Old Town Crier- July 2020 Full Issue by Old Town Crier

Since 1988 • Priceless

From the Bay to the Blue Ridge

July 2020

This month, We Celebrate Both Independence Day & Alexandria’s 271st Birthday!

oldtowncrier oldtowncrier.com

Setting the Standard In Old Town Since 1979

july’20 A Division of Crier Media Group OTC Media LLC PO Box 320386 Alexandria, VA 22320 571-257-5437 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 Sarah Becker Janine Breyel F. Lennox Campello Steve Chaconas Scott Dicken Doug Fabbioli Matt Fitzsimmons Nicole Flanagan Lani Gering Jastra Ilic Miriam Kramer Genevieve LeFranc Sarah Liu

CONTRIBUTORS Cindy McGovern Meg Mullery Melinda Myers Ron Powers Kim Putens Julie Reardon Ashley Schultz Jaime Stephens Bob Tagert Carl Trevisan Ryan Unverzagt Lori Welch Brown Molly Winans

A Bit of History................................................................ 9

Fitness Feature: Stress Management...............................38

Purrsonality Profile.......................................................... 6

After Hours.......................................................................13

From the Bay...................................................................24

Pets of the Month.........................................................21

Alexandria Events............................................................ 3

From the Trainer............................................................40

Arts & Antiques..............................................................15

Gallery Beat.....................................................................14

Business Profile................................................................. 4

Go Fish...............................................................................42

Caribbean Connection...............................................22

Grapevine.........................................................................34

Road Trip...........................................................................26

Dining Guide...................................................................33

High Notes.......................................................................12

Social Media Message................................................... 2

Dining Out.......................................................................30

Let’s Eat..............................................................................32

Exploring Virginia Wines............................................35

Local Farmers Markets................................................... 3

Financial Focus.................................................................. 8

National Harbor.............................................................44

First Blush.........................................................................41

On the Road with OTC................................................... 1

To the Blue Ridge..........................................................28

Fitness................................................................................39

Open Space.....................................................................43

Urban Garden.................................................................16

Points on Pets.................................................................20 Publisher’s Notes.............................................................. 2

Take Photos, Leave Footprints.................................18 The Last Word.................................................................11

© 2020 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

From the Bay to the Blue Ridge

July 2020

This month, We Celebrate Both Independence Day & Alexandria’s 271st Birthday!

oldtowncrier oldtowncrier.com

about the cover The Red, White and Blue in all of her glory flying high as the sun sets on the Patuxent River on Solomons Island in Southern Maryland. Photo by Jay Lankford

Old Town Crier

On the road with OTC Long time OTC subscribers, Linda and Dave Allin from Grand Junction, CO, decided to take a copy with them on their trek to Dave’s home state of Minnesota. Looks like Linda has a “thing” for Paul Bunyan! If you would like to see your photo in this space, take a high resolution shot and email it with a description for the caption to office@oldtowncrier.com. July 2020 | 1

PUBLISHER’S NOTES

BOB TAGERT

Well folks, we have made it through another Coronavirus month and I hope everyone is well. To releave your boredom, take a virtual trip with us to Ocracoke, NC, the Virginia wineries and places in between. To easily practice social distancing, our Road Trip will take you to beautiful Ocracoke Island. Janine Breyel tells us of her memories as she describes the beauty of the island and Chester Simpson always provides stunning photographs. Take a trip! In Last Word, Miriam Kramer gives us a look at The Chiffon Trenches by Andre Leon Talley. In To the Blue Ridge Julie Reardon tells us about one of nature’s continuous battles. In last month’s issue we featured the plight of the blue crab harvest but this month you can read about how the wild oysters are coming back in From the Bay. In Take Photos, Leave Footprints, Scott Dicken takes us to the mountains...BIG Mountains. In Exploring Virginia Wines, Doug Fabbioli shows us how farming and the wineries can still teach amid the virus. If you are a soft-shell crab fan, check out the recipe in Let’s Eat. If you still aren’t sure about sitting at a restaurant, Dining Out lets you in on some variations of a “picnic”. As this issue hits the streets July first, the third phase of the COVID-19 reopening will be implemented. Area restaurants will allow up to one hundred percent capacity but will still be cautious of social distancing. To me, that is a good idea. Always keep your mask handy and use it in crowded environments. If we can adhere to these practices amid the reopening, then hopefully, there will be a lot fewer new cases of COVID-19 than some other states are experiencing. Keep Your Distance, Wash Your Hands and Stay the Course! In the meantime, light up a sparkler or two or sneak some Black Cats and a couple of bottle rockets into your pocket and celebrate the 4th of July!

Yankee Doodle Bob

SOCIAL MEDIA MESSAGE

ASHLEY ROSSON

Before you post THINK

T - Is it True? H - Is it Helpful? I - Is it inspiring? N - Is it Necessary? K- Is it Kind? 2 | July 2020

ocial Media isn’t just for sharing fun selfies or bragging about your vacation plans anymore. The line between our digital and real lives has blurred, leaving many feeling the undeniable sting of a bad online reputation. Especially now with the current state of affairs, what you post can cost you your job and even your social circle. Here are some examples of people whose online reputations were irreparably damaged by social media use. Craig Gore, who has worked on the shows S.W.A.T. and Chicago P.D., was fired from the forthcoming

Law & Order: Organized Crime spin-off because of Facebook posts. One was captioned “Curfew…” in which he’s shown holding a rifle on his front porch, and in another full of expletives, he threatens to shoot looters who come near his home. Grant Napear, longtime TV announcer for the NBA’s Sacramento Kings was fired from his talk radio job and subsequently resigned from the team’s broadcast crew after he tweeted “ALL LIVES MATTER” and more to former Kings player DeMarcus Cousins when asked his opinion on the Black Lives Matter movement. A Denver officer was fired for

writing “Let’s start a riot” as the caption to an Instagram picture of himself and two fellow officers smiling in riot gear. An officer in Fulton, N.Y., posted an Instagram image that read, “Black lives only matter to black people unless they are killed by a white person” and found himself out of a job. In 2013, a public relations executive made the biggest PR blunder of her career before boarding a flight to South Africa. The woman took to Twitter with an ill-conceived message that connected the AIDS epidemic SOCIAL MEDIA MESSAGE > PAGE 17

