The Fredericksblog

Brush Strokes July Exhibit

BRUSH STROKES GALLERY

JULY UPDATE

Brush Strokes Gallery

810 Caroline Street, Fredericksburg

368-0560 ◊ brushstrokesfredericksburg.com

 

NOTE: SCHEDULE CHANGE:

 

Opening of July Exhibit

Saturday, July 5^th, 5:00 to 7:30 p.m.

 

(A number of Fredericksburg galleries have changed the date of the opening of July’s exhibits to Saturday July 5, to allow attendance at 4^th of July festivities!)

 

Featured Artist: Bob Gibson, master photographer. In his unique exhibit for the month of July, Bob has placed close-ups of an array of flowers on black backgrounds to accentuate their color, structure, and pattern.

Sexual Aggression Peer Advocates

It’s not your usual summertime south to north trek in search of cooler weather. The three Central Michigan University students who passed through Fredericksburg yesterday and today are on a trek to raise awareness of sexual aggression. The group started as seven but apparently the prospect of a summer without a job caused the other 4 to have to withdraw from this journey to awareness that began on May 5^th in Miami and is scheduled to end in Boston by August 5^th. That’s the date their plane reservations are for to fly them back to Michigan to spend the balance of the summer recuperating from their trip and I presume telling the many stories the trip created, including the story of coping with 109 degree days in North Carolina. 

Rebecca Mercado-Thornton, 22, Josh Phillips 24 and Kate Kreps who celebrated her 21^st birthday yesterday evening at The Loft downtown say that the trip has been tiring but rewarding.

Left to right Josh Phillips, Rebecca Mercado-Thornton and Kate Kreps

They have been welcomed by sympathetic supporters from the very first day. Lodging has for the most part been provided by those supporters as they have traveled. Food and financial support along the way has also been plentiful. They carry a tent but have only had to pitch it four times since they began 8 weeks ago. With a goal of twenty miles per day, their 1500 mile effort should take them about 75 days. After leaving us they will have about one third of the trip to go.

Central Michigan University in Mt. Pleasant, Michigan is home to their sponsoring organization,  “Sexual Aggression Peer Advocates” and you can find a nice article there giving more detail on this admirable effort. 

Sixties Folk Music

Being a child of the 60's, a lot of my music memory is wrapped up in the folk music of the time. I recently stumbled on a site that has quickly become one of my favorites. It is Pandora, a site that allows you to enter your favorite artists and hear a continuous stream of tunes by the artist you named or performers like them in style or material. The link is at Pandora. Try it out and let me know what you think. If you like Lightfoot, Paxton, Simon & Garfunkel or John Denver I think you will enjoy this site. Oh, and did I mention...it's Free!!!

Laurie & Peter

     

Hi Everybody,   Here's our mini tour for this week..   Laurie and Peter     www.laurieandpeter.com   Friday, June 27 11:45AM-1:30PM     Welborne Square   Welburn Square Between   Stuart & Taylor Streets   (Across from the Ballston Metro) Arlington, Virginia

Friday, June 27 6:00-9:00PM   Potomac   Point Winery   275 Decatur Road   Stafford, VA 540.446.2266

Saturday, June 28, 9:30 -1:00   The Blarney Stone Public House   with Henry Hubbard   715 Caroline St.   Fredericksburg, VA, 540-371-PINT

This Friday at The Wounded Book Shop

I am delighted to send you this announcement that Sam Pacetti will be performing this Friday at the Wounded Bookshop.

Sam Pacetti

Friday, June 27

8:00pm

Wounded Bookshop, 109 Amelia Street, Old Town Fredericksburg

$15.00

Sam's previous performances in the Acoustic Roots Concert Series have earned him enthusiastic fans in the Fredericksburg area, and for good reason. His precise fingerpicking, performed at lightning speed, is dazzling to watch and a joy to hear. Original instrumentals showcase his virtuoso guitar skills, while his ballads sing to the heart with poetry and passion.

Sam grew up in St. Augustine, Florida. He learned flamenco from his Cuban grandfather, studied classical guitar in his early teens, was mentored by Gamble Rogers, the great Florida guitar picker and story-teller, and acquired Celtic influences in his travels. The outcome is an intriguing blend of cultures and styles.

Below are links to Sam Pacetti’s website and videos from the Kennedy Center and other venues.

http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendID=19774532

http://www.kennedy-center.org/programs/millennium/artist_detail.cfm?artist_id=SAMPACETTI

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WCJiw-ghoLI&feature=related

I am really happy to be able to share this concert with you, and I hope you can come. Please help spread the word by telling your friends. See you Friday!

