Front Porch Fredericksburg - December 2014

front porchYEAR 18 • ISSUE 209 • DECEMBER 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 Amy Bayne

con

ten

ts closeups

8 Steve Watkinsscholastic series set in ‘burg

19 Student First, Content SecondLiz Wood

27 Bran Dillard.... Americana Galleria

porch talk4 on the porch...life in fredericksburg

Messages

6 ‘Tis the Season...For Gingerbread Barns?

.7 downtown buzz

9 VA Wineries... Wine Summit

10 eye on the new year

11 Michael Hayes: collaborative divorce Advisor

12 Cooking with Kylevino: Christmas gluhwein

13 season’s bounty: left-over turkey

15 about beer:something new for the holidays

16-17 Calendar of events

18 Our Heritage: 1601 caroline streethistory’s stories.: fxbg history

20 companions: 10 ways to know your kitty loves you

21 My own path: listen now or forever hold your peaceautoknown: change, change, change

22 Senior Care: positively positive

23 Wellness: good tidings to your healthnatural health: hot yoga spa

25 scene & heard...in the ‘burg!

28 On stage:music & spirit concert series

Dreams Fullfilled:Joan Geisler’s new book

29 winter outing tipsfrom river rock outfitters

poetryman: outflow

30 fredericksburg sketches

31 from my porchthoughts on commuting

...And more!3 A Tribute to Sandra Regelbrugge

14 Callie’s favorite places

24 leah comerford’s innovative jewelry

29 toastmasters: sharpen public speaking skills

14

27

19

front porch fredericksburg December 2014 32 December 2014 Front porch fredericksburg

Alan FursLEATHERS & CASHMERESViirgiiniia’’s Trusted Name for ovver 600 years

804 Caroline StreetFredericksburg,VA

540-3373-88833www.alanfurs.com

SSttoorree HHoouurrss:: MMoonn-SSaatt 1100aamm-66ppmm SSuunn 1122-55ppmm

HOLIDAY SALEGoing on Now

HOLIDAYSALE

going onNow


540-3373-88833

www.bashboutiqueva.comSSttoorree HHoouurrss:: MMoonn-SSaatt 1100aamm-66ppmm SSuunn 1122-55ppmm

Have a Hot Drinkwhere warm hearts wish you Happy Holidays

Jack Frost Nipping at Your Nose?

Cover By Amy Bayne

con

ten

ts closeups

8 Steve Watkinsscholastic series set in ‘burg

19 Student First, Content SecondLiz Wood

27 Bran Dillard.... Americana Galleria

porch talk4 on the porch...life in fredericksburg

Messages

6 ‘Tis the Season...For Gingerbread Barns?

.7 downtown buzz

9 VA Wineries... Wine Summit

10 eye on the new year

11 Michael Hayes: collaborative divorce Advisor

12 Cooking with Kylevino: Christmas gluhwein

13 season’s bounty: left-over turkey

15 about beer:something new for the holidays

16-17 Calendar of events

18 Our Heritage: 1601 caroline streethistory’s stories.: fxbg history

20 companions: 10 ways to know your kitty loves you

21 My own path: listen now or forever hold your peaceautoknown: change, change, change

22 Senior Care: positively positive

23 Wellness: good tidings to your healthnatural health: hot yoga spa

25 scene & heard...in the ‘burg!

28 On stage:music & spirit concert series

Dreams Fullfilled:Joan Geisler’s new book

29 winter outing tipsfrom river rock outfitters

poetryman: outflow

30 fredericksburg sketches

31 from my porchthoughts on commuting

...And more!3 A Tribute to Sandra Regelbrugge

14 Callie’s favorite places

24 leah comerford’s innovative jewelry

29 toastmasters: sharpen public speaking skills

14

27

19


Alan FursLEATHERS & CASHMERESViirgiiniia’’s Trusted Name for ovver 600 years


540-3373-88833www.alanfurs.com

SSttoorree HHoouurrss:: MMoonn-SSaatt 1100aamm-66ppmm SSuunn 1122-55ppmm

HOLIDAY SALEGoing on Now

HOLIDAYSALE

going onNow


540-3373-88833

www.bashboutiqueva.comSSttoorree HHoouurrss:: MMoonn-SSaatt 1100aamm-66ppmm SSuunn 1122-55ppmm

Have a Hot Drinkwhere warm hearts wish you Happy Holidays

Jack Frost Nipping at Your Nose?

It is hard to believe we arealready in the month of December. Thewarm, balmy days of summer have givenway to the cooler, crisp days of fall andwinter. As I watch the leaves on the treesbegin to fall to the ground I come torealize that before we know it, Christmaswill be upon us. The holiday is not just atime to gather with loved ones toexchange gifts and over indulge in holidaytreats. Rather, an opportunity to reflectupon our lives and remember themoments we are grateful for and joyousabout.

While I reminisce back on 2014, Ifind it challenging to be thankful when welose someone special, like our friend RobGrogan. I am saddened by the loss of myfriendship. I remember the good timesworking together at WFVA/B101.5 Radio,how we discussed local issues over coffeeat Hyperion, or sat on his front porch atBending Forest solving the world’sproblems all while sipping one of hissignature Manhattans. I will be foreverthankful for Rob’s friendship, for theperson he was and the moments weshared.

However, I have to remind myselfthat Christmas is not just a time to reflecton the past. I recently had theopportunity to meet Rob’s granddaughter,Virginia. As I sat in the sunroom of theirhome I could sense Rob’s presence. Whileholding that precious new life I wasreminded that we all have new beginningsand am assured he is pleased with thissweet little girl and the mother hisdaughter has become. Even though littleVirginia will never have the chance tomeet her grandfather, I have no doubt shewill know him.

I also see new beginnings withinmy own family. I have been blessed withthree beautiful step-children, Abigail,

Kathryn and Jacob, whom I love as myown. Now, my wife Robin and I areanxiously awaiting the birth of ourdaughter. The pregnancy has been achallenging one and Robin is now confinedto bed rest in the hospital, where we willspend the holidays. Even though theoutcome is uncertain, we find ourselvesthankful every day for the wonderfulnurses and doctors at Mary WashingtonHospital and for family and friends whoremind us just how much we are loved.The birth of children and the love offamily and friends proves to us that lifecontinues and I am blessed to be a part ofthese new lives.

I am grateful for my job in ourNation’s Capital but while I do notparticularly enjoy my commute, I amthankful for my morning walks to ourhistoric train station and the skyline ofFredericksburg coming into view as thetrain crosses the Rappahannock River eachafternoon. I enjoy the beautiful plantingsby the Fredericksburg Main StreetInitiative volunteers and the historic row

houses that harken back to the burg’searliest days while I stroll down CarolineStreet.

As you gather around yourChristmas tree this year, my hope is thatyou will take a few moments to reflectupon your blessings. For the simple,mundane moments of our days and forthe moments that change our lives. I havemany blessings to be thankful for. I hopethat you are as thankful for life as I am.Mostly, I wish for you many blessingsduring this Holiday Season. I would like tothank Virginia Grogan for thisopportunity. I am honored that she askedme to write for the Front Porch Magazine.

Enjoy this issue “cover to cover”.Happy Holidays.

Jim Javinsky is the former News Directorfor WFVA/ B101.5 Radio and now works

as Video Director for the ThomHartmann Program, a nationally

syndicated radio and television showproduced in Washington, DC.

Jim Javinsky Guest Porch Editorial

Contributing Writers & Artists

Nancy Bauer A.E.BayneBryan Blackmoe Megan ByrnesC.Ruth Cassell Ashleigh ChevalierRick Collier Dan CzajkaRyan Davis Calista DunnKitty Farley Christina FerberFrank Fratoe Joan M. GeislerAnn Glave Alexis GroganAnne Hunt Ralph “Tuffy” HicksBeth Hunsinger Jim JavinskyKarl Karch Susan Ujka LarsonJo Loving Matt MastalskiValerie Mayo Matt MontoroVanessa Moncure Gary OlsenM.L.Powers Craig RegelbruggeScott Richards Emily SchrickerCasey Alan Shaw Jeremy SuttonJames Kyle Synder 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: [email protected]

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.


OONN TTHHEE PPOORRCCHHBlessings

BY Jim Javinsky

Sandra Peterson Regelbrugge, 83,mother, grandmother and aunt, passedaway in Washington, DC on October 28,2014.

Sandra was born on September11, 1931, in Flint, Michigan to Charles andAnita Peterson. Known for her glamourand love of fashion, she pursued amodeling career in New York beforereturning to Flint, where she marriedRoger Regelbrugge in 1955. The couplelived in Belgium, Michigan, Wisconsin,West Germany, and North Carolina withtheir young and growing family. Over theyears Sandra traveled all over the world.An ardent Anglophile, her favoritedestination was England.

In her later years, Sandra settledinto the 1890 Italianate home at 223Princess Anne Street, Fredericksburg,Virginia, where she used her superb socialskills to quickly develop a large group offriends and acquaintances. She worked for

Historic Fredericksburg Foundation asMembership Coordinator. Under hercareful cultivation, membershipblossomed. She embraced her part-timeposition, working diligently to promotethe Foundation and its activities. Herthoughtful hand-written notes andinfectious enthusiasm invigorated theorganization during her 11-year tenure.

On March 30, 2003, thenFoundation President Larry J. Tomaykohonored Sandra with the President’sAward, HFFI’s highest recognition in thepreservation community, naming her a“good will ambassador” for theFoundation. “Through tireless ploddingand diplomatic prodding, Sandra hascontributed literally thousands ofindividual gracious efforts to insure thegrowth and success of the Foundationwithout ever dreaming of attracting theattention and plaudits she so richlydeserves,” Tomayko said in his President’s

Report in the Foundation’s May 2003newsletter.

In 1997, Rob and Virginia Groganrecruited Sandra to be among the coregroup of writers for their new publication,Front Porch Fredericksburg. Sandra’scolumn, About Town, chronicled the localcultural and social activities of the ‘burg,much to the delight of her readers.Sandra was a perfect fit for this job, as shewas a natural extrovert, and shared theGrogan’s passion for connecting dots inour great community to buildcohesiveness. She was a colorful writerand meticulous copy editor. Not only didshe write the column, but also cheerfullydistributed the printed magazine door-to-door in her neighborhood and elsewhere.Just as with HFFI, she walked the walk forFront Porch, continuing with her columnuntil December of 2007.

Sandra was an outspokenadvocate of those things in which shebelieved, a tireless volunteer andorganizer, a cancer survivor, a generouswoman, and a catalyst who brought peopletogether, creating community where oftenonly the seeds of it were present.Fredericksburg benefitted from her choiceto live here, as she enriched the FrontPorch readers, our historic downtown, andthe lives of all who were fortunate enoughto know her.

Craig Regelbrugge , Sandra’s son, issenior vice president at AmericanHortand lives in D.C. Kitty Farley, Sandra’s

long-time friend lives in Fredericksburg.

NOTE:There will be a celebration of Sandra’slife on Saturday, December 13 in the

afternoon. Please call 540-848-1082 formore information.

Memorial donations in Sandra’s namemay be made to the Central

Rappahannock Regional Library.

A Tribute to Sandra RegelbruggeFront Porch’s Original “About Town” Reporter

By craig Regelbrugge & kitty Farley

Lexi Grogan’s Pet Sitting Service

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

[email protected]) 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

messages

Front Porch:Thank you again for all you

are doing to for this great community.Sincerely, Gary OlsenF’burg

Virginia: it’s nice to know that you’re

continuing Rob’s good work and FrontPorch. All good thoughts,Sandra HigashiFredericksburg

Virginia:We want to thank you for your

interest in “Walter’s Story” youpublished in your November Issue. Itheped bring awareness to the need forService Dogs for our veterans. Receivinga Service for Walter has not only helpedhim, but our family as a whole. Jacksonis such a blessing.Susan and Walter Parker

Front Porch:I am always amazed by how

you cover the spirit and joy of theFredericksburg community.My holiday

wish is that Front Porch continues topublish for decades more.Happy Holidays, William GrantSpotsylvania

It is hard to believe we arealready in the month of December. Thewarm, balmy days of summer have givenway to the cooler, crisp days of fall andwinter. As I watch the leaves on the treesbegin to fall to the ground I come torealize that before we know it, Christmaswill be upon us. The holiday is not just atime to gather with loved ones toexchange gifts and over indulge in holidaytreats. Rather, an opportunity to reflectupon our lives and remember themoments we are grateful for and joyousabout.

While I reminisce back on 2014, Ifind it challenging to be thankful when welose someone special, like our friend RobGrogan. I am saddened by the loss of myfriendship. I remember the good timesworking together at WFVA/B101.5 Radio,how we discussed local issues over coffeeat Hyperion, or sat on his front porch atBending Forest solving the world’sproblems all while sipping one of hissignature Manhattans. I will be foreverthankful for Rob’s friendship, for theperson he was and the moments weshared.

However, I have to remind myselfthat Christmas is not just a time to reflecton the past. I recently had theopportunity to meet Rob’s granddaughter,Virginia. As I sat in the sunroom of theirhome I could sense Rob’s presence. Whileholding that precious new life I wasreminded that we all have new beginningsand am assured he is pleased with thissweet little girl and the mother hisdaughter has become. Even though littleVirginia will never have the chance tomeet her grandfather, I have no doubt shewill know him.

I also see new beginnings withinmy own family. I have been blessed withthree beautiful step-children, Abigail,

Kathryn and Jacob, whom I love as myown. Now, my wife Robin and I areanxiously awaiting the birth of ourdaughter. The pregnancy has been achallenging one and Robin is now confinedto bed rest in the hospital, where we willspend the holidays. Even though theoutcome is uncertain, we find ourselvesthankful every day for the wonderfulnurses and doctors at Mary WashingtonHospital and for family and friends whoremind us just how much we are loved.The birth of children and the love offamily and friends proves to us that lifecontinues and I am blessed to be a part ofthese new lives.

I am grateful for my job in ourNation’s Capital but while I do notparticularly enjoy my commute, I amthankful for my morning walks to ourhistoric train station and the skyline ofFredericksburg coming into view as thetrain crosses the Rappahannock River eachafternoon. I enjoy the beautiful plantingsby the Fredericksburg Main StreetInitiative volunteers and the historic row

houses that harken back to the burg’searliest days while I stroll down CarolineStreet.

As you gather around yourChristmas tree this year, my hope is thatyou will take a few moments to reflectupon your blessings. For the simple,mundane moments of our days and forthe moments that change our lives. I havemany blessings to be thankful for. I hopethat you are as thankful for life as I am.Mostly, I wish for you many blessingsduring this Holiday Season. I would like tothank Virginia Grogan for thisopportunity. I am honored that she askedme to write for the Front Porch Magazine.

Enjoy this issue “cover to cover”.Happy Holidays.

Jim Javinsky is the former News Directorfor WFVA/ B101.5 Radio and now works

as Video Director for the ThomHartmann Program, a nationally

syndicated radio and television showproduced in Washington, DC.

Jim Javinsky Guest Porch Editorial

Contributing Writers & Artists

Nancy Bauer A.E.BayneBryan Blackmoe Megan ByrnesC.Ruth Cassell Ashleigh ChevalierRick Collier Dan CzajkaRyan Davis Calista DunnKitty Farley Christina FerberFrank Fratoe Joan M. GeislerAnn Glave Alexis GroganAnne Hunt Ralph “Tuffy” HicksBeth Hunsinger Jim JavinskyKarl Karch Susan Ujka LarsonJo Loving Matt MastalskiValerie Mayo Matt MontoroVanessa Moncure Gary OlsenM.L.Powers Craig RegelbruggeScott Richards Emily SchrickerCasey Alan Shaw Jeremy SuttonJames Kyle Synder 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: [email protected]

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.


OONN TTHHEE PPOORRCCHHBlessings

BY Jim Javinsky

Sandra Peterson Regelbrugge, 83,mother, grandmother and aunt, passedaway in Washington, DC on October 28,2014.

Sandra was born on September11, 1931, in Flint, Michigan to Charles andAnita Peterson. Known for her glamourand love of fashion, she pursued amodeling career in New York beforereturning to Flint, where she marriedRoger Regelbrugge in 1955. The couplelived in Belgium, Michigan, Wisconsin,West Germany, and North Carolina withtheir young and growing family. Over theyears Sandra traveled all over the world.An ardent Anglophile, her favoritedestination was England.

In her later years, Sandra settledinto the 1890 Italianate home at 223Princess Anne Street, Fredericksburg,Virginia, where she used her superb socialskills to quickly develop a large group offriends and acquaintances. She worked for

Historic Fredericksburg Foundation asMembership Coordinator. Under hercareful cultivation, membershipblossomed. She embraced her part-timeposition, working diligently to promotethe Foundation and its activities. Herthoughtful hand-written notes andinfectious enthusiasm invigorated theorganization during her 11-year tenure.

On March 30, 2003, thenFoundation President Larry J. Tomaykohonored Sandra with the President’sAward, HFFI’s highest recognition in thepreservation community, naming her a“good will ambassador” for theFoundation. “Through tireless ploddingand diplomatic prodding, Sandra hascontributed literally thousands ofindividual gracious efforts to insure thegrowth and success of the Foundationwithout ever dreaming of attracting theattention and plaudits she so richlydeserves,” Tomayko said in his President’s

Report in the Foundation’s May 2003newsletter.

In 1997, Rob and Virginia Groganrecruited Sandra to be among the coregroup of writers for their new publication,Front Porch Fredericksburg. Sandra’scolumn, About Town, chronicled the localcultural and social activities of the ‘burg,much to the delight of her readers.Sandra was a perfect fit for this job, as shewas a natural extrovert, and shared theGrogan’s passion for connecting dots inour great community to buildcohesiveness. She was a colorful writerand meticulous copy editor. Not only didshe write the column, but also cheerfullydistributed the printed magazine door-to-door in her neighborhood and elsewhere.Just as with HFFI, she walked the walk forFront Porch, continuing with her columnuntil December of 2007.

Sandra was an outspokenadvocate of those things in which shebelieved, a tireless volunteer andorganizer, a cancer survivor, a generouswoman, and a catalyst who brought peopletogether, creating community where oftenonly the seeds of it were present.Fredericksburg benefitted from her choiceto live here, as she enriched the FrontPorch readers, our historic downtown, andthe lives of all who were fortunate enoughto know her.

Craig Regelbrugge , Sandra’s son, issenior vice president at AmericanHortand lives in D.C. Kitty Farley, Sandra’s

long-time friend lives in Fredericksburg.

NOTE:There will be a celebration of Sandra’slife on Saturday, December 13 in the

afternoon. Please call 540-848-1082 formore information.

Memorial donations in Sandra’s namemay be made to the Central

Rappahannock Regional Library.

A Tribute to Sandra RegelbruggeFront Porch’s Original “About Town” Reporter

By craig Regelbrugge & kitty Farley







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

messages

Front Porch:Thank you again for all you

are doing to for this great community.Sincerely, Gary OlsenF’burg

Virginia: it’s nice to know that you’re

continuing Rob’s good work and FrontPorch. All good thoughts,Sandra HigashiFredericksburg

Virginia:We want to thank you for your

interest in “Walter’s Story” youpublished in your November Issue. Itheped bring awareness to the need forService Dogs for our veterans. Receivinga Service for Walter has not only helpedhim, but our family as a whole. Jacksonis such a blessing.Susan and Walter Parker

Front Porch:I am always amazed by how

you cover the spirit and joy of theFredericksburg community.My holiday

wish is that Front Porch continues topublish for decades more.Happy Holidays, William GrantSpotsylvania

6 December 2014 Front porch fredericksburg front porch fredericksburg December 2014 7

We are well into the holidayseason. Cold weather, carolers, sightings ofSanta and elves, and festive windows areall signs that the holidays are amongus. There is a new color in the air thisholiday season: yellow. Although notcommonly equated with the holidays,this year it is and has been wellreceived. The large yellow flags thathave sprung up in downtownFredericksburg announce thebusinesses that are “Open Late” onthe Fridays leading up to Christmas.Over 60 businesses have committedto be open for the seven Fridays thatstarted on November 7. A hugeTHANK YOU goes to Thomas Wack ofWack General Contractor and his crew.They donated their expertise and time toinstall the brackets to make this happen.Special treats are in place to further enticeyou downtown. Downtown historic sitesare taking part in the Open Late initiativeas well. It’s great to see the synergyresulting from collaboration among thebusinesses.

If your Holiday Shopping is notdone and you don’t know what to buy, the

Fredericksburg VA Main Street Inc. has asolution. Buy an ExperienceFredericksburg gift card! The 20%

discount offered at the promotionalrelease might be sold out by the time youread this article, but they still make greatgifts. Online, you can personalize yourcard, add a message, and select a designand choose a value from $20 to $500 plusship to wherever address you please. Ourholiday present to you is the waiving ofshipping fees and dollars added back tothe card ($1.99) to cover the service feeonline through December. Cards are

available at the Visitor Center andLibertyTown Arts Workshop if you don’thave time to wait.

Want something fun todo while you are downtown?Take an “Elfie Selfie” and postto the FredericksburgDowntown face book page. Findthe elf on the WindowWonderland’s riddles thoughout Downtown. Tag yourpicture with your name,hometown, name of business,and hashtag #FXBGELF. Chanceto win $100 Downtown GiftCard every Monday until

December 22’s last drawing atnoon.

We are excited to announce thatthe Fredericksburg Main Street Initiativewas selected as one of the organizationsfor the Chamber of Commerce LeadershipProjects. The team will be developing ourvolunteer management plan. Anxious tosee the results this May.

Sad to announce that DavidMinckler has stepped down from the

Board. He’s been a great sounding boardand asset to the newly formedorganization. We wish him well as hisbusiness, Raven Hi Fi, grows and requiresmore of his time. Judy Nave, branchmanager of Virginia Partners Bank locatedon Princess Anne Street, was elected as hisreplacement. She brings expertise withbanking and her love of the community tothe Main Street Board of Directors.Welcome Judy to the Board!

A Happy Anniversary to Boutiqueon Caroline for three years and sevenyears for 25 30 Espresso! If you have anupcoming anniversary, let FredericksburgVA Main Street know.

Enjoy the season! Wishingeveryone a Merry Holiday and Happy NewYear!

Ann Glave will be glad to settle into along winter’s nap after Christmas Evethis year. Ann is the Executive Directorfor the Fredericksburg Main Street, Inc.Go to www.fredericksurgmainstreet.org

for updates or check out the calendar inthe Front Porch

www.frontporchfredeicksburg.com

Yes, it is the seasons and thereare plenty of Gingerbread Houses for theholiday viewing. But, have you ever seen aGingerbread Barn?

This unique Gingerbread Barn ispart of a 200 entry holiday display at theGeorge Eastman House. George Eastmanwas the founder of Eastman Kodak Co. anda huge philanthropist to the city ofRochester, N.Y. His beautiful andenormous home is open to the public andthis event helps to raise funds for itsupkeep. The gingerbread creations aredisplayed throughout the house, withclever search games especially for children.The reward? A candy cane!

Maureen Bigenwald (a frequentvisitor to the ‘Burg, is the mother ofFredericksburg Resident, Katie Dunn)enjoys baking and created the rough ideafor the stable. Husband Jay put hisengineering skills to work with lots ofmeasuring, a few revisions, and finally apaper pattern for the final structure.Maureen baked and granddaughters Anna(9) and Sophie (6) helped decorate withchocolate “rocks” on the stable, frosted icecream cone trees, marzipan snowmen andcarrots, shredded wheat hay inside thebarn, edible snow glitter on the roof and

Santa (note on picture back right cornerwhere his legs are sticking out of snow).

The eight reindeer in the stableare now peeking out their windows at theadmiring crowds of children, happy toremain decorations, at least for now!

The Gingerbread Barn is ondisplay in the portico of the GeorgeEastman House in Rochester, NY. Wherevisitors can walk all around it to see thevarious details of this fabulous creation.

For more info:http://eastmanhouse.org/events/holidays.

‘Tis the Season...For Gingerbread Barns?

Downtown BuzzNo humbug here!

By ann glave

Wills and TrustsProvide for Incapacity

Trusts for Minor ChildrenWealth Preservation Trusts

Avoid Probate

AhearnEstateLaw.com 540/371-9890


We are well into the holidayseason. Cold weather, carolers, sightings ofSanta and elves, and festive windows areall signs that the holidays are amongus. There is a new color in the air thisholiday season: yellow. Although notcommonly equated with the holidays,this year it is and has been wellreceived. The large yellow flags thathave sprung up in downtownFredericksburg announce thebusinesses that are “Open Late” onthe Fridays leading up to Christmas.Over 60 businesses have committedto be open for the seven Fridays thatstarted on November 7. A hugeTHANK YOU goes to Thomas Wack ofWack General Contractor and his crew.They donated their expertise and time toinstall the brackets to make this happen.Special treats are in place to further enticeyou downtown. Downtown historic sitesare taking part in the Open Late initiativeas well. It’s great to see the synergyresulting from collaboration among thebusinesses.

If your Holiday Shopping is notdone and you don’t know what to buy, the

Fredericksburg VA Main Street Inc. has asolution. Buy an ExperienceFredericksburg gift card! The 20%

discount offered at the promotionalrelease might be sold out by the time youread this article, but they still make greatgifts. Online, you can personalize yourcard, add a message, and select a designand choose a value from $20 to $500 plusship to wherever address you please. Ourholiday present to you is the waiving ofshipping fees and dollars added back tothe card ($1.99) to cover the service feeonline through December. Cards are

available at the Visitor Center andLibertyTown Arts Workshop if you don’thave time to wait.

Want something fun todo while you are downtown?Take an “Elfie Selfie” and postto the FredericksburgDowntown face book page. Findthe elf on the WindowWonderland’s riddles thoughout Downtown. Tag yourpicture with your name,hometown, name of business,and hashtag #FXBGELF. Chanceto win $100 Downtown GiftCard every Monday until

December 22’s last drawing atnoon.

We are excited to announce thatthe Fredericksburg Main Street Initiativewas selected as one of the organizationsfor the Chamber of Commerce LeadershipProjects. The team will be developing ourvolunteer management plan. Anxious tosee the results this May.

Sad to announce that DavidMinckler has stepped down from the

Board. He’s been a great sounding boardand asset to the newly formedorganization. We wish him well as hisbusiness, Raven Hi Fi, grows and requiresmore of his time. Judy Nave, branchmanager of Virginia Partners Bank locatedon Princess Anne Street, was elected as hisreplacement. She brings expertise withbanking and her love of the community tothe Main Street Board of Directors.Welcome Judy to the Board!

A Happy Anniversary to Boutiqueon Caroline for three years and sevenyears for 25 30 Espresso! If you have anupcoming anniversary, let FredericksburgVA Main Street know.

Enjoy the season! Wishingeveryone a Merry Holiday and Happy NewYear!

Ann Glave will be glad to settle into along winter’s nap after Christmas Evethis year. Ann is the Executive Directorfor the Fredericksburg Main Street, Inc.Go to www.fredericksurgmainstreet.org

for updates or check out the calendar inthe Front Porch

www.frontporchfredeicksburg.com

Yes, it is the seasons and thereare plenty of Gingerbread Houses for theholiday viewing. But, have you ever seen aGingerbread Barn?

