Old Town Crier- May 2016 Full Issue by Old Town Crier

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May 2016

Road Trip

CALVERT COUNTY, MARYLAND Alexandria’s Playground

Caribbean Connection

EXTRAORDINARY ‘BUCKS’ OF THE VIRGIN ISLANDS Dining Out

LA BERGERIE OLD TOWN

The Elegance of France & Its Cuisine Civil Discourse

HELTER SKELTER AT HARPERS FERRY, WEST VIRGINIA Personality Profile

DR. SUSANNE MACKIE LEE Pediatrician & Avid Swimmer

oldtowncrier.com

From the Bay to the Blue Ridge

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

office@oldtowncrier.com oldtowncrier.com Published the first week of every month. Worth waiting for! PUBLISHER Bob Tagert MARKETING & ADVERTISING Lani Gering Bob Tagert SOCIAL MEDIA & WEBSITE Ashley Schultz

A Bit of History After Hours

Alexandria Events DESIGN & PRODUCTION Electronic Ink Art & Antiques 9 Royal Street, SE Leesburg, VA 20175 703.669.5502 Chris Anderson Peggie Arvidson Sarah Becker Frank Britt Bonnie Browning F. Lennox Campello Steve Chaconas Doug Coleman Jimmy Deaton Doug Fabbioli Nicole Flanagan

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

Behind the Bar

On the Road

First Blush

Open Space

Fitness

Personality Profile

From the Bay…

Pets of the Month

From the Trainer

Points on Pets

11 3

Financial Focus

Gallery Beat

Publisher’s Notes

Caribbean Connection

Go Fish

Road Trip

Chef’s Special

Grapevine

Spiritual Renaissance

Civil Discourse

High Notes

The Last Word

Dining Guide

Mt. Vernon Wine Festival

To the Blue Ridge

Dining Out

National Harbor

Urban Garden

Exploring Virginia Wines

On Being a Mom

Business Profile

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

On the road with OTC from USVI Zach Wilson (left), a true island boy, reads the Old Town Crier from his home in Coral Bay, St John USVI. His mother, Anna Adams, is a long time friend and sailing buddy of ours. The beautiful Clare Bole Weaver (above) takes a few minutes out of her day in Coral Bay to check out the Old Town Crier. Clare, a native of England, transplanted herself to the island after a fun holiday some years ago.

Alexandria’s Confederate Statue: Stay or Go?

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

We here at the Old Town Crier feel Alexandria’s Confederate soldier should remain standing. But we'd also like to hear from our community. What’s your opinion? Send your comments to office@oldtowncrier.com

Old Town Crier

May 2016 | 1

PUBLISHER’S NOTES BOB TAGERT

fter a very slow start to 2016 our advertising content is beginning to pick up. The spring and fall months are always the most active. Recovering from winter always leads to adventures. This month I wrote about one of my favorite escapes — Solomons Island, at the southern tip of Maryland’s Calvert County. As we like to say, “It is Alexandria’s playground,” and only 60 minutes away. We also liken Solomons to our own Key West. Bordered by water on all sides and with an assortment of watering holes to enjoy, this is the perfect place to unwind and watch the sailboats glide by. May is Mother’s Day and a classy choice to take mom for lunch or dinner is La Bergerie, this month’s restaurant spotlight. Memorial Day is at the end of this month. Read the classic poem on the inside back cover and remember all of those who fought for our planet and our continued freedom. Doug Coleman continues to bring the events of the Civil War into today’s world in his Civil Discourse column while Lori Welch Brown dispenses some sage advice in Open Space. Chef Profiler and prolific photographer, Chester Simpson, sent us profiles on three chefs he met in his travels to Thailand and Vietnam in April. Always fun to try something new! As you can tell from the photograph I picked for this month’s notes, I am itching to get out on the water. Hopefully all of the April showers have moved on and I can enjoy some sunny sailing days in the near future. Happy Mother’s Day to all of those moms out there reading us and please celebrate Memorial Day with your loved ones.

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

2 | May 2016

would rise like memories. 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 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.

… 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. 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-of-fact 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 Prizewinning journalist and bestselling author. This essay was posted on consciousmoms.org

Old Town Crier

Alexandria MAY TOURS, EXHIBITS, EVENTS

SATURDAYS IN MAY

HISTORIC ALEXANDRIA ATTICS AND ALLEYS TOURS 9 a.m. - Noon Admission: $35; advanced reservations required Departs from: Lee-Fendall House Museum & Garden 614 Oronoco St. OR Gadsby’s Tavern Museum 134 N. Royal St. 703-746-4242 www.alexandriava.gov/gadsbystavern The curious are invited to visit rarely seen spaces at four of Alexandria’s historic sites on this special three-hour walking tour of Gadsby’s Tavern Museum, the Stabler-Leadbeater Apothecary Museum, Lee-Fendall House Museum & Garden and Carlyle House Historic Park. Tickets can be reserved online at www.shop.alexandria.gov. SUNDAYS IN MAY

MERCY IN ALEXANDRIA WALKING TOUR Public tour every Sunday at 1:30 p.m. Additional tours by appointment Tour starts at: Alexandria Visitors Center 221 King St. DC Military Tours 703-407-6663 www.dcmilitarytour.com Experience an inside access tour of 19th century Alexandria. Inspired by the PBS mini-series “Mercy Street” accompany a trained military historian through Civil War-era Alexandria and learn the actual history behind the TV show. Get behindthe-scenes stories of locations where “Mercy Street” characters lived, worked and played.

MAY 14, JULY 9, SEPTEMBER 10 & NOVEMBER 12

BEYOND THE BATTLEFIELD WALKING TOUR 10:00 a.m. Admission: $15 Tour starts at: The Lyceum 201 S. Washington St. 703-548-1789 contact@leefendallhouseorg www.leefendallhouse.org Discover the real-life stories and locations of soldiers, citizens and former slaves that inspired the PBS drama “Mercy Street” in this walking tour of Old Town. Discover the challenges, triumphs and controversies of life behind the front lines in an occupied city during the Civil War. See the locations of hospitals, hotels, prisons and more that filled Alexandria during four years of conflict. Tour length is three hours and the route is approximately 1.75 miles. Parking is not available at The Lyceum’s lot for this program. 21 SPIES & SCONES: A SPECIAL “HISTORY MYSTERY” TEA Admission: $50 Lee-Fendall House 614 Oronoco St. 703-548-1789 www.leefendallhouse.org Alexandria was filled with spies and during the Civil War. Enjoy a Victorian tea, learn about real life secret agents like Frank Stringfellow (portrayed in the PBS drama “Mercy Street,” then put your own powers of detection to the test to discover the spy in the room!

MAY 21 RAISE A GLASS, RAISE THE CHIMNEY A prohibition themed party and silent auction hosted by the Virginia Trust for Historic Preservation. In 1916, Virginia’s prohibition law became effective. According to local legend, Robert Downham, then-owner of the Lee-Fendall House and local liquor wholesaler, lost his license after news spread of his entertaining President Woodrow Wilson with lavish amounts of alcohol at a dinner party. One hundred years later, we are commemorating the occasion with a Prohibition party and silent auction in our garden. All proceeds will help restore the Lee-

Fendall House chimney that is in severe danger of collapsing and damaging other parts of the property. May 21, 2016, 7-10 p.m. Lee-Fendall House Museum & Garden 614 Oronoco Street Alexandria, VA 22314 Tickets ($50-75) available online at www.leefendallhouse.org Creative cocktail attire and period clothing is encouraged!

LOCAL FARMERS MARKETS

OLD TOWN FARMERS MARKET

MARKET SQUARE • 301 KING STREET SATURDAY 7 A.M. – NOON, YEAR ROUND Free parking in Market Square garage during market hours People who come to Alexandria on Saturday mornings find themselves in a busy plaza where local farmers and artists have been selling their products since 1753. Old Town Alexandria’s Market Square is thought to be one of the nation’s oldest continually operating farmers markets, serving as a primary source of meat, dairy, fish, fruits and vegetables for Alexandrians. George Washington sent his produce from Mount Vernon to be sold here. Today, the market offers folks a way to reconnect to the past, while participating in an ongoing local and national tradition.

DEL RAY FARMERS MARKET

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

OLD TOWN’S NEWEST FARMERS MARKET

NORTH MONTGOMERY PARK, 901 NORTH ROYAL STREET THURSDAY 3-7 P.M., YEAR ROUND WEATHER PERMITTING

NEW! Old Town Crier

Old Town's newest Farmer's Market debuts on Thursday, May 5. The market will feature local growers, bakers, and other area providers of wholesome foods including Twin Springs, Grace's Pastries, Bread & Water, and Relay Foods. May 2016 | 3

PERSONALITY PROFILE BOB TAGERT

DR. SUSANNE MACKIE LEE

ne thing about living in the Washington D.C. metro area, you meet a lot of people from various backgrounds, and some are not who they appear to be. Such is the case of Susanne Mackie Lee. I first met Susanne along with her husband, Sang Lee, at the Flying Fish Restaurant (now closed) many years ago. We were all regulars there and had a good time enjoying delicious food, great libations and taking turns at karaoke. Susanne certainly held her own and enjoyed singing. I later learned that Susanne’s day job was chairman of the pediatric department at Prince William NOVANT Hospital in Manassas, Va. She got to play with the big kids a few nights a week and then look after the health of the real kids during the day. This 46 year-old authority figure was born in Washington, D.C. but later moved with her family to Bethesda, Md. Upon graduating from high school, Susanne decided to return to her roots and attended George Washington Medical School. After graduating she moved on to Georgetown to complete her residency. Susanne’s parents had a profound impact on her interest in a medical profession. “My dad was a corpsman in World War II,” she said. “That experience had a huge impact on his life and he always thought that serving others was very meaningful.” After the war her father went on to college and earned a Ph.D. in economics. Her mother graduated from Columbia Medical School but continued on to earn a Ph.D. in biology research, which became her profession. “Both of my parents, 4 | May 2016

through their insight, laid the ground work for the idea that the medical profession was the best vocation,” she tells me. It appears that all embraced the medical world, as Susanne’s older sister is a family practitioner in Reston. When I asked Susanne why she chose pediatrics she had a simple answer. “Kids are cuter than grownups! Our patients range from newborn to 18 years old.” After kids are admitted to the hospital, they then fall under the care of Susanne and her staff. As chairman, Susanne has pretty much the final say

in any procedure, but there is collaboration among the professionals. After 20 years she is the senior pediatrician at the hospital. Her days begin at 6:30 in the morning and ends at 4:00 pm, Monday through Friday, but she is subject to being called in for an emergency at any time. Susanne found that transitioning from a school environment to the hospital world took some getting used to. “The biggest challenge to the learning curve was learning to deal with people on a daily basis,” she said. “We are bombarded with questions ranging from the immune system and human anatomy to kidneys.” We deal with a huge range of topics, but with repetition the discussions become easier.” If being the chief pediatrician at a major hospital isn’t enough work, Susanne and Sang opened Mackie’s Steak House here in Old Town in October of 2014. You can find Susanne there most evenings and weekends helping out. “I don’t have any defined duties,” she tells me, “I just help where needed!” Sang and his staff have done a good job of keeping the restaurant headed in the right direction and, for the record, the steaks are great! In her spare time (?), Susanne likes to swim and garden. “I will try to get in about 75 minutes of swimming as often as I can,” she says. She has trained for the 7½ mile swim across the Potomac River but has yet to take on the challenge. Her gardening consists of flowers and vegetables but doesn’t end there. “I want my humble back yard to look like a park,” she says. Old Town Crier

BUSINESS PROFILE LANI GERING

Signature Federal Credit Union

“We believe in the power of all of us.”

here in 1989 and, over the years, have watched the y first introduction to Signature Federal Del Ray neighborhood and businesses grow and Credit Union (SFCU) was when Janeen thrive in this great small town community.” Mountz — OF SFCU’S marketing department — contacted us about I think their philosophy is a good one. I couldn’t advertising rates a year or so ago. Needless express it any better than they do on their website: to say, these are the emails and phone calls we SFCU believes that together, we can do more than really like to get! Little did I know that it would we can alone. We’re a credit union that’s dedicated to result in such a great working relationship. While serving people who put their name behind something we normally focus on more of the Mom & Pop they believe in by signing up for organizations with businesses as subject matter for these profiles, there a shared purpose, like a community group or trade was something about SFCU that intrigued us. association. While working with them on their advertising I And for 45 years, that’s what we’ve done, first as the had the opportunity to visit their Postmasters credit union and now office. At that time I didn’t realize welcoming members of associations, SIGNATURE FEDERAL that the location in the Del Ray business leagues, alumni groups and CREDIT UNION neighborhood is their national charitable organizations based in the 12 HERBERT STREET greater Washington, D.C. area. We’re headquarters. Located in a rather OLD TOWN ALEXANDRIA proud to help our members build obscure building on a side street, 800-336-0284 their businesses, their families and it isn’t exactly what one thinks of SIGNATUREFCU.ORG their dreams with financial products as a prime location for a nationally and resources for the everyday to the recognized banking institution. once-in-a-lifetime need. Definitely not on the main drag. I Signature membership starts with just a $5 have since come to realize that the major portion of minimum deposit into a basic Share Savings account. their membership takes care of their transactions via And that’s it. No more fees, no more membership the internet and ATMs so having prime storefront minimum balance to enjoy membership benefits. space isn’t a priority. When I inquired as to why Dividends start to accrue at an average daily balance they chose the Del Ray area for their headquarters, of $100. And you’ll always deposit with peace of mind SFCU’S CEO, Becca Cuddy, told me, “We chose the because Signature Share accounts are federally insured location because of the proximity to both DC and by NCUA up to $250,000. Old Town and, at the time, the relatively inexpensive I also inquired as to what they feel sets SFCU apart cost of commercial real estate here. We relocated

Old Town Crier

from other local credit unions and banks. Cuddy told me, “We are truly dedicated to helping people make the most with what they’ve got. Whether it is savings or borrowing, members get a distinct rate advantage dealing with us. And, we do not charge maintenance or service fees. The fees we charge for items like bounced checks and wiring money are generally lower than competitors. But, one of our really great advantages is that we are all right here for our members. Our call center is in our building and our financial reps handle each member as if they are a member of our family.” I like the casual atmosphere that their headquarters exudes. Everyone I encountered has a genuine friendly attitude and it is clear that they like where they work. We are very partial to successful businesses that take an interest in the community they serve. SFCU is definitely involved. According to Becca, ”We try to attend each Del Ray community event so that the community recognizes us. We have worked with several area businesses to create special programs that will benefit both the organization and SFCU. Our focus is getting our name out there as a recognized leader in the financial services area for the community so we will entertain any effort that will advance that goal and help the neighborhood thrive.” If you are looking for a very user friendly place to put some of your hard earned money, you won’t go wrong by considering this institution. May 2016 | 5

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

Legal Planning with Retirement Accounts

he popularity and accessibility of retirement plans has resulted in Americans holding a significant portion of their assets in 401(k)s or other employersponsored retirement plans and IRAs. For many, these accounts represent the largest portion of their wealth outside of their homes. If you’re like the majority of individuals you will likely need income from these accounts during retirement, or you may have accumulated sufficient other

assets to sustain your lifestyle and wish to preserve your retirement assets for your heirs. An important first step in preserving these assets is to understand the rules regarding retirement plan and IRA beneficiaries to ensure your wishes are fulfilled. The rules affect who inherits the assets, how quickly they are paid out, and the tax consequences. While you should consult with your tax and legal advisor for advice regarding your specific

AlexAndriA BAr AssociAtion lAwyer referrAl service The Alexandria Bar Association (ABA) has launched a new website to improve its Lawyer Referral Service. The service provides a 30 minute consultation with an attorney of the ABA for a $55 fee. The client answers a few questions about the type of case or legal matter in question and is then matched up with the appropriate attorney. All participating attorneys are members in good standing of the ABA. All fees are used to promote the programs and services of the ABA.

alexandria.barlrs.com

circumstances, the following provides an overview to help you get started. First, inventory all of your retirement accounts and make sure the beneficiary information is up to date. It’s also a good practice to designate both primary and contingent beneficiaries. A contingent beneficiary will inherit assets only if you have no surviving primary beneficiaries at the time of your death or if they disclaim or refuse the inheritance. Additionally, you can name more than one primary or contingent beneficiary and specify which percentage of the account they should receive. It’s also a good practice to review your beneficiary designations periodically. Situations affecting designations include death of a beneficiary, divorce, marriage, or the birth of a child or grandchild. Remember, a will does not

supersede your beneficiary designations on retirement accounts. Common beneficiary designation options include naming your spouse, a nonspouse, or an entity such as your trust, estate, or a charity. Whenever possible, you may want to avoid naming an estate as your beneficiary as this requires your assets to enter the probate process. For married couples naming a spouse may be the natural choice, but there are other reasons why this makes sense. When an IRA passes directly to a spouse, it avoids probate and qualifies for the unlimited marital deduction. Additionally, your spouse has the option to move the assets into an inherited IRA or roll the assets into an IRA in his or her own name. Which option is better depends on the ages of the deceased and surviving spouse and when the surviving spouse may

need to take money from the IRA. This ability to roll the assets into his or her IRA is available only for spouse beneficiaries. Both spouses and nonspouses can move the assets into an Inherited IRA. While it is typical practice for most IRA owners to name a spouse as the primary IRA beneficiary and their children as the contingent beneficiaries, this may require the surviving spouse to take more taxable income from the IRA than he or she really needs. If income needs are not an issue for the spouse and children, then naming younger beneficiaries (such as grandchildren or greatgrandchildren) allows you to stretch the value of the IRA out over one or perhaps two generations. A stretch IRA is not a specific type of IRA, it is simply a wealth transfer method that attempts to maximize the tax-advantaged potential of IRA assets by FINANCIAL FOCUS > PAGE 10

For more information 703-548-1105 or lrx@alexandriabarva.org

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

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

Experience the Signature difference We’re here for you and your family through every life stage with accounts for every generation. We invite you to join our family and see how we can make a difference in your financial life. Join today at www.signaturefcu.org (use promo code OTC2016), and visit www.signaturefcu.org/products to view all our products. You can also contact us at (800) 336.0284 to speak with a member care team representative. Federally insured by NCUA

