Front Porch Fredericksburg March 2024

closeups

23joelle cathleen provokes introspection

25sue willis artscape extraordinaire

31Lynda Allen Flashes of insight

Porch talk

4 on the porch...life in fredericksburg messages

6 wild & scenic film festival

7everything green: time to start planting

8In the Garden: choosing right companion

9growing & crawling: sinister shrub

10sustainability & conservation

11 ides of march

12tidbits...small bites of local news

13 season’s bounty: in an insta (pot)

14 support local csa

15vino: slAinte

16-17Calendar of Events

18history’s stories: daylight savings time

19 trip down memory lane: women’s history month

21Emancipated patients: placebo effect of doctors

24art in the burg ...galleries in march

26auto known better: fogflation & chromation

28companions

29astrology & you poetryman: vernal equinox

30fredericksburg sketches

3 enchanting evening of performance arts

22 medina roberts: platform for life messages

27 whiskey tango 6 benefit show hurst family

Cover: ”fredericksburg Train Bridge iii” By Joelle Cathleen

AnEnchantedEveningofPerformingArts

Supporting Fairy Godmother Project

On March 15, all are invited to a memorable evening of enchanting performances by local artists in support of Fairy Godmother Project (FGP), an organization created to ease the burden on families that are confronted with the challenge of pediatric cancer. The event is titled "Brighter Days" and its offerings will include a sampling of the stellar talents of local entertainers, including the popular acoustic trio Pat Richie & Rhythm and Rhyme, the Ash & Elm Dance Company premiering their latest work dubbed "Two Slow Dancers”, HipHop dancer of Internet fame Bane O Fate, and Middle-Eastern dancer Tracy Hessing The evening's entertainment will climax with a mesmerizing new modern dance/theater piece by the event host, the Dance Matrix Company (DMC), dubbed "Quest of the Dream Warrior: Kyla's Journey."

All of the performing artists have selected their offerings with themes that align with the mission of Fairy Godmother Project: Facing Loss, Courageousness, and Healing with Compassion The spellbinding tale dramatized by Dance Matrix Company, likewise, resonates with FPG's life-transforming efforts and tells the story of a young girl who moves through her fears to save her town from the Evil Shadow. It carries a message of confronting and overcoming one's internal doubts and dreads and the power of companionship and the importance of working together to help each other to

face the difficulties that confront us when we strive to pursue our goals. "It's rewarding to produce this story that goes beyond a dance concert and presents the narrative of an exciting story. It is packed with action and adventure and even includes some swordfighting/fencing," said DMC cofounder and artistic director, Beverly Mendez Members of the Dance Matrix Company who perform in "The Quest of the Dream Warrior" include Patrick Mayer, Becky Brassfield, Deborah Testa, Jackie Jerndal, Christina Hawkins, Kori Terrell Joseph, Katie Fatiga, Laura Trevino, Claire Trevino, and Kahlan Kelly

Dance Matrix Company was created in 1993 to provide a venue where adult dancers can perform and collaborate. In 2016, it became a non-profit and has since hosted annual arts festivals to benefit other nonprofits in the area. Local

By collette caprara

and the focus shifts to treatment schedules, medical appointments, and blood work, while parents are still trying to manage the routine tasks of everyday life," said FGP executive director Cathleen Pessolano "Families may begin to feel less connected to their support systems, which leads to a sense of loneliness and isolation, as they can no longer participate in normal activities."

Pessolano explains that this is where FGP can make a huge impact through the practical and emotional, and social support it provides for periods as long as two years. "Our mission is to ease the everyday burdens for families facing pediatric cancer so that they can experience less stress, feel more connected to their community, and have more quality time with their child(ren)." The support that it offers includes delivering healthy meals to the homes, providing gas and grocery gift cards, lawn care, and housecleaning, as well as providing "community care packages," support groups, and wellness retreats. "We can't change the diagnosis, but we can change the experience that the family has on their cancer journey," said Pessolano. She stresses that all of those programs and services are entirely supported by the caring entities of the community. "We are so happy to have the support of Dance Matrix, and we hope that this festival will help to raise awareness and expand our base of supporters. We hope that everyone who attends this event will leave knowing that they can make a difference in the lives of families navigating pediatric cancer."

businesses will play a role in donating items for a silent auction that evening, and the event was made possible through a grant from the Fredericksburg Arts Commission. "Brighter Days" is the eighth in DMC's series of fundraisers and the message of its climatic performance is a perfect fit for this year's beneficiary, Fairy Godmother Project.

"Hearing that your child has cancer, a potentially fatal disease, is one of the most life-changing and stressful experiences a family may encounter. Immediately, normal family life changes

In sum, FGP urges those who want to help families to Step Up, (offer to help with specific tasks), Speak Up (connect them with resources), and Stand Up (be reliable and committed to helping, no matter how long help is needed.)

Collette Caprara is a local writer, artist & avid community supporter

Brighter Days:

An Evening of Performing Arts to raise awareness and funds for Fairy Godmother Project March 15, 7:30 pm

Downtown Library Theater 1201 Caroline Street 22401

Suggested Donation: $25

Photos of “Quest of a Dream Warrior”

Jenna Edwards Guest Porch Editorial Contributing Writers & Artists

Rita Allan

Sally Cooney Anderson

Dianne BachmanSonja Cantu Joelle Cathleen

Collette CapraraGary Close

Christien Conniff

Janet DouberlyArcher Di Peppe

Jenna EdwardsJeannie Ellis

Frank Fratoe

Bill FreehlingKathleen Harrigan

Liese HaleyRalph “Tuffy” Hicks

Nancy KellyLis Heras

David C. KennedyRay Mikula

Lenora Kruk-Mullanaphy

Vanessa Moncure Pete Morelewicz

Patrick NeustatterM.L. Powers

Paula RaudenbushRob Rudick

Mandy SmithRim Vining

Tina WillSue Willis Norma Woodward

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

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

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

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

Front Porch Fredericksburg PO Box 9203 Fredericksburg, VA 22403

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

Web Site: www.frontporchfredericksburg.com

Facebook: @Front Porch Fredericksburg Magazine

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 2024

Front Porch Fredericksburg Magazine

All rights reserved.

ON THE PORCH history in the making

By jenna edwards

As humans, we are always living in the breath of history, as it unfolds moment by moment.

But we are rarely aware of this evolution, of its beauty and delicacy in real time. We are too often swept up by the tide of more immediate demands and priorities. It is easier to gaze upon our growth, individually and collectively, in hindsight.

The opportunity of a place like Fredericksburg, then - one that cherishes history as an integral part of its identityis that these questions of past, present, and future are more often at the fore of our consciousness. Tradition and change feel more visceral, more intimate. The landscape of history begs the question of what we choose to do with our reflections in the mirror. This process - while sometimes challenging - provides an opportunity to write history, rather than being written by it.

It has felt gratifying to witness Fredericksburg carry that torch with pride, with integrity, and with unwavering resolve to learn from the past to chart the future. It is a joy to live in a city where people are so eager to engage with history and traditions, and where the City, in turn, values and welcomes that participation. The creation of the Fredericksburg Civil Rights Trail in February 2023, and the recent community celebration honoring its addition to the U.S. Civil Rights Trail, have been a wonder to experience - what an amazing moment to be alive!

It has been rewarding, for example, to witness and engage in the development of the City's historical panels The panels are located on City sidewalks and highlight civic and community leaders, the experiences of African Americans and of other historically marginalized populations, and themes including the Civil War, industrial history, and the Civil Rights Movement. I had the pleasure and honor of attending the 2022 installation of the panel commemorating the Walker Grant High School Class of 1950 Protest at Dorothy Hart Community Center. Within the past month, I have participated in a tour of the new wayside panels honoring Mr Johnny P Johnson, Dr W L Harris, the Mannahoac Indigenous Tribe, Decoration Day, and the Walker-GGrant School The tour was so engaging and insightful, thanks to the remarkable efforts and narration of

curators Dr Gaila Sims and Ms Alexa McNeil of the Fredericksburg Area Museum.

I have also enjoyed learning about the plans for the Mary Washington Monument and Caretaker's Lodge property at 1500 Washington Avenue. In August 2022, the City of Fredericksburg and Washington Heritage Museums (WHM) agreed to a Letter of Intent Agreement that transferred ownership and stewardship of these landmarks, as well as of the Gordon Family Cemetery and Meditation Rock, to WHM over a six-month process via a deed subject to a historical preservation easement. WHM has been diligent about informing and engaging the public in this process. On President's Day, for example, the public was invited to learn hands-on about a collaboration between WHM and the UMW Department of Historic Preservation to conduct groundpenetrating radar scans to locate Mary Washington's actual burial site

Through my engagement with the Washington Heritage Museums and with the Fredericksburg-FFréjus Sister City Association, I am eager to participate in Fredericksburg's Lafayette Bicentennial Celebration.

I get to be alive and bear witness to the tenure of the first two female mayors of Fredericksburg.

As President of the Fredericksburg-Schwetzingen Sister City Association, I have had the honor of leading during our ten-year anniversary celebration and during the public dedication of a main street and art mural to Fredericksburg.

It is with the utmost pride and joy that, as a member of the Rappahannock Rotary Club, I have learned first-hand about member and club leadership in so many of the City's cherished traditions and initiatives. It has been so special to build friendships with

community leaders who have forever changed this City for the better with their kind hearts and dedicated service.

In sum, I constantly feel in awe that I get to be alive in Fredericksburg at this transformative time of the City's history. I am so proud of our community and of the remarkable growth that I have witnessed in just a few short years of my living here. I love Fredericksburg and feel blessed to call it home.

There are countless opportunities to get involved and experience for yourself the power of this City's history, the diverse voices and leaders who have shaped Fredericksburg as we know it today, and all the adventures and developments yet to come. Start with the Front Porch MagazineFredericksburg's source of good community news since 1997. Read it from cover to cover!

Jenna Edwards is an attorney, a realtor, a public affairs professional, and a volunteer with the Rappahannock Rotary Club, Washington Heritage Museums, and Fredericksburg's Sister City Associations.

Wild & Scenic Film Festival

Where Environmentalism and Adventure Get Inspired by lis heras

Friends of the Rappahannock is excited for our action-inspiring 12th Annual Wild and Scenic Film Festival Join us for an evening of art meeting conservation and community.

This festival is sure to make you excited for the spring weather and getting back outdoors. These adventure films will encourage you to try something new, and get outside with your adventure buddy to explore your community's natural resources, such as the Rappahannock River.

Topics such as climate change, plastic pollution, environmental justice, biodiversity, and inclusion will empower you to take action on the threats facing our community.

