Since 1988 • Priceless
From the Bay to the Blue Ridge
July 2019
oldtowncrier.com
Setting the Standard In Old Town Since 1979
july’19 A Division of Crier Media Group OTC Media LLC PO Box 320386 Alexandria, VA 22320 703. 836. 0132 office@oldtowncrier.com oldtowncrier.com Published the first week of every month. Worth waiting for! PUBLISHER Bob Tagert MARKETING & ADVERTISING Lani Gering Bob Tagert Meg Mullery SOCIAL MEDIA & WEBSITE Ashley Schultz DESIGN & PRODUCTION Electronic Ink 9 Royal Street, SE Leesburg, VA 20175 703. 669. 5502 Peggie Arvidson Nancy Bauer Sarah Becker F. Lennox Campello Steve Chaconas Carolyn Cockroft Kathryn Debros Doug Fabbioli Nicole Flanagan Lani Gering Miriam Kramer Genevieve LeFranc
CONTRIBUTORS Sarah Liu Michael J. McGroarty Melinda Myers Ron Powers Kim Putens Julie Reardon Ashley Schultz Bob Tagert Carl Trevisan Ryan Unverzagt Lori Welch Brown Molly Winans
© 2018 Crier Media Group, Inc. No part of this publication may be reproduced without the written consent of the publisher. The Old Town Crier is published monthly and distributed to select Alexandria residents, hotels, restaurants and retail shops. Also distributed in the Annapolis, Fredericksburg, Blue Ridge and Washington, DC areas and St. John, USVI.
Since 1988 • Priceless
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24
43
A Bit of History............................................................. 16
First Blush.........................................................................43
Personality Profile............................................................ 4
After Hours.......................................................................11
Fitness................................................................................41
Points on Pets.................................................................18
Alexandria Events............................................................ 4
From the Bay….............................................................22
Arts & Antiques..............................................................13
From the Trainer............................................................42
Behind the Bar................................................................30
Gallery Beat.....................................................................12
Business Profile................................................................. 6
Go Fish...............................................................................45
Special Feature: Independence Day.....................40
Caribbean Connection...............................................20
Grapevine.........................................................................36
Social Media Message................................................... 2
Cooking Corner..............................................................34
High Notes.......................................................................10
Spiritual Renaissance...................................................44
Dining Guide...................................................................32
National Harbor.............................................................47
Dining Out.......................................................................29
National Harbor Events..............................................48
Entertainment: Blackbeard.......................................11
On the Road with OTC................................................... 1
Exploring Virginia Wines............................................37
Open Space.....................................................................46
To the Blue Ridge..........................................................26
Financial Focus.................................................................. 8
Pets of the Month.........................................................19
Urban Garden.................................................................14
Publisher’s Notes.............................................................. 2 Road Trip...........................................................................24
Tall Ship Providence Update....................................15 The Last Word.................................................................... 9
From the Bay to the Blue Ridge
July 2019
on the road with OTC oldtowncrier.com
about the cover A slice of Americana by John McCaslin.
The Old Town Crier has traveled abroad - yet again. Making an appearance in Denmark and France last month, we love it when readers take the time to share with us. LEFT: Longtime Old Town resident, Sherrie Jones and her husband Per Huge-Jensen introduced the OTC to their two year old third cousin Nor Huge-Gjerstrup while on their trip to Per’s native country - Denmark. Pictured here at the Copenhagan Zoo located in the Zoological garden in Frederiksberg, it looks like they enjoyed a nice sunny day. Sherrie and Per were on a 12 day adventure that involved planes, trains, buses and boats. They now split their time between Key Largo, FL, Broomes Island, MD and Old Town Alexandria. RIGHT: Former Alexandria residents who transported themselves to Kitty Hawk, North Carolina took the OTC on their latest adventure. Here with Bogie, their favorite bartender on the Viking ship Forseti, Charlie and Sandi Collum share the OTC with all on board. The Collum’s spent three weeks in France recently aboard two Viking longships and they always make it a point to make friends with the bartenders. This couple aren’t just good looks – they know who the important people are on board. If you would like to see your picture here, take the OTC on your next adventure, snap a high resolution photo and send it along with information for the caption to office@oldtowncrier.com. Happy Trails!
Old Town Crier
June 2019 | 1
PUBLISHER’S NOTES
BOB TAGERT
The dog days of summer are just around the corner but some serious heat is upon us now. Temps have begun to rise into the 90’s but luckily the rains have, for the most part, stayed away or just rained on Friday, leaving a nice weekend. Check out our Road Trip this month as we return to familiar territory – Rappahannock County. We also relate how many northern Virginians have relocated to the Blue Ridge. It has become an enclave for former Alexandrians. You might want to mark your calendar to take a little “road trip” to the Washington, VA for the American Festival Concert on the 6th. John Bourgeois conducts the Bourgeois Concert Band at Avon Hall on the lawn at 6 pm. Other activities start up at 4 pm. In To the Blue Ridge, Julie Reardon writes about ‘Fireworks and Outdoor Fun in the Blue Ridge’...a perfect companion article for our Road Trip. In Grapevine, Nancy Bauer examines the exceptional ‘Grower of Barboursville’, an immigrant, now U.S. Citizen, and hits on a nerve that is in the news every day. Doug Fabbioli takes us through the thought process of managing the vineyard in Exploring VA Wines. Miriam Kramer introduces us to some books for summer reading to ‘take us away’ in Last Word. Sometimes the most unassuming people have had some of the great experiences in life, and Phil Katauskas is that kind of guy. Read about him in Personality Profile. Here comes the judge! Our Caribbean Connection is reminiscent of a cover article we did a few years ago about dog adoptions in the Caribbean. This story is a real Virginia-St. John connection. Are those hazy days of summer returning? Check out Sarah Becker’s history article for a peek into the past in A Bit of History. In Dining Out we look at who is behind the restaurant groups new to Alexandria that are opening and buying into multiple stores. In the National Harbor section Lain Gering relates the patriotism that lies behind National Harbor in the form of its developer, Milt Peterson, and his patriotic hand on National Harbor. Read about the arrival of the Tall Ship Providence to Old Town Alexandria. The tall masted sloop will be a great addition to the waterfront heritage of our colonial seaport of Alexandria. Have a great 4th of July everybody and Happy 243rd Birthday to our fair city! A Wannabe Pirate fueling up for Signature Theatre's performance of Blackbeard.
SOCIAL MEDIA MESSAGE
ASHLEY SCHULTZ
Facebook? Your New Bank?
O
n Tuesday, June 18th 2019, Facebook announced that they would lead an effort to create a new global currency called “Libra.” The corporation stated that, “We believe that the world needs a global, digitally native currency that brings together the attributes of the world’s best currencies: stability, low inflation, wide global acceptance and fungibility.” Facebook’s motivation for making Libra is primarily as a service to the developing world and the parts of the developed world where it is difficult to access a bank. Facebook’s goal is “financial inclusion” on a global scale, subsidized by Facebook’s might and enormous user base. “Libra” in short, is digital money or crypto currency, it doesn’t have a ton in common 2 | June 2019
with bit coin, the most famous crypto currency. Libra payments will be written into a new blockchain, which is still being built. Unlike Bit coin, there will be no “mining” for Libra; you will basically just buy it. The value of Libra will be like the US dollar but apparently more stable and easier to exchange and will be guaranteed by a reserve of real assets, provided by the partners that buy into Facebook’s Libra Association. Right now, those partners are titans in the venture capital world, such as MasterCard, Visa, Uber, Lyft, Spotify, eBay, PayPal, Union Square Ventures, and Andreessen Horowitz. Facebook apparently charged at least some of these organizations $10 million to join. Facebook stated that Libra SOCIAL MEDIA> PAGE 7
Old Town Crier
Happy Birthday Alexandria Fireworks
Alexandria
Photo: Victor Wolansky Photography
JULY TOURS, EXHIBITS, EVENTS
Happy Birthday Alexandria!
JULY 13TH
USA/Alexandria Birthday Celebration
7 to 10 p.m. Admission: Free Oronoco Bay Park Market Square 100 Madison Street visitalexandriava.com/alexandria-birthday-celebration
OLD TOWN FARMERS MARKET MARKET SQUARE • 301 KING ST SATURDAY 7 A.M. – NOON, YEAR ROUND Free parking in Market Square garage during market hours People who come to Alexandria on Saturday mornings find themselves in a busy plaza where local farmers and artists have been selling their products since 1753. Old Town Alexandria’s Market Square is thought to be one of the nation’s oldest continually operating farmers markets, serving as a primary source of meat, dairy, fish, fruits and vegetables for Alexandrians. George Washington sent his produce from Mount Vernon to be sold here. Today, the market offers folks a way to reconnect to the past, while participating in an ongoing local and national tradition.
DEL RAY FARMERS MARKET CORNER OF E. OXFORD & MOUNT VERNON AVES SATURDAY 8 A.M. – NOON, YEAR ROUND
Photo: K Summerer for Visit Alexandria
The Del Ray Market is producer grown, with fresh vegetables and fruits in season. All year round, this market offers meats, eggs, fresh pasta and sauces, Amish cheese, yogurt, bakery goods, eggs, jams and jellies, fancy nuts and bakery goods.
NORTH MONTGOMERY PARK FARMERS MARKET
Celebrate America’s 243rd birthday and Alexandria’s 270th along the Potomac River waterfront at Oronoco Bay Park. Enjoy live music by the Alexandria Symphony Orchestra, patriotic birthday cake, food vendors and a dazzling fireworks display.
CALENDAR > PAGE 5
Old Town Crier
LOCAL FARMERS MARKETS
NORTH MONTGOMERY PARK • 901 N. ROYAL ST THURSDAY 3 – 7 P.M., YEAR ROUND, WEATHER PERMITTING The market will feature local growers, bakers, and other area providers of wholesome foods including Twin Springs, Grace's Pastries, Bread & Water, and Relay Foods.
June 2019 | 3
PERSONALITY PROFILE
BOB TAGERT
O
ne of the fun things about our Personality Profile is that you just never know how interesting folks are until you talk to them. We met Philip “Phil” Katauskas at River Bend Bistro over the past half year or so and through conversation found out how fascinating he is. He has compiled some of his writings in a small book called Writings. As I write this piece I will make reference to these writings in italics and I will begin with the foreward from his book to set the tone of his love for the written word. “My mother and father both loved the written word. My father was a college English professor, and my mother was an avid reader. They imparted to their three children their love of the written word. My children’s mother and I did the same with our two children. And continuing in that tradition, my children have passed on that affection to my grandchildren. It seemed like a good idea to collect my modest body of writings, personal and professional, published and unpublished, in one place for posterity. I also wanted to include the essay my father submitted to the University of Notre Dame, circa 1937. The essay earned him a full scholarship, and he was awarded a Master’s Degree in Apologetics from Notre Dame. Hence this book.” Phil was born and raised in a small town in farm country in Illinois coincidentally named Washington. When asked about his upbringing, he told me that his mother was a down-to-earth person. “She had no formal education beyond high school, but she had an innate sense of values and was an avid reader, which make her informed beyond any college diploma she lacked. To this day, I value the plain-spokeness and common sense she gave me. She taught me respect using those qualities.” Phil’s father moved the family to southern Michigan in order to do doctorial work at the University of Michigan when he was in the third or fourth grade. The family moved into a home on a lake in the woods. He was the oldest of three at the time 4 | June 2019
Philip J. Katauskas A MAN OF MANY WORDS
so he would hike and fish along that lake with his siblings. This is where he Phil at Academy circa 1965 learned his love of the commencements outdoors. “There were no other of the positive variety are kids around so the woods were filled, as they should be, with my playground,” he tells me. certain pomp and circumstance Phil continued his high befitting the occasion. My school education in southern graduation from the U.S. naval Michigan where he played Academy in June of 1968, and football, both offense and my commencement on the road defense and ran track where he to becoming a Naval Flight excelled in the 1/4 mile hurdles Officer, were no different. I did and the 4x4 mile relay. In his not know, however, at that time senior year he was recruited that very soon they would mark by the Naval Academy to try the commencement of something out for their football team. “I not so joyous. Graduations thought it would be cool to and commencements should be play football for Navy. Roger about the graduate, and mine Staubach had just won the was. My parents, brother, sister, Heisman Trophy a year earlier,” then-girlfriend, who would soon said Katauskas. He made it to become my wife and the mother the final cut but wasn’t picked up so he turned his attention to of my two children, and a couple of spinster cousins, who had running track for the Academy provided me occasional refuge at the next four years. their home in nearby Arlington, Upon graduation in 1968 from the Academy, Phil became Virginia, during my four Midship years, were there. It was a Naval Flight Officer and a splendid day, but marred by got his wings in November Bobby Kennedy’s assassination of 1969. His first tour of duty the night before and by the was in Corpus Christi, Texas official declaration that the where he was an Advanced Air USS Scorpion, a nuclear attack Navigation Instructor for two submarine, was lost at sea, with years. all ninety-nine of its sailors “Graduations and
entombed in a steel hull many fathoms below the sea. We gave them a moment of silence before the diplomas and commissions were handed out. Life had to go on.” During his tour of duty in Corpus Christi he served as a Navigator and tactical coordinator. Although they had electronic navigation he also taught new pilots celestial navigation while in flight. This was accomplished with a periscope sextant used through a bubble dome in the ceiling of the plane. He also trained to fly P-3 Orion subchasers and did a tour as part of a patrol squad In Brunswick, Maine. “We were looking for the Red Octobers of the world,” he tells me. He trained to fly the Orions at Patuxent Naval Air Station in Maryland. Family life in Corpus Christi proved to be eventful. Hurricane Celia struck the small town, so Phil and his wife Dottie began preparations. “Dottie and I made a list of items we’d need to survive the storm: Bottled water, masking tape, baby food, diapers (these for their young daughter), batteries, and canned food. I
took my list and headed for the grocery store. Surprisingly, although mobbed, everyone was helpful with not a hint of panic. When I approached the checkout line with my cart, the local in front of me, a middle-aged woman with a then -popular beehive hairdo, said, ‘Honey, you probably should get some sterno and matches to heat up those baked beans. Sterno is in aisle 6 -- I’ll save your place in line.’ Of course, I followed her advice.” They took all of the necessary precautions including cracking the windows on the family car slightly to relieve the pressure from the inside that the hurricane would create. They rode out the storm which lasted 6 hours. After checking for damage and a little straightening up, Katauskas went to check on his car. “I checked my car to see that I apparently had not rolled my windows down far enough. My windshield had been sucked out by Celia. Looking around the carport, I saw that I was not the only who had suffered that fate. And when my Air Navigation School re-opened, I learned that many of my instructor colleagues had also lost their windshields. The problem was that there was a shortage of replacement windshields in Corpus Christi, so the wait for a replacement was weeks. ‘Resourcefulness’ in the person of my friend and fellow instructor, LCDR Vern Redfern, solved the problem. Vern called shops in San Antonio, about two hours away, and made appointments for us to drive up there and have our windshields replaced. The logistical challenge was how to drive at highway speeds for two hours without a windshield. More ‘resourcefulness’ was required. To this day I do not know who solved this problem, but since there is nobody around to contradict me, I will say I did. Vern and I wore our navy flight helmets with our dark-green visors down on our drive from Corpus Christi to San Antonio. We drove in a two-car loose formation and laughed ourselves silly at the faces of the oncoming drivers who saw two drivers approaching who looked like PERSONALITY PROFILE > PAGE 5
Old Town Crier
PERSONALITY PROFILE | FROM PAGE 4
giant flies.” While at Corpus Christi officers also had collateral duties that were a requirement of his position so Kastaukas signed up to be a legal officer. With no legal background, the Navy sent him to five weeks at the Naval Justice School and he returned as legal counsel to the Commanding Officer. It was about this time that he decided “Hey, I think I can do this” and applied to law school at Villanova. After graduating from law school, Phil became a law clerk for an Associate Justice on the Pennsylvania Supreme Court and described it as one of the defining experiences of his career. Within six months the Justice had him writing drafts and then opinions. When he began to look at employment after his Law Clerk experience, he would send his opinions to prospective employers. For the next 30 years Phil practiced law as a civil litigator and represented such companies as Gulf Oil, Chevron, Sunoco and some pharmaceutical companies. He moved from private practice to the Department of Defense as a trial officer for the General Counsel. In March of 2017 he became an Administrative Judge and at 72 years old still loves going to his office every day. Philip Katauskas is a man that understands respect and is not one to sit and just let life pass him by. CALENDAR | FROM PAGE 3
More Summer Events & Tours: JULY 4TH An American Celebration at Mount Vernon 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Admission: Included with price of admission ($20 for adults; $19 for seniors; $12 for ages 6-11; free for children ages 0-5) George Washington’s Mount Vernon 3200 Mount Vernon Memorial Highway 703-780-2000 mountvernon.org/july4 Salute the first commander-in-chief during this annual Independence Day event. Watch dazzling made-fordaytime fireworks shoot off over the Potomac River and listen to the roar of cannon fire during special military re-enactments. Enjoy free birthday cake (while supplies last), a visit from General and Mrs. Washington and a performance by the National Concert Band during its “Red, White and Blue”
Old Town Crier
“Missing Out on the Present... With an unusually selfprohibited street vendor hot dog, a bag of chips and a diet soda, I headed to the Square and found a seat on one of the benches. The Park was populated with the usual characters: a few homeless, sunbathers, dog walkers, and moms and dads with their young children. As I enjoyed the weather, the forbidden meal and the people-watching, I was struck by how many of the parks denizens that day were apparently distracted. By what I really could not say exactly. But so many of the adults were busy on their cell phones or with their heads down and thumbs in action on a variety of their “hand-held devices, “Blackberry’s, iPhones, and other gear designed to allow electronic communications. I wondered if those communications were robbing the Park communicants of the wonderful immediacy of the moment, the sights and sounds of the day, the diversity of the Park populace, the fresh air and sunshine. It is, of course, possible that each communication was essential to some urgency. But I wondered, could that really be so?” If you have a chance to encounter this man, be sure to strike up a conversation. You won’t regret it.
Ruby Red Jewelry for July's Special Moments
KingsJewelry.NET 609 King Street Old Town Alexandria 703-549-0011
Mon-Sat 10am-6pm Open Thurs 10am-8pm Closed Sundays
Family owned and operated for over 60 years. Virginia’s Only Restaurant chosen by Open Table as one of the
Southern Restaurants in America!
Publishers Note: You can catch Judge Phil having lunch at River Bend Bistro in the Hollin Hills Shopping Center on Fort Hunt Road on a fairly regular basis. concert. Spend a truly inspiring day at a truly inspiring place. An American Celebration takes place rain or shine.
JULY 12TH-14TH Plein Air at Mount Vernon 12 to 4 p.m. Admission: Included with price of admission ($20 for adults; $19 for seniors; $12 for ages 6-11; free for children ages 0-5) George Washington’s Mount Vernon 3200 Mount Vernon Memorial Highway 703-780-2000 mountvernon.org/pleinair Join us for three days of Washingtoninspired painting in the upper and lower gardens with renowned artist Simon Bull. During this first-ever event, watch visiting artist Simon Bull at work painting flowers, trees and scenes from the gardens on a mural-sized canvas. As you watch Bull use a brush and pour paint on the canvas, he will share his process and painting techniques and answer questions.