Carol

Carol Kramer
pondedge@pobox.com
540/372-6916 home/office
540/220-1384 cell

Fredericksburg Athenaeum

373-1311

http://www.woundedbookshop.com/

“If you closed your eyes on 'Dueling Banjos,' you'd never know that this was one young man on one guitar. And that's the simple stuff." -- Terry Lagerstedt, Fairfield, CT Weekly

"In the instrumental tradition of Chet Atkins, Joe Maphis and John Fahey, Pacetti is guitaring the way it should be done. As a balladeer, he touches Fred Neil or Tim Hardin. It's rare when a performer combines the head and heart with such consummate chops." -- Arvid Smith

"Solitary Trave” marks the debut of a major talent in the world. If Kottke, Fahey, and Procter are household names where you live, consider getting familiar with Sam Pacetti's work. This young guitarist is an enormous talent. Whether playing a reel, covering Martin Simpson or dishing out a ravishing original, Pacetti is a simply astonishing guitarist..." -- Eric Fidler, AP.

FOR Action Alert

INSIDE

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 ACTION ALERT: Wastewater Treatment Permit to be “FAST TRACKED”. Stop the FAST TRACK ! Email comments needed by tomorrow.

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1. ACTION ALERT

Emails needed by 5pm this FRIDAY !

STOP the "FAST TRACK" of Culpeper Wastewater Treatment Plant Permit

The

County

of

Culpeper

is requesting a two year extension beyond the 12/31/10 deadline to construct extra capacity for a wastewater treatment plant. This would enable Culpeper a greater waste-load allocation into the

Chesapeake Bay

. Most importantly, this request is being "fast-tracked" through DEQ . We feel that the issue needs lots of "sunshine" to make sure the correct public policy decision is made and that the real facts come to the surface. A rush to judgment through the fast-track process could have serious and detrimental consequences to water quality.

In order for the State Water Control Board to review the application, DEQ must receive 10 written comments by FRIDAY, JUNE 20. 

WHAT YOU CAN DO:

EMAIL comments to John Kennedy at DEQ jmkennedy@deq.virginia.gov

Please cc your comments to john.tippett@riverfriends.org

Talking Points:

*The

County

of

Culpeper

request could set a dangerous precedent for increased waste-load allocation in the Chesapeake Bay Watershed, undermining the intent of the Water Quality Management Planning Regulation.

*Such a significant issue should occur in full public view before setting any precedent for extensions..

* Ask DEQ NOT to Fast Track the process.

The comments from Friends of the Rappahannock are attached as an example.

It will only take a few minutes to send your comments by email, but it could make a BIG DIFFERENCE. Be sure to include your name and address.

The River Thanks You !

2

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Friends of The Rappahannock newsletter

I received the current issue of the FOR newsletter today. For those of you who don't get it, it is reproduced here:

RIVER ISSUES June 2008 - Friends of the Rappahannock News

 

1. Upcoming Events
2. Volunteer Opportunities
3. Education Programs
4. Job Opening
5. Don’t Google It. GoodSearch It !
6. FOR in Action 

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1.  Upcoming Events

Please pre-register for all events. (540)-373-3448

June 21 - Family River Safety and Tubing Trip:  This is a family fun event.  Learn river safety from our 2007 Volunteer of the Year Awardee Carol Brooks, and then take a fun tubing trip down the river with our guides.  No flip-flops.  Minimum age 8 years old.  12:30-4:30 pm.  $15 individual/$30 Family.  Backup Date: June 22.

June 28 - River Easement Hike and Float: Fredericksburg’s River Steward, Lee Sillitoe, will guide us through a city’s riverside land holdings and discuss the importance of conservation easements and riparian forest buffers.  We will canoe from Mott’s Run Landing and then hike to England Run Falls. $15 indiv./$30 family.  Rain or shine.

July 19 - Lightning Bug Canoe Float: It’s a magical experience to paddle the glassy river under moonlight.  Join our guides as we learn all about the fireflies that light our way.  Minimum age 6 years. Previous canoe experience recommended.  Meet at the City Dock.  7:30–10:00pm.  $15 indiv./$30 family.  Backup Date: July 26

For more events, check out our full 2008 Calendar at:

www.riverfriends.org/Events/2007CalendarofEvents/tabid/89/Default.aspx

2. Volunteer Opportunities

We will be filming a short segment for a film contest sponsored by Tom’s of Maine.  The goal is to inspire others to help in their local community.  We are looking for volunteers with acting skills or a desire to be on YouTube to share FOR's story.  Please contact Rebecca at rebecca.kurylo@riverfriends.org

Join Rappahannock Restore Corps!

