Old Town Crier- March 2016 Full Issue

Since 1988 • Priceless

March 2016

From the Bay to the Blue Ridge

Road Trip

ANTRIM 1844 COUNTRY HOUSE

Taneytown, Maryland Business Profile

ALTURA WINE, BEER & GOURMET

A unique Old Town experience Dining Out

DANIEL O’CONNELL’S BAR & RESTAURANT Old Town Alexandria

GO E RIN! Blue Ridge

SPRING STEEPLECHASING IS UNDER WAY!

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

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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

4 A Bit of History After Hours Alexandria Events

46 8 11 3

Exploring Virginia Wines

38

On the Road

1

6

Open Space

45

First Blush

43

Pets of the Month

17 16

Financial Focus

Art & Antiques

15

Fitness

40

Points on Pets

Behind the Bar

28

From the Bay…

22

Publishers Notes

5

2

From the Trainer

41

Road Trip

20

Caribbean Connection

18

Gallery Beat

14

Spiritual Renaissance

44

Chefs Special

34

Go Fish

39

St. Patrick’s Day Fun

Civil Discourse

9

Grapevine

36

The Last Word

13

Dining Guide

32

Groundhog’s Day Fun Facts

27

To the Blue Ridge

25

Dining Out

30

High Notes

12

Urban Garden

Easter Fun

46

National Harbor

46

Business Profile

7

© 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 Easter eggs and tulips – harbingers of Spring!

Old Town Crier readers and Floral Park, NY residents Bill and Cathy Fellini, traveled all the way to Turkey with the November "Turkey" issue. This photo was taken at Pigeon Valley in Cappadocia.

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.

Old Town Crier

4

March 2016 | 1

PUBLISHER’S NOTES BOB TAGERT

Buddha

I

nstead of the usual Publisher’s Notes highlighting the contents of the issue, I am using this space as a tribute to our recently deceased office kitty, Buddha.

I am not really known as a cat lover — I have always preferred dogs — however, I got lucky a few times.

Over the years I have actually had two cats find me and then Buddha came along.

We got Buddha when she was about13 years old. She readily adapted to our office life and quickly became one of the gang. She would join us on the patio for cocktails (she really liked rum) teasing the goldfish in the half wine barrel water feature. She would jump up on the side of the barrel and follow the fish as they swam around.

Sometimes she would be a bit adventurous and take a walk around the corner of the building, staying out for the night. Next morning, all I had to do was call, and there she was. There were times she would just look at us until we followed her to her feeding bowl … dinnertime.

Buddha was a very, very chubby cat when we got her.

She loved to eat and sleep (you can tell that by the photos) but was also one of the friendliest felines around. She was a very smart cat as well. She definitely had me wrapped around her little paw.

The last month of her life came fast. She lost weight and her ability to walk and standing up became difficult during the last few days. I would pick her up and carry her from room to room. The night she died I had stayed with her on the couch until 2:30 am, watching her heavy breathing. I woke up the next morning at 5:30 and went to the couch to check on her, but she was not there. Turning on the lights, I

found her forty feet away lying dead on the floor at the foot of my bed. She was coming in to get me. That walk and the two steps down from the kitchen must have taken her 30 minutes to accomplish.

Buddha cared as much about me as I did her. She is deeply missed.

On a much happier note, we are looking forward to a fun St. Patrick’s Day and a Happy Easter and hope you are as well!

Since 1988–Priceless

March 2014

From the Bay to the Blue Ridge

Grapevine

RAPPAHANNOCK CELLARS

Where Family, Friends & Wine Come Together Personality Profile

MARTIN WHITE

Irishman, Restaurateur, Dad Dining Out

GERANIO RISTORANTE

An Elegant, Old Town Favorite Business Profile

FERGUS KENNEDY

Hobnobs & Tayto Crisps Across the Bridge

HOT IN THE HARBOR The Pepper Palace

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 | March 2016

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get your

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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

SATURDAY, MARCH 5

Lushness & Lyricalpairs James Newton Howard’s score to Peter Pan with three Romantic masterpieces: excerpts from Tchaikovsky’s Swan Lake, Smetana’s “The Moldau” from Má vlast and Bruch’s Scottish Fantasy, continuing the seasonlong theme of “Symphony & Cinema.”

Known as “America’s violinist,” Grammynominated performer Jenny Oaks Baker will perform Scottish Fantasy.

The orchestra is led by Maestro Kim Allen Kluge, who is honored as a 2016 Alexandria Living Legend.

The Transformative, a one-night-only performance, featuring the music of American composers and highlighting the many musical styles that form the country’s rich and diverse cultural tapestry.

Hans Zimmer’s music from The Dark Knight is juxtaposed with Gershwin’s American in Paris and Copland’s Rodeo.

The finale also features the world premiere of The American Concerto for Piano & Orchestra by Maestro Kim Allen Kluge and Kathryn Vassar Kluge.

Maestro Kluge, in his final season with the Alexandria Symphony, will be honored

THE 35TH ANNUAL SAINT PATRICK’S DAY PARADE SATURDAY, 12:30 PM OLD TOWN ALEXANDRIA The theme of the 2016 parade is A New Republic Is Born, commemorating the centennial of the Easter Rising of 1916. The units will step off down the Parade Route at 12:30, with other preliminary events happening earlier in the morning. Meet the 2016 Grand Marshal, John Renner!

Grand Marshall John Renner, left, and Chairmen Emeritus, Pat Troy.

5 CLASSIC CAR SHOW 9:00 am-11:45 pm 100 N Pitt Street FUN DOG SHOW 10:30-12:00 Market Square 25 – 27 17TH ANNUAL EASTER EGG HUNT AT LEE-FENDALL HOUSE Egg hunts begin at Friday, 3 p.m.; Saturday, 10:30 a.m., 12:30 & 2:30 p.m.; Sunday, 12:30 & 2:30 p.m.

Lee-Fendall House Museum & Garden 614 Oronoco St. 703-548-1789 $12 kids (10 and under); $5 adults, FREE for Friends of Lee-Fendall House www.LeeFendallHouse.org To celebrate Easter, the Lee-Fendall House Museum’s gardens will be filled with hundreds of colorful, toy-filled Easter eggs, in addition to activities like crafts, snacks and photo opportunities with the Easter Bunny. Open to children ages 10 and under and their families. Tickets available online.

31 – APRIL 17 WATER TAXI TO NATIONAL MALL: CHERRY BLOSSOM FESTIVAL SERVICE Daily Departing at 11:10 a.m., 1:35 p.m.,

Old Town Crier

and 4:30 p.m.

Cameron & Union streets Adults: $28 round-trip, $14 one-way.

Children under 12: $16 round-trip, $8 one-way www.potomacriverboatco.com/newnational-harbor-taxi.php During Cherry Blossom season, the Potomac Riverboat Company offers a 30-minute direct water taxi between Old Town Alexandria and the National Mall in Washington, DC, every day of the week.

The boat docks at Ohio & West Basin Drive SW, just steps from the Tidal Basin, Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial, Franklin Delano Roosevelt Memorial, and a Capital BikeShare station. The water taxi to the National Mall runs through the fall on a varying schedule.

as ASO’s first Maestro Emeritus at the performance.

BEGINNING OPENING DAY APRIL 7TH BASEBALL BOAT TO NATIONALS PARK Times vary upon Nationals schedule Departs from the Alexandria Marina 1 Cameron St. 703-684-0580 One-way $20 Round-trip $25 Monday-Thursday Round-trip $28 Friday-Sunday www.BaseballBoat.com The Potomac Riverboat Company offers baseball enthusiasts the chance to avoid the crowds and take a leisurely cruise from Old Town Alexandria to Nationals Park along the scenic Potomac River.

Online-ticket purchases include free parking. Boats returning to Alexandria depart 20 minutes after final pitch. Boat operates for 80% of Nationals games – check website for specific available dates.

61 st Spring Anniversary Sale

APRIL 2 – 3RD & MAY 7 CONCERTS WITH THE ALEXANDRIA SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA Rachel M. Schlesinger Concert Hall & Arts Center 4915 E. Campus Lane 703-548-0885 Performance Times: 2nd at 8 p.m.

3rd at 3 p.m.

May 7th at 8 p.m.

Youth (18 and under) $5 Student (with ID) $10 Adults $20-$80 www.AlexSym.org The Alexandria Symphony Orchestra will feature two spring concerts this year.

Storewide

20% - 40% Off

Fine Jewelry, Watches & Giftware* Now thru March 31, 2016

KingsJewelry.NET Open Mon-Sat 10a-6p Closed Sundays

*Discount does not apply to Rolex and Shinola watches.

609 King Street Old Town Alexandria 703-549-0011 March 2016 | 3

GET YOUR IRISH ON! The Shamrock

The shamrock, which was also called the “seamroy” by the Celts, was a sacred plant in ancient Ireland because it symbolized the rebirth of spring. By the seventeenth century, the shamrock had become a symbol of emerging Irish nationalism. As the English began to seize Irish land and make laws against the use of the Irish language and the practice of Catholicism, many Irish began to wear the shamrock as a symbol of their pride in their heritage and their displeasure with English rule.

mission in Ireland, St. Patrick once stood on a hilltop (which is now called Croagh Patrick), and with only a wooden staff by his side, banished all the snakes from Ireland.

In fact, the island nation was never home to any snakes. The “banishing

Irish Music

Music is often associated with St. Patrick’s Day — and Irish culture in general. From ancient days of the Celts, music has always been an important part of Irish life. The Celts had an oral culture, where religion, legend and history were passed from one generation to the next by way of stories and songs.

After being conquered by the English, and forbidden to speak their own language, the Irish, like other oppressed peoples, turned to music to help them remember important events and hold on to their heritage and history. As it often stirred emotion and helped to galvanize people, music was outlawed by the English. During her reign, Queen Elizabeth I even decreed that all artists and pipers were to be arrested and hanged on the spot.

Today, traditional Irish bands like The Chieftains, the Clancy Brothers and Tommy Makem are gaining worldwide popularity. Their music is produced with instruments that have been used for centuries, including the fiddle, the uilleann pipes (a sort of elaborate bagpipe), the tin whistle (a sort of flute that is actually made of nickel-silver, brass or aluminum) and the bodhran (an ancient type of framedrum that was traditionally used in warfare rather than music).

The Snake

It has long been recounted that, during his 4 | March 2016

• First St. Patrick’s Day parade took place in Boston in 1737.

• Saint Patrick was not Irish by birth; he was a Romano-Briton Christian missionary born in England. His true given name was Maewyn Succat.

• St. Patrick’s Day did not become a national holiday in Ireland in 1903 and the first parade wasn’t held in Dublin until 1931.

• Upwards of 15 million pints of Guinness will be consumed on St. Patrick’s Day. • The color originally associated with St. Patrick was blue; green became associated during the 19th century.

• According to legend, St. Patrick was known for banishing dangerous animals from Ireland, particularly snakes.

• St. Patrick’s celebrations were originally religious festivals.

• There are 36.5 million U.S. residents who claim Irish ancestry, more than eight times the population of Ireland itself (4.5 million).

• There are four places in the U.S. named Shamrock: West Virginia, Texas, Indiana and Oklahoma. There are nine Dublin’s — Dublin, Calif. and Dublin, Ohio are the most populous.

• More than 100 St. Patrick’s Day parades are held across the United States. New York City and Boston are home to the largest celebrations.

of the snakes” was really a metaphor for the eradication of pagan ideology from Ireland and the triumph of Christianity. Within 200 years of Patrick’s arrival, Ireland was completely Christianized.

Corned Beef

Each year, thousands of Irish Americans gather with their loved ones on St. Patrick’s Day to share a “traditional” meal of corned beef and cabbage.

Though cabbage has long been an Irish food, corned beef only began to be associated with St. Patrick’s Day at the turn of the century.

Irish immigrants living on New York City’s Lower East Side substituted corned beef for their traditional dish of Irish bacon to save money. They learned about the cheaper alternative from their Jewish neighbors.

The Leprechaun

The original Irish name for these figures of folklore is “lobaircin,” meaning “small-bodied fellow.”

Belief in leprechauns probably stems from Celtic belief in fairies, tiny men and women who could use their magical powers to serve good or evil. In Celtic folktales, leprechauns were cranky souls, responsible for mending the shoes of the other fairies. Though only minor figures in Celtic folklore, leprechauns were known for their trickery, which they often used to protect their much-fabled treasure.

Leprechauns had nothing to do with St. Patrick or the celebration of St. Patrick’s Day, a Catholic holy day. In 1959, Walt Disney released a film called Darby O’Gill & the Little People, which introduced America to a very different sort of leprechaun than the cantankerous little man of Irish folklore. This cheerful, friendly leprechaun is a purely American invention, but has quickly evolved into an easily recognizable symbol of both St. Patrick’s Day and Ireland in general.

Old Town Crier

BUSINESS PROFILE BOB TAGERT

ALTURA WINE, BEER &GOURMET Edgar Salinas , Altura owner and operator

I

was on my way to one of our advertisers for a meeting when I parked on North Patrick Street.

It is a rare occasion that I ever end up parking on that busy thoroughfare but I was pleasantly surprised to find myself right in front of Altura Wine, Beer & Gourmet. I have driven down Patrick Street thousands of times over the years but never really take the time to check out the stores so I had never noticed the Altura.

As I got out of the truck and was headed for the parking kiosk, I saw Edgar Salinas — Altura owner and operator — adding a little white paint to the weathered wood on the front of the building. We hadn’t settled on a subject for this month’s Business Profile so I introduced myself and asked if we could write about his store. He consented.

As most of you know we have been producing the Old Town Crier for almost 29 years and I hate to admit that there are many shops that I have never set foot in and I feel a little guilty about that. I decided this was a good start. In this case, Altura has only been open a little over two years, so it was time for a visit.

Edgar and his wife Ana Gonzalez opened their family-owned business in December of 2013. The small shop is filled to the brim with local wines and wines from around the world. Salinas handpicks every item that they carry in the store and has focused on “small producers with a passion”. As Old Town Crier

like in wine. He will even take you enter the brightly lit store the the time to special order for his first rack of wines you see are his ALTURA WINE, customers. Your purchase will choices from New Zealand, South BEER & GOURMET not break the bank as most of his Africa, Australia and Virginia as 108 NORTH PATRICK ST. wines are in the $12 to $30 range well as a few other well sourced with his most expensive wine wines.

OLD TOWN ALEXANDRIA topping out at $107. If you are not The back of the store is what 703-683-2421 sure what you really like, he can Salinas refers to as his “Old World alturawinegourmet.com help you make the right choice. and New World” wines. One To round out your wine side is reserved for the different purchase, they also offer a selection of gourmet food regions of France while the other side represents the ranging from jams, and single-source chocolates best that California has to offer. In addition to these to smoked salmon, cheese, pastas, and select meats two large selections there are selections from other including prosciutto, my favorite. They also have a parts of the world as well. selection of craft beers from America, Canada and Taking the time to learn about the wines he sells Europe with the choices changing with the season as sets this wine shop apart from many others. As he went about the selection process Salinas got to know well as the bubbly for that special occasion.

The word Altura is Spanish meaning elevation. many of his producers. One special relationship he The name helps to convey the message of reaching a had was with Jim Law of Linden Wines in Virginia - arguably one of the best wine makers in Virginia. higher elevation, whether it be the concentration of grapes on a mountainside or the high level of service The other Virginia wines that were hand picked are and experience that you will find here at this wine from King Family, Tarara, Naked Mountain and shop.

Ankida Ridge. I had never heard of Ankida Ridge Altura is located at 108 North Patrick Street here before, but Edgar assured me it was one of the best in the heart of Old Town and is within walking Pinot Noir wines he has ever tried, especially for the distance for all of us. Check out their website at price. It is this kind of detail that makes this shop a alturawinegourmet.com. special place.

Salinas is also a wine consultant, and will take the time to talk to you and learn what it is that you March 2016 | 5

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

Taxes on Dividends: Qualified vs. Non-qualified

W

ith taxes and dividend income, seasoned investors have learned the special qualified dividend treatment can increase their after-tax return. They tend to find some dividend-paying stocks and mutual funds attractive because their total return includes both the dividend and any market price appreciation.

However, investors whose income exceeds certain thresholds need to keep an eye on the additional 3.8% Medicare surcharge. As of Jan. 1, 2013, single taxpayers with Modified Adjusted Gross Income (MAGI) of $200,000 and married couples with MAGI in excess of $250,000 are subject to an additional 3.8% Medicare surcharge on net investment income (which includes all taxable dividends).

For tax purposes, it’s important to know dividends are considered either “qualified” or “nonqualified.”

Qualified dividends are: • Tax-free for those with

income falling within the 10% and 15% brackets to the extent qualified dividend income remains within those brackets • Taxed at a 15% rate for those with income falling within the 25% to 39.6% tax brackets • Taxed at a 20% rate for higher income taxpayers whose income surpasses the 39.6% tax bracket

when passed through to shareholders. Distributions from partnerships and real estate investment trusts typically are not characterized as qualified dividends. Also, qualified dividends do not include distributions from preferred debt.

Dividends paid by certain foreign corporations may also be qualified. Examples include:

Nonqualified dividends are taxed at the same rates as ordinary income (currently a 39.6% maximum).

• Shares represented by a publicly traded American Depositary Receipt (ADR) • Shares are otherwise readily tradable on an established U.S. securities market • Corporations incorporated in a U.S. possession • Corporations incorporated in a country having an income-tax treaty with the United States containing an exchange of information program approved by the U.S. Treasury

What’s a ‘qualified’ dividend?

Qualified dividends are paid to investors in common and preferred stock of U.S. corporations where the income is derived from U.S. equity securities. Dividends passed through by mutual funds or other regulated investment companies can be qualified or nonqualified, depending on the underlying securities held by the fund.

If a fund receives a qualified dividend, the dividend will maintain its qualified status

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

Keep in mind that the foreign corporate dividend may remain subject to foreign tax withholding.

It’s critical to obtain proper tax classification of an investment to determine whether the dividend is qualified.

How does the qualified dividend tax treatment work?

For example, Jake has $66,100 in annual taxable income, excluding his dividends. Because he’s married and files a joint return, he would be in the 15% federal tax bracket.

However, his $9,000 in qualified dividends pushes

his total income in excess of $74,900, which pushes his income to within the level of the 25% tax bracket.

As a result, $8,800 of Jake’s qualified dividends would be tax-free, while the remaining $200 [$75,100 (his total income) - $74,900] would be taxed at 15%.¹

Is there a required holding period?

To qualify for the special tax treatment, shareholders must satisfy a certain holding period² based on the type of stock held: • For common stock, shareholders must own the stock for more than a 60-day period containing the exdividend date.

• For preferred stock, the owner must hold the shares for more than a 90-day period including the exdividend date.

Active traders should monitor their holding periods carefully to benefit from the qualified-dividend tax treatment.

