Fredericksburg, VA

July/August 2014

by Elizabeth Clements, staff writer

Many residents downsized to a smaller home upon moving to Falls Run. Some also downsized by going from two cars to one. Greg and Margie Marfori were forced into the decision when their transmission blew up on the way back from Charleston. After receiving a $5,000 quote for repairs, they made do with one car. One of Bob and Marge Derouin’s cars was also experiencing transmission problems when they decided to downsize. And Al and Barbara Venit went to only one car after facing a large repair bill.

Brian and Kellye Lonberger were shopping for a new car to replace an older model at the same time that Brian got rid of his truck. So they, too, thought they would try having only one car. Bob and Emma Gilbert

found they were usually going to the same place, so it was no longer neces-sary to deal with two cars. Bob and Jean Williams came to Falls Run with two cars, one of which was leased. When the lease expired, they didn’t renew.

Each couple said they thought they would try the “downsizing adven-ture” with the knowledge that they could always change their minds and buy that second car. So far none of them has. And they are surprised at how well they get along with one car. Even after a year, the Lonbergers haven’t used a single one of three car-rental vouchers they had received with their new car purchase. The couples agree that although they don’t have the security of a back-up car, a

A new slant on downsizing

(Clockwise, from upper left): Al and Barbara Venit, Dick and Edith Rothermel, Bob and Jean Williams, Bob and Emma Gilbert; (center): Bob and Marge DerouinPhotos by Rachael Nieves  

See A new slant on downsizing on page 12, column 1

ANNOUNCEMENTS

Check those insertsThe calendar/activities inserts for July and August are included in this issue.

Help wantedPlease contact Julie Hebdon (Julie.Hebdon@fsresidential.com or 540-899-9958) if you are willing to volunteer as a recording secretary, as needed, for FRCA meetings. Experience preferred.

We’re improving our customer serviceIn mid-June, we updated the concierges’ computer system to provide a printed receipt for every sign-up. This program requires that you present your activity card; so always bring it along. Thanks for your patience as our concierges work toward expediting your transactions.

From our design guidelines“Trash and recycling containers shall not be visible from outside the dwelling unit unless they are being made available for collection and then only for the shortest time reasonably necessary to effect such collection.”

2

Falls Run GazetteEditor: Susanne Lazanov

Staff Writers: Connie Block, Corinne Busch, Elizabeth Clements, Jeanette Doolittle, Art Gabler, Judi Neumann, Judy Rao, Sue Silvers, Susan Smart, Ione Tabor

Staff Photographer: Rachael Nieves

Contributing Writers: Chuck Heath, Mary Mork, Joanne York

Articles/Photos/Activities Announcements: suelaz@aol.com

Advertisements/Calendar: Doreen Barnes, activities director, activitiesdirector@fallsrun.org

September Deadline: August 1

Community corner: The Falls Run websiteby Dan Augustine, webmaster, fallsrun.org, and chair, Communications Committee

The Falls Run website (fallsrun.org) is the go-to place for everything official about our community. The menu bar across the top of the home page leads you to all of the areas on the site. The “Members” section contains our resident directory, governing documents, meeting agendas and minutes, and similar information and is the only area available solely to residents who are registered users.

To obtain a user ID and password, click on “Members” and then “Request a User ID and Password.” Complete the form, save it on your computer and email it to webmaster@fallsrun.org. You will receive a confirming email upon approval.

The Communications Committee is working to re-organize and update the website. Upon completion, residents will find it easier to access information about Falls Run and the surrounding area.

In memoriamThomas M. Lloyd, son of Tom Lloyd

Davis White

The Falls Run community extends sincere sympathy to the families on the loss of their loved one.

Soil issues

3. Acidic sulfate soil–This results most often from the exposure of formations containing sulfur, which in our area occur at rela-tively shallow depths. Soil with a pH between 4.5 and 5.5 is not conducive to growing grass, which needs a pH between 6.5 and 7.0. The fix? Send a soil sample to Virginia Tech for analysis, and follow the recommendations provided.

