Old Town Crier - May Issue by Old Town Crier

Since 1988–Priceless

May 2014

From the Bay to the Blue Ridge

Road Trip

A TALE OF TWO BEACHES

Delaware’s Rehobeth and Bethany Personality Profile

ARIANNA ZUCKERMAN Sensational Soprano Dining Out

LA BERGERIE

French Cuisine Fantastique Business Profile

NATIONAL CENTER FOR MISSING AND EXPLOITED CHILDREN National Harbor

THE CAPITOL WHEEL

What Goes Up Is Gonna Go Round oldtowncrier.com

Landini’s

Setting TheZAGAT Standard In Old Town For2006 Over 37 Years AWARD OF EXCELLENCE

AND THE PAST 15 YEARS

115 King Street Old Town Alexandria 115 King Street 703-836-8404 Old Town Alexandria landinibrothers.com 703-836-8404

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Franco and Noe welcome you!

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Old Town’s Favorite Raw Bar Featuring the Freshest Shellfish in Virginia

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may’14 A Division of Crier Media Group 317 South Washington Street Alexandria, Va. 22314 phone: 703. 836. 0132 office@oldtowncrier.com oldtowncrier.com Published the first week of every month. Worth waiting for! PUBLISHER Bob Tagert MARKETING & ADVERTISING Lani Gering Bob Tagert SOCIAL MEDIA & WEBSITE Laura Parker DESIGN & PRODUCTION Electronic Ink 9 Royal Street, SE Leesburg, Va. 20175 Chris Anderson Vincent Arrunategui Peggie Arvidson Sarah Becker F. Lennox Campello Steve Chaconas Doug Coleman Ashley Denham Busse Jaime Elliott Doug Fabbioli Nicole Flanagan Lani Gering Elizabeth Jones

CONTRIBUTORS Frances Killpatrick Miriam Kramer Genevieve LeFranc Laura Parker Julie Reardon Chester Simpson Bob Tagert Carl Trevisan Ryan Unverzagt Lori Welch Neil Williamson Molly Winans

4 A Bit of History After Hours Art & Antiques Behind the Bar Business Profile Caribbean Connection Chef’s Special Civil Discourse Dining Guide Dining Out Exploring Virginia Wines Financial Focus

8 11 15 32 5 18 34 9 28 30 35 6

First Blush Fitness From the Bay… From the Trainer Gallery Beat Go Fish Grapevine High Notes National Harbor On Being a Mom On the Media On the Road

26 42 40 22 41 14 39 36 10 46 16 3 1

Personality Profile

Pets of the Month

Points on Pets

12 2

Publisher’s Notes Road Trip

Single Space

Spiritual Renaissance

The Last Word

To the Blue Ridge

26 7

Urban Garden Virginia Wine Trails

© 2014 Crier Media Group, Inc. No part of this publication may be reproduced without the written consent of the publisher. The Old Town Crier is published monthly and distributed to selected Alexandria residents, hotels, restaurants and retail shops. Also distributed in the Annapolis, Fredericksburg, Blue Ridge and Washington, DC areas as well as St. John, USVI.

About the cover "Fenwick Island Lighthouse" original painting by Alexandria artist Paul McGehee Print Image 6½ x 9¾. Edition: 500 S/N. paulmcgeheeart.com You can also follow Paul on Facebook

On the road with OTC William (Harvey) Dalton peruses the July 2013 issue of OTC at the 50th Anniversary Season of the Shenandoah Valley Music Festival in Orkney Springs, Va. Looks like this is a fun summer event for our readers! Will need to check out the 51st Anniversary this summer! 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

facebook.com/oldtowncrier caption to office@oldtowncrier.com.

Old Town Crier

May 2014 | 1

PUBLISHER’S NOTES BOB TAGERT

wo hundred years ago America declared war on the British and the War of 1812 was underway. Although the war ended at Fort McHenry in Baltimore, it began in southern Maryland along the shores of Calvert and St. Mary’s counties. In February 1813, the British Navy blockaded the Chesapeake Bay. On shallow barges the British carried troops ashore to plunder and destroy. The British landed at Newtowne Neck at the mouth of Breton Bay and proceeded to march toward Leonardtown. An estimated 1,500 Royal British Marines invaded the town whose population numbered only 323.After plundering houses and shops they turned their attention to the stately courthouse. Mrs. Janet Thompson and Miss Eliza Key saved the courthouse from destruction by claiming it was used as a church as well as the seat of local government. Perhaps the saving of the courthouse was due more to the ladies’ charms of persuasion than to its asserted religious function. Next month our history writer, Sarah Becker,

will entertain us with the complete history of the War of 1812. On June 6-8, Leonardtown, Md. will be hosting the Raiders and Invaders weekend. This will be fun for everyone. For more information check their ad on the inside back cover of this issue. There will also be a reenactment later in June at Jefferson-Patterson Park on the Patuxent River. With warm weather finally here, we took our Road Trip to the beaches of Southern Delaware. Miles of dunes and deserted beaches can be found. Since April of 2011 we have been following the Civil War each month and since those first days at Fort Sumter, Doug Coleman now brings us to the turning point of the conflict. Local resident and soprano Arianna Zukerman is our Personality Profile while our Business Profile reviews 30 years of the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children. Happy Mother’s Day to all of the moms and don’t forget our vets this Memorial Day.

alexandria’S hiStoric gem 1. Songwriter’S ShowcaSe Join The Songwriter’s Association of Washington every Tuesday night for The Old Town Theater’s Songwriter’s Showcase. Welcoming some of the DC area’s best song writers and musicians, this series will be held every Tuesday, 8-10 p.m. with a meet and greet reception following. Hosted by the popular and talented Patty Reese. As always, the Richmond Room will be open early and throughout the show for all of your food and beverages.

2. the richmond room Book the Richmond Room for your private or corporate event. Onsite catering available. 3. children’S ProgramS Held every Saturday. For details, visit theoldtowntheater.com.

703.549.1025 • theoldtowntheater.com 815½ King Street • old town alexandria 2 | May 2014

Old Town Crier

ON THE MEDIA LAURA PARKER

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Time: We Can’t Escape It

his month I want to take a minute to discuss the importance of adhering to a schedule. This may seem like a strange choice for a media column, but I assure you it is entirely relevant. Starting in grade school we learn that deadlines are meant to be met; however, somewhere between the transition from adolescence to adulthood we discover that deadlines are not always steadfast. How many times have we begged and pleaded to have just an extra five minutes? And how often have we implored a publishing agent to allow us a day or two extension (which inevitably turns into three days)? I’m sure you are nodding your head and remembering all of the times you have been guilty of pushing a previously set-in-stone deadline. As a writer and marketing consultant, I often struggle with telling CEOs that, “no, we cannot push the article another day.” Saying “no” to someone who writes the check that pays your monthly rent is never easy. But when it comes to marketing, it is often necessary. And so, here are a few choice words that I would like to say to all of the bosses out there, who make the little guy suffer because they want a few extra moments on a steadfast deadline. • 5 pm, Friday does not mean 8 am, Monday. • When a deadline is set, you are at the liberty

of the vendor to accept late changes. • In marketing we are all cogs in a much bigger wheel. As such, being late on one deadline is the equivalent of trying to drive a cart with three wheels—it just doesn’t work. • Deadlines are not arbitrary. • You wouldn’t be late to your own wedding, so why are you late on every single deadline? The moral of the story is simple. If you want to have impactful marketing, then you must realize that meeting deadlines is a quintessential factor of success. Pushing a deadline so far as to be missed means missing out on an opportunity that could have been quite lucrative. I say, “could have been” because the sad truth is, if you miss a deadline you will never know what the positive outcome could have been. And so, dear reader, please avoid being the Rabbit from Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland. It is never good to have your mantra be, “I’m late, I’m late for a very important date. No time to say hello, goodbye, I’m late, I’m late, I’m late.” Laura Parker is a full-time freelance writer and marketing guru. For more marketing tips or to schedule a marketing advice session please contact her at parke425@gmail.com

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Local Farmers Markets

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Market Square • 301 King Street Saturday 5:30 - 11 a.m. • 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.

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Circa ‘31

Del Ray Farmers Market

Corner of East Oxford Avenue & Mount Vernon Avenue 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.

Old Town Crier

May 2014 | 3

Personality profile Laura Parker

one in which Arianna experienced a “totally terrifying, surreal, and out of body sensation.” This experience occurred when she performed with Daniel Hope, a friend and student of world-renowned violinist Yehudi Menuhin. Arianna sang at West Minster Abbey in front of a crowd that included Prince Charles and Joan Sutherland, who is arguably the greatest opera singer of all time. Words cannot capture the immense importance of that experience, except to say that it was a moment of complete and utter clarity. A moment when the world appears to stand still and songbirds nod their head in musical understanding. In a career that has been filled with

makes you smarter and better, you can find God in music more than anything else. If you expose a child to classical music, art, dance early, then they aren’t afraid of it, the curiosity grows.” During our interview it was this very curiosity that invoked another trip down memory lane. In March 2013, Arianna took her eldest daughter to Tel Aviv, Jerusalem, and Haifa. It was the first time that she brought her daughter to Israel. This amazing trip back to her roots and heritage was made even more special through music. For you see, the entire time that they were in Israel, Arianna was singing Mozart. Since that trip, she has noted that, “motherhood colors my perception of everything.

Arianna Zukerman these special, indefinable moments, Arianna Zukerman has recently had the amazing opportunity to start a new adventure: motherhood. She and her husband, Pete, are the proud parents are two little girls, 10 week old Tabitha and 2 ½ year old Veronica. Interestingly these two little girls are fast becoming Arianna’s most honest critics. In her words, “music

rianna Zukerman is a musical force to be reckoned with; her performances have both amazed and brought listeners to tears throughout dozens of countries and countless venues. However, it is not just her ability as a soprano that has made her into a musical force, it is her industry experience, as well as the open frankness that she adopts when discussing the next generation of classical performers. When I asked Arianna about her 4 | May 2014

My heritage is incredibly important and I want to share that with my children.” Singing has allowed her to both share her passion with the world and stay true to her Jewish heritage. In May Arianna will be performing the Defiant Requiem in Strathmore. This PERSONALITY PROFILE > PAGE 13

decision to become a singer she simply stated that, “I have orbited around music my whole life, it seemed natural and normal to become a musician. I didn’t know that other jobs existed.” She first discovered singing and theater in high school and since then her talents have been sought after throughout the globe. Her passion for music can be seen through any of the numerous anecdotes, which I had the pleasure of listening to for well over an hour. But perhaps my favorite story was Old Town Crier

business profile ELIZABETH jones

ver the last several years I have had the pleasure to learn about dozens of local businesses. From retail to real estate, ice cream to Halloween, I’ve seen and you’ve read about the small and large businesses, all contributing to the heart of Alexandria and its neighboring communities. This month I am excited to not only shed light on the amazing work this business does, but to also spread awareness and knowledge, and recognize the dedicated people who make it their mission to help others in need. In celebration of their 30th anniversary and the many successes they have achieved, we are featuring the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children (NCMEC). NCMEC opened its doors in 1984 to serve as the nation’s greatest resource for issues related to missing and exploited children. They have changed the way that our country and law enforcement address and act on these difficult cases, and provide support to victims, their families, and friends. There are many cases that come to mind when you hear about this organization, and we have all seen the news and prayed for the families who face this terrifying situation. To say that NCMEC has changed the way we respond to missing or abused children would be an understatement. Thirty years ago, police could enter information about stolen cars, stolen guns, and even stolen horses into the FBI’s crime database, but not stolen children. Several tragic cases brought awareness to the nation, and shed light on the lack of coordination or national response system when addressing missing children cases. In 1979, 6-year-old Etan Patz vanished from a New York street on his way to school. Over the next several years, 29 children and young adults were found murdered in Atlanta. Perhaps the most recognized case was in 1981, when 6-year-old Adam Walsh was abducted from a Florida shopping mall and later found brutally murdered. While these stories are difficult to revisit, the history is what makes this organization and the work that they Old Town Crier

YEARS OF HOPE The National Center for Missing & Exploited Children

do so impactful. When Adam Walsh first disappeared, his parents, John and Revé, turned to law enforcement to help locate their son. To their disbelief, there was no coordinated effort on a state or national level to carry out a search. In response to their tragedy, the Walsh’s established the Adam Walsh Outreach Center for Missing Children, created to serve as a national resource for other families with who face these tragic circumstances. As the national awareness grew, Congress enacted the Missing Children’s Act in 1982 enabling the entry of missing child information into the FBI’s National Crime Information Center database (NCIC). Former President Ronald Reagan officially opened the NCMEC in 1984, and in 1990 the Adam Walsh Outreach Center joined forces. Thirty years later, NCMEC has provided services and technical

assistance to child victims of abduction and sexual exploitation. They provide the most comprehensive resources regarding missing children, child safety and prevention, law enforcement training, and victim and family support. Today NCMEC is authorized by Congress to perform 22 programs and services to assist and each case brings its own set of unique challenges, which NCMEC is prepared to help conquer 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. Some of the programs NCMEC operates include the CyberTipline (the 911 of the Internet), Child Victim Identification Program, Sex Offender Tracking Team, and Child Sex Trafficking Team. Additionally, NCMEC offers support services to victims and families coping with these traumatic experiences. Services are

John Ryan, NCMEC president and CEO, at the 30th anniversary celebration

administered by master-level trained mental health and child welfare professionals. The work that is done by this organization has yielded significant results which cannot be ignored. With an increased level of public awareness, laws, and technology, the recovery rate of missing children has climbed from 62 percent in 1990 to more than 97 percent in 2014! President and CEO, John Ryan shared at their anniversary event, “in the last 30 years, we’ve played a role in the recovery of more than 193,000 missing children, and we’re never going to give up hope for the families still waiting to be reunited with their children.” As a nation, we have even seen more recoveries from abduction cases, such as Elizabeth Smart of Utah after nine months; Shawn Hornbeck of Missouri after four years; Jaycee Dugard of California after 18 years; Carlina White of New York after 23 years; and Marx Barnes of Hawaii after 34 years. Since its inception in 1998, the CyberTipline has processed over 2.3 million reports concerning crimes against children. I am honored to help shed light on the great work being done right here in our own backyard, and I urge you all to help celebrate the achievements of NCMEC. Every May 25th, the anniversary of Etan Patz’s disappearance, the nation observes Missing Children’s Day. For more than three decades the search for Etan has continued, as NCMEC never forgets a child, no matter how long they have been missing. National Missing Children’s Day honors this commitment to help locate and recover missing children by reminding parents, guardians, families and communities that every child deserves a safe environment and childhood. Please help me in supporting this great cause and the effort made all day, every day to ensure a safer world for our next generation. Learn more about how you can help and contribute to NCMEC, by visiting http://www.missingkids. com/home, signing up for RSS feeds, and following them on Twitter and Facebook. May 2014 | 5

FINANCIAL FOCUS carl m.trevisan, cfp© & stephen m. bearce

Invest Internationally with ADRs

he potential benefit of global investment has tantalized investors for decades.1 A portfolio whose holdings are diversified across national borders may have lower overall volatility and higher average returns than a collection of investments in any single economy. While the bottom-line benefits of foreign investment may be attractive, the purchase of stock through a foreign stock exchange can be a protracted and costly process. What’s more, investors in international securities may face additional risks. Currency market volatility can have an impact on asset values that is independent from the performance of the asset, and political instability may be greater than U.S. investors are accustomed to.

American Depositary Receipts (ADRs) can eliminate many of these investment risks and costs.2 An ADR is like a stock certificate good for a specified number of shares in an overseas company, and the price of an ADR is linked to the price of the company’s stock in its home country. ADRs are denominated in U.S. dollars, with dividends paid in U.S. dollars. Foreign companies that sponsor listed ADR programs in the United States issue financial reports in English, and these reports generally conform to U.S. accounting conventions. These companies also file required disclosure statements with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Companies that meet all U.S. reporting and disclosure rules are permitted to raise capital directly from U.S. investors by issuing new stock specifically to be represented

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6 | May 2014

by ADRs. Companies that meet a more limited set of SEC reporting requirements are permitted only to sponsor ADRs that represent shares previously issued in their home markets. It’s important to remember that even though they are denominated in dollars, ADRs are not immune to currency fluctuations. Because shares and distributions from the underlying stock originate in the foreign company’s native currency, any movements in that currency could affect the ADR’s share price and the value of distributions. The main appeal of ADRs for American investors is convenience. They allow for ownership of shares in foreign companies without the worry of complications such as trading on foreign exchanges or currency conversion. Tax treatment also is similar to that of U.S.-based stocks except that dividend payments might be subject to a withholding tax from the stock’s home country. There are costs associated with this convenience, however. The issuing depositary bank often charges a fee for administration of the ADR and this is usually subtracted from dividends to be paid out to shareholders. If the foreign company underlying the ADR doesn’t pay a periodic dividend, shareholders might be charged a fee directly.

“

The main appeal of ADRs for American investors is convenience.

There are currently more than 2,000 ADRs from over 70 countries, including Great Britain, Japan, China, and Brazil. Some of these companies are listed on the major exchanges (New York Stock Exchange or Nasdaq). Additionally, there are ADR indexes and exchange-traded funds that track them. Because of the possibility of human or mechanical error by S&P Capital IQ Financial Communications or its sources, neither S&P Capital IQ Financial Communications nor its sources guarantees the accuracy, adequacy, completeness or availability of any information and is not responsible for any errors or omissions or for the results obtained from the use of such information. In no event shall S&P Capital IQ Financial Communications be liable for any indirect, special or consequential damages in connection with subscriber’s or others’ use of the content. © 2013 S&P Capital IQ Financial Communications. All rights reserved. This column is provided through the Financial Planning

Association, the membership organization for the financial planning community, and is brought to you by Carl M. Trevisan, a local member of FPA and Stephen M. Bearce. McLaughlin Ryder Investments, Inc. and McLaughlin Ryder Advisory Services, LLC and their employees are not in the business of providing tax or legal advice. These materials and any tax-related statements are not intended or written to be used, and cannot be used or relied upon, by any such taxpayer for the purpose of avoiding tax penalties. Taxbased statements, if any, may have been written in connection with the promotion or marketing of the transaction (s) or matter(s) addressed by these materials, to the extent allowed by applicable law. Any such taxpayer should seek advice based on the taxpayer’s particular circumstances from an independent tax advisor. Securities offered by McLaughlin Ryder Investments, Inc. and investment advisory services offered by McLaughlin Ryder Advisory Services, LLC.