Old Town Crier

Alexandria EVENTS & INFORMATION

COVID-19 UPDATE

With the current situation with the COVID-19 virus all schedules events have been cancelled. We will post as we get information, in the meantime we encourage you to connect with the Alexandria Convention and Visitors Association at:

VisitAlexandriaVA.com Blog.VisitAlexandriaVA.com Facebook.com/VisitAlexandriaVA Twitter.com/AlexandriaVA Instagram.com/VisitAlexVA Hashtags: #visitALX

LOCAL FARMERS MARKETS OLD TOWN FARMERS MARKET

Market Square • 301 King Street Saturdays, 7 am – 12 Noon, Year Round The Old Town Market is thought to be the one of nation’s oldest continuing markets operating since 1753. It is said that George Washington sent his products from Mount Vernon to be sold here. Today the plaza is a mecca for farmers and artists to sell their wares. The Market is a primary source for meats, dairy, fish, fruits, vegetables and flowers for all those who visit.

DEL RAY FARMERS MARKET Corner of Mt. Vernon and Oxford Avenues Saturdays, 8 am to Noon, Year Round This market is strictly a producer grown market. Lots of fresh vegetables, fruits, fish and salmon, fresh mushrooms, baked goods, hard cider. Farmers are within a 150 mile radius of Alexandria. A non-profit is featured each weekend.

OLD TOWN NORTH FARMERS & ARTISANS MARKET

VIRTUAL USA/ALEXANDRIA BIRTHDAY CELEBRATION Saturday, July 11th • 6 pm – 10 pm Because all special events have been cancelled or postponed through August, the City of Alexandria’s annual Birthday Party and fireworks will not be held in person this year. The City will announce virtual alternatives for this celebration of Alexandria’s 271st and the USA’s 244th birthday early in July. Check Alexandriava.gov/Calendar for more info.

ABOUT ALEXANDRIA, VA

Named the #1 Best Value U.S. Travel Destination 2018 by Money magazine, a Top 3 Best Small City in the U.S. 2019 by the Condé Nast Traveler Readers’ Choice Awards and one of the South’s Prettiest Cities 2018 by Southern Living, Alexandria hums with a cosmopolitan feel and a walkable lifestyle—a welcoming weekend escape next to our nation’s capital. A nationally designated historic district founded in 1749, Old Town Alexandria is home to more than 200 independent restaurants and boutiques alongside intimate historic museums and new happenings at the waterfront. At the heart of it all is bustling King Street, a walkable mile recognized as one of the “Great Streets” of America. New restaurants tucked in to 18th- and 19th-century architecture still intact from the city’s days as George Washington’s hometown ignite historic and off-the-beaten-path neighborhoods as the waterfront district evolves with new energy. Old Town Crier

Montgomery Park • 901 North Royal Street Thursdays, 3 pm – 7 pm, Year Round Alexandria’s favorite dog friendly market! The Old Town North Thursday Market is a growers only market with a focus on produce from small family farms and local artisans. Products sold at the market include fresh fruits and veggies from Virginia’s Northern Neck, Micro Greens from an urban farm, Empanadas, Fresh baked pastries with a European flair and much more.

FOUR MILE RUN FARMERS & ARTISANS MARKET 4109 Mount Vernon Avenue Sundays, 9 am – 1 pm, Year Round This market offers fresh, nutritious food to people of all income levels and strives to reflect the diversity of Alexandria’s community. Local artisans display their arts and crafts as well

WEST END FARMERS MARKET 4800 Ben Brenaman Park Sundays, 8:30 am – 1 pm We love our market, our vendors and our customers in the community. Please come out and allow the West End to wow you with the wares of our wonderful vendors! Our market is also dog friendly unlike many others. Due to the restrictions of the pandemic, these markets are currently open for limited on site shopping but preorders are strongly encouraged. All guidelines suggested by the CDC, the Virginia Department of Health and the City of Alexandria are followed by the market managers and the vendors at these markets.

July 2020 | 3

BUSINESS PROFILE

he Old Town Business Association (OTBA) and Charlotte Hall have been operating off and on in tandem for many years. The group has ebbed and flowed over the years but it has been a force to reckon with and never more so than today. The woman behind a major portion of the OTBA’s accomplishments over time has been, and is, Charlotte. Many of you loyal OTC followers may recall reading about Hall in the June 2016 issue when she was featured in the Personality Profile column. At that time she was running Potomac Riverboats and the Water Taxis. Potomac Riverboats was sold awhile back and Charlotte took on a new role in addition to her leadership with the OTBA...she became head of the Chamber of Commerce. Charlotte has always been involved with the non-political successes of the City of Alexandria. The COVID-19 pandemic has made it difficult for all businesses in Alexandria, and is a huge hit for the restaurant industry. The pandemic has helped to reshape the way we look at King Street in Old Town. It may just be part of the silver lining to the cloud. Back in December Charlotte was involved in a discussion of “how to make the waterfront more attractive and get more people down to the waterfront”. People wondered what else could be done and the consensus was to close off the 100 block of King Street. This idea has been mentioned more than once over the years but was never followed up on, mostly due to loss of parking. The Waterfront Commission and City Staff were going to present a plan for King Street to the City. This proposal caught 4 | July 2020

BOB TAGERT

Charlotte’s attention and she inquired as to whether the OTBA was going to be considered as a source since many of their members would be affected. Her inquiry was met with a “we didn’t think we needed to address the OTBA since we have it on good authority that the proposal had already been made to the restaurants and retailers and ‘everybody is in favor of the idea’”. Well, that wasn’t exactly true. This is when Charlotte and the OTBA sprang to action. As the plan developed Charlotte and the restaurant owners became more involved. Questions related to vendor deliveries to the restaurants; food pickups by GrubHub and Take Out Taxi, to go and curbside pickups, etc. There were many questions to be answered. At this point Charlotte wanted to have another meeting to include their neighbors on the 200 block of King as well as neighbors on Union Street as they would also be affected. After the meeting, each group had a better appreciation of the situation. Once everyone was on board, someone had to come up with a legitimate plan on paper that the restaurants agreed to. Noe Landini, owner of Landini Brothers, Club Rex, Pops Ice Cream and Fish Market (all in the 100 block), threw out a proposal of keeping one lane open so deliveries could continue. Almost every restaurant was in favor of Noe’s proposal, the one way, one lane so trucks could still come and go. Everyone agreed to the plan and were feeling good about the situation and communicating. The enthusiasm was high! Then COVID hit, and everybody thought “there goes that idea”. Once again,

