Old Town Crier- April 2016 Full Issue

Since 1988 • Priceless

April 2016

From the Bay to the Blue Ridge

Road Trip

SPRINGTIME IN THE MOUNTAINS Caribbean Connection

INTREPID SNOWBIRDS IN PARADISE Dining Out

TERRA’S KITCHEN

Home Cooking … Literally!

Urban Garden

MAXIMIZE YOUR SPACE GO VERTICAL! National Harbor

HAPPY 9TH ANNIVERSARY!

oldtowncrier.com

april’16 A Division of Crier Media Group OTC Media LLC PO Box 320386 Alexandria, VA 22320 703. 836.0132

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25

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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

A Bit of History After Hours

Alexandria Events DESIGN & PRODUCTION Electronic Ink Art & Antiques 9 Royal Street, SE Leesburg, VA 20175 703.669.5502 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

Behind the Bar

8 11

Financial Focus

6

Pets of the Month

17 16

First Blush

43

Points on Pets

Fitness

40

Publishers Notes

15

From the Bay…

22

Road Trip

20

28

From the Trainer

41

Spiritual Renaissance

44

3

5

2

Gallery Beat

14

Tax Trivia

42

Caribbean Connection

18

Go Fish

39

The Last Word

13

Chefs Special

34

Grapevine

36

To the Blue Ridge

25

Civil Discourse

9

High Notes

12

Urban Garden

Dining Guide

32

National Harbor

46

Virginia Wine Trails

Dining Out

30

On the Road

1

Exploring Virginia Wines

38

Open Space

45

Business Profile

7 37

© 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 select 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.

On the road with OTC About the cover The Capitol Wheel at National Harbor by Old Town resident Joseph DuPaty. DuPaty is new to the area and a co-worker took him to dinner at the Harbor.

While there, he saw the opportunity to snap this shot from the north. The photo was taken with his Samsung Note 5 smart phone!

Old Town Crier

Some of the Old Town Crier's very favorite Calvert County residents/readers took a break during their trip to Italy to snap a photo in the ancient city of Pompei. A grand time was had by all. Photo by Tom Posey. From Left to Right: Julie Carrol-Posey, Melissa McCormick and Jeannie Cousineau-Stone 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.

April 2016 | 1

PUBLISHER’S NOTES BOB TAGERT

I

t looks like spring and nice weather is finally here. Now is a great time to take a drive to the mountains — just what I wrote about in this month’s Road Trip. I basically retraced my distribution route every month when we deliver the Old Town Crier. There are great small towns with quality restaurants and shops as well as some very good wineries. I recommended a few, so I hope you take the time and escape the city for a bit.

In Doug Coleman’s Civil Discourse column this month he gives us a look at the soon to be released movie the Free State of Jones, a story based on the life of Confederate outlaw Newton Knight.

With the nice weather it is time to check out our garden column and get a head start on spring gardening. Farmer D has some great suggestions for container gardening in Urban Garden.

Sarah Becker writes about the 100th anniversary of the U.S. Park Service in her History column and the April Business Profile

is about a very interesting pair of guys who operate Sacred Spaces. It is all about the ins and outs of designing, building and restoring churches.

National Harbor celebrates its 8th Anniversary this month, hence the reason we have the Capitol Wheel on the cover. Hard to believe 10 years is just around the corner!

Seems like yesterday we were taking the construction tour of the Gaylord Hotel Atrium.

I would like to take this space to give a shout out to our friend and fellow publisher, Mary Wadland. We want to wish her a speedy recovery from her recent liver transplant.

Rumor has it that she is on the mend and will be back to her old self soon. Take care Mary!

Last and certainly not least, April means Opening Day for baseball is coming to Nats Stadium! The Nationals crushed it during spring training and I am hopeful they bring that same caliber of ball to the field during the regular season! Go Curly W!

SPRING EVENTS

2 | April 2016

Old Town Crier

Alexandria APRIL TOURS, EXHIBITS, EVENTS

DAILY THROUGH APRIL 17 WATER TAXI TO NATIONAL MALL: CHERRY BLOSSOM FESTIVAL SERVICE Departing at: 11:10 a.m., 1:35 p.m. & 4:30 p.m.

Admission: Adults: $28 RT or $14 one-way; Children under 12: $16 RT or $8 one-way.

Cameron & Union streets Alexandria www.potomacriverboatco.com/ new-national-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 and 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.

APRIL 2 CONTRABANDS & FREEDMEN CEMETERY MEMORIAL TOUR 10 a.m.

Admission: Free Office of Historic Alexandria and the Alexandria Black History Museum 1001 S. Washington Street Alexandria www.alexandriava.gov/FreedmenMemorial Join City Archaeologist Fran Bromberg and Black History Museum Director and PBS’ "Mercy Street" history consultant Audrey Davis as you learn about the history of contrabands buried in the cemetery, the fascinating archaeology behind its rediscovery, and how the site became a memorial.

APRIL 2 & 3 ALEXANDRIA SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA CONCERTS April 2nd - 8 p.m. & April 3 - 3 p.m.

Admission: Youth 18 and under: $5; student with ID: $10; adults: $20-$80 Rachel M. Schlesinger Concert Hall & Arts Center 4915 E. Campus Lane Alexandria 703-548-0885 www.AlexSym.org The Alexandria Symphony Orchestra will feature two spring concerts this year. Lushness & Lyrical pairs 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 season-long theme of "Symphony & Cinema." Known as “America’s Old Town Crier

violinist,” Grammy-nominated 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 is 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 and Orchestra by Maestro Kim Allen Kluge and Kathryn Vassar Kluge.

Maestro Kluge, in his final season with the Alexandria Symphony Orchestra, will be honored as ASO’s first Maestro Emeritus at the performance.

APRIL 7 BASEBALL BOAT TO NATIONALS PARK Times vary upon Nationals schedule Admission: one-way $20 RT $25 Monday-Thursday RT $28 Friday-Sunday Departs from the Alexandria Marina 1 Cameron Street Alexandria 703-684-0580 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 the final pitch.

Boat operates for 80% of Nationals games Check website for specific available dates.

APRIL 20 SPRING2ACTION: ALEXANDRIA’S BIGGEST DAY OF GIVING All day Alexandria www.Spring2ACTion.org What if we all gave on one day? On April 20, let’s find out during Spring2ACTion, Alexandria’s online giving day to benefit more than 130 nonprofits! This year, our goal is to engage 10,000 generous Alexandrians to raise $1.5 million to support local charities. Be a part of this annual day of giving and join together with the entire community as we give back to the nonprofits that make Alexandria strong. Local businesses will also be giving back on April 20 by hosting events and/or donating a percentage of sales to nonprofits. For a complete list, visit www.Spring2ACTion.org.

APRIL 23 83RD ANNUAL ALEXANDRIA HISTORIC HOMES & GARDEN TOUR 10 a.m.-4 p.m.

Admission: $40 in advance $45 day of $25 for single sites Old Town Alexandria 703-746-3301 www.VAGardenWeek.org Celebrating the 83rd anniversary of Historic Garden Week in Virginia, this tour features privately owned Old Town homes and gardens plus historic properties like the Lee-Fendall House Museum & Garden, Carlyle House Historic Park and George Washington’s Mount Vernon, offering visitors the rare opportunity to see behind the brick walls into some of the most gorgeous residences in this unique neighborhood. Tickets and information available at the Alexandria Visitors Center, 221 King Street, Old Town Alexandria

APRIL 24 ANNUAL GEORGE WASHINGTON PARKWAY CLASSIC 10 MILE, 5K AND KIDS DASH 8:00 a.m.

Admission: $10 - $80 Old Town Alexandria Starting places vary www.RunPacers.com/race/parkway-classic This course, renowned for lush scenery and gorgeous river views, takes runners down the George Washington Parkway and through the iconic brick buildings lining the streets of Alexandria. With the colors of spring in bloom as a backdrop, and scores of spectators cheering along the way, this course offers a one of a kind experience and makes the Parkway Classic the perfect race to kick off your running season.

Since 1988–Priceless

From the Bay to the

Blue Ridge

April 2014

Grapevine

2014 GOVERNOR’S CUP HONORS Personality Profile

G MESHELLE ARMSTRON Fantastic Fierce, Funny,

Dining Out

RIVER BEND BISTRO

Cool, Classy, Casual Cuisine Business Profile

GREENSTREET &GARDENS Marigolds More than Mulch

Across the Bridge

HARBOR NATIONAL for Spring Gearing Up

oldtowncrier.com

CARLYLE HOUSE GARDEN DAY HERB & CRAFT SALE 8 a.m. - 4 p.m.

Admission: Free $5 to tour house; free tours with Alexandria Garden Day ticket Carlyle House Historic Park 121 N. Fairfax Street Alexandria 703-549-2997 www.carlylehouse.org Celebrate spring with the Friends of Carlyle House’s Annual Garden Day Herb & Craft Sale where culinary and decorative herbs and plants from Mount Vernon will be available for purchase.

Listen to performances by area musicians throughout the day, bring your garden questions to our Master Gardeners, and shop for items made by local artisans and crafters.

CIVIL WAR MEDICINE LIVING HISTORY 11 a.m. - 4 p.m.

Rain date: April 30 Admission: Free Fort Ward Museum and Historic Site 4301 West Braddock Road Alexandria 703-746-4848 www.alexandriava.gov/FortWard Fort Ward Museum and Historic Site will sponsor a Civil War medical living history program presented by Civil War medical historian and interpreter Von Barron, who portrays U.S. Army Regimental Surgeon Captain Turner Kitt in a field hospital setting that features a variety of medical tools and equipment of the era.

APRIL 29 ART ON THE ROCKS 7-10 p.m.

Admission: $65 $55 for early bird ticket purchasers The Art League Gallery at the Torpedo Factory Art Center 105 N. Union St. The Art League challenges mixologists from local restaurants to each select a piece of artwork as inspiration to whip up a new, artistic cocktail and pair it with a delicious appetizer. Guests will enjoy the artwork/cocktail/appetizer trifectas and help The Art League select a new Art on the Rocks champion. Bars and restaurants are still TBD. APRIL 30 CIVIL WAR BALL 8-11 p.m.

Admission: $45 in advance Reservations required Gadsby’s Tavern Museum 134 N Royal Sreet 703-746-4242 www.alexandriava.gov/GadsbysTavern

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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 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.

DEL RAY FARMERS MARKET

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.

April 2016 | 3

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Old Town Crier

BUSINESS PROFILE BOB TAGERT

SACRED SPACES

Stained glass in Our Lady of the Lake, Sacred Spaces’ most recent restoration project in Chapin, South Carolina

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Mike Carrigan (left) and John Grosvenor

n Old Town Alexandria I have met a wide range of people representing a broad spectrum of professions over the last 28 years, but one of the most interesting is this month’s business profile — J. Michael Carrigan and John Grosvenor of Sacred Spaces. They are a consulting company that designs churches and cathedrals. In addition to their consulting and design services, they offer assistance in master planning, parish educational services, fabrication and installation of statuary and liturgical furniture as well as appraising and removal of sacred works of art from churches that are closing their doors.

Their artistic expertise covers a full range of disciplines to include marble furniture and flooring; marble, wood, and fiberglass statuary; and various forms of artwork, murals, mosaic, stenciling, gold leaf gilding/detailing and stained glass design.

Once hired, these two become part of the theological family. They know that the responsibility of the liturgical consultant is to assist the pastor, the staff, and the entire parish with continuing education about the importance, role, and value of worship, as well as the impact of the church building upon worship. It is also the role of the liturgical consultant to work closely with the pastor, architect, and the parish committees from the earliest stages of the process to help them apply the principals and norms of liturgical design to the practical and liturgical needs of the parish. This includes the flow and movement for processions, appropriate styles for the various liturgical celebrations, and the interrelationships within the Eucharist as well as the relationship of the Eucharist with the other sacraments, acoustics, and all other elements required by the Church’s liturgy.

Their design focus centers on custom liturgical furniture, statuary and other desired artwork. Their furniture designs include conceptual, detailed and construction drawings as required, including color renderings where appropriate. Their statuary and artwork designs primarily include artistic drawings and Old Town Crier

color renderings as needed to gain client approval. work in liturgical design, Mr. Carrigan retired from According to Mr. Carrigan houses are built from the Smithsonian to pursue his interest in this field the “outside in” whereas a church is built from the on a full-time basis. Gathering a group of designers, “inside out.” Therefore, the role of the interior artists and craftspeople from across the globe, he designer is to assure that all of the interior spaces formed Sacred Spaces Liturgical Design Inc. With will support their function, i.e. sanctuary, meeting the main offices and design studios located in Old hall, offices, assembly rooms, nave, and chapels.

Town Alexandria, he also opened offices in Italy, Michael Carrigan founded sacred Spaces in 2004.

Poland and Spain in order to be able to access artists Mr. Carrigan received his Bachelors of Fine Art from and craftsmen trained in the Renaissance arts.

Benedictine College and continued his studies at the In January 2013, John Grosvenor and Carrigan Kansas City Art Institute in Kansas City, Mo., where joined as partners and formed Sacred Spaces he majored in painting and interior design. At the LLC. In addition to providing supervision and University of Maryland he completed additional management for all projects, Mr. Grosvenor is course work in AutoCAD design, and at Northern responsible for all aspects of running a successful Virginia Community College he completed advance business, to include, but not limited to, business course work in Western, Chinese and development, cost estimating, Japanese art history. proposal writing and contracting SACRED SPACES Beginning his career with the and liaison with subcontractors and 1 WALES ALLEY, SUITE 200 Hallmark Corporation, Carrigan vendors. Between 2013 and 2015 he OLD TOWN ALEXANDRIA designed a series of both Folk Art and contracted and managed more than 703-519-9800 Fine Art exhibitions, many of which 50 projects totaling more than $2 SACREDSPACESINC.COM traveled to New York and across million in revenue. the country. After three years with From February 1982 to September the Hallmark company, he was hired by the Board 2002 Grosvenor served in the United States Air of Regents of the Smithsonian Institution, where, for Force, achieving the rank of Lieutenant Colonel.

38 years, he held a number of executive positions, He managed more than 1,300 key Department of including Director of Design and Installation for the Defense personnel positions with the Joint Chiefs National Portrait Gallery, Director of Exhibitions and of Staff, Office of the Secretary of Defense, OnPublic Spaces for the National Museum of American Site Inspection Agency, and the Department of History and Founding Director of the National State. He also directed and managed a $30 million Program of Smithsonian Affiliations. He also directed annual flying-hour program for an overseas DoD the Smithsonian’s 150th Anniversary traveling organization. He has more than 2,500 flight hours exhibition, “America’s Smithsonian.” From 1977 to in the F-111 and F-15 aircraft with combat time 1981 he served as the Exhibits Officer for the Library over Iraq and Kosovo. He was recognized as the of Congress initiating the restoration of the original Outstanding Graduate/Distinguished Graduate of library building and opening the James Madison the Air Force’s Elite Fighter Weapons School.

Building.

With new and ongoing projects these two remain During his career he has designed more than 500 quite busy. Currently they are working on St. Pius exhibitions. He is considered an expert in the fields X in Lafayette, La., St. Olaf in Williamsburg, Va. and of restoration, conservation and public space design. will attend the dedication of Our Lady of the Lake in In April 2004, after several years of associative Chapin, SC, their most recently completed job.

April 2016 | 5

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

Surprise! Social Security Is Changing

I

f you’ve ever attended a surprise party you know there’s a certain order to it. It typically starts when the door opens and everyone yells “SURPRISE!” at the unsuspecting honoree.

The November budget compromise between Congress and the President put the party elements in reverse order – they yelled “surprise” then closed the door.

The “surprise” came in the form of new legislation that will “close the door” on some popular Social Security claiming strategies. These changes will provoke dismay from some individuals and a sigh of relief from others.

Please keep in mind, this article seeks to simplify a very complex topic. Be sure to explore your options thoroughly.

First things first

People age 70 or older, or those who will be in 2016, will not be impacted by this legislation. Anyone 66 or over, and not yet 70, should reevaluate current claiming strategies before April 30, 2016. Let’s discuss the policy changes that could impact your choices when claiming a Social Security benefit.

Reducing opportunities for “double dipping”

Congress described the changes to Social Security as “closing unintended loopholes” in order to protect the solvency of the overall Social Security system. The new law will remove a small number of claiming strategies that could have resulted in cumulatively higher benefits for some people under the old law.

Disappearing claiming strategies

Filing a restricted application Under the old law, individuals who had reached full retirement age were given an option to apply for one benefit, and retain the ability to switch to another at a later date. For example, it was possible to claim only a benefit based on your spouse’s earnings, and later claim a retirement benefit based on your own earnings.

Under the new law, you can’t restrict your application to the benefit you want; instead, you must take the highest available benefit. The new rules apply to people who are not 62 by the end of 2015.

Individuals 62 and over are “grandfathered” and can still use the old rules when they reach full retirement age.

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

File and suspend You can still file for benefits, suspend taking them, and earn delayed retirement credits to get a higher benefit later. But under the new law, your spouse will be unable to collect benefits based on your earnings record, while suspending your own benefit.

There is a very short window of opportunity — if you have reached full retirement age or will reach it by April 30, 2016, then you can still take advantage of the “old” rules by filing and suspending your benefits — but you must do so

by April 3, 2016.

Lump-sum reinstatement Under the “old” rules, people who chose to file and suspend could later change their mind and retroactively recover the unpaid amounts during suspension. This is no longer possible under the new rules. You can retain your ability to retroactively recover benefits but you must reach full retirement age, file for benefits, and suspend them by April 30, 2016.

What should you do now?

If you filed a restricted application, or chose to file and suspend, before the new law was enacted, you can continue to enjoy the benefits of those claiming strategies under the “old” rules. Even if you are already receiving benefits, you have an opportunity to re-evaluate whether suspension could benefit you.