Capital losses and offsetting qualified dividends Although dividends and long-term capital gains are taxed at the same rates, this does not mean capital losses can be used to offset dividends. However, if you have a net capital loss after offsetting all capital gains, up to $3,000 per year of capital loss may offset regular taxable income which may include dividends. When calculating

¹ Although this example is conceptually accurate, the actual tax calculation Jake would perform on his tax forms would involve a separate worksheet to determine the amount of the qualified dividends that would be categorized and taxed at various rates. ² When a stock trades ex-dividend, the dividend, when paid, goes to the seller. In general, the exchange designates a stock as ex-dividend a few days before the record date. Certain hedge positions may suspend the

6 | March 2016

the 3.8% Medicare surtax, the $3,000 additional capital loss cannot offset dividends.

Get the right advice It’s important to understand how dividends are taxed — this is only a brief summary. For more detailed information, contact your tax advisor. Keep in mind taxes certainly affect investment returns. The effects of taxes should be only one of many factors you consider when making investment decisions.

There are tax advantages to owning a qualifieddividend-paying stock — but that alone doesn’t make the stock appropriate for your portfolio. Before you make an investment, your Financial Advisor will work with you to consider a variety of factors, such as your long-term goals, time horizon, and risk tolerance, in addition to the tax implications.

This article was written by Wells Fargo Advisors and provided courtesy of Carl M. Trevisan, CFP Managing DirectorInvestments and Stephen M. Bearce First Vice PresidentInvestments in Alexandria, VA 22314 at 703-739-1455.

Investments in securities and insurance products are: not FDIC-insured, not bankguaranteed, and may lose value.

Wells Fargo Advisors, LLC, Member SIPC, is a registered broker-dealer and a separate non-bank affiliate of Wells Fargo & Company. ©2013, 2015 Wells Fargo Advisors, LLC. All rights reserved.

holding period for this purpose.

Wells Fargo Advisors is not a tax or legal advisor. While this information is not intended to replace your discussions with your tax advisor, it may help you to comprehend the tax implications of your investments and plan efficiently going forward.

Dividends are not guaranteed and are subject to change or elimination.

Old Town Crier

URBAN GARDEN JIMMY DEATON

Organic Garden Love

A

ll plants need oxygen, carbon and hydrogen, which they get from the air, sunlight and water. And they need these in great quantities but they also need nutrients. Most folks go to the neighborhood garden center to pick up what they need but do you really know and understand what it is you’re buying? Let’s talk about what we use here — that is, organic fertilizers. We never use chemicals in any way on our plants or lawn (what lawn we have left since the back and side yards are now veggie and fruit beds).

First thing is to make sure the fertilizer is 100 percent organic. There are several compound fertilizers that are described as “semi-organic” or “organically based.” These may be more powerful than the completely inorganic equivalent but they are not the real thing. The main difference is generally the potash content which is sometimes supplemented with potassium sulphate. Check to see if the label has the OMRI listing on it which means the

Old Town Crier

products are approved for organic gardening. Nature’s Source is a fertilizer that is being described by some garden center personnel as being a natural fertilizer.

While it does contain oilseed extract, the majority of the makeup is chemical-based. If I had to recommend prepared organic fertilizers I would go with the following:

Espoma, New Jersey

They produce plant foods that are specifically tailored to what you are growing. Garden Tone and Tomato Tone for your vegetable gardens. Citrus Tone for your citrus, avocado and nut trees. Palm Tone for your palm, hibiscus and tropical plants. They have a wide assortment but you get the idea. The nutrient levels are in sync for the plants they are made for, eliminating a lot of headaches. Espoma has also released three new liquid fertilizers that look very promising.

Neptune’s Harvest, Mass.

This company’s products are based on fish and seaweed and I love their liquid fish and

seaweed fertilizer. I use it as a foliar feed to supplement my vegetables when they are in high gear. I also love to feed my houseplants with it. This year we’ll do a test run using the Neptune’s liquid against the Espoma liquid and see what the results are.

One of the most important things you need to do is get compost into the ground.

The main reason is soil improvement, especially in our area — well known for its Virginia clay content. The first two years I used leaf compost which you can get free in the City of Alexandria as long as you’re a city resident. It usually becomes available around the beginning to mid-April at the Eisenhower Avenue location next to the animal shelter. Take some screens to sift it, along with shovels and whatever you’ll be carrying it in and I recommend a dust mask as well. I have found it perfect for breaking up the clay. You can also buy leaf compost from most garden centers.

Other things to use to improve the soils structure

is aged manures. Do not use fresh manure unless it can sit for a few months otherwise it will be too ‘hot’ for the garden.

If you live near the coast and can get seaweed you’ll have an excellent conditioner, rich in trace elements as well as growth hormones, carbohydrates, and amino acids that plants use. Just make sure to let it sit through a couple of rain storms to leech out the salt if it’s salt water-based before using it.

Or you can order kelp meal from Neptune’s Harvest but I would use it as part of a fertilization program and not a soil conditioner unless you have very deep pockets.

When I prepare my vegetable beds each spring I add compost from our two rotating compost bins and Espoma Tomato Tone and let the beds rest for about two weeks before I plant anything in them. I want the micro-herd to be up and running and sometimes while that’s happening your soil becomes too ‘hot’ for small seedlings. I use the Tomato Tone on all the veggies that produce fruits — tomatoes,

peppers, squash, cucumbers, melons — because it has extra calcium. For my leafy veggies I use a compost tea made from the homemade compost we make or use worm castings.

When I do plant I always mulch with leaf compost at least two inches thick. This does several things: 1. Suppresses weeds; 2.

Helps retain moisture; 3. Slowly feeds the plants as it breaks down; and 4. Attracts worms which will feed and nest under it. Those worms by tunneling through the soil help to not only open up the soil’s structure but also deposit their poop as they travel throughout the beds adding even more food for the plants to eventually take up.

Eventually the leaf compost gets worked into the soil and helps improve the soils drainage or water holding ability depending on the type of soil you started with. It will also, over a period of time, increase the depth of usable topsoil.

We also use other items to help improve the soil. For instance, we work used coffee grounds into the bed that has our blueberry bushes.

Blueberries are notorious for URBAN GARDEN > PAGE 10

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A BIT OF HISTORY PARKER A. POODLE™

Top Dogs Read!

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alk with me and Oh, the Places You’ll Go! No leash is needed, only your imagination and the love of rhyme. Dr. Seuss is back, with a newly discovered manuscript, a new book—What Pet Should I Get?— published from the grave.

Author Theodor “Ted” Seuss Geisel died in 1991 at the age of 87. At his death the wellknown Dr. Seuss had written and illustrated 44 children’s books.

What feline, what child does not recall The Cat in the Hat? Geisel’s works have provided the source for 11 children’s television specials, a Broadway musical, and a featurelength motion picture.

Join me, Parker A. PoodleTM, on March 2 in Seussville on Dr. Seuss’ birthday, to celebrate NEA’s Read Across America Day. What Pet Should [You] Get? A Poodle puppy, of course!

The new book’s cover includes a canine illustration. A long-tailed Poodle, I think. For years we, Poodles, were Top Dog. Now, the American Kennel Club ranks Labrador retrievers America’s most popular breed.

Poodles may be reduced in national rank, but I rank just fine with me. We rank #7, a lucky 7 at my house.

But I guess the AKC knows best. It describes Poodles as “proud, active, and very smart.”

Labradors found their place in the 1950s, a suburban rarity well-fitted to the family station wagon. Today these retro Labradors regularly walk the city’s streets, their numbers growing annually.

The spirited Lab is a stylish, if not always energetic, urban companion.

8 | March 2016

Pound for pound the Labrador has me whooped. In my heart, though, I remain Top Dog. Never do I glance down when a Labrador passes. Rarely do I feel envy.

Occasionally I growl.

Most of us dogs are neutered so mine is not envy of the typical type. A Miniature, I may be smaller than the Labrador but I live well. I have food, several beds, and squeak toys. Most of all I feel loved.

Inferiority is a peculiar feeling.

Inferiority is mine only when I empower another long enough to impose it.

It is not an easy lesson for a young dog to learn. For example, the AKC certifies Poodles white, black, apricot, or gray. I am parti-colored, of two colors; a purebred Poodle not worthy of registration.

I am not second-rate. When my mistress throws the ball I run quickly, retrieve it, and then drop it at her feet.

Can a Labrador retrieve as well? We know the answer is yes. So what is it that I, a Poodle, can do better than a Labrador? Think!

Do you know any other canine breed that spawns as many half-breeds as a potent Poodle does? Poodles mix well with Labradors (Labradoodles); with Schnauzers (Schnoodles), Cocker Spaniels (Cockapoos), Maltese (Maltipoos), Pekingese (Pekapoos), Yorkshire terriers (Yorkipoos) and Goldens (Goldendoodles). These mixed designer breeds supposedly are more hypoallergenic, relaxed, and easier to train than their purebred counterparts.

They are improvements, so to speak, because the Poodle shares his DNA. Recently I met a Labradoodle. We were strolling Alexandria’s streets. He weighed 68 pounds. I weigh only 21 pounds. Both of us had curly hair. Something of mine was his and it obviously was the curl. Finally, I understood my value.

Labradoodle’s owner explained that because his dog is part Poodle, his coat is more water resistant. Poodles were originally bred to hunt waterfowl. I was too land-locked to challenge him to a water game, but at that moment I knew.

I am a desirable dog and not because my mistress tells me so.

Confidence comes from within and so does mine. My shyness is gone and my tail stands straight. I feel like a Top Dog because I am a Top Dog. Popularity comes and goes. It is not size, weight, or coat color that makes a dog great. It is his attitude, his selfesteem.

Like an early Alexandria Times masthead proclaimed: “It is not birth, magnificence, nor power. Only Virtue makes the difference ‘twixt us.”

In case you doubt, always I end my walks on a confident note. I stop by Imagine Artwear for a drink from the shop’s outdoor water bowl. Ceramic, it reads Top Dog. Reassurance never hurts.

Children need reassurance, too. That reading is fun! It is reading, education that lifts children out of poverty; that gives every child the confidence to navigate life.

Whether you Get a Labrador or Poodle Pet or Dr. Seuss’ One Fish Two Fish Red Fish Blue Fish, encourage a child to read.

If adults are in short supply, read What Pet Should I Get? to a friendly animal like me.

“Remember, that it is the actions, and not the Commission, that make the Officer,” Colonel George Washington said in 1756, “and as we now have no opportunities to improve from example; let us read, for this desirable end.” Read the story of British General Howe’s Dog; the Dog’s unintended escape during the 1777 Battle of Germantown; his American capture and civil return, with Washington’s compliments.

I, Parker A. PoodleTM, dare you to make a Reading Education Assistance Dog’s day! Unleash your imagination; read and believe. Oh, The Places You’ll Go! “You won’t lag behind, because you’ll have speed,” Dr. Seuss wrote. “You’ll pass the whole gang and you’ll soon take the lead. Wherever you fly, you’ll be best of the best. Wherever you go, [like me] you will top all the rest.”

Email: abitofhistory53@gmail.com; Ed. Note: Parker A. PoodleTM, age twelve, is the significant companion of Alexandria writer Sarah Becker.

Old Town Crier

CIVIL DISCOURSE DOUG COLEMAN

Unsung Soldiers: Black Confederates

I

n 1831, a black preacher named Nat Turner led a slave revolt in Southampton County, resulting in the massacre of perhaps 65 whites, including women and children. The rebellion broke upon the rock of Dr. Blunt’s plantation. Blunt’s slaves, armed with muskets and standing shoulder to shoulder with the resident whites, scattered the rebels and the revolt fizzled. Why would Blunt’s slaves fight Turner rather than join him?

Was it Stockholm syndrome or did Blunt’s slaves feel they were protecting their own home and “family”, black and white.

Fast forward thirty years to 1861.

When the North invaded the South, the population of the South was a little over 9 million — of which about 5 million were white, the remainder being free blacks or slaves, versus about 35 million northerners. These numbers alone tell a story — it is impossible to believe that a population outnumbered almost four to one in a total war could survive four years without the dedication of the entire population; conversely if almost half of the population decided to go full Nat Turner, actively sabotage or just shirk work, it is inconceivable that the Confederacy could have lasted any amount of time at all. Further, while hundreds of thousands left or were confiscated when Yankee armies swept through, many stayed on. The South was not devoid of its former slaves when the war ended.

Millions of southern blacks supported the Confederate war effort because the Confederacy was their country. When Sherman made “Georgia howl”, he left a desert for everyone. The blockade affected everyone. When the Yankees carried off the livestock and corn and burnt people out, it was not just white people who starved and froze. And if the Yankees carried you off as “contraband”, you were now homeless.

We have movies like Glory which celebrate the African-American Old Town Crier

contribution to the Civil War but precious few which aim for the converse (Holt from Ride with the Devil is an exception, also a treat for fans of Tobey McGuire, Jewel and Jonathan Rhys Meyers). There is no question that blacks served the Confederacy. The real question is in what numbers and to what degree they did so willingly.

Frederick Douglass, writing in Douglass’ Monthly in September 1861 notes: It is now pretty well established, that there are at the present moment many colored men in the Confederate army doing duty not only as cooks, servants and laborers, but as real soldiers, having muskets on their shoulders, and bullets in their pockets, ready to shoot down loyal troops, and do all that soldiers may to destroy the Federal Government and build up that of the traitors and rebels. There were such soldiers at Manassas, and they are probably there still. There is a Negro in the army as well as in the fence, and our Government is likely to find it out before the war comes to an end. That the Negroes are numerous in the rebel army, and do for that army its heaviest work, is beyond question.

They have been the chief laborers upon those temporary defences in which the rebels have been able to mow down our men. Negroes helped to build the batteries at Charleston.

They relieve their gentlemanly and military masters from the stiffening drudgery of the camp, and devote them to the nimble and dexterous use of arms. Rising above vulgar prejudice, the slaveholding rebel accepts the aid of the black man as readily as that of any other. If a bad cause can do this, why should a good cause be less wisely conducted?

Some enlisted enthusiastically, like the Louisiana Native Guards, made up mostly of free blacks and mixed race men of color from New Orleans.

They formed their regiment in March of 1861, well before the shelling of Fort Sumter and the invasion of Virginia. In Louisiana, stupidity

and racism trumped patriotism. The governor rejected the regiment and refused to arm them. So insulted, the regiment offered itself up for service the following year — this time to Benjamin “ Beast” Butler after the capture of New Orleans.

Butler was a little smarter than the governor of Louisiana and the Native Guards became the first colored regiment in the Union army, going on to distinguish themselves in the Vicksburg campaign. In Charleston, they were smarter — 150 free blacks volunteered their services and set to work constructing fortifications. And it is hard to account for the captured blacks who chose to live (and die) in Union prison camps when they could have secured their freedom by stepping forward and taking the Union oath of loyalty.

More may have served more reluctantly, as slaves either hired out by their masters or impressed by the government to construct forts and earthworks. Sarah Emma Edmonds, CIVIL DISCOURSE > PAGE 10

March 2016 | 9

CIVIL DISCOURSE FROM PAGE 9

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a woman who disguised herself as a man to serve in the Union army, painted herself with silver nitrate so that she might slip through the lines and spy masquerading as a male slave.

Once inside the rebel camp, she and most of the other blacks were ordered to work on fortifications near Yorktown, backbreaking work for her. One night she was among a group sent out with supper for the men on the picket line. A sergeant handed her a rifle and directed her to take the place of a picket who had been wounded “which I was told to use freely in case I should see anything or anybody approaching from the enemy.” Then the sergeant gave her a kick and reminded her that the penalty for sleeping on duty was death. She slipped back into her own lines that night. Edmond’s account is corroborated by a sketch from Harper’s Weekly from January 1863 depicting two Confederate pickets as seen through a telescope.

Similarly, a slave named John Parker from Fairfax County was directed by his master to assist with building fortifications in Winchester, Fredericksburg and Richmond.

At First Manassas he found himself under fire manning a cannon with three other slaves. He was scared to death and wanted to run over to the Yankees. However, he appreciated that his officer would have had him shot down if he tried. Eventually he defected to Alexandria and served as a cook for the Yankees.

William Henry Johnson, a free black from Connecticut was present at Manassas. He corroborates Douglass’ concerns and says black soldiers were a decisive factor: “We were defeated, routed and driven from the field. ...

It was not alone the white man’s victory, for it was won by slaves. Yes, the Confederates had three regiments of blacks in the field, and they maneuvered like veterans, and beat the Union men back. This is not guessing, but it is a fact.” It is highly doubtful that the South had three regiments of blacks at First Manassas; were these laborers such as Parker who were pressed into service to meet the emergency? If so, how willingly did they fight? The problem is further complicated by defining who is “black” — mixed race individuals could be legally “black” to the degree of “octoroon” — one eighth black.

There is another story told by a Yankee officer observing an opposing battery through his telescope. Blacks were being tasked to load the guns, which entailed stepping into the embrasure of the earthwork, exposing them for a few seconds. Berdan’s Sharpshooters, a special regiment of professional snipers, killed every one of them so exposed without pity, notwithstanding an appreciation that these men were almost certainly acting under coercion.

The irony of Confederate policy is that early on at least a portion of the free blacks and even URBAN GARDEN FROM PAGE 7

wanting very acidic soil and that is where the coffee grounds help out. About a pound of grounds worked into the soil around each plant in the spring helps to lower the soil’s PH some as well as improving texture. Coffee grounds are a good source of phosphorus, potassium, magnesium and copper, as well as slow-release nitrogen.

Over the years I have perfected the value of what adding organic matter means. My soil is fibrous, very dark and has a boatload of worms

of the enslaved would have supported the new government in the field, as in New Orleans and Charleston. A nation outnumbered almost four to one would be very foolhardy indeed to disqualify almost half of its population from service. But the Confederacy squandered this opportunity and the stories of black soldiers in the ranks trickle off after 1862, though some black soldiers were noted among captives at Gettysburg.

Conversely, the Union appreciated the value of the slaves to the war effort and passed two Confiscation Acts and the Emancipation Proclamation to deny the Confederacy this resource. Freed slaves joined the Union army in droves - by the end of the war, Colored units made up about 10% of the Yankee army, while “contrabands” now performed the same services in Union camps as they had formerly.

In contrast, most scholars believe that the proportion under arms was perhaps 1 percent of the Confederate army. In January of 1864, General Cleburne urged Richmond to let slaves serve in exchange for their freedom, without success. Lee made the same argument a year later, emphasizing that the notion was “not only expedient, but necessary.” In March of 1865, the Confederate Congress finally relented. Too late — Lee surrendered the next month.

My dad has a book of photographs taken at a Confederate reunion circa 1900. It includes our own people, but in the very back (of course), there is a photo of a black veteran named Monroe Gooch. He served through the war and was present at the surrender. In the photo, he is wearing the Confederate uniform. He was a member of the veteran’s organization, was welcome at the reunions and probably paid for his own hotel and train ticket. This guy wanted to be there to be counted forty years later. Make of that what you will.

