Old Town Crier Full Issue - June 2023

PUBLISHER’S NOTES

Well here it is, the middle of the year. It seems like only yesterday that we were just getting over the shortest day of the year and anticipating the days getting longer. After June 21st the days will begin to get shorter. How does time pass so quickly...am I watching it too closely?

I guess that at a certain age these dates become the mile markers in life. I need to remind myself to just stay in the present. Rather than reiterate what content lies within the issue - like I have for the last several years - I thought I would just let your fingers do the walking through the pages. I am very proud of the caliber of our contributing writers and their missives. It is hard to believe that we have six contributors that have been with us continuously for over 25 years – Steve Chaconas, Sarah Becker, Lenny Campello, Julie Reardon and Lori Welch Brown. That is dedication and along with all of our writers, our well rounded content reflects the “fruits of their labors”.

Speaking of writers, our Take Photos and Leave Footprints columnist, Scott Dicken, is taking a hiatus for a few months starting in July. He is making a big move and will be back on board when his life gets back to some semblance of normalcy! One goes, another comes on board. Welcome to Glenn Morel as he pens the Let’s Eat column.

Many of you have contacted us about the color in portions of the May issue. Our printer had a problem with the ink saturation and hopefully that will be corrected going forward. It was most apparent in the A Bit of History column penned by Sarah Becker - the oversaturation of the background of the column made it difficult to read. We apologize. Please be aware that you can always go to oldtowncrier.com and read this article and any others in crisp clear light. If you missed the column, check it out online. In June we celebrate Flag Day on the 14th and Father’s Day on the 18th. Flag Day is a good day to give Old Glory some love. If you are flying a flag that is tattered and faded, take it down and replace it. We all know that we should treat Dad like every day is Father’s Day but if you are lucky enough to still have yours around, give him some special love on the 18th!

As an aside, I offer my congratulations to my old rugby team - West Potomac Rugby Clubfor continuing to play and help others learn for the last 60 years. Former and current players gathered at Cedar Knoll last month to celebrate with a 60th anniversary gala. There was a Young Boys vs. Old Boys game earlier that day at Gravely Point. Former players came from far and wide – we think the furthest was Belize. Today’s youth is the future of Rugby in America and Alexandria has developed an amazing program. This game was the legacy and what will pave the way into the future. Ruck On!

Cheers to Summer!

The Old Boys are in White!

Feature.......................................17 Take Photos, Leave Footprints.................26

To the Blue Ridge...................................22 Urban Garden.........................................19

Where is the Mural?.................................6

ON THE ROAD WITH OTC

What a fantastic surprise! Former Alexandria resident and one of our very favorite ‘former’ Landini Brothers bartenders, Mitchell Hughes, submitted this photo of he and the “Littles” in his family in the spirit of Father’s Day! Pictured from left to right are Peyton, Teagan, Mitch and Emlyn. Mitch and his wife Kendall reside in Lewisville, North Carolina where he is loving being a Dad. Photo by Kendall Hughes.

If you would like to see your photo in this space, grab a copy of the OTC and take it with you on your next adventure. Take a pic with your communication device and email it to office@ oldtowncrier.com with “On the Road” in the subject line. Be sure to include information for the caption and your mailing address if you would like a hard copy sent directly to your home.

Where Is This Mural?

Many thanks to those of you who submitted guesses last month but unfortunately none were correct. Maybe this image will give you a bigger clue! Be the first person to respond with the correct location and receive a $50 gift certificate to a local dining establishment of our choice.

In order to participate, you will have to Like and Follow us on:

Facebook @oldtowncrier

Instagram @otcregionalmag

Send a PM with your guess and we will contact the winner each month via PM to arrange for prize delivery.

Mural Photo by Lee Moody.

The month of June is often referred to as the "Month of Love" since so many ladies aspire to be "June Brides". Shadow Mountain Escape provides the best place to elope. More about this in Road Trip. Photo by Karen Riddle

Old Town Arts & Crafts Fair 3rd

10 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Admission: Free Waterfront Park

1A Prince Street volunteeralexandria.org

Volunteer Alexandria presents the Old Town Arts & Crafts Fair at Waterfront Park. The fair features local and regional artists and crafters who showcase their pieces across various mediums, including pottery, stationery, fabrics, paintings, jewelry, photography and more.

Taste of Del Ray 4th

1 to 3 p.m.

Admission: $25 per adult and $10 for children under 12; $60 for VIP tickets Mount Vernon Recreation Center fields 2701 Commonwealth Avenue visitdelray.com

Named one of Virginia’s top food festivals by Virginia Living Magazine readers, Taste of Del Ray showcases the diversity of cuisine and creativity of chefs in Alexandria’s Del Ray neighborhood. Ticket holders will enjoy tastes from top Del Ray restaurants and can cast their votes for the People’s Choice Award. The outdoor event will take place at the Mount Vernon Recreation Center fields. A limited number of VIP tickets will be sold for $60, offering foodies a noon entry into the festival and a wine tasting. Only 500 general admission and 100 VIP tickets will be sold.

5 to 7:30 p.m.

Admission: Free Various locations throughout Old Town Alexandria, VA 22314 oldtownbusiness.org

On the third Thursday of each month, discover an art gallery and/or cultural arts orga nization offering an evening of fine art and studio crafts. Come to Old Town for an evening of art and stay for dinner at a nearby restaurants More information on participating art galleries and restaurants can be found at oldtownbusiness.org.

Portside in Old Town Summer Festival sponsored by Ting 16th & 17th

Admission: Free Waterfront Park

1A Prince Street PortsideFestival.com

Kick off summer with the return of the Portside in Old Town Summer Festival sponsored by Ting. This free festival features an array of live music, local craft beer from Port City Brewing Company and fun for the whole family on the Alexandria waterfront. The event features Friday evening jazz performances and readings by Alexandria poets as part of the ALX Jazz Fest presented by the City of Alexandria’s Office of the Arts. Saturday, the festival continues with an eclectic musical lineup, local food, hands-on art and history activities and more. The Portside in Old Town Summer Festival sponsored by Ting is produced by Visit Alexandria in partnership with the City of Alexandria's Office of the Arts, a division of the Department of Recreation, Parks and Cultural Activities.

Juneteenth African American History Bus Tour with Manumission Tour Company 17th

11 a.m. and 1 p.m.

Admission: $35 per person

Alexandria Black History Museum

902 Wythe Street

manumissiontours.com

Join Manumission Tour Company for the annual Juneteenth African American History Bus Tour. Ride along on a 90-minute bus tour to visit various historic sites that will tell the story of African Americans in early Alexandria. Some of the sites discussed on the tour include several historic African American churches in the city, including Alfred Street Baptist Church, Barrett Library, site of the 1939 Library Sit-In, Freedom House and many more.

LOCAL FARMERS MARKETS

nation’s oldest continuing markets operating since 1753. It is said that George Washington sent his products from Mount Vernon to be sold here. Today the plaza is a mecca for farmers and artists to sell their wares. The Market is a primary source for meats, dairy, fish, fruits, vegetables and flowers for all those who visit.

DEL RAY FARMERS MARKET

Corner of Mt. Vernon and Oxford Avenues

Saturdays, 8 am to Noon

Year Round

This market is strictly a producer grown market.  Lots of fresh vegetables, fruits, fish and salmon, fresh mushrooms, baked goods, hard cider.  Farmers are within a 150 mile radius of Alexandria.  A non-profit is featured each weekend.

Alexandria’s favorite dog friendly market! The Old Town North Thursday Market is a growers only market with a focus on produce from small family farms and local artisans. Products sold at the market include fresh fruits and veggies from Virginia’s Northern Neck, Micro Greens from an urban farm, Empanadas, Fresh baked pastries with a European flair and much more.

FOUR MILE RUN FARMERS & ARTISANS MARKET

4109 Mount Vernon Avenue

Sundays, 9 am – 1 pm

Year Round

This market offers fresh, nutritious food to people of all income levels and strives to reflect the diversity of Alexandria’s community. Local artisans display their arts and crafts as well

Connect with us!

Web: VisitAlexandriaVA.com

Blog: Blog.VisitAlexandriaVA.com

Facebook: Facebook.com/VisitAlexandriaVA

Twitter: Twitter.com/AlexandriaVA

Instagram: Instagram.com/VisitAlexVA

Not to be missed on

the Waterfront:

Two Boxes of Oranges and Admonia Jackson

Admission: Free Waterfront Park

1A Prince Street visitalexandriava.com/public-art

Photo Credit: Lee Moody

Two Boxes of Oranges and Admonia Jackson is the fifth temporary public art installation on Old Town Alexandria’s waterfront, part of the City of Alexandria’s Site See: New Views in Old Town series. Created by Jamaican-born, New York-based award-winning artist Nina Cooke John of Studio Cooke John, the installation is inspired by the ships uncovered on Alexandria’s waterfront in 2015 and 2018 and the many layers of history that are not readily seen. The installation forms an abstracted ship’s hull with steel vertical elements that rise and bend, referencing the curve of the hull’s frame. Visitors can stand within the space and imagine a time in Alexandria’s history when the ships carried not only cargo like tobacco, molasses, rum and limes, but also enslaved people who were traded as part of the transatlantic and domestic slave trades. The outer blue of the installation is contrasted with an orange inner surface depicting text pulled from ships’ manifests listing items like herring, coconuts and gin, alongside names and descriptions of enslaved people, such as “Jane Tailor, female, 5’ 2”.” Also listed are “two boxes of oranges” and “Admonia Jackson.”

Exploring Our Capital the See DC Today Way

It is always nice when you run into a former Alexandrian and friend who has also started a successful business in the area. This time our friend Dean Goldsmith took his organizational and IT skills to Washington, D.C. and opened what we think is one of the best ways to tour the Nation's Capital. Many of you can attest to the fact that the best way to tour any city is to have a local show you around. That is just what Goldsmith brings to the table with See DC Today. I understand this philosophy. I grew up here and I love showing the sights but also telling the stories about each of them and about the District of Columbia in general. This is what Dean and his team are experts at. Dean started his business in 2017, got his feet wet and made adjustments. Then Covid hit and, like many businesses, he suffered but made it through the pandemic a better company.

See DC Today operates on the premise that the quality of the tour is what matters most. While they have the capability to provide a “bus” tour, they prefer to cater to

families and small groups. Their vans can accommodate up to eleven individuals who want a more personalized and exclusive experience.

See DC Today also has two luxury SUV's for those who prefer a more upscale mode of transportation and a more intimate tour of our city. This option is popular with couples who are looking for a special experience the likes of marriage proposals, anniversaries and such.

Private day and mid-day tours last approximately four hours and the night tours last about three hours. In my opinion, the night time is a great time to tour the city. It is beautiful at night, however, some attractions may not be open. All major attractions are included in the tour or can be customized to your personal interests.

When one thinks of "tours" that usually refers to tourists. I think these tours are excellent for locals with friends in town as well. To coin a Greyhound phrase..."Leave the driving to us". Keeping this slogan in mind, Dean has picked the right drivers...folks who either grew up in the area or

have lived here long enough to know the history as well as how to navigate the city.

The beauty of these tours is the live narration. While the canned recordings can be informative, having a warm body to ask questions and get personalized answers is a treat. Dean is very proud of his guides. “They are all interesting, and they all have a special place in my heart,” he says, “They all have a story to tell.” I asked him to tell me something about each of them. See the sidebar to this column.

If you go to their web site, SeeDCToday.com, you can pull up some of their recommended tours and a few of the driver's favorites. As I scrolled through some of their recommendations I rediscovered some places that I haven't seen since I was a kid. I think I’ll give them a call!

Steve Ryan

Steve is 70 years old, born in DC and now a retired career bartender. He was behind the stick downtown everywhere from Clydes to Old Ebbitt and Martins Tavern. He has read the Washington post from cover to cover for 40+ years, this guy can spin a yarn and nothing in DC that he does not know something about. Super friendly guy, always an hour early and well prepared for the

Andrew Evans

Andy is another 70+ year old working with us, he was raised in Alexandria, has a huge family, served in Vietnam, spent a career in high school education and counseling roles. He usually gets deep into conversations with guests that have kids that are university bound. Andy kept the professional gig while wanting to do comedy. He continues to work the comedy circuit, and has broken bread with everyone from Chapelle to Seinfeld - the list goes on and on. He also has a great book about the history of DC comedy for 50+ years or more.

Kareem Sterling

Kareem is a practicing attorney in his mid-40’s. He saw our vans on the mall and approached us about getting on board. It didn’t take long for him to learn the ropes. He studied up on what needed to be known to do our tours and he is another one of those guys that we - back at the officeponder “how does he do it?” What kind of hypnotic tricks does he have? The reviews this guy gets are so impressive we think he is paying someone to write them.

Ramon Barron

Ramon is the youngest in our gang – the guy just turned 30. Growing up in a military family, he is well traveled. He graduated from Hayfield Secondary in Alexandria, attended Arizona State and now makes the DMV his home. He has some very interesting tales to tell. He is another one of those guys that is just a natural and people are always raving about his tours. Ramon really connects with the kids, and speaks fluent Spanish - that comes in handy in this business.

R Et iR E mE n t incomE t hR E ats –how should you R E spond?

When the daily news is filled with discussions about inflation, interest rates, market volatility, and endless other angst-producing events, how you react could make a difference in your financial outcomes. These tips may help you sort through the noise and create an action plan that fits your situation.

Evaluat E

The first step is to evaluate. Do you have a current retirement income plan that you have been following? If your plan is documented, it is likely that it includes how much cash flow you need to meet your dayto-day expenses as well as for discretionary spending. Pull out your plan and take a look to determine where adjustments might be applied.

If you do not have a plan or it has not been updated to reflect your current circumstances, document your assets, income sources, expenses, and debt. Gathering all the information in one place helps clearly define your total money picture. In the process, you may uncover expenditures that can be reduced or eliminated. A few adjustments may be enough to reduce the pressure on your income flow.

R E tain o R a djust

If your plan is addressing your current needs, it can be reassuring to confirm that your plan is working as you had expected.