Through Wild and Scenic you will learn that the diverse community of environmental advocates and adventurers is brought together by our common passion for nature. From a brave young

hiker, to kayakers working to save ecotourism, to a unique study abroad litter program to making toxins into art, Wild and Scenic will show you that no matter your experience or background we are all capable of making a difference

Friends of the Rappahannock (FOR) works to protect the health and scenic beauty of the Rappahannock River from the Blue Ridge Mountains to the Chesapeake Bay. It is a vital wildlife corridor that stretches 195 miles, is home to hundreds of species, is the source of drinking water for over 250,000 people and is a place we go to relax and play. Your support of this festival will help FOR continue the important work of protecting this vital resource.

As part of this year's Wild & Scenic festivities, we have local community organizations and UMW student research tabling in the lobby so make sure to get in early when doors open at 5:30pm to learn about our local community! We will also be

selling raffle tickets and a special Membership Ticket bundle as additional efforts to raise money for our FOR and the river.

Order your tickets today so you can join us for the 12th Annual Wild and Scenic Film Festival on Saturday, March 16th at UMW's Chandler Ballroom. Individual admission tickets are $20. Our Membership Bundle includes two admissions tickets, two raffle tickets and

an FOR Membership All student admission is free of charge. Get your tickets at riverfriends.org/events or at the door. See you there!

Lis Heras is FOR Development Coordinator & Volunteer & Outreach Manager

Wild & Scenic Fil Festival March 16, 5:30-88:30pm UMW Chandler Ballroom

If you have been hearing a constant high pitched squealing coming out of Darby Town the last few weeks that is us. Even with all the crazy "winter" weather we know that it is just about time to start those vegetable gardens and we are so excited!

While, on the map, Fredericksburg is shown to be in hardiness zone 7a, the heat bubble effect that happens over our fair town (which is losing tree canopy, by the way, exacerbating the heat bubble, as does the uptick in development) makes it necessary to behave as though we are in zone 7b

And what does that mean for our vegetable gardens? It means it's time to get cracking! Let's look at some of the things that can be planted in March!

Asparagus - if you have never planted asparagus before, get ready for a wait. It is advised that you don't harvest any

Everything Greens it’s time

By janet douberly

asparagus for the first 2 years, at least.

Beets - love them or hate them, beets pack quite the nutritional wallop! Direct seed these bodacious beauties reap the rewards in as early as 7 weeks.

Broccoli/Cauliflower - cool weather loving cole crops, these two siblings are a classic for a reason! Pop those seedlings into a nitrogen rich soil and keep an eye out for cabbage worms.

Cabbage - speaking of cabbage worms, keeping your cabbage covered will protect it from pests and any too-hot spring days.

Carrots - easy and satisfying, direct seeding carrots is a great task for the little ones to help! Carrot leaves are also edible and vibrantly flavored. Try them as a pesto or in a salad!

Chard/collards/kale/mustard greensWhere's our iron at? Right here. If you don't already have these hanging around in your garden from last season, now is a great time to direct seed these leafy powerhouses.

Leeks - planting leeks now should give you time to harvest and plant another batch at the end of summer to get a double harvest this year!

Lettuce - whether it is leafy or head lettuce, now is the time to plant! Head lettuce prefers to be started indoors and transplanted where as leaf lettuce can be direct seeded right where it will grow.

Onions - Get your onions starts in the ground now to harvest this summer! Want an extra challenge? Try growing onions from seed. Just remember to space them out when they are small!

Peas - sugar snap peas are the best snack while gardening! The peas, flowers, and shoots are all delicious. Plus, it's a nitrogen fixer!

Potatoes - America's National Vegetable (that's not true, but it should be), get those seed potatoes cut, dried, and in the ground!

Radish - throw down the seeds, count to 10, and you'll have radishes! Great, quick turn around vegetable for kids to begin their gardening journey.

Spinach - this entry endorsed by an unnamed sailor with bulging biceps

Turnips - not quite a potato but can take its place in many ways, both the greens and the root are delicious.

May this your vegetable gardens be the best ones ever and the worst of what's to come!

Want to know more about vegetable gardening? Join us for Vegetable Gardening: 101, a free class at the Howell Library. March 21st at 12pm.

Janet Douberly is Media Manager at Downtown Greens.

In the Garden choosing the right companion

By Ray Milula

While enjoying Valentines Day I paused to reflect on how we make our choices for companions in our lives. I was 18 when I started dating my wife more than 50 years ago. What drew us to each other and why do we still en-joy each others company so many years later? I think it's because opposites attract like magnetic poles and what one person lacks the other can provide. No matter what it is, if you are too much the same you may be competing for the same things and perhaps this can cause problems down the road.

pests to thrive and multiply when they have such an abundant supply of food they like in one spot. It can also inhibit other organisms, that might be the pests predators, from coming close. So we use sprays and chemicals and fertilizer to combat all of this so we can have our one crop all together. But what if we found good companions that would provide something that they lack. Well we can, and it is known as companion planting

One example would be pole beans planted with corn. The corn provides stalks for the beans to climb and the beans

We're not that different from plants in this regard. Mono culture planting, like one big field of corn, allows

fix nitrogen in the soil for the corn to use. Now farmers would have a harder time harvesting both, but in your home garden

it will work fine. But it's not just vegetables that can help being planted together, but flowers can benefit from vegetables and vegetables can benefit from flowers. Herbs such as lavender, sage and mint attract pollinators to your flower gardens and help keep unwanted pests away with their odors. Marigolds and Basil can attract pollinators to your vegetable garden and help keep out annoying pests. Parsley works with roses to repel aphids and some harmful beetles while attracting insects that help the roses. Planting tomatoes next to roses will help eliminate blackspot fungus So when looking for the right garden companions, go beyond the typical, Colors that go together, Tall flowers in back and shorter in front, or All of these are drought tolerant, and find companions that support each other. This will make life easier for you and for your plants. You can find more information on line by searching Companion Planting.

If you are new to gardening or need to learn about planting flowers or vegetables you may be interested in the Master Gardeners of the Rappahannock Area Spring Symposium coming up in April. It is at Gari Melchers home in Falmouth and is an all day event with speakers from around the country.

Admission includes parking, breakfast, lunch, and a cookie break, Yum! Topics include growing food, flowers, sustainable gardening, and gardening in a changing climate. You can check it out at MGACRA.org.

So as I get ready to start my gardens this year, I'll have to play match maker and find the best companions. Till next time Happy Gardening.

RayMikula is a Master Gardener.He has several acres of garden space & has been gardening for 62 years.

Horticultural Classes

Each Month in 2024

10 a m

Dorothy Hart Community Center March 9: Pruning at Cossey; April 16: Composting 101

Check out the 2024 Fredericksburg Parks & Recreation Bulletin www FXBGparks com

MGACRA Symposium April 13

Gari Melcher's Home and Studio

Sustainable Gardening: Growing a Greener Future

Speakers: Bryce Lane Jenny Rose Carey, and Leonard Githinji

Spring is approaching and with it will come the bright and seemingly cheerful blooming of a classic southern shrub, the forsythia

Sharing its family with the olive tree, this shrub has about 11 known species, most native to Asia, and was brought to America from China in 1842. Named after Scottish botanist William Forsythe, this plant has since become extremely popular for its bell-like yellow blooms, its fireworks shape, and its tenacious growing habits.

While forsythia isn't on our invasive plant list it does grow vigorously and can be difficult to control and remove If one of the sprawling branches touches the ground it will take root. This ease of growth means that a simple small shrub can grow into an impenetrable thicket in a matter of years.

Admittedly, the 4 petaled yellow flowers sure do look pretty and are a definite sign that spring has sprung, they are practically useless for our native wildlife and insects. Not even the deer will

Growing & Crawling a sinister southen shurb

By janet douberly

eat it. Our poor bees can't reach the nectar of these flowers, making them purely aesthetic to everyone except the invasive Stink Bug which has been observed using these plants as a host for their young.

Virginia native spicebush or 'Lindera benzoin' makes a wonderful

substitute for forsythia plants Blooming yellow in the spring, they play host to many of our native insects as well as provide food for several migrating birds.

Janet Douberly has a love/hate relationship with forsythia which is not growing at Downtown Mjdouberly@downtowngreens.org

Sustainability & Conservation

models in our midst: Brompton School & FXBG FOOD cOop

By collette caprara

When Grace Poole, the mom of one of the students at Brompton Community Schoo l attended the Fredericksburg Co-oop's annual meeting last September, she was impressed that the event was designed to be "no-waste”. Not one disposable plate or cup was in sight and, in spite of a hearty attendance, and bins were not billowing with plastic bottles and trash as the guests partook of refreshments on actual plates and left with the drinking bottles they brought to the event. Afterwards, Grace suggested to the planning committee for the school's annual fundraiser that their "Taste of Brompton" should follow the Co-op's model be a no-waste celebration.

In fact, even Grace's little daughter, Roosevelt, was enthralled with the idea of "nowaste" and asked that her forthcoming seventh birthday party follow that model. Accordingly, she and her friends celebrated the arrival of her eighth year with little ceramic tea cups, pitchers, and plates.

The Co-op's annual meeting embodied the conservationist message that resonates in its featured presentations throughout the year on such topics as "Stewardship of the Earth" (in an event co-sponsored with St George's Church) and the value of homes "going solar." In addition to its informational programs, the Co-op features opportunities to practice the principles it promotes in gatherings such as monthly "Bag Bees," in which participants come together to craft reusable grocery bags from used tee shirts. "In an ongoing effort to promote recycling, bins are located in the front of the store to collect items such as batteries and dental products, and discarded eyeglasses are put to use through the local Lions Club," said events planner Gloria Lloyd

Although the folks at Brompton Community School followed the model of the Co-op in planning for its annual fundraiser, since its creation three years ago, the K-8 independent school has been a trailblazer and has served as an example of appreciating and caring for the precious gifts of the world of nature. In its founding documents, Brompton set a goal

of "providing a home-like, nature-based environment" with a rich curriculum that focuses on rigorous traditional studies as well as critical thinking and socialemotional learning "with ecology and environmental sustainability

underpinning everything." The students typically spend most of their days outdoors, rain or shine, using the Great Outdoors as a classroom where "learning sparks a sense of wonder, responsibility, and curiosity," as the children develop a sense of reverence and deep respect for the natural world.

Putting these values into action, 7th and 8th graders serve as volunteers monthly at Crow's Nest Research Center In addition, students further develop their concern and care for nature as they tend to the school's garden beds, taking care not to disturb the wildlife that shares the land with them. Environmental Stewardship is embedded in Brompton's culture. "Students receive specific lessons in composting, but our sustainability lessons are more of a matter of how we operate every day," said Brompton's founder and executive director Amber Dawson "Students are aware of how to use containers for organic waste, trash and recyclables and our goal is for them to become "habitual recyclers" and to make thoughtful decisions whenever they are presented with a course of action. We compost every day after lunch and

the kids know what a composter is and how it works. Our goal is for them to become Habitual Recylers." Impressively, Brompton's consistent recycling and composting efforts have resulted in a minimal amount of discarded trash. In fact, with 100 people on-site each day, the school uses just one residential trash container for the entire building, discarding only four bags of trash at the end of each week.