Sources

• Laura L. Gansler The Mysterious Private Thompson • Robert P. Broadwater America’s Civil War: Louisiana Native Guards http://www.historynet.com/americas-civilwar-louisiana-native-guards.htm • Black Confederates http://teachinghistory.org/history-content/ ask-a-historian/24634 • John Stauffer Yes, There Were Black Confederates http://www.theroot.com/articles/ history/2015/01/black_confederates_not_a_ myth_here_s_why.3.html Doug Coleman is an attorney and amateur historian in Alexandria. Comments and corrections are welcome: dcoleman@colemanlawyers.com. in it. My plants thrive in all the goodness that is available to them (although sometimes they thrive too much and turn into monsters!). But when I see folks coming over to my fence and marvel and sometimes take pictures of those monsters, it does my ego good. By going organic we’re also helping to save the planet and protect the much needed beneficial insects and wildlife.

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

Old Town Crier

AFTER HOURS

PETER STUPAR Peter Stupar, the photographer of legendary rock musicians during the classic 1960s and 1970s (and beyond), will be showing his work at Mackie’s Bar and Grill in Old Town Alexandria. His works will remain on display in the dining area through the month of May. Peter is a good friend of our favorite rock musician photographer, Chester Simpson, and is a native of Montgomery County, having grown up in Potomac, Md. He spends his time now between San Francisco, Calif. and Frederick, Md.

Birchmere Las Tapas Austin Grill & Tequila Bar 703.549.7500 703.836.4000 703.836.8969 3701 Mt. Vernon Ave. 710-714 King St. 801 King St. birchmere.com lastapas.us Southside 815 The Blackwall The Light Horse 703.836.6222 Hitch 703.549.0533 815 S. Washington St. 571-982-3577 715 King St. St. Elmos 5 Cameron St. thelighthorserestaurant. 703.739.9268 theblackwallhitch.com com 2300 Mt. Vernon Ave. Carlyle Club Morrison House Taverna Cretekou 411 John Carlyle Dr. 703.838.8000 703.548.8688 703-549-8957 116 South Alfred St. 818 King St. thecarlyleclub.com Murphys Irish Pub TJ Stones Chadwicks 703.548.1717 703.548.1004 203 S. Strand St. 713 King St. 608 Montgomery St. 703.836.4442 murphyspub.com tjstones.com Evening Star Cafe O’Connell’s Trattoria da Franco 703.549.5051 703.739.1124 703-548-9338 2000 Mt. Vernon Ave. 112 King St. 305 S. Washington St. The Fish Market Rock It Grill Two Nineteen 703.836.5676 703.739.2274 703.549.1141 105 King St. 1319 King St. 219 King St. fishmarketoldtown.com Shooter McGees King Street Blues 703.751.9266 703.836.8800 5239 Duke St. 112 N. St. Asaph St. shootermcgees.com La Portas 703.683.6313 These establishments offer live entertainment. Call to confirm show 1600 Duke St. times, dates and cover charges. Check our advertisers’ websites.

JAZZ 4 Justice Tuesday, April 5, 2016 @ 7:30pm Rachel M. Schlesinger Concert Hall and Arts Center 3001 North Beauregard Street, Alexandria, VA 22311 Doors open at 6:00PM for cash bar and jam session .

Call or email the Alexandria Bar Association at (703) 548-1106 or alexbar@alexandriabarva.org for tickets and sponsorship information Check us out online at https://j4jalexandria.wordpress.com/

Old Town Crier

March 2016 | 11

HIGH NOTES CHRIS ANDERSON

2016

continues to move along and, unfortunately the music world continues to lose some of its most beloved legends. While we were still mourning the sudden losses of Lemmy, David Bowie, and Glenn Frey, news came down the pike that Paul Kantner, founder of Jeffersons Airplane & Starship, passed away on the 28th of January. Kantner’s work with the Airplane was by far the most visionary of all the members of that band, and the all-star transitional albums he did between Airplane and Starship, such as Blows Against The Empire and Baron Von Tollbooth & The Chrome Nun still stand as some of

TRIBUTES& ASTONISHMENTS the best psychedelic records that San Francisco ever had to offer.

On the very same day, his fellow Jefferson Airplane co-founder, Signe Anderson, also sadly passed away. While her presence was only ever felt on the first Airplane album (after which she left the band to raise a family and was replaced by Grace Slick), she possessed a soaring voice whose harmonies defined the San Francisco Sound. Her version of “Chauffer Blues”, from Jefferson Airplane Takes Off will stand your hair on end.

Speaking of the San Francisco sound, we also lost Dan Hicks on the 6th of February. With the Charlatans, and soon after with his longtime band, Dan Hicks & The Hot Licks, he was responsible for infusing a certain oldtimey, Victorian vibe into the sounds and styles of Haight-Ashbury. Just last month, I bought my first Hot Licks album, and it totally blew me away. I 12 | March 2016

am looking forward to digging deeper into his work but am also sad that I will never get the chance to see him perform.

Just a couple of days before that came the passing of Maurice White, leader and founder of Earth Wind & Fire. Fusing pop, funk, jazz, and soul, as well as bosting one of the greatest horn sections ever assembled, Maurice White and EWF created the sound of the seventies with a string of hits that are still among the most ubiquitous. He also was one of the only popular musicians to regularly play the kalimba, which is just about the coolest thing ever.

Lastly, on a far more tragic note, a car accident on the 13th of February, in Sweden, claimed the lives of the entirety of the up-and-coming British indie band, Viola Beach. While they had only released a couple of singles so far, their star was quickly on the rise and they were set to give a potentially career-defining performance at the SXSW festival, in Austin TX. My heart hurts for all the losses this year, but this one hit especially hard.

The music world lost some major players in 2015, but they were few and far between. The year-end tribute lists were not as long as they often are.

This year has been quite the opposite of that and, frankly, this trend needs to end. RIP to all the above.

Meanwhile, however, there has been a fair bit of great new music trickling out this year. One of the more impressive is the latest from Dream Theater, who offers up their thirteenth studio album, The Astonishing, a double-album rock opera that finds the prog superstars pushing their craft further than it’s ever been taken.

A futuristic tale about a dystopian America, the story follows the efforts of the rebellious Ravenskill militia to overthrow the tyrannical Great Northern Empire Of The Americas using the power of music. In a way, the general theme of the story is somewhat reminiscent of “2112” by Rush, long known to be idols of the Dream Theater guys. This, however, takes the idea to a much higher level, turning it from a simple concept piece

to a full-blown musical. The lyrics, written by guitarist John Petrucci and delivered by the amazing James LaBrie, almost completely consists of dialogue by the various characters in the story and, honestly, despite his astounding efforts, would probably be better sorted had they taken the extra step and brought in a cast to deliver those lines. Otherwise, it often gets a bit confusing if you don’t have the lyric book in front of you (and, honestly, even if you do). That said, the fact that LaBrie is able to tackle all these different roles at once, and inject different personalities into those roles, is just evidence of his brilliance as a singer. Being that much of the text is dialogue, often in soliloquy, there is heavy reliance on slow songs, as is often the case in a musical. Fortunately, this is offset by some amazing instrumental sections, including the opening “Dystopian Overture”, which is one of the most impressive slices of prog ever committed to record.

This is an album that, probably more than any other in their catalogue, is really dividing fans. There are legions of fans that have been skeptical of everything the band’s done since drummer Mike Portnoy’s exit in 2010, and they are not likely to slow their roll after this dense album. There are also those prog-snob purists that can’t handle the idea of a Dream Theater album with 34 short songs, as opposed as one with a few 20-minute epics, and no matter now potent the short songs are, they won’t ever be pleased.

And then there are the gripes about all the slow songs. At the same time, there are the fans for whom this band can do no wrong. Obviously they love this, and they love to antagonize all the skeptics. And then there are the fans, such as myself, that may not fully “get it” but can’t help but applaud the band’s vision. It will certainly take many more passes through this album for it to fully set in but there is no denying that this is a massive stroke of genius and Petrucci (as well as keyboardist Jordan Rudess, who cowrote the music, as well as the rest of the band) should be extremely proud of themselves. Astonishing, indeed.

Old Town Crier

THE LAST WORD MIRIAM R. KRAMER

The Ire in Ireland

A

ccording to legend, the patron saint of Ireland, St. Patrick, converted the Irish to Christianity.

His legend spawned the celebratory day on which those of us with Irish heritage (and those who don’t) wear green, down copious glasses of Guinness, Jameson, and green lager, and prance around like deranged leprechauns to traditional Irish music. That being said, he did not drive all the snakes out of Ireland, as his mythology reports. Venomous varieties figuratively populate the two series of historical and current crime novels I am reviewing this month: Kevin McCarthy’s Peeler and Irregulars, and Stuart Neville’s Belfast Novels: The Ghosts of Belfast, Collusion, Stolen Souls, The Final Silence, and Those We Left Behind.

The hero of Kevin McCarthy’s Peelers and Irregulars is Seàn O’Keefe, a Sergeant in the Royal Irish Constabulary in November of 1920. Recently returned from the Great War, where he landed at V Beach on the Gallipoli Peninsula, he mourns the loss of his brother in the same war. Wracked by survivor’s guilt, he finds himself still traumatized by nightmares from his battles.

O’Keefe, who wants a free Ireland without war, has returned from a very brutal battle to an Ireland in the midst of a war for

Old Town Crier

independence. The IRA fights to establish an Ireland separate from the British Crown, and despise the Royal Irish Constabulary (RIC) as Peelers, a nickname for the police force reining them in with supplementary British forces such as the Black and Tans, along with other less accountable bedfellows, the cruel, lawless Auxiliaries. In West Cork, a snake hole of IRA activity, O’Keefe and his colleagues close ranks in barricaded barracks that are ironically prison-like to protect themselves from explosions and gunfire.

As he acclimates to his position in this new, unstable Ireland, O’Keefe and his fellow policemen find the naked, mutilated body of a pretty young woman on a high hillside, with the misspelled word “TRATOR” on a board around her neck, along with tarred and feathered hips. She does not appear like other women tarred and feathered by the IRA for treachery.

This anomaly drives him to doggedly call upon all his resources to solve a peculiar, disturbing murder case.

In Irregulars, which takes place in October 1922 in Dublin, O’Keefe no longer has a job. He has demobbed from the disbanded RIC after the Treaty between the IRA and the British, which assigned the six northern counties to British control. In the process, he has taken to drinking relentlessly, betting on horses,

and leading a depressed, sodden existence. Ireland has effectively become a civil war ground, with former IRA colleagues split between those with power in the new regime who desire to maintain the negotiated Free State and those so-called “Irregulars” who seek a complete Ireland untainted by the Treaty or British rule in the north.

O’Keefe’s Dublin is a gritty, depressed place, where gunfire between Irish factions continues to strew the streets with possible sudden death and O’Keefe struggles to find purpose. When he takes on a job for Ginny Dolan, a madam in a bawdy house, he aims to find her son, Nicky, while accompanied by Dolan’s faithful muscle man and bruiser, a man named Albert.

Nicky has left school to follow the lead of Felim O’Hanley, leader of the Dublin Brigade for the Anti-Treaty Irregulars, who dream of an unadulterated Irish republic.

After trying to establish payment for armaments at a hotel, Nicky disappears after getting caught in an accidental tangle with common robbers and Free Staters, detectives lying in wait for those trying to contact the arms dealer.

In these novels, Seàn O’Keefe serves as a decent but sometimes violent everyman caught up in historical events beyond his control. Tossed from the trauma of the Great War to first being fired upon and then actually fired

by fellow Irishmen whose aggression keeps everyone on edge, he must find some humanity and kindness to keep him sane. He does so when he meets an attractive woman who cares for him but hides her secrets.

Author Kevin McCarthy unsparingly reveals the political corruption and murder flourishing posttreaty with or without the British, and shows that as with most ordinary people, THE LAST WORD > PAGE 17

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

March 2016 | 13

GALLERY BEAT F. LENNOX CAMPELLO

Fields of Inquiry

Images of the hands of the three of artists working on the same painting: Mei Mei Chang (top), Pat Goslee (middle), and Kathryn McDonnell (bottom); and the finished collaborative work.

Y

ou’ll have to excuse me if for the first half of this month I wander away from the DMV for some commentary.

It’s nowhere near the DMV, but the idiocy of the Guadalupe Cultural Arts Center all the way in Texas reaches all the way to the nation’s capital region.

You see, San Antonio’s Guadalupe Cultural Arts Center (GCAC) has announced that it has withdrawn as the host for something that Texans do down there called the San Antonio’s CAM (Contemporary Art Month) 2016 Perennial.

Here is the statement released by GCAC Executive Director Jerry Ruiz: The Guadalupe Cultural Arts Center will be withdrawing as the host for the CAM 2016 Perennial. While the GCAC recognizes the talents and merits of the artists in this year’s Perennial, we have determined that CAM is simply not a mission-fit at this juncture. The Guadalupe remains firmly committed to the values of inclusion and access to the arts. The lack of diversity in this year’s group of artists, specifically the lack of representation of Latina artists 14 | March 2016

in this year’s edition of the perennial, has forced the organization to make this difficult decision after much deliberation and dialogue with CAM’s leaders.

Are you serious? You’re removing yourself as the host from an art show because of the “lack of representation of Latina artists”? Was the juror or curator (this year’s curator is Laurie Britton Newell from Colorado, not Texas) directed ahead of time that she must include Latina artists in the exhibition? If so, how was the curator to identify and segregate the Latina artists? Was there a check box in the entry form to ID the entry as coming from a Latina? Or was the curator allowed to see the names of the artists so that he/she could give extra merit to anyone whose last name ended in a vowel or a “z” (at the risk of missing the millions of Latinas all over Latin America and the US with nonHispanic last names); Or given a list of Latina artists? Any direction at all?

This year’s selected artists are Jennifer Ling Datchuk, Marlys Dietrick, Emily Fleisher, Jasmyne Graybill, Jessica Halonen and Leigh

Anne Lester ... all women. Should someone be upset because there are no males included? Or is this always an all-female show (thus somewhat destroying the concept of diversity and inclusion from the very beginning)?

By the way, at least one of the artists (Jennifer Ling Datchuk) is Asian; one appears to be Jewish (based on the dangerous practice of trying to identify people by last name; this is also a mine field for “Latino” names), and I don’t know or care what Jasmyne Graybill’s ancestral DNA background is, but her work is spectacular!

There is no issue with this show, because a curator (hopefully) always should select artwork for an open show based on the art itself, not the racial, gender, or as in this case, ethnic background of the artist. Unless the curator is told ahead of time: “You have to have some Latinas in this show and this is how you identify them” then this all stinks of idiocy.

And a Latino, all I have to say to the Guadalupe Cultural Arts Center is: “You are all a bunch of comemierdas.”

Back to the DMV

By the time that you read this column, there will be a show at Glen Echo’s Popcorn Gallery (1st floor, Arcade Building, 7300 MacArthur Blvd. Glen Echo, MD 20812) titled “Fields of Inquiry” that promises to be a memorable one.

I am told that in early December 2015 area artists Mei Mei Chang, Pat Goslee and Kathryn McDonnell began working on two large donated canvases.

“They moved the large canvases into Kathryn’s studio and used paint that was also donated they began collaborating. They had to contend with busy work schedules, the holidays, travels, snowstorms, ice storms, blizzards and the pressure of a deadline, as well as unique artistic sensibilities. Will they be able to complete the paintings in time? And which one will they choose for the exhibition Fields of Inquiry? The gallery space at the Popcorn gallery is limited and will hold just one of the paintings. So they must choose.”

Set aside some time to visit beautiful and historical Glen Echo Park and see this unique collaboration.

Old Town Crier

Spring Flowers

alidaanderson

Spring is in the air and there’s nothing like a little flower to update your wardrobe. New designs are arriving every day.

We have lots of wonderful jewelry, belts, and spring scarves in the shop.

Stop in and take a peek.

Come into Imagine to see a new selection of jewelry in mesh and metal by Rhode Island artist Erica Zap.

Come see our entire line of amazing American-made clothing, jewelry and crafts.

1124 King Street | Alexandria, Virginia 22314 (703) 548-1461 | www.imagineartwear.com Mon – Sat 10 am – 7 pm

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Sunday 11 am – 5 pm

ART&ANTIQUES ABACA IMPORTS 1120 North Fairfax St. 703-683-5800

ELDER CRAFTERS 405 Cameron St. 703-683-4338

JAMES WILHOIT ANTIQUES 227 S. Washington St. 703-683-6595

AMERICAN HERITAGE GALLERY 901 North Columbus St. 703-519-7869

FACTORY PHOTOWORKS 105 N. Union St. 703-683-1501

JEFFREY WINTER FINE ARTS 110A S. Columbus St. (in the courtyard) 703-962-6266

THE ANTIQUE GUILD 113 N. Fairfax St. 703-836-1048 ARTCRAFT 132 King St. 703-299-6616 ARTS AFIRE GLASS GALLERY 1117 King St. 703-548-1197 THE ATHENAEM 201 Prince St. 703-548-0035 AUBURN ARTS GALLERY 110 South Columbus St. 703-548-1932 BANANA TREE 1223 King St. 703-836-4317 BELGRAVIA FINE ART 411 Cameron St. 703-549-2011 BIRD-IN-THE-CAGE ANTIQUES 110 King St. 703-549-5114

FINE OLD POSTERS 1015 King St. 703-684-3656 FIVE OAKS ANTIQUES 2413 Mt. Vernon Ave. 703-519-7006 FOLIOGRAPH GALLERY 217 King St. 703-683-1501 FRASER GALLERY 7700 Wisconsin Blvd.

Suite E Bethesda 301-718-9651 FRENCH COUNTRY ANTIQUES 1000 King St. 703-548-8563 GALLERY G 215 King St. 703-836-5400 GALLERY INDIGO 1607 King St. 703-838-8098 GALLERY LAFAYETTE 320 King St. 703-548-5266

BROCKETTS ROW ANTIQUES 277 South Washington St. 703-684-0464

GALLERIE LA TAJ 1010 King St. (Gadsby Arcade) 703-549-0508

THE CLASSICAL GALLERY 110 S. Columbus St. 703-836-7736

GALLERY WEST 1213 King St. 703-549-7359

CURZON HILL ANTIQUES 108 S. Columbus St. 703-684-0667

GOSSYPIA 325 Cameron St. 703-836-6969

DIEHL ANTIQUES 614 N. Washington St. 703-706-8191

IMAGINE ARTWEAR 1124 King St. 703-548-1461

Old Town Crier

KELLYS ART & FRAME 510 N. Washington St. Alexandria, VA 22314 703-549-3313

SPURGEON-LEWIS ANTIQUES 112 N. Columbus St. 703-548-4917 STUDIO ANTIQUES & ART 524 N. Washington St. 703-548-5188 STUDIO BIANCO 220 S. Henry St. 703-299-0662 TIME JUGGLER 411 Cameron St. 703-836-3594

MARIS ELAINE GALLERY 178 Waterfront St. National Harbor 301-686-0323

TORPEDO FACTORY ART CENTER 105 N. Union St. 703-838-4565

MINDFULL HANDS GALLERY 211 King St. 703-683-2074

TRASTEVERE 303 Cameron St. 703-683-9555

OLD COLONY SHOP 222-B S. Washington St. 703-548-8008

VAN BOMMEL ANTIEK HAUS 1007 King St. 703-683-4141 703-629-6521 by appt.