If your income needs no longer match your income plan, depending on your circumstances, there are actions you may want to consider to get your plan on track. These may include:

• Altering your withdrawal strategy to change the amount in taxes you pay on your

retirement income to give you greater spending power

• Reallocating your assets or temporarily reducing withdrawal amounts to address any concerns about drawing down your investments in a down market

• Including inflationindexed investments or other income-generating strategies in your portfolio

• Adding an annuity with income protection, which may help ensure an income stream that lasts for life, even in the event of poor market performance. A variety of annuities, such as variable annuities, registered index-linked annuities (RILAs), fixed indexed annuities, and immediate annuities, may provide income protection. One of these products may be appropriate for a portion of your assets, depending on your specific needs and risk tolerance.

Your advisor can help you explore how alternatives such as these may fit into your strategy. Indeed, both your tax advisor and financial advisor can be helpful partners in assessing your situation.

Regular reviews of your income flow and income strategy are helpful to identify if changes are needed in your strategy or to confirm that things are working as planned.

These are just a few examples of changes that could help your retirement income deliver on your strategy. Contact your financial advisor and legal and tax advisors to review your specific situation and help address your changing needs.

Variable annuities are long-term investments suitable for retirement

funding and are subject to market fluctuations and investment risk.

This article was written by/for Wells Fargo Advisors and provided courtesy of Carl M. Trevisan, Managing Director-Investments and Stephen M. Bearce, First Vice President- Investments in Alexandria, VA at 800-247-8602.

Wells Fargo Investment Institute, Inc. is a registered investment adviser and wholly owned subsidiary of Wells Fargo Bank, N.A., a bank affiliate of Wells Fargo & Company. ©2023 Wells Fargo Advisors Financial Network, LLC.

R E v isit and R E a djust, if n E E d E d

In Honor of Pet Appreciation Week...

Pet Appreciation Week, initiated by the American Veterinarian Association—an Association established in 1863—is celebrated June 4-10, 2023. It is said that George and Martha Washington were “avid dog and bird people.” Mary Thompson, published author and Mount Vernon Historian Emerita, loves dogs. She joins me for a Q&A.

Q1: The American Heritage Dictionary defines pet as “an animal kept for amusement or companionship; an object of the affections, a favorite.” To what extent did the Washington family enjoy companion animals, pets of a particular type?

A1. “The Washington family knew and related to animals in a number of different roles, including as pets. Like other people now and two hundred years ago, they used animals to supply labor on their farms: to pull plows, harrows, and other agricultural equipment. Also to power coaches, wagons, sleighs, and other means of land transportation. Dogs mostly served as guard animals.”

Q2. You recently purchased a West Highland white Terrier puppy. Did the Washington family’s fondness for Westies influence your choice of household pet?

A2.”The new puppy, whose name is Fingal, is our second Westie. Much as I wish we could prove that Washington had Westies that is just a

fond wish. Many dog breeds with which we are familiar today were developed in the 18th and 19th centuries. Although Westies are primarily house pets at present, they were developed as hunters who helped keep barns and stables free of rats and mice: barnyards free of unwanted vermin, i.e. rabbits, foxes, badgers, weasels, otters, water rats, woodchucks, and even small game and birds. There is some evidence that Westies have been a feature of Scottish life since at least the time of King James VI [1566-1625]. Terriers, as a group, came in a range of sizes as did their prey.”

Q3. More than 30 American Foxhounds were listed in George Washington’s journals including Mopsey and Tipler, Drunkard and Truelove. Washington was a key player in their development. For what reason was the Foxhound, a working breed so special?

A3. “Foxes, as beautiful and interesting as they are, were a real nuisance on 18th century Virginia farms. They threatened the lives of a number of animals that colonists relied on as food sources. Hunting and destroying foxes protected animals such as chickens, sheep, etc. It also provided sport for men in the Virginia colony.”

Q4. Is it true that bones of domestic felines were found in a Mount Vernon slave quarter cellar? Were the enslaved permitted to have household pets, cats if not dogs? Gunner, I am told, was a

Great Newfoundland Dog who helped slave Tom Davis “hunt for the Mansion House table.”

A4. “Archaeologists found the skeleton of a domestic cat in an 18th century soil layer from the cellar of a Mount Vernon slave quarter. This is the only evidence for the presence of cats at Mount Vernon at that time. There is no evidence that enslaved laborers were forbidden to have cats. They would have been useful in keeping down rodents in grain storage areas on the plantations. Dogs, however, were often used by enslaved people to hunt down livestock such as sheep. Sheep provided them with meat that the Washingtons otherwise wanted for themselves.”

Monticello, 1992: “I am afraid it is no rumor,” Lucia C. Stanton, Director of Research, wrote. “Thomas Jefferson did give orders to have his slaves’ dogs killed—and at least twice. The first was on December 26, 1808, when he wrote his overseer, Edmund Bacon: ‘Next, to secure wool enough, the negroes dogs must all be killed. Do not spare a single one.’ Recent expansion of his sheep-breeding operation, with an eye toward self-sufficiency in providing wool for the slaves’ clothing, led him to take this precaution.”

Q5. Mount Vernon’s Pioneer Farm includes many animals: Sheep, Hogs, Mules, and such. For what reason is George Washington called “The Father of the American Mule?

...Our Forefathers and Their Pets

A5. “Washington should probably be called the “Promoter of the American Mule.” Close study of the laws passed by the Virginia Assembly in the early 18th century show that there were mules in the state before George Washington was born. As an adult, when he became interested in improving Virginia’s agriculture, he also became interested in improving the quality of the mules and donkeys then available. Washington began by asking estate owners from the Caribbean and European about the howsoever of importing superior specimens. He first talked with the unofficial Spanish ambassador about this during the Revolutionary War but that gentleman died unexpectedly. It wasn’t until about a decade later that Washington was able to finally arrange for the animals importation and breeding began at Mount Vernon.”

Q6. George Washington saw a camel for the first time in 1787. Why did Washington bring the camel to Mount Vernon, an animal now identified with Mount Vernon’s ongoing Christmas festivities?

A6. “The short answer would be because Washington wanted to see the camel. ‘By the man who brot. a camel from Alexa. for a show…0.18.0.’ [18 shillings] These few words are the only documentation of a visit by a rare exotic animal to 18th century Mount Vernon.

The material which follows—elaborating on that visit—is based on what is known about the exotic animal trade of the period.

We know that George Washington had quite an interest in animals, both domestic and rare and often paid to see them. Over the years he and various members of his household were able to learn something about the world outside Virginia from itinerant entertainers who drew large gatherings, events such as fairs. Many of these individuals seem to have worked with exotic or specially-trained animals.

In June of 1766 Washington recorded paying 10 shillings to see a ‘Lyoness.’ Three years later, he spend 3 shillings and 1 ½ pence to see a ‘Tyger’ either the now familiar striped Asian tiger or a North American cougar or puma which the colonists called ‘red tigers.’ Washington definitely saw a ‘Cugar’ in Philadelphia during his presidency, as well as a ‘Sea Leopard’ a type of sea lion.

At least twice in his life he paid to see an elk and during his presidency he forked out $1.75 ‘For to see Elephant.’ The Washington family was also interested in animals exhibiting special qualities or training. They gave $3.00 to a ‘man who had a very sagacious Dog.’ The canine is said to have been able to ‘beat any person at playing at cards.’

Attempts to find references in period newspapers to the 1787 camel ‘who came to Mount Vernon’ were initially unsuccessful. Apparently a pair of camels were imported to New York from Arabia; sold and then exhibited. It may be that one of the pair was brought to Alexandria or perhaps the Mount Vernon camel is unrelated to any of the known ones. Or it might just be that Washington learned there was a camel in town and invited the handler to bring it to his plantation. Unfortunately we have no information about how long the camel was at Mount Vernon.

Who would have been at Mount Vernon to see the camel that Christmas? Depending on when the camel arrived, in addition to himself and Mrs. Washington there might have been his two youngest Custis grandchildren: George Washington Parke Custis, Nelly Custis, and several others, including Dr. James Craik.”

Q7. During the Battle of Germantown, the Revolutionary War’s Philadelphia campaign British General William Howe’s dog accidentally crossed enemy lines. He was captured then kindly returned. What does General Washington’s good deed, his letter to Howe teach us about honor and accountability; human domination and love?

A7. “What I think this incident tells us the most about is that Washington knew how much pets mean to people, even when they were enemies. The reason for that is because Washington himself loved animals—and they loved him. Washington’s affection for his horse Nelson was reciprocated. It is said that, as George Washington would walk around the grounds of the estate, he would stop at Nelson’s paddock, ‘when the old war-horse would run, neighing, to the fence, proud to be caressed by the great master’s hands.’ According to an equestrian friend, horses, being prey animals, don’t just come running up to people for affection unless they know and trust them well…and love them!”

The Washington family owned many dogs, hounds mostly. Said George Washington Parke Custis soon after his grandfather’s death: “His hunting dogs were his pride (and proof of his skill in hunting) to have his pack so critically drafted….” Nelly Custis’ favorite dog was a Spaniel. Martha Washington’s special pet: a cockatoo.

One of the family’s first pet birds was a parrot. The parrot was acquired from the Captain of a West India trading ship “that had stopped here.”

In 2022 Mars Petcare certified Alexandria as a BETTER CITY FOR PETS. For more information, consult visitalexandria.com;

mountvernon.org and or monticello.org.

My Parker Poodle appreciates a good tale. We look forward to the release of Mary’s next book, and Parker reminds all that National Take your Pet to Work Day is celebrated June 23!

Sarah Becker started writing for The Economist while a graduate student in England. Similar publications followed. She joined the Crier in 1996 while serving on the Alexandria Convention and Visitors Association Board. Her interest in antiquities began as a World Bank hire, with Indonesia’s need to generate hard currency. Balinese history, i.e. tourism provided the means. The New York Times describes Becker’s book, Off Your Duffs & Up the Assets, as “a blueprint for thousands of nonprofit managers.” A former museum director, SLAM’s saving grace Sarah received Alexandria’s Salute to Women Award in 2007. Email: abitofhistory53@gmail.com. Banner

Photo Credit: Getty Images

Mary Thompson, author and Mount Vernon Historian Emerita

What Is Happening to the Jewel of the DMV Art Scene?

As I write this month's column, I am in New York City at the Volta Art Fair during NYC's week of art fairs. I am typing this column in my cell phone because I have a thing about free hotel WiFi and security.

Art fairs are tiring work... one must be on full alert, on your feet, and kibbitzing for hours to the thousands of potential collectors and art buyers.

So why am I typing this column in my phone as I lay on my weird Scandinavian style bed, eight inches off the floor at the trendy and chic Selina Hotel in Chelsea?

Because the city of Alexandria is slowly but surely screwing up, and tarnishing, and destroying the great jewel of the DMV art scene that once was the Torpedo Factory.

I could try to explain what the kommissars at the helm of the office that now "runs" the Torpedo Factory are screwing up... but I thought that I'd let Cindy Packard Richmond, a wellknown and highly successful Torpedo Factory artist tell you in her own words:

ART & ANTIQUES ANTIQUES

"I am voluntarily leaving the Torpedo Factory Art Center at the end of September. I am NOT retiring. I have loved my time (17 years) at the Factory and being with the amazing artists and friends. The TFAA is not what it once was. We had blind juries. Artists were free to develop and stay as long as they wished.

Alexandria abruptly took away the artists’ autonomy. Now, the jury is as far from ‘blind’ as possible. Everyone’s age and ethnicity is determined before the art is considered. The most odious part of their process affects the current artists. They are not being judged as artists, but by studio space. If a studio has three artists and one is deemed lacking, ALL THREE artists are forced to leave. The factory lost some amazing artists due to this folly last year. Now every artist has to re-jury every three years. The Office of Arts appears to believe this constant churning will make the factory vibrant."

In my opinion, this is what happens when clueless said kommissars take over running and dictating the Arts.

Result: what was once the shining jewel of the DMV art scene, a building once full of trash, rescued and refurbished by artists, not the city or its politicians, artists who over the decades turned it into a magical place for the Arts, not the City or its politicians, slowly fades away into an art-by-recipe gray hunk of governmentapproved art.

Cuba and North Korea also have government kommissars who dictate government-approved art. In those countries, artists who are determined to be "lacking" are often jailed. Ask Cuban artist Tania Bruguera about what happens when the heavy hand of government chokes the creative process of the fine arts.

"That is exactly how the Corcoran failedclueless political hacks attempting to run a museum", commented a well-known art administrator of a major DMV non-profit arts space.

"Manufactured authenticity," noted a local artist.

"... the city is CLUELESS. So many people

GALLERIES

Is the avalanche of the destruction of the Torpedo Factory's artistic footprint too late to stop? I don't know.

Is there a politico in the City of Alexandria who remembers the Factory when it was a shining and vibrant example of what hardworking artists can accomplish when working together? Probably, but these days politicians just align to what the wind and pollsters tell them is the right (or left) thing to do.

What makes this disaster sadder, is the fact that "art by recipe" has failed every time it has been tried as the Nazis and the Soviets discovered in the last century.

There's no formula, there's no allotment by race or ethnicity or affiliation or fill-

political offices as the drivers.

Torpedo Factory... the Art world weeps for you.

About the Author: F. Lennox Campello's art news, information, gallery openings, commentary, criticism, happenings, opportunities, and everything associated with the global visual arts scene with a special focus on the Greater Washington, DC area has been a premier source for the art community for over 20 years.

Since 2003, his blog has been the 11th highest ranked art blog on the planet with over SIX million visitors.

with a handcrafted gift…

Exclusively representing the works of F. Lennox Campello

Price and additional images upon request.

Exclusively representing the works of F. Lennox Campello

Syreni Caledonii (Northern Atlantic Mermaid). Watercolor, charcoal and Conte. 2019, 12x36 inches.