Our community is blessed to have such models of sustainability and conservation in our midst, and all are welcome to attend Brompton Community School's annual fundraiser this April, which will feature refreshments from local restaurants and wineries.

Taste of Brompton Annual Fundraiser

Brompton Community School

490 Central Road Fredericksburg 22401

Saturday, April 27 6:30 pm- 9:00 pm

Brompton Community School.org (Events)

Collette a believer in life’s blessings & alway finds people to inspire us

Brompton Community School Composte System

Annual Plant Sale Each BCS Class Grows & Sells Their Own Plants

BCS Students Exploring Crow's Nest Research System

On March 15, 44 BC Julius Caesar was assassinated as he was meeting with the Roman Senate.

The calendar was much different in those days. The Romans counted back from three fixed points. The Nones was the 5th thru the 7th which was 8 days before the Ides which was the 13th of most months with the exception of March, May, July and October and the Kalends, the first day of the following month. The Ides of March originally were to be determined by a full moon. The Roman

calendar was originally determined by the moon, according to the earlier calendar March would occur under a full moon. The month of March was also a sacred month to Jupiter the supreme deity for the Romans. The month of March was also for a feast to Anna Perenna. With much celebration and ceremonies among all the inhabitants of Rome.

A Seer (Psychic) had predicted that Caesar would be dead on the Ides of March Caesar made the remark as he was walking thru the Senate, "Well the Ides of

Ides of March beware

By Ralph “ tuffy ” Hicks

March are come," as he passed the Seer, the Seer replied "Aye, they are come, but they are not gone." within minutes Julius Caesar would be dying from several stab wounds on the Senate floor. His death would mark the end of the Republic as Octavian would be crowned emperor Augustus

During the Roman reign the Ides (15th) of each month was a sacred time for Jupiter the supreme deity for the Romans. The Romans also celebrated the Greek ritual which involved beating an old man clothed in animal skins and expelling him from the city. I am glad this is not todays situation or many of us would be hiding.

On the 4th anniversary of Caesar's assassination Octavian the emperor executed 300 Senators in retaliation for Caesar's death.

It is now known that most of the story of Caesar's assassination is untrue or

myth. He was actually told by the Soothsayer Spurinna to “Beware of the next 30 days from February 15 44BC.” This does away with the IDES ONLY story. Brutus was not the only leader in the assignation plot. There were three: Brutus Decimus and Cassius. Decimus was the most trusted friend of Caesar, however, he was the leader of the plot.

The play by Shakespeare "The Death of Caesar," is the reason for our beliefs in the myths. The play was to be entertaining for a large audience and not based on the facts known or unknown at that time.

As we enter the month of March, read Front Porch from cover to cover, be sure to attend the events and frequent the advertisers.

SMILE while you fly the kite.

Tuffy never fails to bring history alive each month in FPF

Fredericksburg’s Hometown Irish Pub & Restaurant

Since 1961

Red Dragon Brewery New Ownership

Since 2015, Mark Perry has been one of the co-owners of Red Dragon Brewery, mainly as a silent partner. But recently, Perry has stepped up to fully take the reins of the business, now owning 95% of the brewery.

"I've learned everything from small-patching beer, to production and distribution," he said.

TidBits

small bites of local News

By Bill Freehling

Hart Animal Clinic, a veterinary clinic, is opening near Kumo Sushi and the ABC store.

Thai Love Express , a Thai restaurant, is opening in the newer part of the shopping center near Patriot Subs.

The University of Mary Washington also recently moved its Police Department to the newer part of the center near Patriot Subs.

Perry, who also owns part of Railhouse Brewery in North Carolina, is a pilot by trade. Mainly focusing his work in Asia, he splits his time between traveling the skies and brewing beer. With Red Dragon now under his primary ownership, Perry is focusing his goals towards improving, in his words, an already welloiled machine.

Red Dragon Brewery is located at 1419 Princess Anne St. Follow them on Facebook.

Mon-Thurs,11am-9pm

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

200 Hanover St. ~ 373-0738

Fredericksburg Area Beer (FAB) Trail

Discover modern craft brewing and a little history along the Fredericksburg Area Beer (FAB) Trail. Amazing Beer. Amazing Locations. Take the Trail.

A self-guided tour of the breweries in Fredericksburg, Spotsylvania and Stafford, Virginia. Take a day or two and taste some of Virginia's best hand crafted beer.

Breweries on the FAB Trail: 6 Bears & A Goat Brewing Company, 1781 Brewing Company, Adventure Brewing, Barley Naked Brewing Company, Full Distance Brewing, Highmark Brewery, Log Home Brewing, Maltese Brewing Company, The Port Oysteria & Brewery (Coming Soon), Red Dragon Brewery, and Strangeways Brewing Fredericksburg

New businesses coming to Eagle Village

Several new businesses are in the works at Fredericksburg's Eagle Village shopping center. Here is a rundown: Crimson Coward, which serves Nashville hot chicken, is opening next to The Popcorn Bag and Sweet Frog.

Get Downtown Fredericksburg, Virginia

New Branding, New Website

Progress Being Made on Riverfront Park Restrooms

The new restrooms at Fredericksburg's Riverfront Park are one step closer to reality.

The main structure has now been installed at the park. Utility connections and backfilled concrete are the next steps, and then the facility will be inspected.

Fredericksburg Virginia Main Street (FVMS) is a chapter of the Main Street America™ Program, an initiative originated by the National Trust for Historic Preservation that focuses on the revitalization of traditional downtowns to enhance the appearance and economic stability of the commercial district, and to improve community pride and quality of life for residents and visitors. Fredericksburgdowntown.org

FXBG Dental Office Planned Near Canal

A long-established Fredericksburg dental office is renovating a space near the canal for its new home.

The owners of Moss Dentistry recently purchased the roughly 8,000square-foot building at 1808 Princess Anne Street and have been working with Fredericksburg-based Wack General Contractor to renovate the space. Moss Dentistry is owned by father-son team Lloyd F Moss Jr and Lloyd "Jeppy" F Moss III

Jeppy Moss said they are hoping to move to 1808 Princess Anne in early summer. The building was formerly home to Owens Funeral Services

After the facility opens, a brick veneer will be installed around the bottom third of the structure, and a standingseam metal roof will be put in place - as required by Fredericksburg's Architectural Review Board. The restrooms are expected to remain open during that work.

The restrooms were funded in part by a $1.2 million federal grant the City of Fredericksburg received for upgrades to Riverfront Park. The funding will also cover a performance stage, plans for which are in the works

73rd Annual Show & Sale

Fredericksburg's art scene is vibrant and flourishing, and the Fredericksburg Fine Art Show & Sale exemplifies the creativity of this city. From

Friday, March 22nd to Sunday, March 24th, head over to the Dorothy Hart Community Center to enjoy some of the finest local art that Fredericksburg has to offer.

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

The Sunken Well Tavern

It hasn't been too long since my grandchildren were busily compiling their wish-lists - ohh, we need American Girl babies; ahh, if only we had Nintendo Switch or PlayStation; ooo, the Nashville gang wishes for drum and gee-tar lessons (possibly necessitating noise-canceling headphones for the carpool driver). These lists are a familiar tradition, at least for the toys and games family demographic. But, surprisingly to me, an adult musthave popped up on my grown children's wish lists - the Instant Pot - and judging from the millions sold, not on my family's list alone!

Home pressure cooking and canning gained popularity during World War II as a way to save on cooking fuels, as liquid under high pressure can cut cooking times by half or more A French physicist invented the first food "steam digester" as early as 1679, but it wasn't until the 1938 debut of the Flex-SSeal Speed Cooker, the first designed for home use, that the pressure cooker became a kitchen appliance staple.

NO-SSOAK CUBAN BLACK BEANS

813

Preserving food under pressure had been in commercial use for years, and by raising the boiling point of water to near 250F, botulism toxins and other bacterium are killed by this high-hheat method that water bath canning can not replicate. I recall with some trepidation the large 1950s pressure canner used in my grandmother's basement canning kitchen every summer to can garden vegetables. Freezing or using a pressure canner were (and are still today) the only safe options for preserving low acid foods

I know, I know technology has well advanced past those doubled-handled, cast aluminum pots with giant inset black rubber rings, their rattling weighted steam release caps with marked pressure measurements - and anxiety-inducing instruction books, with CAUTION writ large on every page, BUT…….I admit being a bit leery when the 21st century iteration of the multi-uuse pressure cooker appeared under the tree, for me! Surely I could get by with my collection of Dutch ovens, slow cooker or steamer? Well, yes I couldwithout factoring in the saved-time element and one-pot convenience. I can sauté, steam, slow cook, bake, warm and pressure cook - I haven't mastered the yogurt setting yet, although I ended up with a delicious kefir-like beverage after nine long hours. I'm loving the meats and savory dishes - my cookbook swears by its

in minutes! Sauté together in 4T. olive oil one large chopped onion, ¼ cup minced garlic, 2 teaspoons each cumin, smoked paprika and oregano, ½ teaspoon cracked black pepper and one bay leaf for 4-5 minutes or until the onions are softened. Stir in one pound unsoaked dry black beans and 6 cups salted chicken stock. Pressure cook at high pressure for 120 minutes. Season to taste with S&P, garnish with sour cream and fresh chopped cilantro.

WORLD'S EASIEST SHRIMP RISOTTO

Well, if not the world's easiest, the Instant Pot saves you a hot half hour or more, standing over the burners and ladling boiling stock to the risotto mixture. This recipe takes about twenty minutes for four servings.

Sauté together briefly, stirring constantly, in 6T. butter - 8oz. sliced mushrooms, one cup minced onion and two cloves of grated fresh garlic along with 1 ½ cups Arborio rice. Stir in 2 ½ cups chicken broth, ½ cup white wine (or substitute ¼ cup rice wine vinegar and additional ¼ cup broth),one pound of peeled and deveined raw shrimp (21-25 or 26-30 size), S&P to taste. Set on high for 8 minutes, with quick release. Stir in a small handful of chopped Italian parsley(or ½ cup defrosted frozen green

peas)and serve immediately. Without a cheese topping! Never add cheese to risotto or any pasta dish made with seafood as the heavy cheese and light seafood don't pair well together - well, the Italian exception is on a seafood pizza.

QUICK NORTH CAROLINA-SSTYLE PULLED PORK BBQ

Mix together the following dry rub spice ingredients (1T. dark brown sugar, 2tsp. each smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, 1tsp. each dry mustard, salt, black pepper, cayenne pepper, and cumin) for a 3- pound shoulder or Boston butt pork roast. Cover all over with the dry rub. Sauté meat in 3T. butter, turning so all sides brown. Pour in 1/3 c. cider vinegar and ½ c. prepared BBQ sauce. Set on high for 60 minutes, then allow the pressure to release for 10 minutes before doing a quick release. Remove meat from pot, then shred with two large forks. Serve on buns with a creamy coleslaw.