Foreign investments involve greater risks than U.S. investments, including political and economic risks and the risk of currency fluctuations, and may not be suitable for all investors.

Investing in stock involves risk, including loss of principal.

Old Town Crier

THE URBAN GARDEN LANI GERING

A May List • Grow your own dried flowers. Raise statice, globe amaranth, straw flowers and other everlastings to provide flowers for this year’s arrangements. • Plant gladioli bulbs in late May. • Set out marigold, petunia, ageratum and fibrous begonia transplants. All are good border plants. • To grow annuals in containers on the patio, use a light weight soil mixture. Keep the plants wellwatered, because the soil dries out fast. Apply a water soluble fertilizer according to package directions every two weeks. • Watering roses with soaker hoses or drip irrigation will reduce the spread of black spot disease. • Plant ground covers under shade trees that do not allow enough sunlight to grow grass. Vinca minor or English ivy are ground cover plants that grow well in shade. • Mulch around newly planted trees

and shrubs. This practice reduces weeds, controls fluctuations in soil temperature, retains moisture, prevents damage from lawn mowers and looks attractive. • When you visit botanical gardens and arboretums, take your camera and note pad with you. Plan now for changes you will make in your landscape. • For maximum landscape interest in a small, vertical space, try annual vines. They can disguise ugly walls and fences. When trellised, they can create shade and privacy while hiding undesirable views. Try morning glory, nasturtium vine and scarlet runner bean. • Plan a landscaping project on paper first. Do not over plant. Be sure you know the mature size of each plant and allow for growth. • Lawns maintained at the correct height are less likely to have disease and weed infestation. Kentucky

bluegrass and tall fescue should be mowed at two or three inches in height. Mow frequently, removing no more than one third of the blade at each cutting. • Grass clippings can be used as a mulch in flower beds and vegetable gardens if allowed to dry well before use. Never use clippings from a lawn that has been treated with a herbicide. • Cabbage loopers and imported cabbage worms are green worms. They leave large holes in the leaves of plants in the cabbage family. For control, caterpillars can be picked off by hand or sprayed with Bt (Bacillus thuringiensis), a natural, non-toxic preparation available by various trade names. • Newly transplanted vegetable plants should be protected from cutworms with collars. Cut strips of cardboard two inches wide by eight inches long, staple them into circles and

place them around the plants. Press the collar about one inch into the soil. These collars will fence out the cutworms and protect the stems of the vegetable plants. • Stay out of the garden when the vegetable plant leaves are wet. Walking through a wet garden spreads disease from one plant to another. • Four or five layers of newspaper will serve as an effective mulch in the garden. Cover it with grass clippings or straw to prevent it from blowing away. • Put tools away at the end of the day. Clean them and hang them up so they are ready to use and easy to find when you need them. • To better evaluate your gardening successes, keep weather records along with garden records. The most important items to report are daily minimum and maximum temperatures, precipitation, cloud cover and frost occurrences.

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May 2014 | 7

a bit of history PARKER A. POODLE™

Parker and the PTO

am not just a kibble-eating poodle. I am a trademarked— notice my byline—kibbleeating poodle. Pure blooded, I am a mix. I am both personal and intellectual property. My mistress and I went to Alexandria’s Patent and Trademark Office, the National Inventors Hall of Fame and Museum to learn more. Intellectual property is protected in one of four ways: patents, trademarks, trade secrets and copyrights. My stories; this story is copyrighted . Simply stated, I am a canine combo. Parker the dog is personal property, chattel. Like the slaves of yore, I sleep on the floor. I am owned by someone who leashes me. Parker A. Poodle™ the writer is an idea, an expression of my mistress’ emotion. I have a dog’s heart and a writer’s soul. More than a pet, I am my mistress’ imagination made real. Admittedly Parker the dog has a certain je ne sais quoi. I walk with a pedigreed prance, play with Potomac River fishermen, and enjoy cottage cheese with breakfast. I cuddle effortlessly, like a daring dog should. Nathan Poodle, now deceased, was the first dog in our family to publish. His sunglasses, my sunglasses, are distinctive if not trademark. In 2000 Nathan Poodle’s popularity was such that Southern Living magazine profiled his work. Work, in his case, implied original written compositions. Nathan’s Duck Walk to the River remains a regional classic. It was James Madison who, in 1787, asked the Constitutional Convention “to encourage…the advancement of useful knowledge and discoveries.” Article 1, Section 8:8 of the US Constitution states that “The Congress shall have the power to promote the progress of science and useful arts, by securing for limited times to authors and inventors the exclusive rights to their respective writings and discoveries.” Copyright protects the written work, also music and works of art from unauthorized use. Books such as Lassie Come-Home; films and television like Benji and Rin Tin Tin; Elvis Presley’s Hound Dog and Snoop Dogg’s music all 8 | May 2014

are protected by copyright. When protected, the work cannot be stolen. Just as people should not steal dogs or cars, neither should they steal writings, songs, images, ideas or inventions. The US Chamber of Commerce estimates that $250 billion is lost yearly because of copyright piracy. Kellogg’s Tony the Tiger [Frosted Flakes] and Morris, the 9-Lives cat [pet food] are trademarks. Their feline images are product linked. The CocaCola formula is deemed a trade secret. Given the volume of Coca-Cola my mistress consumes, Coke’s formula is liquid gold. When I think of a patent, I think of the 1975 retractable dog leash and the 1939 twist (or treat bag) tie. Both are simple inventions, useful and reusable. Patents can protect inventions for as long as 20 years. In 1854 Alexandria druggists and “joint inventors” John and Edward S. Leadbeater submitted a handwritten patent application, including drawings, “for a new improved method of measuring liquids.” The US Patent Office denied their application, claiming it “contained nothing essentially new or patentable.” Leadbeater’s patent medicines, however, were common drugstore stock. Leadbeater’s Lubricating Liniment was labeled “for man and beast.” Philadelphia’s Samuel Hopkins was the first inventor to benefit from the patent process. Hopkins’ interest was potash production. He used potash, or crude potassium carbonate, to make soap. Well groomed poodles understand the value of soap. Did you know that Thomas Jefferson processed the first patent applications from a shoebox under his bed? Patents related to candle-making, distilling, pile driving, grain threshing and flour manufacturing were also granted. Secretary of State Thomas Jefferson was the first Commissioner of the US Patent Office. The moldboard plow and the wheel cipher are but two of his inventions. Jefferson had a penchant for science. Born of the Enlightened tradition, Thomas Jefferson admired scientists especially Isaac Newton. The Slinky toy relies on Isaac Newton’s theory

of inertia. Enlightened believers discount dog-ma. They support science instead. It was President Jefferson who championed Lewis and Clark’s 1804 western Expedition. Merriwether Lewis, Jefferson’s former secretary, asked the Harper’s Ferry arsenal to design a collapsible boat. The boat tested well, then failed to launch when unpacked. The team discovered that Rocky Mountain tree sap did not have Virginia’s same, sticky, glue-like fluid. Animal skins would not attach to the boat’s frame. Despite the Civil War both the Union and the Confederacy remained loyal to the patent system. On May 21, 1861—three days before Alexandria seceded from the union—the Confederacy passed a patent law. President Jefferson Davis received as many as 70 patent requests monthly and, unlike the Union, the Confederacy granted patents to slaves. No dogs, I am told. Thomas Edison holds the record for the number of individual patents granted, 1093. Born February 11, 1847 Edison’s patents include the electrographic vote-recorder, incandescent electric lamp, phonograph; motion picture projector and rubber extraction from plants. He received his first patent for the electrographic voterecorder at the age of 22. Edison did not invent the first light bulb, he improved it. Its workings held his attention for years. In 1879, using lower current, a small carbonized filament and an improved vacuum inside the globe, Edison was able to produce an incandescent electric lamp. “There was no lack of enthusiasm or of confidence as Mr. Edison greeted [those] who entered his laboratory,” The New York Times reported October 21, 1879. “The inventor, a short, thickset man, with grimy hands, led the way through his workshop, and willingly explained the distinctive features of what he and many others look upon as an apparatus which will soon cause gas-light to be a thing of the past. The lamp which Mr. Edison regards as a crowning triumph is a model of simplicity and economy….” “[Mr. Edison] certainly

demonstrated that in his own Menlo Park laboratory, the electric light is as obedient to his will as the gas light is to the general public,” The New York Times continued. “The light from each lamp is about the power of an ordinary gas jet, but Mr. Edison claims that by increasing electricity, he can raise the power to 15 gas-jets….” “No electricians have been here yet,” Edison told The New York Times in conclusion. “Electricians are a very scarce article in this country. Practical men, with experience, and what I call ’horse sense,’ are the best judges of this light, and they are the men whom I like to welcome to my laboratory.” I, an obedient canine, yield to equine sensibility. “Almost two hundred years ago, President George Washington recognized that invention and innovation were fundamental to the welfare and strength of the United States,” President Ronald Reagan proclaimed in 1983. “He successfully urged the First Congress to enact a patent statute [and] wisely advised that “there is nothing which can better deserve your patronage than the promotion of science.’” Washington bred the first American foxhound; the first mule. “Public credit established— Justice promptly and impartially administered—Industry encouraged and protected—Science progressing— Liberty, civil and religious, secured on the liberal basis of reason and virtue, are the rich rewards of the past exertions of our citizens,” President Washington wrote Edward Newenham in 1791, “and the strong incentives to future patriotism.” National Inventors Day was created to celebrate America’s greatest technological advances. Edison’s mother was “determined that no formalism would cramp…the full sweep of [her son’s and my mistress’] imagination.” Discovery, like writing is a creative process all Americans should enjoy. For more information, visit www. invent.org. Email: abitofhistory53@gmail.com Ed. Note: Parker A. Poodle ™ is the significant companion of Alexandria writer Sarah Becker. Old Town Crier

civil DISCOURSE DOUG COLEMAN

The Turning Point Grant’s Overland Campaign

eople argue over the turning point of the Civil War, somewhat arbitrarily defined as that point where it was clear the North would win. Some will say it is a trick question—the South never had a chance to begin with. Others would point to July 1863, when Lee was turned back at Gettysburg and Vicksburg fell, all in the same week. But if you asked the soldiers themselves, probably a lot would say it was May of 1864, after which the Army of the Potomac never let up, no matter how badly Lee bled it. In May of 1864, the Army of the Potomac is under new management— Sam Grant has come east and Lincoln has given him full command, eclipsing Meade. Grant’s strategy is simple— end the war by destroying Lee’s army. He tells Meade: “Lee’s army will be your objective point. Wherever Lee goes there you will go also.” Thus Grant crosses the Rapidan on May 4th with the intent of placing his 118,000 men between Lee’s 64,000 and Richmond, thereby forcing a fight at close to two-to-one odds. Lee characteristically brings the fight to Grant first, once again using the back roads and thickets of the Wilderness to surprise him near the old Chancellorsville battlefield at the Wilderness Tavern. Indeed, Longstreet reprises Jackson’s famous flank attack (and Jackson’s bad luck, being wounded in the neck by “friendly fire” while reconnoitering at night). Drawing Grant into the Wilderness, Lee substantially negates Grant’s advantage in manpower and artillery—it is Uncle Remus’ Br’er Rabbit in the briar patch. Grant’s troops are spooked by the bleached bones of Hooker’s men, still lying where they had fallen the previous May. Fighting begins at six in the morning on May 5, when Warren’s brigade moves east out of the Wilderness to discover Ewell’s Confederates on the Orange Pike, entrenched and waiting where they should not be. Assuming this to be a small delaying force which will avoid battle, Meade orders Warren to hit Ewell immediately. By 10:00, it is apparent that there are lots of Old Town Crier

Confederates and they mean to fight. While Grant would have liked to avoid slugging it out in the woods, he does not shrink from ordering an assault. However, his troops and commanders know what will happen if they charge entrenched Confederates and are in no hurry to throw their lives away. It is six hours before the assault is made and Ewell has used this time to strengthen his earthworks. Had Warren made the assault immediately, he would have found a gap in Lee’s line. A full day of savage fighting ends with no clear winner. Sparks from cannon, muskets and shells have set fires. That night a breeze fans these fires into the fields and undergrowth. Although soldiers and local farmers do what they can to rescue the wounded, men burn to death in the no-man’s land between picket lines. Some soldiers who cannot move shoot themselves to escape the flames. The smoke adds further horror and confusion to the hellish landscape. Both commanders plan to open May 6 with a dawn assault. For each, the key is Longstreet’s corps, coming fast from Gordonsville. Grant needs to smash Lee before Longstreet can reinforce; Lee needs to hold until he gets help. Longstreet is still five miles off when the Union assault rolls forward at 5:00 a.m. Hancock’s has thrown everyone into line— artillerymen, engineers, wagon drivers—such that the force is overwhelming. Hill’s men fall back slowly and deliberately, no panic, using the woods to bushwhack the oncoming Federals. But the pressure mounts and Hill’s men begin to break —a first. Lee personally tries to stem the tide and orders his supply train to safety, just in case. Unsupported Confederate artillery slows the Federals; Lee remains among the guns to steady the men and Hill himself mans a cannon. Almost at the last moment, Longstreet’s men come up and sweep past the guns. Lee is exhilarated. Overcome by the moment, he attempts to lead the counterattack himself; his men stop him. Longstreet punches a hole in the oncoming line and by 9:00 the

Confederates are back on their original line. Grant fills the hole. Then at around 4:00 Lee moves straight up the Orange Turnpike for a frontal assault. As at Gettysburg, priceless veterans are torn to ribbons by the artillery and musketry of entrenched Federals. Lee looks to attack elsewhere, but Hill and Early urge him not to waste additional lives assaulting trenches. Then Lee finds General Gordon, who is anxious to attack Sedgwick’s unsupported and lightly held flank. Lee readily consents and at 6:00 Gordon smashes Sedgwick’s command, taking over 600 prisoners and routing the rest. A calm Grant notes that darkness will prevent the Confederates doing more harm that night. The Battle of the Wilderness is a Yankee loss and costs Grant almost 18,000 casualties, Lee about 11,000. This has been some of the most intense fighting of the war. The Army of the Potomac knows the drill from six prior commanders—fight hard, take crippling casualties, retreat into the forts around Washington to regroup, get a new commander, go try again… But then something amazing happens. In the dark of night on May 7, as the Army of the Potomac marches east towards Fredericksburg, Grant directs the head of the column right – south, towards Richmond. As the Yankees realize that they are not pulling back, they begin cheering and sing the hymn “Ain’t I Glad to get out of the Wilderness.” Grant is mortified

—the noise will give his night march away—but morale soars as the army realizes Grant intends to end this war by winning it. An ever-practical Grant knows he needs to get out of the Wilderness as soon as possible. Once out of the woods, Grant can bring his superior numbers and artillery to bear. Grant slides southwest towards the open country around Spotsylvania Courthouse. Lee gets there first on May 8, dislodging Yankee cavalry and throwing up entrenchments along a ridge backed by woods. The Yankee night march has been delayed by downed trees, cavalry and ambushes. Halfway across the plain, they are surprised and halted by entrenched Confederates in the tree-line. Lee’s whole force continues to dig in as the rest of Grant’s army comes up. On the 9th, the two lines snipe and batter each other with artillery. Yankee commander Sedgwick is shot in the face by a Confederate sniper, his last words being: “Pooh! They can’t hit an elephant at this distance.” On the 10th, Grant probes Lee’s left, but gains nothing. He has lost 10,000 in three days, Lee considerably less, but sends a dispatch to Lincoln insinuating success and announcing his intent to “fight it out on that line, if it took all summer.” On May 11, Grant shifts his attention to an entrenched salient jutting out on a hill in Lee’s center, “the Mule Shoe.” CIVIL DISCOURSE > PAGE 13

May 2014 | 9

HIGH NOTES CHRIS ANDERSON

Brewin’ My Own Six-Pack

espite being a prolific songwriter and recording artist, I’ve always resisted the urge to use this forum as a means of plugging my own material. It’s a bit narcissistic, my music is not always easy to acquire, and there’s just so much other great music out there to talk about. However, this month I will share with you just what I have been up to this year. I should preface this by divulging my plan for 2014 which involves my wife and I leaving our jobs, putting our stuff in storage, and spending May-September travelling through Atlantic Canada. Most of our journey will be throughout Newfoundland but we will also be in Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, and Quebec. It is the adventure of a lifetime and the boldest move we will probably ever make. I couldn’t be more excited. So, with the prospect of closing up my studio, where hundreds of songs were written and recorded over the last ten years, I felt I really had to go out with a bang. So I decided I would record and release as many albums as possible before leaving. The first release was long in the making. Titled Reinvent The Lie, after my favorite original song, the idea was to take as many older songs as I could and re-record them at my current standard. Released on my 40th birthday, this was a perfect chaptercloser. The deluxe edition contains one disc of re-recorded “classics” while the second disc compiles tracks from recent albums. The single-disc version combines the best of the two, but when released online, it was the first disc of the double set that became the standard. Classics like the title track, “Sittin’ Down”, “Calamity Jane”, “The Yammering Song”, “Confess”, “Saskatchewan” and “This Old Engine” all appear as well as the goofy “Some Days I Really Feel Like A Schmuck”, and a whole bunch more. Over 100 songs were recorded for this and my copy spans ten CD. The rest of those

10 | May 2014

tracks will be dispensed to the public later, in a more manageable form. Next! Every February I undergo the RPM Challenge, which calls upon artists to create an album, from scratch, in one month. This year was my eighth challenge and the resulting album, Breaking Away, was released on 3/1/14 and quickly became a favorite. Many songs deal with the big trip that I’m about to take, including the catchy title track, while others deal with the human condition, such as the epic “Islands In The Slipstream” and the raging “Old Before Our Time”. The gentle “d.i.y.” is an ode to songwriting that might clear some things up – “my songs are my children”. Indeed they are. There are always songs that get cut for one reason or another and I thought about releasing those extras as an EP. But more new songs appeared in such a flurry that those extra tracks wound up getting the bump again and, after one wild week, I wound up with a whole new album, Move Like Wind, which was released 3/15/14. The entire album deals with my voyage, in one way or another. “Grow” kicks things off with one of my favorite choruses ever and “Four/Zero” is about turning 40 and needing to do something different. “Newfoundland” is self-explanatory, especially with its mandolin-driven instrumental breaks that’ll make you want to dance a jig. The title track has a feel that reminds me of early Talking Heads or something while “Our Time To Shine” is basically an anthem for being alive. The Big Cover-Up was released on 3/26/14. I wanted to do an album of covers for years so, distracting myself from writing sessions, I whipped this up in about a week and it features radically different versions of songs like “The Big Money” by Rush, “Silver Machine” by Hawkwind, and “Umbrella” by Rihanna. Elsewhere, artists like Bruce Springsteen, Widespread Panic, Kate Bush, The Monkees, and Frank Zappa are represented, giving somewhat of a

decent cross-section of my musical tastes. Work resumed on the next album, Boom, which came out 4/16/14. Those neglected songs finally found a home along with nine brand new tracks. “Road Song”, “Great Big Scene”, the funky groove of “Amen” and the bluegrass folk of “Time’s A Train” all deal with the Big Trip and the compulsion for change, while others such as “Chameleon”, the Irish swirl of “Mary’s Eyes”, and the driving “Bitter Man” are of a more personal nature – “once upon a time I was a bitter man / then I let it go, now I’m a better man”. True dat. Lastly, released on 4/25/14, Two For The Sky was actually written and performed live last year but I never got around to recording it until now. Keeping with the current theme, much of this is about adventure and the need for it. Written after we decided to take this odyssey, some songs such as the speedy folk of “East Coast”, the rockin’ “Maggie”, and the bombastic title track all deal with the excitement of voyage. Other songs, however, were written after the death of my Grandmother and deal either directly or indirectly with that, such as “Thorns”, “Where Did You Go?” and the poignant opener, “Behind The Lines”. I am not ashamed to admit that I really enjoy my own music. I don’t make music to get rich or famous or because it’s some tortured necessity. I do it because I can and I make exactly the kind of music that I want to listen to and play. And when I want more, I make more. As such, I am just as excited by this wave of new albums as I would if my favorite band in the world released six albums at once. These are all available to download for cheap (or stream for free) at http:// chrisanderson-fdm.bandcamp.com along with about 20 other albums of mine from the last several years. Even though I’m taking a break for a little while, there will be more. There will always be more. When Frank Zappa said “music is the best”, he sure meant it.