Steve Young, Proprietor

P & C ART 212 King St. 703-549-2525 PAUL McGEHEES GALLERY 109 North Fairfax St. 703-548-7729

THE VON BRAHLER LTD./GALLERY 1437 Powhatan St. 703-798-8686

POTOMAC WEST INTERIORS & ANTIQUES 1517 Mt. Vernon Ave. 703-519-1911

WASHINGTON SQUARE ANTIQUES 689 S. Washington St. 703-836-3214

The Batman Brooding From the Naked Superheroes series Charcoal on Paper, 20x16 inches ©2015 F. Lennox Campello Represented by Alida Anderson Art Projects, LLC Washington, DC For more information or images of other works from the Naked Superheroes series, email us at info@alidaanderson.com

feast your eyes. feed your soul.

visit a museum.

PRINCE ROYAL GALLERY 204 S. Royal St. 703-548-5151 THE PRINCIPLE GALLERY 208 King St. 703-739-9326 SCULPTURE GALLERY 115 S. Patrick St. Studio 303 703-683-5056 SILVERMAN GALLERIES ANTIQUES 110 N. Asaph St. 703-836-5363

FOLLOW US ON FACEBOOK AT facebook.com/oldtowncrier March 2016 | 15

POINTS ON PETS SARAH LIU & STEPH SELICE

KING STREET CATS ADOPTION CALENDAR MARCH 2016 FOR DETAILS & MORE INFO website: www.kingstreetcats.org email: contact@kingstreetcats.org

Why Chocolate Bunnies and Peeps Make Better Easter Gifts

®

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, March 5 1:00 - 4:00 pm Saturday, March 19 Sunday, March 20 1:00 - 4:00 pm THE DOG PARK 705 King Street Alexandria, VA 22314 Saturday, March 12 1:00 - 4:00 pm INDY & ALLY 321 S. Washington Street Alexandria, VA 22314 Saturday, March 26 Sunday, March 27

16 | March 2016

Peaceful FIelds Sanctuary: rescued male chicks

Rikki’s Refuge: bunnies

Rikkis Refuge: adult Pekin duck

Peaceful FIelds Sanctuary: Chewbacca the rooster

very spring, many animal lovers are reminded how great it was to love their first pets—not only puppies and kittens, but also what we think of as Easter critters: rabbits, chicks, ducklings, and even lambs and goats.

We all want to share that wonderful feeling of loving a pet, particularly with the kids we love. Many experts suggest that there are better gifts for kids (and for unprepared adults) than live animals. This time of year in particular, they suggest some excellent alternatives.

After cats and dogs, rabbits are the third most popular mammalian pet in the U.S. They also rank third among animals most often brought to shelters (and euthanized).

John White of RabbitWise, a web-based education and advocacy organization for rabbit lovers, thinks that though rabbits are intelligent, beautiful, social creatures who can become as much a part of the family as any other pet, giving bunnies (as well as chicks or ducklings) as Easter presents is a bad idea.

Contrary to popular belief, bunnies are not a good “child’s pet” or even “starter pet.” Their delicate bone structure makes them prone

to injury if mishandled by a child (or adult). They also require care by a vet specialist who handles “exotic” species like rabbits, snakes, lizards, and birds. The cost of a rabbit’s vet care can equal or exceed that for a dog or cat.

Most bunnies available for Easter are juveniles, 2 to 3 months old. They are adorably cute. But most kids soon outgrow their fascination with their furry friend, and the family often loses interest too.

With the end of summer and the school year starting, the bunny is often ignored except for basic care.

At the same time, that cute bunny is maturing into an adult through what will be 5 to 6 months as a “teenager.”

Behaviors such as chewing, digging, and scratching are normal and quite pronounced, especially if the rabbit has not been spayed or neutered.

Males also begin “spraying” to mark their territory, which includes furniture and family members. Finally, the rabbit’s dietary needs change significantly. For a family that just wanted a cute little “Easter Bunny,” this is often all too much, and the rabbit winds up at the shelter.

At least, the luckier ones do.

Rabbits must be indoor pets so they won’t be exposed to

predators, heat, and cold. But some well-meaning people release the bunny into the wild where he or she can find some wild friends. This is a death sentence for the rabbit. Domestic rabbits are a completely different genus than American wild rabbits—as distant as we are from apes. Wild rabbits see domestic rabbits as interlopers and will kill them.

But when you’re ready, rabbits can make wonderful family pets. Once past their “teenage” period, they mellow out and become social, affectionate, entertaining companions who can become as much a part of a family as dogs or cats. They enjoy being with their humans and respond to attention and care.

Most love being held, though some prefer to sit on their person’s lap or side by side.

Each rabbit is an individual, with a unique personality.

Rabbits easily learn to use a litter box, and they enjoy being groomed, playing with toys, and hanging out with their people. They make excellent companions for those who take the time to learn about their special needs. As John White says, “The one thing I can guarantee people who share their lives with a rabbit is that no matter how much time

or money you invest in your friend’s care, in the end you will always feel like you got the best part of the deal.”

What about chicks and ducklings? Kerry Hilliard at Rikki’s Refuge in Orange and John Netzel at Peaceful Fields Sanctuary in Winchester agree that there are great alternatives to giving these birds as Easter presents.

Though chicks and ducks are adorable creatures whom kids find irresistible, they grow quickly into adult birds and require much more care than some folks realize. Lolly Busey at Rikki’s notes, “We have many birds that came to us after the cuteness of buying the fuzzy little chicks at Tractor Supply wore off.”

John Netzel agrees: “Any adoption has to be after careful consideration and only with the animal’s best interests in mind.” John adds that when adopting chicks, “people don’t realize that you can’t easily tell males and females apart. Males become roosters, which are abandoned more often because people are more interested in hens that lay eggs. In many jurisdictions, it’s illegal to keep roosters because they crow. It can even be dangerous to keep more than one because roosters

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POINTS ON PETS > PAGE 17

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POINTS ON PETS FROM PAGE 16

fight one another.”

For those who learn about them, chickens, ducks, and other birds can be a pleasure to raise and care for and can become part of the family. In some parts of metro DC, they can even be kept legally in a coop outside on private property. But it’s worth checking out whether these pets are the right ones for you— and that’s easy to do.

You could visit an animal sanctuary, shelter, or rescue and meet not only their chickens and ducks, but also their rabbits, lambs, goats, and other animals. Visitors can make an appointment to meet the animals or take a tour, and even to volunteer or do internships (see Resources below). Some farms like Caromont Farm in Esmont let volunteers help with their kids and goats. And all caretakers enjoy introducing kids to animals they love.

Other tried-and-true ways of introducing kids to animals: • Read a book aloud or together (like The Tale of Peter Rabbit or Make Way for Ducklings) • Crafts animal portraits • Give a stuffed toy, play farm, or animal playset • Watch nature shows on Animal Planet, National Geographic, PBS, or YouTube.

• Give a chocolate bunny, Peeps®, or other Easter treat.

And when you’re ready to adopt an animal, please consider a shelter, rescue, or sanctuary.

Thanks.

Resources RABBITWISE A web-based education and advocacy organization John White, Education Director rabbitwise.org

RIKKI’S REFUGE Kerry Hilliard, Director Lolly Busey, Kathy Doucette, Robin McClary P.O. Box 1357, Orange, VA 22960 540-854-0870, x2 to volunteer/visit; x3 for events rikkisrefuge.org tours@rikkisrefuge.org PEACEFUL FIELDS SANCTUARY John Netzel, Director Winchester, VA 22603 540-550-5540 Volunteer days: first Saturday of the month peacefulfieldssanctuary@gmail.com peacefulfieldssanctuary.org CAROMONT FARM 9261 Old Green Mountain Road Esmont, VA 22937 434-831-1393 caromontcheese.com ANIMAL WELFARE LEAGUE OF ALEXANDRIA Adopts to residents within 25 miles of the shelter 4101 Eisenhower Avenue Alexandria, VA 22304 703-838-4774 alexandriaanimals.org FRIENDS OF RABBITS AND HOUSE RABBIT SANCTUARY Adopts to residents of Northern Va., suburban MD, and DC P.O. Box 1112 Alexandria, VA 22313 703-627-7892 friendsofrabbits.org 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.

THE LAST WORD FROM PAGE 13

the fondest wish of the Irish would be to get back to a decent, safe life, regardless of treaties or the lack of them. His second novel could use some editing of his hero’s repetitive nightmares and musings, but it is still worthwhile. Through characters such as one of the robbers, Jeremiah Byrne, McCarthy reveals the desperate poverty endured by Dublin tenement dwellers, a poverty that breeds aggression in fractured, drunken families who fight for necessities like food and clothing. His view of Ireland during these post–War Troubles is compassionate but also clear-eyed, and worth reading for a sense of the historical period.

Stuart Neville, renowned author of the Belfast Novels, covers a different historical period, mostly that of current Northern Ireland. He also hearkens back to the Time of Troubles from the 1960s to the late 1990s in the six Irish counties that have constituted Northern Ireland for eighty-plus years. During the former period, violence between Protestants and the Catholic minority was so strong that the population was traumatized by walls dividing neighborhoods, erratic bombs, a lack of civil liberties, random arrests, and general enmity that could flare into violence with a single hostile look or accidental turn into the wrong neighborhood. Yet his emphasis on contemporary affairs is exciting and provocative, particularly in his first book, the winner of the Los Angeles Times Book Prize, The Ghosts of Belfast.

Gerry Fegan is a tough bastard, an IRA killer and foot soldier during the eighties with a touch of the Irish second sight.

Released seven years ago after serving twelve for murder as a “political prisoner” in the notorious Maze prison, he is haunted by the ghosts of twelve victims whom he killed via others’ orders. Set up with an income from an imaginary created job for his work with the IRA, Fegan could theoretically rest peacefully in this new world after the 1998 Good Friday Agreement, in which hostilities between the groups were mostly stopped on the surface with a few holdouts on either side.

Some of his former commanders, then-revolutionaries who ordered murders and bombings, have adapted in this new “peaceful” world to become toothy politicians, snakes in expensive suits who give press conferences, euphemize him THE LAST WORD > PAGE 42

PETS OF THE MONTH

BONNIE (A065258)

Bonnie is the boss of AWLA, or at least that’s what she thinks! She is an 8 year old black Domestic Shorthair who resides in a staff office with another cat and dogs who come and go. She can often be found sleeping on a blue chair which she has claimed as her own. If she meows at you, that you must come over and give her a few head scratches, and she will give you lots of purrs in return! She’s not a huge fan of having her tail end petted, and will tell you so, but who could blame her?! If you are interested in a senior declawed kitty with TONS of personality who will constantly keep you smiling visit Bonnie in her office!

SAMANTHA & THEODORE (A064277 & A060334)

Samantha and Theodore have a fairy tale friendship. These two black rabbits were surrendered to the shelter individually a while ago, when staff members thought they seemed a little lonely and wanted to see if they would maybe become friends. It was love at first sight! They have bonded to each other ever since, and love lounging in their cage and munching on hay together. Since they’re the two best friends you’ll ever meet, they will need to find an adopter willing to take them both so that they can live happily ever after together!

TAWNY (A066696)

Tawny is lying in wait to make you her new best friend! Tawny is a year and a half old Pit Bull mix who wants nothing more than a yard of her own to run around in and play. She can be a bit wary of strangers at first, but with enough toys and treats she is as friendly as they come and happy to jump into your lap for some pets!

Because of Tawny’s energy level she is definitely looking for an active family with older kids who can handle her rough and tumble play style. Do you think you have enough energy to wear this gorgeous girl out? Stop by and ask about her 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

March 2016 | 17

CARIBBEAN CONNECTION JEFFREY R. McCORD

CANEEL BAY RESORT 60 years of simplicity, elegance and unspoiled nature by design

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ver since Admiral Christopher Newport and Captain John Smith stopped in St. Thomas in April 1607 on their journey to establish the Jamestown colony, Virginians have been coming to the Virgin Islands. For the past 60 years, the Virgin Islands National Park and Caneel Bay Resort on the island of St. John have been major attractions.

Each year, about 3,500 Virginians stay at Caneel Bay, a 150-acre ecologicallymanaged resort occupying a peninsula within the National Park.

Both the Park and Resort were created in 1956 under the leadership of Laurance Rockefeller, a philanthropist, environmentalist and pioneering aerospace venture capitalist who believed St. John to be the most beautiful island in the Caribbean.

The relationship between Park and Resort epitomizes Rockefeller’s belief in partnering conservation with responsible commerce.

“The whole idea is to keep its beauty simple and unspoiled . . . [to live] simply and elegantly,” Mr. Rockefeller explained. Both Park and Resort, he believed, would become part of a new environmental “ethic.” Writing in a Reader’s Digest article in 1976 — years before most people were aware of effects of climate change — Mr. 18 | March 2016

Rockefeller foresaw that change was required. He said: “We are faced with the moral challenge of simplifying our overly complicated, overly wasteful lives and forging a national commitment to an environmental ethic. We must do this to protect the limited resources on which all life depends. [Living lives of] simplicity, self-reliance and thrift may [be] the key to our survival.”

Preserving the beauty and ecological assets of St. John embodied his philosophy. Speaking of his father, Rockefeller’s son Larry noted in a Caneel Bay history, “His foresight was really great; he saw the need to act and did so with vision and commitment.”

Otherwise, he said, all of St. John would be developed.

The resort’s natural resources include five sand beaches and easy access to two in the National Park, many acres of tropical forest, nature paths and some of the best fauna and flora in the Caribbean. Roads and hiking trails provide easy access to the surrounding National Park.

Built upon the site of a significant Danish sugar plantation dating to the early 1700s, in its formative years the Resort hired its own horticulturists and sought the advice of local botanists as it carefully replanted land

that had been deforested by three hundred years of agricultural use.

An aerobiologist was even hired to survey the island of St. John to document that no rag weed grows there. A promotional campaign then marketed Caneel Bay as a place where hay fever sufferers could gain relief — a real plus for those who struggle through the legendary Washington, DC and Virginia hay fever seasons.

Caneel Bay guests have ranged from the Presidents of Harvard and Yale to celebrities such as Alan Alda and film-maker and comedian Mel Brooks. Republican President Richard Nixon, Democratic Vice President Hubert Humphrey, the Kennedys and Arkansas Senator William Fulbright, who mentored young Bill Clinton, are among the political luminaries to have been guests. Contemporary celebrities and leaders continue to visit the Resort and St. John.

The 166 low-key luxury rooms spread in groupings around the peninsula shoreline continue the Rockefeller tradition of excluding televisions. Phones and WiFi, though, are provided.

Beyond the natural environment, the peninsula on which the resort is situated is also an important historic site. National Park Service

archaeologists have found preColumbus era ceramics and tools, including a stone belt used in ceremonial ball games, made by St. John’s Native Americans. Sadly, the most recent, the Tainos, had disappeared by the time Columbus sailed by St. John in 1493.

Klein Caneel was the name of the Danish colonial sugar plantation that marked the next era of human habitation. It’s picturesque stone sugar factory ruins remain and, nearby, the Park Service found a “honey-colored gun flint” that had been heavily used. This may be an artifact from the largest battle between enslaved Africans and Europeans during the 1733 island-wide slave revolt documented by historians and brought to life by novelists such as James Michener in his epic work “Caribbean” and John Anderson’s book “Night of the Silent Drums.”

Several sources report that St. John’s planters and their families made their last stand against the mutinous slaves on the Klein Caneel plantation. Armed with flintlock muskets, forty Europeans and 25 faithful Africans held-off the enslaved mutineers long enough to escape by sea onto nearby cays and islets, CARIBBEAN CONNECTION > PAGE 19

Old Town Crier

Why are you sitting in traffic when you could be sitting here on St. John?

Park Place

CARIBBEAN CONNECTION FROM PAGE 18

historian Isaac Dookham tells us. Although the enslaved Africans won control of St. John for six months, they were eventually defeated

by European soldiers who arrived from nearby British and French colonies.

Given the Caneel Bay peninsula’s ecological and historic richness, it’s not surprising that the Rockefeller family land conservation trust (Jackson Hole Preserve, Inc.) that owned the property deeded it to the Virgin Islands National Park in 1983. The resort continues to operate under a use agreement with the National Park Service that will, among other provisions, “ensure the protection of the natural, cultural, and historic features” of Caneel Bay. As Laurance Rockefeller no doubt foresaw, the required land usage agreement between

Caneel Bay Resort and the National Park Service guarantees that the character of the Resort as a partnering of responsible commerce with conservation will continue to the benefit of future generations.

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.

Apartment on St. John. $170/ Night, no minimum stay. Pets allowed with some restrictions.

Pool, kitchenette, private bathroom, screened porch overlooking tropical forest with banana and papaya trees, double bed, and separate living area. Perfect for a couple or young family. Amenities include kayaks, snorkel gear, and bamboo walking sticks.

More than 60% of this spectacular Caribbean island is Virgin Island National Park, offering hiking, snorkeling, and unbelievable views. Get out of traffic and come to paradise.

Reservations: mjtoomey1995 @yahoo.com

CLIFFHANGER SEE OUR AY HOMEAW 5 AT #28629 LISTING AY.COM HOMEAW

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Ann Street Gardens

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As featured on HGTV and winner of “Bang For Your Buck” in St. Thomas. This recently renovated villa resides on the edge of a cliff 200 feet above the Atlantic Ocean crashing onto the rocks below. The best location on the island—a private, secure, gated community of luxury villas—the villa offers spectacular views of the Atlantic and various islands including St. John, Jost Van Dyke and Tortola. The main house has 3 bedrooms with a detached cottage with its’ own queen size bed. Large deck, pool and spa.

Phone 703 628-9005 • Fax 703 765-5900

Key West Getaway One Block from Sloppy Joe’s Contact: historichideaways.com • 1-800-654-5131

Old Town Crier

March 2016 | 19

ROAD TRIP BOB TAGERT

Antrim 1844 COUNTRY HOUSE HOTEL

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Four poster bed in the Carriage House, U.S Grant Suite

ANTRIM 1844 COUNTRY HOUSE HOTEL 30 Trevanion Road Taneytown, Maryland 410-756-6812 Antrim1844.com

his month’s road trip took us to the Antrim 1844 Country House Hotel in Tanytown (pronounce Tawnytown), Md. Drive time from Alexandria is about an hour and half with the first hour zipping you up I-270 to Frederick, Md. and then a scenic drive up Route 26 and 194 past small towns of older houses and rolling fields.