This unique Gingerbread Barn ispart of a 200 entry holiday display at theGeorge Eastman House. George Eastmanwas the founder of Eastman Kodak Co. anda huge philanthropist to the city ofRochester, N.Y. His beautiful andenormous home is open to the public andthis event helps to raise funds for itsupkeep. The gingerbread creations aredisplayed throughout the house, withclever search games especially for children.The reward? A candy cane!

Maureen Bigenwald (a frequentvisitor to the ‘Burg, is the mother ofFredericksburg Resident, Katie Dunn)enjoys baking and created the rough ideafor the stable. Husband Jay put hisengineering skills to work with lots ofmeasuring, a few revisions, and finally apaper pattern for the final structure.Maureen baked and granddaughters Anna(9) and Sophie (6) helped decorate withchocolate “rocks” on the stable, frosted icecream cone trees, marzipan snowmen andcarrots, shredded wheat hay inside thebarn, edible snow glitter on the roof and

Santa (note on picture back right cornerwhere his legs are sticking out of snow).

The eight reindeer in the stableare now peeking out their windows at theadmiring crowds of children, happy toremain decorations, at least for now!

The Gingerbread Barn is ondisplay in the portico of the GeorgeEastman House in Rochester, NY. Wherevisitors can walk all around it to see thevarious details of this fabulous creation.

For more info:http://eastmanhouse.org/events/holidays.

‘Tis the Season...For Gingerbread Barns?

Downtown BuzzNo humbug here!

By ann glave

Wills and TrustsProvide for Incapacity

Trusts for Minor ChildrenWealth Preservation Trusts

Avoid Probate

AhearnEstateLaw.com 540/371-9890


Steve Watkins has made a lastingimpression on me with his ability todevelop characters with authenticvoices. Certainly, his stories are wellresearched and written with a keen anddynamic fluency, but it is his cast of youngcharacters that have the same interestsand conversations as my own teenagedstudents that has captured my interest. Ineach of his previous books, Down SandMountain, What Comes After, and Juvie,Watkins has extended a level of respect tohis young protagonists that is lacking inmany young adult novels. His charactershave overcome realistically serious

conflicts, and Watkins has proven throughtheir development that he trusts them tobe up to the challenges.

When Watkins revealed last yearthat he would be writing a paranormalwar series for Scholastic, I was eager seethe concept come to life in the firstinstallment, Ghosts of War: The Secret ofMidway. Watkins says he was honoredwhen Scholastic approached him to writethe series. With only a couple of pages ofnotes as starting point, he developed alonger treatment and has since worked onfour of the volumes, the fourth of whichinvolves The Battle of Fredericksburg.

As he describes the series, “Theconcept is about this intrepid group of

6th graders from Fredericksburg whohave to solve the mystery of variousveterans who have gone missing inbattle. The ghosts don’t know who theyare or what has happened to them, butthey do know a few things aboutthemselves. The kids have some clues,because there is an old trunk in an uncle’santique shop in town with items insidethat are connected to the ghost; however,they only have a limited time to solve theghost’s mystery.” Since the books are setlocally, readers will recognize place names

and events that happen in ourarea. Undoubtedly, Watkins lends thisnarrative the same level of authenticity ashis more serious young adult novels of thepast, only this time he weaves a page-turner of an adventure into the mix.

When asked about living in andusing Fredericksburg for the backdrop ofhis stories, Watkins says he appreciatesthis area for what he calls a fertile creativesoil. He explains, “For me it’s so muchabout the community. I appreciate thehistory in the area, but it’s the creativepeople here and the cross-over ofcreativity. You see it in many ways, fromDowntown Greens, to the greatrestaurants, to the new boutiques in town,to the many nonprofits in our area. It’s astrong community of creative people, butone where you can meet new people. I alsoknow a lot of teachers and librarians, andthey are such a vital part of thecommunity as well.”

It is that stimulatingenvironment and direct access to histarget audience that keep Watkinsinterested in writing aboutFredericksburg. He says, “Writing is a verysolitary thing, but you always have anintended audience, and my audience isright here. That’s a real blessing. I think ina larger place I might not have that,because I wouldn’t feel quite as connectedor as vital a part of the community.”

Watkins says initial reviewsof Ghosts of War: The Secret ofMidway have been positive, “We got a firstreview from School Library Journal, andone of the things they liked about it wasthat the characters did research to solvethe mystery. It was a not so subtle way ofselling kids on research.” The book will beavailable in January 2015 for purchase,but it can be preordered from Scholasticnow, as can a second novel in theseries, Ghosts of War: Lost at Khe Sanh,which is centered on the Vietnam War. Thebooks will be available at area schools duringspring Scholastic book fairs.

A.E. Bayne is a teacher, writer, andartist who has lived in Fredericksburg

for the past sixteen years.

VA. WINERIESWine Industry’s Next Steps

by nancy bauer

Ghosts of WarSteve Watkins’ New Scholastic Seriesis Set in Fredericksburg

By A.E.Bayne

“This is the stage we dance on,”says Diane Flynt, as a wall-sized imageflashes up just left of the stage at therecent Virginia Wine Summit: hundreds ofwine bottles lining every inch of surfacespace in the office of Ray Isle, ExecutiveWine Editor of Food & Wine Magazine—offerings from wineries and regions andAVAs hoping for a kind word from akingmaker. “This is why we must find away to distinguish ourselves.”

As the owner of Foggy RidgeCider, Diane knows a little somethingabout battling for mind and shelf space:she’s steered an obscure hard cideroperation in out-of-the-way southwestVirginia into retail shops and restaurantsfrom New York to Alabama. Herencouragement met with nods ofagreement from the sold-oout crowd ofwinery owners, journalists, trade reps andothers gathered at the third annualSummit, held at the iconic Jefferson Hotelin Richmond—which is old enough to havewitnessed the state’s first rise tovinicultural stardom: Virginia Claret wonseveral awards at the Paris Exposition in1900, five years after the Jeffersonopened.

How to carve a broader niche forVirginia wine in a world where the numberof U.S. wineries alone has quadrupled inthe last 15 years is a matter of muchdebate. The camp is divided, with someadvocating for a signature red tocomplement Viognier, which was namedthe state’s signature white grape in 2011.The tough-to-grow Viognier, which maywell be derived from the Latin “viaGehennae”—or, loosely translated: “roadto Hell”—was chosen as the state’s go-togrape for reasons related perhaps more tomarketing (think Oregon Pinot Noir,Argentinian Malbec, etc.) than to grapesuitability, although many wineries havenow increased their Viognier plantings tokeep up with increased demand.

Could the red heir apparent beTannat, the grape on everyone’s lips aftertwo of this year’s top Governor’s Cupspots went to Tannats from FabbioliCellars and Horton Vineyards? Or perhaps

last year’s sweetheart, PetitVerdot, should win out?Others see the way forward asBordeaux-style blends, whichthey argue makes more sensein a temperamental climatelike ours.

“You all need to growmore grapes and make morewine,” said breakout sessionpanelist Andy Chabot ofTennessee’s celebratedBlackberry Farms Resort,suggesting that the wayforward, from a marketing

perspective, is exposing the product tomore people. And that takes more highquality Virginia wine, available in more –and more influential – places, such as wineshops and high-end restaurants.

The high-powered sommeliers inattendance nodded in all the right places.That Virginia wine is already showing upon some surprising menus wasn’t lost onthe audience.

From our perch in a well-usedSUV that’s trekked to more than its fairshare of Virginia wineries, we wonder ifmaybe there’s a less travelled-by road tobe considered in claiming parity amongthe world’s fine wine regions: namely, thenatural beauty of Virginia itself. And wearen’t alone in that.

Ray Isle wrote in Food & Wineabout Catalonia, of his recent trekthrough Virginia wine country comparingmemories of wine journeys in Spain.“Rolling green hills, black-fencedequestrian estates, small farms andvineyards, the gentle Blue RidgeMountains as a backdrop—it’s quitegorgeous.”

And then there’s the charmoffensive. The day before the Summit,twenty panelists and wine writers weretreated to a day’s outing in nearby winecountry. Someone in the group took aninformal poll: Does exposure to thewinemaker affect your opinion of thewine?

All but two in the group admittedthat it definitely does. And on that count,Virginia’s got a definite advantage;

Even if the path forward isn’tcrystal clear, the packed house at theVirginia Wine Summit made one thingobvious: the road is filling up with Virginiawine champions. And that will make all thedifference.

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 websiteat.VAWineInMyPocket.com

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806 Caroline Street 540-370-8778

Unique Gifts

Handmade

Clothing

Jewelry

Home Decor

Accessories


Steve Watkins has made a lastingimpression on me with his ability todevelop characters with authenticvoices. Certainly, his stories are wellresearched and written with a keen anddynamic fluency, but it is his cast of youngcharacters that have the same interestsand conversations as my own teenagedstudents that has captured my interest. Ineach of his previous books, Down SandMountain, What Comes After, and Juvie,Watkins has extended a level of respect tohis young protagonists that is lacking inmany young adult novels. His charactershave overcome realistically serious

conflicts, and Watkins has proven throughtheir development that he trusts them tobe up to the challenges.

When Watkins revealed last yearthat he would be writing a paranormalwar series for Scholastic, I was eager seethe concept come to life in the firstinstallment, Ghosts of War: The Secret ofMidway. Watkins says he was honoredwhen Scholastic approached him to writethe series. With only a couple of pages ofnotes as starting point, he developed alonger treatment and has since worked onfour of the volumes, the fourth of whichinvolves The Battle of Fredericksburg.

As he describes the series, “Theconcept is about this intrepid group of

6th graders from Fredericksburg whohave to solve the mystery of variousveterans who have gone missing inbattle. The ghosts don’t know who theyare or what has happened to them, butthey do know a few things aboutthemselves. The kids have some clues,because there is an old trunk in an uncle’santique shop in town with items insidethat are connected to the ghost; however,they only have a limited time to solve theghost’s mystery.” Since the books are setlocally, readers will recognize place names

and events that happen in ourarea. Undoubtedly, Watkins lends thisnarrative the same level of authenticity ashis more serious young adult novels of thepast, only this time he weaves a page-turner of an adventure into the mix.

When asked about living in andusing Fredericksburg for the backdrop ofhis stories, Watkins says he appreciatesthis area for what he calls a fertile creativesoil. He explains, “For me it’s so muchabout the community. I appreciate thehistory in the area, but it’s the creativepeople here and the cross-over ofcreativity. You see it in many ways, fromDowntown Greens, to the greatrestaurants, to the new boutiques in town,to the many nonprofits in our area. It’s astrong community of creative people, butone where you can meet new people. I alsoknow a lot of teachers and librarians, andthey are such a vital part of thecommunity as well.”

It is that stimulatingenvironment and direct access to histarget audience that keep Watkinsinterested in writing aboutFredericksburg. He says, “Writing is a verysolitary thing, but you always have anintended audience, and my audience isright here. That’s a real blessing. I think ina larger place I might not have that,because I wouldn’t feel quite as connectedor as vital a part of the community.”

Watkins says initial reviewsof Ghosts of War: The Secret ofMidway have been positive, “We got a firstreview from School Library Journal, andone of the things they liked about it wasthat the characters did research to solvethe mystery. It was a not so subtle way ofselling kids on research.” The book will beavailable in January 2015 for purchase,but it can be preordered from Scholasticnow, as can a second novel in theseries, Ghosts of War: Lost at Khe Sanh,which is centered on the Vietnam War. Thebooks will be available at area schools duringspring Scholastic book fairs.



VA. WINERIESWine Industry’s Next Steps

by nancy bauer

Ghosts of WarSteve Watkins’ New Scholastic Seriesis Set in Fredericksburg

By A.E.Bayne

“This is the stage we dance on,”says Diane Flynt, as a wall-sized imageflashes up just left of the stage at therecent Virginia Wine Summit: hundreds ofwine bottles lining every inch of surfacespace in the office of Ray Isle, ExecutiveWine Editor of Food & Wine Magazine—offerings from wineries and regions andAVAs hoping for a kind word from akingmaker. “This is why we must find away to distinguish ourselves.”

As the owner of Foggy RidgeCider, Diane knows a little somethingabout battling for mind and shelf space:she’s steered an obscure hard cideroperation in out-of-the-way southwestVirginia into retail shops and restaurantsfrom New York to Alabama. Herencouragement met with nods ofagreement from the sold-oout crowd ofwinery owners, journalists, trade reps andothers gathered at the third annualSummit, held at the iconic Jefferson Hotelin Richmond—which is old enough to havewitnessed the state’s first rise tovinicultural stardom: Virginia Claret wonseveral awards at the Paris Exposition in1900, five years after the Jeffersonopened.

How to carve a broader niche forVirginia wine in a world where the numberof U.S. wineries alone has quadrupled inthe last 15 years is a matter of muchdebate. The camp is divided, with someadvocating for a signature red tocomplement Viognier, which was namedthe state’s signature white grape in 2011.The tough-to-grow Viognier, which maywell be derived from the Latin “viaGehennae”—or, loosely translated: “roadto Hell”—was chosen as the state’s go-togrape for reasons related perhaps more tomarketing (think Oregon Pinot Noir,Argentinian Malbec, etc.) than to grapesuitability, although many wineries havenow increased their Viognier plantings tokeep up with increased demand.

Could the red heir apparent beTannat, the grape on everyone’s lips aftertwo of this year’s top Governor’s Cupspots went to Tannats from FabbioliCellars and Horton Vineyards? Or perhaps

last year’s sweetheart, PetitVerdot, should win out?Others see the way forward asBordeaux-style blends, whichthey argue makes more sensein a temperamental climatelike ours.

“You all need to growmore grapes and make morewine,” said breakout sessionpanelist Andy Chabot ofTennessee’s celebratedBlackberry Farms Resort,suggesting that the wayforward, from a marketing

perspective, is exposing the product tomore people. And that takes more highquality Virginia wine, available in more –and more influential – places, such as wineshops and high-end restaurants.

The high-powered sommeliers inattendance nodded in all the right places.That Virginia wine is already showing upon some surprising menus wasn’t lost onthe audience.

From our perch in a well-usedSUV that’s trekked to more than its fairshare of Virginia wineries, we wonder ifmaybe there’s a less travelled-by road tobe considered in claiming parity amongthe world’s fine wine regions: namely, thenatural beauty of Virginia itself. And wearen’t alone in that.

Ray Isle wrote in Food & Wineabout Catalonia, of his recent trekthrough Virginia wine country comparingmemories of wine journeys in Spain.“Rolling green hills, black-fencedequestrian estates, small farms andvineyards, the gentle Blue RidgeMountains as a backdrop—it’s quitegorgeous.”

And then there’s the charmoffensive. The day before the Summit,twenty panelists and wine writers weretreated to a day’s outing in nearby winecountry. Someone in the group took aninformal poll: Does exposure to thewinemaker affect your opinion of thewine?

All but two in the group admittedthat it definitely does. And on that count,Virginia’s got a definite advantage;

Even if the path forward isn’tcrystal clear, the packed house at theVirginia Wine Summit made one thingobvious: the road is filling up with Virginiawine champions. And that will make all thedifference.

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 websiteat.VAWineInMyPocket.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

806 Caroline Street 540-370-8778

Unique Gifts

Handmade

Clothing

Jewelry

Home Decor

Accessories


Michael HayesCollaborative Divorce Financial Advisor

By valerie jean mayo, FACP

Michael Hayes (with wife Lisa,above) went to lunch one day andreturned to his office aware of a new wayto ply his trade as a financial advisor. Hecould use financial skills in the dissolutionof marriage by participating incollaborative divorce.

The process of collaborativedivorce where couples agree to rely on theprofessional advice of their attorneys,communication counselors and financialadvisors instead of spending time andmoney on litigation sounded veryappealing to this CPA, RICP and CertifiedFinancial Planner with the CommunityFinancial Group in downtownFredericksburg.

“This seemedto give ourbusiness anotherdimension andallowed me toreally get intothe nitty grittyof a client’sfinancial plans.”

After takingthe requiredtraining toenable him to

work on collaborative cases, Michael isdeveloping procedures for his role as aneutral team member in a collaborativedivorce by working with theFredericksburg Area CollaborativeProfessionals (FACP). He is pleased to havethe other trained professionals to helphim define his role. He recognizes that theteam atmosphere of collaborative divorcemakes everyone do his or her job muchbetter.

When asked how the training hasimpacted his professional skills, Michaelcommented that he has become a betterlistener and a better advisor in all his casesbecause he works harder to understandthe client interests and needs instead of

just the client “wants”. He focuses oninformation gathering from the clientsinstead of just presenting a pre-conceivedsolution. He is coming to see himself moreas a planner than a presenter. (He notesthat the communication training is helpfulon a personal note to make a goodmarriage even better.)

Michael is looking forward tofrequent participation in collaborativedivorce cases. Even though he generallyfinds conflict intimidating, he believes thisprocess will allow him to better helppeople find an appropriate resolution totheir domestic problems.

When asked how he woulddescribe the collaborative divorce processto his clients, Michael succinctly responds“it is a process that creates a level playingfield that allows clients to reach anagreement with a sustainable outcomeinstead of a court ordered arrangement.” “Itconverts a long, potentially brutal and uglydivorce process into a civil, lower conflict,needs based resolution that folks can dependon to begin a new future without destroyingthe good of their past.”

So now as Michael continues todevelop his expertise as a Certified PublicAccountant and a Retirement Planning

Specialist and a Certified Financial Planner,he is adding his training for a financialneutral in collaborative divorce cases andis pursuing a designation as a CertifiedDivorce Financial Analyst to hisprofessional toolbox. And as if thisbusiness lunch discovery was not enough,in his family time Michael loves huntingand fishing while enjoying his desire tobecome an almost culinary school chef anda new found interest playing a guitar. It’shard to imagine a better combination oftalents helping to guide you through thetrauma of divorce.

For further information, contact:Michael J. Hayes, Jr., CPA, CFP, RICPCommunity Financial Groupm i c h a e l . h a y e s @ a x a - a d v i s o r s . c o m107 Amelia St.Fredericksburg, VA 22401540-604-5690Or, Fredericksburg Area CollaborativeProfessionals (FACP)www.fredericksburgcollaborative.com

Valerie Mayo is a member of FACP andhas practiced domestic relations law as

a litigator, a mediator and now acollaborative professional since 1977.She shares an office wth her husband

Michael in Colonial Beach.

There’s a great King Crimsonalbum title: “Happy with What You Haveto be Happy With”. The cover featuresartist PJ Crook, a regular for King Crimsonalbum art. She’s got a sort of NormanRockwell with generous sprinkles ofdystopian/Dali groove to her work, all in achunked-out style of strong shapes andfirm lines. In this piece (pictured), afamily of four huddles close to a television,their dark faces lit with cathode rayflickers. Everyone has the slightest smile,and they genuinely look content. Butthere’s a beguiling edge to the piece: arewe to assume this family is genuinelyhappy, or are they only happy insofar asthe television (pipeline for mass culturedistribution that it is) has told them to behappy? Between the slightly backhandedphrasing of the album title and thealmost-too-easy answer to happinessdepicted, the viewer/listener has towonder..

It’s a phrase and an image I useand think about often, usually duringmoments of inner dialogue, to remindmyself that it’s not only what you have,but how you perceive and receive theseassets that culminates in the happinessyou get in return. Empirically, what doesthis family have? A cat (companionship),apples (food), tea (warmth), chairs , a TVand a home (shelter and possessions), andof course each other. It’s enough, whenit’s broken down like that, isn’t it? I don’tjudge this family for their joy gotten fromsuch basic means. I think that’s the built-in trap and the crux of the biscuit here.What a boon, to be so simply satisfied.

While we often rush for “bigger,better, stronger, faster,” and there are

certainly rewards to all those things, it’sgood to occasionally come to a completestop, and soak in the happy that isavailable to you immediately. Bothpersonal moments: coffee that’s theperfect temperature (only you know howyou like it), socks that fit right (only youcan feel your own feet), a humorousarticle in your local paper (you get jokes).And shared moments: children playingcontentedly (they are a combined joy),high-fiving the same touchdown(everybody cheers for the local team),someone you know next to an emptybarstool (we haven’t seen each other inforever!). Our/your world is absolutelylousy with happiness, it’s all in theperception.

We all make do and find ourselvesand define our lives as we each see fit. It’suniversal individuality, to be singular yetwithin the group. Everybody wants to beas happy as they possibly can, some justhave an easier way of getting there. As weall turn one eye towards the new year hereat the end of the old, I would encourageeach of you to continue striving to bebigger, better, faster and stronger. Iwould also remind each of you thatvictory and joy are where you find them,and not to judge too quickly the packagein which they come. Take your happy andbe happy you have it.

Jeremy Sutton believes every word hejust wrote, and hopes one day to

actually be able to executesome of this good advice.

Allow Us ToExtend Our

Warmest Wishesfor the

Holiday Seasonfrom All of Us

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374-0443

www.shopwhittingham.com

1021 Caroline Street

Eye on the New Year...Writing About

What you Have to Write About

by jeremy sutton

The Renowned Northern ItalianRestaurant once in Stafford on

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Private Dining Rooms forYour Holiday parties or any occasion!!!

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Michael HayesCollaborative Divorce Financial Advisor

By valerie jean mayo, FACP

Michael Hayes (with wife Lisa,above) went to lunch one day andreturned to his office aware of a new wayto ply his trade as a financial advisor. Hecould use financial skills in the dissolutionof marriage by participating incollaborative divorce.

The process of collaborativedivorce where couples agree to rely on theprofessional advice of their attorneys,communication counselors and financialadvisors instead of spending time andmoney on litigation sounded veryappealing to this CPA, RICP and CertifiedFinancial Planner with the CommunityFinancial Group in downtownFredericksburg.

“This seemedto give ourbusiness anotherdimension andallowed me toreally get intothe nitty grittyof a client’sfinancial plans.”

After takingthe requiredtraining toenable him to

work on collaborative cases, Michael isdeveloping procedures for his role as aneutral team member in a collaborativedivorce by working with theFredericksburg Area CollaborativeProfessionals (FACP). He is pleased to havethe other trained professionals to helphim define his role. He recognizes that theteam atmosphere of collaborative divorcemakes everyone do his or her job muchbetter.

When asked how the training hasimpacted his professional skills, Michaelcommented that he has become a betterlistener and a better advisor in all his casesbecause he works harder to understandthe client interests and needs instead of

just the client “wants”. He focuses oninformation gathering from the clientsinstead of just presenting a pre-conceivedsolution. He is coming to see himself moreas a planner than a presenter. (He notesthat the communication training is helpfulon a personal note to make a goodmarriage even better.)

Michael is looking forward tofrequent participation in collaborativedivorce cases. Even though he generallyfinds conflict intimidating, he believes thisprocess will allow him to better helppeople find an appropriate resolution totheir domestic problems.

When asked how he woulddescribe the collaborative divorce processto his clients, Michael succinctly responds“it is a process that creates a level playingfield that allows clients to reach anagreement with a sustainable outcomeinstead of a court ordered arrangement.” “Itconverts a long, potentially brutal and uglydivorce process into a civil, lower conflict,needs based resolution that folks can dependon to begin a new future without destroyingthe good of their past.”

So now as Michael continues todevelop his expertise as a Certified PublicAccountant and a Retirement Planning

Specialist and a Certified Financial Planner,he is adding his training for a financialneutral in collaborative divorce cases andis pursuing a designation as a CertifiedDivorce Financial Analyst to hisprofessional toolbox. And as if thisbusiness lunch discovery was not enough,in his family time Michael loves huntingand fishing while enjoying his desire tobecome an almost culinary school chef anda new found interest playing a guitar. It’shard to imagine a better combination oftalents helping to guide you through thetrauma of divorce.

For further information, contact:Michael J. Hayes, Jr., CPA, CFP, RICPCommunity Financial Groupm i c h a e l . h a y e s @ a x a - a d v i s o r s . c o m107 Amelia St.Fredericksburg, VA 22401540-604-5690Or, Fredericksburg Area CollaborativeProfessionals (FACP)www.fredericksburgcollaborative.com

Valerie Mayo is a member of FACP andhas practiced domestic relations law as

a litigator, a mediator and now acollaborative professional since 1977.She shares an office wth her husband

Michael in Colonial Beach.

There’s a great King Crimsonalbum title: “Happy with What You Haveto be Happy With”. The cover featuresartist PJ Crook, a regular for King Crimsonalbum art. She’s got a sort of NormanRockwell with generous sprinkles ofdystopian/Dali groove to her work, all in achunked-out style of strong shapes andfirm lines. In this piece (pictured), afamily of four huddles close to a television,their dark faces lit with cathode rayflickers. Everyone has the slightest smile,and they genuinely look content. Butthere’s a beguiling edge to the piece: arewe to assume this family is genuinelyhappy, or are they only happy insofar asthe television (pipeline for mass culturedistribution that it is) has told them to behappy? Between the slightly backhandedphrasing of the album title and thealmost-too-easy answer to happinessdepicted, the viewer/listener has towonder..

It’s a phrase and an image I useand think about often, usually duringmoments of inner dialogue, to remindmyself that it’s not only what you have,but how you perceive and receive theseassets that culminates in the happinessyou get in return. Empirically, what doesthis family have? A cat (companionship),apples (food), tea (warmth), chairs , a TVand a home (shelter and possessions), andof course each other. It’s enough, whenit’s broken down like that, isn’t it? I don’tjudge this family for their joy gotten fromsuch basic means. I think that’s the built-in trap and the crux of the biscuit here.What a boon, to be so simply satisfied.

While we often rush for “bigger,better, stronger, faster,” and there are

certainly rewards to all those things, it’sgood to occasionally come to a completestop, and soak in the happy that isavailable to you immediately. Bothpersonal moments: coffee that’s theperfect temperature (only you know howyou like it), socks that fit right (only youcan feel your own feet), a humorousarticle in your local paper (you get jokes).And shared moments: children playingcontentedly (they are a combined joy),high-fiving the same touchdown(everybody cheers for the local team),someone you know next to an emptybarstool (we haven’t seen each other inforever!). Our/your world is absolutelylousy with happiness, it’s all in theperception.

We all make do and find ourselvesand define our lives as we each see fit. It’suniversal individuality, to be singular yetwithin the group. Everybody wants to beas happy as they possibly can, some justhave an easier way of getting there. As weall turn one eye towards the new year hereat the end of the old, I would encourageeach of you to continue striving to bebigger, better, faster and stronger. Iwould also remind each of you thatvictory and joy are where you find them,and not to judge too quickly the packagein which they come. Take your happy andbe happy you have it.

Jeremy Sutton believes every word hejust wrote, and hopes one day to

actually be able to executesome of this good advice.

