Old Town Crier- February 2016 Full Issue

Since 1988 • Priceless

February 2016

From the Bay to the Blue Ridge

Road Trip

WILD, WONDERFUL WEST VIRGINIA

From the New River Bridge to Canaan Valley Business Profile

WINDSOR OF OLD TOWN Celebrating 35 Years!

Dining Out

BLACKWALL HITCH

A Modern Interpretation of a Classic Shore Tavern Open Space

PINK HEARTS, RED ROSES & JAILED LOVERS oldtowncrier.com

february’16 A Division of Crier Media Group OTC Media LLC PO Box 320386 Alexandria, VA 22320

16

phone: 703. 836.0132 office@oldtowncrier.com oldtowncrier.com Published the first week of every month.

Worth waiting for!

PUBLISHER Bob Tagert MARKETING & ADVERTISING Lani Gering Bob Tagert SOCIAL MEDIA & WEBSITE Ashley Schultz DESIGN & PRODUCTION Electronic Ink 9 Royal Street, SE Leesburg, VA 20175 Chris Anderson Peggie Arvidson Sarah Becker Frank Britt Bonnie Browning F. Lennox Campello Steve Chaconas Doug Coleman Jimmy Deaton Doug Fabbioli Nicole Flanagan

CONTRIBUTORS Lani Gering Miriam Kramer Sarah Liu Jeff McCord Kate McLean Julie Reardon Chester Simpson Bob Tagert Carl Trevisan Ryan Unverzagt Lori Welch Brown

5 A Bit of History After Hours Alexandria Events

9 8 11 3

Financial Focus

6

Open Space

45

First Blush

43

Pets of the Month

17

Fitness

40

Points on Pets

16

Art & Antiques

15

From the Bay…

22

Publishers Notes

Behind the Bar

28

From the Trainer

41

Road Trip

20

5

2

Gallery Beat

14

Spiritual Renaissance

44

Caribbean Connection

18

Go Fish

39

The Last Word

13

Chefs Special

34

Grapevine

36

To the Blue Ridge

25

Civil Discourse

9

Groundhog’s Day Fun Facts

27

Urban Garden

7

Dining Guide

32

High Notes

12

Valentine’s Day Trivia

4

Dining Out

30

National Harbor

46

Exploring Virginia Wines

38

On the Road

Business Profile

1

© 2016 Crier Media Group, Inc. No part of this publication may be reproduced without the written consent of the publisher. The Old Town Crier is published monthly and distributed to selected Alexandria residents, hotels, restaurants and retail shops. Also distributed in the Annapolis, Fredericksburg, Blue Ridge and Washington, DC areas as well as St. John, USVI.

About the cover On the road with OTC Happy Valentine’s Day from everyone at the Old Town Crier! Enjoy the Valentine’s Day trivia on page 4; and remember, never pass up an opportunity to tell someone you love how you feel.

Old Town Crier

Daniel Simpson, son of Old Town Crier contributor Chester Simpson and pictured with his grade 6 math and science class, enjoys reading the Old Town Crier at Joy Bilingual School in Surat Thani, Thailand.

If you would like to see your picture here, take the OTC with you on your next trip, snap a high resolution photo and send it along with information for the caption to office@oldtowncrier.com.

February 2016 | 1

Love Keeps Us Together

PUBLISHER’S NOTES BOB TAGERT

I

Adopt-A-Manatee® this Valentine’s Day

am writing this on January 29. One week ago the Blizzard of 2016 fell upon us. I was stuck here for two and a half days with only one bottle of wine.

Snow, cold and 30 knot winds were the norm. Next week the temps are predicted to be in the low to middle 60s — what is going on?

Don’t get me wrong, I have no desire to see the temperatures of the last two years return, but I am not quite ready to de-winterize my sailboat.

A bit of spring in the middle of winter is nice, but tends to spoil me.

Congratulations to our friends Caroline and Bill Ross on receiving the award for best new mid-size business from the Mount Vernon Chamber of Commerce. It was only two years ago that the couple opened River Bend Bistro in the Hollin Hall Shopping Center. Good job, guys!

It is Valentine’s Day this month so remember to take your honey to one of the great restaurants that advertise in our publication. Don’t forget

about the nation’s largest George Washington Birthday parade. It will take place in Old Town Alexandria on February 15. Bring the kids.

Sarah Becker takes a look at Charles Darwin who was born this month in 1809 in her A Bit of History column, while Doug Coleman brings the Civil War to the banks of the Potomac in Civil Discourse. Jeff McCord once again connects our area with the Caribbean through the sails of the Schooner Vigilant in Caribbean Connection. This months’ restaurant review features The Blackwall Hitch.

This is a beautiful and welcome addition to the Old Town waterfront.

Congratulations go out to our friend Donna Windsor and her son Stephen on 35 years of business at Windsor of Old Town. When I started the Old Town Crier in 1988, Donna was one of my first advertisers. You’ve come a long way, baby!

Call 1-800-432-5646 (JOIN) savethemanatee.org Photo © David Schrichte

Since 1988–Priceless

From the Bay to the Blue Ridge

February 2013

Grapevine

TRUMP WINERY

Boldly Moving Ahead Business Profile

THE SILVER PARROT Sexy, Sultry Silver

Personality Profile

BRYAN WATSON

Hockey Great & Restaurateur Road Trip

BLOOMERY PLANTATION DISTILLERY Hand Crafted & Home Grown Dining Out

HANK’S OYSTER BAR Feel the Love

Happy Valentines Day!

LOCAL FARMERS MARKETS OLD TOWN FARMERS MARKET

MARKET SQUARE • 301 KING STREET SATURDAY 7 A.M. - NOON, YEAR ROUND Free parking in Market Square garage during market hours People who come to Alexandria on Saturday mornings find themselves in a busy plaza where local farmers and artists have been selling their products since 1753. Old Town Alexandria’s Market Square is thought to be one of the nation’s oldest continually operating farmers markets, serving as a primary source of meat, dairy, fish, fruits and vegetables for Alexandrians. George Washington sent his

2 | February 2016

oldtowncrier.com

get your

!

monthly fix

produce from Mount Vernon to be sold here. Today, the market offers folks a way to reconnect to the past, while participating in an ongoing local and national tradition.

Subscribe today and enjoy every issue of the Old Town Crier at home. Fill out this form, enclose a check for $25 (12 issues) and drop it in the mail to:

DEL RAY FARMERS MARKET

Old Town Crier PO Box 320386 Alexandria, Va. 22320

CORNER OF EAST OXFORD & MOUNT VERNON AVENUES SATURDAY 8 A.M. - NOON, YEAR ROUND The Del Ray Market is producer grown, with fresh vegetables and fruits in season. All year round, this market offers meats, eggs, fresh pasta and sauces, Amish cheese, yogurt, bakery goods, eggs, jams and jellies, fancy nuts and bakery goods.

Name _______________________________________________ Address _____________________________________________ City/State/Zip ________________________________________

Old Town Crier

Alexandria tours, exhibits, events

CELEBRATE GEORGE WASHINGTON’S BIRTHDAY WITH EVENTS THROUGHOUT FEBRUARY Thousands will join in the revelry for the 284th anniversary of George Washington’s birth in his hometown of Alexandria, Virginia. The city celebrates the General’s birthday throughout the month of February with more than a dozen festive events, including the George Washington Birthday Parade, a Cherry Challenge among Alexandria’s finest restaurants, free admission to historic sites, popular walking tours, 18th-century dance classes, and a 10K and 2K Fun Run. Alexandria is a “best of” when it comes to the spectrum of sites and special events associated with General Washington.

With George Washington’s Mount Vernon just eight miles

south of historic Old Town, more than 140 locations in presentday Alexandria are associated with the nation’s first president, who conducted business, gathered with friends, worshiped, and even owned a townhouse in the city.

GEORGE WASHINGTON BIRTHDAY PARADE FEBRUARY 15, 1-3 P.M. The nation’s largest George Washington Birthday parade marches a one-mile route through the streets of Old Town Alexandria. With nearly 3,500 participants, this community parade honors one of the city’s favorite sons. FREE

photo: Nina Tisara, Tisara Photography

MORE EVENTS CHERRY CHALLENGE JAN. 28- FEB. 11 In honor of George Washington’s birthday, participating restaurants will create unique, cherry-centric dishes in celebration of one of the most cherished legends surrounding our first president. This year features dishes from over 50 eateries such as prior participants Chadwick’s, Mount Vernon Inn, and Murphy’s Grand Irish Pub. Patrons rate their favorite dishes and winners are given special recognition at the George Washington Birthday Parade. A “Frequent Cherry Diner Award” will go to the customer who buys and rates the greatest number of Cherry Challenge entries.

18TH CENTURY DANCE CLASSES JAN. 28, FEB. 4 AND 11 7:30-9:30 P.M. In preparation for the Birthnight Ball on February 13, learn 18th-century English country dancing from expert dance instructors at Gadsby’s Tavern Museum.

Tickets: $12 per class or $30 for series.

Walking with Washington Tours – Every Sunday in February (7, 14, 21, and 28), 2016, 2-3:30 p.m. Walk in George Washington’s footsteps through his hometown, historic Alexandria, and view some of the sites connected to the General, like where he filled his prescriptions or slept overnight before returning to Mount Vernon. Begin your journey at the Ramsay House Visitors Center. FREE.

WINTER WARMER TEA AT GADSBY’S TAVERN MUSEUM FEB. 7, 3:00 AND 3:15 P.M. Enjoy the warmth and hospitality of the tavern! Join guest Martha Washington for a variety of 18th-century desserts and wash them down with a cup of John Gadsby’s special blend of tea or American Heritage Chocolate. Tickets: $35 inclusive.

George Washington’s Birthnight Banquet & Ball – February 13, 2016, 5:30-11 p.m.

Don your dancing shoes for this famous celebration of Washington’s Birthday at Gadsby’s Tavern Museum, set in the year 1799. The evening includes an 18thcentury banquet, English country dancing, dessert collation, character re-enactors plus the General and Mrs. Washington.

Period costume optional; “after-five” attire encouraged. Tickets: Tiered, starting at $125 for banquet and ball; $50 for ball only.

REVOLUTIONARY WAR REENACTMENT AT FORT WARD MUSEUM & HISTORIC SITE FEBRUARY 14, 10 A.M.-3 P.M. Historic camp and tactical demonstrations throughout the day including a Revolutionary War skirmish at 2 p.m. between the Redcoats and the Colonial Army. FREE.

MOUNT VERNON OPEN HOUSE FEBRUARY 15, 8 A.M.-4 P.M. Enjoy free admission at George Washington’s beloved home, the most visited historic estate in the United States.

Observe the traditional wreath laying ceremony at Washington’s tomb, hear patriotic music and delight in a meet and greet with the General, who roams the grounds all day. FREE. HISTORIC ALEXANDRIA OPEN HOUSES FEBRUARY 15, TIMES VARY Admission is free at these historic Alexandria sites: Carlyle House, Christ Church, Friendship Firehouse Museum, Gadsby’s Tavern Museum, Old Presbyterian Meeting House, Stabler-Leadbeater Apothecary Museum and The Lyceum, Alexandria’s history museum. FREE. BREAKFAST & MEETING OF THE FRIENDSHIP VETERANS FIRE ENGINE ASSOCIATION FEBRUARY 15, 9-10:30 A.M. Sponsored by the Friendship Veterans Fire Engine Association, this annual tradition at the Hotel Monaco features “George Washington’s” first appearance of the day, plus an address by Representative Don Beyer, the awarding of the prestigious Ben Lynt Award and a hearty breakfast.

Tickets: $30. Ticket information at www. friendshipfire.net or at 703-751-6416.

WREATH LAYING CEREMONY AT THE TOMB OF THE UNKNOWN SOLDIER OF THE REVOLUTION FEBRUARY 15, 11 A.M.-NOON Colonial military and civilians honor the soldiers of the Revolution at the Old Presbyterian Meeting House. FREE. ARMED FORCES COMMUNITY COVENANT CEREMONY FEBRUARY 15, 11-3:00 P.M. Come honor our Nation’s Veterans, Active Military, and their families with music, games, and activities for children with military vehicles, demonstrations, informational booths, and displays at

NATIONAL HISTORIC LANDMARK UNVEILING CEREMONY AT THE GEORGE WASHINGTON MASONIC NATIONAL MEMORIAL FEBRUARY 27, 10-11:00 A.M. Just outside the Memorial’s entrance, followed by a special tour of the Memorial.

GEORGE WASHINGTON SYMPOSIUM AT THE GEORGE WASHINGTON MASONIC NATIONAL MEMORIAL FEBRUARY 27, 1-3:00 P.M. The George Washington Symposium is held annually on Washington’s Birthday to provide the public with enlightening contemporary research on the life of George Washington. The theme of this year’s symposium is “From Relics to Repositories: Preserving George Washington’s Legacy Yesterday and Today.” Speakers include Carol Borchert Cadou, Senior Vice President for Historic Preservation & Collections at George Washington’s Mount Vernon; Martha Custis Peter, sixth-generation granddaughter of Martha Washington; and Timothy K. Winkle, Curator at the Smithsonian’s National Museum of American History. FREE. ANNUAL BIRTHDAY GALA AT THE GEORGE WASHINGTON MASONIC NATIONAL MEMORIAL FEBRUARY 27 5:30-9:30 P.M. Black tie. Tickets $125, reservations required. Reception at 5:30, entertainment in the Memorial Theater at 6:45 p.m., Banquet in the Memorial’s Grand Masonic Hall at 7:30 p.m. The Presentation of the George Washington Memorial Award will take place during the banquet.

FOR MORE INFORMATION All events: visitalexandriava.com/GWbday Select events: washingtonbirthday.net/ events

INTRODUCING A HANDSOME FELLOW FROM DETROIT WITH THREE EYES.

GEORGE WASHINGTON CLASSIC 10K RACE & 2K FUN RUN FEBRUARY 14, 8 A.M. Start and end at the US Patent & Trademark Office. Dash through this certified course through Eisenhower Valley. Special recognition of the 150th anniversary of the Alexandria Fire Department. Awards, t-shirts and refreshments provided. All proceeds benefit the historic George Washington Birthday Celebration. Fee: $40 for 10K; $10 for 2K.

TH E R U NWE LL CONTRAST CH RONO WITH 3 EYE C H R O N O G R AP H I N PVD B LAC K STE E L CAS E, B LAC K D IAL, D ETR O IT-B U I LT AR G O N ITE 5030 M OVE M E NT AN D AM E R I CAN-MAD E B LAC K R U B B E R STR AP.

609 King St

Old Town Alexandria

703-549-0011

SH090815E_Kings Jewelry_OldTowneCrier_5.425x4.35.indd 2

Old Town Crier

the Parade Reviewing Stand at Market Square. FREE.

9/14/15 7:30 PM

February 2016 | 3

15% of U.S. women send themselves flowers on Valentine’s Day. 73% of people who buy flowers for Valentine’s Day are men, while only 27% are women.

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About 1 billion Valentine’s Day cards are exchanged each year. That’s the largest seasonal card-sending occasion of the year, next to Christmas.

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About 3% of pet owners will give Valentine’s Day gifts to their pets.

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Alexander Graham Bell applied for his patent on the telephone, an “Improvement in Telegraphy,” on Valentine’s Day, 1876.

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California grows 60% of American roses, but the vast number sold on Valentine’s Day in the U.S. are imported, mostly from South America.

Approximately 110 million roses, the majority red, will be sold and delivered within a three day time period.

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Cupid, another symbol of Valentine’s Day, became associated with it because he was the son of Venus, the Roman god of love and beauty. Cupid often appears on valentine cards holding a bow and arrows as he is believed to inspire feelings of love.

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During the late 1800s, postage rates around the world dropped, and the obscene St. Valentine’s Day card became popular, despite the Victorian era being otherwise very prudish. As the number of racy valentines grew, several countries banned the practice of exchanging Valentine’s Days cards.

During this period, Chicago’s post office rejected more than 25,000 cards on the grounds that they were so indecent they were not fit to be carried through the U.S. mail.

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During the Middle Ages, the belief that birds chose their mates on St. Valentine’s Day led to the idea that boys and girls would do the same.

Up through the early 1900s, the Ozark hill people in the eastern United States thought that birds and rabbits started mating on February 14, a day for them which was not only Valentine’s Day but Groundhog Day as well.

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On February 14, 270 A.D. Roman Emperor Claudius II—dubbed “Claudius the Cruel”— beheaded a priest named Valentine for performing marriage ceremonies. Claudius II had outlawed marriages when Roman men began refusing to go to war in order to stay with their wives.

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Humorous valentines of the 19th century were called Vinegar Valentines or Penny Dreadfuls.

Vinegar Valentines were introduced in 1858 by John McLaughin, a Scotsman with a New York City publishing business. Penny Dreadfuls, with comic designs drawn in 1870 by American cartoonist Charles Howard, became known as Penny Dreadfuls.

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In 1929 in Chicago, gunmen believed to be employed by organized crime boss Al Capone, murdered seven members of the George “Bugs” Moran North Siders gang in a garage on North Clark Street. The so-called St. Valentine’s Day Massacre stirred a media storm centered on Capone and his illegal Prohibition era activities and motivated federal authorities to redouble their efforts to find evidence incriminating enough to take him off the streets.

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26 | February 4 | February 2016 2015

In the Middle Ages, young men and women drew names from a bowl to see who their valentines would be. They would wear these names on their sleeves for one week. The expression “To wear your heart on your sleeve” now means that it is easy for other people to know how you are feeling.

In Victorian times it was considered bad luck to sign a Valentine’s Day card.

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In Wales, wooden love spoons were carved and given as gifts on February 14. Hearts, keys and keyholes were favorite decorations on the spoons.

The decoration meant, “You unlock my heart!”

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On February 14, 1779, Captain James Cook, the great English explorer and navigator, was murdered by Hawaiian natives during his third visit to the Pacific island group.

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One single perfect red rose framed with baby’s breath is referred to by some florists as a Signature Rose and is the preferred choice of many on Valentine’s Day, an anniversary or birthday.

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Only the U.S., Canada, Mexico, France, Australia and the U.K. celebrate Valentine’s Day.

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Sir Alexander Fleming was a young bacteriologist whose accidental discovery led to one of the great developments of modern medicine. Having left a plate of staphylococcus bacteria uncovered, Fleming noticed that a mold that had fallen on the culture had killed many of the bacteria. He identified the mold as penicillium notatum. On February 14, 1929, Fleming introduced his mold by-product, called penicillin, to cure bacterial infections.

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Some used to believe that if a woman saw a robin flying overhead on Valentine’s Day, it meant she would marry a sailor. If she saw a sparrow, she would marry a poor man and be very happy. If she saw a goldfinch, she would marry a millionaire.

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Teachers receive the most Valentine’s Day cards, followed by children, mothers, wives, and then sweethearts. Children ages 6 to 10 exchange more than 650 million Valentine’s cards with teachers, classmates, and family members.

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A hopeful maiden of the 17th century would eat a hard-boiled egg and pin five bay leaves to her pillow before going to sleep Valentine’s eve. It was believed this would make her dream of her future husband.

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The ancient Romans celebrated the Feast of Lupercalia in honor of Juno, the queen of the Roman gods and goddesses on February 14. Juno was also the goddess of women and marriage.

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The Empire State Building in New York City played a prominent role in the movie Sleepless in Seattle. Many couples take (or renew) their vows on the 80th floor of this famous landmark.

The first televised tour of the White House, hosted by First Lady Jackie Kennedy, aired on February 14, 1962.

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The heart is the most common symbol of romantic love. Ancient cultures believed the human soul lived in the heart. Others thought it to be the source of emotion and intelligence. Some believed the heart embodied one’s truth, strength and nobility. The heart may be associated with love because the ancient Greeks believed it was the target of Eros, known as Cupid, to the Romans.

Anyone shot in the heart by one of Cupid’s arrows would fall hopelessly in love. Because the heart is so closely linked to love, its red color is thought to be the most romantic.

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The Italian city of Verona, where Shakespeare’s lovers Romeo and Juliet lived, receives about 1,000 letters addressed to Juliet every Valentine’s Day.

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The Kama Sutra is believed to be the oldest sex manual in existence. Generally considered the standard work on love in Sanskrit literature, the book is thought to have been written around 300 A.D.

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The biggest gift of love is the Taj Mahal in India.

It was built by Mughal Emperor Shahjahan as a memorial to his wife, who died in childbirth.

Construction began in 1634 and continued for almost 22 years, requiring the labor of 20,000 workers from all over India and Central Asia.

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The oldest known valentines were sent in 1415 A.D. by the Duke of Orleans to his French wife while he was imprisoned in the Tower of London.

It is still on display in a museum in England.

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The oldest surviving love poem is written in a clay tablet from the times of the Sumerians, around 3500 B.C. It was unromantically named Istanbul #2461 by the archeologists who unearthed it.

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The red rose was the favorite flower of Venus, the Roman goddess of love. Red stands for strong feelings which is why a red rose is the flower of love.