Old Town Crier

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May 2014 | 11

POINTS ON PETS ASHLEY DENHAM BUSSE

King Street Cats Adoption Calendar MAY 2014 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 1–4 pm PETCO UNLEASHED AT PENTAGON ROW 1101 S. Joyce Street Arlington, VA 22202 Saturday, May 3 Saturday, May 17 Sunday, May 18 1–4 pm DOGMA 2772 S. Arlington Mill Drive Arlington, VA 22206 Sunday, May 11 1–4 pm Petsmart Willston Shopping Center 6100 Arlington Blvd Falls Church, VA 22044 Sunday, May 25 1–4 pm

12 | May 2014

Worth a 1000 Words: Tips for Photographing Your Pet

he popularity of dog and cat photos on the internet is a testament to how much we humans love our pets, and how priceless— and timeless—a great photo can be. Whether they’re funny or sweet, spontaneous or artistic, photos of animals speak to something deep within us. So why not try photographing your own beloved pet? There are so many wonderful, easy-to-use cameras out there right now, and so many computer programs to help you edit, share, print, and create with the photos you take. Phone apps like Instagram have made it easy to turn a smartphone snapshot into a work of art, and then print it out in various forms, from magnets to postcards to canvases.But there’s more to taking a great pet photo than clicking a button. If you want to get the best possible shot of your dog or cat, here are some tips to guide you along. (A lot of these tips apply to photographing humans, too!) Natural light is best. Using a flash will not only frighten your pet, but it creates harsh shadows that detract from the beauty of your subject. Cloudy days are ideal because the light is soft; you can also find great light early or late in the day, when the sun isn’t high in the sky creating strong shadows. If you have no choice but to use a flash, consider covering it with wax paper; you can also use a light separate from your camera, but point it upward—not directly at your pet. Make sure to keep the environment calm and relaxed. Don’t hype your dog up or say “Smile!” unless you want an action shot, ’cause if you get excited, your dog will too! Choose a time when your pet is tired or resting. Allow your pet to sniff the camera and get used to it first. Then, photograph everything but your pet so he can get used to the sound and movement – this will help him basically be able to ignore the camera when you’re photographing him, giving you the most natural shot. Focus the camera on the eyes; this will keep them looking sharp and clear in the photo. Your camera may want to focus on whatever is closest to the lens, so read the instructions in the manual on how to manually change the focus—it makes a huge difference. Think outside the box. For more interesting pictures, try photographing your pet from different angles, instead

of the usual full-body, straight-on angle. Also, consider photographing just parts of your pet, close up: paws, tail, fur, nose —whatever you love most about your pet. Consider his personality: to capture him in his essence, take photographs of him doing things he loves. Maybe an action shot of your dog catching the Frisbee. Perhaps a photo of your fastidious cat washing her face. Or a photo of your bird preening, or your shy puppy on his back with his paws up in the air. Get on her level, or shoot from beneath her, rather than the usual top-down viewpoint. Or consider taking a photo of her favorite things—her toys, her bed— from her point of view. Be aware of the background. Simple backgrounds often make the best shots: green grass, brown hardwood floors, white sand, blue water. Make sure there’s contrast between the color of your pet’s fur and the background. When your pet is in a calm state, have someone get his attention quickly—say, by squeaking a toy or offering a treat— but make sure you are poised and ready to shoot immediately, in those first one or two seconds where your pet has perked up and is alert. If you like a photo but don’t love it, consider changing it to sepia tone or black and white, or cropping it. Zooming in on one part of it may render a great image, and changing the color settings or contrast can rescue a great photo. If your pet is very active, choose the “sport” or motion setting on your camera, or adjust to a fast shutter

speed so that there’s little to no lag time between when you press the shutter and when the image is captured. That way you won’t miss great action shots. If you have a point-and-shoot camera, in addition to turning off the flash, consider putting it in “burst” mode so that you take a bunch of photos back to back when you press the shutter. This may help you capture a great image even of a stationary pet. Be prepared to take lots of photos— you can worry about deleting the rejects later. But if you keep your camera around and photograph all the time, you’re bound to get a great shot sooner or later. This will also make your pet more comfortable around the camera, even those who initially might be camera-shy. Be patient! It may take hundreds of photos and hundreds of different attempts to capture that one image that you’ll treasure forever. Good luck and get snapping! If you take a photograph you love, send it to us! We’d love to see it! Email it to info@ doggywalker.com. Ashley Denham Busse has worked for Doggywalker.com since 2006. Doggywalker.com is a professional petsitting company located in Old Town Alexandria, celebrating more than 13 years of providing daily walks and customized in-home pet care. Visit doggywalker.com or email info@ doggywalker. com.

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CIVIL DISCOURSE FROM PAGE 9

Hancock’s corps comes up in the rainy darkness within 1,200 yards of the objective and in the grey dawn advances soundlessly through heavy fog to sweep away the Confederate pickets. Then, with a hurrah, they rush forward over abattis and breastworks, capturing nearly all of Johnson’s division of 4,000 men; Johnson himself swats at his captors with his walking stick. But this is just an advance work and the Confederates hold steady on the main line a half mile behind. Nearby at the “Bloody Angle” the combatants are separated only by a log breastwork, fighting is hand-to-hand at first, then firing blindly over the top and stabbing and shooting between logs as the bodies pile up in layers in the mud. Trees are chewed in two by the intensity of the fire. Five Confederate counterattacks are thrown back and fighting continues on for 23 hours through the rain and night, until Lee pulls back to his interior line at midnight on May 12. Neither side prevails; each loses approximately 10,000 on this day alone. Meanwhile, a raiding force of 12,000 Yankee cavalry commanded by Philip Sheridan encounter 4,500 commanded by Jeb Stuart at Yellow Tavern, just six miles outside Richmond. Although Stuart’s cavalry entrench and rout their opponents, the irreplaceable Stuart is killed in the pursuit on May 11. Though 625 Yankees are lost, they liberate 400 Union prisoners and capture 300 Confederates, all the while disrupting Lee’s supply line. For six more days Grant probes Lee’s line, but finds forbidding trenches everywhere. Meanwhile, Grant receives reinforcements equaling his loss. On May 18, Grant moves out toward the North Anna, where there is more fighting on the 23rd. In fact, the fighting is almost continuous throughout the rest of the month, resulting in a number of relatively small

PERSONALITY PROFILE FROM PAGE 4

piece of music was performed 16 times in concentration camps throughout WWII. It has been said that learning and teaching the music was the key to survival. The music gave the prisoners hope and kept their faith alive. Several decades later, Arianna now has the honor of performing this important piece of music to a new audience. Through music she will be able to not only continue the story of her heritage, but she will also be writing new chapters for future generations. Her desire to continue educating the next generation can be seen by her role as a faculty member at Catholic University, where she teaches vocal performance and musical theater. Arianna teaches her students about the importance of building their voices properly. When she first entered Julliard her teacher told her that it would take 15 years of dedication to build vocal technique. Arianna laughingly stated that, “I thought I could do it in less. Imagine my surprise when 15 years later I had an ’ahha’ moment of vocal discovery.” There are some things in life that can’t be rushed and the voice is one of them. Through dedication, linguistic skill, and integrity, Arianna is able to skillfully help to mold the next generation of classical and opera singers. She teaches them an important lesson that her parents once taught her about “the value of work, and the value of practice, having the courage to earn what you get. Doors open for a lot of reasons, but eventually you have to stand in the room and be prepared for what comes next.” It is safe to say that Arianna’s vocal skills combined with her determined attitude have certainly opened many doors in both her career and personal life. The next door that she hopes to pass through involves additional musical education. As a References mother she said that she would love to teach other moms about Grant, Jean Edward Smith; Harper’s History the importance of music in a young child’s life. In her words, of the Great Rebellion; John Hennessy, Capturing “if you teach the parents then they can teach the kids. Once the the Wilderness’s Signature Horror: Fire, http:// kids are exposed to music then a whole new world is opened.” npsfrsp.wordpress.com/2011/04/01/capturingWhen a child has a passion a certain level of excellence can the-wildernesss-signature-horror-fire/ be achieved, no matter whether it is in sports or the arts. It is this very level of passion that she hopes her two little girls will Doug Coleman is an attorney and amateur find. From mother to opera soprano, Arianna Zukerman has historian in Alexandria. Comments and certainly shown the world how passion, skill, and hard work can corrections are welcome at dcoleman@ result in achieving one’s dreams. cartercoleman.com. engagements. United States Colored Infantry prevails over Fitzhugh Lee’s cavalry at Wilson’s Wharf on May 24. The second largest cavalry fight of the war is at Haw’s Shop on May 28. The battle of Totopotomy Creek is on May 28, with additional fighting at Old Church on the 30th. Additionally, there is fighting at Bermuda Hundred as Butler moves troops up the York to establish a beachhead at City Point, fighting in central Virginia as the Yankees move on Lynchburg, Sigel is raiding the Shenandoah Valley, and the Yankees are moving on the Weldon railroad in North Carolina north toward Petersburg and Richmond. In the West, Sherman is moving on Atlanta, while Banks is closing in on the port of Mobile. After a month of almost continuous fighting, June 1st finds both armies facing off a second time near Cold Harbor and the old battlefield of Gaines Mills, famous from Lee’s debut in the Seven Days battles in 1862. In less than a month, Grant has brought the army out of winter camp to the suburbs of Richmond. Casualties have been horrendous, but Grant’s strategy of forcing Lee to fight without rest is working: Grant can replace his men, Lee cannot. But, as Lee improves his trenches on the Cold Harbor line, Grant is about to discover how really costly this strategy can be.

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May 2014 | 13

GALLERY BEAT F. LENNOX CAMPELLO

ALCHEMICAL

VESSELS

ast month the Joan Hisaoka Healing Arts Gallery in DC hosted the return of Alchemical Vessels, a very cool exhibition that each year brings together 125 local artists and 20 invited curators for a community dialogue on healing and transformation through the arts. Each artist transforms a simple ceramic bowl by means of his or her own personal aesthetic and medium, drawing inspiration from the bowl as a place of holding, open community, sacred space, and even the alchemical vessel. The show is an amazing grouping of Who’s Who in the DMV art scene. The ceramic bowl was selected as the fundamental element of the exhibition to symbolize a space where healing can take place—an idea at the heart of Smith Center’s work and mission. Metaphorically speaking, Smith Center—the space and the work that is done within its walls—resembles an

alchemical vessel. People bring their everyday burdens, fears, and pains to them, and in this place of holding, the Smith Center helps to transform those toxic elements into hope, light, wisdom and strength. With a $125 Benefit Vessel contribution, guests are admitted to the event and then select one of the 125 works on display to add to their own collections. It is a terrific way to both help a great cause and get great artwork. J.J. McCracken’s absolutely stunning piece in the show almost steals it from the very beginning, but there were some really great pieces here competing for McCracken’s subtle and delicatelooking work. Amongst these is the truly intricate work by master ceramicist (no fair!) Laurel Lukaszewski, who is one of these artists who seems to create impossibly delicate forms that are actually quite tough! Marie Ringwald’s iconic house symbology adds to years of exploring

this subject, and Nelson Gutierrez’s obsessive piece showcases what an artist can do with a repetitive theme. Novie Trump, another master ceramicist who is light years ahead of the pack, also had a gorgeous piece that reaffirmed her claim to be one of the best ceramic artists on the planet. I also liked Julia Brown’s clever piece (one that fools the eye), Kim Reyes’ and Monica Jahan Bose’s pieces, as well as Victor Ekpuk’s continuing exploration of the secret writing of his ancestors also stand out. Another interesting show in the area is another iteration of the traveling and always evolving Eyes on the Borders show. This one is at Del Rey Artisans and it is on exhibit through June 1. As noted in their release, “Beyond landscapes, cultures, borders and boundaries lies the artistic language of the human race. In this collaborative exhibit, artist members from Del Ray Artisans and Art Latin American Collective Project were invited to

explore universal themes from the individual perspective of each artist. Eyes On The Border is both a celebration of Latin American art and culture and a look at how we are all influenced by places, borders and boundaries, political, or cultural, real or imagined. Latin American artists living and working in this area, and Del Ray Artisans with their own immigrant experience share their roots and translate their realities into a vision influenced by the virtual world and globalization.” The ALACP curator is my good bud David Camero; the DRA curators are Michele Reday Cook and Lesley Hall. A special display of masks from the collection of David Camero will also accompany this exhibit. The exhibit is at Del Ray Artisans gallery in the Colasanto Center, 2704 Mount Vernon Ave., Alexandria, Va. Gallery hours: Thu., Noon-6 pm; Fri. & Sat., Noon-9 pm; Sun., Noon-6 pm. The gallery is free, open to the public and handicap accessible.

first column, top to bottom: Monica Jahan Bose, Core, hand-built porcelain, graphite, and acrylic paint; Nelson Gutierrez, Mandala, ink and pencil; Laurel Lukaszewski, The Imperfect Mandala of the Tree of Life, porcelain and glaze; center: JJ McCracken, Husk, eggshells; second column, top to bottom: Julia Brown, Impermanent, acrylic paint; Novie Trump, The Hand of the Mysteries, stoneware; Marie Ringwald, GroundWater-Boat-House, paint, paper, and wood

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On Being A Mom By Anna Quindlen

ll my babies are gone now. I say this not in sorrow but in disbelief. Itake great satisfaction in what I have today: three almost adults, two taller than I am, one closing in fast. Three people who read the same books I do and have learned not to be afraid of disagreeing with me in their opinion of them, who sometimes tell vulgar jokes that make me laugh until I choke and cry, who need razor blades and shower gel and privacy, who want to keep their doors closed more than I like. Who, miraculously, go to the bathroom, zip up their jackets and move food from plate to mouth all by themselves. Like the trick soap I bought for the bathroom with a rubber ducky at its center, the baby is buried deep within each, barely discernible except through the unreliable haze of the past. Everything in all the books I once pored over is finished for me now. Penelope Leach., T. Berry Brazelton., Dr. Spock. The ones on sibling rivalry and sleeping through the night and earlychildhood education, all grown obsolete. Along with "Goodnight Moon" and "Where the Wild Things Are," they are battered, spotted, well used. But I suspect that if you flipped the pages dust would rise like memories.

… the biggest mistake I made is … I did not live in the moment enough. I wish I had treasured the doing a little more and the getting it done a little less. What those books taught me, finally, and what the women on the playground taught me, and the well-meaning relations—what they taught me was that they couldn’t really teach me very much at all. Raising children is presented at first as a true-false test, then becomes multiple choice, until finally, far along, you realize that it is an endless essay. No one knows anything. One child responds well to positive reinforcement, another can be managed only with a stern voice and a timeout. One boy is toilet trained at 3, his brother at 2. When my first child was born, parents were told to put baby to bed on his belly so that he would not choke on his own spit-up. By the time my last arrived, babies were put down on their backs because of research on sudden infant death syndrome. To a new parent this ever-shifting certainty is terrifying, and then soothing. Eventually you must learn to trust yourself. Eventually the research will follow. I remember 15 years ago poring over one of Dr. Brazelton’s wonderful books on child development, in which he describes three different sorts of infants: average, quiet, and active. I was looking for a sub-quiet codicil for an 18-month-old who did not walk. Was there something wrong with his fat little legs? Was there something wrong with his tiny

16 | May 2014

little mind? Was he developmentally delayed, physically challenged? Was I insane? Last year he went to China. Next year he goes to college. He can talk just fine. He can walk, too. Every part of raising children is humbling, too. Believe me, mistakes were made. They have all been enshrined in the RememberWhen-Mom-Did Hall of Fame. The outbursts, the temper tantrums, the bad language—mine, not theirs. The times the baby fell off the bed. The times I arrived late for preschool pickup. The nightmare sleepover. The horrible summer camp. The day when the youngest came barreling out of the classroom with a 98 on her geography test, and I responded, What did you get wrong? (She insisted I include that.) The time I ordered food at the McDonald’s drive-through speaker and then drove away without picking it up from the window. (They all insisted I include that.) I did not allow them to watch the Simpsons for the first two seasons. What was I thinking? But the biggest mistake I made is the one that most of us make while doing this. I did not live in the moment enough. This is particularly clear now that the moment is gone, captured only in photographs. There is one picture of the three of them sitting in the grass on a quilt in the shadow of the swing set on a summer day, ages

6, 4 and 1. And I wish I could remember what we ate, and what we talked about, and how they sounded, and how they looked when they slept that night. I wish I had not been in such a hurry to get on to the next thing: dinner, bath, book, bed. I wish I had treasured the doing a little more and the getting it done a little less. Even today I’m not sure what worked and what didn’t, what was me and what was simply life. When they were very small, I suppose I thought someday they would become who they were because of what I’d done. Now I suspect they simply grew into their true selves because they demanded in a thousand ways that I back off and let them be. The books said to be relaxed and I was often tense, matter-offact and I was sometimes over the top. And look how it all turned out. I wound up with the three people I like best in the world, who have done more than anyone to excavate my essential humanity. That’s what the books never told me. I was bound and determined to learn from the experts. It just took me a while to figure out who the experts were. Anna Quindlen is a Pulizer Prize-winning journalist and bestselling author. This essay was posted on consciousmoms.org

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THE LAST WORD

Mark S.Allen attorney at law

MIRIAM R. KRAMER

Giants of Comedy

omedy is its own peculiar art form, birthed from pain, acute powers of observation, and an urge to pinpoint the human condition for an audience that will send back waves of spontaneous laughter and applause across the footlights. Recently I purchased Billy Crystal’s autobiography Still Foolin’ Em: Where I’ve Been, Where I’m Going, and Where the Hell Are My Keys? and then Joan Rivers’ first autobiography Enter Talking, released in 1986 at the time she was the permanent guest host of The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson. Both are great reads that will reward anyone interested in detailed memoirs about a life spent performing.