Antrim was built in 1844

by Col. Andrew Ege on land inherited by his wife, Margaret, from her father Major John McKaleb. The estate was named in honor of the McKaleb’s family ancestral home in County Antrim, Ireland. This was a perfect place to write about as we celebrate St. Patrick’s Day this month. An American treasure, Antrim is a classic example of a quintessential brick Greek Revival Mansion with Federal influences that exhibits a classic example of a midnineteenth century agrarian plantation.

Nestled in the foothills of the Catoctin Mountains, this area abounds with immense rural beauty and is rich in history.

Col. Ege engaged in raising livestock and farming on his 450 acres, much the same as the farmers in Carroll County do today.

Today, most of the original outbuildings, which supported the lifestyle of an important property of that era, are still intact. These buildings consist of the Carriage House (where our suite was), the Ice House, the Post House, the Summer Kitchen, the Brick Kitchen, the Overseer’s Wing, the Barn, the Spring House and even the double-sided outhouse.

The main building boasts towering white columns on the sweeping grand porches, through the impressive double front doors, vestibule and entrance hall to the cantilever staircase that spirals gracefully up to the third floor. The beautiful identical Drawing Rooms boast 14-foot ceilings enhanced by plaster medallions and crown molding, over-sized Monticello windows with interior shutters set off by white marble mantels carved

by William Rinehart (a prominent sculptor from Carroll County), and heart pine floors. Beyond are the masterfully restored Formal English Tea Rose Gardens stoically anchored by twin bronze fountains. Unfortunately, we were there in the winter…not an ideal time for outdoor beauty.

A large glass cupola is proudly perched atop this 17,000 square foot mansion, flooding it with sunlight. Legend has it that the cupola was used as a lookout for troop advancement prior to the battle of Gettysburg, about 15 miles away.

For the next hundred years the property changed hands a few times until 1961 when Taneytown businessman George Crouse purchased the property

Mike the bartender

20 | March 2016

Old Town Crier

clockwise from top left: wine cellar, The Pickwick Pub, spiral staircase in the mansion, drawing room and the carriage house.

and surrounding 24 acres. Although Crouse never lived in the house, he maintained it and opened it up to large town functions and shared it with friends.

It was under the ownership of Crouse that Antrim was placed on the National Historic Trust Register.

When George Crouse passed away the family once again placed the property on the market.

In 1987 Dorothy and Richard Mollett happened upon Antrim and immediately recognized the significance of the property. The Mollets had already restored 6 homes in Baltimore, so they were no strangers to the project at hand. By the end of 1988, Antrim opened the first and second floor of the mansion as a bed and breakfast destination.

Over the last 25 years the Molletts restored, expanded, constructed and reconstructed many different aspects of the property. With the purchase of five additional houses on adjoining Mill Avenue, Antrim currently enjoys the distinguished honor of a luxurious boutique 40-room country house hotel with an award-winning fine dining restaurant and an expansive wine cellar holding over 2700 selections of renowned bottles of world-class wine.

Our drive to the Antrim took a little longer than necessary. We were using the WAZE app for directions. As we passed right the property, with no advice from WAZE we continued and then suddenly WAZE started giving directions again taking us on a 20- minute ride back to the Mansion. The reason I mention this is that the signage for the property isn’t prominent and why we drove right by it. This is the only criticism we have about this fantastic place.

Upon arrival we were promptly taken the Carriage House and our spacious rooms. A complimentary half-bottle of champagne was already on ice. This is a place to go to really get away from everything that tugs at you every day. There are no telephones in the rooms and no TV’s. However, in the Carriage House there is a common room with a TV, not a flat screen, a TV for everyone’s use. There is WIFI for those who Old Town Crier

have to be connected. Our room, the U.S. Grant, was a suite with a sitting room, bedroom with king sized four-poster bed and a gas fired fireplace. This is definitely a first class place.

We walked back to the Mansion to attend afternoon tea in the drawing rooms. Tea and a cucumber sandwiches (no crust) and assortment of scones and cookies help to set the tone. Parties are taken to dinner one group at a time. Our seating was at eight thirty so we decided to head to the Pickwick Pub. Mike, our bartender, was engaging and made a very good drink. We settled into the bar stools and felt the warmth of the wood-burning fire.

The room consists of six bar stools and two small couches with a low table in the middle near the fire.

At eight thirty our host showed up to take us to our table in the Smokehouse Restaurant. We were seated in the actual space that housed the real smokehouse. There was plenty of room as there were

Tea Time

only three two tops and one group of four. Although we could not see the wood-burning fire, the heat was felt and I greatly appreciated in the cool room while Lani was happy with the cooler temp. We were treated to a six- course dinner that began with an Amuse Bouche of a tasty small savory tart.

The wine list is extensive as you can imagine from the size of their cellar. Unfortunately, they were out of the wine we ordered but the waiter recommended a terrific Sauvignon Blanc from Australia that was excellent and medium priced. My second course was the Linguini and Clams — squid ink linguini, little neck clams, Applewood bacon, garlic, shallot, white wine and herbs. It was delicious. Lani opted for the Beet and Goat Cheese — Chef ’s garden honey marinated beets with Monocacy Ash goat cheese and candied walnuts. It was fantastic. We both enjoyed the Butternut Squash Soup that was laced with Tahitian vanilla and topped with toasted pepitas for our next course. We then cleansed our palates with a small serving of sorbet.

For the fifth course I ordered the Stuffed Bob White Quail - brioche and foie gras stuffing, potato hay, pepper cress and a port reduction. It was something that I definitely “stepped out of the box” to order and I was very pleasantly surprised.

I would order it again. Lani had the Filet of Beef — served with tomato and haricot vert “relish” and accompanied by parmesan whipped potatoes and a Cabernet reduction. The steak was cooked to perfection and there definitely was no need for a steak knife. Dessert was classified as a Panache of Chef Desserts. I believe this changes with the season and ours was the perfect end to a perfect meal.

We retired to the Pub for an after dinner cocktail and then made our way to the suite for a very restful night of sleep. If you haven’t had the chance to experience the Antrim, be sure to put it on your bucket list!

March 2016 | 21

FROM THE BAY… MOLLY WINANS

Rites&Refusals I

refuse to burn my socks. It’s a quiet refusal. I’m not trying to mess up anyone’s rites of spring or to rally support for an anti-sock-burning movement. It seems to me that my quiet rebellion, exercising my right to just be me, is in the spirit of the season.

I’m not the only sailor in Annapolis who will attend a sock-burning gathering for the vernal equinox and walk away still wearing socks. I’ve seen a few shamelessly sock-clad friends participate by pulling old socks out of a pocket and dropping them into the bonfire. As if removing and torching one’s footwear as a seasonal ritual isn’t FROM THE BAY > PAGE 24

22 | March 2016

Old Town Crier

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FROM THE BAY FROM PG 22

quirky enough, imagine what the outside world would make of such cheating. As well as a fondness for the occasion, the sock-in-pocket crowd and I share a preference for warm feet on damp, chilly March days.

Besides toasty toes, I have other reasons for clinging to my socks. I don’t have that many pairs. If I’m wearing them to a bonfire party, it’s likely that I consider them part of my sailing gear. I’m not trying to perpetuate the stereotypes of the frugal sailor or the starving writer. I can afford new socks, but I choose not to buy them often. Why? I’m not desperate yet. My feet are still warm. I have enough pairs of socks to get by—just not enough to sacrifice to the equinoctial gods for fun.

I think a lot of sailors have this sort of attitude toward their gear. They hang on to it until it’s lost, destroyed, or so leaky that they suffer for one bitter day before throwing it away, if they can part with it. Imagine a sailor friend blowing out a toe in his old dinghy boot. Does he: a) immediately drive to a boat supply store to buy new

boots, or b) duct-tape it? If he chooses the tape option, when it wears off, does he: a) go out and buy new boots, or b) re-duct-tape it? If this image makes you smile, then you know that it’s less about frugality and more about the challenge of surviving a boot blow-out and the joy of sporting a boot with a story.

a guy long forgotten, five beer bottle labels stuck together, and two drink tickets from the Royal Bermuda Yacht Club.

Even if each item in our pockets didn’t spark a specific memory (such as the Bermuda ticket surely did), a relic like a ginger beer cap suggests a lively moment in time. After a long winter,

that. But there’s more to it.

My attachment to my gear, including my socks, is a mix of practicality, sentimentality, and resistance to change.

Besides the fact that it’s a lighthearted, home-grown tradition, what’s so charming about the Burning of the Socks, is that it’s a shunning of cold days—held on a cold day.

Do I want to go sailing? Yes. Soon. But on that symbolic date when the day is as long as the night, I’m going to hang on just a little while longer to my memories, my quiet time, and my socks. Whether we force it or not, spring will come.

Sailing gear, even a pair of socks, has memories attached to it. That’s why it’s tough to say goodbye to it. I would love to survey sailors about the first time they wear their foul weather gear in the spring and what treasures from the previous season they find in the Velcro pockets. Among the items friends and I found last year were a ginger beer cap, lost sunglasses, a cotter pin, a hotel key, a nail file (crucial on deck in foul weather), a business card from

such a memento may rekindle hope, as a budding crocus does, and reminds us that sailing season is coming. Pull enough hopeful tidbits out of any jacket pocket, and it’s a sure bet that you’ll become attached to it for its pleasant association if not for its warmth and wicking wonders.

That’s why we tend to hang on to our gear until it’s over.

Perhaps this is a rationalization for being too cheap to buy new gear.

There’s a grain of truth in

The temperature at the spring equinox usually peaks at 48.9 degrees in my neighborhood.

Not exactly flip-flop weather, but the natives strip off their socks and burn them anyway.

If that doesn’t hold some loony charm for you, then you won’t like this place.

As much as I enjoy the concept, I resist it. That the chill may linger for a few weeks following the equinox is okay with me. I like the winter months and their empty weekends, free for dawdling

around the house or taking walks. Fresh in memory is a beautiful, bright February morning walking through the fluffy snow, so light that it whisked away with one swoop of a broom, and seeing it sparkle in the trees. I don’t need to rush forward into the next season when there’s still something to savor in this one.

Do I want to go sailing? Yes. Soon. But on that symbolic date when the day is as long as the night, I’m going to hang on just a little while longer to my memories, my quiet time, and my socks. Whether we force it or not, spring will come.

The 6th Annual Annapolis Maritime Museum Oyster Roast and Sock Burning will unfold March 19th from noon to 4 p.m. Visit amaritime.org to learn more.

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.

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24 | March 2016

Old Town Crier

…TO THE BLUE RIDGE JULIE REARDON

History, Horses & Spring Racing Season

A

favorite spring ritual begins this month, when the point to point season starts. All winter, an army of volunteers have been planning for these events, getting the courses ready, arranging logistics, manning the phones and websites, renting the tents and assigning jobs on race day. Owners, trainers and jockeys —sometimes, for a one- or two-horse stable these three hats may all be worn by the same person — have been readying their horses and getting them fit. Many of the horses were “foxhunted” regularly; many miles of cross country riding up and down hills and on dirt roads are necessary to build endurance for racing over fences, since these races are usually two to three times longer, and over more demanding terrain, than flat races. When the bad weather arrives, trainers and riders get creative; some find indoor arenas, some use a local equine

swimming pool, and some just brave the snow drifts.

All the local point to point race meets are put on by the area fox hunting clubs and serve as their major annual fundraisers to pay staff salaries and feed hounds. The meets are not sanctioned, as are the later steeplechase races governed by the National Steeplechase Association, but they follow roughly the same format, and the same horses that compete in the latter, usually get their start at the point to point meets.

The early meets, in particular, offer a close up look at some of the top Thoroughbreds tuning up for the rich purses at the prestigious NSA steeplechase races held later in the spring, in Virginia and elsewhere.

Once called the “pots and pans” circuit, the point to point races BLUE RIDGE > PAGE 26

BLUE RIDGE > PAGE 25

Old Town Crier

March 2016 | 25

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Trip Advisor

“The Lads from the Village,” the first recorded English steeplechase, 1830, by Georges Jansoone citation: own work (own photo), CC BY 3.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=6089969

BLUE RIDGE FROM PG 25

www.hopkinsordinary.com Sperryville, Virginia 540.987.3383

26 | March 2016

rarely offer purse money, but the trophies and bragging rights are no less coveted.

Steeplechasing has its origins in the hunt field, to answer the challenge of “my horse can beat your horse.” By most accounts the first steeplechase race was held in County Cork, Ireland in 1752 when one Mr. O’Callaghan challenged a Mr. Edmund Blake to a match race, covering approximately 4½ miles and ending at a church whose tower was known as St. Leger Steeple. While there’s no record of who won this race, the idea caught on as a way to settle the question of who had the fastest horse and quickly spread to England.

Church steeples provided the most prominent landmarks for these early races, and from the chase to the steeple came the name steeplechase. By the end of the century, the match races had grown to include more than just two contestants, although it wasn’t until 1810 that they would be held on a course instead of cross country.

Horses have been a way of life in Virginia since early colonial times, first arriving from England with settlers in 1609. But those horses were used for food, not sport, as those early settlers were forced to eat them during the brutal winter of 1609-10. By the early 1700s, more settlers and their horses had arrived and the horse became the primary means of transportation, as well as an outlet for sport.

Some of the settlers brought over their hounds and began foxhunting in Virginia — George Washington was a foxhunter — and a long tradition of racing had begun, including racing over fences.

Despite its rich history, Thoroughbred racing on the flat in Virginia fell victim to state restrictions on pari-mutuel wagering as well as the competition from and growth of other spectator sports, and for many years, Virginia did not have a flat track, although many champions, including Triple Crown winner Secretariat, were bred here. Steeplechasing was never dependent on betting for its fan base, so it continued to flourish. When voters approved limited areas for off track betting and parimutuel wagering, the state’s only flat track,

Colonial Downs, opened in New Kent County in 1997 to rave reviews from horsemen. But the track struggled to break even despite holding flat, steeplechase and harness races. Facing an uncertain future, it closed in 2014.

While there may no longer be a flat track, racing over fences continues in the spring and fall with a heavy concentration of meets in the northern Blue Ridge area. Most are an easy drive from the Beltway, and there are enough among them to satisfy any horse fan as well as delight some new to the sport. Each meet has a slightly different flavor. The early meets in March tend to be smaller and more casual; dress is weather dependent and the tailgates are more likely to be simple, easily stowed inside the vehicle should wind or weather arise, rather than the elaborate spreads with centerpieces, fine linens and silver such as you might see at the later meets and the big sanctioned races.

The later meets, held in more agreeable spring weather, is when the Easter bonnets and fine linens come out; and the NSA sanctioned meets have the corporate sponsors and party tents and usually many more attendees. The March meets, too, occasionally have had to be rescheduled due to snow storms — so it’s always a good idea to call if the weather is questionable.

The season starts Saturday March 12th with the 67th running of the Blue Ridge Hunt point to point at Woodley Plantation near Berryville.

Post time for the first race is 12:30; there will be races over hurdles, timber and on the flat.

Woodley is a beautiful old brick manor house on 300 acres in the northern Shenandoah Valley about forty minutes west of Middleburg.

The action moves to Warrenton the following weekend, where the Warrenton Hunt hosts its’ point to point at Airlie Saturday, March 19th. Post time is noon for the first race. A complete schedule is attached; most meets charge about $20 a car for general admission and have reserved tailgating spaces available for purchase. If you go, remember that the race meets are held in farm fields, so appropriate dress and a four wheel drive vehicle are a must.

Old Town Crier

Saint Patrick’s Day celebration in the Army of the Potomac. Depicts a steeplechase race among the Irish Brigade, 17 March 1863, by Edwin Forbes. Digitally restored.

POINT TO POINT SCHEDULE Saturday, March 12 12:00 noon Blue Ridge Hunt Point to Point Woodley Farm, Berryville (540) 550-7015 (703) 509-4499 www.blueridgehunt.org Sunday, March 13 12:00 noon Blue Ridge Hunt Pacer Events Woodley Farm, Berryville (540) 687-5449 (540) 247-3449 www.BlueRidgeHunt.org Saturday, March 19 12:30 pm Warrenton Hunt Point to Point Airlie Race Course, Warrenton (540) 270-1730

Sunday, March 20 1:00 pm Warrenton Hunt Hunter Pace Events To be decided (540) 229-6679 Saturday, March 26 9:30 am Piedmont Fox Hounds Hunter Pace Events Salem Course, Upperville (540) 454-7896 Saturday, March 26 1:00 pm Piedmont Fox Hounds Point to Point Salem Course, Upperville, Virginia (540) 592-7100 Saturday, April 2 9:00 am Orange County Hounds Hunter Pace Events Locust Hill Farm, Middleburg (540) 253-5566

Sunday, April 3 1:00 pm Orange County Hounds Point to Point Locust Hill Farm, Middleburg (540) 687-5552 pippy@vafallraces.com Saturday, April 9 12:00 noon Old Dominion Hounds Point to Point Ben Venue Farm, Ben Venue (540) 364-4573 (540) 636-1507 Sunday, April 10 1:00 pm Old Dominion Hounds Hunter Pace Events Ben Venue Farm, Ben Venue (540) 364-4573 (540) 636-1507

Sunday, April 17 12:00 noon Loudoun Hunt Point to Point Oatlands Plantation, Leesburg (540) 338-4031

Saturday, April 30 1:00 pm Foxfield Spring Races, Charlottesville (434) 293-9501 www.foxfieldraces.com

Saturday, April 23 12:00 noon Rappahannock Hunt Hunter Pace Events Greenwood Farm, Washington (540) 547-2810 (540) 229-7752

Sunday, May 1 1:00 pm Middleburg Hunt Point to Point Glenwood Park, Middleburg (540) 687-6069 (540) 454-2991

Saturday, April 23 1:30 pm Middleburg Spring Races Glenwood Park, Middleburg (540) 687-6545 (504) 687-6595

Saturday, May 7 1:00 pm Virginia Gold Cup Races Great Meadow, The Plains (540) 347-2612 www.vagoldcup.org

Saturday, April 30 10:00 am Loudoun Fairfax Hunt Pacer Events Rolling Meadow Farm, Philomont (703) 887-2711 www.loudounfairfaxhunt.com

This is where your new favorite whiskey comes from.

Visit us in Sperryville. Tours daily. www.copperfox.biz

Old Town Crier

March 2016 | 27

BEHIND THE BAR

Sean Maguire

Sean is behind the bar Tuesday through Saturday nights

How did you get started in the bartending business?