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Wearing a wedding ring on the fourth finger of the left hand dates back to ancient Egypt, where it was believed that the vein of love ran from this finger directly to the heart.

Valentine’s Day Trivia

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The first American publisher of valentines was printer and artist Esther Howland. During the 1870s, her elaborate lace cards were purchased by the wealthy, at a cost of $5, with some selling for as much as $35. Mass production eventually brought prices down, and the affordable Penny Valentine became popular with the lower classes.

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The first photograph of a U.S. President was taken on February 14, 1849 by Matthew Brady in New York City. President James Polk was the subject.

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Old Old Town Town Crier Crier

BUSINESS PROFILE BOB TAGERT

WINDSOR OF OLD TOWN & THE GENTLEMEN’S QUARTERS 107 & 105 SOUTH UNION STREET OLD TOWN ALEXANDRIA 703-836-7330 windsordayspa.com thegentlemensquarters.com

Sharon Frances, left, and Donna Windsor, proprietor

In

the late 70s and early 80s, Old Town Alexandria was a completely different place. Although it had a quaint feeling about it, the town was nowhere near the destination spot it is now. Franco Landini ran a restaurant called Pelicano located at 100 King Street; Tony Gee’s Snack Bar was located where Pop’s Ice cream is now. Bugsy’s was a restaurant called Maison de Crepes, Patty Chappalear had the Haggen Dazs store where part of Landini’s restaurant is and Bullfeathers had just taken over where the Lobster Shed was and today is the home of Daniel O’Connell’s Restaurant and Bar. It would be a few more years before Murphy’s Irish Pub would open west of Washington Street.

In the 100 block of South Union Street was a business called Gibson Girl which was run by Bill and Shelia (can’t recall last name). They liked the town and encouraged their friend, Donna Windsor, to come to Old Town. Donna had a salon near Rosecroft Raceway in Maryland, but decided to check it out. In 1981 Donna relocated to Old Town Old Town Crier

Windsor of Old Town Celebrating 35 Years!

Alexandria and has been a fixture here for 35 years.

Windsor of Old Town opened with eight chairs on the first floor. Luckily for Donna, her new store is about three steps above the sidewalk which has allowed her to dodge any damage from the occasional “flood” we see here (not really a flood, but rather a combination of high tide, rain up river and wind that makes the Potomac River back up through the water mains and fill the streets).

Donna wanted to “create an atmosphere that would nurture our stylists in their work and success here. I think it required being present and open to innovative change throughout the years.”

In 1995 Donna’s son Stephen joined the business.

“The support and imagination that Steve and his wife Pam brought to the business helped us continue to grow,” Donna tells me.

Early in 2000 Donna and Steve started thinking about a salon for men that was becoming the rage in big cities. They looked around Old Town for a suitable building but nothing came up until one day Steve said. “Let’s open next door!” In October

of 2003 the Gentlemen’s Quarters opened to great reviews. Here a guy could come in, get a haircut a shave and have a libation from the mini bar.

There are wide screen TVs showing sports and the daily stock market action. There have been many celebrities who have graced these barber chairs over the years including current clients Capitals goalie Braden Holtby and Senator John Warner.

When the Gentlemen’s Quarters first opened Redskin’s tackle Jon Jansen did a TV spot about getting a shave at the new facility. TV personality Rene Knott showed up for the taping and aired it on his sports cast that night.

Two years ago my friend Sharon Frances closed her salon, Lords and Ladies, and brought herself and staff to Windsor, and have been a great addition ever since.

With the recent closing of iconic stores in Old Town, some open for more than 50 years, it is good to see and remember those establishments that were here first and still thrive today.

Happy 35 years to Donna and Stephen Windsor!

February 2016 | 5

FINANCIAL FOCUS CARL M.TREVISAN, CFP© & STEPHEN M. BEARCE

Leave Your Job, Leave Your Retirement Plan?

W

hen you leave a job — whether due to layoff or for any reason — you are often faced with a decision about your 401(k) or other retirement plans.

Over time, you may be in the same position as many other employees who have accumulated substantial balances in these employer plans that are designed for tax-advantaged retirement savings.

If so, you may find yourself having to make a decision about whether to keep your 401(k) funds with your former employer, roll them over to an IRA, or pay the taxes and cash out.

For this reason, it is important that you

understand the implications of each option.

Some employers offer the opportunity to maintain your retirement account at your former company. On the other hand, by rolling over your funds to an IRA, you can maintain control, manage the funds any way you want, and remain subject to IRA rules alone rather than the limited investment selection — and perhaps restrictive distribution policies — of your former employer. Note, however, that while you are permitted to take loans from your 401(k) plan, this is not possible in an IRA. And depending on the investments used to fund the IRA, charges and expenses could be higher or lower than those you would

Coleman Law Group Attorneys at Law Serving Virginia and DC for over 20 years (703) 739-4200 coleman-lawyers.com 602 Cameron Street Alexandria, VA 22314

6 | February 2016

incur inside your 401(k) plan.

At your direction, your employer can transfer your distribution directly to another qualified plan or to a rollover IRA. A rollover occurs when you withdraw cash or other assets from one eligible retirement plan and contribute all or part of it within 60 days to another eligible retirement plan. Under this option, you would direct your plan administrator to make a direct and tax-free transfer of funds from your former employer’s plan to a rollover IRA at a financial institution of your choice. That way, you maintain the tax-deferred status of your retirement account, consolidate all retirement accounts for easier management, and benefit from increased investment flexibility.

When you roll over a retirement plan distribution, you generally don’t have to pay tax on it until later when you take cash withdrawals. By rolling over, your funds have the potential to continue to grow tax-deferred.

Job changers should resist the temptation to spend down their retirement savings, whether they are moving to a new job or planning a hiatus from work. When you fail to roll over, you not only pay tax on the amount you receive, but you may, if you are under

It is important to understand your options once you retire or leave a job where your 401(k) or other retirement plan resides.

age 59½, be subject to an additional 10 percent penalty on the early distribution you receive. Sound financial planning dictates that you would draw on other funds first, leaving retirement plan spending as a last resort.

If you are simply moving your IRA from one institution to another and you do not plan to use the funds, you should consider making an IRA transfer and not a rollover. This is a simple direct transfer from IRA to IRA between financial institutions to better manage and grow your retirement assets.

When considering rolling over assets from an employer plan to an IRA, factors that should be considered and compared between the employer plan and the IRA include fees and expenses, services offered, investment options, when penalty free withdrawals are available, treatment of employer stock, when required minimum distribution begins and protection of assets from creditors and

bankruptcy. Investing and maintaining assets in an IRA will generally involve higher costs than those associated with employersponsored retirement plans.

You should consult with the plan administrator and a professional tax advisor before making any decisions regarding your retirement assets.

This article was written by Wells Fargo Advisors and provided courtesy of Carl M. Trevisan, CFP Managing Director-Investments and Stephen M. Bearce First Vice President-Investments in Alexandria, VA 22314 at 703-739-1455. Investments in securities and insurance products are: not FDICinsured, not bank-guaranteed, and may lose value. Wells Fargo Advisors, LLC, Member SIPC, is a registered brokerdealer and a separate nonbank affiliate of Wells Fargo & Company. ©2013, 2015 Wells Fargo Advisors, LLC. All rights reserved.

Old Town Crier

URBAN GARDEN JIMMY DEATON

Miniature Rose Care in Spring and Summer: The Growing Season

Mini Love!

A

hhh … It’s February and time for old Cupid to make his presence known once again.

Of course a majority of guys will fall on the old standard of a dozen cut roses to surprise their better half, but I found something that outshines a dozen red tips any day of the week. And what may this be, you ask?

Miniature roses. I came across these about three years ago when I was panicking on where I was going to score a beautiful dozen roses for Angie. Sitting in the garden center were about 15 miniature roses that I stumbled upon and the little light bulb went off in my head.

Hey! Why give a bunch of roses that will be headed to the trash can in a week or two when a rose bush — even a mini one — can show your love 24/7 year round.

Miniature Rose Care Basics

PLACEMENT: Miniature roses should get five to six hours of direct sun from a southern or western facing window daily. Turning the plant from time to time will encourage even growth. As the miniature rose plant needs consistent watering, a kitchen or sunny bathroom location near a water faucet is helpful.

LIGHT: At least 6 hours of direct sunlight a day. A west- or south-facing window provides sufficient light for the miniature rose. That said, because miniature roses do so well outside, many folks Old Town Crier

like to put their roses on their patios many months of the year.

TEMPERATURE: Potted roses can live outside year round up to Zone 5 where it reaches -20° in winter. In zones 1-4, where winter temperatures reach -40°, miniature roses must move inside in fall.

Indoor potted roses do well in temperatures that range between 60° at night and 70° during the day.

WATER: Because they have delicate, shallow roots, mini roses need abundant water in well-draining soil.

They cannot tolerate drought.

Water any time the top two inches of soil get dry, possibly daily. Try to water roses during the morning or at least by early afternoon to prevent fungus and bacteria from invading the plant.

FERTILIZER: Fertilize rose flowers in early spring, as soon as frost danger has passed but after the plant has been pruned. Use a rose or balanced garden fertilizer with even 10-10-10 or 12-12-

12 ratio at half manufacturers recommended strength every three weeks. Plants that are outside need more fertilizer than those kept inside as more photosynthesis occurs in direct sunlight.

Those living in planting zones 5-10 (the majority of Americans) can be confident about the safety of replanting the miniature rose outside permanently. A temperature of -40° (zones 1-4 brrr!) will kill it, but -20° won’t. A good time to plant outside is right before the plant starts growing in the spring. That way, roots can grow and get established before the first winter frost.

Care During the Growing Cycle

Since roses are perennials, they grow and bloom in spring and summer and go into dormancy during the winter before budding again the following spring. Care during these phases differs because metabolism occurs at different rates, changing the plant’s needs.

What’s Happening? The miniature rose’s job during the growing season is to create a bloom that will get the attention of birds and bees.

These creatures will bring in pollen from other plants and carry away that rose’s pollen.

The rose’s growth requires close attention with water and fertilizer remaining readily available. The rose flower takes significant energy and resources.

What to do: Start fertilizing two weeks after you see the first leaf buds emerge on stems. Fertilize with a balanced rose or garden fertilizer. Some growers use a high phosphorous, liquid fertilizer that can penetrate deep into the root bed. A high phosphorus fertilizer typically has a 5-10-5, where the middle number (which pertains to phosphorus) is twice the other two. Nitrogen encourages plant growth where phosphorous focuses on blooms.

Organic gardeners stick to compost and manure as fertilizers, but manure must be allowed to decompose for several months before being placed directly on plants to prevent damage.

Care In Winter: Dormancy Outside

What’s Happening? With pollen both received and

dispersed, rose bushes can rest. As they drop their blooms and leaves, the plant’s energy goes to amending its root system. These changes are welcome as roses will be damaged if a frost hits while they are in full leaf and bloom.

What to do: Those living in zones 5 – 13 can leave their mini roses outside. 1-4 zone dwellers will bring the plant inside or into a shed or garage where temperatures won’t dip below -20° F. Six weeks before the first projected frost, stop fertilizing and reduce water. If your winter temperatures go below zero, load up the base of the plants with one to two inches of soil, mulch or dry leaves. Avoid covering the entire plant with compost as it can smother.

Care in Winter: Dormancy Inside

What’s Happening? Just like miniature roses outdoors, bushes kept indoors will drop their leaves and blooms, but only if they get to experience a drop in temperature. This necessary step can be taken care of by putting the rose near a cold window day and night or in the garage during the evenings.

What to do: While you’re protecting your roses from winter’s chill, keep in mind that miniature roses need a decent cool (even cold) period so they know to take a rest. They URBAN GARDEN > PAGE 11

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A BIT OF HISTORY SARAH BECKER©

Evolution

It

8 | February 2016

is an irony of history that two of the 19th century’s most epochal figures, Charles Darwin and Abraham Lincoln, were born on the same day: February 12, 1809. Charles Darwin, a rich Brit with an instinct for discovery, forever changed the study of biology. In 1859 Darwin published his seminal work, On the Origin of Species

by Means of Natural Selection. A second edition, as well as foreign editions, appeared in 1860 and coincidentally, three years later, President Abraham Lincoln mostly freed America’s slaves.

and geology (the principles of). Darwin considered careers in both medicine (University of Edinburgh) and the ministry (Christ’s College, Cambridge) but neither stirred his passion.

At age 22, Darwin accepted an invitation to serve aboard the ship the HMS Beagle.

Robert FitzRoy, an aristocratic sea Captain, wanted an intellectual equal to share his evening mess. Darwin’s position evolved from that of Captain’s companion to selftaught naturalist.

The HMS Beagle left Plymouth, England, for South America on December 27, 1831. Its five year mission was to map various countries’ coastlines.

Darwin liked to explore the countries’ interiors, including parts of Argentine Pampas, the Atacama Desert, and the Andes mountains. There he discovered fossil-rich sea cliffs, armadillos, giant sloths, mice and the celebrated Galapagos finches. Darwin eventually collected 27 species of South American mice including Mus darwini.

“We passed the night in Punta Alta, and I employed myself in searching for fossil bones; this point being a perfect catacomb for monsters of extinct races,”

“The view which most naturalists entertain, which I formerly entertained — namely, that each species has been independently created — is erroneous,” Darwin concluded. His theory of natural selection, of evolution, rocked the scientific world.

Darwin was born in Shrewsbury, England, the son of a prominent land holder. Unfocused, his teen-age hobbies included entomology (beetle collecting)

Darwin wrote in 1833.

“I have been deeply impressed by discovering in the Pampan formation great fossil animals covered with armour like that of the existing armadillos,” Darwin continued. “It was evident that such facts as these, as well as many others, could be explained on the supposition that species gradually become modified.”

According to Darwin the best of

each animal population adapted and survived through natural selection. He and FitzRoy coauthored an article and in 1837 Darwin gave his first paper to the Geological Society of London. He published his Journal of Researches in 1839, also known as the Voyage of the Beagle then occupied himself with his theory of “descent with modification” for the next 20 years.

In June 1858 Darwin realized that he was not the only researcher to promote the theory of natural selection. Alfred Wallace reached a similar conclusion while collecting fossils in Indonesia. Wallace shared his results with Darwin and they theirs with the public. Darwin also acknowledged T.R. Malthus for his 1798 Essay on the Principle of Population.

Like any competitive scholar, Darwin rushed to publish. Not everyone accepted his theory of evolution as fact.

Especially in 1871 when Darwin argued that “man descended from a hairy, tailed quadruped, probably arboreal in habits, and an inhabitant of the Old World.”

Charles Darwin died in 1882, the continual subject of religious and social controversy. President Woodrow Wilson acknowledged his theory as truth but segregated the U.S. Civil Service anyway. It was the 1920s—Wilson left the President’s office in March 1921— before population geneticists embraced Darwin’s theory of evolution. The early conclusion: Mankind was no longer the culmination of life but merely part of it.

Creation was mechanistic.

“Since the days of Darwin, investigators of evolution have shown an increasing tendency to move away from mechanical interpretations of life toward creative interpretations,” the Alexandria Gazette reported in 1925. “The mechanistic doctrine of evolution, which early evolutionists regarded as the actuating motive of change and adaption, has encountered difficulties….” Science teacher John Scopes’ Trial, the Monkey Trial was held in Tennessee in July 1925.

Florida’s public school science standards did not use the word evolution until 2008.

“The newer explanation of evolution considers mankind as the partial product A BIT OF HISTORY > PAGE 10

Old Town Crier

CIVIL DISCOURSE DOUG COLEMAN

Defending the Potomac

On

March 8, 1862, Lincoln’s cabinet convened to discuss an emergency. The Confederate ironclad ram Virginia, assisted by boats of the James River squadron, had just handed the naval blockade in Hampton roads an unequivocal disaster, destroying two Union warships, the Cumberland and the Congress, and running another three aground as they fled the monster.

Hundreds of Yankee sailors were dead or wounded. What was there to stop the Virginia from steaming up the Potomac to shell Washington? In fact, the Union ironclad Monitor, engaging her the next day. But the point was driven home: Washington and the logistics hub of Alexandria needed river defenses capable of taking on ironclads, both homemade Confederate rams and those under construction for the Confederacy in England and France.

At the time Lincoln became president, the sole river defense was Fort Washington, across the river from Mount Vernon. Garrisoned by a single ordnance sergeant whom the Union commander suspected could be induced to capitulate for a bottle of whiskey, a detachment of marines was promptly dispatched to reinforce this important work. In the war of 1812, the site was occupied by an earthwork called Fort Warburton.

When the British sailed up the Potomac in 1814 to burn Washington and ransom Alexandria, the garrison abandoned the work ahead of an anticipated mortar barrage and blew up the magazine without firing a single shot. It was replaced in 1824 by a brick and stone masterpiece, reinforced by an earthwork ravelin water battery equipped with a hot-shot furnace. Impressive as this structure was, it did not mount artillery likely to disable an ironclad. Seacoast artillery prior to the war consisted mostly of 24, 32 and 42 pounder longbarreled smoothbore cannon firing much stiffer charges than field artillery. While dangerous to wooden vessels, an ironclad could shrug these off. Rifled cannon were more of a threat, but the Virginia was not Old Town Crier

disabled even by multiple hits from 9 and 10 inch Dahlgren smoothbores.

Two 1862 maps drawn by artist Robert Knox Sneden portray an irregular earthwork on Jones Point. His note reflects that this battery mounted 100 pounders, almost certainly Parrott rifles.

These guns, backed by a sufficient charge of powder, would be a threat to anything afloat, even an ironclad. Maximum range of a 100 pounder is listed as 3100 yards, which would enfilade almost two miles of the narrow channel downriver. While I have never seen any other reference to this battery, Sneden’s maps are usually very meticulous and I have no doubt that such a battery did exist. A fair inference is that it was a stop-gap measure until better works could be constructed.

And eventually better works were constructed. In 1863 Sneden’s “boot battery” was replaced by Battery Rodgers, an earthwork dug into a 28 foot bluff where Jefferson Street dead-ends onto Jones Point. It was within 600 yards of mid-channel and no vessel with a draft of more than 20 feet could pass it at a distance of more than a half mile — point blank range for its 15 inch Rodman smoothbore and five 200 pounder Parrotts. Tests showed that the 200 pounders could pierce eight inches of armor — the Virginia carried two inches of armor over 24 inches of pine — while the big Rodman’s 400 pound shot had the power to pierce 10 inches of iron at 1000 yards and shatter a ship’s frame.

The battery enfiladed the channel for the entire range of its guns — 8000 yards for the Parrotts and 5000 yards for the big Rodman. Serving these guns were two large magazines sunk below ground level and covered with a thick embankment of earth proof against any shell or mortar bomb. Battery Rodgers was dismantled at the conclusion of the war and all traces have disappeared.

On the Maryland side, opposite Belle Haven, Fort Foote rose 100 feet above the river on Rozier’s bluff. Even more powerful than Battery Rodgers, Fort Foote mounted two 15 inch Rodmans and eight 200 pounder Parrotts behind CIVIL DISCOURSE > PAGE 10

Battery Rogers, rear view

The Boot Battery map, by Robert Knox Sneden, 1862 Detail of map showing Fort Foote and Battery Rogers

Battery Rogers 15 inch Rodman

Fort Washington during the Civil War

February 2016 | 9

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A BIT OF HISTORY FROM PAGE 8

of all previous evolution of life, plant as well as animal, and also as the partial result of man’s own capacity for creative action,” the Alexandria Gazette concluded.

“After four billion years during which life on Earth evolved according to the principles of natural selection, science is now giving us the possibility of changing the most basic rules of life and starting a new kind of evolution, evolution by intelligent design,” Yuval Harari said in an interview with The World Today. Harari’s best-selling book Sapiens: A Brief History of Humankind was written in conversation with his students at the Hebrew University of Jerusalem.

“Science is giving us the opportunity to start creating non-organic life,” Harari explained.

“The movement from natural selection to intelligent design; from organic to non-organic life could be the greatest revolution in the history of life.”

“With the rise of biotechnology, there is a possibility of making some people smarter, more creative or courageous,” Harari continued.

“People who study creativity say that most of creativity is really just pattern recognition at a very sophisticated level. And pattern recognition is exactly what computers are now learning to do better than humans.” Long running Jeopardy! champion Ken Jennings lost his televised battle with IBM’s Watson computer.

“Bodies and minds are probably going to be the two most important products of the 21st century, and the ability to produce bodies and minds will revolutionize our society and economy,” Harari insisted. “If we allow market forces a free hand, there is a distinct possibility that the result will be the splitting of humankind into different biological castes.” In India caste differences are cultural.

CIVIL DISCOURSE FROM PAGE 9

thick parapets and traverses. Its guns could support Fort Washington three miles downriver, while Battery Rodgers was close enough to support Fort Foote. Completed in 1863, the earthworks are well-preserved and still contain two of the big Rodmans, including the one originally at Battery Rodgers.