Price and additional images upon request. Alida Anderson Art Projects, LLC, Washington, DC www.alidaanderson.com / info@alidaanderson.com

Artwork: Bowspirit by Cindy Crawford Richmond

Photography: Lani Gering

I Said I Loved You... But I LIED

Lately I’ve been listening to a lot of songs from the 1990s and I’m excited to share one of my favorites with you here. Michael Bolton’s 1993 hit, “Said I Loved You…But I Lied”, is among the best pop ballads produced in the 20th century. It’s been setting hearts on fire for the last three decades and remains popular to this day. For my money, it doesn’t get any better than the flinty and soulful power of Bolton’s voice letting loose on this song.

For the intro music we hear mysterious sounding synthesizers punctuated by reverberating tom toms. This is followed by a sparkling melody performed with a bell-like synth sound. After a couple of measures, a deep and smooth bass line provides power and richness to the mix. Percussive elements are also sprinkled around the stereo field giving the listener an interesting spatial experience of the music. On top of all this, Bolten accentuates the feeling with a spooky wordless falsetto melody that pulls the listener in like a tractor beam.

As the first verse is introduced, we hear mellow synth chords while bass and percussion establish the song’s rhythmic backbone. Swelling keyboard sounds also swirl around the mix adding to the mysterious tone of the music. For the topline, Bolton delivers a tender yet powerful performance expressing his love with timeless and poetic lyrics that have been melting hearts for decades. As the verse progresses, shimmering guitar chords along with palm muted notes are sprinkled in giving the track its iconic 90s ballad sound.

For the chorus, Bolton delivers one of the most exquisite feelings I’ve ever felt while listening to a song. There’s something transcendent in the combination of the melody, lyrics, and vocal performance that words simply can’t express. The timeless gift of Bolton’s voice is supported with a dreamy plucked synth melody alongside swirling synthesizer streaming through the mix like fireflies in a field at midnight. All of this is further supported by a rock solid bass line and percussive elements that include wood block, shaker, and a snappy snare drum.

The romance of this classic song is further accentuated with the smooth sounds of the instrumental. Here Spanish acoustic guitar sprinkles its magic over the music with the sound of finger plucked notes drenched in reverb. A breathy synthesizer, reminiscent of a flute, accompanies the guitar creating a unique texture to the music. Additionally, unearthly windlike sounds set to music flow through the mix adding to the mysterious feeling of the song.

Michael Bolton currently has several performances booked for 2023 and he has a new album coming out on June 23 called “Spark of Light''. You can find tickets to the shows and preorder the new album at michaelbolton.com. If you’d like to listen to “Said I Loved You…But I Lied”, you can find it on Spotify, Apple Music, YouTube, and most other places music is streamed or sold. If you’d like to learn more about Michael Bolten, you can find him on Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter.

About the Author: Ron Powers is an independent A&R specialist and music industry consultant and is constantly searching for, discovering and writing about new talent.

The Importance of Children’s Literature

Children’s literature is the early foundation for our imagination, understanding of others, and the way we approach the world. I can still remember my mother reading to me and thinking how badly I wanted to learn how to read myself. My father would say it was imperative to have an excellent vocabulary, and we would discuss interesting words. My grandmother, a teacher, taught me to read, and my grandfather, a historian, took me to the public library on a weekly basis every summer when I came to visit. I would enter endless wondrous worlds: ones that strongly echoed my own and others that were set in alternate universes but still rang true. So here are some recommendations to make children’s lives infinitely richer. I cannot list all my favorites in this amount of space, so I will suggest a few beloved old titles and some new ones that have crossed my path of late.

For very young readers, Dr. Seuss is always a great place to start. Seuss’s ABC: An Amazing Alphabet Book is a delight, like most of his colorful, whimsical works. I cannot think of a better way to learn the alphabet. The Cat in the Hat children learning the joys, rhymes, and rhythms of poetry on a basic level. Dr. Seuss makes serious points in a charming, seemingly nonsensical way, whether he is talking about the spirit of Christmas in The Grinch Who Stole Christmas, or the importance of conserving the environment in The Lorax He embodies Oscar Wilde’s quip: “Life is too important to be taken seriously.”

An adorable, classic work for children from four to six is Arnold Lobel’s Caldecott Honor book, Frog and Toad Are Friends. The book presents an excellent friendship between very different personalities. Frog and Toad enjoy each other, indulge and endure each other’s idiosyncrasies, and help each other when necessary.

For me, no greater adventures existed when I was young than C.S Lewis’s seven books in The Chronicles of Narnia and J.R.R. Tolkien’s The Hobbi t and subsequent The Lord of the Rings trilogy. In Narnia Lewis created a world tinged with Greek and Roman mythology along with a gorgeous and joyful Christian allegory, accessible and meaningful to those of any religious background. He and his close friend, J.R.R. Tolkien, were in a literary discussion group, the Inklings, together at Oxford

Lewis’s novels and The Hobbit are appropriate for readers of seven or over, while Tolkien’s follow-up to The Hobbit , The Lord of the Rings, is a complex, gorgeously written, and often frighteningly dark trilogy: one that captivates mature preteens, teens, and their parents. It is profound and marvelous in its exploration of hope, despair, adventure, glory, the bittersweetness of the passage of time, and the importance of dear friends. Tolkien also has a wonderful gift for comic and profound verse. The movie versions are mostly excellent adaptations, but they are still, as we compulsive readers tend to say, not as good as the books.

Since 1997, the Harry Potter juggernaut, that appealing and allencompassing series for children and adults, overshadowed a brilliant set of books for precocious children, pre-teens, and adults that was also published sequentially in the same general time frame. Philip Pullman’s His Dark Materials, named after a phrase from John Milton’s Paradise Lost, comprises The Golden Compass, The Subtle Knife, and The Amber Spyglass Critically acclaimed and the winners of multiple awards, they depict the clash and convergence of

Pullman has created a trilogy that will inevitably come to share the status of the classic fantasy works I mentioned above, despite his ideas being condemned by the Catholic Church as veiled critiques of practices and philosophies in institutionalized Christianity. Some readers will want to ponder his fascinating ideas and metaphors, while others will simply accept the stories as a superb and exciting adventure series.

It can be difficult to get active youngsters to crack any books during the summer, but even nonreaders will be intrigued by stories of survival, adventure, and the coming of age that is often accompanied by painful emotional changes. Gary Paulsen’s Newbery Honor book, Hatchet , features a teenage boy named Brian whose parents are divorcing. When he flies in a bush plane to join his father for the summer in the Canadian wilderness, the pilot dies from a heart attack, and he must land the plane alone on an unknown lake. Furious at his parents’ split and armed only with a hatchet his mother gave him, Brian learns selfreliance, independence, and how to carve out an existence in the deep woods.

A similar adventure story approachable to nonreaders is close to my heart from childhood. A Newbery Medal winner, Call it Courage by Armstrong Sperry, tells the tale of a twelve-year-old Polynesian boy named Mafatu. Mafatu is terrified of the sea despite his name, which means “Stout Heart.” Deeply ashamed of his fears and determined to show his father his worth, he sets out in an outrigger canoe accompanied only by his pet dog and albatross. He flourishes and survives, even on an uninhabited island visited by cannibals.

The Diary of a Wimpy Kid series is a highly successful, lighthearted and humorous series of publications. Jeff Kinney’s story of a middle-school boy named Greg is a very funny, realistic work that will tickle young teens. Greg complains about and draws pictures of his classmates, silly girls who ignore him, annoying older and younger brothers, and his exasperating existence at school.

To end on a different note, I will mention a standout that I came across when I was eight or nine, although it can be read by preteens as well. While The Secret Garden by Frances Hodgson Burnett remains better known, I prefer A Little Princess. It is the story of Sara, a wealthy, intelligent, and kind girl who attends a British Victorian boarding school. The headmistress exalts her as the star of the school because of her money and connections. When her beloved father, her only relative, dies in India and loses all his money, this iron-hearted head of the school turns her into a half-starved, overworked scullery maid and tutor who must earn her keep. Once called a little princess by jealous classmates and ignorant staff, the sensitive, proud Sara belongs nowhere. After her fall from this elevated status, she decides that she will act with grace, charity, and kindness as a “princess” should and would, no matter how little money she has or how many hardships she endures. While this description may sound precious or saccharine, the novel is anything but. Its resolution never fails to overcome me.

I hope you have found some books worthy of the children in your life. Enjoy every minute you share with them in absorbing a bit of magic.

If you would like to send comments, feel free to send them to the author at krameroldtowncrier@yahoo.com.

A Father Figure

There are a myriad of females in my family. Starting with my Mom; she has three sisters. Out of my ten cousins, there are only two boys, and I am one of two daughters. I love being from a female-full family. The girl power factor is unbeatable. There was always an opportunity for late night girl talks on the phone, and the neverending understanding associated with female companionship, and, of course, the ability to cathartically cry for absolutely no reason. I am one very lucky girl, and during this time of year, I am forced to think… my poor father!

I frequently wondered if the fathers of all these females: my Dad, my uncles, and my grandfather, ever truly wished for sons. Even if they never outright said it, isn’t it common knowledge that a father wants a son? Playing ball, burping, and getting dirty are all elements of that father-son relationship that my dad never experienced. Is a prerequisite to feeling like a successful father the ability to share a love of bugs?

I think not! Sure, daughters are different, more challenging, even. Playing ball was not my thing, but my dad made it a point to figure out what my thing was. One of my favorite memories is our visit to the Museum of Natural History. I loved rocks, and Dad spent a small fortune on a pre-organized rock collection from the gift shop that I still have. Then there was the time when Mom had a morning meeting and Dad helped me get ready for school. He was not prepared for the drama that was my hair, but he gave it his all. Five barrettes and a can of hairspray later, I walked to the bus stop with a bumpy helmet head of ponytails.

Growing up, I didn’t go to dad with typical female needs…. When is it time for me to wear a bra? Can I wear lipstick? My boyfriend dumped me. I dumped my boyfriend, etc…thank goodness I have Mom for the ins and outs of being a girl! Although, I may have spared Dad from some of the minutiae, I was always able to turn to him for the big stuff. He taught me to be strong and independent.

He showed me how to stand up for myself and give everything I do my all. He showed me the value of working hard and the necessity of playing hard. Our time is not spent playing catch or talking stats; instead, we have deep conversations about applying for a promotion or buying a house.

The male point of view is an interesting and essential one. For example, I remember the time I complained about PMS; Dad shared that he didn’t want to hear me complain, because between myself, my sister, and my mom, he experienced PMS three times a month. That put it in perspective for me. My Dad is clever, too. Although I don’t like to admit it, there was a time when I was not perfect. For example, I got in trouble and lost phone privileges – this was in the day of landlines. The element of gab is required when you are a teenager, and I was sure I stumped my parents when I told them that the phone in my room was a gift from my grandparents and they couldn’t take it! Ha! Well, Dad countered

with the point that the phone jack in my room is his, and he could take it. Needless to say, I didn’t chat on the phone for the next two weeks.

Bottom line up front (a true Dadism,) my Dad is the reason that I am who I am today. He may not have had sons to raise, but he has two daughters who look to him as their role model for the male species, in general. He may have wished we could have bonded over bugs, but instead, we bonded over life. A father, if he does it right, is a figure for sons and daughters, alike. My Dad did it right, and I am proud to say to him – Happy Father’s Day!

Publishers Note: Caroline agreed to let us reprint this piece she wrote for our June 2009 issue. Since she penned this column, she and her husband Jeremy have given her father two more females to watch out for along with a brother in between. Enjoy the read and remember to treat you father as if every day were Father’s Day!!

Summer Gardening Tips

plants needed it, and before you know it their landscape looks terrible.

If you make a mistake pruning, don't worry about it. It's like a bad haircut, it will grow out. Of course use common sense and read the previous articles that I've written on pruning.

Along with summer time comes high humidity, which can cause a lot of problems with the plants in your garden and around your house. One of the simple things you can do is don't water just before dark. Make sure your plants are nice and dry when you tuck them in for the night and you can cut down of the chance fungus being a problem.

One of the more common fungi that I get asked about a lot is powdery mildew This appears as a white film on the leaves of ornamental plants. Powdery mildew isn't extremely harmful to the plants, it's just that the foliage is damaged, and little growing takes place once it sets in. Your local garden center will have a general fungicide you can spray if you'd like to try and control it. Usually once the plant defoliates in the fall the plant is back to normal.

perennial ryes, and Kentucky Blue Grass. If you have problems with pythium blight you will lose the perennial rye grass in large areas of your lawn, and even though the other grasses will still be there and fill in, your lawn will have areas that are much darker green than the rest of the lawn because you will then have concentrations of Kentucky Blue Grass.

You can see this fungus in the early morning. It looks like white cotton candy laying on top of your lawn. It usually appears along walks and driveways where the soil is the wet if you have been watering. To prevent pythium blight water as early in the day as possible.

Another nasty little blight that likes summer time is fire blight. Fire blight attacks ornamentals, especially apple trees, crabapple trees, cotoneasters, and pyracantha.

You know you have fire blight when a branch on one of your plants dies and turns almost red. The leaves usually hang on but turn reddish brown. The damage usually starts out near the end of the branch and works its way toward the main stem of the plant. There is little you can do except prune out the affected branch, cutting it as far back as possible.

warn you about. It's a handy little fungus that grows in mulch. The experts have appropriately named this one “Shotgun Fungus”. Isn't that a cute name?

A lot of people are victims of this nasty little fungus, but they don't know it. All they know is that there are tiny brown specs on the house that look like paint. So far they have blamed everything from spiders to aliens. There's not a lot you can do to prevent this fungus. I have found that if you keep the mulch loose so air can circulate it is less likely to grow fungi. Don't just keep adding layer after layer to the mulch around your house. You should skip at least every other year and just loosen the mulch you already have down. If you loosen it and then rake it flat it will look like you've just mulched. Mulch is great, just don't let it get packed down hard. Loosen it up at least once a year.

About the Author: Visit Michael J. MGroarty’s most interesting website, http:// www.freeplants.com and sign up for his excellent gardening newsletter, and grab a FREE copy of his E-book, "Easy Plant Propagation".

North Beach, MD

Jewel of the Chesapeake Bay”

With summer looming large, a trip to the beach seems to be in order. No… not Ocean City or the beaches of Southern Delaware – the sandy place on the Chesapeake we know as North Beach.