I moved to the United States from Ireland at the ripe age of 21. My brother was already here bartending at a Mexican restaurant on Duke Street called Dancing Peppers. That’s where I got my first start. After learning the trade there I didn’t feel like a “texmex” restaurant was the right fit so I applied to Murphy’s Irish Pub and have been here ever since.

What is your biggest bartender pet peeve?

When it’s a really busy night and every second matters there’s always a customer waving his money at you, trying to get your attention. Then when you get to them, they turn around to ask their friends what they want to drink. Nothing slows you

he said that to his friend so that probably doesn’t SEAN MAGUIRE count. The worst attempt IS BEHIND THE BAR AT at a pick-up was a guy What is the most clever MURPHY’S IRISH PUB who asked me for a pen line anyone has ever 713 KING STREET and paper and wrote used to get a free drink?

OLD TOWN ALEXANDRIA his number down and I really haven’t heard approached the pretty one yet other than “It’s 571-548-1717 lady at the end of the my birthday” or “You MURPHYSPUB.COM bar. He put his number don’t carry the beer down in front of her I like, I should get a and walked off without free one.” Those lines saying a word.

I was shocked at both would be another pet peeve of mine, his laziness and at the idea he actually LOL. I’d be more inclined to buy a thought that would work. drink for someone who’s just a nice, genuine person.

Tell us about an interesting encounter down more than a group that doesn’t know what they want!

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

I just recently heard a guy say to a lady “I’m no Fred Flintstone, but I could make your bed rock.” However,

you have had with a customer.

A gentleman came into the bar last summer and sat down for a beer. He kept to himself but when he was done, he picked up the check for a couple

and the guy next to him and left me $100 tip for no real reason. The gent turned out to be Mike Green from the Washington Capitals. As a Caps fan, I was bummed I didn’t get to converse with him more.

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

That would have to be my brother Paddy Maguire. My brother moved to Belgium in 2006. With both our busy schedules, among other things, it’s been 10 years since we’ve had the pleasure to sit down for a pint.

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

Sean pulls a perfect Guinness!

28 | March 2016

Old Town Crier

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Old Town Crier

March 2016 | 29

DINING OUT ARTIE LANG

Daniel O’Connell’s Bar&Grill DANIEL O’OCONNELL’S BAR & GRILL 112 KING STREET OLD TOWN ALEXANDRIA 703-739-1124 DANIELOCONNELLS.COM

F

or this month’s Dining Out we went to one of our favorite places — O’Connell’s. Opened on St. Patrick’s Day in 2005, O’Connell’s was an immediate success and a great addition to the lower end of King Street. The place should be called Daniel O’Connell’s Restaurant and Bars because of the four bars that run throughout the establishment.

Brennan’s

30 | March 2016

Owners John Brennan and Billy O’Sullivan had been on a search for the perfect location for a truly authentic pub atmosphere serving modern Irish cuisine and fell in love with Old Town Alexandria. Tapping into their twenty year-old collection of antiques in storage in Ireland, everything was shipped to Alexandria and the extensive build out began.

As Billy says, “O’Connell’s is without question one of the most unique antique Irish bars in the world. An ancient Irish setting run as a modern Irish bar. Just walk in our door…this is Dublin, this is Waterford, this is Killkenny or Galway. This is Ireland right in the heart of King Street.”

The menu offerings are a perfect combination of traditional Irish and American favorites. Starters include Scotch Eggs, Irish Egg Rolls, IrishAmerican Cheese Plate (very good) and Dublin Nachos. Soups include O’Connell’s Lamb Stew and a seasonal soup.

The Auld Favorites from across the pond feature Fish and Chips, Homemade Corned Beef & Cabbage, Dunmore East Seafood Pie, Classic Irish Bangers and Mash, Shepard’s Pie and an 8-ounce

Guinness Burger. For us Yanks they offer a Lamb Burger and a regular Hamburger, Crab Cake Sandwich, O’Connell’s Reuben, Fried Fish Sandwich, Turkey Club, and a Chargrilled Chicken Sandwich. All of these sandwiches are huge and served with a large portion of hand cut fries. O’Connell’s also offers four salads for lunch or dinner.

The Entrees are also generous.

Choices range from Marinated Chicken Supreme, Wild Mushroom Risotto, Virginia Bone-in Pork Chop, Steak Frites, and Ravioli to Grilled Scottish Salmon. All entrees are reasonably priced with the most expensive topping out at $26.

I had the Virginia Bone-In Pork Chop served on a bed of butternut squash mash, caramelized onions and apples, crispy sage and balsamic gravy. I am a meat and potatoes kind of guy and the pork chop did not disappointment. Tender and seared just right to give it that grilled look and taste. The stand-alone bone was a delicious treat to just to gnaw the tender meat off of the bone (I did this when I got home). I love DINING OUT > PAGE 35

Old Town Crier

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March 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

32 | March 2016

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

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.

LENA'S WOOD-FIRED PIZZA & TAP 401 East Braddock Rd. 703-960-1086 PARADISO 124 King St. 703-683-5330 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

35th Annual Starting with St. Patrick’s Day on March 17th Live Music Every Day Starting Thursday, March 17th through Sunday, March 20th!

G GERANIO RISTORANTE Redefining Italian Cuisine in Old Town Alexandria Dinner Entrees from $14 722 King Street Old Town Alexandria 703.548.0088 www.geranio.net

Old Town Crier

March 2016 | 33

CHEF’S SPECIAL CHESTER SIMPSON

BERNARD HENRY IS THE CHEF AT SONOMA CELLAR 207 KING STREET OLD TOWN ALEXANDRIA 703-966-3530 MYSONOMACELLAR.COM

Bernard Henry

I

photo: ©2016 Chester Simpson

was born and raised on a dairy farm in Alsace-Lorraine, France. I learned to cook watching my mother and grandmother whip up family specialties. Growing up on a farm with fresh produce, fruit trees, poultry, livestock and other fine foods, I developed a passion for quality cuisine.

The organic food trend is nothing new to me and my parents are still tending to their garden the same way they did 50 years ago.

They taught me from a young age how to plant, harvest, pickle, can, preserve, cure and smoke all the bounties that Mother Nature has to offer. I didn’t become a “Farm to Table” convert overnight because it is now trendy — I have been part of that trend from the day I was born!

For years, I was an executive working for a multinational company. My work took me around the world, opening my taste buds to exotic and international cuisines. As a hobby, I spent much of my time trying out new recipes on friends and family. Then, one day, it struck me — why not cook for a living? Food has always been a passion of mine and I am constantly looking for new trends in cooking and obtaining training as needed. Food is also a vehicle to unleash my creative side.

I am professionally trained and I studied at L’Académie de Cuisine, a premiere culinary school in the USA, where I was taught the classic and modern techniques of French cuisine. I have worked in some of the best fine dining restaurants in the DC area and in France. Recently I was the Executive Chef at Open Kitchen in Falls Church. I worked as a personal chef to Leonardo DiCaprio while he was filming the movie “Body of Lies” in Washington, DC. I have also worked on yachts on the French Riviera in France.

CHEF’S SPECIAL > PAGE 35 (L to R) Charlie Blevins, Max Peña, Andrew Holden, Christopher Holden, and Neal Wadhwa.

(L to R) Asian Mini Crab Cakes, California Sunset Salad, Bodega Bay Shrimp, Dark Chocolate Mousse w/Raspberry Coulis

34 | March 2016

Old Town Crier

CHEF’S SPECIAL FROM PG 34

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

I’m not sure if I became interested or if I didn’t have a choice. I have four brothers and while my dad was the happiest farmer in the county with cheap manpower, my mom was struggling in the kitchen to put lunch and dinner on the table every day.

That’s when our parents decided that we — the boys — had to take a turn in the kitchen and help my mom feed the family. I enjoyed it, my brothers not so much. We started trading chores on the farm and I ended up cooking a lot with my mom and baking with my grandmother on Sundays before church. By age 12 I knew that I would be a chef but life decided otherwise and I had to wait until age 49 to fulfill my dream.

Who have been the biggest inspirations for your career?

My mom, grandmother and family in general. We are the type of family who likes to take time sitting around a table to eat, drink and have a good time. A lot of conversations revolved around food and it was fascinating hearing my aunts talk about food and exchange recipes.

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

The Two-Celery Soup. Stop 10 people in the street and ask them what celeriac is.

DINING OUT FROM PG 30

potatoes, and mashed are the perfect way to serve these spuds at dinner, so I was somewhat skeptable about What do you do to insure that the the butternut squash mash. I was quality of the food going out to pleasantly surprised. I thought, at customers is of the highest standard? first, that they were just very flavorful I share my passion for food with potatoes, but then the apple flavor my staff both in the back and front of came through and I was delighted. the house, while leading by example The taste melded perfectly with the and being open to their suggestions. I pork chop. As with the lunch items, look at the front of the house as being there is plenty of food so that I could my ambassadors when delivering my not finish my whole meal, but did food to customers. I want them to so the following day. We also had exude the passion that we in the back the Grilled Scottish Salmon. It was of the house put into preparing even cooked perfectly and was a nice the simplest dish on our menu. I am portion. Served with leek fondue and demanding of myself and my staff a smoked salmon cream sauce the dish in terms of quality, presentation and is accompanied by a chomp mash, this cleanliness. was a very flavorful combination.

We ordered a Home-made Apple Pie If any chef in the world could prepare Crumble for dessert. It is served with you a meal, who would it, be? caramel sauce and vanilla ice cream. Very That’s a tough choice. I have dined tasty and enough for two people to share. in many fancy restaurants around the O’Connell’s serves a hearty brunch world but I would have to pick Chef on both Saturday and Sunday. Choices Alain Passard at the Arpege Restaurant run from a Full Irish Breakfast, 7-oz in Paris.

Sirloin Steak, Bacon & Egg Butty, West Coast Crab, Pancakes, Eggs What’s your guilty food pleasure?

Norwegian, to house made Waffles Anchovies out of the can on a piece and a Crab Omelet. The best part of of crusty baguette at 3 in the morning! Brunch here is the fact that the House Bloody Mary’s and Mimosa refills are If you would like to see your favorite only 99 cents! chef featured here, send contact info to If you aren’t in the mood to dine, chester@chestersimpson.com. this is a great place to just belly up to the bar and order a pint of Guinness or any of several other choices on tap.

They have a nice bottle selection as well. There are two good sized bars on the first floor and two more on the second. The O’Sullivan’s Bar on the second floor opens up to a rooftop terrace that overlooks King Street. This is a great place to be when the weather permits. There is also sidewalk dining.

The wine list at this restaurant is what we would consider “just right”. It isn’t so vast that it is overwhelming but the selections available cover the gamut.

The wine pour at OC’s is probably the best in town and the price point is very attractive as well. Being an Irish joint you can bet that they have every kind of Irish Whisky that is out there as well! I am a fan of Tullamore Dew. Having dined and drank several times over the last 10 years at this fabulous place, we have always had stellar service. There are several servers and bartenders who are first generation Irish and they all have that great accent and sense of humor.

Never a dull moment in this place — that’s how we like it.

O’Connell’s also offers musical entertainment Friday through Monday nights. Each Monday is a rare Irish treat as the restaurant hosts a “Traditional Irish Music Session”…a collection of musicians with very different instruments that perform traditional Irish music. We were fortunate enough to have dined on a Monday evening and it was definitely a party!

HAPPY 10TH ANNIVERSARY TO OUR FRIENDS AT OC’S!

Wine Dinner

Tuesday, March 8 at 6 pm FEATURING Importer Fran Kysela and the

Wines of Australia

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(In the Hollin Hall Shopping Center)

Call 703-347-7545 RiverBendBistro.com

Old Town Crier

March 2016 | 35

GRAPEVINE

These 12 bottles make up the 2016 Governor’s Cup Case™, judged by world class wine experts to be the best of almost 400 Virginia wines. To find out why, taste for yourself or go to virginiawine.org. photo: Sonny Bowyer, The Sonny Bowyer Studio

Keswick Vineyards’ 2014 Cabernet Franc Estate Reserve Awarded 2016 Governor’s Cup

G

overnor Terry McAuliffe awarded the 2016 Virginia Wineries Association’s (VWA) Governor’s Cup to Keswick Vineyards for its 2014 Cabernet Franc Estate Reserve, a pure Cabernet Franc varietal. This award marks the second Governor’s Cup for Keswick, which received the first in 2009 for its 2007 Cabernet Sauvignon.

The Governor’s Cup was awarded Monday evening, February 22 at the Hotel John Marshall in Richmond.

Keswick Vineyards Winemaker Stephen Barnard and owners, Al and Cindy Schornberg, accepted the award. In making the presentation, the Governor said, “Their work at Keswick Vineyards embodies those characteristics that are imperative for Virginia farmers and winemakers: an entrepreneurial spirit, a drive to excel, a healthy tolerance for risk and a desire to see what Virginia’s land and terroir can do.”

Wine Industry Experiences Tremendous Growth

The Governor continued, “It is no secret that the Commonwealth’s wine industry has experienced tremendous growth both in quality and quantity in recent years. Such growth has an enormous impact on Virginia in terms of economic development and job creation, especially in rural areas, and the craft beverage industry as a whole is playing a key role in helping build

36 | March 2016

the new Virginia economy.”

The Keswick 2014 Cabernet Franc Estate Reserve is a 100% varietal Cabernet Franc. According to the winemaker’s tasting notes, “this wine is light and graceful, but also powerful – dense with black pepper and exotic spices that turn into darker fruits as the wine is aerated. The wood tannins are

firm, yet are well balanced with ample acidity and fruit. The palate is savory with accenting mocha, brambleberry, and bitter chocolate tones that are punctuated with a long finish.”

Turning a Dream into Reality

“It has always been my dream to make a great red wine from the soils

VWA AWARDS In addition to the Governor’s Cup, three additional awards were presented at the Gala.

President’s Appreciation Award

Mitzi Batterson of James River Cellars was presented with the first ever, President’s Appreciation Award for her years of dedicated service to the Virginia Wineries Association. Mitzi served as VWA President for four years and currently serves as VWA Treasurer. Her contributions to the association are invaluable.

Wine Person of the Year

Annette Boyd of the Virginia Wine Marketing Office was presented with the Wine Person of the Year Award. This award is presented to a person deserving recognition for service to the wine industry. Annette began her career

in the Virginia Wine Industry in 1987 and became the Director of the Virginia Wine Marketing Office in 2007. Her many past, current and future contributions to the success of the Virginia wine industry made her the ideal candidate for this award.

Gordon Murchie Lifetime Achievement Award

Len and Kay Thompson of Rockbridge Vineyards were presented with the Gordon Murchie Lifetime Achievement Award by Gordon Murchie. This award is presented to individuals for meritorious service to the Virginia wine industry over a long period of time. Len and Kay have dedicated many years to the Virginia Wine Industry through their work and volunteer positions.

of Virginia,” said Al Schornberg in accepting the Governor’s Cup. I am grateful for our team at Keswick Vineyards, our son-in-law and winemaker Stephen Barnard, and the entire wine community in Virginia for turning my dream into reality.”

According to the winemaker, “The 2014 vintage will stand out in the years to come, I believe, as one of Virginia’s finest. With clean ripe fruit harvested, our intention was to stand back and let the soul of the vineyard shine through in the wine. As we taste the wines developing in bottle, I am happy that we achieved what we set out to do. These wines are authentic and communicate the spirit of our winery, vineyard, and souls.”

Number of Virginia Wineries Reaches 275

The development of Virginia’s wine industry over the last decade has made it one of the fastest growing sectors of Virginia’s agricultural economy. Today, there are more than 275 wineries in Virginia and 360 vineyards that cultivate more than 3,500 acres of grapes. The Governor’s Cup winners show that advancements in Virginia wine quality are helping to grow the industry’s footprint in the Commonwealth and its reputation in the global marketplace.”

The 2016 Virginia Governor’s Cup Competition was conducted over four weeks of preliminary tastings at the Capital Wine School in Washington,

Old Town Crier

In addition to Keswick Vineyards’ 2014 Cabernet Franc Estate Reserve, the other 11 wines included in the 2016 Governor’s Cup Case are: BARBOURSVILLE VINEYARDS 2014 Vermentino BLUESTONE VINEYARD 2014 Chardonnay CARDINAL POINT WINERY 2014 Clay Hill Cabernet Franc FABBIOLI CELLARS 2012 Cabernet Franc GLEN MANOR VINEYARDS 2013 Hodder Hill GRANITE HEIGHTS WINERY 2010 Evening Serenade HORTON VINEYARDS 2014 Petit Manseng MICHAEL SHAPS 2014 Petit Manseng NAKED MOUNTAIN WINERY 2012 Petit Verdot NORTH GATE VINEYARD 2013 Meritage STONE TOWER WINER 2013 Hogback Mountain Old Town Crier

Governor Terry McAuliffe with Keswick Owner Al Schornberg (l) and Winemaker Stephen Barnard

Virginia Wines Marketed Around the World

Both the Governor’s Cup Competition and the resulting Governor’s Cup Case boost the visibility of the state’s highest-scoring wines through various programs and exposure to top industry critics and tastemakers. Wine included in the Governor’s Cup Case will be used by the Virginia Wine Board Marketing Office for marketing purposes in Virginia, across the country, and around the world. Governor’s Cup Case wines will also be used

by Governor McAuliffe on select domestic and international marketing missions and other events designed to promote Virginia’s burgeoning wine and winery tourism industries.

For a complete list of previous Governor’s Cup winners and information about the Virginia wine industry, please visit www. virginiawine.org/governors-cup/ awards or call the Virginia Wine Marketing Office at 804.344.8200.

Governor McAuliffe learns about Fabbioli Cellars 2012 Cabernet Franc Reserve from winemaker Doug Fabbioli.

photo: Dan Currier

2016 Governor’s Cup Case

Now in its 34th year, the Virginia Governor’s Cup competition was revamped in 2012 to become one of the most stringent and thorough wine competitions in the country. The competition is a result of a partnership among the gubernatorial-appointed Virginia Wine Board (VWB), the Virginia Vineyards Association (VVA), and the Virginia Wine Association(VWA), which owns and manages the competition. Any wine made from 100% Virginia fruit was eligible for the competition, while ciders and fruit wines had their own category and medalists.

photo: Dan Currier

D.C in January. The final round of tastings was held in Richmond in early February. The Governor’s Cup award winner was selected from the 2016 Governor’s Cup Case, a selection of the top 12 scoring wines chosen from 432 entries of both red and white wines, from 95 wineries. The esteemed panel of judges, including Jay Youmans, one of only 138 Masters of Wine (MW) in the U.S. had the difficult task of ranking each wine.

photo: Dan Currier

photo: Dan Currier

Overlooking Reception at John Marshall Hotel, Richmond

Gordon Murchie, left, and Len Thompson, recipient of the Gordon Murchie Lifetime Achievement Award.