The redoubts on the hills above Belle Haven could also reach the channel and at least annoy hostile shipping with field artillery and 30 pounder rifles. One of Sneden’s maps of Fort Lyon shows some of its 100 pounders pointed downriver, suggesting that this work intended to engage hostile shipping at long distance as well. On the Maryland side, it is a fair guess that the forts on the heights above the Potomac, while not built as water batteries, could lend a hand in a pinch. In fact, given reasonable notice, one could probably expect a lot of mobile field artillery to be moved to within range of the Potomac’s narrow channel.

These river defenses would have been supplemented with obstructions to block the channel or at least delay attackers long enough to really work them over at close range. In practice, an oncoming ironclad steaming along at five knots would have been engaged as it approached Fort Washington with antiquated seacoast artillery, not sustaining much damage but probably wasting a lot of ammunition on the old brick fort. As it passed Fort Washington, it would have been engaged at long range by the guns of Fort

“The key is to use technology for our own purposes and not to let technology use us for its purposes,” Harari concluded. “It is difficult to get it right because most people are not sure of their purposes. Yet we are reaching a point where Google and Facebook actually know us better than we know ourselves.” Google company Calico’s mission is “to solve death.”

Is evolution mechanistic, automatic and impersonal, or creative, by divine and irrevocable fiat? “The tendency of life is to live,” Darwin declared, “and the reason why species differ from one another is because each represents an effort to adjust itself more favorably to its environment.” Climate change is cause for concern.

“However creativeness is admitted into any theory of evolution, mechanism must give way,” the Alexandria Gazette wrote in 1925.

“Creativeness is the principle of evolving the new; not curtailed by the past, but addition to the past what has never been before.”

“We’re upgrading ourselves to God,” Harari added in 2015.

Photographer Joel Satore’s PhotoArk, an ongoing District National Geographic Museum exhibit, is the largest single archive of studio quality biodiversity photographs ever. The more than 5,000 images, all taken within the last ten years, embody critically endangered and recently extinct animal species. The exhibit runs until April. For more information, visit ng.museum.org.

On Charles Darwin and Abraham Lincoln’s birthdate, George III sat on England’s throne.

Thomas Jefferson was preparing for James Madison’s presidential succession. And Enlightenment, intellectual insight, was giving way to Romanticism. Both men “wrestled with religious doubt.”

Email: abitofhistory53@gmail.com Foote, remaining under fire the whole way. As it neared Fort Foote, it would also be subjected to long-range fire from Battery Rodgers and the works on the hills above Belle Haven. As it passed Fort Foote, the big guns would be punching holes in the armor, knocking plates loose and shattering its wooden frame. If the vessel lived long enough to reach Jones Point, the guns at Battery Rodgers really couldn’t miss. An intruder would remain under continuous fire for the hour it took to steam upriver from Mount Vernon to Alexandria, assuming it stayed afloat and did not run aground or become hung up on an obstruction.

In point of fact, the Confederacy never attempted to reprise the British naval raid on Washington and Alexandria. For good reason — after 1862, it would not have worked.

Sources

• John G. Barnard, Report on the Defenses of Washington • National Park Service, Mammoth Guns, http://www.nps.gov/fowa/learn/ historyculture/mammoth.htm • National Park Service, Fort Foote, http:// www.nps.gov/fofo/learn/historyculture/ index.htm Doug Coleman is an attorney and amateur historian in Alexandria. Comments and corrections are welcome at dcoleman@colemanlawyers.com.

Old Town Crier

AFTER HOURS Birchmere 703.549.7500 3701 Mt. Vernon Ave. birchmere.com

The Fish Market 703.836.5676 105 King St. fishmarketoldtown.com

The Blackwall Hitch 571-982-3577 5 Cameron St. theblackwallhitch.com Carlyle Club 411 John Carlyle Dr. 703-549-8957 thecarlyleclub.com Chadwicks 203 S. Strand St. 703.836.4442 Evening Star Cafe 703.549.5051 2000 Mt. Vernon Ave.

Morrison House 703.838.8000 116 South Alfred St.

Southside 815 703.836.6222 815 S. Washington St.

King Street Blues 703.836.8800 112 N. St. Asaph St.

Murphys Irish Pub 703.548.1717 713 King St. murphyspub.com

St. Elmos 703.739.9268 2300 Mt. Vernon Ave.

La Portas 703.683.6313 1600 Duke St.

O’Connell’s 703.739.1124 112 King St.

Las Tapas 703.836.4000 710-714 King St. lastapas.us

Rock It Grill 703.739.2274 1319 King St.

The Light Horse 703.549.0533 715 King St. thelighthorserestaurant. com

Taverna Cretekou 703.548.8688 818 King St. TJ Stones 703.548.1004 608 Montgomery St. tjstones.com

Shooter McGees 703.751.9266 5239 Duke St. shootermcgees.com

Trattoria da Franco 703-548-9338 305 S. Washington St.

Austin Grill & Tequila Bar 703.836.8969 801 King St.

Two Nineteen 703.549.1141 219 King St.

These establishments offer live entertainment. Call to confirm show times, dates and cover charges. Check our advertisers’ websites.

URBAN GARDEN FROM PAGE 7

may even keep their leaves.

It’s “the pause that refreshes.”

Keeping a miniature rose bush indoors year round in our ideal temperatures 65° to 70° impacts the plant’s overall health. As mini roses are best pruned midwinter to early spring.

Repotting

What’s Happening? You can tell if your rose needs to be repotted by examining the soil surface. If roots are crowded on or above the soil surface, it’s time to repot. Also crowded roses tend to wilt when they are watered.

What to do: Growers typically re-pot miniature rose plants at least yearly and sometimes two or three times in a year. The best time is in the fall, after flowers have faded. When you go to repot your plant, keep in mind that many commercially available rose plants have several separate plants in each pot. Getting each plant in its own 6”, 5- to 7-gallon pot is sufficient. Miniature rose plants don’t mind a snug fit over their roots. After you remove the pot, hold the plant by the base and gently work Old Town Crier

root systems apart. Shake off left over soil and repot separately. Prune off broken, rotting or damaged roots.

As recommended above, mix a premium, bagged potting mix with compost, perlite or peat moss. Some growers recommend against using soil from your garden as it could harbor insects or disease.

Miniature roses do best in pots that are wider than they are tall. Most of all, make sure

the pot has decent drainage.

Drill holes in yourself if you have to.

So there you have it: Give your loved one a miniature rose so they may be reminded day in and day out of your love and devotion to them.

Questions or comments about Urban Garden or a garden question for Jimmy: office@ oldtowncrier.com. Write “Urban Garden” in the subject line.

February 2016 | 11

HIGH NOTES CHRIS ANDERSON

S

o 2016 has started off with quite a bang in the music world. And that bang is both positive and also quite tragic. Just before the turn of the New Year, we lost the great Ian “Lemmy” Kilmister, founder of Motörhead. One of the few characters to successfully bridge the gap between punk and metal, Lemmy was also one of the most legendary rock stars of all time, even giving Keith Richards a run for his money. True to himself, and his music, til the day he died, he is sorely missed.

We had hardly finished mourning that loss when, on the 10th of January, we received news that David Bowie had passed, from a private battle with cancer, two days after releasing his final album, Blackstar, on his 69th birthday.

Losing Lemmy was tough, but it’s not like it wasn’t coming.

Bowie’s death, on the other hand, came as a massive shock to the world.

To even begin to measure Bowie’s contribution to the music world would take far more space than I am allotted.

Suffice to say it was magnificent, both in his influence as well as the quality and scope of his work. He never stayed in one place for long, constantly forging new roads on the musical map. And, yet, he always sounded like Bowie. Hats off to one of the greatest visionary artists this world will ever know.

Because musician deaths tend to

OUT OF THE GATE

12 | February 2016

happen in threes, a week later the world lost Glenn Frey. While Frey was no Bowie (or Lemmy, for that matter), he was still responsible for one of the biggest and most influential bands to ever make records. The Dude made it cool to hate on the Eagles but there is no denying that band’s penchant for making strong, memorable songs.

And Glenn’s were always the best ones.

RIP to all of ya.

Now, that said, there have been some good things to happen this year too. At least when it comes to music. I have not been able to bring myself to listen to Blackstar yet, so I will reserve my review for the next issue, perhaps.

However, here are a couple of things that I have heard so far and….methinks this might be another good year!

Steven Wilson: 4½

The latest solo effort from the current King Of Prog is actually a stopgap release between proper studio albums (hence the title). Made up of songs originally conceived during sessions for last year’s Hand. Cannot.

Erase., as well as a couple others that were not destined for a big album, this set is anything but a throwaway. The nine-minute opener, “My Book Of Regrets”, proves that. Full of twists and turns, between light and dark, this is yet another indication that Wilson’s current touring band is his strongest ever. The ethereal instrumental, “Year Of The Plague”, offers some peaceful head-clearing space after the whirlwind opener, and that leads us into the jagged, complex pop rock of “Happiness III”. Another instrumental comes in the form of “Sunday Rain Sets In”, this one a little spaced out, like a jazzy Pink Floyd, and featuring some contrasting sections that will send you to the cosmos. “Vermillioncore” is a dark, funky instrumental that reeks of King Crimson and features some amazing playing from Nick Beggs, one of the best bassists around today. Rounding out the affair is a remake of “Don’t Hate Me”, originally from Porcupine Tree’s Stupid Dream album and this version….oh my.

Performed as a duet with Ninet Tayeb, and featuring a fantastic sax solo from Theo Travis, this version totally

trumps the original. I would like to see Wilson tackle more of the PT songbook with his new band. Until then, this will do. And until the next proper Steven Wilson album, this set will do.

The Mavins: The Mavins EP

I first met Michael Yugo at the 219, in Old Town, nine years ago. He was running an open mic there and I showed up with Tim Parks and we played our little sets and got to know Mike, as well as Dave Ihmels and other local artists. It was a cool little scene that unfortunately did not last long enough, but that’s how it goes. Which is why, a few years later, I was tickled to find that Mike had put together a band. Since 2010, the Mavins have been burning it up in the DC area, playing a high-energy set of great, catchy rootsy rock. One of the better live shows around, I recommend you check them out. This set is their debut EP and it features seven killer tunes. The kind of tunes that stick in your head, the kind of tunes that were readymade for a road trip, or just a hell of a good time. All of the songs here are great but my favorite is “I Can’t Wait”. A hit single in a perfect world, this is the kind of catchy song that you can just imagine yourself singing along with in the front row. “Always” is funky little tune with a Chili Peppers vibe that makes you want to dance in the sun with a cold beer and a good friend, and “Dust Has Settled” calls to mind the late 80s regional scene and bands like the Connells and Frontier Theory, and that makes me happy as all get out. The band has such a great feel, tight but also loose and laid back.

The rhythm section (drummer Rob Suls and bassist Jim Donohue) has a cool, strolling vibe that serves the songs perfectly. But the band’s secret weapon lies in guitarist Steve Gerety, who provides tasty (and tasteful) solos, as well some very cleverly concocted background comps, such as on the closing song, “Mexico”, one of the most beautiful things on this set. While the Mavins are best experienced on stage, this CD is the next best thing. I suggest you seek this out. Learn more at www.themavins.net.

Old Town Crier

THE LAST WORD MIRIAM R. KRAMER

Ferocity and Velocity: From Book to Film

M

any books are optioned for screenplays, and few make it to the big screen. Even fewer get nominated for prestigious film awards. Room, by Emma Donoghue, and The Revenant, by Michael Punke, are two of those works, recently made popular once more by their adaptation into nominees for Best Picture at the 2016 Oscars. Room was nominated for Best PictureDrama and won a Best Actress award for Brie Larson at the Golden Globes, while The Revenant won Best Actor for Leonardo di Caprio and and Best Picture-Drama at the Golden Globes.

Both are nominated for Best Picture and Best Acting Oscars this year as well. Yet do the novels themselves deserve such accolades?

Gertrude Stein once implied in the short, classic book Picasso that one secret to his mastery of Cubism was that he saw as a very young child saw, in bits and pieces that connected in a way that might not make sense to an adult. The average adult has already established a kind of visual shorthand for filling in gaps and thereby assumed stereotypes, normal images, and knee-jerk responses, even when there is much more to be seen. Emma Donoghue deftly employs this more Picasso-like point of view in writing Room in the narrative voice of a five-year-old boy. He describes both his mother and his highly circumscribed life with her in an 11” x 11” sealed room in a way that makes us hearken back to children’s ways of judging and measuring their worlds.

Room is the most disturbing book I have read in many moons. Its dramatic immediacy, suspense, and aspects of a horror novel affect a reader viscerally, although that is not the way Jack, the young narrator, interprets the actions contained in a seemingly mundane setting.

Only those adults reading the book can see such qualities. The innocence of Jack’s vision is a filter to help make those qualities palatable enough not only for a reader but also for him and even his mother to endure.

Slowly, by putting Jack’s pieces together, the reader realizes that his mother has been captured by a sociopath who has kept her locked up for seven years, during which she has given birth to son Jack, just barely five years old. She keeps Jack away from her captor in the late evenings when he visits by sending Jack to sleep in Wardrobe, which may be a reference to the magic Wardrobe in C.S. Lewis’s The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe, which whisks children away from boredom and into a land of adventure.

Jack mostly sees the fun in the routines and imaginative play established religiously by his long-traumatized mother, whose love for

Old Town Crier

him shines in everything she does, including most of her moments of despair, anger, and irritation. Jack’s whole life has been spent in Room, where he knows Rug, Table, Bed, and other objects as if they are his playthings and friends. Images on TV seem more real than could be imagined for a child who has never seen more than two other people. His childhood joy in their games, stories, and songs exists regardless of their circumscribed existence, with food and necessities doled out by the man Jack calls “Old Nick.”

Room’s strength is in portraying the beauty of life as seen through the eyes of a child, and the strength and happiness his mother gains from loving him the best way she knows how.

In reality, it is a book about pain, endurance, but most of all the satisfaction that comes with a mother loving her child and doing all she can to ensure his happiness and survival under very severe circumstances. At certain points I was not sure I could read another gut-wrenching page although I could also not wait to do so: such is the paradox of this wonderful, lightning-fast read. I do not think I could say that about any book I have read in recent memory.

Emma Donoghue provides drama, relief, and a redemption that compensates readers for the gut-wrenching terror and claustrophobia they might endure through reading the history between Jack and “Ma,” with appearances from Old Nick. She does not gloss over Ma as a saint or Jack as a completely angelic little boy. Yet she shows heroism in them both when the plot takes unexpected twists. Then they must face fears above and beyond the ones they have come to know from their jailor, and learn whether they can exist in less rigidly proscribed circumstances that may be more unexpectedly terrifying.

Oddly enough, the book comes together in a way that is uplifting rather than despairing. In this way Room is both the most frightening and tender of books. Few will complain of wasting in time in reading this work, which I will watch on screen soon. Fans of Stephen King’s novella Rita Hayworth and the Shawshank Redemption and the resulting movie The Shawshank Redemption will probably enjoy Room and some of its overlapping themes.

Michael Punke’s highly touted and gory revenge novel The Revenant contains a completely different premise from Room.

Instead of the terror possible in one room, he charts the terror and excitement of the great outdoors of barely charted Western territory and the accompanying adrenaline that makes its

MYSTERY READING AT ITS BEST

by Virginia author Jeffrey Roswell McCord

CARIBBEAN MYSTERY AND INTRIGUE A dead Marine washed ashore on a Caribbean island leads investigators to otherworldly perpetrators in historic pirate waters and high level abuses in Washington. An intrepid maritime historian working the case for U.S. Naval Intelligence discovers a 60-year record of extraterrestrial activity in the Caribbean basin. History and national security politics meet science fiction in this mystery based on exhaustive factual research and informed conjecture.

CARIBBEAN hISToRY AND ADvENTURE Where did the villain General Santa Anna of Alamo infamy retire? Is time travel possible?

What was it like on the ground in the worst hurricane of the 19th century? Can a band of rogue sailors from Coral Bay, St. John, defeat ruthless corporate mercenaries? These questions and more are answered in Jeffrey Roswell McCord’s new fact-based novel “Santa Anna’s Gold in a Pirate Sea.”

Available from Amazon or as a Kindle download

THE LAST WORD > PAGE 17

February 2016 | 13

GALLERY BEAT F. LENNOX CAMPELLO

Y

A History Lesson ou’re going to have to forgive me this month, as the focus of this month’s Gallery Beat is an overall issue: A

history lesson.

Over the years, decades really, I’ve been complaining very vocally about the way in which The Washington Post treats its own visual arts backyard. If you go back to the very beginnings of my published writing, you’ll find a constant complaining about something that the Post did, or most often didn’t do, about our visual arts scene, galleries and artists.

When I first came to the DMV in the late 1980s (1987-1989) it was as a young Lieutenant in the Navy, and in those years I spent most of my summers sailing in the Arctic off the then Soviet mainland at the top of the world. It was then that I started reading the Post regularly. Back then, the WaPo (as I’ve been calling them for decades) had a daily section titled The Arts, which covered art galleries, museums, regional visual artists, etc., in addition to all the other genres of the arts.

I left the area for a few years, and lived in Scotland, and then in Sonoma, Calif. I returned to the DC area in late 1993, and by then the precipitous decline in the WaPo’s coverage of its city’s visual art scene was just beginning.

I then began writing about the DMV visual arts scene for a lot of local, regional and national magazines, and some local publications like the Old Town Crier that you’re holding in your hands, and in the process, became deeply immersed in the scene itself. In those latter years of the 1990s, the WaPo’s arts editor was a nice, kind man named John Pancake, who lived in Alexandria and had a deep respect for the area’s art galleries. I developed a professional relationship with him, and every once in a while we’d meet 14 | February 2016

for coffee and discuss the area’s visual arts. It was he who once described deciding to open an art gallery as a “heroic undertaking.”

In those years the paper still had multiple columns covering the visual arts, which included the usual Wednesday “Galleries” column, then authored by Ferdinand Protzman, as well as other ad hoc gallery and museum reviews by Paul Richards.

It also included a weekly Wednesday column titled “Arts Beat,” then authored by Michael O’Sullivan, who as I recall held the title of assistant arts editor. “Arts Beat” reflected the interests of its author, and essentially augmented the paper’s coverage of the DC area visual arts scene.

By the end of the 90s, things began to unravel, but not before a last sigh of hope was exhaled.

Almost against the will of the WaPo’s leadership (as related to me back then by one of the editors of the WaPo Online), the newspaper went on a major expansion of its online presence and also an associated expansion of its printed paper coverage. This included the visual arts, and I was hired, along with Jessica Dawson and others, as freelancers to cover gallery shows for the paper’s online site (I wonder where all those reviews are now? Have they ever been archived and preserved by the WaPo?).

I can’t remember exactly when Richards retired, but his retirement (to Scotland I think) caused all kinds of minor waves in the DC art scene. First, Protzman quit, some say because he was upset that he didn’t get “promoted” to Richards’ job. Instead, the WaPo began a hiring process and eventually brought Blake Gopnik from his Canadian newspaper to take over as the paper’s chief art critic (my titling).

Protzman’s departure also brought a need for a regular freelancer to do the Galleries column, and several of those

of us who were doing online reviews about galleries were interviewed. I declined the position once we got deep into it — at the time, as some of you may recall, I was also part of the Fraser Gallery, and didn’t think that being a gallery co-owner and a regular Wednesday critic for the paper would pass the smell test with some; but the real victims would be the gallery’s artists, as clearly they could never get at WaPo reviews.

Around 2000, Dawson (who had been writing art reviews for the Washington City Paper) was then hired as the freelancer to cover galleries and subsequently Gopnik was hired to cover all the visual arts.

A few years later Pancake retired, and by the mid-2000s the Wednesday coverage shrunk significantly when “Arts Beat” was demoted to a twicemonthly column, refocused to cover all the arts, and then eventually terminated. Most of the damage to the visual arts coverage was started by then Style section editor Eugene Robinson.

It was Robinson who began the process of allowing Blake Gopnik to get away with only reviewing (with one or two very rare exceptions) museums, thus having the nation’s only art critic too good to review his city’s artists and art galleries. On July 6, 2006, Steve Reiss (the Style section’s asst. editor) stated online: “As for Blake Gopnik, he is a prolific writer and I find it hard to argue that we should be giving up reviews of major museum shows so he can write more about galleries that have a much smaller audience.”

When Robinson left, under the new editor Deborah Heard, the coverage got even worse, with “Galleries” being reduced to twice a month. That added up to around 25 columns a year to review the thousand or so gallery shows that the DC area gallery art scene had to offer in those days.

A few years ago, Dawson quit the WaPo (2011) to go to work for the Hirshhorn, and in the interim, the WaPo experimented with using a couple more freelancers, but both experiments ended badly from both sides. Eventually they hired Mark Jenkins, who is their current “Galleries” critic, and who, in my opinion, is the best from all the recent names mentioned here so far.

What is a constant over all these years and memories, is the miserly coverage of DMV artists and galleries by the world’s second most influential newspaper.

And then, in an article published on January 16, 2016, WaPo writer Dan Zak showed us a brilliant glint of what this coverage could be, if the WaPo “got it.”