Baby boomer Billy Crystal has had a multifaceted entertainment career in standup comedy, movies, and theater since he broke through to a mass American audience in the mid-Seventies. Crystal grew up on Long Island in a music showbiz environment, as his father managed a prominent record store in Manhattan where he met various stars such as Louis Armstrong. He intersperses chapters of happy memories of his all-American adolescence playing sports, performing in school, and discovering women with hilarious musings on the aging process, religion, sex, insomnia, his obsession with the Yankees, and how he got to his current place in life. You may want to read it at home if you are embarrassed by laughing out loud continually in public places. After attending the film and television directing program at NYU under the aegis of such professors as the young Martin Scorsese, Crystal started doing standup while trying to make ends meet with his new wife and baby. Famed comedy manager Jack Rollins helped him make his comedy more personal, and he gradually honed his craft to the point of getting a guest acting spot on All in the Family. After landing a regular spot as the first lead gay character on a TV series (Soap), he did a stint on Saturday Night Live before moving on to movies such as the classic When Harry Met Sally and popular favorite City Slickers. Crystal is often sidesplitting and touching Old Town Crier

as he describes encounters with actors, his one-day stint playing for the Yankees, and his friendships with celebrities and other personalities. If you’re already a fan, you know you will enjoy this book. If you don’t already know him, you’re in for a treat. Joan Rivers is a force of nature: at age 80 she has a Web-based talk show, a reality show, a clothing and jewelry line on QVC, and a standup career. The bio-documentary on Joan Rivers’ recent showbiz life called Joan Rivers: A Piece of Work grabbed my attention several years ago when it received great public acclaim from critics and audiences alike. It sparked my interest to pick up her book Enter Talking, which covers her early history up until she finally got her big showbiz break in 1965 by appearing on the Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson. This memoir is one of the best showbiz autobiographies I’ve read in terms of keeping my interest. It only covers her life until 1965, but it is a very detailed account of her journey from childhood to age 31. Feeling like a complete misfit, Rivers escaped the constraints placed on her by her gender and conventional but aspirational Jewish background to break free in the Fifties, rebelling against strong pressure for her to fulfill the role of a woman who only goes to college to get married, settle down and have children. Fulfilling an insatiable and endless desire to have a career on the stage, she started a grueling but fascinating process of putting together and sharpening an act while getting exposure to an intense and creative artistic landscape in New York City. Rivers starred with high-school-aged unknown Barbra Streisand in an Off-Off-Broadway play in 1958, emceed and did standup at strip clubs and other seedy entertainment venues, and met up-and-coming comics like Bill Cosby, Dick Cavett, Rodney Dangerfield, and Linda Lavin while paying her dues. Joan Rivers’ honest, funny, and sad portrayal of the insecurities and mercurial highs and lows she experienced on her twosteps-forward-three-steps-back trajectory is completely captivating. So is the rich texture of her description of a raw, painful journey to self-discovery, and how working in improvisational theater in Chicago’s famed Second City troupe led to her creating a different kind of act that tapped into the rapidly increasing cultural ferment of the mid-Sixties and launched her to stardom. Her ambition, drive, and energy in the face of obstacles continue to be extraordinary. She has already packed several lives into her life as a groundbreaker and an icon, and I look forward to reading the chapter of her life that comes next.

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CARIBBEAN CONNECTION JAIME ELLIOTT

St. John School of the Arts Students Learn from a Master

iving on St. John has some serious perks— stunning beaches, miles of lush hiking trails and perfect sailing—but arts education for children, that’s an entirely different matter. A little white building perched on a hill in Cruz Bay, however, has been filling that gap for more than 25 years. Founded in 1980 by former New York City girl turned St. John business pioneer and arts lover Ruth “Sis” Frank and Rudy Wells, St. John School of the Arts has brought many exciting programs to the island for children, from piano instruction to video production. Most recently, St. John School of the Arts may just have tapped the next Irving Berlin or Otis Redding. Thanks to a lasting impression by SJSA co-founder Ruth “Sis” Frank and continued excellence at SJSA, island sixth, seventh and eighth grade students have been learning the finer points of songwriting and music composition. More than a decade ago in New York City, Frank, who has since passed away, met an attorney named Peter Strauss. Strauss was the man responsible for overseeing the trust for the famed lyricist Irving Caesar, who penned “Tea for Two.” 18 | May 2014

Sis Frank’s meeting with attorney Strauss obviously left lasting impression on the New York attorney, SJSA Executive Director Kim Wild explained. “Most of Irving Caesar’s money went to the American Society of Composers, Authors and Publishers [ASCAP] and the ASCAP Foundation,” said Wild. “But $100,000 of it came back to us at SJSA and that’s when we did the renovations to the school on the outside.” Thanks to that $100,000 donation to SJSA, the school was able to upgrade its facilities which boast a beautiful performance space now called The Ruth “Sis” Frank Performance Hall. Attorney Strauss, however, was finished supporting SJSA. “Peter once again has been watching us and, seeing all the great things we’ve been doing, arranged for a meeting for me at the ASCAP Foundation,” Kim Wild said. “I went up there this summer we discussed a Songwriting Composition Class for SJSA.” After successfully completely the formal grant process, SJSA launched its first Songwriting and Composition Class this January. Each week throughout the semester, sixth, seventh and eighth grade students spent about an hour with SJSA instructor Luba Dolgpolsky, a singer,

songwriter and pianist and local musician Laurie Keefe. Students got an extra treat in the form of an artist in residence. Professional musician and songwriter Terre Roche, who has been an active performance and recording artist since the mid-1970s, spent a week of intensive training with the students in late March. “Part of the grant includes an artist in residence, a professional musician who comes down from the states and gives a more intensive songwriting composition study,” said the SJSA Executive Director. “Terre has so much experience in the music industry and is so talented, the week has been amazing.” For the artist in residence portion of the class, JESS students spent time with Roche writing their own songs and performing impressive renditions of other songs in three part harmonies with percussion accompaniment. Roche was more than impressed with the students from the local high school, Julius E. Sprauve School, she explained. “I didn’t know what to expect when I came down, partly because I haven’t done this kind of thing before,” she said. “I mainly teach adults. I was really blown away by the natural musical

talent in all three of the classes I worked with from the Sprauve School. The kids loved to sing and they came up with great ideas for their songs.” Teaching is a perfect fit for Roche, who has spent plenty of time on the road and is now ready to share those experiences with others. “I came to teaching after a career in music, so for me, teaching is very fresh,” said the singer and songwriter. “At this point in my life I have a lot of ideas about music and songwriting but I don’t really have the urge to be a singer-songwriter anymore.” Roche, who has toured with Paul Simon and others, learned a few new things herself for her recent gig a SJSA, she added. “When I took the job at the St. John School of the Arts I immersed myself in the music that 12 year olds are listening to,” she said. “I found there are lots of really great songs full of energy among the modern repertoire kids are listening to,” said Roche. “I sort of took a course in it before I came down to teach the class. So, in a sense, I was a student too, just maybe an older one who was there to lead the way.” Looking back upon her intensive week with the St. John students, Roche hoped more than anything that the kids had fun.

CARRIBEAN CONNECTION > PAGE 31

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May 2014 | 19

ROAD TRIP BOB TAGERT

left to right: Bethany boardwalk; Boardwalk Plaza Hotel; Grotto Pizza; Sands Hotel view

a tale of two

BEACHES

Beaches are just the beginning. Southern Delaware’s ocean and pristine waterways are reason enough to take a short getaway or relaxing vacation. But there’s so much more beyond our 5-star beaches. Fabulous restaurants along our Culinary Coast™, tax-free shopping, a World War II coastal fort, lavender fields, wineries and breweries—there are endless things to see and do. All in a place known for its small-town vibe and friendly people! For a calendar of events and accommodations at great rates, go to www.visitsoutherndelaware.com.

ith warmer weather finally making an appearance, I decided to make a road trip to the ocean beaches and remember summers gone by. The two beaches I visited—Rehoboth and Bethany—are only separated by 10 miles of unspoiled sandy beaches and dunes, but are oh, so different. Rehoboth is more of a year round community with permanent residents and businesses and restaurants that are open year round. According to the 2010 census, the permanent population is 1,327 but during the summer months can swell to over 25,000 within the city limits and thousands more in the surrounding areas and shopping centers. The wooden boardwalk in Rehoboth is a mile long and extends along the town’s beachfront. There are numerous shops and restaurants located along the boardwalk as well as in the main part of town. There are hotels and motels scattered throughout the town and along the boardwalk. Two of my favorites are the Boardwalk Plaza and the Atlantic Sands Hotel. I have stayed at the Boardwalk Plaza before and enjoy the place more each time I return. It offers a wide variety of accommodations tastefully decorated in grand Victorian ROAD TRIP > PAGE 33

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Chesapeake SUP Challenge 2013 photo: Dan Phelps

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nyone who has lazy bones in their bodies, as I do, may not rush out to try a sport often touted as a “good core workout.” In fact, we may hear “blah, blah, work, blah” and avoid it. This, I fear, may be keeping some prospective stand-up paddleboarders from trying it. They hear that old core workout bit and don’t bother. Before I get to the part about racing, I want to emphasize the versatility of the stand up paddleboard (SUP). Just as some wear their running shoes to run marathons and others don them to wander around eating ice cream cones, you don’t have to race or work hard with a paddleboard. Any paddleboard can be a great platform for quietly, slowly meandering in the shallows, birdwatching, sunset gawking, paddling on your knees, doing yoga poses (I prefer the corpse), sunbathing, napping, taking a little time out from your cruising partner, goofing off with kids, and delivering beer to fellow sailors in an anchorage. That you may be working your abdomen muscles a bit is a bonus. I don’t share this because I get a commission if you buy a SUP; I explain it because there have only been a few sports I have tried in life that had me at hello, and one of them was paddleboarding. If you think of SUP as yet another toy in your water fun collection, just another way to enjoy the water, rather than the key to great abs, you may try it, too. FROM THE BAY > PAGE 25

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 Best Restaurant

from Leonardtown to France.

 Best Fine Dining Restaurant  Best Dessert

Featuring piano every Friday & Saturday Dinner Jazz & Dancing Jazz on Select Thursdays, Saturdays & Sundays with

photo by Edwin Remsberg

Classic Country French Dining in a casual, relaxing atmosphere.

Café des Artistes

Chef-owned and operated Loïc and Karleen Jaffres

LUNCH: Tues. - Fri. 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. DINNER: Tues. - Sat. 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. Sun. 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. Closed Mondays

24 | May 2014

41655 Fenwick Street, Leonardtown web: cafedesartistes.ws email: cafedesartistes@somd.us

301-997-0500

• Piano every Friday and Saturday night • Jazz cabaret/dancing on special evenings • 3-course prix-fixe dinner menu $24.95 available until 6 pm daily and all night on Wednesdays! • $8 lunch & beverage special daily • Sunday brunch á la carte items • “Le Salon” (private room) available

photo by Lee Troell Anderson

Old Town Crier

from the bay FROM PAGE 22

Those who do crave competition have more opportunities than ever. On July 12, East of Maui Boardshop of Annapolis will host its second Chesapeake Stand Up Challenge at Eastport YC (EYC). At last year’s event, 73 competitors in a wide age range showed up to paddle a three-and-a-half-mile short course or a six-and-a-half-mile long course. SUP racers started at 9:30 a.m., some finishing around 11 a.m., and enjoyed a party with awards, live music, and a keg at EYC. East of Maui also hosted miniclinics and demos in the early afternoon. “This was my first event. It was a fantastic experience,” says Annapolis Etchells sailor Jose Fuentes. “I would have never considered entering a race except this was EYC hosting, and why not? I have started training already for next year in hopes they start doing more such events. I had my granddaughters join me after the race, and we all had a great time at the club. You should absolutely consider it. I did the short course. They posted three-and-a-half miles but it was actually four; and it wasn’t that hard. Lots of fun to be had, and EYC was a great host.” Annapolis racing sailor Shannon Hibberd also competed in the event. She writes, “I bought a board in April, and I’ve been having a lot of fun with it. The SUP Challenge was a blast! Very challenging for me as a first-timer (I’m still trying to learn proper paddling technique). I learned a ton at the race, which is part of the reason I wanted to do it. I had a few more experienced paddleboarders giving me tips while I was out there (as they passed), which helped a lot.” Like mine, Hibberd’s SUP is not meant for racing. For her, the top benefit of the race was meeting more SUP enthusiasts. “The party was fun (loved the music and veggie burgers) and a great opportunity to meet up with other paddlers. I made a few connections with other beginners and compared notes about the race. I hope there will be more SUP racing events in the area, so I can keep challenging myself and hopefully improve my time.”

4 1 0 2

Events

NORTHBEACHMD.ORG WELCOME CENTER/PIER 9023 Bay Avenue 410.286.3799 TOWN HALL 8916 Chesapeake Avenue 410.257.9618 | 301.855.6681

y a d a Spendon the Bay! e k a e p a s Che

The managing editor of SpinSheet and PropTalk Magazines, Molly Winans explores the creeks on her paddleboard all summer long.

We are less than an hour away. Come shop, dine & play Explore the Jewel of the Chesapeake Bay North Beach ...It’s worth the trip Picture by Valerie Watson

SHOPS

Bay Wine & Spirits

Wine by the glass on the bay

410.257.0067

Artworks@7th

Artist Cooperative

410.286.5278

Old Town Candy

Stop in & be a kid again!

410.286.7300

Doggiestylez

Grooming - Accessories

443.964.4958

At the Bay Healing Arts Center 410.353.1779

Old Town Crier

NORTH BEACH BUSINESS LOOP

Lighthouse Market & Signs

The Wheel Clothing Store

Sisters’ Corner Gifts

301.855.0707

410.286.0000

410.286.0074

Nice & Fleazy Antiques

Kairos Counseling & Education Center

Gifts, Souvenirs & Banners

Fine Furniture-Pottery-Jewelry

410.257.3044

Willetta’s Antiques

Collectibles, Fine Furniture, etc.

301.855.3412

Chesapeake Antiques Be Unique, Buy Antiques!

410.257.3153

Calvert Kettle Corn 410.257.1035

Quality Clothing & Gifts

301.332.4568

Deanna Dove, Island Girl Live Entertainment

301.908.4135

Metropolitan Appliance

Gift, Crafts, Foods & Souvenirs

The Palms

Salon and Day Spa

410.286.8222

Tans Cycle Shop Parts & Accessories

410.257.6619

443.624.9046

LODGING Herrington Harbour Inn

Beauty by the Bay

800.213.9438

Furniture, Appliance Repair

Nails, Hair & Skin Care

443.964.8753

Beachfront Lodging

MUSEUM Bayside History Museum 410.610.5970 RESTAURANTS

Cold Penguin

Hershey’s Ice Cream

Neptune’s Seafood Pub Steak - Seafood - Pasta

410.257.7899

Sweet Sue’s

Bake Shop & Coffee Bar

410.286.8041

Plaza Mexico

Authentic Mexican Experience

443.964.6381

May 2014 | 25

…TO THE BLUE RIDGE JULIE REARDON

ow can you not feel energized by new green leaves and grass, colorful bulbs, pink and white dogwoods, azaleas and all the brilliant beauty of spring in Virginia? Although the Blue Ridge Mountains are perhaps more famous for flaming fall colors, spring is equally spectacular and with lengthening days, there’s no better time for a day trip than now. With so many events to choose from, you don’t want to miss the Hunt Country Stable Tour in and around Upperville and Middleburg May 24 and 25, Saturday and Sunday of Memorial Day weekend. This is a self directed driving tour, so you can visit some or all of a dozen of the most beautiful farms and estates rarely open to the public. Mostly horse oriented, it appeals to both city slickers and horse lovers that enjoy watching or interacting with horses. Whether you’d prefer watching and petting mares and their new foals destined for the race track, or would rather see horses in sport including jumping, polo, racing or carriage driving, or you just want to see the estates themselves, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. Tickets are only $20 in advance for one or or both days, and picnic lunches are available. Visit www.TrinityUpperville.org for a complete list of the farms and time of special events. Don’t forget May 3, the first Saturday in May, isn’t just Kentucky Derby day; here it’s Virginia Gold Cup day, the Granddaddy of steeplechasing and tailgating fun, now even with pari-mutuel betting, or the many other, smaller events throughout the month that make ideal day trips just down the road where you can enjoy the drive as much as the destination. Most events are less than an hour’s drive from Alexandria. 26 | May 2014

Come On In! Hunt Country Stable and Farm Tour’s 55th Anniversary

Originally organized as a fundraiser for Trinity Episcopal Church outreach programs, every May some of the grandest farms and estates of Middleburg and Upperville open their doors to the public to see how the other half lives—the horses, that is. Trinity Church in Upperville organizes this Memorial Day weekend tradition that’s been held since the early 1960s. Organizers promise this tour will be the best yet. “Well, I think [previous year’s organizers] might disagree,” chuckled one church official who added that many parents that attended as children, are now bringing their own children or even grandchildren back to the event. The barn doors open to the public this year May 23-24. Perhaps the most famous spread on the tour is the newest, the Salamander Resort & Spa. On 340 acres in the heart of Middleburg, and originally the Harriman Estate, Salamander Resort & Spa is designed to blend into its natural environment. It has 168 luxurious rooms and suites, a 23,000-square-foot lavish spa, a fullservice equestrian center, Virginia Piedmont-inspired dining, a dedicated cooking studio, wine bar and a unique array of conference and banquet facilities. The Equestrian Center is comprised of a 22 stall Stable, 120 x 240 Outdoor Arena with ThorTurf footing, miles of trails and nine turnout paddocks. Resort Owner Sheila C. Johnson has created an environmentally sensitive destination by placing a majority of the resort’s acreage into a conservation easement, and registering to become one of the first luxury destination resorts in the United States to achieve LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) certification.