The Chesapeake Bay Bridge was first opened in 1952 allowing access to the beaches of the Atlantic Ocean; but before the bridge, folks from Washington, D.C. and Northern Virginia would take their weekend retreats to the Chesapeake Bay, and one of the most popular towns was North Beach in Calvert County.

In the early 1900’s, the town provided an ideal site for the vacation cottages of part-time residents from the city, but it also served well as the home for working watermen. You can often see the classic bay built

boats out on the bay either hauling up crab pots or taking out anglers to try their luck with bottom fishing or trolling for the massive striped bass or “Rockfish”. When the Bay Bridge opened, the summer crowds at the western shore getaways soon dissipated. The end of legalized gambling was the final blow that ended the heyday of North Beach as a rollicking resort.

Following that period of decline, the last 12 or so years have produced a rebirth of civic pride and a sense of community. Flower gardens blossom and the popular Friday Night Farmers’ Market is jammed with locals. Summer movies on the beach and an array of festivals and special events happen here year round. The sense of community is strong and everyone is extremely friendly.

Located on the western shore of the Chesapeake Bay, the town of North Beach epitomizes “land of pleasant living.” The seven-block waterfront has a fishing pier and a half-mile-long boardwalk. The boardwalk goes right up to the bay at the southern end and flares out into sandy beaches at the north end. Here you can find people enjoying the sun and coolness of the Chesapeake. All along the boardwalk are park benches for casual strollers to rest and watch the boats sail on the bay. The town also encompasses a wildlife refuge in its tidal marshlands where native species make their homes and seasonal migrants find a welcome place to rest.

In 2003, Hurricane Isabel destroyed many of the waterfront homes. Today the older homes have been replaced by brightly colored new homes and

condominiums. Walking through the town gives one the feeling that they might be in Key West. There are antique shops, a fine arts gallery, novelty shops, gift shops and a food market. There are numerous dining options in town, including burgers, ice cream, bakery items, sandwiches, and casual and fine dining restaurants.

Getting to North Beach is easy. Just take the beltway (Interstate 95/495) to route 4 south. After you pass Wayson’s Corner look for the signs and route 260 to North Beach and Chesapeake Beach. It’s only a 4045 minute drive from Old Town depending on Beltway traffic. See you at the beach! For events and more information check them out on Facebook or log on to northbeachmd. org!

“The

A Field Guide to Identifying Horse People... and tips on how to look like one!

Aoffering a field guide to help you identify the real horse people of the Blue Ridge. You never know when it will come in handy to discern real from fake when the actual subject of horses comes up, whether local or prime time nationally known events like the Triple Crown races. Who is a real horseman and who is just an armchair expert? You've probably been subjected to the "experts" stating how a jockey should've ridden a race, what the trainer should have done differently and how the mounted outriders should do their jobs. There's nothing like the Kentucky Derby and the Preakness stakes with their longevity and high national visibility to bring the wanna be and the fakes out of their armchairs and onto your social media and into casual conversations. Those are not real horse people. Seeing them in real life makes it a bit easier to identify horse people. That's because social media offers the wannabe horse person a chance to create a whole fake persona. Although fashion goes through cycles, currently it's trending back to old school prep that always had a heavy equestrian influence: tweed hacking jackets, waxed Barbour raincoats, and polo shirts, so becoming a horse person is fashionable too and a way to pretend you're classy old money even if it's all new money or even no money at all. Online, many offer themselves up as "horse people" even if the sum total of their experience is riding lessons at summer camp many years ago. In real life, horse people may look well put together at first glance at a dressier event but you can usually spy one of their trademarks: dirty muck boots, often with the faint aroma of manure, bits of hay stuck randomly to clothes or hair, a hoof pick or piece of baling twine in the pocket and some horse slobber on the shirt or barn jacket. And unlike most animals, female horse people usually sport the brighter flashier plumage, while the males tend toward drabber colors.

Don't be fooled by those that know little about horses, but aspire to. They may love the preppy clothing and even the horses, and enjoy

called Tally Ho or Fox Den, and have hunt prints adorning the walls of their homes. They're not true horse people; although with time and involvement many end up hooked.

Newly minted horse people might be considered the advanced beginners/intermediate ranks and they tend to be the easiest to spot because they go overboard with trying to look like they're fox hunters or polo players out in public and offering up opinions on any and all horse topics that are not necessarily based on facts or experience. Their interest goes beyond a few hunt prints on the wall and going to the horse events as a spectator. They're invested in getting involved in some aspect of the horse world, whether that be taking lessons, learning to play polo, or competing in the plethora of hunter/jumper or dressage shows. Maybe they moved out to a farm with horse facilities and want to get a horse of their own. There is a social aspect to the horse world many find appealing but the horses themselves can draw you in equally. The latter is more apt to keep you involved and send you on the path to becoming a real horse person.

Real horse people are also separated by their money and, often, how they acquired it. Ideally, it's old money from their landed gentry family, handed down along with the lifestyle over many generations, often back to the Revolutionary War. The silver at their tailgates might be dented and worn, but it's sterling and has been in their family for generations. Their dress tends to be understated, their manners impeccable, the accents typically a touch of Southern as they grew up in rural Virginia, not New Jersey or Annandale. But the problem with old money is that eventually it becomes so diluted

horse people are just as, if not more, vital to the lifestyle as are the owners, trainers and riders. They own the big beautiful farms and they keep the horse vital to the economy and social fabric of the hunt country.

The newly minted horse people that are in it for the social aspect and the more experienced but super-wealthy are generally the easiest to identify. These are the people who wear the tweed hacking jackets, skirts and/or dresses with dog and horse prints on them, and equestrian themed boots that aren't real riding boots. The Hermes scarf might be real but it's worn just a bit too ostentatiously. Old school prep style dressing seems to be coming back in vogue and equestrian styled hacking jackets, insignia polo shirts and barn jackets were always part of this look; now they're regaining favor with today's social climber/wannabe, particularly the bourgeoisie who desire to raise their social standing; we affectionately call them bougie these days. This style never went out of favor with old money horse people but it tends to be understated. Old money that still exists tends to prefer to hide any ostentatious trappings of wealth, and this includes their horse endeavors. The new money wants to broadcast it to everyone, their truck and trailer will be brand new with all the latest bells and whistles and their waxed waterproof jacket a real Filson.

VISIT HUNT COUNTRY

The Lure of Luray, VA and Shadow Mountain Escape

With June ranking as one of the most popular months for weddings, we decided to take a drive over the Blue Ridge Mountains at Thornton Gap to spend the night at Shadow Mountain Escape and to talk to Karen and Ralph Riddle about their new specialty – elopements. Karen is an ordained officiant so not only do they provide a romantic getaway, they can perform the ceremony right on their gorgeous property. There are so many amazing places on this acreage it would be difficult to choose the exact place for your nuptials. They are quickly filling a popular niche for those couples wanting to avoid the hullabaloo of a traditional wedding.

It is always nice to visit Shadow Mountain and enjoy this secluded place off of Skyline Drive. You might remember reading about SME in our February 2021 issue. Ralph and Karen had a dream of making a couples retreat and building romantic timber frame cabins and they both came true. On their 25acre property they have built their home as well as four charming cabins. Inspired

by their European heritage and many years of living in Europe they have brought a touch of traditional Europe to the Blue Ridge Mountains. The cabins were raised by old world craftsmanship and made from solid oak timbers that were harvested on the property and completed with old world joinery and hand forged iron all around. While the cabins are fantastic, the best part of staying here is Karen and Ralph. They are two of the coolest people you will meet anywhere.

As we learned, the town of Luray has recently experienced a revitalization with some much needed new businesses opening. It has been in dire need of eating establishments for the last couple of years. The Riddles took us on a drive into town to check out a couple of the new additions as well as an old standby.

The first stop was the Blue Shepherd Distillery on Main Street. In 2021 Alex and Sara Colby bought an old school speed shop and garage and have converted it into a very fun and eclectic space. The building is open at the front

making for an excellent covered porch atmosphere and outside seating is available as well. The name Blue Shepherd is named after Bruce, their rescued Blue German Shepherd.

The distillery offers their own take on vodka, gin and rum. You can buy a straight shot of 3 ounces or a mixed signature cocktail. Since they are a tasting room for their products, by Virginia law they are limited to serving only a total of three ounces per customer. After tasting you can certainly buy a bottle of your favorite for personal use at home. The owners hope to produce enough product in the future to make Blue Shepherd available in bars and restaurants as well as ABC stores.

Alex is a fire fighter and Sara is a nurse. Both work full time in addition to keeping the distillery in operation with the help of some very capable employees.

Our next stop was at the new Watch & Warrant restaurant and bar in the heart of town. This new addition is inspired by the exuberance of the Roaring 20’s. Their menu

offers an updated take on traditional American cuisine with an emphasis on infusing fresh and locally sourced foods and high quality ingredients. The restaurant

board we ordered was plenty for the four of us.

is a little glitz while still laid back. The drinks are wonderful and the menu is enticing. The charcuterie

The last stop on this tour was Rancho Viejo Mexican Restaurant – one of the

Enjoying our tasty cocktails at Blue Shephard Distillery

Riddle’s go to joints. This classic Mexican eatery is located in an old McDonald’s location. Their adaptation is fantastic. One of the best repurposes we have seen in a long time - great bar, fantastic margaritas and the fajitas are excellent.

The Alexandria connection exists in Luray. An Alexandria resident established the Hawksbill Brewing Company five years ago. “Locally grown, locally brewed” is their motto and their list of products continues to grow.

The most notable attraction in Luray are the magnificent Luray Caverns. About eleven years ago we wrote about the Caverns. This is one of nature's show off moments. These caverns are breathtaking. As you descend into the caverns you will come to mirror pool. The pool is spring fed and is about twenty inches deep. The water is so still you can't tell where the reflection begins or ends. It is rumored that a new “cavern” has been added to the tour. We need to go back.

If you make the trip to Luray, an overnight stay at the Mimslyn Inn is a must. This classic inn sits on a bluff in town and commands your attention. The Inn is also located very close to the Caverns. The drive to Luray can be a slot car kind of trip by taking Route 66 west to Route 81 south to New Market. Take Route 211 east to Luray. Mile wise, this is longer but no traffic lights. Another way is 66 to Front Royal and south on either 340 or the Blue Ridge Parkway to route 211 and head west to Luray. Another option is to go over the mountains at Thornton Gap into the town of Sperryville and then to Warrenton and Route 66. Leaving Sperryville on Route 211 go about five miles to Route 522 to Flint Hill. Stop in at the Dark Horse Irish Pub which is owned by restaurant wizard Mark Kirwin. Mark is a former Old Town guy who also owns Samuel Beckett’s and Kirwin’s on the Wharf in D.C. Tell him the Old Town Crier sent you. From here you can turn on your GPS and find some great back roads to get you back to Route 66 or stay on 522 through Front Royal.

This is a great Road Trip that can actually be a loop out and back. It is too much to cover in one day so plan on spending a night in either Luray or Sperryville, Luray being the big town and Sperryville being the village. The leaves are bright green in June and the pastures are full of playful horses. Take a road trip to our beautiful mountains, wineries and towns and enjoy!

Delicious fajitas and margs at Rancho Viejo!

The main bar at Watch & Warrant

Luray Caverns

Old Town Crier

Ganvié The Venice of

Africa

With around 25,000 residents Ganvié, lovingly referred to as the ‘Venice of Africa’, is the largest stilted water settlement in Africa, and has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1996. Visiting this wonderful place is a highlight of a visit to Benin’s commercial capital, Cotonou. Ganvié is 10 miles north of Cotonou and sits on Lake Nokoue; extending out several kilometers into the shallow waters. It’s a fascinating place to grab a glimpse in to the rare life of a water-dweller, and to learn more about the circumstances that led so many people to seek refuge in such an isolated setting only accessible by small motorized boats and wooden canoes.

The Legend

In a blend of heroic legend, saddening facts, and no small amount of creative license, our story, dear readers, begins . . .In the 18th century, the King of Ganvié sought to protect his people, the Tofinu, from Fon slavers. To protect his people, the King of Ganvié was forced to order them to flee. And flee they did. For many a day and night they journeyed until they met the shores of Lake Nokoué and could go no further. Possibly footsore and definitely now trapped, the desperate King transformed himself into an egret (or possibly a hawk – it seems

to depend on who is telling the story) and swooped across the lake until he spotted a habitable island holding promise of safety. However, the Tofinu were not a people who could simply swim to this new island with all their possessions. Now slightly annoyed, the King of Ganvié transformed yet again – only this time he became a crocodile – and carried his people across the lake on his own back. When the marauding Fon slavers reached the edge of Lake Nokoué, they were vastly disappointed, for they feared angry water spirits dwelt there and would not cross. Thus, the Tofinu were saved and have dwelled on the island ever since.

Modern Day Ganvié

Today Ganvié is the most popular tourist destination in Benin and can be reached by motorized water taxi available from Cotonou or from Abomey-Calavi; a small city closer to Ganvié to the north of Cotonou. On your way across the lake you’ll find the modern-day Tofinu people fishing from small wooden canoes, some even fitted with sails made from a patchwork of material. The shallow waters allow the fisherman to stake out areas of the lake with nets. This makes for an interesting boat ride as you have to keep raising up the outboard motor to get over them whilst simultaneously avoiding

fishermen hurling their fishing nets across the water with superhuman balancing skills.

Once you arrive in Ganvié, you’ll navigate the vast network of narrow canals whilst locals go about their everyday life on the water, including punting their wooden pirogues (canoes) between the numerous watering holes or to the floating market. Electricity is provided by solar panels, generators and water pumping stations, and goods are brought to buy and sell at the floating market. The floating market is really nothing more than a place to park your canoe and sell your wares directly on board. As bundles of clothes or produce are loaded on to the market stalls (i.e. canoes), they drop lower and lower in the water to the point where sinking seems the most inevitable outcome to a novice ‘punter’.

A few hours in Ganvié is undoubtedly a worthy introduction to what is an extremely unique and traditional lifestyle!

