front porchYEAR 18 • ISSUE 208 • NOVEMBER 2014 Frontporchfredericksburg.com

T H E R E G I O N ' S free C O M M U N I T Y M A G A Z I N ELocal Good News Since 1997

Y O U R G U I D E T O T H E L O C A L G O O D L I F E

Cover By Adam DeSio

con

ten

ts closeups

8 Finders KeepersArt Abandonment

30 Susan Larson....Fredericksburg Today

31 Elma Adusei.... Roots in Ghana

porch talk4 on the porch...life in fredericksburg

Messages

..5 Rok the park: Christopher rok shows in nat’l park

.7 downtown buzz

9 VA Wineries... champions of cozy

10 Our Heritage: football & turkeysporchlight: master of none

12 mom’s pumpkin breadvino: thanksgiving wines

13 season’s bounty: black walnuts

14 Cooking with kyle

15 about beer: nut brown ale

16-17 Calendar of events

18 stafford 350: geo. mason & stafford co. rootshistory’s stories.: spanish american war & FXBG

19 spotlight on ...pappagallo’s Suzanne J. Metzger

20 companions: animals at the table

21 My own path: when the plan doesn’t goes as plannedautoknown: be thankful you have a dump

22 Senior Care:increase your brain power

23 Wellness: healthcare fringenatural health: HRT

25 scene & heard...in the ‘burg!

26 applause:susan carter morgan

27 fxbg music: the bumper jacksons

28 On stage: freeway revivalhollyburg

29 startup weekend winnerspoetryman: our week

30 fredericksburg sketches

31 from my porch: downsizing

...And more!3 Walter’s Story:Vet finds life again

6 jackson harlem: the gospel, pt. 2

11 town meeting:Eunice Haigler invites you

24 M&S Studio: gives tools to achieve dreams

3

30

8

Walter Parker served as aSpecialist E4 in the U.S. Army who foughtin the Vietnam War from 1966–1968, buthis toughest battle was simply comingback home.

For 42 years Walter has foughtpost-traumatic stress (PTS), memory lossand flashbacks. Now 68, he is using hisPsychiatric Service Dog, JACKSON, tocontrol and mitigate his symptoms.Walter is reintegrating into society, re-establishing family relationships andgaining confidence, all thanks to a two-year old Golden Retriever.

“Four months ago when I begantraining, I hoped JACKSON would help,now there is no doubt, he is my future,”says Walter.

Susan, Walter’s wife, contactedpaws4people Foundation, a non-profitorganization founded by Kyria Henry in1999 (then 12 years old!), in hopes offinding help for her husband. She foundmore than that…

Along with his Service Dog,JACKSON, Walter has received cutting edgeIntervention Transfer Training to learnhow to use JACKSON when the thundergets too loud or a helicopter flies overheador at the start of a flashback. Walterworked hard with Terry Henry, co-

founder, as well as other veteran clientswho have been through the program andare now Peer Mentors, and has the backingof the entire paws4people organizationfor life.

paws4people Foundation paws4people Foundation

accomplishes their mission with hundredsof volunteers, specially trained inmates in5 West Virginia Correctional Centers, 8paws4people programs like paws4vets andpaws4prisons and over 300 trained,certified and insured Assistance Dogs.

JACKSON was born at thepaws4people Center in Wilmington, NC,and started his training on day one, withneurological stimulation and stresscontrol conditioning. At six weeksJACKSON, his siblings and mother, CLAIRE,entered into The Puppy DevelopmentCenter, where the focus becamesocialization and exposing JACKSON to asmany positive experiences as humanlypossible. Around 16 weeks JACKSONentered the paws4prisons program, wherehe learned 150 basic commands. Aninmate, trained and certified bypaws4people, was responsible for his careand training. JACKSON was paired withWalter in the Fall of 2013 at a special

event in the prison called a“bump”. With JACKSON’s basiccommands in place and his role ofPsychiatric Service Dog defined, hetravelled back to Wilmington.There he began his Public AccessTraining in environments such asrestaurants, retail stores, movietheaters, public transportation,etc. with a trainer from thepaws4people’s University ofWilmington’s Assistance DogTraining Program, written andtaught by Kyria Henry. While inWilmington, Walter would meet upwith JACKSON for InterventionTransfer Training. The summerof 2014 Walter and JACKSONpassed their Public Access Test andwith the paws4peoples staff’sapproval Walter took his new best friendhome.

Walter and JACKSON home at lastOctober 11th was paws4people’s

3rd Annual Reunion and 7th Graduationceremony, celebrating 56 new AssistanceDogs, one of the teams being Walter andJACKSON.

Life is night and day for Waltercompared to before. He’ll be in recoveryfor the rest of his life but his goal now is

to Pay It Forward and help other Veteransor children with special needs receive a lifechanging Service Dog from paws4peopleand paws4vets.

To find out how you can helpsupport Walter & JACKSON’s goal toPaying It Forward, please visit:paws4people.org/give/walter-parker

Shelly Philips is the “Pay It Forward” Advocate and CFC

Coordinator for paws4vets.org . Emailher @ shellyp.p4p@gmail.com

Walter’s StoryVietnam Veteran finds life again with a 2 year old Golden Retriever

By Shelly Philips

front porch fredericksburg November 2014 32 November 2014 Front porch fredericksburg

Pumpkin Spice LattesApple Cider & Hot Cocoa

Be Thankful

photo by j. brady

Cover By Adam DeSio

con

ten

ts closeups

8 Finders KeepersArt Abandonment

30 Susan Larson....Fredericksburg Today

31 Elma Adusei.... Roots in Ghana

porch talk4 on the porch...life in fredericksburg

Messages

..5 Rok the park: Christopher rok shows in nat’l park

.7 downtown buzz

9 VA Wineries... champions of cozy

10 Our Heritage: football & turkeysporchlight: master of none

12 mom’s pumpkin breadvino: thanksgiving wines

13 season’s bounty: black walnuts

14 Cooking with kyle

15 about beer: nut brown ale

16-17 Calendar of events

18 stafford 350: geo. mason & stafford co. rootshistory’s stories.: spanish american war & FXBG

19 spotlight on ...pappagallo’s Suzanne J. Metzger

20 companions: animals at the table

21 My own path: when the plan doesn’t goes as plannedautoknown: be thankful you have a dump

22 Senior Care:increase your brain power

23 Wellness: healthcare fringenatural health: HRT

25 scene & heard...in the ‘burg!

26 applause:susan carter morgan

27 fxbg music: the bumper jacksons

28 On stage: freeway revivalhollyburg

29 startup weekend winnerspoetryman: our week

30 fredericksburg sketches

31 from my porch: downsizing

...And more!3 Walter’s Story:Vet finds life again

6 jackson harlem: the gospel, pt. 2

11 town meeting:Eunice Haigler invites you

24 M&S Studio: gives tools to achieve dreams

3

30

8

Walter Parker served as aSpecialist E4 in the U.S. Army who foughtin the Vietnam War from 1966–1968, buthis toughest battle was simply comingback home.

For 42 years Walter has foughtpost-traumatic stress (PTS), memory lossand flashbacks. Now 68, he is using hisPsychiatric Service Dog, JACKSON, tocontrol and mitigate his symptoms.Walter is reintegrating into society, re-establishing family relationships andgaining confidence, all thanks to a two-year old Golden Retriever.

“Four months ago when I begantraining, I hoped JACKSON would help,now there is no doubt, he is my future,”says Walter.

Susan, Walter’s wife, contactedpaws4people Foundation, a non-profitorganization founded by Kyria Henry in1999 (then 12 years old!), in hopes offinding help for her husband. She foundmore than that…

Along with his Service Dog,JACKSON, Walter has received cutting edgeIntervention Transfer Training to learnhow to use JACKSON when the thundergets too loud or a helicopter flies overheador at the start of a flashback. Walterworked hard with Terry Henry, co-

founder, as well as other veteran clientswho have been through the program andare now Peer Mentors, and has the backingof the entire paws4people organizationfor life.

paws4people Foundation paws4people Foundation

accomplishes their mission with hundredsof volunteers, specially trained inmates in5 West Virginia Correctional Centers, 8paws4people programs like paws4vets andpaws4prisons and over 300 trained,certified and insured Assistance Dogs.

JACKSON was born at thepaws4people Center in Wilmington, NC,and started his training on day one, withneurological stimulation and stresscontrol conditioning. At six weeksJACKSON, his siblings and mother, CLAIRE,entered into The Puppy DevelopmentCenter, where the focus becamesocialization and exposing JACKSON to asmany positive experiences as humanlypossible. Around 16 weeks JACKSONentered the paws4prisons program, wherehe learned 150 basic commands. Aninmate, trained and certified bypaws4people, was responsible for his careand training. JACKSON was paired withWalter in the Fall of 2013 at a special

event in the prison called a“bump”. With JACKSON’s basiccommands in place and his role ofPsychiatric Service Dog defined, hetravelled back to Wilmington.There he began his Public AccessTraining in environments such asrestaurants, retail stores, movietheaters, public transportation,etc. with a trainer from thepaws4people’s University ofWilmington’s Assistance DogTraining Program, written andtaught by Kyria Henry. While inWilmington, Walter would meet upwith JACKSON for InterventionTransfer Training. The summerof 2014 Walter and JACKSONpassed their Public Access Test andwith the paws4peoples staff’sapproval Walter took his new best friendhome.

Walter and JACKSON home at lastOctober 11th was paws4people’s

3rd Annual Reunion and 7th Graduationceremony, celebrating 56 new AssistanceDogs, one of the teams being Walter andJACKSON.

Life is night and day for Waltercompared to before. He’ll be in recoveryfor the rest of his life but his goal now is

to Pay It Forward and help other Veteransor children with special needs receive a lifechanging Service Dog from paws4peopleand paws4vets.

To find out how you can helpsupport Walter & JACKSON’s goal toPaying It Forward, please visit:paws4people.org/give/walter-parker

Shelly Philips is the “Pay It Forward” Advocate and CFC

Coordinator for paws4vets.org . Emailher @ shellyp.p4p@gmail.com

Walter’s StoryVietnam Veteran finds life again with a 2 year old Golden Retriever

By Shelly Philips

front porch fredericksburg November 2014 32 November 2014 Front porch fredericksburg

Pumpkin Spice LattesApple Cider & Hot Cocoa

Be Thankful

photo by j. brady

When I was asked to write hismonths “On the Porch,” I was flushed withhonor and humility. After 18 years ofRob’s voice in this spot, I was admittedlynervous. What would I have to offer? Ithen looked back to the hours ofconversations he and I had.

The subjects would wax and wanein a stream of unguided consciousnessthat only conversations like those couldhave: one thought leading to another thatwould ultimately lead to a third that wasincongruous with the first, voices beinghastily interrupted by laughter while faceswere awash (one of Rob’s favorite word)with sly knowing grins, readying the nextquip. Sometimes the spritelings wouldyield themselves to serious subjectsspoken in toneless voice only to return tothe ever affable genre that is “the Porch.”

Mitzi and I have recentlyreturned from two weeks in Peru, wherethey are in their spring and plantingseason. Experiencing the excitement of thecoming growing season (a distant memoryfor us) and warming weather that bringssmiles and calculated work schedules toensure the year’s success reminded us ofour year past.

It’s nice to sit back and take aminute to reflect on the year just beforethe beginning of the hectic holiday season.The small space in between finishing theharvest season and diving into thecelebrations allows for only a quickremembrance of how we got to today.There is usually a big to-do during thefirst of the year’s transition months wherethe days are warming, crops are beingplanted, and summer vacation plans arebeing created. Less attention is paid to thetransition at the beginning of November.The slowing pace, the crispness of Octoberyielding to true cold air and the possibilityof the winter’s first hard freeze begins theseason in Fredericksburg filled with thefamiliarities of home, family, friends, andcelebrations.

All the corners of Fredericksburgare getting ready for season’s largestcelebrations: Thanksgiving and, Christmas,and New Year’s Eve. The city is throwingout the red carpet for all our neighbors tocome and join the start of the season byhosting The Downtown Holiday Open

House November 8th and 9th. Ourincredible art scene will open their doorsto tantalize, the railroad museum willcontinue to educate, and our localmusicians will be available to entertain atour music spots.

JM wraps up the football season

with local rival Courtland on the 7th

ending, what should be, another greatseason of football. The holiday partiesbegin, toasts are raised, and presentsexchanged. Our neighbors to the south ofthe hemisphere are starting the cycleagain while we are finishing.

We were fortunate to meet VictorAtarami, Maruja Caceres Franco, andAlfredo Huari. These three young peopletook us on a tour of their country. Theywere all three very concerned about theircountry and culture. They were excited topartner with us to help educate us. Whenwe arrived in Peru, it was the “dry” season(which means it only rained on us a fewdays and only hailed once); they weregearing up to begin the cycle gain.

In the Amazon, the rivers werelower, and Victor told us many of theanimals, like the Macaw, wait for rainyseason to lay their eggs (although thetarantulas we saw seemed well fed). In themountains of Maruja’s village, each familyonly gets less than a quarter acre by whichto feed their family. Although this is true,all the families come together to plow andplant, which is done usingtwo bulls (a left and aright which are notinterchangeable) and awooden plow with a metalblade strapped to it withbull leather. Once themen have plowed and thewomen have sown theseeds, the bulls drag aman riding a board like asurf board diagonallyacross the trenches tocover the new plantings.

The whole family is there, all are workingtogether, and everyone is smiling.

You see, Fredericksburg is anamazing place unlike other small cities inour nation. We are a community that istruly separated by one degree offamiliarity. Yes, there are other towns ofthe same size, but none of them are a citycentered between Richmond and DC; noneof them neighbor George Washington’sboyhood home; none of them have therich history that makes us uniquelyFredericksburg.

There you have it: “cover tocover”

James Kyle Snyder is a founder andpresident of Success Facilitators llc – a

business consulting firm -headquarteredin Fredericksburg. He is an undergrad of

UMW and is continuing his MBA withthem. He and his wife Mitzi, a CFO and

law student, are members ofRappahannock Rotary and enjoy

gardening and travel together. He hascalled Fredericksburg home since 2001

Photo by Susan Birt

James Kyle Snyder Guest PorchPage Editor

Contributing Writers & Artists

Nancy Bauer A.E.BayneJoan Brady Nancy BrunsMegan Byrnes C.Ruth CassellJudy Chaimson Ashleigh ChevalierRick Collier Alexis GroganRyan Davis Frank FratoeChristina Ferber Joan GeislerAnne Glave Rob HuffmanRalph “Tuffy” Hicks Beth Hunsinger Karl Karch David KerrWendy LaRue Susan Ujka LarsonJo Loving Matt MastalskiVanessa Moncure Gary OlsenShelly Phillips M.L.PowersScott Richards Ruzena RokCasey Alan Shaw James Kyle Snyder Melissa Terlizza Rim ViningChristine Thompson Suzy Woollam

Front Porch Fredericksburg is afree circulation magazine

published monthly by Olde Towne Publishing Co.

Virginia Bigenwald Grogan, Publisher.

The mission of Front PorchFredericksburg is to connect the

diverse citizenry of Fredericksburgwith lively features and informative

columns of interest to our community’s greatest resource,

its people.

Messages from our readers arewelcome. All submissions must be

received by e-mail by the 19th of themonth preceding publication.

Writers are welcome to requestWriter’s Guidelines and query the

Editor by e-mail.

Front PorchFredericksburg

PO Box 9203Fredericksburg, VA 22403

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

Web Site:www.frontporchfredericksburg.com

The opinions expressed in Front PorchFredericksburg are those of the contributing writers and do not necessarily reflect the opinion of

Front Porch Fredericksburg or its advertisers.

Copyright 2014 Olde Towne Publishing Co.

All rights reserved.

front porch fredericksburg November 2014 54 November 2014 Front porch fredericksburg

OONN TTHHEE PPOORRCCHHCommunity

BY James Kyle Snyder

Local photographer ChristopherRok recently had two of his fine art photosselected for a traveling art show thatmade a stop this fall at the Visitor’s Centerof Grand Teton National Park in Wyoming.The Wyoming Wilderness Association(WWA) Wilderness Art Exhibitioncelebrates the 50th Anniversary of theWilderness Act of 1964 and the 30thAnniversary of the Wyoming WildernessAct of 1984.

Rok’s black and whitephotographs, “Three Kings” and“Winterland”, are included among the“Jurors’ Top 25 Works” selected forinclusion in the exhibit. The jurors soughtoriginal two-dimensional works of artdepicting the artist’s vision of WyomingWilderness. The show opened in Sheridan,WY on September 3rd and then onOctober 6th moved to the Visitor’s Centerof Grand Teton National Park in Moose,WY where it was on display untilNovember 1st. From there the exhibittraveled to its last stop at the University

of Wyoming in Laramie where it remainson display until the show closes onNovember 30th.

Known locally for his artisticlenswork showcasing Fredericksburg’shistoric district, Rok maintains art studiosat his home in Fredericksburg and in Star

Valley Ranch, Wyoming. Currently heworks full-time as a mechanical engineerfor the Department of the Army,however, he and his wife plan to relocateto Wyoming permanently in 2017 afterhe retires.

Originally from Pennsylvania,Rok made his first visit to Wyoming in2004 and was immediately captivated bythe landscape as well as the prevailing“spirit of the west”. A self-taughtphotographer (he earned his mechanicalengineering degree from the University ofMaryland in 1984), Rok discoveredWyoming’s wild places were the perfectcomplement to his penchant for blackand white imagery. A life-long admirer ofAnsel Adams, Rok finds there is a dualityin the black and white medium – one ofbeauty and scarcity. The photographsincluded in the WWA show are both

highly illustrative of this concept. “ThreeKings” depicts a trio of Hayden Valleybison moving away from the cameratoward rugged snowcapped peaks and“Winterland” captures Yellowstone’sdichotomy of fire and ice.

“October was been a good monthfor me” said Rok. “First, my wife and Iwere able to spend two wonderful weeks inWyoming and second, it just happened tobe during the same timeframe that theWWA show moved to the national park.”Rok explained that as he submits work tojuried shows throughout the country, heoften doesn’t get the opportunity toactually see selected photographs whilethey’re on display. “Any time I’m inWyoming is terrific, our October trip justended up being that much more special.”

Locally during the month ofNovember Rok will display his work at theFredericksburg Area Service League’sMerry Market. This year’s market will beheld November 22nd and 23rd at the OldeSilk Mill in downtown Fredericksburg.Merry Market may be Rok’s last art showfor quite some time as during 2015 heplans to focus on creating new work forhis portfolio.

Rok the ParkLocal Photographer shows work @National Park

By Ruzena Rok

Lexi Grogan’s Pet Sitting Service

“Your pet becomes my petwhile in my care, and I care alot!” - Lexi (540-903-0437;

lexig0892@gmail.com) On facebook as

“lexi grogan’s pet sitting service”

Prices:Dogs - $15 per canine per visitCats - $12 per feline per visit

Better value, more love for your pet than if you

kennel board him!

ROXBURY FARM & GARDEN CENTERMAIN: (540) 373-9124

NURSERY: (540) 371-8802601 LAFAYETTE BLVD

roxburyfarmgarden.comSince 1929

We have all your gardening needs!

Come Shop With Us

“Winterland”

“Three Kings”

When I was asked to write hismonths “On the Porch,” I was flushed withhonor and humility. After 18 years ofRob’s voice in this spot, I was admittedlynervous. What would I have to offer? Ithen looked back to the hours ofconversations he and I had.

The subjects would wax and wanein a stream of unguided consciousnessthat only conversations like those couldhave: one thought leading to another thatwould ultimately lead to a third that wasincongruous with the first, voices beinghastily interrupted by laughter while faceswere awash (one of Rob’s favorite word)with sly knowing grins, readying the nextquip. Sometimes the spritelings wouldyield themselves to serious subjectsspoken in toneless voice only to return tothe ever affable genre that is “the Porch.”

Mitzi and I have recentlyreturned from two weeks in Peru, wherethey are in their spring and plantingseason. Experiencing the excitement of thecoming growing season (a distant memoryfor us) and warming weather that bringssmiles and calculated work schedules toensure the year’s success reminded us ofour year past.

It’s nice to sit back and take aminute to reflect on the year just beforethe beginning of the hectic holiday season.The small space in between finishing theharvest season and diving into thecelebrations allows for only a quickremembrance of how we got to today.There is usually a big to-do during thefirst of the year’s transition months wherethe days are warming, crops are beingplanted, and summer vacation plans arebeing created. Less attention is paid to thetransition at the beginning of November.The slowing pace, the crispness of Octoberyielding to true cold air and the possibilityof the winter’s first hard freeze begins theseason in Fredericksburg filled with thefamiliarities of home, family, friends, andcelebrations.

All the corners of Fredericksburgare getting ready for season’s largestcelebrations: Thanksgiving and, Christmas,and New Year’s Eve. The city is throwingout the red carpet for all our neighbors tocome and join the start of the season byhosting The Downtown Holiday Open

House November 8th and 9th. Ourincredible art scene will open their doorsto tantalize, the railroad museum willcontinue to educate, and our localmusicians will be available to entertain atour music spots.

JM wraps up the football season

with local rival Courtland on the 7th

ending, what should be, another greatseason of football. The holiday partiesbegin, toasts are raised, and presentsexchanged. Our neighbors to the south ofthe hemisphere are starting the cycleagain while we are finishing.

We were fortunate to meet VictorAtarami, Maruja Caceres Franco, andAlfredo Huari. These three young peopletook us on a tour of their country. Theywere all three very concerned about theircountry and culture. They were excited topartner with us to help educate us. Whenwe arrived in Peru, it was the “dry” season(which means it only rained on us a fewdays and only hailed once); they weregearing up to begin the cycle gain.

In the Amazon, the rivers werelower, and Victor told us many of theanimals, like the Macaw, wait for rainyseason to lay their eggs (although thetarantulas we saw seemed well fed). In themountains of Maruja’s village, each familyonly gets less than a quarter acre by whichto feed their family. Although this is true,all the families come together to plow andplant, which is done usingtwo bulls (a left and aright which are notinterchangeable) and awooden plow with a metalblade strapped to it withbull leather. Once themen have plowed and thewomen have sown theseeds, the bulls drag aman riding a board like asurf board diagonallyacross the trenches tocover the new plantings.

The whole family is there, all are workingtogether, and everyone is smiling.

You see, Fredericksburg is anamazing place unlike other small cities inour nation. We are a community that istruly separated by one degree offamiliarity. Yes, there are other towns ofthe same size, but none of them are a citycentered between Richmond and DC; noneof them neighbor George Washington’sboyhood home; none of them have therich history that makes us uniquelyFredericksburg.

There you have it: “cover tocover”

James Kyle Snyder is a founder andpresident of Success Facilitators llc – a

business consulting firm -headquarteredin Fredericksburg. He is an undergrad of

UMW and is continuing his MBA withthem. He and his wife Mitzi, a CFO and

law student, are members ofRappahannock Rotary and enjoy

gardening and travel together. He hascalled Fredericksburg home since 2001

Photo by Susan Birt

James Kyle Snyder Guest PorchPage Editor

Contributing Writers & Artists

Nancy Bauer A.E.BayneJoan Brady Nancy BrunsMegan Byrnes C.Ruth CassellJudy Chaimson Ashleigh ChevalierRick Collier Alexis GroganRyan Davis Frank FratoeChristina Ferber Joan GeislerAnne Glave Rob HuffmanRalph “Tuffy” Hicks Beth Hunsinger Karl Karch David KerrWendy LaRue Susan Ujka LarsonJo Loving Matt MastalskiVanessa Moncure Gary OlsenShelly Phillips M.L.PowersScott Richards Ruzena RokCasey Alan Shaw James Kyle Snyder Melissa Terlizza Rim ViningChristine Thompson Suzy Woollam

Front Porch Fredericksburg is afree circulation magazine

published monthly by Olde Towne Publishing Co.

Virginia Bigenwald Grogan, Publisher.

The mission of Front PorchFredericksburg is to connect the

diverse citizenry of Fredericksburgwith lively features and informative

columns of interest to our community’s greatest resource,

its people.

Messages from our readers arewelcome. All submissions must be

received by e-mail by the 19th of themonth preceding publication.

Writers are welcome to requestWriter’s Guidelines and query the

Editor by e-mail.

Front PorchFredericksburg

PO Box 9203Fredericksburg, VA 22403

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

Web Site:www.frontporchfredericksburg.com

The opinions expressed in Front PorchFredericksburg are those of the contributing writers and do not necessarily reflect the opinion of

Front Porch Fredericksburg or its advertisers.

Copyright 2014 Olde Towne Publishing Co.

All rights reserved.

front porch fredericksburg November 2014 54 November 2014 Front porch fredericksburg

OONN TTHHEE PPOORRCCHHCommunity

BY James Kyle Snyder

Local photographer ChristopherRok recently had two of his fine art photosselected for a traveling art show thatmade a stop this fall at the Visitor’s Centerof Grand Teton National Park in Wyoming.The Wyoming Wilderness Association(WWA) Wilderness Art Exhibitioncelebrates the 50th Anniversary of theWilderness Act of 1964 and the 30thAnniversary of the Wyoming WildernessAct of 1984.

Rok’s black and whitephotographs, “Three Kings” and“Winterland”, are included among the“Jurors’ Top 25 Works” selected forinclusion in the exhibit. The jurors soughtoriginal two-dimensional works of artdepicting the artist’s vision of WyomingWilderness. The show opened in Sheridan,WY on September 3rd and then onOctober 6th moved to the Visitor’s Centerof Grand Teton National Park in Moose,WY where it was on display untilNovember 1st. From there the exhibittraveled to its last stop at the University

of Wyoming in Laramie where it remainson display until the show closes onNovember 30th.

Known locally for his artisticlenswork showcasing Fredericksburg’shistoric district, Rok maintains art studiosat his home in Fredericksburg and in Star

Valley Ranch, Wyoming. Currently heworks full-time as a mechanical engineerfor the Department of the Army,however, he and his wife plan to relocateto Wyoming permanently in 2017 afterhe retires.

Originally from Pennsylvania,Rok made his first visit to Wyoming in2004 and was immediately captivated bythe landscape as well as the prevailing“spirit of the west”. A self-taughtphotographer (he earned his mechanicalengineering degree from the University ofMaryland in 1984), Rok discoveredWyoming’s wild places were the perfectcomplement to his penchant for blackand white imagery. A life-long admirer ofAnsel Adams, Rok finds there is a dualityin the black and white medium – one ofbeauty and scarcity. The photographsincluded in the WWA show are both

highly illustrative of this concept. “ThreeKings” depicts a trio of Hayden Valleybison moving away from the cameratoward rugged snowcapped peaks and“Winterland” captures Yellowstone’sdichotomy of fire and ice.

“October was been a good monthfor me” said Rok. “First, my wife and Iwere able to spend two wonderful weeks inWyoming and second, it just happened tobe during the same timeframe that theWWA show moved to the national park.”Rok explained that as he submits work tojuried shows throughout the country, heoften doesn’t get the opportunity toactually see selected photographs whilethey’re on display. “Any time I’m inWyoming is terrific, our October trip justended up being that much more special.”

Locally during the month ofNovember Rok will display his work at theFredericksburg Area Service League’sMerry Market. This year’s market will beheld November 22nd and 23rd at the OldeSilk Mill in downtown Fredericksburg.Merry Market may be Rok’s last art showfor quite some time as during 2015 heplans to focus on creating new work forhis portfolio.

Rok the ParkLocal Photographer shows work @National Park

By Ruzena Rok

Lexi Grogan’s Pet Sitting Service

“Your pet becomes my petwhile in my care, and I care alot!” - Lexi (540-903-0437;

lexig0892@gmail.com) On facebook as

“lexi grogan’s pet sitting service”

Prices:Dogs - $15 per canine per visitCats - $12 per feline per visit

Better value, more love for your pet than if you

kennel board him!

ROXBURY FARM & GARDEN CENTERMAIN: (540) 373-9124

NURSERY: (540) 371-8802601 LAFAYETTE BLVD

roxburyfarmgarden.comSince 1929

We have all your gardening needs!

Come Shop With Us

“Winterland”

“Three Kings”

6 November 2014 Front porch fredericksburg front porch fredericksburg November 2014 7

It’s great to see Downtown cometogether as a team to support thefollowing holiday initiatives: Open LateFridays, Small Business Saturday, andDowntown Gift Cards. The weekend ofNovember 8th and 9th is the annualDowntown Holiday Open House—thekickoff of the holiday shopping season.Special shopping opportunities, ElfieSelfies, and the Window WonderlandRiddle contests are just the beginning ofthe holiday experience in Fredericksburg!

First Friday, November 7th, is thestart of the Open Late Fridays campaign.Over 25 stores have committed to beingopen until at least 8 p.m. for the sevenFridays prior to Christmas. Look for theyellow flags. What a start for the holidays!

The Early BirdRiser event onNovember 29thhas been selectedas an AmericaExpress SmallB u s i n e s sNe i ghborhoodC h a m p i o n .P a r t i c i p a t i n gbusinesses areoffering special

incentives in the early morning hours of 8a.m. to 10 a.m. Look for the red carpets!Free coffee and pastries will be offered atthe Visitor Center that morning ANDbreakfast will be available at the VA Deli,Eileen’s, and Vivify.

Experience FredericksburgDowntown Gift Cards will be released onNovember7th! Congratulations toElizabeth Seaver, Sue Henderson, CaseyShaw, Sally Kubarek, and Jonah Herbert,age 9, our People’s Choice Winner, fortheir designs.

As we introduce our newinitiatives to downtown businesses and thepublic at large, we want everyone to keepin mind that each of these programs is so

much bigger than a Downtown Gift Card,or an Open Late campaign—it’s aboutgrowing our community and creating andsustaining a vibrant and healthyDowntown. We hope that these newprograms and initiatives will be tools thatallow our merchants, property owners,and historic sites to achieve even greatersuccess. That, in turn, will have positiveeffects both economically and culturallyfor our Downtown and for the region as awhole.

Farewell to Board members SueBridi and Andi Gabler. Sue Bridi, VicePresident of Union First Market Bank, hasbeen with this program when Main Streetwas just an idea. Her concern forpreserving our history and the well-beingof our community has shown through hercountless hours of volunteering. AndiGabler, owner of the Schooler House, wasa member on our first working Board andhas been instrumental in bringing 20flower pots to Downtown. She hasdevoted many hours to keeping ourDowntown beautiful. Joining the Boardfor three-year terms are Brian Lam,property and business owner ofSkin+Touch Therapy, and Susan Carter

Morgan, co-owner of Water Street Studio.Brian is the creator of the first DowntownSpa Week and brings fresh businessmarketing and promotion ideas to theBoard. Susan brings a wealth of knowledgeof communications in web and socialmedia. As a result of her expertise, MainStreet is tweeting and sharing onInstagram as @FxbgDNTN.

There will be new reasons to visitdowntown this holiday season. Festivity isin the air with Santa strolls, historicalinterpreters, carolers, Holiday Trivia Tour,and free events with our historic museumsand sites. New businesses to exploreinclude Benny Vitali’s, Sweets on Caroline,River Rock Outfitter, Bash Boutique andLatitudes. Wish Happy Anniversary to TheCard Cellar for twenty three years and810 Weekend Gallery for two years!Explore Downtown this Holiday Season!

Ann Glave, Executive Director, of theFredericksburg Main Street, is countingdown the days to the Holiday Season.

To stay up to date on the Holidayactivities, visit Fredericksburg Downtown

Facebook &www.fredericksburgmainstreet.org for alist of activities and participating stores

In the beginning, there was music- music that moaned low and traveled uphis spine, dividing his mind. On the oneside swayed the Delta Blues, immersingJackson Harlem in Southern roots andbaptizing him to his future occupations;on the other, a plethora of pop culturerocked and rolled. Bowie, The Beatles,Michael, and Prince jammed with B.B. andLittle Richard, mixing it up and breaking itdown. Today, Harlem trains his ear to allof them, following in the footsteps ofmusic’s great visionaries as he presses hisfirst single, “Beat it Up,” set to release thismonth on iTunes.