Zak’s “The Polaroids of the Cowboy Poet” is perhaps the best article that I have ever read on an artist.

Zak writes: “Chris Earnshaw is an odd and brilliant and sloppy man who vibrates with great joy and grand melancholy. For decades he has ambled through bandstands, major motion pictures and demolition sites, searching for prestige and permanence, all while being ignored on the gray streets of a humdrum capital.”

This work has Pulitzer written all over it; but more importantly, it is exactly the sort of coverage of DMV visual artists and galleries that we’ve been clamoring for from the WaPo — the kind of coverage it devotes to some celebrity visiting the city.

Read the article online here: https:// www.washingtonpost.com/graphics/ lifestyle/earnshaw/ Dan Zak: Well Done! You’ve not only delivered a brilliant article, but also shown the WaPo and Washington, DC and the DMV visual arts scene how it is done. This kind of coverage is what we’ve been asking for all these years.

Old Town Crier

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February 2016 | 15

POINTS ON PETS SARAH LIU & CAROLYN COCKROFT

Dental Care for Your Pets KING STREET CATS ADOPTION CALENDAR FEBRUARY 2016 FOR DETAILS & MORE INFO website: www.kingstreetcats.org email: contact@kingstreetcats.org King Street Cats is looking for foster homes! You provide the spare room and TLC and we provide food, litter and all vetting. Please email for our Kitten Fostering FAQ at: contact@kingstreetcats.org KING STREET CATS 25 Dove Street Alexandria, VA 22314 Every Saturday & Sunday 1:30 - 4:30 pm PRO FEED Bradlee Shopping Center 3690 King Street Alexandria, VA 22302 Every Saturday & Sunday 1:00 - 4:00 pm PETCO UNLEASHED AT PENTAGON ROW 1101 S. Joyce Street Arlington, VA 22202 Saturday, February 6 1:00 - 4:00 pm Saturday, February 20 Sunday, February 21 1:00 - 4:00 pm THE DOG PARK 705 King Street Alexandria, VA 22314 Saturday, February 13 1:00 - 4:00 pm INDY & ALLY 321 S. Washington Street Alexandria, VA 22314 Saturday, February 27 Sunday, February 28

16 | February 2016

Proper dental care prevents major disease.

While most conscientious owners provide their pets with healthy diets and grooming, as well annual visits to the veterinarian to keep vaccines up-to-date, many are not aware of the importance of dental care. Studies by the American Animal Hospital Association (AAHA) reveal that nearly two-thirds of pet owners overlook the dental care recommended by veterinarians. Yet diseases of the oral cavity, if left untreated, are often painful and can lead to more serious health problems including heart, lung and kidney disease. According to the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA), research shows that 80 percent of dogs and 70 percent of cats will show some kind of gum disease by the age of three. In fact, one of the most common maladies seen by the American Society for Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Animal Hospital (AAH) staff is dental disease.

“Many pets have multiple diseased teeth,” says Dr. Louise Murray, vice president of AAH. “Pets with dental disease are often in severe pain—imagine having not just one toothache, but many.”

Periodontal (gum) disease starts with early-stage gingivitis, or plaque buildup

that gradually causes inflammation below the gum line and can be very painful for your pet. If left untreated, an advanced stage of periodontitis can cause damage to the jawbone and soft tissue around the teeth and eventually lead to loss of teeth. Even worse, the bacteria generated by this disease can spread throughout the bloodstream into the internal organs.

To prevent the onset of these diseases in your pet, include three essential steps in your pet’s dental hygiene:

1. Practice regular at-home dental care.

The AAHA advises to check your pet’s teeth and gums for signs of discolored teeth; swollen, red, or bleeding gums; persistent bad breath; loose or loss of teeth; or any unusual growth in the mouth.

Other warning signs are disinterest in eating, playing with chew toys, or drinking cold water. Introduce your pet to having teeth brushed, preferably at a young age; however, getting an older animal accustomed to a teeth cleaning regimen is possible over time with patience, treats, and lots of praise.

Never use human toothpaste, which can make your pet sick.

An excellent video from the American Veterinary Medical Association AVMA), gives

step-by-step instructions on how to teach a dog or cat to accept daily tooth brushing (see resources below). Some chew toys can help build and protect strong teeth.

Gnawing on safe teethcleaning chew toys can reduce some softer tartar buildup and stimulate your pet’s gums. Supplementing your pet’s diet with dry cereal and treats designed to help remove plaque can also achieve similar success.

Look for dental treats that have received the Registered Seal by the Veterinary Oral Health Council (VOHC).

These enhancements, however, cannot replace the effectiveness of regular tooth brushing.

2. Maintain annual visits (twice a year for pets in their senior years) to your veterinarian.

Because veterinarians understand the benefit of comprehensive physical checkups for pets, examining an animal’s teeth is part of every annual office visit.

Many types of gum disease are hard to detect, and a trained animal physician will be able to identify symptoms not observed by the pet’s owner .The doctor will look for developmental anomalies, accumulation of plaque and tartar, periodontal disease and oral tumors. Based on

this thorough oral examination, the veterinarian can advise you on whether or not a follow-up professional dental cleaning is necessary.

3. When prescribed by your veterinarian, have your pet’s teeth professionally cleaned.

The need for this procedure will vary in pets and depend on the presence of preexisting disease, the level of homecare, diet, breed of animal, and individual habits.

Before a professional dental cleaning, your veterinarian will review your pet’s general health and previous dental history. Depending on the pet’s age and other conditions, the doctor may require some preliminary bloodwork or other tests.

According to the American Veterinarian Dental College AVDC), anesthesia is essential for a thorough, safe cleaning, because it permits a comprehensive assessment of the tissues, and allows dental radiographs to be made when indicated, followed by the cleaning (scaling and polishing procedure) above and below the gum-line. In some cases, where advanced periodontal disease is present, tooth extraction may be necessary. To learn more about how to ensure your pet receives a professional veterinary dental cleaning, visit the AVDC website at avdc.org/AFD. POINTS ON PETS > PAGE 17

Old Town Crier

POINTS ON PETS FROM PAGE 16

THE LAST WORD FROM PAGE 13

February is National Pet Dental Health Month, but a regular dental health program must be followed year round. While the use of anesthesia and the expense of a professional cleaning are sometimes a concern for pet owners, the initial cost of teeth cleaning will spare you the burden of a more costly medical treatment in the future should your pet develop serious health problems due to dental neglect. As with any surgical procedure, anesthesia is administered by trained technicians and closely monitored — the risks are minimal when compared to what could lead to life-threatening condition should your pet not be treated.

Dentals “are not about cosmetics,” Dr. Fenichel says, but “keeping important teeth in your pet’s mouth and keeping your pet comfortable. Often, clients express fear that if their pet loses all of his teeth, ‘How will he manage?’ The truth is, after a muchneeded dental, they’re eating a lot more comfortably than when they had a mouthful of awful teeth.”

Daily brushing and visits to the dentist for a proper cleaning are an integral part of our wellness plan for ourselves and our loved ones. Why not provide the same care for your animal companion who is an important member of your family? In return, you will be rewarded with your pet’s physical comfort and more years of affection.

inhabitants sign up to explore so-called virgin lands. This is not the clichéd Western of dusty, established saloon towns, prostitutes with hearts of gold, and lonesome cowboys eating beans out of cans with howling coyotes in the distance.

It goes straight to a fresher, earlier place in the settling of the American West.

The Revenant covers 1823-4, a time period after the Lewis and Clark expedition and the War of 1812, when multiple fur trapping companies aimed to make their fortunes by using sketchy maps with uncharted edges to travel across the West with pit stops at widely-spaced, rudimentary forts. These travels offered the risk of trappers losing not only stacks of precious beaver hides but also their own hides through encounters with unpredictable Indian warrior tribes and wild animals. Carrying only weapons, basic gear and as much as their easily purloined boats, horses, and mules can carry, a small group of trappers from the Rocky Mountain Fur Company set their course for the Upper Missouri River. They have been hired to help make a fortune for their syndicate’s owner under Captain Andrew Henry and one of his strongest hunters, plainsmen and adventurers, Hugh Glass.

When Glass is ferociously attacked by a furious mother grizzly bear with several cubs, he is nearly killed. Roughly sutured and tended with rudimentary medical care, he swings in and out of consciousness. Two company members volunteer to stay with him for extra pay until he dies from his massive wounds while others go ahead to avoid the perils of being tracked en masse by various Indian tribes. Yet instead of waiting to bury him or leaving him with his weapons, these members, Jim Bridger and Alex Fitgerald, grab his knife, flint and gunpowder, pistol, cherished Anstadt gun, and all other means for staying alive, disappearing into the bush to find their companions. They leave the terribly injured

Resources

American Animal Hospital Association https://www.aaha.org American Society for Prevention of Cruelty to Animals https://www.aspca.org/news/untreated-dental-issues-can-leadmajor-pain-pets American Veterinarian Dental College http://avdc.org/AFD/ American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) https://www.avma.org/Pages/home.aspx AVMA instructional video on tooth brushing https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wB3GIAgrTPE Sarah Webber Liu resides in Alexandria and is a long-time volunteer at King Street Cats. She is devoted to her cat, Mrs. Huggins, and loves animals of all kinds.

man to fantasize revenge upon his former comrades as he tries to crawl his way to some shelter from all the threats surrounding him.

Thus ensues a bloody story that moves with the speed of a canoe going over a waterfall, revealing its author’s deep research into the history of the everyday equipment and mindsets of that time and place, where adventurous or criminal souls escaping civilization committed themselves to a life of perilous adventure and potential fortune on an almost unknown Western frontier.

Through Punke’s meticulous research and careful vocabulary, the misfortunes and successes of the Rocky Mountain Fur Company and its dealings with both Indians and French-Canadian trappers have the ring of truth, as company members with shady or inexperienced pasts slog through rough terrain amid setbacks and hostile receptions from Indians and other American companies. They are unaware that they might be followed by a focused enemy with a scarily powerful will to extract justice outside of a court of law.

Despite its gore and constant suspense, The Revenant as a work was surprisingly not as chilling or emotionally deep as Room, although the idea of facing a mother grizzly bear in the woods would admittedly send me scrambling up a tree. That being said, it does what it does admirably. I found its ending a little anticlimactic but realistic, since the novel is based on a true story with some fictional characters.

For anyone wanting a Western that is a punctiliously well-written, quick read instructing the reader in the mood, atmosphere, and factual advances or setbacks of the earlier Westward expansion, I would recommend this tale of trappers and Indians.

While I would pick Room over The Revenant, I will see if my decision regarding the films is different. Happy reading, viewing and enjoying the pomp and ceremony of the Oscars!

PETS OF THE MONTH

DORA

Dora is a lovely little 9 year old spayed Beagle.

She’s had a remarkable journey through life and is looking to find a loving home with a family to spend her golden years. When Dora came to us she was timid and nervous around people, partly because of a serious mass on her abdomen.

Thanks to the loving care of our vet staff and a nearby vet we were able to remove the mass completely, and she has grown into a fantastic and spry senior beagle. If you are looking to spend your time with a dog with plenty of love to give and adventures to have, Dora is your girl!

SVEN

This handsome white and grey, 2 year old neutered male was surrendered to us in December and has been patiently waiting for you to come take him home! Sven is a very friendly cat who is always in the mood for visitors and will walk right up to you when he sees you!

Aside from spending time with new friends, Sven is a very laid back cat and is perfectly content to nap on a lap or in his favorite box. Sven has got a lot of love to give and if you are interested in becoming Sven’s forever friend stop by today!

The DC stands for Dog and Cat For more info: www.dcPawsRescue.org

CHANGE A LIFE.

ADOPT

4101 Eisenhower Avenue • Alexandria, VA 703-746-4774alexandriaanimals.org Mon-Fri, 1-8 pm • Closed Wed • Sat & Sun, 12-5 pm Old Town Crier

February 2016 | 17

CARIBBEAN CONNECTION JEFFREY R. McCORD

Slave Ship Redeemed As Beloved ‘World’s Oldest Sailing Vessel’

T

he recent discovery of a remarkably well-preserved 18th century ship’s hull in an Old Town Alexandria building site brought to mind the unlikely story of another sturdy vessel from the 1700s. Built along the shores of the Chesapeake in 1794, the Baltimore Clipper Schooner Vigilant worked Atlantic and tropic waters until 1928.

During her incredible 134 years afloat, she fought the British in 1812, pirates in the Caribbean and served as an inter-island mail and passenger packet in the Danish West Indies (now the U.S. Virgin Islands). Declared the “world’s oldest sailing vessel” by an American journalist in 1905, she continued in service for another 23 years. The Vigilant’s amazing lifespan provides a window onto slices of history — ­ some abhorrent, some valiant.

She was first christened the Nonsuch in a Baltimore boat yard. In the 1790s, Baltimore Clippers frequently did the West Indies run, taking cargoes of flour and cotton down and returning with coffee and sugar. Clippers’ legendary speed derived from their then revolutionary “V” shaped bow, long bowsprit carrying multiple head and jib sails and their famous aft-raked masts. Their promise of fast passages made Clippers perfect for transporting perishable goods, including, sadly, enslaved human beings.

“The Vigilant has been by turns a 18 | February 2016

pirate, privateer, a slaver, and a manof-war,” wrote Charles Edwin Taylor, a St. Thomas physician who knew the boat well. Writing in his 1888 book Leaflets from the Danish West Indies, he continued: “Her first appearance in St. Thomas was at the beginning of the present [19th] century. She was then known as the Nonsuch and sailed under the American flag employed in the slave trade. [A]n old sketch of her hold full of slaves hung at the Moravian Mission in St. Thomas.”

The horrors of the “middle passage” between Africa and the West Indies are well known. Death rates among the enslaved aboard Danish ships varied from 43 percent to one percent, depending upon how they were “packed” and cared for, according to St. Thomas historian Isidor Paiwonsky.

No wonder sharks followed slavers the whole voyage.

The War of 1812 between the U.S. and Britain ended the Nonsuch’s role in that ghastly trade. When hostilities began in June of 1812, former President Thomas Jefferson famously advised the government to do “everything possible” to encourage privateering. Privateers were private merchant ships armed by their owners and licensed by the government to attack enemy ships. Entrepreneurs could amass great profits by capturing and selling ships and cargoes, rather like legalized piracy.

“Our privateers will eat out the vitals of [British] commerce,” Jefferson wrote. According to a U.S. Naval Institute article, Jefferson argued that privateers provide the “best way to distress and harass the enemy and compel him to peace.”

By the autumn of 1812 — just three months after war was declared — more than 40 ships had been sent to do battle by profit seeking owners in New York and Baltimore. The Nonsuch was one of several who sought British ships along the Eastern seaboard and in the West Indies.

She was “an active and successful privateer armed with 12 cannons and 100 men,” an 1864 Harpers Magazine history article tells us. The Nonsuch’s men were armed with muskets, cutlasses and boarding pikes. She likely had a 90 foot long main deck and was probably about 29 feet wide.

Yet, her keel only drew about 10 feet.

She was able to work in shallow island waters and thread through coral reef passages.

In a Caribbean battle that made her famous, the Nonsuch challenged two British ships — one a larger warship — off the island of Martinique.

She actually sailed between them, putting up a fierce fight. The heat and vibrations from constant firing dismounted her cannons from their gun carriages. Nearly helpless and with heavily damaged rigging, the Nonsuch fled. The British praised the

crew’s “extreme bravery,” although an American newspaper described the battle as “gallant, but unprofitable,” Harpers reports.

That action must have caught the eyes of Danish West Indies’ authorities because they purchased the Nonsuch, renaming her the Vigilant. Employed as a coast guard vessel, the Vigilant was outfitted with 12 three-pounder cannons (six on each side). These guns fired projectiles weighing three pounds and were nick-named “grasshoppers” because of their severe jump-like recoil.

Dr. Taylor, in his Leaflets described the Vigilant’s duel with a Spanish pirate named LaForcada who sailed a well-armed brig: “[On July 10,] 1825, when a Spanish pirate, cruising in the passage between St. Thomas and Porto Rico, made things hot for the merchant vessels trading in these islands, the Danish Government promptly dispatched a [large] man-of-war after her; but, the pirate being smaller and better acquainted with the dangerous shoals and rocks abounding thereabouts, easily eluded the pursuit of the heavy ship of war. “[The Danes then sent out the Vigilant under] a brave Danish officer, Second Lieutenant Irminger, with thirty soldiers. After a few hours’ sail, she came up with the redoubtable pirate, who, mistaking the little CARIBBEAN CONNECTION > PAGE 19

Old Town Crier

CARIBBEAN CONNECTION FROM PAGE 18

schooner for an easy prize, prepared to board and take her. As he was about to do so, the [Danish] soldiers leaped up, poured in their fire, and before the pirates could recover from their confusion, became masters of the vessel.”

A Vigilant crew member described how the pirate ship’s “cook ran out of the galley with a fire-brand to fire the long swivel gun on her main deck, which would have created havoc among [our] soldiers had not one of them fortunately shot him down before he had time to apply the match.”

Pirate captain LaForcado was killed and surviving members of his crew were tried and hung. Two of the pirate’s bronze cannons captured by the Vigilant can today be found at the Danish Maritime Museum in Copenhagen.

After her coast guard service, the Vigilant became an inter-island mail and passenger ship. It was the Vigilant, for instance, that brought news to St. Thomas and St. John that Governor Peter von Scholten had emancipated the enslaved on St. Croix on July 3, 1848.

Nearly half a century later, Maturin Ballou, the first editor of the Boston Globe, visited the islands on a steam ship in 1892. He reverently described the Vigilant in St. Thomas harbor: “There lay a schooner-rigged craft . . . [with] her jaunty, graceful lines, tall, raking masts, and long bowsprit suggesting the famous old Baltimore clippers. There is a fascinating individuality about sailing vessels [unlike] steamships. Seamen form romantic attachments for the former. The officers and crew of [our steam vessel] cast admiring eyes upon this handsome schooner, anchored under our lee.

“That same evening, the Vigilant spread her broad white wings and glided silently out of the harbor, gathering rapid way as she passed its entrance, until feeling the spur of the wind and the open sea, she quickly vanished from sight.”

Despite the Vigilant’s reputation for speed and passenger safety, in the early 20th century the Danish government reportedly sent a new steam ship as a replacement. But, she developed serious engine trouble and was sent back to Europe for refitting. Without any engine, the Vigilant reliably carried on.

In my fact-based novel Santa Anna’s Gold in a Pirate Sea, I place the Vigilant in Charlotte Amalie harbor when the deadly San Narciso hurricane of 1867 struck St. Thomas. And, unfortunately, on September 12, 1928 the Vigilant was destroyed beyond repair by another severe hurricane.

Constructed in a candle-lit world during George Washington’s presidency, the Vigilant perished in a world lit by electricity and propelled by oil.

Jeffrey R. McCord is a free-lance journalist and media relations consultant who has called Northern Virginia his home for more than 20 years. The author of “Undocumented Visitors in a Pirate Sea,” a quarter-finalist in the 2014 Amazon Breakthrough Novel contest, Mr. McCord’s articles on international economics and consumer protection have appeared in The Wall Street Journal, Barron’s, Gannett newspapers and Truthout.org, among other publications. He now divides his time between Virginia and St. John, USVI.

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Old Town Crier

February 2016 | 19

ROAD TRIP BOB TAGERT

WEST VIRGINIA&

THE NEW RIVER GORGE

Bob and Boomer, WV's The New Place owner George Callison

In

December of last year we decided to get out of town for the Christmas holiday.

We had an invitation from River Expeditions to stay at one of their luxury cabins for December 24 through the 26th near the New and Gauley Rivers and the town of Fayetteville, WV. Originally thinking this would be an opportunity to experience snow and the beauty of winter in the mountains, we dug out the winter gear, but as late December approached we realized the weather forecast was calling more for shorts and a sweater.

Leaving around 11 am on December 24, I headed down Interstate 95 toward 20 | February 2016

Fredericksburg. I had convinced myself that all traffic had left days earlier ‌ I was wrong. It took us two hours to cover the 47 miles from Alexandria to Fredericksburg. From Fredericksburg I took Route 3 west to Route 29 south to Interstate 64 near Charlottesville. I took I-64 west until it joined I-81 south and then I-64 west in Lexington, Va. As we exited I-81 we left the bulk of the traffic behind and entered the fog, which would be our companion until we reached our destination.

Upon our arrival at the River Expeditions compound we were still hampered by the fog. The compound was deserted and it took us at least half an hour to figure out where

the cabin was located. We finally found it and indeed they had left the light on.

We quickly unloaded and I cracked open a bottle of Wasmund’s Single Malt Whiskey and retired to the porch with a cigar. The temps were in the mid 60s on this overcast night and the rocking chair made for a wonderful way to unwind from the drive.

The cabin was large with five bedrooms and two baths. The kitchen, dining area and living area were all open and very comfortable. On the back porch was a covered hot tub, which we put into action about an hour later. It was not what you would expect at the end of December in the mountains of West Virginia, but very pleasant all the same. The gas fireplace in the living area was nice but actually made the room very warm after being on for a while. We solved that problem by keeping the front door open.