The recent budget compromise may have shut the door on some popular claiming strategies, but many other planning opportunities still exist. Knowing your options and correctly claiming benefits could result in tens of thousands of additional dollars over a lifetime. At Wells Fargo Advisors, we have access to robust software that can help analyze many of the Social Security benefit scenarios available.

You might feel appropriate arriving “fashionably late” to

a party, but arrive early to this one — the Social Security Administration is a stickler for punctuality. Being locked out could have significant implications to your retirement lifestyle.

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. ©2015, 2015 Wells Fargo Advisors, LLC. All rights reserved.

We help people. That’s what we do. Our goal is to make a difference in each member’s life.

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Old Town Crier

URBAN GARDEN JIMMY DEATON

GO VERTICAL!

Or, getting the most from your small footprint of space

L

iving in certain parts in the City of Alexandria can leave one challenged as to what can be grown and how much.

A search of the internet will yield a multitude of ideas to conquer that patio or condo deck that has you scratching your head wondering what can possibly be grown in such small confines.

One of the ideas that I recently executed at work was a raised herb container garden that took up about 2 square feet of space but housed 9 herbs, most of which are used on a regular basis by the average cook. In the pictures you’ll find, chives, oregano, parsley, thyme, sweet Woodruf, mint, two types of lavender and one rosemary.

Normally, I would not include the lavender or rosemary but when I made this, these were the herbs available at the time so I went with it. And, yes, you can certainly use those two herbs—just not something I would choose.

So how does one construct this, you may ask? The first step is to find pots of different sizes. You’ll also need something to raise and fill in some of the space on the inside diameter of the upright pots. I used a regular pot but you can also use a plastic pot, soda bottle, etc. The idea is to fill in the area that would normally be filled with potting mix; depending on the pot sizes you are using, you may wish to fill in some of the dead space or not. Try to leave about 3-4 inches of space from the bottom then fill in pot to the outside portion ¾ inches deep.

Fill each pot with potting mix to the top of each ’fill-in pot.’ Fill the area with herbs,

Old Town Crier

flowers, place another pot on top of the fill in and continue the sequence. It’s so easy to raise herbs and salad greens this way. If you did a 2 square foot area on each one within 4 square feet total you could have several different herbs and salad greens to provide you with nutritious meals throughout the growing season.

Next month, I plan on showing how to create a growing space using a wooden pallet. This will give you another version of a raised bed.

My plants weren’t mature enough at the time of this writing to plant. Regardless, I’ll give you the 411 next month on how to do it and you can try it this summer or, better yet, this fall with cold season veggies such as cabbage and kale.

You can also grow bush tomatoes or cucumbers during the summer as well as zucchini in containers but keep in mind that you have to make sure you have a plan for caging or trellising them in order to keep the fruit off of the ground. The other thing you may wish to think about are the smaller veggies such has Mexican Sour Gherkins or Dragons Eggs which are Chinese cucumbers, about the size of an egg.

A majority of veggies can be grown in small spaces, making them perfect for the small scale gardener. Just by doing some basic research you, too, can be utilizing that small space you had no idea what to do with.

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

LYNNHAVEN GREENS VEGGIE & HERB SALE SATURDAY, APRIL 16 • 9 AM - 2 PM 3510 WILSON AVENUE • lynnhavengreens.com

Stop by for our veggie and herb sale to benefit various organizations.

For more details go to the Lynnhaven Greens website. See ad below.

lynnhaven greens freshest microgreens on the market

free delivery to 22301, 22302, 22305 from harvest to your hands in under 60 minutes subscription services available starter vegetable/herb plants in season currently featured at Street Market and Cafe Sushi Bar completely organic, self-sustainable and local

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A BIT OF HISTORY SARAH BECKER©

Conservation as a National Day

“T

he fame of President Theodore Roosevelt has grown in lustre and stature as the years have passed,” President Herbert Hoover said in December 1932.

“His accomplishments…bulk large in the pages of history.” The occasion: acceptance of the 1931 deed to Theodore Roosevelt Island.

The Island, designed by renowned landscape architect Frederick L. Olmsted, Jr., commemorates Roosevelt’s commitment to conservation. A footbridge connects the National Park Service’s 88.5 acre Theodore Roosevelt Island to northern Virginia’s George Washington Memorial Parkway.

The National Park Service now celebrates its 100th anniversary, especially April through August 25th. Activities are planned, the Cherry Blossom Festival continues, and Roosevelt’s ecofriendly accomplishments remain. Or do they?

Theodore Roosevelt, a progressive

Republican born during the steampowered Second Industrial Revolution, served as President from 1901 until 1909. In 1901 Wall Street was no longer promoting agriculture, textiles and railroads. It favored emerging industries like steel, chemical, petroleum and automobiles.

“The conservation of natural resources is a fundamental problem,” Roosevelt told the Deep Waterway Convention in 1907. “Unless we solve that problem it will avail us little to solve all others. To solve it, the whole Nation must undertake the task through their organizations and associations, through the men whom they have made specially responsible for the welfare of the several States, and finally through Congress and the Executive.”

“We have become great in a material sense because of the lavish use of our resources,” President Roosevelt told State Governors in 1908. “But the time has come to inquire seriously what will happen when our forests are gone, when the coal, the iron, the oil, and the gas are exhausted, when

President Theodore Roosevelt by John Singer Sargent, 1903

President Roosevelt and naturalist John Muir at Glacier Point Yosemite Valley in 1906, Courtesy Library of Congress

8 | April 2016

the soils shall have been still further impoverished and washed into the streams, polluting the rivers, denuding the fields, and obstructing navigation.”

The December 2015 COP-21 Climate Conference in Paris ended with a legal agreement covering 195 countries.

How would Theodore Roosevelt respond to news of global warming and today’s climate change debate?

Historian Douglas Brinkley suggests Teddy “would have been on the side of science.” Climate research focuses primarily on climate change, climate and energy policy, and low carbon growth.

“Since the beginning of the industrial revolution, human-activated concentrations of greenhouse gases like carbon dioxide have risen substantially,” the National Academy of Sciences’ Koshland Science Museum explained. “Historically over half of all global carbon dioxide emissions have been generated by just ten countries.

In 1971 the United States was number one in carbon dioxide emissions, followed by Russia and Germany. In 2007, China was number one followed by the United States, Russia, India, Japan and Germany.”

“For many sportsmen, the impacts of climate change are already becoming evident,” The Theodore Roosevelt Conservation Partnership reported. “From changes in seasonal distribution of waterfowl, to diminished stream habitat for cold water fish such as trout and salmon.”

TR died in 1919, his conservation work unfinished. Five Presidencies later Herbert Hoover, a geologist and fisherman, appreciated his predecessor’s concerns. The Hoovers 164-acre Presidential Retreat — Rapidan Camp — is now part of Virginia’s Shenandoah National Park.

Geologists understand the significance of global warming. In 1883 Yosemite’s largest glacier, the Lyell measured 1.2 million square meters in total volume. In 2015 Lyell Glacier had receded to 270,426 square meters. The neighboring Maclure A BIT OF HISTORY > PAGE 10

Old Town Crier

CIVIL DISCOURSE DOUG COLEMAN

Seceding from the Confederacy

O

ne of the ongoing themes of this column is to remind folks that the Civil War was not a contest between two monolithic nations. There were divisions within the divisions. West Virginia seceded from Virginia. The North had its Fifth Column of Copperheads. The mountains of Tennessee, Virginia and North Carolina endured a horrific guerilla war of neighbor against neighbor whose real cost will never be known. The Lumbee indians essentially withdrew from North Carolina rather than serve the Confederacy.

It looks like Hollywood has picked up on this theme in the upcoming Free State of Jones, starring Matthew McConaughey as outlaw Newton Knight and set for release in June.

McConaughey even looks like Knight. Having seen nothing more than the trailer, (www.youtube.com/ watch?v=3EMkxEKKSQI) , I am in no position to review the movie, but I’m guessing the Confederates are not the good guys. Hollywood goop and bias aside, it looks like it might be “alright, alright, alright.”

The movie is based on a true story and highlights the resentment of the lower and middle class Southerners who faced a compulsory draft, while their richer neighbors were exempt from service if they owned twenty or more slaves. Contrary to modern apologists, the war really did have a lot to do with slavery, but only a quarter of Southerners owned slaves. Less than 1% owned more than 50 and only 2,358 families owned more than 100. Nonetheless, over half of the South’s slaves lived on plantations with 20 or more, and fully a quarter lived on plantations of 50 or more. But the average slaveholder did not live in a mansion and had perhaps five slaves, often sharing their labor. And 75% of Southerners owned no slaves at all. Many wealthy Southerners did elect to serve, but the guys in the Big House had a choice, while the other Old Town Crier

75% simply got drafted. In fairness, Northerners shared similar resentment when their draft was enacted in 1863; rich draftees were allowed to hire a substitute for $600, a lot of money where a soldier’s pay was $13 a month, and well beyond the reach of the average draftee. The New York draft riots in July 1863 were in part fueled by this common resentment.

In the South, the PR battle was lost and Confederate morale sagged when the grunts in gray figured out that the fight to preserve slavery was “a rich man’s war and a poor man’s fight.” Sam Watkins, who served in the Army of Tennessee, complained: “A law was made by the Confederate States Congress about this time allowing every person who owned twenty negroes to go home. It gave us the blues; we wanted twenty negroes.

Negro property suddenly became very valuable, and there was raised the howl of "rich man’s war, poor man’s fight." The glory of the war, the glory of the South, the glory and the pride of our volunteers had no charms for the conscript.” Actually the purpose of the law was to ensure there were enough able-bodied white males left at home to discourage a slave revolt, but the damage to morale was done.

While these dirt farmers faced the very real possibility of death or disability by disease or Yankee lead, their wives and families were left to fend for themselves. Fields went unplowed, winter firewood was not stacked, and if the Yankees did not seize your livestock and provisions, Confederate agents might take them under the Impressment Act or as a “tax in kind.” There are stories of mothers who starved to death sacrificing every last bite for their children. One can imagine the anguish of husbands and fathers reading letters from home.

Government, especially your own, is hardly ever your friend.

This brings us to Jones County Mississippi and Newton Knight. Jones County, being mostly yeoman farmers, was not keen on secession and instructed its delegate to vote against

it (he didn’t). Though Knight was a Unionist, he enlisted with his neighbors when war came. When the Twenty Negro Law was passed exempting fatcats owning 20 or more slaves from service, Knight, like a lot of other disgusted soldiers, said “to hell with this” and went home to take care of his family. When he got home he shot a man who had been abusing his children. Knight was apprehended as a deserter and returned to his unit after being jailed, tortured and having all his property destroyed. Any wonder why he did not love the Confederacy? He went over the hill again in June of 1863, returning to Jones County to find he now had plenty of company in the deserter’s club.

By this time in the war the Confederacy was reliably executing deserters, especially in the Army of Tennessee. At first Knight and other fugitives hid out in the woods and swamps, fed by sympathizers. Eventually the number of outlaws grew to a point meriting concern in Richmond. A Confederate officer named Amos McLemore was given a body of troops and detailed to round up the renegades. Instead, someone (probably Knight with a couple of friends) broke into the house where McLemore was sleeping and shot him dead.

Facing a noose or a firing squad, the deserters organized as the “Jones County Scouts” or the “Knight Company” numbering perhaps 600 and elected Knight as their leader.

They began assassinating their

Newton Knight

CIVIL DISCOURSE > PAGE 11

April 2016 | 9

A BIT OF HISTORY FROM PAGE 8

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Glacier, named for William Maclure the father of American geology, suffered a similar fate.

Glaciers hold most of the earth’s freshwater yet both will soon disappear.

“We, the people, still believe that our obligations as Americans are not just to ourselves, but to all posterity,” President Barack Obama said in his Second Inaugural Address.

“We will respond to the threat of climate change, knowing that the failure to do so would betray our children and future generations.”

The President released an Executive Order — Preparing the United States for the Impacts of Climate Change — on November 1, 2013.

“Some may still deny the overwhelming judgment of science, but none can avoid the devastating impact of raging fires, crippling drought, and more powerful storms,” Obama continued. “The path towards sustainable energy sources will be long and sometimes difficult. But Americans cannot resist this transition.” On March 11, the National Academy of Sciences, Engineering and Medicine claimed “it is now possible to estimate the influence of climate change on some types of extreme events such as heat waves, drought and heavy precipitation.”

to coal to oil and natural gas,” President Jimmy Carter said in 1977.

The COP21 Climate Conference agreement “aims to limit global temperature rises to ’well below 2 degrees Celsius.’” Unfortunately the Parties mitigation pledges now fall short of goal. Major emitting countries like the United States will need persistent Presidential leadership to make good its pledge.

Regrettably many have forgotten the socalled 1992 Earth summit in Rio de Janeiro; the U.S. proposals on oceans and the climate convention’s Forests for the Future initiative.

“The United States fully intends to be the world’s preeminent leader in protecting the global environment,” President George H.W. Bush proclaimed on June 13, 1992.

“Will Congress, will President George W. Bush get in place a large architecture that sends a signal to the economy?” The Washington Post asked in 2007. Last month ClearPath founder and benefactor Jay Faison, a conservative Republican, challenged the Republican Party to make clean energy a 2016 election issue. Many of America’s largest businesses, including Apple, Berkshire Hathaway Energy and Walmart, already have signed the Obama Administration’s American Business Act on Climate Pledge.

Yosemite’s Lyell Glacier in1883 (above) and 2015

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In 2014 the United States and China “jointly announced targets to reduce carbon emissions in the post-2020 period.” Last year the Obama Administration moved to protect more than 28,000 miles of Virginia’s streams, including those feeding the James and Potomac Rivers.

To what extent will future Presidents continue to lead, especially given the more than 540 Political Action Committees now invested in U.S. election politics?

According to the U.S. National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, and NASA, calendar year 2015 was the Earth’s warmest since record-keeping began in 1880. The cause retold: greenhouse gases including carbon dioxide (84%), methane (10%), nitrous oxide (4%) and fluorinated gases (2%). Carbon dioxide molecules once emitted remain in the atmosphere for maybe a century.

Temperature change is, as former Vice President Al Gore claims An Inconvenient Truth. The earth is getting hot, Washington’s politics hotter. Do Americans adapt or does the Federal government mitigate? The U.S. Supreme Court, in February, voted 5-4 to temporarily halt the EPA’s 2015 coal-related emissions regulation—the power plant rule— pending disposition of the applicants petition for review in the U.S. Court of Appeals in the District of Columbia. The stay is without precedent.

“We must look back at history to understand our energy problem, the transition from wood

London’s Royal Institute of International Affairs at Chatham House, in its November 2015 report Changing Climate, Changing Diets now calls for a global reduction in meat consumption. The livestock sector; animal respiration is responsible for just under 15% of greenhouse gas emissions, a total equivalent to tailpipe emissions from all the world’s vehicles.

Worldwide adoption of a healthy diet would “generate over a quarter of the emissions reductions needed by 2050.”

Teddy Roosevelt’s legacy is more than a nearby Island; hiking trails through the District’s Rock Creek Park, or his 60foot granite face carved on South Dakota’s Mount Rushmore National Memorial.

President Roosevelt provided protection for approximately 230 million acres of public land, 18 national monuments, 5 national parks, 150 national forests, 51 Federal bird reservations, and 4 national game reserves. He also established the U. S. Forest Service.

Said President Roosevelt: “Let us remember that the conservation of our natural resources, though the gravest problem of today, is yet but part of another and greater problem to which this Nation is not yet awake, but to which it will awake in time, and with which it must hereafter grapple if it is to live.” Governments, the National Park Service now grapple.

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CIVIL DISCOURSE FROM PAGE 9

opponents, particularly tax collectors and conscription agents. Then the rebellion spread to four other counties. Knight’s men hijacked Confederate supply wagons and redistributed provisions to the hungry citizens of his protectorate. Soon Old Glory was flying over the Jones County courthouse once again.

General Polk dispatched 500 troops, essentially a regiment, to deal with the situation. Two of the rebels were hung in March 1864. Soon 32 of Knight’s men were dead and about 500 under arrest. But it went both ways - reportedly more Confederates were killed than outlaws in 14 skirmishes. Knight himself made it to war’s end without being captured.

While Knight had been hiding in the swamps, he was aided by a slave named Rachel. Post-war, Knight took Rachel as his mistress and reputedly had five children with her, ultimately conveying her over 100 acres of his farm. He also had another two children with his wife Serena before they separated. The white and black relatives of Knight and Rachel formed their own community and began to intermarry in violation of Mississippi’s miscegenation laws. By the 1900 census, everyone who lived on the farm — including Knight himself — was classified as black.

Knight continued to serve the Yankees during Reconstruction as a Republican operative. He was detailed by the occupying forces to provide food and other relief to the starving citizens of Jones County. Later he was deputized to fight the Klan. He also became a tax collector. One is less amazed that he

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survived the war than that he made it through Reconstruction. (Perhaps it is even more amazing that Serena did not kill him for those five babies with Rachel). Despite his efforts to see his troops compensated for their service to the Union, an ungrateful Federal government rejected these claims.

Knight died in 1922 at 84, unrepentant to the end. Patriot or traitor? Probably a trick question — Knight was loyal to a particular community. Bad government — Confederate or Federal, then or now — makes men like Knight.

Sources

• Sam R. Watkins, Company Aytch; James R. Kelly, Jr., http://mshistory.k12.ms.us/ articles/309/newton-knight-and-the-legendof-the-free-state-of-jones • Vicki Bynum, Rebels Against the Confederacy: Mississippi’s Free State of Jones, https://renegadesouth.wordpress. com/2008/12/19/rebels-against-theconfederacy-mississippis-free-state-of-jones/ • The Old South: Images and Realities, http:// www.digitalhistory.uh.edu/disp_textbook. cfm?smtID=2&psid=3557 • The Real Free State of Jones, http:// deepsouthmag.com/2015/08/05/the-realfree-state-of-jones/ Doug Coleman is an attorney and amateur historian in Alexandria. Comments and corrections are welcome: dcoleman@colemanlawyers.com.