Rappahannock Restore Corps is our team of volunteers who help us restore riverine and riparian habitats through activities such as invasive plant control, riparian forest plantings, river clean-ups, and trail work.  We plan several of these volunteer workdays each year so you can meet like-minded souls while contributing to restoring the health and scenic beauty of the Rappahannock River.  Upcoming Rappahannock Restore Corps events:

July – Trail Work:  In July (date TBD), we will need many hands to cut back vegetation along our public-accessible trails through our River Natural Area.  If interested, contact dan.westerhof@riverfriends.org.

To learn more about Rappahannock Restore Corps, go to www.riverfriends.org/Default.aspx?tabid=214 or call Dan at 540-373-3448.

ADOPT-A-STREAM in Stafford County
Help keep your local streams and the Rappahannock River healthy and beautiful by participating in our Adopt-A-Stream program.  Adopting a stream entails picking up litter along a stream twice a year.  This is a great service opportunity for groups such as families, local businesses, organizations, churches, and scouts. For more information, call Dan at (540) 373-3448.

River Orientation Center Volunteers
We need a crew of new volunteers to help visitors in our River Orientation Center starting July 1st.  Hours are flexible, with a 2-hour commitment per week.  Weekend volunteers are especially needed!  Contact Jenn at 540-373-3448. 

3. Education Programs
Fishing on the Rappahannock Summer Day Camp – June 17-19, 2008
It's all about fishing!  Learn fishing basics and try your hand at angling each day.  In addition, learn more about fish and river conditions that make healthy fish habitat.  Daily 9 am – 1 pm.  Ages: 9-13. Fee: $90, $80 FOR members

Themed Youth Programs
Register your youth group for a 2-hour program - Children can explore the wildlife living in and along the river, work towards scout try-its and badges, interpret the environment through art, or learn to evaluate river conditions and explore the river safely.

June 23-27:  Scout week
July 7-11:  Water Week
July  21-25: Art and River Safety Week

These programs are for groups only.  Cost: $6 per child, min. $60 per program.
To register, education@riverfriends.org or 540-373-3448.

4.  Stewardship Coordinator Job Opening
We are hiring a 1-year term AmeriCorps intern position!  This is a wonderful opportunity to gain experience in a conservation profession.  For details, go to:  www.riverfriends.org – click on the link on the right that says “Position Opening”.

5. Don’t Google It.  GoodSearch It!
What if Friends of the Rappahannock earned a penny every time you searched the Internet?  GoodSearch.com is a Yahoo-powered search engine that donates about a penny per search to the charities its users designate.  Just go to www.goodsearch.com and be sure to enter Friends of the Rappahannock as the charity you want to support - click “Verify”, then search the internet!  So, don’t Google it.  GoodSearch it.  And, be sure to spread the word!

Another neat way to raise money online:  GoodShop.com is a new online shopping mall which donates up to 37% of each purchase to your favorite cause! Hundreds of great stores including Amazon, Target, Gap, Best Buy, ebay, Macy's and Barnes & Noble have teamed up with GoodShop.  Check it out!

6. FOR in Action
FOR Receives Funding from the Chesapeake Bay Funders Network!
We were just awarded a $60,000 grant to continue our “capacity building initiative” for the 2nd year.  What does this phrase mean??  In the for-profit world, this phrase is analogous to “organizational development.”  Essentially, capacity building is focused on developing the skills, tools, and resources that an organization needs to be more effective in achieving their mission.  For this CBFN grant program, last year we developed a strategic plan and a fundraising plan, doubled our membership, and initiated fundraising campaigns through the mail; this year, we are expanding our fundraising programs and developing staff and Board leadership skills.

River Hero
FOR Executive Director, John Tippett, received the prestigious River Hero award in May from the River Network.  Read more about this in our River Views summer newsletter, due out in early July.