JULY 20TH Cinema Del Ray Outdoor Movies 7 p.m.; films begin at dusk
SPECTACULAR SEAFOOD • CREOLE & CAJUN SPECIALTIES Alexandria’s Renowned Neighborhood Restaurant & Bar Open daily for lunch and dinner and dinner on Sundays
3804 Mt. Vernon Avenue • Alexandria 703-684-6010 • rtsrestaurant.net Admission: Free Mt. Vernon Recreation Center field 2701 Commonwealth Avenue facebook.com/cinemadelray Bring family, friends, neighbors and a blanket to watch family-friendly openair movies including Peter Pan, Ralph Breaks the Internet, Smallfoot (in Spanish with English subtitles), How to Train Your Dragon: The Hidden World and Incredibles 2 at Cinema Del Ray, sponsored by The Jen Walker Team.
JULY 28TH The Real World Science Behind Harry Potter 1 to 4 p.m. Admission: $7 per person Stabler-Leadbeater Apothecary Museum 105-107 S. Fairfax Street shop.alexandriava.gov In honor of Harry Potter’s birthday, the Stabler-Leadbeater Apothecary Museum is offering family-friendly
tours that explore the Muggle science and medicine behind J.K. Rowling’s “Harry Potter” series. Event partner Hooray for Books! will be selling wizarding merchandise on site, and Dolci Gelati will have Butterbeer gelato available in their shop. Activities include potion-making and a photo booth— don’t forget your camera. Tickets are available starting July 1, and advance purchase is recommended, as this event sells out. Children must be accompanied by a ticketed adult.
June 2019 | 5
BUSINESS PROFILE
PEDEGO ELECTRIC BIKES 210 NORTH LEE STREET OLD TOWN ALEXANDRIA 571-312-5168 PEDEGOALEXANDRIA.COM
LANI GERING
Pedego Electric Bikes are on the Run!
P The Tracker
Courtney and Kyra
6 | June 2019
edego Electric Bikes made their debut into Old Town Alexandria a little over a year ago when, after 25 years, Todd Ketch decided to leave his lobbying/association management position in D.C. to pursue something that he has a passion for and that provides something for people that makes them happy and is fun…enter Pedego. When he was sourcing for his second career, he ran across an article in Inc. Magazine that highlighted the founders of Pedego – Californians Don DiCostanzo and Terry Sherry - and the rest his history. He liked what he read and decided having a Pedego Electric Bike dealership was the way to go. Not your run of the mill two wheeler, a Pedego has an electric motor that provides two variations of assistance – Pedal Assist and Twist Assist. The Pedal Assist systems sense your pedaling and provide
Todd assistance automatically and the Twist Assist is actually a throttle on the handle bar that provides full power on demand. Most Pedegos have both options since that’s what people want. Pedal assist is nice for that long ride with a few stops while the throttle is good if you can’t pedal for some reason or just don’t feel like it. These cool bikes come in several different models. Everything from the collapsible “Latch” that can travel almost everywhere to a three wheeled “Trike” that is
built for optimal comfort and stability. There are models for every level of expertise and I am sure the “Trail Tracker” will even appeal to the hard core mountain biker. From all appearances, I think the bulk of the interest in these modes of transportation comes from those of us in the 40-65+- age range – which is most of the Old Town Crier readership. That being said, however, there are models for young families that can accommodate kids (and pets) and a tandem version that is a way up-ticked version of that “bicycle built for two” of old. The store is located a bit off of the beaten path (aka King Street) on North Lee Street but from the walk-in traffic that came in during my short time there, it appears people are definitely interested. An older couple had called ahead and came in to pick up their reserved bikes and I got to witness the kind of customer service Ketch and BUSINESS PROFILE > PAGE 7
Old Town Crier
OLD TOWN Shoe & Luggage Repair
BUSINESS PROFILE | FROM PAGE 6
his staff provide. While Ketch is definitely the “total expert”, Kyra and Courtney definitely know what they are doing and it is obvious that they all want their customers to have a great experience. It was fun spending part of my afternoon with them as they explained all of the different options and the benefits of one bike over another as well as sharing some personal stories in the mix. The main goal at the store is to sell and maintain the bikes but giving people the opportunity to rent (see photo of rental options) them is attractive to many. This gives you a chance to really check one out and see what is going to work for you. It is definitely an investment and you want to be sure you pick the model that will work best for you. The price point runs between $1,895 and $5,495. Todd told me that the most popular bikes they sell go for $3,295 to $3,595. And….they have all of the accessories that will enhance your adventure on hand at the store. When I inquired as to what prompted Ketch to locate in Old Town and basically what he told me added up to the ‘perfect storm’ – besides being located in a popular tourist area (lots of rental opportunities) and having access to some fantastic bike trails, a good portion of the locals fall into their prime age range, have higher than average income levels and are still looking for an adventure. Todd is passionate about his Pedegos, that’s for sure. He told me, “We want people to come in and try them. Having the motor to assist during the ride opens up a whole new world of possibilities for people who haven’t ridden bikes in years or SOCIAL MEDIA | FROM PAGE 2
will seek a group of at least 100 financial contributors that then also become voting board member in a not-for-profit governing body called the Libra Association. Facebook wants Libra to one day be a go-to payment option for both online and offline purchases, as well as for sending money among family members and friendsin every country in the world. The digital currency would convert easily in and out of any other currency, with very low conversion and transaction fees. Nick Statt of Facebook stated, “if Libra succeeds, it could represent one of the Old Town Crier
Serving Alexandria since 1996 • New Luggage Shoe & Luggage Repair • All Your Shipping Needs
824 King Street Old Town Alexandria, Virginia 703.299.0655 | Donshoe.com Mon-Fri 7:30 am-7 pm • Sat 9 am-5 pm may want to continue to ride but have knee, hip or other health issues to overcome. With the assistance of the motor they can keep up an active lifestyle. Knowing that my product can provide this for them is a joy for me.” While I didn’t have time to take one of the bikes for a spin when I was interviewing Todd and the ladies, I am definitely going to go back and give it a Pede“Go”! I think you should too! most consequential products Facebook has ever releasedboth for the company and for the world, it could offer compelling alternative to the existing banking system, particularly for people in developing nations. It could also make Facebook inextricable from its users’ lives.” The problem with this announcement is that Facebook is already under scrutiny for not effectively protecting the private information of its users, which is a fundamental task for any institution handling financial transactions. Will this crypto currency succeed? Or, will it merely fade away like our Facebook e-mail addresses? June 2019 | 7
FINANCIAL FOCUS
CARL TREVISAN, CFP© & STEPHEN BEARCE
Three Tips for Pursuing an Active Retirement
R
etirement today is active—a time to reinvent yourself, pursue your passions, or do the work that you find especially rewarding. The freedom to do that requires careful planning, says Will Larson, Retirement Planning Strategist for Wells Fargo Advisors. Here, he provides his top three ideas to consider when it comes to preparing for active, fulfilling retirement years. 1. Have a clear, focused plan. During most of your working life, it’s fine to plan based on realistic estimates of what your retirement might be like. “About five years before you retire, though, you should get very accurate and detailed with the assumptions about how you’ll live and what you want to accomplish,” Larson says. 8 | June 2019
Along with creating a detailed estimate of your costs in retirement, this is also the time to plan out what you want in this next chapter— and how you’ll afford it. “For some people, recognizing that you can retire is often more powerful than the act itself,” Larson says. Which means that when you no longer need to work, you might choose to work anyway, for the sheer enjoyment— or choose to work at a job you’re passionate about but have never had the freedom to try before. A side benefit: Continuing to work can help you delay using your retirement savings. 2. Let your finances inform your lifestyle changes. Once you make the switch to retirement, you might also need to adjust the way you think about your money.
In your working years, you save for retirement and focus on accumulating assets. In retirement, you take actions that help give you a reliable, sustainable cash flow and keep your spending and expenses in line with that cash flow. It’s crucial to develop a clear picture of your income potential before entering retirement. That income potential will drive the decisions you make about working and spending during retirement. “The answers will help you determine whether your retirement vacations are to Paris, France, or Paris, Texas,” says Larson. 3. Prepare for the psychological shift. Larson often asks this question of clients who are considering retirement: “It’s Tuesday at 9:45 in the morning, and you’re retired. What are
you doing?” The question is designed to spur thought. How will you restructure your life when your day is potentially filled with free time? To help clients get ready for the shift, Larson often suggests that they consider easing into changes slowly— perhaps working reduced hours for the years leading to retirement or using vacation days to try out a retirement lifestyle. For some, this transition phase leads to new expectations around retirement—and new goals for their life in retirement. Larson tells his clients that planning for retirement “isn’t complicated but it is complex” due to the many inter-related components. For a fulfilling retirement, start planning those details early and carry out your plan deliberately.
This article was written by/ for Wells Fargo Advisors and provided courtesy of Carl M. Trevisan, Managing DirectorInvestments and Stephen M. Bearce, First Vice PresidentInvestments in Alexandria, VA at 800-247-8602. Investments in securities and insurance products are: NOT FDIC-INSURED/NOT BANK-GUARANTEED/MAY LOSE VALUE Wells Fargo Advisors is a trade name used by Wells Fargo Clearing Services, LLC, Member SIPC, a registered broker-dealer and non-bank affiliate of Wells Fargo & Company. © 2019 Wells Fargo Clearing Services, LLC. All rights reserved. Old Town Crier
THE LAST WORD
MIRIAM R. KRAMER
Fun Summer Reads
A
s Old Town, Alexandria and the DC metropolitan area start getting sleepy, vacationers and “staycationers” are seeking reading to take them away. Here is a list of escapist possibilities, both recent releases and a few classics. After all the hype from this spring’s final season, we are suffering from the Game of Thrones TV series withdrawal—the drama, the violence, the sex, the White Walkers, the wolves, and the dragons. So read George R.R. Martin’s books in the series A Song of Ice and Fire, starting with Game of Thrones. Both the books and the TV series weave characters into a complicated saga. If you’ve seen the series, it is easier to keep track of the book’s characters and vice versa. George R.R. Martin’s books offer a much more intricate and engaging plot than the filmed version, however. He creates many characters and plot twists not seen in the series. Like most books, it is “better than the movie,” although HBO’s series is spectacular in its own right. Old Town Crier
For fans of stories about the Navy and tales of the sea, Sea Stories: A Life in Special Ops by Admiral William H. McRaven, U.S. Navy, Ret., is a sure bet. His clearly written account starts by offering moving tributes to role models who influenced his life, such as his father and a coach. The book provides a clear-minded meditation on war, life, and the scale of American special ops throughout the world from the man who oversaw the Navy SEALS operation to take out Osama bin Laden. Most books on Navy SEALS do not tell stories about how operations are planned and led, so McRaven’s stories provide useful context. With some touches of humor, he offers lessons from his own life, and leaves the reader impressed by this American leader’s character and service record. Elin Hilderbrand is the undisputed queen of summer novels. Her latest, The Summer of ’69, is set fifty years ago on the shores of Nantucket and Martha’s Vineyard. Using song titles of the era as chapter headings, she tells the tale of
four siblings who experience that eventful summer in different ways. The oldest, Blair, pregnant with twins, debates whether to give up her job for her husband. As the civil rights movement progresses, Kirby, the middle sister, takes a summer job on Martha’s Vineyard and finds love there. The only son, Tiger, an infantry soldier, has recently deployed to Vietnam. Kate, their mother, is stuck at home with her mother and thirteen-year-old daughter, Jessie, on Nantucket, worried about her son. In the meantime, Jessie navigates adolescence. During a period of great change, landmark events such as the moon landing and Chappaquiddick provide the context for the characters to come to some hard-won realizations about themselves and issues of the time. Although all readers who like beach novels may appreciate The Summer of ‘69, those who grew up in that time frame will probably enjoy it in particular. For those on the endless quest to improve themselves in a realizable way, James Clear’s Atomic Habits is a
thought-provoking work that provides an excellent plan for achieving long-term goals little by little. Providing examples from his own life, he notes, “We all deal with setbacks, but in the long run, the quality of our lives often depends on the quality of our habits. With the same habits, you will end up with the same results. But with better habits, anything is possible.” What makes this book attractive is that his plan is approachable and achievable. He shows how changes that seem negligible will compound and eventually result in breakthrough changes that are the result of previous incremental steps. Having seen this result in my own life, I endorse his philosophy. His book is perfect for the nonfiction reader who wants something meaningful but well-written enough to skim during vacation. Last but in some ways first, The Rosie Project by Graeme Simsion has become one of my favorite go-to books to recommend, since it speeds by and offers plenty of laughs. Don Tillman, an Australian genetics professor
with a touch of Asperger’s Syndrome, struggles to have a relationship with a woman and find a wife. In the process he approaches the problem scientifically, developing The Wife Project, a plan complete with a questionnaire to rule out all women who do not meet his criteria. Don’s colleague, Gene, a randy psychology professor, sets him up with a freewheeling bartender and psychology student named Rosie. Although Don immediately dismisses Rosie as a romantic prospect, he decides to help her find her father through genetic tracing by creating The Rosie Project. While this book may feature a bizarre scenario for a romantic comedic novel, it is one of the funniest, most endearing books I’ve read in the last ten years. Men should look past the chick-lit cover and enjoy it too. So take your suntan lotion– stained novels and e-readers and get cracking relaxing. Summer is the time to improve your life by taking a break, and these reads will help you do just that. June 2019 | 9
HIGH NOTES
C
hance is a European DJ who recently moved to the US. She’s a skilled singer, songwriter, remixer, producer, keyboardist and percussionist. This formidable list of abilities shines bright on her latest EP “Juke Box Jams”. This EP is a fresh mix of EDM, Hip Hop and Pop music with a wide range of European and American influences permeating every song. The first track (“I See Fire”) begins with infections staccato piano chords, an arpeggiated synth bass line with a sweeping EQ filter and a sturdy four-on-the-floor kick drum that has just the right amount of punch. Throughout the song we hear Chance’s smooth voice employing catchy melodies along with uplifting and positive lyrics about never giving up.
10 | June 2019
RON POWERS
Juke Box Jams Next, we hear what sounds like a voltage starved drum machine coupled with an ominous sub-bass which introduces the second track (Juke, Juke Box). As the song progresses, a brass-synth section and pulsing synth bass are layered in along with a fantastic harp melody line. The vocals on this track take an unconventional approach. Three separate vocal melodies, all with different lyrics, are introduced simultaneously. This was very intriguing to me. It almost has the feel of Free Jazz. Track three off Juke Box
Jams is called “No Problem, Just Carry Me”. This song begins with a lightning fast rap which is masterfully performed by featured artist DJ cMx. As the song develops, a hook-laced vocal line, delivered by Chance, is introduced along with a cool sinewave bass line that further draws the listener in. The vocal hook is then looped and utilized as an additional element of the music while DJ cMx raps on top. The fourth track (“Juke Juke, Box Jam”) offers more great melodies as well as spot on Jamaican flavored raps.
This melody/rap combination delivers a satisfying dose of pop and edge to the track. Vocals are delivered over classic 80s synth bass and drums which, along with droning synths and sound effects, make for an eclectic mix of flavors which come together to create something new and interesting. Track number five is called “One Last Dance (Drake Please Stay)”. This song was made for the club. You see strobe lights and lasers in broad daylight while listening to it, and no rave would be complete if it didn’t play this
song at least once. With an irresistible bass line and beat that doesn’t let up, “One Last Dance” makes you feel like you’ve just drank three Red Bulls and gone to heaven. The final song off “Juke Box Jams” is called “Juke Juke, Box Jam Too”. The rapping on this track is the best of the EP. This is the kind of song you feel the second the needle hits the wax. There’s a deep groove in the beat that gets into your blood right away. It makes for a satisfying end to a collection of songs I’m sure you’ll enjoy. If you’d like to learn more about Chance, you can find her on Spotify, Apple Music, iTunes, Soundcloud, and most places music is digitally sold. You can also find her on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram.
Old Town Crier
The Theatre is The Thing and Blackbeard Is Rocking It BY EKG “Aye, tough mermaids are, the lot of them...” – Blackbeard
I
t has been quite some time since the Old Town Crier has published a review of a local theatrical production. It seems to be a rare occasion when the show run dates are compatible to our print schedule, however, when we received the press release about Blackbeard we decided someone had to see the show! It is a rare occasion that the OTC publishes “press releases” but we want to give James Gardiner - the PR Guru at Signature - credit for the background content below: “Signature Theatre is excited to present Blackbeard, a world premiere musical commissioned by Signature Theatre with book & lyrics by John Dempsey, music by Dana P. Rowe and directed by Signature Theatre Artistic Director Eric Schaeffer. Blackbeard will run from June 18th through July 14th in Signature Theatre’s MAX Theatre. After learning he’s a wanted man by the British army, Blackbeard and his merry crew of maritime marauders embark on a fantastical journey across the globe to raise an undead pirate army from the depths of the sea. “Blackbeard is the perfect finale to our 18/19 season,” said Eric
Bobby Smith (Odin) and the cast of Blackbeard at Signature Theatre.
Photo by Margot Schulman.
Schaeffer. “This adventurous musical promises to be an entertaining ride. Blackbeard marks Signature’s fifth musical production by John Dempsey and Dana Rowe and we have an amazing cast and design team assembled to bring this magical story to life. As we turn the MAX Theatre into a sailing pirate ship and ocean we look forward to kicking off the summer with this hilarious and wildly original adventure for the entire family.” The production stars Chris Hoch as Blackbeard. Hoch is joined by Rory Boyd as Roger, Maria Egler as La Mer/Morgan, Ben Gunderson as Gerrick/ Maynard, Kevin McAllister as Caesar, Christopher Mueller as Kamikaza/Jack Five Fingers, Nova Y. Payton as Dominique/ Sal, Lawrence Redmond as Samuel, Awa Sal Secka as Kali Maa/Shanti, and Bobby Smith as Karl. The creative team includes Choreography by Matthew
BLACKBEARD Four weeks only! June 18th through July 14th Single tickets now on sale.
TICKET INFORMATION Subscriptions/Groups: (703) 820-9771 Single Tickets: (703) 820-9771 Signature Theatre 4200 Campbell Avenue Arlington, VA 22206 SigTheatre.org Blackbeard is sponsored by Bonnie Feld with additional support from Jeffrey Thurston and Charlie Berardesco. New work at Signature Theatre is sponsored by Dan and Gloria Logan. ABOUT SIGNATURE Signature is widely recognized as the premiere venue in Washington to see musical theater, especially new musicals. Recently called “a dream for patrons” and “the gold standard for producing musicals” by The Washington Post, Signature is renowned for its interpretations of Stephen Sondheim’s work, inventive adaptations of overlooked or forgotten musicals, and investment in fresh new projects. Led by Artistic Director Eric Schaeffer and Managing Director Maggie Boland, the theatre is an industry leader in developing and producing new work and is home to the largest musical theater development program in the United States. Signature draws more than 120,000 patrons annually to its Arlington home and has been cited for its achievements by a wide range of local and national media.
Old Town Crier
Gardiner, Musical Director and Co-Orchestrator David Holcenberg, Co-Orchestrator/ Keyboard Programmer Scott Wasserman, Scenic Design by Paul Tate DePoo III, Lighting Design by Chris Lee, Costume Design by Erik Teague, Sound Design by Ryan Hickey, Wig Design by Anne Nesmith, Fight Choreography by Casey Kaleba, Production Stage Manager Kerry Epstein, Assistant Stage Manager Julianne Menassian, Production Assistant Joey Blakely, and Casting by Kelly Crandall d’Amboise.”