Harlem says, “I have always donethree things: I’ve sketched, I’ve writtenpoetry and short stories, and I’ve alwayssang.” While he has spent recent yearspublishing a novel and developing aneyewear line that now has a dedicatedfollowing, Harlem has always known it wasonly a matter of time before he returnedto music. With an ear for classicallytrained artists like Sarah Vaughan andFrank Sinatra, Harlem knew he wanted tocultivate a style uniquely his own.

He explains, “I knew that if I hadclassical training, I could singanything. It’s the singular reason I went

to college, but when I started training atTupelo in 2004 I felt like I was justlearning repertoire. I wondered where thetheater, the magic and grandiositywere. Where was the narrative? So, Iswitched from opera to folk opera, whichis more narrative based and centered oncharacters that are relatable to everydaypeople.”

With his diverse musicalbackground, Harlem approached DavidBarth, a recent University of MaryWashington graduate who started theFredericksburg based sound company,Peak Sound VA, with friends in2013. Harlem and Barth were bothrelatively new to producing albums, butHarlem describes the experience favorably,“I think Seth Golden calls it intelligentnaiveté, where the best things come out ofexperiences where you are not an expertbecause you tend to innovate.” Barth sayshe had no preconceived notions aboutworking with Harlem. “We became prettyclose friends through it and have beenworking for months now. He puts a lot ofenergy into his performances, and he’sconstantly practicing and rehearsing. Hedemands perfection.”

Harlem describes the album in

production as a concept album,with “Beat it Up” revealingthemes about sex andrelationships. He says he remainstrue to his personal aesthetic, “Ireally don’t try to be anyoneelse. It’s risky, you know,because when you areperforming poetry you put on apoetry hat, and I think listenersput on a poetry hat tounderstand it. You can speak incomplete sentences or use jargon ordifferent dialects, and they see throughthat lens. I don’t think people use thatsame kind of lens with music. They havepreconceived notions of how theperformance should look.”

It is that image that Harlemdescribes, the tatted up rapper with arecord and gunshot wound worn as abadge of honor, that he hopes todispel. He says, “Like opera, rap is verymuch about storytelling, but with theaddition of ego. And while pop music isvery much about tapping into the zeitgeistof dancing and fun and sex, while beingfast, shallow and club oriented, opera isvery centered on character developmentand dramatic techniques like theater and

strong vocals. It uses a heavy dose ofdramatic irony. I’ve learned thingsthrough studying literature, like notrevealing too much to your audience, andI use those in my music.”

Two years ago, Jackson Harlemrevealed that he turns most of his creativepursuits into careers, saying, “Everything Ido has to have some kind of symbolicmeaning that resonates with myaudience.” Here, in 2014, Harlemcontinues his fertile pursuit toward livinga truly creative life.

A.E. Bayne is a teacher, writer, andartist who lives in Fredericksburg. Herprevious article about Jackson Harlem,

“The Gospel According to JacksonHarlem,” can be found archived in theOctober 2012 Front Porch Magazine.

The Gospel, Pt 2Jackson Harlem

By a.e. bayne

Downtown BuzzHoliday Open House, Early Bird Riser, Gift Cards & More!

By anne glave

FREDERICKSBURGCOLLABORATIVE

606 Caroline Street Old Town Fredericksburg

373-7847 www.gemstonecreations.org

Tuesday - Saturday 10-5 Wednesday 10-6:30

Where Fredericksburg Gets Engaged

Color your life

6 November 2014 Front porch fredericksburg front porch fredericksburg November 2014 7

It’s great to see Downtown cometogether as a team to support thefollowing holiday initiatives: Open LateFridays, Small Business Saturday, andDowntown Gift Cards. The weekend ofNovember 8th and 9th is the annualDowntown Holiday Open House—thekickoff of the holiday shopping season.Special shopping opportunities, ElfieSelfies, and the Window WonderlandRiddle contests are just the beginning ofthe holiday experience in Fredericksburg!

First Friday, November 7th, is thestart of the Open Late Fridays campaign.Over 25 stores have committed to beingopen until at least 8 p.m. for the sevenFridays prior to Christmas. Look for theyellow flags. What a start for the holidays!

The Early BirdRiser event onNovember 29thhas been selectedas an AmericaExpress SmallB u s i n e s sNe i ghborhoodC h a m p i o n .P a r t i c i p a t i n gbusinesses areoffering special

incentives in the early morning hours of 8a.m. to 10 a.m. Look for the red carpets!Free coffee and pastries will be offered atthe Visitor Center that morning ANDbreakfast will be available at the VA Deli,Eileen’s, and Vivify.

Experience FredericksburgDowntown Gift Cards will be released onNovember7th! Congratulations toElizabeth Seaver, Sue Henderson, CaseyShaw, Sally Kubarek, and Jonah Herbert,age 9, our People’s Choice Winner, fortheir designs.

As we introduce our newinitiatives to downtown businesses and thepublic at large, we want everyone to keepin mind that each of these programs is so

much bigger than a Downtown Gift Card,or an Open Late campaign—it’s aboutgrowing our community and creating andsustaining a vibrant and healthyDowntown. We hope that these newprograms and initiatives will be tools thatallow our merchants, property owners,and historic sites to achieve even greatersuccess. That, in turn, will have positiveeffects both economically and culturallyfor our Downtown and for the region as awhole.

Farewell to Board members SueBridi and Andi Gabler. Sue Bridi, VicePresident of Union First Market Bank, hasbeen with this program when Main Streetwas just an idea. Her concern forpreserving our history and the well-beingof our community has shown through hercountless hours of volunteering. AndiGabler, owner of the Schooler House, wasa member on our first working Board andhas been instrumental in bringing 20flower pots to Downtown. She hasdevoted many hours to keeping ourDowntown beautiful. Joining the Boardfor three-year terms are Brian Lam,property and business owner ofSkin+Touch Therapy, and Susan Carter

Morgan, co-owner of Water Street Studio.Brian is the creator of the first DowntownSpa Week and brings fresh businessmarketing and promotion ideas to theBoard. Susan brings a wealth of knowledgeof communications in web and socialmedia. As a result of her expertise, MainStreet is tweeting and sharing onInstagram as @FxbgDNTN.

There will be new reasons to visitdowntown this holiday season. Festivity isin the air with Santa strolls, historicalinterpreters, carolers, Holiday Trivia Tour,and free events with our historic museumsand sites. New businesses to exploreinclude Benny Vitali’s, Sweets on Caroline,River Rock Outfitter, Bash Boutique andLatitudes. Wish Happy Anniversary to TheCard Cellar for twenty three years and810 Weekend Gallery for two years!Explore Downtown this Holiday Season!

Ann Glave, Executive Director, of theFredericksburg Main Street, is countingdown the days to the Holiday Season.

To stay up to date on the Holidayactivities, visit Fredericksburg Downtown

Facebook &www.fredericksburgmainstreet.org for alist of activities and participating stores

In the beginning, there was music- music that moaned low and traveled uphis spine, dividing his mind. On the oneside swayed the Delta Blues, immersingJackson Harlem in Southern roots andbaptizing him to his future occupations;on the other, a plethora of pop culturerocked and rolled. Bowie, The Beatles,Michael, and Prince jammed with B.B. andLittle Richard, mixing it up and breaking itdown. Today, Harlem trains his ear to allof them, following in the footsteps ofmusic’s great visionaries as he presses hisfirst single, “Beat it Up,” set to release thismonth on iTunes.

Harlem says, “I have always donethree things: I’ve sketched, I’ve writtenpoetry and short stories, and I’ve alwayssang.” While he has spent recent yearspublishing a novel and developing aneyewear line that now has a dedicatedfollowing, Harlem has always known it wasonly a matter of time before he returnedto music. With an ear for classicallytrained artists like Sarah Vaughan andFrank Sinatra, Harlem knew he wanted tocultivate a style uniquely his own.

He explains, “I knew that if I hadclassical training, I could singanything. It’s the singular reason I went

to college, but when I started training atTupelo in 2004 I felt like I was justlearning repertoire. I wondered where thetheater, the magic and grandiositywere. Where was the narrative? So, Iswitched from opera to folk opera, whichis more narrative based and centered oncharacters that are relatable to everydaypeople.”

With his diverse musicalbackground, Harlem approached DavidBarth, a recent University of MaryWashington graduate who started theFredericksburg based sound company,Peak Sound VA, with friends in2013. Harlem and Barth were bothrelatively new to producing albums, butHarlem describes the experience favorably,“I think Seth Golden calls it intelligentnaiveté, where the best things come out ofexperiences where you are not an expertbecause you tend to innovate.” Barth sayshe had no preconceived notions aboutworking with Harlem. “We became prettyclose friends through it and have beenworking for months now. He puts a lot ofenergy into his performances, and he’sconstantly practicing and rehearsing. Hedemands perfection.”

Harlem describes the album in

production as a concept album,with “Beat it Up” revealingthemes about sex andrelationships. He says he remainstrue to his personal aesthetic, “Ireally don’t try to be anyoneelse. It’s risky, you know,because when you areperforming poetry you put on apoetry hat, and I think listenersput on a poetry hat tounderstand it. You can speak incomplete sentences or use jargon ordifferent dialects, and they see throughthat lens. I don’t think people use thatsame kind of lens with music. They havepreconceived notions of how theperformance should look.”

It is that image that Harlemdescribes, the tatted up rapper with arecord and gunshot wound worn as abadge of honor, that he hopes todispel. He says, “Like opera, rap is verymuch about storytelling, but with theaddition of ego. And while pop music isvery much about tapping into the zeitgeistof dancing and fun and sex, while beingfast, shallow and club oriented, opera isvery centered on character developmentand dramatic techniques like theater and

strong vocals. It uses a heavy dose ofdramatic irony. I’ve learned thingsthrough studying literature, like notrevealing too much to your audience, andI use those in my music.”

Two years ago, Jackson Harlemrevealed that he turns most of his creativepursuits into careers, saying, “Everything Ido has to have some kind of symbolicmeaning that resonates with myaudience.” Here, in 2014, Harlemcontinues his fertile pursuit toward livinga truly creative life.

A.E. Bayne is a teacher, writer, andartist who lives in Fredericksburg. Herprevious article about Jackson Harlem,

“The Gospel According to JacksonHarlem,” can be found archived in theOctober 2012 Front Porch Magazine.

The Gospel, Pt 2Jackson Harlem

By a.e. bayne

Downtown BuzzHoliday Open House, Early Bird Riser, Gift Cards & More!

By anne glave

FREDERICKSBURGCOLLABORATIVE

606 Caroline Street Old Town Fredericksburg

373-7847 www.gemstonecreations.org

Tuesday - Saturday 10-5 Wednesday 10-6:30

Where Fredericksburg Gets Engaged

Color your life

8 November 2014 Front porch fredericksburg front porch fredericksburg November 2014 9

I’ve recently begun abandoningsmall animals in Fredericksburg. I strapthem to fences and cram them into tightplaces. I snap photos of their littleupturned faces, then turn my back andwalk away, leaving them to find their ownway in the world. Don’t hate me. I’m notabandoning my pets—only my art.

I am a Fredericksburg artist. Ihave a studio at Artful Dimensions Galleryon Charles Street, where I create all sortsof things out of colorful polymer clay. I

love science and nature, and myfascination with living things is oftenreflected in the things I create: insects,plants, birds and animals. A couplemonths ago, I began taking my crittersout of the gallery and hiding them aroundtown, so they could be discovered byunsuspecting (and hopefully amused)

passersby. “Dropping” art without

being seen is challenging. I sneakaround like a spy, looking for theperfect spots to hide my claycreations. In August I hid anoctopus in the ocean section ofRiverby Books. Last month Itucked a mouse into the wallsurrounding the old FreemasonCemetery. Once I even tied achameleon to the fence inHurkamp Park in broaddaylight—right under the nosesof dog-walkers and distractedpicnickers.

I am not the only person doingthis. “Art Abandonment” has

been around for as long as people havemade art. Today, aided by social media,the movement has taken off. The ArtAbandonment Group on Facebook,

launched in 2012 by artistMichael de Meng in Oregon,now boasts almost 19,000members—artists andcraftspeople all over theworld committed tospreading goodwill and thelove of art to complete strangers.

De Meng sees abandonment as away to promote acts of kindness and“encourage folks to stay involved in thearts.” The Facebook site gives members aplace where they can share photos andstories of the things they give away, andconnect with other people for support andinspiration.

The rules to art abandonmentare simple: you make something, thenleave it somewhere for someone else todiscover. No strings attached. Manyabandoners prefer to stay anonymous;while others attach contact information inthe hopes that the “finder” will let themknow what becomes of their artwork. Ihave been lucky—I’ve received emails andphotos of my creatures with their newowners. It’s a tremendous compliment,and motivates me to keep on creating andabandoning.

I never anticipated how enjoyable

it would be to create things expressly togive away, or how connected I would feelto the strangers who take my artworkhome. In an age when all we see of mostpeople are the tops of their heads as theysquint down at laptops and smart phones,art abandonment rewards people who lookaround and notice things. My findersmight never venture into local galleriesand see my work, so my work finds them.There is something magical about that.

For more information about theArt Abandonment movement, please checkout The Art Abandonment Project: Createand Share Random Acts of Art by Michaelde Meng and Andrea Matus de Meng.March 2014. North Light Books. Or jointhe group on Facebook, atfacebook.com/groups/artabandonmentand start abandoning your own creations!

See more of Melissa Terlizzi’s work (aswell as clues to future abandonments)

on her Facebook page:www.facebook.com/mlterlizzi.art

VA. WINERIESLoudoun County’s Champions of Cozy

by nancy bauer

Finders KeepersArt abandonment in the ‘burg

By Melissa Terlizza

With nearly 40 wineries packedinto one county, Loudoun - which billsitself as “DC’s Wine Country” – is in a classall its own. Find yourself a trustydesignated driver and a good map (or theVirginia Wine in My Pocket app!), and youcould explore yourself into a very finemood indeed on a crisp fall weekend.

Summertime fly-bys pack in lotsof taste but little savor, while fall, well, fallis also in a class all its own. Here are someof our favorite Loudoun wineries for thecooler weather, with soft leather couchesand wood burning fires, mulled wine andhot soup, warm welcomes and cozy nooks.Go during the week if you’d prefer to bealone, but know that fireplaces blazemostly on weekends, and be sure to checkoperating schedules before you point thecar toward the back roads of Loudoun.

AUTUMN’S A-LLISTOtium Cellars – A pavilion as big as achurch hosts a glass front fireplace anddeep couches. Sliding glass doors keep thespace warm all winter. 18050 TranquilityRoad, Purcellville. (pictured)

Hiddencroft Vineyards – The fire pityou’ve always dreamed of ¾ big enough tobe ringed by 15 Adirondackchairs¾dominates the patio at this quietspot tucked away in a far north corner ofthe county. 12202 Axline Road,Lovettsville.8 Chains North – Deep red walls, lusciousred wines, and ceiling-high stone fireplacecall out for a cuddle. 38593 DaymontLane, Waterford.Sunset Hills Vineyards - Everything’s morefun in a barn. 38295 Fremont OverlookLn, Purcellville.Creek’s Edge Vineyard – Newcomer with afollowing and a fireplace. Get here first,then tell your friends. 41255 Annas Lane,Lovettsville.Breaux Vineyards - Saturdays & Sundaysin November, stop here for sausage &chicken gumbo in the tasting room. 36888Breaux Vineyards Lane, Purcellville.Doukenie Winery – The sun will be well setand the cozy will be amped up for “Create,Paint, and Wine” on Thursday evening,November 14 from 7-9PM ($35, no artexperience necessary, all suppliesincluded). Wine and paintbrushes: soundsmessy – and fun. 14727 Mountain Road,Purcellville.North Gate Vineyards – Go for thewine¾North Gate was one of the mosthighly recognized in the state for2014¾ and stay for the fireplace room,and the handmade truffles. 16031Hillsboro Rd, Purcellville.Hillsborough Vineyards – Plan your all-American Thanksgiving menu as you sipbold Virginia reds in a sunny dining roomthat feels very French, though it’s ownedby a talented family of Turks, on land oncepurchased by a political appointee of the

English Crown. Fireplace inside; fire pitsout. 36716 Charles Town Pike, Purcellville.Quattro Goombas – Fans love the Sicilian-by-way-of-Beaver County, PA square cutpizza. Quattro goes outside the Virginia-only box, bringing in grapes from the westcoast and from Chile to bottle alongsidesome from in state. Fireplaces in and out.22860 James Monroe Hwy, Aldie.

MORE FIRE STARTERSThese Loudoun wineries also keep

you warm with fireplaces, outdoor firepits, or both.

Indoor fires:Bluemont VineyardBogati BodegaCorcoran VineyardsDry Mill Vineyards & WineryHidden Brook WineryWinery 32

Lost Creek WineryPearmund Cellars

Outdoor fires:Casanel VineyardsNotaviva VineyardsFabbioli CellarsStone Tower Winery

Both indoors and outdoors:Barns at Hamilton StationHunters Run Wine BarnLoudoun Valley

Vineyards

Nancy Bauer is the co-founder ofVirginia Wine in My Pocket, the

iTunes/Google mobile app and websitetravel guide to Virginia Wine Country.For more tips on Virginia Wine Country

travel, see our website atVAWineInMyPocket.com.

Snead’s FarmSnead’s FarmCHRISTMAS TREESCHRISTMAS TREES

Cut or Dig Your Own! Reserve Today! No Money Down!

Pine up to 14 ft. ~ $40 Spruce up to 14 ft.~ $70 to $80

Use GoogUse Google Male Maps to Fps to Find Usind UsJust 10 mi. SJust 10 mi. S.E. of.E. of town on town on

Rt. 17, CarRt. 17, Caroline Countyoline County

Come out to our farm, Come out to our farm, where “Keeper” says, where “Keeper” says, ““Woof ! Our treess are Woof ! Our treess are

Besst in the BurgBesst in the Burg ””

22001155 CCSSAA 22001155 CCSSAA WWeeeekkllyy ddeelliivveerriieess MMaayy - OOccttoobbeerrWWeeeekkllyy ddeelliivveerriieess MMaayy - OOccttoobbeerr

$$772200 ppdd bbyy NNoovv..33 (( $$880000 aafftteerr))$$772200 ppdd bbyy NNoovv..33 (( $$880000 aafftteerr))

Open Daily 9 - 5 p.m Sneadsfarm.comOpen Daily 9 - 5 p.m Sneadsfarm.com540.371.1070540.371.1070

Melissa abondoning one of her creations

Found by Alexis Grogan at the Kenmore Inn

8 November 2014 Front porch fredericksburg front porch fredericksburg November 2014 9

I’ve recently begun abandoningsmall animals in Fredericksburg. I strapthem to fences and cram them into tightplaces. I snap photos of their littleupturned faces, then turn my back andwalk away, leaving them to find their ownway in the world. Don’t hate me. I’m notabandoning my pets—only my art.

I am a Fredericksburg artist. Ihave a studio at Artful Dimensions Galleryon Charles Street, where I create all sortsof things out of colorful polymer clay. I

love science and nature, and myfascination with living things is oftenreflected in the things I create: insects,plants, birds and animals. A couplemonths ago, I began taking my crittersout of the gallery and hiding them aroundtown, so they could be discovered byunsuspecting (and hopefully amused)

passersby. “Dropping” art without

being seen is challenging. I sneakaround like a spy, looking for theperfect spots to hide my claycreations. In August I hid anoctopus in the ocean section ofRiverby Books. Last month Itucked a mouse into the wallsurrounding the old FreemasonCemetery. Once I even tied achameleon to the fence inHurkamp Park in broaddaylight—right under the nosesof dog-walkers and distractedpicnickers.

I am not the only person doingthis. “Art Abandonment” has

been around for as long as people havemade art. Today, aided by social media,the movement has taken off. The ArtAbandonment Group on Facebook,

launched in 2012 by artistMichael de Meng in Oregon,now boasts almost 19,000members—artists andcraftspeople all over theworld committed tospreading goodwill and thelove of art to complete strangers.

De Meng sees abandonment as away to promote acts of kindness and“encourage folks to stay involved in thearts.” The Facebook site gives members aplace where they can share photos andstories of the things they give away, andconnect with other people for support andinspiration.

The rules to art abandonmentare simple: you make something, thenleave it somewhere for someone else todiscover. No strings attached. Manyabandoners prefer to stay anonymous;while others attach contact information inthe hopes that the “finder” will let themknow what becomes of their artwork. Ihave been lucky—I’ve received emails andphotos of my creatures with their newowners. It’s a tremendous compliment,and motivates me to keep on creating andabandoning.

I never anticipated how enjoyable

it would be to create things expressly togive away, or how connected I would feelto the strangers who take my artworkhome. In an age when all we see of mostpeople are the tops of their heads as theysquint down at laptops and smart phones,art abandonment rewards people who lookaround and notice things. My findersmight never venture into local galleriesand see my work, so my work finds them.There is something magical about that.

For more information about theArt Abandonment movement, please checkout The Art Abandonment Project: Createand Share Random Acts of Art by Michaelde Meng and Andrea Matus de Meng.March 2014. North Light Books. Or jointhe group on Facebook, atfacebook.com/groups/artabandonmentand start abandoning your own creations!

See more of Melissa Terlizzi’s work (aswell as clues to future abandonments)

on her Facebook page:www.facebook.com/mlterlizzi.art

VA. WINERIESLoudoun County’s Champions of Cozy

by nancy bauer

Finders KeepersArt abandonment in the ‘burg

By Melissa Terlizza

With nearly 40 wineries packedinto one county, Loudoun - which billsitself as “DC’s Wine Country” – is in a classall its own. Find yourself a trustydesignated driver and a good map (or theVirginia Wine in My Pocket app!), and youcould explore yourself into a very finemood indeed on a crisp fall weekend.

Summertime fly-bys pack in lotsof taste but little savor, while fall, well, fallis also in a class all its own. Here are someof our favorite Loudoun wineries for thecooler weather, with soft leather couchesand wood burning fires, mulled wine andhot soup, warm welcomes and cozy nooks.Go during the week if you’d prefer to bealone, but know that fireplaces blazemostly on weekends, and be sure to checkoperating schedules before you point thecar toward the back roads of Loudoun.

AUTUMN’S A-LLISTOtium Cellars – A pavilion as big as achurch hosts a glass front fireplace anddeep couches. Sliding glass doors keep thespace warm all winter. 18050 TranquilityRoad, Purcellville. (pictured)

Hiddencroft Vineyards – The fire pityou’ve always dreamed of ¾ big enough tobe ringed by 15 Adirondackchairs¾dominates the patio at this quietspot tucked away in a far north corner ofthe county. 12202 Axline Road,Lovettsville.8 Chains North – Deep red walls, lusciousred wines, and ceiling-high stone fireplacecall out for a cuddle. 38593 DaymontLane, Waterford.Sunset Hills Vineyards - Everything’s morefun in a barn. 38295 Fremont OverlookLn, Purcellville.Creek’s Edge Vineyard – Newcomer with afollowing and a fireplace. Get here first,then tell your friends. 41255 Annas Lane,Lovettsville.Breaux Vineyards - Saturdays & Sundaysin November, stop here for sausage &chicken gumbo in the tasting room. 36888Breaux Vineyards Lane, Purcellville.Doukenie Winery – The sun will be well setand the cozy will be amped up for “Create,Paint, and Wine” on Thursday evening,November 14 from 7-9PM ($35, no artexperience necessary, all suppliesincluded). Wine and paintbrushes: soundsmessy – and fun. 14727 Mountain Road,Purcellville.North Gate Vineyards – Go for thewine¾North Gate was one of the mosthighly recognized in the state for2014¾ and stay for the fireplace room,and the handmade truffles. 16031Hillsboro Rd, Purcellville.Hillsborough Vineyards – Plan your all-American Thanksgiving menu as you sipbold Virginia reds in a sunny dining roomthat feels very French, though it’s ownedby a talented family of Turks, on land oncepurchased by a political appointee of the

English Crown. Fireplace inside; fire pitsout. 36716 Charles Town Pike, Purcellville.Quattro Goombas – Fans love the Sicilian-by-way-of-Beaver County, PA square cutpizza. Quattro goes outside the Virginia-only box, bringing in grapes from the westcoast and from Chile to bottle alongsidesome from in state. Fireplaces in and out.22860 James Monroe Hwy, Aldie.

MORE FIRE STARTERSThese Loudoun wineries also keep

you warm with fireplaces, outdoor firepits, or both.

Indoor fires:Bluemont VineyardBogati BodegaCorcoran VineyardsDry Mill Vineyards & WineryHidden Brook WineryWinery 32

Lost Creek WineryPearmund Cellars

Outdoor fires:Casanel VineyardsNotaviva VineyardsFabbioli CellarsStone Tower Winery

Both indoors and outdoors:Barns at Hamilton StationHunters Run Wine BarnLoudoun Valley

Vineyards

Nancy Bauer is the co-founder ofVirginia Wine in My Pocket, the

iTunes/Google mobile app and websitetravel guide to Virginia Wine Country.For more tips on Virginia Wine Country

travel, see our website atVAWineInMyPocket.com.

Snead’s FarmSnead’s FarmCHRISTMAS TREESCHRISTMAS TREES

Cut or Dig Your Own! Reserve Today! No Money Down!

Pine up to 14 ft. ~ $40 Spruce up to 14 ft.~ $70 to $80

Use GoogUse Google Male Maps to Fps to Find Usind UsJust 10 mi. SJust 10 mi. S.E. of.E. of town on town on

Rt. 17, CarRt. 17, Caroline Countyoline County

Come out to our farm, Come out to our farm, where “Keeper” says, where “Keeper” says, ““Woof ! Our treess are Woof ! Our treess are

Besst in the BurgBesst in the Burg ””

22001155 CCSSAA 22001155 CCSSAA WWeeeekkllyy ddeelliivveerriieess MMaayy - OOccttoobbeerrWWeeeekkllyy ddeelliivveerriieess MMaayy - OOccttoobbeerr

$$772200 ppdd bbyy NNoovv..33 (( $$880000 aafftteerr))$$772200 ppdd bbyy NNoovv..33 (( $$880000 aafftteerr))

Open Daily 9 - 5 p.m Sneadsfarm.comOpen Daily 9 - 5 p.m Sneadsfarm.com540.371.1070540.371.1070

Melissa abondoning one of her creations

Found by Alexis Grogan at the Kenmore Inn

front porch fredericksburg November 2014 1110 November 2014 Front porch fredericksburg

You run a good interview, sir.Really makes me root around in the oldmemory. You should be comm…….excuseme? Absolutely.

Ready?Okay, like most teenagers, I

washed dishes. Been a trash man –twice –hanging happily from the side of one ofthose behemoth trucks as it sailed (sorryEmily, but there is no frigate like agarbage truck) along suburban streets.I’ve unloaded coal from a train, realignedcemetery headstones, delivered packageson the Tech campus, and worked as ajanitor. I’ve gutted office buildings,, was aswamper in Texas, taught high schoolEnglish, and worked as a librarian. I madepizzas, was a bingo helper, mowed grass,and worked construction. Burned up lotsof food as a short order cook, was atechnical writer, and a uninformed andtechnically-challenged member of Geico’sInformation Technology team. I sold toys(oddly enough, one of the few jobs I’veheld that required me to dress like agrown-up. Painted (houses, not art),processed passport requests, and laboredin an Army mess hall. Masqueraded as amechanic. Theoretically, my job wasinstalling hitches and camper tops on pick-up trucks. I’m guessing a lot of thosehitches didn’t stay hitched and a few ofthose tops blew off.

You’ll note, sire, I mean sir, thatmost of my jobs fall into the “unskilledlabor” category. To which I say, bingo.But I do ask that you consider theimpressive array of unskills Iaccumulated. You’ll have to agree thatwhen it came to performing simplistictasks, I cut a wide swath.

Let me finish relating my workhistory.

I drove a dump truck anddelivered mail on a rural postalroute. Moved furniture. For two years –a prodigious stretch of gainfulemployment! - I was a U.S. Army Combat

Engineer. My actual duties howeverinvolved typewriters. The SpecialSecretarial Forces, you could say. I’vetried telemarketing, too, but am prettysure I hated it even more than the peoplewhose dinners I interrupted.

I’ve been a night watchman –sitting in the middle of a terrifyinglydesolate construction site all nightthinking about every horror movie I’dever seen. I’d sit there, terrified, waitingfor that first zombie strike. Thegraveyard shift never seemed sograveyard-y.

I swept up hair in a barbershop.Poured concrete. Oddly, I never workedin a fast food place. I had my standards.I did, however, have to work in manholeswhere live sewage ran. So my standardswere, shall we say, fluid.

And though I’ve never beenfortunate enough to ask a customer ifhe’d like fries with his order, I have usedshovels. Lots of shovels. Used for thetypes of jobs where you come homemuddy and tired and your breath happyhour beery.

Speaking of beer, I never tendedbar (pretty hilariously ironic, if you knewhow comfortable I am on the non-workingside of a bar.

Worked at a truck wash, too.Drenched within the first ten minutes. Ihadn’t been stuck in wet pants for thatlong since my early boyhood.

I was a bakery apprentice, too. Isincerely hope you never ate any of mybaked – for lack of a better word – goods.Because goods they were not.

So, do you need to see somereferences?

That’s okay, I can find my ownway out.

Rob Huffman continues to work - and who would have thought he’d stick

around so long? - as a high schoollibrarian.

Town MeetingWith Open Minds & Open hearts comes opportunity

By A.E.Bayne

Protests in Ferguson, Missourithis summer prompted many people toclosely consider the realities of racialinequalities within their owncommunities. Ferguson showed us that allis not well, that fear is still a factor in ourinteractions with one another, and itinspired some toward positive action inour own area. The Fredericksburg AreaRace Relations Coalition, in partnershipwith Virginia Organizing, will hold its firstTown Meeting on November 15, 2014,between 12 p.m. and 5 p.m. at ShilohBaptist New Site on Princess Anne Street inFredericksburg. The event is free to thepublic, but registration is requested.

Plans for the event include aworkshop developed through VirginiaOrganizing which allows people ofdifferent backgrounds the opportunity to

talk about racism in an open,racially mixed, safesetting. Established and futurecommunity leaders, and anyoneinterested in improving racerelations, are invited toattend. Dinner will be servedduring the final hour of the event.

The event’s sponsor, TheFredericksburg Area Race Relations

Coalition, was born of concern from asmall group of people who were lookingfor leadership and guidance about ways toeffect positive improvements incommunication and understanding withinour community. They partnered withVirginia Organizing, an establishedgrassroots group with experience infacilitating meaningful dialog betweengroups of different backgrounds andethnicities. The coalition grew with eachmeeting, pulling in attendees from areachurches, community groups, and theNAACP. The expanding email list andattendance at meetings inspired them toplan this first event in November.

Facilitator and VirginiaOrganizing member, Eunice Haigler, saysshe has been impressed by the coalition’sopen-mindedness and lack of personal

agenda. She says, “It looks like they wantto go in the right direction. I like that thegroup is so open to suggestions. They’rejust looking for what might work andexamining what didn’t work in thepast. They are committed. Theydon’t just want to talk; they want to takesome action, which really piqued myinterest. When they came up with thisevent, that was my hook.”

While the group is in its infancy,member Lee Criscuolo is encouraged bythe number of people requesting to be onthe email list and each meeting’s newattendees. She says, “We have a lot ofpeople who want to be in the loop. We’reactively looking for people to join thegroup, and we would like to shareinformation from other groups if they arehaving events in the community so ourmembers can be involved.”

Members agree that the opendialog and discussions have beenconstructive. Ernie Ackermann hasattended meetings from the beginning. Hesays, “It’s really nice the way it’s comingtogether, and we’re fortunate that thereare other people interested. People in thecommunity are feeling like they want totalk about racism in general. Just hearing

what other people are saying changesperspectives.”

Ultimately, members approach itfrom a variety of places, many of thempersonal. Ainsley Brown explains, “Myinterest stems from Ferguson, and all theother Fergusons that I’ve heard of beforeand that I knew were coming. Because Iam the mother of someone of anotherrace, it’s the micro-aggressions anddehumanization that my daughter hasexperienced that have made me ultra-sensitive to the way we treat each other.”