Allow Us ToExtend Our

Warmest Wishesfor the

Holiday Seasonfrom All of Us

here at

374-0443

www.shopwhittingham.com

1021 Caroline Street

Eye on the New Year...Writing About

What you Have to Write About

by jeremy sutton

The Renowned Northern ItalianRestaurant once in Stafford on

Garrisonville Rd moves to downtown Fredericksburg’s

“Historic Chimney’s Building”on Caroline Street adding

Internationality to their Cuisine

Open 7 days a weekMonday to Saturday

11 am to 10pm

International Sunday Brunch9am to 3pm

Dinner from 3pm to 9pm

Private Dining Rooms forYour Holiday parties or any occasion!!!

623 Caroline StreetFredericksburg VA 22401

Tel (540) 658-11107Fax (540) 658-11108

When I was growing up, everyChristmas eve at our church we had aMoravian Love Feast. I am not Moravianbut it was a nice service, particularlyafterwards. In our fellowship hall therewere always Christmas cookies served witha hot spiced tea. The taste of the tea hasremained with me throughout the years.Of course, it is no longer called spiced tea,the term in the proper circles is mulledtea. What ever term is used, it makes methink of Christmas.

Now that I have gotten older, Iam able to expand my repertoire beyondmulled tea to include mulled wine, or asthe Germans call it, Gluhwein. Thisholiday beveridge is best described as ahot toddy and is made up of red wine thathas been spiced with cinnamon sticks,cloves, star aniseed, citrus and sugar, inproportions according to the taste of theconsumer. My personal favorite isgluhwein mit Schuss (or shot). For theSchuss, cognac works well, giving thisGerman drink an international feel. Themixture is heated but not boiled as boilingwill cause the alcohol to dissipate, atragedy unless one decides to have anonalcoholic toddy. If the gluhwein isalready made, three quarters of a mugmicrowaved for forty five seconds is justabout perfect. I would recommend addingthe Schuss after the gluhwein is heated.

Gluhwein, or glowing wine, is saidto have been named in reference to hotirons used for mulling. Some say that themakeup of the drink is a result ofindividuals adding spices to wine that wasgoing bad in order to keep from having tothrow it away. Attributed to the Germans,this holiday treat is documented as farback as 1490 to a tankard of gluhweinowned by Count John IV ofKatzeneinbogen, a German nobleman whois also credited with being the first togrow the Riesling grape.

Today, gluhwein is enjoyed inGermany in Christmas markets along withLebkuchen, a spice cake from Nurembergand renowned throughout the country.In the United States, it is good withwhatever Christmas treats are nearby.Gluhwein can be bought at the most winestores. For the adventurous, here is arecipe:

GLUHWEIN3/4 cup orange juice or water, if preferred3/4 cup sugar (to taste)1 cinnamon stick1 whole nutmeg1 star anise pod1 orange10 whole cloves1 (750 ml) bottle of red wine - a redGerman wine or a good hearty red wine.

In a sauce pan, combine orangejuice, sugar, cinnamon stick, nutmeg, and

star anise. Bring to a boil, reduce heat andsimmer.

Cut the orange in half andsqueeze the juice into the simmeringliquid. Push the cloves on the outside ofthe orange peel and place the peel in thesimmering liquid. Continue simmering for30 minutes, until the liquid has beenreduced to a thick syrup.

Pour in the wine, heat untilsteaming but not simmering. If itsimmers with the wine included, thealcohol will cook off. Remove clove-orange peels. Serve hot in mugs.

This recipe serves 6, but can beexpanded to serve more. Make a day inadvance and keep sealed in therefrigerator overnight. Like Sangria, theflavors will meld together.

Whether your Gluhwein is storebought or homemade, or what ever youdrink, please drink responsibly andremember the joy of this season! Cheers!

Scott Richards, owner of Loch HavenVineyards, is a Member, Virginia

Vineyards Association. Contact him @[email protected]

fromthevine.wordpress.com


VViinnooChristmas Gluhwein Wines

By scott richards

Season’s BountyLeft-Over Turkey Recipes

By vanessa moncureThe centerpiece of Norman

Rockwell’s iconic painting, “Freedom fromWant” is a glistening, roasted wholeturkey on an oversized platter, presentedto a table round of appreciative family.The be-aproned, Grandmother-like figureis captured in motion - you can almostsense the anticipation, the heady aroma ofa bounteous meal to come, thesatisfaction she is taking in thepresentation of such abundance. Alsoknown as “I’ll Be Home for Christmas”,the painting elevates the humble bird to

the ultimate symbol of the holiday meal.Hmm. Well, OK, the art historian in mehad to imbue some meaning to thatturkey. This really under-appreciatedwhole poultry is generally under-represented on our dinner tables, exceptfor November and December holidays.

Everyone sees varieties of slicedturkey deli meat, but generally wholeturkeys and turkey breasts are not onweekly grocery lists - although they shouldbe! Fried turkey, slathered in a garlic-y,herb-y melange, is great year-round.Ground turkey has soared in popularity asa lower-fat alternative to ground beef, andturkeys even have their own lobbyinggroup in the National Turkey Federation.Heirloom turkeys are finding a nichemarket, much as the domesticatedheirloom chicken breeds have done.Escallops of turkey breast are delicious ina light pan saute, turkey wings can be thebasis for delicious stock and turkey jerkycan be homemade in a food dehydrator.Don’t get stuck in the turkey-and-boxed-stuffing-mix-with-canned-gravy-and-jellied-canned-cranberry-sauce rut - well, except ifthat is your holiday tradition! Keep turkey inmind for the rest of the year, too.

I used to think that there was SOMUCH turkey left over, that I really didspare the bird except for large gatherings.But I’ve since learned there is SO MUCHthat can be prepared from the extra meatas well as the carcass that I appreciate the

large size.TURKEY BBQ

This is great for using up extra darkmeat. Chop 4 c. cooked turkey (comboof dark and light if desired) and add ¾ c.prepared BBQ sauce. Heat in slow cookeror over low heat, stirring occasionally,until heated through. Toast buns, fillwith BBQ and coleslaw - give a shake ofhot sauce. Makes 6-8 sandwiches.

TURKEY SALADMake a Waldorf salad of apples, celery,

walnuts, golden raisins and driedcranberries - bind with a bit ofmayonnaise, 1 tsp. each lemon juice andsugar. Fold in chopped cooked turkeybreast, adding more mayonnaise asneeded. Serve over green leaf lettuce.

TURKEY NOODLE SOUPWhen you have removed almost all of

the meat from the turkey frame, pullbones apart and place in large saucepanwith water to cover. Season as above forturkey in roaster, adding S&P. Letsimmer 2 hours or so, then remove fromheat and skim off any fat. Strain yourturkey stock and set aside. For 8 c.stock, saute 1 c. each chopped onion,celery and carrots in 2 T. butter overlow heat until barely softened - do notbrown. Stir in 8 c. stock and bring toboil. Stir in 2 c. chopped cooked turkey.You may thicken it like the gravy aboveif desired. Season to taste and add ¼ c.chopped fresh parsley. Meanwhile, cookegg noodles in separate saucepan anddrain. Place noodles in deep bowl andpour soup over, sprinkling with finelychopped sweet red pepper. Sometimes Iplace baby spinach in bowl first, thennoodles and soup. They are so tender,the boiling soup will cook the leaves. Youcan also add a dried hot pepper to thestock if you like a bit of heat.

Vanessa Moncure wishes a HappyHoliday to all

Now is the time for celebration!Thanksgiving is a distant memory (excepton the scale in the morning!) andChristmas is in the air. Mitzi and I havebeen celebrating Christmas day with aspecial event called “everything you haveever wanted to eat brunch” as a givebackto Fredericksburg for another year ofsharing.

The traditions started the firstyear following our trip to Tuscany and thePiedmont regions of Italy. Mauro, of Sulin,hosted us on one of the best days of mylife, sharing his boyhood stories in themedieval towns of Monferrato. It wasthere that I actually tasted, although I hadthem before, a white truffle. Since thenMitzi has given me 2 oz of white trufflesevery year for Christmas, which must beeaten or immediately perish (see Jan 14Front porch article for recipe). So beganthe tradition.

This year I am presentinganother of the items on the menu: EggsBenedict. So simple, but soooo delicious Ihad to consult a professional to determineif it was “ok.”

I asked, Nancy Farrell, a dieticianfrom Farrell Dietitian Services on Park HillDrive for advice. There is a big differencebetween dieticians and nutritionist.Nutrition.about.com surmises dietitiansare considered to be nutritionists, but notall nutritionists are dietitians meaningthere is a higher level of knowledge with

the dietitian. (Please doyour own researchFredericksburg, I sharewhat I discover.)

She read the menu andbegan to illuminate me onmy choice of ingredients.Eggs are a high qualitysource of complete protein.They help with weightmanagement and containcholine, for brain function,and lutein which promoteshealthy vision. They do

contain dietary cholesterol, but the goodoutweighs the bad (again, consult yourphysician).

Although the pancetta I use ishigh in sodium, it is home made withbetter ingredients and adds to the flavorand texture. Counteracting the sodium inthe pancetta are the asparagus spears, anatural diuretic that help purge additionalwater and salts. Asparagus also haschromium, which helps insulin work inthis sugar rich holiday season.

The butter and the Englishmuffin are seasonal treats. Replace thetraditional English muffin with a wholegrain one for dietary fiber and all thebetter. To the sauce!

Blanch the asparagus for 1 min inboiling water then rest in an ice bath.Toast the English muffins and bake thethickly sliced pancetta. Have a secondpot simmering (for the poached eggsand to make the hollandaise). Melt ½pound of butter in microwave until justmelted and set aside. Hollandaise isabout the process, bringing the eggs to160 degrees without scrambling them. Iuse a stainless bowl, a hand towel, andmildly simmering pot of water. Heatcontrol is key!

Put 6 egg yolks into a stainless bowl,whisk, then hang over the boiling-ishwater. Now begins the temperaturedance. It is a series of holding the bowlover the water and removing it tocontrol the heat, all the while whisking,until the eggs reach 160 degrees. Once there, stir in a few tablespoons ofmelted butter; you are suspending thebutter in the eggs. Continue the danceuntil all the butter is gone. Add 2 TBSof fresh lemon juice, pinch of S&P, andany other flavor you want (we usecilantro and sriracha). Drop the eggs inthe almost boiling water for 2 mins topoach. While that is happening …

Assemble the first Benny, toastedmuffin, sauce, pancetta, poached egg,asparagus, sauce. Sounds busy but truly15 mins start to finish. Simple, easydelicious! Happy holidays Fredericksburg

Kyle, can we come to your house for breakfast?

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

Cooking With KyleSimple, easy, delicious

by james kyle snyder

At the Old Jake and Mike’sLocation

Serving New &Traditional AmericanCuisine with a Twist

Open Lunch and DinnerTuesday - Saturday

11 am to 9 pm

Sunday Brunch10 am to 3 pm

Closed on Mondays

806 William StreetFredericksburg, VA 22401

Tel: 540 899-0941From the Owners of

The Soup and Taco, Etc.

Open Christmas Eve

When I was growing up, everyChristmas eve at our church we had aMoravian Love Feast. I am not Moravianbut it was a nice service, particularlyafterwards. In our fellowship hall therewere always Christmas cookies served witha hot spiced tea. The taste of the tea hasremained with me throughout the years.Of course, it is no longer called spiced tea,the term in the proper circles is mulledtea. What ever term is used, it makes methink of Christmas.

Now that I have gotten older, Iam able to expand my repertoire beyondmulled tea to include mulled wine, or asthe Germans call it, Gluhwein. Thisholiday beveridge is best described as ahot toddy and is made up of red wine thathas been spiced with cinnamon sticks,cloves, star aniseed, citrus and sugar, inproportions according to the taste of theconsumer. My personal favorite isgluhwein mit Schuss (or shot). For theSchuss, cognac works well, giving thisGerman drink an international feel. Themixture is heated but not boiled as boilingwill cause the alcohol to dissipate, atragedy unless one decides to have anonalcoholic toddy. If the gluhwein isalready made, three quarters of a mugmicrowaved for forty five seconds is justabout perfect. I would recommend addingthe Schuss after the gluhwein is heated.

Gluhwein, or glowing wine, is saidto have been named in reference to hotirons used for mulling. Some say that themakeup of the drink is a result ofindividuals adding spices to wine that wasgoing bad in order to keep from having tothrow it away. Attributed to the Germans,this holiday treat is documented as farback as 1490 to a tankard of gluhweinowned by Count John IV ofKatzeneinbogen, a German nobleman whois also credited with being the first togrow the Riesling grape.

Today, gluhwein is enjoyed inGermany in Christmas markets along withLebkuchen, a spice cake from Nurembergand renowned throughout the country.In the United States, it is good withwhatever Christmas treats are nearby.Gluhwein can be bought at the most winestores. For the adventurous, here is arecipe:

GLUHWEIN3/4 cup orange juice or water, if preferred3/4 cup sugar (to taste)1 cinnamon stick1 whole nutmeg1 star anise pod1 orange10 whole cloves1 (750 ml) bottle of red wine - a redGerman wine or a good hearty red wine.

In a sauce pan, combine orangejuice, sugar, cinnamon stick, nutmeg, and

star anise. Bring to a boil, reduce heat andsimmer.

Cut the orange in half andsqueeze the juice into the simmeringliquid. Push the cloves on the outside ofthe orange peel and place the peel in thesimmering liquid. Continue simmering for30 minutes, until the liquid has beenreduced to a thick syrup.

Pour in the wine, heat untilsteaming but not simmering. If itsimmers with the wine included, thealcohol will cook off. Remove clove-orange peels. Serve hot in mugs.

This recipe serves 6, but can beexpanded to serve more. Make a day inadvance and keep sealed in therefrigerator overnight. Like Sangria, theflavors will meld together.

Whether your Gluhwein is storebought or homemade, or what ever youdrink, please drink responsibly andremember the joy of this season! Cheers!

Scott Richards, owner of Loch HavenVineyards, is a Member, Virginia

Vineyards Association. Contact him @[email protected]

fromthevine.wordpress.com


VViinnooChristmas Gluhwein Wines

By scott richards

Season’s BountyLeft-Over Turkey Recipes

By vanessa moncureThe centerpiece of Norman

Rockwell’s iconic painting, “Freedom fromWant” is a glistening, roasted wholeturkey on an oversized platter, presentedto a table round of appreciative family.The be-aproned, Grandmother-like figureis captured in motion - you can almostsense the anticipation, the heady aroma ofa bounteous meal to come, thesatisfaction she is taking in thepresentation of such abundance. Alsoknown as “I’ll Be Home for Christmas”,the painting elevates the humble bird to

the ultimate symbol of the holiday meal.Hmm. Well, OK, the art historian in mehad to imbue some meaning to thatturkey. This really under-appreciatedwhole poultry is generally under-represented on our dinner tables, exceptfor November and December holidays.

Everyone sees varieties of slicedturkey deli meat, but generally wholeturkeys and turkey breasts are not onweekly grocery lists - although they shouldbe! Fried turkey, slathered in a garlic-y,herb-y melange, is great year-round.Ground turkey has soared in popularity asa lower-fat alternative to ground beef, andturkeys even have their own lobbyinggroup in the National Turkey Federation.Heirloom turkeys are finding a nichemarket, much as the domesticatedheirloom chicken breeds have done.Escallops of turkey breast are delicious ina light pan saute, turkey wings can be thebasis for delicious stock and turkey jerkycan be homemade in a food dehydrator.Don’t get stuck in the turkey-and-boxed-stuffing-mix-with-canned-gravy-and-jellied-canned-cranberry-sauce rut - well, except ifthat is your holiday tradition! Keep turkey inmind for the rest of the year, too.

I used to think that there was SOMUCH turkey left over, that I really didspare the bird except for large gatherings.But I’ve since learned there is SO MUCHthat can be prepared from the extra meatas well as the carcass that I appreciate the

large size.TURKEY BBQ

This is great for using up extra darkmeat. Chop 4 c. cooked turkey (comboof dark and light if desired) and add ¾ c.prepared BBQ sauce. Heat in slow cookeror over low heat, stirring occasionally,until heated through. Toast buns, fillwith BBQ and coleslaw - give a shake ofhot sauce. Makes 6-8 sandwiches.

TURKEY SALADMake a Waldorf salad of apples, celery,

walnuts, golden raisins and driedcranberries - bind with a bit ofmayonnaise, 1 tsp. each lemon juice andsugar. Fold in chopped cooked turkeybreast, adding more mayonnaise asneeded. Serve over green leaf lettuce.

TURKEY NOODLE SOUPWhen you have removed almost all of

the meat from the turkey frame, pullbones apart and place in large saucepanwith water to cover. Season as above forturkey in roaster, adding S&P. Letsimmer 2 hours or so, then remove fromheat and skim off any fat. Strain yourturkey stock and set aside. For 8 c.stock, saute 1 c. each chopped onion,celery and carrots in 2 T. butter overlow heat until barely softened - do notbrown. Stir in 8 c. stock and bring toboil. Stir in 2 c. chopped cooked turkey.You may thicken it like the gravy aboveif desired. Season to taste and add ¼ c.chopped fresh parsley. Meanwhile, cookegg noodles in separate saucepan anddrain. Place noodles in deep bowl andpour soup over, sprinkling with finelychopped sweet red pepper. Sometimes Iplace baby spinach in bowl first, thennoodles and soup. They are so tender,the boiling soup will cook the leaves. Youcan also add a dried hot pepper to thestock if you like a bit of heat.

Vanessa Moncure wishes a HappyHoliday to all

Now is the time for celebration!Thanksgiving is a distant memory (excepton the scale in the morning!) andChristmas is in the air. Mitzi and I havebeen celebrating Christmas day with aspecial event called “everything you haveever wanted to eat brunch” as a givebackto Fredericksburg for another year ofsharing.

The traditions started the firstyear following our trip to Tuscany and thePiedmont regions of Italy. Mauro, of Sulin,hosted us on one of the best days of mylife, sharing his boyhood stories in themedieval towns of Monferrato. It wasthere that I actually tasted, although I hadthem before, a white truffle. Since thenMitzi has given me 2 oz of white trufflesevery year for Christmas, which must beeaten or immediately perish (see Jan 14Front porch article for recipe). So beganthe tradition.

This year I am presentinganother of the items on the menu: EggsBenedict. So simple, but soooo delicious Ihad to consult a professional to determineif it was “ok.”

I asked, Nancy Farrell, a dieticianfrom Farrell Dietitian Services on Park HillDrive for advice. There is a big differencebetween dieticians and nutritionist.Nutrition.about.com surmises dietitiansare considered to be nutritionists, but notall nutritionists are dietitians meaningthere is a higher level of knowledge with

the dietitian. (Please doyour own researchFredericksburg, I sharewhat I discover.)

She read the menu andbegan to illuminate me onmy choice of ingredients.Eggs are a high qualitysource of complete protein.They help with weightmanagement and containcholine, for brain function,and lutein which promoteshealthy vision. They do

contain dietary cholesterol, but the goodoutweighs the bad (again, consult yourphysician).

Although the pancetta I use ishigh in sodium, it is home made withbetter ingredients and adds to the flavorand texture. Counteracting the sodium inthe pancetta are the asparagus spears, anatural diuretic that help purge additionalwater and salts. Asparagus also haschromium, which helps insulin work inthis sugar rich holiday season.

The butter and the Englishmuffin are seasonal treats. Replace thetraditional English muffin with a wholegrain one for dietary fiber and all thebetter. To the sauce!

Blanch the asparagus for 1 min inboiling water then rest in an ice bath.Toast the English muffins and bake thethickly sliced pancetta. Have a secondpot simmering (for the poached eggsand to make the hollandaise). Melt ½pound of butter in microwave until justmelted and set aside. Hollandaise isabout the process, bringing the eggs to160 degrees without scrambling them. Iuse a stainless bowl, a hand towel, andmildly simmering pot of water. Heatcontrol is key!

Put 6 egg yolks into a stainless bowl,whisk, then hang over the boiling-ishwater. Now begins the temperaturedance. It is a series of holding the bowlover the water and removing it tocontrol the heat, all the while whisking,until the eggs reach 160 degrees. Once there, stir in a few tablespoons ofmelted butter; you are suspending thebutter in the eggs. Continue the danceuntil all the butter is gone. Add 2 TBSof fresh lemon juice, pinch of S&P, andany other flavor you want (we usecilantro and sriracha). Drop the eggs inthe almost boiling water for 2 mins topoach. While that is happening …

Assemble the first Benny, toastedmuffin, sauce, pancetta, poached egg,asparagus, sauce. Sounds busy but truly15 mins start to finish. Simple, easydelicious! Happy holidays Fredericksburg

Kyle, can we come to your house for breakfast?

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

Cooking With KyleSimple, easy, delicious

by james kyle snyder

At the Old Jake and Mike’sLocation

Serving New &Traditional AmericanCuisine with a Twist

Open Lunch and DinnerTuesday - Saturday

11 am to 9 pm

Sunday Brunch10 am to 3 pm

Closed on Mondays

806 William StreetFredericksburg, VA 22401

Tel: 540 899-0941From the Owners of

The Soup and Taco, Etc.

Open Christmas Eve


For those of us hosting friendsand family over the holidays we can allagree that it is not easy finding somethingnew to serve and wow our guests. Thisyear I am encouraging the moreadventurous to step outside of theircomfort zone with their beverage choices.While I would never turn down anexcellent bottle of wine with holidaydinner, or a thoughtful glass pairing fordelectable hors d’oeuvres, this year theemphasis is beer.

Now, this doesn’t necessarilymake things simple and, as a fat kid indisguise, I struggle to resist over-doing theappetizers by serving too many differentthings or too much of everything andspoiling my own appetite before dinner.So this season, one or two types of cheeseand a little smoked salmon will suffice.Unlike wine and cheese pairings, whichoften focus on contrasting flavors andmouth feel, I recommend choosing a beerthat enhances and compliments the cheeseyou plan to serve. For instance,something creamy and light like a triple-cream Brie, or a mild goat cheese shouldpair well with a lighter beer; whether it bea mild amber ale, a clean, crisp pilsner ora filtered wheat or Hefeweizen spiked withcitrus zest.

This year I plan to go sharp withaged cheddar and a five-year Gouda. Withthese I will pair an IPA from Stone, oursoon-to-be neighborhood brewery (That’sright! If you have not yet heard StoneBrewery is coming to Richmond!). StoneBrewery’s India Pale Ale is a classicrepresentation of this style of brewing andeach sip presents a burst of crisp, citrusyflavors and intoxicating hop aromas.

Thankfully, a subtle malty backboneprovides the foundation andsimultaneously mellows the brew andencouraging the drinker to move back tothe rich, sharp and nutty flavors of ourchosen cheeses.

My recommendation for yourholiday dinner is a whole different ballgame. This is where I challenge yourcomfort zone and encourage you to trysomething unusual. For those of usserving rich and robust, smoky and fattydishes, like roast duck, a smoked ham or amouth-watering rare prime rib I have theperfect beer for you: New BelgiumBrewery’s 2014 La Folie. The La Folie isan oak-aged sour brown ale that spends upto three years in the barrel. When aging iscomplete it produces a bold, richmahogany colored beer with a zesty andzingy effervescence. It is certainly sourbut in the delightful spectrum of a brightgreen apple, tart plum skin, and an everpresent hint of cherry. The finish isincredibly clean and smooth with a hint ofpucker on the palate that will leave yousalivating in anticipation for that next biteof prime rib or the choice bit of crispy,fatty duck skin all the while challengingyou to suppress your own inner fat kid asyou go back for seconds and thirds.

Matthew Mastalski is one of Bistrobethem’s longtime servers, a recent

college graduate and has a passion forbeer 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: [email protected]

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

The Sunken Well Tavern

The first place I went was theOlde Towne Butcher

I interviewed the night manager.His name is Stephen Campbell.

We asked him some questions. Q: Where do you get your delicious foodfrom?A: We get half a cow every week fromMast Farm and From Caroline county.We cut up in the back of our store. We makeour own sausage. The choice meat is from Midwest farms.

Q: Where do you get your lobsters from?A: The lobsters are from Maine.

Q: Where do you get your dairy from?A: From Amish farms in Pennsylvania.We have yogurt, milk and ice cream andmany other yummy things.

Q: Where do you get your holidayturkeys?A: Amish Pennsylvania and Kelly Bronze

I like to go to the Butcherbecause I like to watch the lobsters andeat the gum balls! If you don’t have aquarter for the gum balls sometimesthey’ll give you one. And, I like their icecream and chocolate milk.”

The next place we visited wasCastiglias We met with the generalmanager Julia Cushman and had dinner.

Q: How do you make such good pizza?A: We put lots of love into our pizza. Wemake it fresh. The ingredients are made on site. We shred our own cheeseand we make our own sauce.

Q: What’s your favorite thing to eathere?A: The pizzas are my favorite. TheCastiglia pizza is our signature pizza. It has arugula and prosciutto.

I like to go to Castiglia because Ilove their pizza with the happy face andthey give me dough to play with. I also liketo draw with the crayons on the tableuntil I get me pizza.

Six year old Callie Dunn lives in FXBGwith her parents, Katie & Jay and herlittle brothers, Patrick & Nathaniel.

She is considering making this amonthly column because she has more

favorite places to visit.

About BeerSomething New for the holidys

By Matthew mastalski

Brunch BuffetWith Santa

December 7th

9am - 12pm

Sing Along with Santa & Tell

Him Your Christmas Wishes

$19.95 Adults$9 Kids 5-12 years

Pictures with Santa $10 5x7

$20 Digital CD

620 CAROLINE STREET 540.373.8300 Please call for reservations

My Favorite PlacesDecember Picks

By Calista Kathryn Dunn


For those of us hosting friendsand family over the holidays we can allagree that it is not easy finding somethingnew to serve and wow our guests. Thisyear I am encouraging the moreadventurous to step outside of theircomfort zone with their beverage choices.While I would never turn down anexcellent bottle of wine with holidaydinner, or a thoughtful glass pairing fordelectable hors d’oeuvres, this year theemphasis is beer.

Now, this doesn’t necessarilymake things simple and, as a fat kid indisguise, I struggle to resist over-doing theappetizers by serving too many differentthings or too much of everything andspoiling my own appetite before dinner.So this season, one or two types of cheeseand a little smoked salmon will suffice.Unlike wine and cheese pairings, whichoften focus on contrasting flavors andmouth feel, I recommend choosing a beerthat enhances and compliments the cheeseyou plan to serve. For instance,something creamy and light like a triple-cream Brie, or a mild goat cheese shouldpair well with a lighter beer; whether it bea mild amber ale, a clean, crisp pilsner ora filtered wheat or Hefeweizen spiked withcitrus zest.

This year I plan to go sharp withaged cheddar and a five-year Gouda. Withthese I will pair an IPA from Stone, oursoon-to-be neighborhood brewery (That’sright! If you have not yet heard StoneBrewery is coming to Richmond!). StoneBrewery’s India Pale Ale is a classicrepresentation of this style of brewing andeach sip presents a burst of crisp, citrusyflavors and intoxicating hop aromas.

Thankfully, a subtle malty backboneprovides the foundation andsimultaneously mellows the brew andencouraging the drinker to move back tothe rich, sharp and nutty flavors of ourchosen cheeses.