6 | May 2016

Old Town Crier

URBAN GARDEN JIMMY DEATON

TIPS& TRICKS

thought this month we would focus on some of the tips and tricks that I use around the garden to make life a little bit easier and also lend a hand on getting massive plants. For a majority of vegetables I take 1 gallon nursery pots and cut the bottoms off. I usually cut them so they are about 6 inches tall and I insert them into the ground about 2 inches with the plant in the middle. This acts as a reservoir when watering your plants. I always keep about an inch of compost inside the pot so when I water, the plants get a small amount of Old Town Crier

feed as the water soaks its way through the compost down to the roots. The other nice thing about using these is the water gets down deep to the roots and not going everywhere else like when you normally water. If you don’t have access to the nursery containers you can use 2 liter soda bottles, milk jugs, basically anything that will hold water and allow both ends to be opened. In the melon/squash/zucchini patch I also insert a stake/stick that is about 2 feet tall with a piece of cloth attached to the top end into the pot as well. This allows me to find the pot without

having to search through a pile of vines and leaves which can be a pain. Speaking of squash and zucchini, I’m sure everyone here who has ever grown it has been hit at one time or another with the squash vine borer. They bore into the stem close to the ground. It will look like sawdust and the stem will appear chewed up. A perfect no-mess, no-insecticide way of stopping them is to wrap aluminum foil around the stem from the ground up to the first set of leaves. They cannot chew threw the foil and will go to your neighbor’s yard to dine on their plants unless you gave them this tip as well. Shhh … some things just need to be kept under wraps. Save your zucchini’s, not theirs ;) Getting massive plants like we grow each year is not hard. I’m sure by now you’ve been following our sage advice (no pun intended) and are now ready to become a Jedi gardener. Well here’s how we get the results we get: Amend your soil with lots of compost/humus. Whether it’s grass

clippings, leaf mold/compost, aged manure, you need to build that soil into being as healthy as can be. And remember the deeper the bed is the more room your roots have to roam. I add greensand to my beds as well. This brings in a boatload of micro nutrients, trace minerals, etc. that, more than likely, are missing from your garden, When I plant my vegetables I try to add some rock phosphate to each hole with a shovel full of compost. If no rock phosphate is available then about 2 tablespoons of bone meal as a substitute. This is great for the roots and the plants will just take off in a dramatic way. I also plant my tomatoes deep. Strip off the bottom branches and bury the plant so you have maybe 3-4 inches sticking above the soil. Trust me on this, that plant will produce roots among the buried stem and you’ll have an even bigger root ball which means bigger plants and a bigger harvest. I top dress all vegetable plants that fruit — a.k.a. tomatoes, peppers, cucumbers, melons, etc. — with tomato-tone the first of each month. Work about 2-3 tablespoons into the top inch or two around the plant or in my case into the plastic sleeve around each plant and give them a good soaking. URBAN GARDEN > PAGE 10

May 2016 | 7

A BIT OF HISTORY SARAH BECKER©

Robert E. Lee & the Mexican War

“S

Robert E. Lee, 1851

8 | May 2016

uccess in the Mexican War,” General Winfield Scott exclaimed, “was largely due to Robert E. Lee’s skill, valor and undaunted energy.” Robert E. Lee, the fifth child of Revolutionary War hero Henry “Lighthorse Harry” Lee and his second wife Ann Hill Carter, was born January 19, 1807. Of noble descent, he spent his babyhood at Stratford Hall in Westmoreland County, Virginia. The family moved to Alexandria to escape financial reverses. Young Robert’s education included both the Alexandria Academy and Benjamin Hallowell’s school. Lee attended the latter briefly to study mathematics. He attended the U.S. Military Academy at West Point because it was free. Lee’s decision to opt for a military career was sustained in part by his deceased father’s friendship with the Marquis de Lafayette, “an invaluable Revolutionary War ally.” In 1824 President James Monroe, also a Revolutionary War veteran, invited Lafayette to participate in a triumphal United States tour. General Lafayette, a Frenchman, arrived in New York in August 1824 and Robert E. Lee’s Alexandria Boyhood Home was among the acknowledged sites. “That [General Henry] Lee was a man of letters, a scholar who ripened under a truly classical sun, we have only to turn to his work on the southern war,” George Washington Parke Custis wrote, “his 1808 Memoirs of the War in the Southern Department of the United States.” Robert E. entered West Point in 1825; was listed as a “Distinguished Cadet,” and graduated second in his class in 1829. His rank: second

lieutenant in the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. His assignment: Georgia’s Ft. Pulaski. It was from Ft. Monroe that Lee courted his wife, Martha Washington’s great-granddaughter; George Washington Parke Custis’ daughter Mary Anna Randolph Custis. General George Washington died before Lee’s birth, but Robert E. valued his father and General Washington’s colonial legacy. Lee married Mary Custis in 1831 and together they lived, on and off, with her parents at Arlington House. In 1836 Texas, an Americaninhabited Mexican colony, formally declared its “eternal political separation” from Mexico. Nine years later Mexico preliminarily agreed to recognize Texas as an independent Republic. Discussions ended when Mexico discovered the United States preferred annexation. “The Republic of Texas has made known her desire to come into our Union, to form a part of our Confederacy and enjoy the blessings of liberty secured and guaranteed by our Constitution,” President James K. Polk said in his March 4, 1845 Inaugural Address. Polk, a Tennessean, shared President Andrew Jackson’s penchant for expansion. “I regard the question of annexation as belonging exclusively to the United States and Texas,” Polk continued. “Foreign powers do not seem to appreciate the true character of our government. Our Union is a confederation of independent States, whose policy is peace…To enlarge its limits is to extend the dominions of peace over additional territories and increasing millions.” “To Texas the reunion is important, because the strong protecting arm of our Government would be extended over her, and the vast resources of her fertile soil and genial climate would be speedily developed, while the safety of New Orleans and of our whole southwestern frontier…would be promoted by it,” Polk concluded. The Mexican government objected

to Polk’s Address. But, to no avail. Magazine editor John L. O’Sullivan’s newly published phrase Manifest Destiny was formula. “Our manifest destiny to overspread the continent….” In theory, Texas was admitted to statehood on June 23, 1845. The State’s territorial status was soon forgotten. The Missouri Compromise line of 1820 was not. Tensions between Northerners and Southerners, abolitionists and slave-owners continued to intensify. Finally American and Mexican troops clashed, militarily along the Nueces River near Matamoros. “In my message at the commencement of your present Congressional session, the state of relations between the United States and Mexico, the causes which led to the suspension of diplomatic intercourse between the two countries in March 1845, and the long continued and un-redressed wrongs and injuries committed by the Mexican government on citizens of the United States in their persons and property were briefly set forth,” President Polk wrote in his war-hungry Message to Congress on May11, 1846. The United States, at President Polk’s request, declared “WAR has broken out” on May 13, 1846. Congress, in turn, authorized the President “to employ the militia, naval, and military forces of the United States and to call for fifty thousand volunteers.” Captain Robert E. Lee, a staff officer, wrote his will on August 31, 1846 then traveled to San Antonio to join the fight. Not all Americans shared Polk’s enthusiasm for war. James Russell Lowell of the Boston Courier wrote in opposition to the Mexican War. Abolitionist William Lloyd Garrison, for reasons of slavery, advocated American defeat. Massachusetts-er Henry David Thoreau chose to spend time in jail rather than financially contribute to war. “I did not for a moment feel confined and the walls seemed a great waste of stone and mortar,” A BIT OF HISTORY > PAGE 10

Old Town Crier

CIVIL DISCOURSE DOUG COLEMAN

Helter Skelter at Harpers Ferry

ess than a year ago, women, black men would become Dylan Roof murdered sexually frustrated and take it out on nine people and white people generally. This in turn wounded one more would cause racist whites to retaliate at a black Church in and then the conflict would spread Charleston, South Carolina. This was when non-racist whites began fighting not a random act of violence. Roof the racist whites to protect blacks. had an agenda, as set forth in his Pretty much all of the white people in manifesto on his website, the Last America would thus be exterminated Rhodesian. He was trying to spark in short order. But the surviving a race war which would definitively blacks would eventually figure out “solve” America’s racial conflicts. In they were not smart enough to run fact his victims died forgiving him things, at which point Manson would and Charleston did not explode. emerge from his desert retreat, take However, because the little thug had over everything and usher in some taken selfies with the Confederate sort of hippie utopia. The point of the flag, he provided an excuse for the carnage in summer of 1969 was to get easily-triggered to demand that all this process rolling. One really can’t things Confederate be obliterated. make this stuff up and some people In Alexandria, there is presently an think Charles Manson was crazy. For effort on to remove “Appomattox” much more, read Manson prosecutor and rename streets commemorating Vincent Bugliosi’s definitive Helter Democrats who fought for the Skelter: The True Story of the Manson Confederacy. Murders. Roof was not exactly Every bit as creepy plowing new ground as Charles Manson was in trying to start a race John Brown, arguably war. In July and August America’s first domestic of 1969, a creepy Jesusterrorist. Brown is of wannabe named Charles course famous as an Manson orchestrated a anti-slavery “activist.” series of nine murders in Manson had to recruit Southern California, most his family; Brown had famous of whom was the twenty children of his Charles Manson lovely and very pregnant own, some of whom actress Sharon Tate, wife fought beside him in his of film-maker Roman Polanski. The abolitionist crusade. Manson family wrote words on the Brown began taking his wall in blood — “piggies” and “helter abolitionism to extremes when he skelter” — and carved “war” into one moved his family to Kansas in the of the victim’s abdomen. Turns out mid-1850s so as not to miss out the Manson family had an agenda on the prequel to the Civil War. In too — to start and exploit a genocidal “Bleeding Kansas” proslavery forces conflict which would leave the were fighting anti-slavery settlers “family” in charge of America. to establish Kansas as a slave state, Manson called his plan “Helter like adjacent Missouri. Things came Skelter”, after the song on the Beatles’ to a head when a troop of proWhite album. Manson planned to slavery good old boys sacked antitrigger a cascade of events through slavery Lawrence on May 21. 1856 the release of an album of his own, (Quantrill’s raiders would do it again which would attract all the pretty seven years later). An outraged hippie chicks from Haight-Ashbury Brown vowed revenge. Brown with to the Manson family’s secret seven others (including some of underground lair in Death Valley. his sons) retaliated in a night raid Deprived of Dead-dancing white against the proslavery settlement at Old Town Crier

Pottawatomie Creek on May 24th. Even though no one had died at Lawrence, Brown slew five of the settlers, some of whom were hacked to death with broadswords. Brown was now a federal fugitive and had to flee Kansas; the conflict he left behind claimed over 200 lives by the end of the year. Brown’s “direct action” approach made him the darling of the northern abolitionists. By 1858 he had managed to recruit a company of like-minded extremists, including three of his sons, whose purpose was to overthrow slavery by igniting a slave revolt. Late in 1858, he met secretly in Ohio with six money men and proposed to establish a refuge in the mountains of Virginia where escaped slaves might flee and which would be the base for a wider revolt. He met with Frederick Douglass and Douglass probably had at least some knowledge of this plan. Many other Northerners contributed money to Brown’s cause, clueless that they were making themselves accessories to treason. In 1859 Brown and his gang moved to Virginia and rented a farm near Harpers Ferry. After months of preparation, Brown and 21 fellow zealots seized the Federal arsenal in Harpers Ferry. They managed to accidentally shoot Hayward Shepherd, a free black working for the railroad. Mayor Fontaine Beckham was also killed. Soon armed citizens and local militia forced Brown’s gang to take refuge in a railroad engine house. Local blacks failed to rise. Lieutenant Israel Green was dispatched with a company of 86 Marines. A messenger found Colonel Robert E. Lee at the counter

John Brown, 1856

CIVIL DISCOURSE > PAGE 11

May 2016 | 9

FINANCIAL FOCUS FROM PAGE 6

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leaving them in the IRA for as long as the law permits. Stretching an IRA simply refers to the ability to take required minimum distributions (RMDs) over the beneficiary’s single life expectancy (term-certain). Another important point is to understand the difference between the “standard” and “per stirpes” beneficiary designation. Most IRA contracts have a standard designation where your beneficiary must be alive upon your death to inherit his or her share. Some IRA contracts offer a per stirpes designation – in the event a beneficiary predeceases you or refuses the inheritance, then his or her share would pass to their descendants, usually their children. For example, you have designated that your two children are to equally share your IRA assets. If one of your children dies before you do and you have not updated your beneficiary form, without the per stirpes designation, your surviving child would receive 100% of the assets. While this information offers you education and guidance to get started, you should keep A BIT OF HISTORY FROM PAGE 8

Thoreau wrote in his essay Civil Disobedience. Volunteers had to “furnish their own cloths, and, if cavalry, their own horses.” Arms were provided “at the expense of the United States.” Lee demonstrated his tactical talent early. Virginia-born Winfield Scott, Commander of the Gulf expedition in Mexico, ordered 9,000 men reassembled for an assault on the city of Vera Cruz. Captain Lee joined General Scott’s expeditionary force at Brazos. On March 4, 1847 General Scott’s land force disembarked near Vera Cruz. Allegedly “the most powerful fortress of the time,” the city was bombarded and taken on March 29. Lee was “deeply impressed by the effectiveness of the guns, the first he had ever aimed at an enemy.” “Their fire was terrific, and the shells thrown from our battery were constant and regular discharges, so beautiful in their flight and so destructive in their fall,” Lee wrote. “My heart bled for the inhabitants. The soldiers I did not care so much for, but it was terrible to think of the women and children.” Scott’s soldiers left Vera Cruz on April 8, 1847. With Lee’s assistance, the force again defeated the Mexican army at Cerro Gordo (April 18), at Jalapa (April 19) and Puebla on May 15. General Scott commended Captain Lee for his URBAN GARDEN FROM PAGE 7

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On day 7 and 21, I take 2 tablespoons of Epsom salt to a gallon of water and spray my pepper and tomato plants. This helps bring in the much needed magnesium the plants need when setting flowers and fruit and also helps the plants from dropping blossoms. On day 14, I use unsulfured molasses at ¼ cup to a gallon of water and use it to increase the microbiological activity of good bacteria in my soil. Make sure that you use unsulfured and not regular molasses. Regular molasses is to acidic and can harm your plants. Just mix and feed the soil around the plants. Your plants will be so healthy and green since the sugars are feeding the micro-herd which in turn feed your plants. It’s a win-win situation. On day 14, I also foliar feed my plants with Neptunes Harvest fish and seaweed. It’s 2 tablespoons to a gallon of water. Spray your plants

in mind how your retirement accounts fit into your overall retirement income and estate plan. We recommend that you meet with your financial and tax advisor to receive personalized recommendations and create a plan for distributing your retirement assets that suits you and your legacy. This article was written by/for Wells Fargo Advisors and provided courtesy of Carl M. Trevisan, CFP® Managing Director-Investments and Stephen M. Bearce First Vice PresidentInvestments in Alexandria, VA at 703-7391455. Investments in securities and insurance products are: NOT FDIC-INSURED/NOT BANK-GUARANTEED/MAY LOSE VALUE Wells Fargo Advisors, LLC, Member SIPC, is a registered broker-dealer and a separate non-bank affiliate of Wells Fargo & Company. ©2016 Wells Fargo Advisors, LLC. All rights reserved. Wells Fargo Advisors is not a legal or tax advisor. However, its Financial Advisors will be glad to work with you, your accountant, tax advisor and or lawyer to help you meet your financial goals.

leadership, especially at Cerro Gordo. Lee was fearless. Mexico City was successfully seized, the War victoriously wound down, and Lee was thrice recommended for promotion. The United States signed the peace Treaty of Guadaloupe Hildalgo on February 2, 1848; a treaty which granted the United States more than 500,000 square miles of new territory, including the future states of California, Nevada, and Utah; most of New Mexico and Arizona, and parts of Wyoming and Colorado. Texas was conceded and America, because of the expanded territory, finally became transcontinental. George Washington Parke Custis, on February 22, 1848 in prideful celebration, sent his son-in-law Robert E. the sword his grandfather, General George Washington gifted him in 1799. It was “the only sword that Washington ever presented in his life-time, and with his own hand, to a human being.” Two of General Washington’s surviving battle swords are on display at Mount Vernon until May 30. Lee returned to Washington, to Arlington House on June 29, 1848. Battlefield-tested he became superintendent of West Point in 1852, the same year Harriet Beecher Stowe published Uncle Tom’s Cabin. Email: abitofhistory53@gmail.com good-especially the underside of the leaves. If you have berries/grapes and the birds are going after them, droop a lace curtain over your plants or pick up some bird netting from your independent garden center to use. When watering plants/grass in the summer months always run the hose for a minute or 2 away from the plants. You’d be surprised how hot the water is the first minute and you can severely damage a plant with it. I actually killed a Japanese maple about a month after I bought it by not paying attention and burned the roots up with the hot water that was in the hose. I’m sure others have some tips and tricks. Go online to the Urban Garden column and leave your ideas in the comments or send an email to my attention at office@oldtowncrier.com. Let’s help each other out, folks—have a good one!

Old Town Crier

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These establishments offer live entertainment. Call to confirm show times, dates and cover charges. Check our advertisers’ websites. CIVIL DISCOURSE FROM PAGE 9

of Leadbeater’s Apothecary in Alexandria; Lee was ordered to assume command of the Marines and proceed to the arsenal to deal with the fanatics. J.E.B. Stuart served as Lee’s aide. They arrived on October 18th to reinforce the locals. Stuart approached the engine house to negotiate a surrender. Brown wanted a running start. Stuart said nothing doing, the best he could do was keep the locals from lynching Brown and make sure he received a trial. Brown refused. The Marines battered down the door and killed 10 of the terrorists, capturing the rest. Brown himself was wounded. Two of his three sons present did not survive, one being gunned down by townsfolk as he tried to negotiate a truce. Brown lived to be tried and used his trial as a bully-pulpit to promote his cause, portraying himself as the avenging arm of the Lord, an Old Testament prophet martyring himself to the cause of Abolition. The Yankee press ate it up and sympathizers called for his release. Virginians were less excited about a slave uprising and sent him to the gallows in December 1859. Witnesses document the hangman’s drop as less than three feet; i.e., the Commonwealth deliberately prescribed a protracted death from strangulation versus instant death by a broken neck. Such was the fear of a rescue attempt or other trouble that VMI cadets were dispatched to provide an additional military presence. VMI’s instructor Stonewall Jackson was there in command of two howitzers. Four more conspirators were hung later in December and another two in March 1860. Some of those executed were

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denied burial as medical cadavers. Of the four who got away, two would die in the war they helped start. Brown’s son Owen took the remaining family to California, surviving the war to die in his bed at 64. The real significance of Brown’s raid was to convince the South that it could no longer coexist with the North. A crazy man, apparently with a lot of Northern money and encouragement, had just tried to ignite a revolt which would have cost thousands of lives. The North thought that guy was a hero — for the Left, the end always justifies the means. Brown was the last straw and finds his way into the seceding states’ articles of secession as a cause for grievance. Mississippi, for example: “[The North] has invaded a State, and invested with the honors of martyrdom the wretch whose purpose was to apply flames to our dwellings, and the weapons of destruction to our lives.” And who could blame them? Imagine how Californians might have felt if half the country had lionized the Manson family because Californians “had it coming?” Roof, Manson, Brown - three psychos with a common notion to start a race war. 150 years on, is it possible that John Brown has a lot more in common with Timothy McVeigh than Martin Luther King? Doug Coleman is an attorney and amateur historian in Alexandria, Va. Comments and corrections are welcome: dcoleman@coleman-lawyers.com.