Practical Info

If you’re planning on heading to Ganvié from Cotonou then make your way over to Hotel Du Lac, which is located on the eastern side of the Ancien Pont (bridge) on Rue 1885. The hotel’s reception desk will be happy to help you schedule and arrange a boat that leaves from their dock at the rear of the hotel. You can also pay reception directly so that you don’t end up fluffing around with cash on the boat.

The ride across the lake from the hotel to the village takes about an hour, and the total trip time is roughly 3-4 hours – so, make sure you’ve scheduled enough time. You’ll typically spend just over an hour bobbing around the village whilst the ‘captain’ (I use that term very loosely) gives an overview (in French only) of the village’s history and current residents.

Make sure you have some spare local currency with you as you’ll likely stop at a couple of floating souvenir shops and a small café for some refreshments. Obviously, they don’t accept credit cards!!

About the Author: Scott Dicken is a world traveler and amateur photographer on top of being employed full time at an internationally known company. His love of travel is evident – you can read more articles like this at takephotosleavefootprints.com

— Photos by Scott Dicken

Now that we're all working remotely Wouldn't you REALLY rather work from the beach?

NAPLES FL TOPS THE LIST FOR BEST BEACHES IN USA

BEACHFRONT SEASONAL RENTAL AVAILABLE

Naples has again claimed the top spot by Travel and Leisure and several other groups for best beach town in the US. The jewel of SW Florida’s Paradise Coast has sugar sand beaches, turquoise clear waters and every amenity worthy of a world class resort town. Seasonal lease of well furnished 2BR 2BA condo in the very best beachfront location is available this winter (90 day minimum lease term). No ner view from inside and better beach access at any price and most rentals in area start at twice the price. Includes carport parking, heated pool, elevators and privacy; uncrowded beach and, onsite management. Photo is the view from inside!

Call (no texts), email or visit our Facebook page @NaplesOceanfrontCondo. 540-364-9480 • hopespringsfarm@gmail.com

A Dreamy Little Beach Resort on St. Barth –Les Ilets de la Plage

It’s just across the water from the people watching at Nikki Beach and the endless lunches at the Eden Rock; a short drive from the buzz of Gustavia and the scenes at Shellona and Bagatelle.

But you ight never know it was here... and that’s the way they like it.

Hidden away on the other side of Remy de Haenen Airport in St. Barth is one of the island’s best-kept secrets: Les Ilets de la Plage, the boutique beach hotel that is also the island’s best value resort.

Set on a vibrant stretch of St Jean sand, Les Ilets is home to just 11 villas, some one-bedroom bungalowstyle cottages at the water’s edge, others hillside retreats perched among the palm trees.

It’s a hotel that has one of the most devoted followings on the island, where the guests come back year after year, often staying several weeks, finding their home in the French Caribbean.

The same devotees say it’s a portal to a St. Barth that doesn’t really exist, a

throwback to the island’s roots as a quiet little fishing town.

And they’re right: check in to Les Ilets and you’ll be stunned at the level of serenity, with the only aural interruption being a landing at the airport. But even that adds to the charm, the way only tiny prop planes landing on short runways can.

If you haven’t been to St. Barth, it’s a wonderful way to get into the island; stay at Les Ilets and you’re immediately living on

the island, heading to the Super U for your groceries and Bacchus for your rum and Nespresso; getting your daily croissants and baguettes at Choisy in Lorient.

You’ll become immersed in the Les Ilets routine: morning strolls on the beach, afternoons with a book in your lounger or in the shade at the tropical-garden pool; evenings restaurant-hopping across the island’s unrivaled culinary scene.

It’s no secret that St. Barth is the most glamorous island in the Caribbean — and its most luxurious; but St. Barth is also a reminder that luxury and glamour don’t have to come with an attitude.

St. Barth is also a barefoot-chic, breezy, carefree place where it’s all about sophisticated, unpretentious relaxation, as the Tourism Office says, “the art of being an island.”

If you’re planning your summer getaway to St. Barth, Les Ilets should be right at the top of the list.

For more, visit Les Ilets de la Plage at lesilets.com.

About the Author: We are happy to partner with Alexander Britell, Founder and Editor in Chief of the Miami, Florida based Caribbean Journal and his staff contributing to the OTC and our Caribbean Connection Section. Check out the popular online magazine/website at caribjournal.com for valuable information on all fabulous travel options and things of interest in the Caribbean.

DINING GUIDE

AMERICAN

1799 PRIME STEAK & SEAFOOD

110 S. Pitt Street

571-404-6001

ADA'S ON THE RIVER

3 Pioneer Mill Way

703-638-1400

AUGIE’S MUSSEL HOUSE

1106 King Street

703.721.3970

BLACKWALL HITCH

5 Cameron St.

703-739-6090

BOB & EDITHS DINER

1743 King Street

703-664-0043

CAFE 44

44 Canal Center

571-800-6644

CHADWICKS

203 Strand St.

703-836-4442

CHART HOUSE

One Cameron St.

703-684-5080

CITY KITCHEN

330 South Pickett St.

703-685-9172

fatcitykitchen.com

EDDIE'S LITTLE SHOP & DELI

1406 King Street

571-312-8615

EVENING STAR CAFÉ

2000 Mt. Vernon Ave.

703-549-5051

EXECUTIVE DINER & CAFE

1400 Duke Street

703-299-0894

FIVE GUYS

725 King St.

703-549-7991

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

HEN QUARTER

1404 King St.

703-684-6969

HOPS 'N SHINE

3410 Mount Vernon Ave.

703-566-1509

HUMMINGBIRD

220 South Union Street

703-566-1355

JACKS PLACE

222 North Lee St.

703-684-0372

JOE THEISMANNS

1800 Diagonal Rd.

703-739-0777

JUNCTION BAKERY & BISTRO

1508 Mount Vernon Avenue

703-436-0025

KINGS RANSOM

728 King Street

571-319-0794

LAPORTAS 1600 Duke St.

703-683-6313

THE LIGHT HORSE

715 King Street

703-549-0533

LORI'S TABLE 1028 King Street

703-549-5545

LOST DOG CAFE 808 North Henry St.

571-970-6511

MAJESTIC CAFÉ

911 King St. 703-837-9117

MASON SOCIAL 728 Henry Street

703-548-8800 mason-social.com

MURPHYS IRISH PUB

713 King St. 703-548-1717 murphyspub.com

NORTHSIDE 1O 10 East Glebe Rd. 703-888-0032

OAK STEAKHOUSE 901 N. St. Asaph St. 703-840-3395

OCONNELLS RESTAURANT & BAR 112 King St. 703-739-1124 DanielOconnells.com

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

THE PEOPLES DRUG 103 N. Alfred Street 571-257-8851

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

RIVER BEND BISTRO 7966 Fort Hunt Rd. 703-347-7545 riverbendbistro.com

ROCK IT GRILL 1319 King St. 703-739-2274

RT'S RESTAURANT 3804 Mt. Vernon Ave. 703-684-6010 rtsrestaurant.com

SHOOTER MCGEES 5239 Duke St. 703-751-9266

SLATERS MARKET 1552 Potomac Greens Dr. 703-548-3807

SMOKING KOW BBQ 3250 Duke Sttreet 703-888-2649

SONOMA CELLAR 207 King St. 703-966-3550

SOUTH BLOCK 106 N. Lee Street 703-465-8423

SOUTHSIDE 815

815 S. Washington St. 703-836-6222

SWEET FIRE DONNA'S BBQ & HOPS 510 John Carlyle Street 571-312-7960

THE STUDY 116 South Alfred Street 703-838-8000

T.J. STONES

GRILL HOUSE & TAP ROOM 608 Montgomery St. 703-548-1004 tjstones.com

TOASTIQUE GOURMET TOAST & JUICE BAR

1605 King Street

571-312-1909

UNION STREET PUBLIC HOUSE

121 South Union St. 703-548-1785 unionstreetpublichouse.com

VIRTUE GRAIN & FEED

106 South Union St. 571-970-3669

VOLA’S DOCKSIDE GRILL & THE HI-TIDE LOUNGE

101 North Union St. 703-935-8890

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

ASIAN

ASIAN BISTRO

809 King St. 703-836-1515

INDOCHEN

1625 King Street (571) 404-6050

KISSO ASIAN BISTRO 300 King Street 703-888-1513

MALAYA

1019 King St. 703-519-3710

MAI THAI

9 King St.

703-548-0600

NASIME

1209 King St. 703-548-1848

SIGNATURE THAI

722 King Street

707-888-2458

THAILAND ROYAL

801 N. Fairfax St. 703 535-6622

TOKYO JAPANESE STEAKHOUSE

66 Canal Center Plaza 703-683-8878

CAPHE BANH MI VIETNAMESE

407 Cameron St. 703-549-0800

KAI ZEN TAVERN

1901 Mt. Vernon Ave. 703-836-1212

SISTERS THAI

503 Montgomery St. 571-777-8154

RAILBIRD KITCHEN 804 North Henry St. 703-577-9023

CONTINENTAL

CEDAR KNOLL

GW Parkway at Lucia Ln. 703-780-3665

OLD HOUSE COSMOPOLITAN

1024 Cameron Street 703-717-9361

VILLAGE BRAUHAUS 710 King Street 703-888-1951 villagebrauhaus.com

FRENCH

BASTILLE

606 N. Fayette St. 703-519-3776 bastillerestaurant.com

BRABO

1600 King St. 703-894-3440

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

JOSEPHINE

109 South St. Asaph St. 703-683-1776

TWO NINETEEN RESTAURANT

219 King St. 703-549-1141

ITALIAN

ALDO'S ITALIAN KITCHEN

2850 Eisenhower Avenue (behind the building) 703-888-2243

ANDY’S PIZZA

107 N Fayette St 571-319-0497

BUGSYS PIZZA RESTAURANT 111 King St. 703-683-0313

FACCIA LUNA

823 S. Washington St. 703-838-5998

FRANK PEPE NAPOLETANA PIZZERIA 3231 Duke Street

Alexandria Commons 703-719-2035

HANDOVER BY THE SLICE

728 King Street 571-319-0794

IL PORTO RESTAURANT

121 King St. 703-836-8833

LANDINI BROTHERS

115 King St. 703-836-8404 landinibrothers.com

LENA’S WOOD-FIRED PIZZA & TAP 401 East Braddock Rd. 703-960-1086

MIA'S ITALIAN KITCHEN 100 King Street 703-997-5300

MICHAEL’S ON KING 703 King Street 703-838-9090 Michaelsonking.com

PIECE OUT 2419 Mount Vernon Avenue 703-398-1287

RED ROCKS FIREBRICK PIZZA 904 King St. 703-717-9873

THOMPSON'S ITALIAN 1026 King Street alexandria@thompsonitalian.com

MEDITERRANEAN

BARCA PIER & WINE BAR 2 Pioneer Mill Way 703-638-1100

ELAINE'S 208 Queen Street 571-970-0517

NANDO'S PERI PERI 2462 Mandeville Lane 571-473-5500

TAVERNA CRETEKOU

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

PITA HOUSE 719 King St. 703-684-9194

DELIAS MEDITERRANEAN GRILL 209 Swamp Fox Rd. 703-329-0006

VASO'S MEDITERRANEAN BISTRO 1118 King Street 703-566-2720

VASO'S KITCHEN 1225 Powhatan Street 703-548-2747

SEAFOOD

HANKS OYSTER BAR 818 N St. Asaph 703-739-HANK

FISH MARKET-OLD TOWN 105 King St. 703-836-5676 fishmarketoldva.com

THE WHARF 119 King St. 703-836-2834

WHISKEY & OYSTER 301 John Carlyle 703-567-1533

DISHES OF INDIA

INDIAN

1510A Bellview Blvd. 703-660-6085

DIYA 218 North Lee, 2nd Floor 703-706-5338

KISMET MODERN INDIAN

111 North Pitt Street 703-567-4507

NAMASTE 1504 King St. 703-970-0615

MEXICAN LATIN SOUTHWESTERN

CASA TEQUILA (next to Crate & Barrel) 1701 Duke 703-518-5312

CHOP SHOP TACO 1008 Madison Street 571-970-6438

DON TACO TEQUILA BAR 808 King St. 703-988-3144

LOS CUATES RESTAURANT 1116 King Street 703-548-2918

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)

TEQUILA & TACO 540 John Carlyle Street 703-721-3203

URBANO 116 116 King Street

571-970-5148

Via Roma!

When we went to the summer drink menu unveiling at the Capital Wheel in National Harbor last month we ran into the former General Manager of Bond 45, Biagio Cepollaro. Over the years we had developed a nice relationship with Biagio and it was nice to catch up and talk about his own restaurant in Camp Springs, Maryland... Via Roma. After a brief conversation we decided that Via Roma was a good candidate for Dining Out. We were not disappointed.

Via Roma opened on February 15th during a winter storm and the beginnings of worldwide Covid-19 epidemic in 2021. Biagio may laugh about it now, but what a beginning. The restaurant is part of a building complex and sits at the front as you drive into the complex. The restaurant is very open by way of one whole wall being glass with the middle section behind the bar opens up to the patio. If it were not for the depiction of the Italian buildings on the wall, I would have thought I was in a California style restaurant by all of the blonde wood including tables and chairs, however, with the Italian buildings on one wall, the open kitchen at the back of the dining area and the glass wall behind the bar, did indeed give the vibe of sitting in the piazza in Rome.

We have many “pizza” restaurants in the area, but few Pinsa Romana, in fact Via Roma is the first and only certified Pinseria in the region. Biagio and his business partner Antonio Rusciano aka Topolino follow the original Pinsa Romana recipe respecting the traditional Pinsa making method making them #192 of the Orginale Pinsa Romaan Association in the world. The definition of Pinsa comes from the Latin word "Pinsere" which in Italian language means "to stretch and to spread". "Modern Roman Pinsa" is a reinterpretation of an ancient Roman recipe invented during the Ancient Roman Empire, reworked with new ingredients and modern techniques. The dough is made and set aside to raise for 80 – yes 80 – hours before it is ready to be turned into the pinsa crusts and loaves used for the sandwiches. It is an interesting process.