Other featured farms include the M.A.R.E. Center in Middleburg, a research facility for equine nutrition which has Thoroughbred race horse foals and their dams grazing in the fields, Banbury Cross farm just east of town, a polo and foxhunting estate that will have both polo and jumping demonstrations, Trappe Springs Farm in Upperville that will have equine swimming demonstrations, and the Middleburg Training Track, a training facility for race horses, among others. You can take a leisurely two days to see them all, or pick and choose the ones that most interest you since this is a self-directed tour. Tickets in advance are $20 for both days with children 12 and under free. After May 16, tickets are still a bargain at $25. They come with maps of the farms’ locations printed right on the back. You can pack a picnic or buy a fabulous box lunch at Trinity Church on Rt. 50 in Upperville. Trinity will also host a country fair with lots of equestrian art, pottery, ceramics, homemade ice cream and baked goodies, and more both days. Save the dates, May 2425, for the best-ever Hunt Country Stable Tour, Trinity Episcopal Church, 9108 John Mosby Hwy, Upperville, Va. 20185. Tickets $25 each or just $20/person if purchased before May 16th, children under 12 free. For more info., call 540-592-3711 or betsy@trinityupperville.org or www. middleburgonline/stabletour.

Horsing Around at the Races

Few events signal springtime like thoroughbreds jumping over fences at top speed in steeplechase or point to point races. This year the jewel of Virginia’s steeplechase season, the Virginia Gold Cup, is held on May 2. There’s another big race on the first Saturday in May—the Kentucky

Derby—but for Virginians, the Gold Cup is “the” springtime event. It’s not too late to get tickets, but by the time you read this it may be too late to get any early bird discounts. General admission car passes are $85; Member Hill passes are $55. The helpful staff at the Gold Cup office are the ones to call if you want to book a last-minute tent or party rental call them at 540-3472612 or visit www.vagoldcup.com

More May Events in the Blue Ridge

Flying Circus Air Show in Bealeton opens for the season Sunday, May 4th. Every Sunday, the show starts at 2 pm and features daring pilots performing stunts in vintage biplanes, parachuters, wing walkers, and more. Hot air balloon rides available, too. Bring a picnic and Grandpa, he’ll love it! Gates open at 11 a.m., call 540-439-8661 or visit www.flyingcircusairshow.com. Twilght Polo at Great Meadow starts on May 17th and continues every Saturday throughout the season. Gates open at 6:30 pm; first of two matches begins 7 pm at 5089 Old Tavern Road, The Plains. Great Meadow, host to the Virginia Gold Cup steeplechase races, has a world class International polo field described as one of the best playing surfaces between New York and Aiken. Great Meadow Polo Club has over 75 playing members, making it one of the largest in the region. During the summer the twilight series attracts a varied crowd of fans; young professionals as well as families to enjoy the games with tailgates and picnics. Stay after the polo matches for moonlight music and dancing. Tickets at the gate: $30 per carload. For more information, call their event line at 540-253-5001, or visit: www. greatmeadow.org

Old Town Crier

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R IRISH RE STAURANT & BA

A modern Irish restaurant in an ancient Irish setting

RESTAURANT & BAR

112 King St. Old Town Alexandria 703.739.1124 danieloconnells.com For music and events like us on Facebook

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new Spring menus on the best patio in Old Town; Chef Santiago has created 11/14/11 10:50:38 3:40:26 PM 11/23/10 AM some amazing new, locally-sourced offerings that you're going ot love!

106 S. UNION STREET â&#x20AC;¢ OLD TOWN ALEXANDRIA â&#x20AC;¢ 571.970.3669 www.virtuefeedgrain.com

Old Town Crier

May 2014 | 27

American BILBO BAGGINS 208 Queen St. 703-683-0300 BITTERSWEET 823 King Street 703-549-2708 CARLYLE CLUB 411 John Carlyle St. 703-549-8957 CHADWICK’S 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 CLYDE’S 1700 N. Beauregard St. 703-820-8300 clydes.com

DUTCH’S GRILL (Holiday Inn) 2460 Eisenhower Ave. Alexandria, VA 703-960-3400

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

THE GRILL RESTAURANT/ PIANO BAR AT MORRISON HOUSE 116 S. Alfred St. 703-838-8000

IRELAND’S OWN 111 North Pitt St. 703-549-4535 irelandsownpub.com

EVENING STAR CAFÉ 2000 Mt. Vernon Ave. 703-549-5051

JACK’S PLACE 222 North Lee St. 703-684-0372

FAST EDDIE’S BILLIARD CAFE 6220 Richmond Hwy. 703-660-9444

JACKSON 20 480 King St. 703-842-2790

FIN & HOOF 801 N. Saint Asaph St. 703-836-4700

JOE THEISMANN’S 1800 Diagonal Rd. 703-739-0777

FINN & PORTER AT MARK CENTER 5000 Seminary Rd. 703-379-2346

KING STREET BLUES 112 N. St. Asaph St. 703-836-8800

FIRE FLIES 1501 Mt. Vernon Ave. 703-548-7200

COLUMBIA FIREHOUSE 109 S. St. Asaph St. 703-683-1776

FLAT IRON STEAK & SALOON 808 King St. 703-299-0777

Dining Guide

FOSTERS GRILLE 2004 Eisenhower Ave. 703-725-1342 GADSBY’S TAVERN 138 N. Royal St. 703-548-1288 HARD TIMES CAFE 1404 King St. 703-837-0050

RED MEI 602 King St. 703-837-0094

MALAYA 1019 King St. 703-519-3710

THAILAND ROYAL 801 N. Fairfax St. 703 535-6622

MAI THAI 9 King St. 703-548-0600

TOKYO JAPANESE STEAKHOUSE 66 Canal Center Plaza 703-683-8878

BRABO Tasting Room 1600 King St. 703-894-5252

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.

Caph’e Ban’h Mi’ Vietnamese 407 Cameron St. 703-549-0800 Sang Jun Thai 300 King Street 571-312-3377

NOTTING HILL 1106 King St. 703-299-4590 RESTAURANT EVE 110 S. Pitt St. 703-706-0450 CEDAR KNOLL INN GW Parkway at Lucia Ln. 703-799-1501

LA MADELEINE 500 King St. 703-729-2854

CHEZ ANDREE 10 East Glebe Rd. 703-836-1404

LE REFUGE 127 N. Washington St. 703-548-4661

TWO NINETEEN RESTAURANT 219 King St. 703-549-1141

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

FONTAINE’S CAFFE & CREPERIE 119 S. Royal St. 703-535-8151

YVES’ BISTRO 235 Swamp Fox Rd. In the Hoffman Center 703-329-1010

28 | May 2014

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

MONROES AMERICAN TRATTORIA 1603 Commonwealth Ave. 703-548-5792

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

MOUNT VERNON INN Mount Vernon, Va 703-780-0011

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

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.

LAPORTA’S 1600 Duke St. 703-683-6313 LIGHT HORSE RESTAURANT 715 King St. 703-549-0533

NICKELL’S AND SCHIFFLER 1028 King St. 703-684-5922

MAJESTIC CAFÉ 911 King St. 703-837-9117

NINA’S DANDY Potomac Party Cruises Zero Prince St. 703-683-6076 dandydinnerboat.com

MANCINI’S 1508 Mt. Vernon Ave. 703-838-FOOD MANGO MIKE’S 4580 Duke St. 703-370-3800

REYNOLDS STREET CAFÉ 34 S. Reynolds St. 703-751-0830 RIVER BEND BISTRO 7966 Fort Hunt Rd. Hollin Hall Shopping Center 703-347-7545 ROCK IT GRILL 1319 King St. 703-739-2274 SAMUEL BECKETT’S IRISH GASTRO PUB 2800 S. Randolph St. Villages of Shirlington 703-379-0122

O’CONNELL’S RESTAURANT & BAR 112 King St. 703-739-1124 danieloconnellsrestaurant.com

SAPORE D’ITALIA RISTORANTE & PIZZERIA 1310 Mt. Vernon Ave. 703-683-9680

BERTUCCI’S 725 King St. 703-548-8500 BUGSY’S PIZZA RESTAURANT 111 King St. 703-683-0313 bugsyspizza.com FACCIA LUNA 823 S. Washington St. 703-838-5998

FRENCH BASTILLE 1201 N. Royal St. 703-519-3776 bastillerestaurant.com

SOUTHSIDE 815 815 S. Washington St. 703-836-6222

GERANIO RISTORANTE 722 King St. 703-548-0088 geranio.net Still Old Town’s 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

LANDINI BROTHERS 115 King St. 703-836-8404 landinibrothers.com Elegant, classical Italian cuisine served in a lovely historical setting. Fresh veal, homemade pastas, and fresh fish are some of the daily choices. An extensive list of wines and champagnes served in a sophisticated and friendly atmosphere. OLD CHICAGO PIZZERIA 2245 Huntington Ave. 703-960-1086 PARADISO 124 King St. 703-837-1245 PINES OF FLORENCE 1300 King St. 703-549-1796 RED ROCKS FIREBRICK PIZZA 904 King St. 703-717-9873 VILLA D’ESTE 600 Montgomery St. 703-549-9477

INDIAN DISHES OF INDIA 1510A Bellview Blvd. 703-660-6085

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 Town’s favorite neighborhood tap & grill. Distinct southern style menu, fine steaks, fresh seafood. Sunday brunch, private parties, happy hour. VERMILLION 1120 King St. 703-684-9669

SHOOTER MCGEE’S 5239 Duke St. 703-751-9266

VIRTUE GRAIN & FEED 106 South Union St. 571-970-3669

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

THE WAREHOUSE BAR & GRILL 214 King St. 703-683-6868

italian • pizzErias

CONTINENTAL BRABO by Robert Weidmaier 1600 King St. 703-894-3440

OVERWOOD 220 North Lee St. 703-535-3340

MURPHY’S 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.

asian ASIAN BISTRO 809 King St. 703-836-1515

McGINTY’S PUBLIC HOUSE 3650 S. Glebe Rd. Potomac Yard Located at Market Square in the Eclipse next to Harris Teeter on Rt.1 703-414-3555

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 11:30-4:30 for $20.07; dinner 4:30-close for $30.07. Eat a little, drink a little, have a lot of fun! LAYLA 907 King St. 703-684-3288

CASABLANCA 1504 King St. 703-549-6464

PITA HOUSE 719 King St. 703-684-9194 thepitahouse.com Family owned and operated; carry out available and free delivery.

TAVERNA CRETEKOU 818 King St. 703-548-8688 tavernacretekou.com

DELIA’S MEDITERRANEAN GRILL 209 Swamp Fox Rd. Alexandria, VA 703-329-0006

LAS TAPAS 710 King St. 703-836-4000

seafood Hank’s Oyster Bar 1026 King St. 703-739-HANK RT’S RESTAURANT 3804 Mt. Vernon Ave. 703-684-6010 FLYING FISH 815 King St. 703-600-FISH flyingfishdc.com Traditional American and fancy seafood specializing in sushi. FISH MARKET-CLINTON 7611Old Branch Ave. Clinton, MD 301-599-7900 ERNIE’S ORGINIAL CRABHOUSE 1743 King St. 703-836-0046

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! THE WHARF 119 King St. 703-836-2834 wharfrestaurant.com "It’s All About the Seafood," traditional and creative coastal cuisine.

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

Old Town Crier

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

OfficiAl SpOnSOr Of the uS men’S nAtiOnAl teAm

2014 wOrld cup heAdQuArterS ★★★

JOin uS fOr the mAtcheS And drinK & fOOd SpeciAlS

713 King Street Old tOwn AlexAndriA 703.548.1717 • murphySpub.cOm Old Town Crier

May 2014 | 29

DINING OUT VINCENTARRUNATEGUI

La Bergerie

French cooking with a side of Old World hospitality

LA BERGERIE 218 North Lee Street Old Town Alexandria labergerie.com Reservations: 703-683-1007 Atmosphere Upscale, classic Service Well choreographed, balanced Hours Monday-Thursday 11:30 am-9:30 pm Friday-Saturday 11:30 am-10:30 pm Sunday 5:00-9:00 pm Tasting Menu 3 Course $45 4 Course $65 Wine Bottle $28-10k

30 | May 2014

he origin of the world’s first official restaurant as well as the first use of the word dates back to France in the 18th century. According to multiple sources, a chef by the name of Boulanger began serving soups in his shop, under a sign that stated Boulanger débite des restaurants divins (Boulanger provides divine sustenance). Though many academics and professionals have disputed some of details and specifics of this tale, there remains one thing that is certain: the French are responsible for the invention and development of the modern concept of the restaurant. From the romantic cafés of Paris to the elite kitchens of Michelin Star restaurants like Guy Savoy or L’Ambroisie the French have consistently set the standard in all aspects of the trade. I believe the key to French culinary success is a balanced equation of two components: 1) staff structure and delegation of restaurant tasks; and 2) the reverence the French have for their guests. French restaurateur, chef, and author Auguste Escoffier took the knowledge he picked up while in the military and applied it to the organization of his kitchens. The idea, formally known as brigade de cuisine, paired particular tasks and responsibilities to each

person working in the restaurant. From the chef de cuisine (head chef), to the sommelier (head of the wine program), and even the plongeur (dishwasher) Escoffier made sure each person in the restaurant was effective and working to capacity from the beginning to the end of service. This way, Escoffier ensured that all of his guests were being properly attended and the face-to-face service given was not overlapping or jumbled. This is the foundation of French hospitality, which is far more important than cooking technique, in my opinion. Treat the guest strategically and the rest falls into place. When the Champagne-Ibarcq brothers opened La Bergerie in 1974, they brought the same attitude of guest importance and hospitality. The restaurant’s name literally translates to “the sheepfold,” which is a sort of crude pen used by shepherds to keep their flock safe while grazing. Current owner and operator, Laurent Janowsky continues their legacy with his sublime understanding of what guests want and need as he effectively manages his squad of sharply dressed waiters. With deft professionalism, the waiters smoothly glide across the floor during dinner service, taking DINING OUT > PAGE 31

Old Town Crier

Overall La Bergerie is a classical dining experience with enough flare to keep all manner of guests content. Laurent is staying true to his French roots, showing his guests the warmth and personalized comfort that is synonymous with high end restaurants.

DINING OUT FROM PAGE 30

orders, chatting with guests, promptly clearing used dishes and glassware, and even the occasionally flambé of tableside delights. The menu at La Bergerie is simple and structured. There is a small appetizer and an á la carte section for those looking for a smaller portion or additions to their main plate. The best route in my eyes, though, is the tasting menu. You can either do three courses for $45 or four courses for $65. The portion sizes of each course are excellent and will definitely leave anyone satisfied. Opening courses like crunchy sweet bread with caramelized onions drizzled with a rich demi glacé, or frog legs lightly battered and fried in tempura with homemade teriyaki sauce are to be expected; high caliber

CARIBBEAN CONNECTION FROM PAGE 18

“I hope the students had fun,” she said. “If I can connect up with my true nature I’m happy. That’s what music is for. I hated music class when I was in middle school. It was boring. That’s because I didn’t connect up with my true nature in those classes. I wasn’t interested in what a whole note was. “I became very interested in that sort of thing later in life, but an introductory music class has to be fun first,” said Roche. “Each of the three classes I taught on St. John had distinctly different personalities. The first class wrote a beautiful song about the rain. One of the guys in the class has a real talent for rap and he improvised a remarkable, heartfelt rap Old Town Crier

French and Basque-inspired plates that waiters proudly carry around the dining room. My editor’s favorite appetizer is actually on their á la carte menu: classic French baked onion soup with melted gruyere cheese. I was not able to sample this, however the only descriptive response I got was a grunt—clearly he was in his own personal nirvana. The wine list is Old World and extensive, ranging from $28 to $10k bottles. Laurent is happy to walk through the list with any confused or overwhelmed guests, and is more than capable of describing and pairing vintages. The wine program could potentially be the foundation for a second renaissance here, but I think the job of sommelier would need to be delegated to an individual. With

the recent new wave of oenology in the millennial generation, I am sure there are quite a few qualified candidates in the area looking to take on the challenge. I ended up ordering a Syrah from Northern Rhone, which had a deep jammy taste with clean white pepper notes and subtle mineral flavors. It paired well with the hearty entrees I enjoyed. The entrees of the day were perfect for the post winter, early spring weather. I sampled the beet risotto, which was served warm with earthy notes and paired with a soft goat cheese—a well-executed vegetarian dish. My second entrée was tender short ribs with steamed vegetables and potato purée. My editor ordered the elk and sweet potato. As for desserts I had the hazelnut soufflé, which was

fluffy with a crisp and flaky crust. My editor had the Crepes Suzette, thin pancakes with orange, and sugar, which were flambéed in Gran Marnier tableside. She let me sample this and I was as impressed with the flavor as I was with the delicate way the server prepared it. Overall La Bergerie is a classical dining experience with enough flare to keep all manner of guests content. Laurent is staying true to his French roots and showing his guests the warmth and personalized comfort that is synonymous with high end restaurants. I believe the wine program here has more potential and I definitely would come back to see if anything changes. Young people are embracing the vine and who better to educate them on quality choices.

on the spot for their song.” “The next class wrote a song about the wind called ’El Viento Viejo,’” Roche said. “It had a chorus which was sung as a round. One of the girls wrote a really funny verse about a guy getting his weave blown off in the wind. The third class wrote a song about food. They were a remarkable ensemble in that they couldn’t stop singing songs. The trick with them was to get them to stay with an idea and not just sing halves of songs. At one point they all spontaneously erupted in the Tire Kingdom commercial. It sounded great so I suggested we put it into their song, which we did.” For Roche, the true beauty in life, whether on St. John or in the middle of New York City, is all about finding

your own voice which is definitely set to music. “Coming home from St. John I had this experience: I took a cab from the airport and the driver, who was from Bangladesh told me he loved to sing in his cab, but that no one except his wife liked his singing,” she said. “I asked him if he’d sing something for me and he did. He had that great Indian type of singing with the curlycue notes. I thought he sounded beautiful. Can you imagine a man who loves to sing in his cab not singing because other people don’t like it? That’s criminal!” “I say, the more different sounding voices, the better,” she said. “If I hear one more person who’s trying to sound like somebody else, I’m going to jump out the window.”