After a hearty breakfast the next morning we decided to explore the compound in daylight. The rain had stopped but the humidity was still thick in the air. As we had determined the night before, we were the only souls around. Our cabin was at the bottom of a hill in a little hollow with three other identical cabins. Up the hill are a deserted camp store, showers, safari tents and smaller cabins. I am sure that in the summer months this is a bustling place with all of the activities that are available, however it was nice to have the place to ourselves for the next two days.

We decided to take a short drive to the town of Fayetteville, which is near the New River Gorge Bridge.

Fayetteville was named after the Marquis de Lafayette, whose statue looks upon downtown Fayetteville from the Fayette County Courthouse lawn.

Old Town Crier

Fayetteville, on the rim of the New River Gorge, sits above the lowest sulfur, highest-grade coal on earth, once mined extensively during the great coal boom of the early 1900’s. Fayetteville is also home to the New River Gorge Bridge, completed in 1977, and at the time was the world’s longest arch bridge.

The New River Gorge Bridge is a steel arch bridge 3,030 feet long. The roadway of the bridge is 876 feet above the New River.

The New River Gorge Bridge is one of the highest vehicular bridges in the world, and is currently the third highest in the United States. Construction began on the ridge in June 94, and completed on October 22,1977. At the time the bridge was West Virginia Department of highway’s largest project in its history, important both in terms of its overall cost, and that the Federal Government provided 70 percent of the funding. Construction gave a boost to the state and local economy and the completion improved transportation. The bridge cut the vehicle travel time from one side to the other from 45 minutes to 45 seconds.

The New River begins in North Carolina and flows “north” into southwestern Virginia and through a gorge in the Iron Mountains. After flowing north through Giles County, Virginia and the town of Narrows, the river crosses into West Virginia. Despite its name, the New River is considered by some geologists to be one of the oldest rivers in the world. The New River flows in a generally south-to-north course, at times cutting across the southwest –to-northeast- trending ridges and geological texture of the Appalachian Mountains, contrasting with the west-to-east flow of most other major rivers to the east and northeast in Virginia and North Carolina. This peculiar direction, together with the river’s many cuts through various erosion-resistant Appalachian rocks, reveals that the New River’s formation preceded uplift of the Appalachian Mountains.

Today, New River Gorge is renowned for its excellent recreational opportunities: whitewater rafting, canoeing, hiking, rock climbing, fishing, hunting, bird watching, camping, biking and just enjoying the solitude of the natural world. The lower gorge of the New River is a premier whitewater rafting location with imposing rapids ranging in difficulty from Class III to Class V, many of them obstructed by large boulders which necessitate maneuvering in very powerful currents, cross currents and hydraulics. The dams on the river schedule release of water on a regular basis, which can make the river a dangerous place to be for the inexperienced.

At the town of Gauley Bridge, the Gauley River flows into the New River and becomes the Kanawha River, which is a tributary of the Ohio River. Route 60 runs along the New River through many small towns, some left over from the coal boom days. We decided to take a drive along this beautiful and violent river. Deep in the gorge we were treated to waterfalls coming down the mountainsides and emptying into the river. The next minute we were climbing up the mountainside along hairpin switchbacks to the rim where the river was far below us. As we passed through small towns we could see small fishing huts on the other side of the river. As we entered the town of Boomer we noticed a bar called The New Place. As we pulled in we heard a voice a block away call out I’ll be there in a minute! This was George Callison; the owner of the establishment … must have been a slow day. He drove up and unlocked the door for us.

The next 45 minutes were spent in great conversation. In its hay day the coal operation near Boomer employed over 1200 people.

Today it is fewer than 200. The New Place had been open for twelve years and was one of the few remaining bar/restaurants left in the valley. This place was a great find along the rolling river and hillside waterfalls.

When we left to return home on the 27th we decided to skip I-64 and I-81 and chose instead the Robert C. Byrd Appalachian Highway, also know as “Corridor H.” This is a series of highways that cross through the middle of West Virginia.

Traffic was fairly light and travel was easy. We worked our way northeast through the towns of Elkins, Thomas, Davis and through Canaan Valley, one of West Virginia’s premier resorts.

Unfortunately there was no skiing as the temperature reached as high as 70 degrees on December 27 and you can’t even make snow in that kind of weather. Luckily, the temperature has now returned to normal and the ski season is in full swing.

Driving through the middle of West Virginia was not only more beautiful but it also took 2 hours off of our drive and there were no traffic backups until we reached the capital beltway. As spring approaches, think about a trip to West Virginia…it is Wild and Wonderful!

Old Town Crier

February 2016 | 21

FROM THE BAY… MOLLY WINANS

Y

ou can picture her. Sitting at your dock looking shiny and new. You imagine climbing aboard on a perfect spring day with a cooler full of goodies for a day sail or a duffel bag for a weekend. Maybe you have dreamed of wintering in the islands or summering in New England onboard … This could be your year to buy that dream sailboat. But where do you begin? We asked some experienced yacht brokers and new boat buyers to share their expertise on how to buy a sailboat.

Here’s what they had to say.

Know Your Goals

It’s not as important to know which boat you want as it is to know what kind of sailing you plan on doing. “We

sit down with new clients and find out what their real vision is. What is their experience? What is it they hope to do?” says Kate Christensen ofRogueWave Yacht Salesin Annapolis.

“Who will be sailing with them— kids or a dog? Who will visit— grandparents? All that stuff matters.

Then, we work to find a boat that supports their vision.”

Christensen, who specializes in bluewater-capable sailboats, asks whether clients envision sailing down the Intracoastal to Marathon, Fla., or to the Caribbean or Maine, or even to do a circumnavigation.

Such goals require unique qualities in boats. Sailors who plan to remain on the Chesapeake and only sail locally on weekends also have different

equipment needs, as well as shallower draft boats that sail well on the Bay. What is your sailing vision? Write it down. Ask yourself if you’re missing anything about the lifestyle you envision onboard.

Get Expert Advice

You may not know exactly what your goals are when thinking about how to buy a sailboat, but as you talk about them with an expert, they will become clearer. In the beginning, that expert tends to be an experienced yacht broker. Christensen, along with her partner Bernie Jakits, have owned a dozen boats between them over the years, ranging from Kate’s first boat, a Laser, to the largest boat they owned and cruised together, a

Hallberg Rassy 53. Having sailed from Maine to Bermuda and the Caribbean and to many ports in between, they understand what it feels like to buy and sell boats as well as sail.

Annapolis Yacht Sales owner, Tim Wilbricht, who has sold boats for 17 years, has owned two boats, lived aboard one of them for nine and a half years, and sailed and lived up and down the East Coast from Boston to Florida and in the Caribbean. “It’s not that people can’t find boats to buy,” he says. “It’s that they don’t always know what questions to ask. They may fall for flashy boat names or pretty interiors, yet still be naïve about what their own needs are.”

FROM THE BAY > PAGE 24

How to Buy a Boat

22 | February 2016

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FROM THE BAY FROM PG 22

Wilbricht admits that as a yacht broker, of course he would recommend buyers go through brokers, but there’s more to it. He says, “Having a yacht broker is a huge time saver. Why drive all the way to New York to see a boat when a broker may have a connection in the area he can contact to ensure the boat’s worth traveling for?”

Since the broker spends his or her day focused on the local market, they simply know it better than most buyers and can help them sift through the options timeeffectively. Wilbricht starts by showing buyers, in a limited geographic area, “a broad

array of boats of various sizes, shapes, ages, and price ranges … Then we whittle it down to a model. Once we find the model, then we can expand the search geographically for the right one.”

Bill Ranson recently bought a Jeanneau 42 from Mike Lynch at Norton Yachts in Deltaville, Va. He didn’t need a broker to find a boat for him; he found a shiny new Jeanneau in the boatyard, as he was hauling his Hunter for a hurricane, and Lynch helped him with the process.

“I like going through a broker/dealer who has a relationship with the manufacturer,” says Ranson, who has bought multiple boats, new and used, from

brokers and individuals. “The broker is definitely a benefit if you trust them. They can become like family.”

Scott Evans of Laguna Beach, Calif., calls himself a “poster child for new boat buying.” A Californian who aimed to buy a boat — out of Annapolis — learn to sail her, and sail to the Bahamas for a year with his family did just that after finding a Morgan 44 through RogueWave Yacht Sales. Evans, who sold his boat within three weeks of returning from his one-year adventure, says, “You really do need a consultant if you are new to boat buying. They can help you buy it and sell it.” Evans one-year adventure situation is extreme, but

Seek a Surveyor according to the brokers we spoke to, all boat buyers need to consult experts about the resale value of their boats as they buy them.

Avoid Common Buyer Mistakes

The brokers and buyers we interviewed don’t have anything against websites, such as yachtworld.com, but they all commented that they were no substitute for going aboard many boats personally.

“Everything looks great on the Internet, but people don’t have a sense of space until they’ve boarded the boat” says Christensen. “A 36-foot boat can be teeny or spacious inside. It depends on the layout.”

Evans agrees. “Looking at boats on websites is incredibly misleading,” he says. He also advises against listening to advice of sailors who do other kinds of sailing than what you aim to do. A prospective longterm liveaboard cruiser may get some good advice from a casual daysailor, but some of it may be off-base. “Everyone has an opinion. Their idea of sailing may be different than yours. Consider the source of advice on how to buy a sailboat and consider what 24 | February 2016

you want to do with your boat.”

Christensen reminds buyers to not get too hung up on a boat based on price. “There are no bargains,” she says.

“Get a smaller boat if you don’t have enough money to buy the bigger one. Less is more if you buy a high quality boat.”

The greatest buyer mistake according to Wilbricht is to “chase down boats that really are not what they’re looking for and to travel too far and look for the wrong boat for too long.”

Once you have found a boat, you will need a surveyor to look her over and make sure you’re making a sound decision. Whether you should take recommendations from your broker or find one on your own is a subject of varying opinions. It does help to have one who comes well-recommended—from a boatyard or friend as well as a broker.

The two organizations through which buyers find surveyors are the National Association of Marine Surveyors and the Society of Accredited Marine Surveyors, known in the marine industry as NAMS and SAMS. Christensen advises, “Ask your boatyard or another broker for recommendations.

Find out if the surveyor is fit enough to crawl around and dig in, pull up every cushion and floorboard, do it all.

Will he go up the mast? It’s important that your surveyor be a sailor.”

Ranson advises buyers to visit American Boat and Yacht Council website to download some free information on standards and technical information. He notes, “It’s for those who want to become marine surveyors, but I learned some things. It helped me ask the surveyor informed

questions.”

Follow Friendly Advice

When asked what he would advise his best friend about buying a new boat, veteran boat buyer Ranson says, “Do all the research you can. Write down everything you want in a boat. And go to the Annapolis Sailboat Show,” as he does every Columbus Day Weekend. “It’s an amazing resource. You won’t find it all, but you’ll come close. Then look at your budget, and ask yourself whether you would like to buy new or used.”

As a broker, the quality Wilbricht likes in buyers is that they be strong communicators. “Opinionated buyers are a good thing.

When they board a boat, you know right away what they like and don’t like. Be very specific about what you like and also open-minded to suggestions.”

Evans, who admits he desperately misses his cruising life and will get back to it one day, says, “Make sure you know what you’re going to do with your boat before you get serious about buying.

Use consultants — brokers, surveyors, or someone who works in a boatyard and doesn’t have anything to gain from the process. Buy as good a boat as you can buy for the money you have. Go for quality and a boat in good condition with a good resale value… and if you get hooked on a boat, and it doesn’t work out, remember, there’s always another boat.

Winans is the editor of SpinSheet and PropTalk magazines located in the Maritime Republic of Eastport, Maryland. Check them out at SpinSheet.com and PropTalk. com.

Old Town Crier

…TO THE BLUE RIDGE JULIE REARDON

The Making of a Champion

Poodle grooming

C

ould you identify a Bergamasco? How about a Cirneco dell’Etna? A Lagotto Romagnoli or Berger Picard?

Most people don’t know what a Xoloitzcuintli is, much less how to pronounce it. Even I couldn’t have identified the first four, although I had the chance to see all five at a recent series of dog shows we entered in January. They’re all new breeds recently recognized by the American Kennel Club although all have ancient origins abroad. Over 100 breeds were represented at the five days of shows, ranging from tiny toy breeds such as Chihuahuas and Pomeranians to tall, regal Great Danes and Irish Wolfhounds and the ever popular Labrador and Golden Retrievers.

Many beloved breeds are instantly identifiable; but a fair number aren’t, because a long coated, groomed for the show ring coat may make a dog look totally different than what we’re used to seeing. But that’s part of the fun—and dog people are nothing if not proud of their dogs. They’re Old Town Crier

usually more than happy to tell you about their breed when you ask.

No species on earth comes in a greater variety of sizes and shapes than our best friend, the dog. From the earliest prehistoric days when the first wolves started following humans around and warning them of dangerous predators in exchange for scraps, we’ve had dogs in our lives.

And over the years, we selectively bred them for different jobs, such as guarding, hunting, herding, draft and police work and of course, to be lap dogs and companions, until the original canine evolved into the tremendous variety of sizes and types we now have.

Today, there are some 400 different breeds recognized by different registries around the world. Here, the oldest and largest registry for purebred dogs is the American Kennel Club, founded in 1884 to promote the study, breeding, exhibiting and advancement of purebred dogs. In addition to maintaining registration and ancestry records of the over 160 recognized

breeds, the AKC is the governing body for over 21,000 events for nearly two million purebred dogs annually: dog shows, obedience and agility trials, herding and coursing tests, coon hound and earth dog trials, hunting tests and field trials, and more.

Shows, and performance events, were originated and continue today as a means to identify the best dogs for purposes of breeding. Most people have heard of Westminster, the superbowl of dog shows held every February in New York City, February 15th this year. But there are thousands of shows held across the country, and showing dogs has become a popular sport for people from all walks of life.

Most have classes for all recognized breeds, and some offer special divisions for puppies, junior handlers, as well as obedience and agility trials. Dogs compete against those of their breed and sex to earn points toward their championship. Owners as well as professional handlers can show the dogs: there are classes for amateur owner handlers, young and

novice dogs as well as open classes for both sexes. For some, especially long coated breeds, presentation is important, requiring hours of grooming before the appointed ring time. Sometimes there is only one dog of a breed. Whether there is just one or 40, at the appointed ring time, dogs and handlers are called to the ring by the steward and they line up by armband number. Handlers stand or “stack” their dogs to present the most appealing picture to the judge, who will go over each dog, then direct the handler to jog it around the ring (this is called gaiting) to determine how well it moves. If there are multiple dogs in the class, the judge will usually have them all move around together at some point so he can compare and determine which one best meets the breed standard, as determined by the breed’s parent club, before picking the winner. After all the class winners have been picked, those dogs come back in the ring so the judge can select the one he likes best of the winners BLUE RIDGE > PAGE 26

February 2016 | 25

BLUE RIDGE FROM PG 25

“Like our best friends’ home if our best friends were amazing chefs and knew exactly what we wanted before we asked.”

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— this is the one that will earn championship points. The more dogs present, the more points the winner can earn; up to a maximum of 5 per show. A total of 15 points earned under different judges are needed to earn the Champion title.

Shows follow an elimination format to determine the prestigious Best in Show award.

The breeds are divided into seven groups: sporting, herding, working, terrier, toy, nonsporting and hound. The best dog of each breed goes to its respective group to be judged.

Then, each of the seven group winners goes on to vie for the Best in Show class to earn the coveted Best in Show award. All of these — best of breed, group wins and placings, and of course, best in show, amass points for the dog for various rankings like high point show dog in several different categories, and to qualify it for prestigious invitation-only shows such as Westminster.

Our two entries were homebred Chesapeake Bay Retrievers for the five days of shows. It had been over 12 years since I’d

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from hunting and in fact, any retrieving, so only has a Junior Hunter title. The accident left her paralyzed in all four legs from two shattered vertebrae in her neck. She underwent surgery at a veterinary neurology specialist practice in Leesburg, where the surgeon opened up her spine and removed blood and debris from bone fragments. Her prognosis was guarded — there was no guarantee she’d be able to walk again. But in a near miraculous recovery, she stood and walked less than two weeks from surgery, although it took extensive rehab and a year until she would regain full mobility.

The judges seemed to like Silas, the male Chesapeake; and he did well for his first show experience, actually picking up some points toward his champion title. Tanzy won a few ribbons, but no points: she is at the small end of the breed standard, and a color not favored in the show world (although highly prized in the duck blind). But she strutted around that ring like a boss, tail wagging the whole time.

None of the judges, of course, knew anything about her, especially not how close to death she was two years ago. And in any case, they are there to judge looks, not heart. If heart could be judged, she would have been the winner. But we already know she has the heart of a champion, so we were happy with her results. And she was a great ambassador for the breed, as she is very social and makes friends with anyone she meets.

Space prevents me from describing the newly recognized AKC breeds, but you can find descriptions of them (and all the other breeds) by visiting www.akc.org/dogbreeds.

Publisher’s note: Watch for Julie’s March column for an update on spring steeplechasing in the Blue Ridge. We let her go off the chain this month and write a fun article about pooches.

Booltlaian, above; and toy, right

shown dogs, since mine are primarily hunting and performance dogs, but we’d like to put a show title to go with the field titles on our young male Silas, who hunts waterfowl and already has his AKC Senior Hunter title. Tanzy, the female, went for fun. She nearly died in an accident two years ago and had to be retired

Pointers

26 | February 2016

Old Town Crier

On Tuesday, January 26, Rick Wasmund hosted a whiskey dinner at Tula’s Off Main in Little Washington in conjunction with owners John McCaslin and Mark Allen. Because of our deadline with this issue and the recent snow, I was unable to attend. I have been to other Wasmund sponsored dinners and they are not only tasty but very informative.

John and Mark, both Alexandrians, have brought an Alexandria touch to Little Washington and Rappahannock County. The collaboration between Tula’s and Wasmund is a natural. Wasmund’s distillery, Copper Fox, is located nearby in Sperryville, and a second distillery is under construction in Williamsburg.

Wasmund’whiskey is hand-crafted with original ideas. They start from scratch, hand-malting their own barley, and then flavoring the grain with apple and cherry wood smoke. The spirit is aged with a progressive series of new and used apple wood and oak chips inside used bourbon barrels.

Wasmund’s Whiskey Dinner

The dinner offered Tula’s special four-course menu paired seared scallops, marinated duck breast, braised beef shot ribs, and chocolate pecan pie with Copper Fox’s unique handcrafted whiskies, including ryes and single malts.

Take a drive out to Little Washington and Sperryville for the very best in dining and spirits.

1. The average groundhog is 20 inches long and normally weighs from 12 to 15 pounds. Punxsutawney Phil weighs about 20 pounds and is 22 inches long.

Groundhogs are covered with coarse grayish hairs (fur) tipped with brown or sometimes dull red. They have short ears, a short tail, short legs, and are surprisingly quick. Their jaws are exceptionally strong.

2. A groundhog’s diet consists of lots of greens, fruits, and vegetables and very little water. Most of their liquids come from dewy leaves.

3. A groundhog can whistle when it is alarmed. Groundhogs also whistle in the spring when they begin courting.

4. Insects do not bother groundhogs and germs pretty much leave them alone.

They are resistant to the plagues that periodically wipe out large numbers of wild animals. One reason for this is their cleanliness.

5. Groundhogs are one of the few animals that really hibernate. Hibernation is not just a deep sleep. It is actually a deep coma, where the body temperature drops to a few degrees above freezing, the heart barely beats, the blood scarcely flows, and breathing nearly stops.

6. Young Groundhogs are usually born in mid-April or May, and by July they are able to go out on their own. The size of the litter is 4 to 9. A baby groundhog is called a kit or a cub.

7. A groundhog’s life span is normally 6 to 8 years. Phil receives a drink of a magical punch every summer during the Annual Groundhog Picnic, which gives him 7 more years of life.

8. Punxsutawney Phil is the only true weather forecasting groundhog. The others are just imposters.

9. There has been only one Punxsutawney Old Town Crier

—Bob Tagert Phil. Punxsutawney Phil gets his longevity from drinking "groundhog punch" (a secret recipe). One sip, which is administered every summer at the Groundhog Picnic, gives him seven more years of life.

10. On February 2, Phil comes out of his burrow on Gobbler’s Knob, in front of thousands of faithful followers from all over the world, to predict the weather for the rest of the winter.

11. According to legend, if Punxsutawney Phil sees his shadow, there will be six more weeks of winter weather. If he does not see his shadow, there will be an early spring.

12. Punxsutawney Phil’s forecasts are not made in advance by the Inner Circle. After Phil emerges from his burrow on February 2nd, he speaks to the Groundhog Club President in Groundhogese. His proclamation is then translated for the world.

13. The celebration of Groundhog Day began with the Germans, Pennsylvania’s earliest settlers. They brought with them the legend of Candlemas Day, which states “For as the sun shines on Candlemas day, so far will the snow swirl in May...”