At Via Roma everything is made from scratch except two dessert offerings including the pasta.

Unlike our normal dining out process, we didn’t order from the menu since, in traditional Italian style, Biago and Topolino wanted to showcase their wares. We were served a variety of dishes. The first was a bowl of delicious meatballs in a very rich and thick marinara sauce. These meatballs are the real deal. Next came the Gamberi & Calamari consisting of lightly fried shrimp, calamari, zucchini and perconi peppers - all very tasty dipped in the accompanying lemon aioli. Out came the house made hummus followed by the Margherita Pinsa. The toppings were a combination of tomato sauce, mozzarella, basil and EVOO. The topping was generous and a great flavor combination. The crust is the difference. Thick, crispy on the outside and light and airy on the inside. As Biagio explained, the crust makes it to your mouth instead of limply falling down. Just when we thought we were finished, out came the Pasta alla Genovese. No one in our party had ever had this classic pasta from Naples so it was a real treat. This slow cooked beef and onion meat sauce tossed with rigatoni pasta is a keeper. All three of us were full to the brim at this point but who can resist a cannoli? Yes, we managed to polish them off as well.

To note, the bar that opens up to the patio has about fifteen seats and all of the libations you may desire. There are 13 wines offered by the glass and a significant number of beers and ales on the menu. If you aren’t in the mood for a full meal, this is a great place to have a beverage and an app while doing some people watching.

Via Roma is a 10 minute drive from Old Town Alexandria - about one mile off of the Route 5 (Branch Avenue North) exit off of the Beltway in Camp Springs and offers ample free parking.

Via Roma

4531 Telfair Boulevard Camp Springs, MD 301-444-9038 Viaromamd.com

Chef Glenn’s Dynamite “Lobster” on Forbidden Black Rice

Ingredients:

- 10 to 15 small lobster tails, cut into ¼ inch thick medallions

- Salt and pepper

- 2 eggs

- 1 cup of corn flour

Dynamite sauce ingredients:

-1 cup of mayo

-1 tablespoon of hot sauce

-2 teaspoon of paprika or chili powder

-2 tablespoon of honey

-3 tablespoons of tomato ketchup

-2 teaspoon of minced garlic

-2 teaspoon of sesame oil

-2 tablespoon of rice vinegar

-2 cups of Forbidden black rice cooked per recipe on box or bag

Just Like Dynamite Shrimp…Only Different

There’s something irresistible about Dynamite Shrimp. A perfect balance of crispy exterior and succulent interior, it hits that salty-sweet-spicy trifecta that triggers the pleasure receptors in our brains. When done right, Dynamite Shrimp is as visually appealing as it is delicious. Versatile too: Served as an appetizer or the main course, it can be tailored to the season or occasion. On this occasion, I chose to make dynamite shrimp the same…but different.

I prefer spiny lobster (longusta) over the sweeter Maine lobster. Forbidden black Rice was once reserved only for the wealthy and powerful to ensure their health and long life. No one else was allowed to eat it. Directions:

1. Season the lobster medallions with salt and pepper.

2. In a bowl, mix the egg, corn flour, salt, and pepper. Add the lobster medallions and mix well until evenly coated. Add a few teaspoons of water if the batter is too dry.

3. Heat oil in a large skillet or pan to medium-high heat. To check if the oil is ready, you can dip a wooden spoon into the oil. If it sizzles, the oil is ready.

4. Fry a few pieces of lobster at a time for 2-3 minutes until golden brown. Transfer to a paper-towel lined plate to remove excess oil.

5. In a separate bowl, mix all the sauce ingredients together.

6. Toss the fried lobster with the sauce until evenly coated. Serve the Lobster Dynamite over the forbidden black rice. (This recipe yields enough for 10 hearty appetizer portions.)

Bon Appetit!

About the Author: Glenn Morel is a producer turned chef. His website is www.ifihadachef.com. With experience in restaurants from Florida to Manhattan, he specializes in bringing his clients their very own personal chef for any special event. In addition to private parties of 12 (or more-or-less), he also offers catering for small and large groups. Chef Glenn works with you to create a customized menu and first-class event. He brings culinary professionals with him that dress appropriately and are experienced in handling food. They are also often trained mixologists and fine dining servers.

Starting June 1st, fifteen participating Loudoun County wineries are celebrating Pride Month with a special monthlong wine trail. Passport holders for “Pride in the Vines” who obtain ten different stamps will be eligible to win a prize drawing which includes private wine tastings, bottles of wine, gear, tickets to events, and tours of the vineyards and wineries.

Pride Month has its roots in the Stonewall riots, which started on June 28, 1969. Coincidentally, Pride in the Vines celebrates a movement that was galvanized at a drinking establishment.

Located in New York’s Greenwich Village, the Stonewall Inn was one of the few local bars that catered to an openly gay clientele despite state laws which made it risky for them to show affection

in public. The Stonewall was run by the Mafia, who saw gay bars as a good business opportunity.

Police raids against such establishments were common but corrupt officers would typically tip the managers off in advance, allowing business to continue with limited interruptions.

This time was different.

Not only was the raid unannounced (possibly due to the police not getting sufficient kickbacks), the patrol wagon responsible for picking up arrested patrons took longer than usual to respond. The gathering crowd became increasingly agitated as they watched the police manhandle those they detained, including those arrested for violating the state’s gender-appropriate clothing statute.

The final trigger was a scuffle between a lesbian woman who was roughly

escorted to the awaiting wagon. She fought back, calling on the crowd for support.

The resulting riots (Stonewall veterans prefer the term ‘uprising’) continued for several days. It was a turning point in the gay rights movement, leading to the formation of several new LGBT advocacy groups. The first gay pride parades were held on the 1st anniversary of the riots.

How Loudoun’s First Pride Wine Trail Started

The idea behind Pride in the Vines in Loudoun County blossomed with Two Twisted Posts Winery, which has hosted gay pride events since opening in 2014. For the family that owns it, namely Krista Cato, her partner Lynda Dattilo and fellow owners and parents, Theresa and Brad Robertson, the topic is a personal one.

“We wanted to create a safe space for people to gather regardless of their orientation or race,” explained Krista. “From Day 1, we hung a Pride flag. It wasn’t always a smooth journey and we received some hate. My family decided to host an event to celebrate National Coming Out Day (October 11). We thought about celebrating Pride, but Pride is already a big event in D.C. and we didn’t want to overlap with another important

celebration.

We advertised it in a local paper, and they came back to us and asked, ‘Do you really want to publish this?’ And we replied; ‘yes we do!’

So we posted the ad and put out flyers in local businesses. We found a lot of them were afraid to post them out of fear of creating animosity with their customers. But a few did.

Simple things like getting a food truck was difficult. The first two canceled but eventually we found one that would support us.

When the day came, Two Twisted Posts had over 200 people come out from all walks of life. Since it was so well received, we couldn’t imagine not continuing annually.”

More Wineries Involved Than Ever Before

Over time, more wineries joined Two Twisted Posts in celebrating gay pride events. In 2019, Bob and Teri Riggs of nearby Forever Farm Vineyard noticed the Pride flag and asked what they could do to get involved. They were soon joined by Williams Gap Vineyard. The issue hit home for Bob and Teri, whose son is gay. Teri explained, “My participation is to get families involved. We’re all in it together.”

This trio of wineries hosted an informal Pride trail for several years. But as the world around them

became more accepting, the idea of a larger wine trail took shape.

“One of the things we’re learning in this journey is there are other people out there who hear them and see them,” said Bridgette Smith, tasting room manager at Williams Gap Vineyard. “So when I brought it up at the Loudoun Wineries and Winegrowers Association (LWWA) I was surprised how many wineries wanted to participate. I think there are more people out there who are willing to speak out loud to support their neighbors than we realize.”

Krista added, “The support is like 300 times more than when we opened. In the beginning, I don’t remember seeing a Pride flag anywhere. When we started hosting events for National Coming Out Day, we were so focused on the event, we didn’t reach out to anybody.

With the partnership of Forever Farm Vineyard, Williams Gap Vineyard and now so many others, it’s safe to say this year’s Pride in the Vines Wine trail is indicative of the changes that have happened in Loudoun.”

Author: Matthew Fitzsimmons is a blogger who has visited nearly every winery in Virginia –most of them twice. Track his progress at https:// winetrailsandwanderlust. com/.

The Gay Winos

Top left: Paul Armstrong & Warren Richard, Virginia Wine Time

Top right: Paige Poprocky & Holly Richardson, Sips and Trips with Paige

Bottom left: Sydney & Bridgette Smith, Williams Gap & Greenhill Wineries

Bottom right: Brian Pace & Chris Sexton, Maggie Malick Wine Caves

The Art of the Winemaker

How artistic does a winemaker need to be in order to be successful? Making quality wines involves a lot of science, both in the vineyards to grow flavorful and healthy grapes and in the cellar to successfully navigate fermentations, stabilities, and bacterial threats. But wine covers such a wide spectrum of styles, price points, consumer preferences, and purposes. Yes, if it is made of fermented grape juice, it is technically a wine. And when you break down a wine by chemical composition you have water, alcohol, and natural acids that make up more than 99 percent, and “other” at less than one percent. Most wines fit these breakdowns, meaning the true difference between a box wine selling for $4.99 a liter and a wine that is hundreds of dollars per bottle falls within that less than one percent! That is where the artist works, within the less than one percent.

I have often referred to myself as a productionist. I am always looking to keep my team working on something productive, to make quality products and deliver them at a fair price point. I don’t necessarily acknowledge the artistry that it takes to create the products like I should. Starting on the farm, the grower makes a commitment to dance with Mother Nature in order to deliver the best crop possible. Sometimes that means training the vines to do what they need to do. Sometimes it means reading the weather so as to protect your crop from a pending frost. The artistry of a farmer comes in sensing the challenges and adjusting the plan accordingly.

When we bring those grapes to the winery for processing there are steps and procedures to turn those flavorful berries of sweet nectar into the wine that we want them to become. I spend time planning out the yeasts, sweetness and acid parameters, barrel choices, fermentation vessels, and many other factors. A lot of science is involved in these processes and valuable grapes can be lost if mistakes are made. There are always adjustments to the plan along the way, but the biggest adjustment is when all the grapes come in at one time. The weather can give us challenges of heat or rain that force us to deal with more fruit at one time than we planned for. Some years, all of the grapes

come to the winery in a two week period although, by design, we plan for seven to eight weeks. Improvisation, creativity and a hard-working team can keep the plan on course and allow for safe adjustments each day to protect the wine. That flexibility within the vision could be defined as art. We want the wines to be consistent, but how one gets to that point will vary year to year.

When I finally sit down to put the wines together to create the final blends, most of the true artistry is already done. By creating sound, flavorful and expressive wines from each batch of grapes that came in, I have all the pieces I need to make those blends. We start with how much of what varietals are needed and we blend using trial and error to assemble the final product. We also envision what the customers will enjoy about each of these wines as they come together. It sounds really difficult but as with most things, experience is a good teacher

Each winemaker has their own style and comfort zone. Some know the science well and are more technical. Others dance on the artistic side in a way that might make the technician cringe. A good one is humble about receiving input from others, yet confident in their own style. They will recognize their own soft points and accept guidance to improve, no matter how well established they are.

Embrace with us the artistry of this yearly dance with Mother Nature and what she gives us from our vineyards. Art makes the productionist successful. Art helps the business person understand the customer and eventually be successful as an entity. The artists will starve no more!

About the Author: Farmer, winemaker, entrepreneur, educator, and leader, Doug Fabbioli has been accelerating the growth and quality of Virginia’s wine industry since 1997. With his wife Colleen,

Doug is the owner/operator of Fabbioli Cellars in Leesburg, VA. He is the founder and director of The New Ag School, which focuses on teaching the next generation of farmers and agriculture-related leaders. No wonder they call Doug Fabbioli the Godfather of DC's Wine Country.

PILSNER VS. LAGER: WHAT’S THE DIFF?

Summertime is upon us. It’s time to enjoy picnics, baseball, beaches, cookouts, and swimming pools. But most importantly, it’s a time to indulge in lagers and pilsners. Those wonderful golden refreshing brews that become so popular when the weather warms. Summer is when these lighter crisper beers come into their season. Nothing is better on a hot sunny afternoon while you’re scarfing down a hot dog at Nats Park. But which one should you choose? Aren’t lagers and pilsners the same thing?

No, my friends. They are not. But they are similar. So, do you know the difference between a lager and a pilsner? No? Well then, little buckeroo, you need to pull up a barstool and have a seat. And let Uncle Tim tell you a classic tale. A tale worthy of any story book. The tale of the lager and the pilsner.

A long time ago in a faraway land known as Bavaria, a revolution in brewing was occurring. A new yeast had just been discovered. A yeast that behaved very differently than any known before it. This yeast fermented at the bottom of the brew instead of the top, and at colder temperatures over a longer period. Bavarian monks began making a new beer with this odd yeast. They would store or “lager” their new brews in ice caves in the Bavarian Alps over the summer. When these casks were opened in the fall, a lighter, cleaner, crisper beer emerged. As the centuries passed, the process evolved. As the website beerexpert.co.uk explains it:

“The word lager comes from the German lagern (“to store”), and it is in Bavaria that the drink finds its origins. In the early nineteenth century Bavarian brewers began experimenting with brewing techniques that involved storing their beers in cold beer cellars for prolonged periods, using bottom-fermenting yeast. After an initial fermentation the beer would be given a second “lagering” period at a low temperature, and then would be stored in refrigerated beer cellars. They could be kept for a few weeks or several months, during which time the drink would mellow and clear.”

Until the discovery of this new yeast, brewers were making only ales. Ales ferment at room temperature and at the top of the brew. To this day, all beers are either ales, lagers, or a hybrid of the two. And the two processes produce very different beers. Ales tend to be fruitier and fuller on the palate. Whereas lagers tend to be lighter and crisper tasting. There are, of course, many variations of both.