Visit us at the Falls Run Plant Clinic on Mondays, 8am-noon, or email me at skibuff39@gmail.com. Master gardeners make house calls to look at your issues/problems, take soil samples for testing and sharpen lawn mower blades, all at no cost. (There is a fee for soil analysis.)

In the garden

by Chuck Heath, advanced master gardener and tree steward

Here are the top three soil-related issues in the order that they affect our grass, plants, shrubs, trees and vegetables:

1. Soil compaction–This occurs when heavy equipment, such as mowers, repeatedly traverses the clay soil in our yards and prevents water, oxygen and nutrients from reaching the roots, where they are needed. The fix? Aerate your lawn every fall.

2. Infertile soil–During our commu-nity’s construction, most of the topsoil was removed. Grass seed was planted or sod installed for each homeowner in the clay subsoil. Nutrients, primarily organic matter, need to be replaced in a systematic method to improve your soil. The fix? Add ¼ to ½ inch of compost as a “top dressing” right after you aerate in the fall.

Maintenance memoRain gutter seams that are not properly caulked can rust and invite fungi to grow when organic matter gets trapped. Inspect gutters annually, and re-caulk as needed.

July/August 2014

3

Hats off to……Brenda Dudley and Sally Cooney Anderson, and their helpers, for organizing the second annual community-wide Memorial Day barbecue, and to the attendees who brought delicious food to share.

merely peer through the tall fence, she often hopped over it to better engage with dignitaries traveling to and from the airport. She witnessed Pres. Eisenhower sitting on the back of a convertible waving to the crowds, as was done in those innocent days. When Nikita Khrushchev visited, however, she recalls being eye to eye with him as he passed in a bullet-proof vehicle.

Including two houses in Falls Run, Dixie has lived in 23 different homes with her husband of 46 years, Dale, a construction manager, whose career took them to Texas, Missouri, West Virginia, Nevada and Kentucky. Despite all these moves, which spanned nine months to 12 years, Dixie adjusted to life as it presented itself.

Married right out of high school, Dixie went straight to the task of setting up a home and raising two daughters. It was not until her 38th year that she went back to school to become a certified back- and front-office medical assistant. “At that time, we did it all: assisting in minor surgeries, venipuncture, taking vitals and keeping records,” she explains. When one of her patients subse-quently opened a physical therapy office and offered her training in

Who knew? Dixie Hagar sports medicine, Dixie jumped at the

chance.

Several years later, in a complete turnaround, Dixie found herself working in a restaurant to help her older daughter. Loving to cook, this came naturally; but it also afforded the opportunity to learn all aspects of the business. The days were long and back-breaking, and Dixie admits this was the worst job she ever had.

What she considers her most mean-ingful work was in an after-school program for underprivileged chil-dren. Here she was able to give the love and structure these youngsters desperately needed. Dixie recalls that initially it was difficult to engage the children. After trying several different tactics to win them over, challenging them to a game of pingpong (she’s a “pro”) proved just the right strategy.

When Dixie’s younger daughter’s husband shuddered at the thought of attending the births of their three children, Dixie stepped right in and was the one to “catch” each baby. That’s a hands-on grandmother!

Music has always been an important part of Dixie’s life. As a youngster,

by Corinne Busch, staff writer

Dixie Hagar, a wife, mother, grand-mother, self-proclaimed “jack of all trades” with a beautiful singing voice and cheerful personality, is the sum of a lifetime of experiences that have made her the resilient and spirited person she is today.

Growing up on Sepulveda Blvd. in Los Angeles, Dixie’s home bordered the route to LAX. Not satisfied to

Dixie HagarPhoto by Rachael Nieves

See Who knew? Dixie Hagar on page 12, column 2

Planting Trimming Mulching Tree and Stump Removal

Call Ray Surles (the Mailman) for a Free Estimate at 540 846 8188 or email to mcsrca@myway.com)

We Do Big and Small Jobs

Many Satisfied Falls Run Customers

10% Falls Run Discount

4

FALLS RUN 7.125” x 4.5458’” 042014 Access Eye Centers ads 2014.indd

www.AccessEye.com

Correct Your Cataracts + See Better Than Ever!Learn about all the new FDA-approved lenses that can eliminate or dramatically reduce the need for glasses after your cataract surgery. Call or stop by to speak with a surgical coordi-nator to discuss the options that may be available to you. The location closest to Falls Run is our Rt. 1-S. Stafford/Falmouth Office, 110 Cambridge St. in Falmouth.