My Thoughts THIS PRODUCTION IS FANTASTIC! You will laugh and you may even cry, I did. There are several very funny innuendos that you don’t want to miss so listen closely. The story
Chris Hoch and the cast of Blackbeard at Signature Theatre.
Photo by Margot Schulman.
line flows and the music and choreography are close to perfect. I was amazed at how the costume changes for those who played dual roles was pretty much flawless. The set design is very intricate and if you look really close you will recognize many everyday things that have been transformed into a Pirates Cove and the costuming is as authentic as it is clever. There is not one weak link in this production and I can’t say that any one performance stood out from any of the others either. Everyone was spot on. The voices in this cast are phenomenal. Usually
AFTER HOURS Birchmere 703.549.7500 3701 Mt. Vernon Ave. birchmere.com The Blackwall Hitch 571-982-3577 5 Cameron St. theblackwallhitch.com Carlyle Club 411 John Carlyle Dr. 703-549-8957 thecarlyleclub.com Chadwicks 203 S. Strand St. 703.836.4442 Evening Star Cafe 703.549.5051 2000 Mt. Vernon Ave.
The Fish Market 703.836.5676 105 King St. fishmarketoldtown.com La Portas 703.683.6313 1600 Duke St. The Light Horse 703.549.0533 715 King St. lighthorserestaurant.com Murphys Irish Pub 703.548.1717 713 King St. murphyspub.com O’Connell’s 703.739.1124 112 King St.
you can find one role that really doesn’t feel like it was fulfilled, the set design has a flaw, etc. and…Signature Theatre is a small venue where you can virtually see almost everything close up and any mistake or misstep is hard to miss. I’m afraid to say much more because I want you to see the production for yourself. It will be money well spent. FYI: I suggest you arrive early and have a Blackbeard themed cocktail or light snack at Ali’s Bar. Try the Treach’s Rum Cocktail featuring Blackbeard’s Point rum!
Rock It Grill 703.739.2274 1319 King St. Shooter McGees 703.751.9266 5239 Duke St. shootermcgees.com Southside 815 703.836.6222 815 S. Washington St. St. Elmos 703.739.9268 2300 Mt. Vernon Ave. Taverna Cretekou 703.548.8688 818 King St.
TJ Stones 703.548.1004 608 Montgomery St. tjstones.com LaTrattoria 703-548-9338 305 S. Washington St. Two Nineteen 703.549.1141 219 King St. Village Brauhaus 710 King St. 3-888-1951 These establishments offer live entertainment. Call to confirm show times, dates and cover charges. Check our advertisers’ websites.
June 2019 | 11
GALLERY BEAT
One of Tim Tate’s earliest glass pieces from the mid 90’s. Said Tim of the work: “I lost 9 friends to AIDS in one year. This bowl with 9 angels covered by positive symbols was my tribute.”
F Said Tim Tate of this image of New Orlean’s AIDS Memorial – “The cornerstone of my Queer Glass Series is of course The New Orleans AIDS Memorial. I designed it in 1996 and my friend Mitchell Gaudet cast the glass when it finally got installed. This was one of the very first AIDS memorial sculptures in this country. It represents one of my proudest achievements as an artist. Thank you all who helped make it come to fruition. Its in Washington Park in the French Quarter.”
Tim Tate: Queer Glass
Tim Tate; “In The Dark Hours”; 16” x 7” x 7”; Blown and Cast Glass, Electronics, Video; 2006. Said Tim of this work: “In the early days of AIDS, there was a great deal of shame associated with contracting the disease. It felt like all control had been taken from your life, so many people took back the that control by committing suicide before the onset of symptoms. Suicide was the first thought I had when I discovered I was positive.” Photo by Pete Duvall. 12 | June 2019
Queer Glass
or the last few years I’ve been hearing this “new” (at least new to me) art term “Queer Glass” all over the glass artmosphere of our art planet - I am told and have learned that the term is used to describe fine art glass about and by LGBTQ artists and issues. The curious part is that the term and what it means, even if it means what it tries to mean, has been the puzzling source of debate outside of the art arena, even to the point where Wikipedia recently deleted it from its articles because its editors apparently do not think that it really “exists” out there in the lingo of the artworld. And thus, I’d like to share this below essay on the early days of “Queer Glass” from our own Washington Glass School source, by the DMV’s own Tim Tate, perhaps the earliest and best-known creator of “Queer Glass.”
Queer Glass : A Personal History I’ve heard the term “Queer Glass” being used lately, which completely excites me! Meegan Coll’s “Transparency.” LGBTQ exhibit at the Liberty Museum last year, Jan Smith’s Bergstrom-Mahler Museum of Glass, Reflecting Perspectives: Artists Confront Social Issues of Diversity and Inclusion and Susie Silbert’s (Curator of Modern and Contemporary Glass at The Corning Museum of Glass) upcoming seminar discussion in October ( thank you Meegan and Susie!). This makes me want to cheer from the roof tops. Thank you to Meegan for curating that first show, and thank you to Susie for being the first institution to use the term Queer Glass. One of the reasons I’m happy about this is that it
F. LENNOX CAMPELLO
gave me a reason to compile a history of my own Queer Glass, an excessive I had never undertaken. There are a few more reasons as well. In 1990 I began taking glass classes at Penland School of Crafts. I went there to heal by creating. A few years earlier I received a terminal diagnosis: I was told that I had one year to live; I was a gay man who had AIDS. I embraced glass at that time so that I would at least die as the artist that I had wanted to be, rather than my former job…the job that everyone else thought that I should have. In this 2-week class I met another gay man who was a very nice guy. I didn’t come out to him right away, as I was going to do it later that week. Before I could, however, this young man went to another well-known glass artists studio, covered the ground with newspapers, and fatally shot himself in the head. I was not to meet another gay man in glass for the next 15 years. I had no idea at that time just how scarce gay people were in the world of fine art glass. It was a hetero-normative art form. They are still scarce, though things are getting better. Frequently when I mention this fact to people, they start telling me the names of gay people they knew of (almost always the same 5 or 6 names). Comparing this list to the number of heterosexual glass artists is ridiculous. If anyone else was making direct queer work back then I would love to hear from you. I had heard of several gay women artists, and eventually heard of a few gay men. Thank God for them! It always gave me hope. But being a gay person making glass sculpture does not mean that you make Queer Art. I believe Queer Art should address the concerns of gay people. They should be fighting issues that stand in
our way towards equality. At least to me, they should also be identified as Queer Art… no “passing” allowed! I’m just happy that we live in a time when we can publicly embrace the word queer to re-empower ourselves. The queer issues then centered around HIV, marriage equality, violence towards gay men and women, all vast civil rights. Today’s issues seem to be centered around getting acceptance of family, civil rights (still), political advancement and keeping the extreme right at bay in order to keep the rights that we now have. So – as I waited to meet other queer men in glass, I made my art. To be clear, there were other queer people making art…but not glass art. So, I began on my own. I never saw another piece of queer glass until the Liberty Museum’s “Transparency” show last year. What a delight to meet others embracing their self-identities for all to see! The vast majority of my queer work goes back to 1992 to 1999, when I was the founder and director of the Triangle Artists Group (TAG) in Washington, DC…. which at one time boasted over 200 members who curated over 40 shows. Most notable was a show curated by Ruth Trevarrow entitled, “Too Queer”, which examined society’s homophobia and our own internalized homophobia. We worked with art and what was then called the “Prison Project” (concerning how gay people at that time were 3 times more likely to be incarcerated and 10 times more likely to be sexually abused in prison). AIDS Coalition to Unleash Power (ACT UP) played an important role among many TAG members. We were fighting to stay alive. As such, this was the soup in which I swam. I was an HIV+ GALLERY BEAT > PAGE 13
Old Town Crier
GALLERY BEAT | FROM PAGE 12
gay man surrounded by the politics and artistic expression of our times. I just never saw or experienced any queer glass art, other than my own. I saw the creation of this type of issue driven art as healing to me. Not only healing in the act of creating, but also healing for the viewers who shared these issues. Loss and healing became the main theme of many of my works. In one year alone, I went to 9 funerals. My friends, my partners… my world – was dying before my eyes. It was impossible for us to
stay silent. HIV and Matthew Shepard’s death defined the late 90’s. Either a faceless disease or homophobic murderers were going to kill us. This seemed to be the worst time in the last century to be gay. The world’s queer artists united together – but not queer glass artists. There was also a few gay glass collectors that existed. Unlike the fine art world, they rarely supported struggling queer glass artists (they still rarely do). Perhaps it was the old internalized homophobia rearing its ugly head again. One glass art gallery that I showed my work in said that I could make glass with a gay narrative, but they would not exhibit
those works in the gallery. They said they had no clients for it. The economics were on the side of hetero-normity. I was lucky in that I discovered that some many non-gay collectors would acquire my work, even queer work. The artwork just needed to be very good work as well. The glass and art collectors of the time were, for the most part, enlightened liberals. Museum curators were much more open to showing queer artwork. In the earliest days it was never about the economics anyway. It still isn’t. It’s about refusing to stay invisible. SILENCE = DEATH was the mantra for queer artists.
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I assume that there were regional pockets of queer glass artists that I was just not aware of. I hope I was just not seeing a collective queer effort in glass. I saw work by queer glass artists, but nothing was in any way obvious. My point with my artwork was to escape the invisibility of being a gay glass artist at that time. Invisibility had to be left behind. I was eventually lucky enough to be asked to speak at Yale university by Glenn Adamson on the topic of Art and Conflict in a panel sponsored by the Chipstone Foundation. So much has changed for gay people: HIV can now be controlled, we can now marry,
and we have achieved some human rights. We have 10 openly gay men and women serving in Congress. We have a gay man running for president. Attitudes in the American public have improved drastically towards gay marriage. My fear is that we are becoming complacent with the gains that we have made. Antigay violence is on an alarming increase. The civil rights we have achieved are being eroded by the far right. This seems like the perfect time to focus again on queer art and defending what we have struggled for. I just thought I would gather that history here. Younger people than I will take it from here.
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Recently found vintage 1997 stone lithographs! Mermaid – The Deep (Version 1) Limited Edition of 10 signed and numbered stone lithographs on 11x14 inches paper. Circa 1997 Mermaid – The Deep (Version 2) Limited Edition of 10 signed and numbered stone lithographs on 14x5 inches paper. Circa 1997
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June 2019 | 13
URBAN GARDEN
S
lugs may be a very serious problem to you if you live in moistureladen areas of the country. A single “lawn prawn” can successfully remove an entire row of seedlings from your garden in no time at all. He can turn a perfect plant into Swiss cheese over night and return to the safety of his hideaway, leaving you to wonder what happened. As slugs wander about, doing their evil little slug deeds, they leave behind them a trail of slime that amounts to nothing less than a road sign for themselves and every other slug to follow to the grand feast. To make the situation even worse, slugs are hermaphrodites, they all have male and female reproductive systems. Yes, they can mate with themselves, and in the privacy of their own abode, each slug will produce two to three dozen eggs several times a year. The egg clusters look like little piles of whitish jelly BB sized balls. They will hatch in anywhere from 10 days to three weeks or longer, and these “sluglings”
14 | June 2019
can mature to adulthood in as little as six weeks. Destroy the eggs... wherever you find them. Slugs may live for several years, getting larger with proportionately larger appetites each year. Now, do you really want to go out to your garden some morning and find an 18inch Banana Slug waiting for you?
The Battles and the War Although you may never win the war against snails and slugs entirely, you owe it to your plants to fight them with every weapon at your disposal. You can control slug populations with several different methods. With each battle that you win, you have prevented hundreds of new slugs from hatching.
The Battlefield As with any battle plan, it is to your advantage to be able to set the field. Set your field by cleaning your garden, and eliminating the places where the slugs hide, sleep, and reproduce. Pulling the weeds from your garden is something you need to do
... Your Adversary anyway. As you pull each weed, you remove a potential slug outpost. Keep all decaying matter cleaned out of your beds. While leaves make good mulch, once they begin to compost they become food and shelter for slugs and snails. Prune the branches of any shrubs that are laying on the ground. Keep the old leaves and such cleaned out. By doing this you will have destroyed yet another slug haven! Cultivate your soil regularly to keep the dirt clods broken up, and unearth any slugs that may have burrowed under the surface. The shaded areas beneath decks can be a slug arena: keep them weed and litter free. Just about anything can become a slug home. Boards, rocks, pots and other gizmos should be kept out of the garden. Keep the lawn edges trimmed. Slugs will congregate under the umbrella of unkept grass.
The Weapons – Hand to Hand Combat & Chemical Warfare For the sake of the environment, it is better to make an effort to control slugs and snails without using chemicals and poisons before you resort to chemical warfare.
Hand to hand combat: • Keep slug pokers stuck around the garden at random. Meet your enemy, one on one. Your weapon is at hand, impale them! • Fill a small bowl with stale beer. Put it in the areas where the slugs are active. Stale beer attracts the slugs and they drown. You may also use grape juice or a tea made from yeast, honey and water. • An early morning stroll around the garden, salt shaker in hand will often result in many casualties for the bad guys. • Destroy any and ALL slug eggs you find! • Bait and destroy tactics work. Set a pile of slightly
dampened dry dog food in an area frequented by slugs. In the morning and evening visit the feeding station a few times.... slug poker in hand! • Battle lines made of Cedar bark or gravel chips spread around your plant will irritate and dehydrate slugs. The sharp edges of crushed eggshells around the plants will cut and kill slugs. The calcium in the eggshells is a good soil amendment anyway! • Sprinkle a line of lime around your plants. (Obviously this won’t work around plants requiring a more acidic soil) • Certain herbs (Rosemary, lemon balm, wormwood, mints, tansy, oak leaves, needles from conifers and seaweed will repel slugs. However using a mulch of these plants will only turn the slugs away, in search of other food sources. • Oat bran will kill slugs when they eat it... sprinkle some around. URBAN GARDEN > PAGE 15
Old Town Crier
robably by the time you read this the Tall Ship Providence will be resting comfortably at her new berth in Old Town Alexandria. It has been an arduous journey for this 1975 reproduction of the Tall Katy, later renamed the Providence, and the first war ship in the Continental Navy under the command of John Paul Jones. The Tall Ship Providence Foundation in Alexandria bought the damaged ship, spent over a year in a rebuild program and refitting. Except for a few minor fixes to get her Coast Guard Certification for passenger use, the Providence will be ready for tours, cruises and parties. On June 19th Providence pulled away from her dock in Wiscasset, Main and set course for Alexandria. The delay in leaving due to final rigging and outfitting has caused the ship and crew to abandon the few stops that she intended to make on her way south. As of this writing, the Providence is in Hampton, Virginia at the mouth of the Chesapeake Bay. As it stands now, she will arrive in Old Town on the night of Monday, July 1st. The Woodrow Wilson Bridge is scheduled to open just before midnight for the ship to come through and be greeted by a water arch provided by the Alexandria Fire Department. For those of you who remember the Schooner Alexandria days in Old Town, you will remember how exciting
P
URBAN GARDEN | FROM PAGE 14
Chemical Warfare: Probably the most popular, most effective, and easiest method of controlling slugs is by using commercial slug bait products. These may be purchased in the form of meal, pellets, powder, or liquid. The primary concern of using chemical baits and poisons is the possibility of poisoning small critters, creatures and even small children. Always Old Town Crier
p Shi
Pr
o vid e nce
and emotional this exercise was to everyone in attendance. Providence will also be accompanied by welcome boats that will guide her to her new home at the north most Comi GH pier in Old ng Town. “We are delighted to bring Providence to Alexandria. Providence will entertain, educate and serve as an economic development vehicle for the city,” says Clair Sassin, executive director of the Tall Ship Providence Foundation. “We are looking forward to welcoming City residents and tourists alike aboard the ship” As I mentioned earlier, the ship has not received her Coast Guard Certification, which means nothing more than she cannot take on passengers or guests. Clearly the vessel is sea worthy as indicated by her passage from Maine to Hampton with half of the voyage in the Atlantic. Expectations are that the certification will be accomplished shortly and it is to the credit of the Foundation to take this matter seriously. In the meantime, you can see the ship from the pier and take pictures.
to Alexandria
follow the instructions to the letter, and go the extra steps necessary to insure that the poisons are inaccessible to anything but slugs and snails. Make traps to collect slugs out of plastic pop bottles. Cut the bottle in half and then invert the top part of the bottle into the bottom part to create a no escape entryway. The slug bait can be placed inside the bottle and will draw the slugs in where they will die and await disposal.
~ U P D AT E ! ~
Side Note: If you want to get in that seafaring mood, check out the musical Blackbeard now playing at the Signature Theater in Shirlington. We saw it last night and it is very good!
Commercial, disposable slug traps may be purchased at many garden centers. Quite a bit more expensive, but they work! At the very least, cover the bait with a weighted piece of wood or an old shingle to prevent access to the poison. The slugs will still find it, consume it, and die.
Surprise Tactics: Try as you might, the war against slugs will go on as long as there are gardens. You will
never win, but you can keep them under control. Remember that for every slug you destroy, you are preventing countless generations of that slug’s offspring. You may want to consider offering a bounty on slugs in your neighborhood. It might amaze you how many slugs an ambitious young person can gather up at a nickel a head. Organize a ‘Slug Derby’ with some small prize for the biggest slug, the ugliest slug,
person with the most captured slugs, etc. A grand event for any neighborhood, to be sure! As you wage your war on slugs and snails, you are almost certain to be ‘slimed’ at least once. YUK! Mix up a little warm water and vinegar, and use this formula to remove the slime from your hands like magic! Publishers Note: Log on to TheGardenHelpers.com for a complete outline of July garden tips. June 2019 | 15
A BIT OF HISTORY
©2019 SARAH BECKER
Greenhouse Gases America's Next Big Problem
“C
arbon dioxide (CO2) emissions have grown faster in the United States than in the rest of the world…reinforcing calls for unilateral U.S. curbs on the global-warming gas,” The Washington Post wrote in 1989. Today the United States is the world’s second largest carbon emitter. Carbon dioxide molecules, once emitted, remain in the atmosphere for almost a century. Do Americans, Alexandrians for example who reside in the U.S. Route 1 residential corridor adapt to climate change—as President Donald Trump’s environmental policies suggest—or do local, state and federal governments mitigate? At present Alexandria promotes accelerated auto transportation. Six Metro stations are closed for summer repairs. Most U.S. greenhouse gas emissions are human roused—the result of burning 16 | June 2019
fossil fuels (coal, oil, gas) for heat, electricity, and transportation. Greenhouse gases include carbon dioxide (84%), methane (10%), nitrous oxide (4%) and fluorinated gases (2%). According to the Rhodium Group carbon dioxide emissions rose 2.7% in 2018, the second largest annual spike since 2000.
“Much of the emissions spike was driven by the continued rise of transportation emissions, now the nation’s top source of emissions.” “The hardening scientific consensus has pushed governments to move toward negotiations for international controls,” The Post continued in 1989. The United Nations
Montreal Protocol (ozone) became effective in 1987, the Kyoto Protocol (emission reductions) in 1997. “In 1997 the United States signed a non-binding agreement to reduce greenhouse gas emissions— primarily carbon dioxide,” The Washington Post reported. Then U.S. carbon dioxide
emissions “exceeded the Kyoto target by 18%, or 220 metric tons per year.” The percent of excess continues to grow. Rather than develop mass transit competitively, plan and market its metro stations fittingly, the city of Alexandria encouraged auto-driven streets. It still does knowing that in 1990 “Virginia ranked 19th among the states—and ahead of industrial nations like Belgium and Sweden—in its emissions of carbon dioxide.” In 1991 the Environmental Protection Agency “declared Alexandria, Arlington; parts of Montgomery and Prince George’s counties in violation of (upgraded) federal standards.” Governor Doug Wilder responded by asking the state legislature “to place California restrictions on cars in Northern Virginia, the state’s most seriously polluted area.” President George H.W. Bush amended the Clean Air Act in 1990 as part of his urban air pollution strategy. Alexandria’s transportation A BIT OF HISTORY > PAGE 17
Old Town Crier
United States [fossil fuels]. However you celebrate the 4th of July, enjoy your holiday! While you munch your lunch Environmental Protection Agency Administrator and former coal lobbyist Andrew Wheeler will be working “to weaken the guidelines for a wide range of hazardous air pollutants.” Wheeler plans “to limit the types of applicable studies used in review.”