Charlotte to the rescue. Hall got together with a few of the restaurants and they came up with a new plan to propose to the city of putting something grand together in waterfront park where you could get your meals to go and enjoy dining in the park. This idea was squelched by the Alcohol Beverage Control people. “Even though the original plan didn’t pan out, the thing that excited me the most, was that all of a sudden these restaurants were all talking together and sharing ideas, it was a beautiful thing to see,” she says. Another point that Hall brings up constantly is how supportive everyone was of these ideas, the city, the fire department, the health department and the community all came together. It was at this time that Hall made a proposal to the group to approach the city and ask for full closure of King Street. Hall’s idea was to open up the parking spaces for extra tables outside to increase revenues. With the extra tables the restaurants could increase their revenues and put more people back to work. The restaurants agreed with the idea that this would just be a temporary situation until the virus was contained. All this, keeping in mind the ever changing requirements for conducting business within the CDC and Commonwealth mandates. As the plan evolved, the restaurants in

the 200 block of King were included but the street isn’t closed off for pedestrian traffic. Additional sidewalk space was added for outdoor seating on both the sidewalk and in parking spaces in front of the dining establishments on the block. The success was almost immediate as customers came out to dine at their favorite restaurants and discovered others. Soon the success became obvious and other restaurants throughout town wanted in. The City also realized that they needed to offer increased seating to other restaurants as well, so all calls to the City were directed to Hall. Fontaine Café & Creperie on South Pitt St. was one of her first contacts. The restaurant asked Hall, “What can you do for me?” After putting their heads together Hall approached the city and asked for parking spots out front and additional sidewalk space. In each case, an application for the parking spaces had to be made to the city so they could check for location and safety. The result at Fontaine’s has been stunning and successful. As the pandemic situation evolves, the way business is conducted will too. Here’s hoping that more positive situations like the one written about here come to light.

The Old Town Crier was way before it’s time in 1994. The cover image of the August issue on the following page reflects what the OTC saw as a possible solution to what a pedestrian mall could look like in the 100 Block. This was a commissioned piece by former local artist Zohair Naghmi. It was drawn from a photograph taken in the early morning in July 1994.

Old Town Crier

July 2020 | 5

PERSONALITY PROFILE

BOB TAGERT

JOHN PANN A Man of Many Talents

here aren’t many people that you meet and everyone else seems to like. My late partner with the Old Town Crier, David Underwood, was like that. Always a great attitude, always a smile and always asking “Hi, how are you?”. John Pann is like that! When the Pandemic hit this past March, most of us stayed at home to work, lost our jobs or just got by as well as we could. John Crouch Tobacconist was impacted by the virus but did stay open through the shutdown with John as the only employee. Eight hours a day, seven days a week. He got to see a lot! John is first generation Irish and grew up in Michigan and Florida. John’s life and mine sort of paralleled each other. My early years were spent in Florida as well and as this article progresses you will discover the other coincidences in our lives. John is a restless soul. He started riding motorcycles in races when he was six-yearsold and competed until he 6 | July 2020

was 15. “I enjoyed it,” he tells me, “I broke both legs, arms and a rib.” He then shows me the bulge under his shirt that marks the broken rib. “My dad bought me a 50cc Honda when I was 6,” he tells me. In the beginning he rode motocross starting with a Suzuki 125 and then moved to bigger bikes like the very well balanced Honda 250 single cylinder. As he got older he moved to flat track racing which is basically a dirt oval. One of the preferred motorcycles in those days was the Triumph Tiger 100, a 500cc motorcycle that was light at only 335 pounds and had a high ground clearance. It was the same kind of motorcycle that Bob Dylan crashed in 1966 near his home in Woodstock, New York. In the wake of that accident, Dylan withdrew from the public and did not tour for eight years. John was not so reluctant, he followed in the footsteps, or rather, tire tracks of his motorcycle riding dad and hit the streets in 1988 on his 1000cc, Honda Hurricane. This is our second

coincidence. I also rode a 1966 Triumph 500 motorcycle that I wrecked in 1968 and put me in the hospital for three months off and on. I first met John when he was working at O’Connell’s Irish Pub in Old Town where he worked for five and a half years. This was soon after O’Connell’s opened and John joined a cast of Irish Lads that were the most fun people in town. John lit up the bar with his engaging personality. From O’Connell’s, John went to work for our friend Stephen Mann and his newest restaurant, T.J. Stones. While John was working at O’Connell’s he also worked part time at John Crouch Tobacconist. When he got to T.J.’s and was working fulltime, Mann didn’t want John to have another part time job. He wanted him to enjoy his days off, which John understood. After 2 years John left T.J.’s to work at one of Steve’s other PERSONALITY PROFILE > PAGE 7