We welcome Tri-Care, VSP & most insurance.

Your eyesight is precious. Trust it to Access Eye Centers.

540.371.20/20

“Now I see better than ever, thanks to Crystalens.TM ”

Graham Nash, Legendary Musician

Now Offering Hearing Healthcare ServicesSignificant vision and hearing loss often occur together. As part of our comprehensive eye examinations, our staff may perform a quick screening to see how our patients’ eyes and ears are functioning together. All diagnostic hearing tests are complimentary. Based on that screening, your doctor may suggest a more complete exam.Hearing Aid Specialist Bert Ferren has joined our staff. We provide a large selection of the finest, most advanced, state-of-the-art digital, programmable hearing aids.

Bert Ferren Hearing Aid Specialist

Your Resident Falls Run Realtor Certified Sr. Housing Specialist

Home is where the Heart is!

1910 William Street Fredericksburg, VA 22401

Pat McCord Cell: 703-407-1947 Cell: 540-907-0315

Any questions or concerns, just call or email me! Happy to help!

Rapahannock $449,900. Rapahannock $299,950.

Crestwood $237,500. Janssen $247K

Call (540) 548-2884 www.AlwaysBestCareFredericksburg.com

HOME CARE FOR SENIORSAt Always Best Care, every client receives extraordinary care in an inspiring environment with caring, compassionate people. Our caregivers will help you or your loved one stay in your home by providing the highest levels of care and companionship. Contact us today for a free care consultation. We’re dedicated to exceeding your expectations ... always.

Locations independently owned and operated throughout the United States.

July/August 2014

5

Easy riders by Art Gabler, staff writer

Steve Beebe figures that he spent about $290,000 for the 2001 Harley-Davidson “Fat Boy” he bought in 2000. That’s what it cost for a pool, a condo in Ocean City, Md., and a new Jeep Grand Cherokee for his wife, Debbie, to win her okay!

Steve’s first bike was a 1960 Ducati 250 that he bought while stationed in North Carolina with the Air Force. The more recent purchase was a baby boomer, mid-life kind of thing. Steve was working as an assis-tant fire marshal for the Fairfax County Fire and Rescue Department, where some buddies owned bikes, and he wanted to be one of the “boys.” Riding the bike to work daily put on about 55,000 miles in just a few years. A memorable 19-day trip in 2005 was to the renowned Sturgis, S.D., biker rally and included side trips to the Little Big Horn Battlefield in Montana, Yellowstone, Idaho Springs, Cody, Wyo., Denver and St. Louis.

Since living here, Steve rides only a few times a week because many of his buddies have moved, slowed down or passed away. He has never had an accident because he is a defensive rider and, besides, “it hurts.” For the record, Debbie, who enjoys the perks of his owning a bike, has never taken a ride.

When Karen Whitehead asked her dad if she should get a motorcycle, he replied, “Life is short. Don’t wait for a rainy day. Be careful. And take a safety class.” So on Mother’s Day, 2012, after successfully completing

the required training, she started riding.

Karen’s current bike is a Harley-Davidson Tri-Glide Ultra Classic three-wheeler with all the bells and whistles. She named it “Leon,” her dad’s middle name. When she looks in the side-view mirror, she sees “Noel,” which means “gift” and reminds her of her dad’s approval. And when her daughter recently had a baby boy, Grandma Karen immedi-

ately bought him a Harley-Davidson onesie.

Riding her bike, which has about 2,000 miles on it, gives Karen a sense of freedom and confidence, whether it’s just to the store or an all-day trip. Ownership also gives her a sense of camaraderie with others in the Fredericksburg biker community. But in deference to her dad’s concern for safety, Karen stores her bike from November through March.