Vanessa Moncure serves up yummy recipes in an instant (pot)!

Instant Pot version of cheesecake - the "best and creamiest" - but that will have to be a tale for a future column.

It’s That Time of Year

TO SUPPORT YOUR LOCAL CSA

BY CHRISTIEN CONNIFF & LIESE HALEY

What is CSA?

It stands for CommunitySupported Agriculture, and it's one of the easiest ways to get fresh, local produce. Our CSA is a program in which members purchase a "Share in the Harvest" before the season begins. The share price reflects the cost of producing and distributing the harvest using environmentally sound practices. A variety of produce is harvested from several different farms and distributed each week to members throughout the 16-wweek season. A labor of love over the last 25 years, the volunteers of Fredericksburg Area

Community Supported Agriculture Project (FACSAP) believe in the message of bringing healthy food to its members by connecting them to the small area farmers who believe in the same message.

What is Certified Naturally Grown?

Certified Naturally Grown (CNG), is a US-based farm program that certifies produce, livestock, and apiaries for farmers who sell locally and directly to customers. With CNG, you will know your produce is grown with sustainable, environmentally friendly practices From the start of mid-May to the end of August,

you will come upon a beautiful sight of volunteers unloading and organizing produce from local farms to be passed out to members of the FACSAP. A direct link from the farms to the members who pre-pay to support local farmers and share in the collective harvest. The Fredericksburg Area CSA was established in 1996 and is still the only CSA in the area that offers CNGCertified or organically raised produce Have you ever tried a fresh, locally sourced vegetable? Sign up, and you'll never eat storebought again!

Come Join Us!

Our 2024 Summer Share Harvest Season will run from May 16 through August 29th.Every Thursday evening from 6 pm-7 pm, our members pick up their bags of locally sourced vegetables. For more information, please visit our website at www.fredericksburgcsa.com or email us at info@fredericksburgcsa.com.

We look forward to seeing you in May!

Christien Conniff & Liese Haley are FXBGCSA Volunteers

While the most popular drink on March 17 will be Irish Beer or whiskey, some of us will have other drinks in hand. Most of you reading this are lovers of wine and although you may slide away from your wine to enjoy a St Patrick's Day Guinness or Jameson, you may like some ideas on what wines to pair with the food you are enjoyingon ST Pat’s Day

Since Ireland's wine production is very limited, it doesn't mean that, if you would rather drink wine, you can't take part in the festivities. Here are some ideas on how you can swap whiskey for wine:

To start off, the Irish Cheeseboard The first rule of thumb for cheeseboards: You should have at least one hard, one soft, one blue, and one specialty cheese. Any Irish Cheddar in stores right now makes a great choice for the hard cheese. For the soft, you might choose a Brie or a green-herbed goat cheese. Sticking with the Irish theme, find a Cashel Blue for the blue cheese, and for

the specialty cheese-and to throw in the Guinness in cheese-form-find a Guinnesssoaked Irish Cheddar Since Irish cheeses are strong by nature, Chardonnay or a German Riesling is versatile enough to support the full range of the cheeseboard. For a red wine, you might choose a French Beaujolais or Pinot Noir

Continuing with appetizers, if you are one of the many that picked up Irish Soda Bread at Costco or Wegmans, add some smoked salmon and capers and pair with a California Sauvignon Blanc The (St. Paddy's Day) green, grassy notes of the Sauvignon Blanc will play nicely with the smoky and salty flavors of the bread and salmon. Staying with the "green" theme, you could go with a Vinho Verde (which translates to green). The fresh, zippy character of the wine will be a refreshing partner to the salt in the bread and salmon.

For main courses, if you fancy corned beef and cabbage, you need to

choose something that will play nicely with the fatty meat, without being overpowered by the cabbage. Go with a lower-tannin red, like Grenache or Merlot If going bigger with Roast beef and horseradish, you would be able to up the game in tannins with a Cabernet Sauvignon or Cabernet Franc Shepherd's or Cottage Pie allows for more options. For a red, the Merlot would work here as well; however, you could opt for a hearty Rosé like a Rosado or Pinot Noir Rosé, or try a Chardonnay. You might be surprised how well that works!

After all the Irish savories on the table, it's time to sweeten it up. There are so many wonderful treats you could serve in celebration. Chocolate stout cake with Guinness frosting would pair nicely with a California or Australian Shiraz. The dark fruits in the Shiraz and the higher alcohol would carry the richness of the chocolate, and the pepperiness will add a unique spark, working with the Guinness notes in the cake. The other option would be a tawny port . An Irish Whiskey Bread pudding and a Sauterne or Riesling would do a nice jig together, too. The almond honeyed character of the Sauterne would bring out the spices and whiskey notes, the floral and fruit qualities of the Riesling will be nice companions, bringing out the cinnamon richness of the sweet bread.

No need to add the food coloring to your wine to fit in with the St Patrick's Day Beer and Whiskey drinkers, pick up a Vinho Verdé and drink your green! Choose a wine with green qualities; a Sauvignon Blanc, Gruner Veltliner or Vermentino; or, if you fancy reds more, choose a Cabernet Sauvignon or Cabernet Franc from

Vino slainte

by Rita Allan

Bordeaux, or an organic wine-you'll be a green hero! If you still want to join in on the Guinness drinking, there is a cocktail you can try, using Guinness and Champagne Fill the glass with Guinness and top it with Champagne!

Whatever is in your glass and on your plate St Pat’s Day, try something new and let us know how it worked! Enjoy safely! Slaintè!

"Drinking good wine with good food in good company is one of life's most civilized pleasures."

-

Michael Broadbent

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

CALEND

March

First Friday March1

Dreaming of hitting the open road, traveling, and experiencing all that nature has to offer? Swing by the RV & Outdoor Adventure & RV Expo to pick out all the gear you could need,

Special exhibition Lafayette's World Revoluntionary Ideals & Limits of Freedom, FAM, 907 Princess Anne St

"Faces & Figures", & Member Gallery Teresa Blatt & Pamela Moniz, FCCA, 813 Sophia St

"Wish You Where Here", Medina Roberts featured artist @Brush Stokes Galery, opening reception 5-9p, 824 Caroline St

Square Plate III Benefit Show Artful Dimensions, 922 Caroline St Opening Reception 6-9p

“SpringTime Palette”, Pam Hicks Opening reception 6pm to 9pm. Art First, 824 Caroline St

Erik Brito, Wildlife Photographer & Alex Vazquez, Street Photographer

Darbytown Art Studio 241 Charles St Opening Reception 5-8:30p

Amy Goodridge Guest Artist Canal Quarters, 1517 Princess Anne Opening Reception, 5-8:30

"Elemental" now thru March 24, Ridderhof Martin Gallery, UMW 1302 College Ave, 10a-4p

"Origins: Taylor Anton White on view duPont Gallery, thru March 24, UMW 1301 College Ave 10a-4p

Adventure Art Opening @Adventure Brewing Eagle Village, 6-8p

Live Music Darcy Dawn @ Fredericksburg Square, 6-10p, 525 Caroline St

Live Music Duck, Chuck, Goose @Adventure Brewing North, 7p

Saturday March 2

Food CoOP Walking Group 9-10 am Meet at Fred Food Co-op, 320 Emancipation Hwy, Fredericksburg's trails and neighborhoods

Oyster Roast Annual Benefit this year for Two-year old Aria Noelle Deskins , 2-5p Fxbg Fairgrounds, 2400 Airport Ave

Lynda Allen "Flashes of Insight" Launch Party, 3:pm- 5 pm, meet and chat with Lynda at a book reception, James Monroe Museum, 908 Charles Street, Downtown

Living History at Ferry Farm, Celebrate the 250th anniversary of the American Revolution in Virginia , 10a-5p, 268 Kings Hwy

Most Influential Women Awards Banquet elebrate the phenomenal women who are making an indelible mark on our community. Fxbg Convention Center, 6-10p

Live Mjusic Rogue Johnsen Project an original Old-School Blues, Roots, and Southern Soul band. @Log Home Brewing Co, 6-9p

Live Music Lowriders Blues @ Colonial Tavern, 8p, 406 Lafayetee Blvd

Live Music Crowfoot Bottom @ Cowboy Jack's , 7p, 2312 Plank Rd

Live Music Acoustic Rock @ 6B&G, 7p

Sunday March 3

Sunday Brunch Sunken Well Tavern, 720 Littlepage, til 1p

Taste of Fxbg Cake War Join us at Eden Try Winery and help us crown a winner! Who will have the best Hobbyist Cake, the Best Professional Cake, and Best Overall, 6818 River Rd

Wedding Show Under the Stars, Silk Mill & Woolen Mill, 5-8p Make planning a breeze with dozens of vendors in attendance from photographers & florists, to bakeries & beauty- 1707 Princess Anne St

Tuesday March 5

Shut Up & Write Join us for an hour of writing! We've discovered that it's strikingly helpful to write with other writers. Books-A-Million, Spotsy Mall 6:30

Wednesday March 6

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

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

Trapper's Trivia @6B&G 7-9 pm, 1140 International Pkwy

Thursday March 7

Walk with a Doc 4-5p FXBG food CoOP, 320 Emancipation Hwy on the Heritage and Canal Path Trail .

Live Music, Larry Hinkle, Highmark Brewery, 390 Kings Hwy, 7-10p

Friday March 8

Whiskey Tango 6 Benefit Show for the Hurst Family 7-9:30p 6 Bears & A Goat Brewing Co

Live Music Karl Stoll@Log Home Brewing Co, 5727 Courthouse rd, 6-9p

Saturday March 9

Food CoOP Walking Group 9-10 am Meet at Fred Food Co-op, 320 Emancipation Hwy, Fredericksburg's trails and neighborhoods

BrickFair LEGO Fan Expo See models from over 200 exhibitors, shop over 20 vendors, Fxbg Convention Center, 10a-5p

Horticultural Classes 10 a.m. Dorothy Hart Community Center Pruning at Cossey;

Market at the Center local artists and crafters on display at the Dorothy Hart Community Center, enjoy crafting workshops food trucks. 10a-4p

Live Music Made in the USA@ Log Home Brewing Co, 5727 Courthouse Rd, 6-9p

Live Music Phenomenal Conundrum @ Adventure Brewing North 7p

Live Music Radar Theory @ Colonial Tavern, 7p

Sunday March 10

Daylight Savings Time Begins...Sprin

Sunday Brunch Sunken Well Tavern,

Tuesday March 12

Shut Up & Write an hour of writing

Great Lives Lecture Series, "EDITH "M Dodd Auditorium

Wednesday March 13

Live Music Ukukeke Jamming @ Fxbg

Live Music Brian Lyra Brown @CYM

Trivia Night, Sunken Well at 6:30pm

Open Mic@Katora Coffee, 615 Carol

Trapper's Trivia @6B&G 7-9 pm, 1

Thursday March 14

Walk with a Doc 4-5p FXBG food Co

Live Music, Larry Hinkle, Highmark B

Great Lives Lecture Series, "Billie Jea

Live Music FJC Jazz Jam @Colonial T

Friday March 15

St Pat's Day Dinner, Fxbg Food CoOP

Brighter Days - a dance & music Company and local guest artists. 7 Caroline St. part of proceeds will be d

Live Music Michell & Jason Hannan O North, honky tonk country and Ame

Saturday March 16

Food CoOP Walking Group 9-10 a Emancipation Hwy, Fredericksburg's

Bluebird Basics and Bluebird Box Society organizes the placement of b You can learn and sign up to monito in protection of this beautiful specie

May your St. Patrick's Day be beery St. Patrick's Day with us 6B &G, 114

Wild & Scenic Film Festival, UMW 5

Possum Punchlines Comedy Show P

Live Music @Madame Oddities, Sick C Arrived, Fahrenheit Wednesdays,6p,

Live Music Dixie Power Trio @ Strang

DAR of events

ng Forward!