Old Town Crier

PERSONALITY PROFILE | FROM PAGE 6

restaurants, Shooter McGees in West Alexandria. This is when I got to know Steve Mann. My office was at 119 South Patrick Street. I also lived there and we had a great patio. When those guys got off work they would show up at my place at 2 am and I would join them for a cocktail on the patio. It was a rough life! I would say more but you probably wouldn’t believe half of the stories. After he left Shooters John got a call from Carter, the manager at John Crouch and asked what John was doing. “I’m not doing anything,” he replied, “I am unemployed!” Carter invited John to come back to work at the smoke shop, which he did that day, and that is where he has been for the last seven years. This is the time period when John and I had a similar experience and brought us closer together. It started seven years ago in the fall. I couldn’t walk more than a block without having to stop for breath and my right arm hurt, my chest hurt and my gums hurt. I relented and went to a doctor who put me into Medstar Hospital in Washington D.C. to have my heart catheterized. They found that a major

artery was fully blocked. They immediately placed two stents in the artery which probably saved my life. In the spring of the next year John asked me about it as he had the same symptoms. I said get to a doctor. He did and went through the same procedure and had a stent inserted in his heart. We both recommend that folks have their hearts checked periodically. We both are very lucky. Johns other hobbies were Ham and CB radio. “You can talk around the world on a Ham Radio,” I commented. “You can talk to yourself!” he exclaims. “You can bleed in, breaker on, and wait for it to go around the world and hear yourself talk on a clear night.” John’s love today is his 1984 Chevrolet El Camino that he bought after he had his stent procedure. The vehicle was in reasonable shape but definitely needed a paint job. You may see him cruising around Old Town in his pride and joy and you will definitely find him standing in the doorway at John Crouch Tobacconist on King Street greeting all of the passersby. Do yourself a favor and stop in and say hello. You will probably make a great new friend.

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July 2020 | 7

FINANCIAL FOCUS

CARL TREVISAN, CFP© & STEPHEN BEARCE

Build Your Portfolio on a Solid Foundation

sset allocation is to investment planning what the foundation is to a house or the chassis is to a car. It’s what everything else is built upon. And just as important as constructing a house on a firm foundation, having the right asset allocation can be vital to helping you work toward your financial goals. Although the name may sound intimidating, asset allocation is just technical term for a rather simple concept. Asset allocation is merely how your portfolio is divided up among different types of investments, such as stocks, bonds, and what are called “cash alternatives.”

How asset allocation works Using asset allocation to build a portfolio designed to help you reach your longterm goals requires taking three primary factors into consideration: • Goals. These are simply what you’re investing the achieve. For many of us, a major goal is to enjoy a financially secure retirement. If you have younger children or grandchildren, helping them afford higher education 8 | July 2020

without building a mountain of debt is likely another goal. Or maybe you’d also like to make a luxury purchase – such as buying a vacation home or dream car or taking an exotic vacation – down the road. • Time horizon. One reason why knowing your goals is important is because it helps determine your time horizon (how long you have until you need to tap into your investments). If you’re 28, for example, and want to retire at 68, your time horizon is 40 years. Simple as that. • Risk tolerance. Your risk tolerance is the amount of volatility in your portfolio’s value you’re comfortable with. If you find you can’t sleep because you’re worried about your investments – especially when there’s market volatility – you probably need to adjust your asset allocation to suit your risk tolerance.

Putting the pieces together With those factors in hand, you can begin to piece your asset allocation together. The primary building blocks, at least to begin with, are likely

to include: Stocks. Historically, stocks have offered attractive returns, but along with those returns, there’s also been periods of volatility. If you’re young, you should have a long time horizon – especially when it comes to retirement. That may allow you to have a larger allocation to stocks because you have longer to ride out any short-term market volatility that occurs. Bonds. One reason investors like bonds in a portfolio is because their prices have historically been relatively stable. By owning bonds, an investor’s aim may be to help manage his or her portfolio’s overall value when there’s volatility in the stock market. The larger the proportion of bonds, the more steady the portfolio’s overall value should remain. Keep in mind, however, that bonds’ returns have been significantly less than stocks. Cash alternatives. These are relatively lower-risk, lowerreturn investments. On the upside, they can be easily be converted into cash when it’s needed. On the downside, their returns may not even keep up with inflation.

Of course, there are many other investments to consider, such as real estate investment trusts (REITs) and commodities. Just remember that you should intend for each type of investment you choose to play a particular role, such as providing the potential for growth or income or stability, in your overall allocation. Alternative investments, such as those mentioned above, also have their own unique risks that you should fully understand before investing. Once you’ve decided on the types of investments to include, you need to determine how much of each is appropriate. If you’re looking to grow your investments’ value, you’ll likely have a larger stock allocation and a smaller one for bonds. The result would be a portfolio with more potential volatility than one with a larger proportion of bonds. You should ask yourself if that’s a trade-off you’re comfortable with.

Get help if you need it Although asset allocation is a relatively simple concept, you can see it has lots of “moving parts.” That’s one reason why many

investors opt to work with a professional Financial Advisor. If you decide to seek help, look for an advisor who will first get to know you and then help create an investment plan that’s built around (what else?) an appropriate asset allocation. Asset allocation cannot eliminate the risk of fluctuating prices and uncertain returns. 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 BANKGUARANTEED/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. © 2017-2019 Wells Fargo Clearing Services, LLC. All rights reserved. Old Town Crier

A BIT OF HISTORY

n 1821 Mexico declared its independence from Spain; the American Colonization Society established the West African republic of Liberia, and Missouri was admitted as a slave state. General Andrew Jackson was appointed governor of the Florida territory; New York’s Emma Willard started the first female collegiate-level school, and Quaker abolitionist Benjamin Lundy published The Genius of Universal Emancipation. President James Monroe (VA-DR) was again inaugurated President and Secretary of State John Quincy Adams (MA-IR), John and Abigail Adams son, delivered the Fourth of July address. He “celebrated the anniversary of independence.” “It is now rather more than forty-four years since we declared our independence, and thirty-seven since it was acknowledged,” President James Monroe said on

James, John Quincy & the 4th of July

March 5, 1821. “The talents and virtues which were displayed in the great struggle were a sure presage of all that has since followed…[T]here is every reason to believe that our system will soon attain the highest degree of perfection of which human

institutions are capable, and that the movement in all its branches will exhibit such a degree of order and harmony as to command the admiration and respect of the civilized world.”