Marshall and Nancy Abbate don’t ride motorcycles; but both have maxi-scooters, which are smaller, lighter and easier to handle. Featuring an automatic transmission, electric starter and liquid-cooled engine that can do over 70mph, the step-through makes it easy to mount and dismount.

After completing a motorcycle safety driving course at Germanna Community College, Marshall bought his Italian-made Piaggio in 2007. But he wishes he’d bought it 45 years earlier. He has racked up

Steve BeebePhoto by Rachael Nieves  

Nancy and Marshall AbbatePhoto by Rachael Nieves  

See Easy riders on page 12, column 3

6

July/August 2014

7

8

Live the life you’ve always dreamedUpon your first visit to Chancellor’s Village, you might have to pinch yourself. When you live on our beautiful campus, we take care of the chores so that you can live your life pursuing your passions, or simply enjoying a life of leisure. Our beautifully furnished common areas include game rooms, an exercise room, an elegant dining room, library, activity rooms, and more. We’ve designed our community for you to live according to your desires—follow your passions at your own pace.

LET US TAKE THE WORRY OUT

OF THE MOVE.

Call to talk with our moving specialist

and let us take care of the cost*.

CALL FOR DETAILS

888-239-4495*Terms and conditions apply.

Our LifestyleSTARTS WITH A SMILE

CHANCELLOR ’S VILLAGE

at

I N DEPEN DEN T L I V I NG | A SSIST ED L I V I NG12100 CHANCELLOR’S VILLAGE LANE | FREDERICKSBURG, VA 22407

WWW.SENIORLIFESTYLE.COM

July/August 2014

9

Historic downtown Fredericksburg – Part II by Susan Smart, staff writer

A walking tour map of the city shows the many buildings from the 18th and 19th centuries. Some from the 1700s were covered in last month’s article; this one will look at others from the 1800s.

Built in 1833, the Reformed Baptist Church on Sophia St. was a “white” church whose members included slaves and free blacks. When the white Baptists built their own church in 1854, the old one was sold to the blacks and renamed the African Baptist Church. Closed during the Civil War and used as a hospital, it was remodeled in 1899 by the First Christian Church and became known as Shiloh Baptist Church. After flood damage in 1886, members rebuilt it. Re-named Shiloh Baptist Church (Old Site), it still stands today.

Brompton, originally known as Marye House, at Hanover St. and Sunken Rd., was built in 1838 by Laurence Marye. Located about 400 yards from town, it was a Confed-erate stronghold against repeated Union assaults on the slope during the Battle of Fredericksburg (1862–1863). Confederate Gen. James Long-street maintained his headquarters at Brompton, which now serves as the residence of the president of the University of Mary Washington.

And located at 123 Lee Dr., Braehead was built in 1858-1859. During the Battle of Fredericksburg, Gen. Robert E. Lee’s headquarters were located near the home, where he had break-fast on Dec. 13, 1862.

Prisoner’s Headquarters at 706 Caro-line St. was built between 1817 and 1825 by Anthony Kale as a confec-tionary shop and residence. In August 1862, some of Fredericksburg’s citi-zens too old for military service were held there as hostages by the Union Army before being taken to the Old Capitol Prison in Washington. In 1928, it became the home of the Salvation Army and is now the Fredericksburg Visitor Center.

In 1894, Charles Green built a factory for The Kenmore Shoe Company on Prussia St., between Charles and Prince Edward streets; but a 1908 fire destroyed much of the building. After it was re-built, it became home to the Fredericksburg Shoe Company and the Virginia Shoe Company.

A great good-weather activity is to get a Fredericksburg walking tour map (available at the visitor center and at many downtown businesses) that you can follow through the city to see the buildings of historic significance. You can also check the library for books and the Internet for sites devoted to the city’s history.

Sources: Sean Maroney, executive director, Historic Fredericksburg Foundation; various visitors’ pamphlets and Fredericks-burg history websites, and the National Archives. Any errors are mine and I apologize.

Brompton

Shiloh Baptist Church (Old Site)

Hats off to……residents who willingly stack chairs after meetings and events.

