some friends who may not have been introduced to our world of make believe reality.

We have many newcomers to the area who may not have a front porch of their own but they can make believe they do in these pages every

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It is a wonderful show and yes, "A Wonderful Life" in more ways than we can count. It doesn't take long to make friends in this town. It doesn't take long to find out who does what. One stroll on a First Friday offers a pretty complete introduction to how vibrant this community of elves can be. Art, music, dance, food, coffee and more coffee, relaxing beverages, did I mention relaxing beverages? It's a community of elves who go about their tasks without thought of self, more of a collective.

Area churches work together to Micah provide community dinners.

Ministries reaches out to those who need special services. Empower House works tirelessly for victims and survivors of domestic violence and the list goes on: Fredericksburg Mental Health, Rappahannock Area Services Board, Friends of the Rappahannock, Thurman Brisbane Shelter, Downtown Greens teaching the next generations how important it is to know where their food comes from and how to sustain and diversify the farming industry for the 21st century. Endless Elfishness!

The list of opportunities in "Our Town" is long and we are all just blank canvases.

What interests you?

What talents do you have to share? Spend a little time at Liberty Town and let some of the combined creativity of all those elves

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soak in. It's intoxicating.

My grandmother Alice Gundry was a talented artist and amazing cook.

She could walk into a bare kitchen and come out with amazing food for all. Some kind of magic. Every year for Christmas she would carve a wood block and write a poem as her card. It was simply family news: Primrose now has four little ones, Molly is in the Philippines, Dicky is in Korea, etc. She always closed with prayers for peace in a war torn world and thoughts for those we lost each year. This is one of those years. Pray for Peace, Statesmanship, Courage, and for all those in our hearts.

So on Dasher! now, Dancer! now, Peugeot and Porsches! on, Comets! on, Falcons! parked by your Front Porches!....

"Merry Christmas to all....... autoknown says... goodnight!" ~autoknownbetter@gmail.com Rim Vining, humorist, friend and a devoted community volunteer

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Companions silent night in the shelter by von young care for animals while fosters offer love, care, and affection. Every shelter cat or dog will receive a goodie bag or stocking full of items that will help make spirits bright for their holiday break. As a benefit, fosters will be given priority if they choose to adopt their temporary guest and make them a permanent addition to their family. Not only will there be extended hours for foster pick-ups, but one of the most exciting additions to this year's Silent Night in the Shelter is that several animal adoption fees have been sponsored for those who choose to adopt their furry guests!

The Fredericksburg SPCA is hosting its 5th annual Silent Night in the Shelter foster event for the 2023 holiday season! In keeping with their belief that every animal deserves a loving home for the holidays, Fred SPCA staff and volunteers are working hard to pair potential fosters with furry friends to spend a few weeks outside of the shelter and in cozy homes!

Not looking to adopt? No problem! The Fredericksburg SPCA is hoping to give their longest-stay residents a rest from the chaotic communal environment of the shelter. "Giving animals a break from the stress of the shelter environment is the most

Fostering a shelter animal during the holidays is not only a rewarding way to save lives, but it also offers unique benefits to the foster parent. It allows families to experience the joys of pet ownership without the long-term commitment, letting them decide if it's right for them. Additionally, it's an excellent way for children to learn about pet care and responsibility.

The Fredericksburg SPCA provides all necessary supplies and medical important part of why we do holiday fostering', states Allie Names, Deputy Director. "We find after a short shelter break our animals, especially dogs, come back more relaxed and happy. It's akin to a vacation for a human."

Research shows that temporary sleepovers begin lowering cortisol (stress hormone) levels in dogs in just 24 hours.

The reduction in compounded stress greatly increases good kennel presence and thus their chance of adoption upon return.

No pre-registration is required to take part in Silent Night in the Shelter.

Bring a valid form of ID and any other dogs in your home for a supervised meetand-greet. Pick-up dates are December

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15th & 22 (1 pm-8 pm), December 16th (10 am-6 pm), and December 17th - 21st (12 pm-6 pm) The Fredericksburg SPCA is hoping for fosters to commit to their company for 2 weeks with drop-offs being the week of January 2. Give belly rubs, and get the warm fuzzy feeling of the season knowing that your new foster friend gets to enjoy a loving home for the holidays!