With open dialog and open doors,The Fredericksburg Area Race RelationsCoalition hopes to create real and positiveconnections within our community. AsEunice Haigler explains, “You know, ittakes a village for this to work.”

For more information, please contactAddie Alexander at addie@virginia-

organizing.org or Lee Criscuoloat ziggy22553@gmail.com. Register forthe first Town Meeting at Shiloh Baptist

New Site online athttp://tinyurl.com/mpclbo7.

A.E.Bayne is a teacher, writer and artistwho lives and is involved in the

Fredericksburg community.

The Heritage Center’s collectionscontain many photos and reminiscencesrelating to the game of football. Footballwas new to Fredericksburg High School inthe 1920’s.(above) At first, the playerswere enthusiastic but poorly equipped,both in uniforms and skills, but by the1925 season their knowledge of the gamehad greatly improved. The team won allof its games and was not scored on.

One of the players, WarrenFarmer, told the story in his oral history.“This team was made up of a bunch ofhefty souls…We had a line where I guesssome of them weighed 180 pounds, whichwas pretty heavy for a high school teamin those days. It was just a uniquecongregation that was brought togetherby fate and the fact that for the firsttime we had a very good coach … namedTed Woodson. The result was we wentthrough the [1925] season, won everygame kept every opponent scoreless.That won us the district championship,which was in northern Virginia andincluded Alexandria, our greatestenemy.”

The newspaper account of thedistrict championship game was modestlyworded, but upbeat: The game was not asdifficult as expected and the local team“trotted out some new plays … and thetrials were successful,” wrote the sportswriter for the [Fredericksburg] Star.

Then came what Farmerremembered was the eastern Virginiachampionship game – district championagainst district. Fredericksburg playedSouth Norfolk and lost 39 to 0. Farmerremembers: “It was one whale of afootball game. They really beat us.”

As for turkeys – the followingstory from the Center’s collectionssuggests that they are not just forThanksgiving.

Included in the Heritage Center’svast collection of Knox Family documentsare two notes about a turkey. In 1925,Lucy Brockenbrough Knox married Louis

E. Marie, Jr., an officer in the U. S. MarineCorps. In 1928, Lieutenant Marie wasposted to China, where the coupleapparently enjoyed sightseeing andestablished friendships within the militaryand local communities. The following yearthey were transferred to the Philippines.The two notes, quoted here, are testamentto the high regard in which the Marieswere held, as well as to the plight ofpoultry in the summer of 1930:“Dear Sir & Madames:

I am with great pleasuresending you a turkey and a fruit cake for“The 4th of July Celebration”, and I hopeyou will all enjoy with them.

With best regards, I am, Yoursrespectfully, Foo Ying, 5, July 1930

To Lieutenant & Mrs. Marie &Mrs. Knox [Lucy’s mother lived withthem] U. S. Naval Station, Olongapo, P. I.

My dear Friends:I am very sorry indeed that the

turkey I sent you for July 4th was dead. Ithink it was because of the sea sick andthe turkey had been on board theGenesee for more than four days.

But now I feel very happy that Ihave obtained in town another one foryou, and I sincerely hope you all willenjoy with it. I know very well that youdo not like me to do that at all, but tome, you know how I feel and I cannothelp it, as you all have been very kind tous. If I want to send something to afriend, I always want to see that he willmake good use of it.

With best compliments, Yoursvery sincerely, Foo Ying”

While we are enjoying ourfootball games and Thanksgiving turkeysthis November, we might remember withpride and with sorrow those events of the1920’s in Fredericksburg and around theworld.

Nancy Bruns and Judy Chaimson,volunteers at the Heritage Center.

Eunice Haigler and Lee Criscuolo look forward tothe upcoming Town Meeting in November.

OUR HERITAGEA look at the Central Rappahannock Heritage Center collection

football and turkeys

By Nancy Bruns & Judy Chaimson

P o r c h L i g h tStories that shine a light on life

...and master of none

By Rob Huffman

front porch fredericksburg November 2014 1110 November 2014 Front porch fredericksburg

You run a good interview, sir.Really makes me root around in the oldmemory. You should be comm…….excuseme? Absolutely.

Ready?Okay, like most teenagers, I

washed dishes. Been a trash man –twice –hanging happily from the side of one ofthose behemoth trucks as it sailed (sorryEmily, but there is no frigate like agarbage truck) along suburban streets.I’ve unloaded coal from a train, realignedcemetery headstones, delivered packageson the Tech campus, and worked as ajanitor. I’ve gutted office buildings,, was aswamper in Texas, taught high schoolEnglish, and worked as a librarian. I madepizzas, was a bingo helper, mowed grass,and worked construction. Burned up lotsof food as a short order cook, was atechnical writer, and a uninformed andtechnically-challenged member of Geico’sInformation Technology team. I sold toys(oddly enough, one of the few jobs I’veheld that required me to dress like agrown-up. Painted (houses, not art),processed passport requests, and laboredin an Army mess hall. Masqueraded as amechanic. Theoretically, my job wasinstalling hitches and camper tops on pick-up trucks. I’m guessing a lot of thosehitches didn’t stay hitched and a few ofthose tops blew off.

You’ll note, sire, I mean sir, thatmost of my jobs fall into the “unskilledlabor” category. To which I say, bingo.But I do ask that you consider theimpressive array of unskills Iaccumulated. You’ll have to agree thatwhen it came to performing simplistictasks, I cut a wide swath.

Let me finish relating my workhistory.

I drove a dump truck anddelivered mail on a rural postalroute. Moved furniture. For two years –a prodigious stretch of gainfulemployment! - I was a U.S. Army Combat

Engineer. My actual duties howeverinvolved typewriters. The SpecialSecretarial Forces, you could say. I’vetried telemarketing, too, but am prettysure I hated it even more than the peoplewhose dinners I interrupted.

I’ve been a night watchman –sitting in the middle of a terrifyinglydesolate construction site all nightthinking about every horror movie I’dever seen. I’d sit there, terrified, waitingfor that first zombie strike. Thegraveyard shift never seemed sograveyard-y.

I swept up hair in a barbershop.Poured concrete. Oddly, I never workedin a fast food place. I had my standards.I did, however, have to work in manholeswhere live sewage ran. So my standardswere, shall we say, fluid.

And though I’ve never beenfortunate enough to ask a customer ifhe’d like fries with his order, I have usedshovels. Lots of shovels. Used for thetypes of jobs where you come homemuddy and tired and your breath happyhour beery.

Speaking of beer, I never tendedbar (pretty hilariously ironic, if you knewhow comfortable I am on the non-workingside of a bar.

Worked at a truck wash, too.Drenched within the first ten minutes. Ihadn’t been stuck in wet pants for thatlong since my early boyhood.

I was a bakery apprentice, too. Isincerely hope you never ate any of mybaked – for lack of a better word – goods.Because goods they were not.

So, do you need to see somereferences?

That’s okay, I can find my ownway out.

Rob Huffman continues to work - and who would have thought he’d stick

around so long? - as a high schoollibrarian.

Town MeetingWith Open Minds & Open hearts comes opportunity

By A.E.Bayne

Protests in Ferguson, Missourithis summer prompted many people toclosely consider the realities of racialinequalities within their owncommunities. Ferguson showed us that allis not well, that fear is still a factor in ourinteractions with one another, and itinspired some toward positive action inour own area. The Fredericksburg AreaRace Relations Coalition, in partnershipwith Virginia Organizing, will hold its firstTown Meeting on November 15, 2014,between 12 p.m. and 5 p.m. at ShilohBaptist New Site on Princess Anne Street inFredericksburg. The event is free to thepublic, but registration is requested.

Plans for the event include aworkshop developed through VirginiaOrganizing which allows people ofdifferent backgrounds the opportunity to

talk about racism in an open,racially mixed, safesetting. Established and futurecommunity leaders, and anyoneinterested in improving racerelations, are invited toattend. Dinner will be servedduring the final hour of the event.

The event’s sponsor, TheFredericksburg Area Race Relations

Coalition, was born of concern from asmall group of people who were lookingfor leadership and guidance about ways toeffect positive improvements incommunication and understanding withinour community. They partnered withVirginia Organizing, an establishedgrassroots group with experience infacilitating meaningful dialog betweengroups of different backgrounds andethnicities. The coalition grew with eachmeeting, pulling in attendees from areachurches, community groups, and theNAACP. The expanding email list andattendance at meetings inspired them toplan this first event in November.

Facilitator and VirginiaOrganizing member, Eunice Haigler, saysshe has been impressed by the coalition’sopen-mindedness and lack of personal

agenda. She says, “It looks like they wantto go in the right direction. I like that thegroup is so open to suggestions. They’rejust looking for what might work andexamining what didn’t work in thepast. They are committed. Theydon’t just want to talk; they want to takesome action, which really piqued myinterest. When they came up with thisevent, that was my hook.”

While the group is in its infancy,member Lee Criscuolo is encouraged bythe number of people requesting to be onthe email list and each meeting’s newattendees. She says, “We have a lot ofpeople who want to be in the loop. We’reactively looking for people to join thegroup, and we would like to shareinformation from other groups if they arehaving events in the community so ourmembers can be involved.”

Members agree that the opendialog and discussions have beenconstructive. Ernie Ackermann hasattended meetings from the beginning. Hesays, “It’s really nice the way it’s comingtogether, and we’re fortunate that thereare other people interested. People in thecommunity are feeling like they want totalk about racism in general. Just hearing

what other people are saying changesperspectives.”

Ultimately, members approach itfrom a variety of places, many of thempersonal. Ainsley Brown explains, “Myinterest stems from Ferguson, and all theother Fergusons that I’ve heard of beforeand that I knew were coming. Because Iam the mother of someone of anotherrace, it’s the micro-aggressions anddehumanization that my daughter hasexperienced that have made me ultra-sensitive to the way we treat each other.”

With open dialog and open doors,The Fredericksburg Area Race RelationsCoalition hopes to create real and positiveconnections within our community. AsEunice Haigler explains, “You know, ittakes a village for this to work.”

For more information, please contactAddie Alexander at addie@virginia-

organizing.org or Lee Criscuoloat ziggy22553@gmail.com. Register forthe first Town Meeting at Shiloh Baptist

New Site online athttp://tinyurl.com/mpclbo7.

A.E.Bayne is a teacher, writer and artistwho lives and is involved in the

Fredericksburg community.

The Heritage Center’s collectionscontain many photos and reminiscencesrelating to the game of football. Footballwas new to Fredericksburg High School inthe 1920’s.(above) At first, the playerswere enthusiastic but poorly equipped,both in uniforms and skills, but by the1925 season their knowledge of the gamehad greatly improved. The team won allof its games and was not scored on.

One of the players, WarrenFarmer, told the story in his oral history.“This team was made up of a bunch ofhefty souls…We had a line where I guesssome of them weighed 180 pounds, whichwas pretty heavy for a high school teamin those days. It was just a uniquecongregation that was brought togetherby fate and the fact that for the firsttime we had a very good coach … namedTed Woodson. The result was we wentthrough the [1925] season, won everygame kept every opponent scoreless.That won us the district championship,which was in northern Virginia andincluded Alexandria, our greatestenemy.”

The newspaper account of thedistrict championship game was modestlyworded, but upbeat: The game was not asdifficult as expected and the local team“trotted out some new plays … and thetrials were successful,” wrote the sportswriter for the [Fredericksburg] Star.

Then came what Farmerremembered was the eastern Virginiachampionship game – district championagainst district. Fredericksburg playedSouth Norfolk and lost 39 to 0. Farmerremembers: “It was one whale of afootball game. They really beat us.”

As for turkeys – the followingstory from the Center’s collectionssuggests that they are not just forThanksgiving.

Included in the Heritage Center’svast collection of Knox Family documentsare two notes about a turkey. In 1925,Lucy Brockenbrough Knox married Louis

E. Marie, Jr., an officer in the U. S. MarineCorps. In 1928, Lieutenant Marie wasposted to China, where the coupleapparently enjoyed sightseeing andestablished friendships within the militaryand local communities. The following yearthey were transferred to the Philippines.The two notes, quoted here, are testamentto the high regard in which the Marieswere held, as well as to the plight ofpoultry in the summer of 1930:“Dear Sir & Madames:

I am with great pleasuresending you a turkey and a fruit cake for“The 4th of July Celebration”, and I hopeyou will all enjoy with them.

With best regards, I am, Yoursrespectfully, Foo Ying, 5, July 1930

To Lieutenant & Mrs. Marie &Mrs. Knox [Lucy’s mother lived withthem] U. S. Naval Station, Olongapo, P. I.

My dear Friends:I am very sorry indeed that the

turkey I sent you for July 4th was dead. Ithink it was because of the sea sick andthe turkey had been on board theGenesee for more than four days.

But now I feel very happy that Ihave obtained in town another one foryou, and I sincerely hope you all willenjoy with it. I know very well that youdo not like me to do that at all, but tome, you know how I feel and I cannothelp it, as you all have been very kind tous. If I want to send something to afriend, I always want to see that he willmake good use of it.

With best compliments, Yoursvery sincerely, Foo Ying”

While we are enjoying ourfootball games and Thanksgiving turkeysthis November, we might remember withpride and with sorrow those events of the1920’s in Fredericksburg and around theworld.

Nancy Bruns and Judy Chaimson,volunteers at the Heritage Center.

Eunice Haigler and Lee Criscuolo look forward tothe upcoming Town Meeting in November.

OUR HERITAGEA look at the Central Rappahannock Heritage Center collection

football and turkeys

By Nancy Bruns & Judy Chaimson

P o r c h L i g h tStories that shine a light on life

...and master of none

By Rob Huffman

It is that timeof year againwhen we startthinking abouteveryone gettingtogether andbeing nice toeach other for afew short hoursaround theT h a n k s g i v i n gtable. I havediscovered thatis much morepleasant with agood wine to

accompany the meal. Easier said thandone. The problem has been the plethoraof flavors on the table and having wine tomatch them, which could get ratherexpensive, not to mention intoxicating.One principle of pairing I use that takesaway a lot of the guess work is very simplydo not try to match the foods! Nowbefore all the foodies and wine snobsblackball me, hear me out.

The purpose of a pairing is not tohave a wine that will taste good with thefood or food that tastes good with thewine. In pairing food and wine, neitherthe food nor the wine stands out; rather,one is given the opportunity to accentuatethe combination of both in order toexperience and enjoy the flavor thatresults from the pairing.

I can think of two wines I haveused in the past that have accomplishedthis very nicely. The first is Cline’sAncient Vine Zinfandel. The term ancientvine refers to the fact that the vines areabout 100 years or more in age. At thispoint, they do not produce as much fruit,but what they do produce is veryconcentrated in flavor. Cline has takenthis grape and used it to produce a winethat not only pleases the palate with aconcentration of dark berry flavors, butalso gives off a richness and spice thatabsorbs into and blends with whateverelse is your mouth. The lingering finish ismuch like the beginning, very smooth andpleasing. The entire wine displays a lovelycharacter that not only supports the armyof food flavors attacking your tongue, butalso adds an element of taste thatenhances the flavor of whatever is on yourplate. This is not a wine to be takenlightly, but to be enjoyed as a catalyst forelegance to your holiday fare and can befound for less than $14.00 a bottle.

Of course, not everyone likes redwine. It is hard to imagine a white winethat would fit in this situation other thansome oaky, buttery Chardonnay.Personally, I think butter should bereserved for Grandma Lynn’s rolls to thedegree that melted butter runs down yourarm (please excuse my digression, but her

rolls were always incredible). Getting backto wine, I have found that an off dryRiesling is an excellent choice.Surprisingly, a good Riesling can carry theweight of a large meal such asThanksgiving and one that I wouldrecommend is Dr. L’s Riesling, importedfrom Germany. This particular wine isneither too sweet nor too dry, butexcellent in character and finish, whileallowing the taste of the Riesling grapeitself. And, one of the best parts is that itcan be found for about $10.

Some other considerations mightbe a Super Tuscan. This is an Italian winethat is usually about 85 percentSangiovese and the remainder CabernetSauvignon and Merlot. Both of the latterwines are Bordeaux wines, therefore whenthey are added to Sangiovese, theresulting blend is referred to as a SuperTuscan. Sangiovese, which is the maincomponent for Chianti, is often fermentedsomewhat dry and has a lovely subdueddark cherry and fruit taste. Given thestructure of the Cabernet Sauvignon andthe roundness of the Merlot, a SuperTuscan would go very well with a holidaymeal. It would go well with a hamburger,to be honest.

Of course, there is alwaysAmarone, the prince of Italian reds. Madeby drying the grapes prior tofermentation, this wine gives aconcentrated taste that woos the palatewith its silky texture and causes cessationto all activity as one sits in amazementthat a wine could be so good. A wine thatbegs for good food, an Amarone byAllegrini goes for approximately $75-80.00 per bottle. It is worth every cent.

Whatever you drink, please enjoyresponsibly and may the God of theHarvest bless you and your houseabundantly.

Scott Richards is a freelance writer,owner of Loch Haven Vineyards in

Sparta, VA, member of VA VineyardsAssociation, and blogger atfromthevine.wordpress.com.

12 November 2014 Front porch fredericksburg front porch fredericksburg November 2014 13

VViinnooThanksgiving Wines

By scott richards

Season’s BountyBlack Walnuts

By vanessa moncure

The black-walnut cracking rock isstill in place, rising off the edge of the oldkitchen porch. Our Virginia Century farmin Madison holds many memories formultiple generations — especially as ourfamily life-spans often ran into ninedecades. Traditions seemed to moveslowly — still making home-made lye soap,picking towel-lined baskets of merkels —nature’s glorious gifts springing fromheavy leaf mould in the early spring. EarlyHeirloom apple trees gave us gnarled andtart fruit, raspberries and blackberrieswere worth the painful trip into athornberry patch — why are the best justout of reach?

Black walnut trees surroundedthe old house — I was often given a cottonbag to pick up the husk-covered walnuts,still green on the ground. A large sackfulproduced maybe a pint of the tangy nuts,saved and portioned for Christmas baking.My great-grandmother used to clean anddry the husks — she wore heavy gloves toavoid the inevitable walnut-stained hands— then as a special treat, would pick a fewnuts up in her flour-sack apron and bringthem to the edge of the porch, along withher tiny kitchen hammer and a collectionof nut picks. I would lean into her tiny 5’frame, waiting for my precious treat. Shewould crack the shell — for some reason,black walnuts are harder and seem toproduce fewer nuts per shell than say,pecans or almonds. My children todaydon’t like the distinctive flavor of blackwalnut, so substitute any other nut youprefer - I think I love them because of myporch memories.

I purchase pecans in season froma Georgia grower, through a women’sgroup in Culpeper — I don’t think they’veraised the price in five years!

NUT TOPPING COOKIE BARSMix together 2 c. flour, ¼ c. sugar, ½tsp. flour and 1 c. butter until the

consistency of cornmeal. Spread ingreased 9/13” pan, then bake at 350Funtil lightly browned, about 18 minutes.Remove from oven and pour nutmixture over top, then return to ovenand bake until golden brown and firmabout 12 minutes.

NUT MIXTUREMix 4 beaten eggs, 1 c. light brownsugar, 1 ½ c. mixture light and darkcorn meal, 1 c. chopped pecans, ¼ tsp.salt, 1 T. vanilla, 2 T. melted butter

BLACK WALNUT MIXTURE TOPPINGMix together above ingredients, adding1 c. coconut and ½ tsp. coconut extract.

HOLIDAY FUDGEI love black walnuts, but family

favorite is English walnuts.Combine 4 sq. unsweetened chocolate, 2c. sugar, 2 T. light corn syrup, ¾ c. halfand half, ½ c. butter, 1 T. vanilla.Combine all ingredients except butterand vanilla in heavy saucepan and cookover low heat until mixture forms a softball (234F on candy thermometer).Remove from heat, put butter andvanilla atop chocolate mixture but donot stir until cools. Beat by hand tilfudge is glossy; stir in nuts and pour intogreased pan (9x9) can also be droppedby spoonful onto parchment paper.Store airtight.

CHOCOLATE CHESS NUT PIEMelt together 5T. butter, 1 oz.unsweeted chocolate, then stir in 2 eggs,1 ¼ c. sugar, 1 T. vanilla, ½ c.evaporated milk and 1 c. chopped blackwalnuts. Pour into 9” unbaked pie shellthen bake in preheated oven 375F 35-40minutes until filling is firm. Enjoy!

Vanessa Moncure and her recipes are areason to be thankful.

While it might seem daunting tofeed thousands of people, hungry familiesin our community are sure hoping youwill. With your gift , the FredericksburgArea Food Bank can feed thousands in theFredericksburg Area who need a littleextra help this year.Every $1 you give canbe turned into 3 meals.

With your donation of as little as$25, 75 meals can be provided to hungrychildren and families in our community.

The Fredericksburg Area FoodBank continues to distribute more foodevery year. Local donors provide criticalsupport that allows the Food Bank tocontinue to feed more people. Local fooddonors provide over one-third of fooddonations, sourcing more food locallythan government programs and FeedingAmerica donations. Financial donorsprovide the resources not only topurchase food, but to fund transportationof food donations and support forwarehouse operations. The Food Bankappreciates current and past support offood and financial donors and needs thissupport to continue in order to meet theneeds of the hungry that live in ourcommunity.

Take A Tour of the Food BankHave you ever wondered exactly

how we receive and transport millions of

meals to hungry families? Would you liketo see how the food distribution systemworks? Contact Dayle Reschick to schedulea tour of our facility with your students,employees, club or group.

Enjoy the recipe below, from ourfamily to yours, a token of ourappreciation of your support

Mom’s Pumpkin Bread!3½ cups sifted flour1½ teaspoons salt2 teaspoons baking sod1 teaspoon each of cinnamon, nutmeg &allspice2 cups of canned pumpkin3 cups sugar4 eggs2/3 cup water1 cup cooking oil1 cup nutsSift dry ingredients together in bowl. Inseparate bowl mix sugar,eggs &pumpkin. Add dry ingredients to bowl.Add water, oil & nuts. Mix wellGrease two large loaf pans and coat withflour. Bake at 350 degrees for 1 hour.

Contact the Fredericksburg Area FoodBank at 540-371-7666,

www.fredfood.org. or visit them at 3631 Lee Hill Drive

SSammy ammy T’T’ ssServing Great Food Since 1981

801 Caroline Street (540) 371-2008

Try Our Self-Serve Yogurtopen 11:30 am Daily

Still Owned by the Emory Family

DOWNTOWN FREDERICKSBURG’S

Home of the “Camper Special” & the Best Burger in Town

Olde Towne BUTCHERCorner of William & Charles Streets

Downtown Fredericksburg

540.370.4105

www.oldetownebutcher.com

9am - 9pm Monday through Saturday11am - 6pm Sunday

Lee Russell Proprietor

The General StoreRestaurant

Italian/American FoodMonday-Saturday 11 am-10 pm

371-40752018 College Ave.

Fredericksburg

Since 1978

Open Daily 11am - 4pm540.371.2233

www.thevirginiadeli.com826 Caroline at the corner of Caroline & George Streets

Master Card ~ Visa ~ Discover

...because together, we’ll feed thousands!

It is that timeof year againwhen we startthinking abouteveryone gettingtogether andbeing nice toeach other for afew short hoursaround theT h a n k s g i v i n gtable. I havediscovered thatis much morepleasant with agood wine to

accompany the meal. Easier said thandone. The problem has been the plethoraof flavors on the table and having wine tomatch them, which could get ratherexpensive, not to mention intoxicating.One principle of pairing I use that takesaway a lot of the guess work is very simplydo not try to match the foods! Nowbefore all the foodies and wine snobsblackball me, hear me out.

The purpose of a pairing is not tohave a wine that will taste good with thefood or food that tastes good with thewine. In pairing food and wine, neitherthe food nor the wine stands out; rather,one is given the opportunity to accentuatethe combination of both in order toexperience and enjoy the flavor thatresults from the pairing.

I can think of two wines I haveused in the past that have accomplishedthis very nicely. The first is Cline’sAncient Vine Zinfandel. The term ancientvine refers to the fact that the vines areabout 100 years or more in age. At thispoint, they do not produce as much fruit,but what they do produce is veryconcentrated in flavor. Cline has takenthis grape and used it to produce a winethat not only pleases the palate with aconcentration of dark berry flavors, butalso gives off a richness and spice thatabsorbs into and blends with whateverelse is your mouth. The lingering finish ismuch like the beginning, very smooth andpleasing. The entire wine displays a lovelycharacter that not only supports the armyof food flavors attacking your tongue, butalso adds an element of taste thatenhances the flavor of whatever is on yourplate. This is not a wine to be takenlightly, but to be enjoyed as a catalyst forelegance to your holiday fare and can befound for less than $14.00 a bottle.

Of course, not everyone likes redwine. It is hard to imagine a white winethat would fit in this situation other thansome oaky, buttery Chardonnay.Personally, I think butter should bereserved for Grandma Lynn’s rolls to thedegree that melted butter runs down yourarm (please excuse my digression, but her

rolls were always incredible). Getting backto wine, I have found that an off dryRiesling is an excellent choice.Surprisingly, a good Riesling can carry theweight of a large meal such asThanksgiving and one that I wouldrecommend is Dr. L’s Riesling, importedfrom Germany. This particular wine isneither too sweet nor too dry, butexcellent in character and finish, whileallowing the taste of the Riesling grapeitself. And, one of the best parts is that itcan be found for about $10.

Some other considerations mightbe a Super Tuscan. This is an Italian winethat is usually about 85 percentSangiovese and the remainder CabernetSauvignon and Merlot. Both of the latterwines are Bordeaux wines, therefore whenthey are added to Sangiovese, theresulting blend is referred to as a SuperTuscan. Sangiovese, which is the maincomponent for Chianti, is often fermentedsomewhat dry and has a lovely subdueddark cherry and fruit taste. Given thestructure of the Cabernet Sauvignon andthe roundness of the Merlot, a SuperTuscan would go very well with a holidaymeal. It would go well with a hamburger,to be honest.

Of course, there is alwaysAmarone, the prince of Italian reds. Madeby drying the grapes prior tofermentation, this wine gives aconcentrated taste that woos the palatewith its silky texture and causes cessationto all activity as one sits in amazementthat a wine could be so good. A wine thatbegs for good food, an Amarone byAllegrini goes for approximately $75-80.00 per bottle. It is worth every cent.

Whatever you drink, please enjoyresponsibly and may the God of theHarvest bless you and your houseabundantly.

Scott Richards is a freelance writer,owner of Loch Haven Vineyards in

Sparta, VA, member of VA VineyardsAssociation, and blogger atfromthevine.wordpress.com.

12 November 2014 Front porch fredericksburg front porch fredericksburg November 2014 13

VViinnooThanksgiving Wines

By scott richards

Season’s BountyBlack Walnuts

By vanessa moncure

The black-walnut cracking rock isstill in place, rising off the edge of the oldkitchen porch. Our Virginia Century farmin Madison holds many memories formultiple generations — especially as ourfamily life-spans often ran into ninedecades. Traditions seemed to moveslowly — still making home-made lye soap,picking towel-lined baskets of merkels —nature’s glorious gifts springing fromheavy leaf mould in the early spring. EarlyHeirloom apple trees gave us gnarled andtart fruit, raspberries and blackberrieswere worth the painful trip into athornberry patch — why are the best justout of reach?

Black walnut trees surroundedthe old house — I was often given a cottonbag to pick up the husk-covered walnuts,still green on the ground. A large sackfulproduced maybe a pint of the tangy nuts,saved and portioned for Christmas baking.My great-grandmother used to clean anddry the husks — she wore heavy gloves toavoid the inevitable walnut-stained hands— then as a special treat, would pick a fewnuts up in her flour-sack apron and bringthem to the edge of the porch, along withher tiny kitchen hammer and a collectionof nut picks. I would lean into her tiny 5’frame, waiting for my precious treat. Shewould crack the shell — for some reason,black walnuts are harder and seem toproduce fewer nuts per shell than say,pecans or almonds. My children todaydon’t like the distinctive flavor of blackwalnut, so substitute any other nut youprefer - I think I love them because of myporch memories.

I purchase pecans in season froma Georgia grower, through a women’sgroup in Culpeper — I don’t think they’veraised the price in five years!

NUT TOPPING COOKIE BARSMix together 2 c. flour, ¼ c. sugar, ½tsp. flour and 1 c. butter until the

consistency of cornmeal. Spread ingreased 9/13” pan, then bake at 350Funtil lightly browned, about 18 minutes.Remove from oven and pour nutmixture over top, then return to ovenand bake until golden brown and firmabout 12 minutes.

NUT MIXTUREMix 4 beaten eggs, 1 c. light brownsugar, 1 ½ c. mixture light and darkcorn meal, 1 c. chopped pecans, ¼ tsp.salt, 1 T. vanilla, 2 T. melted butter

BLACK WALNUT MIXTURE TOPPINGMix together above ingredients, adding1 c. coconut and ½ tsp. coconut extract.

HOLIDAY FUDGEI love black walnuts, but family

favorite is English walnuts.Combine 4 sq. unsweetened chocolate, 2c. sugar, 2 T. light corn syrup, ¾ c. halfand half, ½ c. butter, 1 T. vanilla.Combine all ingredients except butterand vanilla in heavy saucepan and cookover low heat until mixture forms a softball (234F on candy thermometer).Remove from heat, put butter andvanilla atop chocolate mixture but donot stir until cools. Beat by hand tilfudge is glossy; stir in nuts and pour intogreased pan (9x9) can also be droppedby spoonful onto parchment paper.Store airtight.

CHOCOLATE CHESS NUT PIEMelt together 5T. butter, 1 oz.unsweeted chocolate, then stir in 2 eggs,1 ¼ c. sugar, 1 T. vanilla, ½ c.evaporated milk and 1 c. chopped blackwalnuts. Pour into 9” unbaked pie shellthen bake in preheated oven 375F 35-40minutes until filling is firm. Enjoy!

Vanessa Moncure and her recipes are areason to be thankful.

While it might seem daunting tofeed thousands of people, hungry familiesin our community are sure hoping youwill. With your gift , the FredericksburgArea Food Bank can feed thousands in theFredericksburg Area who need a littleextra help this year.Every $1 you give canbe turned into 3 meals.

With your donation of as little as$25, 75 meals can be provided to hungrychildren and families in our community.

The Fredericksburg Area FoodBank continues to distribute more foodevery year. Local donors provide criticalsupport that allows the Food Bank tocontinue to feed more people. Local fooddonors provide over one-third of fooddonations, sourcing more food locallythan government programs and FeedingAmerica donations. Financial donorsprovide the resources not only topurchase food, but to fund transportationof food donations and support forwarehouse operations. The Food Bankappreciates current and past support offood and financial donors and needs thissupport to continue in order to meet theneeds of the hungry that live in ourcommunity.

Take A Tour of the Food BankHave you ever wondered exactly

how we receive and transport millions of

meals to hungry families? Would you liketo see how the food distribution systemworks? Contact Dayle Reschick to schedulea tour of our facility with your students,employees, club or group.

Enjoy the recipe below, from ourfamily to yours, a token of ourappreciation of your support

Mom’s Pumpkin Bread!3½ cups sifted flour1½ teaspoons salt2 teaspoons baking sod1 teaspoon each of cinnamon, nutmeg &allspice2 cups of canned pumpkin3 cups sugar4 eggs2/3 cup water1 cup cooking oil1 cup nutsSift dry ingredients together in bowl. Inseparate bowl mix sugar,eggs &pumpkin. Add dry ingredients to bowl.Add water, oil & nuts. Mix wellGrease two large loaf pans and coat withflour. Bake at 350 degrees for 1 hour.

Contact the Fredericksburg Area FoodBank at 540-371-7666,

www.fredfood.org. or visit them at 3631 Lee Hill Drive

SSammy ammy T’T’ ssServing Great Food Since 1981

801 Caroline Street (540) 371-2008

Try Our Self-Serve Yogurtopen 11:30 am Daily

Still Owned by the Emory Family

DOWNTOWN FREDERICKSBURG’S

Home of the “Camper Special” & the Best Burger in Town

Olde Towne BUTCHERCorner of William & Charles Streets

Downtown Fredericksburg

540.370.4105

www.oldetownebutcher.com

9am - 9pm Monday through Saturday11am - 6pm Sunday

Lee Russell Proprietor

The General StoreRestaurant

Italian/American FoodMonday-Saturday 11 am-10 pm

371-40752018 College Ave.