As for her time at SJSA, Roche now counts herself among the art school’s many supporters. “All in all, I loved the experience of teaching songwriting at the St. John School of the Arts,” said Roche. “What a cool institution it is, with a very talented faculty. The work they’re doing providing arts education on St. John is very important. Music and art has been taken out of school systems all around the country. It’s a real shame and a slap in the face to the generations coming up. I’m honored to be part of the effort to reverse that decision.” For more information about St. John School of the Arts, check out www. stjohnschoolofthearts.org.

May 2014 | 31

BEHIND THE BAR CHESTER SIMPSON

jenifer leatherland IS BEHIND THE BAR AT lone star steakhouse 3141 duke street alexandria 703-823-7827

Jenifer serving a Padre Island Hurricane. She is behind the bar Mon, Wed, Thurs, Sat 4-10, and Fri 6-11.

Jennifer Leatherland How did you get started bartending? I started bartending after being a server for quite a few years. I’ve been bartending for seven years now. (five years at my current job). I found it was a great fit for me because the atmosphere is relaxed and you also have a chance to get to know your guests better. What is your bartender pet peeve? Hands down, when a guest shakes their empty glass at me. I try to stay on top of everyone’s needs, however, if I need to be reminded that someone needs a drink I don’t feel it is that difficult to speak.

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719 King St. Old Town Alexandria 703.684.9194 • thepitahouse.com 32 | May 2014

What’s the best line somebody has used to get a free drink? “Come on. Let me get one on the house, I’ll clean your bar for you.” What’s the most memorable pickup line you’ve heard? Probably the time I asked a guy if he wanted a drink and he said, “Only if you fit in the glass.” I wrote “U” on a piece of paper and dropped it in a glass. I then placed the glass in front of him. After a few good laughs and a

couple of drinks, he still brings his coworkers in a few times a month. Can you tell us an interesting story? One night a man came in to place an order to go. I noticed he was very tall. It was almost closing time so while he waited for his order, we began to chat. I asked how tall he was. He said 6’10". He was wearing a college basketball shirt so I asked if he played. He told me his shirt was from his college alma mater. Turns out he was JaMychal Green. He had just been drafted to the San Antonio Spurs the year prior. It just goes to show, you never know who is walking through your door. Who would you want to have a drink with and why? I would love to have a drink with Ellen Degeneres. She seems so cool and down to earth. She also has a positive outlook on things. I feel like she would be full of great advice and laughing the whole time she gave it. If you would like to see your favorite mixologist featured here, send contact info to chester@ chestersimpson.com. Old Town Crier

Bethany is much smaller than Rehoboth but still has style—check out the two parrots a half- mile boardwalk and in the lobby that greet guests. some nightlife. The beaches The Atlantic Sands Hotel and tend to be less crowded and Conference Center is a bit more offer all of the amenities The casual than the Plaza but offers icing on the cake for Bethany more in the way of meeting is Travel & Leisure magazine rooms. The two hotels are side by recently named it one of side on the boardwalk and only a the “Best Secret Beaches on few steps from the award winning Earth.” beach and Atlantic Ocean. The dining in Bethany is There is shopping in town and Boardwalk Plaza greeter top notch and is a big part of several shopping centers scattered the “Culinary Coast.” Enjoy on the outskirts of the town. The world famous fresh seafood and sunset views over the bay at Tanger Outlets are a major draw for the area. Bluecoast Seafood Grill. Grab lunch or dinner Look for great deals on quality merchandise on an oceanfront deck at Mangos or, if your and no sales tax in Delaware. taste is Italian, try DiFibeo’s. In one of Kenny Chensney’s songs there is a There are few hotels in Bethany as this line that says, “When the sun goes down we’ll community started as a place for people to be groovin…Things get hotter when the sun build a second home and enjoy the beach life. goes down!” This is a strong suit of Rehoboth There are little residential enclaves clustered Beach—the nightlife is everywhere. The up and down the beach with the town in the Summer House has been a favorite of mine for middle. This is why the area is referred to as 30 years. There is also the Purple Parrot, Frogg the quiet beaches. It is more of a place for Pond, Henlopen Oyster House and Dogfish families and folks who just want to chill. There Head Pub. For a casual drink and relaxation are many cottages and houses for rent, perfect check out the pub in the Boardwalk Plaza for couples and small groups. Forty years ago, a Hotel. Nearby Dewey Beach also has the Rusty group house was the thing to do every summer, Rudder, Bottle and Cork and Starboard. These and I guess that is still the tradition. Check out places rock. the realtors’ ads in this issue and spend a week As I mentioned earlier, a mere 10 miles this summer at a Delaware beach. Mention down the beach and across the new bridge at the special code that appears in the ad to get a Indian River Inlet is Bethany Beach. Bethany discount on your rental. has earned the title of “The Quiet Beach.” In The other quiet beach is Fenwick Island, the early years before there was a bridge over which is five miles down the beach. Fenwick Indian River Inlet, the trains coming from the also has rental properties and is home to the north, as well as motor traffic, only made it to Fenwick Lighthouse, which appears on our Rehoboth, and the town prospered. Once the cover. This cold winter is finally behind us, so Inlet was bridged, folks began to discover the let’s hit the beach. quiet beaches. ROAD TRIP FROM PAGE 20

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Old Town Crier

May 2014 | 33

CHEF’S SPECIAL CHESTER SIMPSON

Armando

Afzali

When did you first curious to see how it is armando afzali become interested in received by patrons? IS THE chEF and owner of cooking? Why did you Valentino’s Special— valentino’s pizzeria decide to pursue a Regular Cheese Pizza. 4813 beauregard STREET culinary career? It is the #1 seller and, alexandria My father, Joe of course, the Garlic 703-354-8383 Afzali, owned Napoli Knots. valentinosnypizzeria.com Pizza in Flushing, Queens and as a young What do you do to boy of 14, I worked insure the quality of the with my father every day after school food going out to customers? from 2:45 p.m. until midnight. Dad After experimenting with the local came to the US in 1966 to New York water, which didn’t taste right for the and the only job he could find was dough, we turned to spring water and working at a pizza shop. He worked local, fresh, quality ingredients for our hard, saved his money and returned to NY-style pizzas. We also own Johnny’s move the rest of the family to America New York Style Pizza in Springfield, in 1980. I visited Alexandria in 2003 and New York, NY Pizzeria in and it seemed that it was lacking a Manassas. real NY-style store. So, I purchased the doughnut shop and turned it into If any chef in the world could prepare a pizza shop in 11 months. My son you a meal, who would it be? Omar will be opening a new store in My father, who makes his own Sterling, Va. in May. meatballs! Who has been the biggest inspiration for your career? My Father, who taught me how to work hard. Chef and owner Armando Afzali (right) and his son, Omar, of Valentino’s New York Style Pizzeria & Restaurant showing off their cheese pizza.

What dish on the menu are you most

What is your guilty food pleasure? Pizza, I eat it everyday! If you would like to see your favorite chef featured here, send information to: chester@chestersimpson.com.

left to right: Garlic Knots, Valentino’s Salad, Spaghetti with Pasta Tomato Sauce, and a variety of Neapolitan Pizzas.

34 | May 2014

Old Town Crier

EXPLORING VIRGINIAWINES DOUG FABBIOLI

Hop to It! Visiting Virginia’s Wine Country

It’s always a good idea to call before visiting. Many Virginia wineries are small, familyowned 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.

e all knew that sooner or later the snowflakes would stop flying and the temperatures warm a little. This was the hardest winter in Virginia in my 17 years of farming here. But, it is finally behind us. We still have a chance of frost as of this writing, but our buds have not opened yet so we are still protected from possible damage. The pear buds are at popcorn stage and the black raspberry buds are showing their leaves. Today we are installing drain tile into the new planting section to help drain the heavy rains away from the vines and towards the Potomac River. This is a rather labor-intensive project involving a rented machine and plenty of hand digging around wires, pipes and connections. Thank goodness for a great team and the experience to teach the new guys on the job what to do. We will have the ground closed up by the end of the day and hopefully still have the rental machine in one piece. The vines will be planted in 10 days—hopefully. A new project we started last year is growing hops. The photo here is of the second year cascade plants pushing up towards the sky. These will get 20 feet tall climbing the special coconut husk twine toward the sky. When I talk about growing hops, folks always ask, “Are you going to make beer now?” No, I am not looking to make beer. My vision of these hops is to grow and process it to sell to local brewers. The processing of hops takes some work in order to get them to a stable state, dried and frozen. Being in the agricultural processing Old Town Crier

business as I am, I see an achievable goal of creating a processing center for hops that we, as well as some of our neighbors, can use. The great thing is that the timing of the harvest is earlier than grapes, so my crew is available to work both crops. Another advantage of growing hops is that it is easier and more cost effective to grow than grapes. Now, I am not giving up on growing grapes, but rather looking to fill a niche that is quite visible to me. We can set up smaller acreage plots; do not need to worry about deer or frost; and the hops does not require near the amount of spraying that grapevines do. Many local land owners that would like to have grapes are disappointed to hear of the challenges of growing quality wine grapes on sub par land plots. Hops is not nearly as picky, and with the lower maintenance, makes sense to do smaller plots for some folks. We have also seen the passage of the Farm Brewery Act in Virginia. This will allow farms that are growing some products for beer to open a brewery with a tasting room. The brewers do not need to grow at least 51% of their raw materials like the wineries do, but are supposed to grow something on their farm. As hops is one of the key flavoring ingredients of beer, sourcing local hops will be part of a marketing plan for many operations. We are looking forward to pushing this positive product toward profitability. The popping of the plants helps us all prosper. Cheers! May 2014 | 35

GRAPEVINE NEIL WILLIAMSON

love is organic

Loving Cup Vineyard

oving Cup Vineyard and winery, which just opened to the public in April, is different by design. As the first certified organic

36 | May 2014

vineyard in the state, one would anticipate their viticultural practices are different than other vineyards but it goes much further. Founded by Karl Hambsch, along

with his wife Deena, and his parents, Werner and Barbara, Loving Cup Vineyard is all about the passion for wine and working with nature. Working under the idea that â&#x20AC;&#x153;Love is

organicâ&#x20AC;?, an environmental sensibility philosophy is evident literally from the ground up. Even as patrons approach Loving Cup Vineyard and Winery in southern

Old Town Crier

Albemarle County it is clear the processes were used in the 2012 and winery is a little different. Not taking 2013 vintages as will be used in 2014, itself too seriously, in almost “South of Loving Cup is unable to label current the Border” style the directional signs vintages as “organic”. With the new announce “Almost There” as visitors production facility complete and meander back the two miles of gravel facility organic certification process road off US29. The gently twisting started, Loving Cup plans to label with road follows the contours of the land “Made with Organic Grapes” very and provides a welcome respite from soon. the speed and activity on the highway. Loving Cup’s two inaugural wines After pulling off into the parking lot, are without peers to compare them; a small lush valley is in the near vista. they are by definition, unique. The Following the path from the parking white is a blend of 75% Cayuga and area, visitors are drawn to the end of 25% Traminette. This refreshing the wraparound porch that provides wine is dry, bright, and crisp with a a commanding view of the vineyard backbone of minerality that belies its in the distance. As if remembering sweet aromas of citrus blossom and the visit’s purpose, visitors then turn starfruit. Flavors of white peach and and open the door to the welcoming lemon zest yield to a long, clean finish tasting room. of tropical fruits. The modest sized poplar tasting bar I first tasted the Loving Cup Red takes up the far corner of the room six months ago prior to release; the while a leather couch beckons for wine was filled with promise but was company along the near wall. Most tight and a little shocky. Those six patrons however choose to utilize months really mattered. In the latest the wrought iron highboy tables that tasting the nose on this medium surround the deck to enjoy a glass bodied red was much less reluctant of wine while gazing out into the offering highlights of fruit and spice. vineyard. The attack was well defined with an Loving Cup’s very existence can be undercurrent of Bing cherry. The tied back to a potentially underutilized midpalate expanded nicely with crabapple crop. For several years, the cascading flavors of plum and anise. crabapples were harvested and given The finish while brief was memorable to a family friend for jelly. When that with silky, well-balanced tannins. friend wasn’t able to Another striking collect the apples one difference is Loving It took three years of year, rather than have Cup Vineyards’ strict adherence to the fruit go to waste, packaging. Rather Hambsch followed a the federal guidelines than utilize the recipe found online to governing organic traditional plastic make their first batch capsule at the top of farming before Loving each bottle, they have of crabapple wine. Cup’s vineyard was This fruit wine led placed an attractive to other fruit wines biodegradable paper certified organic by and eventually to a test Quality Certification ribbon with a recycling vineyard on the family recommendation. In farm. Wanting to grow Services (QCS). addition, each bottle the grapes organically, has a small blue heart Hambsch selected sticker hand applied grapes that were fairly resistant to to the very top of the bottle. The diseases such as mildew and rots. white heart on the blue shield is part While the majority of the world’s of the crest from Werner’s hometown wines are made from Vitis Vinifera in Germany, Wiesental. The heart grapes, these grapes are intrinsically represents Loving Cup’s guiding susceptible to such diseases and principles of social and environmental generally require regular chemical responsibility. spraying to keep them healthy. With two new wines already in Loving Cup Vineyard grows hybrid bottle and awaiting an early summer grapes. A hybrid is the combination release, I am very much looking of the pollen of one varietal is crossed forward to returning to this southern with a second to produce a third Albemarle winery and watching entirely different variety. Specifically Loving Cup Vineyard as they literally the vineyard grows Corot Noir, go where no Virginia Winery has Cayuga, Marquette, Traminette and gone before—making great wines Vidal Blanc. In addition to being organically. Their slogan captures the disease resistant these hybrid grapes very essence of the effort—Love is also tend to be more cold weather Organic. hearty. Loving Cup Vineyard is located just It took three years of strict south of Charlottesville on US29 and is adherence to the federal guidelines open Friday through Sunday from 11 governing organic farming before a.m. to 5 p.m. Loving Cup’s vineyard was certified organic by Quality Certification Neil Williamson is the chairman of The Services (QCS). The vineyard Virginia Wine Club Tasting Panel and certification requires continued the editor of The Virginia Wine Journal. monitoring and annual renewal. He can be reached at trellisgroup@ As the winery is not yet certified earthlink.net. organic (these things take time) and despite the fact that the same Old Town Crier

karl hambsch WINEMAKER & General Manager, loving cup vineyard Hometown Born in Ft. Lauderdale, Fla. but North Garden, Va. has been home since I was seven. Item always in your refrigerator Orange juice (my daughter drinks it like people breathe air). Most challenging wine pairing Perhaps counter intuitively, I find milk chocolate to be a difficult pairing with red wine. Best thing about the Virginia wine industry Everyone’s willingness to share: knowledge, equipment—you name it—everyone is working together. Worst thing about the Virginia wine industry That we continue to compare ourselves to other wine regions.Virginia wine producers should be proud of the wines that taste like they were grown here. Comfort food Swiss Cake Rolls Favorite quote “The Best You Can Do Is the Best You Can Do” Favorite wine Any Turley Zinfandel

Grapevine Columnist to Host Top Five Tasting Tent Now in its fourth year, Vintage Virginia’s Top Five Tasting Tent continues to turn the festival experience on its head; rather than guests walking up to the winery tents, they stay in the shade and have the tastings delivered to them. In addition to great wines, Vintage Virginia, held this year at Bull Run Regional Park Special Events Center May 31 and June 1, features live music and a unique array of both free and ticketed tasting and learning opportunities. In the past the Top Five Tent has highlighted wines from: Barboursville Vineyards, Democracy Vineyards, Horton Cellars, Potomac Point Winery, Prince Michel Vineyards, Rockbridge Vineyards,

Rosemont Vineyards, Stone Mountain Vineyards, and many more. The Old Town Crier’s own Neil Williamson will serve as host introducing each varietal and explaining the grape and winemaking styles used to craft the wine. Williamson tastes all the wines in advance of the event and shares both his tasting notes and stories about the people who make Virginia wine. Advance sales of the Top Five Tasting Tent have been brisk. As last year’s tent sold out, festival organizers encourage ordering tickets early at www.vintagevirginia. com

May 2014 | 37

VIRGINIA WINE Trail Profiles

three fox vineyards

may events

3: 10th estate celebration n 10-11: mother’s day weekend n 23-26: memorial day weeked n 25: 2nd annual “vino” dog celebration

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 3 wineries in the Blue Ridge Mountains. 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. 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. Shenandoah Valley Wine Trail svwga.org The Shenandoah Valley Wine Trail is an association of six vineyards and wineries.

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

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

Taste the Altitude! Climb the Mountain— Stone Mountain Vineyards

GOVERN2006 O GOLD MR’S CUP E WINNE DAL R

Loudoun Wine Trail visitloudoun.org Loudoun’s Wine Trail in Northern Virginia takes you through Virginia’s 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.