April 2016 | 11

HIGH NOTES CHRIS ANDERSON

A

nd so 2016 continues its hard slog, claiming musical legends at every turn. Just today we learned of the passing of Malik Taylor, better known as Phife Dawg. Along with Q-Tip, Phife led A Tribe Called Quest, one of the most influential hip-hop groups to emerge in the 1990s. Originally part of the “Native Tongue” family (which also included De La Soul, Black Sheep, and Jungle Brothers), A Tribe Called Quest introduced a jazzy, more literate style to rap, something more akin to the Beat poets of the 1950’s than to the gangsta rap that soon took over the airwaves, and Phife’s rhymes were some of the best. Midnight Marauders was part of the soundtrack to my college years and is a cornerstone of

BLACK MOUNTAIN:IV hip-hop. Malik will be sorely missed.

On the other end of the musical spectrum is the news of the recent suicide of keyboard virtuoso Keith Emerson, which took everyone by surprise. One of the greatest and most accomplished players in his field, Emerson almost singlehandedly invented “prog” in the 1960’s, in his work with The Nice, and then he took the genre to its most logical (and, at times, ridiculous) extremes in the 70’s with Emerson Lake & Palmer.

His penchant for reimaging classical masterworks to fit a piano/bass/ drums format was untouchable and his showmanship set the bar for all acts to follow. Now, I was never the biggest ELP fan, despite owning all of their albums, but I always admired his vision, grandiose as it may have been. His synthesizer work on 1973’s Brain Salad Surgery is mind-boggling at least, though my favorite ELP album has always been 1971’s Tarkus. The side-long title track features some 12 | April 2016

otherwordly piano and organ playing from Emerson. While it may not be as majestic as, say, “Close To The Edge”, it still stands as one of the truest epics in all of prog-rock. A master at his craft, we are all going to be shaking our heads about this for a long time to come.

The sting of all the losses of this year would be eased, at least a bit, were there any great rash of new music coming out. But, alas, such distractions seem not to exist this year.

Winter is usually the driest season of the year, when it comes to new music releases, but this year has seemed to be more barren than most. While there are plenty of new albums on the horizon, from the likes of Hellsingland Underground, Marillion, Biffy Clyro, U2, The Tragically Hip, and plenty others, there have only been a few albums to really turn my head.

Fortunately, they just about spun my head off.

Black Mountain: IV

Formed in 2004, Vancouver’s Black Mountain has maintained a vital musical link between the present and some distant, hazy memory of lava lamps, laser shows, and bongwater. Their aptly-titled fourth album finds them moving through ten deep dark grooves that are jarring and comforting at the same time. The eight minute epic opener, “Mothers Of The Sun”, sets the mood, with Stephen McBean and Amber Webber’s fragile voices weaving in and out of the ambient mellotron bed before the band explodes into a riff that would make Tony Iommi proud. And, oh yeah, they jam the hell out of it. From there, they move into the space-punk of “Florian Saucer Attack”, which reminds me of what Hawkwind might have done had they continued in the vein of “Silver Machine”. Webber proves mighty on this one, her voice bringing to mind CBGB’s circa 1976.

“Defector” reminds me of midperiod Charlatans, had they been a little bit heavier, while the minimalist textures in “You Can Dream” calls to mind Stephen McBean’s other band, Pink Mountaintops. “Line Them All Up” moves from a gentle acoustic

folk ballad to pure cinematic sweep, one of the most dynamic songs I’ve heard from this band. “Cemetary Breeding” is the obvious single from the album…in a perfect world this song would be a massive hit (it’s still possible). The vocal blend in this band reminds me of their hometown buddies, The New Pornographers, and it is most prevalent on this song. This is followed up by the nine-minute epic, “(Over And Over) The Chain”.

Opening with almost four minutes of ambient synth and psychedelic swirls, they best Tangerine Dream at their own game, before the band moves in with a sly, fuzzy groove, pulsating rhythms and voices creating a mantra of some odd sort, before slowly dissolving back into nothingness. At times this makes me think of where Pink Floyd might have gone had Syd Barrett not gone off the deep end - a most impressive slice of psychedelia.

“Crucify” offers up a breather after that dense work, in the form of a pretty, spaced-out country-folk number – this is the sort of song that could be a really solid little track, one that could be a smash single, but they avoid that by constructing one of the most obscure arrangements possible….and it works.

They close out the album with another nine-minute epic, the slow burning “Space To Bakersfield”…a perfect, mellow way to go out. This album is not as heavy as their others but it is just as dark and weird, perhaps more so. Whenever I listen to Black Mountain I think about how iconic a band they would have been had they existed in the 70’s. I can not be more thankful that they exist in the present.

The other albums that are knocking my socks off right now include the latest from Norway’s brilliant Motorpsycho — Here Be Monsters. A dense and complex work, it will be the subject of a future column. Another is Miss Nostalgia, the latest pop masterpiece by Italy’s finest, Stadio.

35 years in, they are delivering the finest work of their career. Despite understanding next to no Italian, “Un Giorno Mi Dirai” just might go down as the song of the year for me. Seek it out at all costs. More later.

Old Town Crier

THE LAST WORD MIRIAM R. KRAMER

The Swans of Fifth Avenue

T

he author Truman Capote cut a dashing figure in the world of American letters from the time he was discovered in 1948 for the novel Other Voices, Other Rooms, which pictured him posing seductively on the back cover. His high voice, short stature, and unveiled homosexuality set him apart from the start. Unusually for the time, he took pride in his predilections. He also had a knack for publicity and making friends among all levels of society. Among these friends he strung together precious pearls on a necklace of his making: beautiful, elegant New York socialites he called his “Swans.” Author Melanie Benjamin’s utterly compelling new pageturner called The Swans of Fifth Avenue imagines his relationships with these Upper East Side society women, and the way they progressed over time.

Among Capote’s short stories and essays, he wrote Breakfast at Tiffany’s, a highly acclaimed novel about the glittering, tinsel-gold party girl named Holly Golightly, which became a classic film starring Audrey Hepburn and George Peppard. He also researched and wrote a true crime novel called In Cold Blood that captivated the country: many considered it one of the first nonfiction books written in a fictional style. It too has become a classic film.

Yet despite researching and writing brilliantly about this Kansas family and their

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murderers, he never forgot the rarefied friends who entranced him. He spent time on their yachts in the Mediterranean, on Long Island in their summer houses, and grew to know their lives intimately. Capote had the gift of making each feel like she was his most special confidante. As a good listener, he learned most of their secrets, desires, and heartaches. Their husbands considered him a safe friend for their wives and eventually succumbed to his charm themselves, inviting him to vacation retreats and socializing with him.

As someone who has read all of Capote’s writing and several biographies about him, I was looking forward to reading this book with anticipation. Luckily my wait was rewarded. Benjamin creates a poignant picture of Truman, the author on the outside looking in, no matter how close he became with his “Swans.” His closest relationship was with the beautiful, elegant Babe Paley, who had married Bill Paley, the head of CBS. Each of them recognized themselves in the other: outsiders who had to keep up appearances and play roles to please the world they inhabited.

Benjamin portrays Babe Paley as a woman groomed from birth to make a society marriage with the assets of her beauty and sophistication.

In the process, she was

forced to ignore her own needs for independence and individuality, gracefully catering to her husband in all ways and making sure she was always perfectly made-up and dressed to see him at all times.

In the novel, Capote divines her sadness and recognizes it in himself as she opens up to him. Such mutual recognition created a very close friendship between the two of them, one of the most meaningful in his life. He loved gossiping with his other socialite friends like Slim Keith, Gloria Guinness, C.Z. Guest, and Marella Agnelli, but Babe held a special place in his life.

Melanie Benjamin’s portrait of these women and Capote is utterly convincing. She writes sympathetically about Capote’s fatal, self-destructive flaws and how they affected his relationships after he had known his “Swans” for years. As a fatherless and mostly motherless boy left with relatives in a tiny town in Alabama, effeminate and unaccepted, Capote’s insouciance and social connections masked his deep sense of loneliness, the loneliness that he also saw in the programmed Babe Paley.

One could see that loneliness also in the character of Holly Golightly, the complicated rootless call girl who enchants “Fred,” the writer and protagonist of Breakfast at Tiffany’s. A charming drifter, both she and “Fred,” an author

like Capote, may actually have been incarnations of himself, along with his other female role models for Holly.

This engrossing novel is spot on in diagnosing Capote, and creates a convincing and deeply poignant premise for his relationship with the reticent Babe Paley. Benjamin sees Capote’s downfall written in the stars, and writes about

him with grace, sympathy, and a deep understanding of his need for and underlying resentment of the “Swans.” If you love books about authors, real friendships and the complications that accompany them, please take a look at this beautifully constructed novel.

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

April 2016 | 13

GALLERY BEAT F. LENNOX CAMPELLO

A

s you may imagine, after having written about DMV area artists for almost three decades, like most art critics, I am usually bombarded with emails, news releases, post cards, letters (yep! old fashion snail mail) and other assorted paraphernalia designed to let me know that an artist is showing somewhere.

And like most people, not just art critics, time management is a delicate issue, and thus over the years I’m fairly sure that I’ve actually only seen about 1percent of the shows that I have actually been interested in, or have caught my attention.

A while back, one of those shows 14 | April 2016

oaxaca!

clockwise, from top left: ​"Laughing Queen," oil on canvas with artist-made frame​, 60" x 40" "Mask Circle, oil on canvas with artist-made frame, 42"x54" "Pursuit," ​oil on canvas with artist-made frame, ​28"x28"

which snared my interest was an embassy show by a “new” — or at least new to me — artist whose work (at least online) seemed quite good.

It wasn’t just that it “looked” quite good because of the subject matter (it did), or that it looked like the artist had some really good painting skills (it did), or even because it was eye catching in a different frequency from most works (it was).

So I decided to pay a visit to this embassy show, and to say that the work floored me is an understatement.

In fact, it forced me to put my nose close to the canvas; it forced me to step backwards and far away to see how the tight compositions worked together; and it even tickled me to look

around to ensure that I hadn’t been transported to the past, or perhaps to the future of contemporary realism.

Teresa Oaxaca is the artist, and her paintings and etchings are the subject that dazzled my eyes, seduced my imagination, punched the solar plexus of my mind, and filled my curiosity with inquiries about all that revolved around the universe of this artist.

Oaxaca is clearly an artist with formidable painting skills. Her energetic brushwork and fearless attitude towards an aggressive employment of color should be the first chapter in the lesson book to anyone aspiring to pick up a brush and apply anything to a canvas.

GALLERY BEAT > PAGE 17

Old Town Crier

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visit a museum.

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POINTS ON PETS SARAH LIU & JASON BERGER

KING STREET CATS ADOPTION CALENDAR APRIL 2016 FOR DETAILS & MORE INFO website: www.kingstreetcats.org email: contact@kingstreetcats.org King Street Cats is looking for foster homes! You provide the spare room and TLC and we provide food, litter and all vetting. Please email for our Kitten Fostering FAQ at: contact@kingstreetcats.org KING STREET CATS 25 Dove Street Alexandria, VA 22314 Every Saturday & Sunday 1:30 - 4:30 pm PRO FEED Bradlee Shopping Center 3690 King Street Alexandria, VA 22302 Every Saturday & Sunday 1:00 - 4:00 pm PETCO UNLEASHED AT PENTAGON ROW 1101 S. Joyce Street Arlington, VA 22202 Saturday, April 16 Sunday, April 17 1:00 - 4:00 pm THE DOG PARK 705 King Street Alexandria, VA 22314 Saturday, April 9 1:00 - 4:00 pm INDY & ALLY 321 S. Washington Street Alexandria, VA 22314 Saturday, April 23 Sunday, April 24

16 | April 2016

The Rewards of Fostering and TNR

A

s spring and summer approach, it’s the season for flowers, sunshine, and new beginnings. It’s also a time of year many rescue workers dread, due to the increase in litters produced by unspayed cats. Known as “kitten season,” this influx of new life contributes to overcrowding in shelters, sanctuaries, and feral colonies, usually overwhelming already scarce resources.

Foster families become especially important and each community should be on the look-out for effective and humane policies to limit the births of homeless kittens.

With that in mind, below are a few thoughts and reminders for the practices of fostering and trap-neuter-release.

rescue as many kittens as we have foster families - the more foster families we have, the more lives we are able to save."

Fostering has many rewards. In addition to saving lives, spending time with your kittens and caring for their needs is guaranteed to be an exciting and educational experience. Fostering is also flexible and cost-effective, making it a great opportunity for families with children, seniors, or individuals unable to make a long-term commitment. According

the gratification involved in rescuing thin, scared, or sick kittens, and watching them transform. She says: “At the end of your foster experience, when you watch someone fall in love with them as much as you have loved them and see them go to their forever home, nothing is more rewarding."

Rewarding? Definitely. But it’s not always easy. Carin reminded us that, while most families experience healthy and loving kittens, the unexpected can arise.

For instance, sometimes a

Foster Families

Many animal shelters and rescue organizations run foster programs for our feline and canine friends. For cats, fostered animals tend to be kittens, pregnant cats, momma cats with litters, senior cats, and cats with special needs.

Foster parents provide temporary shelter and care, and enjoy a convenient alternative to permanently adopting a furr-ever friend.

Requirements generally include an orientation session, a spare bedroom or bathroom, and plenty of love and affection. Expenses, including food and veterinary care, are generally covered by the shelter or rescue group.

Carin Rhodes, Volunteer Foster Care Coordinator with King Street Cats, stresses the need for foster families: "Quite frankly, we can only

Takoma

Daisy Duke

to Rhodes, "It’s incredibly edifying to watch your fosters grow and flourish in your home.” Carin described

kitten gets sick and needs veterinary care. Sometimes a foster family may need to give a kitten medication.

Additionally, some kittens are shy, and need extra TLC to overcome their fears.

And sometimes, despite the best medical and foster care possible, a kitten passes away.

While rare, these situations do occur, and a foster family should be emotionally prepared for the good times and the bad. As Carin reminds us, “There are no perfect kittens, just like there are no perfect children.” Each kitten is different, with its own unique personality, behaviors, and needs.

Overall, fostering is a wonderful opportunity that is embraced by the vast majority of people who undertake it, and is incredibly important for animals.

Carin tells us: "We could not perform our lifesaving mission without our foster families. It is because of our incredible foster families that we were able to rescue 184 kittens and their moms last year. We cannot express how grateful we are for all of our foster families and how great the need is for additional foster families to continue to save cats and kittens in need."

For details on fostering with King Street Cats, please visit www.kingstreetcats.org/info/ display?PageID=16319 or e-mail contact@kingstreetcats. org.

For other information on fostering in the Alexandria area, visit the Animal Welfare League of Alexandria at alexandriaanimals.org/ fostering.html, or your local rescue group.

TNR: Trap-Neuter-Return

Although fostering is incredibly helpful for those

POINTS ON PETS > PAGE 17

Old Town Crier

POINTS ON PETS FROM PAGE 16

GALLERY BEAT FROM PAGE 14

animals that have already been brought into the world, Trap-Neuter-Return is a humane program to help reduce the numbers of homeless kittens born each year.

Trap-Neuter–Return, or TNR, is a program by which unowned, free-roaming cats are trapped, sterilized, vaccinated against rabies, and released back into the outdoors.

Why is this necessary? According to some estimates, an unspayed cat can have over 420,000 kittens in the span of just seven years. Even the most conservative estimates, such as calculatethis.com/420000-kittens-unspayed-cat-kitten-calculator, predict one unspayed female can have 49,000 surviving offspring after 10 years.

TNR has been endorsed by the ASCPA, The Humane Society of the United States, Alley Cat Allies, and other animal welfare organizations. As indicated by the ASPCA: “TNR has been shown to be the least costly and the most humane, efficient way of stabilizing community cat populations. TNR helps stabilize the population of community colonies and, over time, reduces them. Nuisance behaviors such as spraying, excessive noisemaking and fighting are largely eliminated and no additional kittens are born.” (https://www.aspca.org/animalhomelessness/shelter-intake-and-surrender/closer-look-community-cats).

Oaxaca’s paintings and prints are at first sight a prism focusing the refracted colors back in time; or are they? To the fantasist, they could also be the work of an artist who has been traveling from the Victorian era to the present; or is it a future time traveler, bathing in the luxuries of the Baroque period, sending us her impressions from her latest voyage to the past?

Whatever the answer, the DMV gets an expanded opportunity to see her work, as her second solo exhibit at The Art League in Alexandria. “Misfits” will be on view April 6-May 1, 2016.

According to The Art League’s news release, the show “explores the themes of clowns and dolls, human effigies, and painted faces, integrating human emotions and passions with allegorical storytelling.

Oaxaca’s style has greatly grown and evolved since her first solo exhibit at The Art League in 2010. She’s interested in breaking the boundaries of traditional realism, and is succeeding through her choice of subject matter, compositional choices, and painterly style.”

I have no idea what her first solo show was about, since I’ve just discovered this painter, but I suspect that it was but a bridge to her most recent work. Make no mistake, this is an artist who is deeply embedded in the world that she depicts through her art; she lives that world.

“My work is about pleasing the eye. I paint light and the way it falls. Simple observation reveals beauty, which I often find in the unconventional. Because of this, I have learned to take particular delight in unusual pairings of subject matter,” she notes.

Oaxaca’s compositions are described as spontaneous.

“When a person comes to me, they occupy a space in my mind. Arrangements form from there until I excitedly see and conceive the idea for the piece. The design is both planned and subconscious. For this reason, I surround myself with Victorian and Baroque costumes, bones, and other things I find fascinating. I want subject matter to always be at hand, always around me.”

All of Oaxaca’s paintings will be shown within unique frames that the artist designed, built, and painted herself. She feels that the individually designed frames truly complete the one-of-akind piece.