A BIT OF HISTORY | FROM PAGE 16
grid is little more than a particulate covered window into Virginia’s segregated past. In 1993 there was growing evidence “that smog—most of it produced by cars—causes long-term lung damage.” It did on Alexandria’s U.S. Route 1, the inner city’s Patrick and Henry Streets. The housing setbacks—for reason of eminent domain—the Jim Crow-era windows were only a sidewalk’s width from the neglected streets. “Over the past 30 years, researchers have unearthed a wide array of health effects which are believed to be associated with air pollution exposure,” the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences website explains. “Among them are respiratory diseases (including asthma and changes in lung function), and cardiovascular diseases…While climate change is a global process, it has very local impacts that can profoundly affect communities, not the least of which” were the inner city’s black home-owning seniors. From 1991-1993 Alexandria’s Inner City Civic Association, with the help of retired T&ES Director Tom O’Kane and City Attorney Philip Sunderland, monitored the U.S. Route 1 corridor for air and noise pollution; conducted carefully considered traffic counts. Unhealthy, discriminatory practices were discovered and the roadways corrected. Truck related problems included smokestack emissions and noise (Jake Brakes). It was the ICCA then described as a determined biracial band, who successfully shepherded the city’s 1993 Jake Brake Ordinance—to the American Trucking Associations dismay. Years later Alexandria’s Del Ray Civic Association, with the help of former T&ES Director Rich Baier designed the “new” Monroe Street Bridge such that neighborhood cut-through traffic is not permitted. Del Ray, “the political and cultural center of Alexandria…is home to the mayor and the sheriff,” Michael Lee Pope wrote in 2019. To longtime leaders and low density advocates who, as local Del Ray historian Leland Ness reportedly said “apparently saw no irony in being Old Town Crier
progressive and racist.” Today the federal government wants to rollback fuel economy standards for cars. Hold them at or near the 37 miles-per-gallon mark. This at the same time the city claims a multimodal transportation plan; limits critical traffic counts, and sometimes co-opts neighborhoods’ residential streets on behalf of regional motorists. The Trump administration also wants, as part of the rollback, to withdraw California’s Clean Air Act waiver. The waiver allows California and 13 other states to overrule the federal government and set tougher in-state tailpipe pollution rules. The Environmental Protection Agency website, as revised in 2017 states: “Over half the pollutants in America’s air come from ‘mobile sources’ of air pollution. These mobile sources include cars, trucks, buses, motorcycles, recreational vehicles, scooters, off road construction equipment, marine engines, generators, and… equipment. Mobile source pollutants include smog… particulate matter or soot, and greenhouse gases.” Said Alexandria’s 2009 State of the Air Report—Past, Present, and Future: “Our increased understanding of the adverse health effects of air pollution has led to increasingly more stringent levels of protection. And the potential environmental effects from greenhouse gas emissions still need to be addressed.” Meanwhile Auto Data Corporation’s Motor Intelligence reports that as of June 2, 2019 sales of comfortseekers small SUVs increased
27.9%, luxury SUVs 9.7%. Sixteen year-old Swedish climate activist and Nobel Prize nominee Greta Thunberg suggests it is wrong to portray climate change as “primarily an opportunity to create new green jobs, new businesses, and green economic growth…Climate change is an emergency, not something you can like on Facebook. Politicians one second say climate change is very important…and the next second, they want to expand airports…and motorways.” In 2016 the United Nations Civil Aviation Organization adopted international carbon dioxide emissions standards for aircraft. The United States struggles to meet the UN 2020 deadline yet National Airport, National Landing are situated nearby. Meanwhile Alexandria yields to regional pressure and new road construction; metro, parking and violations the ½ Mile Rule; local increases in density, Jim Crow and FDR’s Neighborhood Composition Rule. “If greenhouse gas emissions continue at the current rate, the atmosphere will warm by as much as 2.70 F, or 1.50 C above preindustrial levels by 2040,” the United Nations 2018 Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change Report concluded. “Without aggressive action, many effects that scientists once expected to happen further in the future will arrive by 2040, and at the lower temperature.” The scientists’ warnings are dire. The Report “is telling us we need to reverse emissions trends and turn the world economy on a dime,” Myles Allen, Oxford University climate scientist and author
said. America, its localities need “to ratchet up their ambitions…and cut emissions of greenhouse gases.” In fact “a majority of our emissions in this city are from buildings and transportation,” Alexandria Environmental Policy Commission member Jim Kapsis confirmed on June 4, 2019. Activists now await the release of Phase Two of the city’s updated Environmental Action Plan; the 9th Circuit Court of Appeals decision in Juliana v.
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.
June 2019 | 17
POINTS ON PETS
W
CINDY MCGOVERN
Plan Now for a Summer of Fun with your Pet
hile summer can be a season of fun and relaxation for us, it can be a season of stress and danger for your pets. Whether it’s fireworks, thunderstorms, heat, or barbecue grills, a little preparation and planning will keep your loved ones safe.
Summer Fun with Link and Cobain (and their puppy pals!)
Fireworks Fireworks are a July 4th standard. While you may “ooh and aah” over the display, your pet may have a decidedly different reaction to this summer ritual. The noise, crowds and new sensations can frighten even the most outgoing pet and there’s always a risk they will become spooked and run away. While some may enjoy the excitement, in most cases it’s best to leave your pets at home when you go to a fireworks display, parade, or other unfamiliar gathering. If you do plan to be out with your pet, ensure they have current identification tags with up-to-date information as well as a current photo. Also consider microchipping them. Both steps will greatly increase your odds of getting your pet back if they happen to run away during the excitement. If you’re staying at home, make sure the environment is safe and secure. Cats are notorious for finding space where they feel safe, but dogs may need more help. Check in on your cats, play some quiet music for them, and keep them inside.
Thunderstorms
Clockwise, from left: Cobain, the toy poodle, enjoys a red wagon ride at Blandy Experimental Farm; Puppy Pals Layla and Maya resting during a summertime stroll; Cobain and Link, being held by their human mom, Lauren, enjoy a Virginia hike with their friends Pretzel, Shannon, and Occam; Link and Cobain have conquered a stump; Link taking a moment to roll in the grass after an adventure; Cobain and Link sipping on a cold brew after a busy day strolling around Leesburg (but not really, they just had water!)
ADOPTION CALENDAR FOR DETAILS AND MORE INFO www.kingstreetcats.org emai: contact@kingstreetcats.org
Are you or someone you know free during weekday mornings? King Street Cats is looking for weekday morning caregivers and vet taxis to transport our cats to the vet. Please email: contact@kingstreetcats.org for details. King Street Cats is looking for foster homes! You provide the spare room and TLC and we can provide food, litter and all vetting. Please email: contact@kingstreetcats.org for details.
18 | June 2019
If your dog is crate trained, they’ll likely feel safest there if you plan to leave them alone. If you will be home with them, play white noise or music to help distract them. Keep them away from windows and close the curtains so they can’t see the display. Many pets have favorite toys or blankets so make sure they’re accessible. Finally, an anxiety shirt, wrap, or even a snug t-shirt can calm a pet by applying gentle, constant pressure; similar to swaddling an infant. If you know there will be fireworks in your neighborhood, ensure your yard is secure enough to keep your pet contained. And check your yard for fireworks debris before your pets go outside. Even if you didn’t set off fireworks yourself, debris can make its way into your yard, where your curious pet can pick it up or eat.
The same steps you take for the Fourth may also be necessary during thunderstorms. Thunderstorm phobia is a disorder with persistent and exaggerated fear of storms, or the stimuli associated with storms. It can occur in both dogs and cats, but dogs are often more susceptible. To treat this fear, first know your pet, including what scares and soothes them. You should also consult your veterinarian to rule out any POINTS ON PETS > PAGE 19
KING STREET CATS 25 Dove Street, Alexandria, VA 22314 Every Saturday and Sunday from 1.30pm-4.30pm PETVALU Bradlee Shopping Center, 3652 King St, Alexandria, VA 22302 Every Sat/Sun from 1pm-4pm
PETCO UNLEASHED 1101 S Joyce St, Arlington, VA 22202 Every first Sat & third Sat from 1pm-4pm PETCO UNLEASHED 1855 Wisconsin Avenue, Washington, DC 20007 Every fourth Sat/Sun from 12pm-3pm THE DOG PARK 705 King Street, Alexandria, VA22314 Every second Saturday from 1pm-4pm
Old Town Crier
POINTS ON PETS | FROM PAGE 18
conditions which can cause similar behavioral responses such as separation anxiety, barrier frustration, and noise phobias.
Heat Every year, hundreds of animals suffer needlessly and die in hot cars. According to the American Veterinary Medical Association, the temperature inside your vehicle can rise almost 20º F in just 10 minutes. The longer you wait, the higher it goes. At 60 minutes, the temperature in your vehicle can be more than 40 degrees higher than the outside temperature. On a 70-degree day, that’s 110 degrees inside your vehicle. Your vehicle can quickly reach a temperature that puts your pet at risk of serious illness and even death, even on a day that doesn’t seem hot to you. And cracking the windows makes no difference. The best solution is to leave your pet at home.
Remember that too much sun, heat, and humidity can be dangerous to pets. Keep them inside when it’s extremely hot or humid and make sure they have access to shady spots and plenty of water when outdoors. Most importantly, know the signs that a pet may be overheating. For dogs, it would include heavy panting, dry or pale gums, increased drooling, and deep, rapid breathing. If you think your dog may be overheated, begin cooling your dog down by soaking his body with cool water – cool, but not cold. Use a hose, wet towels, or any other source of cool water. Concentrate the cooling water on his head, neck, and in the areas underneath his front and back legs. In spite of their reputation as desert animals, cats don’t tolerate heat any better than people. Cats only pant or sweat through their foot pads to get rid of excess heat. As their body temperature rises, a cat will suffer heat exhaustion and eventually heat stroke.
For cats, signs of overheating include restlessness as they try to find a cool spot, panting, sweaty feet, drooling, or excessive grooming in an effort to cool off. While your cat may not like a cool bath, the treatment is largely the same as for dogs. However, a bag of ice or frozen vegetables placed between their legs or on the back of their neck will also help. In any case of suspected heat stroke, call your veterinarian immediately.
Barbecues Who doesn’t like a good barbecue or picnic? While it may seem like a great idea to
reward your pet with scraps from the grill, think again. The ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center offers the following tips to keep your pet safe: • Know which foods are potentially toxic to dogs and cats. Don’t feed them onions, chocolate, coffee, avocado, grapes, raisins, salt, or yeast dough. • Never leave alcoholic drinks unattended where pets can reach them. • Don’t apply any sunscreen or insect repellent product to your pet unless it is labeled specifically for use on animals.
• Always keep matches and lighter fluid out of your pets’ reach. • Don’t put glow jewelry on your pets, or allow them to play with it. • Keep citronella candles, insect coils, and tiki torch oil products out of reach. Summer can still be a season of outdoor fun with your pet. As long as you know the risks and know your pet, you have all you need to keep them safe. Cindy McGovern is a long-time pet owner who currently resides with Bella, a gorgeous Siberian cat.
Resources PETMD.COM/DOG/SEASONAL/EVR_MULTI_FIREWORKS_ AND_PETS_DONT_MIX AVMA.ORG/PAGES/HOME.ASPX ASPCA.ORG/NEWS/FIREWORKS-AND-YOUR-PET-TIPSSTAYING-SAFE-FOURTH-JULY ASPCA.ORG/PET-CARE/ANIMAL-POISON-CONTROL
PETS
OF THE
MONTH 4101 Eisenhower Avenue Alexandria, VA 703-746-4774 alexandriaanimals.org Mon-Fri, 1-8 pm Closed Wed Sat & Sun, 12-5 pm Old Town Crier
PRINCESS
MILO
ROXIE
Adult, Spayed Female, White Short-haired Rabbit
Adult, Neutered Male, Brown Tabby and White Domestic Shorthair
Adult, Spayed Female, Tricolor Treeing Walker Coonhound
No need to bow to PRINCESS, although an offering of hay is always appreciated. This little lady puts on no airs when meeting her new friends. Though she can be a little shy at first, this social lady loves to be surrounded by her people. Princess comes right up to new friends for pets and cuddles, and can’t wait to meet her future family!
MILO would love to be your main man! A cat of action, he’s always one to introduce himself to new friends first, especially if they have one of his favorite toys in hand. When he’s not napping, Milo is always on the go. Keeping an eye out for potential friends, chasing his favorite toys, Milo is a busy guy who is looking for a best friend who can keep up. Could it be you?
alexandriaanimals.org/animal-profile/?id=35168
alexandriaanimals.org/animal-profile/?id=33580
alexandriaanimals.org/adoption-information/
alexandriaanimals.org/adoption-information/
Photo courtesy of Alison Lane Photography
Photo courtesy of DeSilva Studios, LLC.
Howdy, everybody! Meet ROXIE! Roxie’s a hound’s hound - loves sniffing, and has a beautiful singing voice, but only for special occasions - like chasing a squirrel! She’s not one to join in the raucous hubbub in the shelter. She’s a really easy going girl, easy to walk, and loves to play with other dogs - she’s a spunky and spry playmate! Roxie also loves to share hugs and snuggles with her two-legged friends. She’s the kind of girl that fits in to a good and simple life, happy with a treat, a little sojourn down the block, and some warm companionship. alexandriaanimals.org/animal-profile/?id=36065 alexandriaanimals.org/adoption-information/ Photo courtesy of Alison Lane Photography
June 2019 | 19
CARIBBEAN CONNECTION SANDY SCHAEFFER HOPKINS
Mel and Lin dy at in Virginia home
hn St. Jo m o r f Asya nimal Care A
StTh is alo rolisling how ng it the allstr beeet gans
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beach e h t g alon
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A Boy and His Dog
M
y husband Mel and I are residents of Bristow, Virginia and have been regular visitors to the US Virgin Islands for the past 15 years. We fell in love with the island of St. John in particular and have returned frequently, bringing friends and family with us. Prior to this visit in June we lost our beloved dog, Tucker, a shelter rescue pit bull who was 9 years old. We were heart-broken and missed our walks and companionship with him. When we got to St. John, I asked Mel if he wanted to walk one of the St. John Animal Care Center’s shelter dogs to get some exercise and help them out. The minute Mel saw the look in the eyes of “Strider Johnson” in his
kennel, he teared up and chose him to take for a walk. That same day we asked how we could get him home. We found out Strider has quite a story, and we were heartbroken for him. He lived through both Cat 5 Hurricanes, Irma and Maria, chained up outside during the storms. How he survived the 150+ MPH storms, and then the aftermath of destruction the island endured is a miracle in itself. The local island Animal Care Center (ACC) workers thankfully convinced the owner to give him up to them. For the next 2 years, Strider Johnson became a shelter resident. ACC employee Asya Simons taught him some basic commands and gave him lots of love while in their
care. Many of the islands visitors like us also walked him, and he became a favorite to staff and visitors alike. Unfortunately, he never got picked to be adopted. Unlike the other shelter puppies, this older and larger dog weighs 70lbs, and a pit bull island “coconut retriever” is a hard sell to most people. Since we already were trained by our pit bull Tucker, we thought we would be ready for him. The St. John Animal Care Center is just amazing, as soon as we decided to adopt him, they wasted no time arranging flights to the mainland US. Time was of the essence since there was a very short window of time to fly him to Virginia because the heat during the summer CARIBBEAN CONNECTION > PAGE 21
20 | June 2019
Old Town Crier
CARIBBEAN CONNECTION FROM PAGE 20
prevents animals from flying. Asya arranged a flight the Monday after we arrived back in Virginia on June 10th. She escorted him herself to make sure he would be safe. They arrived after midnight at Baltimore International Airport and we were thrilled to see them at the airport. So many people behind the scenes made it possible, even a local person who lives in DC sponsored him – Emily Price, who is very active in the DC area animal well-being community, donated money for the transportation and adoption fees. Emily and her husband made their first trek to St. John in May and put their volunteerism to good use while on the island. They walked dogs and did general shelter duty and definitely made a difference in the life of Strider. Many people who visited St. John have sent me photos of them walking him through the Facebook page called the St. John Peeps. Our story got over 700 likes and comments about how happy people were that Strider found a home. Strider never had an
indoor residential home, so it has been a fun experience watching him discover new things. Like the first time he watched TV, and soft beds and toys everywhere; or when he discovered squirrels when he used to chase iguanas! We also hired a certified trainer to help with the transition for him. He’s 3 years old starting over, we want to give him a good launch into his new life. We renamed our new pet “Lindy” in honor of a St. John lost soul who passed away who also had a song written by island resident Kenny Chesney about him.
The Animal Care Center is a nonprofit and run solely from funds that are donated. For more information about the St. John Animal Care Center please call 340-7741625 or log on to www.stjacc. org to donate on their website. Donations can also be made by sending a check to:
ST. JOHN ANIMAL CARE CENTER P.O. BOX 429 ST. JOHN, USVI 00831
Escape to paradise Hillcrest Guest House is located within a residential area, rising two stories above Cruz Bay, on the crest of a hill and minutes from the beach and the US National Park, Virgin Islands. Six suites available, $185-$235/day Call 340-776-6774 or 340-998-8388 hillcreststjohn.com
HH
MYSTERY READING AT ITS BEST by Virginia author Jeffrey Roswell McCord
CARIBBEAN MYSTERY AND INTRIGUE A dead Marine washed ashore on a Caribbean island leads investigators to otherworldly perpetrators in historic pirate waters and high level abuses in Washington. An intrepid maritime historian working the case for U.S. Naval Intelligence discovers a 60-year record of extraterrestrial activity in the Caribbean basin. History and national security politics meet science fiction in this mystery based on exhaustive factual research and informed conjecture.
CARIBBEAN hISToRY AND ADvENTURE Where did the villain General Santa Anna of Alamo infamy retire? Is time travel possible? What was it like on the ground in the worst hurricane of the 19th century? Can a band of rogue sailors from Coral Bay, St. John, defeat ruthless corporate mercenaries? These questions and more are answered in Jeffrey Roswell McCord’s new fact-based novel “Santa Anna’s Gold in a Pirate Sea.”