My recommendation for yourholiday dinner is a whole different ballgame. This is where I challenge yourcomfort zone and encourage you to trysomething unusual. For those of usserving rich and robust, smoky and fattydishes, like roast duck, a smoked ham or amouth-watering rare prime rib I have theperfect beer for you: New BelgiumBrewery’s 2014 La Folie. The La Folie isan oak-aged sour brown ale that spends upto three years in the barrel. When aging iscomplete it produces a bold, richmahogany colored beer with a zesty andzingy effervescence. It is certainly sourbut in the delightful spectrum of a brightgreen apple, tart plum skin, and an everpresent hint of cherry. The finish isincredibly clean and smooth with a hint ofpucker on the palate that will leave yousalivating in anticipation for that next biteof prime rib or the choice bit of crispy,fatty duck skin all the while challengingyou to suppress your own inner fat kid asyou go back for seconds and thirds.

Matthew Mastalski is one of Bistrobethem’s longtime servers, a recent

college graduate and has a passion forbeer 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: [email protected]

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

The Sunken Well Tavern

The first place I went was theOlde Towne Butcher

I interviewed the night manager.His name is Stephen Campbell.

We asked him some questions. Q: Where do you get your delicious foodfrom?A: We get half a cow every week fromMast Farm and From Caroline county.We cut up in the back of our store. We makeour own sausage. The choice meat is from Midwest farms.

Q: Where do you get your lobsters from?A: The lobsters are from Maine.

Q: Where do you get your dairy from?A: From Amish farms in Pennsylvania.We have yogurt, milk and ice cream andmany other yummy things.

Q: Where do you get your holidayturkeys?A: Amish Pennsylvania and Kelly Bronze

I like to go to the Butcherbecause I like to watch the lobsters andeat the gum balls! If you don’t have aquarter for the gum balls sometimesthey’ll give you one. And, I like their icecream and chocolate milk.”

The next place we visited wasCastiglias We met with the generalmanager Julia Cushman and had dinner.

Q: How do you make such good pizza?A: We put lots of love into our pizza. Wemake it fresh. The ingredients are made on site. We shred our own cheeseand we make our own sauce.

Q: What’s your favorite thing to eathere?A: The pizzas are my favorite. TheCastiglia pizza is our signature pizza. It has arugula and prosciutto.

I like to go to Castiglia because Ilove their pizza with the happy face andthey give me dough to play with. I also liketo draw with the crayons on the tableuntil I get me pizza.

Six year old Callie Dunn lives in FXBGwith her parents, Katie & Jay and herlittle brothers, Patrick & Nathaniel.

She is considering making this amonthly column because she has more

favorite places to visit.

About BeerSomething New for the holidys

By Matthew mastalski

Brunch BuffetWith Santa

December 7th

9am - 12pm

Sing Along with Santa & Tell

Him Your Christmas Wishes

$19.95 Adults$9 Kids 5-12 years

Pictures with Santa $10 5x7

$20 Digital CD

620 CAROLINE STREET 540.373.8300 Please call for reservations

My Favorite PlacesDecember Picks

By Calista Kathryn Dunn

Monday, December 1Big Joy in Little Packages @ Water Street Studio,Upstairs, small works of art & craft 5-9pm

Tuesday, December 2“Holiday Gala All-Members Exhibition,” December2 thru 29, features an array of smaller gift-sizedpaintings, handmade jewelry and other unique giftitems. First Friday Opening Reception, Dec. 5 from6 to 9pm.

Art First, All Member Show. A unique blend oforiginal art in paintings, drawings, jewelry andfabric offer the perfect gift opportunities for theholidays.All day. 824 Caroline St. Thru Dec. 28.

Quilt National ’13 Fredericksburg Area Museum &Culture Center opening of a new temp exhibit,Quilt National ’13. innovative art quilts thruJanuary 31, 2015

Central Virginia Television Network “ Shine,Central Virginia!” Talent and Variety Show,highlighting local children. Filmed before a liveaudience, for broadcast on CVTV Network, at theSilk Mill in downtown Fredericksburg. 5-7pm .Hosted by local teenager, James Dahmen, andjudged by a panel of 3 talented kids, the show willoffer a winner each night. Acts are comprised ofsong, dance, and comedy, as well as othertalents. The community is invited to the show,which is sure to be a great night of entertainment.The show is free to attend, so come on out, andbring your friends and family!

Bistro Bethem, 309 William Street, 7pm, LiveMusic

Wednesday, December 3Film Lecture—Academy Awards Best Pictures andthe Nominees: The Final Episode—2010-Present.Gary Olsen, veteran film lecturer, will givecommentary and offer film clips on this timeperiod. 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. CRRL Headquarters,Theater Room, 1201 Caroline St. . Free

Toast of Fredericksburg Charter Ceremony/ OpenHouse @ ADS Meeting Center, Westwood OfficePark 7:00 pm. Join us at our charter ceremony andopen house and see what Toastmasters is all about!

First Friday, December 5First Friday Open House and Reception for Artists

Linda Burns and Pandora Christy at 1011 PrincessAnne Street, Suite B (new ‘old’ office/studio ofDianne Bachman, LCSW). 6-9pm

Open Late Friday @ Downtown shops andbusinesses More than 50 stores and shops openuntil 8pm . Look for yellow “Open Late” flagsoutside participating retailers

Original Artwork Giveaway @ Brush StrokesGallery, 824 Caroline St, enter drawing for“Mushrooms and Pipes” by Gallery member KarenJulihn. Need not be present to win. 5-9pm

Holiday Party @ PONSHOP Studio and Gallery willinclude new ceramic work by Scarlett Pons, whowill debut her “City Hall” illuminated lantern, thesecond in her “Fredericksburg skyline” series , newworks by dozens of jewelers, and show of smallworks by featured artists including: NicholasCandela, Adam Desio, Crystal and Kevin Rodrigue,

“Special Treat” at Rising Sun Tavern, Open Housewith free admission in historic building. 6-8pm1304 Caroline Street

Strolling Downtown: Civil War Civilians ofSpotsylvania will be in costume strolling amongshoppers on downtown streets. 6-8pm

Music by Wave on Wave. Acoustic Duo CourtyardMarriott. Children are welcome. Start the holidayoff with some familiar Christmas Tunes. 5-8pm

Saturday, December 6Arduino 101 @ Salem Church Library, 1-5pm.Build and program embedded robotics in thisbeginners Arduino platform class.

Handel’s “Messiah” @ Fredericksburg Baptist , 2pmThe Fredericksburg Community Chorus along withorchestra & soloists, presents it’s annualpresentation of Handel’s Messiah. Concert is free .includes signing for the hearing impaired.

Annual Spotsylvania Christmas Parade, 1-4pm.8800 Courthouse Road. See Spotsylvania’s fineston parade, fire trucks, community groups, floats,horses, tractors and antique cars plus much more,followed by a visit from Santa. Free [email protected]

Fredericksburg & Rosner Group Annual ChristmasParade in Downtown Fredericksburg.5:30 pm.Start Caroline Street, Finish Princess Anne St.

Rappahannock Choral Society Annual FreeChristmas Concert. Chancellor High School, 6300Harrison Rd. 8-9:30pm

Sunday, December 7Breakfast with Santa, Eileen’s Bakery, 115 CarolineSt., 8:30-11:30am. $

28th Annual Gingerbread House Contest & Exhibit.Thru Dec 30. Join us for this wonderful holidaytradition. (540) 370-0732. George Washington’sBoyhood Home at Ferry Farm 268 Kings Highway

Holiday Craft Show, Fredericksburg Expo &Conference Center, Over 220 artisans and craftersoffering a wide variety of quality handmade &unique goods $

“Special Treat” at Mary Washington House.Candlelight Tour & annual Open House at home ofMary Washington. 4:30-7pm. 1200 Charles St.

Strolling Downtown Civil War Civilians ofSpotsylvania and Santa will be in costume strollingamong shoppers on downtown streets. 1-4pm

Courthouse Luminary, Over 500 luminaries lightup the Historic Courthouse lawn, music providedby local choirs. (540) 507-7529 9104 CourthouseRoad Spotsylvania Free

Bistro Bethem, 309 William St., 5pm Half PricedBottles of Wine.

Handel’s “Messiah” @ Fredericksburg Baptist , 7pmThe Fredericksburg Community Chorus along withorchestra and soloists, presents it’s annualpresentation of Handel’s Messiah. Concert is freeincludes signing for the hearing impaired.

Tuesday, December 9Breakfast with the Curator local Fredericksburgartist Lorie McCown, will speak about the art ofquilting and her work in the 2013 Quilt NationalCompetition. 8am $

Central Virginia Television Network Shine, CentralVirginia! Talent & Variety show, (see Dec 2 listingfor info) Olde Silk Mill, downtown

Bistro Bethem, 309 william Street, 7pm. Live Music

Wednesday, December 10Gari Melchers Home & Studio Annual Holiday OpenHouse. The evening offers the chance to tour thehouse and studio and enjoy the delightful interiordeco, 224 washington Street, Falmouth. 6-8pm. $

Thursday, December 11Downtown Greens, Learn to make your very ownOrganic Handcrafted Lipbalm Herbalist BeckyOwens will lead the group through the ins and outswith hands on instruction and demonstrations.She will also talk about the different oils andessences that can be added to make your lip balmeven jazzier! Not to be missed! Great under theTree! 6 pm. $

Charlotte’s Web @ Stafford High SchoolAuditorium 7:00 pm SHS Theater presents theclassic tale of Wilbur, the lovable pig whose life isspared by Fern, a courageous little girl. $

Friday, December 12Late Friday More than 50 downtown stores will beopen until 8pm for holiday shopping. Look for theyellow “Open Late” flags at participating retailers.

Original Artwork Giveaway @ Brush StrokesGallery. 824 Caroline St. Enter drawing for“Iridescent Square Glass Dish” by Gallery artistBen Childers. Need not be present to win.

“Special Treat” at the Fredericksburg AreaMuseum Free admission to displays and exhibits atMuseum.5-8pm


Saturday, December 13, .44th Annual Candlelight Tour of Historic Homes.Featured Homes: 101 Pitt Street, 1303 CarolineStreet, 1304 Caroline Street (day only), 1316Caroline Street, 1501 Caroline Street (eveningonly),1518 Caroline Street, 1601 CarolineStreet. Saturday, December 13th and Sunday,December 14th from 11am - 5pm each day. (540)371-4504 [email protected]. $

Reiki for Self-Care: Reiki I class with DianneBachman. Tuition of $130 includes Reiki I manual,certificate & healthy snacks. 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.mClass size limited. Call 540-845-7622 to register.

Day-Long Silent Retreat – Mindful Relationship:Self, Others & the Earth @ Unitarian UniversalistFellowship of Fredericksburg, UnitarianUniversalist Fellowship of Fredericksburg, ChaliceCircle @ 9:00 am – 3:30 pm. So often taken forgranted, our relationships with ourselves andothers is without question the most importantaspect of our lives. It defines who we are and givesmeaning to our existence. When we participateskillfully in our relationships, we reduce the risk ofconflict and elevate our experience with self andothers, both psychologically and spiritually.During this day-long silent retreat, we will focus onthree primary types of relationships—self, others,and the Earth—and skillful interaction with themthrough our thoughts, words, and actions.

“Christmas Lights..A Musical Coffee House” FerryFarm Baptist Church, 1 Westmoreland Drive. ..The program will feature festive holiday music, “ACharlie Brown Christmas” Drama, and deliciousrefreshments in a coffee house setting! Admissionis the donation of a new unwrapped toy that willhelp make Christmas special for a child inneed. 5pm. Info 540-371-2954

9th annual “Toys For Tots Party” FredericksburgFairgrounds Events building 7 p.m. No cost toattend the party, request that each guest bring anew unwrapped toy for a boy or girl to donate toToys For Toys. Entertainment will begin at 7 p.m.with D.J., Eric Herod, followed by a rotationperformance from local solo musician, ShannonPeterson, the band, Cool Breeze and the one andonly Elvis.The party will be catered by various localrestaurants and a cash bar will be available toguests. The party is open to the community toattend, but space is limited. To be added to theguest list, email Jan Snow a request for an invite [email protected].

Chamber Chorale of Fredericksburg @ ShilohBaptist Church Old Site @ 3 pm “A JubilantChristmas” concert and traditional candlelightcarol sing

Charlotte’s Web @ Stafford High SchoolAuditorium 2pm & 7:00 pm Stafford High SchoolTheater presents the classic tale of Wilbur, thelovable pig whose life is spared by Fern, acourageous little girl. $


44th Annual Candlelight Tour of Historic Homes.Featured Homes: 101 Pitt Street, 1303 CarolineStreet, 1304 Caroline Street (day only), 1316Caroline Street, 1501 Caroline Street (eveningonly),1518 Caroline Street, 1601 CarolineStreet. Saturday, December 13th and Sunday,December 14th from 11am - 5pm each day. (540)371-4504 [email protected]. $

Chamber Chorale of Fredericksburg @ ShilohBaptist Church Old Site @ 7:30 pm “A JubilantChristmas” concert and traditional candlelightcarol sing

Bistro Bethem, 309 William St. 5pm. Half PricedBottles of Wine!

Tuesday, December 16Bistro Bethem, 309 William St. 7pm. Live Music

Thursday, December 18Evening with an Expert, Fredericksburg AreaMuseum and Cultural Center presents Mr. CharlesG. McDaniel, former President & CEO of HilldrupMoving, as he discusses the history andtransformation of this iconic local transportationcompany from the 1800s to the present. Eveningwith an Expert is free and open to the public.However, RSVPs are required. Please RSVP bycalling 540-371-3037 x400 or [email protected].

Friday, December 19Original Artwork Giveaway @ Brush StrokesGallery, During “Open Late Friday” enter drawingfor original artwork by Gallery member. Need notbe present to win 5-8pm. 824 Caroline Street.Saturday, December 29

Saturday, December 20Strolling Downtown Civil War Civilians ofSpotsylvania and Santa will be in costume strollingamong shoppers on downtown streets. 11-4pm.

“Special Treat @ Market Square” 2:00 pm HolidayTrivia tour given by Hallowed Grounds Tours.

Holiday Night Walk @ Blarney Stone Public House,715 Caroline Street Walk through Fredericksburgwhile enjoying the lights and sights of the holidays.Stop by our cookie checkpoint and enjoy hotdrinks and homemade cookies. Walk at your ownpace along 3 mile or 6 mile trails. Start anytimebetween 3-5PM; finish by 8PM. FREE!. ContactGermanna Volksport Association, 540-841-1855.





Thursday, December 25Merry Christmas to All!

Sunday, December 28Bistro Bethem, 309 William St. 5pm. Half PricedBottles of Wine!


If you are reading this 209th issue of FP, thank an advertiser as we celebrate our

18th year of continuous publication!

If you are an advertiser, list your events. Deadline for January issue is December 20th.

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

online


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

2368 Fans (& Growing)

Want You to Join

FFrroonntt PPoorrcchh on

CALENDARof eventsdecember 2014…Good Will Too All!


“Your pet becomes my petwhile in my care, and I care a lot!”

(540-903-0437;[email protected])

On facebook as “lexi grogan’s pet

sitting service”

Monday, December 1Big Joy in Little Packages @ Water Street Studio,Upstairs, small works of art & craft 5-9pm

Tuesday, December 2“Holiday Gala All-Members Exhibition,” December2 thru 29, features an array of smaller gift-sizedpaintings, handmade jewelry and other unique giftitems. First Friday Opening Reception, Dec. 5 from6 to 9pm.

Art First, All Member Show. A unique blend oforiginal art in paintings, drawings, jewelry andfabric offer the perfect gift opportunities for theholidays.All day. 824 Caroline St. Thru Dec. 28.

Quilt National ’13 Fredericksburg Area Museum &Culture Center opening of a new temp exhibit,Quilt National ’13. innovative art quilts thruJanuary 31, 2015

Central Virginia Television Network “ Shine,Central Virginia!” Talent and Variety Show,highlighting local children. Filmed before a liveaudience, for broadcast on CVTV Network, at theSilk Mill in downtown Fredericksburg. 5-7pm .Hosted by local teenager, James Dahmen, andjudged by a panel of 3 talented kids, the show willoffer a winner each night. Acts are comprised ofsong, dance, and comedy, as well as othertalents. The community is invited to the show,which is sure to be a great night of entertainment.The show is free to attend, so come on out, andbring your friends and family!

Bistro Bethem, 309 William Street, 7pm, LiveMusic

Wednesday, December 3Film Lecture—Academy Awards Best Pictures andthe Nominees: The Final Episode—2010-Present.Gary Olsen, veteran film lecturer, will givecommentary and offer film clips on this timeperiod. 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. CRRL Headquarters,Theater Room, 1201 Caroline St. . Free

Toast of Fredericksburg Charter Ceremony/ OpenHouse @ ADS Meeting Center, Westwood OfficePark 7:00 pm. Join us at our charter ceremony andopen house and see what Toastmasters is all about!

First Friday, December 5First Friday Open House and Reception for Artists

Linda Burns and Pandora Christy at 1011 PrincessAnne Street, Suite B (new ‘old’ office/studio ofDianne Bachman, LCSW). 6-9pm

Open Late Friday @ Downtown shops andbusinesses More than 50 stores and shops openuntil 8pm . Look for yellow “Open Late” flagsoutside participating retailers

Original Artwork Giveaway @ Brush StrokesGallery, 824 Caroline St, enter drawing for“Mushrooms and Pipes” by Gallery member KarenJulihn. Need not be present to win. 5-9pm

Holiday Party @ PONSHOP Studio and Gallery willinclude new ceramic work by Scarlett Pons, whowill debut her “City Hall” illuminated lantern, thesecond in her “Fredericksburg skyline” series , newworks by dozens of jewelers, and show of smallworks by featured artists including: NicholasCandela, Adam Desio, Crystal and Kevin Rodrigue,

“Special Treat” at Rising Sun Tavern, Open Housewith free admission in historic building. 6-8pm1304 Caroline Street

Strolling Downtown: Civil War Civilians ofSpotsylvania will be in costume strolling amongshoppers on downtown streets. 6-8pm

Music by Wave on Wave. Acoustic Duo CourtyardMarriott. Children are welcome. Start the holidayoff with some familiar Christmas Tunes. 5-8pm

Saturday, December 6Arduino 101 @ Salem Church Library, 1-5pm.Build and program embedded robotics in thisbeginners Arduino platform class.

Handel’s “Messiah” @ Fredericksburg Baptist , 2pmThe Fredericksburg Community Chorus along withorchestra & soloists, presents it’s annualpresentation of Handel’s Messiah. Concert is free .includes signing for the hearing impaired.

Annual Spotsylvania Christmas Parade, 1-4pm.8800 Courthouse Road. See Spotsylvania’s fineston parade, fire trucks, community groups, floats,horses, tractors and antique cars plus much more,followed by a visit from Santa. Free [email protected]

Fredericksburg & Rosner Group Annual ChristmasParade in Downtown Fredericksburg.5:30 pm.Start Caroline Street, Finish Princess Anne St.

Rappahannock Choral Society Annual FreeChristmas Concert. Chancellor High School, 6300Harrison Rd. 8-9:30pm


28th Annual Gingerbread House Contest & Exhibit.Thru Dec 30. Join us for this wonderful holidaytradition. (540) 370-0732. George Washington’sBoyhood Home at Ferry Farm 268 Kings Highway

Holiday Craft Show, Fredericksburg Expo &Conference Center, Over 220 artisans and craftersoffering a wide variety of quality handmade &unique goods $

“Special Treat” at Mary Washington House.Candlelight Tour & annual Open House at home ofMary Washington. 4:30-7pm. 1200 Charles St.


Courthouse Luminary, Over 500 luminaries lightup the Historic Courthouse lawn, music providedby local choirs. (540) 507-7529 9104 CourthouseRoad Spotsylvania Free

Bistro Bethem, 309 William St., 5pm Half PricedBottles of Wine.

Handel’s “Messiah” @ Fredericksburg Baptist , 7pmThe Fredericksburg Community Chorus along withorchestra and soloists, presents it’s annualpresentation of Handel’s Messiah. Concert is freeincludes signing for the hearing impaired.

Tuesday, December 9Breakfast with the Curator local Fredericksburgartist Lorie McCown, will speak about the art ofquilting and her work in the 2013 Quilt NationalCompetition. 8am $

Central Virginia Television Network Shine, CentralVirginia! Talent & Variety show, (see Dec 2 listingfor info) Olde Silk Mill, downtown

Bistro Bethem, 309 william Street, 7pm. Live Music

Wednesday, December 10Gari Melchers Home & Studio Annual Holiday OpenHouse. The evening offers the chance to tour thehouse and studio and enjoy the delightful interiordeco, 224 washington Street, Falmouth. 6-8pm. $

Thursday, December 11Downtown Greens, Learn to make your very ownOrganic Handcrafted Lipbalm Herbalist BeckyOwens will lead the group through the ins and outswith hands on instruction and demonstrations.She will also talk about the different oils andessences that can be added to make your lip balmeven jazzier! Not to be missed! Great under theTree! 6 pm. $


Friday, December 12Late Friday More than 50 downtown stores will beopen until 8pm for holiday shopping. Look for theyellow “Open Late” flags at participating retailers.

Original Artwork Giveaway @ Brush StrokesGallery. 824 Caroline St. Enter drawing for“Iridescent Square Glass Dish” by Gallery artistBen Childers. Need not be present to win.

“Special Treat” at the Fredericksburg AreaMuseum Free admission to displays and exhibits atMuseum.5-8pm


Saturday, December 13, .44th Annual Candlelight Tour of Historic Homes.Featured Homes: 101 Pitt Street, 1303 CarolineStreet, 1304 Caroline Street (day only), 1316Caroline Street, 1501 Caroline Street (eveningonly),1518 Caroline Street, 1601 CarolineStreet. Saturday, December 13th and Sunday,December 14th from 11am - 5pm each day. (540)371-4504 [email protected]. $

Reiki for Self-Care: Reiki I class with DianneBachman. Tuition of $130 includes Reiki I manual,certificate & healthy snacks. 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.mClass size limited. Call 540-845-7622 to register.

Day-Long Silent Retreat – Mindful Relationship:Self, Others & the Earth @ Unitarian UniversalistFellowship of Fredericksburg, UnitarianUniversalist Fellowship of Fredericksburg, ChaliceCircle @ 9:00 am – 3:30 pm. So often taken forgranted, our relationships with ourselves andothers is without question the most importantaspect of our lives. It defines who we are and givesmeaning to our existence. When we participateskillfully in our relationships, we reduce the risk ofconflict and elevate our experience with self andothers, both psychologically and spiritually.During this day-long silent retreat, we will focus onthree primary types of relationships—self, others,and the Earth—and skillful interaction with themthrough our thoughts, words, and actions.

“Christmas Lights..A Musical Coffee House” FerryFarm Baptist Church, 1 Westmoreland Drive. ..The program will feature festive holiday music, “ACharlie Brown Christmas” Drama, and deliciousrefreshments in a coffee house setting! Admissionis the donation of a new unwrapped toy that willhelp make Christmas special for a child inneed. 5pm. Info 540-371-2954

9th annual “Toys For Tots Party” FredericksburgFairgrounds Events building 7 p.m. No cost toattend the party, request that each guest bring anew unwrapped toy for a boy or girl to donate toToys For Toys. Entertainment will begin at 7 p.m.with D.J., Eric Herod, followed by a rotationperformance from local solo musician, ShannonPeterson, the band, Cool Breeze and the one andonly Elvis.The party will be catered by various localrestaurants and a cash bar will be available toguests. The party is open to the community toattend, but space is limited. To be added to theguest list, email Jan Snow a request for an invite [email protected].

Chamber Chorale of Fredericksburg @ ShilohBaptist Church Old Site @ 3 pm “A JubilantChristmas” concert and traditional candlelightcarol sing

Charlotte’s Web @ Stafford High SchoolAuditorium 2pm & 7:00 pm Stafford High SchoolTheater presents the classic tale of Wilbur, thelovable pig whose life is spared by Fern, acourageous little girl. $


44th Annual Candlelight Tour of Historic Homes.Featured Homes: 101 Pitt Street, 1303 CarolineStreet, 1304 Caroline Street (day only), 1316Caroline Street, 1501 Caroline Street (eveningonly),1518 Caroline Street, 1601 CarolineStreet. Saturday, December 13th and Sunday,December 14th from 11am - 5pm each day. (540)371-4504 [email protected]. $

Chamber Chorale of Fredericksburg @ ShilohBaptist Church Old Site @ 7:30 pm “A JubilantChristmas” concert and traditional candlelightcarol sing



Thursday, December 18Evening with an Expert, Fredericksburg AreaMuseum and Cultural Center presents Mr. CharlesG. McDaniel, former President & CEO of HilldrupMoving, as he discusses the history andtransformation of this iconic local transportationcompany from the 1800s to the present. Eveningwith an Expert is free and open to the public.However, RSVPs are required. Please RSVP bycalling 540-371-3037 x400 or [email protected].

Friday, December 19Original Artwork Giveaway @ Brush StrokesGallery, During “Open Late Friday” enter drawingfor original artwork by Gallery member. Need notbe present to win 5-8pm. 824 Caroline Street.Saturday, December 29

Saturday, December 20Strolling Downtown Civil War Civilians ofSpotsylvania and Santa will be in costume strollingamong shoppers on downtown streets. 11-4pm.

“Special Treat @ Market Square” 2:00 pm HolidayTrivia tour given by Hallowed Grounds Tours.

Holiday Night Walk @ Blarney Stone Public House,715 Caroline Street Walk through Fredericksburgwhile enjoying the lights and sights of the holidays.Stop by our cookie checkpoint and enjoy hotdrinks and homemade cookies. Walk at your ownpace along 3 mile or 6 mile trails. Start anytimebetween 3-5PM; finish by 8PM. FREE!. ContactGermanna Volksport Association, 540-841-1855.





Thursday, December 25Merry Christmas to All!

Sunday, December 28Bistro Bethem, 309 William St. 5pm. Half PricedBottles of Wine!


If you are reading this 209th issue of FP, thank an advertiser as we celebrate our

18th year of continuous publication!

If you are an advertiser, list your events. Deadline for January issue is December 20th.

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

online


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

2368 Fans (& Growing)

Want You to Join

FFrroonntt PPoorrcchh on

CALENDARof eventsdecember 2014…Good Will Too All!


“Your pet becomes my petwhile in my care, and I care a lot!”

(540-903-0437;[email protected])

On facebook as “lexi grogan’s pet

sitting service”

I was recently approached by a new Fredericksburg resident thatpurchased one of the old historic homes. He said that Fredericksburg isvery historic with its pre Civil War history and accounts about the 1862battle, but how can the city claim to be the most historic city in theUnited States?

We settled in at a corner table at a local coffee shop as I begin toexplain some of the reasons that I believe it are the most historic. Thewritten record is that in July 1608 John Smith came as far as the fallson the Rappahannock and endured attacks from the Indians. Therewere continuous settlements of settlers since 1622 until the LeaselandGrant in May 1671 which was the beginning of the formation of thetown. In 1727 the town of Fredericksburg was officially incorporatedand named for the Prince of Wales (Frederick) and the streets formembers of the royal family. In 1737 The Washington’s moved to theland we know as Ferry Farm. The first ferry between Fredericksburgand Stafford was authorized in 1748.