Call: 434-990-WINE

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. General’s 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 General’s 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

38 | May 2014

1376 Wyatt Mountain Road Dyke, Virginia 22935

www.StoneMountainVineyards.com

info@stonemountainvineyards.com

Town Crier Ad 1/4 page ad 6"w x 6.5"h 6/07 A small, family winery focused on quality, sustainable farming and our community Visit us and other quality wineries on the Loudoun Wine Trail–www.loudounfarms.org Serving your local red wine needs since 2006 Open Daily 11am - 5pm Educational wine events

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

Old Town Crier

GO FISH STEVE CHACONAS

uying a used car can be a harrowing experience, but buying a used bait casting fishing reel doesn’t have to be. Anglers upgrading gear are willing to unload perfectly good reels. Internet or Flea market sales are loaded with used reels. If you’re fairly handy, willing to learn reel repair, and know what you want…a used reel is nothing to be afraid of! Finding a trustworthy reel repair shop is also a good idea! Ask which used reels might be good targets! Find out how much they charge for reconditioning. I spoke with Jim Funkhouser at Dominion Tackle & Reel Repair (dominiontackle.com)…he had several noteworthy suggestions! Stick to the better-known brands. Shimano, Abu, Daiwa, and some Quantum reels are a safer bet. Call repair or parts suppliers to determine parts availability! Check dependability with a few trips to bass fishing chat rooms. Unless the reel is brand new and in the box, you should try to get the reel at least 50% off retail. Assume spending at least $2030 to bring it up to snuff, more if there are parts issues. Most shops only charge for necessary parts under the maintenance fee. Ask the owner how it was used. In salt water, stay away! Look for signs of corrosion. Before you consider a reel, check the exterior for cracks! Body parts are hard to find and usually cost a lot. Each piece could be $20 and might not be

reel deals worth replacing in most reels. Stay away from this one, it’s a “parts” reel! Next check the reel handle. It’s pretty easy to spin the paddles, and to check the handle for being bent. It’s easy to replace, but carries a replacement cost from $15 on up! Turn the handle. Feel for grinding or resistance. Grinding could be a gear or other internal problem…gears run about $15 or more and need to be installed a shop. If line isn’t stuck between the spool and the housing of the reel and you get resistance when you crank the reel, turn the reel over to inspect the worm gear. This gear moves the level wind back and forth. If it’s scarred or marred, this could be the visible reason the reel isn’t performing. This part usually runs about $15 plus installation. If the level wind doesn’t go left or right, and the worm gear

Bassing IN MAY Potomac River

Fish are in spawn and post spawn stage. In either case, fish shallow up to 5 feet or so. Lipless crankbaits like the Lucky Craft LVR D-7 are working. Reds, whites and chrome baits work…chartreuse on sunny days! Use12-pound test GAMMA Edge fluorocarbon line. Move up when fishing heavier grass. Carolina rigs with Round Valley ¾ ounce tungsten weights. Leaders up to 3 feet with Mann’s HardNose lizards soaked in garlic Jack’s Juice.

Old Town Crier

revolves, then you need to replace the pawl. It’s about $5 and easily installed. Check revolving of the spool. Loosen the spool adjustment cap, turn off the brakes and disengage the spool. Spin the spool with your finger and see how it revolves. If it keeps spinning, then your bearings might just need to be cleaned and oiled. If it only makes it through a revolution, then bearing replacement, about $10, is probably indicated. Pull line to check the drag system. Loosen the drag first, and then apply incremental adjustments to tighten to see if the line pulls out smoothly. If not, drag washers and a bit of grease will fix that! If it appears the drag is not working…and there is braided line on the spool, you might have a steal here! Many anglers do not put a monofilament backing on the reel before the braided

refill. Braid works loose and won’t hold onto the reel spool, appearing to be a major drag issue. Test by tightening the drag. If the braided line pulls out, this is most likely the issue! Don’t let this scare you away from this one! Sometimes a reel covered with accumulated dirt might be a diamond in the rough. The previous owner probably never cleaned it and when the performance decreased, he wanted to unload it. This reel can be bargained for! Make a low-ball offer on this dirty reel! If nothing else it’s another “parts” reel, but may possibly only require a thorough cleaning to bring it back to life. Also, with some of the older reels, which you can actually use to fish with, count

on replacing bearings or removing bushings to replace with bearings. Learn which models you like and recognize a good deal when you see it! When you see the deal, seal it before it gets away! There’s nothing wrong with older reels. They might be a bit heavier or slightly larger, but they are usually well built and can offer many more years of service. Capt. Steve Chaconas is a Potomac bass fishing guide, and a BoatUS “Ask the Expert” (http://my.boatus. com/askexperts/bassfishing/) Potomac River reports: nationalbass.com. To book trips/purchase gift certificates: info@NationalBass.com.

This is a great time to fish Mizmo tubes one of two ways. For skipping, use an insert head. For pitching, thread the tube on a 3/0 Mustad Ultra Point tube hook Texas style with a 3/16-ounce weight. For the skipping technique, use 8-pound test GAMMA Copoly. For pitching, beef up to 14-15-pound test Edge fluorocarbon line. For covering water with grass or wood, Mann’s Baby 1-Minus in firetiger or red patterns work very well! I would try changing the hooks to the short shank Mustad KVD Triple Grip trebles. For line, start with 12 pound test EDGE moving up to 14 or even 16 as the grass gets thicker. On shallow cover, cast Mann’s Baby-X square bill cranks on 10-pound test GAMMA Copoly to tree laydowns and rock. Works better at high tides with fish pushing up to the bank. Crank to feel cover, then hesitate and twitch. A good 7’ cranking rod like the Quantum KVD will cast a mile!

May 2014 | 39

FITNESS NICOLE FLANAGAN

drinking beer and running

ou can run your race and drink your beer, as long as you are smart about it Aside from meeting at the local coffee shop after a long Saturday morning run, meeting at a bar for a pint seems to be equally as popular. And why not hoist a well-earned brew? Beer, like red wine, does provide some health benefits. The malt and hops used to make dark beers contain flavonoids, the same heart-healthy compounds in vegetables and wine that counter cell damage, thus reducing your risk of heart disease and cancer. Beer also contains B vitamins and chromium, which aid in converting carbohydrates to energy. However, because beer is less potent than liquor, it may be too easy for some runners to overlook its five percent alcohol content. Besides causing embarrassing lapses of judgment, too much beer can dehydrate you and slow recovery. The key,

as with any indulgence, is moderation. There’s no reason for runners to feel like beer can never cross their lips, you just need to drink it at the right time. The Night Before :Some runners order a beer and joke about carbo-loading. However, it’s not so. The idea that beer provides a significant amount of carbs is a misconception, a 12-ounce bottle contains 12 grams of carbohydrates, which is equivalent to about half a slice of bread. What’s more, because of the way alcohol is metabolized, most of these excess carbs are stored as fat. So you’re actually fat-loading. And if you’re drinking a lot, you may be running to burn off beer calories rather than combusting body fat. Alcohol is also a diuretic, which means drinking too much the night before a run or race could leave you dehydrated in the morning. To avoid the effects of poor hydration-lack of coordination, less oxygen to

the muscles, which can slow you down--drink water before and after your beer. (That’s right, one beer. Unless you’re a large guy who drinks beer regularly, in which case, a second should do no harm! Beer on the Run: While you obviously don’t want to replace a mid-marathon sports drink with a beer, a few sips on a short fun run isn’t such a big deal. In longer events, you’re already partially dehydrated, so even a small amount of alcohol can impair judgment and coordination. Alcohol can also dilate the skin’s blood vessels, which promotes heat loss and may make you colder. Hot days are no better; they speed dehydration. And carbonated beverages empty slowly from the stomach, increasing the risk of bloating and cramping. The Party After: Hooray, you’re finished! Now you can belly up to the bar. But drink something else first since alcohol can interfere with refueling, which delays

recovery. Have eight to 16 ounces of water or other fluids and about 200 carband-protein calories before you start toasting. If you’ve suffered an injury, however, it’s best to wait. Alcohol can delay the body’s ability to heal, it seems to limit the production of natural antiinflammatories. After 36 hours, however, the inflammation should have subsided, at which point you’re free to head to your favorite pub. So while a pint or two wont cause any ill effects on your running it is still advised to drink plenty of water especially when the weather gets warmer. I am not saying that just because you run you should drink since that is

certainly not on everyone’s exercise or social agenda. However, if you do choose to celebrate your long run, fun run, or race with a frosty beverage do so responsibly and be sure to stay well hydrated. Publisher’s note: This column is reprinted from May 2012. We think it is worth repeating!

$20 OFF A 60 OR 90 MINUTE SESSION BY APPOINTMENT ONLY! GIFT CERTIFICATES AVAILABLE 40 | May 2014

Old Town Crier

FROM THE TRAINER RYAN UNVERZAGT

the fitball crossover crunch

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hanks to the loyal businesses and readers who support each new issue of the OTC by advertising and reading this great publication from cover to cover. The contributing authors have amazing stories to tell. We anticipate the delivery of each issue in the mail every month since my wife and I live in Colorado. May is the perfect month to initiate an exercise program if you have slacked lately. The weather starts to cooperate which favors more outdoor activities. Walking, bike riding, hiking, jogging, or even rollerblading are fun things to do this month. I encourage you to get outside, but if not, I have a great exercise for your core. This one’s called the FitBall Crossover Crunch. I find it helpful to use a ball that is a size smaller than the one you normally would use. A 65cm ball is my usual size, however, I’m using a 55cm for this exercise because a smaller ball will keep you closer to the ground for stability. You need your opposite hand and foot touching the floor while performing this exercise. If a bigger ball is used, you might not be able to reach the ground and there’s a good chance you’ll fall off! To start, lay on top of the ball with it placed on your mid-to-low back. The ball should

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curve along the lumbar and lower thoracic vertebrae. Keep your opposite foot and hand in contact with the floor while the other leg is straight and parallel to the ground (fig. 1). You should have your other elbow bent with the hand behind your head. Bring your elbow toward the opposite knee (from the straight leg) to “crossover” to the middle. Focus on contracting your abdominals to help bring your shoulder toward the center for a slight rotation (fig. 2). During this movement, the ball should not roll. To finish, slowly release tension on the abs to bring your elbow and leg back to the start position. Finish 20 reps with the same side before you switch to the opposite arm/leg combo. Don’t try to alternate sides, this can be unsafe. To progress, you can add more reps or keep your opposite arm and leg straight during the exercise. Keep up the hard work and we’ll see you next month! Unverzagt holds a BS in Wellness Management from Black Hills State University and is a Certified Strength & Conditioning Specialist (CSCS). He is an active member of the National Strength & Conditioning Association (NSCA).

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Keep a Beautiful Smile www.oldtowndentistry.com • Hablamos Español May 2014 | 41

FIRST BLUSH GENEVIEVE LEFRANC

Think Dirty, Come Clean

top and think for a minute; just how many products do you spray, slather, and swipe on from the moment you wake up to the moment you go to sleep, without a second thought? If you’re anything like me you have dozens of products scattered atop your dresser, lined up in your bathroom, and overtaking the shower shelf. And that’s because cosmetics and personal care products are supposed to be fun to collect and experiment with. Everyone knows the thrill of testing that talked about new shampoo or saving up for the must-have lipstick of the moment, but how thrilled would you be if you knew most of your tried and true favorites are chock full of harmful chemicals, toxins, and carcinogens? And what’s worse—no one is telling you. Lead in your lipstick. Dioxane and formaldehyde (a known carcinogen) in your favorite shampoo. Parabens (linked to cancer) in your deodorant. Diethyl phthalate in your perfume. What gives? Although difficult and depressing to accept, under the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act, cosmetic products and their ingredients do not require FDA approval before they go on the market to be sold to unsuspecting consumers. The FDA actually has no authority to require safety assessments on cosmetics before they are sold for both salon and customer use, making them some of the leastregulated and least-reviewed products on the market. Some numbers say as much as 89 percent of 42 | May 2014

all ingredients in cosmetic products have not been evaluated whatsoever. And what’s worse, it seems America is behind on the game—the European Union has already banned 1,200 of these harmful chemicals while the United States has only banned 10. In short—no one is making sure your moisturizer, mascara, shampoo, or even baby products are safe. Americans are at serious risk of being unknowingly exposed to harmful chemicals. Scary stuff. Don’t believe me? Head on over to the FDA’s own website: “FDA’s legal authority over cosmetics is different from other products regulated by the agency ... Cosmetic products and ingredients are not subject to FDA premarket approval authority, with the exception of color additives.” When you think about all the products that go into your Saturday date night or happy hour with the girls, or even the several products you use to simply take a shower, small exposure to these chemicals consistently over time can add up to some harmful outcomes like cancer, immunotoxicity, or developmental and reproductive issues.

So What Can You Do?

Thankfully, a trend has been gaining traction where consumers are making themselves more aware of what goes into their products, and demanding that manufacturers be more transparent about their ingredients. But what’s a girl to do when said ingredients make as much sense as hieroglyphics? A “fragrance” labeling alone can contain up to 3,163 different harmful ingredients, and most of us won’t be

memorizing those any time soon. Well, naturally, there’s an app for that! I’ve found the simplest and quickest way to stay on top of what’s really in my products is by taking advantage of some of the wonderfully detailed and informative apps available for your smartphone. Technology takes all the guesswork out of clean, green beauty shopping. My personal favorite is Think Dirty. This app is the nearly fool proof answer to learning the truth about the potentially toxic and harmful ingredients in your products. Simply type in the name or scan the barcode of 68,000 North American and European products and Think Dirty rates them on a “dirty scale” from one (cleanest) to ten (dirtiest). You can be an educated, empowered consumer and receive straightforward, easy-to-understand information as well as several options for cleaner alternatives, all from your phone. When I first heard about Think Dirty, I straightaway typed in the products I had been using for almost a decade. You know, that staple face scrub that never fails you, or your tried and true mascara you’ve never seemed to beat. I was shocked and honestly upset to see that the face wash I had stood by since my preteen acne days was a whopping 10 on the toxicity scale. Despite its crisp white bottle and wholesome-ingredient, all-natural marketing angle, I was indignant that I had been duped by great packaging and smoke and mirrors. But I am optimistic that one day soon we won’t have to choose between our favorite products and our health. With the rising popularity of this app (it’s already been downloaded more than 70,000 times!) and similar ones, like The Environmental Working Group’s Skin Deep, there is real hope that the go-to brands we’ve come to love will be held accountable and their manufacturers will actually change their formulas to substantially reduce or eliminate harmful ingredients. FIRST BLUSH > PAGE 43

You Can Always DIY! Shave Cream 1/3 cup shea butter 1/3 cup virgin coconut oil 1/4 cup jojoba or sweet almond oil 10 drops rosemary essential oil 3-5 drops peppermint essential oil In a small saucepan over low heat, combine shea butter and coconut oil, stirring until just melted. Remove from the heat and transfer to a heat-safe bowl. Add the jojoba oil and essential oils. Stir to mix. Place the bowl in the refrigerator and chill until solid. Remove from the refrigerator and whip using a hand beater or a stand mixer until light and fluffy. Spoon into a jar. Lid and keep in a cool, dry place. Mouthwash Conventional mouthwash can contain harsh detergents and sugars (like sorbitol and saccharin) as well as synthetic colors, aroma, and flavorings. Try making your own! 1/2 cup aloe vera juice 1/4 cup water 1 tsp witch hazel 1 tsp baking soda 10 drops peppermint essential oil Combine the aloe vera juice, water, and witch hazel in a bottle. Gently add in the baking soda, being careful that a reaction doesn’t overflow. Add in your drops of peppermint essential oil, cover, and shake vigorously. Store in a cool, dark area for up to 2 weeks. Deodorant Traditional antiperspirant and deodorant contains aluminum, phthalates, and fragrance which have been liked to neurological problems, cancer and reproductive toxicity. Try making your own nontoxic, plastic free, and sustainable version. 5-6 tablespoons coconut oil 1/8 cup arrowroot powder 1/8 cup cornstarch 1/4 cup baking soda Several drops of bergamot oil [optional] Mix the powders together in a jar and slowly add the coconut oil until you have a "pomade" consistency and powders are mostly dissolved. Add a few drops of oil until desired scent is achieved. To use, scoop out a pea sized amount and rub between your fingers to melt and create a smooth texture. Apply under your arms and rub any left into your hands as a moisturizer.

Old Town Crier

FIRST BLUSH FROM PG 42

If you’re more of a website person (or you’ve refused to retire that handy flip phone) head on over to The Environmenal Working Group (www.ewg.org), where you can peruse the Skin Deep database, a cosmetics and personal care products safety guide launched in 2004 that, to date, has rated 80,000 personal care products with the same goal as Think Dirty; to educate and help people find safe products with fewer untested and potentially hazardous ingredients. Skin Deep provides information about regulations, toxicity, and safety ratings.

Products & Brands

They say necessity is the mother of invention, and that couldn’t be truer in the case of safe cosmetics and care products. Even as little as a decade ago it would’ve been nearly impossible to find all the products you love and use regularly in a safe, organic, toxic-free line, let alone a variety of lines and brands to choose from. Using only certified organic ingredients and/or a mix of natural and organic ingredients can be limiting, so most brands don’t go that far, and a lot of the standard, big names aren’t as all-natural as they claim to be. And honestly, it’s more about what these organic lines aren’t using that matters here: absolutely no unnecessary chemicals, parabens, fillers, preservatives, or additives. But ask and you shall receive! Us beauty lovers and product-hoarders have spoken, and with our demands we have noticed a surge in just how many great lines and brands there

are these days offering safe, harm-free cosmetics. Even big name brands are starting to roll out safer products one by one. Read on for my personal recommendations on which clean products, brands, and lines are worth your time, money, and consideration.

Nail It Down

The one beauty product that’s arguably seen the most change is nail polish. Even a number of high-end, prestige designer brands like Dior, Givenchy, and Chanel got on the bandwagon and made their nail polishes Five Free—free of formaldehyde, dibutyl phthalate (DBP), and toluene—plus formaldehyde resin and camphor. Check this list of chic, richly pigmented, luxe polish brands with lesstoxic or non-toxic formulas. As far as worrying about your friends stealing them, well, that’s another story. Acquarella Chanel Le Vernis Deborah Lippmann JINSoon Kure Bazaar Mineral Fusion NCLA Obsessive Compulsive Priti RGB Scotch Naturals SpaRitual TenOverTen Vapour Zoya

Other Safe Products to Love

• SW Basics Cream: face and body cream with only three ingredients—coconut oil, olive oil, and shea butter. • Heritage Store Rose Petals Rosewater: Use as a toner or face and body mist; gentle enough for children too. • Alpine Made Certified

Organic Unscented Goat Milk Soap: Extra gentle, great for sensitive skin. No parabens or anything synthetic whatsoever—all natural and pure. • Aura Cacia Avocado Skin Care Oil: Rich, skinrejuvenation oil; very high in oleic acid; excellent for massage or moisturizing post-shower. Be sure to check out these additional brands committed to clean beauty or browse Spirit Beauty Lounge (spiritbeautylounge.com): Afterglow Antonym Cosmetics Balanced Guru Bare Minerals Bite Beauty Caudalie Dr. Hauschka Ecco Bella Espa Ilia Josie Maran J.R. Watkins Juara Kjer Weis Kora Organics Korres May Lindstrom Origins Physicians Formula Pure and True RMS Beauty Seventh Generation Sappho Sircuit Suki Tata Harper Tracie Martyn Votre Vu Vapour Organic Beauty Zuii Organic 100% PURE Genevieve LeFranc holds a BA in writing, rhetoric and communication from James Madison University. She researches and writes about the beauty and fashion industries.