Fredericksburg

Since 1978

Open Daily 11am - 4pm540.371.2233

www.thevirginiadeli.com826 Caroline at the corner of Caroline & George Streets

Master Card ~ Visa ~ Discover

...because together, we’ll feed thousands!

front porch fredericksburg November 2014 1514 November 2014 Front porch fredericksburg

Now that we have had our firstcrisp days of autumn and the leaves arebeginning to change, the transitionalseason of Fall has begun. At its onset, ouracclimation to Fall beer drinking is pre-ordained by the pervasive and ever-promoted Oktoberfest celebrations, wherewe as beer drinkers are bombarded withMärzens, (the traditional lager-style ofbeers synonymous with the Oktoberfestcelebration) and told that Märzen iseverything Fall. Also, at the end ofsummer and then again post Oktoberfestare a class of beers bookending theunavoidable Märzen frenzy, the Shandy,the Belgians, the Tripels and on the taleend, the persistent Frankenstein of beers:the Pumpkin-Patch. As shorter days andthe industry and culture of beer drinkingpress me to pursue darker beers, thestouts and porters and the seasonallyspiced or barrel-aged beers of true winter,it feels like they have left out a championof the transition through Fall, theinglorious, ambiguous and unclassified,delicious and timeless Nut Brown.

The Nut Brown, unassuming andbarely defined, has had a staggeredbrewing history with delicious results. Itwas first brewed centuries ago as a weakbut tasty beer, its only requirement beinga brownish-hued ale derived from aspecifically brown malt. As the use of palemalt became widely popular, as it wasmore productive and cost effective, the artof brewing classic Brown Ale nearlydisappeared. Kept alive by home brewersit has had various resurgences andreformulations over the centuries; to thepoint that today’s definition simply insiststhat it be brown in color but can range inbitterness, sweetness, gravity and alcoholcontent.

You may be familiar witheveryday Nut Browns: Newcastle BrownAle -brewed in the beer’s native England-which is a light-bodied and slightly bittervariety, brewed state-side BrooklynBrewery Brown, NY weighs in on thesweeter end of the spectrum, and for awell-rounded, classic representation of thestyle many of us turn to Bell’s Best BrownAle, MI. While these are all good choicesfor Fall beer staples there are two NutBrown Ales out there that should not bemissed:

Imperial Nut Brown,Tommyknocker Brewery, CO. Don’t shyaway from this one. Although it seems tobe a beast at first glance at 9% ABV, 57IBUs and brewed with pure maple syrup,this Imperial Nut Brown turns out to besophisticated and well balanced. Themaple syrup does not overwhelm butenhances a light to medium body thatyields a smooth and creamy finish withnotes of butterscotch, honeyed butter andmellow coffee.

Southern Pecan Nut Brown, LazyMagnolia, MS. This brew is veryapproachable and you should be preparedto have more than one. At 4.39% ABV, 19IBUs this libation is touted by the brewersas the only beer on the planet brewed withwhole roasted pecans and was a MedalWinner in the 2006 World Beer Cup in theSpecialty Beer category. Light bodied andsmooth with sweet, soft maltiness and asubtle nutty finish that will leave youwanting more.

Matt Mastalski, is one of Bistro Bethem’slong time servers, a recent college

graduate and has a passion for beer and wine

TheSoup & Taco,

Etc.

813 Caroline St.Fredericksburg, VA

Serving TraditionalMexican, Tex-Mex Foodand Something More!!

Tuesday to Saturday11am-9pm

Sunday 11am-6pm

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

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

The Sunken Well Tavern

WELCOME TO OUR

GREAT OUTDOORS

It’s Beautiful ~Night and Day!

Gone are the brightly coloredleaves that painted the trees like an artistplaying with a pallet of colors. Novemberreminds me of a time as a child cominghome to a warm house and the smell ofwarming food. My mom would begin tointroduce more soups and hearty stews toour diet. One of my favorite meals was thesmall pot pies you could purchase at thestore. The warmth of the filling and thecrunch of the topping were comforting. Icare less for those store bought productsnow knowing what is in them, but I stilllove the idea of them: vegetables and smallchunks of meat smothered with thickbrothy goodness all topped with a crunchycrust. It is easy enough to recreate thisidea using better ingredients without thepreservatives.

This year was a great year for thegarden and, because we took a minuteduring the season to freeze some peas andcarrots, we now have vegetables that arethe next best thing to fresh. Let’s also usea healthier meat like chicken or turkey(making a big batch of this afterThanksgiving can provide you an easymeal all winter) rather than the “go-to”beef gives you protein without theadditional calories of beef or lamb. Still,we want it to be rich and hearty like a beefstew.

The French have a traditionaldish that uses a rooster (Coq) and wine(Vin) known as coq au vin. Rooster is atough, gamy meat that needs additionalcare to produce something edible. We aregoing to use some of these techniqueswith chicken thighs to produce a winterdish that is delicious and hearty, differentfrom the thin chicken pot pies ofyesteryear.

Preheat oven to 400 degrees andpull a quart of peas and a quart of carrots

from the deep freeze. Shape a puff pastryto the container you will be serving in andbake according to the instructions. Whilethat is baking, let’s work on the richness.

In a Dutch oven on the stove top,caramelize one large minced onion and atablespoon of minced garlic. While that iscooking, prep 10 chicken thighs: washing,removing any tendons, and cutting intobite-sized pieces. Once the onion iscaramelized, add two cups of chicken stockand ½ bottle of good red wine (pouryourself a glass, too) and turn the heat onhigh. To this, add 1 Tbs thyme leaves, 1Tbs minced rosemary, and one bay leaf.Once boiling, add the chicken, ensuringeverything is covered, and put it in theoven for 20 mins.

Pull the mixture out of the ovenand add the peas and carrots, stirring tocombine. Top up with wine if you needmore broth. The goal is 1/3 chicken, 1/3carrots, and 1/3 peas barely covered.After another 10 minutes, check thevegetables and meat for doneness. I likethe vegetables a little crunchy; afterfreezing, when you reheat, the vegetableswill finish cooking. Add a roux bycombining 3 Tbs each of rice flour andbutter in a pan over med high heat. Bringthe mixture to a frothy simmer, stirringfrequently until browned. Add this to theDutch oven and incorporate with a whisk.If it is not thick enough after a coupleminutes of stirring, add more roux. Voila!Portion some for dinner and the rest forthe freezer. This is a dish that freezes well!

It only takes a small amount oftime to create a meal that will bring backfond memories all winter long. Be well!

Kyle Snyder brings us simple, healthyand delicious recipes each month .

About BeerNut Brown Ale

By Matthew mastalski

Cooking With KyleSimple, easy, delicious

by james kyle snyder

Let’s Give ThanksCome Join Us for Thanksgiving Dinner

November 27th, 12-3pm

SNEAK PEEK OF MENU

Cranberry Apple Walnut Salad

Turkey & Ham Carving Station

Cornbread Stuffing

Fresh Cut Green Bean Casserole

Pecan Pie

VViissiitt OOuurr ““FFaacceebbooookk”” ffoorr FFuullll MMeennuu

620 CAROLINE STREET 540.373.8300 for reservations

front porch fredericksburg November 2014 1514 November 2014 Front porch fredericksburg

Now that we have had our firstcrisp days of autumn and the leaves arebeginning to change, the transitionalseason of Fall has begun. At its onset, ouracclimation to Fall beer drinking is pre-ordained by the pervasive and ever-promoted Oktoberfest celebrations, wherewe as beer drinkers are bombarded withMärzens, (the traditional lager-style ofbeers synonymous with the Oktoberfestcelebration) and told that Märzen iseverything Fall. Also, at the end ofsummer and then again post Oktoberfestare a class of beers bookending theunavoidable Märzen frenzy, the Shandy,the Belgians, the Tripels and on the taleend, the persistent Frankenstein of beers:the Pumpkin-Patch. As shorter days andthe industry and culture of beer drinkingpress me to pursue darker beers, thestouts and porters and the seasonallyspiced or barrel-aged beers of true winter,it feels like they have left out a championof the transition through Fall, theinglorious, ambiguous and unclassified,delicious and timeless Nut Brown.

The Nut Brown, unassuming andbarely defined, has had a staggeredbrewing history with delicious results. Itwas first brewed centuries ago as a weakbut tasty beer, its only requirement beinga brownish-hued ale derived from aspecifically brown malt. As the use of palemalt became widely popular, as it wasmore productive and cost effective, the artof brewing classic Brown Ale nearlydisappeared. Kept alive by home brewersit has had various resurgences andreformulations over the centuries; to thepoint that today’s definition simply insiststhat it be brown in color but can range inbitterness, sweetness, gravity and alcoholcontent.

You may be familiar witheveryday Nut Browns: Newcastle BrownAle -brewed in the beer’s native England-which is a light-bodied and slightly bittervariety, brewed state-side BrooklynBrewery Brown, NY weighs in on thesweeter end of the spectrum, and for awell-rounded, classic representation of thestyle many of us turn to Bell’s Best BrownAle, MI. While these are all good choicesfor Fall beer staples there are two NutBrown Ales out there that should not bemissed:

Imperial Nut Brown,Tommyknocker Brewery, CO. Don’t shyaway from this one. Although it seems tobe a beast at first glance at 9% ABV, 57IBUs and brewed with pure maple syrup,this Imperial Nut Brown turns out to besophisticated and well balanced. Themaple syrup does not overwhelm butenhances a light to medium body thatyields a smooth and creamy finish withnotes of butterscotch, honeyed butter andmellow coffee.

Southern Pecan Nut Brown, LazyMagnolia, MS. This brew is veryapproachable and you should be preparedto have more than one. At 4.39% ABV, 19IBUs this libation is touted by the brewersas the only beer on the planet brewed withwhole roasted pecans and was a MedalWinner in the 2006 World Beer Cup in theSpecialty Beer category. Light bodied andsmooth with sweet, soft maltiness and asubtle nutty finish that will leave youwanting more.

Matt Mastalski, is one of Bistro Bethem’slong time servers, a recent college

graduate and has a passion for beer and wine

TheSoup & Taco,

Etc.

813 Caroline St.Fredericksburg, VA

Serving TraditionalMexican, Tex-Mex Foodand Something More!!

Tuesday to Saturday11am-9pm

Sunday 11am-6pm

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

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

The Sunken Well Tavern

WELCOME TO OUR

GREAT OUTDOORS

It’s Beautiful ~Night and Day!

Gone are the brightly coloredleaves that painted the trees like an artistplaying with a pallet of colors. Novemberreminds me of a time as a child cominghome to a warm house and the smell ofwarming food. My mom would begin tointroduce more soups and hearty stews toour diet. One of my favorite meals was thesmall pot pies you could purchase at thestore. The warmth of the filling and thecrunch of the topping were comforting. Icare less for those store bought productsnow knowing what is in them, but I stilllove the idea of them: vegetables and smallchunks of meat smothered with thickbrothy goodness all topped with a crunchycrust. It is easy enough to recreate thisidea using better ingredients without thepreservatives.

This year was a great year for thegarden and, because we took a minuteduring the season to freeze some peas andcarrots, we now have vegetables that arethe next best thing to fresh. Let’s also usea healthier meat like chicken or turkey(making a big batch of this afterThanksgiving can provide you an easymeal all winter) rather than the “go-to”beef gives you protein without theadditional calories of beef or lamb. Still,we want it to be rich and hearty like a beefstew.

The French have a traditionaldish that uses a rooster (Coq) and wine(Vin) known as coq au vin. Rooster is atough, gamy meat that needs additionalcare to produce something edible. We aregoing to use some of these techniqueswith chicken thighs to produce a winterdish that is delicious and hearty, differentfrom the thin chicken pot pies ofyesteryear.

Preheat oven to 400 degrees andpull a quart of peas and a quart of carrots

from the deep freeze. Shape a puff pastryto the container you will be serving in andbake according to the instructions. Whilethat is baking, let’s work on the richness.

In a Dutch oven on the stove top,caramelize one large minced onion and atablespoon of minced garlic. While that iscooking, prep 10 chicken thighs: washing,removing any tendons, and cutting intobite-sized pieces. Once the onion iscaramelized, add two cups of chicken stockand ½ bottle of good red wine (pouryourself a glass, too) and turn the heat onhigh. To this, add 1 Tbs thyme leaves, 1Tbs minced rosemary, and one bay leaf.Once boiling, add the chicken, ensuringeverything is covered, and put it in theoven for 20 mins.

Pull the mixture out of the ovenand add the peas and carrots, stirring tocombine. Top up with wine if you needmore broth. The goal is 1/3 chicken, 1/3carrots, and 1/3 peas barely covered.After another 10 minutes, check thevegetables and meat for doneness. I likethe vegetables a little crunchy; afterfreezing, when you reheat, the vegetableswill finish cooking. Add a roux bycombining 3 Tbs each of rice flour andbutter in a pan over med high heat. Bringthe mixture to a frothy simmer, stirringfrequently until browned. Add this to theDutch oven and incorporate with a whisk.If it is not thick enough after a coupleminutes of stirring, add more roux. Voila!Portion some for dinner and the rest forthe freezer. This is a dish that freezes well!

It only takes a small amount oftime to create a meal that will bring backfond memories all winter long. Be well!

Kyle Snyder brings us simple, healthyand delicious recipes each month .

About BeerNut Brown Ale

By Matthew mastalski

Cooking With KyleSimple, easy, delicious

by james kyle snyder

Let’s Give ThanksCome Join Us for Thanksgiving Dinner

November 27th, 12-3pm

SNEAK PEEK OF MENU

Cranberry Apple Walnut Salad

Turkey & Ham Carving Station

Cornbread Stuffing

Fresh Cut Green Bean Casserole

Pecan Pie

VViissiitt OOuurr ““FFaacceebbooookk”” ffoorr FFuullll MMeennuu

620 CAROLINE STREET 540.373.8300 for reservations

SSaattuurrddaayy NNoovv 11Opening Reception of Kristi Zerull’s “Furs,Feathers & Sales” Backdoor Gallery, 4500 PlankRd, Suite 1012 , 5-7pm

Silent Film Ensemble: the classic silent film ‘TheGeneral’ (1927) starring Buster Keaton will beshown with a five-six person ensemble playing asthe film goes, featuring original music written by ahandful of University of Mary Washingtonstudents. Come out and see it to enjoy the movie,the music and the magic of this cinematic comedy!CRRL, 2pm

Virginia Historical Society Explore Americanhistory with arts and crafts and discoverconnections to the story of Virginia. Stories at theMuseum features a group reading of a children’shistory book and a make-it-and-take-it craft. 11a.m.—noon. It is free and open to all ages.Richmond. contact Caroline Legros 804.342.9652clegros@vahistorical.org

Cabaret at Fredericksburg Square presents TheEric Felton Orchestra, . forinfo www.fburgsquare.com/#!cabaret/c1ocn or540-373-9601

The Contemporary Henna Designs of ShirleyDonahue with Photography by A.E. Bayne @ Skin +Touch

Taste of Asia @ Anderson Center, UMW, 6pm &10pm. an annual celebration of Asian culture. Thisevent educates the community about differentaspects of Asian cultures and lifestyles through afashion show, dance performances, and a variety ofethnic foods.

SSuunnddaayy,, NNoovveemmbbeerr 22Dedication of New Habitat for Humanity 1:30pm ,44 Blizzard Court, Stafford, 22556; This is thefirst home completed by our Women Buildinitiative, in which local women successfully raisedfunds for a family home and brought it tocompletion. Habitat and the partner familyreceiving the home look forward to thanking all ofour local supporters, volunteers and donors. We

welcome everyone to celebrate the result of thisjoint community effort! Keys will be handed overto the family and we will enjoy remarks from someexcellent speakers. Refreshments will be served! Allare welcome. Contact Jane Walters, 540-891-5009

Brush Strokes Gallery All-Month Show: “Stories”presenting New Works by Sarah Lapp, November’sfeatured artist, showcases a new collection ofintuitive abstract paintings in oil and mixed media.

Bistro Bethem 5pm ½ Priced Bottles of Wine

TTuueessddaayy,, NNoovveemmbbeerr 44Art First: Fun with Fred: New works by Casey AlanShaw. Casey brings together paintings, drawingsand mixed media pieces that bring a unique look atthe iconic buildings of Fredericksburg. Thru Nov30th. 824 Caroline St.

Bistro Bethem, 8pm “Acoustic Onion”

TThhuurrssddaayy,, NNoovveemmbbeerr 664th Annual Ponshop Jewelry Show .Sneak Peek 6-8pm features the works from our favorite localjewelers: Leslie Brier, Terresa Buelow, Jodi Habel, KTuna Creations, Lisa Latendress, and TrishSchornagel. In addition, the show includes regionaland national artists Elaine B, Lawrence Butler,Matthew Cirello and Jasmine Lee as AMORDIVIN,and Marstinia Enamel Designs.

Natural Cleaning Products Class, DowntownGreens, 206 Charles St, 5pm. Learn to make yourown natural cleaning products for a fraction of theprice at the grocery store! Essential Oil specialistKristy Walker and Herbalist Katya Hvizdos will walkyou though the in and outs. of making naturalproducts that are good for the whole family! Takeproducts home for $10- or stop in for free towatch! See you there!

Film Lecture—Academy Awards Best Pictures andthe Nominees: The Bush/Obama Years—2005-2009. Gary Olsen, veteran film lecturer, will givecommentary and offer film clips on this timeperiod. November 6th, 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. Central Rappahannock Regional LibraryHeadquarters, Theater Room, 1201 CarolineStreet. 540-372-1144. Free

FFiirrsstt FFrriiddaayy,, NNoovveemmbbeerr 77Ribbon Cutting @River Rock Outfitters 10am.Fredericksburg Main Street welcome Downtown’snewest business – River Rock Outfitter, a specialtyoutdoor retailer focuses on climbing, hiking andpaddling, veteran and family owned by Keith andApril Peterson.915 Sophia St.

Open Late Fridays Downtown: A new initiative forDowntown businesses – over 30 stores will be opento at least 8pm every Friday starting on FirstFriday. Watch for the yellow flags for participatingmerchants.

Brandon Newton “Pop Up” show @ Fredericksburgstudio,1103 Princess Anne St

Ponshop opening reception for the 4th annualJewelry Show showcasing the work of elevenjewelry artists 7 from 6-10pm. 712 Caroline St.

Water Street Studio Join us in welcoming CarolJosefiak as our November featured artist. Oilpaintings including new Fredericksburg paintingswill be displayed during the reception on Nov. 7and all month. 915 Sophia St.

Ponshop kickoff for “Weekend Trunk Show”featuring Daphne Olive (Maryland) and Elaine B(Charlottesville, VA) with light food andrefreshments and music provided by Mike DJ. 5-7pm. To celebrate Fredericksburg’s Holiday OpenHouse event that weekend, the trunk show will runthrough Sunday, November 9.

Music by Wave on Wave @Courtyard Marriott,Acoustic Duo entertaining with all your favoritesand some your haven’t heard in years. CourtyardMarriott has been their First Friday home for 4years. Come out and see why. Children arewelcome. 5-8pm

20th annual Museum Stores of Richmond HolidayShoppers’ Fair at the Library of Virginia, 9:30am –8:30pm, 800 East Broad Street, Richmond, VA23219 Call the Virginia Shop at the Library ofVirginia for directions, 804.692.3524. Can’t makeit to the fair? Visit our online store to purchasegifts @ www. shop-vahistorical.org

Saturday November 8Holiday Open House @ Downtown, All Day.Decorations are in place on Caroline and WilliamStreets. The sense of festivities is in the air withSanta strolls, historical interpreters, and Holidaywindow displays. Special shopping opportunities,“Elfie Selfie” and the Window Wonderland Riddlecontests are just the beginning of holidayexperience in Fredericksburg!

Holiday Craft Show, 9 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. atRiverbend High School, 12301 Spotswood FurnaceRoad, Fredericksburg). Admission is free.

Cabaret at Fredericksburg Square presents“Cloudburst”.Info www.fburgsquare.com/#!cabaret/c1ocn or 540-373-9601

Hard Times Four Mile Fork Presents ‘Animal House’with Tailgate Down Benefiting The FredericksburgRegional SPCA at 9:30 p.m.

SSuunnddaayy,, NNoovveemmbbeerr 99Bistro Bethem, 5pm, Half Price Bottles of Wine

Tuesday, November 11Honor a Veteran

Bistro Bethem “M-Law & The Prophets ofJazz”,8pm

WWeeddnneessddaayy,, NNoovveemmbbeerr 1122QuickBooks The Right Way, This 2-day interactiveseminar/workshop is perfect for any QuickBooksuser, whether you are just starting out or havebeen using it for awhile. Hampton Inn & Suites,4800 Market St. 22408. Contact Latrice Claiborne,540-659-8480. $

FFrriiddaayy,, NNoovveemmbbeerr 1144Open Late Fridays Downtown over 30 stores will beopen to at least 8pm every Friday starting on FirstFriday. Watch for the yellow flags for participatingmerchants.

Fredericksburg Art & Wine Show presented bySpotsylvania Lions, at Fredericksburg CountryClub, 6-9pm. The show will feature 15 differentwines along with a selection of beers to be

sampled. Heavy hor d’oeuvres will be served. Tobenefit Lions sight & hearing programs. Info: TomGorsuch at 540-891-9406 or attgorsuch@gmail.com

Saturday, November 15Mary’s Shelter Arts & Crafts Benefit, 9-2pm, 309Hawke St.Local artists have donated their work forsale: original photography, fiber arts, woodentoys/household goods, refurbished furniture,bakery goods…the list goes on. Come out, enjoy acomplimentary cup of tea, and shop knowing thatyou are supporting Mary’s Shelter, a local homefor women facing crisis pregnancies

Town Meeting @Shilioh Baptist New Site, 11am-4pm, 525 Princess Anne St. The FredericksburgArea Race Relations Coalition invites you to anopen town meeting. The event include a workshopdeveloped through Virginia Organizing which allowspeople of different backgrounds the opportunity totalk about racism in an open, racially mixed, safesetting. Anyone interested in improving race relations,are invited to attend. Dinner will be served during thefinal hour of the event.

Virginia Historical Society Explore Americanhistory with arts and crafts and discoverconnections to the story of Virginia. Stories at theMuseum features a group reading of a children’shistory book and a make-it-and-take-it craft. 11a.m.—noon. It is free and open to all ages.Richmond. contact Caroline Legros 804.342.9652clegros@vahistorical.org

Join Friends of the Rappahannock (FOR) and theOyster Company of Virginia for an afternoon ofoysters, wine, beer and live acoustic music in scenicTopping, Va. FOR is the Voice and Active Force forthe river. Learn about FOR and the unique OystersFor Life program – a great holiday gift idea thatkeeps on giving. The event runs from 1 – 4 p.m.For more info log onto www.riverfriends.org or call(540) 373-3448 x. 117. $Cabaret at Fredericksburg Square presents “TrioCaliente”Info www.fburgsquare.com/#!cabaret/c1ocn or 540-373-9601

SSuunnddaayy,, NNoovveemmbbeerr 1166Bistro Bethem, ½ Priced Bottles of Wine, 5pm

TTuueessddaayy,, NNoovveemmbbeerr 1188Bistro Bethem, “Colonial Seafood”, 8pm

TThhuurrssddaayy,, NNoovveemmbbeerr 2200Fredericksburg Area Museum & Cultural Centerpresents “Evening with an Expert”.Bill Sheild,President of the Richmond, Fredericksburg &Potomac Historical Society, will discusses thehistory of the local line and share stories of themen and women who made it run. This lecture isin honor of our newest acquisition, a Richmond,Fredericksburg & Potomac Railroad Conductoruniform. Evening with an Expert is free and opento the public. Info contact tjackson@famcc.org, or540-371-3037, ext. 140.

FFrriiddaayy,, NNoovveemmbbeerr 2211Merry Market@The Olde Silk Mill, 1701 PrincessAnne St. Fred. Area Service League present it’s8th annual Merry Market and Jingle Bell Cocktail.This three-day boutique shopping experience, willfeature a variety of one-of-a-kind artisans andvendors who are carefully selected to ensure a funholiday shopping experience for all.

Open Late Fridays Downtown Over 30 stores willbe open to at least 8pm every Friday starting onFirst Friday. Watch for the yellow flags forparticipating merchants.

SSaattuurrddaayy,, NNoovveemmbbeerr 2222Cabaret at Fredericksburg Square presents“Potomac Jazz Project Featuring Vocalist KarenGrey”. Infowww.fburgsquare.com/#!cabaret/c1ocn or 540-373-9601

SSuunnddaayy,, NNoovveemmbbeerr 2233Bistro Bethem, ½ Priced Bottles of Wine, 5pm

TTuueessddaayy,, NNoovveemmbbeerr 2255Breakfast with the Curator, 8am, Fred. AreaMuseum & Cultural Center Artist and writer, Ms.Kathryn Willis will discuss the work of our newestCommunity Artist exhibition, John “Jack” Darling

Bistro Bethem “The Approach”, 8pm

TThhuurrssddaayy,, NNoovveemmbbeerr 2277Happy Turkeyday! Let us all give thanks.

FFrriiddaayy,, NNoovveemmbbeerr 2288Open Late Fridays Downtown over 30 stores will beopen to at least 8pm every Friday until Christmas.Watch for the yellow flags for participatingmerchants.

SSaattuurrddaayy,, NNoovveemmbbeerr 2299Small Business “Early Bird Riser”, DowntownFredericksburg, 8am-10am. over 25 stores will beopen from 8am to 10am with special incentives.Look for the red carpet for participatingbusinesses. Free Coffee & pastries until they runout at Visitor Center on William St. Breakfastservice avail at VA Deli, Vivify and Eileen’s.

Annual Children’s Tree Lighting @ Hurkamp Park,4:30-6pm. Meet Santa and other holidaycharacters, make fun holiday crafts, experience livemusic and story-time, and much more! TheFredericksburg Annual Children’s Tree Lightingprogram is free and open to the public. Info: 540-373-1776 or visitfred.com

Cabaret at Fredericksburg Square presents TheGreat Glenn Miller Orchestra Special AreaAppearance, 525 Caroline St. forinfo www.fburgsquare.com/#!cabaret/c1ocn or540-373-9601

SSuunnddaayy,, NNoovveemmbbeerr 3300Strolling Downtown, Step back in time with GeorgeWashington Young Friends in costume. And be onthe lookout for the red suit, you never know whoyou might see walking downtown from 12 to 4pm.

Bistro Bethem ½ Priced Bottle of Wine, 5pm

If you are reading this 208th issue of FP, thank an advertiser as we celebrate our

18th year of continuous publication!

If you are an advertiser, list your event. Deadline for December issue is December 20.

To submit events, follow this link:http://frontporchfredericksburg.com/how-tto-

submit-oonline/

front porch fredericksburg November 2014 1716 November 2014 Front porch fredericksburg

Each HomeInstead Franchise Office is Independently Owned & Operated homeinstead.com

CompanionshipMeal PreparationMedication RemindersLaundry

Light HousekeepingShopping/ErrandsPersonal CareFlexible Hours

Call for a free, no-obligation appointment

540.899.1422

2353 Fans (& Growing)

Want You to Join

FFrroonntt PPoorrcchh on

CALENDARof eventsnovember 2014…Be Thankful!

SSaattuurrddaayy NNoovv 11Opening Reception of Kristi Zerull’s “Furs,Feathers & Sales” Backdoor Gallery, 4500 PlankRd, Suite 1012 , 5-7pm

Silent Film Ensemble: the classic silent film ‘TheGeneral’ (1927) starring Buster Keaton will beshown with a five-six person ensemble playing asthe film goes, featuring original music written by ahandful of University of Mary Washingtonstudents. Come out and see it to enjoy the movie,the music and the magic of this cinematic comedy!CRRL, 2pm

Virginia Historical Society Explore Americanhistory with arts and crafts and discoverconnections to the story of Virginia. Stories at theMuseum features a group reading of a children’shistory book and a make-it-and-take-it craft. 11a.m.—noon. It is free and open to all ages.Richmond. contact Caroline Legros 804.342.9652clegros@vahistorical.org

Cabaret at Fredericksburg Square presents TheEric Felton Orchestra, . forinfo www.fburgsquare.com/#!cabaret/c1ocn or540-373-9601

The Contemporary Henna Designs of ShirleyDonahue with Photography by A.E. Bayne @ Skin +Touch

Taste of Asia @ Anderson Center, UMW, 6pm &10pm. an annual celebration of Asian culture. Thisevent educates the community about differentaspects of Asian cultures and lifestyles through afashion show, dance performances, and a variety ofethnic foods.

SSuunnddaayy,, NNoovveemmbbeerr 22Dedication of New Habitat for Humanity 1:30pm ,44 Blizzard Court, Stafford, 22556; This is thefirst home completed by our Women Buildinitiative, in which local women successfully raisedfunds for a family home and brought it tocompletion. Habitat and the partner familyreceiving the home look forward to thanking all ofour local supporters, volunteers and donors. We

welcome everyone to celebrate the result of thisjoint community effort! Keys will be handed overto the family and we will enjoy remarks from someexcellent speakers. Refreshments will be served! Allare welcome. Contact Jane Walters, 540-891-5009

Brush Strokes Gallery All-Month Show: “Stories”presenting New Works by Sarah Lapp, November’sfeatured artist, showcases a new collection ofintuitive abstract paintings in oil and mixed media.

Bistro Bethem 5pm ½ Priced Bottles of Wine

TTuueessddaayy,, NNoovveemmbbeerr 44Art First: Fun with Fred: New works by Casey AlanShaw. Casey brings together paintings, drawingsand mixed media pieces that bring a unique look atthe iconic buildings of Fredericksburg. Thru Nov30th. 824 Caroline St.

Bistro Bethem, 8pm “Acoustic Onion”

TThhuurrssddaayy,, NNoovveemmbbeerr 664th Annual Ponshop Jewelry Show .Sneak Peek 6-8pm features the works from our favorite localjewelers: Leslie Brier, Terresa Buelow, Jodi Habel, KTuna Creations, Lisa Latendress, and TrishSchornagel. In addition, the show includes regionaland national artists Elaine B, Lawrence Butler,Matthew Cirello and Jasmine Lee as AMORDIVIN,and Marstinia Enamel Designs.

Natural Cleaning Products Class, DowntownGreens, 206 Charles St, 5pm. Learn to make yourown natural cleaning products for a fraction of theprice at the grocery store! Essential Oil specialistKristy Walker and Herbalist Katya Hvizdos will walkyou though the in and outs. of making naturalproducts that are good for the whole family! Takeproducts home for $10- or stop in for free towatch! See you there!

Film Lecture—Academy Awards Best Pictures andthe Nominees: The Bush/Obama Years—2005-2009. Gary Olsen, veteran film lecturer, will givecommentary and offer film clips on this timeperiod. November 6th, 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. Central Rappahannock Regional LibraryHeadquarters, Theater Room, 1201 CarolineStreet. 540-372-1144. Free

FFiirrsstt FFrriiddaayy,, NNoovveemmbbeerr 77Ribbon Cutting @River Rock Outfitters 10am.Fredericksburg Main Street welcome Downtown’snewest business – River Rock Outfitter, a specialtyoutdoor retailer focuses on climbing, hiking andpaddling, veteran and family owned by Keith andApril Peterson.915 Sophia St.

Open Late Fridays Downtown: A new initiative forDowntown businesses – over 30 stores will be opento at least 8pm every Friday starting on FirstFriday. Watch for the yellow flags for participatingmerchants.

Brandon Newton “Pop Up” show @ Fredericksburgstudio,1103 Princess Anne St

Ponshop opening reception for the 4th annualJewelry Show showcasing the work of elevenjewelry artists 7 from 6-10pm. 712 Caroline St.

Water Street Studio Join us in welcoming CarolJosefiak as our November featured artist. Oilpaintings including new Fredericksburg paintingswill be displayed during the reception on Nov. 7and all month. 915 Sophia St.