“What sort of defence can Virginia make against our common Enemy?” Abigail Adams asked husband John in 1776. “I am willing to allow the Colony great merit for having produced a Washington [but] I sometimes…think that the passion for Liberty cannot

be Equaelly Strong in the Breasts of those…accustomed to depriv[ing] their fellow Creatures of theirs.” The colonies Second Continental Congress appointed George Washington head of the Continental army on June 14, 1775. The Massachusetts Supreme Court abolished slavery in 1783. The Court claimed the decision was mandated by the Massachusetts Declaration of Rights of 1780. The Virginia Assembly approved George Mason’s Declaration of Rights in June 1776: “That all men are by nature equally free and independent, and have certain inherent rights, of which, when they enter into a state of society, they cannot by any compact deprive or divest their posterity, namely, the enjoyment of life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness….” On July 2, 1776, the Continental Congress voted A BIT OF HISTORY > PAGE 10

“...[T]HERE IS EVERY REASON TO BELIEVE THAT OUR SYSTEM WILL SOON ATTAIN THE HIGHEST DEGREE OF PERFECTION OF WHICH HUMAN INSTITUTIONS ARE CAPABLE, AND THAT THE MOVEMENT IN ALL ITS BRANCHES WILL EXHIBIT SUCH A DEGREE OF ORDER AND HARMONY AS TO COMMAND THE ADMIRATION AND RESPECT OF THE CIVILIZED WORLD.” — PRESIDENT JAMES MONROE

Old Town Crier

July 2020 | 9

A BIT OF HISTORY | FROM PAGE 9

to draft a declaration of independence. On July 4, 1776, the war-related Declaration was accepted and copies were sent to the thirteen colonies for review. The parchment original was agreed to and signed in Philadelphia on August 2, 1776. “Until within a few days before that which we have again assembled to commemorate [July 4, 1776], our fathers, the people of this Union, had constituted a portion of the British nation; a nation, renowned in the arts and arms, who, from a small Island in the Atlantic ocean, had extended their dominion over considerable parts of every quarter of the globe,” Secretary of State John Quincy Adams said in 1821. “Governed themselves by a race of kings, whose title to sovereignty had originally been founded on conquest, spell-bound, for a succession of ages, under that portentous system of despotism and of superstition which, in the name of the meek and humble Jesus, had been spread over the Christian world, the history of this nation had, for a period of seven hundred years, from the days of the conquest till our own, exhibited a conflict almost continued, between the oppressions of power and the claims of right,” Adams explained. “In the theories of the crown and the mitre [bishops], man had no rights. Neither the body nor the soul of the individual was his own…The British received their freedom, as a donation from their sovereigns.” “Long before the Declaration of Independence, the great mass of people of America and of the people of Britain had become total strangers to each other,” Adams continued. “The people of America were known to the people of Britain only by the transactions of

Committee of five presenting the Declaration of Independence to Congress by John Trumbull trade; by shipments of lumber and flax-seed, indigo and tobacco. They were known to the government only by half a dozen colonial agents, humble, and often spurned suitors at the feet of power, and by royal governors, minions of patronage, sent from the footstool of a throne beyond the seas, to rule a people of whom they knew nothing; as if an inhabitant of the moon should descend to give laws to the dwellers upon the earth.” “[T]hen fifteen months after the blood of Lexington [April 19, 1775] and Bunker’s Hill [June 17, 1775]; after Falmouth [October 18, 1775], fired by British hands, was but heaps of ashes, after the ear of the adder [snake] had been turned to two successive supplications [petitions] to the throne…Then it was that the thirteen United Colonies of North America, by the delegates in congress assembled, exercising the first act of sovereignty by a right ever inherent in the people, but never restored to… declared themselves free and independent states,” Adams concluded. “When in the Course of Human Events, it becomes

necessary for one people to dissolve the political bands which have connected them with another, and to assume among the Powers of the earth, the separate and equal station to which the Laws of Nature and of Nature’s God entitle them, a decent respect to the opinions of mankind requires that they should declare the causes which impel them to the separation,” the Declaration of Independence began. “We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness,” the Declaration declared. “That to secure these rights, Governments are instituted among Men, deriving their just powers from the consent of the governed. That whenever any Form of Government becomes destructive of these ends, it is the Right of the People to alter or to abolish it….” “A Prince, whose character is marked by every act which may define a Tyrant, is unfit to be the ruler of a free people,” the Declaration continued.

“We have warned our [British brethren]…They have been deaf to the voice of justice and of consanguinity. We must, therefore, acquiesce in the necessity, which denounces our separation, and hold them, as we hold the rest of mankind, Enemies in War, in Peace Friends.” “We, therefore, the Representatives of the United States of America, in General Congress, Assembled, appealing to the Supreme Judge of the world for the rectitude of our intentions, do, in the Name, and by the good people of these Colonies, solemnly publish and declare, That these United Colonies are, and of Right ought to be Free and Independent States; that they are Absolved of all Allegiance to the British crown….,” the Declaration concluded. The Declaration of Independence “was the first solemn declaration by a nation of the only legitimate foundation of civil government,” Adams argued. “It was the cornerstone of a new fabric, destined to cover the surface of the globe. It demolished at a stroke the lawfulness of all governments founded upon conquest. From

the day of this declaration the people of North America were no longer the fragment of a distant empire, imploring justice and mercy from an inexorable master in another hemisphere. They were no longer children appealing in vain to the sympathies of a heartless mother; no longer subjects leaning upon the shattered columns of royal promises, and invoking the faith of parchment to secure their rights. They were a nation, asserting as of right, and maintaining by war, its own existence. A nation was born in a day.” A nation saddled with slavery. The United States and Great Britain signed the Treaty of Paris, in Paris, on September 3, 1783, thus ending the Revolutionary War. The Virginia General Assembly granted freedom to those black slaves who served in the Continental Army on October 7, 1783. On July 4th let’s celebrate our freedom[s] with concern for our neighbors’ health. Today’s invisible enemy, COVID-19 is not only distressing, it is highly transmissible. The good news is? Physical distancing, that is social distancing is less than an ocean’s width. It is only 6’. 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.