May 2016 | 11

HIGH NOTES CHRIS ANDERSON

nd here I was thinking that this rash of musician deaths had finally subsided and then came home today to the news of Merle Haggard’s passing. Along with Willie Nelson and Waylon Jennings, Merle ushered in a new era of country music, known as “Outlaw Country”. Shedding the Nudie suits and clean-cut image that defined Nashville, Haggard proved that you can be a long-haired, hardlivin’ asskicker and still be a star. And, unlike most of his modern-day peers, Haggard was the real deal — hell, he

GRAVITY UNDERSTOOD even did time. His own cache of hits are far too many to list — 38 #1’s, and countless more that came close. His 1983 album with Willie Nelson, Pancho And Lefty, was the best that country had to offer in the 80’s, and their recently-released collaboration, Django And Jimmie, proved again that there was a certain kind of magic that happened when those two got together. Perhaps his mostremembered song is the goofy “Okie From Muskogee”, which painted a portrait of what life was like for someone like him in the South back then, while “Mama Tried” is one of the finest country songs ever written. Merle’s death is a massive loss to country music, and the world in general. Merle’s impact didn’t just affect country music. His influence spread all across the canvas. You can hear it in the early 70’s work by the Stones, and the 90’s alt.country movement. You can hear his influence in The 12 | May 2016

Replacements and you can hear it in Dylan. His work directly influenced the Grateful Dead, who performed “Mama Tried” for most of their run, and it can be heard in the Byrds. Another place you can hear it is in the work of Hellsingland Underground. Hailing from the north of Sweden, HU is one of the truest and purest of all the rock & roll bands in the world. I first discovered them three years ago, with their third album, Evil Will Prevail. I instantly took a shine, praising them in these very pages as the best damn band on the planet. In the time since, I’ve gotten to know the rest of their work and have become friends with some of the guys in the band. They always promised that a new album was on the way and, while it took a few years to get it together, I am thrilled to say that Understanding Gravity, their fourth long-player, is finally here. And it smokes. Kicking off with “Earth’s Gonna Shake”, this record immediately proves its point. One of the things I love about this band is how they take familiar vibes — from southern rock to Motown to country — and form a sound and style that is uniquely their own. Charlie Granberg writes from the heart, his songs full of characters and experiences of a colorful life and, simply by listening, you are instantly transported into his memories. Whether they are real or imagined is of no consequence. It’s all in the beauty of the portraits his words paint. Every so often, Charlie likes to throw down a cautionary tale as well. As with the title track from their last album, “Earth’s Gonna Shake” illustrates all the evil that there is in this world and how it will continue to be the driving force of mankind. He dispenses with the “unless we…” formalities, though, because he’s a realist. That realism extends to his more personal songs as well. Rarely does he take a particular stance in a lyric, but rather tells a story as it is — it’s his voice that reveals the emotional depth, and his is one of the great voices. This is especially apparent in the acoustic lament, “How Lonely It Must Be Being You”. A touching

reflection on a once-vibrant friend who lost the point, this song should hit home to everyone because we all know someone who fits this mold. Theirs is a very distinct sound and style and, while there might be a folk ballad here and a psychedelic jam there, they don’t tend to stray too far from their established sound. And that’s a good thing. This is a band that knows exactly who they are and what point they are trying to make and, thanks to their chops, they drive that point home like a sledge to a spike. There is no fear of some surprise electropop album, or them jumping on some musical bandwagon. What you are going to get, with every album, is an updated version of what they do best – energetic, literate songs that make you want to boogie. It’s within that framework that you see growth, and growth is evident all throughout this record, from the trombone-infused “As Dreams Go By” to the Mellotron-drenched prog of “Reincarnated The Same As I Ever Was”, one of the best things this band has ever done. Perhaps the most defining aspect of the Hellsingland sound is the twin guitar work of Mats Olsson and Peter Henriksson. Two powerhouse guitarists, they finish each other’s sentences like few ever dare. When they trade eights, as they do on “As Dreams Go By”, it’s clear that each is a force to be reckoned with. When they harmonize, well, let’s just say that the world is a little more perfect for them having found each other. All of this is held together by the rock solid rhythm section of drummer Patrik Jansson and bassist Martin Karlsson, the owner of the greatest beard in the known universe (sorry, Rev). A band is only as good as its rhythm section and theirs is one of the best. They play in the pocket but aren’t afraid to throw down an exclamation point when the moment calls for it. Rounding out the lineup is newcomer Thomas Petterson on keyboards, who shows up ably, playing his ass off on a variety of instruments, and really elevating the band to a new level. But it’s the songs that matter the most. And this band has songs. Old Town Crier

THE LAST WORD MIRIAM R. KRAMER

Mythic New York

ew York City looms like a giant in the imagination of people in the United States and all over the world. Dirty and dazzling, it reigns as a culturally and financially vibrant city for strivers and immigrants, a metropolis allowing the ambitious to dream of conquest, fame, and success beyond the height of skyscrapers leaning vertiginously from above. People come to re-make themselves in a city where they can shift shape and bring their expectations to life. Simultaneously they feel the conflict between past identities and that fantastic future, either losing footing or gaining confidence by changing themselves along the way. Both Modern Girls by Jennifer S. Brown and Three-Martini Lunch by Suzanne Rindell inhabit that mythological New York of the twentieth century, with conflicted characters who conceal or discard their past selves as they strive to create new ones. Modern Girls, set in the 1930s, features Dottie Krasinsky, a nineteen-yearold bookkeeper who plans to work her way up at her firm in Midtown Manhattan until she gets married to her reliable beau, a grocer from the Lower East Side tenements. Dottie, a whiz with numbers, is torn between her work, where she is offered a promotion but not fully accepted by her colleagues for her Judaism, and her conservative upbringing in the small tenement apartment Old Town Crier

where she still lives with her parents. Her mother, Rose, keeps kosher and primarily speaks in Yiddish, keeping to Jewish customs despite her American life. As a firstgeneration Russian immigrant and former Socialist activist, she loves to talk politics, missing the work she gave up to raise three children with her husband. She desperately wants a life where she can help create better working conditions and support labor unions, renewing her passionate support for causes she espoused as an unmarried woman. When Dottie gets pregnant by another man and her mother finds herself pregnant at 42, both must make choices about how their lives will proceed. They know they are living in changing times, and bustling Manhattan influences their subsequent metamorphoses. Modern Girls is an easy, compelling read with a page-turning story: one that reveals the continuing restrictions on women from their specific ethnic group, a conservative Jewish enclave holding on to cultural practices while resisting assimilation into the progressive aspects of New York. Featuring unexpected

twists and insights, Brown’s book is bittersweet and thoughtful, an excellent choice for your bed stand or the beach. Featuring more than a touch of Mad Men glamor and moral ambiguity, Rindell’s Three-Martini Lunch imagines the boundary-pushing New York publishing industry in the 1950s through three characters’ points of view. Cliff Nelson, a dilettante and aspiring Beat Generation writer, is the son of Roger Nelson, a publishing legend who makes book deals over booze-soaked lunches and constantly disapproves of Cliff and his pie-in-thesky schemes. In Greenwich Village Cliff falls for Eden Katz. Eden, an enterprising young woman from Indiana, arrives in New York to make her mark as an editor in a publishing industry governed by an old boy network. Their acquaintance, Miles Tillman, an African-American writer from Harlem, wanders reservedly through their Greenwich Village gettogethers and bar crawls. Having graduated from Columbia, Miles decides to track down his father’s World War I and II diaries, which were left in an unidentified locker in San Francisco. Rindell has produced an empathetic, genuine work that masterfully reveals the flaws, successes, and anguish of her characters in their own words. Cliff speaks a slang-ridden

Beat-writer and GreenwichVillage vernacular while bouncing painfully from bar to bar with bohemian pals. In frustration he tries to obliterate his insecurities through drinking, boxing, and fighting to overcome his writer’s block, while constantly seeking the approval of his larger-thanlife “Old Man.” After a first

failure, Eden’s voice proclaims her quiet but steely ambition as she sheds Midwestern ways. She reluctantly changes her professional name, in part to avoid revealing a Jewish heritage that might cause agencies to blackball her. Smart and capable Miles thinks quietly, doing his best to fade into the background THE LAST WORD > PAGE 24

MYSTERY READING AT ITS BEST by Virginia author Jeffrey Roswell McCord

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

CARIBBEAN hISToRY AND ADvENTURE Where did the villain General Santa Anna of Alamo infamy retire? Is time travel possible? What was it like on the ground in the worst hurricane of the 19th century? Can a band of rogue sailors from Coral Bay, St. John, defeat ruthless corporate mercenaries? These questions and more are answered in Jeffrey Roswell McCord’s new fact-based novel “Santa Anna’s Gold in a Pirate Sea.”

Available from Amazon or as a Kindle download

May 2016 | 13

GALLERY BEAT F. LENNOX CAMPELLO

the devil’s in the details

once read a piece written by a gallery owner which noted that she “often wonders how other galleries are dealing with artists who have gallery representation but continue to selfpromote.” She then noted that she had “been known to secret shop gallery represented artists. I contact them through their emails on their personal websites and inquire as to whether they have any studio pieces available. Not once has an artist directed me to his or her galleries for purchases.” This fine, but important point, is more often than not a deal-killer between gallerists and artists. But what is the solution? The key to all secrets to this issue is the contract between the gallery and the artist and how well artists and galleries communicate with each other. The relationship between a gallery and its artists should always be a complimentary relationship: they both 14 | May 2016

need to work together to ensure that both the gallery and the artist succeed. And, at the risk of repeating myself for the millionth time: There must always be a written contract! An established artist who “hides” his established collector base from his gallery and the gallery which does not give the artist the name and contact info of new collectors who acquire the artist works are really saying to each other: “I don’t trust you.” The artist is saying “why should I pay you a 50 percent commission on a sale to a collector that I bring to you, when I can have him come directly to me and I keep the full 100 percent of the sale? The gallery is saying “why should I give you the name and address of the client that I sold your work to, when all you’re going to do in the future is approach him directly to try to sell work to him and bypass me?” That’s a relationship doomed for failure and constant suspicion. There are galleries which demand

citywide, statewide or even worldwide representation of the artists’ works. In return the artist should be able to ask the gallery: “what are you doing for me and my work in between the two to three years that I have a solo show with you?” The answer for most artists may be a combination of things, such as placement in group shows in other venues, web development, alternative marketing, taking the artist’s work to art fairs, etc. For a small group of artists the answer may be that the solo show every 2-3 years does so well in sales, that it keeps the artist a wealthy and happy camper in the interim period. I know many artists who voluntarily give their art galleries a 10 percent cut of all sales made by that artist, regardless of the gallery’s involvement in that individual sale. In the positive angle for gathering the logic for this scenario is related to the excellent work that the gallery has done over the years in building up the artist’s

presence in the arts community, is adding to the artist’s resume, in placing the artist’s works in known collections and/or museums. The opposite would be a gallery which demands a 10 percent commission on all sales made by the artist, when that gallery does nothing to promote and disseminate the artist’s work. See the difference? That’s why contracts and communications are important. Imagine that you (the artist) gets picked up by the gallery and they offer you a solo show. The gallery then spends a considerable amount of time, effort and money (if they’re doing their job right) in promoting your work and giving you and the art an opening reception and then manning the space for a month while your show is up, taking care of rent, salaries and continued communications and arm twisting with curators and news media critics to come see the GALLERY BEAT > PAGE 17

Old Town Crier

Spring Flowers

alidaanderson

Spring is in the air and there’s nothing like a little flower to update your wardrobe. New designs are arriving every day. We have lots of wonderful jewelry, belts, and spring scarves in the shop. Stop in and take a peek.

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

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

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

•

Sunday 11 am – 5 pm

ART&ANTIQUES ANTIQUES Spurgeon-Lewis Antiques 112 North Columbus Street BW Art, Antiques & Collectibles 108 North Fayette Street Imperfections Antiques 1210 King Street The Antique Guild 113 North Fairfax Street Silverman Galleries 110 North St. Asaph Street Red Barn Mercantile 1117 King Street Washington Square Antiques 425 South Washington Street Susquehanna Antique Co. 608 Cameron Street Old Town Antiques 222 South Washington Street Verdigris Vintage 1215 King Street Cavalier Antiques 400 Prince Street Sumpter Priddy III 323 South Washington Street Henry Street Antiques 115 South Henry Street Curzon Hill Antiques 108 South Columbus Street The Hour 1015 King Street A Galerie 315 Cameron Street Random Harvest 810 King Street

Old Town Crier

Acme Mid-Century + Modern 128 South Royal Street

Johnston Matthew 105 North Union Street

Van Bommel Antiek Hous 1007 King Street

Huddy Studio 105 North Union Street

Lloyd’s Row 119 South Henry Street

Mezzanine Multiples 105 North Union Street

GALLERIES

Silverman Galleries 110 North St. Asaph Street

Torpedo Factory Art Center 105 North Union Street

Cochran David 105 North Union Street

Principle Gallery 208 King Street

Betty Grisham Studio 105 North Union Street

Potomac Fiber Arts Gallery 105 North Union Street

Imagine Artwear 112 King Street

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

feast your eyes. feed your soul.

St. George Gallery 105 North Alfred Street The Art League 105 Union Street Local Colour Old Town 218 North Lee Street

visit a museum.

Icon Galleria 101 North Union Street B&B Art Gallery 215 King Street Gallery West 1213 King Street Enamelist’s Gallery 105 North Union Street Printmakers, Inc. 105 North Union Street Kelly’s Art & Frame 510 North Washington Oerth Gallery 420 South Washington Street Jeffrey Winter Fine Arts 110A South Columbus Street

POINTS ON PETS SARAH LIU

KING STREET CATS ADOPTION CALENDAR MAY 2016 FOR DETAILS & MORE INFO website: www.kingstreetcats.org email: contact@kingstreetcats.org King Street Cats is looking for foster homes! You provide the spare room and TLC and we provide food, litter and all vetting. Please email for our Kitten Fostering FAQ at: contact@kingstreetcats.org KING STREET CATS 25 Dove Street Alexandria, VA 22314 Every Saturday & Sunday 1:30 - 4:30 pm PRO FEED Bradlee Shopping Center 3690 King Street Alexandria, VA 22302 Every Saturday & Sunday 1:00 - 4:00 pm PETCO UNLEASHED AT PENTAGON ROW 1101 S. Joyce Street Arlington, VA 22202 Saturday, May 7 Sunday, May 15 Saturday, May 21 1:00 - 4:00 pm THE DOG PARK 705 King Street Alexandria, VA 22314 Saturday, May 14 1:00 - 4:00 pm INDY & ALLY 321 S. Washington Street Alexandria, VA 22314 Saturday, May 28 Sunday, May 29

16 | May 2016

Exotic Pets: A Spotlight on Guinea Pigs

he health benefits of sharing your life with a pet are widely documented. From lowering blood pressure and anxiety to increasing exercise and self-esteem, animal companions enhance the lives of their humans in ways too various to name. But what about animal lovers who don’t have the space, or aren’t ready to commit to the responsibilities of caring for a cat or a dog? For these individuals, guinea pigs can offer a similar level of affection and a unique set of interesting behaviors. Best of all, they are widely available in rescue shelters and come with adoption fees less than cats or dogs. So what do we know about guinea pigs? Also known as cavies, they are a variety of medium sized South American rodent, native to countries such as Peru, Bolivia, and Argentina. Guinea pigs have been domesticated by humans for thousands of years and are still served as a delicacy in certain South American and Latin cuisine. What do they look like? Typically 1.5 to 2.5 pounds, guinea pigs are sleek, plump, and irresistibly cute. They are available in a variety of colors, and with long or short hair. When choosing a

guinea pig companion, consider the time you have for grooming. Shorter hair can be brushed once per week, but longer hair may need daily attention. In general though, guinea pigs are efficient selfgroomers and have a preference for good hygiene. The United States Humane Society advises bathing can be done if necessary, but not too often as water and shampoos can dry out natural oils. How do they behave? Guinea pigs are naturally social animals, living in groups of up to ten individuals in the wild. For this reason, many sources recommend pairing your guinea pig with a cage mate. Adding a second guinea pig will benefit you and your pet, providing additional opportunities for play, communication, comfort, grooming, and healthy stimulation. As with other pets, though, proper introduction techniques are critical. The Guinea Pig Manual, (www. guineapigmanual.com/introducing-newguinea-pigs/), provides a comprehensive guide to choosing a cage mate and facilitating a friendly relationship. So what kind of pets do guinea pigs make? Good ones! Their temperament is generally described as docile, meek, sweet, and gentle. They are quieter

than other rodents such as hamsters or chinchillas, but will often respond with quiet squeaks or purrs to your appearance or attention. Guinea pigs can be as responsive to attention as other small mammals like rabbits or ferrets, and in some cases as friendly as cats or dogs. They can learn tricks and be pottytrained. What about exercise? While a guinea pig will spend most of his day in a special enclosure, it’s important to let him out to stretch his legs, explore new environments, and share your lap for bonding and cuddles. In fact, while many people assume guinea pigs are not as interactive as a cat or dog, daily attention is critical to well-being and will serve to strengthen your special relationship. Notably, while exercise wheels are available for guinea pigs, the Animal Humane Society discourages their use as these may sometimes cause spinal injuries. What do they eat? Guinea pigs are vegetarians, and it’s important to provide them with a proper combination of vegetables, fruits, pellet food, and timothy hay to aid in digestion. POINTS ON PETS > PAGE 17

Old Town Crier

POINTS ON PETS FROM PAGE 16

Endearingly, individual guinea pigs enjoy different vegetables, and some will indulge in a small amount of fruit as an occasional treat. While commercial treats are available, the Animal Humane Society discourages their use, as they are calorie heavy and filled with artificial sweeteners. Where should they live? Guinea pigs are one of the largest pet rodents and require a larger enclosure to maintain optimum mental and physical health. The United States Humane Society cautions that most commercial enclosures are actually too small and instructs that guinea pigs require sufficient space to roam, nest, toilet, and eat/drink. The Humane Society’s website provides a detailed list of measurements for enclosures based on number of occupants: www.humanesociety. org/animals/guinea_pigs/tips/guinea_pig_ housing.html?credit=web_id81806465. For example, the enclosure for a single guinea pig should measure, at minimum, 7.5 square feet. An added benefit to you and your guinea pig though, is the option for an open top enclosure. Since guinea pigs are less likely to climb or escape, an open top can allow for easier interaction and attention. What about allergies? Unfortunately, humans can be susceptible to allergies caused by proteins in the guinea pigs saliva or urine, or the hay or wood shavings present in their habitat. For the safety and comfort of you and your potential guinea pig, it’s best to visit the home of someone who owns a guinea pig first. So how much does a guinea pig cost? While adoption fees are typically small, your guinea pig will require an enclosure, a shelter box, a food dish, water bottle, high-quality pellets, timothy hay, and toys. These will be available at your local pet store, or sometimes offered along with an animal adoption at a local sanctuary or

shelter. Additionally, your guinea pig should be spayed or neutered, which varies by region, but typically costs less than $50.00. Guinea pigs from rescue shelters and humane societies will often be previously spayed or neutered, which is an added incentive for adoption. Finally, it’s important to consider veterinary care. While guinea pigs are generally hardy pets, they can be prone to dental issues or urinary problems. Moreover, you’ll need to locate a veterinary practice that serves exotic pets, rather than just cats and dogs. Your local animal shelter or rescue organization can be a good resource for area practitioners. In sum, adopting a guinea pig can be just as rewarding as caring for a cat or dog, but somewhat less rigorous in terms of maintenance and expense. Guinea pigs are sweet and endearing creatures with individual personalities and interesting behaviors, and might warrant consideration if a dog or cat is not the right fit. If it’s something you’re thinking about, I recommend looking into the sights below and reaching out to your local rescue organizations for more comprehensive information and advice.

Resources

• Metropolitan Guinea Pig Rescue: mgpr.org • Alexandria Animal Welfare League: alexandriaanimals.org • Arlington Animal Welfare League: www. awla.org/adopt/adopt-a-small-companionanimal/ • United States Humane Society: www. humanesociety.org/animals/guinea_pigs/ Sarah Webber Liu resides in Alexandria and is a long-time volunteer at King Street Cats. She is devoted to her cat, Mrs. Huggins, and loves animals of all kinds.