Ponshop kickoff for “Weekend Trunk Show”featuring Daphne Olive (Maryland) and Elaine B(Charlottesville, VA) with light food andrefreshments and music provided by Mike DJ. 5-7pm. To celebrate Fredericksburg’s Holiday OpenHouse event that weekend, the trunk show will runthrough Sunday, November 9.

Music by Wave on Wave @Courtyard Marriott,Acoustic Duo entertaining with all your favoritesand some your haven’t heard in years. CourtyardMarriott has been their First Friday home for 4years. Come out and see why. Children arewelcome. 5-8pm

20th annual Museum Stores of Richmond HolidayShoppers’ Fair at the Library of Virginia, 9:30am –8:30pm, 800 East Broad Street, Richmond, VA23219 Call the Virginia Shop at the Library ofVirginia for directions, 804.692.3524. Can’t makeit to the fair? Visit our online store to purchasegifts @ www. shop-vahistorical.org

Saturday November 8Holiday Open House @ Downtown, All Day.Decorations are in place on Caroline and WilliamStreets. The sense of festivities is in the air withSanta strolls, historical interpreters, and Holidaywindow displays. Special shopping opportunities,“Elfie Selfie” and the Window Wonderland Riddlecontests are just the beginning of holidayexperience in Fredericksburg!

Holiday Craft Show, 9 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. atRiverbend High School, 12301 Spotswood FurnaceRoad, Fredericksburg). Admission is free.

Cabaret at Fredericksburg Square presents“Cloudburst”.Info www.fburgsquare.com/#!cabaret/c1ocn or 540-373-9601

Hard Times Four Mile Fork Presents ‘Animal House’with Tailgate Down Benefiting The FredericksburgRegional SPCA at 9:30 p.m.

SSuunnddaayy,, NNoovveemmbbeerr 99Bistro Bethem, 5pm, Half Price Bottles of Wine

Tuesday, November 11Honor a Veteran

Bistro Bethem “M-Law & The Prophets ofJazz”,8pm

WWeeddnneessddaayy,, NNoovveemmbbeerr 1122QuickBooks The Right Way, This 2-day interactiveseminar/workshop is perfect for any QuickBooksuser, whether you are just starting out or havebeen using it for awhile. Hampton Inn & Suites,4800 Market St. 22408. Contact Latrice Claiborne,540-659-8480. $

FFrriiddaayy,, NNoovveemmbbeerr 1144Open Late Fridays Downtown over 30 stores will beopen to at least 8pm every Friday starting on FirstFriday. Watch for the yellow flags for participatingmerchants.

Fredericksburg Art & Wine Show presented bySpotsylvania Lions, at Fredericksburg CountryClub, 6-9pm. The show will feature 15 differentwines along with a selection of beers to be

sampled. Heavy hor d’oeuvres will be served. Tobenefit Lions sight & hearing programs. Info: TomGorsuch at 540-891-9406 or attgorsuch@gmail.com

Saturday, November 15Mary’s Shelter Arts & Crafts Benefit, 9-2pm, 309Hawke St.Local artists have donated their work forsale: original photography, fiber arts, woodentoys/household goods, refurbished furniture,bakery goods…the list goes on. Come out, enjoy acomplimentary cup of tea, and shop knowing thatyou are supporting Mary’s Shelter, a local homefor women facing crisis pregnancies

Town Meeting @Shilioh Baptist New Site, 11am-4pm, 525 Princess Anne St. The FredericksburgArea Race Relations Coalition invites you to anopen town meeting. The event include a workshopdeveloped through Virginia Organizing which allowspeople of different backgrounds the opportunity totalk about racism in an open, racially mixed, safesetting. Anyone interested in improving race relations,are invited to attend. Dinner will be served during thefinal hour of the event.

Virginia Historical Society Explore Americanhistory with arts and crafts and discoverconnections to the story of Virginia. Stories at theMuseum features a group reading of a children’shistory book and a make-it-and-take-it craft. 11a.m.—noon. It is free and open to all ages.Richmond. contact Caroline Legros 804.342.9652clegros@vahistorical.org

Join Friends of the Rappahannock (FOR) and theOyster Company of Virginia for an afternoon ofoysters, wine, beer and live acoustic music in scenicTopping, Va. FOR is the Voice and Active Force forthe river. Learn about FOR and the unique OystersFor Life program – a great holiday gift idea thatkeeps on giving. The event runs from 1 – 4 p.m.For more info log onto www.riverfriends.org or call(540) 373-3448 x. 117. $Cabaret at Fredericksburg Square presents “TrioCaliente”Info www.fburgsquare.com/#!cabaret/c1ocn or 540-373-9601

SSuunnddaayy,, NNoovveemmbbeerr 1166Bistro Bethem, ½ Priced Bottles of Wine, 5pm

TTuueessddaayy,, NNoovveemmbbeerr 1188Bistro Bethem, “Colonial Seafood”, 8pm

TThhuurrssddaayy,, NNoovveemmbbeerr 2200Fredericksburg Area Museum & Cultural Centerpresents “Evening with an Expert”.Bill Sheild,President of the Richmond, Fredericksburg &Potomac Historical Society, will discusses thehistory of the local line and share stories of themen and women who made it run. This lecture isin honor of our newest acquisition, a Richmond,Fredericksburg & Potomac Railroad Conductoruniform. Evening with an Expert is free and opento the public. Info contact tjackson@famcc.org, or540-371-3037, ext. 140.

FFrriiddaayy,, NNoovveemmbbeerr 2211Merry Market@The Olde Silk Mill, 1701 PrincessAnne St. Fred. Area Service League present it’s8th annual Merry Market and Jingle Bell Cocktail.This three-day boutique shopping experience, willfeature a variety of one-of-a-kind artisans andvendors who are carefully selected to ensure a funholiday shopping experience for all.

Open Late Fridays Downtown Over 30 stores willbe open to at least 8pm every Friday starting onFirst Friday. Watch for the yellow flags forparticipating merchants.

SSaattuurrddaayy,, NNoovveemmbbeerr 2222Cabaret at Fredericksburg Square presents“Potomac Jazz Project Featuring Vocalist KarenGrey”. Infowww.fburgsquare.com/#!cabaret/c1ocn or 540-373-9601

SSuunnddaayy,, NNoovveemmbbeerr 2233Bistro Bethem, ½ Priced Bottles of Wine, 5pm

TTuueessddaayy,, NNoovveemmbbeerr 2255Breakfast with the Curator, 8am, Fred. AreaMuseum & Cultural Center Artist and writer, Ms.Kathryn Willis will discuss the work of our newestCommunity Artist exhibition, John “Jack” Darling

Bistro Bethem “The Approach”, 8pm

TThhuurrssddaayy,, NNoovveemmbbeerr 2277Happy Turkeyday! Let us all give thanks.

FFrriiddaayy,, NNoovveemmbbeerr 2288Open Late Fridays Downtown over 30 stores will beopen to at least 8pm every Friday until Christmas.Watch for the yellow flags for participatingmerchants.

SSaattuurrddaayy,, NNoovveemmbbeerr 2299Small Business “Early Bird Riser”, DowntownFredericksburg, 8am-10am. over 25 stores will beopen from 8am to 10am with special incentives.Look for the red carpet for participatingbusinesses. Free Coffee & pastries until they runout at Visitor Center on William St. Breakfastservice avail at VA Deli, Vivify and Eileen’s.

Annual Children’s Tree Lighting @ Hurkamp Park,4:30-6pm. Meet Santa and other holidaycharacters, make fun holiday crafts, experience livemusic and story-time, and much more! TheFredericksburg Annual Children’s Tree Lightingprogram is free and open to the public. Info: 540-373-1776 or visitfred.com

Cabaret at Fredericksburg Square presents TheGreat Glenn Miller Orchestra Special AreaAppearance, 525 Caroline St. forinfo www.fburgsquare.com/#!cabaret/c1ocn or540-373-9601

SSuunnddaayy,, NNoovveemmbbeerr 3300Strolling Downtown, Step back in time with GeorgeWashington Young Friends in costume. And be onthe lookout for the red suit, you never know whoyou might see walking downtown from 12 to 4pm.

Bistro Bethem ½ Priced Bottle of Wine, 5pm

If you are reading this 208th issue of FP, thank an advertiser as we celebrate our

18th year of continuous publication!

If you are an advertiser, list your event. Deadline for December issue is December 20.

To submit events, follow this link:http://frontporchfredericksburg.com/how-tto-

submit-oonline/

front porch fredericksburg November 2014 1716 November 2014 Front porch fredericksburg

Each HomeInstead Franchise Office is Independently Owned & Operated homeinstead.com

CompanionshipMeal PreparationMedication RemindersLaundry

Light HousekeepingShopping/ErrandsPersonal CareFlexible Hours

Call for a free, no-obligation appointment

540.899.1422

2353 Fans (& Growing)

Want You to Join

FFrroonntt PPoorrcchh on

CALENDARof eventsnovember 2014…Be Thankful!

In 1994 a young Park Ranger, Noel Harrison wrote a book aboutFredericksburg during the Spanish-American war. Noel is still employedby the National Park Service across the Rappahannock in the offices atChatham. Noel has written several books since that time on the WarBetween the States.

Cuba had been a “hot bed of revolt” from 1868 until on February15, 1898 when the battleship Maine was blown up in Havana harbor, anact that would bring the United States into war. Fredericksburg had amilitia unit know as the Washington Guards that became combined withCompany K, Third Virginia Infantry. Company K was made up of menfrom Fredericksburg and the surrounding counties, however, many menwho signed up for company K were assigned to other units. CompanyK and all of the Third Virginia were assigned to the Richmond areawhich upset many of the local Fredericksburg business owners due tothe loss of business. They began lobbying the War Department to locatea military facility near Fredericksburg. On June 1, 1898 the Town wasadvised that approximated 1,000 soldiers of the Fourth United StatesVolunteer Infantry would establish a training camp nearFredericksburg. Not all local citizens were happy because 36 yearsearlier many of them fled their homes when the Union Army took overthe Town and destroyed their property 1862. Over 900 of the soldiers

in the 4th were African-Americans.The camp was named “Camp Cobb” in honor of the South Carolina

General Thomas Cobb who was killed during the battle in 1862. Cobbhad spent many summers in Fredericksburg prior to the Civil War at the home of hisgrandparents on Hanover Street.

Camp Cobb was a tent city with eleven streets formed by parallel rows of tents.The camp was located in the fields very near present day (old) Walker Grant School siteadjacent to Dixon Street.

There were many stories in the local papers concerning the soldiers, The DailyEvening Star printed a story of a court martial of Private Patrick Fahey who whileintoxicated stopped a carriage of prominent citizen.. He was give five years at hardlabor the most severe punishment since the start of the war. Colonel Pettit’s Disciplinewas not unnoticed as he received praise from the Adjutant-General stating his unit waswell prepared and “ready for service.

The peace treaty was signed before a single soldier from the unit saw action.Spain and the United States signed a peace agreement on August 12, 1898, ColonelPettit and his soldiers began to break camp. On August 18th they boarded the RF & Ptrains and left the town. Their brief stay had been good for the merchants and manylocal citizens became friends with the troops.

On September 9th Fredericksburg’s Company K of the Third Virginia returnedhome having lost 13 men due to disease only. Only three area soldiers experiencedcombat one of which Anthony Johnson was in the Ninth United States Cavalry (Blackunit) that won San Juan Heights. After thirty eight years of bitterness Fredericksburgmade its peace with the federal Union mostly due to the relationship the Town enjoyedwith the solders during their brief stay at Camp Cobb..

Dedicated in memory of: Guido LaMonaca, Jean Nicholls, Chris Ford, Ed Thornton

Tuffy Hicks never fails to amaze us with his knowledge of Fredericksburg History.

front porch fredericksburg November 2014 19 18 November 2014 Front porch fredericksburg

SPANISH-AAMERICAN WARBy Ralph “Tuffy” Hicks

his

tory

’s s

tori

es

Fairfax County lays claim to thelegacy of George Mason. His home is atFairfax’s Gunston Hall and there is a majoruniversity in the county that’s named forhim. But this founding father, statesman,delegate to the Constitutional Convention,and most notably author of the VirginiaDeclaration of Rights had his beginningsin Stafford County. His roots went deep inthe county’s earliest history.

Mason’s Great-Grandfather was amember of the British Parliament duringthe English Civil War. He fought on theside of the Cavaliers (the followers ofCharles I) and when he became a huntedman, headed for the new world. Hequickly established himself as a planterand in 1664 was part of the successfuleffort to charter and name the newcounty called Stafford. He was, amongstmany other colonial duties, the Sheriff.

His son, George Mason II, ourGeorge’s grandfather established thevillage of Marlborough Point. This wouldbe the center of Stafford governmentalactivities for years to come. And likefather like son, he was the Sheriff too.

George Mason III, the father ofthe Mason we know so well, built heavilyon the success of his father andgrandfather. His holdings in Staffordalone reached nearly 20,000 acres. Likehis ancestors he believed in public service,serving as Colonial Lieutenant, ColonialProsecutor, and yes, you guessed it,Sheriff. Stafford County’s current sheriff,Charlie Jett, has some distinguishedpredecessors.

In the 1735, the George Masonwe know was born. But, his upbringingwas difficult. His father, who owned aferry service, was drowned on one of itsruns. His mother had already passed on.He was only 13. However, he was quicklytaken in by his uncle John Mercer. Mercer,originally born in Ireland, had made hisfortune in the new world and established

the Marlborough Plantation. He was alawyer who served as George Washington’sattorney. He also had one of the largestprivate libraries in the American Colonies.There were law books, histories,mathematical texts, books in Latin andGreek, and books on philosophy. It was anextraordinary collection and this is whereGeorge Mason, author of the VirginiaDeclaration of Rights, received what waseffectively, his higher education.

Mason eventually left Stafford.He continued to own extensive propertiesin the county, but his base was nowfurther north. Like all of his Americanancestors, from his great-grandfather ondown, he was a Member of the House ofBurgesses. And loyal to the King.However when the time came, he made hischoice in favor of Independence fromBritain. While always an important figurein colonial era politics and during therevolution his star role was during thedebate over the Constitution. He, andothers, felt that the new national charterput too much power in the hands of thefederal government. There weren’tenough restrictions on its reach in termsof civil liberties and nor were there anylimitations on its power with the regard tothe states. There needed to be a balance.George Mason’s Virginia Declaration ofRights, almost word for word, is the basisfor the Bill of Rights. Mason may beknown for his life in Fairfax, but his roots,and his early and impressive intellectualdevelopment began in Stafford.

David Kerr is a member of the Stafford350 Committee and a frequent

contributor to Front Porch

Traveling through town onWilliam St., if you stop at the light atPrincess Anne across from HyperionCoffee, you may have noticed thebouncing planes and air balloons in theshop on the right. These are calledWupper Planes. They are landmarks atthat stopping point; they are eye catching;they are triggers to memories ofchildhood. If you should grace the door ofPappagallo Fine Gifts and Imports, you willfind a paradise of items that are originaland unique.

Recently, Heritage Gifts owned byPeggy Dimaio was bought by long timefriend Suzanne J. Metzger. This shop wasSuzanne’s secret source, a place to shopfor her husband who she admits haseverything and more. If you want to shopfor birthdays, housewarmings, hostessgifts, this is a definite go to.

Suzanne hopes to maintain theintegrity of the clientele that Peggy hasbuilt over the years, but also plans tobring in some newer items from localartisans and craftsmen. Some of these

newer products include hand marbled silkscarves designed by a retired schoolteacher in Connecticut, and Roman Glassjewelry, which one must see to appreciate.Suzanne expanded the Lampe Berger linewhich is a fragrance diffuser for the homethat originates from Paris, and has been afavorite for many years in Fredericksburg.

When you enter the shop, you areoverwhelmed by the amount of differentthings that are available. It is like the feelof walking into a museum, there is somuch beauty. During the grand reopening,local art was demonstrated by an artistwho lived in Italy, and is available now forsale. One can find pieces from differentparts of the world, as well as around thecorner. Some staple include PeterChapman’s woodwork who hails fromVirginia, a collection of animal puzzlesthat are put together, housing odditiesinside, such as a penguin with pup, and awolf with a moon inside. Incrediblycreative, and lovely to behold. And ofcourse, there is the Wuppers!

It’s always amazing when I talkwith new business owners about theirpassion to bring their dreams to life.Suzanne worked for Geico for 15 years,but dreamed of an opportunity to thinkfor herself, to be creative in her every daywork and to be her own boss. These arethoughts we all harbor, but bringing themto fruition is another nut. Suzanne tookthe dive when her friend Peggy decided toretire in order to spend more time withher family. She took ownership in May of2014 after the whirlwind of legalprocedures necessary to own a business inFredericksburg, and hasn’t looked backsince.

Though located off the normaltrack of gift shops, Pappagallo Gifts isright on the path of “restaurant row” in

the burg, and should be an easy stopbefore a good meal. It is a great spot tostart the gift shopping for the season tocome. I managed to knock one gift off thelist during my talk with Suzanne, adisappearing “Tardis” coffee mug fromthe Dr. Who series. A Dr. Who fan musthave! Obviously, I think this shop is oneof Fredericksburg’s finest. Check it out, Ithink you’ll agree.

Fine Pappagallo at 300 WilliamStreet & @www.pappagallofinegifts.com

Mary Lynn Powers brings us news oninteresting people and places in the

Fredericksburg area.

SSppoottlliigghhtt OOnnPappagallo Fine Gifts & Imports

By Mary Lynn Powers

Stafford 350george mason’s roots are in

stafford County

By david s. kerr

Central RappahannockHERITAGE CENTER

Volunteers neededto process historical documents

and aid researchers. Training provided.

Phone 540-373-3704 or email crhc@verizon.net

The Heritage Center Maury Commons 900 Barton St Fredericksburg

Open to the public for scholarly research

In 1994 a young Park Ranger, Noel Harrison wrote a book aboutFredericksburg during the Spanish-American war. Noel is still employedby the National Park Service across the Rappahannock in the offices atChatham. Noel has written several books since that time on the WarBetween the States.

Cuba had been a “hot bed of revolt” from 1868 until on February15, 1898 when the battleship Maine was blown up in Havana harbor, anact that would bring the United States into war. Fredericksburg had amilitia unit know as the Washington Guards that became combined withCompany K, Third Virginia Infantry. Company K was made up of menfrom Fredericksburg and the surrounding counties, however, many menwho signed up for company K were assigned to other units. CompanyK and all of the Third Virginia were assigned to the Richmond areawhich upset many of the local Fredericksburg business owners due tothe loss of business. They began lobbying the War Department to locatea military facility near Fredericksburg. On June 1, 1898 the Town wasadvised that approximated 1,000 soldiers of the Fourth United StatesVolunteer Infantry would establish a training camp nearFredericksburg. Not all local citizens were happy because 36 yearsearlier many of them fled their homes when the Union Army took overthe Town and destroyed their property 1862. Over 900 of the soldiers

in the 4th were African-Americans.The camp was named “Camp Cobb” in honor of the South Carolina

General Thomas Cobb who was killed during the battle in 1862. Cobbhad spent many summers in Fredericksburg prior to the Civil War at the home of hisgrandparents on Hanover Street.

Camp Cobb was a tent city with eleven streets formed by parallel rows of tents.The camp was located in the fields very near present day (old) Walker Grant School siteadjacent to Dixon Street.

There were many stories in the local papers concerning the soldiers, The DailyEvening Star printed a story of a court martial of Private Patrick Fahey who whileintoxicated stopped a carriage of prominent citizen.. He was give five years at hardlabor the most severe punishment since the start of the war. Colonel Pettit’s Disciplinewas not unnoticed as he received praise from the Adjutant-General stating his unit waswell prepared and “ready for service.

The peace treaty was signed before a single soldier from the unit saw action.Spain and the United States signed a peace agreement on August 12, 1898, ColonelPettit and his soldiers began to break camp. On August 18th they boarded the RF & Ptrains and left the town. Their brief stay had been good for the merchants and manylocal citizens became friends with the troops.

On September 9th Fredericksburg’s Company K of the Third Virginia returnedhome having lost 13 men due to disease only. Only three area soldiers experiencedcombat one of which Anthony Johnson was in the Ninth United States Cavalry (Blackunit) that won San Juan Heights. After thirty eight years of bitterness Fredericksburgmade its peace with the federal Union mostly due to the relationship the Town enjoyedwith the solders during their brief stay at Camp Cobb..

Dedicated in memory of: Guido LaMonaca, Jean Nicholls, Chris Ford, Ed Thornton

Tuffy Hicks never fails to amaze us with his knowledge of Fredericksburg History.

front porch fredericksburg November 2014 19 18 November 2014 Front porch fredericksburg

SPANISH-AAMERICAN WARBy Ralph “Tuffy” Hicks

his

tory

’s s

tori

es

Fairfax County lays claim to thelegacy of George Mason. His home is atFairfax’s Gunston Hall and there is a majoruniversity in the county that’s named forhim. But this founding father, statesman,delegate to the Constitutional Convention,and most notably author of the VirginiaDeclaration of Rights had his beginningsin Stafford County. His roots went deep inthe county’s earliest history.

Mason’s Great-Grandfather was amember of the British Parliament duringthe English Civil War. He fought on theside of the Cavaliers (the followers ofCharles I) and when he became a huntedman, headed for the new world. Hequickly established himself as a planterand in 1664 was part of the successfuleffort to charter and name the newcounty called Stafford. He was, amongstmany other colonial duties, the Sheriff.

His son, George Mason II, ourGeorge’s grandfather established thevillage of Marlborough Point. This wouldbe the center of Stafford governmentalactivities for years to come. And likefather like son, he was the Sheriff too.

George Mason III, the father ofthe Mason we know so well, built heavilyon the success of his father andgrandfather. His holdings in Staffordalone reached nearly 20,000 acres. Likehis ancestors he believed in public service,serving as Colonial Lieutenant, ColonialProsecutor, and yes, you guessed it,Sheriff. Stafford County’s current sheriff,Charlie Jett, has some distinguishedpredecessors.

In the 1735, the George Masonwe know was born. But, his upbringingwas difficult. His father, who owned aferry service, was drowned on one of itsruns. His mother had already passed on.He was only 13. However, he was quicklytaken in by his uncle John Mercer. Mercer,originally born in Ireland, had made hisfortune in the new world and established

the Marlborough Plantation. He was alawyer who served as George Washington’sattorney. He also had one of the largestprivate libraries in the American Colonies.There were law books, histories,mathematical texts, books in Latin andGreek, and books on philosophy. It was anextraordinary collection and this is whereGeorge Mason, author of the VirginiaDeclaration of Rights, received what waseffectively, his higher education.

Mason eventually left Stafford.He continued to own extensive propertiesin the county, but his base was nowfurther north. Like all of his Americanancestors, from his great-grandfather ondown, he was a Member of the House ofBurgesses. And loyal to the King.However when the time came, he made hischoice in favor of Independence fromBritain. While always an important figurein colonial era politics and during therevolution his star role was during thedebate over the Constitution. He, andothers, felt that the new national charterput too much power in the hands of thefederal government. There weren’tenough restrictions on its reach in termsof civil liberties and nor were there anylimitations on its power with the regard tothe states. There needed to be a balance.George Mason’s Virginia Declaration ofRights, almost word for word, is the basisfor the Bill of Rights. Mason may beknown for his life in Fairfax, but his roots,and his early and impressive intellectualdevelopment began in Stafford.

David Kerr is a member of the Stafford350 Committee and a frequent

contributor to Front Porch

Traveling through town onWilliam St., if you stop at the light atPrincess Anne across from HyperionCoffee, you may have noticed thebouncing planes and air balloons in theshop on the right. These are calledWupper Planes. They are landmarks atthat stopping point; they are eye catching;they are triggers to memories ofchildhood. If you should grace the door ofPappagallo Fine Gifts and Imports, you willfind a paradise of items that are originaland unique.

Recently, Heritage Gifts owned byPeggy Dimaio was bought by long timefriend Suzanne J. Metzger. This shop wasSuzanne’s secret source, a place to shopfor her husband who she admits haseverything and more. If you want to shopfor birthdays, housewarmings, hostessgifts, this is a definite go to.

Suzanne hopes to maintain theintegrity of the clientele that Peggy hasbuilt over the years, but also plans tobring in some newer items from localartisans and craftsmen. Some of these

newer products include hand marbled silkscarves designed by a retired schoolteacher in Connecticut, and Roman Glassjewelry, which one must see to appreciate.Suzanne expanded the Lampe Berger linewhich is a fragrance diffuser for the homethat originates from Paris, and has been afavorite for many years in Fredericksburg.

When you enter the shop, you areoverwhelmed by the amount of differentthings that are available. It is like the feelof walking into a museum, there is somuch beauty. During the grand reopening,local art was demonstrated by an artistwho lived in Italy, and is available now forsale. One can find pieces from differentparts of the world, as well as around thecorner. Some staple include PeterChapman’s woodwork who hails fromVirginia, a collection of animal puzzlesthat are put together, housing odditiesinside, such as a penguin with pup, and awolf with a moon inside. Incrediblycreative, and lovely to behold. And ofcourse, there is the Wuppers!

It’s always amazing when I talkwith new business owners about theirpassion to bring their dreams to life.Suzanne worked for Geico for 15 years,but dreamed of an opportunity to thinkfor herself, to be creative in her every daywork and to be her own boss. These arethoughts we all harbor, but bringing themto fruition is another nut. Suzanne tookthe dive when her friend Peggy decided toretire in order to spend more time withher family. She took ownership in May of2014 after the whirlwind of legalprocedures necessary to own a business inFredericksburg, and hasn’t looked backsince.

Though located off the normaltrack of gift shops, Pappagallo Gifts isright on the path of “restaurant row” in

the burg, and should be an easy stopbefore a good meal. It is a great spot tostart the gift shopping for the season tocome. I managed to knock one gift off thelist during my talk with Suzanne, adisappearing “Tardis” coffee mug fromthe Dr. Who series. A Dr. Who fan musthave! Obviously, I think this shop is oneof Fredericksburg’s finest. Check it out, Ithink you’ll agree.

Fine Pappagallo at 300 WilliamStreet & @www.pappagallofinegifts.com

Mary Lynn Powers brings us news oninteresting people and places in the

Fredericksburg area.

SSppoottlliigghhtt OOnnPappagallo Fine Gifts & Imports

By Mary Lynn Powers

Stafford 350george mason’s roots are in

stafford County

By david s. kerr

Central RappahannockHERITAGE CENTER

Volunteers neededto process historical documents

and aid researchers. Training provided.

Phone 540-373-3704 or email crhc@verizon.net

The Heritage Center Maury Commons 900 Barton St Fredericksburg

Open to the public for scholarly research

So as we all know Thanksgiving iscoming,: family, fun and food, lots of food!But, we also want to include our petsright?

Well we can and we can’t.Although we always want

to include a pet in our dinner meals(well at least I do), most of the foodwe give to our animals that wethink is ok, really isn’t. Such asonions, onions contain disulfide,which is harmless to humans, butvery harmful to pets. It causeshemolytic anemia, and even twoslices a week and damage red bloodcells, which can lead to lack ofoxygen. Another thing we like togive to our dos are bones, the bonesthat are store bought are ok butchicken bones and meaty bones canbreak off in your dogs mouth andget lodged in the pets throat orstomach, the small bone shards canrip through the stomach lining causinginternal bleeding and possibly death.

Lets talk turkey! We all loveturkey! So do our pets, but if you aregoing to give any poultry to your petsmake sure it is cooked all the way through.Also do not give the turkey skin to your

pet it can give them Pancreatitis. Potatoeson the other hand, cook and mashed aregood for dogs. Some fruits are notrecommended for dogs either like grape

and raisins, these can cause kidney failure;with dogs that already have predisposedhealth problem these symptoms may bemore severe.

Macadamia nuts are a hugeproblem for dogs, they can causeweakness, vomiting, tremors, and

hypothermia in dogs, avoid these at allcosts. If you are baking bread, do not givebread dough to your dog; the dough haslive yeast in it, which can expand in your

dogs’ stomach, stomachexpansion can lead todecreased blood flow,which can lead to heartattacks,

We all love tohave a few drinksduring the holidays,who doesn’t? Well asmuch as you may thinkits ok to give your dog alittle taste of beer orliquor, its not. Alcoholhas the same effect ona dog’s brain and liveras it does to a human,but it take far less to dojust as much damage.Just a little can cause

vomiting, diarrhea, coordinationproblems, coma, even death, and smallerthe dog, greater the effect. After all thefestivities are over, and everyone justwants to relax we all drink coffee, well okfor humans, not so much for dogs. Thesymptoms of caffeine poisoning includerestlessness, fast breathing, heartpalpitations, and bleeding, Caffeine can befound in coffee, tea, cola, and energydrinks.

So who else puts ice cream ontheir pumpkin pie? I do! Ice cream isdelicious; your pet may also think so, untilyou give it to him. Giving any kind of dairyproducts can cause diarrhea, and otherdigestive problems.

Let’s ReviewThe No Foods Include:

OnionsChicken/Turkey bones; Turkey skinMacadamia nutsBread doughCoffee, Alcohol, Tea, Cola & EnergydrinksDairy productsRaisins, Grapes

It’s funny when you think abouthow much of the food we eat is really badfor your pets; I’m honestly surprised mydog is still alive with all the food he hasgotten into in his life! If you need someoneto watch your pet while you are out oftown with family for the holidays, send mean email! Lexig0892@gmail.com I loveyour pets like they are my own!

Alexis Grogan is the owner of “LexiGrogan’s Pet Sitting Service” she can be

reached at 540-903-0437,lexig0892@gmail.com, or on facebook

front porch fredericksburg November 2014 21 20 November 2014 Front porch fredericksburg

Every now and then the thoughtsthat pop into my head become topicalovernight. I recently returned from myweekly trip to the Belman Road trash andrecycling drop off center where upon mybride asked her usual question, “How werethe clowns at the dump today?” To beclear this refers to the patrons not thestaff and it had been a unique trip thatday so I had already prepared myresponse.

I simply said, “If there were twolines at the dump, one for men and onefor women, I would gladly put on makeupand dress in drag just to avoid being inline behind the collective clot of my owngender.”

It defies description that grownmen, many of whom have careers withimmense responsibility for the safety andwell-being of our country, cannoteffectively load and then unload four bagsof trash and a box of beer bottles. Grantedfor many of these men ‘dump time’ isprecious ‘alone time.’ My grandfatherused the dump run to get away fromFlossie and then he went to the Rexall andgot a cup of coffee and bonded with othermale comrades. It was guy time. It was animperceptible nod acknowledging a sharedsecret like motorcycle rider’s down lowwave or the man with one red shoe.

It was so bad this time that Iactually had to parallel-park to off-load soI didn’t block the traffic lane. I was donewith trash in 15 seconds and made twoother stops with wood and recycling andwas gone before the collective clot hadunloaded anything. They pop the trunkand then stare at the mound of trashwondering how in the hell it got in theback of their vehicle…. and now what dothey do with it?

The brush bins are no better. Iload my truck with branches towards thecab. Then all you do to unload is pull the

bottom layer and out it comes. Or… youload them the other way and they becomea tangled mess, a slinky that has lost itswill to live, a load that needs to be off-loaded one stick at a time. Now after aconsiderable wait for the clot at the brushbins to move on one of the gentlementrying to escape from Flossie for a fewhours decides to sweep out his truck bedwith a tiny whisk broom and then checkunder the seats for used coffee cups. Hethen strolls to the household bin with afew old coat hangers and ponders are theyare household or metal scrap?

Now of course the newspapersand blogs are abuzz with the issue ofdump fees because of years of deficitspending. They want to solve the problemwith tags, and stickers and such. What arethey thinking?

All they need is some bleachers sowe can watch the circus as it unfolds eachday. The proceeds from ticket sales andthe beer and hot dog concession will bailthem out. It is a lot like single streamrecycling; entertainment tax, food tax,booze tax and gross receipts tax all inone. Kind of like a ball park.