“LONG BEFORE THE DECLARATION OF INDEPENDENCE, THE GREAT MASS OF PEOPLE OF AMERICA AND OF THE PEOPLE OF BRITAIN HAD BECOME TOTAL STRANGERS TO EACH OTHER,” . JOHN QUINCY ADAMS

10 | July 2020

Old Town Crier

THE LAST WORD

MIRIAM R. KRAMER

CARTE BLANCHE IN THE COUTURE

n furlough because of the impact of COVID-19, I have been trying to strike a balance between paying attention to the news and maintaining balance. This spring has been a brutal time for our country and the world. The unpredictable pandemic has thrown other societal fault-lines into keen relief. Black Lives Matter protests have boiled over after filmed incidents of police brutality against Black men and women reached a tipping point with the death of George Floyd. As one who loves style, fashion, and art, when I heard that noted African-American Vogue editor André Leon Talley’s new memoir, The Chiffon Trenches, had been released, I was immediately intrigued to read it. It has proven fascinating and particularly illuminating within the context of these protests to see all that Monsieur Talley has achieved as a journalist and aesthetic tastemaker against strong societal headwinds in such a relatively short amount of time. Talley’s tale of becoming is an inspirational story of a man with the spiritual strength and wherewithal to define himself from his childhood in the homophobic, racially segregated North Carolina of the Fifties and Sixties to his coming of age on the scene of fashion journalism in New York and Paris from the Seventies onwards. An arts lover devoted to the pages of Vogue, he grew up in Durham,

Old Town Crier

NC in his grandmother’s house, reading his way through his local library and going across town as a pre-teen to buy his favorite magazine. His beloved “Mama” raised him to comport himself with dignity and self-respect within the Baptist church, which was also one of his training grounds in loving the fashion he saw modeled by his family and friends every Sunday. He started forming his own definitions of luxury from her emphasis on having high standards and discipline, such as in maintaining cracklingly clean, ironed linens for everyday use. After majoring in French studies in college, Talley attended Brown University on scholarship to get a Master’s Degree, with plans to teach French afterwards. Meeting the legendary former Harper’s Bazaar and Vogue editor Diana Vreeland when he served as a volunteer for the Metropolitan Museum of Art Costume Institute in 1974 proved a turning point. A woman of warmth and great spirit, she championed the brilliant 6’6” African-American for his aesthetic tastes and abilities, helping to launch him into the world of media. Andy Warhol provided Talley’s next training ground when he hired him for the staff of Interview magazine. Warhol’s world allowed Talley to shine as a sensitive, canny observer of fashion and the arts, a flamboyant steal-thescenester romping across New York nightlife and meeting

anyone who was anyone at places like Studio 54. Talley went from triumph to triumph when he was hired away from Interview by John Fairchild of Women’s Wear Daily (WWD) to serve as a fashion journalist in Paris, based out of the WWD offices on rue Cambon close to Coco Chanel’s legendary shop. Here he established some of his important close friendships within fashion, such as those with Yves St. Laurent, Oscar de la Renta, and in particular Karl Lagerfeld, who went on to completely revive Chanel as its creative director in the early 1980s. His long-time relationships with these and other highly influential figures helped form him as a nexus of fashion influence and an encyclopedic repository of knowledge about fashion and the arts. I was saddened but unsurprised to hear about the hurts and jabs of prejudice, subtle and otherwise, Talley has experienced during his notable career in fashion’s “chiffon trenches.” Called “Queen Kong” in Paris behind his back, he also felt diminished by the words of a WWD staffer who falsely accused him of sleeping his way to the top in Paris. He felt that this humiliating accusation reeked of racism, positioning him as Massah’s “big black buck.” As a victim of childhood sexual abuse, Talley did not engage in sexual relationships, which made the accusations even more

ludicrous. Returning from Paris to New York in search of a healthier working atmosphere, Talley was finally hired by then-editor-in-chief Grace Mirabella of Vogue, despite their differences in personality and tastes. There he met Anna Wintour. As he reports it, she knew even before he did that their paths as colleagues and editors were to be aligned for good. When Wintour was hired as the new editor-in-chief in 1988, he became the first AfricanAmerican creative director of Vogue, taking the top spot as a fashion journalist and editor for a Black man until Edward Enninful was hired thirty years later as the editorin-chief of British Vogue in 2018. As a contributing writer and fashion editor for multiple other publications along the way, such as Vanity Fair, Talley’s influence on the world of fashion has been formidable. As one who has taught at and served as member of the board of trustees for the Savannah College of Art and Design (SCAD), he has acted as a formal educator and curator as well. Talley was never an éminence grise for Anna Wintour—rather an éminence rouge like his mentor Diana Vreeland. While an editor and necessarily a critic, by nature he is obviously a champion: one who highlights and trumpets the abilities of those he admires, respects, or

loves. He set off Wintour’s sphinxlike demeanor, nonverbal approach and hauteur with his warmth and erudition. As the power behind Wintour’s throne—one who could put her ideas and visions into words—Talley has been a constant companion, colleague, and catalyst for the foremost force controlling fashion journalism. After ascending to this top echelon, the back-toback deaths of his beloved grandmother and Diana Vreeland sent Talley into an emotional tailspin, in which he began eating to assuage his loss. As a larger-thanlife man with a personality and intelligence to match, he recreated his sartorial style to accommodate his increased girth, with monumental, elegant caftans, capes, and coats made for him by designer friends as an expression of his huge, exuberant personality. It is terribly difficult to be bespoke in a world that rewards convention, and harder if one is particularly marginalized by color, size, or sexual preference. Talley has had the skill and wherewithal to find a milieu that mostly rewarded him for being unique and to rise to the top of it regardless of the challenges he has faced and demons he has known. Talley’s sadness at past and current loss tints his memoir. Along with the deaths of influences and friends such as Diana Vreeland and THE LAST WORD > PAGE 13