Von Young, Director of Communications (Fredericksburg SPCA)

Silent Night in the Shelter FXBG SPCA 10819 Courthouse Road FXBG, 22408 December 15th & 22 (1 pm-8 8 pm), December 16th (10 am-6 6 pm), and December 17th - 21st (12 pm-6 6 pm)

THE POETRY MAN

Astrology & You welcome sagittarius season

By Frank Fratoe

Sanctity

By Dianne Bachman

No cathedral or basilica or temple or synagogue can monopolize sanctity when each building is fashioned by engineers to glorify architecture no matter what theology has declared about them honoring a power above us.

Beyond human monuments a river valley is sacred and wilderness is sacred and the ocean is sacred and starlight is sacred but even more sacred are mother and child together for they come to us here from a love everlasting. . Frank Fratoe lives & writes in the city.he loves.

I may be a bit biased because my Moon is in this sign, but I am incredibly grateful for Sagittarius season. Sagittarius emerges out of Scorpio season, bringing a sense of optimism and expansiveness.

Where Scorpio can cultivate anxiety or pull us deep into the watery depths, Sagittarius season arrives, intense but hopeful. We navigated the murky waters and followed the centaur with the fiery arrow. We now walk the path with renewed purpose and vigor. Yes, it is a bit of an

oasis between Scorpio and Capricorn as we gather with friends and family, celebrate holidays, feast, fill our tanks before the old sea goat (Capricorn) leads us into the New Year. Do not get me wrong; there is nothing inherently negative about Capricorn and Scorpio (which happen to be my Sun and Ascendent, respectively). It is just that Sagittarius stands in stark contrast to its next-door neighbors. Of course, being that Sagittarius expands what it touches, our credit card balances and waistlines can take a hit, so it is not all jolly and bright. But, if we can focus on the positive side of Sagittarius, we can come out of the time with our batteries recharged.

Here is a little background on Sagittarius. Ruled by the planet Jupiter, it commences on November 22, and ends on December 21. It is of the element fire and is a mutable sign (which means its energies go with the flow). This sign rules the ninth house of the Zodiac, symbolizing aspects of travel, adventure, expansive thoughts, higher thinking and education, philosophy/religion, and belief systems. In traditional astrology, Jupiter is referred to as the "Great Benefic," bringing luck and good fortune to whatever it touches in your chart. During this time of year, big, bright Jupiter is always an inspiration in the night sky. Jupiter rises in the East and is visible throughout December 2023, providing the sky is clear of clouds. famous Here are some Sagittarians: Margaret Hamilton, Jimi Hendrix, Ozzie Osbourn, Rodney Dangerfield, Brittney Spears, Jane Fonda, and Steven Spielberg.

Now let's look at the astrological weather for December: December 1: Mercury enters Capricorn and makes a sextile with Saturn in Pisces.

This is a practical time for planning and bringing all the details into focus. The Saturn influence brings any imaginative projects down to earth, so maybe not be an optimal time for brainstorming.

December 2: Pluto squares Venus. For the next week or so, speak the truth in relationships. If you have been holding back, honesty seeking Pluto will provide the energy to stand up for yourself. This can create strife, but conflict can transform a situation, especially if people are understanding and kind.

December 4: Venus enters Scorpio. Watch for that jealous streak. Adding a square to Pluto alerts us to potential tensions in relationships, perhaps due to issues of control and this will pass by the end of the month.

December 9: Venus and Moon in Scorpio make an opposition to Jupiter in Taurus.

This transit highlights potential for relationship growth, though Scorpio could bring up old fears or hidden anxiety. Take your time and process these feelings with someone or write in your journal. There is potential for a deeper understanding of the emotions.

December 12: New Moon in Sagittarius might find us in an upbeat mood, like the fog lifts and we can grab onto what is positive and dynamic. If travel is your thing, this is the time to dream up your next destination.

December 13: Mercury stations retrograde in Capricorn until January 1.

Ruh-roh, Scooby! Try to think 'flexibility' if plans go awry. Capricorn rules plans, careers, structure, and responsibilities, so reflect, review, and reassess (per astrologer Molly McCord). If you are less than pleased with the direction things are going, this is the time to recalculate and change direction.

December 22: Sun enters Capricorn and Mercury makes its cazimi (exact conjunction-cazimi means 'in the heart of the Sun) with the Sun. For this brief period of a few days, thoughts have the potential to be clear and grounded.

Planning and examining personal responsibilities could be fruitful today.

December 26: Full Moon in Cancer invites us to look at self-care and self-compassion, to reflect on our emotional needs.

Spending time with family and close friends is supported by this Moon. A perfect way to view the Moon is at the beach or by visiting any body of water!