The settlers found that groundhogs were plentiful and were the most intelligent and sensible animal to carry on the legend of Candlemas Day. 14. Punxsutawney held its first Groundhog Day in the 1800’s. The first official trek to Gobbler’s Knob made on February 2nd, 1887.

15. So the story goes, Punxsutawney Phil was named after King Phillip. Prior to being called Phil, he was called Br’er Groundhog.

Thanks to The Punxsutawney Groundhog Club and their website groundhog.org.

January 2016 | 27

How did you get started in the bartending business?

I started bartending on the West Coast in Friday Harbor, Washington, where I made lots of long time friends and saw lots of activities that, to this day, no one would believe. My four closest friends are also bartenders.

We’ve got to stick together.

landed on my feet at Streets Market Café and it turned out to be the perfect match. So I have no current pet peeves. I’m so grateful for my new team and management and most importantly my new clientele; and my long time most-loyal customers and friends from the past. I have no time for petty complaints.

What is your biggest bartending pet peeve?

Right now I can honestly say nothing. I was unemployed for about a month. I didn’t admit it but I was terrified that at my age I might not find another front of the house position that was a good fit for me. I

What is the most clever line anyone has every used to get you to give them a free drink?

Anything Kieran says! (ask Kieran)

28 | February 2016

What is the best/worst pickup line you have overheard at the bar?

I have no idea. That’s all very icky to

me. I’ve been fortunate enough to not work in a bar where people are trying to pick anyone up.

Tell us about an interesting encounter you have had with a customer.

Most recently my favorite and most interesting encounter at the bar is with my new friend Joe. He lives across the street and can see into the bar area here. He says that he looks outside the window and checks to see if I’m working before he comes over. He’s awesome and reminds me of Matt Bellessai, Buzzfeed’s Whine About It Guy, except he’s even funnier. That’s right, funnier. (yes, he drinks red wine)

If you could sit down and have a drink with anyone in the world, past or present, who would that be?

My boyfriend Jimmy. I work lots of crazy hours and Jimmy is getting home when I’m leaving for work. Our time together gets shoved to the back burner more times than not. I wish for some days when it’s just us and a few drinks on our back deck watching the sunset.

If you would like to see your favorite bartender featured in this space, send contact information to office@ oldtowncrier.com.

Old Town Crier

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Old Town Crier

February 2016 | 29

Photo: Fredde Lieberman

The Blackwall Hitch Modern Interpretation of a Classic Shore Tavern

Photo: Fredde Lieberman

THE BLACKWALL HITCH 5 CAMERON STREET ON THE WATERFRONT OLD TOWN ALEXANDRIA

703-739-6090 THEBLACKWALLHITCH.COM

30 | February 2016

T

his month, in the aftermath of the Blizzard of 2016, we decided to make our way through the shoveled walks along the Alexandria waterfront to The Blackwall Hitch restaurant. Only open seven months, Blackwall is the newest addition to an ever-growing Alexandria waterfront.

The original Blackwall Hitch was opened a few years ago in Eastport, Maryland right across Spa Creek from Annapolis. It became an immediate success joining the collection of first class restaurants and bars in Eastport.

Like Eastport, the Alexandria location is a black and white canvas of separate bars and dining rooms. In nice weather there are three different patios over looking the Potomac

River, Woodrow Wilson Bridge and National Harbor to the south and the Washington D.C. skyline gazing north. The patio at the main entrance overlooks the City Dock marina. The 450-seat restaurant is named after a sailors knot used as a temporary means of attaching a line to a hook.

Made of a simple half hitch over the hook, it will only hold when subjected to constant tension. This knot was used extensively at the seaport town of Blackwall in England.

The interior is divided into separate dining areas, each with their own scheme. The front room with mostly four seat dining, the middle bar area with four seat and high top tables, and the patio side dining room with booths (these are actually very comfortable

black leather setees) as well as tables.

In nice weather there is an outside bar on the patio. Above the main bar is the “Crows Nest.� There is a smaller bar with about 8 seats and tables as well as plush leather cushions, which adds a bit of luxury to the cocktail hour. The building, which was once the Alexandria Food Pavilion, is glass sided offering a 180-degree view of the river.

We went for a late lunch after the snowstorm. Like the rest of Old Town, business was a little slow. The third dining area near the patio was in use that day, so we selected one of the tables with booth seating. The menu is loaded with inspiring items. There are 12 appetizers to choose from including their signature Shrimp Blackwall, a DINING OUT > PAGE 35

Old Town Crier

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703.548.1717 murphyspub.com

February 2016 | 31

Dining Guide AMERICAN BILBO BAGGINS 208 Queen St. 703-683-0300 BITTERSWEET 823 King St. 703-549-2708 BLACKWALL HITCH 5 Cameron St. 571-982-3577 CARLYLE CLUB 411 John Carlyle St. 703-549-8957 CHADWICKS 203 Strand St. 703-836-4442 chadwicksrestaurants.com An Old Town tradition since 1979 and an original Georgetown pub and restaurant since 1967.

CHART HOUSE One Cameron St. 703-684-5080 CITY KITCHEN 330 South Pickett St. 703-685-9172 fatcitykitchen.com USA City inspired menu choices that bring together traditional American and global cuisine with their own personal touch. Casual dress. $30 and under. Lots of free parking. Open 7 days a week with brunch on Sat & Sun 11-3.

AMEX, Discover, MasterCard, Visa COLUMBIA FIREHOUSE 109 S. St. Asaph St. 703-683-1776 DUTCHS GRILL (Holiday Inn) 2460 Eisenhower Ave. Alexandria, VA 703-960-3400 THE GRILL RESTAURANT/ PIANO BAR AT MORRISON HOUSE 116 S. Alfred St. 703-838-8000 EVENING STAR CAFÉ 2000 Mt. Vernon Ave. 703-549-5051 FAST EDDIES BILLIARD CAFE 6220 Richmond Hwy. 703-660-9444 FIN & HOOF 801 N. Saint Asaph St. 703-836-4700 FINN & PORTER AT MARK CENTER 5000 Seminary Rd. 703-379-2346 FIRE FLIES 1501 Mt. Vernon Ave. 703-548-7200 FOSTERS GRILLE 2004 Eisenhower Ave. 703-725-1342 GADSBYS TAVERN 138 N. Royal St. 703-548-1288 HARD TIMES CAFE 1404 King St. 703-837-0050

HUNTING CREEK STATION 1106 King St. 703-836-5126

PORK BARREL BBQ 2312 Mount Vernon Ave. 703-822-5699

MAI THAI 9 King St. 703-548-0600

INDIGO LANDING #1 Marina Dr. Washington Sailing Marina 703-548-0001

RAILSTOP GASTROPUB 901 N. Fairfax St. 703-683-8793

RED MEI 602 King St. 703-837-0094

JACKS PLACE 222 North Lee St. 703-684-0372

RAMPARTS 1700 Fern St. 703-998-6616 rampartstavern.com

STREETS MARKET AND CAFE 3108 Mt. Vernon Ave. 571-431-6810

JACKSON 20 480 King St. 703-842-2790

REYNOLDS STREET CAFÉ 34 S. Reynolds St. 703-751-0830

JOE THEISMANNS 1800 Diagonal Rd. 703-739-0777

RIVER BEND BISTRO 7966 Fort Hunt Rd. Hollin Hall Shopping Center 703-347-7545

KING STREET BLUES 112 N. St. Asaph St. 703-836-8800 LAPORTAS 1600 Duke St. 703-683-6313 LIGHT HORSE RESTAURANT 715 King St. 703-549-0533 LOST DOG CAFE 808 North Henry St. 571-970-6511

ROCK IT GRILL 1319 King St. 703-739-2274 SAMUEL BECKETTS IRISH GASTRO PUB 2800 S. Randolph St. Villages of Shirlington 703-379-0122 SHOOTER MCGEES 5239 Duke St. 703-751-9266

MACKIE’S BAR AND GRILL 907 King St. 703-684-3288

SOCIETY FAIR 277 S. Washington St. 703-683-3247

MAGNOLIA’S ON KING 703 King St. 703-838-9090

SONOMA CELLAR 207 King St. 703-966-3550

MAJESTIC CAFÉ 911 King St. 703-837-9117 MANCINIS 1508 Mt. Vernon Ave. 703-838-FOOD MASON SOCIAL 728 Henry Street Old Town Alexandria 703-548-8800 mason-social.com MOUNT VERNON INN Mount Vernon, Va 703-780-0011 MURPHYS IRISH PUB 713 King St. 703-548-1717 murphyspub.com Old-world Irish pub featuring a roaring fireplace, serving a variety of imported, domestic and non-alcoholic beers in a friendly atmosphere. Serving robust American-Irish meals at fair prices.

Favorites include fish and chips and Irish stew. Irish-style entertainment nightly.

NICKELLS AND SCHIFFLER 1028 King St. 703-684-5922 NINAS DANDY Potomac Party Cruises Zero Prince St. 703-683-6076 dandydinnerboat.com OCONNELLS RESTAURANT & BAR 112 King St. 703-739-1124 danieloconnellsrestaurant.com OVERWOOD 220 North Lee St. 703-535-3340

32 | February 2016

SOUTHSIDE 815 815 S. Washington St. 703-836-6222 T.J. STONES GRILL HOUSE & TAP ROOM 608 Montgomery St. 703-548-1004 tjstones.com American cuisine with libations from around the world. Bar specials Mon-Fri, 4-7 pm. Brunch served Sat & Sun. TRADEMARK 2800 Jamieson Ave. 703-253-8640 TRADITIONS (Holiday Inn) 625 First St. 703-548-6300 UNION STREET PUBLIC HOUSE 121 South Union St. 703-548-1785 unionstreetpublichouse.com Old Towns favorite neighborhood tap and grill. Distinct southern style menu, fine steaks, fresh seafood. Sunday brunch, private parties, happy hour.

VERMILLION 1120 King St. 703-684-9669

THAILAND ROYAL 801 N. Fairfax St. 703 535-6622 TOKYO JAPANESE STEAKHOUSE 66 Canal Center Plaza 703-683-8878 CAPHE BANH MI VIETNAMESE 407 Cameron St. 703-549-0800 SANG JUN THAI 300 King Street 571-312-3377 KAI ZEN TAVERN 1901 Mt. Vernon Ave. 703-836-1212 CONTINENTAL BRABO

by Robert Weidmaier 1600 King St. 703-894-3440 BRABO TASTING ROOM 1600 King St. 703-894-5252 RESTAURANT EVE 110 S. Pitt St. 703-706-0450 TEMPO 4231 Duke St. 703-370-7900 temporestaurant.com Northern Italian, French provincial and American cuisine featuring fresh seafood, meats and pasta served in a contemporary, romantic atmosphere.

CEDAR KNOLL INN GW Parkway at Lucia Ln. 703-799-1501 FRENCH BASTILLE 606 N. Fayette St. 703-519-3776 bastillerestaurant.com LE REFUGE 127 N. Washington St. 703-548-4661 FONTAINES CAFFE & CREPERIE 119 S. Royal St. 703-535-8151 LA MADELEINE 500 King St. 703-729-2854

VIRTUE GRAIN & FEED 106 South Union St. 571-970-3669 THE WAREHOUSE BAR & GRILL 214 King St. 703-683-6868 ASIAN

TWO NINETEEN RESTAURANT 219 King St. 703-549-1141 BISTRO ROYALE 1201 N. Royal St. 703-519-9110 bistroroyal.com

ASIAN BISTRO 809 King St. 703-836-1515

YVES BISTRO 235 Swamp Fox Rd. (in Hoffman Ctr.) 703-329-1010

MALAYA 1019 King St. 703-519-3710

LA BERGERIE 218 N. Lee St. 703-683-1007 labergerie.com

ITALIAN BERTUCCIS 725 King St. 703-548-8500 BUGSYS PIZZA RESTAURANT 111 King St. 703-683-0313 bugsyspizza.com FACCIA LUNA 823 S. Washington St. 703-838-5998 GERANIO RISTORANTE 722 King St. 703-548-0088 geranio.net Still Old Towns highest-rated Italian restaurant (Zagat). Discerning Old Towners flock here for refined cuisine in this comfortable, yet sophisticated restaurant.

With entrees from $14, there is no reason not to enjoy a selection from their Wine Spectator award-winning list, while being attended by the friendly staff of seasoned professionals. Reservations recommended and casual attire welcomed.

IL PORTO RESTAURANT 121 King St. 703-836-8833 LA STRADA 1905 Mt. Vernon Ave. 703-548-2592 LENA’S WOOD-FIRED PIZZA 401 East Braddock Rd. 703-683-5330 SAPORE DITALIA RISTORANTE & PIZZERIA 1310 Mt. Vernon Ave. 703-683-9680 LANDINI BROTHERS 115 King St. 703-836-8404 landinibrothers.com Elegant, classical Italian cuisine served in a lovely historical setting. Fresh veal, homemade pastas, and fresh fish are some of the daily choices. An extensive list of wines and champagnes served in a sophisticated and friendly atmosphere.

OLD CHICAGO PIZZERIA 2245 Huntington Ave. 703-960-1086 PARADISO 124 King St. 703-837-1245 PINES OF FLORENCE 1300 King St. 703-549-1796 RED ROCKS FIREBRICK PIZZA 904 King St. 703-717-9873 TRATTORIA DA FRANCO 305 S. Washington St. 703-548-9338 VILLA DESTE 600 Montgomery St. 703-549-9477

TAVERNA CRETEKOU 818 King St. 703-548-8688 tavernacretekou.com PITA HOUSE 719 King St. 703-684-9194 thepitahouse.com Family owned and operated; carry out available and free delivery.

DELIAS MEDITERRANEAN GRILL 209 Swamp Fox Rd. Alexandria, VA 703-329-0006 BISTRO DU SOLEIL 1116 King St. 571-312-2754 SEAFOOD HANKS OYSTER BAR 1026 King St. 703-739-HANK RTS RESTAURANT 3804 Mt. Vernon Ave. 703-684-6010 FISH MARKET-OLD TOWN 105 King St. 703-836-5676 fishmarketoldva.com Internationally known and locally owned! We serve shrimps, a few crabs, tall people and lots of nice people, too!

Live music and lively food!

ERNIES ORGINIAL CRABHOUSE 1743 King St. 703-836-0046 THE WHARF 119 King St. 703-836-2834 wharfrestaurant.com "Its All About the Seafood," traditional and creative coastal cuisine.

FISH MARKET-CLINTON 7611Old Branch Ave. Clinton, MD 301-599-7900 INDIAN DISHES OF INDIA 1510A Bellview Blvd.

703-660-6085 MEXICAN LATIN SOUTHWESTERN AUSTIN GRILL 801 King St. 703-684-8969 LOS TIOS GRILL 2615 Mt. Vernon Ave. 703-299-9290 LOS TOLTECOS 4111 Duke St. 703-823-1167 TAQUERIA POBLANO 2400-B Mt. Vernon Ave. 703-548-TACO (8226) CASA FELIPE 835 N. Royal St. 703-535-7868

MEDITERRANEAN LA TASCA 607 King St. 703-299-9810 “Spring into Spain and Feast Like a King.” Offering unlimited tapas at lunch and dinner. Choice of dessert included.

Lunch 11:30 am - 4:30 pm for $20.07; dinner 4:30 pm - close for $30.07. Eat a little, drink a little, have a lot of fun!

Old Town Crier

“The Finest Lebanese Cuisine” –Washington Post, 2001 Family Owned & Operated Come and Enjoy a Cozy Candlelit Dinner Carry-Out Available • Free Delivery Open 7 Days for Lunch & Dinner

719 King St. Old Town Alexandria 703.684.9194 • thepitahouse.com

JOIN US FOR VALENTINE’S DAY

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Great Steaks

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Late Night Menu Available Every Night

907 King Street Old Town Alexandria 703.684.3288

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dine u n e M t Late Nighout! h g i N t MenLuate t h ig N y r e v Available Ever E le b a Avail y Night

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February 2016 | 33

CHEF’S SPECIAL CHESTER SIMPSON

Andrew Holden

I

photo: ©2016 Chester Simpson

ANDREW HOLDEN IS THE CHEF AT CEDAR KNOLL 9030 LUCIA LANE GEORGE WASHINGTON PKWY ALEXANDRIA, VA 703-780-3665 CEDARKNOLLVA.COM

attended college at VCU in Richmond for business and found myself working in kitchens. While in Richmond, I worked at Complete Catering, The Jefferson Hotel, and Dogwood Grille. Here in Northern Virginia and DC, I worked at IL Radicchio and L’Enfant Cafe.

When did you first become interested in cooking? Why did you decide to pursue a culinary career?

After school, my brother and I would create different snacks for ourselves and friends and that sparked some interest. We come from a family that loves cooking and being together for meals. Even though I was a picky eater growing up, now I’ll eat just about anything.

I would say that I fell into a culinary career more than I sought it out. When I was a kid I wanted to be a professional baseball player just like a million others. Then during high school and parts of college, I was ready to become a musician if the opportunity presented itself. I had a job at a pizza shop in Warrenton, Va. when I was 15 and found myself in the same line of work in college, but on a higher level. I worked at a few nice spots in Richmond while attending VCU, and it was at a catering company there that I realized that I excelled in this business. Ten years later with more catering, hotel, and restaurant business experience, I established a small catering business, The Joy of Eating. This is the short version of what led us to Cedar Knoll.

Who have been the biggest inspirations for your career?

Both of my grandmothers inspired me, because they really enjoyed the details of preparing a meal and how it brought everyone together to assist with the tasks in the kitchen before enjoying the fruits of our collective labor. Early on, I saw some Charlie Trotter books that caught my eye and made me realize how in depth the culinary world is as well as the art that comes out of it. I have always admired Patrick O’Connell and his

(L to R) Charlie Blevins, Max Peña, Andrew Holden, Christopher Holden, and Neal Wadhwa.

CHEF’S SPECIAL > PAGE 35

(L to R) Chocolate Rosemary Soufflé Cake, Fried Oysters Rockefeller (Dragon Creek Sweet Cousins), Rainbow Trout, and Two Way Duck.

34 | February 2016

Old Town Crier

CHEF’S SPECIAL FROM PG 34

DINING OUT FROM PG 30

magical place out in Little Washington.

sautéed shrimp with white wine, garlic and Creole butter and scallions and is served with warm artisan bread. The list goes on to include Zucchini Fritts, Seared Ahi Tuna, Clams in Crazy Water, Fried Green Tomatoes and of course, Oysters on the Half Shell.

They also offer house-made soups … a Maryland Crab with chunks of back fin crab meat, a Butternut Squash & Fennel and the Chef ’s Seasonal Soup. I tried the Chef ’s special, which was a seafood stew in a rich tomato broth. The presentation was great and the broth was filled with shrimp, clams and mussels. I ordered just a cup of the soup and it was very satisfying. Although the stew was delicious, the inclusion of a seafood fork would have made removal of the mussels and clams from their shells a bit easier and less messy. The stew made me yearn for summer months and the main course whisked me away to the Eastern Shore. On a previous visit we sampled their version of Maryland Crab soup and it is a very good example of what it should be as well. We also ordered the house salad as a test to the freshness of the greens since the place had pretty much been snowed in. We were pleasantly surprised at the quality and found out that the General Manager had shoveled a convenient path for his purveyors that day!

What dish on your menu are you most curious to see how it’s received?

I suppose if I had to pick one, it would be the Rainbow Trout.

Like many of our dishes, it was a collaboration between the sous chefs and me. We use a local trout and combine it with other regional ingredients such as Virginia peanuts and our applesauce. Then we place it on Biryani rice alongside a cilantro mint chutney.

What do you do to ensure that the quality of the food going out to customers is of a high standard?

We taste everything and are stiff critics of our food. We pay attention to what we are putting on the plate and take pride in what we are presenting to our guests.

If any chef in the world could prepare a meal for you, who would it be?

Jacques Pepin. But he would have to let me cook with him.

What’s your guilty food pleasure?

I don’t feel guilty at all saying pizza.

If you would like to see your favorite chef featured here, send contact info to chester@chestersimpson.com.

The entrees at The Hitch are numerous and varied ranging from Grilled Australian Lamb Chops, Mahi Mahi Tacos (a chefs favorite), Braised Short Rib, Filet Mignon, Bone-in New York Strip, assorted seafood including Maryland Crab Cakes and Shrimp’n Grits. With the sun shining on a partially frozen Potomac River, I opted for the Chesapeake Steamer Boil, and it hit the spot.

I had my little bit of summer on a winter day right in front of me in this pail of seafood delight. The meal included Snow Crab Legs (not an Eastern Shore item), Bay Scallops, Mussels & Steamer Clams boiled in a Seafood Broth with Corn on the cob, Kielbasa and Red Bliss Potatoes.

This is one of those kind of meals where you just sit back and indulge.

Everything was wonderful and I wished I had saved a roll to sop up the broth. Eating food this tasty makes you feel like you never fill up, but by the time I got to the end of the meal I couldn’t finish the potatoes. This is a perfect meal on a winter day.