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Key West Getaway One Block from Sloppy Joe’s Contact: historichideaways.com • 1-800-654-5131 Old Town Crier
June 2019 | 21
FROM THE BAY …
MOLLY WINANS
Five Friends, One Boat, and Max
E
ven if you love your job and excel at it—even if you’re a sailing editor or something equally as outdoorsy in theory— there are weekday moments when you are at your desk, wearing long sleeves to weather the artificial chill, alone in the harsh realization that it’s a stunning, summer day, and you’re stuck indoors. You appreciate and need this job, but you don’t want to be stuck indoors. Butt in chair. Stay. You’re a grown up. It’s your job. Act productive. You should be out messing about on your boat or other peoples’ boats, washing your car, walking in the park, lounging on the porch with your feet up… anything but tapping on computer keys. It’s not fair. As your parents probably told you and as you may have told your kids, life is not fair. This is where happy hour comes in handy. One of my favorite spontaneous happy hour plans began with a Facebook post. Volkswagen enthusiasts may remember how the company ramped up its television advertising campaign in the mid-1990s. Among the memorable ads was one depicting a group of young people driving to a party in a Cabrio convertible under 22 | June 2019
a starry sky and a full moon to the tune of Nick Drake’s song “Pink Moon.” That the songwriter died at age 26 of an anti-depressant overdose
a.m., we had a second motion for a floating happy hour. By 6:30 p.m., we had five friends, a couple of bottles of wine, a cheese tray, and a lifejacket-
and Burke became fast friends and co-owners of the boat. Charbonneau has taken a couple dozen out-of-town friends (from his seemingly
…LIFE IS NOT FAIR. THIS IS WHERE HAPPY HOUR COMES IN HANDY. and wrote rather somber music doesn’t detract from the joyful feel of the ad itself, in which the Cabrio crew arrives at the party, looks at the rambunctious party scene, glances at one another in silent agreement, and backs out into the moonlit night to drive around in peace. At 9:21 a.m. on a sunny Friday in June, I heard the song “Pink Moon.” Knowing a few friends would comment on the song, which remains fairly obscure, I posted the opening lyrics on Facebook: “I saw it written and I saw it say, Pink moon is on its way.” Two minutes later, my friend Chris Charbonneau posted a comment to say that he thought we should go out on the boat with wine and cheese to listen to the song. By 10:57
clad dog named Max on the well-loved 1980 Tanzer 24 Winola. We were cheerfully creeping along under sail in about three knots of breeze. When the wind fizzled enough to have us drifting backwards, we gave in and dropped the hook right there in the harbor. Winola was not born beautiful or fast, yet she has been a platform for beautiful moments among friends for many years. My friend John Burke bought her 11 years ago for $2000 (including a few months’ slip fees), taught himself to sail on her, and even lived aboard for six months in between job and travel stints. (Burke is 6’3” tall. The Tanzer 24 has 5’9” of headroom. You could call this camping.) When Charbonneau moved to town a few years later, he
endless supply) sailing on the boat and even proposed marriage to his wife Kate onboard. You wouldn’t want to have five friends and a dog, even a short-legged Corgi like Max, cramped in Winola’s cockpit in a gale, but in three-to-zero knots in the harbor, we were happy summer campers with good cheese and olives and slightly-better-than-boxed wine. It doesn’t take much to erase the memory of clicking on the keyboard at your desk. A few hours with funny friends watching the sky turn from blue to pink to dark and starry will do. A quiet, “putput-put” tour of the closest creek may help, and if you throw in a final beer and some chicken wings at the local pub before you call it a night, more
than just the work day may be forgotten. It’s easy to get wrapped up in waiting for ideal conditions before you get out on the water. You think you need a bigger, sleeker, more spouseor kid-friendly boat. You need new sailing shoes. You have some rule about not going out when the forecast only calls for five knots. You only have a few hours. No matter. Go sailing. Being able to get out on the water for only a couple hours is one of the true privileges of those of us who live along the Bay. Get out there. Even if the wind peters out, and you spend an hour at anchor enjoying the night air, my four friends and Max and I re-discovered in one enchanted summer evening that a not-so-sexy old boat is every bit as good as a yacht for memory making. Summer will be over in the blink of an eye. Don’t let this delicious season pass you by. Winans is the managing editor of SpinSheet, PropTalk, and FishTalk magazines in Eastport, MD. This article first appeared in the July 2010 issue of SpinSheet.
Old Town Crier
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W
Little Washington Fountain 24 | June 2019
ith the summer heat arriving this month it is an ideal time to head to the cool Blue Ridge Mountains. On this trip we are going to connect with some locals that have moved out to the foot hills and have either retired or started new businesses. Along the way we are going to explore some back roads and visit some of our favorite places and discover a few new ones. To begin the trip we need to pick up Interstate 66 in order to get as far down the road as possible as quick as possible. As long as it is not rush hour, road construction or an accident, you can be insight of the mountains in under an hour. As soon as you get to Haymarket you can pick up Route 55 which, for the most part, parallels I-66, but passes through some small towns and is the conduit to the other back roads. Once on Route 55 you will notice a drop in your blood pressure as the heavy traffic is left behind. Route 55 passes through the quaint towns of The Plains and on to Marshall. Both of these towns have dining as well as shops to enjoy. You may have read about Marshall in one of our recent issues. Continuing on 55 you will come to Barrel Oak Winery and Blue Mountain Winery. A little further down the road you will come to Route 15 which will take you to our pals who own Three Fox Vineyards and Winery. About 5 miles down 15 you will turn on to Leeds Manor Road, one of the back roads that crosses I-66 and 55. On this beautiful winding road you will find a handful of good wineries. Valley View Farm Winery and Naked Mountain are a few of my favorites. Further down Leeds Manor Road you will
cross I-66 and 55 and proceed past Philip Carter Winery to Hume Road. Turning right on Hume road will take you through farming and horse country as well as through the 40,000+ acre Marriott Ranch/B&B. You will notice numerous hay fields as you negotiate the rolling hills and hairpin turns. In a few more miles you will come to Desert Rose Winery and finally Rappahannock Cellars and Dida’s Distillery. All of the aforementioned wineries are excellent places to stop for a short spell and Dida’s Vodka and Gin are worth sampling. On our way toward Sperryville is where we met long time Alexandrian Mike Guiffre. Mike is the former owner of Guiffre Distributors, the Budweiser Distributor in Alexandria. Mike sold his business to Virginia Eagle and retired to his farm at the foot of the Blue Ridge Mountains. It was good to hook up with an old friend and reminisce about the good old days when Old Town was only 6 blocks long. We decided to meet Mike a little later in Sperryville at Copper Fox Distillery for a drink by the Thornton River. To reach our destination we traveled south on Route 522 through the village of Flint Hill. The two restaurants here are both very good. Griffins Tavern, the more casual and traditional and the Blue Door, a more upscale and potentially formal dining...but not necessarily so, this is horse country, anything goes! If you are looking for a unique gift or something for yourself, stop in at Horse & Hound...there are necessities here and some must haves as well. At the end of 522 and turning right on to Route 211 you will come to the town of (Little) Washington, home of the ROAD TRIP > PAGE 25
Old Town Crier
ROAD TRIP | FROM PAGE 24
internationally known Inn at Little Washington. Here also are some specialty shops like r.h.ballard shop & gallery. There is also Tula’s Restaurant and Bar, a casual restaurant which is owned by Alexandrians Mark Allen, his wife Elizabeth and John McCaslin. You can usually find Mark here on weekends. During the week he is at his law office in Alexandria. The local newspaper, The Rappahannock News, is located next to Tula’s. McCaslin is also the Editor of this publication and lives a stone’s throw away in Woodville (that was his cabin on our February cover). If you take this road trip and decide to break it up into two days, the Greenfield Inn is a perfect place to stay. Right off of 211 at the road leading to Little Washington, this period farm house is delightful and the owners can tell you great stories. We had to get to Sperryville and that single malt whiskey with Mike. Sperryville is about five miles west on 211. You will pass some other good wineries - Little Washington Winery, Gadino Cellars and Quievremont Winery...all excellent wineries. Check their hours as well as all of the stores, some are only open on weekends. We made it to Copper Fox Distillery in time to have two drinks and sit next to the Thornton River, which is out back of the distillery, before their 6 pm closing time. My favorite is the original single malt American Whiskey, Lani prefers the Peach Smoked Rye while Mike opted for the refreshing VirGin. Copper Fox and Penn Druid Brewery make for a great getaway from the crowds of northern Virginia. After Mike left we went to Headmasters Pub for some dinner. This is a very reasonably priced restaurant that serves up a lot of good food. As we were enjoying our dinner and another single malt Claire Anstey sat next to me at the bar. I have known Claire for 25 or more years since she is also an Alexandria transplant. Claire moved out to the Blue Ridge several years ago after answering a Want Ad - Wanted: Someone to care for two horses...Room and Board provided. She took her bartending and management skills to Sperryville. Old Town Crier
Greenfield Inn
Horse n Hound, Flint Hill
Burger Shack
Laurel Mills Store
Copper Fox Tasting Room After dinner we got a bottle of wine from The Corner Store, which is a complex that includes Bar Francis and Rappahannock Pizza Kitchen (remodeled and reopened). We took the wine to our accommodations for the night...29 Main on the River. This is a quaint private building that backs up to the Thornton River and our
Emily and Summer the Woodard Realty Mascot favorite place to stay. This waystop is the brain storm of another Alexandrian and longtime friend, Jackie Bogle Meuse. Jackie also operates The Loft, another overnight stay, in Little Washington. In the morning we stopped in next door at Before & After, a breakfast and lunch place that sells wine...mostly Virginia wines from the
area. Here we were greeted by Sandy who got our coffee for us. As it turns out, Sandy is from Arlington. While enjoying the coffee and talking with friends the likes of local photographer and poet laureate T.C. “Ted”
Pellegatto, Jr., we met another seasoned writer, MIchael McLeod who has also retired to Rappahannock County. He will be penning the ‘Personality Profile’ in the August issue so be sure to watch for it. We meet new
ENJOY MORE ADVENTURES > PAGE 39
June 2019 | 25
TO THE BLUE RIDGE
JULIE REARDON
Fireworks and outdoor fun in the Blue Ridge
June Divided live at Tally Ho
Photo: Lauren Fleming
26 | June 2019
E
njoying the lazy, hazy midsummer days close to home might require a little research, but needn’t cost a king’s ransom. There are plenty of parks, activities, vineyards and even a few music festivals throughout the state that are affordable or in some instances free. One of our favorite inexpensive venues for live music, that I’d planned to feature this month, is sadly, gone. The Bluemont Concert series fell victim to cuts in public funding for the arts. For over 40 years, the series brought live music to small towns like Winchester, Warrenton, Culpeper, Fredericksburg, Middleburg and others in central and northern Virginia, and will be missed. Bluemont Concert
Series brought talented live music groups to entertain and enrich the cultural fabric of these small towns. The outdoor performances included an eclectic and varied mix: bluegrass, zydeco, Caribbean, African dance, Celtic, traditional folk, rockabilly and more. A victim of the times and lack of funding, it ceased operations last year. For those hankering for live music, the Tally Ho Theater in Leesburg has some offerings for July that may be of interest. The movie theater turned concert venue has a Tuesday’s Gone tribute to Lynyrd Skynyrd on July 12 and a tribute to Earth Wind and Fire on July 20. The eagerly awaited 70’s Party with Superflydisco originally scheduled for July 6 has been postponed until August 31; for a list of concerts and ticket options visit: www. TallyHoTheater.com The Flying Circus Airshow
near Bealeton has delighted young and old alike with daring expert pilots performing stunts in vintage biplanes. A parachute jumper opens the show, a wingwalker hangs upside down from the biplane’s wing, and more. Bring the family and a picnic and enjoy the show; gates open at 11 and the show starts at 2:30 p.m. The Flying Circus Airshow has been a Southern Fauquier attraction for many years with both locals and visitors. It’s located at 5114 Ritchie Road (off Routes 17 & 644), Bealeton, and admission is $10 per adult (plane and hot air balloon rides extra). For more information, call (540) 439-8661 or visit: www. flyingcircusairshow.com. If you are looking for something a little smaller than the Washington D.C. display, several small towns put on fireworks displays and celebrations for July 4th in and around the Blue Ridge. Just 45 miles away, Great Meadow in the Plains puts on a huge fireworks display with many family friendly activities; gates open at 4 pm Thursday, July 4th for this year’s Wegman’s Great Meadow 4th of July Celebration. Large by country standards, it manages a fine display and offers many other activities for family fun in addition to the glorious fireworks show. Admission is $35. For information visit: www.GreatMeadow.org
On Friday, the 5th, you can watch fireworks in the Blue Ridge mountains in Front Royal at the NOVA 4-H Center, host to the 2019 Front Royal/Warren County Independence Day Celebration. The July 5th fireworks location is right off I-66 at 600 4H Center Drive at the 4-H Educational Center. Events start at 4 pm and will be continuous throughout the day, from 4:00 p.m. until the fireworks begin, with festivities centered around the Amphitheater and will include the Fairfax Shelter, Campfire Circle, and the Pool parking lot. A voluntary donation of $5 per vehicle is suggested to help with the cost of the event. The Celebration will feature live patriotic music performed by the American Legion Community Band. Community tables, children’s games, and food vendors will be set up by community partners. For the first time in memory, Fauquier County Fair will not be held in late July or at all this year. Because of construction on land behind the fairgrounds for a new central county sports complex that began last year, the area used for fair parking is not available and the Fauquier County Board of Supervisors voted to cancel it for this year. It is unclear if it will return next year. The other well-loved county fairs in the area are held in August and September; look for a complete list next month. Old Town Crier
VisitRAPPAHANNOCK
background photo by John McCaslin
Relax and Rejuvenate Visit our 1760s Southern Georgianstyle mansion on 83 acres in gorgeous Rappahannock County and enjoy: Breathtaking mountain and pastoral views Relaxing, comfortable understated elegance Wineries, art galleries, boutiques, and hiking trails nearby Unmatched Southern hospitality and treasured memories await you. Visit GreenfieldInnVa.com or call Audrey Regnery at 540.675.1114.
29 Main On the River – Sperryville
• A quaint cottage on the Thornton River in the Heart of the Village of Sperryville. • Spacious one bedroom/one bath suite • Kitchenette • Private deck overlooking the River • Outdoor shower • Popular for Hikers and Foodies, looking for a great getaway. • VRBO#1001234 • AirBnB #18582009
• • • • • •
The Loft – Little Washington
Large put cozy, suite above Little Washington Spa 1 Bedroom/1 Bath Living room with pull out sofa Kitchenette Great Location in the center of town VRBO#735456 • AirBnB #7131304 More Info Contact- Samantha.rpkgetaways@gmail.com
Old Town Crier
June 2019 | 27
VisitRAPPAHANNOCK
background photo by Lauren Fleming
Discover where your new favorite whisky comes from. 9 River Lane in Sperryville 540.987.8554 Free tours on the half hour. Tastings and seasonal cocktails for a small fee. www.copperfoxdistillery.com
HORSE N HOUND 667 ZACHARY TAYLOR HWY. FLINT HILL, VA. 22627 Store Hours: Monday – Saturday 10-5pm
SADDLERY • GIFTS • PET FOOD • OUTDOOR WEAR • Full Service Tack Store for the English Horse & Rider
Whispering Pines, Sperryville
CheriWoodard.com 37 Main Street, Sperryville, VA 22740 (540) 987-8500
28 | June 2019
The home at Whispering Pines began its life as a three-story log cabin on the knoll above a sweet spring near Sperryville. Over the years the cabin has evolved into the 3 BR/3.5BA home it is today. The 13.4 AC are a pleasant mix of meadows and forest. Lush gardens surround the home. Walk to Main Street, Sperryville. Price Upon Request
• Great selection of cards & gifts including leather bags, belts & wallets. • All Natural Cat & Dog Foods, leather collars & leashes • Outdoor Wear – boots, hats, rainwear, gloves & socks Mention this ad and get 10%
off any clothing & footwear
540-675-1650 • www.horsenhound.com horsenhound.va
Old Town Crier
DINING OUT
THE GASTRONOMES
They Are Running in Packs… under their belts as they keep two of Alexandria’s oldest neighborhood establishments in check – Shooter McGee’s and Ramparts Tavern & Grill – in addition to T.J. Stone’s Grill House & Tap Room and City Kitchen. Today there are four groups that seem to be aiming to put a corner on the market or…maybe a market on the corner…so to speak. The information regarding each of these groups was taken from websites and Facebook pages so we realize there is a certain margin for error. Also, we only included the establishments that each group has in Alexandria.
T
his month is a bit of a departure from our “normal” column highlighting one establishment and their cuisine. To be totally transparent, we flat ran out of time to devote to an evening of dining with a purpose. June was a whirlwind month. Many of you regular readers have no doubt noticed all of the new restaurants that have cropped up in Alexandria (mostly Old Town) in the last year or so. With the Old Town waterfront development finally well underway, the number of new eateries will keep expanding as construction is completed. We thought you might be interested in who is behind a good portion of these places. Old Town Crier
operational excellence, leading with integrity and being transparent.” Alexandria Locations: Vola’s Dockside Grill – HiTide Lounge - Mia’s Italian Kitchen – The Majestic - Lena’s Wood-fired Pizza & Tap Theismann’s Restaurant & Bar – Riverside Taco Company
CPH - Common Plate Hospitality CPH was pioneered by brothers Chad and Justin Sparrow and their longtime friend, Larry Walston in 2015. “Our restaurants blend both innovative architectural design, creative culinary offerings and craft bar programs to create a full experience for guests.” Alexandria Locations: Mason Social – Augie’s Mussel House - Urbano 116 - Catch on the Avenue
We remember when the two “Big Dogs on the porch” were Landini’s (Franco and Noe Landini) and the Eat Good Food Group (Cathal and Meshelle Armstrong). In Old Town, Landini’s own and operate the said Landini’s, Club Rex, Pop’s Old Fashioned Ice Cream and the Fish Market and Junction Bistro and Bakery in Del Ray. The Eat Good Food Group originally operated the acclaimed Restaurant Eve and Society Fair and they still have Eamonn’s-A Dublin Chipper, the PX and Hummingbird in Hotel Indigo here in Old Town. Stephen Mann and Amy Derrington have been the force behind Fat City Restaurant Group since its formation. Both Mann and Derrington have years of restaurant experience
NRG - Neighborhood Restaurant Group Founded by Michael Babin in 1997, NRG is a restaurant group located in DC/VA with 19 concepts, including chefdriven restaurants, a bakery, retail wine shop, brewery & full catering business. “The NRG is an award winning collection of independent and idiosyncratic businesses devoted to the culinary arts in Washington DC and Virginia.” Alexandria Locations: The Evening Star - Columbia Firehouse - Vermillion - Rustico - Planet Wine
ARP - Alexandria Restaurant Partners Formed in 2016, local resident Scott Shaw in conjunction with David Clapp and David Nicholas pioneered the ARP. This group is the newest kid on the block but have been taking over management and opening restaurants right and left since they started. “Team ARP was built with one goal in mind: To be the BEST in the nation (not the biggest) by achieving
Homegrown Restaurant Group – HRG HRG is now the official name of the group of restaurants with Mike and Donna Anderson and Bill Blackburn at the helm. Anderson has been operating places in the Alexandria area for almost 30 years. Those currently under their wing are mostly on the outskirts of Old Town. Alexandria Locations: Pork Barrel BBQ, Sushi Bar and Holy Cow in Del Ray and Sweet Fire Donna’s, Taco & Tequila and Whiskey & Oyster in Carlyle area. It has been quite interesting watching the restaurant scene in this area ebb and flow for over 31 years in Alexandria. We are proud to have many of the establishments that have “stayed the course” as longtime advertisers and supporters and we look forward to forming lasting relationships with the next “generation” of eateries. June 2019 | 29
BEHIND THE BAR
BASTILLE BRASSERIE & BAR 606 NORTH FAYETTE STREET OLD TOWN ALEXANDRIA 703-519-3776 BASTILLERESTAURANT.COM Jacob serves up his “Almost” Famous cocktail – The ingredients are a secret!