Chesapeake Forest Conservation Summit
FOR Programs Manager, Jenn Allen, joined participants from over 50 Bay-related organizations in a two-day summit to explore strategies for advancing local and regional collaboration on forest conservation to improve the water quality of the Chesapeake Bay.  To learn more about the State of Chesapeake Forests, go to: www.na.fs.fed.us/watershed/pdf/socf/Table%20of%20Contents&Prologue.pdf 
 
Advocacy News
John Tippett and Jenn Allen participated in a two-day retreat with Virginia Senators to educate the Senate finance committee about the importance of dedicating state funding for water quality improvement.  John also continues to work hard on the statewide technical committee revising stormwater regulations. (Stormwater is the rainwater that runs off of developed/paved lands, and if not properly managed, it can carry pollution to our waterways.) 

New Staff!
Bernadette Downing will be joining us on June 23rd as our new AmeriCorps intern serving as our Volunteer and Outreach Coordinator over the next year!

We have a new intern from Randolph Macon University.  We welcome Laura Wilson.  She will be updating our website, so check in to see the wonderful changes.

River Guide Training
On May 24-25, fourteen volunteer river guides participated in a weekend-long intensive training on improving their paddling skills, learning about river safety, and practicing river rescues, taught by the American Canoe Association.  Why? To ensure that our river guides are prepared to safely lead the public on our canoe interpretive trips each summer! 

      

Rappahannock Restore Corps Volunteers in Action
Thank you to our volunteers Eileen, David, Karl, Jen, Karen, Jackie, Janet, and Mary for helping remove Oriental bittersweet and multiflora rose from the FOR nature area on May 31.  By removing these invasive plants, we made room for native plants to grow, helping to protect the health of our riverside forest.

City Easement Float
John Tippett and Rebecca Kurylo joined elected officials and staff from City of Fredericksburg, Stafford, Spotsylvania, Culpeper, Orange, Department of Game and Inland Fisheries, Virginia Outdoors Foundation and the American Canoe Association for a celebration of the River Easement on May 30.  We floated down a 10-mile stretch, reminding us of the precious resource we are protecting – and - 60% of the canoes flipped over because of swift waters and horsing-around! 

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Keep Our River Healthy!
Do you want to learn about what YOU can do to help our river???!!!??? Visit our website for many tips on pollution prevention and water conservation: 
www.riverfriends.org/Programs/Advocacy/KeeptheRiverHealthy/tabid/73/Default.aspx

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Cut and paste the address into your address bar.
Donate and Join http://www.riverfriends.org
Volunteer Opportunities http://www.riverfriends.org/Volunteer/tabid/193/Default.aspx
2008 Event Calendar http://www.riverfriends.org/Events/2007CalendarofEvents/tabid/89/Default.aspx

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To UNSUBSCRIBE from this list, just send a reply email with the word REMOVE in the subject line.  You will receive a confirmation once your removal is processed.  If you have any questions, please call the Friends of the Rappahannock office at 540-373-3448 or email us at info@riverfriends.org
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Laurie & Peter

Hi Everybody,

Join us at downtown Fredericksburg's smoke free listening room.....

Friday, June 20, 7:30-9:30
The Griffin Bookstore & Coffee Bar
723 Caroline St.
Fredericksburg, VA, 540-899-8041

Laurie and Peter

www.laurieandpeter.com

If you haven't seen the new Griffin you really should. It's a lovely venue for music and for just plain relaxation.

The Culprits in concert tomorrow....

night...another high-kicking house concert from Ruth Golden and House About Tonight Productions: See poster and map. You'll have to scroll down a bit for the map but hey, you'll do it because your an Internet surfing, computer using whiz that loves a cyber challenge:

Final respects

Route 1 was lined with people who gathered to pay their last respects as the funeral procession for city police officer Todd Bahr passed by en route to Sunset Memorial Gardens. Bahr was a victim of what, according to Fredericksburg Police Chief David Nye, appeared to be a fatal ambush last Friday night. The shooting took place as Bahr and other city police officers responded to a domestic dispute on Cowan Boulevard. Bahr was the first city officer to lose his life in the line of duty in over 40 years.

I couldn't begin to count the law enforcement and public safety vehicle in the procession but there had to be between three and four hundred. There was even a locally organized "rolling thunder" style tribute made up of about 100 civilian cyclists, many displaying both the American flag and the well known POW/MIA banner.

As I stood across from the entrance to Sunset Memorial Gardens trying, in vain I fear, to capture the scope of the scene on camera I could see looking to the north that Route 1 was backed up and at a standstill as far as I could see and according to one deputy, probably backed up all the way into Stafford. I saw units from public safety organizations from Virginia Beach all the way north into Maryland and most localities in between including the U.S. Capital police.

All the units passed under the extended towers of the aerial trucks from the Fredericksburg and Chancellor Fire Departments.