Fredericksburg Masonic Lodge No. 4 A. F. & A. M. was granted itscharter in 1752 and George Washington became a Mason the same yearon November 4. The Bible on which Washington took his Masonic oathis still in the Lodge museum.

The Rising Sun Tavern built by Charles Washington was known as aplace where the patriots gathered along with George Washington. JohnClark whose son William was with Merriweather Lewis in the explorationof the Northwest. John, William and his other son George Rogers were

often seen in the Tavern. William Paul a merchant from Scotland purchased a lot on thecorner of Caroline and Prussia Streets in 1770. Prussia Street was renamed during WWIto Lafayette due to wartime hostilities. William Paul’s Brother John Paul who added hislast name Jones because he was once in the British navy and did not want to berecognized as he would become an officer in the American Navy called Fredericksburghome.

In 1775 A weapons manufactory was established in the Town. Charles Dickwrote in a letter to Governor Thomas Jefferson “Fredericksburg has never failed inpatriotism and Fredericksburg women have certainly done their part.” The factory wasknown as Gunnery Spring and produced weapons and ammunition for that was vital tothe success of the American Revolution.

The Statute of Religious Freedom was drafted by Thomas Jefferson inFredericksburg in January 1777; however, it would not be passed until 1786.

Fredericksburg celebrated the 200th anniversary in 1986 with a celebration and alimited edition bronze medal cast locally.

In 1786 the first Fredericksburg newspaper, the Virginia Herald was establishedby Timothy Green it would last for 89 years until 1875.

I parted company with my guest by reminding him like today there have beengood schools in the Town as Misses Chinn, Rawls and Mrs. Little had advanced schooland a good elementary school. Fredericksburg from the early days was known for itsmanufactories, Eagle Shoe Factory, Germania Mills, Hurkamp Tannery, Hunter PlowWorks and Bridgewater Mills which took first prize for flour at the Paris Exposition inthe 1872 under J. B Ficklen who had the first telephone in town and electric lights. Until we meet again I am just beginning my story, Happy Holidays and a blessed NewYear.

Dedicated to the memory of Sydnor “Hop” Billingsley

If you have a Fredericksburg History question, contact Tuffy at [email protected]

front porch fredericksburg December 2014 19 18 December 2014 Front porch fredericksburg

FREDERICKSBURGBy Ralph “Tuffy” Hicks

his

tory

’s s

tori

es

The grand home at 1601Caroline Street did not always present theimage it does today. In fact, at one time,passersby would have thought it not muchmore extravagant than many of thenearby homes. It was certainly fashionablewhen built, with Italianate brackets and ahipped roof, but it was not yet thepersonality it would become. Thattransformation began at the onset of the1920s when extensive renovations turnedit into the distinctive home it is today.

When the house, now owned byJeannie Dahnk and William Glover, wasbuilt in 1889, it had a much simplerconfiguration, not yet including all of therear additions or the eye-catching frontporch. It is unclear when the rearadditions were constructed, but archivalresearch suggests their presence as earlyas 1902. This additional space was wellused from 1907 to 1916 when thePresbyterian Church needed dormitoryspace for its schooling programs withinFredericksburg.

The next owner of the propertyincreased the “curb appeal” and opulenceof the building dramatically. Long-timefarm manager William Mullen was a localbusiness owner engaged in the stoneworkindustry as well as the financialbeneficiary of a deceased employer (HenryWarden, who at one time had rented thehouse). In 1920 Mullen chose to displayhis new wealth and style on the frontfaçade of his home by adding a dual-level

Neoclassical porch that stretchedthe entire width of thebuilding. A myriad of columnsand a new door surround, with adecorative fanlight and sidelights,added to the majesticpresentation.

The “Mullen’s Mansion”continued to benefit fromimprovements such as electricalcall buttons in each room and athree-car garage on theproperty. It also found a use as atourist home, the early

twentieth-century version of today’s bedand breakfast. Fredericksburg saw a largeincrease in traffic and tourism during theearly-twentieth century because of itslocation on brand-new U.S. Route 1.Homeowners, often widows such as thecase with Mrs. Mullins in the 1930s, tookthis as an opportunity to supplementtheir income by opening their homes toboarders. An advertisement selling theproperty in 1944 references this with thepossibility of the property as “a money-making proposition.” The owners of thebuilding in the second half of the twentiethcentury continued on this path and rentedrooms for durations as short as a few daysand as long as more than three decades.

Today, 1601 Caroline Street isseeing a new life. Since 2012 it has beensensitively renovated by its new ownersand will be open and on display duringthe Historic Fredericksburg Foundation,Inc. Candlelight Tour, December 13-114,2014. Tickets for the tour also include theviewing of five other historic buildings onboth days as well as Saturday night forthose purchasing the Evening Tour tickets.Don’t miss this rare opportunity to seethe gems of Upper Caroline Street and tosupport the Historic FredericksburgFoundation, Inc. in its mission to preserveFredericksburg’s historic landscape.

Emily Taggert Schricker is with theHistoric Fredericksburg Foudation.

Research for the article was done by theMarker Committee of HFFI

‘Student-FFirst, Content-SSecond’Liz Wood joined the

Fredericksburg Academy faculty as aMiddle and Upper School math teacher in2012. She has endeared herself tostudents and colleagues alike with herkind smile and encouraging teachingstyle. Mrs. Wood, who earned her B.A. inmathematics and M.T. in secondarymathematics education from theUniversity of Virginia, is also an UpperSchool advisor and co-sponsor of theStudent Life Committee. She previouslytaught math at Prospect Heights MiddleSchool in Orange County. She and herhusband Spencer live in Fredericksburg.

Q: Why did you become a teacher? A: When I went into education, I knew Iwas a “student-first, content-second” kind

of person. The students were definitely myreason for going into teaching. At thecenter of my philosophy is the belief thateach student is a unique individual withthe ability to learn.

Q: What are the differences between FAand a public school learning environment? A: The atmosphere and the sense ofcommunity is really strong here. Byatmosphere, I mean that it’s not cool tonot do your work here. The expectationsare communicated and met. In publicschool, it’s not like that. When I was astudent-teacher at Charlottesville HighSchool, we gave up assigning homeworkbecause no one did it. The relationshipbetween teachers and students is also a bigdifference; I know every student in theUpper School.

Q: Do you have a favorite area ofmathematics? A: I don’t have a favorite. I really enjoyAlgebra because it’s so foundational. I likethat I am the one who makes sure theyhave that solid foundation. And Calculus isfun because it’s an intimidating class—Ilike demystifying it and showing studentsthat they can do it.

Q: What are some of your favorite lessons? A: In Statistics, my favorite is theVitruvian Man project. First, studentslearn about the history, art and math ofLeonardo da Vinci’s Vitruvian Manthrough a short video. Then, the studentstake the proportions he has written andmeasure 36 students. They use theircollected data, and their knowledge oflinear correlation and regression, to proveor disprove that the proportions of daVinci’s Vitruvian Man hold true for today’smodern man. In Calculus, I like my Can-CanOptimization project. Through thisassignment, students apply their

knowledge about optimization problemsusing derivatives. Each student chooses acan from the grocery store, collects itsmeasurements, and optimizes itsdimensions for volume and/or surfacearea. Students then write a letter to thecompany advising them on optimalmeasurements for their cans, explainingtheir Calculus work to help support theirclaim.

Q: What advice do you give to studentswho say they’re not good at math? A: I try to focus on it as a skill that can bedeveloped. Math is predominantly a skillthat needs to be practiced. If you keeppracticing it like you practice for sports,you are going to get better. Of course, Ialso immediately offer my support andextra help.

Beth Hunsinger is Director ofCommunications and Marketing at

Fredericksburg Academy. A graduate ofMary Washington College, she has livedin the Fredericksburg area since 1997.

SSppoottlliigghhtt OOnnLiz Wood

By beth hunsinger

Central RappahannockHERITAGE CENTER

Volunteers neededto process historical documents

and aid researchers. Training provided.

Phone 540-373-3704 or email [email protected]

The Heritage Center Maury Commons 900 Barton St Fredericksburg

Open to the public for scholarly research

OUR HERITAGEAn historic money-making proposition

By emily taggert schricker

Old Town’sGreatest Tour35 Monuments, Markers, &

AttractionsAND the

Fredericksburg Battlefields

Weddings ReunionsShuttles Parties

Group Outings

540-898-0737Fredericksburgtrolley.com

I was recently approached by a new Fredericksburg resident thatpurchased one of the old historic homes. He said that Fredericksburg isvery historic with its pre Civil War history and accounts about the 1862battle, but how can the city claim to be the most historic city in theUnited States?

We settled in at a corner table at a local coffee shop as I begin toexplain some of the reasons that I believe it are the most historic. Thewritten record is that in July 1608 John Smith came as far as the fallson the Rappahannock and endured attacks from the Indians. Therewere continuous settlements of settlers since 1622 until the LeaselandGrant in May 1671 which was the beginning of the formation of thetown. In 1727 the town of Fredericksburg was officially incorporatedand named for the Prince of Wales (Frederick) and the streets formembers of the royal family. In 1737 The Washington’s moved to theland we know as Ferry Farm. The first ferry between Fredericksburgand Stafford was authorized in 1748.

Fredericksburg Masonic Lodge No. 4 A. F. & A. M. was granted itscharter in 1752 and George Washington became a Mason the same yearon November 4. The Bible on which Washington took his Masonic oathis still in the Lodge museum.

The Rising Sun Tavern built by Charles Washington was known as aplace where the patriots gathered along with George Washington. JohnClark whose son William was with Merriweather Lewis in the explorationof the Northwest. John, William and his other son George Rogers were

often seen in the Tavern. William Paul a merchant from Scotland purchased a lot on thecorner of Caroline and Prussia Streets in 1770. Prussia Street was renamed during WWIto Lafayette due to wartime hostilities. William Paul’s Brother John Paul who added hislast name Jones because he was once in the British navy and did not want to berecognized as he would become an officer in the American Navy called Fredericksburghome.

In 1775 A weapons manufactory was established in the Town. Charles Dickwrote in a letter to Governor Thomas Jefferson “Fredericksburg has never failed inpatriotism and Fredericksburg women have certainly done their part.” The factory wasknown as Gunnery Spring and produced weapons and ammunition for that was vital tothe success of the American Revolution.

The Statute of Religious Freedom was drafted by Thomas Jefferson inFredericksburg in January 1777; however, it would not be passed until 1786.

Fredericksburg celebrated the 200th anniversary in 1986 with a celebration and alimited edition bronze medal cast locally.

In 1786 the first Fredericksburg newspaper, the Virginia Herald was establishedby Timothy Green it would last for 89 years until 1875.

I parted company with my guest by reminding him like today there have beengood schools in the Town as Misses Chinn, Rawls and Mrs. Little had advanced schooland a good elementary school. Fredericksburg from the early days was known for itsmanufactories, Eagle Shoe Factory, Germania Mills, Hurkamp Tannery, Hunter PlowWorks and Bridgewater Mills which took first prize for flour at the Paris Exposition inthe 1872 under J. B Ficklen who had the first telephone in town and electric lights. Until we meet again I am just beginning my story, Happy Holidays and a blessed NewYear.

Dedicated to the memory of Sydnor “Hop” Billingsley

If you have a Fredericksburg History question, contact Tuffy at [email protected]


FREDERICKSBURGBy Ralph “Tuffy” Hicks

his

tory

’s s

tori

es

The grand home at 1601Caroline Street did not always present theimage it does today. In fact, at one time,passersby would have thought it not muchmore extravagant than many of thenearby homes. It was certainly fashionablewhen built, with Italianate brackets and ahipped roof, but it was not yet thepersonality it would become. Thattransformation began at the onset of the1920s when extensive renovations turnedit into the distinctive home it is today.

When the house, now owned byJeannie Dahnk and William Glover, wasbuilt in 1889, it had a much simplerconfiguration, not yet including all of therear additions or the eye-catching frontporch. It is unclear when the rearadditions were constructed, but archivalresearch suggests their presence as earlyas 1902. This additional space was wellused from 1907 to 1916 when thePresbyterian Church needed dormitoryspace for its schooling programs withinFredericksburg.

The next owner of the propertyincreased the “curb appeal” and opulenceof the building dramatically. Long-timefarm manager William Mullen was a localbusiness owner engaged in the stoneworkindustry as well as the financialbeneficiary of a deceased employer (HenryWarden, who at one time had rented thehouse). In 1920 Mullen chose to displayhis new wealth and style on the frontfaçade of his home by adding a dual-level

Neoclassical porch that stretchedthe entire width of thebuilding. A myriad of columnsand a new door surround, with adecorative fanlight and sidelights,added to the majesticpresentation.

The “Mullen’s Mansion”continued to benefit fromimprovements such as electricalcall buttons in each room and athree-car garage on theproperty. It also found a use as atourist home, the early

twentieth-century version of today’s bedand breakfast. Fredericksburg saw a largeincrease in traffic and tourism during theearly-twentieth century because of itslocation on brand-new U.S. Route 1.Homeowners, often widows such as thecase with Mrs. Mullins in the 1930s, tookthis as an opportunity to supplementtheir income by opening their homes toboarders. An advertisement selling theproperty in 1944 references this with thepossibility of the property as “a money-making proposition.” The owners of thebuilding in the second half of the twentiethcentury continued on this path and rentedrooms for durations as short as a few daysand as long as more than three decades.

Today, 1601 Caroline Street isseeing a new life. Since 2012 it has beensensitively renovated by its new ownersand will be open and on display duringthe Historic Fredericksburg Foundation,Inc. Candlelight Tour, December 13-114,2014. Tickets for the tour also include theviewing of five other historic buildings onboth days as well as Saturday night forthose purchasing the Evening Tour tickets.Don’t miss this rare opportunity to seethe gems of Upper Caroline Street and tosupport the Historic FredericksburgFoundation, Inc. in its mission to preserveFredericksburg’s historic landscape.

Emily Taggert Schricker is with theHistoric Fredericksburg Foudation.

Research for the article was done by theMarker Committee of HFFI

‘Student-FFirst, Content-SSecond’Liz Wood joined the

Fredericksburg Academy faculty as aMiddle and Upper School math teacher in2012. She has endeared herself tostudents and colleagues alike with herkind smile and encouraging teachingstyle. Mrs. Wood, who earned her B.A. inmathematics and M.T. in secondarymathematics education from theUniversity of Virginia, is also an UpperSchool advisor and co-sponsor of theStudent Life Committee. She previouslytaught math at Prospect Heights MiddleSchool in Orange County. She and herhusband Spencer live in Fredericksburg.

Q: Why did you become a teacher? A: When I went into education, I knew Iwas a “student-first, content-second” kind

of person. The students were definitely myreason for going into teaching. At thecenter of my philosophy is the belief thateach student is a unique individual withthe ability to learn.

Q: What are the differences between FAand a public school learning environment? A: The atmosphere and the sense ofcommunity is really strong here. Byatmosphere, I mean that it’s not cool tonot do your work here. The expectationsare communicated and met. In publicschool, it’s not like that. When I was astudent-teacher at Charlottesville HighSchool, we gave up assigning homeworkbecause no one did it. The relationshipbetween teachers and students is also a bigdifference; I know every student in theUpper School.

Q: Do you have a favorite area ofmathematics? A: I don’t have a favorite. I really enjoyAlgebra because it’s so foundational. I likethat I am the one who makes sure theyhave that solid foundation. And Calculus isfun because it’s an intimidating class—Ilike demystifying it and showing studentsthat they can do it.

Q: What are some of your favorite lessons? A: In Statistics, my favorite is theVitruvian Man project. First, studentslearn about the history, art and math ofLeonardo da Vinci’s Vitruvian Manthrough a short video. Then, the studentstake the proportions he has written andmeasure 36 students. They use theircollected data, and their knowledge oflinear correlation and regression, to proveor disprove that the proportions of daVinci’s Vitruvian Man hold true for today’smodern man. In Calculus, I like my Can-CanOptimization project. Through thisassignment, students apply their

knowledge about optimization problemsusing derivatives. Each student chooses acan from the grocery store, collects itsmeasurements, and optimizes itsdimensions for volume and/or surfacearea. Students then write a letter to thecompany advising them on optimalmeasurements for their cans, explainingtheir Calculus work to help support theirclaim.

Q: What advice do you give to studentswho say they’re not good at math? A: I try to focus on it as a skill that can bedeveloped. Math is predominantly a skillthat needs to be practiced. If you keeppracticing it like you practice for sports,you are going to get better. Of course, Ialso immediately offer my support andextra help.

Beth Hunsinger is Director ofCommunications and Marketing at

Fredericksburg Academy. A graduate ofMary Washington College, she has livedin the Fredericksburg area since 1997.

SSppoottlliigghhtt OOnnLiz Wood

By beth hunsinger

Central RappahannockHERITAGE CENTER

Volunteers neededto process historical documents

and aid researchers. Training provided.

Phone 540-373-3704 or email [email protected]

The Heritage Center Maury Commons 900 Barton St Fredericksburg

Open to the public for scholarly research

OUR HERITAGEAn historic money-making proposition

By emily taggert schricker

Old Town’sGreatest Tour35 Monuments, Markers, &

AttractionsAND the

Fredericksburg Battlefields

Weddings ReunionsShuttles Parties

Group Outings

540-898-0737Fredericksburgtrolley.com

So you have a cat, you must loveher very much! I love mine, but I’m sureyou’re wondering, does my cat love meback? Cats have many different ways toshow affection towards their owner. First,purring, cats purr for many differentreasons and in many different ranges,they can be subtle and soft, to garbagetruck loud. Cats can purr when they arerelaxed, stressed, and pleased. When yourcat purrs in your presence, she’s tellingyou she loves you. Have you seen your catroll around for absolutely no reason? Hasyour cat done it at your feet? If so, she is

showing the mostvulnerable part of herbody, this is a show oftrue love (who knewright?) she may wanta belly rub, but bemindful pat her bellyto long and you mayget a love bite.

Cats like to rubagainst walls, corners,and furniture, theyhave scent glands intheir cheeks, whenthey rub againstobjects they areleaving their scent

saying “this is mine, don’t touch it” butwhen they rub or bunt against you, theyare telling you “you’re mine and I loveyou”. Cats also love with scratching (yay)just like rubbing against things with theircheek, scratching leaves scent and visualmarks of ownership. The areas that kittyseems a favor are areas that are associatedwith the owner, like a favorite chair, or thebed, or your shoes.

Cats also show love by kneading,this goes back to kitten hood. Kittensknead against their mother to produce

more milk (how greedy) adult catscontinue the kneading when they arefeeling the most relaxed, content andloved, that’s often when being petted bythe owner. Aww kitty brought you a gift! Ifyou have an indoor kitty she will bring youa toy that she has found to show you herlove. Now the outdoor cats tend to bringhome things that once has a beatingheart…and feathers. (Ew) when a cat givesyou a “gift” she is saying “I caught this foryou because you mean a lot to me” don’tscold them for it, give them praise andpets.

Cats love to play, kittens play outof pure enjoyment and many never outgrow playtime. Some cats like to controlthe interaction of petting by moving justout of your reach, so you must go tothem. Ahh sleep, we all love it, even cats.Normally a cat sleeps up to 16 hours aday, I want to sleep that much. Cats arethe most vulnerable when they aresleeping, so when they choose theirsleeping location they generally choose asafe and secure place to sleep. So whenkitty decides to sleep on your lap that isthe biggest compliment from them.

Cats love with their eyes, catshave naturally large eyes if human eyeswere as big our eyes would be eight inchesacross, talk about scary. Cats that placetheir eyes and face next to yours areexpressing great trust and love, a slow“eye blink” from across the room is theequivalent of a kiss. Oh cat tails! No notthe ones you find at a pond! When a catapproaches you with her tail straight up inthe air she’s saying she loves you andwants you to scratch her butt just abovethe tail. Kittens used to greet theirmother- and adult cats continue to treattheir humans like a beloved mom withtheir tails held high.

Alexis Grogan is the owner of several pets and of

“Lexi Grogan’s Pet Sitting Service”. She can be reached at 40-903-0437,

[email protected], or on facebook


… Change of Fools. Not really Aretha butyou have to hum the tune.

One truth that seems to beplaying itself out is that each generationhates change and nothing brings outthose thoughts more clearly than theHolidays. I believe the saying is don’t messwith Christmas.

My generation was all aboutchange; “peace, love, dope, Hare Krishnaand crash pad!” to quote MasterCarlin. We were free to change howeverwe wanted and advocated radical changeon all levels but don’t let Grandma changethe menu for Christmas dinner. It’s justnot Christmas without the fruitsalad. What do you mean there’s nocornbread stuffing? And Lord forbid yourparents should decide to travel over theholidays and not provide a safe, secureand familiar comfort zone so you can stopby for ten minutes during your hecticholiday schedule and get your fix.

The younger generations oftoday are trying to find their way a worldof instant change, instant fame and insta-gram. It is tough trying to establish yourown traditions in a world changing thisfast. Traditions take time and requirethat life be lived at a pace dramaticallyslower than the current model.

This explains why Santa and Ms.Claus have chosen to live in a magical landat the Pole where they can keep traditionsalive. Hundreds of years and the image isstill Elves, candy canes, reindeer and asleigh. Madison Avenue might try but thepublic won’t buy a significant change inimagery. Hollywood has tried to messwith Christmas but have stopped short ofhaving Mr. and Mrs. C decide to visitcollege friends in Tampa – Saint Pete overthe holidays.

Detroit and the big three havestayed out of the fray as well. The sleighisn’t sporting 33’s and low profiletires. They didn’t take my suggestion and

make the Santa Edition Suburban withthe eight tiny reindeer under the hoodrunning on magic feed instead of OPECoil. The inflatable “sleigh” displays in thefront yards of America don’t haveBluetooth and heated seats and eventhough they are inflatable they don’t haveair bags either.

Just so you are aware I am atraditionalist. I know better than to messwith my children’s concept of the holidaysand for years I tried to shield my Motherand her generation from how much thingshad changed. I’ve done the roast beast atmy house for 25 years and all the siblingsand family have come plus friends whounderstood that pearl onions in creamsauce go very well with rare beef. Believeit or not food does taste better whenserved on good china with a cloth napkin.

I am a traditionalist. I wearstarched white button down shirts andtweed sport coats. I stroll about in BassWeejuns and I always carry a clean linenpocket handkerchief. I drive an MG everyday for goodness sake and know how topoach an egg and carve a ham.

I also think there is one traditionthat all ages can agree on andsupport: this is the season to be thankfulfor the blessing and talents you have beengiven and put them to good use! Age andgeneration are not factors in thisequation. No matter how grand ormeager your means might be, decide whatit is you can do for others and do it! Andthen do it in all the other months of theyear…

What we do now becomestradition soon enough. Happy Holidaysfrom Autoknown.

Rim Vining practices what he preachesby giving back to others every month of the year.

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Put down the phone. Let thedishes marinate a little longer. Swallowwhat’s on the tip of your tongue and waitfor it. Wait for the still squeaky,sometimes whiny, always earnest voice ofyour child as he weaves another ramblingtale.

In our house, it’s usually aboutTeenage Mutant Ninja Turtles in cyberspace. There’s many times I don’t evenhear the story, telling him “just a minute,”or “mommy’s fixing dinner” until themoment has passed and he’s moved ontosomething else.

I ask my first grader aboutschool every day. We go through hishomework folder over dinner or the nextmorning at breakfast. I inquire about hissilly drawings of a Thanksgiving turkeythrowing up (there is no explanation forboys’ humor, ever, at any age), and insistI can read every word he’s clumsilywritten.

“Who did you sit beside at lunchtoday?”

“Nobody.” He sits beside somebody because

when I go to school for lunch, there’s kidscrowded into every seat. They only get 20minutes to eat, though, so lunch isn’t thesocial hour it used to be.

“What are you reading in smallgroup this week?”

“I don’t remember.”Class Nasir response. He will pull

the most excruciatingly detailed memoryabout what he wore when he and UncleJohnny took their bikes on an epicadventure across the creek six monthsago, but he rarely remembers where heleft his shoes the night before.

I usually don’t settle for the “Idon’t knows” and “I don’t remembers,”insisting he tell me two or three tangiblethings about his day. Or else I would becompletely in the dark. The questions arean important way for him to know I am

interested. I’m paying attention enough toknow the names of his friends and therotations of his daily activities.

Listening is the farthest thingfrom a parent’s autopilot.

Asking, insisting, reminding,goading…that is what parents do most ofthe day.

If not, no one would ever leavethe house in time for school or work.There would be no homework to turn in.The refrigerator would be empty and thelawn a mess.

Stopping to listen, actively listenand engage with a child when he is stillwilling to talk, will help create anenvironment of trust and mutual sharing.

Only when my son begins talkingon his own do I get any real information.

Only when I listen am I fortunateenough to realize he’s sharing with me,sometimes even asking my advice.

Only when I stop and allow histale to unravel am I able to respond withintuitive questions he will actually answer.

“…and then, mom, after theTurtles rescued April’s mom from theunderground ship, Casey came and Aprilwas so happy to see him.”

“Who is Casey?”His cheeks grow bright as if he’s

spent hours outside on a sunny snow day.“April’s boyfriend.”“Do you know what that means?”Among ripples of giggles, I

discern the answer.“He has a crush on her.” Here we go.

Ruth Cassell writes for the Front Porchfrom her satellite location in Roanoke,VA where she lives with her husband,

son, and soon to be new baby

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Companionsten ways to tell your kitty loves you. Meow!

By alexis grogan

My Own Pathlisten now

or forever hold your peace

By c. ruth cassell

AutoKnown BetterChange, Change, Change....

By Rim Vining

So you have a cat, you must loveher very much! I love mine, but I’m sureyou’re wondering, does my cat love meback? Cats have many different ways toshow affection towards their owner. First,purring, cats purr for many differentreasons and in many different ranges,they can be subtle and soft, to garbagetruck loud. Cats can purr when they arerelaxed, stressed, and pleased. When yourcat purrs in your presence, she’s tellingyou she loves you. Have you seen your catroll around for absolutely no reason? Hasyour cat done it at your feet? If so, she is

showing the mostvulnerable part of herbody, this is a show oftrue love (who knewright?) she may wanta belly rub, but bemindful pat her bellyto long and you mayget a love bite.

Cats like to rubagainst walls, corners,and furniture, theyhave scent glands intheir cheeks, whenthey rub againstobjects they areleaving their scent

saying “this is mine, don’t touch it” butwhen they rub or bunt against you, theyare telling you “you’re mine and I loveyou”. Cats also love with scratching (yay)just like rubbing against things with theircheek, scratching leaves scent and visualmarks of ownership. The areas that kittyseems a favor are areas that are associatedwith the owner, like a favorite chair, or thebed, or your shoes.