Our story then takes us to a beautiful city in what is now the Czech Republic, Pilsen. It’s the nineteenth century, and a brewer named Josef Groll is experimenting with lagers. He comes up with a lager recipe that is made with soft water, malty barley, and Saaz hops. This noble Saaz hops gives the beer a bit of spicy flavor. Groll has just given birth to the pilsner. Light, crisp, and with a touch of spice, the beer becomes a huge hit, first with German immigrants, then throughout Europe and all the world. Now you know the difference between a pilsner and a lager. A pilsner is a type of lager. Just like tequila is a type of mezcal. And just like tequilas and mezcals, all pilsners are lagers. But not all lagers are pilsners.

I have often stated in the past, and I stand by my words, that whatever beer you like is the right one to drink. Just because it’s summer, that does not mean that you must forgo those wonderful ales that you so enjoy. Some ales, like a light citrusy West Coast Pale Ale, are great for summer drinking. But summer is perfect for experimenting with lagers, especially pilsners. Here are a few local craft ones that I recommend.

DOWNRIGHT PILSNER PORT CITY BREWING COMPANY

This is one of my favorites. It is medium bodied and crisp with a hint of spice, just like a pilsner should be. It is a true traditional Czech pilsner that uses 100% pilsner malt and Saaz hops. A great summer afternoon just-finished-walking-the-dog-beer.

BORN BOHEMIAN PILS DENIZENS BREWING COMPANY

Another great Czech-style pilsner with a light body and a round mouthfeel. It has light toasted malt and spicy hop flavors, just as it should. This great little pilsner is perfect for an afternoon of baseball or a round of golf.

Tim’s Whiskey and Cigar Recommendations

Copper Fox’s Dawson’s Reserve Bourbon Whisky

Copper Fox Distillery is in Sperryville, VA. I have previously tasted several of their whiskeys and have always found them to be quality products. However, this bourbon is exceptional. Our publisher, Bob Tagert, wanted me to try it. We tasted it with a superb cigar provided by John Pann at John Crouch Tobacconist; more on that to follow. This is the perfect bourbon for summer. It starts off light and fruity on the nose. I get a bit of citrus, mainly peach, as I sniff it. The palate starts off smoky, and then becomes earthy but sweet. The finish is smooth with some light smoke and fruit flavors. At 90 proof and about $60 a bottle, it’s well worth the price. But you may have to visit Sperryville to get it. I’ve yet to see this one in a store.

H. Upman’s Herman’s Batch Robusto

A great summer cigar to go with a great summer pilsner, lager, or bourbon. Or all three if you are a slow smoker. This marvelous mild to medium cigar starts off with cocoa and citrus notes. Some earthy notes come through as you get halfway through the smoke. The body stays at about medium all the way to the end. The citrus and cocoa blend with some red pepper for a fine finish. This cigar blended perfectly with the Dawson’s Reserve Bourbon. Both are great summertime delights. Enjoy.

HARDYWOOD PILS GERMAN STYLE LAGER HARDYWOOD PARK CRAFT BREWERY

I order this beer anytime I see it on tap. Hardywood brews it according to Germany’s Beer Purity Laws. It has a small bite of hops at the beginning. On the palate, it’s biscuity with a hint of fruit. This is a well-rounded pilsner with a light dry crisp finish. Picture yourself drinking it in the backyard while grilling hotdogs, or better yet, bratwurst.

-QUAYSIDE KOLSCH FAIRWINDS BREWING COMPANY

Kolsch is an example of a hybrid between lagers and ales. It is usually brewed with top fermenting yeast and then conditioned at cold temperatures like lager. The Quayside Kolsch is a great summer beer. It has both Pilsner and Munich malts. This gives it floral aromas with a hint of spice. A great relaxing by the pool beer.

DE GENS GERMAN STYLE PILSNER ASLIN BEER COMPANY

You get a little lemon and honey on the front and a graham cracker-like maltiness as you drink this very refreshing pilsner. I honestly could have written this entire article on Aslin’s lager and pilsner selections. If you visit them, also try the Much Ado Helles Lager and the That’s Facts Pilsner. In fact, just sit at the bar and try all their lagers. You will not be disappointed.

About the Author: Timothy Long is an educator, writer, consultant, and experienced restaurant operator. Email: tlong@belmarinnovations.com. Instagram and Twitter: @wvutimmy. Blog: What is that fly doing in my soup? http://whatflyinmysoup.com

This cigar, and many other fine cigars, are available at John Crouch Tobacconist at 215 King St. in Old Town Alexandria. Mention this article and get 10% off the purchase of this month’s recommended cigar.

Is Your Skin Summer Ready?

With the change in weather comes adjustments in the way we care for and dress our skin. For men, the changes may actually mean more work. They may actually have to consider caring for their skin before heading out into the bright sun. While, for women, these changes might mean less work – lighter skin care products and less make-up. For women, the result may be a quicker routine.

For starters, get a really good sunscreen.

Consider two different types of sunscreen products. One that is for maximum protection. This would be a typical sunscreen product that you would use when playing sports and going to the pool or beach. Another sunscreen product would be for every day. This would be a light moisturizer with sunscreen. A tinted moisturizer with sunscreen would be a good choice to add a little color, even out skin tone, and provide protection from the sun.

Second, take a look at your skin care regimen.

Even the driest of skin types need to lighten up on skin care products in the summer. I have dry, like the Sahara desert, skin in the winter, but in the summer my skin is much more moist due to the natural humidity in the air. Be sure to switch up your skin care regimen to products that are more appropriate for the current climate. Many products used during the winter months can be pore clogging in the summer. Even though my skin is dry in the winter, I reach for much lighter moisturizers in the summer. If you have combination skin, consider only using moisturizer at night. Your skin may be naturally moist enough during the day that you may not need one. Try it out, play with your routine. If you are oily, consider more oil absorbing and “mattefying” products for summer.

It is also important to rethink your cleansers.

The humid summers of DC are ripe with opportunities to clog pores allowing bacteria to prevent skin from breathing. It is even more important than ever to ensure you select cleansers and toners that get your skin clean. If you are not a typical cleanse and tone type of girl or guy, this is the time of year to adopt these habits. The combination of both will ensure that you are getting your skin very clean and ridding it of all the bacteria that is collecting in your pores as a result of the sweat and buildup of the day. After a day of work, I cannot wait to get home and wash my face. It just feels dirtier in the summer and it is when I am most likely to have breakouts.

Finally, for women, this is the time to rethink your makeup regimen.

Everyone’s skin – and I do mean everyone – looks better in the summer. Most of us pick up a bit of color in the summer, even though we are not trying. And, everyone’s skin has a natural glow from the summer heat. So there is no reason to cover up your skin. If anything, it is more important to give your skin the opportunity to breathe. Make minor changes. Switch from foundation to tinted moisturizers. Go lighter on your eyes.

Choose colors that are lighter, choose textures that wear better in the summer, and choose to wear less make-up altogether.

Don't be afraid to trust your instincts.

Try these tips to learn if your skin performs better in the summer, but always trust your instincts when something does not seem to be working. The perfect alternative is out there for you, it's only a matter of finding it! Here's to wishing you an abundance of sunkissed summer days and your best summer skin yet!

So, what must you do to get ready for summer? We're glad you asked.

Keep That Fitball Out!

exercise is the FitBall Pushup. There are two ways to start. The first way is to lie over top of the ball face down and walk out on your hands to the desired start position. The second way is to place the hands on the floor with one leg on top of the ball, and then bring the other leg up after establishing balance. Figure 1 shows the start position. I have the ball under the shins and my hands are slightly wider than shoulder width.

The next step is to perform pushups while maintaining balance and control. Key points of the FitBall pushup include:

-Do not let the hips drop toward the floor because this can cause unwanted stress to the low back.

-A wide hand placement will provide more stability. Narrow placement will be harder.

-Slow and controlled descent and ascent will be more challenging than a faster pace.

-Ball placement will also alter difficulty level. Closer to the hips is easier and closer to the feet is harder, especially when the ball is under the toes (weight on the balls of the feet).

For an advanced move, you can also roll the ball toward the hands by tucking the knees to the chest and lifting the hips upward. Perform this move in between pushups when your arms are extended.

About the Author: Unverzagt holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Wellness Management from Black Hills State University. He is a certified Strength & Conditioning Specialist through the National Strength & Conditioning Association and a Registered Diagnostic Cardiac Sonographer through the American Registry for Diagnostic Medical Sonography.

The Do's and Don'ts of Summer Fitness

Whether you are an exercise pro or a beginner to the gym chances are you have a few questions about your workout. With summer just around the corner everyone is stepping up the workout to get ultimate results. Here are a few tips to keep that workout moving in the right direction.

Work out every day: To get a good habit started you must be consistent, but don't overwhelm yourself. Aim for 30 minutes of cardio every day and strength training twice a week for the first month or two. Once this workout has become a part of your regular routine you are ready to increase your intensity.

Set new goals: It's easy for gym regulars to hit a slump and stop seeing the benefits or having the fun that kept them motivated in the past. Before you start dodging gym dates, find a new challenge: Sign up for a 5K, or plan an active vacation like hiking or kayaking to give you something to work toward to.

Breathe better: To improve your performance, focus on your breathing. Next time you are jogging on the treadmill or out on the path try inhaling to a count of three and exhaling to a count of three. Steady your breathing with your pace and you will feel more energized during your workout.

Something new: Try exercises that are completely different from what you normally do. Those are the moves that help build a stronger, more balanced body and prevent overuse injuries. Changing your routine challenges your body and forces you to adjust, which helps to create a more balanced workout.

DOGet stuck on the treadmill: New exercisers often do the same routine every time they workout, which is a good way to make exercise become a task instead of a release. This bad habit allows your muscles to grow accustomed to the challenge. Mix up your routine by cross-training on the bike, elliptical, or jogging outdoors.

Be a slouch: Straighten up! Focus on sitting or standing up straight, since most people spend a lot of time sitting at a computer give your shoulders a break and pay attention to posture. Slouching also keeps you from breathing deeply, which is necessary for delivering the oxygen your muscles need to work at full capacity.

Be unbalanced: People often include cardio, strength, and flexibility in their routines, but they forget about balance. This critical skill allows you to move fluidly and avoid injuries. At the end of your workout, stand on one leg and lift the other out in front of you. Try to hold this for 20 to 30 seconds, then, repeat with the other leg.

Focus on the numbers: Try not to get too hung up on the numbers. When you have a goal whether it be time, distance or calories it feels great to reach it. If it becomes an obsession it takes the joy out of the workout. Be sure not to push yourself to your limits all the time.

Fathers of the Animal Kingdom and Practical Pet Adoption Tips

It’s June, so in honor of both Father’s Day and National Adopt-a-Cat month, let’s take a minute to celebrate some of the top fathers of the animal kingdom and discuss the steps you can take when you decide to become a cat parent.

Champion of the original “dad bod,” the Emperor penguin has a lot of responsibility before his offspring have even entered the world. Serial monogamists, Emperor penguins mate for life at their inland ancestral breeding grounds. Once the mother lays her egg and leaves for her march back to the sea to hunt for food, the father takes over and is responsible for keeping the egg safe, warm, and unharmed. During this time, which could be two months or longer, the dad protects the egg in his pouch and balances the egg on his feet. He also fasts during this time as there is no food at his inland location and he will not get a bite to eat until the mother returns, thus signaling his turn to march to the sea.

Next, the flamingo is an exceptional dad who splits parenting duties 50/50 with the mother. Not only do fathers alternate egg incubation with the mothers, but they also help feed their newborns with crop milk (which comes from their digestive tract), the only source of nourishment for their growing chicks.

Finally, as one of the very few male species able to give birth, the seahorse is perhaps one of the most astounding fathers of the animal kingdom. To start, female seahorses transfer their eggs into a unique pouch on the male’s tail. The male is responsible for fertilizing the eggs, providing nutrients, and creating a safe environment for his offspring. The babies hatch while still inside the pouch and are expelled with quick contractions during the birthing process. Too bad epidurals are not offered in the ocean!

Has reading about these fathers inspired you to become a pet parent? In honor of Adopt a Cat Month, let’s explore what can prepare you for a successful

feline adoption. Below are some tips to best set yourself and your new cat up for success.

First, ask yourself a few important questions. What kind of cat do you desire? Do you have the time to care for a cat? Do you have the space? Is anyone in your household allergic? Ensure you’re ready to make a longterm commitment before bringing a cat into your home.

Second, research some potential places from which you could adopt. Consider adopting from a local shelter or rescue group, when feasible. As the saying goes, prevent animal exploitation and “Adopt Don’t Shop.”

According to the Humane Society of the United States, “pets from shelters and rescue groups typically cost less than pets purchased or even acquired for free, when you add in the cost of vaccinations, spay/neuter surgery, microchipping, flea and tick treatment and dewormer included in your adoption fee.”

An internet search will provide you with a list

of local shelters and organizations, such as the Animal Welfare Leagues of Alexandria and Arlington, the Lost Dog & Cat Foundation, King Street Cats, and the SPCA of Northern Virginia, to name a few. After you peruse their websites and view a list of available animals, visit the shelter in person and meet your potential new buddy. Subject to each organization’s individual rules and procedures, take the time to meet the animals and interact with them. Don’t be afraid to ask their caregivers detailed questions to ensure they’ll be a good fit in your home.

Once you’ve decided on a new cat, ensure your home is ready to welcome them in and ease the transition. Consider setting up a small “safe room,” such as a laundry room, small bedroom, or bathroom that includes fresh food and water, as well as a clean litter box. This will allow you to slowly introduce them to their new surroundings and reduce the chances of them feeling overwhelmed. Speaking of litter boxes, experts suggest one box per

cat, plus one. Try to space the boxes apart, if possible, and don’t set them up near a food or water source. Also, it’s recommended to scoop each box once per day and perform a full cleanout every 1-2 weeks.

Give your new friend enough space and let them come to you when ready. Treats are always welcome for good behavior and for letting them know they can trust you. Ensure you put away any dangerous materials in the house, including cleaning chemicals and other household items. Close off any holes or crawl spaces the cat could get into and assess your household plants as many are toxic to cats. Buy a small assortment of new toys to keep them interested and engaged, as well as a scratching post or pad to redirect their claws from your couch to the appropriate spot. Please remember that declawing cats is an inhumane and unnecessary practice and is even illegal in some states (including our neighboring state of Maryland), counties and local municipalities, and countries.