GALLERY BEAT FROM PAGE 14

show. Let’s further imagine that, especially in this austere fiscal environment in which we live these days, nothing sells. At the end of the month, the artist walks away with all his work, and perhaps (if the stars have aligned and the gallery has spent a couple of golden bullets) with a review. In any event, the artist walks away with at least one more line in their resume. Plus all the “invisibles” that are so hard to account for, but also so important in developing an art career. Key amongst these invisibles is the exposure of the work to a diverse set of eyes which otherwise (had it not been for that gallery show), may not have been exposed to the work: collectors, writers, curators, etc. The potential payoff (a sale, a review, etc.) may still be years in the future, but the seed has been planted into what at first sight appears to be a failure of a solo. It is only a failure in sales; no solo show is a full failure; it is always in fact, a positive accomplishment — even one with a bad review. Let’s make the above scenario a bit more complex. Now let’s say that a couple of months after the solo has closed, a client comes in to the gallery and is still interested in the artist’s work, and so the gallery either refers him to the artist’s studio or has the artist bring some work to the gallery in order to show it to the client. What happens as far as commissions in either of these two cases? See what I mean about contracts and communications? It gets more complex as the degrees of separation between the sale and the relationship between gallery and that sale spread, and that is why it is important for communications to be clear and constant, but more importantly trust. Years ago, when I was a Sotheby’s Associate Dealer, I managed a sale of a painting by a Louisiana artist to a collector in Texas. This all happened online and I never met the collector or even saw the painting in person, but the artist was under contract to my gallery and understood all the various parts of that contract. Months later, someone visited the collector, saw the painting that I had sold, and liked it. He then contacted the artist directly and explained that he had seen the painting at the Texas’ collector’s home and was interested in seeing more work. Question to the readers: If the artist makes a sale directly to this collector, would the artist owe me a commission? It’s all in the contract!

PETS OF THE MONTH LEIA (A066854)

Let us introduce the exuberant Leia! Leia came to us as a stray so we don’t know a lot about her past, but we do know that she is sweet, smart, and full of energy! She is a spayed female German Shepherd mix, estimated to be about one year and two months old. Leia loves to show off her poised “sit,” play with toys, learn new tricks, and do parkour in her kennel to get your attention. After she’s run a few laps in the yard, nothing makes Leia happier than laying on the floor for some belly rubs. If you are looking for a lovely dog to compliment your active lifestyle, Leia is your girl!

The DC stands for Dog and Cat For more info: www.dcPawsRescue.org RUDY (A067267)

Hello! My name is Rudy and I’d like to tell you why I’d be a radical addition to your family. I am an excellent conversationalist and being 14 years young, I have a lot of stories and experiences to share with you (I hope you understand Meow-speak). I am a neutered male Domestic Shorthair, and I have FIV which means I’ll need to be an indoor kitty and always be on time for vaccinations and vet visits. Other than that, I’m a pretty low maintenance guy! I’ll be happy just with head THANKS TO A scratches and a buddy to hang out on the GENEROUS SPO NSOR couch with. If I sound like a pet you might be MY ADOPTION FE interested in, come to the AWLA and ask to E meet ME, Rudy! HAS BEEN

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

May 2016 | 17

CARIBBEAN CONNECTION JEFFREY R. McCORD

The Three Extraordinary Bucks of The Virgin Islands

t’s a curious fact that there is a small “Buck Island” located in the waters off each of the Virgin Islands’ three principal isles: St. Croix; St. Thomas; and Tortola. Visitors might easily assume these “bucks” were named after male deer since white tail deer can be found there. Europeans reportedly introduced them to the islands in the 1700s for game. Actually, though, each Buck Island was named by European settlers for a remarkable local tree called buck wood, according to many sources including a St. John Historical Society paper. Known formally as lignum vitae, this native tree is stronger and more durable than mahogany, another local arboreal wonder. Also known as ironwood, lignum vitae is so dense it sinks in salt water and has been used to make cricket balls, belaying pins on sailing vessels and propeller shaft bearings in World War II submarines. It’s so valuable that 18 | May 2016

most trees were cut down long ago. The biggest of the Virgin’s three Buck Islands is a couple miles off St. Croix, which was once Danish and now part of the U.S. Virgin Islands. An early Danish map labels that Buck Island as “Bocken Eyland.” English speakers later corrupted Bock into Buck. Regardless, today the 176 acre island is an uninhabited gem of tropical dry forest surrounded mostly by crystalline white beaches and easily accessed coral reefs. Because President John F. Kennedy took action to preserve the island in 1961, the Buck Island National Reef Monument off St. Croix is a major Caribbean eco-tourist attraction. The National Park Service explains its’ importance and allure: “Endangered and threatened species live and nest here: four species of sea turtles — hawksbill, green, leatherback, and loggerhead — and the St. Croix ground lizard. Elkhorn coral, the first listed marine

invertebrate, surrounds two-thirds of the island. Elkhorn coral patch reefs rise to the surface from the seabed as much as 40 feet below.” To better enjoy the coral, Buck Island’s waters has one of only two underwater snorkeling trails in the United States. The other is right off Trunk Bay on St. John within the Virgin Islands National Park. Beyond the coral, on Buck Island’s west end may be found Turtle Beach, one of the most beautiful in the Caribbean. Buck Island can be visited with several charter boat operators based in nearby Christiansted, St. Croix. Much of Christiansted, St. Croix’s capital, is a national historic site preserving fine Danish colonial buildings and a classic fort. The Virgins’ second largest Buck Island is located about 4 miles south of St. Thomas’ main harbor at Charlotte Amalie and best known for its Turtle Cove and Danish lighthouse built in

1916. The tattered red lighthouse and island is now Buck Island National Wildlife Refuge, a sanctuary for migratory birds. For most visitors, however, the island’s main attraction is Turtle Cove where snorkelers are almost guaranteed to see and, if quiet and gentle, follow sea turtles as they move slowly grazing sea grasses on the bottom and occasionally coming up to breathe. Each year, the Friends of the Virgin Islands National Park sponsors a snorkeling event for the public guided by a Fish and Wildlife Service expert. A boat from St. John takes guests to the Cove “to swim with green and hawksbill turtles that live there year round.” For scuba divers, St. Thomas’ Buck Island waters also offer a historically significant ship wreck — the Royal Mail Packet Steamer Wye. Now embedded in Wye Reef (named after her) on the southwestern side of the CARIBBEAN CONNECTION > PAGE 19

Old Town Crier

CARIBBEAN CONNECTION FROM PAGE 18

island, the RMS Wye went down during the infamous San Narciso hurricane on October 29, 1867. The storm struck St. Thomas with little warning in those pre-radar days. The Wye and her more famous sister ship, the RMS Rhone (sunk off Salt Island in the British Virgin Islands) were among the more than 60 major vessels lost in the Virgin Islands during what today NOAA estimates to have been a category three hurricane. The officers of a British naval vessel, the HMS Doris, were among the early expert witnesses to the devastation in the days immediately following that storm. In his report to superiors, Captain Charles Vesey described the Wye’s attempt to escape Charlotte Amalie’s harbor as the hurricane struck: “The Wye [hastily] left St. Thomas in the charge of her Chief Officer — the Captain being on shore — and she steamed about [4] miles to the Westward when her compasses became useless from the amount of electricity in the atmosphere. About 65 were drowned and about 11 saved, including the Chief Officer who had his arm badly broken. I have since heard that nearly 50 bodies are in a small Bay on Buck Island — but cannot be approached for sanitary reasons.” For more eyewitness accounts of the San Narciso hurricane (and a great yarn), please see my fact-based adventure/mystery novel “Santa Anna’s Gold in a Pirate Sea” available on Amazon. In addition to making a good story, some hope the wreck of the Wye will become a tourist attraction. St. Thomas Source reported in 2006 that maritime archaeologists from the

University of Bristol explored “what’s left of the 210 foot Wye.” In and surrounding the coral, they found some hull structure, part of the keel and steam engine parts. The waters of St. Thomas’ Buck Island may be visited with several charter operators. The Virgins’ third Buck Island is a short distance off Tortola (the principal British Virgin Island) within Sir Francis Drake Channel. Because it’s privately owned, very little information is available about this 43 acre rocky island located only about a thousand feet from Tortola’s shoreline. Presumably, it was once a ready source of buck wood for early European settlers. One modern owner of Buck Island reportedly started building a bridge to Tortola. Construction was halted, though, when it became clear the Island’s beach would be open for public use if connected to Tortola’s shoreline. All three buck islands are beautiful and well worth preserving for future generations. Jeffrey R. McCord is a free-lance journalist and media relations consultant who has called Northern Virginia his home for more than 20 years. The author of “Undocumented Visitors in a Pirate Sea,” a quarter-finalist in the 2014 Amazon Breakthrough Novel contest, Mr. McCord’s articles on international economics and consumer protection have appeared in The Wall Street Journal, Barron’s, Gannett newspapers and Truthout.org, among other publications. He now divides his time between Virginia and St. John, USVI.

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Old Town Crier

May 2016 | 19

ROAD TRIP BOB TAGERT

ith the weather taking a permanent change to the warmer temps, I thought it a good time to explore Solomons Island, Maryland. May ushered in the 36th annual opening of the famous Tiki Bar, which also signals the official beginning of summer on the island. The three-day party that is attended by thousands begins on Friday and continues until Sunday. Solomons is the ultimate destination, but the trip from Alexandria is part of the fun. “From the White House to the Light House” is a popular phrase because you can literally get on Route 4 (Pennsylvania Avenue) in front of the White House and take it all the way to Solomons, Maryland — the home of Drum Point Lighthouse. Once outside the Capital Beltway you will soon run into a less populated environment. Old wooden barns and roadside vegetable stands will begin to appear. By now, fields have been plowed and the new

Ernie Diehl on a Road Trip in his antique Triumph TR3

20 | May 2016

Solomons cloaked in fog

crops will begin to appear. As you continue south on Route 4 you will pass through the towns of Upper Marlboro, Dunkirk, Huntington, and Prince Frederick. Each town has its own charm with Prince Frederick being the largest town. After passing through Prince Frederick you will come to Broomes Island Road, which will lead to Stoney’s at Broomes Island-which sits on Island Creek and looks out on the Patuxent River. Whether by boat or by car, Stoney’s at Broomes Island has long been one of the areas great draws. Famous for their crab cakes, Stoney’s is a perfect stop over for lunch and joining the many locals at their Tiki Bar while looking out over the creek. The drinks of choice here seem to be a cold beer or an Orange Crush made with fresh squeezed orange juice. The restaurant has indoor seating and loads of outdoors dining. “The Point” is a fairly new part of this Stoney’s location. It boasts a panoramic view of the waterfront, complete wit waterfalls and lush landscaping. There is often

live entertainment on The Point and the area can be rented out for special events including weddings. It is a fabulous place to have an adult birthday party!! If you happen to be there on a Saturday or Sunday and you see an energetic brunette beauty behind the bar that makes the Eveready Bunny look like he is standing still, that would be Jeannie Stone, the owner. Say hi and tell her that you read it here in the Crier. Taking in the scenery can be mesmerizing, but we need to head to Solomons. Making your way back to Route 4 and then heading south, you will arrive in Solomons in about 20 minutes. The Patuxent River and Back Creek border Solomons Island. The Patuxent River empties into the Chesapeake Bay about two miles east of the island. The abundance of water makes Solomons an ideal water paradise. There are small boats to rent for fishing. Kayaks, canoes and paddleboards are available for rent as well, and the calm waters of the creeks are an ideal place for exploring. Originally called Bourne’s Island (168010, then Somervell’s Island (1740), Solomons takes its name from 19th century Baltimore businessman Isaac Solomon, who established a cannery and oyster business there shortly after the Civil War. In the 19th century, shipyards developed to support the island’s fishing fleet. The Marsh Shipyard built schooners and sloops but became famous for its bugeyes, the forerunner of the skipjack. In the War of 1812, Commodore Joshua Barney’s flotilla sailed from here to attack British vessels on the Chesapeake Bay. The deep, protected harbor has been a busy

marine center ever since. During World War II, because of its deep water and short beaches, the island was chosen by the Allied command as the site for training amphibious invasion forces. The lessons learned at Solomons proved invaluable on D-Day, at Tarawa, Guadalcanal and in numerous other military operations. Coincidentally, many of the servicemen who trained at the Solomons base in Maryland were sent to fight in the Solomon Islands in the Pacific Ocean. The town now welcomes tourists with numerous marinas, seafood restaurants, gift shops and galleries (be sure to check out Carmen’s for beautiful artwork), a boardwalk along the Patuxent River, Annemarie Sculpture Garden, the Calvert Marine Museum where visitors can climb atop a former lighthouse, harbor cruises, and occasional outdoor concerts by national acts. Chris Young is performing June 4 and Toby Keith June 17. The Annemarie Sculpture Garden & Arts Center is a Smithsonian-affiliated forested sculpture park where creations by major sculptors are on exhibit. Most sculptures are on loan from the National Gallery of Art or the Hirshhorn Museum. The site is both a family-friendly place with educational activities for children and a host of world-class professional artwork, including pieces by Picasso, Matisse and Miro. The dining and drinking options are numerous. The Tiki Bar is more of the occasional visitor or tourist and the only food is next door at Grill Sergeants BBQ (this place is the bomb). Across the adjacent parking lot where the fishing boats are gathered is Charles Old Town Crier

Street Brasserie. Here you will find fewer young people and the pace is slower than the rest of the island and the interior has a late 40’s early 50’s vibe and the food is very good too! As you come on to the island (15 feet of water pass between the river and the creek), the first restaurant you will come to on the left is Stoney’s Kingfisher’s. I have good friends here on both sides of the bar and it is a good stop for that crab cake. A short distance down from King Fishers is Stoney’s new addition…the Striped Rock, named after Maryland’s number one sport and game fish, the Striped Bass or “Rockfish”. Even though the Stoney’s name is on all of the three restaurants and serves the seafood that Stoney’s is famous for, each restaurant has also developed their own identity with different menus. Not to be left out, either on your way to Solomons or home, you can always stop at the Stoney’s in Prince Frederick for a quick bite or food to take home. Its only drawback is that it is in a mall and really doesn’t have the ambiance that the other locations have. You will find a great crab cake on their menu as well. While Solomons is an easy day trip, my recommendation is that you make arrangements to spend the night. There is a Hilton Garden Inn, a Comfort Inn, a Holiday Inn and several cute B&B’s nearby. If you stay the night and are looking for a good breakfast, Old Town Crier

two of my favorites are Anglers Inn behind the Comfort Inn on Back Creek or Hidden Harbor on the east side of Back Creek on the Calvert Marina property. The Striped Rock also serves breakfast. All have outdoor dining and wonderful views. Space is running out for me to go on, however, there are lots of other sites to see and activities to take part in both on the way to the Island and on the Island! For information on what is happening in and around Solomons, check out ChooseCalvert. com! Bring on the sun! Crab balls, left, and other tantalizing Broomes Island seafood treats

The Tiki Bar, opening day, (above) and the day after (inset)

Jeannie Stone

May 2016 | 21

FROM THE BAY… MOLLY WINANS

y friend Robynne, to whom I’ve offered to give sailing lessons, asked me on e-mail how many lessons she will need so that she can block those days off on her calendar. I stared at her e-mail for a while. Then, I laughed. I wrote, “It depends,” but I deleted it. True, but frustrating. I was too busy at the time to give her my extended answer, the real one, the one that was not going to digest well with her (self-described) Type A personality: the achiever who wanted to schedule the days, click off the lessons, and then—ding!—get the whole sailing thing. I settled with suggesting a couple of days in case the wind does not cooperate as scheduled. I wrote, “You can learn the basics in a day, and the rest is practice.” It seemed a more optimistic answer than, “It may take the rest of your life to figure it out.” Both responses ring true to me. I did learn the basics in a day: the pie chart of wind angles, the “no-go” zone, which sail is attached to the thing that goes boom, port and left both being fourlettered words, and when in doubt, let it out. My first on-the-water teacher’s impatient tiller-snatching technique proved to be a barrier to learning, especially for my jumpy, awkward teenaged self. He didn’t squash my desire to learn, thankfully. My clear memories of those frustrating moments on that pretty lake with that impatient teacher—a kind soul, really, but a crummy teacher for me—stayed with me as I sailed later with more patient guides and had time to fumble on my own. That’s where the real learning began, and my confidence grew. I still remember the first days, though, zigzagging like a fool, getting completely disoriented as I tacked, and being angry at myself for not “getting it.” Once things clicked for me, I found it easy to explain

The Learning Curve

22 | May 2016

maneuvers to other beginners. Just as I was good at teaching French as a non-native speaker who knew the trouble areas, I excelled at teaching sailing because of my thorough understanding of the common mistakes and fears. When I taught on weekends at the Annapolis Sailing School, as I did for the better part of the 1990s, I used to have students tack back and forth repeatedly using points on land such as the water tower and the Greenbury Point radio towers. It was a simple thing to choose points on land to help someone overcome disorientation, so simple to repeat a drill until it felt comfortable, yet no one had tried that for me as I learned. When I interviewed the co-directors at J/World Annapolis Sailing School, I was heartened to hear Jeff Jordan say that he and his instructors were continuously learning. “We are all students of the game. I like to say it’s like chess. You can learn to play chess in 15 minutes and spend the rest of your life getting better at it.” Robynne said she would pay me back somehow for my teaching time; I told her to wait and see how the day goes and if we wreck into anything. I haven’t given a real sailing lesson since 1999, and my skill set these days involves more beer-fetching and pushing buttons to drop anchors than it does maneuvering small vessels. But I do love to teach, if Robynne will accept my rocky re-entry into a new boat and rusty teaching role. We are both works in progress in this immense world of sailing learning. I just have 28 more years of practice. To learn more about how you can get into sailing in 2016, visit startsailingnow.com. Publisher’s note: Winans is the managing editor of the very popular Annapolis/Eastport, Md.-based SpinSheet sailing magazine and PropTalk power boating magazine. This column first appeared in SpinSheet April 2011.

Old Town Crier

CalvertCounty

DISCOVER

MARYLAND

ALEXANDRIA’S PLAYGROUND

• Piano Bar • Tapas Menu • 1930s Throwback Environment • Largest Wine Selection in Solomons

120 Charles Street Solomons, Maryland 443-404-5332

WHEN IT COMES TO HAVING A GOOD TIME ON THE ISLAND, NOTHING TOPS THE STRIPED ROCK!