Cats also show love by kneading,this goes back to kitten hood. Kittensknead against their mother to produce

more milk (how greedy) adult catscontinue the kneading when they arefeeling the most relaxed, content andloved, that’s often when being petted bythe owner. Aww kitty brought you a gift! Ifyou have an indoor kitty she will bring youa toy that she has found to show you herlove. Now the outdoor cats tend to bringhome things that once has a beatingheart…and feathers. (Ew) when a cat givesyou a “gift” she is saying “I caught this foryou because you mean a lot to me” don’tscold them for it, give them praise andpets.

Cats love to play, kittens play outof pure enjoyment and many never outgrow playtime. Some cats like to controlthe interaction of petting by moving justout of your reach, so you must go tothem. Ahh sleep, we all love it, even cats.Normally a cat sleeps up to 16 hours aday, I want to sleep that much. Cats arethe most vulnerable when they aresleeping, so when they choose theirsleeping location they generally choose asafe and secure place to sleep. So whenkitty decides to sleep on your lap that isthe biggest compliment from them.

Cats love with their eyes, catshave naturally large eyes if human eyeswere as big our eyes would be eight inchesacross, talk about scary. Cats that placetheir eyes and face next to yours areexpressing great trust and love, a slow“eye blink” from across the room is theequivalent of a kiss. Oh cat tails! No notthe ones you find at a pond! When a catapproaches you with her tail straight up inthe air she’s saying she loves you andwants you to scratch her butt just abovethe tail. Kittens used to greet theirmother- and adult cats continue to treattheir humans like a beloved mom withtheir tails held high.

Alexis Grogan is the owner of several pets and of

“Lexi Grogan’s Pet Sitting Service”. She can be reached at 40-903-0437,

[email protected], or on facebook


… Change of Fools. Not really Aretha butyou have to hum the tune.

One truth that seems to beplaying itself out is that each generationhates change and nothing brings outthose thoughts more clearly than theHolidays. I believe the saying is don’t messwith Christmas.

My generation was all aboutchange; “peace, love, dope, Hare Krishnaand crash pad!” to quote MasterCarlin. We were free to change howeverwe wanted and advocated radical changeon all levels but don’t let Grandma changethe menu for Christmas dinner. It’s justnot Christmas without the fruitsalad. What do you mean there’s nocornbread stuffing? And Lord forbid yourparents should decide to travel over theholidays and not provide a safe, secureand familiar comfort zone so you can stopby for ten minutes during your hecticholiday schedule and get your fix.

The younger generations oftoday are trying to find their way a worldof instant change, instant fame and insta-gram. It is tough trying to establish yourown traditions in a world changing thisfast. Traditions take time and requirethat life be lived at a pace dramaticallyslower than the current model.

This explains why Santa and Ms.Claus have chosen to live in a magical landat the Pole where they can keep traditionsalive. Hundreds of years and the image isstill Elves, candy canes, reindeer and asleigh. Madison Avenue might try but thepublic won’t buy a significant change inimagery. Hollywood has tried to messwith Christmas but have stopped short ofhaving Mr. and Mrs. C decide to visitcollege friends in Tampa – Saint Pete overthe holidays.

Detroit and the big three havestayed out of the fray as well. The sleighisn’t sporting 33’s and low profiletires. They didn’t take my suggestion and

make the Santa Edition Suburban withthe eight tiny reindeer under the hoodrunning on magic feed instead of OPECoil. The inflatable “sleigh” displays in thefront yards of America don’t haveBluetooth and heated seats and eventhough they are inflatable they don’t haveair bags either.

Just so you are aware I am atraditionalist. I know better than to messwith my children’s concept of the holidaysand for years I tried to shield my Motherand her generation from how much thingshad changed. I’ve done the roast beast atmy house for 25 years and all the siblingsand family have come plus friends whounderstood that pearl onions in creamsauce go very well with rare beef. Believeit or not food does taste better whenserved on good china with a cloth napkin.

I am a traditionalist. I wearstarched white button down shirts andtweed sport coats. I stroll about in BassWeejuns and I always carry a clean linenpocket handkerchief. I drive an MG everyday for goodness sake and know how topoach an egg and carve a ham.

I also think there is one traditionthat all ages can agree on andsupport: this is the season to be thankfulfor the blessing and talents you have beengiven and put them to good use! Age andgeneration are not factors in thisequation. No matter how grand ormeager your means might be, decide whatit is you can do for others and do it! Andthen do it in all the other months of theyear…

What we do now becomestradition soon enough. Happy Holidaysfrom Autoknown.

Rim Vining practices what he preachesby giving back to others every month of the year.

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Put down the phone. Let thedishes marinate a little longer. Swallowwhat’s on the tip of your tongue and waitfor it. Wait for the still squeaky,sometimes whiny, always earnest voice ofyour child as he weaves another ramblingtale.

In our house, it’s usually aboutTeenage Mutant Ninja Turtles in cyberspace. There’s many times I don’t evenhear the story, telling him “just a minute,”or “mommy’s fixing dinner” until themoment has passed and he’s moved ontosomething else.

I ask my first grader aboutschool every day. We go through hishomework folder over dinner or the nextmorning at breakfast. I inquire about hissilly drawings of a Thanksgiving turkeythrowing up (there is no explanation forboys’ humor, ever, at any age), and insistI can read every word he’s clumsilywritten.

“Who did you sit beside at lunchtoday?”

“Nobody.” He sits beside somebody because

when I go to school for lunch, there’s kidscrowded into every seat. They only get 20minutes to eat, though, so lunch isn’t thesocial hour it used to be.

“What are you reading in smallgroup this week?”

“I don’t remember.”Class Nasir response. He will pull

the most excruciatingly detailed memoryabout what he wore when he and UncleJohnny took their bikes on an epicadventure across the creek six monthsago, but he rarely remembers where heleft his shoes the night before.

I usually don’t settle for the “Idon’t knows” and “I don’t remembers,”insisting he tell me two or three tangiblethings about his day. Or else I would becompletely in the dark. The questions arean important way for him to know I am

interested. I’m paying attention enough toknow the names of his friends and therotations of his daily activities.

Listening is the farthest thingfrom a parent’s autopilot.

Asking, insisting, reminding,goading…that is what parents do most ofthe day.

If not, no one would ever leavethe house in time for school or work.There would be no homework to turn in.The refrigerator would be empty and thelawn a mess.

Stopping to listen, actively listenand engage with a child when he is stillwilling to talk, will help create anenvironment of trust and mutual sharing.

Only when my son begins talkingon his own do I get any real information.

Only when I listen am I fortunateenough to realize he’s sharing with me,sometimes even asking my advice.

Only when I stop and allow histale to unravel am I able to respond withintuitive questions he will actually answer.

“…and then, mom, after theTurtles rescued April’s mom from theunderground ship, Casey came and Aprilwas so happy to see him.”

“Who is Casey?”His cheeks grow bright as if he’s

spent hours outside on a sunny snow day.“April’s boyfriend.”“Do you know what that means?”Among ripples of giggles, I

discern the answer.“He has a crush on her.” Here we go.

Ruth Cassell writes for the Front Porchfrom her satellite location in Roanoke,VA where she lives with her husband,

son, and soon to be new baby

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By Rim Vining

The holidays bring many of usgreat joy and offer a respite from theroutine, but getting everything ready forthe celebrations can make it difficult tostay healthy. Crowded shopping stores,long-distance travel, and the never ending“to-do” list adds a good deal of stress toour lives. Bearing this in mind, it isimportant to think of our well-being asthe holidays approach. Here are five tipsto help you stay healthyand fully enjoy thefestivities this holidayseason.

Eat your vitamins.You have heard totake your dailyvitamins for years,but eating vitaminrich foods instead ofa daily vitaminimproves metabolicand immune systemhealth according tothe Mayo Clinic. Oneway you canincorporate more vitamins in your dietthis holiday is to replace ingredients inyour favorite recipes with healthieralternatives. For example, you canreplace buttermilk with plain Greekyogurt which is rich in B vitamins.

Get plenty of sleep. We all know howlong the day can seem after a night ofpoor rest, but getting too little sleepcan have major implications for yourhealth. During the sleep state yourbody repairs and recovers fromphysical damage and stress.Additionally, your brain problemsolves and processes the day’sexperiences. The National Institute ofHealth claims that losing just a fewhours of sleep can significantly affectyour productivity, mood, and immunesystem function. Try to get betweenseven and nine hours of sleep pernight to take full advantage of thetime you are awake this holidayseason.

Bundle up. The cold weather can makeyour body work overtime to maintainits core temperature. A fatigued bodydoes not respond to viral and bacterialimposters as effectively as a fullyrested body. Wearing multiple thinlayers can help to retain heat andallow your body to function at itsnormal temperature.

Keep clean. Throughout the holidaysyou unknowingly come in contact witha large number of germs. One way toreduce your risk of getting sick fromthis contact is to wash your hands withrelative frequency. The Centers forDisease Control and Preventionsuggest washing your hands with soapfor a minimum of twenty seconds. It isalso important to clean the surfaces

where you prepare andplace food. Stayingclean decreasesthe likelihood ofgetting sick, lettingyou enjoy friends,family, and food.

Enjoy the holiday!Mental health isf r e q u e n t l yoverlooked, but isjust as importantas your physicalhealth. One wayto improve mental

health is through self-care. While planning for the holidaysyou probably focused on the wantsand needs of others, neglectingyourself. Take the time to enjoy thefruits of your labor and recuperate abit. You have worked hard all year longand have worked extra hours to makethe celebrations a reality. Relax byjoining in on the activities with yourfamily and friends, or taking a momentto yourself. Whatever the case may be,have a happy and healthy holiday!

Dan Czajka is the CommunityEngagement Coordinator for the

Fredericksburg Area HIV & AIDS SupportServices and can be contacted at

(540) 371-7532 or www.fahass.org.

I was inspired by a recent articlein the Free Lance Star about HelenSgarlato a 100 year-old local lady that isstill very active and drives a 2014 yellowVW Beetle with eyelashes over theheadlights. She was quoted as saying: “Idon’t feel old at all, but I know I am. Ithink it’s the number more than anythingelse.” Mrs. Sgarlato epitomizes the powerof positive aging.

Do happy people really livelonger? There are a growing number ofresearch studies that suggest positive,optimistic people not only live longer, butalso happier lives. Is it just coincidencethat positive happy people live longer ordo happiness and positiveness causelongevity? It could be that happy peoplelive longer because they practice healthybehaviors, or some other unknownreasons. Dr. Becca Levy, Director of theSocial and Behavioral Sciences Divisionand an associate professor (with tenure)at the Yale School of Public Health,undertook a study to answer thesequestions. She concluded that those whoviewed aging as a positive experience lived,on average, 7.5 years longer than thosewho took a darker view. That is anadvantage far greater than what can begained from lowering blood pressure orreducing cholesterol, each of which hasbeen found to lengthen life about fouryears. It also beats exercise, not smokingand maintaining a healthy weight that addone to three years. Also noteworthy isthat psychological well-being, not justphysical well-being, can predict longerlives. Wouldn’t it be great if all these lifeextending issues have a cumulative effect?Then, 100 would be the new 50. Oh well,that’s wishful thinking not sciencetalking. A word of caution, don’t think

this means that being positive is asubstitute for physical well-being.

How do happy, upbeat, calm,positive thinking people keep themselvesalive longer? Previous studies showed thatpeople of all cultures are more likely to diein the days and weeks after holidays thanthey are in the days leading up to them.This suggests that the will to live couldaffect survival. In her study, Dr. Levyfound that people with more positive self-perceptions of aging also had a greaterwill to live, but she found this to be only apartial explanation for longevity. Anotherpossible explanation is how peoplerespond to stress. She found that olderpeople with a negative view of agingdemonstrated higher levels of stress.Other studies also concluded thatoptimism and emotional stability arelinked to longevity.

Scientific research studies do notalways provide definitive answers so I’d beremiss if I didn’t point out that otherstudies do not link optimism withlongevity. One interesting study by Dr.Morton Lieberman in the 1970s foundthat cantankerous, ornery, andargumentative elder adults in a nursinghome actually lived longer than those whowere not. So, it’s not good advice to tellpeople that if they cheer up they will livelonger. But to me, the real message in thisresearch is that they will live happier andmore fulfilling lives, and brighten the livesof those around them. So, as the title of a1988 song says: “Don’t Worry, Be Happy”.Who knows, you may just live longer aswell. Happy Holidays!

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

a licensed home care organizationproviding personal care, companionship


Wellnessgood tidings for your health

By dan czajka

Senior Care positively positive about aging

By Karl Karch

Natural HealthOne woman’s journey coincideswith a growing healthy community

By anne huntAloha to HoT Yoga Spa , Nutrition &

Wellness Center. Mahalo to Eva

The location of an old dancestudio in Fredericksburg has become apremier yoga and fitness studio. It’s thelatest addition to the Gateway VillageCenter in a “Hot Spot,” and a Hawaiiantheme, a result of the owner, EvaMorgan’s dream comes true.

Eva Morgan took her first hotyoga class in Honolulu and fell in love withyoga. Shes t a r t e dpracticing hotyoga five days aweek and knewthat she found herpassion and had toopen her ownstudio. It was ajourney for herthat transformedher life. “I hadbeen in sales andmarketing for thelast 11 years andneeded atransition aftermy brother wasmurdered in 2007.My faith kept mestrong, but thehot yoga allowed me to sweat out theremaining grief that was left.” Since itwas a former dance studio, it didn’t takemuch to get it ready. Eva Morgan knew itwas the right place when she saw herfavorite quote on the wall. “GOCONFIDENTLY IN THE DIRECTION OFYOUR DREAMS.”

Eva’s dream is unfolding and herdream is to offer health and healing in thecommunity, for all. “I really believe thateveryone needs hot yoga in their lives. Thebenefits are amazing and health and

wellness is very important to me. When Ifirst started practicing hot yoga, I realizedthat it is a totally different lifestyle and Ihad so many questions about nutrition.Luckily for me, one of my friends was along time yogi and owned a hot yogastudio in Northern Virginia andaccompanied me to Whole Foods toeducate me on what to purchase. People inthis area are just starting to awaken theirconsciousness about health and wellnessand I want to make it as easy for them as

possible byp r o v i d i n gt h e s eservices.”

H o tYoga Spao f f i c i a l l yopened onNovember 4,2014. Theopening dayincluded freeclasses all day,raffles forprizes, offeredfree chairmassage andi n v i t e dp a r t n e r s ,Arbonne, LizzCreative Juices,

The Farm Table, Purium, Relay Foods,Wildtree to showcase their products.

Find more about the studio atthe Website Hotyogaspava.com. , “Gatewayto Longevity in the Gateway Village.”There is also a Woodbridge location whichopened November 10, 2014.

Anne Hunt is a resident ofFredericksburg and a student of Yoga.

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

606 Caroline Street Old Town Fredericksburg

373-7847 www.gemstonecreations.org

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

Where Fredericksburg Gets Engaged Call for Holiday Hours

The holidays bring many of usgreat joy and offer a respite from theroutine, but getting everything ready forthe celebrations can make it difficult tostay healthy. Crowded shopping stores,long-distance travel, and the never ending“to-do” list adds a good deal of stress toour lives. Bearing this in mind, it isimportant to think of our well-being asthe holidays approach. Here are five tipsto help you stay healthyand fully enjoy thefestivities this holidayseason.

Eat your vitamins.You have heard totake your dailyvitamins for years,but eating vitaminrich foods instead ofa daily vitaminimproves metabolicand immune systemhealth according tothe Mayo Clinic. Oneway you canincorporate more vitamins in your dietthis holiday is to replace ingredients inyour favorite recipes with healthieralternatives. For example, you canreplace buttermilk with plain Greekyogurt which is rich in B vitamins.

Get plenty of sleep. We all know howlong the day can seem after a night ofpoor rest, but getting too little sleepcan have major implications for yourhealth. During the sleep state yourbody repairs and recovers fromphysical damage and stress.Additionally, your brain problemsolves and processes the day’sexperiences. The National Institute ofHealth claims that losing just a fewhours of sleep can significantly affectyour productivity, mood, and immunesystem function. Try to get betweenseven and nine hours of sleep pernight to take full advantage of thetime you are awake this holidayseason.

Bundle up. The cold weather can makeyour body work overtime to maintainits core temperature. A fatigued bodydoes not respond to viral and bacterialimposters as effectively as a fullyrested body. Wearing multiple thinlayers can help to retain heat andallow your body to function at itsnormal temperature.

Keep clean. Throughout the holidaysyou unknowingly come in contact witha large number of germs. One way toreduce your risk of getting sick fromthis contact is to wash your hands withrelative frequency. The Centers forDisease Control and Preventionsuggest washing your hands with soapfor a minimum of twenty seconds. It isalso important to clean the surfaces

where you prepare andplace food. Stayingclean decreasesthe likelihood ofgetting sick, lettingyou enjoy friends,family, and food.

Enjoy the holiday!Mental health isf r e q u e n t l yoverlooked, but isjust as importantas your physicalhealth. One wayto improve mental

health is through self-care. While planning for the holidaysyou probably focused on the wantsand needs of others, neglectingyourself. Take the time to enjoy thefruits of your labor and recuperate abit. You have worked hard all year longand have worked extra hours to makethe celebrations a reality. Relax byjoining in on the activities with yourfamily and friends, or taking a momentto yourself. Whatever the case may be,have a happy and healthy holiday!

Dan Czajka is the CommunityEngagement Coordinator for the

Fredericksburg Area HIV & AIDS SupportServices and can be contacted at

(540) 371-7532 or www.fahass.org.

I was inspired by a recent articlein the Free Lance Star about HelenSgarlato a 100 year-old local lady that isstill very active and drives a 2014 yellowVW Beetle with eyelashes over theheadlights. She was quoted as saying: “Idon’t feel old at all, but I know I am. Ithink it’s the number more than anythingelse.” Mrs. Sgarlato epitomizes the powerof positive aging.

Do happy people really livelonger? There are a growing number ofresearch studies that suggest positive,optimistic people not only live longer, butalso happier lives. Is it just coincidencethat positive happy people live longer ordo happiness and positiveness causelongevity? It could be that happy peoplelive longer because they practice healthybehaviors, or some other unknownreasons. Dr. Becca Levy, Director of theSocial and Behavioral Sciences Divisionand an associate professor (with tenure)at the Yale School of Public Health,undertook a study to answer thesequestions. She concluded that those whoviewed aging as a positive experience lived,on average, 7.5 years longer than thosewho took a darker view. That is anadvantage far greater than what can begained from lowering blood pressure orreducing cholesterol, each of which hasbeen found to lengthen life about fouryears. It also beats exercise, not smokingand maintaining a healthy weight that addone to three years. Also noteworthy isthat psychological well-being, not justphysical well-being, can predict longerlives. Wouldn’t it be great if all these lifeextending issues have a cumulative effect?Then, 100 would be the new 50. Oh well,that’s wishful thinking not sciencetalking. A word of caution, don’t think

this means that being positive is asubstitute for physical well-being.

How do happy, upbeat, calm,positive thinking people keep themselvesalive longer? Previous studies showed thatpeople of all cultures are more likely to diein the days and weeks after holidays thanthey are in the days leading up to them.This suggests that the will to live couldaffect survival. In her study, Dr. Levyfound that people with more positive self-perceptions of aging also had a greaterwill to live, but she found this to be only apartial explanation for longevity. Anotherpossible explanation is how peoplerespond to stress. She found that olderpeople with a negative view of agingdemonstrated higher levels of stress.Other studies also concluded thatoptimism and emotional stability arelinked to longevity.

Scientific research studies do notalways provide definitive answers so I’d beremiss if I didn’t point out that otherstudies do not link optimism withlongevity. One interesting study by Dr.Morton Lieberman in the 1970s foundthat cantankerous, ornery, andargumentative elder adults in a nursinghome actually lived longer than those whowere not. So, it’s not good advice to tellpeople that if they cheer up they will livelonger. But to me, the real message in thisresearch is that they will live happier andmore fulfilling lives, and brighten the livesof those around them. So, as the title of a1988 song says: “Don’t Worry, Be Happy”.Who knows, you may just live longer aswell. Happy Holidays!

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

a licensed home care organizationproviding personal care, companionship


Wellnessgood tidings for your health

By dan czajka

Senior Care positively positive about aging

By Karl Karch

Natural HealthOne woman’s journey coincideswith a growing healthy community

By anne huntAloha to HoT Yoga Spa , Nutrition &

Wellness Center. Mahalo to Eva

The location of an old dancestudio in Fredericksburg has become apremier yoga and fitness studio. It’s thelatest addition to the Gateway VillageCenter in a “Hot Spot,” and a Hawaiiantheme, a result of the owner, EvaMorgan’s dream comes true.

Eva Morgan took her first hotyoga class in Honolulu and fell in love withyoga. Shes t a r t e dpracticing hotyoga five days aweek and knewthat she found herpassion and had toopen her ownstudio. It was ajourney for herthat transformedher life. “I hadbeen in sales andmarketing for thelast 11 years andneeded atransition aftermy brother wasmurdered in 2007.My faith kept mestrong, but thehot yoga allowed me to sweat out theremaining grief that was left.” Since itwas a former dance studio, it didn’t takemuch to get it ready. Eva Morgan knew itwas the right place when she saw herfavorite quote on the wall. “GOCONFIDENTLY IN THE DIRECTION OFYOUR DREAMS.”

Eva’s dream is unfolding and herdream is to offer health and healing in thecommunity, for all. “I really believe thateveryone needs hot yoga in their lives. Thebenefits are amazing and health and

wellness is very important to me. When Ifirst started practicing hot yoga, I realizedthat it is a totally different lifestyle and Ihad so many questions about nutrition.Luckily for me, one of my friends was along time yogi and owned a hot yogastudio in Northern Virginia andaccompanied me to Whole Foods toeducate me on what to purchase. People inthis area are just starting to awaken theirconsciousness about health and wellnessand I want to make it as easy for them as

possible byp r o v i d i n gt h e s eservices.”

H o tYoga Spao f f i c i a l l yopened onNovember 4,2014. Theopening dayincluded freeclasses all day,raffles forprizes, offeredfree chairmassage andi n v i t e dp a r t n e r s ,Arbonne, LizzCreative Juices,

The Farm Table, Purium, Relay Foods,Wildtree to showcase their products.

Find more about the studio atthe Website Hotyogaspava.com. , “Gatewayto Longevity in the Gateway Village.”There is also a Woodbridge location whichopened November 10, 2014.

Anne Hunt is a resident ofFredericksburg and a student of Yoga.

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

606 Caroline Street Old Town Fredericksburg

373-7847 www.gemstonecreations.org

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

Where Fredericksburg Gets Engaged Call for Holiday Hours

When Leah Comerford was a littlegirl, she liked to look for shapes andpictures in marble, the way some peoplelook at clouds. As an artist whoembellishes gourds and creates necklaces,she uses that same way of looking.

Comerford was 25 years into hercareer before she began making jewelry.She’d been buying tubes of beads to use ongourds, but that required only a few. “Mycollection had grown and grown,” Comerfordsaid. “I had all these beautiful beads thatneeded something created with them.”

Throughout the years, Comerfordoccasionally tried making necklaces, but shenever felt they were right. “After 25 years, Ihit on the right combination and it finallycame together,” she said.

A bedroom in Comerford’s homeis her dedicated bead room, and serves asher necklace workshop. Once she beginswork, she makes design decisions as shegoes. “Generally inspiration comes from apendant itself.” she said. Her workshopincludes cabinets and drawers containingthousands of neatly organized pendantsand beads, including Swarovski crystals,aventurine sticks, cubic zirconia, quartz,jasper and more.

“When I’m looking at pendants,I’m looking for elements with interestingstriations, colors, designs – a focal point,”Comerford said. She especially likesdichroic glass — glass that changes colorin different lighting.

Leah starts by placing from 10to 20 tubes of beads and bobbleson her desk, around the pendantshe has chosen as the centerpieceof the necklace. She may use onlyhalf of the selection, but theprocess of looking – as with themarble of childhood — helpscreate the design.

“I’ll have a vague notion ofwhat I want as I begin to work,”Comerford said. She sometimescalls her art “cooking soup,because I work for a while thentaste it” – sit back and consider

how it’s coming together and what sheneeds to do.

Comerford uses two mainprocesses for her necklaces; bead-embroidery and stringing.

Embroidered necklaces takemonths to complete. “I only spend aboutone hour a day on embroidered necklaces,because the work is really hard on theeyes,” she said. “Generally the inspirationcomes from a pendant.”

She will choose a cabochon – abead, stone, gem or piece of glass with aflat back and no hole – lay it on a backingand look at the design element. She thenplaces supplemental beads into the design.“You’re playing and you’re trying, andsometimes it’s very trying,” she laughed.“Each embroidered necklace is unique, andI only make about three a year,” she said.

“What I really love aboutembroidered necklaces is it’s like paintingwith beads,” she said. “I explore texture,color, line and symmetry.” Not all hercreations are designed to be symmetricalbut when they are, Comerford findssatisfaction in the added challenge.

The second type of necklace isbead stringing. “These happen morequickly,” Comerford said. “I can make onein three days versus three months for theembroidered ones.”

Both processes require patience.“I’ve taught myself how to do it right,”Comerford said. “I’m a steady worker, ultracareful so that everything is tight andnothing comes apart when it’s finished.”

Comerford makes a pair ofearrings to go with each necklace, andincludes them for free in the purchase. “Imake them simple, because the necklace isthe star of the show,” she said.

Comerford’s jewelry, gourds,watercolors, pastels and books can beviewed on her website athttp://www.picturetrail.com/leahgourds.They are available at Art First Gallery, 824Caroline St., in Fredericksburg, and onEtsy at etsy.com/shop/ArtFirstGallery.

Fredericksburg resident Susan Larson, aprofessional journalist, publishes the

news website Fredericksburg.Today.com.photo by susan larson

Hmm, and just how did anotheryear seem to slip by us yet again? I feel likeit was only yesterday I was ringing in 2014with my nearest and dearest at the OrionUltra Lounge (RIP) sipping on a drink withluxury ice (RIP even more) and now here Iam celebrating the holiday season yetagain. Happy holidays to all of you!

Scene: Santa and hisholiday…kangaroo (really, I think it was akangaroo and not a reindeer) making hisfirst rounds of the season downtownduring Holiday Open House. The UMWSymfonics could also be seen strolling thestreets, caroling all the way. That weekendalso marked the beginning of theFredericksburg Main Street’s Open Lateinitiative where downtown businessowners hung flags announcing their laterhours. It’s fun to see all the flags hung ina row down Caroline and it’s so festive tograb a hot chocolate at Hyperion and dosome evening holiday shopping after thesun sets and the twinkle lights come on.

Since Alicia (my business partnerand meatball) became a theatre student atUMW in August, I’ve become thetheatergoer. And by quite the theatergoer,I mean I’ve gone to see both Doubt andSunday in the Park with George thissemester in duPont. While Doubt wasquiet, controlled and serious, SitPwG wasexuberant, full and fun – both excellentlyproduced and superbly acted. I mean it –SitPwG leads Judi Jackson and AustinBouchard are just so good. If you’ve neverbeen to see a show at duPont or youhaven’t been in awhile – make sure you getyourself there next semester!