Do not miss this show.

• ALLEY CAT ALLIES has detailed instructions if you are interested in becoming active in a Trap-Neuter-Return program. www.alleycat.org/page.aspx?pid=285 • ASPCA ENDORSEMENT www.aspca.org/animal-homelessness/shelter-intake-and-surrender/closer-look-community-cats • HUMANE SOCIETY OF THE U.S. ENDORSEMENT www.humanesociety.org/animals/cats/facts/cat_statement.html • ALLEY CAT ALLIES ENDORSEMENT http://www.alleycat.org/trap-neuter-return 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.

PETS OF THE MONTH DYLAN (A039949)

Meet Dylan! He is a neutered black Domestic Short Hair cat. At nine years old, he is one of the most outgoing and energetic senior kitties you will ever meet! One of his favorite activities includes climbing to the top of his cage, getting stuck, and needing a staff member to help him down!

As part of our Book Buddies program, he loves when kids sit inside his cage with him and read him stories. Dylan is the perfect combination of playful and snuggly. He has lived with another cat before, and we think he would be suited for just about any home! He would likely do well with other animals, but would probably enjoy being the center of attention as well. Whatever you’re looking for in a cat, we’re pretty sure Dylan’s got it, so stop by and visit him today!

GUY (AO66128)

Say hi to one great Guy! This handsome 2 year old Labrador Retriever mix might just be the one for you! Guy takes his name very seriously, and likes to show off his muscles and high energy while playing and going for walks. Due to this, he would probably do best as the only animal in the home.

Guy does have a very sweet and affectionate side though, and loves spending time with people. If Guy sounds like the perfect guy (wink wink) you’ve been searching for, come down to the shelter and visit him today!

The DC stands for Dog and Cat For more info: www.dcPawsRescue.org NIVENS (A065565)

Hi, I’m Nivens! I was found outside as a stray, so the shelter doesn’t know much about my age or background, but they know that I am definitely a house bunny and don’t belong in the wild! I am a spayed female, and an albino shorthaired rabbit. Being albino, some people think I might be scary since I have red eyes, but I promise I’m not! Although I may not be the best choice for a family with small children, I am certainly a sweet bunny! I absolutely LOVE getting treats from our staff and volunteers, and bet you I can down a carrot faster than any of the other bunnies here! If you don’t believe me, you’ll just have to come down to meet me so I can show you!

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April 2016 | 17

CARIBBEAN CONNECTION JEFFREY R. McCORD

Intrepid Snow Birds in Paradise Hope in her winter territory.

N

o one knew if she’d make it. Flying directly into the sustained 111 to 129 mph winds of a Cat. 3 hurricane could have been suicidal for a bird weighing barely one pound. But, she was determined to make it to the U.S. Virgin Islands.

Never much of a bird watcher, I’d always admired the eagles of the Potomac River and enjoyed the antics of ravens haunting Virginia barns. On the island of St. John, I now routinely dodge groups of small hummingbirds frantically jockeying for position at my wife’s bird feeder whenever I sit on our deck. Unlike Virginia hummingbirds, however, these Antillean crested birds sport fluorescent turquoise foreheads that seem to glow.

Like the spectacular Bird of Paradise plant that also thrives here (though native to South Africa), these hummingbirds confirm that we human visitors have arrived in Shangri-la. Our yellow bananaquits, brown pelicans, magnificent frigate birds with their forked tails and the rarely seen Puerto Rican parrot also conjure paradise.

Yet, the transcontinental journeys of our more ordinary and often endangered North American shore bird species truly inspire wonder.

Beginning in their nesting areas ranging from the Arctic down to the northern Great Plains, such shorebirds as spotted sandpipers, blue-winged teal ducks and Cape May warblers 18 | April 2016

Antillean Crested Hummingbird

each year fly thousands of miles south to winter in the West Indies, stopping along the way in mid-Atlantic coast staging grounds ­— often in the Chesapeake Bay region — to feed and recuperate.

Picking up a book written for Virgin Islands school children (“Hope is Here!”) by St. John authornaturalist Cristina Kessler, I learned the remarkable story of one such bird.

Hope, a member of the whimbrel species of wading birds, was named after Hope Creek on Virginia’s eastern shore where she was found by Fletcher Smith, a research biologist with the College of William and Mary. After catching Hope on May 19, 2009, Mr. Smith tagged and fitted her with a solar-powered satellite transmitter weighing only 9.5 grams as part of a collaborative effort by the Center for Conservation Biology at the

College of William and Mary, Virginia Commonwealth University and the Virginia chapter of The Nature Conservancy. They aim to discover migratory routes connecting the northern breeding with their tropical wintering areas and their staging stops in-between in order to better protect this declining species.

“Hope is one of a few whimbrels fitted with transmitters and studied for several years to identify en route migratory staging areas that are critical to the conservation of this declining species,” Mr. Smith explained at a recent St. John Audubon Society meeting. The total population of Eastern whimbrels has been cut in half since 1995 to about 40,000.

Climate change in their arctic breeding grounds, hunting and other unknown factors are believed responsible for the decline in population of about 4 percent each year.

Standing about 1.5 feet tall, to my uneducated eye the whimbrel looks like a cross between a female mallard duck and a heron. Its brownish, grayish feathers stands in contrast to the spectacular snowy white egrets and great blue herons also sharing Virgin Island wetlands.

But, with their 3.5 foot wing-span, these prosaic birds can fly 3,500 miles non-stop at speeds up to 50 mph.

The speed of the hurricane defying bird described in this story’s opening paragraph, though, had fallen to only 9 mph as it battled incredibly strong Cat.

photo: Lisa Yntema

3 head winds on a course directly into the storm’s eye, Mr. Smith explained.

Once there, the bird seemingly windsurfed the eye’s wall and was propelled as though from a sling shot. Surfing the hurricane’s tail winds, the avian projectile was clocked at 92 mph as it doggedly kept on its course tracked by satellite.

“Whimbrels are able to survive a hurricane because of the tremendous fat stores that they’re able to put on,” Mr. Smith said. They almost double their weight before their migratory departure. “That means they’re able to expend the energy it takes to fly through a hurricane.”

What about the need to sleep during their 5-day non-stop journeys?

Incredibly, the whimbrel shuts down half of its brain while in migratory flight. “So, they’re half asleep, but also alert,” Mr. Smith said.

Whether wide awake or not, these birds are incredibly territorial about their destinations during their 10 to 15 year life spans. The Virginians’ studies determined that each year Hope returns to within a few feet of the exact same spots to feed almost exclusively on fiddler crabs, whether in her northern Hudson Bay breeding ground, eastern shore Virginia staging area or her protected winter home at Great Pond, St. Croix. Great Pond is part of the birder paradise of the St. Croix East End Marine Park.

“I think Hope is a great story of CARIBBEAN CONNECTION > PAGE 19

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CARIBBEAN CONNECTION FROM PAGE 18

science with a heart,” Virgin Island author Cristina Kessler said. “I found it very inspiring and I thought maybe kids would too.”

“Thousands of people come to our islands in-part for the birding,” explained Laurel Brannick, Supervisory Ranger at Virgin Islands National Park (VINP). “The Park provides a protected habitat for neo-tropical migrants like Cape May warblers, which breed in Quebec province, fly down and stop along the midAtlantic Coast and winter here.”

The VINP has the Caribbean’s largest intact tropical dry forest and plenty of mangrove fringed wetlands these shore birds need, Ranger Brannick said. Each week, she leads a bird-watching group to St. John’s pristine Francis Bay. A few years ago, following a storm, a rare pink flamingo resided there, she noted.

Although native to the Virgin Islands, these birds were hunted to near extinction for their iconic feathers and are now struggling to make a comeback.

While leading one group of VINP visitors, Ranger Brannick was particularly moved by a gentleman with the progressive eye disease macular degeneration. He wanted to see certain species before he went blind. And, that day, she helped him successfully view the mangrove cuckoo, the lesser Antillean bullfinch and the rare bridled quail dove.

For birders and most other visitors, the Virgin Islands live up to its slogan “America’s Paradise.”

Jeffrey R. McCord is a free-lance journalist and media relations consultant who has called Northern Virginia his home for more than 20

You Could Be Swimming in Warm Waters Right Now

Park Place

Close up of a transmitter on a whimbrel.

photo: Bart Paxton

years. The author of “Undocumented Visitors in a Pirate Sea,” a quarter-finalist in the 2014 Amazon Breakthrough Novel contest, Mr. McCord’s articles on international economics and consumer protection have appeared in The Wall Street Journal, Barron’s, Gannett newspapers and Truthout.org, among other publications. He now divides his time between Virginia and St. John, USVI.

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Old Town Crier

April 2016 | 19

ROAD TRIP BOB TAGERT

SpringtimeIntheMountains With the beautiful warm weather we have had this past month, now is a good time to take a drive to the mountains. Hit the road, roll the windows down and enjoy the fresh air. There is much to do as you draw closer to the Blue Ridge. Come along with me and I will take you to some of my favorite places.

The best part of driving to the mountains is getting on to the beautiful back-country roads.

Unfortunately, to get to these roads we have to get past the interstate…so let’s get started. My first stop is Culpeper, Va. The best way to get there is to take I-95 south to Fredericksburg and then Route 3 to Culpeper. Check the traffic on 95, as it is almost always bad. After you leave Fredericksburg behind, you will begin to encounter open fields where the grass is getting greener every day. Before you arrive in Culpeper you will come to Old House Vineyard and a great place to stop after your 90-minute drive. Owner Pat Kearney has put a lot of effort in this old farm that he purchased in 1988. Have a sip of wine and then continue on to Culpeper.

The historic district of Culpeper makes it seem like a small town, only a few blocks long, but the rest of the town is spread out. The historic district has some fabulous shops and a collection of restaurants to rival anywhere. Stop in at Foti’s restaurant for a memorable meal.

Say hi to owners Frank and his wife Sue. One block off of Davis Street you will find the beautiful Piedmont Steakhouse, a great place to spend an hour. There are a number of shops along Davis Street and they are all different. What sets these shops apart is that they all have their own identity. Check out the full-page ad for Culpeper in this issue and be sure to attend their “Gnarly Hops & Barley Fest” the end of April.

20 | April 2016

It’s back in the car and west on Route 522 toward the mountains. After leaving Culpeper you will begin to enter the foothills. The traffic will all but disappear and you will feel your heart rate slow. After a thirty minute drive you will enter the one stop sign town of Sperryville (there are no traffic lights in Rappahannock County). Sperryville is a very small town with a lot of enterprising people. The Thornton River Grill is a great restaurant and caddy-corner to the restaurant is Hopkins Ordinary, an extraordinary B&B. Owners Kevin and Sherry took Kevin’s beermaking hobby one step higher to brewing commercially. Here you will find the Ale Works with about five specially crafted beers.

If you feel like stretching your legs, there is a nine-hole golf course in town. The course will celebrate its second year open to the public. The Thornton River flows through the middle of town and if you follow it downstream you will come to the Copper Fox complex which is dominated b the Copper Fox Distillery.

Here they make Copper Fox Rye and Wasmunds Single Malt American Whiskey. This is just about the only distillery in America that hand malts their barley. Tours and tastings are available. In this part of town you will also find Copper Fox Antiques, Pen Druid brewery as well as a few other specialty shops.

About a mile out of Sperryville you will find Cooters Place straight out of the Dukes of Hazzard and the iconic car, the Robert E. Lee. This is a great place to shop and grab a bite to eat.

About five miles down Route 211 is the town of Little Washington. This is the home of the internationally known Inn at Little Washington. The Inn has long been a destination of the rich and famous Old Town Crier

from around the world. A little bit more to my taste is the restaurant Tula’s Off Main. Owned and operated by Alexandrian’s John McCaslin and Mark Allen, Tula’s is serving up great food and drink for locals and tourists alike. If you make it to Little Washington make an appointment for a spa treatment at the Little Washington Spa which is owned by another Alexandrian, Jackie Bogle Muse.

If you take Main Street out of Little Washing you will find a lovely drive through the countryside and eventually to Route 522. Turing left off 522 you can continue your drive to Front Royal and then pick up Route 66 east to The Plains, another neat little town in the country.

There are a couple of nice restaurants and shops in this charming village. A little outside of town are two of Virginia’s best wineries, Three Fox Vineyards and Barrel Oak Winery. Three Fox is “a Little Bit of Tuscany” in the Blue Ridge. The vineyard is beautiful and in addition to

Old Town Crier

its inviting tasting room is a cigar club.

Grab a bottle of wine, a fine cigar and settle in for a pleasant afternoon. Barrel Oak is a very popular destination for Northern Virginians. In addition to a wide selection of wines, owner Brian Roeder will be opening a brewery in May for craft beer lovers.

A few miles outside of The Plains is Great Meadow, the home of the popular Virginia Gold Cup, which is held the first Saturday in May. The Virginia Gold Cup is the premier steeplechase race in Virginia. In addition to the Gold Cup, there are also other steeplechase races and point-to-point races throughout Virginia in April (see schedule pg. 27).

This is just a sampling of great places to discover this spring. The trees are in full bloom and soon green leaves will cover the trees. These are also the towns where you will find the Old Town Crier each month. Join us!

April 2016 | 21

FROM THE BAY… MOLLY WINANS

Core training on the water.

L

et’s try some guided imagery to start the sailing season. Take a deep breath. Relax. Imagine.

It’s your first big day on the water and a sunny, 70-degree one. You slip on your new Maui Jims and work your way up on deck to rig up the new jib (this is imagery, right? It’s all shiny and new).

Fast forward to envisioning yourself at the mast.

Hoist! Later, you change a sail or two on the bow, mess with the pole, and run down below to pack a chute.

Brace yourself for that puff! Whoa, that was a good one.

Core Value

Now you’re in the cockpit. Can you pass up that other headsail? Careful, it’s heavy. I got it. Can you hand me a winch handle? Trim, trim, trim. Ease, ease. Nice. Can you guys hike out a bit? Could you crawl out to skirt the jib?

Such an upbeat sailing day goes by quickly. I’ll take a beer. Ah. Here, I can help you with the boom cover.

Need a hand? Hand me that big duffel bag. Pass me the cooler. What a wonderful day, thank you!

Fast forward to the next day. How does your back feel? Let’s slide out of sailing fantasy camp and into reality. How does your back really feel the next morning after the first windy day sail or race? Local sailor Kerry

22 | April 2016

Photo: Dan Phelps/SpinSheet

De Vivo knows about painting hulls, hoisting sails, hiking out, doing quick tacks, and how all of it affects the back and body. As a Pilates instructor with Excel Pilates Annapolis, she says, “We’re all trying to get our sea legs back. It’s important to get ahead of the curve and take care of yourself rather than wait until you get hurt.”

De Vivo and her husband Erik Fridley, “racers at heart,” cruise with their five-year-old son more than race these days (although he does tag along for some Wednesday night races on Round Bay on their J/27 Super G). Pilates, says De Vivo, appeals to many sailors because it conditions the body and has mental and spiritual components, but “there’s no chanting as in yoga, which is why a lot of people like it.”

Pilates (pronounced pi-LAH-teez) is a system of exercise, which is a full-body workout—involving mat and apparatus work—focused on core strength. De Vivo, who can tailor programs for sailing crews, notes that strengthening the core is every bit as important as upper body strength for sailing. Core strength is not only helpful in preventing the back injuries common in sailing, but it also greatly improves the flexibility and balance necessary to go under the boom, brace yourself in a puff, switch sides on the rail, or trim sails on windy days.

Here’s one easy exercise De Vivo urges sailors to begin today: “Stand with your heels together and toes a fist distance apart. Stand upright with good posture.

Think

FROM THE BAY > PAGE 24

Old Town Crier

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April 2016 | 23

FROM THE BAY FROM PG 22

about lifting your abdominals toward your spine. Posture is huge for injury prevention. Just like when you get your sail in the right position, when your posture is good, you flow” (excelpilatesannapolis.com).

Ben Jenkins, a trainer at Annapolis Athletic Club, recommends three core-strengthening exercises we can all start right now to strengthen our core for sailing. He says to start with “the plank.”

Get in push-up position but on your forearms instead of hands (a little more challenging). “Maintain a straight line without letting hips go down or arch up. Hold for 20 to 30 seconds. Do three reps. Work up to holding it for a minute.” Jenkins also suggests a “V-fit.” Starting in a sit-up position with knees bent, keep your back straight with your arms across your chest. Lean back until you feel your abdominal muscles engage. Hold for 15 to 20 seconds (progress to a minute). Repeat three times. For upper body strength, he recommends two exercises that can be done anywhere: push-ups (do them on your knees if you must) and tricep dips with a chair (annapolisathleticclub.com).

When asked for his top three exercises for sailors, Harry Legum at Annapolis Sailing Fitness, who specializes in training racing sailors, responds, “Because everyone’s so different, it cannot be boiled to the top three exercises, but rather top three routines or types of exercises, such as core, balance, and agility training and cardio. Each has numerous ways to practice such as yoga or Pilates classes, the use of a Bosu ball or paddleboarding, and running or cycling. Strength training with weights should also be mixed in ideally” (annapolissailingfitness.com).

Geez Harry, we were hoping for short cuts. So much for painfree imagery. If we’re going to be fit for spring sailing, we had better get moving.

Publishers Note: Winans is the managing editor of the very popular Annapolis/Eastport, Md.-based SpinSheet sailing magazine and PropTalk power boating magazine. This column first appeared in SpinSheet April 2011.

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For information, call 540-751-9603 24 | April 2016

Old Town Crier

…TO THE BLUE RIDGE JULIE REARDON

There’s a little voyeurism in all of us.