, 720 Littlepage, til 1p

g. Books-A-Million, Spotsy Mall 6:30p

Mrs. Woodrow) Wilson" 7:30 p, UMW

g Food CoOP, 7-8p

Downtown 6-9p, 620 Caroline St

m 720 Littlepage line St, 7-10p, 1140 International Pkwy

OP, 320 Emancipation Hwy . Brewery, 390 Kings Hwy, 7-10p

an King" 7:30 p, UMW Dodd Aud avern, 7:30p, 406 Lafayette Blvd

P, 6:30-8p, 320 Emancipation Hwy

performance with Dance Matrix & 7:30pm @ Downtown Library 1201 donated to Fairy Godmother Project.

One Blue Night @Adventure Brewing ericana band 7p

am Meet at Fred Food Co-op, 320 trails and neighborhoods

Monitoring The Virginia Bluebird bluebird boxes throughout the area. or and care for those boxes, assisting es. CRRL fxbg branch, 12:30-2:30p

y, and oh so cheery! Come celebrate 40 International Pkwy

:30-8:30p

Possum-bilities, 211 William St, 7-9p

Century, Renovare, Lost Lives, I Have 2011 Princess Anne, #101

geways Brewing , 350 Lansdowne, 7p

Monday March 17

St Patrick's Day…Everyone is Irish Today!

Sunday Brunch Sunken Well Tavern, 720 Littlepage, til 1p

Live Music Chamber Concert Series,Moch Pryderi Celtic Music nave of St. George's Episcopal Church 905 Princess Anne ST, 3p

Tuesday March 19

Gallery Talk, Ridderhof Martin Gallery UMW, 1301 College Ave, 5p

Great Lives Lecture Series, "Elizabeth Taylor" 7:30 p, UMW Dodd Aud

Shut Up & Write Books-A-Million, Spotsy MAll 6:30

Wednesday March 20

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

Thursday March 21

Vegetable Gardening 101, Basic to get you started. Howell Branch Library, 12p, 806 Lyons Blvd

Easter Basket Food Drive, fill a basket with food and drop off at FXBG Regional Food Bank, 3631 Lee Hill Dr, 8a-4p

Great Lives Lecture Series, "George Remus: A Real Life Gatsby" 7:30 p,

Walk with a Doc 4-5p FXBG food CoOP, 320 Emancipation Hwy .

Live Music, Larry Hinkle, Highmark Brewery, 390 Kings Hwy, 7-10p

Live Music Ashleigh Chevalier Duo,@ Jubilation 2200 Carl Silver Pkwy 7p

Friday March 22

Easter Basket Food Drive, fill a basket with food and drop off at FXBG Regional Food Bank, 3631 Lee Hill Dr, 8a-4p

Food as Medicine, Lunch & Learn, Fxbg Food CoOP, 12-1p 320 Emancipation Hwy

Fxbg Fine Art Show & Sale, Dorothy Hart Communityt Center, 10a-8p, 408 Canal St. Show continues thru Sunday

Live Music UMW Concert Band Music from Hollywood to Broadway, 7:309:30p, Dodd Aud

Live Music Gig @Colonial Tavern, 6-9p, 406 Lafayette Blvd

Saturday March 23

Nature Walk - Join us on the Belman Road Campus at 11am to go in the woods and poke things with a stick.

Nerf Mania Virginia Credit Union Stadium for some action-packed fun Nerf battlefield. 11a-12-5p, 6818 River 6p,

Spring Artisian Market Eden Try Winery sip and shop local artisans in a boutique winery setting with a quaint tasting room!

Live Music Cowpoke @6B&G, 1140 International Pkwy, 6-8:30p

Live Music Suzie & Stephen Acoustic @Adventure Brewing North, 7p

Live Music Dueling Piano @Log Home Brewing Co, 6-9pVirginia Rum Runners @ Hard Times Cafe, 9p, 10760 Patriot Hwy

Sunday March 24

Sunday Brunch Sunken Well Tavern, 720 Littlepage, til 1p

Tuesday March 26

Reservoir Clean-Up Day, help clean up the shoreline, trails, Nature Center, Motts Run Reservoir. 9a-1p

Great Lives Lecture Series, "Ten Caesars" 7:30 p, UMW Dodd Auditorium

Wednesday March 27

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

Thursday March 28

Live Music, Larry Hinkle, Highmark Brewery, 390 Kings Hwy, 7-10p

Live Music, Laurie Rose Griffith & Peter Mealy, 6-7:30 pm Food CoOP, Great Lives Lecture Series, "Edgar Allan Poe" 7:30 p, UMW Dodd Aud

Friday March 29

Easter Faberge-style Egg Show! There will be an amazing inventory of Artel Faberge-style eggs on display. Crown Jewelers, 200 William St, Come dressed to enter our doggie costume contest to compete for prizes!! Bring your dogs and come join the fun at our annual Dog Easter Egg Hunt. 6P, Fxbg National Syadium

Doggy double-feature at VA Credit Union Stadium. We will be showing "It's the Easter Beagle Charlie Brown" and "Lady and the Tramp." 7:30p

Saturday March 30

Huntley Homecoming celebration for"The Voice Winner", benefitting Loisann Hope House Downtown Driving Procession along Huntley's performance venues begins at 11am. Gates open at Stadium at 11:30am, with the Pep Rally styled event scheduled to begin at 12:30pm

Don't miss our Easter Faberge-style Egg Show! There will be an amazing inventory of Artel Faberge-style eggs on display. Faberge-style eggs are fantastic unique pendants that can be worn for all.. occassions Crown Jewelers, 200 William St,

Live Music #Unchainedrocks @Strangeways Brewing, 7pm 350 Landsdown Rd

Live Music Tyler Rose @6B&G, 1140 International Pkwy, 6-8:30p

Live Music Big Rob @Log Home Brewing, 6-9p, 5727 Courthouse rd

Sunday March 31

Easter

If you are reading this 320th 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 April 2024 issue is March 19th

dmv.virginia.gov/drivers/#organs.asp

Helping

0831

history’s stories

Daylight Savings Time

By Ralph “Tuffy” Hicks

On March 10 at 2AM another year of Daylight Saving Time will begin with the exception of Arizona and Hawaii being exempt. I am often asked WHY? Along with who started this? I will begin by saying this is nothing that came up recently, as early as 1784 Benjamin Franklin wrote a story in The Journal of Paris, telling the inhabitants of Paris that they could save candles by starting work earlier in the morning hours. His savings calculations was two hundred million dollars in today's money. The citizens considered his article a joke and nothing was ever done in France.

It was not until World War I that it began as Germany established the time change in 1916, to conserve fuel. The United States enacted the law, and it took place on March 31, 1918, when the Senate sergeant at arms Charles Higgins (above) turned the Capitol clock forward one hour this confirmed the existing standard time zone system. President Woodrow

Wilson veto of the bill was over ridden by congress The law was repealed at the end of WWI

On February 9, 1942, President Roosevelt instituted Daylight Savings Times year round until 1945 It was known as WAR TIME, I recall my mother and father telling me that I was born on WAR TIME in 1943. There was no federal laws from 1945 to 1966 about DST , however, many states still used DST (18) for six months during the year, while (18) other states allowed the cities and towns have their own regulations. There were twelve other states that would not allow DST at all. This was very confusing to the public especially for those that traveled across state lines. Between 1945 -11965, there was no uniform time in the United States In 1966 the Uniform Time Act of 1966 put DST into federal law This Act also established official time zones in the United States

Many states began to question the time change . Does Daylight Savings Time really save energy? These public questions resulted in the Energy Department performing studies One such study done in 2014, said enough energy could be saved that would power 100,000 homes for a year Many critics say this is not the real reason, that the Retail industry is the real reason as more shoppers have daylight time for spending more money for the economy. We hear this especially today from the restaurant

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

industry during the Covid crisis with many citizens working from home. Many of the restaurants still complain. I think Fredericksburg restaurants are an exception, try any weekend morning to enter one!

The United States Senate recently had a bill called the Sunshine Protection Act that would make DST permanent. The bill for unknown reasons faded. With it still in limbo the majority of citizens support making DST year round. I know speaking locally with many people in the work force, their opinions are "make it either permanent, or do away with it.” Federal law at the present time allows each state to exempt from DST, but it does not allow the state to recognize DST year round.

Hawaii, Arizona, Puerto Rico, Virginia Islands along with Guam and American Samoa, have enacted Standard Time year round

If you feel ill having to change all those clocks in your home and business each year, it may be something related to health and safety issues to it. It is reported

ladders when changing time each year. A study several years ago said that there is an increase in strokes and automobile accidents. Some area reported increase in symptoms of depression.

Medical doctors think that it is the lack of the light from the sun along with circadian rhythms. Circadian rhythm comes from "Cira dies" Latin meaning (about a day), or internal clock. We all have heard the phrase Biological Clock, which is our 24 hour cycle. In other words DST may interfere with our Biological Clock

I will just say in closing as my friend John Wayne Edwards says when I ask about Daylight Saving Time, "A broken clock is correct twice a day”

Dedicated To: Kyle Coble, Alice Goolrick, Claude Byram, and Naomi Allen

Tuffy is Front Porch’s Resident Historian

that many people fall from chairs and

907 Princess Anne Street, Downtown Fredericksburg

ATrip Down Memory Lane

In recognition of women’s history month

In recognition of Women's History Month, let's take a stroll down memory lane and revisit the founding of Empowerhouse (name change to Empowerhouse in 2012, formally known as the Rappahannock Council on Domestic Violence (RCDV). One of the oldest domestic violence agencies in Virginia.