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May 2014 | 43

11/25/13 11:49 AM

SPIRITUAL RENAISSANCE PEGGIE ARVIDSON

traddling the ethereal and practical on a daily basis is a balancing act. You’d think by now I’d have it down pat; a direct hotline to the Heavens that was always answered in clear and concise language (I wish!). I’m human and my hotline can be fuzzy, especially when I’m trying to use it for my own answers. Don’t get me wrong. I know in my soul that we all have the tools to connect with the Heavens/God/Angels/ Universal Wisdom at any time. Our ability to trust this truth has eroded over time. My ability to trust my intuition is directly tied to reading and responding

to signs. As a kid my first experience of a sign came after my Grandfather passed away. I found a penny on the street and decided it was from Heaven and from my Grandfather specifically. I can’t tell you if I made this connection because an adult had told me it was true, or simply because it “came” to me. Either way, I’ve always taken pennies to be signs from my loved ones who have crossed to the other side. The pennies show up whenever I’m stuck trying to make a decision or worried over a potential outcome. Okay, so what is a sign? According to Dr. Adrian Calabrese in her book, Sacred

interested in living your purpose at work & beyond? Check out PeggieArvidson.com where you’ll find: • Live and virtual workshops • Private coaching opportunities • Personalized hand analysis readings • And discounts on services for newsletter subscribers

For more information contact : Peggie@peggiearvidson.com 44 | May 2014

Is It Really a Sign? Signs, “A sign is a direct manifestation from the spirit world in material form. “ You can refer to the spirit world as God, Angels, Universal Wisdom, Guides, or your departed loved ones. There are various types of signs and some are kick-youin-the-pants obvious and some are subtle like a scent wafting on the wind. This can make it hard for us realists to recognize a sign, much less trust one! Signs can be in answer to a question you’ve asked or to help you make a decision and they can seem to be coincidences. For instance, at a particularly trying time in my client’s life she felt lost, scared and very alone. After a tough divorce, she left her secure job to pursue what she felt was her passion. Within a few months she had no clients, was living off her savings and realized that she’d neglected most of her friends during her marriage because she was so lonely. As she pulled up to her condo on a cold spring night she sat in the car to cry. Just then Natasha Bedingfield sang these words on the radio: “Staring at the blank page before you Open up the dirty window Let the sun illuminate the words that you cannot find Reaching for something in the distance

So close you can almost taste it Release your inhibitions.” These are the lyrics to the song Unwritten. My client took it to be a sign that everything was going to be okay if she stopped wallowing and started taking some action. Turns out, she was right. Could the song on the radio have been a coincidence? Not for her! My client told me she was at her lowest point and when that song came on she knew that it had meaning specifically for her at that time. As a result she made some changes, hired a coach and took action to write the story that she wished to live. On the other hand, sometimes no sign is the sign. If you’ve ever asked for a sign to let you know that it’s okay to quit your job, marry that fella you just met, or buy a new house and then gotten nothing, you know what this is like. This is where the doubt creeps in. When you can’t find a sign it means one of two things. Either you phrased the question in a yes/no way, as in, “Please send me a sign to let me know if Bob is the one!” and the lack of a sign is your “no.” Or your timing is open-ended and the answer is still forthcoming. You have free will in all things, which means that you can still choose to run off to marry

Bob or not. The sun will still rise and set and the Earth will continue to spin on its access. It’s all part of your journey. Here’s a tip to clear up this type of sign confusion: Be specific with your wording. Feel free to ask for something in particular to show up and within a certain time frame. Then you won’t be left wondering if the sign is still in transit or not. While there are many more tips to cover on the topic of signs and intuition, start working with this basic information to lean in and trust your signs and intuition. Peggie Arvidson is the Money Mindset Coach for Healers. She helps healers charge what they’re worth and get it by helping them break the pattern of self-doubt so that they can attract their perfect clients. One of the hardest things for those in healing professions is to recognize the monetary value of the services they provide, so they can keep their businesses thriving and stop struggling to pay their bills. Peggie walks them through the five steps they’ll be able to apply, using their genuine strengths. to bring them a steady flow of perfect clients for their practice. You can learn more at GrowYourMoneyMojo.com Old Town Crier

SINGLE SPACE LORI WELCH

“Mom”orial Day

f you haven’t yet seen it, do yourself a favor and Google, “World’s Toughest Job Interview.” The interviewer is conducting interviews with potential candidates for a fake job they’ve created called Director of Operations. During the interviews, the employer slowly reveals a job description that is crazy beyond measure: Works 365 days a year with no days off; must maintain a happy disposition; eats only after the associate has eaten; and does all of it for no pay. The candidates respond similarly. “NO, that’s crazy.” “Is that even legal?” asks one. Of course, the job is that of a mom. Powerful stuff. My mom, Shirley Mae Fulton Welch, passed away in 2006. While I had her for 39 years, I find myself thinking of all the milestones of my life she missed. She didn’t get to see me turn 40; wasn’t there when I bought a house in the neighborhood she grew up in; didn’t get a chance to meet my fiancé, XXL (whom she would have loved); and, of course, the biggest milestone of all—she won’t be sitting in the front row when her baby girl gets married. Planning our wedding has been filled with many emotions, but the most powerful are the ones around my mom. I’m super fortunate to be in possession of the dress she wore when she married Dad back in 1954. I also have their wedding album filled with pictures of her and her attendants in front of her childhood home on Windsor Avenue in Del Ray. And, it occurred to me that her own mother didn’t get to see her get married, let alone meet my dad or any of her four children. My grandmother died when my mom was just 16 which reminds me how blessed I am to have had her for as long as I did. My young friends, Madi and Kenzie, lost their mom just over two years ago—they were fifteen and ten at the time. Their mom, Holly, was one of my oldest and dearest friends, and she left us with a legacy of beautiful, fun memories that we will all cherish for many years to come. We are all sad and a little angry that Holly’s daughters got robbed of so many of their milestones with her proms, graduations and weddings, among them. There’s no replacement for a Mom, but we ’stand-ins’ are doing our best to make the loss as bearable as possible and ensure the hugs are plentiful and the milestones celebrated. Holly’s Old Town Crier

friends have become her memory keepers and share our stories at every opportunity. Even though Mom has been gone eight long years, there are certain memories that seem like just yesterday…like her 39th birthday (I was five), when I woke up, snuck out of the house, and invited all the neighborhood women over for a birthday party (unbeknownst to my mother who was a late sleeper). They arrived at our doorstep as she was making coffee in her nightgown. Lucky for her I had an entire Easy Bake oven cake (burnt) to serve all six of our guests! Or, how we gathered at our kitchen table on rainy afternoons for coloring contests. She always let me have first pick of the book (Aristocats!), and we would sit for hours absorbed in our artists’ world. Whether it was Donald or Mickey or Tom and Jerry, her finished pieces were always way better, but somehow I managed to win every time. “Wait here a second, while I go get your prize.” She would retreat back to her bedroom and return with her hands hidden behind her back. “Pick a hand and that’s your prize.” Didn’t matter which hand—she had amazing treasures in both—a pair of clip earrings or a piece of bling from her jewelry box, a shiny quarter, or a lace handkerchief to be used for dress up. Enough to make a young girl leap for joy! Probably explains why I still secretly love to color and smile every time I pass a box of Crayolas. The smell alone sends me reeling. We both loved when Elvis Presley films were the movie of the week, and I can’t watch I Love Lucy or The Honeymooners without thinking of her. She was a night owl and loved her quiet TV time. Emergency, Medical Center, and Marcus Welby were some of her favorites. I still think she secretly wanted to be a doctor. She loved Peppermint Patties, iced tea, and the color blue. She was most comfortable in jeans and a t-shirt, didn’t wear much makeup, and rarely bought herself anything. She didn’t much like to cook or bake, but she would stop whatever she was doing

to help put on Barbie’s shoes. She was embarrassed about her dentures, but if we begged, would take them out to show our friends—which we thought was the coolest trick ever. When she had her first seizure in 1976, she wouldn’t let them do the CAT scan until after we got back from our planned trip to Disney World— she didn’t want to ruin our vacation. We never had a baby sitter, and Friday nights were a special treat because we either got to go to McDonalds or pick our own TV dinner. Even though she was a smoker all her life, her voice sounded like silk when she read my favorite bedtime stories, and I drifted off to sleep with thoughts of Pudgy Fudgy and Tickle Pinkle in Upsy Downsy Land. Life was good. While not all of us were blessed with our own DNA to scoop up after falls and kiss away salty tears, we often become mothers of another kind. I’d like to think I’m one heck of a cool aunt, and I am a total momma bear when it comes to my baby cubs at work. My baby cubs just happen to be a group of smart, attractive, fun and funny young women who sometimes need my advice, kind words or even a hug because their own mothers are a USAir flight away. Oh, and let’s not forget our furry babies. When XXL and I first brought Macey and Dozer home, I imagined how new parents must feel—awakened every few hours to check on them, let them out, save a beloved boot from an

untimely death, wipe pee off the floor, etc. To date, XXL and I have argued over how to discipline, the safest toys, whom to allow to pet sit when we go away, to crate or not to crate, and whether or not we are showing favoritism because Macey is allowed on the couch and Dozer isn’t. It’s good to teach them early on that life isn’t always fair. In Macey’s defense, Dozer gets to go outside and she doesn’t. Loving and protecting those little creatures fills my heart with an indescribable joy. I can only imagine the joy of raising children of the two-legged variety. I comfort myself in the knowledge that I won’t have to send my kids to college or pay for therapy. Although, I must say that at the rate we are going through Kong toys ($$$$) and treats, XXL and I could have enjoyed a nice week in Napa. Regardless, the memories I’m creating with all my baby cubs are special in my heart, and there’s always room for more. I look at Mom’s wedding dress hanging in my closet and wonder how she felt on that warm summer day back in 1954. Excited? Scared? Sad that her mom wasn’t there? I’m sure I’ll be feeling all those things and more, but somehow I know she’ll be watching. Real life feels a bit like Upsy Downsy Land without her, but at least I have my “Mom”ories. Miss you, Mom! To all the Moms of the two-legged and four-legged babies, you’re amazing. Give yourselves a big hug, put your feet up and turn on the telly. If you’re missing your own Mom, grab a coloring book and some crayons and reward yourself with an awesome prize. If you would like to comment or suggest a subject for Single Space column, contact me at mysinglespace@aol.com May 2014 | 45

A S

M F

S F

C S

A S Capital Wheel Facts and Figures Size 175 Feet Tall (diameter of wheel is 165 feet) Visible from the Top of the Observation Wheel Washington Monument, U.S. Capitol, Alexandria, Prince George’s County

D S

W S

WATERFRONT DINING

Loc Riv Wil from and Ale Mt. from

Number of Climate-Controlled Gondolas 42 (including 1 VIP Gondola) Maximum Number of Passengers 336 (8 per Gondola) Projected Annual Number of Passengers 600,000 to 800,000 Price (estimated) $15 per ride (VIP Gondola will cost more) Hours of Operation (estimated) 10 a.m. to 10 p.m., year-round Ride Speed 1.5 rotations per minute Lighting 1.6 million LED lights, fully programmable, with a spectrum of 16.7 colors Concessions Wolfgang Puck Catering The Observation Wheel will be available for private party rental. Other Cities with Observation Wheels London, Seattle, Niagara Falls, Brisbane, Perth, Cape Town, Johannesburg, Malacca Island, Pigeon Forge, Las Vegas, Myrtle Beach Website www.thecapitalwheel.com

46 | May 2014

What Goes Up, Must Go Round! 1-877-NATLHBR

NationalHarbor.com

FAC

ost of you readers know that I have was almost a mini-uprising in the Old Town lived here in the Harbor for the Alexandria business community with the fear last three years but have lived and that “it’s going to take a lot of business away worked in Old Town for more than from us.” I am still amazed at the number of 22 years with almost 20 of them people who have yet to make the trek across with the Old Town Crier. The landscape of the Woodrow Wilson Bridge to experience the whole metro area has changed vastly in the Harbor first hand. It is also puzzling that that short time. National Harbor being one those same people have skewed opinions of By Lani Gering of the biggest changes. Living at National what it is like. Harbor has been one of the most rewarding A few of the comments I have heard: experiences of my life. It is like being part of the birth of “The noise generated from the wheel is going to a brand new city. In the short time I have lived here the be overwhelming.” This isn’t likely since the motors face of the harbor has been getting mini lifts and nips are electric and it isn’t exactly a carnival ride with a and tucks: the addition of the carousel; the opening of barker out front. I am imagining that it won’t be any the Tanger Outlets; the new town home project on the noisier than the wonderful free weekend concerts and hill; and the apartment complex just across the street performances that we enjoy the summer and early fall. from where I live in One National Harbor. And now “The traffic caused by people coming to ride is going the opening this month of the Capitol Wheel. to be horrific.” There is plenty of parking and we have Scheduled to make its debut Memorial Day weekend, weathered several special events (ICE at the Gaylord the Capitol Wheel observation gondolas will make every year during the holidays, the Food and Wine their first turn at the end of this month. Much has Festival, etc.) without much ado. In fact, residents have been written in the local dailies and weeklies about special flags for their vehicles that allow them special this new attraction here in the Harbor since Peterson access through event traffic to their parking garages. Companies announced its arrival earlier this year. Most I have used mine two or three times. It doesn’t let you of the press has been positive but there are still those whiz through like an ambulance but it does get you naysayers out there who feel the addition of the wheel preferred status from the folks directing traffic. is detrimental to the integrity of the Harbor. I believe “Who would pay $15 for a Ferris wheel ride.” This isn’t a lot of the negativity comes from ignorance or fear of a Ferris wheel, it is an observation wheel. The ride is the unknown. I remember when Milt Peterson dug the going to be a slow rotation of gondolas that will allow first shovelful of ground for the NH project itself. There Old Town Crier

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Sou Fri you to see for miles up and down the river. Maybe like a rotating top of the Empire State Building view. A good friend of ours was just in Las Vegas and commented on the High Roller observation wheel there (which is over 500 feet in height and much larger than the Capitol Wheel) and said how impressive it is and definitely worth the $59 ticket price. You can take the VIP Gondola on the Capitol Wheel for around $50. This gondola includes red bucket seats, a glass floor and maybe even the opportunity to have an adult beverage on the ride. Peterson Companies is still looking into the legal ramifications of this at the time of this writing. We had the pleasure of taking a hard hat tour of the construction site last month so got to be up front with the crew. It has been a fun adventure watching how the wheel has come together from the delivery of the first sections via barge up the Potomac River. I am

still astounded at how quickly it has gone up and how skilled the people constructing it are. It’s a little different than pitching the carni for the county fair! I feel very secure about the physical integrity of the wheel and look forward to my first ride! In addition to the wheel, there will be a concession area at the base that will be catered by the famous Wolfgang Puck. While you will not be able to take food or drink on the wheel, there will be a fun place with good eats and libations available while you wait or after you depart the ride. Puck has been catering the Sunset Room at the harbor for quite some time and my culinary experiences have all been stellar. From the rendering of the wheel (left), it looks like the best time of day to ride is actually at night. The LED light show that the wheel will provide as it goes round is going to have a big wow factor. The Capitol Wheel is on a roll!

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NATIONAL HARBOR DINING GUIDE

WATERFRONT DINING AROMA D’ITALI 156 National Plaza 301-839-3492 BAJA FRESH MEXICAN 186 Waterfront Street 301-839-1377

NationalHarbor.com

Opens April 1st

BOND 45 149 Waterfront Street 301-839-1445

1-877-NATLHBR CADILLAC RANCH 186 Fleet St. 301-839-1100 cadillacranchgroup.com All-American cuisine ELEVATION BURGER 108 Waterfront Street 301-749-4014 FIORELLA PIZZERIA E CAFFE 152 National Plaza 301-839-1811 GRACE’S MANDARIN 188 Waterfront Street 301-839-3788 Harrington’s Pub and Kitchen 177 Fleet Street 301-909-2505 harringtonspubandkitchen.com Enjoy traditional Irish fare and more! McCORMICK & SCHMICK 145 National Plaza 301-567-6224

Old Town Crier

McLOONE’S PIER HOUSE 141 National Harbor Plaza 301-839-0815 mcloonespierhousenh.com NATIONAL PAST TIME SPORTS BAR & GRILLE Gaylord Hotel 301-965-4000 ´ OLD HICKORY STEAKHOUSE Gaylord Hotel 301-965-4000 gaylordnational.com

PIENZA ITALIAN MARKET Gaylord Hotel 301-965-4000 POTBELLY SANDWICH WORKS 146 National Plaza 301-686-1160 PUBLIC HOUSE 199 Fleet Street 240-493-6120 publichousenationalharbor.com Whether it’s lunch, happy hour, dinner or a late night party, we can meet your needs. 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

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Old Town Crier

IN LEONARDTOWN

FANTASTIC FUN FOR EVERYONE

FRIDAY

SATURDAY

JUNE 6 JUNE 7 THROUGHOUT ST. MARY’S COUNTY

SUNDAY JUNE 8 Friday and Saturday in Historic Leonardtown. Sunday, it’s an entire peninsula of fun. Find it all just a short drive south of D.C. and Baltimore in St. Mary’s County

FIRST FRIDAY IN LEONARDTOWN 1812 TIDE OF WAR CONCERT Art Openings

Rum & Wine Tastings

Merchant Activities

SATURDAY IN LEONARDTOWN

ALSO ON SATURDAY

FREE Admission! Activities Include: Continuous Music on Multiple Stages Period Demonstrators Hands-on Action Historic Boats Invasion Route Excursions 1812 Street Theater Circus Performers Children’s Entertainment 1812 Exhibits Tavern Tent Food Vendors And don’t miss… The British Invasion Tribute Concert Saturday Evening!

1812 Living History Event at Sotterley Plantation

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SUNDAY IN ST. MARY’S Use the Passport for free admission to historic sites and attractions.

Get your Raiders & Invaders Weekend Passport—your ticket to cool fun and cold cash.

Get event details at

RaidersandInvaders.com Get travel details at

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