JACOB SUNNY How did you get started in the bartending business? Two years ago, after I got out of my engineering job, I was looking for something new and refreshing to do for couple of months. I came across Bastille’s ad, responded and got hired as a waiter and have since moved up as a bartender. I came into the realization that bartending isn’t a just a job for me anymore, it’s a calling. I love what I do and the satisfaction I get from my guest’s smiles is impeccable. Bastille fuels my imagination and talents to endeavor uncharted territories 30 | June 2019
in craft cocktails. Here it’s more like a family than a team. I can always count on my colleagues for their help and advice.
What is your biggest bartender pet peeve? That would be the people who come to the bar thinking they know everything about everything. I had this lady once who was so convinced that you cannot make a Cosmopolitan without the Triple Sec - we don’t carry those bottom shelf liqueurs and I hate making a cocktail with cheap quality products. So…I made her a Cosmo with
Cointreau instead and told her if she didn’t like it I wouldn’t charge her. She drank it, and then she had 2 more.
What is the cleverest line anyone has ever used to get you to give them a free drink? A while ago, I was trying to create some new cocktails for spring. I had this guest in the bar and she told me she has huge experience in tasting cocktails and that she was a professional cocktail sommelier. That was a great line – too hard to resist. BEHIND THE BAR > PAGE 31
Old Town Crier
BEHIND THE BAR FROM PAGE 30
What is the best/worst pickup line you have overheard at the bar? I don’t really remember any great pickup lines, but I had a fascinating encounter with a couple once. It was late and I was about to close the bar. This couple walked in, sat in the bar and the guy started buying drinks for the girl obviously hoping he would end up taking her home. The lady was charming and finished the drinks one by one. After a while, she said she wanted to go home ‘alone’ and just walked out without saying a word to him. He was pissed and kept yelling that she “stole his drinks”, even though he had already closed out his tab. It was an interesting night.
Tell us about an interesting encounter you have had with a customer(s). I once had this guest that told me she had a reservation for her and her husband a week prior and she couldn’t make it. She wanted to know if her husband came in for the
Old Town Crier
reservation. If so, is it possible to get a copy of the CCTV footage? I basically told her, what happens in Bastille stays in Bastille. She wasn’t exactly fond of the answer though…. don’t know why.
If you could sit down and have a drink with anyone in the world, past or present, who would that be? I would have to go with Joe Pesci and Stephen Hawking. Joe Pesci, because it’s JOE PESCI! And Stephen
Hawking, because he was my childhood hero. I have read all of his books and have a great admiration for him. And frankly, I don’t want to give up a chance to see him DRUNK. Jacob is behind the bar all Sunday nights and many nights during the week. He says, “Next time you come to Bastille, ask for our Bespoke Menu coming in September.” If you would like to see your favorite mixologist featured in this space, send contact information to office@ oldtowncrier.com.
Taste ultra-premium spirits & cocktails made from wine: brandy, vodka, and gin. Then step over to the wine bar for a wine tasting! didasdistillery.com rcellars.com Open Fri. - Tues. Noon to 5:00pm Located at Rappahannock Cellars 540-551-8141 | 14437 Hume Rd., Huntley, VA 22640
t.j. stone’s grill house and tap room
celebrating american cuisine with libations from around the world
Shrimp Taco Month!
outdoor patio dining! private event room over 300 beer & wine
tjstones.com 608 Montgomery St Alexandria 703.548.1004
June 2019 | 31
AUGIE’S MUSSEL HOUSE 1106 King Street 703.721.3970 MOHO KITCHEN & COCTAILS 116 South Alfred St. 703-739-6090 BILBO BAGGINS 208 Queen St. 703-683-0300 BLACKWALL HITCH 5 Cameron St. 703-739-6090 CAFE 44 44 Canal Center 571-800-6644 CARLYLE CLUB 411 John Carlyle St. 703-549-8957
HUMMINGBIRD 220 South Union Street 703-566-1355
THE PEOPLES DRUG 103 N. Alfred Street
JACKS PLACE 222 North Lee St. 703-684-0372
RAMPARTS 1700 Fern St. 703-998-6616 rampartstavern.com
JACKSON 20 480 King St. 703-842-2790
RESERVE 2216 2216 Mount Vernon Avenue 703-549-2889
JAVA GRILL 611 King Street 571-431-7631
REYNOLDS STREET CAFÉ 34 S. Reynolds St. 703-751-0830
JOE THEISMANNS 1800 Diagonal Rd. 703-739-0777
RIVER BEND BISTRO 7966 Fort Hunt Rd. Hollin Hall Shopping Center 703-347-7545 riverbendbistro.com
JUNCTION BAKERY & BISTRO 1508 Mount Vernon Avenue Alexandria 703-436-0025
ROCK IT GRILL 1319 King St. 703-739-2274
CHADWICKS 203 Strand St. 703-836-4442 chadwicksrestaurants.com An Old Town tradition since 1979 and an original Georgetown pub and restaurant since 1967.
LAPORTAS 1600 Duke St. 703-683-6313
CHARLIE'S ON THE AVENUE Mount Vernon Avenue 703-851-3270
LIVE OAK 1603 Commonwealth Ave. 571-312-0402
CHART HOUSE One Cameron St. 703-684-5080
LORI'S TABLE 1028 King Street 703-549-5545
CITY KITCHEN 330 South Pickett St. 703-685-9172 fatcitykitchen.com USA City inspired menu choices that bring together traditional American and global cuisine with their own personal touch. Casual dress. $30 and under. Lots of free parking. Open 7 days a week with brunch on Sat & Sun 11-3. AMEX, Discover, MasterCard, Visa
LOST DOG CAFE 808 North Henry St. 571-970-6511
THE LIGHT HORSE 715 King Street 703-549-0533
RT's RESTAURANT 3804 Mt. Vernon Ave. 703-684-6010 rtsrestaurant.com SAMUEL BECKETTS IRISH GASTRO PUB 2800 S. Randolph St. Villages of Shirlington 703-379-0122 SHOOTER MCGEES 5239 Duke St. 703-751-9266 SMOKING KOW BBQ 3250 Duke Sttreet 703-888-2649 SOCIETY FAIR 277 S. Washington St. 703-683-3247
MACKIE’S BAR AND GRILL 907 King St. 703-684-3288
SONOMA CELLAR 207 King St. 703-966-3550
MAGNOLIA’S ON KING 703 King St. 703-838-9090
SOUTH BLOCK 106 N. Lee Street 703-465-8423
MAJESTIC CAFÉ 911 King St. 703-837-9117
SOUTHSIDE 815 815 S. Washington St. 703-836-6222
EVENING STAR CAFÉ 2000 Mt. Vernon Ave. 703-549-5051
MASON SOCIAL 728 Henry Street Old Town Alexandria 703-548-8800 mason-social.com
SWEETGREEN 823 King St. 571-319-0192
EXECUTIVE DINER & CAFE 1400 Duke Street 703-299-0894
MOUNT VERNON INN Mount Vernon, Va 703-780-0011
COLUMBIA FIREHOUSE 109 S. St. Asaph St. 703-683-1776
FIN & HOOF 801 N. Saint Asaph St. 703-836-4700 FIVE GUYS 725 King St. 703-549-7991 FLAT TOP BURGER 529 East Howell Ave. 571-970-1006 FOSTERS GRILLE 2004 Eisenhower Ave. 703-725-1342 GADSBYS TAVERN 138 N. Royal St. 703-548-1288 GLORY DAYS GRILL 3141 Duke Street 703-567-157 GRATEFUL KITCHEN 727 N. Henry Street HARD TIMES CAFE 1404 King St. 703-837-0050 HEN QUARTER 1404 King St. 703-684-6969
32 | June 2019
MURPHYS IRISH PUB 713 King St. 703-548-1717 murphyspub.com Old-world Irish pub featuring a roaring fireplace, serving a variety of imported, domestic and non-alcoholic beers in a friendly atmosphere. Serving robust American-Irish meals at fair prices. Favorites include fish and chips and Irish stew. Irish-style entertainment nightly. MYRON MIXON PITMASTER BBQ 220 North Lee St. 703-535-3340 NECTAR COFFEE & WINE BISTRO 106 Hume Avenue 571-431-6150 NORTHSIDE 1O 10 East Glebe Rd. 703-888-0032 OCONNELLS RESTAURANT & BAR 112 King St. 703-739-1124 danieloconnellsrestaurant.com PORK BARREL BBQ 2312 Mount Vernon Ave. 703-822-5699
SWEET FIRE DONNA'S BB@ & HOPS 510 John Carlyle Street 571-312-7960 T.J. STONES GRILL HOUSE & TAP ROOM 608 Montgomery St. 703-548-1004 tjstones.com American cuisine with libations from around the world. Bar specials MonFri, 4-7 pm. Brunch served Sat & Sun. TRADEMARK 2800 Jamieson Ave. 703-253-8640 UNION STREET PUBLIC HOUSE 121 South Union St. 703-548-1785 unionstreetpublichouse.com Old Town’s favorite neighborhood tap and grill. Southern style menu, fine steaks, fresh seafood. Sunday brunch, private parties, happy hour. VERMILLION 1120 King St. 703-684-9669 VIRTUE GRAIN & FEED 106 South Union St. 571-970-3669 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
ASIAN ASIAN BISTRO 809 King St. 703-836-1515 MALAYA 1019 King St. 703-519-3710 MAI THAI 9 King St. 703-548-0600 NASIME 1209 King St. 703-548-1848 STREETS MARKET AND CAFE 3108 Mt. Vernon Ave. 571-431-6810 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 THE SUSHI BAR 2312 Mount Vernon Avenue 571-257-3232 CONTINENTAL BRABO by Robert Weidmaier 1600 King St. 703-894-3440 BRABO TASTING ROOM 1600 King St. 703-894-5252 CEDAR KNOLL GW Parkway at Lucia Ln. 703-780-3665 OLD HOUSE COSMOPOLITAN 1024 Cameron Street 703-717-9361 TEMPO 4231 Duke St. 703-370-7900 temporestaurant.com Northern Italian, French provincial & American cuisine featuring fresh seafood, meats and pasta served in a contemporary, romantic atmosphere. Village Brauhaus 710 King Street 703-888-1951 villagebrauhaus.com Austrian and Bavarian cuisine serving up great food, great beer and great times in traditional atmosphere. FRENCH BASTILLE 606 N. Fayette St. 703-519-3776 bastillerestaurant.com BISTRO SANCERRE FRENCH 1755 Duke Street LE REFUGE 127 N. Washington St. 703-548-4661 FONTAINES CAFFE & CREPERIE 119 S. Royal St. 703-535-8151 LA MADELEINE 500 King St. 703-729-2854 TWO NINETEEN RESTAURANT 219 King St. 703-549-1141
ITALIAN BUGSYS PIZZA RESTAURANT 111 King St. 703-683-0313 bugsyspizza.com FACCIA LUNA 823 S. Washington St. 703-838-5998 THE ITALIAN PLACE 621Wythe St. 571-777-8981 HANKS PASTA BAR 600 Montgomery Ave. 571-312-4117 IL PORTO RESTAURANT 121 King St. 703-836-8833 LA TRATTORIA 305 S. Washington St. 703-548-9338 LANDINI BROTHERS 115 King St. 703-836-8404 landinibrothers.com Elegant, classical Italian cuisine served in a lovely historical setting. Fresh veal, homemade pastas, and fresh fish are some of the daily choices. An extensive list of wines and champagnes served in a sophisticated and friendly atmosphere. LENA’S WOOD-FIRED PIZZA & TAP 401 East Braddock Rd. 703-960-1086 MIA'S ITALIAN KITCHEN 100 King Street 703-997-5300 PARADISO 124 King St. 703-683-5330 PINES OF FLORENCE 1300 King St. 703-549-1796 RED ROCKS FIREBRICK PIZZA 904 King St. 703-717-9873 MEDITERRANEAN LA TASCA 607 King St. 703-299-9810 TAVERNA CRETEKOU 818 King St. 703-548-8688 tavernacretekou.com PITA HOUSE 719 King St. 703-684-9194 thepitahouse.com DELIAS MEDITERRANEAN GRILL 209 Swamp Fox Rd. Alexandria, VA 703-329-0006 VASO'S MEDITERRANEAN BISTRO 1118 King Street 703-566-2720 VASO'S KITCHEN 1225 Powhatan Street 703-548-2747 SEAFOOD CATCH ON THE AVENUE 2419 MOUNT VERNON AVE 703-566-1283 HANKS OYSTER BAR 1026 King St. 703-739-HANK FISH MARKET-OLD TOWN 105 King St. 703-836-5676 fishmarketoldva.com Internationally known and locally owned! We serve shrimps, a few crabs, tall people and lots of nice people, too! Live music and lively food!
Old Town Crier
JULY
St. Louis Ribs Month!
Inspired by foods found in cities across America with a toast to their craft brews, wines, and spirits
Now open for CLASSIC BRUNCH VISIT OUR Saturdays & Sundays at 10AM WHISKEY BAR! 121 South Union Street, Old Town Alexandria 703.548.1785 unionstreetpublichouse.com
FatCityKitchen.com 330 S. Pickett Street | (703) 685-9172
Meet Old Friends or Find New Ones at Murphy’s! HOME OF IRISH MUSIC & HOSPITALITY SINCE 1978 Check out our new revitalized menu Now outdoor seating. Cocktail Specials. Happy Hour Monday-Friday 4 - 9pm through Labor Day
WEEKLY SPECIALS
ERNIES ORGINIAL CRABHOUSE 1743 King St. 703-836-0046 THE WHARF 119 King St. 703-836-2834 FISH MARKET-CLINTON 7611Old Branch Ave. Clinton, MD 301-599-7900 INDIAN BOMBAY CURRY COMPANY 2607 Mount Vernon Ave. 703-836-6363 DISHES OF INDIA 1510A Bellview Blvd. 703-660-6085
Old Town Crier
DIYA 218 North Lee, 2nd Floor 703-706-5338
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COOKING CORNER
JUDY EICHNER
Festive Coolers FOR THE
Orange-Mint Tea 2 cups boiling water 2 tea bags ¼ cup fresh mint leaves
Weather
Peach Champagne Punch
W
hile traveling in Puerto Rico and Jamaica, several years ago we were invited to several outdoor barbecues and to our delight, we discovered some different drinks than those that are normally served at a barbecue. You can make any summertime gathering festive with this assortment of cool, refreshing party beverages. You will find both alcoholic and nonalcoholic drinks below.
Champagne Fruit Punch 6 cups chilled orange juice 1 cup water
1 can (16 oz) sliced peaches in light syrup, chilled
½ lb. seedless grapes
2 tablespoons sugar 1 quart orange juice
1 pint strawberries
2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
1 cup peach-flavored brandy, chilled
1 pint fresh strawberries, hulled and halved, if large
In a large pitcher, place boiling water, tea bags, mint leaves and sugar; let stand 10 minutes. Remove the tea bags, then stir in the orange and lemon juices. Refrigerate until cold. Before serving, strain to remove mint leaves. This makes about 6 eight ounce servings.
1 bottle (2 liter) lemon-lime soda, chilled 2 bottles (each 750 ml) champagne, chilled Drain peaches; reserve syrup. Place peach slices and strawberries in two ice-cube trays; fill with water; freeze until firm. Just before serving, in large punch bowl, combine reserved peach syrup, brandy, soda and champagne; stir. Add fruit ice cubes to punch. Makes about 32 four ounce servings.
1 sliced orange
1 bottle (48 oz) chilled Hawaiian guava drink 1 bottle (750 ml) chilled, dry champagne Fresh Mint
2 cups chilled cranberry juice 2 cups chilled grapefruit juice ½ cup chilled seltzer In a pitcher combine all ingredients. Serve over ice in chilled glasses. Makes about 4 ten ounce servings. Vodka would be the alcohol of choice for this combination.
The day before – combine 2 cups orange juice with the water in a large pitcher. Pour 2 cups orange juice mixture into a 3 cup ring mold. Reserve remaining orange juice mixture. Freeze mold for about 3 hours, or until firm. Arrange grapes, orange slices and strawberries around the top of the mold. Fill with reserved orange juice mixture and freeze. In a 6-quart punch bowl, combine the remaining 4 cups orange juice and the guava drink. Just before serving, stir in the champagne. Unmold the ice ring. Float fruit side up on punch. Garnish with mint. Makes about 24 four ounce servings.
34 | June 2019
Citrus Cranberry Cooler
Publishers Note: This column first appeared in the July 2011 issue of the OTC. We decided since we gave you some of Judy’s recipes for cold soups in the June issue, it would be appropriate to follow up with some equally as refreshing beverages. Perfect for your 4th of July or Happy Birthday Alexandria celebration. Old Town Crier
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GRAPEVINE
Damien Blanchon
NANCY BAUER
Luca Paschina
Winemaker Afton Mountain Vineyards France
General Manager/ Winemaker Barboursville Vineyards Italy
Fernando Franco
Gonzalo Ortiz
Viticulturist Barboursville Vineyards El Salvador
Vineyard Manager Breaux Vineyards Chile
The Diversity that Is Virginia Wine
Men, women, grapes, and some very American ideals
T
Werner Hambsch Owner Loving Cup Winery Germany
David Pagan Castaño
Photo: Andrew Shurtleff
Winemaker Potomac Point Winery and Vineyard, Spain
Moussa Ishak
Nelson DeSouza
Owner/Winemaker Wisteria Vineyard Lebanon
36 | June 2019
Owner Casanel Vineyards & Winery Brazil
he wine world is inclusive by nature; the endless challenges call for alliance and, often, aid. Beetles invade, mildew overwhelms, and deer party in the vineyards like drunken sailors. Mysteries pop up, tractors break down. Borrowing equipment and sharing hard-won wisdom is what gets winemakers through one growing cycle and on to the next. And through the cooperation, neighbors become allies. At harvest, the promise that lies in those yellow bins of vinifera grapes – many thought to be ungrowable in Virginia – is often brought to fruition by men and women who worked those same grapes in Italy, France, Germany, or Greece. They were tasting wine at the table while still in single digits, and through their work on generational family farms they became experts in Cabernet Sauvignon, Nebbiolo, Riesling, and vinsanto. Being in Virginia, though, gives them freedom
to experiment beyond their cultural boundaries. Dip into any region in the Commonwealth and you’ll see the cultural kinship: at Barboursville Vineyards, winemakers from Italy work with acres of grapes native to their homeland, but even more from France. Nearby, at Afton Mountain Vineyards, a Frenchman from Beaujolais is creating buzz with the Spanish grape, albariño. Meanwhile, a Spaniard at Potomac Point Winery in Northern Virginia shores up his red blends with tannat, the robust grape making headlines in South America. And completing the cycle, at Breaux Vineyards, a Chilean harvests row upon row of the Italian grape, nebbiolo. Virginia has native grapes, of course, like Norton, which is made into sparkling wine at the Brazilian-owned Casanel Vineyards. Hybrid grapes are here, too, like Cayuga White, which Germanborn Warner Hambsch will pour for you at his Loving Cup Winery near
Charlottesville, and the tannic Carmine, grown in the Shenandoah Valley at Wisteria Vineyards by a winemaker from Lebanon. Dozens of winery owners, growers and winemakers have made their way to Virginia’s wine country over the last 40 years, by design or happenstance. Some fled rebel militias, like El Salvador’s Fernando Franco of Barboursville Vineyards. Others, like Damien Blanchon of Afton Mountain Vineyards, came to learn and grow, and just never went home; the challenges of a new wine region were too alluring for him. Today, Franco grows sauvignon blanc alongside vermentino, and Blanchon blends sangiovese with petit verdot and tannat and it all makes perfect sense to them. Virginia’s wineries show that diversity, both in grapes and in people, is at home here, creating a blend that’s rich and balanced and settling in to age well. Old Town Crier
EXPLORING VA WINES
DOUG FABBIOLI
LET’S MAKE A PLAN
A
s a grape grower, I have to have some long range vision. The decision on “what grapes to grow where” is decided 4 years before any crop is harvested from those vines. If the vines don’t grow well in that location, or if the vines you planted were not healthy to begin with, or if the market on your wines shifted in those four years where the grapes you planted are not desired, you will be taking a financial hit to your business plan. The business plan we put together as farmers is usually based on a “good” case scenario. Best case is something that we rarely see and never plan for and worst case is something that we choose not to imagine but have to accept and work through in order to survive. Now is the time when I am evaluating crop loads in the vineyard, inventory in the cellar, and demand for specific wines in the marketplace so I can build a production plan. Other factors that are in play are that I am looking years
out on when these wines will sell and I have new distributor that I hope can sell more of my wine to retail shops and restaurants. This plan will help me match up numbers on what grapes are coming in from which vineyards, the style of which those grapes will be turned into wine and roughly what wines they will be turned into down the road based on the needs from the future market. I will try to sell off any excess grapes I will have and do it fairly soon as other winemakers are going through the same process. They want to have their plan built ahead of time and want to know what grapes are coming in as well. For a number of years, the restrictive factor on this process was grapes available from Virginia. Sometimes the restriction is tank space and where to put the wines. Currently, my challenge is to make the right amount of wine for our shifting market. Our wine sales have leveled off somewhat over the past year so making too much
wine and having it sit for a longer period of time than desired is a real possibility. As with any business, time is money and I need to keep the flow moving in a positive direction. We live and die with cash flow, so having a cellar and a warehouse full of wine is not always our desire. So if Mother Nature gives us a reasonable rest of the season, we will make some great wines, we will sell some grapes to our neighbors who need them, and we may buy a bit to fill in the holes of where we could use more. This process is relatable with many other businesses and critical to the financial health of the operation. I can’t say it’s sexy, but it gives me the tools to make better wine and make of it for you to enjoy!