We love to peek through the windows and behind the closed doors and walled gardens of others, especially the wealthy. So even if you aren’t an avid gardener, Historic Garden Week in Virginia offers a rare chance to visit a few of the area’s loveliest estates during a time when they’re all dressed up in spring colors.

and Historic Garden Week was born. The Garden Club of Virginia operates as a non-profit organization comprised of 47 member clubs and 3,400 volunteers. Proceeds go toward the restoration and preservation of Virginia’s historic public gardens. The first statewide tour was in 1929, and since then over $17 million has been contributed to this worthwhile cause.

All photos courtesy of Garden Club of Virginia, 2105 Historic Garden Week, www.vagardenweek.org

in full bloom!

Historic Garden Week is a statewide event, sponsored by the Garden Club of Virginia and its local chapters and this year is April 23-30, when 250 of the most beautiful gardens, homes and historic landmarks statewide will be open during “America’s Largest Open House.” This eight day event provides visitors a unique opportunity to see unforgettable gardens at the peak of Virginia’s springtime color, as well as beautiful houses and historic sites sparkling with over 2,000 flower arrangements created by Garden Club of Virginia members.

Back in 1927, a flower show put on by the Garden Club of Virginia raised $7,000 to preserve some of the trees on the lawn of Thomas Jefferson’s Monticello, a huge sum at that time, Old Town Crier

The nearly 50 active Garden Club of Virginia restoration projects statewide include Mount Vernon, the Pavilion Gardens at the University of Virginia, and the Woodrow Wilson Presidential Library, which benefit from Historic Garden Week tours.

Tour proceeds fund the restoration and preservation of Virginia’s historic gardens, and provide graduate level research fellowships for building comprehensive and ongoing records of historic gardens and landscapes in the Commonwealth, and support the mission of the Garden Club of Virginia.

In the Blue Ridge, with those fabled mountains, the stone walls, the dogwoods, and the redbuds in bloom

BLUE RIDGE > PAGE 26

April 2016 | 25

BLUE RIDGE FROM PG 25

for the backdrop, the Fauquier and Loudoun Garden Club will hold four spectacular houses and their gardens open on Sunday, April 24 and Monday, April 25. All four are located around Middleburg, Upperville and the village of Paris (the one in Virginia, not France). The homes include a restored 1812 Federal village

farmhouse overlooking the scenic Paris valley; a stately Georgian manor built in 1913 on 350 acres and fully restored, including its formal sunken gardens, by the current owners in 2010; a distinctive contemporary courtyard home with attached stable built to take advantage of the landscape in 2011; and another newer home and outbuildings built 1999-

2003, with inspiration taken from Colonial era homes, on farmland originally part of a 1731 Carter land grant.

Tickets for the Fauquier Loudoun Garden Club’s tour can be purchased in advance online and are $40 on the day of the tour. For online purchase, go to vagardenweek. com and on the day of the tour, they can be purchased locally at Buchanan Hall

BEER. BED. BREAKFAST.

in Upperville or at the National Sporting Library in Middleburg. For the Monday tour only, box lunches can be ordered in advance for $15.

For details, email flgc.hgw@ gmail.com.

including large and small cupped daffodils, double daffodils, Jonquilla, one or multi stemmed, and more. For information, call (540) 5544551.

More Garden Goodies

Civil War History and Racing Over Fences

More than 50 exhibitors are expected to enter from Virginia and nearby states; this year’s theme is Historic Virginia Mansions. Themed arrangements will highlight the Federal styles of historic Virginia homes such as Mount Vernon, Monticello, Morven Park, Montpelier and Oatlands, and more.

The doors open at 2 p.m., and although admission is free, donations are welcomed.

According to organizers, anyone can enter an exhibit.

If you think you have some prize-worthy daffodils and/or are good at arranging them, just pick them, arrange them and plan to arrive between 8 and 10 a.m. on April 12; volunteers will be on hand to assist you. In addition to the themed exhibits, there are a wide variety of divisions;

3, Green Garden, a privately owned antebellum home near Upperville, will be open for a tour as part of a Civil War program with tales from local historians. The tour will begin at Buchanan Hall at 2 p.m., followed by a caravan to Green Garden for a reception and tour. Green Garden dates from 1833 and is on the National Historic Register.

Several of Mosby’s Rangers, including sons of the thenowner Jesse Richards, lived in the house, known as a Mosby “safe house” during the Civil War. The “hidey hole” used by the rangers for quick escape can still be seen at the historic old home. The tour is $40 ($30 for members of the Mosby Heritage Area Association members); for information on the tour call (540) 687-6681 or visit MosbyHeritageArea.org.

The Upperville Garden Club’s 53rd annual Daffodil Show will have thousands of daffodils on display at Buchanan Hall on the south side of Rt. 50 in Upperville on April 12. Here, you can see every kind of daffodil, from the mundane to the exotic.

Perhaps you’ve seen the Mosby Heritage Area signs on Route 50 west of 15 or out I66 west of Haymarket and wondered about them.

The Mosby Heritage Area Association is a local nonprofit preservation and education group. On April

VISIT THE BREWERY NEAR SHENANDOAH NATIONAL PARK AND STAY THE NIGHT

47 MAIN STREET • SPERRYVILLE, VIRGINIA 540.987.3383 • HOPKINSORDINARY.COM

You don’t need magic to disappear.

All you need is a destination.

WAYPOINT HOUSE a contemporary, pet-friendly B+B in the Northern Shenandoah Valley waypointhouse.com

(540) 955 - 8218

26 | April 2016

Old Town Crier

POINT TO POINT SCHEDULE

And don’t forget the horses — racing is in full swing, both point to points as well as the big sanctioned races.

Our pick: Old Dominion Hounds’ point to point races Saturday April 9 in

Rappahannock County west of Warrenton at Ben Venue on April 9; post time for the first of 8 races is noon. For reserved parking or general information call (540) 3644573 or visit the hunt’s website

at OldDominionHounds. weebly.com. Sanctioned racing action comes to Glenwood Park with the Middleburg Spring Races April 23; for information visit MiddleburgSpringRaces.com.

Saturday, April 2 9:00 am Orange County Hounds Hunter Pace Events Locust Hill Farm, Middleburg (540) 253-5566

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

Sunday, April 3 1:00 pm Orange County Hounds Point to Point Locust Hill Farm, Middleburg (540) 687-5552 pippy@vafallraces.com

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

Saturday, April 9 12:00 noon Old Dominion Hounds Point to Point Ben Venue Farm, Ben Venue (540) 364-4573 (540) 636-1507

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

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

Sunday, May 1 1:00 pm Middleburg Hunt Point to Point Glenwood Park, Middleburg (540) 687-6069 (540) 454-2991 Saturday, May 7 1:00 pm Virginia Gold Cup Races Great Meadow, The Plains (540) 347-2612 www.vagoldcup.org

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

This is where your new favorite whiskey comes from.

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

Old Town Crier

April 2016 | 27

BEHIND THE BAR

VANI MALHOTRA

Vani serves up the Warehouse Perfect Lemon Drop—the secret’s in the mix.* Vani is behind the bar Wednesday - Sunday nights from 5 pm until close.

How did you get started in the bartending business?

My parents were hoping I’d be a lawyer or a doctor and I was really good at drinking so I decided to make some money while enjoying it, and here I am! Seriously, though, I was working at Starbucks and this guy came in and poached me and said I wasn’t being appreciated enough, all

SHAVANI “VANI” MALHOTRA IS BEHIND THE BAR AT WAREHOUSE BAR & GRILL 214 KING STREET OLD TOWN ALEXANDRIA 703-683-6868 WAREHOUSEBARANDGRILL.COM

while my boss, her boss and his boss was sitting next to him, and here I am today.

What is your biggest bartender pet peeve?

My biggest pet peeve as a bartender is losing my wine key and pens. I can carry spares, but sometimes in a rush BEHIND THE BAR > PAGE 29

New

28 | April 2016

Old Town Crier

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

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

BEHIND THE BAR FROM PAGE 28

you know you’re on this roll and have this flow. I place things and forget where, that’s frustrating especially if my rush is still in progress and it’s me running around like a chicken with its head cut off.

What is the most clever line anyone has used in an attempt to get a free drink from you?

This guy wanted to take a shot as if he was celebrating something, but he didn’t have anyone to take the shot with, so he asked me if I would take one with him. I told him that since I’m at work I can’t, but I’d take a shot of water with him. He agreed…we got ready, set, shot! He puts his glass down and says “Thanks BFF. So you got this, right?”

What is the best/worst pick-up line you have heard?

The worst pick-up line I’ve ever heard was actually a series of strung out lines this one guy was using on one of my regulars. I felt bad for the guy because I could tell that Old Town Crier

he was trying too hard. But he was cute and shy and nice — you know what they say about nice guys. I remember he closed with, “Ha, ha, you probably think I’m talking too much so I’ll just stop! But, hey, let me buy you another one”. All I could think was my goodness … Please. Stop!

Tell us an interesting story about your adventures behind the bar.

A most recent encounter I had was with a customer on St. Patrick’s day. He was my last customer and it turns out he was this baby boomer Democrat from “Texas.”

When he told me that, I was first like, you’re really almost like anyone from “North Dakota”. But during the hour he was at my bar, Donald Trump made him cry with ignorance … actual tears!

Hands down most interesting encounter ever.

If you could sit down with anyone in the world (past or

present) and share a cocktail, who would that be?

If I could have a drink with anyone past or present, I’d choose both. Past, I’d have a drink with my dearly departed daddy, Harish Malhotra. He was the former GM of the Warehouse Bar and Grill, and I wouldn’t be one percent of who I am today if it wasn’t for him and my mom. He’s the reason I’m a good bartender.

He taught me about pallets and preferences and personal concoctions.

Or, Marilyn Monroe. Now those are some secrets I’d like in my vault shared over some cocktails!

In the present, I hope to see you at my bar in Old Town and I will let you know the secret* ingredient!

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

April 2016 | 29

DINING OUT LANI GERING

DINING IN WITH TERRA’S KITCHEN

T

his month we decided to see what the big deal is with having your meals delivered as a “kit” with everything all set for you to just open the containers and start cooking. The likes of Blue Apron and Hello Fresh have been around for some time and I have had friends try them both with mixed results and feelings. Terra’s Kitchen is the new kid on the block. They are located in Baltimore and launched their first deliveries on March 1. We were contacted by Terra’s Kitchen public relations people right before they started and were offered the opportunity to try them out. We took a little different approach than just fixing

30 | April 2016

one of the entrees at a time. We invited our friends Dan and Kathleen to join us as we prepared three meals at one time. The portions are for two people so this worked like a champ and was plenty of food for the four of us.

According to the press information, “Terra’s Kitchen promises farm-tofront door delivery of fresh, seasonal ingredients that are pre-portioned and prepped for skillet-ready, chefdesigned recipes. Each meal can be made in 30 minutes or less, giving families more time for the things that matter.” Also according to said release, the following three items set Terra’s apart from the rest:

Eco-Friendly Delivery Vessel

The unique vessel features proprietary, climate-controlling technology to keep high-quality ingredients cool and fresh for delivery.

The eco-friendly vessel is reusable and creates 0% waste, as Terra’s Kitchen will schedule a pickup date and time with its customers to retrieve it and reuse.

Clean and Chef-Designed Recipes

Libbie Summers, Head of Culinary Direction at Terra’s Kitchen and esteemed cookbook author, expertly combines high-quality ingredients for healthy meals, with options for DINING OUT > PAGE 31

Old Town Crier

DINING OUT FROM PG 30

omnivore, gluten-free, paleo and vegetarian preferences. With a rotating seasonal menu, each meal comes with a step-by-step recipe card to ensure that dinner is easy-to-make (think Southwestern Steak and Sweet Potato Bowl, Honey Mango Glazed Salmon and Blueberry Citrus Rice, Grilled Chicken Tacos with Avocado Goat Cheese Sauce or Creamy Squash Nests with Blistered Tomato “eggs” in under 30 minutes!).

Recreating the Family Dinner Experience

In an era where busy American families struggle to find the time for quality meals at home, Terra’s Kitchen’s offers consumers an easy tool for quick meals, that doesn’t sacrifice nutrition or taste, and can go from the skillet to the table in less than 30 minutes. All ingredients come pre-portioned and prepped — all you do is cook!”

Okay, to be perfectly honest since this was our first rodeo with the meal kit, we can’t comment on how it compares to the competition but we can tell you how it measured up to the hype. Following are a few pros and cons.

The Vessel

Pros: The “vessel” that the goods are delivered in definitely kept everything fresh (we didn’t actually get it open as soon as it arrived and everything was just fine 24 hours later) and is eco-friendly and can be used over and over again.

Cons: It is quite heavy — and I’m fairly strong — so it was a struggle getting it up the stairs to the office. And the many, many, many plastic containers that hold the ingredients aren’t so good for Mother Earth. See photo.

Even the lemons and limes were in individual containers.

The Food

Pros: You don’t have to go to the store!

Someone has already picked over the produce and made the right selections, bagged it and shipped it fresh right to your door.

The menu items that they sent included a vegetarian, a chicken, a beef and a fish entrée. They are listed above. We prepared the squash nests, chicken tacos and skirt steak.

The ingredients were fresh and it was nice to have the portions all squared away. The food was very good and it certainly was a treat to try something new. Goat cheese and avocado cream with fresh lime and jalapeno and blistered tomatoes for instance. The recipes are easy to follow and include tips for preparation.

I will definitely prepare a couple of the items again.

The portions were fine for us and you definitely won’t end up with leftovers. This would be important to someone who is watching their waistline and good for those of us who don’t like to waste food. We were very happy with everything.

Cons: There was more preparation than we thought there would be. Lots of grating, zesting, food processing and chopping/ mincing. Keep in mind we did prepare three entrees in tandem so that added to the prep time. I’m glad that I had my mini-osterizer, a really nice grater and my Pampered Chef chopper!

The Dinner Experience

There really aren’t any “cons” in this area.

Since we turned our experience into a dinner party of sorts, it did take quite a bit longer than 30 minutes to pull it all together. I prepared the salmon entrée by itself, however, and I did get it pulled together in about a half hour. It didn’t require the grating and chopping that the other entrees did so that made a bit of a difference.

We had a great time and a great meal.

The cost of the four entrees came to a little under $60 and it appears that they have included the cost of shipping in the price since the website touts “Shipping Is Always Free!”

DINING OUT > PAGE 35

Old Town Crier

April 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 | April 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 MACKIE’S BAR AND GRILL 907 King St. 703-684-3288 MAGNOLIA’S ON KING 703 King St. 703-838-9090 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

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 SOCIETY FAIR 277 S. Washington St. 703-683-3247 SONOMA CELLAR 207 King St. 703-966-3550 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

$10 LUNCH SPECIALS SOUP & SALAD OR BURGER, FRIES & SODA DAILY SPECIALS ALSO AVAILABLE

Great Steaks

USDA Prime Cuts

Late Night Menu Available Every Night

907 King Street Old Town Alexandria 703.684.3288

Great Steaks Great Steaks uts ime C

G

USDA Prime Cuts USDA Pr

Late Night MenLuate Night Menu ight N y r e v A E le b a il Gv Ea R ilAaNbIle O Every NighA a tv

RISTORANTE RedeямБning 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

April 2016 | 33

CHEF’S SPECIAL CHESTER SIMPSON

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

When I was in middle school I had a teacher who had been in a car accident. One day she started talking about her struggles after the accident and the one thing I remember her saying was “If you have nothing else to live for, live for food because you’ll never try everything.” That stuck with me and as soon as I graduated I started down the path of learning how to cook. I worked for a couple of years at a deli to learn basic knife skills, then at a local grill where I really learned how to cook and eventually made it my career.

photo: ©2016 Chester Simpson

Who have been the biggest inspirations for your career?

My family has always supported me, whether it’s trying a new menu idea or giving me the constructive criticism needed to make something better. Also Chef Thomas Nash at the Thornton River Grille in Sperryville, Va. He taught me the majority of what I needed to know to be an excellent chef.

ZACH ALLMAN What dish on your menu are you most curious to see IS THE EXECUTIVE CHEF AT how it’s received?

TULA’S OFF MAIN For the spring menu I’m putting together now, I’m 311 GAY STREET curious to see how the quinoa stir fry will be received.

WASHINGTON, VIRGINIA It’s the first time we have had quinoa on the menu and 540-675-2223 it’ll be interesting to hear peoples’ thoughts on the TULASOFFMAIN.COM dish.

CHEF’S SPECIAL > PAGE 35

left to right: Duck Confit, Grilled Zucchini and Smoked Salmon Rolls, Kale Salad, and Pound Cake with Strawberry Cabernet Sauce, Fresh Berries and Whipped Cream.

34 | April 2016

Old Town Crier

CHEF’S SPECIAL FROM PG 34

What do you do to ensure that the food going out to customers is of the highest quality?

I make sure that all of our food comes in fresh and in season. I also make sure the kitchen is properly deepcleaned and that all the cooks know the proper way to prepare the dishes. For the spring menu, I get locally grown chicken and sausage from Whiffletree Farms and fresh produce from Goat Hill Farms. I also get the best heirloom tomatoes grown by John Jenkins—the best tomatoes I’ve tasted.

DINING OUT FROM PG 31

While I know my dollar would have gone further at the store had I shopped myself, you have to decide how much your time is worth and there isn’t any angst about deciding what to cook when Terra has done all that for you!

I recommend you try it for yourself. Please visit their website for all of the details. Terraskitchen.com.

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

I used to watch Alton Brown on Food Network early in my cooking career. He explained a lot of the science behind how food works when it is cooking so I think a meal prepared by him would be pretty interesting. He appears regularly as the resident food historian, scientist and commentator on the Food Network series Iron Chef America, and is the host/judge on the reality series Next Iron Chef.

What's your guilty food pleasure?

As much as I enjoy to cook I can never pass up a good burger.