July 2020 | 11

HIGH NOTES

RON POWERS

“The Marches: John Philip Sousa”

by Classical Jockey

he other day I was rooting around for some good music to play this Independence Day. I’ve been in a traditional mood lately and was intent on finding some well-played pieces by the iconic American composer John Philip Sousa. Sousa is best known for his American military marches hence his nickname “The March King”. Well, I found everything I was looking for when I stumbled upon an incredible classical music DJ called Classical Jockey. This exceptional artist has put together a five-volume set of Sousa’s best compositions. The time-honored instrumentation and musical arrangements for this collection transport the listener straight into the spirit of this great country. Although not perfect, America was born from deeply courageous and profoundly visionary hearts and minds. The music of Sousa celebrates and captures that uniquely American energy. In times of such upheaval, confusion, and division we would do well to hold to the deep currents of humanity that run through this country. Our good and true angels have been with us since the beginning. Fighting alongside us for a deeper and deeper freedom. The music of Sousa rouses those fighting angels in us and reminds us that the fight is far from over. Classical Jockey has titled the collection “The Marches: John Philip Sousa” and has released the music in 5 separate volumes each containing 11 spectacularly arranged and performed works. The volumes contain some of the most iconic music in American history. Pieces like “The Stars and Stripes Forever”, “Semper Fidelis”, and “The Liberty Bell” ring through with a new bristling freshness that make you stand up straight and feel proud of your country. Other familiar tunes like “The Thunderer”, and “The Washington Post” boom and crash with more aliveness than ever. 12 | July 2020

With charging snare rolls, exploding crash cymbals, and orchestral arrangements that don’t know the meaning of retreat, this five-volume set will keep your July 4th celebration feeling fun, patriotic, and classy from start to finish. For me, if there is one word that describes Sousa’s music best, it’s “victory”. All the melodic trumpet blasts, the deep booming bass drums, the soaring wind and string instruments are arranged to deliver one clear and triumphant message: Namely, “We have won the battle.” America’s 4th of July celebration marks one of the greatest battles won in this country’s history and I can’t think of a better collection of songs to help celebrate that victory than the rousing music of this fivevolume set. Independence Day represents one of America’s important triumphs. We’ve been celebrating that triumph together since 1776. Along the way, the celebration has introduced beloved traditions such as fireworks displays, parades, barbecues, and family gatherings. Playing and listening to the music of John Philip Sousa has also become a staple of the holiday. Classical Jockey brings all that tradition together on “The Marches: John Philip Sousa” five-volume collection. Classical Jockey does not stop at Sousa when it comes to putting together fantastic collections of music. This talented DJ has released albums featuring artist such as Ludwig van Beethoven, Gioachino Rossini, and Nikolai RimskyKorsakov. If you’d like to enjoy his music, you can find him on Spotify, Apple Music, YouTube and most other places digital music is streamed or sold. Ron Powers is an independent A&R specialist and music industry consultant, and is constantly searching for, discovering and writing about new talent. Old Town Crier

THE LAST WORD | FROM PAGE 11

Princess Lee Radziwill, his current estrangement from Anna Wintour, along with other lost friendships, such as the one he shared with the eccentric, controlling Karl Lagerfeld, have taken a toll. The carefully curated cover photo of Talley on his book jacket is simultaneously colorful, stylish, and somber, properly evoking a man of seventy-plus looking back seriously over the deeply felt losses and ensuing loneliness that have accompanied his humbling achievements as a journalist, a curator, an aesthete, a champion of young and brilliant designers, and perhaps most importantly, as a loyal friend. His thirty-odd years attendance as a regular parishioner at the established Abyssinian Church in Harlem provides him with spiritual bedrock in light of these losses. Monsieur Talley is a complicated, fascinating individual, meticulous in his descriptions of style, clothing, and beauty; exemplary in discussing the way aesthetics and creativity make life worthwhile. I kept thinking of one of my favorite writers, Truman Capote, as I was reading The Chiffon Trenches. When I was in my teens and in need of one, Capote always felt like my friend from afar.

André Leon Talley feels the same way. They even briefly crossed paths in their News York lives. To me they overlapped in their Southern roots, ability to befriend people from all walks of life, sincere appreciation of the beau monde, and concurrent insider/ outsider status within that world. Talley loved reading about Capote’s famous Black and White Ball of 1966, and even shared one of his society “swan” friends, Princess Lee Radziwill. Although I tried to read his first book, A.L.T.: A Memoir, I could not find it for less than several hundred dollars online. It was not available on e-reader. I recommend the 2017 documentary The Gospel According to André, which complements Talley’s memoir, focusing on him as an African-American role model. If designer friends like Karl Lagerfeld have given André Leon Talley “carte blanche” in their wildly luxurious closets of made-to-order clothes, then

The Birchmere Is Back In Business! Opening with

THE BILLY PRICE CHARM CITY RHYTHM BAND FRIDAY, JULY 10TH! Music lovers headed to the venue must adhere to the strict, CDC-approved guidelines below: There will be a $25 food and beverage minimum, plus a $5 COVID-19 fee, for all patrons. Doors will open at 6 p.m. the night of the performance, at which time guests will be escorted directly into the Music Hall to their seats. The Birchmere will still have general admission seating with no reserved seats, but the staff will be seating you in order to make sure social-distancing guidelines are met. Guests must wear masks whenever they are not in their seats, including the bathrooms and the merchandise store. Food and beverages will be available as soon as guests are seated, but there will be no bar service and no congregating in the Flex Stage/bar area. Shows will begin at 7:30 p.m. and end by 9 p.m., with only one set and no opening acts. The Birchmere’s merchandise store will be limiting the number of people allowed in it at a time. The seating is limited per the Phase 3 guidelines mandated by the Commonwealth. For more details, visit birchmere.com. The Birchmere | 3701 Mount Vernon Avenue | Alexandria, VA

Old Town Crier

Andre and Anna Wintour of Vogue

“couture,” he has earned it through curating, tailoring, cataloguing, and creating this existence of his. At a time of upheaval and violence, it is very satisfying to see how much this Black life blazed trails and continues to matter.

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 Music Is Back" Please check with these fine venues to see who is playing!

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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. 703-888-1951 These establishments offer live entertainment. Call to confirm show times, dates and cover charges. Check our advertisers’ websites.