VOTED BEST CRAB CAKES IN SOUTHERN MARYLAND 2012

Formerly located at Solomons Pier, the Stoney’s family is now across the street at their new location, The Striped Rock Featuring an amazing panoramic view of the Patuxent River unsurpassed by any other structure on Solomons Island. Join us for lunch, happy hour, dinner, or a nightcap — we are the place to be. Casual Dress, First-Come, First-Served Seating On- and Off-Site Catering Room Rental and Event Planning Breakfast Served Saturday and Sunday

14470 SOLOMONS ISLAND ROAD SOUTH 410-326-2424 STONEYSSEAFOODHOUSE.COM/THESTRIPEDROCK Hours: Mon-Thu 11 am-9 pm • Fri 11 am-10 pm Sat 8:30 am-10 pm • Sun 8:30 am-9 pm

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Maryland Life

Deep water anD covereD slips available large pool anD two restaurants on the property 14485 Dowell road solomons, MD 20629 410.326.4251 calvertmarina.com

HAPPY HOUR SPECIALS

LIVE ACOUSTIC MUSIC • CRAB CAKE SHIPPING DOG FRIENDLY OUTDOOR PATIO • SUNDAY BRUNCH • HALF PRICE WINE WEDNESDAY OUTDOOR DECK SEATING • TAKE OUT & CATERING • TRANSIENT SLIPS

STONEY’S KINGFISHERS SEAFOOD BAR & GRILL 14442 Solomons Island Road Solomons, Maryland 20688 SolomonsKingfisher@gmail.com

410.394.0236 EVERY WEDNESDAY JAZZ AND HALF PRICE WINE

May 2016 | 23

venture to southern maryland for destination dining at its finest

THE LAST WORD FROM PG 13

and become an Ellison-like invisible man for safety’s sake, pushing down truths about himself that he does not wish to recognize. He decides to find out who his dad, a World War I and II member of the 369th Regiment known as the Harlem Hellfighters, truly was as a young man. In this way he wants to clear up a shady rumor from his father’s past, subconsciously connecting to his dead father while also defining himself away from the suffocating cocoon he inhabits in the spider web of his home and respectable girlfriend. By temporarily leaving Harlem and writing in San Francisco, he reluctantly recognizes himself as a closeted gay Black man, experiencing the mixed joy and self-directed anger that comes from finally following his passions. Inevitably Cliff, Eden, and Miles betray others and betray themselves. Three-Martini Lunch reveals human failings we recognize. In particular we see our own tendencies to project our flaws onto others, and an inability to understand our subconscious motives in sabotaging others and ourselves out of self-loathing. These newly coined adults flail to find happiness in life and work, with New York the harsh, glittering backdrop for their outsized aspirations and wrenching failures. In Three-Martini Lunch, Rindell writes so well that several parts of her story are elevated to literature, in particular a scene between Miles and his reclusive temporary employer. This novel reminded me somewhat of Donna Tartt’s chilling but poignant bestseller The Goldfinch, about a displaced New Yorker and a stolen painting that stands as a symbol for the loneliness and longing in art. It also brings to mind Claire Messud’s merciless and provocative work The Emperor’s Children, a novel set on the cusp of 9/11 about three friends’ missteps in attempting their own conquest of Gotham in their late twenties. Yet Rindell’s Mid-Century Modern cautionary tale differs in tone from the latter. It stands as a more approachable work, steeped in the rapidly shifting sensibility of the Fifties’ literary output. She has written a compulsively readable and moving novel about the human condition, leaving us to interpret the reasons why we struggle with our identities for better or worse as we grow into our adult selves.

Paradise found Beautiful, wide water views from this Coles Point lot. Spend your summer weekends fishing and water skiing here ...

Coles Point is only a 2 ½ hr. drive from Metro DC.

Approximately .71 acres with 110’ water frontage on the Potomac River makes this lot a rare find! Just 2 nautical miles from the Coles Point marina in Westmoreland County, VA. County sewage and well permit already in place. Asking $250,000.

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

Old Town Crier

…TO THE BLUE RIDGE JULIE REARDON

fast horses, old whiskey & young women K entucky has the Derby but in Virginia, the first Saturday in May has always been about the Virginia Gold Cup. While there’s no longer even an operational flat track here, Virginia’s love affair with horses runs longer and deeper than Kentucky’s. We’re starting to produce some decent whiskey locally and young girls still hope to find a pony under the Christmas tree, so the cowboy ballad by the legendary Tom T. Hall about older whiskey, younger women and faster horses could have been written about our state. Kentucky’s famous horse race, first run in 1875, may be the country’s best-known equestrian event, George Washington was hunting hounds here in Virginia and colonials were racing horses before Kentucky was even settled. And here in suburban Northern Virginia, the Kentucky Derby is held on Gold Cup day, not the reverse. On May 7, the Derby will have to share top billing with the Virginia Gold Cup steeplechase race meet, held at

Old Town Crier

Great Meadow, The Plains, Va.

Fast Horses

With crowds of over 40,000 in attendance, the Gold Cup is to Washington D.C. what the Derby is to Kentucky: a premiere social and sporting events. Arrangements and tailgating parties are planned months, even years, in advance; prime tailgating and rail side boxes are often passed down in wills. Good ones are usually sold out long before race day. You can, however, still get general admission tickets up until race day starting at $85 for a car pass that admits 6 by contacting vagoldcup.com or calling 540-347-2612. The country’s top steeplechasers aren’t the only fast horses you can see this month. Lighting fast, responsive and keen, able to turn on a dime and anticipate the action, polo horses, called ponies, are just as fun to watch. Polo season in the hunt country gets underway this month also, with the return of the twilight arena polo at Great Meadow Saturday nights and field polo at several locations

also starts mid-May. Beginning May 14th, the Great Meadow arena games —usually two matches each evening—start at 7 pm. Great Meadow, host to the Virginia Gold Cup steeplechase races, is a world class international polo field and during the summer more than 20,000 fans--young professionals as well as families—gather with tailgates and picnics to watch the Twilight Polo program. On selected Friday nights starting May 29th, there is also a Twilight Jumpers program, where tailgaters can watch high jumping show horses compete for prize money. Both events run through mid-September, gates open at 6:30 pm, and admission is $40 per carload, $35 for tickets purchased in advance. Some of the events feature music and dancing by moonlight afterwards. For a complete schedule, and ticket information, call the Great Meadow event line at 540-253-5001, or visit greatmeadow.org

BLUE RIDGE > PAGE 26

May 2016 | 25

POINT TO POINT SCHEDULE Sunday, May 1 1:00 pm Middleburg Hunt Point to Point Glenwood Park, Middleburg 540-687-6069 540-454-2991

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

BLUE RIDGE FROM PG 25

BEER. BED. BREAKFAST. VISIT THE BREWERY NEAR SHENANDOAH NATIONAL PARK AND STAY THE NIGHT

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

65 miles

from DC.

Light Years from the

Everyday.

WAYPOINT HOUSE a contemporary, pet-friendly B+B in the Northern Shenandoah Valley waypointhouse.com (540) 955-8218

26 | May 2016

Younger Women

What young woman hasn’t begged for her very own pony at some point in her life? Little and big girls alike, whether they grew up with horses or only wish they had, will enjoy seeing the new spring foals and the blue blooded horses of the hunt country at the Memorial Day weekend 57th annual Hunt Country Stable Tour. For most people, this is the best way to visit some of the most magnificent privately-owned farms and estates in the heart of the hunt country around Middleburg and Upperville. Begun as a church fundraiser nearly 60 years ago, selected farms open their doors (well, their barn doors) to the public on Saturday and Sunday of Memorial Day weekend. Featured are breeding, training, and foxhunting stables, and there is even a country fair and parade of foxhounds at Trinity Episcopal Church in Upperville. You can pack a picnic to enjoy at one of the farms, or buy a ticket package that includes one to be picked up at the church in Upperville. To get a map and a ticket that will get you in all the farms ($30 per person; $25 if purchased before May 21) go west on Rt. 50 through Middleburg to Upperville. Trinity Episcopal Church is on your right. Tickets can also be purchased at the farms themselves. May 28 & 29, Hunt Country Stable Tour, Upperville/Middleburg area, TrinityUpperville.org/hunt-country-stable-tour or call 540-592-3711.

Older Whiskey

Culpeper is home to Belmont Farm Distillery in the historyrich Cedar Mountain area, and this distillery produces some fine aged whiskeys along with some younger corn liquors made famous by the Discovery TV program Moonshiners, including Tim Smith’s famous Climax Moonshine. Belmont Farm grows all the corn and grains they distill, and master distiller Chuck Miller is proud of the reputation his spirits have gained for being “grain to glass” products. The distillery is open for tours Tuesdays through Saturdays 11 to 4, and you might get to meet Chuck or moonshiner Tim Smith. Just up the road from Belmont Farm in Sperryville is the Copper Fox Distillery, nestled at the foot of the Blue Ridge Mountains. As distilleries go, this one’s not old, but owner Rick Wasmund, who founded it just 11 years ago, strives to make his single malt and rye whiskeys and his gin the best, patiently using slower methods such as malting his own barley and toasting his own applewood for the finest results. Copper Fox is open for tours and tastings from 10 am til 6 pm Monday through Saturday; they ask that larger groups make appointments. The tours are free; tastings are $8 and they have a store on site. Groups larger than eight are asked to make appointments; visit them at CopperFox.biz or call 540-987-8554. A family favorite on Memorial Day weekend, the Delaplane Strawberry Festival celebrates the sweet fruit at Sky Meadows State Park, Delaplane from 10 am to5pm May 28-29. Sky Meadows is in the heart of Virginia’s beautiful hunt country, only an hour’s drive from Washington DC. This familyoriented fair features local crafters, children’s games, hayrides, live entertainment, a raffle, an old-fashioned bake sale, antique cars, petting zoo, of course, fresh strawberries, and more. Events include 5K Run/Walk, Strawberry Pie and Jam Contest, and a strawberry eating contest. Proceeds from the festival are used to fund the ministries and outreach programs of Emmanuel Episcopal Church, Delaplane. Admission $25/vehicle; more information or to purchase tickets call 540-592-3556 or visit the delaplanestrawberryfestival.com

Old Town Crier

eat like a local!

Chianti Anyone?

Tuesday May 10, 6:30pm

Join Us for a 5 Course Tasting Menu paired with wines from the Vineyards of Bernardo Calamai of Castello di Poppiano. Bernardo and Brennan Downey, from Downey selections will be your hosts for the evening.

Call for Reservations!

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

Call 703-347-7545 or RiverBendBistro.com

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

Old Town Crier

May 2016 | 27

BEHIND THE BAR

Alfonso Carnucci ALFONSO CARNUCCI IS BEHIND THE BAR AT LENA’S WOOD-FIRED PIZZA 401 EAST BRADDOCK ROAD ALEXANDRIA 703-683-5330 LENASWOODFIRE.COM Alfonso concocts his Sicilian Spritzer — Stolichnaya Ohranj vodka, blood orange puree, ginger ale, honey, balsamic vinegar, lemon juice and a basil garnish! He is behind the bar both days and nights with the exception of Sunday and Thursday evenings.

How did you get started in the bartending business? My grandmother used to have a restaurant so I was brought up with this industry by my side. I must have been 21 when the restaurant I was working at in Baltimore needed an extra hand behind the bar so I jumped in. At the time it wasn’t really what I wanted to do, but it got me through school and I’m still having fun doing it to this day. What is your biggest bartender pet peeve? People need to be ready with their order, even if it’s just a menu for the moment. Ideally, they should have a preferred drink, a back-up plan for places that don’t have full bars, and a universal drink that every bar offers.

28 | May 2016

What is the most clever line anyone has ever used to get a free drink? My former wife told me when we met that she would marry me if I’d buy her a drink. She is a knockout and certainly good for her word!

herself ” on the top floor of the parking garage above where I once worked. I’m not sure if she lost a bet, was mad at me, or just had to go. I went back to work the next day and it was gone. Still not sure who took it or where it went.

What is the best/worst pickup line you have overheard at the bar? Nothing will ever beat this: One night I got to witness a guy sing a karaoke song in order to get the phone number of a girl he was interested in. I later found out it worked perfectly. Hopefully they’re still together!

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

Tell us about an interesting encounter you have had with a customer(s). The story is longer than what I’m going to reveal so I’ll paraphrase. A regular of mine was seen “releaving

Easy. Shakira. Word on the street is that her hips don’t lie and I’m a fan of honesty. Plus I’m curious as to what she’d drink. If you would like to see your favorite bartender featured in this space, send contact information to office@ oldtowncrier.com.

Old Town Crier

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

Meet Old Friends or Find New Ones at Murphy’s! HOME OF IRISH MUSIC & HOSPITALITY SINCE 1978 Featuring Traditional Irish and American Fare Nightly Irish Entertainment – No Cover Check Out Your Favorite MLB Team and Soccer Matches Irish Luau Summer Kick-Off Party May 31, 4 -7pm WEEKLY SPECIALS

Great Steaks

USDA Prime Cuts

Sunday Brunch Starting at $9.95

Monday: Margaritas All You Can Eat Ribs $14.95

Late Night Menu

Tuesday: Half Price Burgers 4 - 9 pm • Trivia 8:15 pm

Wednesday: 40¢ Wings 4 pm to Close

Thursday: Steak Night $11.95 • 5 - 9 pm PRIvATE PART Y Saturday: Seafood Saturday ROOM

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® 907 King Street Old Town Alexandria 703.684.3288

713 King Street • Old Town Alexandria 703.548.1717 • murphyspub.com

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This is where your new favorite whiskey comes from. Visit us in Sperryville. Tours daily. www.copperfox.biz

dine out! Old Town Crier

May 2016 | 29

DINING OUT BOBTAGERT

LA BERGERIE The Elegance of France and French Cuisine

“Located in the heart of historic Old Town Alexandria, La Bergerie restaurant was founded in 1974 by the brothers Bernard and Jean Campagne-Ibarcq, who emigrated from France and brought their unique style of French and Basque cuisine to America. This unique style of cooking won the restaurant immediate recognition from food critics and customers alike. In France, the name “La Bergerie” refers to the sheltered and protected area where a shepherd keeps his flock during a storm. It was that evocative sense of protection and care that led the original owners to select a name that would reflect both the fond memories of their youth in France as well as their concern for the well-being of every one of their dining guests. Laurent Janowsky, the restaurant’s new owner since 2000, and his wonderful staff, now continue that commitment to culinary excellence and to a warm tradition of hospitality started in 1974. Under Laurent’s skilled supervision, La Bergerie continues to set the standard for regional French cooking in the area and continues to be recognized as one of the premier French restaurants in the Washington, D.C. metropolitan area.”

DINING OUT > PAGE 31

30 | May 2016

Old Town Crier

DINING OUT FROM PAGE 30

could not have said it any better. I have been around Old Town since the days when Bernard and Jean owned La Bergerie and it was the toast of the town. When Laurent took over the operation, he made a few subtle changes but the quality of the kitchen remained. It has to be noted here that Laurent was also a long time employee of the restaurant so he already had a great feel for its operation. It seems that in the past this beautiful restaurant was viewed as more of a special occasion venue catering to an older crowd, however on this visit there were a few of the younger generation who have discovered this gem. A direct quote from Mike Higgins (above with his lovely girlfriend Heather Empie) came in an email to us after we met them the

Old Town Crier

night we dined. Mike wrote, “La Bergerie is absolutely my #1 favorite restaurant in the entire DC area, I am Laurent’s #1 fan, I have lived in Old Town for about 7 years now (I live on North Pitt St about 3-4 blocks from La Bergerie) and I eat at La Bergerie all the time. Funny story — I went on a vacation to France a few years ago. I splurged on that trip and ate at several Michelin rated restaurants in St Tropez, Nice, Cannes, and Monaco. The trip was a totally amazing experience, some of the best food and wine I’ve ever had in my life, but in my opinion — and I swear to you I’m not exaggerating — the “Foie Gras Poêlé” at La Bergerie is better than anything I’ve ever had at any Michelin-rated restaurant in France! Save yourself time and money, no need to pay thousands of dollars for a vacation to France this

summer, just eat dinner at La Bergerie!” While the restaurant doesn’t have an eye catching storefront — it is located on the second floor of the Crilley Warehouse building on North Lee Street — the interior transports you to another dimension. Muted beige colors set the tone for the restaurant with seating at tables for four and also half round booths that are very intimate. The décor is welcoming and makes for a very relaxing experience. The white linen table coverings add a certain amount of class to the place and the conversation tone is low and respectful of other diners. Laurent and his staff are all about customer service. You are treated like royalty in this establishment. The excellent staff at La Bergerie has been serving their fine food ever since I can remember and

we were lucky enough to have one of our favorites, Carlos, as our server for the evening. Presentation is a very important part of dining here. The wine list at La Bergerie, as one might expect, is extensive with a strong emphasis on French and Californian wines. Washingtonian magazine noted that their “International wine list is long and fairly priced.” The complete wine list features both a Standard and a Reserve list, plus more than 10 wines by glass. For guests who would like to bring a special bottle of wine from their cellar to enjoy, just check the information page on their web site for current policy. La Bergerie is truly French dining at its best, from the atmosphere to the attentive service to the cuisine. My Achilles heel is French Onion soup and their La Soupe A L’oignon is fabulous. A rich beef based broth with just enough Gruyere cheese to please the palette and patience. Other appetizers range from a zucchini and yellow squash tart, to diver sea scallops with candied beets, terrine of duck foie

gras with pineapple chutney and brioche, to the classic Escargots. In addition to their regular menu, La Bergerie has a sample four course tasting menu that changes slightly every two weeks. The choices for appetizers include Bergerie salad, shad roe, roasted bone marrow and six Chesapeake oysters. The second course includes wild mushrooms fricasse, Norweigan salmon, and fresh duck foie gras. The third course includes Ahi tuna, roasted lobster, lamb loin stuffed with lamb sausage to grilled quail. The final dessert course includes traditional crème brulee, chocolate molten cake, and orange mousse parfait to their incredible soufflés with a choice of raspberry, hazelnut or Grand Marnier. While I could go on and on about the food, I believe the photos accompanying this piece speak for themselves (check out the plating of the roasted lobster). Something I forgot to mention earlier is that La Bergerie also makes a very good cocktail. Try whetting your appetite with a vodka gimlet straight up on your next visit.

May 2016 | 31

Dining Guide AMERICAN BILBO BAGGINS 208 Queen St. 703-683-0300 BITTERSWEET 823 King St. 703-549-2708 BLACKWALL HITCH 5 Cameron St. 571-982-3577 CARLYLE CLUB 411 John Carlyle St. 703-549-8957 CHADWICKS 203 Strand St. 703-836-4442 chadwicksrestaurants.com An Old Town tradition since 1979 and an original Georgetown pub and restaurant since 1967. CHART HOUSE One Cameron St. 703-684-5080 CITY KITCHEN 330 South Pickett St. 703-685-9172 fatcitykitchen.com USA City inspired menu choices that bring together traditional American and global cuisine with their own personal touch. Casual dress. $30 and under. Lots of free parking. Open 7 days a week with brunch on Sat & Sun 11-3. AMEX, Discover, MasterCard, Visa COLUMBIA FIREHOUSE 109 S. St. Asaph St. 703-683-1776 DUTCHS GRILL (Holiday Inn) 2460 Eisenhower Ave. Alexandria, VA 703-960-3400 THE GRILL RESTAURANT/ PIANO BAR AT MORRISON HOUSE 116 S. Alfred St. 703-838-8000 EVENING STAR CAFÉ 2000 Mt. Vernon Ave. 703-549-5051 FAST EDDIES BILLIARD CAFE 6220 Richmond Hwy. 703-660-9444 FIN & HOOF 801 N. Saint Asaph St. 703-836-4700 FINN & PORTER AT MARK CENTER 5000 Seminary Rd. 703-379-2346 FIRE FLIES 1501 Mt. Vernon Ave. 703-548-7200 FOSTERS GRILLE 2004 Eisenhower Ave. 703-725-1342 GADSBYS TAVERN 138 N. Royal St. 703-548-1288 HARD TIMES CAFE 1404 King St. 703-837-0050

32 | May 2016

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

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

MAI THAI 9 King St. 703-548-0600

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

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

RED MEI 602 King St. 703-837-0094

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

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

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

JACKSON 20 480 King St. 703-842-2790

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

JOE THEISMANNS 1800 Diagonal Rd. 703-739-0777

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

KING STREET BLUES 112 N. St. Asaph St. 703-836-8800 LAPORTAS 1600 Duke St. 703-683-6313 LIGHT HORSE RESTAURANT 715 King St. 703-549-0533 LOST DOG CAFE 808 North Henry St. 571-970-6511 MACKIE’S BAR AND GRILL 907 King St. 703-684-3288 MAGNOLIA’S ON KING 703 King St. 703-838-9090 MAJESTIC CAFÉ 911 King St. 703-837-9117 MANCINIS 1508 Mt. Vernon Ave. 703-838-FOOD

ROCK IT GRILL 1319 King St. 703-739-2274 SAMUEL BECKETTS IRISH GASTRO PUB 2800 S. Randolph St. Villages of Shirlington 703-379-0122 SHOOTER MCGEES 5239 Duke St. 703-751-9266 SOCIETY FAIR 277 S. Washington St. 703-683-3247 SONOMA CELLAR 207 King St. 703-966-3550 SOUTHSIDE 815 815 S. Washington St. 703-836-6222

MASON SOCIAL 728 Henry Street Old Town Alexandria 703-548-8800 mason-social.com MOUNT VERNON INN Mount Vernon, Va 703-780-0011

TRADEMARK 2800 Jamieson Ave. 703-253-8640

MURPHYS IRISH PUB 713 King St. 703-548-1717 murphyspub.com Old-world Irish pub featuring a roaring fireplace, serving a variety of imported, domestic and non-alcoholic beers in a friendly atmosphere. Serving robust American-Irish meals at fair prices. Favorites include fish and chips and Irish stew. Irish-style entertainment nightly.