My wife makes sure I amorganized when I go to the dump. Thetrash bags are on the left and therecycling is on the right, just like thedumpsters are set up. In, out, home… itonly takes a few minutes. I want to go inthe Women Only lane. I’ll dressappropriately.

If you need dump lessons, contact Rim at

autoknown@aol.com

540/374-0462www.woahvets.com 10 Walsh Lane

Stacy L. Horner, DVM; Gary B. Dunn, DVM; Melanie Bell, DVM; Sandi L. Pepper, DVM; Melissa A. DeLauter, DVM ;

Arlene Evans, DVM; Jennnifer Skarbek, DVM

Full Service Hospitalfeaturing:

Grooming Salon Canine Boarding

in Our Indoor/Outdoor RunsDog Training &

Behavioral Consults with certified dog trainer

Feline Boarding in OurSpacious Multi-room Condos

Serving you & your companion animals for 16 years

Fog greeted the day, andsteady rain played background to ourplayful chatter. Tucked away in atoasty home, we barely cared the sunnever showed up this Sunday. Wespent the afternoon getting odd jobsdone around the house andattempting to decipher the Pokemontrading card game.

Around dinner time, I askedmy seven-year-old son to get thecards off the dining room table andclean up the game board spreadacross the living room.

His plan was to get almostall the cards and the coins and gamepieces inside the original small tinpackage for the cards. He carefullyplaced everything inside. Morecareful than usual because thePokemon cards (for some reason Icannot determine) are reallyimportant to him. He also insisted ongetting the two plastic space holders fromthe original package back into the box. Hepushed and pushed on the top, certain hewas going to get it to close.

“It won’t work the way I want itto,” I heard him cry from my station infront of the stove.

Cry doesn’t really explain thelevel of upset my boy had reached. He wasnearly inconsolable, questioning why hebought the cards in the first place,wondering about his ultimate demise (notreally, that’s just my attempt at humor.)

Not wanting to fix it for him, butnot wanting to condone his highly overreactive state, I sat down on the floorbeside him.

“Is being upset making thisbetter or worse?” I asked.

This is a common question I posewhen he’s obviously more upset thanwarranted by the situation, and I when Iactually have the patience to await aresponse.

“Worse,” he whimpers.We were painstakingly making

our way to a solution when somethingdawned on me.

My child needs to learnadaptability.

I swear it’s taken me every bit of35 years to realize a fundamental lifetruth. Just because I make a plan and wantsomething to be a certain way, there islittle to no chance it will work outaccording to my plan. I will either have toadjust my plan or adjust my expectationto come close to an outcome I cantolerate.

Teaching children to adapt tochanging circumstances, and in fact toexpect change, could save them a greatdeal of wasted time and energy. It could

also allow them to bypass some of the vitallife lessons learned from runningheadstrong into a relationship or jobconvinced that just because I say it’s so, itwill be so.

Since I do not think parenting, orliving for that matter, is about avoidinghard lessons, I think my best bet is tomodel adaptability for the rest of my son’searly years. If he sees me back flip into thedeep end every time a doctor’sappointment runs late or there’s anunexpected repair at home or with the car(all of which happened in the last month),then he’ll only know one way to react.

It’s obvious by the Pokemoncatastrophe he could use a few moreexamples of accepting and adapting tochange. Or else I really don’t get thewhole Pokemon thing (which is completelypossible).

C. Ruth Cassell writes for the FrontPorch from her satellite location in

Roanoke, VA, where she learns everydaythat a plan is just a hope pinned to the

wind. Find more of her musings atwww.attentionanonymous.wordpress.com

Old Town’sGreatest Tour35 Monuments, Markers, &

AttractionsAND the

Fredericksburg Battlefields

Weddings ReunionsShuttles Parties

Group Outings

540-898-0737Fredericksburgtrolley.com

ANIMAL RITES, USAPet Cremation Service

When it’s time to say “Good-bye”

Private, Individual Cremation

Personal Pick Up & Delivery

Respect for all “Best Friends”

Serving the Area for 11 Years

Visit Us at Our Website:www.animalritesusa.com

Call Us At: 540-361-7487

"Our family wants to take care of your family."

10839 Tidewater TrailFredericksburg, VA 22408

540-361-7050

www.tidewatertrail.com

We are on Facebook & Twitter.

Hours: Mon, Wed 6:30-6:30

Tues, Thurs 7-7Fri 6:30-6Sat 8-1

Companionsanimals at the table

By alexis grogan

My Own Pathwhen “the plan”

doesn’t go as planned

By c. ruth cassell

SupportingLocal

ArtistsSince 1997

Front PorchFredericksburg

AutoKnown Betterbe thankful that you have a dump

By Rim Vining

Adaptability:“It is not the strongest of the species thatsurvive, nor the most intelligent; it is theone that is most adaptable to change.”

-Charles Darwin

So as we all know Thanksgiving iscoming,: family, fun and food, lots of food!But, we also want to include our petsright?

Well we can and we can’t.Although we always want

to include a pet in our dinner meals(well at least I do), most of the foodwe give to our animals that wethink is ok, really isn’t. Such asonions, onions contain disulfide,which is harmless to humans, butvery harmful to pets. It causeshemolytic anemia, and even twoslices a week and damage red bloodcells, which can lead to lack ofoxygen. Another thing we like togive to our dos are bones, the bonesthat are store bought are ok butchicken bones and meaty bones canbreak off in your dogs mouth andget lodged in the pets throat orstomach, the small bone shards canrip through the stomach lining causinginternal bleeding and possibly death.

Lets talk turkey! We all loveturkey! So do our pets, but if you aregoing to give any poultry to your petsmake sure it is cooked all the way through.Also do not give the turkey skin to your

pet it can give them Pancreatitis. Potatoeson the other hand, cook and mashed aregood for dogs. Some fruits are notrecommended for dogs either like grape

and raisins, these can cause kidney failure;with dogs that already have predisposedhealth problem these symptoms may bemore severe.

Macadamia nuts are a hugeproblem for dogs, they can causeweakness, vomiting, tremors, and

hypothermia in dogs, avoid these at allcosts. If you are baking bread, do not givebread dough to your dog; the dough haslive yeast in it, which can expand in your

dogs’ stomach, stomachexpansion can lead todecreased blood flow,which can lead to heartattacks,

We all love tohave a few drinksduring the holidays,who doesn’t? Well asmuch as you may thinkits ok to give your dog alittle taste of beer orliquor, its not. Alcoholhas the same effect ona dog’s brain and liveras it does to a human,but it take far less to dojust as much damage.Just a little can cause

vomiting, diarrhea, coordinationproblems, coma, even death, and smallerthe dog, greater the effect. After all thefestivities are over, and everyone justwants to relax we all drink coffee, well okfor humans, not so much for dogs. Thesymptoms of caffeine poisoning includerestlessness, fast breathing, heartpalpitations, and bleeding, Caffeine can befound in coffee, tea, cola, and energydrinks.

So who else puts ice cream ontheir pumpkin pie? I do! Ice cream isdelicious; your pet may also think so, untilyou give it to him. Giving any kind of dairyproducts can cause diarrhea, and otherdigestive problems.

Let’s ReviewThe No Foods Include:

OnionsChicken/Turkey bones; Turkey skinMacadamia nutsBread doughCoffee, Alcohol, Tea, Cola & EnergydrinksDairy productsRaisins, Grapes

It’s funny when you think abouthow much of the food we eat is really badfor your pets; I’m honestly surprised mydog is still alive with all the food he hasgotten into in his life! If you need someoneto watch your pet while you are out oftown with family for the holidays, send mean email! Lexig0892@gmail.com I loveyour pets like they are my own!

Alexis Grogan is the owner of “LexiGrogan’s Pet Sitting Service” she can be

reached at 540-903-0437,lexig0892@gmail.com, or on facebook

front porch fredericksburg November 2014 21 20 November 2014 Front porch fredericksburg

Every now and then the thoughtsthat pop into my head become topicalovernight. I recently returned from myweekly trip to the Belman Road trash andrecycling drop off center where upon mybride asked her usual question, “How werethe clowns at the dump today?” To beclear this refers to the patrons not thestaff and it had been a unique trip thatday so I had already prepared myresponse.

I simply said, “If there were twolines at the dump, one for men and onefor women, I would gladly put on makeupand dress in drag just to avoid being inline behind the collective clot of my owngender.”

It defies description that grownmen, many of whom have careers withimmense responsibility for the safety andwell-being of our country, cannoteffectively load and then unload four bagsof trash and a box of beer bottles. Grantedfor many of these men ‘dump time’ isprecious ‘alone time.’ My grandfatherused the dump run to get away fromFlossie and then he went to the Rexall andgot a cup of coffee and bonded with othermale comrades. It was guy time. It was animperceptible nod acknowledging a sharedsecret like motorcycle rider’s down lowwave or the man with one red shoe.

It was so bad this time that Iactually had to parallel-park to off-load soI didn’t block the traffic lane. I was donewith trash in 15 seconds and made twoother stops with wood and recycling andwas gone before the collective clot hadunloaded anything. They pop the trunkand then stare at the mound of trashwondering how in the hell it got in theback of their vehicle…. and now what dothey do with it?

The brush bins are no better. Iload my truck with branches towards thecab. Then all you do to unload is pull the

bottom layer and out it comes. Or… youload them the other way and they becomea tangled mess, a slinky that has lost itswill to live, a load that needs to be off-loaded one stick at a time. Now after aconsiderable wait for the clot at the brushbins to move on one of the gentlementrying to escape from Flossie for a fewhours decides to sweep out his truck bedwith a tiny whisk broom and then checkunder the seats for used coffee cups. Hethen strolls to the household bin with afew old coat hangers and ponders are theyare household or metal scrap?

Now of course the newspapersand blogs are abuzz with the issue ofdump fees because of years of deficitspending. They want to solve the problemwith tags, and stickers and such. What arethey thinking?

All they need is some bleachers sowe can watch the circus as it unfolds eachday. The proceeds from ticket sales andthe beer and hot dog concession will bailthem out. It is a lot like single streamrecycling; entertainment tax, food tax,booze tax and gross receipts tax all inone. Kind of like a ball park.

My wife makes sure I amorganized when I go to the dump. Thetrash bags are on the left and therecycling is on the right, just like thedumpsters are set up. In, out, home… itonly takes a few minutes. I want to go inthe Women Only lane. I’ll dressappropriately.

If you need dump lessons, contact Rim at

autoknown@aol.com

540/374-0462www.woahvets.com 10 Walsh Lane

Stacy L. Horner, DVM; Gary B. Dunn, DVM; Melanie Bell, DVM; Sandi L. Pepper, DVM; Melissa A. DeLauter, DVM ;

Arlene Evans, DVM; Jennnifer Skarbek, DVM

Full Service Hospitalfeaturing:

Grooming Salon Canine Boarding

in Our Indoor/Outdoor RunsDog Training &

Behavioral Consults with certified dog trainer

Feline Boarding in OurSpacious Multi-room Condos

Serving you & your companion animals for 16 years

Fog greeted the day, andsteady rain played background to ourplayful chatter. Tucked away in atoasty home, we barely cared the sunnever showed up this Sunday. Wespent the afternoon getting odd jobsdone around the house andattempting to decipher the Pokemontrading card game.

Around dinner time, I askedmy seven-year-old son to get thecards off the dining room table andclean up the game board spreadacross the living room.

His plan was to get almostall the cards and the coins and gamepieces inside the original small tinpackage for the cards. He carefullyplaced everything inside. Morecareful than usual because thePokemon cards (for some reason Icannot determine) are reallyimportant to him. He also insisted ongetting the two plastic space holders fromthe original package back into the box. Hepushed and pushed on the top, certain hewas going to get it to close.

“It won’t work the way I want itto,” I heard him cry from my station infront of the stove.

Cry doesn’t really explain thelevel of upset my boy had reached. He wasnearly inconsolable, questioning why hebought the cards in the first place,wondering about his ultimate demise (notreally, that’s just my attempt at humor.)

Not wanting to fix it for him, butnot wanting to condone his highly overreactive state, I sat down on the floorbeside him.

“Is being upset making thisbetter or worse?” I asked.

This is a common question I posewhen he’s obviously more upset thanwarranted by the situation, and I when Iactually have the patience to await aresponse.

“Worse,” he whimpers.We were painstakingly making

our way to a solution when somethingdawned on me.

My child needs to learnadaptability.

I swear it’s taken me every bit of35 years to realize a fundamental lifetruth. Just because I make a plan and wantsomething to be a certain way, there islittle to no chance it will work outaccording to my plan. I will either have toadjust my plan or adjust my expectationto come close to an outcome I cantolerate.

Teaching children to adapt tochanging circumstances, and in fact toexpect change, could save them a greatdeal of wasted time and energy. It could

also allow them to bypass some of the vitallife lessons learned from runningheadstrong into a relationship or jobconvinced that just because I say it’s so, itwill be so.

Since I do not think parenting, orliving for that matter, is about avoidinghard lessons, I think my best bet is tomodel adaptability for the rest of my son’searly years. If he sees me back flip into thedeep end every time a doctor’sappointment runs late or there’s anunexpected repair at home or with the car(all of which happened in the last month),then he’ll only know one way to react.

It’s obvious by the Pokemoncatastrophe he could use a few moreexamples of accepting and adapting tochange. Or else I really don’t get thewhole Pokemon thing (which is completelypossible).

C. Ruth Cassell writes for the FrontPorch from her satellite location in

Roanoke, VA, where she learns everydaythat a plan is just a hope pinned to the

wind. Find more of her musings atwww.attentionanonymous.wordpress.com

Old Town’sGreatest Tour35 Monuments, Markers, &

AttractionsAND the

Fredericksburg Battlefields

Weddings ReunionsShuttles Parties

Group Outings

540-898-0737Fredericksburgtrolley.com

ANIMAL RITES, USAPet Cremation Service

When it’s time to say “Good-bye”

Private, Individual Cremation

Personal Pick Up & Delivery

Respect for all “Best Friends”

Serving the Area for 11 Years

Visit Us at Our Website:www.animalritesusa.com

Call Us At: 540-361-7487

"Our family wants to take care of your family."

10839 Tidewater TrailFredericksburg, VA 22408

540-361-7050

www.tidewatertrail.com

We are on Facebook & Twitter.

Hours: Mon, Wed 6:30-6:30

Tues, Thurs 7-7Fri 6:30-6Sat 8-1

Companionsanimals at the table

By alexis grogan

My Own Pathwhen “the plan”

doesn’t go as planned

By c. ruth cassell

SupportingLocal

ArtistsSince 1997

Front PorchFredericksburg

AutoKnown Betterbe thankful that you have a dump

By Rim Vining

Adaptability:“It is not the strongest of the species thatsurvive, nor the most intelligent; it is theone that is most adaptable to change.”

-Charles Darwin

Having been raised by a devoutnon-conformist father, it is no accidentthat I became a chiropractor. After 120years in existence and being declared the2nd most popular form of healthcare,chiropractic is still only utilized by lessthan 10% of the population. Chiropracticis still on the fringe. The danger of beingpart of the fringe is that, feelingthreatened and opposed by many, webegin to accept as truth any informationthat goes against conventional wisdom.We start to believe the propaganda from“our side” and wholly discard thepropaganda from the other side.

Hopefully we make up for thisfailing with the contributions we make tohealthcare as a consequence of ourtendency to question what most peopledeem common knowledge. We areincreasingly finding conventionalhealthcare practices that are notsubstantiated by evidence, knownphysiology or even common sense. Theyare accepted because the authorities say itis so.

An example of this is the currentbelief that acid reflux or GERD is causedby too much stomach acid which thenrequires medication to stop the acidproduction. In actuality it is rare to find acondition that causes excess stomach acidproduction. It has been known for manydecades that, when under stress, thestomach stops production of acid anddigestion virtually stops. Yet at times ofintense stress people often get acid refluxand sometimes end up with stomachulcers.

If the stomach is producing lessacid with stress, what causes the ulcers?Without acid to break it down, food staysin the stomach and ferments, producingacid which then backs up the esophagusand causes the burning of “heartburn” oracid reflux. Hence the problem is not toomuch stomach acid, but not enoughstomach acid. When Australian scientistsdiscovered ulcers were caused by H. pylori(a beneficial bacteria that multiplies outof control in an environment of lowstomach acid) in 1982 they were ridiculed.It wasn’t until the evidence becameoverwhelming that they were awarded theNobel Prize in 2005. This is the journey ofthe non-conformist.

To put this scenario inperspective, acid-stopping meds are nowthe number one selling prescription drugin our country. And because they preventfood from breaking down properly, theyare contributing to the mal-nourishment

of our nation and many nutritionally-related conditions.

Another example of this counter-intuitive truth nugget is the issue ofgluten. Does it make sense that gluten, anatural protein in grain, is detrimental forus? It does, if you take into account thefact that, (according to Dr. Perlmutter inGrain Brain), there is 40 times moregluten in our hybridized wheat today thanwhen our ancestors first stumbled uponwild wheat. It just isn’t part of our naturaldiet, we don’t digest it well and manybelieve it is triggering everything fromallergies to autoimmune conditions.

One of the most criticalmisguided beliefs of our culture is thatgerms are the cause of disease. The fact is,our bodies contain ten times moremicrobes that human cells. That’s right –we have 10 trillion cells in our bodies and100 trillion bacteria, viruses, parasites,and other forms of microbes designed tokeep out harmful bugs, break down ourfood and perform many other vitalfunctions.

The truth is that an unhealthy,unbalanced body is the root cause ofdisease. Our germ-phobia is disturbing thebalance of microbes in our world and it isevidenced by the complexity andillusiveness of the health issuesincreasingly appearing today. I couldprovide many other examples, but I hopethe forgoing has convinced you toquestion even our most foundationalbeliefs and join me on the fringe!

Dr. Christine Thompson is the owner ofWhole Health Chiropractic.She can be

reached at 540-899-9421 or www.whole-health.net.

The brain is an amazinglycomplex organ. It is our most importantorgan because it controls all of the bodilyfunctions as well as other organs. Asmany as 100 billion neurons are in thebrain, yet it only weighs roughly threepounds. Many research studies have beenconducted assessing the impact of agingon brain functioning and ways to improvebrain functioning.

All information enters the brainand is first registered and briefly stored assensory memory. If we don’t dosomething with this information, it will belost very quickly. The way we process thisinformation is affected by age. Muchresearch on everyday memory deals withthe issue of automatic (unconscious) vs.effortful (intentional) processing. As thename implies automatic processing occursautomatically without consciousawareness. Researchers found thatautomatic processing of information doesnot decline as we age. Effortful processinginvolves more complicated tasks thatrequire the brain to consciously pay moreattention to the information it processes,thus requiring more deliberate effort andbrain resources. An example is drivingslowly down the street (automatic) whilelooking for a specific address (effortful).Research studies determined that thebrain’s effortful capacity does decline aswe age, beginning in middle age (40-50years old).

The good news is that the brain’sdecline can not only be slowed, butactually reversed with mental and/orphysical exercise. There are simple waysto keep older adults’ brains challenged andengaged during the day. Playing boardgames such as Scrabble, Risk, Pictionary,or Monopoly with friends combinesmental stimulation with socialinteraction. Senior adults can also playSudoku, complete crossword or jigsawpuzzles, play card games, or chess.Challenge the brain on a daily basis by

doing puzzles, taking classes, or reading.When it comes to cognitive abilities of thebrain, there are two choices - use it or loseit. Being socially active by participating incommunity activities not only providesregular communications with new people,but it also stimulates the brain by learningnew names. UCLA researchers found thatolder adults who regularly used a brain-fitness program on a computerdemonstrated significantly improvedmemory and language skills. Here are twoexcellent websites for brain-fitnessprograms:http://www.skillsyouneed.com/and https://www.dakim.com/. ; It isimportant to note that true brain exerciserequires novelty, variety, and increasinglevels of challenge.

There’s no such thing as being“too old” to physically exercise. Many ofus remember Jack LaLanne, the “godfatherof fitness” who exercised two hours perday at the age of 94. Well, take comfortin knowing that even simple leisurephysical activity like walking, gardening,or range of motion exercising at low tomoderate levels improves memoryperformance for sedentary older adults.And, the effects of exercise - any exercise -on overall cognitive function can beprofound. Sandra Bond Chapman, Ph.D.,founder and chief director of the Centerfor BrainHealth said: “Physical exercisemay be one of the most beneficial andcost-effective therapies widely available toeveryone to elevate memoryperformance.”

Incorporating physical andmental exercises will lead to improvedcognitive brain health. So, don’t lose it!There are plenty of enjoyable ways to useand increase your brain power.

Karl Karch is a local franchise owner ofHome Instead Senior Care, a licensed

home care organization providingpersonal care, companionship and homehelper services in the Fredericksburg and

Culpeper region. .

front porch fredericksburg November 2014 2322 November 2014 Front porch fredericksburg

Wellnessthoughts from

the healthcare fringe

By christine h. thompson, D.C.

Senior Care increase your brain power

By Karl Karch

Natural HealthBalancing your life with Harmonic Resonance Therapy

By Suzy Woollam

With the change of season, areyou feeling out of balance, or out of tune?Maybe it’s time for you to give HarmonicResonance Therapy a try. HarmonicResonance Therapy, or HRT, is a non-invasive treatment designed anddeveloped by Suzy Woollam that usescalibrated tuning forks applied to specificpoints to access the body’s meridians,chakras and etheric body. Since thehuman body is primarily water, which is amagnificent conductor of soundfrequencies, HRT assists the body inrealigning its energies, providing a state ofcalmness and relaxation.

HRT provides a more precisemethod of applying sound waves(tones) to the body and energyfield. These tones harness thebody’s natural resonant capacity,and assist in creating movement,releasing blockages and restoringbalance within the system. Thistype of sound therapy works notonly on the physical body, but onthe etheric body as well.

HRT is based on the concept ofresonance, or vibratory frequency, of anobject. All objects have a naturalfrequency or set of frequencies at whichthey vibrate. HRT utilizes sound toestablish (or re-establish) a healthyvibration in all parts of the humanorganism by increasing vibration,expansion and contraction on a cellular,and even sub-cellular level. This providesus with the opportunity to reach a deeperstate of relaxation, release accumulatedstress and toxins, improve and repairourselves at a cellular level, and ultimatelyto function more effectively.

The most wonderful thing aboutsound therapy is that it can be easilyincorporated into nearly every type ofhealing modality, whether massage,chiropractic, physical therapy, hypnosis,energy work and even Aromatherapy. It ispresently being used successfully in ourcommunity by Massage Therapists,Naturopaths, Clinical Aromatherapistsand Tai Chi instructors to facilitate agreater level of comfort in their clients.Suzy has trained a number of therapists inour area to use HRT in their practice, andoffers classes with continuing educationcredits in HRT.

To find out more about HRT, contact Suzy at The Scenter of Town

907 Charles St.

Barbara Bergquist, CTN Board Certified Traditional Naturopath

891-6200 www.thenaturalpath.us4413 Lafayette Blvd. Fredericksburg

The Natural Path Holistic Health Center

~Nature’s Sunshine Products

~Quantitative Fluid Analysis

~VoiceBio Analysis

~ionSpa Foot Detox

~Zyto Bioscan Compass

Natura l Products for Hea lth & Wel lness

Healthcare For the Whole Person

SPECIALIZING IN:

Gentle, Individualized Chiropractic CareCranio-Sacral Balancing (Sacro

Occipital Technique - SOT)Addressing Your Total Health Needs

with Natural, Holistic Treatment MethodsDetoxification/Weight

Loss Nutritional Programs

Dr. ChristineThompson

Having been raised by a devoutnon-conformist father, it is no accidentthat I became a chiropractor. After 120years in existence and being declared the2nd most popular form of healthcare,chiropractic is still only utilized by lessthan 10% of the population. Chiropracticis still on the fringe. The danger of beingpart of the fringe is that, feelingthreatened and opposed by many, webegin to accept as truth any informationthat goes against conventional wisdom.We start to believe the propaganda from“our side” and wholly discard thepropaganda from the other side.

Hopefully we make up for thisfailing with the contributions we make tohealthcare as a consequence of ourtendency to question what most peopledeem common knowledge. We areincreasingly finding conventionalhealthcare practices that are notsubstantiated by evidence, knownphysiology or even common sense. Theyare accepted because the authorities say itis so.

An example of this is the currentbelief that acid reflux or GERD is causedby too much stomach acid which thenrequires medication to stop the acidproduction. In actuality it is rare to find acondition that causes excess stomach acidproduction. It has been known for manydecades that, when under stress, thestomach stops production of acid anddigestion virtually stops. Yet at times ofintense stress people often get acid refluxand sometimes end up with stomachulcers.

If the stomach is producing lessacid with stress, what causes the ulcers?Without acid to break it down, food staysin the stomach and ferments, producingacid which then backs up the esophagusand causes the burning of “heartburn” oracid reflux. Hence the problem is not toomuch stomach acid, but not enoughstomach acid. When Australian scientistsdiscovered ulcers were caused by H. pylori(a beneficial bacteria that multiplies outof control in an environment of lowstomach acid) in 1982 they were ridiculed.It wasn’t until the evidence becameoverwhelming that they were awarded theNobel Prize in 2005. This is the journey ofthe non-conformist.

To put this scenario inperspective, acid-stopping meds are nowthe number one selling prescription drugin our country. And because they preventfood from breaking down properly, theyare contributing to the mal-nourishment

of our nation and many nutritionally-related conditions.

Another example of this counter-intuitive truth nugget is the issue ofgluten. Does it make sense that gluten, anatural protein in grain, is detrimental forus? It does, if you take into account thefact that, (according to Dr. Perlmutter inGrain Brain), there is 40 times moregluten in our hybridized wheat today thanwhen our ancestors first stumbled uponwild wheat. It just isn’t part of our naturaldiet, we don’t digest it well and manybelieve it is triggering everything fromallergies to autoimmune conditions.

One of the most criticalmisguided beliefs of our culture is thatgerms are the cause of disease. The fact is,our bodies contain ten times moremicrobes that human cells. That’s right –we have 10 trillion cells in our bodies and100 trillion bacteria, viruses, parasites,and other forms of microbes designed tokeep out harmful bugs, break down ourfood and perform many other vitalfunctions.

The truth is that an unhealthy,unbalanced body is the root cause ofdisease. Our germ-phobia is disturbing thebalance of microbes in our world and it isevidenced by the complexity andillusiveness of the health issuesincreasingly appearing today. I couldprovide many other examples, but I hopethe forgoing has convinced you toquestion even our most foundationalbeliefs and join me on the fringe!

Dr. Christine Thompson is the owner ofWhole Health Chiropractic.She can be

reached at 540-899-9421 or www.whole-health.net.

The brain is an amazinglycomplex organ. It is our most importantorgan because it controls all of the bodilyfunctions as well as other organs. Asmany as 100 billion neurons are in thebrain, yet it only weighs roughly threepounds. Many research studies have beenconducted assessing the impact of agingon brain functioning and ways to improvebrain functioning.

All information enters the brainand is first registered and briefly stored assensory memory. If we don’t dosomething with this information, it will belost very quickly. The way we process thisinformation is affected by age. Muchresearch on everyday memory deals withthe issue of automatic (unconscious) vs.effortful (intentional) processing. As thename implies automatic processing occursautomatically without consciousawareness. Researchers found thatautomatic processing of information doesnot decline as we age. Effortful processinginvolves more complicated tasks thatrequire the brain to consciously pay moreattention to the information it processes,thus requiring more deliberate effort andbrain resources. An example is drivingslowly down the street (automatic) whilelooking for a specific address (effortful).Research studies determined that thebrain’s effortful capacity does decline aswe age, beginning in middle age (40-50years old).

The good news is that the brain’sdecline can not only be slowed, butactually reversed with mental and/orphysical exercise. There are simple waysto keep older adults’ brains challenged andengaged during the day. Playing boardgames such as Scrabble, Risk, Pictionary,or Monopoly with friends combinesmental stimulation with socialinteraction. Senior adults can also playSudoku, complete crossword or jigsawpuzzles, play card games, or chess.Challenge the brain on a daily basis by

doing puzzles, taking classes, or reading.When it comes to cognitive abilities of thebrain, there are two choices - use it or loseit. Being socially active by participating incommunity activities not only providesregular communications with new people,but it also stimulates the brain by learningnew names. UCLA researchers found thatolder adults who regularly used a brain-fitness program on a computerdemonstrated significantly improvedmemory and language skills. Here are twoexcellent websites for brain-fitnessprograms:http://www.skillsyouneed.com/and https://www.dakim.com/. ; It isimportant to note that true brain exerciserequires novelty, variety, and increasinglevels of challenge.

There’s no such thing as being“too old” to physically exercise. Many ofus remember Jack LaLanne, the “godfatherof fitness” who exercised two hours perday at the age of 94. Well, take comfortin knowing that even simple leisurephysical activity like walking, gardening,or range of motion exercising at low tomoderate levels improves memoryperformance for sedentary older adults.And, the effects of exercise - any exercise -on overall cognitive function can beprofound. Sandra Bond Chapman, Ph.D.,founder and chief director of the Centerfor BrainHealth said: “Physical exercisemay be one of the most beneficial andcost-effective therapies widely available toeveryone to elevate memoryperformance.”

Incorporating physical andmental exercises will lead to improvedcognitive brain health. So, don’t lose it!There are plenty of enjoyable ways to useand increase your brain power.

Karl Karch is a local franchise owner ofHome Instead Senior Care, a licensed

home care organization providingpersonal care, companionship and homehelper services in the Fredericksburg and

Culpeper region. .

front porch fredericksburg November 2014 2322 November 2014 Front porch fredericksburg

Wellnessthoughts from

the healthcare fringe

By christine h. thompson, D.C.

Senior Care increase your brain power

By Karl Karch

Natural HealthBalancing your life with Harmonic Resonance Therapy

By Suzy Woollam

With the change of season, areyou feeling out of balance, or out of tune?Maybe it’s time for you to give HarmonicResonance Therapy a try. HarmonicResonance Therapy, or HRT, is a non-invasive treatment designed anddeveloped by Suzy Woollam that usescalibrated tuning forks applied to specificpoints to access the body’s meridians,chakras and etheric body. Since thehuman body is primarily water, which is amagnificent conductor of soundfrequencies, HRT assists the body inrealigning its energies, providing a state ofcalmness and relaxation.

HRT provides a more precisemethod of applying sound waves(tones) to the body and energyfield. These tones harness thebody’s natural resonant capacity,and assist in creating movement,releasing blockages and restoringbalance within the system. Thistype of sound therapy works notonly on the physical body, but onthe etheric body as well.

HRT is based on the concept ofresonance, or vibratory frequency, of anobject. All objects have a naturalfrequency or set of frequencies at whichthey vibrate. HRT utilizes sound toestablish (or re-establish) a healthyvibration in all parts of the humanorganism by increasing vibration,expansion and contraction on a cellular,and even sub-cellular level. This providesus with the opportunity to reach a deeperstate of relaxation, release accumulatedstress and toxins, improve and repairourselves at a cellular level, and ultimatelyto function more effectively.

The most wonderful thing aboutsound therapy is that it can be easilyincorporated into nearly every type ofhealing modality, whether massage,chiropractic, physical therapy, hypnosis,energy work and even Aromatherapy. It ispresently being used successfully in ourcommunity by Massage Therapists,Naturopaths, Clinical Aromatherapistsand Tai Chi instructors to facilitate agreater level of comfort in their clients.Suzy has trained a number of therapists inour area to use HRT in their practice, andoffers classes with continuing educationcredits in HRT.

To find out more about HRT, contact Suzy at The Scenter of Town

907 Charles St.

Barbara Bergquist, CTN Board Certified Traditional Naturopath

891-6200 www.thenaturalpath.us4413 Lafayette Blvd. Fredericksburg

The Natural Path Holistic Health Center

~Nature’s Sunshine Products

~Quantitative Fluid Analysis

~VoiceBio Analysis

~ionSpa Foot Detox

~Zyto Bioscan Compass

Natura l Products for Hea lth & Wel lness

Healthcare For the Whole Person

SPECIALIZING IN:

Gentle, Individualized Chiropractic CareCranio-Sacral Balancing (Sacro

Occipital Technique - SOT)Addressing Your Total Health Needs

with Natural, Holistic Treatment MethodsDetoxification/Weight

Loss Nutritional Programs

Dr. ChristineThompson

Have you ever felt like learninghow to play a new instrument? Whatabout trying modeling or acting on forsize? Whether you are a beginner oradvanced, young or old, it’s never too lateto learn or expand a talent and our areaoffers a one-stop shop for all of yourperforming arts needs.