December 29: Venus enters Sagittarius, closing out the year with the potential for travel, adventure, and quenching the thirst for learning and knowledge. Do you have the itch to travel but the afterholidays blues finds your wallet empty?

Turn down the expectations and explore locally. Google Earth is at your fingertips (and a heck of a lot cheaper than that ticket to Bimini)!

Dianne Bachman is a psychotherapist & astrologer practicing in FXBG. She can be reached at dbachmanlcsw@gmail.com graphic: Zodiac Man, circa 1417

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Fredericksburg Sketches A visual Celebration of our community

By Paula Raudenbush

Give a Child Something to Think About

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

810 Caroline Street (540) 371-5684

Frederickicksburg Rooftops This month's sketch was done on a beautiful day in November. I was with several other Fredericksburg Urban Sketchers and we decided to go to Castiglia's Skybar for a bit of a different perspective on the town.

I did what is known as a contour sketch which consists of drawing without raising the pen from the paper and looking at the subject more than the sketch. It always seems to have more freedom to it than a drawing that is labored over. This process reminds me of the saying that drawing is just taking a line for a walk.

I treated the watercolor in a similar loose way, not worrying about staying in the lines or trying to make everything perfect.

What I was after was a feeling more than an illustration.

Hope you like it, and hope you have a peaceful Thanksgiving. Cheers!

Paula Raudenbush is an admin for the Fredericksburg Chapter of the Urban Sketchers and maintains a studio in Libertytown Arts Workshop.

Dianne Bachman,LCSW Psychotherapist/Astrologer Now offering psychological astrology & astrological consultations In addition to Individual, family & marital therapy Hypnosis Expressive Arts 540.845.7622 diannebachman.com dbachmanlcsw@gmail.com 30

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Meghan McLees Volunteer of the Year Award for Civic Service scholarly lesson she'd planned for the day with an educational game.

"We just did that the whole time, and we talked about his day," she said of the session with a student from Stafford Junction, a nonprofit dedicated to helping families struggling with poverty. "He was having a hard time at school."

When the elementary school student she was tutoring via Zoom appeared on the screen, Meghan McLees UMW '23 sensed something was wrong. So, she quickly switched gears, replacing the

The call was just a small part of the volunteer work she completed as a University of Mary Washington student, but it created a career path for McLees, who enrolled in a master's program for school counseling at the University of Maryland after graduating from UMW in May. Now, in addition to a chosen profession, her penchant for giving her time to others has earned her something else - the 2023 Outstanding Young Adult Volunteer Award from the Virginia governor's office. (McLees above)

By lisa chinn marvashti "Meghan is a great role model with a wonderful combination of passion for making the world a better place and organizational skills," Center for Community Engagement Director Sarah Dewees said in her nomination letter for the award, bestowed on McLees at a ceremony last night.

Growing up in Chesterfield, Virginia, McLees was immersed in volunteerism. She'd lend her efforts to her mother's American Heart Association events - taking pictures and handing out flyers and the functions her father put on for the Army.

local food bank and led student volunteers weeding gardens, picking up litter and doing projects for the SPCA. She also joined three Alternative Service Break trips, traveling to different states to repair and build homes with Habitat for Humanity. There, too, McLees became a leader, managing student volunteer work, balancing budgets and creating a fundraising project called "FUNd Fair," a carnival-like activity held on Mary Washington's Campus Walk.

So the civically engaged culture she found at Mary Washington was a bonus, she said, and she set out to fit service into her schedule. A psychology major with a contemplative studies minor, she joined UMW's Community Outreach and Resources (COAR), logging more than 100 hours last year alone.

For Stafford Junction, she recruited volunteers, provided transportation and poured herself into the Habitat for Humanity is just one of the organizations to Brain which McLees volunteered her time while studying at UMW. afterschool Builders initiative, She also donated hours to Stafford Junction, bringing in her own the Brisben Center and more. lesson plans, along with whiteboards and worksheets. Along the way, Dewees said, She hopes her passion for McLees discovered a love for helping volunteerism - and the statewide award children who are low income, have she received for her efforts last night - will language barriers or just need support. be contagious.

"I'm not just interested in working with students," said McLees, who persevered through the pandemic, meeting with community partners to figure out how to offer virtual tutoring.

"I'm interested in working with students in their own environment."

"Hopefully more people start volunteering," McLees said. "There's so much more than just mentoring people and building houses. Everyone can find their own thing."

At UMW, she entertained children while their parents did chores at Fredericksburg's Brisben Center for people experiencing homelessness, worked at the

Lisa Chinn Marvashti Director of Media & Public Relations at UMW

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