TRADITIONS (Holiday Inn) 625 First St. 703-548-6300

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

UNION STREET PUBLIC HOUSE 121 South Union St. 703-548-1785 unionstreetpublichouse.com Old Towns favorite neighborhood tap and grill. Distinct southern style menu, fine steaks, fresh seafood. Sunday brunch, private parties, happy hour. VERMILLION 1120 King St. 703-684-9669 VIRTUE GRAIN & FEED 106 South Union St. 571-970-3669 THE WAREHOUSE BAR & GRILL 214 King St. 703-683-6868 ASIAN ASIAN BISTRO 809 King St. 703-836-1515 MALAYA 1019 King St. 703-519-3710

TOKYO JAPANESE STEAKHOUSE 66 Canal Center Plaza 703-683-8878 CAPHE BANH MI VIETNAMESE 407 Cameron St. 703-549-0800 SANG JUN THAI 300 King Street 571-312-3377

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.

NICKELLS AND SCHIFFLER 1028 King St. 703-684-5922

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

KAI ZEN TAVERN 1901 Mt. Vernon Ave. 703-836-1212 CONTINENTAL BRABO by Robert Weidmaier 1600 King St. 703-894-3440 BRABO TASTING ROOM 1600 King St. 703-894-5252 RESTAURANT EVE 110 S. Pitt St. 703-706-0450 TEMPO 4231 Duke St. 703-370-7900 temporestaurant.com Northern Italian, French provincial and American cuisine featuring fresh seafood, meats and pasta served in a contemporary, romantic atmosphere. CEDAR KNOLL INN GW Parkway at Lucia Ln. 703-799-1501 FRENCH BASTILLE 606 N. Fayette St. 703-519-3776 bastillerestaurant.com LE REFUGE 127 N. Washington St. 703-548-4661 FONTAINES CAFFE & CREPERIE 119 S. Royal St. 703-535-8151 LA MADELEINE 500 King St. 703-729-2854 TWO NINETEEN RESTAURANT 219 King St. 703-549-1141 BISTRO ROYALE 1201 N. Royal St. 703-519-9110 bistroroyal.com YVES BISTRO 235 Swamp Fox Rd. (in Hoffman Ctr.) 703-329-1010 LA BERGERIE 218 N. Lee St. 703-683-1007 labergerie.com

ITALIAN BERTUCCIS 725 King St. 703-548-8500 BUGSYS PIZZA RESTAURANT 111 King St. 703-683-0313 bugsyspizza.com FACCIA LUNA 823 S. Washington St. 703-838-5998 GERANIO RISTORANTE 722 King St. 703-548-0088 geranio.net Still Old Towns highest-rated Italian restaurant (Zagat). Discerning Old Towners flock here for refined cuisine in this comfortable, yet sophisticated restaurant. With entrees from $14, there is no reason not to enjoy a selection from their Wine Spectator award-winning list, while being attended by the friendly staff of seasoned professionals. Reservations recommended and casual attire welcomed. IL PORTO RESTAURANT 121 King St. 703-836-8833 LA STRADA 1905 Mt. Vernon Ave. 703-548-2592 LENA’S WOOD-FIRED PIZZA 401 East Braddock Rd. 703-683-5330 SAPORE DITALIA RISTORANTE & PIZZERIA 1310 Mt. Vernon Ave. 703-683-9680 LANDINI BROTHERS 115 King St. 703-836-8404 landinibrothers.com Elegant, classical Italian cuisine served in a lovely historical setting. Fresh veal, homemade pastas, and fresh fish are some of the daily choices. An extensive list of wines and champagnes served in a sophisticated and friendly atmosphere. LENA’S WOOD-FIRED PIZZA & TAP 401 East Braddock Rd. 703-960-1086 PARADISO 124 King St. 703-683-5330 PINES OF FLORENCE 1300 King St. 703-549-1796 RED ROCKS FIREBRICK PIZZA 904 King St. 703-717-9873 TRATTORIA DA FRANCO 305 S. Washington St. 703-548-9338 VILLA DESTE 600 Montgomery St. 703-549-9477

TAVERNA CRETEKOU 818 King St. 703-548-8688 tavernacretekou.com PITA HOUSE 719 King St. 703-684-9194 thepitahouse.com Family owned and operated; carry out available and free delivery. DELIAS MEDITERRANEAN GRILL 209 Swamp Fox Rd. Alexandria, VA 703-329-0006 BISTRO DU SOLEIL 1116 King St. 571-312-2754 SEAFOOD HANKS OYSTER BAR 1026 King St. 703-739-HANK RTS RESTAURANT 3804 Mt. Vernon Ave. 703-684-6010 FISH MARKET-OLD TOWN 105 King St. 703-836-5676 fishmarketoldva.com Internationally known and locally owned! We serve shrimps, a few crabs, tall people and lots of nice people, too! Live music and lively food! ERNIES ORGINIAL CRABHOUSE 1743 King St. 703-836-0046 THE WHARF 119 King St. 703-836-2834 wharfrestaurant.com "Its All About the Seafood," traditional and creative coastal cuisine. FISH MARKET-CLINTON 7611Old Branch Ave. Clinton, MD 301-599-7900 INDIAN DISHES OF INDIA 1510A Bellview Blvd. 703-660-6085 MEXICAN LATIN SOUTHWESTERN AUSTIN GRILL 801 King St. 703-684-8969 LOS TIOS GRILL 2615 Mt. Vernon Ave. 703-299-9290 LOS TOLTECOS 4111 Duke St. 703-823-1167 TAQUERIA POBLANO 2400-B Mt. Vernon Ave. 703-548-TACO (8226) CASA FELIPE 835 N. Royal St. 703-535-7868

MEDITERRANEAN LA TASCA 607 King St. 703-299-9810 “Spring into Spain and Feast Like a King.” Offering unlimited tapas at lunch and dinner. Choice of dessert included. Lunch 11:30 am - 4:30 pm for $20.07; dinner 4:30 pm - close for $30.07. Eat a little, drink a little, have a lot of fun!

Old Town Crier

Liberty April Showers Bring May Flowers!

Cheer

Good Food & Drink for All! 112 King St., Old Town Alexandria

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

• New Spring Menu • New Beer List • Outside Patio 703.739.1124

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

www.danieloconnells.com

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

GRAB A BITE! Old Town Crier

May 2016 | 33

CHEF’S SPECIAL CHESTER SIMPSON

CHEF ANGELO FARO OF PICCOLA ROMA PALACE CHIANG MAI, THAILAND

THE LADY IN THE COWBOY HAT CHEF TRÂN` THI MAI THAI STREET VENDOR VIETNAMESE STREET VENDOR

I knew I had to find The Lady in the Cowboy Chef and owner Angelo is a member of the Hat after watching her on Anthony Bourdin’s Parts Chaines de Rotisseurs, a gastronomic guild that dates back centuries. He is personally responsible for Unknown. Every evening around 5 p.m., take a walk or taxi to introducing his genuine Italian cuisine, taking your Chang Phueak, the north gate in Chiang Mai, which orders and sometimes pouring your wine. is popular for its street food stalls. Look for a food Angelo Faro (born in Rome in 1942) studied stall called Khao Kha Moo Chang Phueak. as a professional chef in Cento (near the Italian There you’ll find the proprietor, a pretty lady in a town of Ferrara). He opened his first restaurant in cowboy hat with high heels, sporting a Rolex, and Rome when he was 22, working fruitfully for about yeilding a giant clever as she slices pork. She happily 10 years. In the 80s he shifted his restaurant to Amsterdam until 1989. Then, he settled with his Thai serves one mouth-watering dish, Khao Kha Moo, which is pork over rice with gravy and a soft boiled wife in Chiang Mai, founding Piccola Roma Palace duck egg. On the table, though, you could add your in 1991. It is considered, even today, one of the best own chilies, cloves of raw garlic, and pickled mustard Italian restaurants in Thailand. Angelo and his well-trained staff are charming and greens. Khao Kha Moo is a basic popular Thai dish packed with flavor. engaging with genuine old school service. His fresh, If you like tasty adventures, look for a huge line at homemade pastas are excellent in taste, texture and this street stand and don’t miss The Lady in made with the best ingredients, the Cowboy Hat. with salad and vegetables from PICCOLA ROMA PALACE You can find her at: the King’s Royal Project Farms. 144 Charoenprathet Road Mueang Chiang Mai District Royal Project manages A. Muang, Chiang Mai, Thailand Phone:+66 (0) 81 366 2969. organic cultivation of vegetables Phone: +66 (0) 53 820297-8 Open hours: 5 pm – 2 am daily and fruits in different areas www.piccolaromapalace.com Price: 30 THB for a plate ( $1 USD) of the country on land once piccolaromapalace@yahoo.com (just over $1 US on average) cultivated with opium. Hours: 11 am-2 pm, 5-11 pm Celebrities who have paid a visit there over the years include Liz Taylor, Angelina Jolie, Dolph Lundgreen, Denis Leary, Danny Glover, Ray Liotta, and the Thai and Bhutanese royal families. Chef Faro's dishes l-r: Bucatini with bacon, onion, tomato, chili, olive oil and pecorino cheese; Ravioli with fresh ricotta cheese , spinach and tomato; Penne con tartufo nero(estivo) italiano alla crema specialita.

34 | May 2016

Chef Trân` thi Mai learned how to cook from the owners of the outside restaurant and has been cooking for five years. She can cook six skillets of Bánh xèo at a time. Bánh xèo means “sizzling cake” in Vietnamese, but THUY XEO 166B they are commonly called Hanoi, Thailand “ pancakes” in English. The Phone: 0968877752 sizzling cake gets its name from the loud sizzling sound it makes when the rice batter is poured into the hot skillet. It looks like a French crepe with crispy edges. The batter is made from rice flour, water, and turmeric powder. While still in the pan, pork, shrimp, bean sprouts, and diced green onions are added. It is then lightly fried in a skillet or wok making the edges crispy while the center remains soft. Then the crust is folded over to form what looks like a huge yellow crepe or omelet. After being served, chunks of the cake are torn off and wrapped in rice paper, along with lettuce, mint, basil, or other herbs; then dipped in a thin sauce known as nuoc cham (fish sauce mixed with water, garlic, sugar, chili, and lemon juice). Diners can watch their pancakes being prepared. Banh xeo is a healthy dish, low in fat and cholesterol — health-conscience diners will appreciate enjoying its tantalizing flavors. Only the most natural ingredients are used in creating banh xeo. All the different flavors come together for an absolutely delicious dish. photos: ©2016 Chester Simpson

Old Town Crier

Mount Vernon Wine Festival Celebrates 20 Years BY BOB TAGERT

lthough the beginnings of wine in Virginia date back to the days of Thomas Jefferson, the rebirth in 1976 was led by the investment of the Zonin family of Italy in a new vineyard in Barboursville. Along with a few other small wineries, Barboursville Vineyards served as a catalyst for renewed growth in the 1970s and the second phase of the Virginia Wine industry was born. Throughout the 1980s and 1990s, many other vineyards and wineries joined the mix and by 2009, more than 163 wineries were operating in Virginia. By 2012 there were over 230! Except for a handful, these were all small, family-owned vineyards and wineries, and only the largest could develop a distribution network. The small wineries would learn to rely on tourism and direct sales for most of their revenue.We have been writing about Virginia wineries since 1989 and have gotten to know quite a few. The last 12 years has brought a spike in the quality of these wines. And it is here that the wine festivals throughout the state play an important role allowing folks to taste and buy wines from all over the state.

I remember twenty years ago my sales friends in the industry said, “Just what we need, another festival to attend.” Little did they know, that in its very first year the Mount Vernon festival would become the most favored of all festivals, and what more fitting venue for a wine festival than the spectacular Mount Vernon home of George Washington. The historical evolution of a wine industry in the Old Dominion was aimed at the general public. The objective in starting the wine festival was to introduce and educate the consumer public at an event located at a historical location like Mount Vernon. George Washington, like many of our nation’s founding fathers, was actively involved in trying to cultivate, raise and make of wine. On the occasion of the first Mount Vernon Wine Festival in 1997 the mansion had very few items on display that would show that General Washington drank and enjoyed alcoholic beverages, wine, hard cider and Madeira. Today, following the beginning of the festival series, there are multiple items such as wine glasses, wine rinsers, wine caddies and Madeira barrels. The festival has also been a highly successful

fundraising event for Mount Vernon and a well regarded wine festival by the wineries that participate and the industry as a whole. Nationally, the event has gained respect as a cultural wine educational event in which George Washington and Martha Washington participate by greeting the attending public each night. The attendance level has been set at 1,500 persons for each night, and the event has been a sellout since the first festival. As of 2015, some 150,000 people have attended the spring and fall wine festivals. At the first festival there were 12 wineries present with the number increasing over the years to 17 or 18 and up to 20 wineries for this May’s spring festival celebrating the 20th anniversary of the festival series. Of the 12 wineries that participated in 1997,only nine are available to participate in this year’s May 13, 14 and 15 event. They are: Barboursville Vineyards, Chateau Morrisette, Gray Ghost Vineyards, Horton Vineyards, Ingleside Vineyards, Lake Anna Winery, Prince Michel Vineyards, Williamsburg Winery and Jefferson Vineyards. Rounding out the 20 wineries this year are: Breaux Vineyards, Early Mountain Vineyards, Fox Meadow Winery,

Kilaurwen Winery, Naked Mountain Winery & Vineyards, Narmada Winery, Rappahannock Cellars, Rockbridge Vineyards, Rosemont Vineyards and Winery, Trump Winery and Veritas Winery. “Every year, our wineries take steps to improve their offerings, and there is almost always something new on the horizon,” noted Gordon Murchie, president of the Vinifera Wine Growers Association and longtime consultant to Mount Vernon’s wine festival. “We have a number of very creative winemakers in the Commonwealth who know how to take advantage of our particular climate.” The spring Mount Vernon Wine Festival will take place May 13, 14 and 15. In addition to an appearance by George Washington and Martha Washington, the Festival includes tours of Washington’s basement, which was used to store his wine collection in the 18th century. Bring a picnic, buy some wine and enjoy. As George Washington himself said, “No estate in United America is more pleasantly situated than this.”

inset photos, clockwise from left: Wine consultant Gordon Murchie makes a toast to George Washington; Murchie (in Scottish attire) and wife Anita with George and Martha Washington; Enjoying Virginia’s finest.

Old Town Crier

May 2016 | 35

GRAPEVINE FRANK BRITT

NARMADA WINERY TASTING ROOM Friday-Monday 12 to 5 Tuesday-Thursday by Appointment 43 Narmada Lane Amissville, Virginia 20106 540-937-8215 www.narmadawinery.com

NARMADA WINERY THE REALIZATION OF A DREAM

magine you and your spouse out for a romantic 30th anniversary dinner at the world-renowned Inn at Little Washington, contemplating your future years together. “Honey, what shall we do when we retire?” After a couple of decades living in the hustle and bustle of Fairfax County, the open, rolling spaces of Rappahannock County beckon. The husband harkens back to his youth, remembering the agrarian roots of his family back home. The wife recalls their world travels, reminiscing about the countries they’ve visited and the wines they’ve shared. At this inspired moment, Pandit and Sudha Patil determined they would open a winery. Narmada Winery is the realization of their dream. On 51 acres off Rt. 211 in Amissville, Pandit and Sudha planted vines, cautiously and judiciously. What began as two acres of Vidal has now grown to over 20 acres with ten different varietals, both 36 | May 2016

hybrid and vinifera. In the 6 ½ years since the winery opened, Sudha’s skill at winemaking has garnered over 60 gold medals. And the name of the winery? “Narmada was the name of my mother,” Pandit says with clear affection. “She sacrificed so much for me to come to the United States for my education. Without her, none of this would have been possible.” It seems Pandit got a scholarship to the University of New Mexico, but travel from Mumbai, India, and living expenses while at the school were not covered. Narmada devised a plan to sell some of her jewelry to give her son his chance in the larger world. He did not squander the opportunity: he became an engineer and eventually got his Ph.D. And along the way he fell in love with Sudha. At the time, many marriages in India were still arranged by the families. Sudha met Pandit this way, and she had one condition for joining her life with his. Pandit would

have to send her to dental school! How does one get from dentistry to winemaking? “It’s not exactly as odd as it may seem,” Sudha laughs. “My undergraduate degree was in chemistry. And running labs on your wines as they develop is a very important part of the process.” Chemistry or art? Winemaking employs a bit of both. And a certain sensitivity to tastes, flavors, and aromas. Growing up in India, Sudha learned to cook in her mother’s kitchen. The heady scents of cardamom, clove, cumin, black pepper, anise - spices roasting and onions and garlic frying — were a part of everyday life. Is it any wonder that her wines are kissed with these elusive flavors and aromas crafted from our own unique Virginia terroir and grapes? Narmada Mom is the winery’s signature wine, and best-seller. Named for Pandit’s mother, this fruity white wine pleases every palate. Narmada’s reds are held in high regard as well. In 2015, Narmada Yash-Vir, a meritage blend, was named one of the top twelve wines in the state at the Virginia Governor’s Cup Wine Competition. The current release of Yash-Vir has garnered gold medals at the San Diego International, San Francisco International, Long Beach Grand Cru, Sommelier Challenge and

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PALAK PANEER This recipe has appeared in Saveur magazine! Ingredients 7 oz paneer (Indian-style fresh cheese) 8 cups milk ¼ cup lemon juice 6 tbsps ghee (clarified butter) or canola oil 4 cloves garlic 1 1” piece of ginger, peeled and chopped 1 serrano chile, stemmed and chopped 6 cups finely chopped spinach Kosher salt to taste 6 tbsps heavy cream ½ tsp garam masala ¼ tsp cayenne pepper For the Cheese Method: Heat ghee in a nonstick skillet over medium heat. Working in batches, add cubed cheese and fry until golden brown, about 6 minutes. Using a slotted spoon, transfer cheese to a plate and set aside. Reserve skillet with ghee.

Critics Challenge wine competitions. Pandit and Sudha welcome your visit. The winery offers three distinctive tasting flights. They have 19 delicious wines as well as a wine and chocolate pairing. Join Narmada’s wine club for the best discounts and to receive advance notice of events and new releases.