M & S Studio, located in theUptown area of Central Park, specializes inbringing clients and the entertainmentindustry together. The studio justcelebrated twenty years of serving theFredericksburg area in June, and hopes tostick around for twenty more.

“When we first came to the

Fredericksburg areawe were trendsetters,” says SabineKvenberg, co-ownerof the studio.Together with herhusband Mykal, theyshare their extensivemusical theater andperforming artsbackgrounds byoffering a widerange of classesunder one roof.

T h o u g hthey began byoffering acting,dance, and voicelessons, M &S hassince expanded into

all forms of music and modeling. “Inmusical theater it is important to beskilled in acting, dance, and voice. Later onwe added more options in order to pass onour love for the performing arts to futuregenerations,” says Mykal.

Classes are offered to all ages,starting with a preschool dance option,

and scholarships are available as well.Group and private lessons are offeredthroughout the year, with showcases andrecitals presented twice a year. Performingarts summer camp programs include allaspects of the musical theater industrywith a show given at the end of the one-two week long camps.

For those with the more seriousintention of breaking into “the business” aspecialty program is also available on anaudition only basis. Both Kvenbergs areRegional Directors for a program called“ARTS,” a national organization thatsearches for up and coming talent.

“For those interested in theprogram, we offer hands-on training andexplain the entertainment and modelingindustries. We also get their marketingand audition materials put together, andthen get them in front of agents,managers, casting directors and musicindustry professionals,” says Mykal.

M & S Studio claims alumni whohave broken into the industry and often

return to Fredericksburg to help out withcamps and programs. Using the skillsdeveloped at M & S, they have performedon world tours, Broadway musicals, andstarred on national television and in majormotion pictures.

“We provide a welcoming familyfriendly environment where our studentscreate memories that last a lifetime.Students can take what they learn andimplement it into their future life,” saysSabine. “We work hard to develop selfconfidence in a fun way so students cansucceed.”

From recreational opportunitiesfor the beginner to more advanced classesthat might lead to your big break, M & Sprovides the tools to achieve your dreams.

“With the right training, anyonecan reach their potential,” says Sabine.Visit http://mandsstudio.com to find outmore about classes and programs offered.

Christina Ferber is a teacher, mother,and a fan of all the arts.

Scene: Bill and Emily Freehlingmaking their first Laura Craig original artpurchase at LibertyTown on First Friday;Drew Fristoe(below) at Benny Vitali’s withfriends making strong work of an entirepie. If you haven’t been to BV’s yet, youmay not realize what “entire pie” actuallymeans. It means a dining room table sizedpizza. Also, if you haven’t been to BV’s yet,I highly suggest you do because that pizzais SO GOOD!

The Fredericksburg Area Museumand Cultural Center hosted the 2ndannual Food Fight Fredericksburg last

month complete with an outdoor afterparty catered by Foode. The eventfeatured food and décor inspired bydifferent countries with local restaurantsteaming up with local designers to executethe vision for their chosen country.Bavarian Chef chose Germany (I mean,obviously) and took home first place in atie with the Sunken Well Tavern whoserved ceviche to go with their Mexicantheme. Vivify and Forage created anoutdoor Spanish café complete with rockycliffs, sangria and paella. Mason DixonCafé gave us strong Caribbean vibes andthe Kenmore Inn went full fancy Frenchstyle. Lots of Fredericksburg’s coolestpeeps took the world tour: Tom Wack,Matt Kelly, Jodie Vaughn, Anna Mitsis, Donand Christie Doherty, David, Lisa andCaitlin Durham, Trystan Bennett, andHolly Bisbee to name only a few!

Scene: Ryan Ridgely enjoying abeer with friends at Capital Ale House;Lauren Kennedy grabbing a coffee to go atHyperion Espresso; Jannan Holmesstopping by Ponshop and Skin + TouchTherapy during her First Friday rounds;former Redskins Darryl Green at La PetiteAuberge; Ken Crampton getting into alittle thrifting action at a local Goodwill;Nicole Gebhart perusing the coffee aislesof Wegmans; Tracy and Tim Bray drinkinga Calvin-created cocktail at the Kybeccabar; Jeff Johnson walking home withCastiglia’s take-out on a perfectly Fall-ishFriday night (p.s. we’re neighbors and I’mjust not sure why I wasn’t asked if Iwanted any??).

Happy November Bdaysto Cedric Rucker,above, (whose Europeanadventure Facebook photos last monthwere making me green with envy!), JoelleGilbert, Hap Connors, Christina Ferber,Tom Eskam, Matt Paxson; MirindaReynolds; and Wayne Gootee, KatieHornung, Kent Ippolitto, ChristineThompson, Michael Dean, Scott Howson,Todd Woollam, & Bill Freehling

Heard: One of our favoritelocal restaurateurs is packing up andheading down 95 to her brand new (exceptby brand new I mean historic and full ofcharm) row house for a fun fresh start.

Scene: UMW hosted Dancingwith the Fredericksburg Stars on October11th, where some of Fredericksburg’sbrightest stars took the stage to help

endow a scholarship for students whoexcel in theatre, dance and music (last Iheard, they were able to raise $75K! Whata success!). Florence Ridderhof , JoeWilson, John Wack, John Moss Jr, RegisKeddie II, John Fick, Debby Girvan, JanelDonohue and Lisa Crittenden allparticipated as dancers; their profeshpartners were all dancers from StrictlyBallroom Dance Studio. Susan Spears,Rosendo Fumero (former US champion in

the American Style Smooth open division,and Melanie Kay-WWyant served as judges.Terrie Crawley took home “Best in Show”while Florence Ridderhof secured thepopular vote as the People’s Choice.(left,with partner Michael Scott, photo byKaren Pearlman)

Scene: Jess and Jeremy Suttoncheering on our Nats during a playoffseries home game (how exciting too,right?); Randall Farren and Jenn Hare(above) cheering on our other team, theOrioles, who also awesomely made it superfar in the post-season; Erin Priest settingup her new art studio above Forage aftergetting back from vacation.

front porch fredericksburg November 2014 2524 November 2014 Front porch fredericksburg

by megan byrnes

M & S Studiogiving you tools to achieve your dreams

By Christina Ferber

jewelboxfredericksburgva.webs.comjewelbox14k@yahoo.com

212 William Street,Fredericksburg540-373-5513

Mon-Fri 9:30-6; Sat 9:30-5

FredericksburgTime Co.

Exclusively at

Your Hometown JewelerSince 1940

Have you ever felt like learninghow to play a new instrument? Whatabout trying modeling or acting on forsize? Whether you are a beginner oradvanced, young or old, it’s never too lateto learn or expand a talent and our areaoffers a one-stop shop for all of yourperforming arts needs.

M & S Studio, located in theUptown area of Central Park, specializes inbringing clients and the entertainmentindustry together. The studio justcelebrated twenty years of serving theFredericksburg area in June, and hopes tostick around for twenty more.

“When we first came to the

Fredericksburg areawe were trendsetters,” says SabineKvenberg, co-ownerof the studio.Together with herhusband Mykal, theyshare their extensivemusical theater andperforming artsbackgrounds byoffering a widerange of classesunder one roof.

T h o u g hthey began byoffering acting,dance, and voicelessons, M &S hassince expanded into

all forms of music and modeling. “Inmusical theater it is important to beskilled in acting, dance, and voice. Later onwe added more options in order to pass onour love for the performing arts to futuregenerations,” says Mykal.

Classes are offered to all ages,starting with a preschool dance option,

and scholarships are available as well.Group and private lessons are offeredthroughout the year, with showcases andrecitals presented twice a year. Performingarts summer camp programs include allaspects of the musical theater industrywith a show given at the end of the one-two week long camps.

For those with the more seriousintention of breaking into “the business” aspecialty program is also available on anaudition only basis. Both Kvenbergs areRegional Directors for a program called“ARTS,” a national organization thatsearches for up and coming talent.

“For those interested in theprogram, we offer hands-on training andexplain the entertainment and modelingindustries. We also get their marketingand audition materials put together, andthen get them in front of agents,managers, casting directors and musicindustry professionals,” says Mykal.

M & S Studio claims alumni whohave broken into the industry and often

return to Fredericksburg to help out withcamps and programs. Using the skillsdeveloped at M & S, they have performedon world tours, Broadway musicals, andstarred on national television and in majormotion pictures.

“We provide a welcoming familyfriendly environment where our studentscreate memories that last a lifetime.Students can take what they learn andimplement it into their future life,” saysSabine. “We work hard to develop selfconfidence in a fun way so students cansucceed.”

From recreational opportunitiesfor the beginner to more advanced classesthat might lead to your big break, M & Sprovides the tools to achieve your dreams.

“With the right training, anyonecan reach their potential,” says Sabine.Visit http://mandsstudio.com to find outmore about classes and programs offered.

Christina Ferber is a teacher, mother,and a fan of all the arts.

Scene: Bill and Emily Freehlingmaking their first Laura Craig original artpurchase at LibertyTown on First Friday;Drew Fristoe(below) at Benny Vitali’s withfriends making strong work of an entirepie. If you haven’t been to BV’s yet, youmay not realize what “entire pie” actuallymeans. It means a dining room table sizedpizza. Also, if you haven’t been to BV’s yet,I highly suggest you do because that pizzais SO GOOD!

The Fredericksburg Area Museumand Cultural Center hosted the 2ndannual Food Fight Fredericksburg last

month complete with an outdoor afterparty catered by Foode. The eventfeatured food and décor inspired bydifferent countries with local restaurantsteaming up with local designers to executethe vision for their chosen country.Bavarian Chef chose Germany (I mean,obviously) and took home first place in atie with the Sunken Well Tavern whoserved ceviche to go with their Mexicantheme. Vivify and Forage created anoutdoor Spanish café complete with rockycliffs, sangria and paella. Mason DixonCafé gave us strong Caribbean vibes andthe Kenmore Inn went full fancy Frenchstyle. Lots of Fredericksburg’s coolestpeeps took the world tour: Tom Wack,Matt Kelly, Jodie Vaughn, Anna Mitsis, Donand Christie Doherty, David, Lisa andCaitlin Durham, Trystan Bennett, andHolly Bisbee to name only a few!

Scene: Ryan Ridgely enjoying abeer with friends at Capital Ale House;Lauren Kennedy grabbing a coffee to go atHyperion Espresso; Jannan Holmesstopping by Ponshop and Skin + TouchTherapy during her First Friday rounds;former Redskins Darryl Green at La PetiteAuberge; Ken Crampton getting into alittle thrifting action at a local Goodwill;Nicole Gebhart perusing the coffee aislesof Wegmans; Tracy and Tim Bray drinkinga Calvin-created cocktail at the Kybeccabar; Jeff Johnson walking home withCastiglia’s take-out on a perfectly Fall-ishFriday night (p.s. we’re neighbors and I’mjust not sure why I wasn’t asked if Iwanted any??).

Happy November Bdaysto Cedric Rucker,above, (whose Europeanadventure Facebook photos last monthwere making me green with envy!), JoelleGilbert, Hap Connors, Christina Ferber,Tom Eskam, Matt Paxson; MirindaReynolds; and Wayne Gootee, KatieHornung, Kent Ippolitto, ChristineThompson, Michael Dean, Scott Howson,Todd Woollam, & Bill Freehling

Heard: One of our favoritelocal restaurateurs is packing up andheading down 95 to her brand new (exceptby brand new I mean historic and full ofcharm) row house for a fun fresh start.

Scene: UMW hosted Dancingwith the Fredericksburg Stars on October11th, where some of Fredericksburg’sbrightest stars took the stage to help

endow a scholarship for students whoexcel in theatre, dance and music (last Iheard, they were able to raise $75K! Whata success!). Florence Ridderhof , JoeWilson, John Wack, John Moss Jr, RegisKeddie II, John Fick, Debby Girvan, JanelDonohue and Lisa Crittenden allparticipated as dancers; their profeshpartners were all dancers from StrictlyBallroom Dance Studio. Susan Spears,Rosendo Fumero (former US champion in

the American Style Smooth open division,and Melanie Kay-WWyant served as judges.Terrie Crawley took home “Best in Show”while Florence Ridderhof secured thepopular vote as the People’s Choice.(left,with partner Michael Scott, photo byKaren Pearlman)

Scene: Jess and Jeremy Suttoncheering on our Nats during a playoffseries home game (how exciting too,right?); Randall Farren and Jenn Hare(above) cheering on our other team, theOrioles, who also awesomely made it superfar in the post-season; Erin Priest settingup her new art studio above Forage aftergetting back from vacation.

front porch fredericksburg November 2014 2524 November 2014 Front porch fredericksburg

by megan byrnes

M & S Studiogiving you tools to achieve your dreams

By Christina Ferber

jewelboxfredericksburgva.webs.comjewelbox14k@yahoo.com

212 William Street,Fredericksburg540-373-5513

Mon-Fri 9:30-6; Sat 9:30-5

FredericksburgTime Co.

Exclusively at

Your Hometown JewelerSince 1940

Words as Art

Susan Carter Morgan had anaffinity for writing even as a child. The co-founder of Water Street Studio, Writingand Arts remembers walking around herneighborhood when she was about nine,selling newspapers she’d hand-produced.

Today, Morgan shares her love ofwriting through workshops at WaterStreet Studio. “We focus on strengths andnot weaknesses,” she said of her classes.The language used in critiquing can createan environment that makes people feelsafe, and stimulates creativity, she said.

Morgan and her Water Street artpartners Elizabeth Seaver and LynetteReed were members of LibertyTown ArtsWorkshop when they became friends.They started taking about how cool itwould be to have a writing and arts studio.“At first those kinds of talks are alwaysdreams,” Morgan said. But then a friendtold them about the space available at915-A Sophia Street. “We walked in andstarted envisioning ourselves there,” shesaid. They opened Water Street Studio onOctober 1, 2013. The trio hosted a firstanniversary party last month.

“I love connecting with people,sharing their experiences and telling theirstories,” Morgan said of her writing. Hermore recent works have been published inEmory Literary Magazine, Vine LeavesLiterary Journal and The Nearest PoemAnthology. Her greater satisfaction, shesaid, is in being part of a community ofwriters and helping others with theirwriting.

Morgan’s workshops for childrenand teens include Writing Strategies,

learning how to organize and producesolid writing; Creative Writing, a group forchildren eight and older who love to writestories and poems; and Illustrating MyWorld, journaling with art/mixed mediafor middle-school girls.

Classes for adults include aWednesday morning women’s writingcircle, a once-a-month “Writing Workout”meeting, with the opportunity to readaloud whatever you’re working on andreceive gentle feedback from the group,and workshops on specific topics, likememoir writing, with published authors.

Morgan herself is currentlyfocusing on poetry. “I was distracted fromcreative writing by the work I had to do,”Morgan said of her family and careerresponsibilities, which included 16-yearsas a technology and writing teacher atFredericksburg Academy. Retirement hasprovided the time to pursue more creative

endeavors. Her love of words hasexpanded into letterpress printing.

Long fascinated with metal type,Morgan took an all day class, “to dosomething with this [interest] or get it outof my system,” she said. She was hooked.

In letterpress printing, a workercomposes and locks movable type into thebed of a press, inks it, and presses paperagainst. The ink transfers from the typeand creates an impression on the paper.

“I am fascinated by how type andspace interact; how design impacts themessage we’re trying to send out,” Morgansaid. She has a letterpress printer in herstudio at Water Street, where she makescards and signs. She plans to typeset andprint some of her poetry.

Morgan moved to Fredericksburgin the mid-1970s at a time “whendowntown was disintegrating,” she said. “Ilove what’s happening now through theFredericksburg Main Street Initiative(FMSI).” The nonprofit’s purpose is topreserve, enhance and promoteFredericksburg’s traditional commercialdowntown. Morgan volunteered for a fewprojects and in October was elected toserve on the group’s Board of Directors.She’s using her writing skill there, too, inpromoting the plans, programs andachievements of the downtowncommunity she calls home.

Susan Larson writes about theFredericksburg area and its residents onher online web site Fredericksburg.Today

http://fredericksburg.today/, onFacebook (Fredericksburg Today) and

Twitter @Fxbg2day.

Jess Eliot Myhre and Chris Ousley,the original members of The BumperJacksons’, first inspiration in starting aproject together was their interest in two-stepping—a dance you’ll see fromTennessee to east Texas and a hallmark ofsouthern Americana.

“We found out quickly that wecan two step country music, but we cantwo step to swing, we can two step toblues,” Ousley said. “We can just changethe phrasing but it’s the same step and itfit all these different musics that were allcoming from the southern U.S.”

It was in this discovery thatOusley and Myhre started forging a styleof their own. It’s a style they describe asan early jazz and country repertoire thatspans music from New Orleans’ brothelsto Appalachian hollers.

“We liked the music we werelistening to today, but who were theylistening to in the classic rock era, andwho were they listening to in the music ofthe 40 and 50s and who were theylistening to in the 10s and 20s,” Ousleysaid. “Going out to see all these differentbands, there is this common core ofgroove that we have been listening to andtrying to make our own sound. We havebeen noticing all the similarities betweenthese reasonably diverse genres andthere’s sort of a common core we allhear.”

Along with the developing sound,came a growing band, which now includesnot only Myhre on vocals, clarinet, andwashboard and Ousley on guitar andvocals, but also Alex Lacquement on bassand harmony vocals, Dan Cohan onsuitcase percussion and snare, DaveHadley on pedal steele, and Brian Priebe

on trombone and harmony vocals. Thecombination of tradition with a twist anddiverse talent garnered the group the BestTraditional Folk Band award at the 2013Washington Area Music Awards.

Ousley said The Bumper Jacksonshave played in the Richmond andWashington, D.C. areas, but are drawn toFredericksburg for the opportunity toplay in the Music & Spirits concert seriesat the A. Smith Bowman Distillery, a newseries, new city and opportunity to seenew faces—always great things. The bandwill play on Nov. 22, along with openingact Karen Jonas with Tim Bray.

“The concert series when I firstheard about it seemed really interesting. Iliked the fact that it was in a historicplace,” Ousley said. “It seemed to be a newseries that was getting new attention. Iwanted to be a part of something likethat.”

Tickets for the concert are $18online at musicandspirits.com or $20 atthe door.

Wendy LaRue, owner of AhHa!Consulting, LLC, is a Fredericksburg-

based writer and editor.

front porch fredericksburg November 2014 2726 November 2014 Front porch fredericksburg

FXBG Music SceneBumper Jacksons Make FXBG Debut!

by wendy Larue

Advanced Dental Careof FredericksburgCall Us at 540-891-9911

Because we care for you!www.virginiadental4u.com

10524 Spotsylvania Ave. Ste #104 Fredericksburg, VA

$599Crown

With this Coupon only for non-insuredpatients. Not valid with other offers or

prior services. Offer Expires 121/14A $239.0000 Value

$699 Per Arch Full

Denture/PartialWith this Coupon only for non-insuredpatients. Not valid with other offers orprior services. Offer Expires 12/1/14

A $1100.00 Value

Applause...for susan carter morgan

By susan larson

photo by s.larson

Words as Art

Susan Carter Morgan had anaffinity for writing even as a child. The co-founder of Water Street Studio, Writingand Arts remembers walking around herneighborhood when she was about nine,selling newspapers she’d hand-produced.

Today, Morgan shares her love ofwriting through workshops at WaterStreet Studio. “We focus on strengths andnot weaknesses,” she said of her classes.The language used in critiquing can createan environment that makes people feelsafe, and stimulates creativity, she said.

Morgan and her Water Street artpartners Elizabeth Seaver and LynetteReed were members of LibertyTown ArtsWorkshop when they became friends.They started taking about how cool itwould be to have a writing and arts studio.“At first those kinds of talks are alwaysdreams,” Morgan said. But then a friendtold them about the space available at915-A Sophia Street. “We walked in andstarted envisioning ourselves there,” shesaid. They opened Water Street Studio onOctober 1, 2013. The trio hosted a firstanniversary party last month.

“I love connecting with people,sharing their experiences and telling theirstories,” Morgan said of her writing. Hermore recent works have been published inEmory Literary Magazine, Vine LeavesLiterary Journal and The Nearest PoemAnthology. Her greater satisfaction, shesaid, is in being part of a community ofwriters and helping others with theirwriting.

Morgan’s workshops for childrenand teens include Writing Strategies,

learning how to organize and producesolid writing; Creative Writing, a group forchildren eight and older who love to writestories and poems; and Illustrating MyWorld, journaling with art/mixed mediafor middle-school girls.

Classes for adults include aWednesday morning women’s writingcircle, a once-a-month “Writing Workout”meeting, with the opportunity to readaloud whatever you’re working on andreceive gentle feedback from the group,and workshops on specific topics, likememoir writing, with published authors.

Morgan herself is currentlyfocusing on poetry. “I was distracted fromcreative writing by the work I had to do,”Morgan said of her family and careerresponsibilities, which included 16-yearsas a technology and writing teacher atFredericksburg Academy. Retirement hasprovided the time to pursue more creative

endeavors. Her love of words hasexpanded into letterpress printing.

Long fascinated with metal type,Morgan took an all day class, “to dosomething with this [interest] or get it outof my system,” she said. She was hooked.

In letterpress printing, a workercomposes and locks movable type into thebed of a press, inks it, and presses paperagainst. The ink transfers from the typeand creates an impression on the paper.

“I am fascinated by how type andspace interact; how design impacts themessage we’re trying to send out,” Morgansaid. She has a letterpress printer in herstudio at Water Street, where she makescards and signs. She plans to typeset andprint some of her poetry.

Morgan moved to Fredericksburgin the mid-1970s at a time “whendowntown was disintegrating,” she said. “Ilove what’s happening now through theFredericksburg Main Street Initiative(FMSI).” The nonprofit’s purpose is topreserve, enhance and promoteFredericksburg’s traditional commercialdowntown. Morgan volunteered for a fewprojects and in October was elected toserve on the group’s Board of Directors.She’s using her writing skill there, too, inpromoting the plans, programs andachievements of the downtowncommunity she calls home.

Susan Larson writes about theFredericksburg area and its residents onher online web site Fredericksburg.Today

http://fredericksburg.today/, onFacebook (Fredericksburg Today) and

Twitter @Fxbg2day.

Jess Eliot Myhre and Chris Ousley,the original members of The BumperJacksons’, first inspiration in starting aproject together was their interest in two-stepping—a dance you’ll see fromTennessee to east Texas and a hallmark ofsouthern Americana.

“We found out quickly that wecan two step country music, but we cantwo step to swing, we can two step toblues,” Ousley said. “We can just changethe phrasing but it’s the same step and itfit all these different musics that were allcoming from the southern U.S.”

It was in this discovery thatOusley and Myhre started forging a styleof their own. It’s a style they describe asan early jazz and country repertoire thatspans music from New Orleans’ brothelsto Appalachian hollers.

“We liked the music we werelistening to today, but who were theylistening to in the classic rock era, andwho were they listening to in the music ofthe 40 and 50s and who were theylistening to in the 10s and 20s,” Ousleysaid. “Going out to see all these differentbands, there is this common core ofgroove that we have been listening to andtrying to make our own sound. We havebeen noticing all the similarities betweenthese reasonably diverse genres andthere’s sort of a common core we allhear.”

Along with the developing sound,came a growing band, which now includesnot only Myhre on vocals, clarinet, andwashboard and Ousley on guitar andvocals, but also Alex Lacquement on bassand harmony vocals, Dan Cohan onsuitcase percussion and snare, DaveHadley on pedal steele, and Brian Priebe

on trombone and harmony vocals. Thecombination of tradition with a twist anddiverse talent garnered the group the BestTraditional Folk Band award at the 2013Washington Area Music Awards.

Ousley said The Bumper Jacksonshave played in the Richmond andWashington, D.C. areas, but are drawn toFredericksburg for the opportunity toplay in the Music & Spirits concert seriesat the A. Smith Bowman Distillery, a newseries, new city and opportunity to seenew faces—always great things. The bandwill play on Nov. 22, along with openingact Karen Jonas with Tim Bray.

“The concert series when I firstheard about it seemed really interesting. Iliked the fact that it was in a historicplace,” Ousley said. “It seemed to be a newseries that was getting new attention. Iwanted to be a part of something likethat.”

Tickets for the concert are $18online at musicandspirits.com or $20 atthe door.

Wendy LaRue, owner of AhHa!Consulting, LLC, is a Fredericksburg-

based writer and editor.

front porch fredericksburg November 2014 2726 November 2014 Front porch fredericksburg

FXBG Music SceneBumper Jacksons Make FXBG Debut!

by wendy Larue

Advanced Dental Careof FredericksburgCall Us at 540-891-9911

Because we care for you!www.virginiadental4u.com

10524 Spotsylvania Ave. Ste #104 Fredericksburg, VA

$599Crown

With this Coupon only for non-insuredpatients. Not valid with other offers or

prior services. Offer Expires 121/14A $239.0000 Value

$699 Per Arch Full

Denture/PartialWith this Coupon only for non-insuredpatients. Not valid with other offers orprior services. Offer Expires 12/1/14

A $1100.00 Value

Applause...for susan carter morgan

By susan larson

photo by s.larson

front porch fredericksburg November 2014 29

Need some living dirt? Howabout a way to keep your friends in checkon those late nights out? Both of thoseproducts and more are now accessiblethanks to the recent Startup Weekendthat was held at Germanna CommunityCollege on September 26-28. From thefirst pitches offered on Friday night to thefinal pitches given on Sunday evening, theevent proved to be an all around success.

After twenty-plus pitches in theopener, eight teams were formed around

the ideas with the most traction, andalthough they were all working ondifferent products the environment wasone of collaboration. “Essentially we wereall competing against each other, but itnever felt like that. Everyone in the roomwas supportive, friendly, and excited foryou and your idea. It was one of thegreatest experiences I have ever had,” saysChrista Huntley, team leader for first placeteam 10 x 10, an app aimed at matchingtrade shows with vendors.

Lights by Paul, a team led by PaulGlancy of Paul’s Bakery fame, producedsmall durable lit gingerbread men forChristmas and came in second, whileDowntown Farm came in third. ThoughSarah Perry originally thought ofDowntown Farm as a place to bring urbanyouth and the environment together, shemade a huge switch and pitched “LivingSoil,” a soil amendment product madelocally, as her final product.

“We had a Startup Weekendfirst,” says Christine Goodwin, one of theevent’s organizers. “A team sold dirt andmade $1500.00 worth of sales doing it. Itwas really an incredible pivot from theoriginal idea that was pitched.”

Other business productsshowcased during the final pitches camefrom Rdius, a way to map the stories ofyour life through geo-journalism, AudioStream, a portable streaming device, andStart on Foot, an app that marries fitnessand gaming. Whoopsie and P-AArt-YY alsopitched during Sunday’s presentations andproved that your first pitch may notalways match the final one.

Whoopsie was first pitched byRachel Seats as an app to obtain sexualconsent, and instead changed to an appthat offered brainteasers and other toolsto keep group members together during anight on the town. “My idea changedseveral times through the 54 hour sprint,and even though we didn’t win, we scoredcountless connections and relationships

that continue to develop.” says Seats. Alicia Hurst, team leader of P-Art-

Y pitched a non- profit art center as a wayto bring the arts to all, but pivoted to afor-profit business of giving art parties. “Ilearned a lot about transforming ideasinto ways to make money, finding theright team, and the importance of socialnetworking,” says Hurst.

From learning the importance ofidentifying and validating customer base,to listening to and following other’s adviceand creating a lean business canvas, teamsended up building impressive finishedproducts with many continuing on asviable businesses.

“Despite all the false starts andpivots I thought everyone made anamazing effort. I especially liked watchingpeople who hardly knew each other cometogether, take an idea and flesh it out intoan impressive presentation and viableproduct. It gave me a real sense of what ispossible even when resources and time areshort,” says Max Lupton, a team memberof P-Art-Y.

It’s the experience that theweekend provides that keeps peopleattending these events. “The unexpectedsuccesses of the weekend keep uspassionate about continuing this inFredericksburg,” says Goodwin. “We get tobe a part of people changing their livesand making a dent in the universe in waysthat they had never imagined.”

The next Startup Weekend isMarch 6-8th and will be targetingveterans. Volunteers and sponsors arecurrently being sought. Anyoneinterested in participating or sponsoringcan email christine@fredxchange.org.Other Startup Weekends are planned forsummer and fall 2015.

Christina Ferber got the startp bug asan observer at January’s event and got

hooked. She can’t wait to get hercreative juices flowing again at the next

event in March 2015.

28 November 2014 Front porch fredericksburg

810 Caroline Street(540) 371-5684

Give a Child Something to Think About

Books, Games, Amusing Novelties

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

The Freeway Revival, formerlyknown to some of the locals as Same Ol’Sound, is coming through. After six, yessix, cross country tours, supporting theirdebut album, Songs From Home, the bandis excited to release their second album,Over The Mountain.

The band, like many musicalgroups, has morphed through phases andfaces of different members, but the coretrio remains the same: Culpeper, Virginiaraised identical twin brothers Adam andJonathan Clayton, and guitarist, Joey Lee.Like many famed jam behinds before them(Phish, The Band, Grateful Dead), thethree are multi-instrumentalists. Adamprimarily plays keys, Jonathan playsguitar, but at any given show you canwitness any one of the guys playingdrums, bass, mandolin, guitar.

Hard touring can wear a bandout. It is not east living show to show,gallon to gallon on the highway, and couchto couch. But, “Seeing the people andfriends we have across the country now,getting up and playing for people, havingthat one big show in the tour, that’s whatkeeps us going,” Lee shares.

Over the Mountain is anticipatedby many and promises an exciting newyear on the road. Producer John Ryan(Allman Brothers, Styx, Lynyrd Skynyrd,Imagine Dragons) helped craft a strong

sound for the gents’ original tunes; ablend of rockin’ Americana sounds,ranging in influence from southern bluesto classic country western, are broughtback to their acoustic origination. TheFreeway Revival has a sound all their own,unique and diverse like The Band, yetrelatable like Skynyrd.

As far as these guys have roamed,they always bring it back home. On Friday,November 28, The Freeway Revival willhost their CD Release at The StateTheater of Culpeper. Special guestsinclude Ron Holloway, a famedinternational tenor sax player. This is anevent of the season for Americana musicfollowers. This will be a show to say, “I wasthere when…”

Get a sneak peak, meet the guysin person, and pick up a copy of their firstCD, Tuesday, November 5 at The Silk Millwhere they will perform a short set forCVTV in Concert, airing LIVE for nationaltelevision. Maddie Sunshine and LeonRector will open. This film studioexperience opens to the public at 7:30p.m.

Check outTheFreewayRevival.com, and of coursefind them on Facebook and all the othersocial medias.

Ashleigh Chevalier is a Blues/Jazz/RockMusican - Vocalist, Songwriter, Music &

Media Journalist and, a mother living in Fredericksburg

I consistently win wagers provingthat the Fredericksburg area plays a majorinfluence in the lives of award-winningHollywood film makers and performers forany five-year period. And the period underdiscussion in my next free film lecture onNovember 6th at 6:30 p.m. at the CentralRappahannock Library, 1201 CarolineStreet, focusing on the Academy Awardsfrom 2005 to 2009, is no exception.

One of today’s most popularactresses is Sandra Bullock, winner of theBest Actress Oscar for 2009’s The BlindSide. Few know that Ms. Bullock is a nativeVirginian, born in Arlington. Her father,John, worked at the Army’s Military PostalService, where he purchased a house in theWoodmont neighborhood of Arlington—2925 26th Street North, to be precise—atSandra’s birth in 1964. He continuedownership of the house while stationed inGermany before returning to Virginia tobecome a contractor for the Pentagon.