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

OYSTERS! SUNDAY, April 24, 2PM OYSTERS Half Shelled,

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Old Town Crier

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April 2016 | 35

GRAPEVINE FRANK BRITT

APRIL VIRGINIA WINE EVENTS APRIL 2 VERTICAL RANGER RESERVE AND PETIT VERDOT TASTING GRAY GHOST VINEYARDS (AMISSVILLE) Candlelit, black tie optional evening featuring past vintages of Ranger Reserve and a few vintages of Petit Verdot. Heavy hors d’oeuvres and discussion.

Reservations. www.grayghostvineyards.com SPRING WINEMAKER DINNER CASANEL VINEYARDS & WINERY (LEESBURG) Join the Casanel family for a delicious and fun evening, with dinner created by the Wandering Chef.

Steve Potter will provide background music. www.casanelvineyards.com WINEMAKER DINNER MARRIOTT RANCH (HUME) Five course gourmet dinner paired with select wines from Desert Rose Winery in celebration of their fifth year anniversary. Reservations 540-364-2627. www.desertrosewinery.com BLACK WINE GLASS TASTING FOX MEADOW WINERY (LINDEN) Think you can tell a white wine from a red wine?

Come get fooled by our new Black Glass Blind Tasting.

Tastings held on the hour. www.foxmeadowwinery.com WINES & SWINES FESTIVAL OLDE DOMINION AGRICULTURAL COMPLEX (CHATHAM) Enjoy a relaxing afternoon with friends while tasting, mangling, and purchasing. Local wines, regional craft beer. Local BBQ craftsmen. Music by Harley Boone Band. www.oldedominionagriculturalcomplex.com STEP INTO MYSTERY! NARMADA WINERY (AMISSVILLE) An interactive game of Clue. You must find out who did the crime, why and how. Best answer wins the Super Sleuth Award. Reservations. www.narmadawinery.com APRIL 3 BARREL TASTING VIRGINIA MOUNTAIN VINEYARDS (FINCASTLE) Pack a picnic and join in the annual barrel tasting in 36 | April 2016

the tasting room and enjoy a sneak taste of the wines to come. Music by Rag Top. www.wmvines.com APRIL 9 A CELEBRATION OF THE VINE WINE FESTIVAL THE MILLWORKS (MIDLOTHIAN) Beautiful new location is perfect for spring day of wine tastings, food and craft vendors. Live music throughout the day, ATMs, abundant parking with free shuttle. www.acelebrationofthevine.com CLARKSVILLE LAKE COUNTRY WINE FESTIVAL ON THE BRIDGE (DOWNTOWN CLARKSVILLE) Celebrating 10 years with a new location to accommodate the growing crowds and beautiful views of Buggs Island/Kerr Lake. Relax and enjoy the music, wine, craft beer, great foods. This is a 21 and older event, rain or shine. www.clarksvilleva.com MONTICELLO WINE TRAIL WINE FESTIVAL DOWNTOWN MALL (CHARLOTTESVILLE) Tasting event featuring 25 local wineries and live entertainment. Exclusive VIP ticket available for catered food and exclusive wines. One flight of tastings per winery. www.monticellowinetrailfestival.com GRAPES & GRAINS VIRGINIA MUSEUM OF NATURAL HISTORY (MARTINSVILLE) Benefit for the Museum, with delicious food, with samples of variety of wines, specialty beers and spirits. Silent auction. www.vmnh.net WINE AND EWE SHEARING DAY WISTERIA FARM AND VINEYARD (STANLEY) While the grapes start waking up, the rest of the farm is alive and kicking. Join in shearing day beginning around 10. Hot drinks and snacks. Tasting Room open. www.wisteriavineyard.com

SPRING BARREL TASTING INGLESIDE VINEYARDS (OAK GROVE) Be among the first to experience the future of our wines straight from the barrel. Includes tour, tasting, wine glass and live music. Food available or bring a picnic. www.inglesidevineyards.com LADIES’ GLAM NIGHT JAMES CHARLES WINERY (WINCHESTER) Enjoy a nights out at the winery celebrating all things girls with presentations on skincare, jewelry and fashion. Includes glass of wine and appetizers.

Reservations. www.jamescharleswine.com SMITHFIELD WINE & BREW FEST WINDSOR CASTLE PARK (SMITHFIELD) Brew Fest is part of a weekend of activities. Wines, local brews, culinary delights and upscale vendors, live entertainment. An adult event for 21 and older. www.smithfieldvawinebrewfest.com APRIL 9-10 VIRGINIA FLY FISHING & WINE FESTIVAL MEADOW EVENT PARK (DOSWELL) A unique event combining fine wine tasting, microbrew, live music and everything you ever wanted to know about fly fishing. Mission is to introduce as many people to the sport of fly fishing as possible. www.vaflyfishingfestival.com RITES OF SPRING WINE FESTIVAL 21550 GORDON SHELTON BLVD (FREDERICKSBURG) Award winning Virginia wines, unique artisan and crafters, food concessionaires, live entertainment and more. Bring your lawn chairs and blankets for a fun-filled day. www.theritesofspring.com APRIL 10 WINEMAKER PRESENTATION DEMOCRACY VINEYARDS (LOVINGSTON) Winemaker Ben Margulies will lead guests through a tour of new reds. 4 - 5 PM www.democracyvineyards.com RESERVE TASTING AFTON MOUNTAIN VINEYARDS (AFTON) Reserve tasting with winemaker Damien in the

barrel cave typically only open for special events.

Reservations. Very limited availability. www.aftonmountainvineyards.com SPRING BRUNCH BREAUX VINEYARDS (PURCELLVILLE) Start with sample of Breauxmance sparkling wine followed by sensational food and wine pairings. Menu

by Grandale Farm to pair perfectly with Breaux wines. www.breauxvineyards.com APRIL 15-17 VIRGINIA WINE CAMP INN AT VINEYARDS CROSSING Eleven wineries and a luxury Inn come together for a 3-day, 2-night immersion experience in Virginia’s Wine Country. Limited to 12. For reservations, contact Innkeeper at the Inn at Vineyards Crossing at 540364-2466 or innkeeper@vineyardscrossing.com.

APRIL 16 TASTE OF SPRING: BREWS, BUDS, BITES TIDES INN (IRVINGTON) Virginia microbreweries are the star of this day-long event. Unlimited tasting, commemorative cup and live entertainment. Local restaurants and artisan food vendors will offer signature bites. Music by SLAPNATION. www.tidesinn.com/taste-of-spring-2016/ SPRING OYSTER FESTIVAL DUCARD VINEYARDS (ETLAN) Rappahannock steamed and raw oysters and crab cakes along with a bottle of wine and you have a day made in heaven. Music by the Bennie Dodd Band. www.ducardvineyards.com CABERNET SAUVIGNON VERTICAL TASTING DRY MILL VINEYARDS WINERY (LEESBURG) Remaining Cabernet Sauvignons of 2008, 2009, 2010 and 2014 paired with catered tapas. Some wine will be for sale, if available. www.drymillwine.com WINE TASTING WITH IRISH MUSIC HUNTER’S RUN WINERY (HAMILTON) Live Irish music by the Capital Celtic band. Enjoy the winery’s finest selections or a glass of mulled wine or Old Town Crier

sangria with light fare. No entry fee. www.huntersrunwinebarn.com FARMVILLE WINE FESTIVAL RIVERSIDE PARK (DOWNTOWN FARMVILLE) Featuring some of Virginia’s premier wineries, fabulous food, arts and entertainment.

Benefit Meals on Wheels. www.farmvillewinefestival.com WILLIAMSBURG MUSIC & WINE FESTIVAL WILLIAMSBURG MOOSE LODGE (WILLIAMSBURG) Eight Virginia wineries, live music, delicious food and various vendors. All guests must be at least 21. www.williamsburgmusicandwinefestival.com APRIL 16-17 BUDBREAK CELEBRATION CANA VINEYARDS & WINERY (MIDDLEBURG) Release of 2015 Rosé wine and winemaker Melanie Natoli offers special tasting of rosés from around the world. Food by Paella by Gloria and German Gourmet on April 17. www.canavineyards.com APRIL 17 NORTHERN NECK WINE TASTING FESTIVAL RICE’S HOTEL/HUGHLETTE’S TAVERN (HEATHSVILLE) Wine tasting on the grounds of the last surviving 1700 era structure in the Northern Neck. Farmers Market, quilt show, food, artists and artisans, and earth day celebration. www.rhhtfoundationinc.org APRIL 22 SHAD PLANKING AND GRAPES & GRAINS FESTIVAL WAKEFIELD SPORTSMEN’S CLUB (WAKEFIELD) The event seamlessly marries food, wine, music and politics in a way that no other event in Virginia can do. Ticket is good for one vote in presidential straw poll. www.shadplanking.com DIVA NIGHT DEVAULT FAMILY VINEYARDS (CONCORD) Back by popular demand. A night for ladies to come out and get pampered, listen to music and drink wine. Ladies 0nly! www.DeVaultVineyards.com APRIL 22-23 BLOOMIN’ WINE FEST (DOWNTOWN WINCHESTER) Kick-off of the Annual Apple Blossom Festival with 20 wineries, two stages with live music. Stroll among the artisans and vendors as you enjoy the wine. Food vendors. www.bloomin-wine-fest.com APRIL 23 BLOOM FEST FOGGY RIDGE CIDER (DUGSPUR) Celebrate the beautiful apple orchard bloom and visit the spring orchard for a guided tour by Owner Diane Flynt. Enjoy a tasting of the season’s finest blends. www.foggyridgecider.com SUFFOLK WINE FESTIVAL 7000 COLLEGE DRIVE (SUFFOLK) Wines of 10 Virginia wineries and from Sister City wineries in Italy. Also Virginia Craft Breweries. www.suffolkwinefest.com

WILD GAME WINEMAKER’S DINNER BREAUX VINEYARDS (PURCELLVILLE) Enjoy a spectacular menu by Chef Author of Grandale Farms paired with a variety of favorite wine selections. Courses from alligator to elk. Reservations. www.breauxvineyards.com APRIL 23-24 GARDENS GALLERIES AND GRAPES SHENANDOAH COUNTY ARTISAN TRAIL (WOODSTOCK) Over 21 locations hosting 80+ artists, crafters and vendors in countywide event. Live demos, farm markets and vineyard tours. Free event with fee for wine tastings. www.shenandoahcountyva.us/tourism/events/ APRIL 24 WINE AND CHOCOLATE PAIRING VIRGINIA MOUNTAIN VINEYARDS (FINCASTLE) Learn how to pair these complex, decadent treats. Chocolate from Baylee’s Best Chocolate. Reservations. www.vmvines.com

BEDFORD COUNTY WINE TRAIL bedfordwinetrail.com The Bedford Wine Trail in the Central Virginia region includes five vineyards and wineries surrounding Bedford.

BLUE RIDGE WINE WAY www.blueridgewineway.com The Blue Ridge Wine Way features eight wineries and vineyards in the spectacular mountains of the Northern Virginia region.

BOTETOURT COUNTY WINE TRAIL botetourtwinetrail.com The Wine Trail of Botetourt Country features three wineries in the Blue Ridge Mountains.

SPRING OYSTER CRAWL CHESAPEAKE BAY WINE TRAIL Each participating winery offers a unique pairing of oysters and wine. Learn about oysters of the region and share your experience with friends. www.chesapeakebaywinetrail.com

EASTERN SHORE WINE TRAIL esvatourism.org The Eastern Shore of Virginia Wine Trail hosts three wineries along the Land Between Two Waters. This area is a unique rural coastal environment. Hundreds of miles of Atlantic Ocean and Chesapeake Bay shoreline provide a wealth of recreational opportunities for beach-lovers, fishermen, and boaters in addition to wine lovers.

APRIL 26 EARTH DAY VINEYARD TOUR KESWICK VINEYARDS (KESWICK) Join Winemaker Stephen Bernard for guided vineyard tour and indepth discussion about growing grapes. Taste chardonnay, viognier, merlot and turiga in their specific blocks. Reserve your spot! www.keswickvineyards.com

FAUQUIER COUNTY WINE TRAIL fauquiertourism.com/wineries.html Fauquier County is home to 16 wineries and vineyards —each with its own unique flavors. Enjoy awardwinning Virginia wines, wine tastings and tours.

MAY 30 HIGH ON THE HOG PHILIP CARTER WINERY OF VIRGINIA (HUME) A Virginia Pig Roast! Includes slow-roasted pig, sides, live music and glass of award winning wine. Come dressed in your Sunday best. Reservations. www.pcwinery.com FORK AND CORK FESTIVAL CORPORATE RESEARCH CENTER (BLACKSBURG) New River Valley’s premier food, wine and art festival with 20 wineries, wine pairing and cooking demos, handmade creations by local artists, culinary delights and live music. www.blacksburgforkandcork.com Wine event calendar courtesy of The Virginia Wine Lover and Frank Britt, the former copublisher and co-founder of Virginia Wine Lover magazine and current publisher of the Official Virginia Wine Lover E-newsletter, the source for Virginia’s wine news, and complimentary to Old Town Crier readers. He also consults with several wine festivals. Britt can be reached at frank@brittmarketing.com; vawinelover. com. Information from numerous sources.

It is recommended that you verify dates and times. We are not responsible for incorrect or inaccurate information.

VISITING VIRGINIA’S WINE COUNTRY

Its always a good idea to call before visiting. Many Virginia wineries are small, family-owned operations and may be closed during the time you are planning to visit. If you are a group of eight or more, call ahead to help the winery prepare for your visit and to make sure they can accept groups.

Most of our wineries have grape cluster highway signs within a ten-mile radius pointing the way to the winery. Many of these signs also tell you how many miles to go before reaching the winery.

Old Town Crier

VIRGINIA WINE TRAIL PROFILES

SHENANDOAH VALLEY WINE TRAIL svwga.org The Shenandoah Valley Wine Trail is an association of six vineyards and wineries.

LOUDOUN WINE TRAIL visitloudoun.org Loudouns Wine Trail in Northern Virginia takes you through Virginias hunt country to 23 participating wineries.

CHESAPEAKE BAY WINE TRAIL chesapeakebaywinetrail.com The Chesapeake Bay Wine Trail, in the Chesapeake Bay region, highlights six different wineries.

HEART OF VIRGINIA WINE TRAIL www.hovawinetrail.com The Heart of Virginia Wine Trail in Central Virginia presents several events throughout the year at four wineries located in the central region of the state.

BLUE RIDGE WINE TRAIL blueridgewinetrail.com The Blue Ridge Wine Trail features five wineries and vineyards in the spectacular mountains all within minutes of the Blue Ridge Parkway.

GENERALS WINE & HISTORY TRAIL thegeneralswinetrail.com In 2009, 10 wineries banded together to form a new type wine trail experience. The new wine trail experience was to tie our rich wine heritage with our rich historical heritage and thus the Generals Wine & History Trail was born.

MONTICELLO WINE TRAIL monticellowinetrail.com The Monticello Wine Trail leads to 24 wineries from its hub in Charlottesville.

Source: Virginia Wine Marketing Office

April 2016 | 37

EXPLORING VIRGINIAWINES DOUG FABBIOLI

B

eing a business person as well as owning a business may put me in a category where some may think it is all about the money for me.

I have met and worked with many great business people where there is so much more than just the money. Yes, a business should show a profit so it can pay staff as well as grow and pay back returns to its investors; but

The Double Bottom Line businesses are also an integral part of the community.

They should not exploit the people or the resources to over inflate the profits. A balance of sustainability must

be maintained so citizens continue to buy from the business and the business has what it needs to operate and pay its workers. I learned a term a few years ago from a

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38 | April 2016

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

very good business professor called “The Double Bottom Line.”

The bottom line refers to the last number on a financial report showing the profitability of a business. The goal would be to have a strong bottom line to continue doing business.

The second bottom line would be something that is more philanthropic. Maybe how many scholarships the company gave to the children of their staff or how many meals they gave to the hungry at holiday time. It may take money to achieve the second bottom line, but it is based on a core value the business leadership has, shares, and feeds.

A great example of the double bottom line is Newman Foods, where Paul Newman started a company selling spaghetti sauce, popcorn and salad dressing.

The profits are used to fund The Hole in the Wall Gang Camp. It focuses on serving kids with cancer and serious blood diseases and will continue doing this long after the founder is gone. Microsoft founder Bill Gates took a different angle. He and his wife started a philanthropic foundation to spread around the money in ways they felt would make a difference in the world. As wineries, we regularly get requests for donations to silent auctions, fund raisers and other foundations. Other businesses have different ways to give back to their community as well — some more organized than others.

At Fabbioli, we have been focusing on farming

and agriculture education.

With my efforts on the rural economy, we have isolated the need for a program to help develop new farmers that will work the land in the 21st century. Our efforts have included identifying mentors, hiring young folks that have the drive and passion to work outside as well as develop a training program that will cover many of the sectors in the rural economy. We are setting up an evaluation method for these young folks in order to help them identify their strengths, challenges and preferences for the work.

This has been a labor of love of mine for many years that is finally getting off the ground on a more formal level. If the next generation can learn the effective ways to work our lands and grow the products that we need, the world could be a more sustainable place. Also, many young people can develop a career that may make them healthier, happier and more productive than if they took a different path. There will be more information coming on this effort, but for the 2016 season, we are trying to get the kinks out.

Now, I am no Bill Gates.

And if you have seen me, I am certainly no Paul Newman!

But I certainly try to identify my mentors, either close or distant, that I can learn from.

The concept of the double bottom line is directly from a close person that I learn from on a regular basis. Never stop learning.

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

WALLY WORLD S

aying goodbye to winter isn’t easy for ice anglers. In February, Minnesota’s 10,000 lakes were frozen solid.

Minneapolis St Paul Airport, the 11th busiest US travel hub, wasn’t bad until going to another terminal. There were no signs or directions until arriving at the appropriate terminal. Walked so much, I had to reset my Fitbit. Minnesotans are a friendly lot, doncha know. “Hey Bud”, is the standard unisex greeting. Only in Minnesota, when it’s 8 degrees outside is it a fine day to take kids to the park. A short flight to Bemidji and a 2-hour birch tree-lined drive takes you to the “Walleye Capital of the World”, Lake of the Woods in Baudette.