For the Spinach Place garlic, ginger, chiles and ¼ cup water into a blender and puree into a smooth paste. Return skillet with ghee to stove and heat over mediumhigh heat. Add ginger-garlic paste and cook until fragrant, about 30 seconds. Add spinach and salt to taste and cook, stirring often, until spinach wilts, about 1 minute. Reduce heat to medium-low, cover and cook, stirring often, until spinach is very soft, about 15 minutes. Stir in cream, garam masala, and cayenne. Add cheese to skillet, cover and continue cooking until liquid thickens and spinach is soft, about 15 minutes. Serve with rice.

Pandit and Sudha

Wine Suggestion Narmada Mom is our signature wine: refreshingly fruity with ripe notes of pineapple, pear, lime and kiwi that lead into a silky, feather-light finish. Perfect with this spicy, creamy dish!

Frank Britt is the former co-publisher and co-founder of Virginia Wine Lover magazine and current publisher of the Official Virginia Wine Lover E-newsletter, the source for Virginia’s wine news, and complimentary to Old Town Crier readers. He also consults with several wine festivals. Britt can be reached at frank@brittmarketing.com; vawinelover.com

VIRGINIA’S FIRST CERTIFIED ORGANIC WINERY OPENS FOR 2016 SEASON BY NEIL WILLIAMSON Albemarle County’s Loving Cup Winery has received official organic certification for their production facility. First opening their doors to the public in 2014, Loving Cup has maintained their vineyard’s organic certification since 2012, however, this marks the first time anyone has received an organic certification for a wine processing facility in the Commonwealth. Before wine can be sold as organic, both the growing of the grapes and their conversion to wine must be certified. This includes making sure grapes are grown without synthetic pesticides and in a manner that protects the environment and preserves the soil. Other agricultural ingredients that go into the wine, such as yeast, also have to be certified organic.

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Karl Hambsch, founder of Loving Cup Vineyard & Winery said, “After years of hard work, my family and I are very proud to now have both

our vineyard and farm winery certified organic. We look forward to introducing the public to all that is possible with organically grown and

produced wines.” County Supervisor Ann Mallek stated, “Virginia Wine is one of the fastest growing sectors of agriculture in Albemarle County. We are blessed to have a large number of high quality wineries, including the 2016 Governor’s Cup Winner as active agribusinesses on the Monticello wine trail. I am excited that Loving Cup is breaking new ground as the State’s first certified organic winery. Their hard work and dedication contributes not only to our growing agriculture industry, but also towards a growing tourism industry and in turn Albemarle’s long term rural economic sustainability.” Loving Cup Vineyard & Winery is open Friday-Sunday and is located just two miles off US 29 at 3340 Sutherland Road in North Garden. For more information and directions visit www.lovingcupwine.com May 2016 | 37

EXPLORING VIRGINIAWINES DOUG FABBIOLI

A Busy Time of Year, But Why?

ere are a handful of winemaker/farmer/ business owner things on the plate right now: Our frost protection system is up and ready to use. Our buds are just starting to show leaves as I write this

so we are now on alert for freezing temperatures and will put the system to work if needed. We took over an established vineyard in Warrenton, so there is plenty of work with lime, compost and pruning to

get it ready for the year, our way. Replacement vines have arrived and we need to get those in the right spots in the vineyard very soon. We will start soaking the vines when they arrive and get the crew

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

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

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

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

38 | May 2016

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

scheduled up. Tying up the vines and finishing the pruning has kept the crew busy over the last few weeks and another week or so to go. Severino has over 20 vineyards to work now including the four for us. Hard work always gets you more work, if you want it. We finished building the trellis for the latest hop yard we planted, but now is the time for cutting back the first growth and tying up the strings so the next green shoots have something to climb for the year. We planted a new section of asparagus as the older one is fading in productivity and in the middle of where the next hop planting will go. Landscaping is another push for us, with the new sign installed in front of the new building. There is plenty of bare ground in need of colorful flowers, hard scrape, mulch and vision. We have taken on a few new wine clients this spring. That means that we will make some custom wines for these folks and put their label on the bottles. This process entails more administrative work with label approval, billing, packaging details and client requests. We have completed our 2015 red blends but are currently working on our port blends of Royalty, Rosa Nera and possibly an apple port. Trying to find the balance with wine, sugar and high proof alcohol can be a challenge. Our cider project is getting off the ground. We have liquid in the bottles and labels

printing very soon. This is another leg of products that fits with what we are doing but gives our customers more options. It’s barrel time as well. Any orders for barrels that are produced in France to be delivered for the harvest need to be finalized now for pricing and production purposes. We are also looking at the used barrel needs for us and clients. We bring used barrels from California and sell them to other wineries as well as keep some for ourselves. The Brewers love our used barrels, so we need to put them into the plan. I am not building a new structure this year, but I hope to find the time to remodel our old tasting room, (the cellar of our house), so we can use that for customers later in the year. There are lots of other projects that have been on hold because of last year’s undertaking. The list keeps growing. These are just a few of the many issues that are keeping me busy this spring. Some are moved forward by some of our team while others I need to be the main operator of the project. The sun is shining, plants are growing and it’s time to try and keep up with Mother Nature. Doug is the proprietor and winemaker at Fabbioli Cellars in Loudoun County and has been penning this column for several years. He has been instrumental in the success of many of the Commonwealth’s vineyards and wineries.

Old Town Crier

GO FISH COREY CHACONAS

A SPORT

ADOPTING In

February Edwin Evers won bass fishing’s Super Bowl, the Bassmaster Classic, with a massive five fish, 29-pound final day haul. Evers’ name will be forever be etched in stone amongst fellow Classic champions. While Evers was the sole angler to hoist the championship trophy, another angler should be considered an unequivocal winner too: Virginian Chris Dillow. Finishing in 34th place was a major accomplishment, considering his route to qualify for the Classic was a long shot. That Dillow was in the country or even exposed to fishing may never have happened, as his journey through life was nothing ordinary. Just 10 days old, Dillow and his twin brother were abandoned in a cardboard box on the steps of a German orphanage. The Dillow brothers lived at the orphanage for a couple years before being adopted by two loving parents, Charlie and Ann Dillow. It would be easy to grow up bitter after being treated like a

Bassing IN MAY POTOMAC RIVER

Bass are in the mood for love! Try fishing shallow with drop shots and shaky head for spawning fish. Use Mizmo BarbWire jigs with Doodle worms. Soak in Jack’s Juice Bait Spray. Flats can be covered on long casts with a Lucky Craft LVR D-7 lipless crankbait. Try reds fist and then use shad patterns.

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disposable object, but Dillow refused to let his circumstances define him, and focused instead on his blessings. “I’m so blessed to have been adopted by two wonderful parents who were able to keep my brother and me together.” The family moved to the United States, eventually settling in rural Virginia where Dillow discovered his fishing passion. “As kids, we used to go camping on the Shenandoah River, to Douthat State Park to fish for trout, and to Christians Creek on Sundays after church to sucker fish.” Each fishing expedition brought the family a little closer together, a pastime that defied the law of diminishing returns. “I always had a great time (on the river). The camaraderie and the friendly competition amongst each other was just so fun. We wouldn’t come back home until supper time most days.” Those long days on the river planted the seeds for Dillow’s future ambition. “It’s been a dream of mine (to go pro) ever since I was 11 years old.” GO FISH > PAGE 42

Rip from grass and pause. Using GAMMA Edge fluorocarbon line will enhance strike detection and make for better hook sets. Mann’s Baby 1-Minus will also produce in these areas, but is the best around wood cover. Use 12-pound test Edge. Crank and snap out of grass or allow them to deflect off wood cover. Mizmo tubes on 3/0, Mustad Ultra Point Mega Bite hooks with a 3/16-ounce bullet weight can also be pitched to any cover. Beef up to 14-pound Edge. If the water is stained, try 3/8-ounce Mann’s Classic spinnerbaits. Slow roll these past wood and grass. If it is shallow, less than 3 feet, try using the ¼ ounce size.

May 2016 | 39

FITNESS NICOLE FLANAGAN

Fit Mom

s a personal trainer and a mother, I can appreciate being able to have an hour to myself to get in a good workout. This event rarely happens. It seems that by the time I actually have some time to spend on myself there is still a million things to get done. Exercise is always on my list of things to do for the day and I have found that the best way to fit it in is by doing a 15-20 minute workout at least twice a day. Fitting in a workout can be easier

if you make it a part of your daily routine. I know this is easier said than done, but it is possible. Make your workout fun for you and for your kids. Try doing a workout video in the living room while your kids play. If they are old enough to move around have fun with them, you get your workout in and the kids get worn out too! When babies are too young to move on their own, it’s the best time to strap them in a stroller and go for a walk. If you are a runner, I highly recommend investing

in a jogging stroller - it will make exercising fun and the jogging strollers fold up so you can take them just about everywhere. Exercising increases your metabolism, increases energy and will help you sleep better (even if you are only getting a few hours at a time). You can complete an entire strength training routine in just under 20 minutes using only your body weight. The best part about body weight training is that you can do it anywhere!

TOTAL BODY STRENGTH WORKOUT

• Switch legs and repeat 5 times

Warm-up

Single Leg Opposite Arm and Leg Reach

Jumping jacks, walk in place for 1 minute

Squat Jump

• Stand with your feet shoulder-width apart. • Squat down, bending your knees to 90 degrees. • Now jump up and land softly again in the squat position. Use the strength in your legs and butt to jump up explosively. • Remember to land as softly as you can with your knees bent; keep your weight back, over your heels. • Do 3 sets of 8 reps

Single Leg Circles

• Lie back on the mat with your arms by your sides and your palms facing down. • Begin by pointing with your left foot, as if reaching out with your toes toward the ceiling, and rotate your leg slightly outward. • Inhale, and trace a circle on the ceiling with your left leg, moving your whole leg, but keeping your hips still. Don’t lift your left hip off the floor. • Trace the circle on the ceiling 5 times in a clockwise direction. Repeat in a counter-clockwise direction.

40 | May 2016

• Stand with feet hip-width apart, knees slightly bent, abs engaged, left hand on hip. • Lift left knee up to 90 degrees in front of you. Lean forward slightly as you reach right arm in front of you and push left foot behind you. • Hold for 1 count. Pull both back in. Do 12 reps. • Switch sides; repeat 3 times.

Eccentric Push-ups

• Start in a plank position. Shoulders over wrists, back straight, core engaged. You can be on your knees or toes. • Slowly lower your body to the ground while keeping your core tight and legs straight. • Return to start position. The goal is to lower your body slowly; you are only doing the down part of the push-up. • Do 3 sets of 5-8 reps

No Weight Shoulder Press

• Extend arms out to sides at shoulder height, elbows bent 90 degrees, palms forward. Raise arms over head, then lower to start. (30 reps)

Old Town Crier

FROM THE TRAINER RYAN UNVERZAGT

Plyometrics, Part Deux

et me start by saying thank you to all of those loyal readers out there that have been following this column since its first appearance in the September 2009 issue of the Old Town Crier. Writing for this popular publication would not even be possible if it weren’t for the vision of its founder, Bob Tagert, and Lani Gering. Many thanks to you guys as well. My purpose is to educate as many people as I can about the importance of fitness and how to incorporate it into everyday life. I hope that my advice is as informative as it is fun to write! This article is the second of a two-part series about Plyometrics. In last month’s issue, I explained what plyometrics are and some important things to consider before trying this type of exercise such as age, strength, body weight, previous injuries, and training experience. Exercise safety is a top priority of mine because if you get hurt, that means you can not exercise! Where is the benefit in that? Before jumping right into the plyometric exercises, I would like to explain how it works. The body is an extremely complex machine, especially during exercise. There are thousands of chemical reactions going on that allow our bodies to even move. These reactions Old Town Crier

work in harmony with our nervous system, which essentially dictates how the body responds to stimuli. The nervous system is integrated within our muscles to help detect body position changes. This phenomenon is called proprioception. These proprioceptors are sensitive to tension and stretch of the muscles. Plyometrics work because of the body’s stretch reflex. The stretch reflex is an involuntary response (contraction) to any stretching of the muscle. When the muscle is stretched out quickly, this reflex will kick in to tell the muscle to shorten in order to protect it from ultimately tearing. This leads me to mention the stretchshortening cycle. The basis of this cycle is that a stretched muscle will store potential energy which contributes to a more powerful muscle contraction when combined with voluntary contraction (in this case, jumping). Now that you know the physiology behind plyometrics, let’s talk about the actual exercises and program design basics. The most common plyometric exercise is jumping rope. You probably have at least tried this activity without even knowing that you were doing plyometrics! Jumping rope takes some skill and concentration as do all jumping exercises, so practice

makes perfect. If you are just starting a plyometric program, you should have a soft surface to jump and land onto (such as a wood or carpeted floor, or grass; not concrete) and a comfortable pair of sneakers. The number of jumps or foot contacts depends mostly on training experience. The beginner should aim for about 50 jumps total during a workout. This number should be slowly increased by about

10-15 jumps per week. The total number can reach as high as 200 in one workout! The intensity of each jump should be max effort and the goal is not to jump until fatigue because this will lead to injury. Rest is another important thing to remember. Never perform plyometrics two days in a row. You should aim for two workouts per week with at least 48 hours of rest in between. The most basic plyometric

exercise is called the countermovement jump. This is done by standing with your feet about shoulder-width apart. Start by bending your hips and knees to a half squat position (45 degree knee angle) while extending your arms behind you, then immediately jump up quickly by extending your hips, knees, and ankles forcefully while also swinging your FROM THE TRAINER > PAGE 42

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GO FISH FROM PG 39

His professional fishing aspirations would take time to manifest though. After graduating from James Madison University and entering adulthood, Dillow found work in the hotel and restaurant industries. Unfortunately, his timeconsuming career severely limited his time on the water. After 23 years, Dillow acquired his real estate license and set out for a new career challenge. Today, Dillow is a premier real estate agent at the Augusta Realty Group and has been named the top producer, lister, and seller at his firm for six consecutive years. The job is time-consuming, but Dillow carves out fishing time in his hectic schedule. The time juggling has been well worth it. In his professional career, Dillow has won nine events, seven of which were exclusively won with jigs. “I’m a jig fisherman. Everyone knows that. I’ve made my jigs for years, including Dillow’s Perfect Jig.” Jig fishing allows him to swing for the fence, as this is a big fish bait. Since his practice time is limited, he sees this as his best shot to compete against top-level pros. Dillow’s hard work and persistence produced a career-defining victory in 2015 at the Bassmaster Northern Open. Dillow won the tournament in resounding fashion, toppling the second place challenger by over nine pounds with the help of his proprietary jig. The victory carried an automatic invitation to the prestigious BASSMASTER Classic. “It was hands-down the biggest victory of my career.” After waiting patiently his whole life for the opportunity to compete at the Classic, Dillow

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took in the entire experience. “They treated us like kings there, like rock stars. It was great being with my wife, Susan, and my daughter, Christiana. I’m so blessed they were able to sacrifice time off their schedules to spend the week with me.” Despite the pageantry of the Classic and unparalleled media attention, Dillow was able to keep his nerves at bay and focus on the task at hand. In fact, Dillow lamented he should have had a top-10 finish at this year’s Classic. “I had a toad with 20 minutes left on the second day (of competition) right beside the boat. (The fish) had its mouth open toward me and next thing I know, the jig just popped out.” Had that fish been landed, he thinks he would have been sitting at about 15th place going into the final round with a top 10 finish as fish were finally starting to bite his jig. The Classic was a surreal experience for Dillow, but the notion that he can do even better has him motivated to earn a spot in the Classic once again. “The desire to get back is definitely strong”. The road back to the Classic will be tough. But not as tough as Chris Dillow. Guest columnist Corey Chaconas pens a sports blog, theraindelay.com and writes for thebaynet. com. Author Capt. Steve Chaconas is a Potomac bass fishing guide & contributing writer for BoatU.S. (BoatUS.com) Potomac River reports: nationalbass.com. Book trips/purchase gift certificates: info@NationalBass.com.

FROM THE TRAINER FROM PG 41

arms forward and up. Arm action will help your muscles take advantage of the stretchshortening cycle that I explained earlier. You want to achieve as much “air time” as possible before landing softly by re-bending your hips, knees, and ankles. To start, you should rest a few seconds between jumps then progress to multiple jumps without rest. Another plyometric exercise is called the box jump. This is done in the same manner as the counter-movement jump, except you will land on top of a plyometric “box” or an elevated surface such as a park bench or steps if you are outside. You should start out at a comfortable height (maybe 6-8 inches, about the same height as a step) and progress to higher surfaces such as a park bench. It’s

a good idea to step down after landing a jump initially before jumping back down to start the next jump. The final plyometric exercise I will mention is the lateral cone (or line) hop. Again, this is performed in the same way as the countermovement jump with powerful arm action, except that you will jump laterally over a cone or line. Land softly before jumping back toward the same spot in which you started. This exercise requires a little more balance than the first two, so start out slowly before trying faster, multiple jumps. I strongly urge you to consider all the safety precautions that I wrote about in the last month and check with your doctor before giving plyometrics a try. Unverzagt holds a BS in Wellness Management from Black Hills State University. He is a Certified Strength & Conditioning Specialist (CSCS) through the National Strength & Conditioning Association (NSCA), and a Registered Diagnostic Cardiac Sonographer (RDCS) through the American Registry for Diagnostic Medical Sonography (ARDMS).

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Old Town Crier

FIRST BLUSH GENEVIEVE LEFRAN

Beauty at Any Age

s former Secretary of State Madeleine Albright so deftly put it, “There is a special place in hell for women who do not help other women.” With Mother’s Day fast approaching, it’s the perfect time to not only thank the women we love, but to also learn from them. Some of the best beauty advice comes from the women in our lives we respect and admire most for their inner and outer beauty. This month I reached out to beautiful women I know. I asked them to share their beauty knowledge by divulging favorite products, beauty tips, how they work with their different features and skin types, or a philosophy they swear by. These smart, savvy women tell us where to save and when a splurge is really worth it, which products work for them, and the simple, seemingly obvious rules many of them live by. They represent different ages, races, and ethnicities across a wide beauty spectrum. From students and professionals to new moms and grandmothers, let’s join forces, share the girl power, and trade our tricks!

Dolores, 56

On eye makeup and aging: Wearing eye makeup is getting more difficult as I age and wrinkles appear, especially around my eyes. Those fine little wrinkles are places where eye makeup settles and I end up looking like I’ve done a bad job applying eye shadow! As a result I am at the point where I just use mascara to enhance my eyes—rarely do I use eye shadow. Go-to product: I’ve used Oil of Olay (the original pink stuff) all my life and lately have been using their nighttime firming cream.

Kyle, 20

Go-to product: My all time favorite is Maybelline Falsies Old Town Crier

mascara. This little tube of magic makes my lashes fuller and longer. Who knew I could get million dollar lashes for less than 10 bucks! Favorite feature: I love my cheeks. To highlight them, I wear MAC blush in a vibrant fuchsia shade which goes well with my dark skin tone. Just be careful with a drastic color like this—less is more. Her beauty trick: I love lipstick but it dries out my lips and evaporates after 10 minutes. To solve the problem I apply a good lip balm as a base (I use Burt’s Bees) and then lipstick. To seal the color, I apply a little MAC lip gloss—it’s a fool-proof combination.