March 2016 | 37

EXPLORING VIRGINIAWINES DOUG FABBIOLI

How Family Friendly Should a Farm Winery Be?

I

write this for the general public, but also for the winery managers and business owners who wrestle with the same challenges. I still remember going to my first winery as a kid. I was probably about 8

years old, with my parents and other family members. We had visited the Finger Lakes region of New York and toured one of the large factory facilities. I still remember tasting the grape juice they had for the kids: It was

flavorful and rich, unlike any other grape juice I had tasted before. This experience did not kick me into becoming a winemaker, but I certainly remember it fondly.

The winery we toured is long gone and the wine

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38 | March 2016

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

industry has changed since the 70s. Today the wineries tend to be much smaller and focused on the adult experience. Some wineries have child friendly areas designated so that adults who did not bring young ones in tow can enjoy their adult experience without kids. As a business person, I recognize that my customers are the wine consumers. Some have kids and some don’t. Some don’t bring their kids to the winery while some do. This being a farm first, I feel it is important to show kids how things grow, where we make stuff, and that farming is a great lifestyle that they can explore further if interested.

But this general, ambassador style education for the kids does not fit with the wine tasting experience that their parents will engage. For me to focus on educating the kids does not directly help the wine buying customers.

When I do a family friendly program, it does not make sense to teach two year olds about farming or wine. The challenge is that wine is by law and by culture an adult product. My kids have grown up with it in their lives as it has always been my passion and career. They got an inside view the way I did going to my dad’s office when he was working on a Saturday. As they were growing up though, I stressed the age appropriate issue with my kids, and I tried not to involve other people or businesses. I look at Disney, which is arguably the most family oriented destination in the world, but not all kids get to do all the rides. Age

appropriate is important there as well as here.

My words on this issue may upset some people, and I may lose a few customers, but I cannot help wondering why it might be appropriate to bring a toddler to a winery. Does it make sense to make a play date with other parents so the adults can drink publicly while somebody, hopefully, keeps an eye on the kids?

Even the most diligent parents with the best behaved kids will recognize that a working farm winery can present some safety issues for children. In our age of litigation, common sense is much more important than ever before. Many local wineries and breweries work to keep the kids safe while the parents indulge. We do, as well. Some days, with some parents, our efforts are never enough. In the future, I can see some wineries changing their policies to focus on adults only. That being said, there are some guests over 21 who still need to understand what adult behavior is, and I can see wineries changing policies to address that as well.

Sorry if these thoughts stir things up, but I am hoping we can grow together through our challenges and respect each other through the process. The irony may be thick, but there are layers to all of us.

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

I

n light of last month’s Dominion Power oil spill, sewage discharges in DC and Maryland, and Dominion Power dumping water from coal ash ponds into the Potomac, it’s no wonder the areas anglers are concerned. Fishing has been declining over the last 5 years. Last month there were two meetings to discuss the health of the Potomac River bass fishery and to consider relentless demands to drop the creel limit to 3 fish and to make the year round size limit 15 inches.

Persistent and often rude emails were sent to Maryland, Virginia, and Potomac River Fishing Commission officials for the past two years at least. Insults and accusations of incompetence and even being on the take to ruin the Potomac River were made in these rants, copied to multiple recipients, which found their way to social media. To separate fact from fantasy these meetings entertained these ideas.

All jurisdictions announced what many anglers already knew, fish count levels for the Potomac River were down, but would be considered close to normal for most other fisheries with lower established expectations.

Fishing was tough on the Potomac. Keeper bass, greater than 12 inches, were hard to come by. Once hydrilla filled in, getting a bite was a reward for a full day on the water. The

Potomac River: Fished Out? good news is there are record numbers of bass smaller than 12 inches.

Other than restricting all fishing, there isn’t much else the 4 jurisdictions can do. No one suggested that’s necessary nor that it would even be effective.

First, the number 99.6% is key. VDGIF biologist John Odenkirk started the PRFC presentations by himself, Dan Ryan DC Fisheries Branch Manager, and Joe Love MD Potomac River Manager.

Odenkirk estimated nearly all largemouth bass caught

Bassing IN MARCH POTOMAC RIVER

Time to get serious. Mann’s Classic spinnerbaits crawled along the bottom on flats close to drops will produce jarring strikes. Carolina rigs with ¾ ounce Round Valley Tungsten weights work in the same areas. Use HardNose lizards on 3/0 Mustad Ultra Point Mega Bite hooks. Use 12-Pound test GAMMA EDGE fluorocarbon line. Drag slowly and pause

Old Town Crier

vegetation coverage. Take DC for example. At the peak coverage with dense SAV’s, DC reported over 700 acres in 2002. The following year, only 25 sparse acres had grass cover. Not only is grass important for fish spawn and cover, it is also where biologists focus their fish count surveys. Nothing is in sync with only about 400 acres of SAV reported in 2015.

DC is planting grass on the formerly abundant flats.

Each agency uses electro fishing surveys to count fish populations, but they conduct them differently. Virginia in the spring, Maryland in the fall and DC spring into fall.

Their collective data shows a decline in larger bass in 2015. For MD and DC, it’s part of a gradual trend. VA

saw a downturn in 2015, attributed to a spring fish kill.

However, all jurisdictions show a marked increase and even record counts for bass less than 12 inches. That is the good news.

Unable to pinpoint a reason for these lower fish counts, certainly the lack of SAVs is a factor including the complete loss of milfoil grass in DC and most of the river above Pohick Bay, there are several factors.

Continuous raw sewage spills out of Broad Creek and commercial seine net fishing occurs during the bass spawn and dredges up emerging SAVs. To rule out Largemouth Bass Virus, DC will be starting baseline studies.

MD DNR will be establishing three Catch

GO FISH > PAGE 42

on the Potomac are released.

This set the stage to preclude any adjustment of creel or size limits, as they are only needed when fish are being removed at a significant rate. Also, delayed tournament mortality was mentioned as a possible cause, but would have to be very high before restrictions are recommended.

Many factors affect tidal fisheries; water clarity, flow and concentration of nutrients dictate bait availability and growth of bass fry.

But the biggest influence is the Potomac’s subaquatic

frequently. Soak soft plastics in garlic Jack’s Juice Bait Spray.

When water warms to 50, suspending Lucky Craft Pointer 100 or 78 jerkbaits on 12 pound test GAMMA Edge fluorocarbon line work best in fairly clear water. Tap and pause. Try clown and baby bass colors.

As water warms a bit, try crankbaits like Mann’s Baby 1-Minus around hard cover or dredge the bottom with Lucky Craft LV-500 lipless crankbaits. Use craw or red patterns for both. Change hooks to Mustad KVD short shank triple grips.

Jigs like Punisher 3/8-ounce hair jigs with plastic chunks are also a good choice. Also tie on Mizmo tubes with an insert head. Try these on Torque braid with Edge leaders. Start with 6-8 pound test.

March 2016 | 39

FITNESS NICOLE FLANAGAN

W

ho says that you have to work out for a whole hour every day? Some days we are able to sweat through a 90-minute spin class, or hold our own in advanced yoga, and some days we barely have enough time to get everything done.

On days that you feel like you are running out of time just trying to find time, take a 30 minute breather and get a little workout in. You can blast calories and boost your energy in less than 30 minutes, which may be just what you need in the middle of a hectic day.

To start, get on the treadmill, elliptical or rowing machine and begin with five minutes at a moderate pace to get warmed up. You are going to alternate each strength

palms facing forward, lean against a wall with back straight, feet hip-width apart about 2 feet from wall. Bend knees and slide down wall until thighs are parallel to floor. Maintaining squat, raise both arms straight out to sides at shoulder height, then bring them close together in front of chest, palms facing each other. Reverse arm move to complete 1 rep. Do 15 reps

Hamstring Leg Lift

exercise with 2 minutes on the cardio machine of your choice.

End this workout with a five minute cool down:

Wall Sit with Shoulder Raise

Hold a dumbbell in each hand, arms by your side,

Lie facedown on a bench with legs extended in a wide V behind you, hips just above end of bench, feet flexed, toes on floor. Grip the bench you’re your hands, arms extended overhead. Lift both legs up in line with your torso, then bring feet together in midair.

Open legs back out to sides, then lower to start. Do 15 reps.

Pilates Bench Press

Holding a dumbbell in each hand, lie face-up on a bench and extend legs and arms straight up toward ceiling, palms facing thighs.

Simultaneously bend elbows 90 degrees out to the sides at shoulder level (like a goalpost) and lower legs 45 degrees toward the floor. Return to start. Do 15 reps

Dumbbell Row

Holding a dumbbell in each hand, lie facedown on a stability ball with legs straight behind you, toes on floor, and arms extended toward floor, palms facing toward feet.

Drive elbows up and out to the sides to bring weights near armpits. Pause for 1 count, 40 | March 2016

then lower to start. Do 15 reps.

Lateral Lunge/ Yoga Pose

Stand with hands on hips and bend left knee out to left side to place sole of left foot on inner thigh of right leg (tree pose). Hold for 1 count, then step left foot out into a side lunge, left knee bent and aligned over ankle, toes pointing forward and right leg straight. Push off with left foot to immediately return to tree pose. Do 10 reps. Switch legs; repeat.

Baseball Swing

Stand with feet hip-width apart on center of an exercise tube, cross it once or twice in front of you, then grasp a handle in each hand, arms by sides. Bend knees slightly in a half squat and bring both handles together in front of you, elbows slightly bent, palms nearly touching.

Keeping elbows bent, bring both hands together over right shoulder as you rotate torso to right, pivoting on left toes and straightening both legs.

Slowly return to half-squat position. Do 10 reps. Switch sides; repeat.

Each strength exercise should take about one minute or less. After each strength exercise, jump back on your cardio machine for two minutes. This workout keeps your heart rate up while giving you a total body strength routine.

If you have an hour for lunch you can get in a great workout and still have time to shower before you get back work!

Old Town Crier

FROM THE TRAINER RYAN UNVERZAGT

Boost Your Commitment

M

arch is here and I hope you are still excited about your exercise routine. It’s been two months since the start of the New Year, not to mention those new fitness resolutions.

Motivation levels tend to fizzle out during the month of March, especially once your spring break vacations are over. I realize that not everyone is motivated in the same way or by the same things. Therefore, staying motivated can be a challenging task. I would like to share a few ways to boost your commitment toward exercise.

Workout with a Buddy

Find someone to train with who has similar goals. You will be less likely to ditch out on a workout if you know that somebody else will be expecting you to be there.

It’s actually safer to exercise with a friend because you will have a spotter for resistance training and a ____ during cardio training. In the worst case scenario, your buddy can assist you should any injuries happen. Try the partner exercises that I discussed in last month’s issue of the Old Town Crier.

Gather Social Support

Besides working out with a buddy, let family and friends know that you need their support to keep you motivated. Schedule weekly meetings with them to talk about how your exercise program is going, what you have accomplished for the week, and how it makes you feel when you finish a Old Town Crier

workout. Focus more on the positives and less on the negatives. Who knows, you just might be able to inspire others in your support group to start exercising by being a role model with your success!

Change Your Workouts

Staleness and loss of interest in your workouts can be a result of doing the same old thing for too long. If your workout consists of riding the stationary bike for 30 minutes at a resistance level of 8, try riding hills or choose intervals for a change. For example, pedal at an easier resistance (5) for the first couple of minutes at a rate of 75 RPMs, then increase the resistance (10-15) for 10-15 seconds. Try to keep your pedaling pace within ten RPMs from your target (75), and then bring the resistance back down to recover. Repeat this every minute for 30 minutes. If you are used to lifting the same amount of weights for two sets of 15 reps while resistance training, try increasing the weight and decreasing the repetitions or just the opposite. Better yet, hire a personal trainer to show you how to safely perform new exercises!

For example, “I want to lose weight because it will make me feel more confident” or “My doctor says I need to exercise because I could end up having a heart attack someday. I want to watch my children and grandchildren grow up.” These statements are more meaningful and can help you stay focused on the why of exercise.

As a personal trainer, I find that keeping people motivated

is one of the most challenging aspects in the fitness industry.

It’s easy to lose sight of why you should exercise.

Re-evaluating your goals, changing up your workouts, gathering social support, and working out with a buddy can help boost your motivation levels and commitment to exercise.

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GO FISH FROM PG 39

& Return areas located in Piscataway, Mattawoman and Chicamuxen Creeks. These areas will be off limits to tournaments or anglers wanting to keep largemouth bass. In addition, a structure-planting project will take place in National Harbor, Md. is also considering requesting tournaments during hot weather use a three or four fish limit to subject fewer fish to tournament stress. This will be a voluntary action. However, if best fish management practices are not followed, a tournament permit would be rejected. All tournaments will be required to obtain a MD DNR permit. MD’s website will continue to promote best fish handling procedures. http:// dnr2.maryland.gov/fisheries/Pages/bass/ta.aspx By all accounts, tournaments are not the THE LAST WORD FROM PG 17

and others as “political prisoners,” talk about a new Northern Ireland, and want power in their party and seats in the Northern Ireland Assembly at Stormont. They have thrived despite and perhaps because of their sordid pasts, keeping less educated foot soldiers on call for unsavory duties that have changed with the times. Fegan cannot rest quietly in this new world or adapt. He drinks constantly to try to sleep and shake off his ghosts. The shades of the victims he killed harass him with no mercy, indicating their urge for vengeance against his long-known colleagues who ordered their deaths.

His contemporaries see him as a quiet man without close friends, one who drinks too much and talks to himself or the invisible beings around him, but also someone who still has the potential for performing those necessary odd jobs. Yet they are wary of his newfound unpredictability. When a former commander tries to make him a muscle man in the dirty new underworld, Fegan explodes into action, following his ghosts’ increasingly powerful orders to fulfill their need for closure and his desire to assuage his guilt for his crimes. Simultaneously, he has an instinct for tenderness, finding solace in a relationship and a renewed instinct for preserving the innocence he lost long ago through loving his girlfriend’s little daughter, Ellen.

Neville’s first “Belfast Novel” is a very enjoyable thriller that successfully reveals how a formerly violent, divided society must navigate multiple political concerns to find a meeting ground, particularly when those invested in continuing turmoil do not want to make the transition into normal life. Bright and shiny surfaces please TV cameras but hide entrenched sectarian passions, along with new forms of crime that have crept into the country.

Politicians here are as corrupt as they are elsewhere, and use their former power bases to maneuver their way to the top, as politicians in transitioning countries have always done.

The Ghosts of Belfast is well worth one’s time as a quick, exciting read and a cynical portrayal of the underbelly of a rebuilding and newly prosperous Northern Ireland. It reveals this professedly new country as a cautionary tale for those societies unable to adapt to changes enforced from above.

Neville went on to write Collusion, Stolen Souls, The Final Silence, and Those We Left Behind. In these Belfast noir novels he brings back Gerry Fegan and other characters, along with introducing new ones such as the jaded

issue. However better fish handling, especially during summer months, can only help.

Information continues to be gathered and actions to provide more habitat and preserve spawning areas are being implemented. Three regional biologists, and a dozen other resource specialists provided information during the PRFC meeting. Sadly, only six anglers participated. Even sadder, those responsible for much of the complaining and consternation chose not to attend.

Author Capt. Steve Chaconas is Potomac bass fishing guide & contributing writer for BoatU.S. (BoatUS.com) Potomac River reports: nationalbass.com. Book trips/purchase gift certificates: info@NationalBass.com.

police detective Jack Lennon, Ellen’s real father. Lennon is sunk in debt and has lowlife connections, but wants to have contact with his daughter again. He also attempts to help a woman trafficked to Northern Ireland

by Lithuanian pimps for prostitution, bending rules and ignoring orders to return her to her country, thus gaining himself enemies in a corrupt police department where protected detectives and British secret forces have free reign to make his life hell.

In his successive Belfast novels, Neville reveals a shady web of informers that trade information between former revolutionaries, corrupt police, British secret forces, pimps, petty crooks, and bent politicians, all of whom make the goals of honest detectives and other police operatives difficult and dangerous to accomplish in each book. In this way he continues the theme of The Ghosts of Belfast, where such long-established labyrinthine networks operate under a superficially calm and orderly exterior.

In Those We Left Behind, Neville follows a different path when Detective Chief Inspector Serena Flanagan works with a social worker, Paula Cunningham, to untangle the close, bizarre relationship between two young orphaned brothers and perhaps clear an accused murderer. The younger brother, Ciaran Devine, goes to juvenile prison for his foster father’s murder while his cruel, controlling sibling, Thomas, does lesser time as an accessory to murder. Flanagan’s complicated feelings and pity for Ciaran, the simple-minded teenage boy released to a halfway house on probation, increase her desire to implicate the harsh, merciless Thomas, who both soothes Ciaran with hugs and then punishes him by biting him when he does not comply with Thomas’s desires. In this novel Neville examines Northern Ireland’s social welfare system, along with the complex emotions and reactions of respected police officers and social workers trying to solve a crime that has technically already been solved.

Stuart Neville’s first book is his best, although his other works are illuminating regarding the nature of political power under the radar in the new Northern Ireland, along with the social welfare and criminal justice system. They can become overwhelming in their darkness and violence, so they are better off read with breaks in between. Yet they are still instructive and stimulating for a reader who wants to learn more about the recent history of Northern Ireland and the three steps forward, two steps back scenario that represents the political progress of a beautiful but troubled country.

Old Town Crier

FIRST BLUSH GENEVIEVE LeFRANC

A

fter bone dry winter weeks of resorting to messy buns and wool caps to mask lifeless, static-stricken locks, everyone is ready for a new hair look.

Temperatures are fluctuating and spring is right around the corner, but I just can’t wait to give my favorite transitional season look a go … the braid.

While spring and summer provide the moisture to give hair gorgeous volume and texture, winter weather strips your mane of any body or bounce. A braid, however, doesn’t rely on volume to look great, and instantly disguises limp locks in a chic and puttogether ’do. It’s quick, easy, and looks effortlessly sexy.

Unlike popular trends like candycolored skinny jeans or skin-tight minis, braids work for women of all ages — everyone can wear them!

Braids are an inclusive trend women can get in on and pull off, no matter age or hair length. I love braids because they can be dressed up or down, transition easily to a workout, are appropriate and practical for work, simple and sexy for a date, and add flair to typical pulled-back styles.

Many women avoid braids due to their juvenile reputation earned by the likes of Pippi Longstocking and Cindy Brady. However, braids are now more edgy and modern and have been elevated to high-glam status by the many celebrities sporting them.

For those of us past our awkward youth but bored with ponytails and uptight buns, braids are the perfect way to switch up your hairstyle while remaining age appropriate, stylish, and elegant. Give these various styles a go this spring, and you’ll be in on the latest hair trend hitting the runway and red carpet.

The Messy Side Braid

Probably my favorite braid style, the messy braid is the epitome of effortless, relaxed sexy — this undone style gives off a carefree, sultry vibe.