Scene: momma and the jokingly self-proclaimed “just the landlord!” KimMitchell holding down the fort at FraserWood Elements on an unnaturally warmNovember Tuesday afternoon; MissyColombo enjoying a bagel sandwich duringVivify’s pop-up brekkie; Rose Taylorworkin on a Friday evening at Sephora (Ihave to say, if I want anyone in this town

telling me how to do my make-up, it’sdefinitely her!); Aby Bethem enjoying agirls weekend in Sin City.

There’s been a coupla brand newshops opening their doors over the pastmonth and I couldn’t be more excitedabout the cool additions to theneighborhood! First up - Sweets onCaroline. The little chocolate shop is chockfull of delectable treats but my eyes haveyet to leave that case full of prettymacarons lined up in pastel rainbow rows.And to go from fancy to rugged in justover a city block, you can head to RiverRock Outfitter (below) on Sophia Streetafter you get your sweet tooth fix. RiverRock is owned by the Peterson family –Keith, April and Connor to be exact – and

from what I’m told (let’s face it, the onlytime I’m really outside is when I’m havinga cocktail on Bistro Bethem’s patio so I’mno expert in the ways of theoutdoorsman/woman) they carry some ofthe best and most sought after outdoorssport brands in the game!

Happy December birthdays toMaura Wilson Schneider (be sure to “Tell”her happy birthday – get it??), AmandaPickett Payton, Brian Lam, Laura Eubanks,Jay Starling, Mia Mullane and AndreEglevsky!

Drew Middle School hostedFredericksburg’s first ever TedX talk whichnow makes it the coolest middle school in

the city - by law, I think. The theme was“What Can I Do? Improve. Invent. Inspire”and brought out a whole host of local,innovative entrepreneurs who are mostdefinitely the authorities on improving,inventing and inspiring. Artist andPonshop owner Gabe Pons; artist MirindaReynolds; runner Jamie Summerlin;VideoMann Productions owner MelvinBrown; motivational speaker Luke Wright;Robert Davis and Abbas Haider, owners ofAspetto Custom Clothiers; Anna Johnson,founder of SACKdress by Anna; comedianRahmein Mostafavi; Dyan deNapoli (apenguin expert!) were only a few whospoke. This is hopefully the first of manyFredericksburg TedX talks and I can’t waitto check one out1

Local artist Sarah Lapp (left)debuted some new work at Brush StrokesGallery’s First Friday event last month.Sarah has always been one of my favoritelocal artists – I’ve been following her worksince she was a UMW student back in 2007(ish?) and I was working at the school’s artgallery. Her masterful use of color,texture, and scale combine to create sometruly inspiring and moving abstractpaintings. So, basically, you have to checkher out if you yet haven’t.

Congratulations to the ladies ofSpaces Design Studio, Stacey Lampmanand Emily Webb (above), on their much-deserved win as the Chamber ofCommerce’s pick for 2014’s GoodwillAward for Small Business.


by megan byrnes

Art in the ‘BurgLeah Comerford: A way of looking

By Susan Larson

When Leah Comerford was a littlegirl, she liked to look for shapes andpictures in marble, the way some peoplelook at clouds. As an artist whoembellishes gourds and creates necklaces,she uses that same way of looking.

Comerford was 25 years into hercareer before she began making jewelry.She’d been buying tubes of beads to use ongourds, but that required only a few. “Mycollection had grown and grown,” Comerfordsaid. “I had all these beautiful beads thatneeded something created with them.”

Throughout the years, Comerfordoccasionally tried making necklaces, but shenever felt they were right. “After 25 years, Ihit on the right combination and it finallycame together,” she said.

A bedroom in Comerford’s homeis her dedicated bead room, and serves asher necklace workshop. Once she beginswork, she makes design decisions as shegoes. “Generally inspiration comes from apendant itself.” she said. Her workshopincludes cabinets and drawers containingthousands of neatly organized pendantsand beads, including Swarovski crystals,aventurine sticks, cubic zirconia, quartz,jasper and more.

“When I’m looking at pendants,I’m looking for elements with interestingstriations, colors, designs – a focal point,”Comerford said. She especially likesdichroic glass — glass that changes colorin different lighting.

Leah starts by placing from 10to 20 tubes of beads and bobbleson her desk, around the pendantshe has chosen as the centerpieceof the necklace. She may use onlyhalf of the selection, but theprocess of looking – as with themarble of childhood — helpscreate the design.

“I’ll have a vague notion ofwhat I want as I begin to work,”Comerford said. She sometimescalls her art “cooking soup,because I work for a while thentaste it” – sit back and consider

how it’s coming together and what sheneeds to do.

Comerford uses two mainprocesses for her necklaces; bead-embroidery and stringing.

Embroidered necklaces takemonths to complete. “I only spend aboutone hour a day on embroidered necklaces,because the work is really hard on theeyes,” she said. “Generally the inspirationcomes from a pendant.”

She will choose a cabochon – abead, stone, gem or piece of glass with aflat back and no hole – lay it on a backingand look at the design element. She thenplaces supplemental beads into the design.“You’re playing and you’re trying, andsometimes it’s very trying,” she laughed.“Each embroidered necklace is unique, andI only make about three a year,” she said.

“What I really love aboutembroidered necklaces is it’s like paintingwith beads,” she said. “I explore texture,color, line and symmetry.” Not all hercreations are designed to be symmetricalbut when they are, Comerford findssatisfaction in the added challenge.

The second type of necklace isbead stringing. “These happen morequickly,” Comerford said. “I can make onein three days versus three months for theembroidered ones.”

Both processes require patience.“I’ve taught myself how to do it right,”Comerford said. “I’m a steady worker, ultracareful so that everything is tight andnothing comes apart when it’s finished.”

Comerford makes a pair ofearrings to go with each necklace, andincludes them for free in the purchase. “Imake them simple, because the necklace isthe star of the show,” she said.

Comerford’s jewelry, gourds,watercolors, pastels and books can beviewed on her website athttp://www.picturetrail.com/leahgourds.They are available at Art First Gallery, 824Caroline St., in Fredericksburg, and onEtsy at etsy.com/shop/ArtFirstGallery.

Fredericksburg resident Susan Larson, aprofessional journalist, publishes the

news website Fredericksburg.Today.com.photo by susan larson

Hmm, and just how did anotheryear seem to slip by us yet again? I feel likeit was only yesterday I was ringing in 2014with my nearest and dearest at the OrionUltra Lounge (RIP) sipping on a drink withluxury ice (RIP even more) and now here Iam celebrating the holiday season yetagain. Happy holidays to all of you!

Scene: Santa and hisholiday…kangaroo (really, I think it was akangaroo and not a reindeer) making hisfirst rounds of the season downtownduring Holiday Open House. The UMWSymfonics could also be seen strolling thestreets, caroling all the way. That weekendalso marked the beginning of theFredericksburg Main Street’s Open Lateinitiative where downtown businessowners hung flags announcing their laterhours. It’s fun to see all the flags hung ina row down Caroline and it’s so festive tograb a hot chocolate at Hyperion and dosome evening holiday shopping after thesun sets and the twinkle lights come on.

Since Alicia (my business partnerand meatball) became a theatre student atUMW in August, I’ve become thetheatergoer. And by quite the theatergoer,I mean I’ve gone to see both Doubt andSunday in the Park with George thissemester in duPont. While Doubt wasquiet, controlled and serious, SitPwG wasexuberant, full and fun – both excellentlyproduced and superbly acted. I mean it –SitPwG leads Judi Jackson and AustinBouchard are just so good. If you’ve neverbeen to see a show at duPont or youhaven’t been in awhile – make sure you getyourself there next semester!

Scene: momma and the jokingly self-proclaimed “just the landlord!” KimMitchell holding down the fort at FraserWood Elements on an unnaturally warmNovember Tuesday afternoon; MissyColombo enjoying a bagel sandwich duringVivify’s pop-up brekkie; Rose Taylorworkin on a Friday evening at Sephora (Ihave to say, if I want anyone in this town

telling me how to do my make-up, it’sdefinitely her!); Aby Bethem enjoying agirls weekend in Sin City.

There’s been a coupla brand newshops opening their doors over the pastmonth and I couldn’t be more excitedabout the cool additions to theneighborhood! First up - Sweets onCaroline. The little chocolate shop is chockfull of delectable treats but my eyes haveyet to leave that case full of prettymacarons lined up in pastel rainbow rows.And to go from fancy to rugged in justover a city block, you can head to RiverRock Outfitter (below) on Sophia Streetafter you get your sweet tooth fix. RiverRock is owned by the Peterson family –Keith, April and Connor to be exact – and

from what I’m told (let’s face it, the onlytime I’m really outside is when I’m havinga cocktail on Bistro Bethem’s patio so I’mno expert in the ways of theoutdoorsman/woman) they carry some ofthe best and most sought after outdoorssport brands in the game!

Happy December birthdays toMaura Wilson Schneider (be sure to “Tell”her happy birthday – get it??), AmandaPickett Payton, Brian Lam, Laura Eubanks,Jay Starling, Mia Mullane and AndreEglevsky!

Drew Middle School hostedFredericksburg’s first ever TedX talk whichnow makes it the coolest middle school in

the city - by law, I think. The theme was“What Can I Do? Improve. Invent. Inspire”and brought out a whole host of local,innovative entrepreneurs who are mostdefinitely the authorities on improving,inventing and inspiring. Artist andPonshop owner Gabe Pons; artist MirindaReynolds; runner Jamie Summerlin;VideoMann Productions owner MelvinBrown; motivational speaker Luke Wright;Robert Davis and Abbas Haider, owners ofAspetto Custom Clothiers; Anna Johnson,founder of SACKdress by Anna; comedianRahmein Mostafavi; Dyan deNapoli (apenguin expert!) were only a few whospoke. This is hopefully the first of manyFredericksburg TedX talks and I can’t waitto check one out1

Local artist Sarah Lapp (left)debuted some new work at Brush StrokesGallery’s First Friday event last month.Sarah has always been one of my favoritelocal artists – I’ve been following her worksince she was a UMW student back in 2007(ish?) and I was working at the school’s artgallery. Her masterful use of color,texture, and scale combine to create sometruly inspiring and moving abstractpaintings. So, basically, you have to checkher out if you yet haven’t.

Congratulations to the ladies ofSpaces Design Studio, Stacey Lampmanand Emily Webb (above), on their much-deserved win as the Chamber ofCommerce’s pick for 2014’s GoodwillAward for Small Business.


by megan byrnes

Art in the ‘BurgLeah Comerford: A way of looking

By Susan Larson

Picker’s Supply Instruments ofDistinction and Americana Galleria

Forty years ago, a music storewas a little different. Generally lumped inwith pianos and saxophones and evenhome stereos you could find a few guitarsthat few clerks knew anything about. Infact, many guitars were purchased throughSears and J.C. Penny’s catalogs (rememberthose?) and no music store catered to theyoung musicians of the time.

In 1975, Bran Dillard openedPicker’s Supply in old town Fredericksburgas a contrast to the existing music stores.He wanted, and created, a music store thatcarried high quality instruments to beplayed and enjoyed by all musicians,struggling or not. Picker’s was adestination and often you wouldexperience impromptu jam sessions, learna little more about an instrument, or evenmeet famous musicians.

Enter the corporate musiccenter. The majesty of the local musicstore gone; these music centers appear asonline warehouses where instruments arestored, poorly maintained, anddemonstrated in a cacophonousenvironment. The corporate entitiesaffording to stock the low to mid-levelimported instrument en masse and sell atrock bottom prices has all but driven awaythe local music store and was the cause ofa large percentage of closings. For a locallyowned music store to survive the tumult,it would have to be something special.

Fredericksburg has somethingspecial.

Picker’s Supply has undeniablybeen a staple of Fredericksburg music andshopping supplying high-end designerinstruments as well as starter and mid-levelinstruments. Picker’s has the longestrunning music teaching facilities in the areawith over 30 instructors in all genres andstyles, sponsors local songwriting showcases,clinics, and product demos. But recently,Picker’s became much more than this.

In keeping with his vision to keepPicker’s as a refuge for musicians, BranDillard renovated, repurposed, and re-opened in October 2014. Picker’s Supplynow has on display one of the most

impressive collection of rare and vintageinstruments in the world. Hanging on thewall in museum like repose, you can seeone of the oldest Martin guitars from the1850s and a baker’s dozen of superb1940s-1960s Gibson J-45s. One-of-a-kindand masterfully inlaid Roy Rogers Tributeguitar and the patriotic Taylor LibertyTree guitar crafted from the last standingLiberty Tree from the original thirteencolonies are cornerstones in the“Instruments of Distinction” showcase.Small body, bluesy L-00 Gibsons from thethirties are displayed beside sought afterD’Angelicos and other archtops that allrepresent part of American history.Vintage Fender basses like a 1966 Jazzbass are in great company beside PaulReed Smith Private Stock guitars andclassic Gretsch Country Gentleman. Thereis even an entire wall of guitars fromVirginia luthiers. Even if none of these arefamiliar to you, their beauty andsignificance will astound. Additionally,there are also juke boxes, slot machines,

and Americana from the early 20th

century that serves as eye candy as well.American music has helped shape

our nation and the instrument makersand musicians that play them are thebackbone. It is rare that you find even oneof these vintage instruments for sale andviewing, but unheard of in the quantityand quality of the Picker’s Supplycollection.

Matt Montoro is owner of Third StreamMusic & Design and is a music producer,

performer, designer, & collaborator of the arts.


FXBG Music ScenePicker’s supply:

last vestige of vintage america

by Matt Montoro

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 11/15A $239.0000 Value

$699 Per Arch Full

Denture/PartialWith this Coupon only for non-insuredpatients. Not valid with other offers or

prior services. Offer Expires 1/1/15A $1100.00 Value

Picker’s Supply Instruments ofDistinction and Americana Galleria

Forty years ago, a music storewas a little different. Generally lumped inwith pianos and saxophones and evenhome stereos you could find a few guitarsthat few clerks knew anything about. Infact, many guitars were purchased throughSears and J.C. Penny’s catalogs (rememberthose?) and no music store catered to theyoung musicians of the time.

In 1975, Bran Dillard openedPicker’s Supply in old town Fredericksburgas a contrast to the existing music stores.He wanted, and created, a music store thatcarried high quality instruments to beplayed and enjoyed by all musicians,struggling or not. Picker’s was adestination and often you wouldexperience impromptu jam sessions, learna little more about an instrument, or evenmeet famous musicians.

Enter the corporate musiccenter. The majesty of the local musicstore gone; these music centers appear asonline warehouses where instruments arestored, poorly maintained, anddemonstrated in a cacophonousenvironment. The corporate entitiesaffording to stock the low to mid-levelimported instrument en masse and sell atrock bottom prices has all but driven awaythe local music store and was the cause ofa large percentage of closings. For a locallyowned music store to survive the tumult,it would have to be something special.

Fredericksburg has somethingspecial.

Picker’s Supply has undeniablybeen a staple of Fredericksburg music andshopping supplying high-end designerinstruments as well as starter and mid-levelinstruments. Picker’s has the longestrunning music teaching facilities in the areawith over 30 instructors in all genres andstyles, sponsors local songwriting showcases,clinics, and product demos. But recently,Picker’s became much more than this.

In keeping with his vision to keepPicker’s as a refuge for musicians, BranDillard renovated, repurposed, and re-opened in October 2014. Picker’s Supplynow has on display one of the most

impressive collection of rare and vintageinstruments in the world. Hanging on thewall in museum like repose, you can seeone of the oldest Martin guitars from the1850s and a baker’s dozen of superb1940s-1960s Gibson J-45s. One-of-a-kindand masterfully inlaid Roy Rogers Tributeguitar and the patriotic Taylor LibertyTree guitar crafted from the last standingLiberty Tree from the original thirteencolonies are cornerstones in the“Instruments of Distinction” showcase.Small body, bluesy L-00 Gibsons from thethirties are displayed beside sought afterD’Angelicos and other archtops that allrepresent part of American history.Vintage Fender basses like a 1966 Jazzbass are in great company beside PaulReed Smith Private Stock guitars andclassic Gretsch Country Gentleman. Thereis even an entire wall of guitars fromVirginia luthiers. Even if none of these arefamiliar to you, their beauty andsignificance will astound. Additionally,there are also juke boxes, slot machines,

and Americana from the early 20th

century that serves as eye candy as well.American music has helped shape

our nation and the instrument makersand musicians that play them are thebackbone. It is rare that you find even oneof these vintage instruments for sale andviewing, but unheard of in the quantityand quality of the Picker’s Supplycollection.

Matt Montoro is owner of Third StreamMusic & Design and is a music producer,

performer, designer, & collaborator of the arts.


FXBG Music ScenePicker’s supply:

last vestige of vintage america

by Matt Montoro

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 11/15A $239.0000 Value

$699 Per Arch Full

Denture/PartialWith this Coupon only for non-insuredpatients. Not valid with other offers or

prior services. Offer Expires 1/1/15A $1100.00 Value

front porch fredericksburg December 2014 29

The fear of public speaking issecond only to the fear of death accordingto a study that rated the most commonfears, and many of you reading this wouldmost likely agree. Many of us have hadthe shaky experience of giving apresentation to peers, have had troubleorganizing a speech that doesn’t boreothers to pieces, or have had to thinktwice to come up with a response toanother’s probing questions.

Fortunately if the above issuesmake you wish for death instead, there isan answer. Toastmasters International isa non-profit educational organization thatoffers safe and supportive environmentsfor becoming a public speaking expert, aswell as the opportunity to develop andimprove leadership skills. Founded in1924, Toastmasters has more than14,500 clubs throughout the globe, andquite a few of those clubs call theFredericksburg area home.

Even if you are a comfortablespeaking in front of others, Toastmasterscan still offer you the chance to improvein other ways. “I felt confident in mypublic speaking skills, but got tongue-tiedwhen asked pointed questions,” says ScottNichols, a member of the RappahannockRegional Toastmasters Club and a recentspeech contest winner. “Now I can sit in a

meeting, present a brief on many topicsand provide a response that is clear,thoughtful, and concise.”

Toastmasters meetings follow astructured agenda that includesopportunities for members to makespeeches, evaluate and give feedback, fillleadership and other specific roles, andimprove impromptu speaking during the“Table Topics” portion of the meeting.There is even an “Ah” counter to catchthose grammar mistakes, and each cluboffers its own unique twist on the rolesmembers fill, such as Inspirator,Jokemaster, or Toastleader.

Evaluations and feedback are akey part of meetings and are given in apositive way. “The unbiased, helpfulfeedback I get after a speech is one of thebiggest takeaways for me. That kind offeedback is not readily available in thebusiness world,” says Nichols, who hasbeen a Toastmaster for over 20 years.

Giving speeches and gettingfeedback builds confidence in members.“The acknowledgments, gratitude, andapplause that you get after a speech issomething that is hard to find in today’sworld,” says Mary Lou Bowers, a retiredschool teacher who is a charter member ofthe recently formed Toast ofFredericksburg. “When you are up theregiving a speech, people appreciate what ittook to put together and what you aregoing through. It’s a very positiveenvironment. To be successful in today’sworld you need to be able to communicatewith others. Toastmasters gives me theconfidence to do that.”

Local clubs that are open toeveryone include The RappahannockRegional Toastmasters, Stafford CountyToastmasters, King George Toastmasters,and the Culpeper Club. The newest club toour area, the Toast of Fredericksburg,holds an open house and charterceremony on December 3 at 7 pm. Formeeting locations and times please visitwww.toastmasters.org.

Christina Ferber used to want to crawlunder a rock when speaking in public,

but after recently giving her first speechat a Toastmasters meeting thinks

that maybe it isn’t so bad. She doesn’tneed to imagine a naked audienceanymore either (that never really

worked anyway).

28 December 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

It seems like a few weeks ago,Lockness Productions, Inc. (LNSPI)announced the monthly Music & SpiritsConcert Series at A. Smith BowmanDistillery. As we bring our inauguralseason to a close, we’ve hosted eightsuccessful shows. While we’ve focused onthe music this year, you may not know thestory behind LNSPI and the series.

We are a non-profit organizationdedicated to defining, developing, andproducing music events and workshops tosupport the awareness, appreciation, andpreservation of American genres,including, Americana, bluegrass, blues,country, folk, jazz, and old time music. Weare an all-volunteer staff. The proceedsfrom our performances and sales go tothe artists and in support of our mission.Our mission is to present uniqueperformances and classes that benefit ourcommunity, local and national artists. Wework with artists to create the bestenvironments for them to share theircraft with you.

In addition to our dedication tobringing great music to Fredericksburg,we are also committed to providingopportunities for talented young artistsfrom the area to perform. By pairing localand national acts, we create opportunitiesfor local artists to network for increasedopportunities to practice their craft.

We believe in giving back to thecommunity through grassroots and non-profit activities centered on musicappreciation and education. As part of ourmission, we have offered workshopstaught by visiting artists throughout theseason. Scholarships are available to ourworkshops. Some of the classes we haveoffered have included:

·A songwriting workshop with IBMAaward winning songwriter andfrequent Prairie Home Companionguest Joe Newberry

·A workshop with Woodstock legend

Richie Havens’ sideman/guitarist,Walter Parks covering thepartnership of art and commerce,honoring roots to achieve style,improving musicality on theguitar, basic understanding of P.A.systems, how to be an effectivesideman and research and creativesongwriting

·A master class with banjo virtuousoRyan Cavanaugh

·A songwriting workshop with grammyaward winning songwriterLaurelyn Dossett

·A bass workshop with internationallyrenowned bass player Jason Sypher

·A clawhammer banjo workshop withbanjo virtuoso Scott Manring

None of this would be possiblewithout all of the members of thecommunity who support us throughattendance, word of mouth, andvolunteerism. You’ve helped us to have asuccessful season in 2014 and we thankyou.

Our concert series will resume inJanuary 2015; and we need you tosucceed. Find out how you can getinvolved. Send us an emailat [email protected]. Learn moreabout the series at musicandspirits.com.For notifications of future shows, sign upfor our mailing listat musicandspirits.com/faqs/

See you in January!

Bryan Blakemore, one of the founders ofLockness Productions, grew up in

Spotsylvania, VA and currently resides inthe City of Fredericksburg.

Christmas is upon us. Hark theherald angels sing and Joy to the world!You know the story of the Nativity…butdo you really? What might have happenedafter Mary said, “Yes” to God to be themiraculous mother of His Son? Christmasis a time of celebration and of dreamsfulfilled.

Let me share with you my dreamthat started when I was 10 years old. Iwon’t mention how many years ago thatwas.

My dream started after

completing a writing assignment in 4th

grade in which I created my first bookmade of construction paper and protectedwith contact paper. It was bound withthree hole punches and two feet of redyarn. I still have that book. It lit the fireof desire and I have wanted to be a writerever since.

Fast-forward 20 years when I sawa picture of Mary and Joseph. Joseph wasin the foreground holding the newbornJesus and Mary was in the background

sleeping on some hay. I thought to myself,“Joseph had a larger role in the Nativitythan he is given credit.” That thoughtbirthed an idea in my head to write a bookabout what might have happened to Maryand Joseph and the other peopleassociated with the birth of Jesus.

Finally, during a Christmasvacation in 2010, I laid my fingers to thecomputer and let my imagination flow. Iabsorbed the passages in the book ofMatthew and Luke and their account ofthe angel’s visit to Mary and then toJoseph and the shepherds in the fieldwatching their flocks by night. I satpoised at the computer, shut my eyes andput myself in their sandals. They werejust ordinary people. All the emotions ofthe people involved back then were nodifferent than people of today. Tears aretears, scandal is scandal and all womenexperience the same pains at birth. Themother of God included.

If I was Mary and an angel askedme to become pregnant before I married,my request of him would be, “Could youplease go tell my father!”

It took me 4 years to completethe book and publish it myself. BEHOLD!Born Unto You came to life. On October15, 2013 my dream was realized when abox of books from Createspace, a self-publishing arm of Amazon, arrived! Theday will forever in my life go down ininfamy. Truly, dreams fulfilled are sweetto the soul.

My husband created a website forme from where books can be purchasedw w w . b e h o l d b o r n u n t o y o u . c o mAmazon.com carries them too.

The best part of publishing abook is encouraging others to publishtheirs. Many people have told me how theyhave a book in their head waiting to comeout.

Joan Geisler believes that “Dreams areonly fulfilling when they can inspire

others to fulfill theirs.”

Toastmasterssharpen your public speaking skills

by christina ferber

THE POETRY MANTHE POETRY MAN- BY FRANK FRATOE

OutflowOutflow(Rappahannock Interlude)

Along .a curve our river plies onwardswaying its current past an islandthat is joined to the southernbankby rocks studding contractive waterleft low because there’s little rain.

Two kayakers crisscross the channelmoving slow from farside to nearsideand avoid eddies around barricadesjust to feel the buoyancy under themnot going anywhere except downstream.

Our river carries everything with itedging toward Bay and Coast and Sealike the rockfall almost weightlessor treetrunks steered down by fluxor human paddlers aching to be free.

Frank Fratoe wrote this poem after attending the

Friends of the Rappahannock film premier “Rappahannock”.

On Stage . . .Lockness Productions

Music & Spirits Concert Series

By Bryan Blakemore

Dreams Fulfilled ....are Sweet to the Soul

By Joan M. GeislerAs winter numbs noses, and frigid

air bites, and lungs puff a ghostly fog, welong to break our cabin fever in craggy,barren woods, staking out camps fromwhich to watch Orion cross the sky. Withfewer insects, expansive views, and smallerweekend crowds, the winter months drawout hikers, campers, and climbers;however, weather becomes a significantconsideration when planning day andovernight trips. Brothers Connor andKeith Peterson, co-owners of the newlyopened River Rock Outfitters on SophiaStreet, provide the following checklist ofessential planning tips to keep us safe andcomfortable during outdoor winteradventures.

Check the Weather: It may seem like ano-brainer, but both Keith and Connorstress the importance of checking theweather before setting out. Take the timeto research possible weather patterns inthe area where you will be hiking &camping.

Take an Emergency Kit: Have anemergency medical kit with a bit of a firestick in case you are stranded. This shouldalso include waterproof matches and awaterproof blanket, both of which Connorsays might save your life.

Stay Hydrated: Keith explains that on atypical summer day a hiker can gothrough four to five liters of water, butmost people don’t realize that the same istrue of a winter hike. He says, “Hydrationis still key to having a great time, butwater is going to be the heaviest thing youcarry, so we recommend carrying abouttwo liters of water and a filtration kit,which will reduce your weightexponentially.”

Be Visible: “Branches of the militarymake up many of the members of ourcommunity,” Keith says, “so a lot ofpeople are drawn to what we call tacticalcolors, like your dark greens andblacks. Our recommendation is to choosegear and outerwear in emergency colorsthat stand out, such as bright orange, in

case you need help from firstresponders.”