My dining companion opted to try the Braised Short Rib and it didn’t disappoint. The rib was very tender and tasty and the small pearl onions added a little different texture to the dish. The carrots were a little be “al dente” for my taste but didn’t detract from the dish. It is a lot of food and we ended up taking some home. It also reheats well!

In addition, Blackwall Hitch offers an assortment of Fire-Roasted flatbreads and burgers and sandwiches.

The Braised Short Rib Sandwich is the same beef that you get with the entrée…a good deal. They also offer five different desserts ranging from an Apple Dumpling and Pineapple Upside Down Cake to Vanilla Ice Cream or Raspberry Sorbet. The apple dumpling was our choice during this visit. It was warm and gooey with vanilla ice cream and warm caramel sauce! It was a great way to end the meal.

Blackwall is on the craft cocktail and beer bandwagon like several other establishments in the area so there are numerous choices on that list. They also have a pretty extensive wine list with offerings that are reasonable in price and high in quality. We started out with good old Vodka Gimlets Up and enjoyed a nice crisp Sauvignon Blanc from New Zealand with dinner.

Happy Hour is at the bar during the week from 4-7 and is a good time to sample the starters and drinks at a great price.

Sail on down to the Alexandria Waterfront and dock your body at one of the tables at The Blackwall Hitch and get away from the winter for a few hours. They also have live bands Wednesday through Saturday nights with a Jazz group on Sundays at brunch.

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Enjoy a Very Special Menu See Our Website for Details Call for Reservations!

Free Wine Tastings Every Saturday 2-4 pm 7966 Fort Hunt Road (In the Hollin Hall Shopping Center)

Call 703-347-7545 or RiverBendBistro.com Plenty of FREE parking

Old Town Crier

Now open for BRUNCH Saturdays & Sundays at 10AM 121 South Union Street, Old Town Alexandria 703.548.1785  unionstreetpublichouse.com

February 2016 | 35

GRAPEVINE

VIRGINIA IS FOR WINE LOVERS

T

he landscape and climate of Virginia offers countless choice sites for vineyards.

Each of the state’s main regions boast vineyards and wineries. Given Virginia’s varied grape-growing sites with ideal soil conditions, fine wines now come from all over the state.

Spectacular landscapes, picturesque vineyards and fascinating people make up Virginia’s wine industry. Whichever direction you travel, you’ll experience world-class wines, and the realization of a dream shared by many.”

When you uncork a bottle of Virginia wine, you’re tasting not only the uncommon flavors of Viognier, Cabernet Franc or Petit Verdot, but also how those grapes grew in one of Virginia’s distinct soils and climates across the state.

Seven American Viticultural Areas 36 | February 2016

are in Virginia. These grape-growing regions are defined by geographic features that influence the wines they produce.”

Jamestown settlers had such hopes that Virginia would become a major source of wine for the British Empire that in 1619 they signed into law a requirement for each male settler to plant and tend at least ten grape vines.

Little came of it. Every effort to grow vinifera, or vines of European origin, met with failure from an unknown pest, Phylloxera as well as diseases in a new environment. The booming tobacco trade diluted British interest in the possibilities of American wine.

Americans themselves lost interest.

While fine wine could be had only from Europe, cider, whiskey, beer and brandy were plentiful.

In hopes of one day realizing the promise of fine Virginia wines,

Thomas Jefferson cultivated European grapes for more than 30 years. His experiments at Monticello vineyards never produced a single bottle of wine. He wasn’t alone in trying. After 11 years of efforts at Mount Vernon, George Washington, too, had nothing to show for it.

In the 1820s, wines made from Native American grapes met with great success. Then a Virginia Norton wine was named “best red wine of all nations” at the Vienna World’s Fair in 1873; plus a gold medal for Norton at the Paris World’s Fair of 1889 when the Eiffel tower was constructed. The discovery in the late 1800s that native and European vines could be grafted gave Virginia’s nascent wine industry a lift - but in the early 20th century, Prohibition promptly brought it to a standstill. The industry was slow to bounce back. Some 17 years after

Prohibition’s repeal, Virginia had all of 15 acres of commercial wine grapes.

In the late-1950s, experimental plantings of vinifera showed promise.

With the establishment of six new wineries in the 1970s, the recovery was officially underway. A renewed effort to grow a European Chardonnay succeeded at the Waverly Estate in Middleburg in 1973. Then in 1976, Italian pioneer vintner Gianni Zonin hired Gabriele Rausse to grow and harvest vinifera grapes near Charlottesville. He established Barboursville Vineyards and then helped other vineyards do the same.

By 1995, Virginia had 46 wineries.

By 2005, there were 107. In 2014, Virginia surpassed 254 wineries and counting today, only California, New York Oregon and Washington State have more wineries than Virginia.

The persistence of generations of Old Town Crier

winemakers is paying off. And the vision of one of Virginia’s most renowned native sons, Thomas Jefferson, is now coming true.”

Tasting Virgina Wines!

traipsing around virginia wine country …

These days you don’t have to look far to find great wine in America. Great winery experiences? That’s another thing. Unless one is a wine connoisseur stepping across the threshold and into a winery tasting room can be a daunting experience. Not so in Virginia where the winery experience is anything but stuffy and pretentious. Virginia’s wineries are festive, spirited, welcoming places that put a premium on giving guests a fun, happy and memorable experience. Oh, and the wine itself? Virginia’s is among the very best produced in America.

The Virginia winery experience usually starts with a flighted tasting guided by friendly staff who help you find that certain wine destined to become your new favorite. A behind-thescenes tour of the barrel room and crush pad gives new insight into how great wine is made. Then comes a lovely afternoon in the vineyard, on the winery’s deck or verandah, at a table with friends sharing a bottle of that wine you just discovered, with good music and tasty munchies as accompaniment. That’s the essence of the Virginia winery experience – the best of times shared with friends.

What could be better than that? Maybe a Virginia wine festival. Starting in the spring you’ll find wine festivals big and small and suited just to your liking. The big festivals might feature 20-30 Virginia wineries, with local food vendors, live entertainment and perhaps something extra-special such as hot air balloon rides. Sit in on short classes, lectures and workshops with Virginia’s top winemakers to learn more about Virginia wine, how to pair it with food, how best to store it at home.

Become an expert and impress your friends back home.

Facts and Figures!

The nation’s fifth largest wine grape producer, Virginia also currently ranks fifth in the number of wineries in the nation with more than 275, all easily visited via dozens of wine trails surrounded by lavish scenery, breathtaking views, quaint small towns and monumental historic sites.

Sales of Virginia wine continued their pattern of growth during fiscal year 2015 and reached another record level, increasing by almost two percent from fiscal year 2014. Virginia wineries sold more than 524,000 cases of wine, or over 6.5 million bottles, in fiscal year 2015 versus a little more than 515,000 the previous year. Sales of Virginia wine have increased by 26 percent since fiscal year 2010 as the world learns what Virginia has to offer!

In addition, the Virginia Wine Marketing Office tracked the sales of Virginia ciders separately from Virginia wines for the first time and the results reflect soaring national trends in cider sales. During fiscal year 2015, more than 496,000 cases of Virginia cider were sold, an increase of more than 200 percent from fiscal year 2014 when approximately 164,000 cases were sold.

New experiences at Virginia wineries include oyster pairings, personal blendings, workshops, overnight stays, special events and festivals. Chrysalis Vineyards along with Locksley Estate Farmstead Cheese Company recently launched “The Ag District,” designed to connect visitors to Virginia’s rich agricultural scene. By 2016, the district will house a cheese production facility — open to the public to watch the process - and a futuristic-style tasting room where visitors use tasting cards at different stations to learn about and sample various Chrysalis wines, like their famed Virginia Norton.

Publisher’s note: Many thanks to the Virginia Wine Marketing group and the Virginia Tourism gang for furnishing the information for this month’s Grapevine column. Go out and buy some Virginia wine for that Valentine of yours. Check out www. virginia.org/wine for information on planning a wine getaway. All photos: Virginia Department of Tourism Old Town Crier

A lovely afternoon spent at Greenhill Winery. Picture snapped by Old Town Crier fans Maureen Moore, along with Celia Ferry Moore, Katie Moore Kissal, and Jennifer Moore Meadows.

A small, family winery focused on quality, sustainable farming and our community Visit us and other quality wineries on the Loudoun Wine Trail–www.loudounfarms.org Serving your local red wine needs since 2006 Open Daily 11am - 5pm Educational wine events

Fabbioli Cellars Douglas Fabbioli Colleen M. Berg 15669 Limestone School Rd Leesburg 703-771-1197 www.fabbioliwines.com

February 2016 | 37

EXPLORING VIRGINIAWINES DOUG FABBIOLI

Can You Turn a Hobby Into a Jobby?

Congratulations

to Doug Fabbioli and his crew on the opening of the new tasting room at Fabboli Cellars in Loudoun County. It was definitely a labor of love and well worth all of the blood, sweat and tears!

n PLEASE VISIT OUR NEWLY OPENED CIGAR & RED WINE BAR n

Tasting Room Hours - Open Year Round Thursday-Saturday, & Monday 11-5 pm • Sunday 12 pm (noon)- 5 pm

Mention or bring this ad for a complimentary tasting for two through 12/23/2010 10100 Three Fox Ln. • Delaplane, VA • 540-364-6073 38 | February 2016

I

came up with a silly term the other day that seems relevant to the workplace and particularly our industry. A “Jobby” would be a hobby that eventually turns into a paying gig.

Musicians have done this for years and actors as well. They have a day job that pays the bills and keeps food on the table but then they moonlight doing musical or acting jobs at night and on the weekends. This keeps their passion and creative juices flowing. It makes the day job bearable and keeps their foot in the door of their passion. I was fortunate enough to start my Jobby when I graduated from college and didn’t have any grand financial commitments. I also had a partner, now my wife, that made a decent living that balanced out my efforts to chase my dream. Some people are able to find their passion early enough that their job is their hobby from the start, eliminating a midlife changeover.

In this region we have many people who commit early on to their day job with the plan of retiring early. This opens up the opportunity to start a new career at a relatively young age. Some folks open a winery, some plant a vineyard, some open a little shop and some others may dive into the restaurant business.

With the right energy, capital, business plan and learning attitude, it is possible to succeed. Some make the choice to work in their chosen field and get a paycheck without committing to opening their own business. My advantage was that I worked in the wine industry for many years before I committed my finances and future into our family venture. I regularly suggest this move to folks that are thinking about joining our industry.

I always suggest making mistakes on other people’s dime so you did not make them when you are paying the bills. Working at a winery doing the day to day tasks will give you a much better perspective on the industry than sitting on the comfortable side of the bar watching us work. Maybe as I have created so many jobs in our business, I have a different perspective on what a job is and how it makes money for the one writing the paycheck.

If you find yourself in the position of being able to choose a path in a different career, ask yourself a few questions: 1. What is the thing that I like to do the most or gives me the best feeling when I do it?

2. What creature comforts do I need or can I sacrifice in order to do my new “Jobby”?

3. Will this change effect other commitments I have to family, friends or other employers?

As our business grew and my role has evolved, I certainly have gotten away from some of the things I love best. I and my family have made sacrifices of time, money and focus in order to build this business to a point of sustainability. I would make a few changes in hind sight, but I would certainly take this leap again if given the chance. The years ahead will hopefully be of calmer waters. Me as the salty captain, hope to enjoy the coming years as a calmer and more thoughtful leader. I guess that is the evolution of my Jobby. What about yours?

Doug is the proprietor and winemaker at Fabbioli Cellars in Loudoun County and has been penning this column for several years. He has been instrumental in the success of many of the Commonwealth’s vineyards and wineries.

Old Town Crier

GO FISH STEVE CHACONAS

T

he Potomac River appears to be a pristine waterway, the clear result of 1960s Clean Water legislation.

Subaquatic vegetation and better awareness has resulted in a cleaner river that President Lyndon Johnson had called a “national disgrace!” Now eyes are being directed toward a potentially disastrous event that could soon take place. It isn’t an accident, but rather an approved dumping into the Potomac that supplies drinking water to millions of people in the D.C. area.

Possum Point is a Potomac hotspot, literally. In 1948, Dominion Virginia Power opened the 650-acre Possum Point Power Station on the Potomac near Quantico, Virginia. Today the natural gas and oil fired steam electric generating station uses Quantico Creek waters to cool its generators. Water in this area stays in the 50s while the rest of the river falls below 40. Through 2003 when the facility ceased using coal, Dominion deposited approximately 3.7 million cubic yards of coal ash, the byproduct of burning coal, into 4 unlined ponds.

Later a lined 5th pond was constructed. Water flows into the ponds and possibly drains

into the watershed. New Federal guidelines have forced Dominion to remove the material. The company says it “plans to remove the water and treat it on-site using a multi-stage process according to stringent, governmentmandated levels before discharge.”

Last May, Potomac Riverkeeper Dean Naujoks sampled an unpermitted discharge at the Dominion site. He presented findings to the Virginia Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) and the Department of Public Health regarding an engineered “toe drain” discharging toxic metals, including cadmium, selenium, arsenic, vanadium and boron. These ponds have the capacity to hold over a billion

Bassing IN FEBRUARY POTOMAC RIVER

Water cooled in January. Tie on Silver Buddy lures, ½ ounce silver in clearer water on sunny days, gold when clouds are present or water is slightly stained.

Then it’s Mann’s Stingray Grubs on ¼ ounce ball head jigs, Mizmo tubes with insert heads, Punisher Hair jigs and Mizmo Barbwire shaky heads with Doodle worms. Soak baits in Jack’s

Old Town Crier

gallons of toxic coal ash and wastewater. The report, conducted by Environmental Stewardship Concepts, claims the pond discharge “displayed elevated levels of metals and minerals” and that Quantico Creek “seems to have been contaminated with metals and minerals, and the most obvious and logical source is the water running off from the berm area”. The Riverkeeper accuses DEQ of ignoring action against Dominion and instead approving a draft permit to allow draining into Quantico Creek. DEQ says, “The draft permit will ensure that water quality standards are met, and that human health and the environment are protected.” There is an extensive permitting process including limits on and

monitoring of released water.

To further protect the health of waterways, fish, birds and other animals, permits from the DEQ, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, local jurisdictions, and other state agencies are required.

Two well-known American coal ash spills have occurred.

A 2008 dam breach in Kingston, Tennessee resulted in 5.4 million cubic yards being dumped into the Emory and Clinch Rivers. In February 2014, a pipe in a coal ash pond ruptured and

39,000 tons of coal ash spilled into the Dan River that flows into Virginia. Duke Power was fined $102 million and people still can’t drink water from the river.

Last month the Virginia State Water Control Board approved Dominion’s permit to drain over 100 million gallons of treated wastewater into Quantico Creek. This action was taken in the face of opposition from hundreds of public commenters and almost two dozen state and GO FISH > PAGE 42

Juice Bait Spray. Use 6-pound test GAMMA Edge fluorocarbon line on Quantum EXO spinning gear. Spraying line with Real Magic makes cold weather casting easier.

In warmer discharge areas like Quantico Creek, Blue Plains and Four Mile Run, use Lucky Craft Pointer 78 suspending jerkbaits and Lucky Craft Bevy Shad crankbaits in deeper spots. Vary pauses. Use the same 6-pound test line and make long casts.

Dropshot with 1/0 Mustad Mega bite hooks with 5 inch Mizmo Doodle worms on Edge 6 pound test. A 3/16 or ¼ ounce Water Gremlin BullShot weight will keep this presentation in the same spot a while. Leaders about 6 inches.

February 2016 | 39

FITNESS NICOLE FLANAGAN

N

ow that the New Year is in full swing and we have all climbed back on the treadmills and weight machines, it’s time to make sure we can keep going. The most difficult part of changing your habits is the change itself. The best way to make a lasting difference in your life is to change things a little bit at a time. Even when you have the workout part down to a science it’s what you do outside the gym that counts as well. We all know that exercise is not the only answer to solving our weight loss problems. With a well-balanced exercise and nutrition plan you will get much more out of your workout and your everyday life.

It is not your imagination, sitting at your desk all day can really make your behind as wide as the chair that you sit in. Many people who work in an office building don’t get much of a chance to be active throughout the day. As a result, that nine to five job just gave them an extra 10 to 20 pounds. Here are some ways

40 | February 2016

Healthy Habits

to whittle that waistline while you’re hard at work.

• Reduce those rolls: Replace that ordinary desk chair with a ball. By trading your chair in for an exercise ball you will help your posture and strengthen your core improving your stability and burning calories.

• Walk and talk: If you tend to take a lot of calls during the day get headset and walk while you talk. Get a

pedometer and track how many extra steps you take in a day. An Extra 500 steps per day burns about 25 calories. Over the course of a whole year that can mean a weight loss of up to two pounds without even changing your diet.

• Schedule snack time: An American Dietetic Association report found that 75 percent of workers ate lunch at their desks at least two to three times per week.

Instead of trying to multitask, minimize mindless eating by making time to step away from your desk for snacks. If you are aware of what you eat you’ll be less likely to nibble all day.

• Go Green: drink green tea! A study in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition found that people who drank tea that was fortified with green tea extracts every day for three months lost 2.4 more pounds than those who drank plain tea. Also antioxidants found in green tea may stimulate the body to burn fat and increase metabolism.

• Keep the candy away: Give your willpower some help and keep that candy in an opaque jar. If you can’t see it you won’t want it. If you have a sweet tooth try hard candies rather than chocolates. Hard candies last longer and have fewer calories.

• Make your fitness a group effort: when you go out to lunch with your coworkers walk instead of drive. Better yet get some of them to take up a class with you at the local gym after work. Working out with a partner helps to keep the commitment for you and your friend.

• Changing your habits at your desk can help you to burn a few extra calories and save you from consuming a few hundred. So what can you eat that isn’t going to add too many calories and still leave you feeling satisfied until your next meal? A small hundredcalorie snack can stave off hunger but sometimes that exact amount can be hard to eyeball. You could pay more at the grocery store for those pre-measured hundred calorie packs, or you could just make your own. Here are a few snack ideas that will keep your waistline and

your wallet in check.

• Starbucks tall skinny latte: Get that caffeine fix you crave along with 10 g of protein and about a third of your daily calcium needs.

• Quaker instant oatmeal (regular style); high in fiber and protein its good for breakfast or a snack • Yoplait light yogurt: packed with calcium and vitamin D • Banana: quick, easy and filling plus the potassium in bananas will help prevent muscle cramps later on • 3 cups air popped popcorn: light fluffy and filling — go ahead and nibble mindlessly • 1 cup of baby carrots with 2 tbsp hummus: this snack is healthy and energizing which will help you keep going through your six o clock spin class.

• 1 cup of raspberries with 2 tbsp of plain yogurt and 1 tsp of honey: this snack mix satisfies your sweet tooth without hurting your diet.

• 18 fat free Rold Gold Tiny Pretzel Twists: kill a carb and salt craving in a single snacking.

Trade some of these snacks for those vending machine packs for a more energizing and satisfying break from your work. To make it easier pack your snacks ahead of time. Make enough for the week and just grab them as you go for work. Things like popcorn and oatmeal can be stashed in a desk drawer for a quick and healthy pick me up if you are feeling hungry between meals. Eating more often will keep your feeling full so you will be less likely to snag a Snickers for the drive home. Keep your cravings controlled and your commitment on the top of your list and you will stay on the right track to a healthy lifestyle. Remember that the little changes you make each day will have a lasting impact.

Old Town Crier

FROM THE TRAINER

Old Town Crier

EXERCISE

I

f you’ve been following any of my advice, you may have discovered that exercising with a friend is a fun way to get that not so easy “chore” done and over with. Valentine’s Day is right around the corner and would provide that perfect opportunity to exercise with your sweetheart. I have four partner designed exercises to share with you this month.

In future Old Town Crier issues, my articles will consist of an “exercise of the month” in which I will explain the benefits and have pictures to show the techniques.

The first sweetheart exercise to try is the FitBall Squat.

This is performed by placing a FitBall between you and your partner’s backs, then squatting together keeping the ball from falling to the floor. This one requires teamwork, great timing, and trust to pull it off successfully. Since you will be facing in opposite directions, communication is essential.

Try 15 reps and if you want to increase the difficulty, just pause at the bottom of your squat for a ten second count, then repeat ten times.

The second sweetheart exercise is the seated medicine ball (MB) rotation. Sit on the floor beside your partner with knees bent as if you were to perform a sit-up. There should be about a two foot space in between. Both of you lean back about 45 degrees and lift your feet off the floor

Sweethe♥rt

RYAN UNVERZAGT

to balance on the tailbone.

Now this is the start position.

To begin, grab one MB with elbows bent 90 degrees and rotate at the waist away from your partner, then back toward the two foot space in the center to set the ball down on the floor. Your sweetheart then grabs it off the floor and rotates away from you and back to set it down in the same spot. You should maintain the 45 degree lean with heels off the floor when your partner has the MB. This position keeps constant tension on the abdominals during the exercise. Try 10 reps each before resting completely.