If I could travel back in time, I would attend meetings of the Fredericksburg chapter of the National Organization of Women (NOW) in the fall of 1976. I had just arrived in Fredericksburg to attend Mary Washington College, and while I was aware of NOW on the national stage, and of efforts to ratify the Equal Rights Amendment to the U.S. Constitution, I had no idea so much was happening in my new hometown, just outside of the College's gates!

Several members of NOW - Sue Hanna , Alice Rabson , Becky Reed,

Stephanie Ridder, Becky Guy, and Jane Snead - started discussions about the problem of domestic violence as part of the broader issues of equal rights for women. I've often imagined the conversations; how these women raised awareness of this issue throughout the community. It is hard enough to broker those conversations today, let alone nearly 50 years ago.

From these early conversations, community members from various area agencies and organizations, including police forces, women's clubs, mental and social services, NOW and AAUW (American Association of University Women) came together to hear startling stories and statistics. Florence Ridderhof (as part of AAUW began answering the Hotline; and did so for another 14 years).

In the summer of 1977, in response to a case in Caroline County, a domestic violence group was organized as

By kathleen harrigan

a means of securing resources for local battered wives. By January 1978, the Rappahannock Council on Domestic Violence (now Empowerhouse) was incorporated and became a 501(c)3 charitable organization. Susanna Botts, Becky Guy, Becky Reed, Florence Ridderhof, Alice Rabson ,, Jane Snead, Ray and Natalie Davis ,, and Stephanie Ridder were among the founding members. I am lucky to have met and talked with many of these founders.

For nearly 50 years, RCDV, now Empowerhouse, has worked towards building strong community partnerships supporting survivors of domestic violence We've learned about the issue of domestic violence, its local impact, and the services our community needs

In 1978, a goal of the women and men associated with RCDV was for a "sheltered home." Through the years, many hands made that possible: first in a rental home staffed by volunteers and large enough to house three families and, since 2016, in a 40-bed shelter serving survivors and their children.

But we've done so much more. In 1982, RCDV was serving 145 clients from the Counties of Spotsylvania, Stafford, Caroline and King George and the City of Fredericksburg. Today, more than 3,800 people are served each year with free and confidential services such as:

Shelter and Housing

24-Hour Hotline

Children and Youth Programs and Advocacy

Court Advocacy

Latina Services

Advocacy in a Healthcare Setting Support Groups, and Outreach and Education.

Without a time-machine, I can't go back and participate in those early NOW meetings. However, I can take pleasure in the conversations I've had, and can still have, with some of the women present at the start of this journey, as well as many of the others who have been part of the staff, Board, and supporters in all the intervening years.

Join me in walking down memory lane this month and remembering some of the great women in your life and in our community -- people who made things happen and whose actions are enriching our lives today Reach out and talk with them if you are still in contact and remember to say "Thank You "

Kathleen Harrigan serves on the Empowerhouse Board of Directors and is appreciative of the wonderful people who care for each other.

indicates someone who has passed away

The most impressive example of the placebo effect doctors can have, was when I was working as a mission doctor in Zimbabwe.

Many people are aware of the placebo effect of medicines - that if you believe it's going to do you good it is much more likely to. But it's not such common knowledge that your doctor can have the same kind of effect - if he or she has a positive attitude.

My Zimbabwe experience was seeing the treatment provided by local witch doctors - or n'angas as they were called.

Dressed in animal skins, with necklaces of tusks, and adorned with horns and "terrifying objects," diagnosing their patients by throwing the bones, they were a bit spooky, and the locals treated them with reverence verging on fear.

They also made their own medicines known as "muti." The head nurse at the hospital claimed "all muti is poison." Maybe not such an outlandish claim judging by what I saw on a visit one of the local "pharmacies", which was a kind of little shop of horrors with scary carved

wooden masks on the walls, strings overhead with mummified carcasses of unidentified rodents and toads that got entangled in your hair. The walls had racks of dried fungi, seed pods and more carcasses.

Nonetheless, the locals seemed to prefer them to us hospital doctors with our "white man's medicine." I attribute this to the ability of the n'angas to have a much great placebo effect.

The Power of Belief

If we believe something like a medicine is going to help us - it is much more likely to do so This is the placebo effect

In the field of pain relief, studies have shown placebo's can release endorphins which have a morphine like effect on the pain receptors in the brain.

But other studies have shown that if your doctor promotes a positive attitude and makes the patient feel they are going to get better this will also help. "Patient expectation can dramatically affect treatment outcomes" notes a study in Nature.

By Patrick Neustatter, MD

The ability of the doctor's belief to influence the effectiveness of treatment is the reason that the best clinic trails are placebo controlled (meaning the active medicine is compared to a placebo) but also "double blinded" - meaning not just the patient doesn't know which is the medicine and which is the placebo. The doctor doesn't either - for fear of the doctor's expectation affecting the result.

The power of belief in the treatment tends to be a large part of the effect of alternative therapists with their exotic accoutrements, and more hands on approach using scented oils, herbs, massage with mysterious potions, crystals, candles. Stuff that is much better at invoking the placebo effect than your dowdy old doctor in his dowdy old office.

The Nocebo Effect

The power of belief can work the other way of course. The nocebo effect is when you have a negative expectation leading to a negative outcome.

This power of suggestion is a powerful factor in somatic symptom disorder - or SSD, which is the new P.C. term for "psychosomatic" illness - which includes hypochondriasis. Or it was called hysteria in Freud's time.

This is a subject I have a bit of a bee in my bonnet about, as it is very common (the claim is up to 50 percent of all patients seeing a primary care doctor have some degree of SSD) but is not known about - even by medical providersand is misunderstood.

SSD can cause people to be totally miserable and disabled with no organic cause identifiable. Or more common is an exaggerated degree of suffering and disability from some relatively minor illness. It causes a lot of grief and usually ends up with people getting test after test after test - skirting the real problem that this is a form of anxiety that needs psychotherapy. But selling that idea to the patient can be the kiss of death.

The nocebo effect was also one of the tools of the n'angas. The fear or belief that a curse has been put on someone could make really mees them up - the mothers of the malnourished babies sometimes believed they'd been cursed.

SSD patients tend to be very troubled, and think the doctors are too dumb to find out what's really wrong, or they don't care enough. I am a big believer in using that doctor's placebo effect and seeing these people regularly, providing "a dose of the doctor" so they don't feel abandoned - even if I can't do much for what they believe is wrong with them.

A lot of doctors seem to be unaware that their attitude can make a huge difference to their patient's outcome, and maybe need a little coaching.

One thought I had from seeing the n'anga's at work was that maybe we doctors - especially psychiatrists - should dress in animal skins and terrifying objects? Patrick Neustatter, MD is the Medical Director of

Medina Roberts

art a platform for life messages

Medina Roberts picked up a paintbrush at the age of eight and never put it down. Given Medina's family history, it was a natural step for her. She recalls, "Painting was the way I drew close to my artist father. He and my mother lived in Germany, while I lived with my grandparents in Yugoslavia (Bosnia and Herzegovina). My parents had to leave the country in order to find work."

With her creativity, Medina found her way "home." In fact, she says that throughout the years, her art has captured not only her pain but also the loves in her life. It has also expressed who she hopes to become.

Medina's work has been featured in shows and exhibits from the time she was in middle school in BosniaHerzegovina. Throughout her life, she has also belonged to various art associations and clubs. In addition to her exhibits here, Medina also shows in the DC area and even in Times Square in NYC!

For Medina, art serves most importantly as a platform for her life's message. Her work, she notes, "appeals to the world for justice and mercy." You will notice in Medina's paintings the words "ONE LOVE" as she believes we are all in this together or the phrase from Pink Floyd "Wish You Were Here" Medina's message for Mental illness -Addiction Awareness. Her recent shows benefit programs that assist those afflicted with mental illness and addiction.

Medina is the featured artist at Brush Strokes Gallery for March.

Pst

Spotlight

Cover artist joelle cathleen

You probably are already farmiliar with this month’d cover artist Joelle Cathleen She has been a resident artist for over ten years at LaPetite Auberge, Amy’s Cafe and Sunken Well Taven Diners have been entranced by her work, often inquiring their servers about the artist.

“Two decades ago, if someone were to pose the question, "What is art?", I would have said it depended on the artist, medium, style, and if it looked good in my living room” claims Joelle. “If prompted with the same question today, I would say art is a unique enigma that lives and breathes inside every one of us waiting to be fostered into various modes of expression. Regardless of whether it's something heard, spoken, seen, smelled, felt, or even dreamed, art is a response. A response that starts with the Artist's intent and is met with the viewer's interpretation”

Wyeth. It wasn't the brushwork or physical beauty of his work, but rather how I felt and responded to them on first look, discovering an instant and personal connection within my soul. At that moment I set a goal to do the same with my own work, to arrest time for my viewers, if ever so briefly. To encourage a small pause to look, wonder, and forget what was pressing you two minutes ago before you glanced at my artwork and listen to your thoughts.”

Joelle aims to “evoke emotion, provoke introspection, and encourage that space where the conscious and the unconscious mind can coexist, inviting viewers to explore the recesses of their psyche.”

BeachTrip

“I invite free thought. My intent in my work is not to express what I am trying to say to the world, but what you, the viewer say to yourself when you experience what you see.I anticipate a silent response, one that no one can hear but you.”

You can not view Joelle’s work without being moved in some way. Her work indeed speaks to the viewer.

Joelle Cathleen has a private studio where she works, holds First Fridays, and teaches private workshops by appointment at 1517 Princess Anne St Suite 102 Her large two-sstory studio is in the back of Canal Quarter Arts Building Her online portfolio is joellecathleen com

“While studying Studio Art at the University of Mary Washington, I discovered my definition of art when I experienced the work of artist, Andrew

Upcoming show at the Sunken Well of New Works this July 2024

“Nightwatch”

Art in the Burg

Art Galleries in march

“Wish You Were Here”

Featured Artist Medina Roberts

Opening Reception First Fri, March 2, 5-99p

Brush Strokes Gallery, 824 Caroline St

Throughout March, Brush Strokes Gallery will feature a thoughtprovoking and uplifting exhibit of paintings by Medina Roberts Everyone who has met Medina or had the privilege of experiencing her artwork will be struck by her hallmark passion, commitment to the welfare of others, and indefatigable pursuit of justice.

In this exhibition, dubbed "Wish You Were Here," she has invested her talent, heart, and energy to speak out for those who suffer the afflictions of mental illness and addiction. Medina said. "My hope is that we will treat addiction in the same way we respond to other illnesses, such as a heart condition. Those who are suffering from addiction should feel that they can talk about it."

Each painting is dedicated to a person whose life was impacted by a struggle with addiction, whose stories are posted with the artwork.

The inspiration for each of the featured works in this exhibit was an

element of City Center DC, a colorful and robust hub of activity and interaction in our nation's capital, which has personal meaning to Medina. "Any time I felt sad, I would walk there and would find joy in the uplifting design of the site and seasonal decorations. It is so dreamy and beautiful. For me it is a happy placeand everyone needs a happy place!"