Since 1971, the Sportsman’s Lodge on the shore of the million acre lake has lured year round fishermen with customized getaways in updated lodges and villas, meal plan options, and varied fishing accommodations.

Businesses, buddies and even brides enjoy

Bassing IN APRIL POTOMAC RIVER

Lucky Craft LV-500 lipless crankbaits in red patterns on 12-pound test GAMMA Edge fluorocarbon line will cover water. Snap free from grass. In thicker grass areas go to lighter LVR D-7 lures. A faster reel like the Quantum EXO and a medium heavy cranking rod like the KVD composite rod are perfect for launching, dragging or snapping lures.

Old Town Crier

fresh air and fresh fish! After saying “I do.” honeymooners say, “Get the net.” I was committed to catching and eating walleye every day, making this a wall-to-wall walleye adventure. Sportsman’s made it appetizing to chow down on the best-eating freshwater fish. Breakfast of fried fish with eggs is a good starter. Walleye bites and sandwiches for lunch.

But the specialty of the house is Sportsman’s award-winning fried walleye fillet smothered in garlic Alfredo sauce with a blend of cheeses, broiled to perfection.

Southwick Associates data shows ice fishing has grown 12% to over 2 million participants.

Luxury shacks, electronic gadgets and upgraded tackle are selling like fried walleye despite a short fishing season and narrow region. Keeping up with demand for better gear, the tackle industry is giving the sport a facelift. Highly visible premier bass tournament angler Dave Lefebre sets aside his Ranger GO FISH > PAGE 42

Also, when water is clearer, use Lucky Craft Pointer 78 suspending jerkbaits in clown patterns.

Mann’s Baby X crankbaits are perfect for combing hard cover or tops of grass. Use 10-pound test EDGE for maximizing depths. Mann’s spinnerbaits are also good when the water has a bit of stain. In clearer water, try 3.75inch Mann’s HardNose Reel N Shad in white patterns. Use 10-pound EDGE for this.

For soft plastics, soak Mizmo Tubes in garlic flavor Jack’s Juice and also use MIZMO BarbWire shaky head jigs, 3/8 ounce with a 5 inch Doodle worm. Drop shot and split shots with 2/0 Mustad Mega Bite hooks. Try these on 6-8 pound EDGE.

April 2016 | 39

FITNESS NICOLE FLANAGAN

Spring Forward!

S

pring is finally here!

At last we can enjoy the longer daylight hours and the warmer weather. It’s time to pack away those heavy winter jackets and pull out our warm weather wardrobes. This month is a good time to focus on stepping up your workout and getting the results you desire for summer.

Changing seasons is a great time for a fresh twist on an old routine. This spring do something different with your workout. Head outside, get some fresh air and try some of these exercises to target your arms, abs and thighs. The best part about this workout is that there are no weights required so you can exercise any time

anywhere!

Give your abs a killer workout in just fifteen minutes with these exercises.

• ABDOMINAL SIT AND HOLD

Start sitting on a chair and place your hands on the edge with your finger tips facing forward. Tighten your abs and lift your feet a few inches off the floor then lift your butt off the chair. Hold this position for 15-20 seconds and then relax. Rest for ten seconds and repeat. Do this for 2minutes.

• THE PLANK

Start in full push-up position with your hands on the floor under your shoulders. Tighten your

abdominal muscles and hold this position for 2030 seconds. Relax for 10 seconds. Do a set of three planks. As you gain strength with this exercise hold it longer.

• OBLIQUE CRUNCH

Kneel on the floor and lean all the way over to your right side, placing your right palm on the floor. Keeping your weight balanced, slowly extend your left leg and point your toes. Place your left hand behind your head, pointing your elbow toward the ceiling. Next lift your leg to hip height as you extend your arm toward your leg keeping your palm facing forward. Lower your leg to

starting position. Do 8-10 repetitions and then switch sides.

Get a better butt in just a few minutes with these awesome exercises.

• SQUAT JUMP

Start standing with your knees slightly bent and your feet about hip width apart.

Keeping your abs tight jump straight up. When you land sit back into a squat and hold for a count of 5. Keep in mind that when you squat your knees should not bend farther than your toes. From this squat position you will go into your next jump. Do ten consecutive jump squats and then rest. Do three sets.

• HIP LIFT

Lie on your back with your arms at your sides with your knees bent and your feet on the floor. Lift your hips toward the ceiling.

Hold for 1 count, and then lower back down. Focus on pressing your heels into the ground and forming a straight line with your shoulders, hips and knees.

• TOE TOUCHES

Lie on your back with your arms on your sides. Lift your feet, bending both knees to 90 degrees so your thighs are perpendicular to the floor.

Now tap your toes on the floor alternating your feet.

Do this for one minute.

Tone your arms and shoulders with three simple steps.

40 | April 2016

• PUSH-UPS

Start in the full pushup position. Lower your body to the ground until your elbows are bent at 90 degrees. Watch your lower back and be sure to keep your abdominals tight to support your core. If full push-up are too difficult start with your knees on the floor.

• CHAIR DIPS

Sit on the edge of the chair with your feet together.

Place your hands on the seat on either side of your thighs and keep your feet flat on the floor. Bend your elbows 90 degrees and lower yourself toward the floor. Raise your body by straightening your arms.

Do 8-10 repetitions.

• OPPOSITE ARM AND LEG LIFT

Begin on all fours, knees under hips, palms beneath shoulders, and abs engaged.

Slowly extend left arm forward parallel to floor and right leg behind you to hip height. Hold for 2 or 3 counts, lower, and repeat on opposite side. Do 8 to 12 reps per side

Try adding these new exercises to your old routine for a change. The best part is that you can perform these exercises with very little or no equipment. Try adding these exercises either before or after an outdoor run or walk.

Changing up your workout will make it more interesting, which will make you more likely to stick to it.

Old Town Crier

FROM THE TRAINER RYAN UNVERZAGT

S

pring is in the air and all those heavy snow storms are now a distant memory. April is one of my favorite months because the weather is usually making a turn for the better (my birthday is in April too!). If you like the warmer weather, chances are you will be spending much more time outside, which means less time at the health club. But don’t let your fitness routine melt away like the winter snow!

If you are a weekend warrior who loves to compete in various sports throughout the year, or just an ordinary Joe looking for something new, consider adding plyometrics to your exercise program. Plyometrics is a form of jump training that has been proven to increase the muscle’s ability to produce power. Why is this important?

An increase in power results in an increase in speed, strength, or a combo of the two, which means you will have an advantage over your competition and be lighter on your feet. Another benefit of plyometric training is it can be performed outside with minimal equipment needed.

There are a few things to remember before even trying plyometric exercises — age, strength, body weight, previous injuries and training experience. Because of the intense nature of plyometrics, the National Strength & Conditioning Association (NSCA) recommends a lowerbody strength prerequisite before starting any jump training. A person must be strong enough to freeweight squat at least 1.5 times their own body weight. For example, a 180 lb person must be able to squat a minimum of 270 lbs! Don’t worry; you will need about six months of progressive resistance training to reach this strength guideline.

Old Town Crier

PLYOMETRICS

The minimum age requirement depends on the physical and mental maturity level of the adolescent. Check with your family physician to determine if your child is physically ready to start basic plyometric training. The maximum age relies heavily on current health conditions such as obesity, arthritis, or past joint surgeries. Several studies have shown that lowlevel plyometrics can help increase bone density in older participants.

The NSCA recommends those who weigh more than 220 lbs should not depth jump from a height higher than 18 inches. Depth jumps are one of the most advanced techniques in which a person stands on a higher surface, steps off, lands on a lower surface and jumps as high as possible. This should only be performed after a solid strength base and previous training experience has been established.

Besides having a solid strength base, you must also have great technique, especially upon landing from a jump. Most injuries happen during the landing and rarely on the take off. Landing mechanics need to focus on

proper foot placement and flexion of the hips, knees and ankles. Foot placement should be shoulder-width apart with hips flexed about 130 degrees, knees flexed to 110 degrees, and ankles flexed about 75 degrees. I always teach my clients to “land softly” as to absorb the impact by pushing the hips back and flexing the knees, similar to sitting in a chair. Your torso should be leaned slightly forward at the waist with good posture in the low back. Avoid slamming your feet down on the landing surface. A correct landing should be as quiet as a mouse.

These are just a few things to consider before trying

any jump training. I will list and explain the physiology, program design, and some basic plyometric drills in the next month’s issue of the Old Town Crier. Stay tuned!

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

He is a Certified Strength & Conditioning Specialist (CSCS) through the National Strength & Conditioning Association (NSCA), and a Registered Diagnostic Cardiac Sonographer (RDCS) through the American Registry for Diagnostic Medical Sonography (ARDMS).

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April 2016 | 41

1. What 11th century noblewoman rode through town, naked, to protest her own husband’s tax increase on his tenants?

Lady Godiva.

every single piece of paper used, however small.

2. Which president began the practice of releasing his tax returns and where can you find copies of presidential tax returns?

President Nixon. Presidential tax returns can be found at TaxHistory.org site.

10. When was the first tax return form created in the United States?

1913

3. When did the checkbox for the Presidential Campaign Funds contribution first appear? Does checking the box reduce your refund?

The checkbox first appeared on the 1973 tax return as a $1 contribution. And, no, it doesn’t cost you a dime.

4. What is the first recorded instance of taxation and where?

The first known information comes from Mesopotamia about 4500 BC, then in Egypt around 3500 BC. 5. What famous band had a hit record with a song about taxation?

The Beatles’ The TaxMan, written by George Harrison, for their 1966 album Revolver. The song was inspired by then-Prime Minister Harold Wilson and his government’s 95-percent tax bracket that affected the Beatles.

6. How many U.S. states have no personal income taxes at all on individuals?

Seven: Alaska, Washington, Nevada, Wyoming, South Dakota, Texas, and Florida. Two of these states, New Hampshire and Tennessee, have taxes on certain common investment income (dividends and interest).

Alaska not only doesn’t have an income tax, they pay you to live there.

7. What day brings the most fatal traffic accidents?

On Tax Day, there are typically more fatal traffic accidents than on any other day of the year.

8. What tax led to the famous Boston Tea Party?

The Stamp Act on American colonists. It was a tax on

9. What is the most physically invasive tax ever?

The Droit de Seigneur, the right of a lord, king or noble to bed a woman, about to be a bride, before her wedding day.

11. How did the Internal Revenue Service come about?

The IRS has its roots in the Civil War, when a revenue bureau was set up to collect taxes levied to support the war effort in the North. That tax expired in 1872, but the Commissioner of Internal Revenue and its successor have remained in business since.

12. Was there really a national income tax before the one we have now?

Aside from the Civil War tax on the Union states, Congress passed a national income tax in 1894, which was ruled unconstitutional the following year by the U.S. Supreme Court in Pollock v. Farmers’ Loan & Trust Company. The court said it was a direct tax not apportioned according to the population of each state, in violation of Article I, Section 9, of the Constitution.

13. If the Supreme Court said the income tax was unconstitutional, why do we have it now?

Quite simply, enough states changed the Constitution to allow it. After the Pollock decision, two forces joined together to get Congress and at least 36 states to make the income tax legal via the 16th Amendment. Populists thought more people, especially those with higher incomes, should pay taxes. People who supported Prohibition realized the income tax was needed to replace lost taxes on alcohol sales.

14. Which state can we “blame” for passing the 16th Amendment?

Delaware was the 36th state to ratify the 16th Amendment in 1913. But six other states ratified the amendment after it did.

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TAX TRIVIA 15. Why is April 15 Tax Day? Tax Day hasn’t always been on April 15. The first Tax Day was March 1, which was a little over a year after the 16th Amendment was ratified. Just before Prohibition started, Tax Day was moved to the Ides of March, aka March 15.

In 1955, the deadline was pushed back to April 15, so the IRS could spread out the work involved with processing all the forms. The date of Tax Day changes if it is on a weekend or conflicts with a holiday in the District of Columbia.

16. How long was the first tax form?

Four pages, including instructions. At the time, the average annual income was $800.

17. Is it really that difficult to do your own taxes?

It depends on your skill level, but the income tax seems to have befuddled Albert Einstein. According to a website called The Quote Investigator, there may be some truth to words allegedly uttered by Einstein: “The hardest thing in the world to understand is income taxes.” The site tracked down the saying to Einstein’s personal accountant.

18. Who has the biggest income tax bill?

ExxonMobil pays the highest, at about $30 billion a year in corporate income tax, followed by Chevron and Apple.

19. What was the highest tax rate ever?

During World War II, the highest bracket was taxed at 91 percent and the lowest bracket at 23 percent.

GO FISH FROM PG 39

bass boat and flip flops in exchange for sleds and boots to introduce writers to ice angling.

Lefebre’s lineup of 13 Fishing bass rods and reels and his Rapala bass lures are downsized for big adventures on ice. Rapala Ice Force tungsten lures, scent-fortified soft plastics from Trigger X and Gary Yamamoto are in his ice box.

Open water bass angler Lefebre rigs his Ranger with Lowrance electronics, but still relies on Marcum flashers for pinpointing fish in open or iced water columns. Bringing power fishing to ice, Lefebre keeps bait over fish, shaking while watching fish move up. Running and gunning from hole to hole, he lowers the Marcum transducer and checks the flasher for fish.

Nothing there, he rotates the transducer to cover a bigger area before leaving. This “ducer dialing” tells him to stay or to head in another direction.

Staying warm and safe tops my list when sitting on frozen ponds. Packing layers, I was prepared to be a nesting Michelin Man. In our pre-tundra meeting we were introduced to the best piece of gear since the net. StrikerICE has constructed safety technology into waterproof and breathable ice suits containing Surefloat, flotation assistance technology that will float the wearer if a fall through the ice occurs.

The safety factor will enhance the family ice experience, as moms will feel better about allowing children to venture out. StrikerICE suits look good, have a ton of pockets and feature a venting system to extend the season from frigid to fair.

Specifically designed for ice fishing, 13 Fishing rod actions are tailored to fishing style and reluctant cold-water fish, making bite

detection and hook sets reliable and effective.

The flat tipped Tickle Stick rod is no laughing matter as it allows panfish to take baits without feeling rod flex.

13 Fishing has out cast technologically neglected ice products with a hot line of cool ice reels. Better gears, lighter weight and innovations provide ice performance. Their product manager spent 15 years repairing reels, learning the business from the inside out; mistakes, shortcomings and fads have been replaced with innovation and ingenuity. With input from top ice anglers, when it comes to developing a better mousetrap, 13 Fishing is the big cheese.

Making morning 28-mile treks across the ice in tank-like vehicles, our troop of media, pro anglers, and product experts were transported to heated icehouses with seating for 6. We talked, fished, talked, fished, and found time for a joke or a hundred. High lift hooksets initiated the exciting vertical light-line fish fights through the ice. Rod, reel, Seaguar Abrazx Ice line and angler worked together to concentrate the event in the 8-inch hole.

Tackle teamwork has now arrived to ice fishing.

Goodbye dull, boring, and grumpy old men ice gear. Ice fishing is growing as these companies open holes in the fishing market and in the ice for a higher level of participation and enjoyment.

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.

Old Town Crier

FIRST BLUSH KIM PUTENS

fragrance T

he smell of spring is in the air. And with it, brings about the desire to try a new fragrance. Switching to a new fragrance in the warmer months is like shedding our heavy winter clothes. I’ve even heard of fragrance referred to as woman’s clothing. And, the type of fragrance notes chosen are referred to anything from a spring dress to a fur coat. Since we are all ready to put our fur coats away after this historic winter, allow me to guide you toward your “spring dress” and teach you how best to wear it.

What to Wear

Warmer months call for lighter fragrance notes — floral, citrus, and clean are most common. Floral is by far the most popular fragrance category. It becomes even more popular when the temperatures rise. Consider floral notes such as gardenia, orange blossom, lily, rose and peony. These are most often found in fragrances. In fact, Casablanca lily is the most popular fragrance note sought out by customers.

Citrus Notes

Orange is too fruity, grapefruit too ordinary.

But, bergamot, bitter orange, and mandarin are just right. For a greener smell, look for fragrances that pair citrus notes with green leafy notes. Some examples of common combinations are verbena, lemon and cedar or lemon, basil and oak. Because citrus notes tend to evaporate quickly, pairing them with woody notes will make them last longer.

Ozonic (or Clean) Notes

When sniffed, these fragrances are reminiscent of the seashore or fresh water.

Most often people will refer to them as clean and fresh. The scent will remind them of a breeze coming off the ocean or the way we expect a summer breeze to smell. When mixed with floral notes, these ozonic fragrances gain more depth, last longer and are unique.

Old Town Crier

How to Wear It

Believe it or not, there are many ways to apply a fragrance to ensure maximum impact for the occasion or event in which you are wearing it. For day, the objective is to smell good and leave behind in your path a waif

of your scent. It’s not meant to overpower those around you, but make you feel elegant and sophisticated. The movement of our body throughout the day makes a fragrance rise which makes it important to apply it low on the body. Behind the knees, on the wrists and even applied to your skirt or pants will ensure the fragrance rises and lingers as you move throughout the day.

Night brings out a different objective for fragrance. Sensuality is usually associated with applying a fragrance at night. To create the allure of fragrance at night, proper placement is of utmost importance. Target areas of sensuality such as behind the ears, around the neck, and on the hair.

There is also the decadent way of applying fragrance. We all need a little decadence every once in a while. Keep in mind, unless you want to replace your perfume bottles often, apply your fragrance with decadence on rare occasions. The decadent approach is to spritz an area in front of your body and walk through it. This approach allows the fragrance to settle lightly on the skin and clothing. In order to be effective, you must spritz a fair amount of fragrance before you walk through it.