Sandra attended Washington-LeeHigh School, where greatness in actingmust be in the water coolers since theschool has alums Forrest Tucker, WarrenBeatty and Shirley MacLaine. While there,Sandra was a cheerleader (you can look upher high school cheerleading skills onYouTube) and honed her acting skills inschool productions before graduating in1982.

A footnote: Sandra attended EastCarolina University and was three creditsshy of graduating when she decided tohead up to New York City to launch herprofessional acting career.

Speaking of Washington-Lee HighSchool, another graduate (1964), StanWilson, was a special effects expert whobroke new ground in James Cameron’s TheTerminator. The University of Virginiaalum (Class of 1968) was nominated for10 Oscars for his special effects work andwon three Oscars for his work inCameron’s Aliens, Terminator 2 andSteven Spielberg’s Jurassic Park. Towardsthe end of his life, Wilson was an

invaluable advisor to Cameron in his 2009Best Picture nominee Avatar. Wilson diedin 2008 from multiple myeloma.

2006’s quirky independent film,Little Miss Sunshine, received theAcademy Awards’ Best OriginalScreenplay. Its scriptwriter, Virginia’s ownMichael Arndt, was handed the Oscar forhis work after he had revised the scriptover 100 times before production. Arndt,whose father was in the Foreign Service,was born in McLean, Virginia, and after hisfather’s short stint in India, returned toattend middle school in McLean’s ThePotomac School before graduating fromLangley High School in 1984.

Arndt ended up in New YorkUniversity and became a script reader aswell as a personal assistant to actorMatthew Broderick. It was then he decidedto embark on his scriptwriting adventurein Sunshine. Arndt was also Oscarnominated for his work in Toy Story 3.And he’s written a couple of scripts,including Hunger Games: Catching Fire,under the pseudonym Michael DeBruyn.

Two other Oscar nominatedperformers during this time frame havelocal roots: Casey Affleck, Ben’s youngerbrother, attended Washington, D.C.’sGeorge Washington University. He wasnominated for his 2007 role in TheAssassination of Jesse James. And D.C.’svery own Taraji Henson, who wasnominated for her role as Brad Pitt’sadopted mother in The Curious Case ofBenjamin Buttons, attended HowardUniversity and worked two jobs to pay hertuition: at the Pentagon as a secretary andthe Odyssey Cruise Lines out of D.C. as awaitress.

Gary Olsen gives film lectures to serveexamples to the area’s youth that

Hollywood dreams can be realized withhard work and incredible luck.

SHOP THEBOULEVARD!

Lafayette Boulevard…DOWNTOWN!

SupportingLocal

ArtistsSince 1997

Front PorchFredericksburg

Every Child Deserves A Family

Learn about our adoption opportunitiesin Russia, China and Guatemala

301-587-4400 Cradle of Hope Adoption Center

online:www.save7lives.org

in person:Dept. of Motor Vehicles

Startup Weekendthe ideas that became reality

by christina ferber

HollyBurglocals strike oscar gold

By gary olsen

The 10 by 10 team after the big win! #SWFXBG — with Elizabeth HallColon, Ben Muldrow, Christa Hall Huntley and Joshua Walton

THE POETRY MANTHE POETRY MAN- BY FRANK FRATOE

Our WeekOur WeekOn a Fall noondayparching Cornell St.The first dry leavesjangle the sidewalkas a catbird meowscamouflaged in shadeand pumpkins glowalong the porchsteps.

It’s that week againwhen we first metafter your birthdayand one year latermarried in acceptanceTo vow joy togethercut short by deathwhich I must accede.

But someone is herewalking alongside meunderneath maplesin the autumn hushand a voice cries outThat is not my ownnear a rockgardenas bluejays fly away.

Frank Fratoe lives and writes in the city

On Stage . . .The Freeway Revival

By Ashleigh Chevalier

front porch fredericksburg November 2014 29

Need some living dirt? Howabout a way to keep your friends in checkon those late nights out? Both of thoseproducts and more are now accessiblethanks to the recent Startup Weekendthat was held at Germanna CommunityCollege on September 26-28. From thefirst pitches offered on Friday night to thefinal pitches given on Sunday evening, theevent proved to be an all around success.

After twenty-plus pitches in theopener, eight teams were formed around

the ideas with the most traction, andalthough they were all working ondifferent products the environment wasone of collaboration. “Essentially we wereall competing against each other, but itnever felt like that. Everyone in the roomwas supportive, friendly, and excited foryou and your idea. It was one of thegreatest experiences I have ever had,” saysChrista Huntley, team leader for first placeteam 10 x 10, an app aimed at matchingtrade shows with vendors.

Lights by Paul, a team led by PaulGlancy of Paul’s Bakery fame, producedsmall durable lit gingerbread men forChristmas and came in second, whileDowntown Farm came in third. ThoughSarah Perry originally thought ofDowntown Farm as a place to bring urbanyouth and the environment together, shemade a huge switch and pitched “LivingSoil,” a soil amendment product madelocally, as her final product.

“We had a Startup Weekendfirst,” says Christine Goodwin, one of theevent’s organizers. “A team sold dirt andmade $1500.00 worth of sales doing it. Itwas really an incredible pivot from theoriginal idea that was pitched.”

Other business productsshowcased during the final pitches camefrom Rdius, a way to map the stories ofyour life through geo-journalism, AudioStream, a portable streaming device, andStart on Foot, an app that marries fitnessand gaming. Whoopsie and P-AArt-YY alsopitched during Sunday’s presentations andproved that your first pitch may notalways match the final one.

Whoopsie was first pitched byRachel Seats as an app to obtain sexualconsent, and instead changed to an appthat offered brainteasers and other toolsto keep group members together during anight on the town. “My idea changedseveral times through the 54 hour sprint,and even though we didn’t win, we scoredcountless connections and relationships

that continue to develop.” says Seats. Alicia Hurst, team leader of P-Art-

Y pitched a non- profit art center as a wayto bring the arts to all, but pivoted to afor-profit business of giving art parties. “Ilearned a lot about transforming ideasinto ways to make money, finding theright team, and the importance of socialnetworking,” says Hurst.

From learning the importance ofidentifying and validating customer base,to listening to and following other’s adviceand creating a lean business canvas, teamsended up building impressive finishedproducts with many continuing on asviable businesses.

“Despite all the false starts andpivots I thought everyone made anamazing effort. I especially liked watchingpeople who hardly knew each other cometogether, take an idea and flesh it out intoan impressive presentation and viableproduct. It gave me a real sense of what ispossible even when resources and time areshort,” says Max Lupton, a team memberof P-Art-Y.

It’s the experience that theweekend provides that keeps peopleattending these events. “The unexpectedsuccesses of the weekend keep uspassionate about continuing this inFredericksburg,” says Goodwin. “We get tobe a part of people changing their livesand making a dent in the universe in waysthat they had never imagined.”

The next Startup Weekend isMarch 6-8th and will be targetingveterans. Volunteers and sponsors arecurrently being sought. Anyoneinterested in participating or sponsoringcan email christine@fredxchange.org.Other Startup Weekends are planned forsummer and fall 2015.

Christina Ferber got the startp bug asan observer at January’s event and got

hooked. She can’t wait to get hercreative juices flowing again at the next

event in March 2015.

28 November 2014 Front porch fredericksburg

810 Caroline Street(540) 371-5684

Give a Child Something to Think About

Books, Games, Amusing Novelties

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

The Freeway Revival, formerlyknown to some of the locals as Same Ol’Sound, is coming through. After six, yessix, cross country tours, supporting theirdebut album, Songs From Home, the bandis excited to release their second album,Over The Mountain.

The band, like many musicalgroups, has morphed through phases andfaces of different members, but the coretrio remains the same: Culpeper, Virginiaraised identical twin brothers Adam andJonathan Clayton, and guitarist, Joey Lee.Like many famed jam behinds before them(Phish, The Band, Grateful Dead), thethree are multi-instrumentalists. Adamprimarily plays keys, Jonathan playsguitar, but at any given show you canwitness any one of the guys playingdrums, bass, mandolin, guitar.

Hard touring can wear a bandout. It is not east living show to show,gallon to gallon on the highway, and couchto couch. But, “Seeing the people andfriends we have across the country now,getting up and playing for people, havingthat one big show in the tour, that’s whatkeeps us going,” Lee shares.

Over the Mountain is anticipatedby many and promises an exciting newyear on the road. Producer John Ryan(Allman Brothers, Styx, Lynyrd Skynyrd,Imagine Dragons) helped craft a strong

sound for the gents’ original tunes; ablend of rockin’ Americana sounds,ranging in influence from southern bluesto classic country western, are broughtback to their acoustic origination. TheFreeway Revival has a sound all their own,unique and diverse like The Band, yetrelatable like Skynyrd.

As far as these guys have roamed,they always bring it back home. On Friday,November 28, The Freeway Revival willhost their CD Release at The StateTheater of Culpeper. Special guestsinclude Ron Holloway, a famedinternational tenor sax player. This is anevent of the season for Americana musicfollowers. This will be a show to say, “I wasthere when…”

Get a sneak peak, meet the guysin person, and pick up a copy of their firstCD, Tuesday, November 5 at The Silk Millwhere they will perform a short set forCVTV in Concert, airing LIVE for nationaltelevision. Maddie Sunshine and LeonRector will open. This film studioexperience opens to the public at 7:30p.m.

Check outTheFreewayRevival.com, and of coursefind them on Facebook and all the othersocial medias.

Ashleigh Chevalier is a Blues/Jazz/RockMusican - Vocalist, Songwriter, Music &

Media Journalist and, a mother living in Fredericksburg

I consistently win wagers provingthat the Fredericksburg area plays a majorinfluence in the lives of award-winningHollywood film makers and performers forany five-year period. And the period underdiscussion in my next free film lecture onNovember 6th at 6:30 p.m. at the CentralRappahannock Library, 1201 CarolineStreet, focusing on the Academy Awardsfrom 2005 to 2009, is no exception.

One of today’s most popularactresses is Sandra Bullock, winner of theBest Actress Oscar for 2009’s The BlindSide. Few know that Ms. Bullock is a nativeVirginian, born in Arlington. Her father,John, worked at the Army’s Military PostalService, where he purchased a house in theWoodmont neighborhood of Arlington—2925 26th Street North, to be precise—atSandra’s birth in 1964. He continuedownership of the house while stationed inGermany before returning to Virginia tobecome a contractor for the Pentagon.

Sandra attended Washington-LeeHigh School, where greatness in actingmust be in the water coolers since theschool has alums Forrest Tucker, WarrenBeatty and Shirley MacLaine. While there,Sandra was a cheerleader (you can look upher high school cheerleading skills onYouTube) and honed her acting skills inschool productions before graduating in1982.

A footnote: Sandra attended EastCarolina University and was three creditsshy of graduating when she decided tohead up to New York City to launch herprofessional acting career.

Speaking of Washington-Lee HighSchool, another graduate (1964), StanWilson, was a special effects expert whobroke new ground in James Cameron’s TheTerminator. The University of Virginiaalum (Class of 1968) was nominated for10 Oscars for his special effects work andwon three Oscars for his work inCameron’s Aliens, Terminator 2 andSteven Spielberg’s Jurassic Park. Towardsthe end of his life, Wilson was an

invaluable advisor to Cameron in his 2009Best Picture nominee Avatar. Wilson diedin 2008 from multiple myeloma.

2006’s quirky independent film,Little Miss Sunshine, received theAcademy Awards’ Best OriginalScreenplay. Its scriptwriter, Virginia’s ownMichael Arndt, was handed the Oscar forhis work after he had revised the scriptover 100 times before production. Arndt,whose father was in the Foreign Service,was born in McLean, Virginia, and after hisfather’s short stint in India, returned toattend middle school in McLean’s ThePotomac School before graduating fromLangley High School in 1984.

Arndt ended up in New YorkUniversity and became a script reader aswell as a personal assistant to actorMatthew Broderick. It was then he decidedto embark on his scriptwriting adventurein Sunshine. Arndt was also Oscarnominated for his work in Toy Story 3.And he’s written a couple of scripts,including Hunger Games: Catching Fire,under the pseudonym Michael DeBruyn.

Two other Oscar nominatedperformers during this time frame havelocal roots: Casey Affleck, Ben’s youngerbrother, attended Washington, D.C.’sGeorge Washington University. He wasnominated for his 2007 role in TheAssassination of Jesse James. And D.C.’svery own Taraji Henson, who wasnominated for her role as Brad Pitt’sadopted mother in The Curious Case ofBenjamin Buttons, attended HowardUniversity and worked two jobs to pay hertuition: at the Pentagon as a secretary andthe Odyssey Cruise Lines out of D.C. as awaitress.

Gary Olsen gives film lectures to serveexamples to the area’s youth that

Hollywood dreams can be realized withhard work and incredible luck.

SHOP THEBOULEVARD!

Lafayette Boulevard…DOWNTOWN!

SupportingLocal

ArtistsSince 1997

Front PorchFredericksburg

Every Child Deserves A Family

Learn about our adoption opportunitiesin Russia, China and Guatemala

301-587-4400 Cradle of Hope Adoption Center

online:www.save7lives.org

in person:Dept. of Motor Vehicles

Startup Weekendthe ideas that became reality

by christina ferber

HollyBurglocals strike oscar gold

By gary olsen

The 10 by 10 team after the big win! #SWFXBG — with Elizabeth HallColon, Ben Muldrow, Christa Hall Huntley and Joshua Walton

THE POETRY MANTHE POETRY MAN- BY FRANK FRATOE

Our WeekOur WeekOn a Fall noondayparching Cornell St.The first dry leavesjangle the sidewalkas a catbird meowscamouflaged in shadeand pumpkins glowalong the porchsteps.

It’s that week againwhen we first metafter your birthdayand one year latermarried in acceptanceTo vow joy togethercut short by deathwhich I must accede.

But someone is herewalking alongside meunderneath maplesin the autumn hushand a voice cries outThat is not my ownnear a rockgardenas bluejays fly away.

Frank Fratoe lives and writes in the city

On Stage . . .The Freeway Revival

By Ashleigh Chevalier

We.are.downsizing. Yes, youheard it here. My husband and I havedecided to take the plunge to the nextstage in life by downsizing from ourcurrent home to what was once ourweekend getaway cottage. I am nostranger to downsizing, having movedfrom a nearly 3000 square foot home to a300 square foot cottage a few years ago,but I was alone at the time. When Imarried my husband, we moved into ahome of about 1800 square feet. Funny,how you can spread out in a few shortyears. We are not clutter fanatics, but ourhome is furnished comfortably, and hasroom for guests. The cottage is a 750-square-foot, one-bedroom affair, with asmall front and back porch. I look at thisas an experiment.

My husband is a tall man whocommands a lot of space. It is his idea todownsize. While I have some concernabout this step that largely stems frombeing in a small space, in a very smalltown, most of the trepidation arises fromsharing said small space with my big guy.We both enjoy being in the yard orgarden, picnics, and walks. This will be noproblem.

The problem is noise. He likes towatch sports on TV in his spare time. I’mtalking about every sport known toman. You name it – baseball, football,basketball, golf, tennis, pig racing, darttournaments, bowling tournaments – hewill watch it. When inside the house, Ienjoy quieter pursuits, such as cooking,writing, reading, watching PBS or crime

dramas, watching the occasional baseballgame, or just doing nothing at all. In ourcurrent home, we have ample space forjoint or separate pursuits. It will beinteresting to see how this works in thecottage.

On the flip side, this could be areally good thing. This move means lesshome maintenance and yard work, whichwill leave more time for each other. Wecan become more a part of our cottagecommunity. We may finally be able tomake more time for gardening, fishing,kayaking and canoeing in our little rivervillage. These are good things, andalthough I have truly been fighting theidea of this downsizing for a few months,I think we can give it a shot. We might likeit. We may find that it frees us up to domore things we want to do, withoutworrying about taking care of two places.

There is another good thingabout this move. For the five years wehave owned the cottage, we have slowlymade different improvements. This movehas fast-forwarded a few of the items onour list. We are currently remodeling thekitchen. We shored up the structure. Newdoors are in the works. I am hoping thatit will also advance another of our plans –for a beautiful and inviting wrap-aroundporch, from which I will write thiscolumn. Stay tuned…

Jo Loving is currently surrounded bypacking boxes and is finally lookingforward to moving. She hopes to be

writing her next column from theporch of the cottage.

Susan Larson has createdFredericksburg’s first locally owned, locallyfocused, online news source namedFredericksburg.Today. Her business had beenin operation since January of 2014 andstrives to provide readers with top stories,community events and forum for readers

Larson is not jumping into suchan undertaking blindly. In fact, she’s hadquite a decorated career beginning withher Bachelor’s degree in BroadcastJournalism from Trinity College in SanAntonio, Texas. Her career in journalismand news media has included operating acamera for the Today Show out of SanAntonio, Texas, broadcast reporting forWOAI CBS Newsradio, she worked in publicrelations for Dublin, Carter & Associatesand successfully managed an account withthe National Coalition to Reduce CarCrash Injuries that instituted seat beltlaws in every state, along with a federalregulation requiring air bags in vehicles,and more recently was a local editor forAOL Patch.

Even though Larson has earnednational recognition in her career, she stillhas a heart and affinity for providing anews service for the small towncommunity. “I moved to Fredericksburgand noticed that there wasn’t any locallyowned, locally focused online news sourceand I wanted to change that,” she said.With many readers getting their newsupdates online and via social media outletsit was an obvious choice to strictly focuson web-based news. According to Larson,78% of smart phone users now accessnews online rather than traditional printmethod.

Fredericksburg.Today providesits readership with local news features,column pieces weather and trafficupdates, but it goes a step further byhighlighting the arts, community eventsand providing exposure for localbusinesses. “I want our news platform tooffer an online presence for smallbusinesses and non-profits who normally

wouldn’t have the resources to do so,”Larson said. Fredericksburg.Today’sfounder is not just supporting from afar,but intentionally stays connected with thecommunity itself. Larson attends many ofthe events highlighted in her publicationand feels strongly that she remains unitedwith Fredericksburg.

Larson pays special attention toboth the community at large and herindividual readers. Fredericksburg.Todayprovides a forum where the audience hasa unique impact on online publicationbecause they can suggest news stories thatare important to them. “This conversation

is important for 1st Amendment rightsand free speech, but social media can alsobe an excellent place for the sharing ofideas,” she said.

According to Larson, with the on-demand, constantly changing nature ofonline media, her challenges (andexcitement) comes for staying ahead ofthe minute by minute curve: which includeupdating content management systems,staying abreast of social media changes,and being attuned with how the audienceis using numerous online platforms.

The motivation for such anendeavor is most certainly to make goodon the goal of providing an online newsoutlet for Fredericksburg, and it’s also toexpand this dream into a viable business,but at Larson’s journalist roots it involvescreating stories that are accurate, fair,honest and committed to excellentstandards of quality.

For more information or to stayupdated on local news features visit:Fredericksburg.Today or contact SusanLarson directlyat fredericksburgtoday@gmail.com

Ryan Davis currently resides inFredericksburg, Virginia. He is a

graduate of the University of MaryWashington where he majored in Englishwith a focus in creative writing. He has

future aspirations of becoming apublished author.

30 November 2014 Front porch fredericksburg front porch fredericksburg November 2014 31

Susan LarsonFredericksburg Today: Local Newssource operates completely online

By Ryan Davis

Wills and TrustsProvide for Incapacity

Trusts for Minor ChildrenWealth Preservation Trusts

Avoid Probate

AhearnEstateLaw.com 540/371-9890

Elma Adusei was a book-loving 9-year-old when her family moved from theirnative Ghana to the Fredericksburg area.

She did not speak English whenshe entered fourth grade at FalmouthElementary School but became fluentafter a year of ESL instruction andimmersion in American culture. When shereached Drew Middle School, Elma wasselected for the honors program andbecame one of its top students.

The oldest of five children, Elmais now a senior at FredericksburgAcademy, the school she has attendedsince seventh grade.The school has beenlike a second home.

A three-sport athlete, co-captainof the Varsity Tennis team, StudentAmbassador, Chorus member, musical castmember, and literary magazine co-editor,Elma is a straight-A student with a heavycourse load that includes three AdvancedPlacement (AP) classes. She received FA’sMorin Talented Student Merit Scholarshipfor the 2014-2015 school year and is theschool’s 2014 nominee for the Universityof Virginia’s Jefferson Scholarship.

Her responsibilities do not endwith those of “student,” however. Whileher parents work on the weekends, 17-

year-old Elma cares for hersiblings—ages 10, 9, 7, and 4. Sheapproaches each day’s challenges—whether they include preparingbreakfast for the children or takinga Calculus exam—with empathy anda wide smile.Elma proudly traces many of herpersonality traits to her Ghanaianheritage. She spent a month thissummer rediscovering her rootsduring a trip to Ghana with parentsVida and Nana Adusei-PPoku andsiblings The trip served as the basisfor her Exhibit, an independentstudy required of all FA students.

Elma’s parents ensure that shestays connected to her culture, in

part by continuing to speak theirnative language of Akan-Twi athome. The trip to Ghana further

reinforced Elma’s identity as a Ghanaian. “I realized I had a lot to learn about

myself and where I come from,” she reflected.“Going back to Ghana was a really humblingexperience. It definitely made me appreciatewhat I have in America, but I also really lovewhere I come from.”

Elma attributes her innate workethic—observed by peers, teachers, andcoaches on a daily basis at FA—to her WestAfrican roots. During the summer trip,she observed the diligence and precisionwith which Ghanaian people approachtasks large and small.

In Ghana, Elma soaked up thestrong sense of community and belongingin her grandmother’s village, where herfamily stayed. “It definitely felt likecoming home,” she said.

A self-described “book nerd,”Elma plans to study English andinternational relations at a four-yearcollege next year.

“I’m looking forward to makingmy family proud,” she said.

Beth Hunsinger is Director ofCommunications and Marketing at

Fredericksburg Academy. A graduate ofMary Washington College, she has livedin the Fredericksburg area since 1997.

Elma AduseiFA senior finds roots in ghana

By Beth Hunsinger

Fredericksburg SketchesA visual Celebration of our community

By Casey Alan Shaw

Phot

o By

Bob

Mar

tin

From My PorchDownsizing

By Jo Loving

Welcome to a new visual columncelebrating Fredericksburg. It’s aninspiring place for an artist to live. Thiscolumn is new this month, so I chose todraw the newest spire on Princess AnneStreet. Insider’s note: The courthouse wasstill blocked by construction when I drew

this, so I had to “imagine” a few details atthe street level. And I hear the dome maychange colors . . . an opportunity for afuture drawing!

Casey Alan Shaw is a local artist. Hisoriginal work shows at Art First Gallery.

Lexi Grogan’s Pet Sitting Service

“Your pet becomes my petwhile in my care, and I care alot!” - Lexi (540-903-0437;

lexig0892@gmail.com) On facebook as

“lexi grogan’s pet sitting service”

Prices:Dogs - $15 per canine per visitCats - $12 per feline per visit

Better value, more love for your pet than if you

kennel board him!

Elma Adusei visits the Ghanaian capital of Accrawith siblings Michael, Raphael, Divine and Gabriel

We.are.downsizing. Yes, youheard it here. My husband and I havedecided to take the plunge to the nextstage in life by downsizing from ourcurrent home to what was once ourweekend getaway cottage. I am nostranger to downsizing, having movedfrom a nearly 3000 square foot home to a300 square foot cottage a few years ago,but I was alone at the time. When Imarried my husband, we moved into ahome of about 1800 square feet. Funny,how you can spread out in a few shortyears. We are not clutter fanatics, but ourhome is furnished comfortably, and hasroom for guests. The cottage is a 750-square-foot, one-bedroom affair, with asmall front and back porch. I look at thisas an experiment.

My husband is a tall man whocommands a lot of space. It is his idea todownsize. While I have some concernabout this step that largely stems frombeing in a small space, in a very smalltown, most of the trepidation arises fromsharing said small space with my big guy.We both enjoy being in the yard orgarden, picnics, and walks. This will be noproblem.

The problem is noise. He likes towatch sports on TV in his spare time. I’mtalking about every sport known toman. You name it – baseball, football,basketball, golf, tennis, pig racing, darttournaments, bowling tournaments – hewill watch it. When inside the house, Ienjoy quieter pursuits, such as cooking,writing, reading, watching PBS or crime

dramas, watching the occasional baseballgame, or just doing nothing at all. In ourcurrent home, we have ample space forjoint or separate pursuits. It will beinteresting to see how this works in thecottage.

On the flip side, this could be areally good thing. This move means lesshome maintenance and yard work, whichwill leave more time for each other. Wecan become more a part of our cottagecommunity. We may finally be able tomake more time for gardening, fishing,kayaking and canoeing in our little rivervillage. These are good things, andalthough I have truly been fighting theidea of this downsizing for a few months,I think we can give it a shot. We might likeit. We may find that it frees us up to domore things we want to do, withoutworrying about taking care of two places.

There is another good thingabout this move. For the five years wehave owned the cottage, we have slowlymade different improvements. This movehas fast-forwarded a few of the items onour list. We are currently remodeling thekitchen. We shored up the structure. Newdoors are in the works. I am hoping thatit will also advance another of our plans –for a beautiful and inviting wrap-aroundporch, from which I will write thiscolumn. Stay tuned…

Jo Loving is currently surrounded bypacking boxes and is finally lookingforward to moving. She hopes to be

writing her next column from theporch of the cottage.

Susan Larson has createdFredericksburg’s first locally owned, locallyfocused, online news source namedFredericksburg.Today. Her business had beenin operation since January of 2014 andstrives to provide readers with top stories,community events and forum for readers

Larson is not jumping into suchan undertaking blindly. In fact, she’s hadquite a decorated career beginning withher Bachelor’s degree in BroadcastJournalism from Trinity College in SanAntonio, Texas. Her career in journalismand news media has included operating acamera for the Today Show out of SanAntonio, Texas, broadcast reporting forWOAI CBS Newsradio, she worked in publicrelations for Dublin, Carter & Associatesand successfully managed an account withthe National Coalition to Reduce CarCrash Injuries that instituted seat beltlaws in every state, along with a federalregulation requiring air bags in vehicles,and more recently was a local editor forAOL Patch.

Even though Larson has earnednational recognition in her career, she stillhas a heart and affinity for providing anews service for the small towncommunity. “I moved to Fredericksburgand noticed that there wasn’t any locallyowned, locally focused online news sourceand I wanted to change that,” she said.With many readers getting their newsupdates online and via social media outletsit was an obvious choice to strictly focuson web-based news. According to Larson,78% of smart phone users now accessnews online rather than traditional printmethod.

Fredericksburg.Today providesits readership with local news features,column pieces weather and trafficupdates, but it goes a step further byhighlighting the arts, community eventsand providing exposure for localbusinesses. “I want our news platform tooffer an online presence for smallbusinesses and non-profits who normally

wouldn’t have the resources to do so,”Larson said. Fredericksburg.Today’sfounder is not just supporting from afar,but intentionally stays connected with thecommunity itself. Larson attends many ofthe events highlighted in her publicationand feels strongly that she remains unitedwith Fredericksburg.

Larson pays special attention toboth the community at large and herindividual readers. Fredericksburg.Todayprovides a forum where the audience hasa unique impact on online publicationbecause they can suggest news stories thatare important to them. “This conversation

is important for 1st Amendment rightsand free speech, but social media can alsobe an excellent place for the sharing ofideas,” she said.

According to Larson, with the on-demand, constantly changing nature ofonline media, her challenges (andexcitement) comes for staying ahead ofthe minute by minute curve: which includeupdating content management systems,staying abreast of social media changes,and being attuned with how the audienceis using numerous online platforms.

The motivation for such anendeavor is most certainly to make goodon the goal of providing an online newsoutlet for Fredericksburg, and it’s also toexpand this dream into a viable business,but at Larson’s journalist roots it involvescreating stories that are accurate, fair,honest and committed to excellentstandards of quality.

For more information or to stayupdated on local news features visit:Fredericksburg.Today or contact SusanLarson directlyat fredericksburgtoday@gmail.com

Ryan Davis currently resides inFredericksburg, Virginia. He is a

graduate of the University of MaryWashington where he majored in Englishwith a focus in creative writing. He has

future aspirations of becoming apublished author.

30 November 2014 Front porch fredericksburg front porch fredericksburg November 2014 31

Susan LarsonFredericksburg Today: Local Newssource operates completely online

By Ryan Davis

Wills and TrustsProvide for Incapacity

Trusts for Minor ChildrenWealth Preservation Trusts

Avoid Probate

AhearnEstateLaw.com 540/371-9890

Elma Adusei was a book-loving 9-year-old when her family moved from theirnative Ghana to the Fredericksburg area.

She did not speak English whenshe entered fourth grade at FalmouthElementary School but became fluentafter a year of ESL instruction andimmersion in American culture. When shereached Drew Middle School, Elma wasselected for the honors program andbecame one of its top students.

The oldest of five children, Elmais now a senior at FredericksburgAcademy, the school she has attendedsince seventh grade.The school has beenlike a second home.

A three-sport athlete, co-captainof the Varsity Tennis team, StudentAmbassador, Chorus member, musical castmember, and literary magazine co-editor,Elma is a straight-A student with a heavycourse load that includes three AdvancedPlacement (AP) classes. She received FA’sMorin Talented Student Merit Scholarshipfor the 2014-2015 school year and is theschool’s 2014 nominee for the Universityof Virginia’s Jefferson Scholarship.

Her responsibilities do not endwith those of “student,” however. Whileher parents work on the weekends, 17-

year-old Elma cares for hersiblings—ages 10, 9, 7, and 4. Sheapproaches each day’s challenges—whether they include preparingbreakfast for the children or takinga Calculus exam—with empathy anda wide smile.Elma proudly traces many of herpersonality traits to her Ghanaianheritage. She spent a month thissummer rediscovering her rootsduring a trip to Ghana with parentsVida and Nana Adusei-PPoku andsiblings The trip served as the basisfor her Exhibit, an independentstudy required of all FA students.

Elma’s parents ensure that shestays connected to her culture, in

part by continuing to speak theirnative language of Akan-Twi athome. The trip to Ghana further

reinforced Elma’s identity as a Ghanaian. “I realized I had a lot to learn about

myself and where I come from,” she reflected.“Going back to Ghana was a really humblingexperience. It definitely made me appreciatewhat I have in America, but I also really lovewhere I come from.”

Elma attributes her innate workethic—observed by peers, teachers, andcoaches on a daily basis at FA—to her WestAfrican roots. During the summer trip,she observed the diligence and precisionwith which Ghanaian people approachtasks large and small.

In Ghana, Elma soaked up thestrong sense of community and belongingin her grandmother’s village, where herfamily stayed. “It definitely felt likecoming home,” she said.

A self-described “book nerd,”Elma plans to study English andinternational relations at a four-yearcollege next year.

“I’m looking forward to makingmy family proud,” she said.

Beth Hunsinger is Director ofCommunications and Marketing at

Fredericksburg Academy. A graduate ofMary Washington College, she has livedin the Fredericksburg area since 1997.

Elma AduseiFA senior finds roots in ghana

By Beth Hunsinger

Fredericksburg SketchesA visual Celebration of our community

By Casey Alan Shaw

Phot

o By

Bob

Mar

tin

From My PorchDownsizing

By Jo Loving

Welcome to a new visual columncelebrating Fredericksburg. It’s aninspiring place for an artist to live. Thiscolumn is new this month, so I chose todraw the newest spire on Princess AnneStreet. Insider’s note: The courthouse wasstill blocked by construction when I drew

this, so I had to “imagine” a few details atthe street level. And I hear the dome maychange colors . . . an opportunity for afuture drawing!

Casey Alan Shaw is a local artist. Hisoriginal work shows at Art First Gallery.

Lexi Grogan’s Pet Sitting Service

“Your pet becomes my petwhile in my care, and I care alot!” - Lexi (540-903-0437;

lexig0892@gmail.com) On facebook as

“lexi grogan’s pet sitting service”

Prices:Dogs - $15 per canine per visitCats - $12 per feline per visit

Better value, more love for your pet than if you

kennel board him!

Elma Adusei visits the Ghanaian capital of Accrawith siblings Michael, Raphael, Divine and Gabriel