POINTS

ON PETS |

About the Author: Kristen Koirtyohann -- After getting married a few months ago, Kristen and her 2 cats, Atticus & Harrison, moved in with her new husband (and their new dad), Matt. He has since become a model “cat dad” to both her boys, building them homemade cat condos out of boxes, feeding them daily treats the minute he walks in the door, and snuggling them on the couch each evening. They have him wrapped around their little…paws.

Sources:

https://www.humanesociety.org/resources/adopting-animalshelter-or-rescue-group

https://www.animalhumanesociety.org/resource/preparingnew-cat

https://www.peta.org/blog/where-declawing-is-illegal/ https://www.petsafe.net/learn/how-to-prepare-your-home-forthe-arrival-of-your-new-cat

https://www.worldwildlife.org/stories/5-remarkable-animaldads

https://www.smithsonianmag.com/blogs/national-museum-ofnatural-history/2022/06/16/get-to-know-the-natural-worldsmost-devoted-dads/

https://blog.wcs.org/photo/2014/06/13/think-pink-forflamingo-dads/

PETS OF THE MONTH

Selected Metro DC Animal Shelters/Rescues

Animal Welfare League of Alexandria alexandriaanimals.org/

Animal Welfare League of Arlington www.awla.org

Fairfax County Animal Shelter www.fairfaxcounty.gov/animalshelter Friends of Rabbits and House Rabbit Sanctuary www.friendsofrabbits.org/

King Street Cats www.kingstreetcats.org/ Operation Paws for Homes, Inc. ophrescue.org/

4101 Eisenhower Avenue Alexandria, VA 703-746-4774

alexandriaanimals.org

Mon-Fri, 1-8 pm Closed Wed Sat & Sun, 12-5 pm

Sunny

We know you won’t be able to help falling in love with Sunny. This guy has become a staff and volunteer favorite for his bright and shiny disposition (and adorable under bite). He has attended many of our adoption events - all around town - but still hasn’t found the perfect family yet. Sunny loves playing with plush squeaky toys and dog puzzles. You have to keep the body and mind sharp, you know! Sunny would make an excellent low key companion for someone special.

Carmello

We’re not sure if Carmello has a suspicious mind or just likes to look at people suspiciously. Either way, his photos always crack us up! Carmello is a very sweet kitty, but he takes a little bit of time to warm up to new people. Sadly, this means he’s passed up for adoption too often at the shelter. Carmello would make an excellent steadfast companion if given the chance. He likes squeezable kitty treats, which make getting to know him a little easier. Once he knows you're on the up and up, you'll have a friend for life!

Enid

She ain’t nothin’ but a hound dog! And ain’t that the truth – Enid was DNA tested, and she’s 100% American Foxhound! This mature, calm lady is looking for a home where she can enjoy a laid back lifestyle. However, that doesn’t mean she’s not up for a sniff around town thoughand this gal does love to follow her nose. Her high-functioning nose is very helpful when sniffing out snacks. You can’t hide a pocketful of treats from this gal. Enid also enjoys basking in the sunlight and receiving pets. Ear rubs are probably her favorite.

OH NOOOO... NOT ANOTHER TIE!!

This has been the subject matter of my June column for over 10 years and it still holds true. Dude, don’t get Dad another tie! He might wear it… only when you’re in town or when you mention it. He really dreads having to tie one on for you!

Nothing bugs dad if he’s using Thermacell’s E-series mosquito repeller. A 20 foot bug and scent free zone works up to 9 hours on a single charge. Lightweight Thermacell EL55 is portable, and ambient dimple lights set the mood for evening entertainment without taking up a lot of space. Audio and LED alerts for protection and battery life. Within 15 minutes, Thermacell casts a safe and EPA reviewed effective barrier repelling mosquitoes that may transmit Encephalitis, West Nile Virus, and Zika Virus. People and pet friendly. thermacell.com

If an American made Gerber knife or multi-tool isn’t enough, allow your imagination to custom design the perfect knife or multi-tool showing who dad really is. An extensive library of designs creates the perfect surprise Father’s Day gift!

Gerber’s website allows colorful customization from the blade to the screws of original Gerbers for hunters, fishermen, or any outdoorsman. Founded in 1939 and based in Portland, Oregon, customized Gerber’s innovative knives and problem solving tools meet unique needs of specific activities with the most individualized gift. gerbergear.com

Don’t leave dad in the dark. Shedding light into his tackle box or under the hood, a reliable and durable working flashlight will come in handy. 5.11, known for supplying professionals with tactical gear, has the EDC PL 1AAA mini flashlight. This big light comes in a small package with a removable clip. Requiring only 1 AAA battery, the 5.11 EDC runs up to 4 hours while projecting 55 lumens. It’s tough too, a water resistant machined aerospace grade aluminum case shoots a beam up to 75 feet. 511tactical.com

For the man who always gave the shirt off his back, the iconic Filson Alaskan Guide Shirt is for the dad who boldly goes wherever the outdoors takes him. A breathable shirt, made from 8 oz cotton flannel is a classic from Filson, manufacturing dependable clothing for outdoor enthusiasts since 1897! Softness and warmth match up with his favorite tee shirt for cooler weather or with a base layer when it gets colder. The dense weave blocks chilly breezes. Pleated rear shoulders are roomy for working or recreating outdoors. Gusset

expandable chest pockets can carry extra shells or a fly box. Preshrunk Filson’s Alaskan Guide shirt will become a legend for legendary dads. filson.com

If it’s good enough to be called guide wear, and made by Simms, dad will love it. Since 1980, Simms anglers have perfected innovative fishing clothing, utilizing cutting edge materials with on the water testing. Simms Guide Pants provide mobility on the boat, in the water, or on the trails to fishing holes. Reinforced belt loops on water shedding nylon spandex material keep pants in place. Hidden drawstring adds nonslip security. Quick draining mesh pockets, 2 front (1 zippered) and 2 back (1 zippered) as well as a zippered thigh pocket to stow small tackle packs, allow water to flow through for faster drying. A gusted crotch has drain holes too for faster draining. UPF 50+ completes the Simms Guide Pants. simmsfishing. com

Shoes are anatomically constructed to fit each foot comfortably, why shouldn’t his socks. Icebreaker socks, with an anatomical toe box for a unique left and right fit, are blended with merino wool to be stretchy, breathable, and naturally odor-resistant. Blisters are avoided with a seamless and less bulky toe closure. Various applications for every outdoor activity, but super comfy for everyday wear. Built in Achilles, ankle, and instep supports

keep Icebreaker socks in place. The cuff provides comfort where others leave a mark! icebreaker.com

Dad won’t be caught short in Eddie Bauer’s Men’s Guide Headpin shorts. Built for style and constructed for fishing, these lightweight shorts have FreeShade® UPF50 sun protection and StormRepel® DWR treatment keeping wet weather at bay. Stains and odor don’t stick either. Looking good with added stretch for flexibility and comfort, Headpin shorts are perfect for fishing in a boat or for wet wading. Pockets for storing small fly boxes with drains keep pockets in place. Belt or interior drawcord finishes a perfect fit in an above the knee short. eddiebauer.com

When packaging and clothing are made from recycled materials, it’s worth a look. Free Fly’s Men’s Elevate Hoodie has the look in a lightweight, quick-dry hoodie. 83% Recycled Poly and 6% Spandex provide strength and flexibility, Free Fly mixes 11% Tencel fibers to enhance natural comfort, strength, and moisture absorption while gentle to skin. A crossover hood attached securely at the neck with UPF 30+ protect from the sun in a breathable material. Raglan sleeves allow for movement, handy for fly casting. A unique sun cuff design covers the top of hands and leaves the palm and fingers available for fishing. Odor control HeiQ keeps dad fresh. Cool colors too! freeflyapparel. com

Author Capt. Steve Chaconas is a Potomac bass fishing guide & freelance writer. Potomac River reports: nationalbass.com. YouTube channel NationalBassGuide.

Potomac River Bassing in MAY

Water is the perfect bass fishing temperature. Whether winding small crankbaits or bladed jigs, low stretch Gamma Edge fluorocarbon snaps baits from grass to trigger strikes. Grass and wood are target areas.

Time to think about topwaters. Walking baits are perfect for sluggish post spawn bass and can be tied to 30 pound Gamma Torque braid. Poppers work too, but hollow frogs worked over thick grass on 50 pound Torque braid produces big fish.

As for other cover, pitching creature baits, tubes or jigs are also effective. Work outer edges at lower tides.

It’s Father’s Day, put a bit of thought into gifts for the guy who was always thinking of you! Show Dad he’s legendary.

Remember, if you give it, dad will use it, wear it, or eat it…make a good choice so he won’t think of you when he’s in line returning it

If you still have your dad, listen up…

You think they’ll live forever; they won’t.

You think it won’t/can’t happen to them, but it might.

You believe they’re made of steel, but they aren’t.

You think they don’t care and/or don’t have feelings, but they do.

You think you can procrastinate telling them how you feel, you can—but it’s not advised.

They are tougher than nails, stronger than steel, but they are flesh and blood and bone.

They hold the world on their shoulders. carrying it’s weight without complaint and don’t ask for much in return—if anything at all.

My father passed in 2020, and I’d give anything to have him back if for one minute.

To hear him say, “Hey—got a little more of that ice cream over there?” When prompted about how he enjoyed his dinner, you might get a response such as, “It’s something to eat.”

Or even the occasional, “Hey, Lori. Can you help me with my shoes?”, before I had a sip of coffee to which I’d remind him my rule of “No feet before I eat,” and we’d laugh. He was wheelchair bound the last few years of his life, and it was hard on all of us, but mostly him.

Dad lived with us for eight months prior to COVID, until his safety became an issue, and we had to make the difficult decision that he needed more care than we could provide at home. There were a lot of highs and lows during that time with us. I was so happy to wake up and have coffee with my Dad. We hadn’t spent quality time alone together in ions. I loved watching Judge Judy in the afternoons with him—our ritual.

There were days, however, that I couldn’t wait to get out of the house, away from him and everyone else. Two days a week an aide came to assist Dad with his personal grooming, and on those days, I was out the door headed to the gym the second her tires hit the drivway.

One night when I was helping him get into bed, tears started rolling down his cheeks. My heart sank. It had been a hard day. A really hard day for both of us. I kissed the top of his head, assured him I loved him, and that tomorrow would be a better day. Just writing that feels like a sucker punch to the gut.

Then there was the day that I was downstairs sneaking in an hour of painting when Dad’s emergency buzzer went off. For the record— that buzzer sounded like a warning for a worldwide nuclear attack. I raced up the stairs five at a time, heart in throat, and yelled, “What’s wrong?”

He was sitting upright in his wheelchair in our sunroom just as I had left him. No blood, no visible signs of distress. Maybe he’s having a stroke, I thought.

As I got closer, he held his phone out to me and said, “Hey—can you get Joan on the phone for me?” OMG. I didn’t know whether to hug him or throw him out of his chair. I got his buddy on the phone and then laughed about it once my ‘fight or flight’ response settled back to normal about three days later.

In closing, I’ll leave you with a few gift ideas for the man who doesn’t need another tie. Instead give him:

The respect he deserves; Time in your busy schedule; Trust that he might actually be right most of the time;

Acknowledgement of the wisdom he beholds;

Both your ears to listen to the stories about his old football injuries, his time overseas; the big one that got away—even though you’ve heard them all before;

A hearty laugh at a few of his bad dad jokes;

A hug—like a real one; A gesture of gratitude for the countless times he’s showed up for you—on the field and off; and Tell him you love him because he is the best gift of all.

Happy Father’s Day to all those Dads out there.

About the Author: Lori is a local writer, painter and pet lover who loves to share her experiences and expertise with our readers. She has been penning a column for the OTC for over 20 years. Please follow Lori online on Medium for more missives like this.

I am so grateful for all the memories of my dear, sweet father. I could be sad this Father’s Day, but I’m going to do my best to celebrate him and relish the time we had together.

Give me a Frozen Strawberry Lemonade

They have partnered with Truly Hard Seltzer and the concoctions are mighty tasty! My favorite so far is the above referenced concoction made with Truly Strawberry Lemonade Seltzer, Great American Moonshine, strawberry puree and lime juice garnished with an umbrella and a lemon! On top of the specialty cocktails, they are serving up beer, wine and bubbly along with several soft drink options. Keep in mind that you can take your beverage on your spin around on the wheel for just a few $$ more! As an aside…I am planning my 70th birthday party at this location. It is a perfect spot for a summertime event! thecapitalwheel.com

an all-new “wrap around” bar which creates several more seats. There is now a Den, just off of the bar that is a beautifully appointed and secluded room with cozy seating, a statement fireplace and large screen TVs. The main Dining Room is now a two-room area with a beautiful gold ceiling, some masterful lighting and marble and wood tables with custom seating with leather accents. The Terrace Room is a room for all occasions with three walls of windows, lush seating, mood lighting and views overlooking National Harbor. They spared no expense in this build out!

The Movies are Back!

Featuring date night movies on Thursdays and family night movies on Sundays through September.

Every Thursday (“date night”) at 7 p.m. and Sunday (“family night”) at 6 p.m. guests are invited to gather in front of the Plaza Screen on the waterfront to watch recent releases and classic films. Movie goers are encouraged to bring chairs and order take-out from one of the many restaurants right around the plaza. Free and subject to weather.

Probably of most note is that Old Hickory is now open for breakfast, lunch and brunch, though it was a dinner only place before. According to the powers that be: “Old Hickory Steakhouse will continue to feature premium steak expertly prepared, with additional timeless classics infused with a regional flare, along with crafted cocktails and flawless service.” Each of the new menus look as impressive as the dinner menu. Something that caught my eye was the “Bottomless Mimosa and Bloody Mary” brunch. I think I’ll make a reservation! For inside info of the menu and all things happening at the Resort check out GaylordNational. 1st

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