Sue, 34

Her beauty routine: As the mother of an active two-yearold, any beauty regimen is out the window for now. My only beauty trick is playing my son’s favorite, recorded cartoon so I can take a shower. I know, very glamorous! Her beauty secret: Sunscreen, as much sleep as possible and lots of water. Also, quitting smoking was by far the best thing I did for my skin. The difference is amazing. In my twenties I could do anything and it wouldn’t show. Thirties is a whole different story. My skin won’t let me get away with anything anymore!

Judy, 75

Her beauty tips: Keep your face as clean as possible, but especially before applying makeup. Eye makeup will really bring attention to your face. It is also wise to use just enough face makeup to look as though you aren’t wearing any at all. In other words, take it easy with foundations, powders, and creams. Clean, well-groomed hair is a must, as are well-manicured nails. You’d be surprised how many people look at hands first when meeting you!

Karla, 46

Favorite skincare products: Philosophy Purity One Step Facial Cleanser and Crème de la Mer moistureizer— definitely worth the money! Her beauty advice: “Always wear sunscreen, even in winter. I use Laura Mercier foundation with sunscreen—I’m all about saving time and steps in my beauty routine. Combatting signs of aging: “Consider a skin peel from your dermatologist. I swear by The Illuminize Peel™ from SkinMedica for my combination skin. Exfoliator: fresh Brown Sugar Body Polish. Her makeup bag: MAC Cosmetics—they all work well. My favorite mascara will always be Great Lash by Mabelline in Very Black. I have long lashes, but they’re light on the ends. This mascara is awesome—never smudges or clumps, and the color is the best I have found. Her philosophy: Embrace your age!

color. I prefer to call attention to my eyes by highlighting my brows instead of my lashes. I like the Anastasia brow line of products. I follow with my favorite drugstore brand brow mascara by NYX. I also love RMS Beauty's Living Luminizer to make eyes pop and highlight the contours of my cheekbones. As to that part of beauty we don’t necessarily see but know is so important to our overall well-being, I believe it’s critical to: not smoke, sunbathe judiciously, eat well, exercise and drink lots of water to hydrate the skin from the inside out. Her Philosophy: Own what you have to bring out

your own unique beauty. I embrace my curves, my wavy, silver-streaked hair, and the wrinkles that are beginning to appear. It’s important for a woman of any age to realize that physical beauty is fleeting. You won’t always have taught skin or an abundant head of hair. Confidence, a sense of humor and wisdom are, in fact, very sexy and, at the end of the day, the most lasting beauty of all. Publisher’s note: This column is a reprint of the original that appeared in the 2011 Mother’s Day issue. These ladies are all 5 years older now – we wonder if they are still subscribing to these same regimes.

Experience the Difference

Leslie, 53

My credo is “Less Is More.” Aging skin benefits more from less of just about everything: less makeup, less alcohol, less sun. My routine includes an organic grapefruit and tea tree oil face wash followed by organic rosehip oil to moisturize my face and neck and Weleda’s Wild Rose Body Oil after the shower. I like my face to have a healthy glow but don’t spend a lot of time in the sun anymore. RMS Beauty’s Buriti Bronzer is a great way to get a healthy glow without sparkle or shimmer. It's made with organic buriti oil from Brazil. I stick to a sheer pinkbrown color palette for lips and cheeks — just a touch of neutral color enhances more mature skin without creating an overly made up look. When I use more than just the bronzer, it’s RMS Beauty Lip2Cheek, which does double duty as a blush and lip

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SPIRITUAL RENAISSANCE PEGGIE ARVIDSON

Preparing for a Reading

o matter when or why you decide to have your hands read it can be a little nervewracking. When I picked up the phone to request my reading with a complete stranger in Tucson Arizona I remember my heart racing and hands sweating. I couldn’t wait to receive my ink kit and then, ultimately hear what she had to say. Even though I’d been told that this wouldn’t be a predictive reading, I admit I was still a little nervous about hearing my future. What I got was so much more! I saw myself reflected through her description of my hard-wiring. It was like an assessment test that I couldn’t manipulate and I was awed by the new sense of responsibility for myself and my life that

The

happened as a result. In case you’ve ever thought about having your hands read, here are my 8 best tips for preparing for and getting the most out of your palm reading.

Follow Instructions

If you’re working with a professional, she’s sent you detailed instructions for making your prints, scheduling your appointment and more. Her instructions may seem overly detailed, but that comes from years of answering questions, so do yourself a favor and read through the instructions before you get started.

Ask Questions

Just because you received detailed instructions, doesn’t mean YOUR question has

been answered. It’s perfectly fine to send an email and ask if you have a concern about making your prints or sending them in the mail. (I’ve been guilty of not changing my mailing address on the instructions, when I moved, so I was super grateful when my client checked in with me!)

Clear Your Calendar

If you’re going to be doing your reading during your work hours, make sure you clear your calendar and let your team know you’ll be unavailable for the hour of your reading. Better yet, head out to your car and take your call there.

Read the Paperwork

Your reader will likely send you her rules of the road for

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appointments, delays and rescheduling. Remember it’s your reading but your palmist is a pro and she has those guidelines set to be fair to everyone she serves. In my case, I know all my clients are grown-ups and I don’t send multiple reminders before calls. It’s an energy suck for me and for them. Therefore it’s important that they’ve written their appointment in their calendar and adhere to my no-nonsense boundaries around showing up on time.

Palmists Are Reading Your Hands

Clear Your Head

There’s nothing bad in your hands! You have complete free will and should use the information in your hands to help you navigate any choppy waters you’re currently experiencing, but don’t expect to hear the answer to a yes or no question. Just like your life is full of options, your hands show you the options that are there right now. Use your hands to help you pick the most satisfying, least stressful path to where you want to go. See, not so scary after all!

Before you get on your call, or show up in person, clear your head. Take a few breaths and smile to yourself. This is going to be FUN and enlightening.

Clarify What You Want

It’s awesome to put it out to the Universe that you’ll get exactly what you need during your reading, but it’s a good idea to be clear if you’ve got a specific question or concern you want to work through. As a reader I always ask if my client has something they want to discuss during their session. At least half the time they say, “Nope, just whatever you see.” Then when I’m wrapping up after 50 minutes, and ask if they need any clarity on anything I’ve shared, they say something like, “Well, you didn’t talk about – {my love life}, {my job} or {my mother’s health.}” It’s in your best interest to work with your reader. She’ll be up front if you’re asking for something that isn’t in your hands and you’ll be able to go forward without disappointment.

While every person on the planet has the capacity to tap into psychic realms and other dimensions, palmists are working with what they see in your hands. They aren’t there to wow you with predictions or messages from your Great Aunt Agnes. If that’s something you require, ask your palmist ahead of time if they ever do readings with a psychic twist.

Don’t Panic

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

Old Town Crier

OPEN SPACE LORI WELCH BROWN

The Softening

ince around the age of five, I’ve been told that I’m too ‘sensitive.’ Even if it started out on a good note, “honey — you’re so caring and sensitive” it could later get spinned and used against me in the court of relationship law, i.e., whenever I expressed emotion or pushed back, “Stop being so sensitive—I was joking!” Well—I’m not laughing! Anyhow—over the years, I began to hide my sensitivity a bit as I learned to develop a thicker, harder outer shell. As a young woman, you often translate, and subsequently transform, positives into negatives in an effort to conform, be likable and/or not upset the apple cart. Becoming harder and firmer almost becomes a rite of passage—or at least it feels like ‘winning’ on some days. We hold things in, keep a stiff upper lip, and dig our heels firmer into the ground when what we really feel like doing is curling up into the fetal position and sucking our thumb. Or at a minimum, locking ourselves in our room with nothing but a Crayola 64 pack and a Partridge Family coloring book. Take that world! Instead of giving a hug, we give a nice firm handshake. That’s how we roll as strong, young women. Hardening against life does protect us, but it really doesn’t serve us well for the long run. As we age and mature, life requires more softness, more patience, more sensitivity, caring and empathy. This has literally been a hard lesson for me—and my body chose to hand me this lesson in a very physical manifestation. Old Town Crier

For about a year, I’ve been feeling as though my leg muscles and joints were turning to rock. One day I woke up and I couldn’t bend over to pour water into Dozer’s bowl or pick up a runaway sock. I wrote it off as normal aches and pains, but it soon progressed into cramps in my legs at night. I knew the difference between overworked, sore muscles and THIS which I could not put a name on. Lymes? Fibromyalgia, Rickets? When I had to ask hubby, aka XXL, to help with my shoes one morning, I decided it might be time to take action. I’ve spent a year going to doctors, getting X-rays, visits to acupuncturists, having my muscles roughed over by talented masseuses (best part), ya de yaddee ya. Finally, I’m told I have the big “A”, arthritis. “It can’t be,” I tell myself. I’m not even 50. I already had double bypass surgery—that was my BIG thing. I’ve already paid my dues. I don’t want a hip replacement. I don’t want to take prescription drugs to ease the pain. I try to continue about my life. I go to flow yoga in a futile attempt to regain flexibility. I know yogis aren’t supposed to compare, but it depresses me that the class is half over by the time I transition out of pigeon pose – let’s not even talk about child’s pose. Why can’t I be more like Ms. Lulu Lemon over there? Surely she has a decade on me. She must be a Cirque de Soleil performer. I envision my symptoms progressing. Within a year, I’ll be using a walker. No

more running. Not that I ever LOVED running, but picture something being taken away and feel the love come oozing out. I cried mightily at the loss of my pal, running. Last year I ran the George Washington Parkway Classic. Next year, I’ll be on the sidelines with a shawl gently draped across my lap, clapping from my wheel chair. I wonder if the running trail is wheel chair accessible. How will George get me in and out of the boat? I wept for George’s future. This was not the woman he married. I better extend his Gold’s membership. He is going to need more workouts if he is going to be lifting me in and out of cars, boats, etc. After my weekend pity party, (sorry you missed it— tissues, ice cream, the whole nine yards—we partied!), I woke up and decided to throw the crazy makers out. The first one to go was Negativity. He had been taking up way too much space and really shaking things up. The next to go was Fear. He buckled a bit, but in the end, I won. The next step was to invite Presence and Peace in. Oh yeah. And make way for Prayer—going to need her big time. Realizing I wasn’t really in a condition to do flow yoga, I found a restorative yoga class I liked and also something called Yin Yoga. Besides being really fun to say, it has helped me regain some flexibility by releasing layers of built up tension in my connective tissue. Turns out that releasing is powerful. What I’ve learned is that being hard all those years may have had some after effects. You can be ‘tough’ when you need to be, but what really

serves you for the long haul is softness (soft curves don’t hurt either). Thick skin is probably good for an avocado, but not necessarily good for joints and muscles. Basically, I’ve had to learn to soften from the inside and out—and it’s been really, really hard. I’m learning just how much stress and tightness I’ve been carrying around in my body. As I hold a pose for several minutes, I silently repeat to myself ‘let go’ and

still, there is more releasing, more letting go. Layers and layers of stuff I’ve been silently storing deep below the surface is rising up and out. My muscles are listening, responding and grateful. Ironically, the softening has been the hardest part for me, but I’m learning and I’m listening. And readying myself for another party, the non-pity kind.

Experience

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Ahoy Matey!

The pirates have arrived in National Harbor

aptain John Sparrow most certainly started the pirate craze a few years ago with the first installment of the Pirates of the Caribbean movie. In fact, they have been invading Fells Point in Baltimore since 2008 and extended their fleet to the Georgetown waterfront next and now they have arrived at the East Pier here in the Harbor. They even had a new vessel commissioned for this new venture. The new boat has a passenger capacity of 90 and is almost twice the size as their Fells Point vessel. For those of you unfamiliar with Urban Pirates, it is a local group of self-acclaimed “swashbucklers and bucklerettes” that don their finest in pirate gear and treat the public to an adventure on the water. They officially opened April 23rd and are up and running at full speed. In addition to the regular harbor cruises that will run 7 days a week from *Memorial Day to Labor Day, Urban Pirates have a Family Adventure Cruise ($22 - 3 and over, $12 - 2 and under) that features an hour and a half adventure with a lively crew who will teach you how to talk, dance and play games like a pirate and you will have the opportunity to blast

First Mate’s Treasure Hunt enemies with water cannons. Gaylord National All this while navigating introduces a new summer treacherous waters and quest for the entire family discovering vast treasures. I through its free scavenger think my personal favorite hunt. Participants can scour is going to be the Adult the resort’s 1.5-acre atrium BYOG (Bring Your Own to discover missing parrots Grog) Cruise ($25 for all and receive a reward worthy riders). Like they say “Real” BY LANI GERING of a pirate upon completion. Pirates bring their own grog The First Mate’s Treasure to enjoy with the modern Hunt is available daily. music and games. Birthday packages are available as are private charters! Swashbuckler’s Story Time Our friends at the Gaylord National Resort are getting in on the Pirate Adventures Overnight guests can bring their action as well. Guests visiting the little ones to join the hotel’s pirate Resort and Convention Center pal for an adventurous tale during this summer will discover hidden treasure, a pirate’s feast, swashbuckling the Swashbuckler’s Story Time Adventures. The free experience will adventures and more during its take place on Fridays, Saturdays and SummerFest celebration featuring Pirates on the Potomac. The resort has select dates at 8:15 p.m. partnered with Urban Pirates, to bring Pirates Pool Invasion pirate festivities, packages and other Overnight guests can enjoy free summertime fun on weekends from pool-side fun with pirates on Fridays, May 27 through Labor Day. Saturdays and select holiday dates. Capt’n Bones Buccaneer Breakfast Kids will play pirate games, win prizes A pirate crew will invade the and more. The Pirates Pool Invasion is resort’s alfresco restaurant, Pienza from 5 to 6 p.m. Marketplace, during the Capt’n Bones Buccaneer Breakfast on Atrium Antics Saturdays, Sundays and select holiday Guests will be delighted by an dates. Guests will enjoy a bountiful array of strolling, pirate-themed meal made from scratch including entertainment on Friday and Saturday Blackbeard’s Scrambled Eggs, Captain’s evenings. Enjoy face painters, jugglers, Bacon and Sausage, Cannon Ball caricature artists and more throughout Pancakes and more. Children also will the resort’s 1.5-acre atrium, 4 - 7 pm. experience pirate games, as well as For more information on the Resort take home a pirate craft. and its summer offerings, visit: www. GaylordNational.com/SummerFest or call 301-965-4000.

* May 1 – Memorial Day and Labor Day through October the cruises will set sail Thursday through Sunday. For information on cruise check-in and departures log on to their website at urbanpiratesnh.com.

46 | May 2016

Old Town Crier

NATIONAL HARBOR MAY EVENTS Visit www.NationalHarbor.com for more information and holiday itineraries.

SATURDAYS & SUNDAYS THROUGH OCTOBER Farmers Market American Way 10 am - 5 pm

TUESDAYS THRU SEPTEMBER Turbo Kick/Cardio Kickboxing On the Plaza 7 - 8 pm, FREE! Compliments of No Excuse Workout WEDNESDAYS THRU SEPTEMBER Family Fitness Class On the Plaza 10 - 10:30 am, FREE! Compliments of No Excuse Workout Hip Hop Zumba Class On the Plaza 7 - 8pm, FREE! Compliments of No Excuse Workout SATURDAYS THRU SEPTEMBER Yoga On the Plaza 9 - 10 am, FREE! Compliments of No Excuse Workout

Miller Farms Farmer’s Market returns to National Harbor with their wide array of fresh fruits and vegetables, baked goods, beautiful flowers and plants, and much more.

SUMMER FRIDAYS THRU SEPTEMBER On the Plaza 4 - 8:30 pm New this season! Join your friends for one of the many lawn games the likes of bocce ball, corn hole, yahzee, tic-tac-toe and jenga! Games start at 4 pm. From 6-7 pm Bobby McKey’s Dueling Piano Boom Box will be on hand. The evening rounds out with a DJ and dancers handing out give aways. FREE! SATURDAYS THRU SEPTEMBER Salute the Sunset Concert Series On the Plaza 7 pm, FREE! Beginning on the 14th, world-class performances by bands from the nation’s Armed Forces at National Harbor will stir the hearts and souls of civilians and military personnel alike, while their tuneful stylings in a variety of genres please music lovers of all ages. 14th Navy Commodores 21st Navy Cruisers

food to go from one of our delicious dining establishments, and meet us at the Plaza screen for a FREE evening of fun for all ages! DATE NIGHT 7 PM 5th Mean Girls 12th Captain Phillips 19th My Big Fat Greek Wedding 26th Sleepless in Seattle FAMILY NIGHT 6 PM 8th Pan 15th Frozen 22nd Finding Nemo 29th Monsters MAY 15 Tropicolor World Tour 5K On the Plaza 9 am Meet at the start line, we’ll take care of the rest. The Color Run Tropicolor World Tour 2016 is bringing a 5k paradise straight to National Harbor with a sweet

Tropicolor Zone on course, all-new Rainbow Beach at the Finish Festival, and a fresh island-style participant kit. The start-line window will open at 9 am with waves going every few minutes! Make sure you plan your day with plenty of time. At The Color Run, the start line is its own pre-race party with music, dancing, warmup stretching and giveaways!

MOVIES ON THE POTOMAC On the Plaza Nothing says summer like an evening under the stars—and there’s no better way to enjoy the season than a Date Night at National Harbor. Join us on the Plaza every Thursday night and Family Night on Sundays. Pack your chairs, grab

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potomac belle Docked in Old Town Alexandria

For reservations and additional information

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

NATIONAL HARBOR DINING GUIDE AC LOUNGE 156 Waterfront St. 301-749-2299 BOND 45 149 Waterfront Street 301-839-1445 BREWS & BITES Capitol Wheel Pier 301-749-1300 CADILLAC RANCH 186 Fleet St. 301-839-1100 cadillacranchgroup.com 48 | May 2016

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

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

703.684.0580

CHIPOTLE MEXICAN GRILL 158 National Plaza 301-749-2016

McCORMICK & SCHMICK 145 National Plaza 301-567-6224

CRAB CAKE CAFE 140 National Plaza 240-766-2063

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

ELEVATION BURGER 108 Waterfront Street 301-749-4014 FIORELLA PIZZERIA E CAFFE 152 National Plaza 301-839-1811 GRACES MANDARIN 188 Waterfront Street 301-839-3788 GRANITE CITY FOOD & BREWERY 200 American Way 240-493-3900

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

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

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

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

REDSTONE AMERICAN GRILL 155 National Plaza 301-839-3330

Old Town Crier

By Lieutenant Colonel John McCrae, MD (1872-1918) Canadian Army In Flanders Fields the poppies blow Between the crosses row on row, That mark our place; and in the sky The larks, still bravely singing, fly Scarce heard amid the guns below. We are the Dead. Short days ago We lived, felt dawn, saw sunset glow, Loved and were loved, and now we lie In Flanders fields. Take up our quarrel with the foe: To you from failing hands we throw The torch; be yours to hold it high. If ye break faith with us who die We shall not sleep, though poppies grow In Flanders fields.

Each year around Memorial Day, Veterans of Foreign Wars members and American Legion Auxiliary volunteersdistribute millions of bright red, hand-crafted poppiesin exchange for contributions to assist disabled and hospitalized veterans. The poppy has become a nationally known and recognized symbol of sacrifice and is worn to honor the men and women who served and died for their country in all wars. This Memorial Day, honor veterans, both living and deceased, by remembering their service to our country.

Three Magic Words Outdoor. Waterfront. Dining.

The moment we’ve all been waiting for is here. Days are getting longer, nights warmer. Outdoor waterfront dining will soon be on display at Cedar Knoll. Stay tuned for our patio opening in May.

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

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