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June 2019 | 37
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Luca Paschina, Barboursville General Manager/Winemaker (left) and Franco stroll around the grounds.
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“I
love the challenge.” That’s all you’ll get out of Fernando Franco about what was perhaps the most demanding growing season in Virginia wine history. No complaints, no whining, no drama. “We were diligent with the vineyards and we kept everything healthy,” he said. “We were able to harvest early before the hurricane rains came, and so far we couldn’t be happier.” For 20 years, Franco, the rockstar grower of Barboursville Vineyards, has been tending the vines. It’s in his blood; as a child in El Salvador, he would trail along as his father – “He could grow anything” - worked the family farm, raising vegetables and sometimes tobacco. “That’s why I love viticulture.” he says. “I couldn’t spend the day inside the winery. I like the sun outside.” In university, Fernando studied agronomy, before having to flee. In that tumultuous time, high school boys were being corralled into trucks as they left their classes, hijacked to serve one military faction or another, and when thugs came for Fernando, threatening his family, it was time to go.
Today, it’s the migrant workers on H2A visas from El Salvador and Honduras and elsewhere who leave their families to come work for Fernando. Some have returned for 18 years or more, so Fernando and Barboursville are also like a family for them. In his exuberant Facebook posts peppered with exclamation points, Fernando calls them the Bad Hombres, this team that tends 187 acres of vines for eight months a year. When the men are sometimes met with lessthan-open arms by locals, Fernando, who is now a U.S. citizen, tells them don’t worry about it. Everybody is a foreigner here, everybody comes from somewhere else. He says, “This country has always been an embrace for the one who needs, the one who suffers, the one who’s been persecuted. That’s what makes this country the beautiful place it is. It’s my adopted mother, I call it, and it’s given me this life and my two beautiful daughters. I’m proud to vote. And I look forward to vote. And be a positive part of society, and create this environment where we can grow these beautiful grapes and make this beautiful wine. It’s a challenge every year and I’m proud to be a part of it.” Old Town Crier
ROAD TRIP | FROM PAGE 25
friends everywhere we go. Leaving Sperryville, we drove about a mile where route 211 begins the climb to Thornton Gap at Skyline Drive. Here we had breakfast at Sperryville Trading Cafe & Market. As we talked with owner Eric Tollefson we learned that he is a transplant form Arlington. It appears there are more former northern Virginians out in the Blue Ridge than I originally thought. After a filling breakfast we worked our way back toward town but made a stop at the newly opened Off the Grid Restaurant. Another fun place to dine in Sperryville – you can even charge your electric vehicle at this stop. Here we learned that the owner is from Arlington and Anita, the young lady behind the counter is from Annandale. Getting back to Main Street we stopped at the Happy Camper Equipment Company, but it was Wednesday and they were closed. It is a great store where the owner Rob designs and builds his own camping equipment and some clothing. Across Main Street is Three Blacksmiths Restaurant. This is a new high-end restaurant with limited seating and reservations only. You will start at $100 a person but I have heard it is worth every cent. Throughout this small town and spilling into the countryside you will find many artists and artisans and more antique places than you can imagine. One of the
premier events in Virginia is the Fall Art Tour of the Artists of Rappahannock that happens every year on the first full weekend in November. If you are looking for a fitting jewelry gift try Ridge Line Designs located next to Copper Fox Distillery at 10 River Lane. I learned here, that John Sweatt one of the owners, is from the Mount Vernon area. As you leave Sperryville, across the bridge and to the left is a really cool food stop...Burgers and Things. This place has good food and your dollar goes a long way. This place offers Hunt Brothers Pizza which is very reasonably priced. There is no indoor dining but there are picnic tables along Rt. 211 and up from the Thornton River. Get a bag full of burgers, some hand cut fries and a milk shake and sit by the Thornton River as it meanders through Sperryville. If you want to set out on a back road adventure you can pick up the back roads that run between Route 211 and Route 522 that meet in Sperryville. We ended up on a road called Laurel Mill that led us toward Castleton. It was on this road that we discovered the cool country store at Laurel Mills. Another interesting person who is building a house in the Sperryville/ Little Washington area is News Channel 4’s Wendy Rieger. We interviewed her last summer and discovered another special person who has embraced the Blue Ridge lifestyle. Another longtime friend, Debbie Jacobs, an Old Town original, and her husband Nick also
Top: Mike Guiffre Top Right: Ted Pellegato. Poet LaureatePhotographer Right: Sperryville Trading live in Little Washington. If you are thinking about making a move in this direction, we would recommend Cheri Woodard Realty. Her office is located on Main Street in Sperryville and I am sure she can find just what you are looking for. This is a road trip that is perfect for this time of year. The wineries are in full swing with events and entertainment every weekend, the farms are beginning to bear fruit which is available at numerous roadside stands and there are a lot of friendly folks to meet...you may have some friend in common.
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The Rockets Red, White & Blue Glare BY FORREST WICKMAN For as long as Americans can remember, the nation has celebrated the Fourth of July by staging grand firework shows in public squares and lighting smaller displays at home. Why do we commemorate Independence Day by setting off thousands of small explosions? Because John Adams wanted us to. Before the Declaration of Independence was even signed, he envisioned fireworks as a part of the festivities. In a letter to Abigail Adams on July 3, 1776, he wrote that the occasion should be commemorated “with Pomp and Parade, with Shews, Games, Sports, Guns, Bells, Bonfires and Illuminations from one End of this Continent to the other from this Time forward forever more.” The first commemorative Independence Day fireworks were set off on July 4, 1777. The Pennsylvania Evening Post wrote that in Philadelphia, “The evening was closed with the ring of bells, and at night there was a grand exhibition of fireworks (which began and concluded with thirteen rockets) on the Commons, and the city was beautifully illuminated.” The paper noted that “Everything was conducted with the greatest order and decorum, and the face of joy and gladness was
40 | June 2019
universal.” That same year, fireworks also lit up the sky in Boston, where they were exhibited by Col. Thomas Crafts over the common. By 1783 a large variety of fireworks were available to the public. In 1784 one merchant offered a range of pyrotechnics that included “rockets, serpents, wheels, table rockets, cherry trees, fountains, and sun flowers.” While some historians have suggested that India first invented fireworks, modern fireworks seem to have come to the West by way of China. Most early fireworks were simply repurposed military munitions, fired for entertainment rather than to frighten or kill the enemy. In the 12th century, the Chinese improved the burning fire arrow (a longestablished weapon) by affixing small packs of gunpowder to it. From there it was not long before they invented rockets, simply stuffing a container with gunpowder and leaving a hole in one end for propulsion. These “ground-rats” or “fire-rats,” as they were called, were wildly unpredictable, however, and while this made them less effective, it did contribute to their entertainment value. These rockets made their palace hall debut when Emperor Li Tsung brought them before the empress Kung Sheng, but when one scurried up to her, she gathered up
her skirts and brought the feast to a halt. During the Renaissance, fireworks became popular in Europe and were used in nationalist and imperialist celebrations by figures like Peter the Great and Louis XIV, who were especially big fans of the pyrotechnics. Tradition alone, of course, does not explain the popularity of fireworks here and abroad. As with many festive decorations, including streamers, confetti, festival lights, and balloons, people often appreciate them simply for their bright colors. Others may appreciate the technical ingenuity and the choreography that goes into the show. And others just like dramatic loud noises, the sense of destruction, and the thrill of danger. Over time, fireworks shows can bring back memories of other festive occasions and warm summer nights. On the other hand, there are the occasional fireworks haters. Forrest Wickman is Slate’s culture editor. Slate is a daily magazine on the web. Founded in 1996, they are a general-interest publication offering analysis and commentary about politics, news, business, technology, and culture. For more interesting articles log on to Slate. com.
Old Town Crier
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O
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and Prevention, more than one-third of U.S. adults are obese. Some of the leading causes of death in this country include obesity related conditions such as heart
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disease, stroke, and type 2 diabetes. With that being said, I believe it may be time to take a closer look at how food and fitness play such an important role in the longevity and quality of this modern life. Today the term “you are what you eat” can have a very bad outlook if you consider what we are putting into our bodies. So much of what we eat is processed and manufactured to the point that when we consume this “food” our bodies don’t know what to do with it. The human body is meant to break down foods that come from natural sources such as whole grains, fresh produce, and natural sources of protein. Food should be seen as a source of energy for the body. When we eat clean natural food our bodies can use every molecule. Each molecule goes to someplace in the body where it can be used and does something positive for your health. Protein molecules go to building and repairing tissue. Healthy fats are used to lubricate cells and keep things like hair, skin and other organs healthy. Molecules from complex carbohydrates are broken down and used as energy for the body to carry out its daily processes. Fiber is used to clean out our system and water carries important nutrients where they need to go. When every little bit of food is used
up there is nothing left to store as excess fat. However, when our digestive system encounters something that’s not found in nature, like a lot of the processed, chemically charged, sugar-fortified food that we see everywhere today, it simply sticks it in a fat cell and leaves it, since there is nothing else it can do. This is where the problem of excess body weight begins. The meals we eat should consist of lean protein, fresh fruit and vegetables and complex carbohydrates. Not sugar, caffeine and partially hydrogenated foods that seem to be more abundant and cheaper than what is really good for you. When it comes to the battle of losing weight or maintaining a healthy weight I am sure that many people believe that if you work out hard enough you can essentially eat what you want. The idea that if you simply burn off more calories than you take in would lead one to the conclusion that this will cause weight loss. For the most part this is not incorrect. However, what if someone told you that 80% of weight management is diet? What if someone said that your weight could be controlled simply by monitoring what food goes into your system? It is almost crazy to think that 80% of weight management is diet, a mere 10% is exercise and the
other 10% is genetics. But it’s true! Now, I am not saying that exercise should not be part of a healthy routine, but the fact is that you can change the way you look and feel just by changing what you eat. In fact, your workouts will feel much less like a chore and more something that you look forward to. Think of what you eat more as a way to fuel your body and feed your muscles so that every working part can perform at optimum levels. If what you eat is clean, healthy, and well-balanced meals then that’s what you will feel like. If you rely on fast food and artificial energizers all you will get is a quick buzz before you come crashing down again. Diet should be based on the best way to fuel a workout, and not base your workout on how to work off those extra empty calories. When you put good healthy food into your system what you get in return is more energy, a healthier complexion, less health problems and more energy. Oh, did I say that twice? Yes, you will have more energy, and not the kind you get from drinking a cup of coffee with a snickers bar. I cannot mention enough how much better you feel when what you consume is actually used up by the body and not stored in some fat molecule. Eating a healthy diet is the first step to maintaining a healthy weight. June 2019 | 41
FROM THE TRAINER
RYAN UNVERZAGT
❶
BARBELL LUNGE
W
elcome to another edition of From the Trainer. July’s exercise of the month is the Barbell Lunge. This particular exercise challenges your balance, core, and leg strength. The starting position is shown in Figure 1. The barbell will rest on the upper back as you take a long stride forward. Lower your body toward the floor by bending your front knee and hip to about 90 degrees. As this happens, shift your body weight to the front leg (Figure 2). Avoid leaning forward at the waist but make sure your knee stays over the toes and aligned with the front foot. Without pausing at the
❷
bottom, push forcefully up and backward. Body weight will then shift back to the “trail leg” to bring you back to start position. Try at least 10 reps on each leg. Variations to this lunge include alternating legs on each repetition or stepping backward to perform a reverse lunge. If you choose to reverse the lunge, make sure you shift your weight to the front leg first, and then step backward. Keep body weight on the front leg while the trail leg is used for balance. Another variation is the walking lunge in which you keep moving forward with each lunge. You could also hold a pair of dumbbells at your sides instead of using
the barbell on the upper back. Either way you choose to do the lunge, it will provide the challenge and intensity you’ve been looking for! Until next month…..enjoy the Barbell Lunge. Unverzagt holds 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.
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FIRST BLUSH
HOW TO CONTROL OILY SKIN DURING THE SUMMER MONTHS
meltdown shortly thereafter. The reason is the over drying caused by the harsh response makes the skin produce more oils to compensate for the attempt to dry it out. Thus, the skin experiences more and worse breakouts. The best way to combat this is to use a cleanser with at least 2% salicylic acid. The salicylic acid will clean out the pores of the excess oil, but will not dry it out. Tip 2 – Lighten up on your night cream. No matter your skin type, the extreme humidity of summer makes it unnecessary to use heavy moisturizers. The general rule of thumb – if you use a cream in the winter, switch to a lotion. If you typically use a lotion, consider a hydrating serum. And, if your skin is extremely oily, you may not need a lotion at all.
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ily skin combined with 100% humidity in Washington DC equals havoc. It doesn’t have to reach havoc stage if you follow these simple tips. Tip 1 - Keep oily skin balanced by washing right. Make sure to use the right type of face wash to break down oils but not dry it out. When we see a breakout, our first reaction is to reach for the benzyl peroxide and dry it out. While you may see instant gratification, the problem is your skin will have a complete breakout
Tip 3 – Exfoliate and slough off dead skin cells and clean out pores. Using a physical exfoliation once a week will help to relieve the skin of dead cells and unclog pores. For even better results, follow the exfoliation with a mask. Clay masks are best – particularly during summer months – because the clay works to suck out impurities in the pores that lead to breakouts. If you find that your skin is really greasy, you may want to try a glycolic peel. Glycolic acids exfoliate the skin by breaking down dead cells rather than sloughing them off. Glycolic peels come in varying degrees of intensity. Because of the deep exfoliation of a glycolic peel, it’s imperative that you wear sunscreen when exposed to the sun.
Tip 4 – Scale back your makeup. Summer is time to abandon foundations. Foundations melt into pores and contribute to break outs. Furthermore, skin always looks best in the summer. So, there is no reason to hide it behind foundation. Instead, try tinted moisturizers or powder foundations. Many tinted moisturizers offer sunscreen and powder foundations help to soak up oils. Tip 5 – Choose sunblock in lieu of moisturizers. Some sunblocks actually absorb oils. Look for sunblocks with oil absorbing micronized zinc oxide or titanium dioxide. In addition to their abilities to absorb oil, they also offer the best sunscreen protection. Tip 6 – Blot, blot, blot. Use oil blotting papers to soak up excess oils. These miracle papers don’t strip the skin of its natural oils. Reach for these instead of a powder puff. Using too much powder can lead to a cakey look.
Kim Putens is co-wner of Bellacara, a beauty boutique located at 1000 King Street in Old Town Alexandria. Bellacara can be found on the web at www.bellacara.com. Read our blog on bellacarablog. blogspot.com. Become a Bellacara fan on Fcebook. June 2019 | 43
SPIRITUAL RENAISSANCE PEGGIE ARVIDSON
S
ix months ago pretty much everything I thought I knew about my life, my happiness and my future, started to fly apart at the seams. The only way I can explain how it felt is that it was like being in a vacuum vortex in a near constant state of vertigo. My world felt like it was crumbling and I saw
leap of faith, in order to move toward an open-ended future. That’s the thing about the future of course. As much as I was sure what my next year and next decade would look like, from the house I would live in to the people I’d live with, none of it was real. I had a wild fire of faith in my core that insisted that I would be okay no matter what happened next. I knew that although what I felt was very
Although I spent time wallowing, second-guessing and blaming (myself and others), I spent an equal or larger part of my time in the present. Packing. Writing. Talking. Planning a cross country move. Assuring myself and those who loved me that I was fine – or that at least I would be fine. Coming through the worst of it I am not the same person who thought she had a handle
Keep Going. myself as the little Dutch boy of myth – trying to stop a deluge with a finger blocking a hole in a dam. A particularly apt description because water almost always represents emotions in any spiritual setting. At the time I felt utterly alone and exhausted while also being supported by dozens of people and angels. The angels were the strangers I met, the miraculous coincidences that popped up and of course, the animals that I encountered every day. Water was pouring from the sky – it was the wettest winter in memory in Tucson and on the day that I packed up to move back east the snow was falling in big, wet flakes. Looking back, I know I was shell shocked. I couldn’t sleep, didn’t eat and found a very macabre sense of humor to get me through the worst. The people who surrounded me with love from near and far held me up when I didn’t know what to do next and kept me focused on forward momentum. Because of that support system I could put one foot in front of the other, just like Indiana Jones when he took his 44 | June 2019
real and very sad and even scary, on another level, the feelings weren’t the real me. I saw first-hand how years of a spiritual practice sustained me in the midst of the mess. Years of journaling and meditating were ingrained and kept me grounded as I worked through my role, karmically and materially that led me to the place I was. Going through the muck and the mess that lived inside me allowed me to recognize the parallels to what was happening outside. Each day I moved, incrementally, ahead.
on what life was going to be. I’m not the same person I would be had all this not happened in the middle of my life. I’m not better or worse today than I was or would be. I’m different. And I’m grateful. Hashtag Gratitude gets lots of play on social media. Usually it’s someone’s quote on a fuzzily lit pink and purple and gold background – with copy that tells you how they made it through the storm and have created a one-size-fits-all program that can help you, too, make it through the storm in your life. That’s not the point
for me here. I don’t have a program or a system or even an answer as to why this thing has happened to implode your life. I’m not going to blow pixie dust in your face and tell you it’s all part of a magical, unicorn journey to get to wholeness and that if you simply breathe deeply and journal and be grateful (damnit) everything will be okay. I’m also not going to tell you scoff at those things if they work for you. You have habits and strengths and processes that exist within you that you only find when everything else is stripped away. No one likes feeling bare and vulnerable. Everyone has had (or will have) a moment that brings them to their knees on a wet tile floor while they scream and cry in the shower, questioning God, questioning life and questioning their very being. A spiritual practice doesn’t make you immune to bad things happening but it can make it easier to bear. I don’t know what you’re facing right now. But I will remind you of Winston Churchill’s quote, “When you find yourself going through hell, keep going.” Because life is simply a big leap of faith. Just like me and Indiana Jones, you can get to the other side of the abyss.