The third sweetheart exercise is a “tug-o-war.” This time sit on the floor facing each other with feet together and knees slightly bent. Both of you grab the end of a bath towel while sitting with good posture. You provide resistance for your sweetheart as they pull using the upper back muscles by squeezing the shoulder blades together. Try 10 reps each without leaning back for leverage.

The final sweetheart exercise is the “match ‘em” pushup. This one is pretty selfexplanatory, but you will try to “match” your sweetheart pushup for pushup. So you will start with a pushup, then your partner will perform one as you wait for your turn.

Keep alternating pushups to see who can finish with

the most! (Hint for the fellas: If you want a great Valentine’s Day, let your sweetheart win this contest…)

I wish everyone a Happy Fit Valentine’s Day this year…and keep up the hard work!

Unverzagt holds a BS in Wellness Management from Black Hills State University.

He is a Certified Strength & Conditioning Specialist (CSCS) through the National Strength

& Conditioning Association (NSCA). Ryan is also a Registered Diagnostic Cardiac Sonographer (RDCS) through the American Registry for Diagnostic Medical Sonography (ARDMS).

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local agencies. Martin Gary, executive secretary of the Potomac River Fisheries Commission raised concerns about discharges in an area that is “located at the heart of a historical spawning reach for Atlantic striped bass.” In addition, Gary said recent fisheries surveys have found endangered Atlantic sturgeon in the Quantico Creek mouth.

Maryland Department of Natural Resources’ 8-page letter opposed the permit, detailing the impact heavy metals and other toxins Haircuts $15 Shampoo, Cut & Blow Dry $18 (extra charge for long hair) Scissors Cut $17+up

can have on aquatic and human health in and along the states’ shared river and the Chesapeake Bay. DEQ did not respond to Prince William County’s request for 60 additional days to review Dominion’s proposal.

If the Riverkeeper’s assessment is accurate, irreparable damage to the creek’s ecosystem and eventually the Potomac could potentially take place.

These toxins remain in the environment, contaminating future waterlife generations.

Dominion intends to “cap-inplace” tons of toxic coal ash

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stored at Possum Point. This instead of moving the ash into a lined solid waste landfill away from the Potomac River like Duke Energy and other utilities have been required to do in North and South Carolina.

Opposing the permit, Va. State Senator Scott Surovell was disappointed the Water Control Board ignored pleas from Prince William County, Town of Quantico, Maryland DNR, Potomac River Fisheries Commission, Virginia Department of Game and Inland Fisheries, and numerous environmental organizations in granting this permit. “Once you dump heavy metals into the river, they never can come back out. I think this is a shortsighted mistake.” Water is still muddy as newspapers report Prince William and the Riverkeeper are filing lawsuits and appealing the decision to wade into troubled waters.

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Old Town Crier

FIRST BLUSH KATE McLEAN

hair

HIGH MAINTENANCE

S

tyle is trending upward.

Bigger and bolder styles requiring a little extra effort are back.

If you’re a stylist surely you’ve heard it before. If you’re a client you can probably hear the very words coming out of your own mouth. “Can you cut it so I don’t have to style it” OR “I really like that beachy look.”

Try as we might to simplify, those days are gone, again, for now. From fashion tones to high and tight, polished looks and properly barbered cuts – old is new again and high maintenance is in.

One Alexandria, Va. salon owner, Maria Elizabeth, shed some light on where tresses are headed in 2016.

“Vibrant hues will be around for a while. They haven’t saturated the market yet.”

Those who’ve taken the plunge into the colorful waters have paved a smooth path for those at the intersection of play it safe and live a little.

“In the not so distant past, a visible tattoo was a death sentence for your professional life. With the mainstream style shift toward fashion tones and exotic colors, people are letting go of their fear of exposing who they are and becoming more expressive with their style.”

Thinking about letting your freakflag fly? Go for it. The time is now.

A word to the wise if you decide you’re going all the way: be prepared.

Old Town Crier

Getting (and keeping) the colorful look is a lot of work. For starters, you’re looking at a four plus hour hair appointment which will involve bleach, gloss, color processing, and styling.

Then keeping up the color is a way of life. Now, this may come as a shock, but your hair is not “meant” to be that color! Depending on how often you wash your hair, the color will likely fade within six weeks. This has several implications. One, you’ll want to own dark towels. None will be white again (ever). Two, unless you can afford a trip to the salon ever six weeks, you will dye it at home (go ahead and buy stock in a rubber glove company). And three, bleach causes breakage so your colorful hair will be, well, everywhere.

The struggle is real.

But if you’re up to the challenge you’ll gain entry into what feels like a secret club of like-minded people not afraid to express themselves and you’ll find yourself exchanging secret glances and thinking, “respect” when you see a fellow warrior fighting the war against the norm.

Unable to commit? Hair chalk is a non-permanent washable way to dip your toe in to the vibrant hue color trend without diving in head first.

For the more conservative, your inner grown up just slapped your inner child on the wrist at the mere thought of “well, that might be fun.”

And remarks about your employability are surely ringing in your ear.

Beyond colorful expression, the old adage history repeats itself applies as hair styles are trending toward the ‘Mad Men’ Era. It’s yesterday’s news that most trends are a cycle of the same, repackaged and redistributed to feel new again.

Hair trends are no exception. The updated elements are what makes the style fashionable today.

Versions of blunt and asymmetric bobs, Breakfast at Tiffany’s and finger wave up-dos, big silky refined curls, perfect pixie or pompadour, and heavy, brow-skimming fringe and blunt-lined mod styles are in.

Return to the Ritual

For the ladies, “I think we’ll see a resurgence of the days where women invested in their beauty regime,” Elizabeth said.

She adds, “Although today’s woman might not have the time to hit the salon each week to have her hair set and her nails done – all the while catching up on the hot gossip with friends -- she’s leaving a hair appointment armed with the products and tools she needs to maintain her do herself.” Complimented by today’s all access pass to online how-to video tutorials, ladies are able to create more polished looks at home. Tip: Big is always in. Let it air dry, in curlers instead of straight.

He’s Got the Look

It’s ok, guys. You can look good.

“If you are a straight guy, it’s almost like you were questioning your masculinity if you took time to invest in the way you look,” Elizabeth said as she recalled the rise in hair tattoos (i.e. designs shaved into hair), and tailored, barbered-style precision cuts for men.

“It’s ok for a straight man to look put together,” she added.

The return of the ‘gentleman’ gives guys the greenlight to take pride in their appearance once again. “In a way, they’re coming out of the closet.”

Unfortunately fellas, even the most appealingly effortless coif requires some level of effort. Regular visits to the salon are a necessary evil to keep up these high maintenance looks.

Hoodie-loving, perpetual guys guy Chris Kidwell visited Maria’s salon at the request of his girlfriend to freshen up his look for an upcoming event. “I actually really like it,” Mister “I-willnot-pay-$50-for-a-haircut” said about his new dialed down pompadour. And when asked if he was likely to keep it up his new barbered look he chuckled, “We’ll see, but I could get used to this.”

McLean is employed at Salon deZEN. The deZEN staff performs a range of services to help clients express externally how you feel internally. Happy people make a happy world and when you look good, you feel good. Salon deZEN, 118 N. Fayette St, Alexandria VA 22314, 703.549.1400, www.salondezen.com February 2016 | 43

SPIRITUAL RENAISSANCE PEGGIE ARVIDSON

All About Head Lines

H

eadlines can cause all kinds of heart ache for the modern human.

The longer your head line, the more time you like to spend in your head.

This is useful if you’re using that brainpower to determine the order of specific steps for a particular project — let’s say — launching your new group coaching program. This is NOT so useful for trying to determine what your new group coaching program should focus on.

Head lines don’t necessarily like to be tied down to a particular focus.

This is because, much like the ego, the headline thinks it runs the show when it comes to your life.

It does not.

Your inner being, what I often refer to as soul runs the show while you show up here on Earth in your body suit.

Your inner being doesn’t really

The

give a hot damn whether or not you ever launch a group coaching program, or what it’s about. Your inner being is funny like that. Still, it’s willing to go along to get along and often that means following the whims of your head line.

I realize I’m making it sound like your headline is running the show and that you somehow have the ability to change your headline. So let me specify a few things: 1) your head line can change over the duration of your life if you put concerted effort into the way you use and implement your brain; 2) Your head line has gotten where it is today because of the way you’ve been using and feeling about your brain and processing capabilities; 3) There is no such thing as a good head line or a bad head line — they simply are what they are; and 4) The point is to learn how to use the power of your particular head

line for good.

To make it a little more clear, here’s a picture of a head line.

The head line begins between the thumb and first finger. In this photo it ends in two spots where the red arrows are on the outer edge of the hand.

This photo only shows you where a head line starts and can stop. Yours will be different.

Pragmatic Palmist PEGGIE ARVIDSON

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Let’s get back to the point, people with long head lines spend a great deal of time in their heads.

This means if you have a long head line you may: • Find yourself at the mercy of analysis paralysis in one or more areas of your life. This drives the people around you nuts and causes you to simultaneously feel guilty for making them upset and beat yourself up for not being able to “pull the trigger” and take action.

• Spend a great deal of your energy each day thinking about (or talking other people about) challenges and problems and how you’d fix them. The biggest problems with this habit is that most of the time the issue you’re discussing has little to nothing to do with you and even if it does, you never go further than the thinking stage to take action. Then you beat yourself up for not being able to make a difference.

• Be unable to get a goodnight’s rest because your mind is constantly processing information.

• Run the gamut from feeling frustrated and curious when you see people launching programs and services that you’ve been thinking about for years. You might even start perseverating about whether or not they’ve stolen your idea.

• Feel like an entrepreneurial failure because none of your ideas have ever gotten traction. It can be really difficult to make ends meet.

• Have certification-itis, the disease that makes you think that you need one more degree, certification or class before you can: get promoted; leave your

current job to start your own business; raise your rates, etc.

These are just a few of the very real headaches for people with long head lines.

If you’ve got one of these long head lines, I’ll bet you’d like a quick fix, wouldn’t you?

But even if I told you about one, you’d do more research, and try a number of different approaches and then decide that you aren’t ready to commit to any of them.

That may have been a bit mean, but as the owner of a pair of long headlines myself, it also made me laugh.

Long head lines are good for a number of things. The key is to focus on those places in your life where data and systems are useful and put your head line to work there. That means commit to a course of action.

Decide to launch that new group coaching program — set a date and a topic and then use your head line to organize the course materials and systematize the launch calendar!

You are not doomed to sleepless nights if you have a long headline, you simply want to tap into the best ways to let it work for your inner being.

Peggie Arvidson, the Pragmatic Palmist is a healer, teacher and soul coach as well as the founder of The Profitable Alchemist Academy. She’s helped thousands of people connect with their life purpose and put it to work for them through private readings, small group classes and individual coaching programs. You can learn more & sign up to receive your free mini-reading at PeggieArvidson.com. She’s also available for private sessions at Rising Phoenix Holistic Center in downtown Manassas, Va.

Old Town Crier

OPEN SPACE LORI WELCH BROWN

Pink Hearts, Red Roses and Jailed Lovers

S

eems like just yesterday I was pulling out my pine cones and dusting off my angel to put atop my tree, and now I am staring down an aisle of dark chocolate and lace. Hooray, hooray — it’s Valentine’s Day! My favorite holiday of all time!

Lucky for us that CVS and a few other retailers start reminding us before we’ve even had a chance to toss my Christmas turkey carcass that the big day is approaching. As much as I love the red crush, I secretly wish they would commercialize Martin Luther King Day so at least we would have a little buffer between the two.

Shamefully speaking, I do love the bombardment of pink hearts, red roses and teddy bears with their arms outstretched begging to ‘Be Mine.’ It reminds me of all my glorious years of living single and free. Years I was unattached, and delightfully solving the mystery of whose flowers would be showing up at my desk. Maybe they were from Robert, the young stock broker with the boat. Or maybe they were from Todd, the litigator with the cabin in the mountains. Dating was such fun! Saturdays spent shopping for the perfect date outfit, followed by a trip to the salon for a fresh manicure and pedicure.

“OPI’s Italian Love Affair pink on my toes, please!” Driving home with my toe spacers to keep my pedicure from smearing, carefully racing

Old Town Crier

up my stairs to primp for the big night. An opportunity to spend an evening with someone new, alluring and mysterious. Would there be chemistry? Would there be romance? Night after night of fun, anticipation and the possibility of desire. A life of fancy dinners on the town, picnics in the park, hot air balloon rides, wine country tours, etc. It’s a wonder I had time for a job! And, lest I forget about all the Roberts and Todds — all those smart, handsome, financially and emotionally stable men at my fingertips. Poor darlings — all wanting deep, meaningful relationships and me never ready. Single life was like one big red heart, pink teddy bear ‘Be Mine’ champagne-laden party.

At least that’s the story I tell myself now, but in reality, dating is about as fun as a root canal. Okay — maybe it’s fun if you’re new to this planet and interested in how Earthlings socialize outside of Facebook and Instagram — that is, if in fact, they do.

Or maybe it is fun if you’re in your 80s and it beats another night at home organizing your pills. For me, dating was like interviewing for a job that I never seemed qualified for. “Sorry, Ms. Welch, your skills are exemplary and your references impeccable, but unfortunately, your choice of ‘date casual’ attire is not what we’re looking for right now.

We’ll be in touch.” Or maybe, “Lori — thanks so much for coming out tonight. It looks

like you have a romantic gap from 1989 to 1996 — can you explain that?” Dating was harder for me than any job interview. I probably blew it before I even walked out the door. If I decided on jean/tee shirt casual, he was looking for cleavage and stilettos. If I walked out the door feeling flirty and sexy, I was probably more like a cross between Florence Henderson and Amy Schumer. I vividly remember getting dressed in my early 20s for party down, dance nights in Georgetown — I would channel my best ‘slutty/sexy’ outfit, and show up looking like the parent chaperone.

Sad, but true. I compensated by being the ‘funny’ girl which immediately put me in the friend zone. I was a guy magnet — for all my friends.

You’re welcome. Maybe I should clarify — I was probably more of a lost cause magnet than a guy magnet.

My pheromone emitted a ‘if you have baggage, I’m your girl’ scent. Funny how my dates couldn’t overlook the fact that I hadn’t been in a relationship in three years, but I could overlook a mild cocaine addiction or recent incarceration. Apparently, my conservative style and sarcastic wit would have served me well in a career as a prison warden or interventionist.

So — dating wasn’t my forte, but at least I was able to share my experiences with my readers during the decade I wrote the Single Space column here at the Crier. I joke, but

I did have some really great experiences — I met a lot of really nice, interesting people — some of who may still be incarcerated, but I wish them all well. My last dating interview ended with my now husband, XXL (whom, for the record, was never

incarcerated) who said, “I see what they missed. I get it.” He hired me on the spot. I thank me Lucky Charms every day for me pink hearts, orange stars, yellow moons and green clovers, and of course, XXL.

Experience

the Art of Jewelry

ExtEnsivE CollECtion of HandmadE JEwElry Open every day and evenings 113 King Street • Old Town Alexandria 703.549.8530 • www.silverparrot.com February 2016 | 45

Snowzilla at the Harbor!

46 | February 2016

A

I really was much happier sitting in s I wrote this at the last my cracker box condo and letting the minute — literally a few hours maintenance people worry about the before we went to press — drifts that were piling up all around the snow from “snowzilla” is the building. Also knowing that my finally starting to melt and we vehicle was all snow and frost free are looking at three days or more of in the heated parking garage of my 60 degree weather. It has been a very building was a huge plus. strange winter so far with Christmas

BY LANI GERING While condo living is a little more day temps in the 70s and the below civilized than living in a single freezing temps we experienced last family home (amenities like the roof top week. pool) it also comes with a bunch of “rules” — I am a Wyoming native and we have some except one! From the photos accompanying pretty whacky weather there as well but I this column you can tell that I did get quite thought I had moved somewhere where it an accumulation of snow on my north facing would be a bit more more predictable. balcony. I so wanted to go out and shovel that This snow storm was my first at the all off, but it would have ended up in front of Harbor. The last really big snow storm — the door to the coffee shop that resides below “Snowmaggedon” in 2010 – found me living me. With all of the rules that come with living in the Del Ray neighborhood of Alexandria at One National Harbor there are none that where I had a driveway and a decent amount addressed what to do with all that snow. As I of sidewalk that had to be shoveled. To be write this, it is slowly melting but I know it will honest, I actually emailed my old neighbor be a slow process since I don’t get very much and snow shoveling expert Pam to tell her I sun on my side of the building. was going to miss shoveling snow with her.

While I will be waiting some time for the However, after looking at several Facebook balcony to clear, the rest of the Harbor was posts from the old neighborhood, I decided Old Town Crier

up and running pretty much all the way through the storm. We have an amazing crew of maintenance people that take care of the streets and sidewalks here. We also have a great bunch of people that reside in the Harbor.

One of the residents decided it would be fun to have a snowman making contest and another organized a snowball fight. The photo I have of my friend Ranarda and her pals’ Drunk Lady Snowwoman doesn’t really do her justice but you get the idea of the creativity that went into her construction. There were several non-traditional snowmen in the group.

Needless to say, it was a fun weekend being snowed in here in our little community!

If you want to shake off the winter blues, take a trip to the Harbor and experience the shops and restaurants that are growing in leaps and bounds!

There is something for everyone’s palate here in the Harbor as well as some very fun activities including the Capitol Wheel and the Carousel.

The big screen features top sporting events and will be a great way to watch my Broncos play the Panthers on Super Bowl Sunday! Omaha!

February Dining at the Gaylord Back by popular demand, Gaylord National Resort and Convention Center’s executive chefs offer delicious February dining experiences ranging from a romantic dinner for two to an exciting big game day buffet.

Experience the ultimate Big Game Football Party at National Pastime Sports Bar and Grill on February 7 at 5 p.m. The party will feature an allyou-can-eat buffet including burgers, wings, nachos, shrimp and more.

Draft beer and beer bucket specials will also be available at the event.

Attendees can view the kick off on the big screen, with the restaurants 36 foot high definition video wall. Cost is $49* per person and tickets must be pre-purchased. Visit www.GaylordNationalTickets.com or call 301-9654000.

Couples in search of a romantic evening meal can visit the hotel’s signature restaurant, Old Hickory Steakhouse, on February 12, 13 and 14.

The award-winning steakhouse will offer a pre-fixe dinner menu featuring house favorites including its premium 8 ounce, 1855 Black Angus filet, Chesapeake Bay oysters, and chocolate covered strawberries in honor of Valentine’s Day. Named one of the most romantic restaurants in the capital region, guests can enjoy breathtaking views of the Potomac River as they dine. The dinner costs $139* per couple and reservations are encouraged. *tax and gratuity not included

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February 2016 | 47

INDULGE in the SEASON’S SWEETEST TREATMENTS MASSAGE, FACIAL & PEDICURE Indulge in the ultimate February escape with all three of our chocolate and rose-scented treatments including a massage, facial and pedicure.

AVAILABLE NOW THROUGH FEBRUARY 29 ONLY. BOOK NOW. RELÂCHE SPA at GAYLORD NATIONAL RESORT call 301.965.4400 or visit RELACHESPA.COM

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NATIONAL HARBOR DINING GUIDE AC LOUNGE 156 Waterfront St. 301-749-2299 AROMA DITALI 156 National Plaza 301-839-3492 BOND 45 149 Waterfront Street 301-839-1445

48 | February 2016

CADILLAC RANCH 186 Fleet St. 301-839-1100 cadillacranchgroup.com ELEVATION BURGER 108 Waterfront Street 301-749-4014 FIORELLA PIZZERIA E CAFFE 152 National Plaza 301-839-1811 GRACES MANDARIN 188 Waterfront Street 301-839-3788 GRANITE CITY FOOD & BREWERY 200 American Way 240-493-3900

1/21/16 4:42 PM

HARRINGTONS PUB AND KITCHEN 177 Fleet Street 301-909-2505 harringtonspubandkitchen.com McCORMICK & SCHMICK 145 National Plaza 301-567-6224 McLOONES PIER HOUSE 141 National Harbor Plaza 301-839-0815 mcloonespierhousenh.com NATIONAL PAST TIME SPORTS BAR & GRILLE Gaylord Resort 301-965-4000 gaylordnational.com

OLD HICKORY STEAKHOUSE Gaylord Resort 301-965-4000 gaylordnational.com PIENZA ITALIAN MARKET Gaylord Resort 301-965-4000 gaylordnational.com POTBELLY SANDWICH WORKS 146 National Plaza 301-686-1160 PUBLIC HOUSE 199 Fleet Street 240-493-6120 publichousenationalharbor.com

REDSTONE AMERICAN GRILL 155 National Plaza 301-839-3330 ROSA MEXICANA 135 Waterfront Street 301-567-1005 SAUCIETY AMERICAN GRILL 171 Waterfront Street 240-766-3640 THAI PAVILLION 151 American Way 301-749-2022 WALRUS OYSTER & ALE HOUSE 152 Waterfront Street 301-567-6100

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