Collette Caprara

Square Plate III

Benefit Show

Artful Dimensions, 922 Caroline St

Opening Reception, First Friday March1, , 6-99pm

.Artful Dimensions Gallery is holding its annual fundraising event to benefit the Lisa Pitts Eley Cancer Foundation . Participants bought 10" bisque-fired ceramic plates and decorated them with paint, collage, fabric, mosaic, glass, and other mediums. Completed plates will be on exhibit February 27 through March 31. Join us for the Opening Night Reception on First Friday, March 1, from 6-9pm. Many of the plates will be for sale to support the families of cancer patients who struggle with daily needs.

~ Sally Cooney Anderson

Erik Brito, Wildlife Photographer & Alex Vazquez, Street Photographer

Darbytown Art Studio 241 Charles St

Opening Reception March1, 5-88:30p

.~

Jeannie Ellis

“SpringTime Palette”, Pam Hicks

Opening reception 1st Friday, March 1 6pm to 9pm

Art First, 824 Caroline St

.New artist Pam Hicks is the featured artist in March at the Gallery. The well-known painter and artisan shows throughout the East coast. Art First

Gallery's new vibe is a perfect fit with her well known style of chic southern charm. Hicks explores her lifelong passion while developing a vibrant style unique to her creative skill set whether the medium be watercolor, oils or fabric. See her other works at pamhicksart.com or at Pam Hicks Art on FB. While residing in New Bern, NC she exhibits throughout the DMV area, Richmond and Wilmington. Art First Gallery is proud to be her home in Fredericksburg.

Gallery Members are hanging new works as well -- but always in the traditional Art First style: eclectic but holding to a higher standard

~Gary Close

Amy Goodridge Guest Artist

Canal Quarters, 1517 Princess Anne

Opening Reception March 1, 5-88:30

Amy Goodridge has enjoyed exploring many art mediums, with extensive time spent making pottery and painting, especially encaustic, which she finds particularly intriguing and challenging. Encaustic painting involves layering pigmented wax on a substrate, such as a wood panel, that is fused or burned in through the use of a heat source.Its versatility and range of possibilities make encaustic painting a unique and exciting art medium. Amy especially loves exploring its luminosity and its ability to encapsulate and reveal through its many layers

.~Jeannie Ellis

“Elemental”

Galleries

“City Center, DC #7 Medina Roberts @ BSG

Pam Hicks @Art First

“ In Your Dreams”,Robyn Ryan “ Winter Greetings”,Beverley Coates “Sunrise Princess Anne”,Lynn Abbott

“Escapism”, @ Ridderhof Martin Gallery

Square Plate III @Artful Dimensions

Alex Vazquez @Darbytown

Amy Goodridge @Canal Quarters Arts

We live on a farm tucked into a bucolic setting, but we also have unsightly propane tanks, generators and other equipment blocking the view. Eventually we built a fence to hide the infrastructure. I began to envision my yard as a piece of art, but instead of ornamental bushes and flowers to care for, I wanted a maintenance-free Artscape. I had no idea it would be Magical.

I walked around downtown looking at murals for ideas. People have a natural yearning for beauty, for community, for a memorial or piece of history … or maybe something to make us stop and smile. My mural would be down a single lane dirt road … no joggers, hikers or cyclists. I didn't want a big bold graphic picture. I wanted multimedia art where the end product is a visual engagement. This brought me to Sue Willis. I had seen some of her work and liked her ability to capture the feeling of a moment … Something like a "Kodak" moment, only her case a "Willis Moment." Story telling is the most human, ancient way we connect, and I wanted the mural to tell a story.

SUE I'm a multimedia artist and storyteller drawn to creating works that tell stories about the importance of our connections to each other and our

surroundings. Rebecca's only instructions for me for the mural: Create a multimedia experience that would bring about a sense of connection and engagement. She often talked about her gentle giant Newfoundland, Olber who every morning goes outside to watch the sunrise. I felt her zen Olber needed to play an integral role in the mural.

a Rural Mural artscape extraordinaire

by sue willis & Rebecca

meant a lot to me. You might say this was when the magic began.

Sunrise makes the sunflowers look

Rebecca's other animals appear in the mural, too. Four goats are dancing in the moonlight while her grumpy donkey looks at them disapprovingly! Rebecca asked me what I thought about adding mushroom fairies Not the sweet kind, but instead similar to those from the silent movie, "Mushroom Fairy Cavalcade." I created over a dozen three dimensional mushroom fairies and adhered them to the mural. The stars are also "multimedia" elements. Holes were drilled in the fence, marbles inserted, and backlighting was added.

REBECCA

I'd visit Sue as she was working only to be surprised by new additions to the mural. I had no real plan for what would appear in the mural. Early on Olber began to emerge. Seeing him in the mural

words are usually, "Is that Olber?"

Then they get caught up in the fairies or the sunflowers or the stars. And every now and then some eagle eyed friend sees the peephole just above one of the fairy's head and that moment is magical.

practically neon and the Monarch Butterflies seem real. Friends will sit five or ten minutes in the driveway looking at the mural before they even come in the house. Their first

SUE

What a gift for an artist to get a 9'x35' "canvas buckets of paint, and free reign to just create! I continue to work with quirky mushroom fairies making dioramas in old cigar boxes. Locally my work can be seen at the Red Dragon Brewery, Fredericksburg Food CoOp, and Whole Health Solutions, and is available for sale at the Canal Quarter Arts and online at: williscreativeworks.myshopify.com

There are so many people with fascinating stories. I believe my creative visual interpretations can help them share the feelings of their stories.

Sue Willis is a local artist & a liscensed Massage Therapist

Contact Sue Willis at willis.creative.works@gmail.com williscreativeworks.myshopify.com

REBECCA (the fence owner)

Auto Known Better

Fogflation & Chromation

By Rim Vining

In my research for last months' musings about the Florida Keys in the 70's and the current search for a decent loaf of bread I came across a reference by the author Cleveland Armory who wrote many satirical novels about resorts in the 1950's. I imagine this one came from his novel The Last Resorts where he observed there appears to be a Gresham's Law of resorts: The artists come first, then are displaced by the rich and the dilettantes, who are in turn displaced by the climbers and would-be's.

Sir Thomas Gresham who lived in the days of Henry VIII coined the phrase "bad money drives out good." The King decided to save a few bucks by making shillings with added base metals instead of pure silver. The result was that folks hoarded the real shillings for their value and merchants were loath to take the new cheaper tender. Sound familiar?

In this case the artists, to paraphrase Robert Frost, would be the Fog

as 'they come in on little cat feet and sit looking over harbor and city, on silent haunches... and then move on.'

What follows is what I'm calling Fogflation and Chromation like the Chromation man who came right after the Darwin which I believe was made by Kaiser or Nash in the 1950's and pre-dates the Edsel.

Let's skip ahead and forget the gold standard debate and the silver certificate bills many of us grew up with that were backed by precious metal and jump ahead to our world of bitcoin? What the hey? Isn't that trusting Wall Street and the greediest people on earth to be your banker? What could go wrong… 1929 taught us nothing? In 1982 the copper penny was replaced by a coin made of 97.5% zinc with some lipstick. Replacing legal tender with currency that has a fictitious value of whatever "they" say it might be is called Fiat money.

Fiat! Really? Everyone who has owned or worse, restored a Fiat, will tell you the precious metal backing the paint and chrome on a Fiat is of no value. Listening to the tin worm eat a Fiat is not a cruel joke but reality. They rust while you watch like a reverse Terminator transition.

Fredericksburg is a microcosm of fogflation. We moved in quietly like fog in the mid-eighties with a young family because it was an affordable town and landed in an old farmhouse in Hartwood that no one had lived in for years. Those don't exist anymore. The housing of our parents that was backed by slow steady growth and real brick and mortar has been replaced by Fiat Homes Inc., selling plastic houses whose only value is in expanded equity so you can afford the next one in the housing food chain. Average housing in our town is now 450K. Certainly not affordable for the budding artist.

Chromation is different. It's

evolutionary. I work on classic cars and while the price of everything has skyrocketed there are opportunities for the budding collector. Those who preserved the rolling relics of the automotive world and made the AACA (Antique Automoblie Club of America). and old car hobby the juggernaut that it is today are downsizing. The sweat and equity they put in over the past decades is now for sale at deep discounts. All cars are fun and have character… some are more fun than others but they all need pampering and attention.

This is where the ASPCA meets the AACA Take in a stray car that needs a home. Don't let them suffer and waste away. Imagine the TV ads!

autoknownbetter@gmail.com

Rim Vining, humorist, friend and a devoted community volunteer

Whiskey Tango benefit show

by lenora kruk-Mullanaphy

As he read the story about a family whose house burned to the ground the day after Christmas in the newspaper, Fredericksburg resident Neil Mullanaphy knew he needed to do his part to help these neighbors he never met. The tragic story about the Hurst family's house lostwith all of their belongings-and their relocating to a motel temporarily made Mullanaphy think about what he could do, in some small way, to help. That's when he realized that he and his bandmates in the Whiskey Tango-6 6 Band could do their part by holding a benefit dedicated to the Hurst family and donate all the proceeds they made from the show to help. The community is invited to join them at the benefit at 6 Bears & A Goat Brewing Co in Fredericksburg from 7 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. on Friday, March 8.

As if that wasn't enough for any family to deal with, it wasn't the only obstacle they faced. Mom Brooke was recently diagnosed with spindle cell rhabdomyosarcoma, which is a rare and aggressive cancer. A certified nurse who worked at Stafford Hospital, she now became the patient, dealing with chemotherapy treatment.

Randy Hurst, who received a promotion with the federal government, had moved his family to Fredericksburg from Montana only seven months before. The Hursts have three children, who attend each grade level at Stafford County Public Schools. While the Hursts don't have relatives in the area, they would soon find out that people in the community were ready to welcome them and step in as their surrogate family.

"I reached out to Brooke, asking if our band could perform a benefit for her and the family," said Mullanaphy. "She said it was fine with her, and she felt truly blessed. We're all really happy to be able use our talents to do something we love-playing music-and be able to help this family. We want to embrace them and let them know we're here for them, and having the community come out and join us would be a wonderful way to do it." Not until they read the story in the paper did Mullanaphy, bass player, and his bandmate, Vitali Maya, lead guitar, realize they were coworkers with Brooke at Mary Washington Healthcare, which comprises Stafford Hospital. Mullanaphy works as a contract administrator, and Maya is an engineer in the Information Systems Department. Though they've never met Brooke at work, all have a common bond that makes the benefit even more meaningful to them.