Layer Up: Connor says layering is crucialfor winter hiking. He explains, “Pantsshould be water and wind resistant butlight and breathable to keep your skindry. On top, you want a comfortable baselayer, topped by a mid-layer of fleece ordown, and then covered by a resilient hardshell. Appropriate layering ensures youare not losing more sweat than youshould, especially when it’s coldoutside. It’s also important that you canget rid of any moisture as soon aspossible, so materials need to bebreathable; however, you still haveprepare to have adequate protection fromthe elements.” The guys recommendpolyesters, polypropylenes, and merinowools for hiking. Keith adds, “We tellpeople they should not hike in cotton,because all it’s going to do is retainmoisture and freeze.”

Prepare for Shelter: When it comes toyour tent, Keith says that smaller is betterin the winter. “It’s due to your bodyheat. If you have a smaller tent with arain fly for protection, it will hold yourbody heat better. Ultimately, a larger tentis just going to be a lot colder.” Connorincludes that one of the quickest ways tolose body heat is through the ground, sohe recommends a good sleeping pad,which will reflect the heat back to you.

Eat Up: Connor suggests, “With winterhiking, you want a warm meal beforegoing out in the morning and another inthe evening when you settledown. Depending on your miles, youcould lose a lot of calories and break downyour muscles significantly.” Dehydratedfood is a light option requiring only boiledwater to prepare.

“In the end,” Keith says, “you’reout there to have fun. Prepare ahead oftime, stay comfortable, and be safe.”



Winter OutingsTips from River Rock Outfitters

By A.E. Bayne

RAPPAHANNOCKMAJESTIC & HISTORIC

Own The MovieA 40-minute film with aerial and

underwater photography thattells the story of the

Rappahannock River from theBlue Ridge Mountains

to the Chesapeake Bay.

DVD $14.95; Members $11.96www.riverfriends.org

540-373-34483219 Fall Hill Ave.

front porch fredericksburg December 2014 29

The fear of public speaking issecond only to the fear of death accordingto a study that rated the most commonfears, and many of you reading this wouldmost likely agree. Many of us have hadthe shaky experience of giving apresentation to peers, have had troubleorganizing a speech that doesn’t boreothers to pieces, or have had to thinktwice to come up with a response toanother’s probing questions.

Fortunately if the above issuesmake you wish for death instead, there isan answer. Toastmasters International isa non-profit educational organization thatoffers safe and supportive environmentsfor becoming a public speaking expert, aswell as the opportunity to develop andimprove leadership skills. Founded in1924, Toastmasters has more than14,500 clubs throughout the globe, andquite a few of those clubs call theFredericksburg area home.

Even if you are a comfortablespeaking in front of others, Toastmasterscan still offer you the chance to improvein other ways. “I felt confident in mypublic speaking skills, but got tongue-tiedwhen asked pointed questions,” says ScottNichols, a member of the RappahannockRegional Toastmasters Club and a recentspeech contest winner. “Now I can sit in a

meeting, present a brief on many topicsand provide a response that is clear,thoughtful, and concise.”

Toastmasters meetings follow astructured agenda that includesopportunities for members to makespeeches, evaluate and give feedback, fillleadership and other specific roles, andimprove impromptu speaking during the“Table Topics” portion of the meeting.There is even an “Ah” counter to catchthose grammar mistakes, and each cluboffers its own unique twist on the rolesmembers fill, such as Inspirator,Jokemaster, or Toastleader.

Evaluations and feedback are akey part of meetings and are given in apositive way. “The unbiased, helpfulfeedback I get after a speech is one of thebiggest takeaways for me. That kind offeedback is not readily available in thebusiness world,” says Nichols, who hasbeen a Toastmaster for over 20 years.

Giving speeches and gettingfeedback builds confidence in members.“The acknowledgments, gratitude, andapplause that you get after a speech issomething that is hard to find in today’sworld,” says Mary Lou Bowers, a retiredschool teacher who is a charter member ofthe recently formed Toast ofFredericksburg. “When you are up theregiving a speech, people appreciate what ittook to put together and what you aregoing through. It’s a very positiveenvironment. To be successful in today’sworld you need to be able to communicatewith others. Toastmasters gives me theconfidence to do that.”

Local clubs that are open toeveryone include The RappahannockRegional Toastmasters, Stafford CountyToastmasters, King George Toastmasters,and the Culpeper Club. The newest club toour area, the Toast of Fredericksburg,holds an open house and charterceremony on December 3 at 7 pm. Formeeting locations and times please visitwww.toastmasters.org.

Christina Ferber used to want to crawlunder a rock when speaking in public,

but after recently giving her first speechat a Toastmasters meeting thinks

that maybe it isn’t so bad. She doesn’tneed to imagine a naked audienceanymore either (that never really

worked anyway).

28 December 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

It seems like a few weeks ago,Lockness Productions, Inc. (LNSPI)announced the monthly Music & SpiritsConcert Series at A. Smith BowmanDistillery. As we bring our inauguralseason to a close, we’ve hosted eightsuccessful shows. While we’ve focused onthe music this year, you may not know thestory behind LNSPI and the series.

We are a non-profit organizationdedicated to defining, developing, andproducing music events and workshops tosupport the awareness, appreciation, andpreservation of American genres,including, Americana, bluegrass, blues,country, folk, jazz, and old time music. Weare an all-volunteer staff. The proceedsfrom our performances and sales go tothe artists and in support of our mission.Our mission is to present uniqueperformances and classes that benefit ourcommunity, local and national artists. Wework with artists to create the bestenvironments for them to share theircraft with you.

In addition to our dedication tobringing great music to Fredericksburg,we are also committed to providingopportunities for talented young artistsfrom the area to perform. By pairing localand national acts, we create opportunitiesfor local artists to network for increasedopportunities to practice their craft.

We believe in giving back to thecommunity through grassroots and non-profit activities centered on musicappreciation and education. As part of ourmission, we have offered workshopstaught by visiting artists throughout theseason. Scholarships are available to ourworkshops. Some of the classes we haveoffered have included:

·A songwriting workshop with IBMAaward winning songwriter andfrequent Prairie Home Companionguest Joe Newberry

·A workshop with Woodstock legend

Richie Havens’ sideman/guitarist,Walter Parks covering thepartnership of art and commerce,honoring roots to achieve style,improving musicality on theguitar, basic understanding of P.A.systems, how to be an effectivesideman and research and creativesongwriting

·A master class with banjo virtuousoRyan Cavanaugh

·A songwriting workshop with grammyaward winning songwriterLaurelyn Dossett

·A bass workshop with internationallyrenowned bass player Jason Sypher

·A clawhammer banjo workshop withbanjo virtuoso Scott Manring

None of this would be possiblewithout all of the members of thecommunity who support us throughattendance, word of mouth, andvolunteerism. You’ve helped us to have asuccessful season in 2014 and we thankyou.

Our concert series will resume inJanuary 2015; and we need you tosucceed. Find out how you can getinvolved. Send us an emailat [email protected]. Learn moreabout the series at musicandspirits.com.For notifications of future shows, sign upfor our mailing listat musicandspirits.com/faqs/

See you in January!

Bryan Blakemore, one of the founders ofLockness Productions, grew up in

Spotsylvania, VA and currently resides inthe City of Fredericksburg.

Christmas is upon us. Hark theherald angels sing and Joy to the world!You know the story of the Nativity…butdo you really? What might have happenedafter Mary said, “Yes” to God to be themiraculous mother of His Son? Christmasis a time of celebration and of dreamsfulfilled.

Let me share with you my dreamthat started when I was 10 years old. Iwon’t mention how many years ago thatwas.

My dream started after

completing a writing assignment in 4th

grade in which I created my first bookmade of construction paper and protectedwith contact paper. It was bound withthree hole punches and two feet of redyarn. I still have that book. It lit the fireof desire and I have wanted to be a writerever since.

Fast-forward 20 years when I sawa picture of Mary and Joseph. Joseph wasin the foreground holding the newbornJesus and Mary was in the background

sleeping on some hay. I thought to myself,“Joseph had a larger role in the Nativitythan he is given credit.” That thoughtbirthed an idea in my head to write a bookabout what might have happened to Maryand Joseph and the other peopleassociated with the birth of Jesus.

Finally, during a Christmasvacation in 2010, I laid my fingers to thecomputer and let my imagination flow. Iabsorbed the passages in the book ofMatthew and Luke and their account ofthe angel’s visit to Mary and then toJoseph and the shepherds in the fieldwatching their flocks by night. I satpoised at the computer, shut my eyes andput myself in their sandals. They werejust ordinary people. All the emotions ofthe people involved back then were nodifferent than people of today. Tears aretears, scandal is scandal and all womenexperience the same pains at birth. Themother of God included.

If I was Mary and an angel askedme to become pregnant before I married,my request of him would be, “Could youplease go tell my father!”

It took me 4 years to completethe book and publish it myself. BEHOLD!Born Unto You came to life. On October15, 2013 my dream was realized when abox of books from Createspace, a self-publishing arm of Amazon, arrived! Theday will forever in my life go down ininfamy. Truly, dreams fulfilled are sweetto the soul.

My husband created a website forme from where books can be purchasedw w w . b e h o l d b o r n u n t o y o u . c o mAmazon.com carries them too.

The best part of publishing abook is encouraging others to publishtheirs. Many people have told me how theyhave a book in their head waiting to comeout.

Joan Geisler believes that “Dreams areonly fulfilling when they can inspire

others to fulfill theirs.”

Toastmasterssharpen your public speaking skills

by christina ferber

THE POETRY MANTHE POETRY MAN- BY FRANK FRATOE

OutflowOutflow(Rappahannock Interlude)

Along .a curve our river plies onwardswaying its current past an islandthat is joined to the southernbankby rocks studding contractive waterleft low because there’s little rain.

Two kayakers crisscross the channelmoving slow from farside to nearsideand avoid eddies around barricadesjust to feel the buoyancy under themnot going anywhere except downstream.

Our river carries everything with itedging toward Bay and Coast and Sealike the rockfall almost weightlessor treetrunks steered down by fluxor human paddlers aching to be free.

Frank Fratoe wrote this poem after attending the

Friends of the Rappahannock film premier “Rappahannock”.

On Stage . . .Lockness Productions

Music & Spirits Concert Series

By Bryan Blakemore

Dreams Fulfilled ....are Sweet to the Soul

By Joan M. GeislerAs winter numbs noses, and frigid

air bites, and lungs puff a ghostly fog, welong to break our cabin fever in craggy,barren woods, staking out camps fromwhich to watch Orion cross the sky. Withfewer insects, expansive views, and smallerweekend crowds, the winter months drawout hikers, campers, and climbers;however, weather becomes a significantconsideration when planning day andovernight trips. Brothers Connor andKeith Peterson, co-owners of the newlyopened River Rock Outfitters on SophiaStreet, provide the following checklist ofessential planning tips to keep us safe andcomfortable during outdoor winteradventures.

Check the Weather: It may seem like ano-brainer, but both Keith and Connorstress the importance of checking theweather before setting out. Take the timeto research possible weather patterns inthe area where you will be hiking &camping.

Take an Emergency Kit: Have anemergency medical kit with a bit of a firestick in case you are stranded. This shouldalso include waterproof matches and awaterproof blanket, both of which Connorsays might save your life.

Stay Hydrated: Keith explains that on atypical summer day a hiker can gothrough four to five liters of water, butmost people don’t realize that the same istrue of a winter hike. He says, “Hydrationis still key to having a great time, butwater is going to be the heaviest thing youcarry, so we recommend carrying abouttwo liters of water and a filtration kit,which will reduce your weightexponentially.”

Be Visible: “Branches of the militarymake up many of the members of ourcommunity,” Keith says, “so a lot ofpeople are drawn to what we call tacticalcolors, like your dark greens andblacks. Our recommendation is to choosegear and outerwear in emergency colorsthat stand out, such as bright orange, in

case you need help from firstresponders.”

Layer Up: Connor says layering is crucialfor winter hiking. He explains, “Pantsshould be water and wind resistant butlight and breathable to keep your skindry. On top, you want a comfortable baselayer, topped by a mid-layer of fleece ordown, and then covered by a resilient hardshell. Appropriate layering ensures youare not losing more sweat than youshould, especially when it’s coldoutside. It’s also important that you canget rid of any moisture as soon aspossible, so materials need to bebreathable; however, you still haveprepare to have adequate protection fromthe elements.” The guys recommendpolyesters, polypropylenes, and merinowools for hiking. Keith adds, “We tellpeople they should not hike in cotton,because all it’s going to do is retainmoisture and freeze.”

Prepare for Shelter: When it comes toyour tent, Keith says that smaller is betterin the winter. “It’s due to your bodyheat. If you have a smaller tent with arain fly for protection, it will hold yourbody heat better. Ultimately, a larger tentis just going to be a lot colder.” Connorincludes that one of the quickest ways tolose body heat is through the ground, sohe recommends a good sleeping pad,which will reflect the heat back to you.

Eat Up: Connor suggests, “With winterhiking, you want a warm meal beforegoing out in the morning and another inthe evening when you settledown. Depending on your miles, youcould lose a lot of calories and break downyour muscles significantly.” Dehydratedfood is a light option requiring only boiledwater to prepare.

“In the end,” Keith says, “you’reout there to have fun. Prepare ahead oftime, stay comfortable, and be safe.”



Winter OutingsTips from River Rock Outfitters

By A.E. Bayne

RAPPAHANNOCKMAJESTIC & HISTORIC

Own The MovieA 40-minute film with aerial and

underwater photography thattells the story of the

Rappahannock River from theBlue Ridge Mountains

to the Chesapeake Bay.

DVD $14.95; Members $11.96www.riverfriends.org

540-373-34483219 Fall Hill Ave.

Painting is the silence of thought andthe music of sight

~Orhan Pamuk, “My Name is Red.”

In last month’s column, I wroteof our downsizing to a small cottage in ariver village. We have finished our kitchenremodeling, and I have been working atsomething that I haven’t done in a longtime, but for which I have a particularaffinity – painting – no, not as an artist,but instead as a painter of objects androoms. Painting slows me down, and forcesme to be “in the moment.”

I love to paint. I like going to thepaint section of my local homeimprovement store and looking throughthe colors. The paint chips are like littlecards of possibilities, and it is enjoyable tosavor the time there, dreaming of thecolor for my next project. Once theperfect color strikes me, I get a little rushof enthusiasm. As each color drops intothe base, I mentally review the steps of theproject. As the paint is placed on theshaker, I walk down the aisle again to seeif anything else is needed for the project.Then, I pick up the paint, check out, andhead home. If at all possible, I start theproject immediately. Pandora is tuned tomy mood music du jour, and, for thattime, I am immersed in transforming whatexists today into what will be,tomorrow. The feel of the paint as itglides onto the surface via brush or rolleris satisfying. The only part of the projectthat is not enjoyable for me is waiting forthe paint to dry, particularly betweencoats.

My love of painting has its rootsin childhood. When I was a little girl, myfather supplemented his income byworking as a house painter. When painting

our home, he tapped me to be his helper,and my job was to paint the trim. I lovedthe feel of the brush in my hand, and theknowledge that my father and I wereengaged in a creative endeavor together.

Dad has never stopped painting.Even now, well into his 70’s, he always isinvolved in a paint project. Sometimes theproject is large-scale and house-wide, atother times, it might be a birdhouse or arocking chair. When visiting my father inhis workshop, I am amazed by the sheernumber of cans of paint in his collection.Like me, he likes to brush, roll, and spraypaint. We do not discriminate – any formof painting is satisfying.

In the recent downsizing effort, Iam the painter. This week’s paint projectswere our dining table and chair, a tea cart,and the bedroom. Sometime in the nextday or two, I will plan the next project,and will enjoy visiting the paint chipsagain – or maybe just go “shopping” inDaddy’s paint locker. I’m pretty sure hewill have the perfect color.

Jo Loving is enjoying her downsizing-induced painting projects. Although she

still is surrounded by moving boxes,today she is happily painting to Cream’s

“Bell Bottom Blues.”


For the commuter inFredericksburg every workday can becomea routine of exhaustion: awaking indarkness; the steamy, soothing shower cutshort; fumbling to throw a suitable lunchtogether; the high-pitch whirl of theKeurig® sputtering out another travelmug of French Roast coffee, and finallyrushing out the front door. The family isleft quietly nestled in thermal blanketsand dreams. You slide in anuncomfortably cold driver’s seat, click theseatbelt into place and take a deep breath.The tension already begins to build. Thevehicle hasn’t even inched out of thedriveway yet. The question becomes: canyou face the unenviable task ofcommuting along Interstate 95 for onemore day?

There are indeed more effectivemeans of travel heading northbound. If acommuter wants to save themselves thestress of I-95 traffic and the wear & tearon a vehicle, they can take advantage ofthe Virginia Railway Express train, whichtravels to Washington, D.C. from stationslocated in downtown Fredericksburg,Leeland Station, Brooke Road andQuantico. There is also the option to driveto Springfield and take the Metro. If costis an issue, one can pick up a slug line,where you ride with three othercommuters out of Fredericksburg in thedriver’s personal vehicle.

In the past, if you had driven I-95, you could hop on the HOV-3 lanes withthree or more passengers in your vehicle.Starting on December 1, 2014, you canpay for a monthly E-ZPass (for individualdrivers) or get a toll-free E-ZPass Flex (forthose vehicles with three or morecommuters) and use the Express Lanes,which will now extend southbound all theway to Garrisonville Exit 143.

Those are certainly betteroptions for some. But what if the locationof the job, the hours or lack of availablelocal coworkers prevents a commuterfrom using those means of travel? What ifthey are left with is a solitary drive along

I-95? There are somedetractors that wouldcontend that thoseindividuals have madetheir choice. They’vedecided to live in thisbedroom community andtaken the job theyhave. Nothing in life isperfect, so just deal withit, they might say.

As someone who hasrecently decided toassume a job inWashington, D.C. butremain living in

Fredericksburg, that measure of empathydoesn’t quite suffice. It is stressful anddraining to have to add a three-to-fourhour commute onto an entire workday. Itcauses many to miss quality time withtheir significant others and children. Evenif you’re single, you miss out on much ofyour personal time.

No, this aspect of vocational lifeis nothing new to those that live in thisarea. So how does one redeem such anunpleasant part of life? I’ve noticed that ifI leave myself a little bit of extra time toget to work in the morning (even if it’sjust 15 minutes) my level of stress andfrustration seems to lessen. Mobile Appssuch as Waze™ and Beatthetraffic™ canprepare the commuter for up-to-datetraffic patterns, accidents and laneclosures. Listening to certain types of in-car entertainment such as audio books ora comedy station on Pandora™ ratherthan music genres such as AlternativeRock or Hip Hop might guard against anegatively charged disposition.

We all have reasons andmotivations for why we’ve chosen our joblocation. Maybe it’s lack of employment inour own city, greater upward mobility,more earning potential or even jobsatisfaction. Whatever the reasons, theyare probably undergirded by deepermotivations: such as being responsible forour personal finances, taking care of aspouse or family, and even uplifting ourlocal community. Those are noblecharacteristics of life and while oftenmundane, they should be celebrated. Evenduring the most frustrating of drives, wecould try to remember that the sacrificeshaven’t been for naught. Most of the timeit has ultimately been in service for thegood of another. Hopefully, ponderingsuch things will revive our weary spirits,even on the worst of commuting days.

Ryan Davis is a graduate of theUniversity of Mary Washington and has future aspirations of becoming

a published author.

Commutingone driver’s thoughts onbreaking the negativity

By Ryan Davis

Fredericksburg SketchesA visual Celebration of our community

By Casey Alan Shaw

From My Porchcolor my world with paint

By Jo Loving

For the second installment of thisnew visual column, it’s December so mymind turns, of course, to the holidays.

When we attend the annualChristmas parade downtown, my familyoften ends up finding a great vantagepoint near the corner of George andPrincess Anne streets. A couple of weeksago, I happened by just as city workerswere stringing Christmas lights on the bigtree there. So I snapped a couple ofreference photos with my phone andcreated this sketch.

You’ll notice I only used color ona small part of the original painting.That’s so the tiny red dots of the

Christmas lights in the worker’s hand will(hopefully) stand out more. This sketchmight just end up as our family Christmascard this year.

Casey Alan Shaw is a local artist. His original work shows

at Art First Gallery.







kennel board him!

[email protected]

212 William Street,Fredericksburg540-373-5513

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

FredericksburgTime Co.

Exclusively at

Your Hometown JewelerSince 1940

Aerial photo by Cameron Davidson of Washingtonian.com

Painting is the silence of thought andthe music of sight

~Orhan Pamuk, “My Name is Red.”

In last month’s column, I wroteof our downsizing to a small cottage in ariver village. We have finished our kitchenremodeling, and I have been working atsomething that I haven’t done in a longtime, but for which I have a particularaffinity – painting – no, not as an artist,but instead as a painter of objects androoms. Painting slows me down, and forcesme to be “in the moment.”

I love to paint. I like going to thepaint section of my local homeimprovement store and looking throughthe colors. The paint chips are like littlecards of possibilities, and it is enjoyable tosavor the time there, dreaming of thecolor for my next project. Once theperfect color strikes me, I get a little rushof enthusiasm. As each color drops intothe base, I mentally review the steps of theproject. As the paint is placed on theshaker, I walk down the aisle again to seeif anything else is needed for the project.Then, I pick up the paint, check out, andhead home. If at all possible, I start theproject immediately. Pandora is tuned tomy mood music du jour, and, for thattime, I am immersed in transforming whatexists today into what will be,tomorrow. The feel of the paint as itglides onto the surface via brush or rolleris satisfying. The only part of the projectthat is not enjoyable for me is waiting forthe paint to dry, particularly betweencoats.

My love of painting has its rootsin childhood. When I was a little girl, myfather supplemented his income byworking as a house painter. When painting

our home, he tapped me to be his helper,and my job was to paint the trim. I lovedthe feel of the brush in my hand, and theknowledge that my father and I wereengaged in a creative endeavor together.

Dad has never stopped painting.Even now, well into his 70’s, he always isinvolved in a paint project. Sometimes theproject is large-scale and house-wide, atother times, it might be a birdhouse or arocking chair. When visiting my father inhis workshop, I am amazed by the sheernumber of cans of paint in his collection.Like me, he likes to brush, roll, and spraypaint. We do not discriminate – any formof painting is satisfying.

In the recent downsizing effort, Iam the painter. This week’s paint projectswere our dining table and chair, a tea cart,and the bedroom. Sometime in the nextday or two, I will plan the next project,and will enjoy visiting the paint chipsagain – or maybe just go “shopping” inDaddy’s paint locker. I’m pretty sure hewill have the perfect color.

Jo Loving is enjoying her downsizing-induced painting projects. Although she

still is surrounded by moving boxes,today she is happily painting to Cream’s

“Bell Bottom Blues.”


For the commuter inFredericksburg every workday can becomea routine of exhaustion: awaking indarkness; the steamy, soothing shower cutshort; fumbling to throw a suitable lunchtogether; the high-pitch whirl of theKeurig® sputtering out another travelmug of French Roast coffee, and finallyrushing out the front door. The family isleft quietly nestled in thermal blanketsand dreams. You slide in anuncomfortably cold driver’s seat, click theseatbelt into place and take a deep breath.The tension already begins to build. Thevehicle hasn’t even inched out of thedriveway yet. The question becomes: canyou face the unenviable task ofcommuting along Interstate 95 for onemore day?

There are indeed more effectivemeans of travel heading northbound. If acommuter wants to save themselves thestress of I-95 traffic and the wear & tearon a vehicle, they can take advantage ofthe Virginia Railway Express train, whichtravels to Washington, D.C. from stationslocated in downtown Fredericksburg,Leeland Station, Brooke Road andQuantico. There is also the option to driveto Springfield and take the Metro. If costis an issue, one can pick up a slug line,where you ride with three othercommuters out of Fredericksburg in thedriver’s personal vehicle.

In the past, if you had driven I-95, you could hop on the HOV-3 lanes withthree or more passengers in your vehicle.Starting on December 1, 2014, you canpay for a monthly E-ZPass (for individualdrivers) or get a toll-free E-ZPass Flex (forthose vehicles with three or morecommuters) and use the Express Lanes,which will now extend southbound all theway to Garrisonville Exit 143.

Those are certainly betteroptions for some. But what if the locationof the job, the hours or lack of availablelocal coworkers prevents a commuterfrom using those means of travel? What ifthey are left with is a solitary drive along

I-95? There are somedetractors that wouldcontend that thoseindividuals have madetheir choice. They’vedecided to live in thisbedroom community andtaken the job theyhave. Nothing in life isperfect, so just deal withit, they might say.

As someone who hasrecently decided toassume a job inWashington, D.C. butremain living in

Fredericksburg, that measure of empathydoesn’t quite suffice. It is stressful anddraining to have to add a three-to-fourhour commute onto an entire workday. Itcauses many to miss quality time withtheir significant others and children. Evenif you’re single, you miss out on much ofyour personal time.

No, this aspect of vocational lifeis nothing new to those that live in thisarea. So how does one redeem such anunpleasant part of life? I’ve noticed that ifI leave myself a little bit of extra time toget to work in the morning (even if it’sjust 15 minutes) my level of stress andfrustration seems to lessen. Mobile Appssuch as Waze™ and Beatthetraffic™ canprepare the commuter for up-to-datetraffic patterns, accidents and laneclosures. Listening to certain types of in-car entertainment such as audio books ora comedy station on Pandora™ ratherthan music genres such as AlternativeRock or Hip Hop might guard against anegatively charged disposition.

We all have reasons andmotivations for why we’ve chosen our joblocation. Maybe it’s lack of employment inour own city, greater upward mobility,more earning potential or even jobsatisfaction. Whatever the reasons, theyare probably undergirded by deepermotivations: such as being responsible forour personal finances, taking care of aspouse or family, and even uplifting ourlocal community. Those are noblecharacteristics of life and while oftenmundane, they should be celebrated. Evenduring the most frustrating of drives, wecould try to remember that the sacrificeshaven’t been for naught. Most of the timeit has ultimately been in service for thegood of another. Hopefully, ponderingsuch things will revive our weary spirits,even on the worst of commuting days.

Ryan Davis is a graduate of theUniversity of Mary Washington and has future aspirations of becoming

a published author.

Commutingone driver’s thoughts onbreaking the negativity

By Ryan Davis

Fredericksburg SketchesA visual Celebration of our community

By Casey Alan Shaw

From My Porchcolor my world with paint

By Jo Loving

For the second installment of thisnew visual column, it’s December so mymind turns, of course, to the holidays.

When we attend the annualChristmas parade downtown, my familyoften ends up finding a great vantagepoint near the corner of George andPrincess Anne streets. A couple of weeksago, I happened by just as city workerswere stringing Christmas lights on the bigtree there. So I snapped a couple ofreference photos with my phone andcreated this sketch.

You’ll notice I only used color ona small part of the original painting.That’s so the tiny red dots of the

Christmas lights in the worker’s hand will(hopefully) stand out more. This sketchmight just end up as our family Christmascard this year.

Casey Alan Shaw is a local artist. His original work shows

at Art First Gallery.







kennel board him!

[email protected]

212 William Street,Fredericksburg540-373-5513

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

FredericksburgTime Co.

Exclusively at

Your Hometown JewelerSince 1940

Aerial photo by Cameron Davidson of Washingtonian.com

Documents

Front Porch Fredericksburg - December 2014