Since the whole idea behind this look is tousled, imperfect bed head, it’s extremely simple and fast to pull off.

No need for perfection here — go for a look that’s less Pocahontas perfect Old Town Crier

the braid

Begin by parting your hair to the side and separating about two inches of hair away from your forehead. Tie back the rest of your hair that will not be used for the braid so it’s out of the way. Begin French braiding your bangs or hairline locks downwards until you reach your ear. Next, secure your braid by tucking it behind your ear and pinning into place with several bobby pins. Finish with a quick spritz of hairspray for a little shine and firm hold.

The Accessorized Braid and more pulled out, uneven, and partially undone. This look suits thick, long hair, sweeping the hair out of the way without the severity of a pristine updo. Plus, when you take it out you’ll be left with romantic soft waves, a la Boticelli’s Birth of Venus.

First, spritz on a bit of texturizing spray or wax to add some thickness and texture, like Sally Hershberger Genius Spray Wax ($12.50). Next, create a deep side part and sweep your hair to one side. Braid it loosely, beginning just below the ear. Don’t worry about pieces falling out—the looser and messier the better! Once your braid is secured with a hair elastic, gently break up any tightness or tension by using your fingers to massage and separate the braid. If you’re worried about looking like a beach bum, fancy it up! Adding a hair accessory like a sparkly clip or comb makes this messy look instantly elegant for a wedding or formal evening event.

perfect part. Pull out a few faceframing pieces so the look isn’t so perfect, or else you’ll actually look like an old school milkmaid tending to an udder. Braid each pigtail loosely, starting at the ears, and secure with an elastic band approximately 2-3 inches above the ends. For that relaxed, intentionally imperfect look, make sure to gently pull apart the braids with your fingers. Next, lift one of the braids toward the top of your head and place it about an inch back from your forehead. Where the elastic is, attach the braid to your head with bobby pins that match your hair color.

Repeat with the other braid, and place it on top of the first braid, making sure to position it so that it hides the first braid’s elastic band. Tuck the end of the second braid under the first and securely fasten with bobby pins. Make sure to add extra bobby pins near your ears, since the hair here is prone to falling out.

The Milkmaid Braid

This wildly popular trend is probably something your nieces or daughters know all about. This mini “hairline” braid was made famous by Laguna Beach and The Hills reality TV star Lauren Conrad, and has been spotted, ever since, on celebrities from Jennifer Aniston to Jessica Stam. This look is subtle, easy to wear as well as create, and works on nearly any type or length of hair. These little braids are also perfect for sweeping back bothersome bangs, or fringe you’re fighting to grow out of the awkward in-between stage.

Don’t let the name fool you; the milkmaid braid is sweet and feminine, and perfectly romantic for any occasion. Also called the headband braid, the milkmaid is a braid that goes around the crown of your head — the perfect combination of carefree flower child and sophisticated trendsetter.

This look requires very long hair, so either resist the salon for the next few months or opt for a braided hair extension that matches your color.

Start by creating two long pigtails, and don’t stress about making a

The “Lauren Conrad” Braid

If you really want to punch up any type of braid, take it a step further by adorning it with accessories. It’s easy and fun to give a simple braid a little extra something with ribbons, strips of fabric, flowers, or bows. My favorite is the ribbon or fabric accessorized braid.

This romantic look is perfect in spring and summer when you’re feeling boho chic and a little unique. Divide your hair into three equal sections as you would for a typical braid, and place the length of ribbon or fabric around the middle section. Then, weave the ribbon under and over the right-hand section. Holding the ribbon or fabric firmly, begin to braid normally as you incorporate the ribbon into the braid as you go, trying to keep the ribbon on top so it will actually show. When you reach the end of the braid, secure your hair and ribbon with an elastic band.

If need be, trim the end of the ribbon neatly with scissors and tuck the end into the braid.

The Fishtail Braid

Using a fishtail technique to braid your hair is the simplest way to add a subtle spice that people really notice.

This braid uses only two sections of hair for braiding, rather than the usual three, with an end result mimicking the scales on a fishtail. Use a fishtail technique for any of the above styles for a chic edge and unexpected twist.

Go online for step-by-step guides or video tutorials to master this technique. A quick Google search will yield a wealth of info, but try allure. com for their “Insiders’ Guide: How to Fishtail Braid” article for detailed, step-by-step instructions.

March 2016 | 43

SPIRITUAL RENAISSANCE PEGGIE ARVIDSON

Sleepless? Meditate!

D

o you have trouble sleeping? Are you constantly feeling like you’re forgetting something and then stressing yourself out with worry when you could be enjoying your life?

Congratulations! You’re human in a modern world.

Which doesn’t make it any easier, does it? Living with chronic sleep deprivation and stress leads to some really nasty side effects, the least of which is weight gain. Chronic stress and sleep deprivation can lead to physical illness, depression and a general dissatisfaction with the things you thought would make you happy.

So what can you do about it?

Meditate.

Before you shake your head and stop reading, hear me out.

For all the recent press

The

meditation has gotten and all the self-help gurus talking about meditation, it still is mostly misunderstood by busy, stressed-out people like you and me.

For more than a decade teachers, yogis and even a doctor or two recommended that I try meditation. Some were emphatic, “What you need Peggie is a meditation practice! Then you’ll feel better!” and others, like one of my doctors were less emphatic, but willing to let me give it a try. When I asked him if meditation could help my chronic illness he said, “It couldn’t hurt.” No necessarily a ringing endorsement, but I was feeling worse and the fact that I was lying awake at night worrying about the course of my illness throughout the rest of my life wasn’t helping. My disease is very connected to stress, and stressing about the

disease had me in a neverending do-loop of physical crises.

Something had to change and I knew it.

The Type-A, good-student that I am went right to the book store and found a book called, “How to Meditate in a New York Minute.” Or something like that. The clerk at the metaphysical bookstore who was ringing up my order just chuckled. I looked him in the eye and gave him a half-smile, “Ridiculous, eh?”

I asked. He just smiled again and said, “It IS funny to think that you can get still and meditate quickly!”

What else could I do? I wanted results and I wanted them right away!

You might be surprised to hear that my attempt to learn to meditate didn’t work right then. It was a process of several years before I found

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a “meditation” practice that worked for me. And it’s still a work in progress.

However, with even novice attempts at slowing down I began to feel a shift. And that’s why I’m a big cheerleader for the practice of meditation, so much so, that I every single one of my clients is given meditation “homework” during our time together.

Pragmatic at the core, I embrace a meditation practice that is useful and truly easy even for the most time-strapped, Type-A, over-scheduled, fast-moving person on the planet. I know it works because I was (and can still be) that person!

Here’s my list of excusebusters to help you get started today: • “I don’t have time.” You don’t need more than 10 minutes each day to get started. Heck, you don’t need more that 60 seconds! (Yay! Finding time is no longer an issue.)

• “I don’t know how.” Sit still.

No phone. No TV. No radio.

No Journal or book. Set a timer if you want and feel free to start with 60 seconds.

Close your eyes or keep them open. There. You’re started.

• “My mind won’t stop racing.”

No kidding. Just be aware of the racing. I think the biggest myth about meditation is that you’re striving for complete nothingness. Your brain is going to try to do brain things (this is often referred to as your ego) so let it go. When thoughts come up, just be aware of that and go back to sitting still.

• “I don’t have a mantra.”

There are definitely forms of meditation where having your own mantra is a part of the practice. For now pick a phrase, or a word, or a sound

that you can focus on. Heck, it’s okay to simply focus on your breath, “in and out.”

You don’t need a mantra, you need your butt on the chair, or couch or floor or bed for a set amount of time to be still.

• “I’m not sure how to sit/ hold my hands/fold my legs.”

Then don’t worry about it.

You can meditate with your feet flat on the floor, sitting in your chair at work. Close your eyes for 60 seconds and breathe. No special pose necessary.

• “I tried it once and didn’t feel any different, so why should I bother?” Good one. You won’t feel different immediately and that’s okay.

It’s called a practice for a reason. Sit still tomorrow and the next day and watch for the cumulative effect.

• “I’m afraid I’m doing it wrong.” You and everyone else who has ever tried meditating are in the same boat here. How about you pretend you can’t do it wrong and breathe. Be still for 60 seconds a day and just imagine you’re doing it right!

Alright! It’s your turn now.

Be sure to let me know how it turns out!

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

I

like mashed potatoes.

Doesn’t really matter what’s in them, how ‘mashed’ they are, if the potatoes are Iowa or Idaho, or even if the potatoes are real or instant for that matter. I like everything about them — the flavor, the texture, and the immense sense of comfort they bring. Me likey likey! Get it? It is hard for me to even begin to wrap my mind around the fact that there are people — seemingly normal, decent credit score kinda people — walking around out there who do not like mashed potatoes. For every reason I like them, they passionately and fervently dislike them. Insanity, right?

Hate the flavor. Hate the texture. These people and I could never be friends.

Maybe we could be at the same wedding reception or something — “just not seated at the same table.

Why am I talking about mashed potatoes? Because I had this epiphany the other day when I was with a very attractive, intelligent, fun, witty and single friend, and sometimes we forget that people aren’t turned on by the same things we are — even things that seem really obvious like mashed potatoes and Tory Burch boots. She was telling me over coffee about a few recent Match. com dates — dates with guys she felt like she had connected with and/or felt some level of attraction, yet whom had disappeared into the Bermuda Triangle of dating. That happened to me plenty of times, and like my friend, I internalized it and made it about me. For God’s sake — I was like mashed potatoes! I am somewhat

Old Town Crier

Mashed, Men & the Meaning of It All

attractive, practice good grammar (don’t rely on spell check and know the difference between their and there), am financially independent, moderately active, and in the grand scheme of everyday life — somewhat emotionally healthy. If there’s a range of emotional health that starts with The Dalai Lama and ends with Charlie Sheen, I’d register somewhere closer to the left.

Yet, with all that going for me, when faced with what seemed like rejection from a virtual stranger, I would curl up in a ball and think “What’s wrong with me?” Was it my outfit?

Did I use the wrong fork?

Did I talk too much about my cat? Within 24 hours, I could have materialized a list

of at least 38 reasons why Mr. Wrong had written me off when all along it was that he didn’t like mashed potatoes.

He wasn’t hard wired to like my deliciousness. Once you have that understanding, life crystalizes before your very eyes. It’s not you — it is him (or her!). You are amazing perfect in every possible way today as you are right now in this very moment. Not when you lose 25 pounds and not when you get that new car or those fabulous Tory Burch boots you’ve been saving for or when you finally send your 1996 Camry to car heaven.

Right now starts right now.

If Mr. Perfect isn’t calling or emailing or texting or Snapchatting or whatever

the hell he is supposed to be doing—that automatically puts him in the Mr. Wrong box. Period. End of discussion. Realize he doesn’t like mashed potatoes and move on. Instead of listing the things that are wrong with you, start making a list of things that are awesome and amazing about yourself.

He or she is allowed to be turned on by other things, and they really don’t have to give a reason for why.

As much as I want to grab them by their shoulders and shake their little warped and confused brains out of their heads and scream at the top of my lungs, “WHY in God’s name don’t you like mashed potatoes? What in the world

of majesty is wrong with you?

What have mashed potatoes ever done to you?” It would be senseless and would likely get me arrested. Instead I have learned to let it go and move on with the realization that: a) it means more masheds for me; and b) it doesn’t serve my higher purpose to force my will on anyone. They should come to the mashed potato dish jubilantly and passionately. And—they shouldn’t just show up with a spoon, ready to dig in. If they are really are interested in a seat at the table, they’ll bring some gravy or a slab of butter.

They’ll add to the bounty.

March 2016 | 45

The Colorful Easter Egg

• The Easter egg toss dates back to the medieval church where a hard-boiled egg was thrown from one choir boy to the next. When the priest called “time up” whoever held it got to keep the egg.

• Coloring eggs was brought to a high art when medieval English kings dispersed hundreds of decorated, gold-leafed eggs throughout the royal household at Easter.

• Another royal, Russian Czar Alexander, was later responsible in 1883 for commissioning the famous Fabergé eggs — from goldsmith Peter Carl Faberge — as an Easter gift for his wife, the Empress Marie.

• According to the Guinness Book of World Records the largest Easter egg ever made was unveiled in Cortenuova, Italy in 2011 weighing in at 8,968 lbs. of dark chocolate and marshmallow.

• The largest decorated Easter egg was made in Alcochete, Portugal in 2008 measuring more than 48 ft. long and a little over 27 ft. in diameter.

• True or false? Eggs contain nearly every nutrient known to be essential to humans. (True.)

• Which came first? The chicken or the egg? (That’s a good question!)

Happy 46 | March 2016

Easter!

Easter, like any other holiday has its own songs.

Here is one of the Old Town Crier’s favorites!

Here Comes Peter Cottontail

Here comes Peter Cottontail Hoppin’ down the bunny trail, Hippity hoppity, Easter’s on its way

Bringin’ ev’ry girl and boy A basket full of Easter joy Things to make your Easter Bright and gay He’s got jelly beans for Tommy Colored eggs for sister Sue There’s an orchid for your mommy And an Easter bonnet too. Oh!

You’ll wake up on Easter morning And you’ll know that he was there When you find those choc’late bunnies That he’s hiding ev’rywhere, Oh! Here comes Peter Cottontail Hoppin’ down the bunny trail Hippity hoppity Happy Easter Day

Here comes Peter Cottontail Hoppin’ down the bunny trail Hippity hoppity Happy Easter Day Look at him hop and listen to him say, “Try to do the things you should” Maybe if you’re extra good He’ll roll lots of Easter eggs your way

Old Town Crier

Spring Some Good Weather on Us!

G

ood Lord, the down the road. I know it February weather isn’t quite that bad here but is about to send the 4-Runner I drive was me over the edge! getting blown all over the Especially the wind! place coming across the Today as I compose this Wilson Bridge this morning. column, it must be blowing Not only does it mess with 60 miles an hour! Like most your hair, it makes people of you regular readers know, BY LANI GERING grouchy!

I am from Wyoming and the Hopefully by the time wind can really howl there. daylight savings kicks As a matter of fact they have had gusts back in on the 13th we will be able to high enough to topple semi-trailer begin to enjoy some more “springtrucks on their sides as they drive like” weather. I know that March is

Old Town Crier

supposed to “come in like a lion and go out like a lamb” so let’s just hope it leans more toward the lamb part sooner rather than later!

There isn’t a lot going on here at the Harbor as far as events are concerned during the month of March. The big excitement so far is that they will be showing all of the March Madness basketball on the Jumbotron (I still really don’t think that is the official name for it, but you get the idea) down on the plaza. It will be fun to watch if you don’t have to take bungee cords

to tie yourself to the chairs. The better option, however, is to head to Public House Restaurant on Fleet Street and watch all the round ball you want in a climate controlled facility where you can get a cold beer, some hot wings and everything else you sports nuts like. They have large screen HD TV’s all over the place and the “mondo” screen for the important games! Don’t forget about National Pastime in the Gaylord for sports of all sorts as well. They will be running game day specials as well. If you aren’t tuned into NATIONAL HARBOR > PAGE 48

March 2016 | 47

NATIONAL HARBOR FROM PG 47

college basketball, Bond 45 is a great place to treat yourself to a big girl/boy drink and taste some delicious food and enjoy the games in a quiet setting.

Speaking of delicious food, Restaurant Week in the Harbor is March 21-25 this year. At the time of this writing I didn’t have confirmed information on the participating restaurants and the special pricing they will be offering. This will be a good way for you to experience Harbor dining and a reasonable rate. New restaurants in the Harbor this year are Granite City, Succotash and Chipotle. I’m not a chain restaurant fan so don’t know anything about Chipotle other than the hullabaloo that took place this summer. I can tell you that both Granite City and Succotash are worth a visit!

Don’t forget about Easter! Every time it comes in the month of March I think it is way too early. Easter is an April happening as far as I’m concerned. At any rate, the Pienza Italian Market in the Gaylord Hotel is celebrating with a fantastic Easter Brunch.

Dining at Pienza is a great experience. The best way to describe it is a “Five Star” buffet with great table side service. There is something for everyone’s pallet and it is worth the price of admission. If you haven’t been in the hotel yet, it is worth the trip to National Harbor in itself.

April 2 has been classified as “Peeps Day”. In partnership with Major League Eating, National Harbor will be host to a Peeps eating contest along with other Peeps activities. Unfortunately, I don’t have any detailed information to give you about this either.

The good news is you can practice for the event during Easter weekend with the Peeps in your basket!

Last, but certainly not least, the Alexandria-National Harbor water taxi service resumes it’s spring schedule this month.

Yahoo! I use this mode of transportation to my office in Old Town on a regular basis and I sure have missed it during the winter months. Taking the water taxi from either direction is the perfect way for visitors at the Harbor to come see Old Town and visitors and locals alike from Old Town to visit the Harbor. No parking issues with this on either side of the river.

Come on springtime!

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george WaShington’S mount veRnon by wateR cRuise

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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

REDSTONE AMERICAN GRILL 155 National Plaza 301-839-3330

Old Town Crier

Cedar Knoll Food & Ambience Deserving of Its Waterfront Address Sunday Brunch 11-2:30 Happy Hour 4-6:30, Tuesday-Friday Dinner 5-10, Tuesday-Sunday

Special Easter Menu d d

u

Memories Are Made Here

call to learn more about our private dining & event services

9030 LUCIA LANE ALEXANDRIA, VIRGINIA 22308 • 703-780-3665 CEDARKNOLLVA.COM • RESERVATIONS@CEDARKNOLLVA.COM

Bright Horizons: WHERE ACADEMIC EXCELLENCE BEGINS

NOW ENROLLING

IN

OLD TOWN ALEXANDRIA!

Looking for an inspiring place for your preschooler? At Bright Horizons®, we provide an engaging place for children to thrive. Our carefully designed READY for SCHOOL program was created just for preschoolers; with our signature The World at Their Fingertips® curriculum, individualized lesson plans, and teachers who use a child’s own interests to inspire learning, Bright Horizons helps today’s preschoolers grow into tomorrow’s kindergarteners.

BRIGHT HORIZONS AT

OLD TOWN ALEXANDRIA 411 John Carlyle Street | Alexandria,VA 22314 brighthorizons.com/alexandriaotc CONTACT US AT

(703) 519-1840 to learn about enrollment or schedule a visit.

Program Highlights: Introduction to STEM education (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics) Additional emphasis on language, social awareness, environment, art, and health 21st century technology in the classroom Independent, teacher-directed, and small-group activities that engage each child and adapt to each group Consistent with local schools’ academic and social expectations Enrichments (included in tuition) such as*: GardenWorks

Foreign Language

Yoga

Art/Music

* PLEASE NOTE: not all programs are available in all locations.

Check with your local center for a full list of offerings.

© 2016 Bright Horizons Family Solutions LLC