Finally, some general rules about applying fragrance. Hold the fragrance bottle a minimum of 5-7 inches away from the body and mist it over you. Spray each area only once. If the body or clothing is “wet” after spraying, then you’ve held it too close.

Enjoy the art of choosing a new spring fragrance and applying it with decadence!

Experience the Difference

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April 2016 | 43

SPIRITUAL RENAISSANCE PEGGIE ARVIDSON

What I Learned in Pursuit of Happiness

I’

ve been in pursuit of happiness for the last five years. I’m embarrassed that it took me more than 30 years to figure out what happiness really means to me.

If you notice the number of books, websites and articles written about happiness you’ll see I wasn’t alone in my confusion. If pursuing happiness is our inalienable right, why are so many Americans suffering from unhappiness?

My theory is that when we’re small humans our needs are pretty basic and feeling happy comes from having those needs met. Needs like food, shelter, hugs and cuddles, laughter and a space to expand our curiosity bring us happiness. We’re encouraged to explore all within the caring

The

eyes of our adult companions who do their best to make sure we’re happy. Then we’re shipped off to an alien place called school and told to fall into line and more or less be like everyone else. Our curiosity is rarely valued and our need to move, dance, sing and talk at the top of our voice is frowned upon. We learn quickly that we can only be happy at school if we fit in.

Over time we teach ourselves to look around, compare and figure out how to fit in and still have our needs met. By the time we’re adults we can be confused about what true happiness is — is it really going to an Ivy League school? Is it making the Olympic track team?

Sure it can be. Maybe our happiness is hiding out in the corner, eating a slice of cake

and rereading our favorite book, but we’re pretty sure that doesn’t really count, unless we have a club or a group or posse of friends who do the same thing.

Look I’m not anti-school, or learning. Neither am I a fan of shunning goals and basic etiquette rules. I’m still trying to find my Zen every time I’m on a plane in front of a screaming child who insists on kicking my seat-back, so I see why discipline isn’t the antithesis of happiness.

What I’m pointing out is the lack of reward for pursuing our own definition of happiness throughout our lives. Even the delightful movie, “The Pursuit of Happyness” gives an inkling that happiness truly comes from making money! And while money is quite nice

Pragmatic Palmist PEGGIE ARVIDSON

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indeed, I’m not the first to say that money alone doesn’t make you happy.

My earnest search for happiness several years ago when my coach asked me to set a goal to have more fun.

I was silent for long enough that she asked if she’d lost the call. “I have no idea what you mean,” I blurted. “Sure it can be hard, but just pick something that makes you happy and follow it,” she instructed.

That was one of the hardest assignments of my life! I couldn’t land on a single thing that made me so happy that I would take time out of my day and pursue it for the simple sake of pursuing it!

(And I admit to being afraid of picking the wrong thing or being judged.)

I had enjoyed playing instruments in school, but when I pictured picking them up again just for the pleasure of playing, it didn’t feel like it was worth the time necessary.

I went through a list of things I had pursued in my life that had been enjoyable at the time and I realized that all of them had an “end goal” that made them, in my mind, worthwhile. Once that goal had been met or failed, I lost interest in the activity.

Other activities had been set aside when my first or second attempt wasn’t perfect. I was stuck and I was unhappy.

No one who knew me personally, socially or professionally would have thought I was unhappy, because I smiled and conversed and got along fine in general society. I didn’t have a clinical disease like the many who suffer from

depression, but I was really stumped on this idea of happiness. To be honest, it felt somehow lame to focus on happiness when I felt I should be of service to the world!

The thing that eventually clicked for me was the idea that happiness IS. When it comes to being happier you can’t expect anything outside of you to make it so. It wasn’t about finding a hobby or a person or a great meal, it’s actually about opening to curiosity and compassion.

Happiness exists when I’m exploring the world, thinking deep thoughts or spending time in the company of like-minded soul travelers. I am happy whether I’m doing something or just sitting on the back deck watching the woodpeckers flit through the woods.

What was a bit shocking to realize is that when I chose “being happy” as my ultimate goal, I eventually began to make more money, have deeper relationships and even started to regain my health.

Pursuing true happiness may be an inside job, but it is the key to success.

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

H

ate to admit it, but I have a lot of girl crushes. Funny, my brothers probably aren’t surprised by this news. They grew a little concerned when their baby sister was still woefully single at 25, 35 and 45. Pretty sure they spent the better part of the ‘90s waiting for me to ‘come out.’ I joke, but life would have probably been easier if I could have flipped the switch and changed teams as I always felt like I ‘got’ women much easier than I ever did men. Which is also weird, given that I grew up in a household full of testosterone — even my mom wasn’t oozing in femininity.

Let’s just say that when Aunt “Flo” came calling, my mom went calling the neighbor to come when I refused to wear ‘the belt’ which is where her expertise ended. If you don’t know what that is, consider yourself fortunate and blessed to be able to go horseback riding any time you darn well please.

I never wanted to sleep with women or have late night pillow fights. I just wanted to surround myself with them and do a Vulcan mind meld.

I wanted to know what they knew about everything from must-see movies to political candidates to piecrust recipes to mind-blowing sex to mascara that wouldn’t run.

The list of things I thought they were smarter/better at than me ran long and deep.

They made me want to be a better, smarter, non-mascara running down your face type person. From the time I was a very young girl, I realized the value of a true friend, and Old Town Crier

Girl Crush also had my heart broken learning what a true friend wasn’t—notably someone who got their power from making you feel badly. When you’re in your twenties you have this huge circle of friends, and a few rise to the top and become the ones you call when you have a funny-looking mole or aren’t sure what he meant when he said he needed a ‘break.’ Sometimes one or two of those turn out to be a fluke — they got in when your defenses were down and/or your trust was blind.

Those can be hard lessons, but it is also empowering to learn the difference and start being selective about whom you allow in your precious inner circle — and who earns the title of ‘girl crush.’ These girls are your warriors who will not only remain in the trenches with you, but they’ll also make sure you’re wearing the right shade of camo and that the trench isn’t painted in some chic trendy color that you’ll regret by the time the battle has even started. We all need warriors. We all need someone to crush on.

Let’s be clear here. While my girl crushes are amazingly awesome goddesses and possess ninja-like skills and talents, they are not perfect and don’t pretend to be. I call them warriors yet there may be an off chance that some of them would be refused for military service (or entry onto a military base for that matter) due to a few bad decisions in the late ‘80s. I hold them

in reverence not because of their perfection, but because although they may curse like drunken sailors, drink like frat boys, participate in the occasional sexual indiscretion, and have probably broken a commandment or two, they are trying at life and they are, in my opinion, winning.

They are winning because they are not pretending, and because they are not giving up. They are my girl crushes because they stay positive on the darkest of days when their stilettos (or Uggs) sink down in the sand an inch or twelve, and they toss out kindness and compassion like beads at Mardi Gras. Each of them is carrying a cross like no other, and yet still has the profound ability to understand and express empathy for the burdens of others — with nary a mention of the weight she is dragging behind — unless you ply her with a couple of glasses of wine and then she is a lean, mean venting machine.

Hey, we all need to vent.

Secrets silently kill souls.

Speaking of secrets, I have a secret society of girl crushes whom I’ve never even met, although I’m sure if we ever do, we will realize that we are soul sisters. Our brains and hearts will simultaneously combust and fuse together allowing us to diabolically plot brilliant methods to end world hunger and promote peace while exacting sweet (and relatively painless) revenge on every boy who ever broke our hearts. These are the women

I take to bed every night.

They told me I could do great things when it was all I could do to get out of bed in the morning. They assured me I was enough when I felt less than. They rained laughter through my tears and brought joy into my heart. They enveloped me in friendship when I felt alone, and they helped me grieve and mourn when my I lost my mom.

Then my cousin. Then my

lifelong friend. Over the years, they’ve unabashedly shared their secrets, shortcomings, regrets, mistakes, lessons and failings, and in the process assured me that I was okay and would always be okay.

Pema Chodron, Anne Lamott, Brene Brown, Elizabeth Lesser, Martha Beck … these women are my megawatt girl crushes.

I got a girl crush…

Experience

the Art of Jewelry

EXTENSIVE COLLECTION OF HANDMADE JEWELRY Open every day and evenings 113 King Street • Old Town Alexandria 703.549.8530 • www.silverparrot.com April 2016 | 45

Happy 8th Anniversary!

T

his is the reason that we have the gorgeous shot of the Capitol Wheel on the cover! It really is hard to believe that National Harbor has been up and running for 8 years. We have watched it grow in leaps and bounds in this short period of time. The Gaylord Hotel and Resort was the first building open for business on April 1, 2008 and now we are awaiting the opening of the MGM Hotel and Casino later this year. We will have two beautiful properties book ending the resort soon.

BY LANI GERING While there have been several retailers come and go during this time, it appears that things are looking up as retail space continues to be filled on a more regular basis. I am so glad that my favorite store, Stonewall Kitchen, has hung in there over the years. I believe it is probably the oldest store in the harbor. If you are a foodie and haven’t stopped in there, you are missing out on a great experience.

We are anxiously awaiting the opening of Brother Jimmy’s Barbeque and the Irish Whisper Pub in the space that used to occupy Harrington’s Irish Pub and Restaurant. While we were sad to see Harrington’s close, I think this change is much more conducive to the large space. I am very happy that they have kept an Irish bar presence here in the harbor and equally as glad that we now have a well-known BBQ joint to add to the ever growing cuisine choices.

Spring time means that the harbor will be livening up after the winter doldrums. A couple of fun things are mentioned here in the side bar. Be sure to check out the Washington Post Peep Diorama winners – “The Donald” winning entry is absolutely hysterical! There are some creative “peep-le” in the DC metro area that’s for sure. Also, the Wine and Food Festival that usually takes place in the dead heat of the summer has moved up to this month. Smart move as long as that weekend isn’t one where the “April Showers” make an appearance!

As always, if you haven’t experienced the Harbor after these 8 years, do yourself a favor and check it out. It’s a short drive across the Woody Bridge and there is ample parking! Or….take the water taxi from City Dock in Old Town!

THROUGH APRIL 24

APRIL 23 & 24

PEEPS ON DISPLAY! 140 Waterfront Street Washington Post “Peeps” diorama winners on display in the Harbor. This annual contest is a favorite among Post readers from all over the metro area. There are some creative people out there!

9TH ANNUAL WINE & FOOD FESTIVAL 12 Noon – 6 p.m. daily A great summer tradition returns this spring to the National Harbor Waterfront on the Potomac with the much anticipated 9th Annual National Harbor Wine & Food Festival. More than just a tasting, the festival brings together award winning celebrity chefs, artisanal craftsmen, culinary pioneers, live music, as well as wine and spirits from around the world. nationalharbor.com/event/ wine-food-festival-2/

2016 Peeps Diorama Contest winner A Peep Inside (Out) Donald J. Trump

46 | April 2016

Old Town Crier

Top Major League Eaters to Participate in National Harbor World Peeps Eating Championship April 2 Eight top eaters scheduled to participate including #1 ranked Matt Stonie

I

n celebration of the first Peeps & Company store in the country, which is at National Harbor, the winning Washington Post Peeps Dioramas will be on display at National Harbor from March 26 through April 24 (check the National Harbor website for location.) National Harbor is also hosting Peeps Day with the highlight event — the National Harbor World Peeps Eating Championship on April 2. Peeps (the popular

marshmallow candies shaped like chicks and bunnies) have become an iconic symbol of spring. The fun begins at noon with an amateur Peep eating contest and then professional eaters will compete at 1 p.m. The event will take place on the waterfront at National Harbor (157 National Plaza, National Harbor, Md.) “I am delighted to be part of this exciting competition,” stated Sam Barclay with Major League Eating, the organization that tracks and ranks the eaters. “It is unusual for any eating contest to attract four of the top ten eaters as this one has,” explained Barclay who will also emcee the competition. The top four

MATT “THE MEGATOAD” STONIE SAN JOSE, CALIFORNIA 5’8”, 130 LBS, 23 YEARS OLD • #1 Ranked Eater in the World by Major League Eating • Winner 2015 Men’s Nathan’s Famous Hot Dog Eating Contest • Undefeated in sanctioned MLE competition in 2015 • Holds 13 World Records • World Bacon Eating Champion; 182 strips in 5 min • World Birthday Cake Eating Champion; 14.5 lbs in 8 min • World Frozen Yogurt Eating Champion; 10.5 lbs in 6 min • World Gyro Eating Champion; 24 8-oz Gyros in 10 min • World Slugburger Eating Champion; 43 Slugburgers in 10 min • World Pumpkin Pie Eating Champion; 20 lbs, 13 oz in 8 min

Old Town Crier

who are confirmed to participate are: Matt Stonie (ranked 1) from San Jose, Ca.; Michelle Lesco (ranked 7) from Tucson, Ariz.; Juliet Lee (ranked 8) from Germantown, Md. and Geoffrey Esper (ranked 10) from Oxford, Mass. Other professionals participating include Yasir Salem (ranked 11) from New York, N.Y.; Gideon Oji (ranked 12) from Nigeria; Crazy Legs Conti (ranked 21) from New York, N.Y.; and Wild Bill Myers (ranked 31) from Allentown, Penn.

Peeps Day includes a variety of activities along with contests and prizes. The Capital Wheel will provide a free ticket for children (12 and under) with one adult paid

ticket. The Wheel soars 180 feet above the landscape and provides breathtaking views of the Potomac River DC, Virginia, and Maryland.

There will be music throughout the afternoon with visits by Peeps characters and a kid’s “Dance Like a Peep” contest at 12:30 p.m. Some of National Harbor’s restaurants will participate with Peeps drinks and desserts.

For more information, visit www.

NationalHarbor.com.

Publisher’s note: Information courtesy of Bendure Communications

“THE LOVELY” JULIET LEE GERMANTOWN, MARYLAND 5’4”, 100 LBS, 48 YEARS OLD • #8 Ranked Eater in the World by Major League Eating • World Jellied Cranberry Sauce Eating Champion, 13.23 lbs in 8 min • Became only the second woman to break 30 Hot Dog & Bun mark in May 2009 • Ate 219 Shrimp Wontons in Bangkok, Thailand, in 2012 • Former chemistry professor in Nanjing, China; now owns a hair salon

April 2016 | 47

Potomac

RiveRboat

comPany

SightSeeing – Private CharterS – Water taxiS

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Business entertainment, private parties, weddings, birthdays and anniversaries are our specialties.

We take the art of entertaining to a whole new level, no matter what the occasion.

You and your guests will remember the cruise for years to come. Quality service begins with custom planning to suit your needs.

alexandria – national harbor Water taxi

washington by wateR monuments cRuise

National Harbor is a waterfront destination across from Alexandria. Round-trip and One-way service provided.

Enjoy our nation’s monuments and historic landmarks on a narrated cruise between Old Town Alexandria and Georgetown Washington D.C.

george WaShington’S mount veRnon by wateR cRuise

Water taxi to the national Mall

potomac belle Docked in Old Town Alexandria

For reservations and additional information

703-868-5566 • potomacbelle.com “What a perfect evening you provided for my guests from out of town and out of the country. Your crew was helpful and professional, from working with my caterer to keeping safety uppermost.”

NATIONAL HARBOR DINING GUIDE

703.684.0580 McCORMICK & SCHMICK 145 National Plaza 301-567-6224

CRAB CAKE CAFE 140 National Plaza 240-766-2063

McLOONES PIER HOUSE 141 National Harbor Plaza 301-839-0815 mcloonespierhousenh.com

ELEVATION BURGER 108 Waterfront Street 301-749-4014

BOND 45 149 Waterfront Street 301-839-1445

FIORELLA PIZZERIA E CAFFE 152 National Plaza 301-839-1811

CADILLAC RANCH 186 Fleet St. 301-839-1100 cadillacranchgroup.com

GRACES MANDARIN 188 Waterfront Street 301-839-3788 GRANITE CITY FOOD & BREWERY 200 American Way 240-493-3900

Arrive in style at the National Mall to view the Roosevelt Memorial, Jefferson Memorial, World War II Memorial, Vietnam Veterans Memorial, Korean War Veterans Memorial, Lincoln Memorial, and more!

For additional information, visit our ticket booth located in the Alexandria City Marina, behind the Torpedo Factory Art Center.

CHIPOTLE MEXICAN GRILL 158 National Plaza 301-749-2016

AC LOUNGE 156 Waterfront St. 301-749-2299

48 | March 2016

Arrive by boat and spend the afternoon exploring the 45-acre estate, grounds, Museum and Education Center.

NANDO’S PERI-PERI 191 American Way 301-567-8900 NATIONAL PAST TIME SPORTS BAR & GRILLE Gaylord Resort 301-965-4000 gaylordnational.com

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

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

Join us for the kick-off event of National Harbor’s Food & Wine Festival for an elegant and intimate four-course dinner prepared by our award-winning culinary team. Enjoy exquisite creations featuring the best Mid-Atlantic flavors expertly paired with the notable vintages of Chimney Rock from the Stag Leap District in California.

April 22, 2016 at 7:00pm Pre-purchase required GaylordNationalTickets.com For the full experience book the VIP Overnight Food & Wine Festival Package at GaylordNational.com 201 Waterfront St. National Harbor, MD 20745 (301) 965-4000

GN16FB021[ad]OldTownCrier_9-625x13.indd 1

3/21/16 9:23 AM

Anniversary Celebration

Join us for sips, nibbles & purchase promotions!

Friday, April 8 - Sunday, April 10

The Spice & Tea Exchange

ÂŽ

320 King Street | Alexandria, VA 22314 | 571-312-8505 | alexandria@spiceandtea.com

A Toast to the Community We thank you for making our first three months unforgettable.

We look forward to continuing to serve you.

Cheers!

Lunch Service Begins Late April Patio Opens Mid-May

Memories Are Made Here

call to learn more about our private dining & event services

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

9030 Lucia Lane Alexandria, Virginia 22308 • 703-780-3665 cedarknollva.com • reservations@cedarknollva.com