10

Center for Skin Cancer SurgeryTreatments for:

•

• Squamous Cell Carcinoma

• Malignant Melanoma

• Other Skin Cancers

540-720-2220 or 1-800-264-2653

245 Hospital Center Blvd # 105, Stafford(Behind Stafford Hospital in Medical Pavilion Building)

MOHS Surgeon & Skin Cancer Specialist.

Basal Cell Carcinoma

Dr. Amir A. Bajoghli is a board-certified & fellowship trained

Aaron J. Byrd, Esq.

July/August 2014

11

Making my house my own Photos by Rachael Nieves

Lions corner

by Peggy Chance, GFRLC lion tamer

The 155 confirmed cases of measles in Ohio as of May 24 add to what is already an 18-year high in the U.S., where health professionals considered the highly contagious disease eliminated in 2000. Although measles has been almost eradi-cated in developed countries, it still kills one person every four minutes in other parts of the world, most of whom are children younger than five.

Lions Clubs International Foundation has committed to raising $30 million by 2017 for vaccinations, a sum that partners will match dollar for dollar. Reaching this goal will cover the cost of vaccines for 114 million more children. We hope that you will contribute to this international partner-ship. Please make your check payable to the Greater Falls Run Lions Club, put “One Shot, One Life” on the memo line and give it to Peggy Chance or any GFRLC member.

For years, I have been decorating my houses using themes in various rooms. My laundry room reflects my love of all things Coke™. The guest bathroom clearly shows that I’m a native of Chicago. Our office, or “hooray for us” room, has a wall covered in awards and plaques. Our downstairs rec room is purely Karl’s with antique Marine Corps posters, a sword and prints, and a collection of miniature Civil War soldiers he made. My kitchen showcases my love of red and my antique kitchenware.

—Marlene Kabza

12

A new slant on downsizing Continued from front page

neighbor will come to the rescue in the unlikely event they need one.

Most of the advantages of downsizing are financial: less money spent on gas, maintenance, insurance, registra-tion and personal property taxes. Also, it is less expensive to rent a car for a few days, if needed, than to maintain a second vehicle. Last, but not least, there is certainly more room in the garage!

Dick and Edith Rothermel looked at downsizing in a different way. Dick, who had always driven a very large car, bought a smaller and more economical model after a six-month search. Now he finds it’s so much easier to park in his garage, which has shelves on both sides.

Downsizing to a single or smaller car can take some adjustment; but the rewards contribute to a “richer” life.

Easy riders Continued from page 5

If your property is currently listed for sale with another realtor, this is not a solicitation for your listing.

Cell: (540) 903-0641 lizpierson.realestate@yahoo.com http://lizpierson.averyhess.com

Cell: (540) 532-8111 shim_silas@yahoo.com

http://www.averyhess.com

more than 45,000 miles on trips to Arkansas, Florida and Michigan, and to scooter rallies. Three years ago, he participated in a scooter tour in Italy with 12 other riders from around the world.

Marshall kept asking Nancy to join him on his rides. So four years ago, she bought her 2009 Honda Silver Wing after also completing the safety course. Fearful of falling over, Nancy had “training wheels” installed. She often joins Marshall for a scenic ride to such places as Charlottesville, Tappahannock and Winchester.

Nancy and Marshall have ridden in several Rolling Thunder rallies, joining thousands of bikers in honoring veterans. It’s easy to spot Nancy: “Grammy” (in their grand-daughter’s handwriting) is painted on the back of her helmet.

Since 1492!!

540-229-9999 mobile540-373-4717 office

David P. Wassenaar

www.davethemover.com

she had trouble learning piano the traditional way; but after her instructor demonstrated each piece, Dixie just played it by ear. Her ability to harmonize and the beautiful quality of her voice are gifts she has shared as part of the Sweet Adelines, a singing group committed to preserving the art of barbershop performance.

Although Dixie admits that her life will never be stagnant, she is very grateful for the here and now in Falls Run. “Everyone keeps an eye out for neighbors, and there are so many opportunities to have fun.” Her days are fulfilled through performing with the Falls Run Singers, both in the group and as a soloist, Bible study and spending time with her grandchildren.

Who knew? Dixie Hagar Continued from page 3