Are you at a crossroads and need to make some serious decisions? If you’re feeling stuck at work, in love or in general, it can feel impossible to get out of your own way. Peggie helps you assess your situation, using ancient and modern tools to help you move forward with a specific plan of action. Private Sessions are available by phone or Skype.
PeggieArvidson.com peggieParvidson@gmail.com Old Town Crier
STEVE CHACONAS
GO FISH
Fishing with Federals
F
ishing’s my job. I enjoy my job. Meeting new people and getting to try my jokes on them is rewarding. I seldom take time to fish with friends. It’s sad that I’m unable to do the thing I enjoy the most with the people I enjoy the most. But that changed. Two buddies from Fort Hunt High School Class of 1973 in Alexandria joined me recently. I’ve enjoyed our post Fort Hunt relationships. I see Gary Burke often as he lives in the area. Duel Ballard now resides with his young, very young, wife in Delaware. We share the Fort Hunt connection, but also a love of fishing. I’ve asked Gary hundreds of times to fish with me. Not sure why we haven’t hooked up, although we likely shared some concrete while catfishing off the old Wilson Bridge shoreline foundations. Duel, who knew my grandparents in Ocean City, jumped at the invitation a few years ago to join me. Every outing with him is full of laughs and fish. Duel is a natural angler. I enjoy watching him fish. He’s effective at getting fish to bite, more than half the battle. Duel knew I wanted to get Gary to join me, so he started setting up our trip a few months ago, pinning Gary down to a date. That day finally came. Duel drove 3 hours to pick up Gary at 0700. We met at the dock but had
to wait for a dock builder who was loading their boat, good thing too. An unexpected lightning storm greeted us. A half hour wait, and I backed my Skeeter down the ramp. Oops, forgot to undo one of the rear straps. I climbed back into the boat and reattached the bow eye and pulled the boat out to release the rear strap. Backing down again, I realized I forgot to unhook the bow eye. Pulled out again and then backed in for the final time. Something else to laugh about. I prepare for a day on the water by studying tides and then choosing locations. I confidently pulled up to the first spot where Duel started us off with the first bass of the day. But after that, only catfish bit our lures with Gary and I getting involved in reeling in these slimy whiskered fish. Then I realized I read the wrong tides. We strapped down the rods and took off, not before updating each other on our current list of medications, past, current and future surgeries. Arriving at our spot, about two hours behind due to my tide error, we made the best of the situation and caught a few more bass. Discussions of old high school girlfriends, including some embarrassing and likely inappropriate details, were revealed. Back to fishing Plan C! Gary got into some nice bass as his double knee
replacements were taking their toll. He hung in there so we could relive our high school sports stories and talk trash about some of our rivals. The fish kept us interested enough without interrupting. Catching and releasing several bass was only the backdrop while we discussed our old lives and our new ones. We also remembered lost classmates, recounting their amazing youthful energy. Most were gone through no fault of their own, some the fault of others and yet a few due to their actions. Kinda covered the gamut of the circle of life. Fish paused some great stories, mostly about our operations. From the sounds of things, our nearly 200 collective years of life have resulted in 20 feet of scars. Good thing we didn’t show them all. Three grown men with only two pairs of readers and most of our original teeth. When it came time to eat
lunch, we needed the readers. Before opening the packages, labels were read and questions were raised, what the heck is maltodextrin and how much should we have? Would this have an adverse interaction with Lipitor? We played liars poker with our prescriptions. We caught up on favorite high school classes, cars and concerts. Then came the ex-
wives. I’m way behind. As for politics, we shook our old heads several times that day. We agreed kids today are really messed up. We never would have had time for video games. We believe we’re smarter than our phones. To say we had fun would be short selling the experience. We weren’t reacquainting, we were extending relationships. Fishing allowed three 60 somethings to participate in a sport that didn’t require our prior physiques. Our shells of our selves could adequately suffice to be successful one more day under the sun. Author Capt. Steve Chaconas is Potomac bass fishing guide & contributing writer for BoatU.S. (BoatUS.com) Potomac River reports: nationalbass.com. Book trips/purchase gift certificates: info@NationalBass.com.
Potomac River Bassing in July Hollow body Mann’s Super frogs work now! Tie to 60-pound test GAMMA braid and fish over grass, under docks or near any cover. Use a 7’2” Quantum Medium heavy rod and a fast Quantum Smoke reel. Pitch Mann’s Stone jigs with HardNose craw trailers to grass, docks and pads on 16-pound test GAMMA Edge fluorocarbon line. Swim over and around cover. Mizmo tubes soaked in garlic Jacks Juice will produce. Same line with a 3/0 Mustad Ultra Point Mega Bite hook and a 3/16-ounce weight. Mann’s 5-inch HardNose Freefall weightless stickworms on 10-pound test GAMMA Edge Fluorocarbon line can also be fished around cover. Crank Mann’s Baby 1-Minus crankbaits in craw and baitfish patterns over wood and grass with 12-14 pound test Edge on a KVD Quantum cranking rod. Use faster Quantum Smoke reels. Mann’s Classic ¼ ounce spinnerbaits and chatterbaits with white skirts are effective close to grass, wood and rock, bumping cover or snapping free from grass. With high clear water, cloudy skies and some chop, try 3/8-ounce double willow spinnerbaits with firetiger skirts. Seeing grass or submerged wood is important for finding fish. Maui Jim HT lenses cut the glare and highlight cover.
Old Town Crier
June 2019 | 45
OPEN SPACE
LORI WELCH BROWN
I
am blessed with an embarrassing wealth of freedom and independence. When I think of freedom, I think of my ability to take an art class on a Wednesday morning, get a manicure during the work day or accept an invite for a Girl’s Night Out. Most of us wake up every day with freedoms we take for granted. Freedom to post our political views on social media, freedom to wear a hat named after a female body part, freedom to wave our individual freak flags any which way. I am free to vape, get my tongue pierced, clone my pet or any other stupid thing my credit score affords me. I have never had to conceal my ‘real’ self in a closet or fear for my family’s safety due to their political affiliation. For those reasons alone, I lead a privileged life all because of one event—I was born in the USA. It is mind-blowing when I think of the creature comforts I am afforded all because I took my first breath in a hospital in Alexandria, VA versus a mud hut in the Congo. There is ‘freedom’ and then there is ‘independence.’ Our forefathers fought the British so we could drink tea without a tax—okay, history isn’t my strong suit, but you get what I mean. I know it wasn’t so we could light off fire crackers once a year and scare the bejeezus out of every dog in the country. When I think of independence, I pay homage to the fact that I can sustain myself. I can work in the profession of my choosing, pay my bills, wear what I choose. Every day I get to make decisions around my own life thanks to the actions of people who walked 46 | June 2019
this land hundreds of years before me. Those men loaded canons and carried muskets so that I could enjoy liberties that I mostly take for granted. If you’ve read this publication over the years, you may know that I wrote a single’s column for DECADES. Let’s just say I enjoyed my ‘independence’ longer than most. I was nervous about losing my independence when I married—and I certainly never wanted to hinder anyone else’s—no ball and chain here. Both my husband, XXL, and I appreciate each others’ freedoms and actually encourage one another’s independence. Neither of us really feel like we have to ‘ask’ permission to follow our passions, but we do promote a lot of communication around them. I am cautious, however, around allowing XXL to do too many things for me. His chivalrous nature is much appreciated, but I don’t want to lose my own confidence in the process—which I’ve seen happen with a few of my married friends over the years. Over time, my once ambitious, accomplished friends have become
reliant, ne’er do anything for themselves ladies-inwaiting, as in waiting for their significant others to wait on them hand and foot. “Honey, do you mind pumping my gas?” somehow morphs into, “Sweetie, can you butter my toast?” XXL was out of town recently, and I got the urge to take my kayak out on its maiden summer voyage. Getting it off its rack and cleaning it free of spiders and other creepy crawlies would typically be something XXL would handle. When we talked on the phone that morning and I informed him of my plans, I heard the pregnant pause. “What? I can do this! I used to do things like this all the time before we met, honey.” Another pause and then I got the “Okie dokie,” which— I’m not gonna lie—isn’t a real confidence builder. I don’t want to become one of those women who evolves from independent career professional to riding shot gun to the Piggly Wiggly because she’s too afraid to drive on the highway. It’s a slippery slope, ladies! As we age, it is easy to become fearful and lose our self-confidence—
which is the rabbit hole for losing our independence. When I was younger, I lived to challenge myself by doing things like throwing my bike in the back of my SUV, mapping out a cool route, and trekking around a new place like Harper’s Ferry solo. Now when I get the urge to explore, XXL gets my bike down from its rack in the garage, checks the air in the tires, and wipes it off before I jaunt off around our neighborhood. Pretty soon I’ll just ask him to ride it for me because it’s just too dangerous out there on the perilous streets of Mt. Vernon. My 89 year old father recently relocated back to Virginia and is living with us part time. I watch him struggling to maintain his independence on a daily basis. My brothers and I are doing our best to help him maintain it because we lose a little piece of him every time he loses his ability to do for himself. It’s an important thing to live independently and so easy to take for granted. It is a blessing to wake up every day and be able to dress and feed yourself. Think about it. I am literally wallowing in a plentitude of privileges—
those I have because I am strong and healthy and those I have because of someone else’s sacrifices. I don’t often (enough) think about how I got them or who is sacrificing what so I can retain them. I know I didn’t get them by accident—I saw a Few Good Men ya’ know. There’s that fence at Guantanamo Bay that Jack Nicholson owns and stands watch over, right? Seriously—I am a freedom brat, a spoiled rotten greedy freedom monger of the worst kind. I take, take, take. What do I give back? A cute meme on Memorial Day? “Remembering our vets!” Insert smiley face emoticon. The only freedom I have fought for is an extended curfew or my right to shave my legs—which was a stupid thing to fight for, by the way. The only thing I have protested is the surcharge for late Sunday pick up fee at my doggie day care resort and spa. I have never been arrested for my political beliefs or participated in a sit in, although I may have participated in a smoke in once in the late 80s. (Just kidding, Dad!) I have not personally paid a price for my freedom and independence. I have no earthly idea what it is like to stand up to an enemy, walk through a mine field, or be separated from a spouse who is defending a border. I know many who have served and a few others who have lost a member of their family—a member who gave their life protecting mine. That’s a pretty hefty price to pay for someone they never met. I have a lot of people to thank for my freedom and independence, and I am eternally grateful to having been born in the USA. Old Town Crier
NATIONAL HARBOR
LANI GERING
THERE ARE NO FIREWORKS AT THE HARBOR ON THE 4TH OF JULY!
T
his issue seems to come up every year at this time. In the 9 years I have lived at the Harbor we have not had fireworks yet every year people seem to flock here expecting to see a show. There may be some vantage point from the bike path that spans the Woodrow Wilson Bridge to view the show that DC puts on but it’s pretty far away. If you still plan to come to the Harbor on the 4th, Selena is playing on the big screen for Date Night! Now that we have that out of the way, let’s talk about how patriotic our surroundings here at the Harbor are on a daily basis. Milt Peterson – the man behind the creation of National Harbor - is definitely a fan of baseball, hot dogs, apple pie, lemonade and all things that make one think of the Good Ole’ USA. You can tell by the number of “icons” that you encounter when doing a walk about.
Eagles and Old Glory Those of you that follow the Old Town Crier Facebook page know that I had a big problem with the WiFi in my condo right at deadline and had to take my laptop and related work materials to the Club Room here at One National in order to keep working. I would love to relate the nightmare story I have with the folks at Xfinity but that isn’t appropriate for this column. Anyway… there was a silver lining in this cloud. As I set up my “office” I glanced out of the balcony window and saw what is in the main photo accompanying this piece. The Club Room overlooks the Old Town Crier
foot of American Way, the Belvedere and out onto the river. I had yet to come up with any subject matter for this column until I saw this view. It was just the inspiration I needed. Sculptor Albert Paley produced the two 4500 pound stainless steel eagles that grace the foot of American Way. Perched atop 60 foot poles with 14 feet wing spans, these two birds of prey overlook the Harbor’s main plaza and the Potomac River. The carousel here in the Harbor is
most likely one of the few in the nation that have an American Eagle as one of the animals that circle the ride alongside the horses and other animals from all over the world. In fact, this was a special request by Peterson when he commissioned the carousel in the beginning. Old Glory, as I very affectionately refer to our flag, has a huge presence here in the Harbor. I love how the wind was catching the flags that line both sides of the Belvedere when I took
the photo from the balcony. It was a gorgeous day! There is also the sculpture that hovers above the likenesses of Presidents Washington and Lincoln and Frederick Douglass as you look up American Way. This piece is very impressive at night as well. The Capital Wheel is in on the red, white and blue action on a regular basis. Right now they have the gondolas all decked in flags from the countries playing in the Women’s Soccer finals and the USA stands out big time. Night time is the best time to see what the wheel can do with the RW&B. Watch for it to spin around with those colors on the 4th. Also, the Vegas-like lights that hang across the 100 block of Fleet Street sport our Nations colors on a regular basis. These have been one of my favorite things in the harbor since the first day they were lit. No matter how you celebrate our Nations Independence, a stop in the Harbor is worth your while any time during July. In keeping with a patriotic theme, you may want to check out the Sunset Concert Series on Saturday nights! See the calendar on the next page for info. Lastly….if you really need to see some fireworks from the Harbor side of the Potomac, come on over on July 13th and watch the fantastic display that the City of Alexandria puts on in celebration of their 243rd Birthday. See info in the Alexandria Calendar in this issue! Have a safe and Happy 4th of July and stay cool! June 2019 | 47
National Harbor Calendar of Events - July 2019 ONGOING THROUGH SEPTEMBER
EVERY SATURDAY
THROUGH JULY 28TH
Nothing says summer like an evening under the stars— and there’s no better way to enjoy the season than movie nights at National Harbor. Pack your chairs, grab food to go from one of our delicious dining establishments, and meet us at the Plaza screen for a free evening of fun!
Miller Farms returns to National Harbor with their wide array of fresh fruits, vegetables and baked goods.
Date Night Movies – 7 pm 4th – Selena 11th – Kin 18th – Night School 25th – Justice League
World-class performances by bands from the nation’s Armed Forces at National Harbor stir the hearts and souls of civilians and military personnel alike, while their tuneful stylings in a variety of genres please music lovers of all ages. Please refer to our social media pages for any weather-related cancellations.
26 Years of Fun under the Big Top. A spectacle of global proportions, the extra special 2 6th Anniversary edition of everybody’s favorite circus will take you on an unforgettable journey of electrifying, edge-of-your-seat performances! Bringing you brand new acts from Russia, Trinidad, South Africa, Mongolia, Cuba, China, Ethiopia, and the good ole USA…get ready for a bigger, faster, louder, funkier show like no other with EVEN MORE SOUL! Universoulcircus.com
Movies on the Potomac On the Big Screen At the Plaza
Family Night Movies – 6 pm 7th - CoCo 14th – Mary Poppins Returns 21st – The Nut Cracker & the Four Realms 28th – The LEGO Movie 2 Please note that movie times/dates may be changed or cancelled due to weather. Any updates will be announced via social media, so please make sure to follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram for the latest updates.
NO S ORK FIREW AY ON DISPL 4TH THE
Miller Farms Farmer’s Market On the Belvedere at Waterfront and American Way 10 am – 4 pm
Salute the Sunset Concert Series Plaza Stage • 7 pm
6th – Airmen of Note 13th – Air Force Singing Sergeants 20th – Air Force Singing Sergeants 27th – Air Force Singing Sergeants
ONGOING THROUGH OCTOBER Fitness on the Potomac On the Plaza
Participate in FREE fitness classes on the Plaza. All classes run from 7-8 pm with Saturday morning Yoga that runs from 10-11 am. Mondays – Cardio Hit Tuesdays – Teaser Fitness Wednesdays – Zumba Saturdays – Yoga
Universoul Circus Under the Big Top On the Plateau
Women’s World Cup Soccer France 2019 Semi Finals 2nd and 3rd and Final on the 7th at 11 am • District Stadium On the Plaza National Harbor’s World Cup celebration will feature live broadcasts; VIP stadium seating in the new District Stadium, a converted cargo crate complete with led lighting, ceiling fans, shaded seating and beverage service; plus food and beverage specials, Embassy events, skills clinics and player “Meet & Greets” with Washington Spirit players and special games and meet ups with the DC Fray.
NATIONAL HARBOR DINING GUIDE AC LOUNGE 156 Waterfront Street 301-749-2299 BOND 45 149 Waterfront Street 301-839-1445 BRASS TAP 164 Fleet Street 301-965-9116 BROTHER JIMMY’S BBQ 177 Fleet Street 301-909-8860 CADILLAC RANCH 186 Fleet Street 301-839-1100 CHIPOTLE MEXICAN GRILL 158 National Plaza 301-749-2016 CRAB CAKE CAFE 140 National Plaza 240-766-2063 ELEVATION BURGER 108 Waterfront Street 301-749-4014 48 | June 2019
FIORELLA PIZZERIA E CAFFE 152 National Plaza 301-839-1811 GRACES MANDARIN 188 Waterfront Street 301-839-3788 GRANITE CITY FOOD & BREWERY 200 American Way 240-493-3900 IRISH WHISPER 177 Fleet Street 301-909-8859 MASON'S FAMOUS LOBSTER ROLLS 156 National Plaza 410-298-7850 McCORMICK & SCHMICK 145 National Plaza 301-567-6224 McLOONES PIER HOUSE 141 National Harbor Plaza 301-839-0815
NANDO’S PERI-PERI 191 American Way 301-567-8900 NATIONAL PAST TIME SPORTS BAR & GRILLE Gaylord Resort 301-965-4000 gaylordnational.com OLD HICKORY STEAKHOUSE Gaylord Resort 301-965-4000 gaylordnational.com PIENZA ITALIAN MARKET Gaylord Resort 301-965-4000 gaylordnational.com POTBELLY SANDWICH WORKS 146 National Plaza 301-686-1160 PUBLIC HOUSE 199 Fleet Street 240-493-6120
REDSTONE AMERICAN GRILL 155 National Plaza 301-839-3330 ROSA MEXICANA 135 Waterfront Street 301-567-1005 SAUCIETY AMERICAN GRILL 171 Waterfront Street 240-766-3640 SUCCOTASH 168 Waterfront Street 301-567-8900 THAI PAVILLION 151 American Way 301-749-2022 WALRUS OYSTER & ALE HOUSE 152 Waterfront Street 301-567-6100
Old Town Crier
FINISHING TOUCHES, you’ll only find here LESS THAN 1 MILE TO YELLOW LINE METRO! SUMMER/FALL MOVE-INS AVAILABLE!
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