The five members of the band will play favorite rock classics for nearly three hours, and the public is welcome to make donations while there. Three Bears & A Goat Brewing Co. is located at 1140 International Parkway in Fredericksburg Lenora

95 year old grandmother knits blankets for ODHS

by lenoraKruk-Mullanaphy

When Jenny Lester moved to Fredericksburg in 2022, it didn't take her long to find out that Old Dominion Humane Society (ODHS) was one of her favorite places to be. She started volunteering in a matter of months, walking and hiking with dogs, transporting rescues to the veterinary hospital and writing biographies for the dogs on PetFinder . What she enjoys the most is being a member of the "puppy team" -the group that cares for the littlest residents of the rescueto tag team almost around the clock to make sure they always have plenty of exercise and food, clean bedding, toys to play with and, of course, lots of love.

suggested using it to make knitted blankets for the puppies. Hager set to work, measuring them to the size of a crib blanket-perfect for the beds used at ODHS--and has made half a dozen so far.

"My nanny is just going to keep making blankets until the yarn runs out," said Lester. "It keeps her busy in the evenings while she watches television."

Hager and her husband came to the United States from Austria after World War II. She's always made blankets for as long as Lester can remember, and, every child, grandchild and great grandchild in the family has inherited a knitted blanket from her. There were even extra blankets, because, as Hager always says, "You never know when you might need one."

Lester said her nanny is the

Lester's joy in spending time at ODHS, caring for the rescue pups that are waiting to be adopted, gave her 95-year-old grandmother, Anna Hager, of Greencastle, Pa., an idea of how she, too, could help the rescues. When a friend donated a lot of yarn to Hager, both Lester and her mom

strongest person she knows and loves the fact that she, too, shares in her love of dogs.

According to Lester, volunteering at ODHS is important to her because the dogs are always happy to see you, and puppy kisses make any day a little brighter

Lenora Kruk-Mullanaphy is a Public Relations Professional

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

Adoption events Wednesday, 5 - 7 p.m.; Friday, 6- 8 p m ; Saturday, 12- 4 p m www olddominionhumanesociety org

Three-mmonth-oold Huckleberry is comfortable and happy on his handmade, knitted blanket made by Anna Hager

Jenny Lester (right), and her grandmother, Anna Hager volunteer for Old Dominion Humane Society

THE THE POETRY MAN POETRY MAN

By Frank Fratoe

Vernal Equinox Vernal Equinox

Another day forever entwines our sphere to engender warmth that spurns the cold when thundershowers yield to southwind of precedence reborn as March buds again after rain cleared air through a grove to make blossoms mix along every branch where radiance pins new and old together.

. Frank Fratoe lives & writes in the city.he loves.

Astrology & You

What does the first computer controlled by software, aerosol spray cans, and Cheerios all have in common? These three inventions were released to the public in May 1941 when Jupiter and Uranus were conjunct in Taurus These three innovations changed the world! Fast forward 83 years and these planets will be making an exact conjunction again on April 20 at 9:46 pm at 21 degrees Taurus. Though the exact conjunction occurs in

By Dianne Bachman

April, we will begin to sense the influence beginning in March. What will we notice? Well, some will notice a time of twists and turns and roller coaster-like experiences. Synchronicities, windfalls, events fall unexpectedly and change the course we are on. Because Jupiter and especially Uranus are slower moving planets, they have a greater impact on the collective because their orbit spans generations. For others, it may depend on which house these planets are transiting through the birth chart and if they make any meaningful angles with your Sun, Moon, or Ascendant (rising sign).

According to astrologer Henry Seltzer, Uranus is "...known as the planet of freedom and revolutionary vision, the urge for change, and the ability to visualize new possibilities." It inspires us to embrace originality, innovation, and rapid change Jupiter represents expansion among other things, so when the two get together, revolutionary ideas can really start to percolate! There may be a feeling of restlessness or rebellion, a longing to break free, or an inner drive focused on taking risks. Expect the unexpected!

Here is an experiment to get a flavor of how Jupiter/Uranus conjunctions might have influenced your life or the lives you:

Look back to the following years: 2011, 1997, 1983, 1969, and every 14 years prior when Jupiter and Uranus would have made a conjunction. Think back to what was happening in your personal life during those years and what changes you experienced or what unexpected upheavals may have occurred. It may also be interesting to expand the view to the collective and current events as well as big events. Bits of personal research like this can give a rich appreciation for how the astrology of the times impact us on many levels.

Now let's take a look at the astrological weather for March 2024.

March 1: Sun conjunct Saturn in Pisces supports slow, steady progress through sustained effort. Pace yourself Sun will also conjunct Mercury and Saturn helps with grounding and discernment. Jupiter will be sextile to the Sun, bringing a sense of adventure and optimism.

March 5: Mars sextile Chiron supports healing past hurts with confidence and renewed faith in the Self and is especially strong for the next week.

March 7: Mercury conjunct Neptune in Pisces. Dare to dream Contact your creative side. Let nature nurture you and engage in anything that lifts you up.

March 10: New Moon in Pisces. Over the next day or so, get quiet and honor your spiritual needs through music, art, or reflecting on your dreams. Intuition runs high today

March 10: Mercury enters Aries. Blaze some trails today. Celebrate independent thinking. This is an excellent period to work on assertiveness if this is something you lack.

March 11: Venus enters Pisces. Loving kindness, gentle spirits, and beauty are words for the rest of the month. Slow down, consider Rumi's words: You are not a drop in the ocean, you are an entire ocean in a drop….

March 19: Spring Equinox. First day of spring. Time to fish the Birkenstocks out of the mothballs!

March 19: Sun enters Aries. Celebrate the energies of adventure, independence, new growth. Listen for the first peeper frogs and savor the aroma of the earth as this bright new Sun begins to wake up the Earth!

March 22: Mars enters Pisces. Pace yourself. With all the intensity of Spring it is easy to jump in and become overwhelmed or exhausted. Rest if you are tired.

March 25: Full Moon in Libra. Focus on relationships, social networking, and fostering positive relationships. As always, if the sky is clear take time to Moon bathe beneath this beautiful luminary, which is also known as the Worm Moon this month.

March 25: Lunar eclipse in Libra will begin at 12:53 am and end at 5:32 am (EDT). Eclipses are a time of fresh starts. Perhaps this is the time to focus on harmony in relationships with others as well as ourselves.

Dianne Bachman is a psychotherapist & astrologer practicing in FXBG. She can be reached at dbachmanlcsw@gmail.com

photo taken by Sarah Bachman during a full Moon in Avon, NC.

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

Give a Child Something to Think About

810 Caroline Street

(540) 371-5684

Fredericksburg Sketches

A visual Celebration of our community

By Paula Raudenbush

It's often challenging to sketch outdoors this time of year so, for this one, I joined six other sketchers inside Curitiba Arts Café and some of us sketched out the window while others sketched the interior. I was facing Caroline Street and liked the look of the large brick façade that is the north boundary of the Market Square alley.

The arched windows grabbed my attention and the colorful flags looked like fun to draw. Instead of featuring the building on the left, I featured its shadow. This sketch took about two hours to complete but there was quite a bit of conversation, too. Sketching anywhere is fun but it's much more enjoyable with other people. Grab a friend and go sketching. Or join our group anytime. See you out there.

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

Now

540.845.7622 diannebachman.com dbachmanlcsw@gmail.com

Caroline Street From Curitiba Arts Cafe Window

Local author Lynda Allen will capture the imagination and attention of readers in the Burg with her new book, Flashes of Insight, as they recognize sites and lore that they have encountered in their daily lives. In fact, the cover of the book features the iconic railroad bridge that spans the Rappahannock near the City Dock and has been the focus of a

Lynda Allen Treats Her Readers to "Flashes of Insight"

myriad of paintings and photographs by local artists. The story that unfolds is set in Fredericksburg and revolves around the fictional loss and recovery of a series of letters written by President James Monroe and his wife, Elizabeth

Allen explains her choice of the plot is rooted in the five years in which she worked at the James Monroe Museum, first as the Office and Store Manager, and later as Public Programs Coordinator.

"During my time there, I found that the staff (myself included) wished for the discovery of a secret cache of letters between James and Elizabeth Monroe because he had burned all of their personal correspondence after Elizabeth's death. When I set about writing this book, I decided to make that wish come true in fictional form."

In the course of the story, when

By collette caprara

the main character, Olivia "Liv" Wilde, learns that the treasure trove of Monroe letters may have been stolen from her friend's antique shop, she commits herself to serving as a sleuth until the letters are recovered. The "secret sauce" of this novel is that Allen takes the concept of woman's intuition to a whole new level. When Liv begins to experience episodes of menopausal flashes, she finds they produce not only heat but also "light"periodic psychic premonitions-which prove to be invaluable in her quest. Liv's exploits as a detective involve some harrowing experiences and even brushes with death, but in the end, her mission is accomplished. The book is the first in a series of what Allen has dubbed "Jersey Cozy" mysteries-with "cozy" indicating the environs and community of Fredericksburg and "Jersey" signaling the author's roots-and preparing readers for the occasional salty language of lady-folk who hail from the Garden State, as both the author and her protagonist do.

Lynda explains that interweaving the elements of mystery with an aspect of her protagonist's life that is usually not a topic of conversation was intentional and carries a message for her readers. "One of the most important things I hope people, especially women, will take away from the book is that it's essential to have someone to talk with about the changes women go through with perimenopause and menopause. It's a natural process but it can have some pretty negative side effects, and those are easier to navigate when you have people who can discuss them with honesty and humor. I also hope women will recognize themselves and their friends in Liv and her circle of friends and be reminded of the power and importance of friendship."

Interestingly, Lynda describes her novel, not as a work she created with the agency of an author but as a story that emerged through the give-and-take of a writer and her characters. "When I'm writing, I feel like I'm listening for words rather than making them up. With fiction, I find I'm usually simply listening to the characters tell the story. I'm not always sure where the story will go or what the characters will say until I'm writing," she said, "It wasn't a typical action saga, but, instead, had moments that felt intimate and charged with genuine emotion and compassion. The challenge of the climactic scene was to allow both the characters and the

readers to truly connect with and feel the humanity of the antagonist."

She says that what allowed her to venture to the untrod land of menopause

were the "Jersey Girl" elements of her personality. "For me, the phrase brings to mind a little hands-on-hips attitude, sarcasm, and language my mom doesn't generally approve of." She recalls that one of her favorite Christmas gifts that she received from her family was a tee shirt proclaiming "I love my attitude problem!" "When I began writing 'Flashes of Insight, I knew I wanted to present realistic female characters who have spunk, intelligence, a sense of humor, and wisdom. I think the book is a nice blend of attitude and spirit."

More of Lynda's writing can be found at lyndaallenwrites com. Another site, lyndaallen net reveals the heart, values, and vision that has been the impetus for all of her creations. The public is invited to meet and chat with Lynda at a book reception at the James Monroe Museum that will be held on Saturday, March 2. A portion of proceeds from book sales will be donated to the museum.