July 2020 | 13

GALLERY BEAT

F. LENNOX CAMPELLO

Right: Adrift by Anne Marchand Below: The Memory Keeper by Elissa Farrow-Savos

The Business of Art

ince we hunkered down in reaction to the Covidian Age, the spectacular crash of the worldwide economy has had a welldocumented impact on business. Art, as a commodity is a business, and the business end of art has suffered tremendously as a result of the draconian ruleset imposed on most countries by alarmed governments. Independently

14 | July 2020

owned commercial art galleries, most of which are operated on a very tight budget, are probably going to suffer a 80-90% no return rate in the first couple of years of post-Covidism, if such a thing happens. Most medical models (so far) have been egregiously wrong in nearly every pandemic prediction made – this is, in my opinion, the result of lack of valid empirical data, and an all-

human need to protect the herd. Take these models, and mix them up with some ECON 101 basics, and the future of the art business as an independently-owned art gallery looks grim – for the immediate future. Once we fully return to preCOVID lifestyles – if such a return happens – then, like a flower sprouting from a crack in hard cement, galleries will return. But until then, we may be facing a “dark age” of

art – at least in the physical, tangible form which has been the standard for the art world. Art on the web will continue to flourish, but in spite of what you may read, the commerce of art on the internet, based on empirical data and not on hyperbole, seems to touch only the endpoints of the economic scale: (1) the inexpensive bottom reaches of the artmosphere (that’s my GALLERY BEAT > PAGE 15

Old Town Crier

GALLERY BEAT | FROM PAGE 14

invented word, not a typo), and the rarified upper crust of the same artmosphere: the blue chip artists, the big auction houses, etc. There will always be a demand for Picassos at one end, and always gullible people buying “original” Frida Kahlos and Andy Warhols on Ebay for a handful of bucks at the other end. But I suspect that the vast middle class of the art world will remain “stuck” on neutral until venues such as art galleries, worldwide art fairs, and the true battleground front lines of the art world: outdoor art festivals… return to “normal.” For the vast majority of artists, the commoditization of art has always been – at best – an edgy precipice, and that precipice is now, and will remain for a while, even deeper and more slippery. What can artists do? First and foremost, in spite of my grim predictions, artists MUST remain online and have a solid presence on the web and an even more solid digital footprint. As you create art, that art must exist in various forms – on social media, on blogs, on your website, etc. Every piece of artwork created must have multiple footprints on the web. Second: The most expensive thing in the world is information. Artists need to hook up and be connected to as many sources of artrelated information as possible. Artists need to be aware of opportunities, calls for art, requests for proposals

(for both public and private proposals), online exhibitions, etc. It is not hard to have a constant flow of information – in fact it sometimes becomes overwhelming – and from personal experience, I can testify that on any given day there are more than a few dozen opportunities in the US alone – and these days most of them are online-driven. If anything – this model will increase! The federal, state, county and local 1% for the arts laws will increase (some already have), city art acquisition (such as the District’s “Art Bank” annual call for art) will expand – in fact, I would not be surprised, regardless of who wins the Presidency this coming November, to see the next President rekindle a new WPA-style arts initiative to help the American artist. The Art Bank Collection is the District of Columbia’s fine art collection. Acquired through an annual request for applications, Art Bank works are loaned to District Government agencies for display in public areas and offices of government buildings. The Art Bank has been a source of recognition and support for local DMV artists since 1986. It now includes nearly 3,000 artworks. Note that I say “DMV” and not “DC-only.” The application deadline for this year’s call for artwork is Friday, August 7, at 4:00 pm – DO NOT leave it to the last minute, as it takes some preparation to be ready to submit (I’ve already done mine!). In addition, we are already

seeing cyclical art exhibitions, such as the Maryland Art Place’s (MAP) annual “Out of Order” exhibition, which has been going on annually for 23 years, and which in 2019 exhibited 289 artists and sold 133 works of art (I was one of them and also sold work), move to an online platform. In 2020 MAP will still be holding “Out of Order”, only this Covidian year it is all virtual! MAP will launch the auction and make it available to anyone on an electronic device for free! In previous years it cost money to acquire a ticket and bid for them artwork. It will be interesting to see how this develops. “Over the last 4-5 years MAP’s Staff, Board and Program Committee has witnessed some pretty great outcomes in cultivating the

ART&ANTIQUES ANTIQUES Spurgeon-Lewis Antiques 112 N. Columbus Street BW Art, Antiques & Collectibles 108 N. Fayette Street Imperfections Antiques 1210 King Street The Antique Guild 113 N. Fairfax Street Silverman Galleries 110 N. St. Asaph Street Red Barn Mercantile 1117 King Street Washington Square Antiques 425 S. Washington Street Susquehanna Antique Co. 608 Cameron Street Old Town Antiques 222 S. Washington Street Verdigris Vintage 1215 King Street Cavalier Antiques 400 Prince Street Sumpter Priddy III 323 S. Washington Street Henry Street Antiques

especially right now. The arts sector is suffering. Now more than ever we need to consider how valuable the arts are in our lives, communities and general well-being”, notes Amy Cavanaugh, MAP’s Executive Director.

patronage of art, and we have the numbers to support that. We’ve gone from 205 participating artists and 56 sales in 2016 to 289 artists and 133 sales in 2019. Income generating opportunities for artists are so critical,

Exclusively representing the works of

F. Lennox Campello

Price and additional images upon request.

“ONE OF THE MOST INTERESTING PEOPLE OF WASHINGTON, DC” Syreni Caledonii (Northern Atlantic Mermaid). Watercolor, charcoal and Conte. 2019, 12x36 inches.

– Washington City Paper

Alida Anderson Art Projects, LLC, Washington, DC www.alidaanderson.com / info@alidaanderson.com

115 S. Henry Street Curzon Hill Antiques 108 S. Columbus Street The Hour 1015 King Street A Galerie 315 Cameron Street Random Harvest 810 King Street Acme Mid-Century + Modern 128 S. Royal Street Van Bommel Antiek Hous 1007 King Street Lloyd’s Row 119 S. Henry Street

GALLERIES Torpedo Factory Art Center 105 N. Union Street Principle Gallery 208 King Street Potomac Fiber Arts Gallery 105 N. Union Street St. George Gallery 105 N. Alfred Street The Art League 105 Union Street Local Colour Old Town 218 N. Lee Street

Icon Galleria 101 N. Union Street B&B Art Gallery 215 King Street Gallery West 1213 King Street Enamelist’s Gallery 105 N. Union Street Printmakers, Inc. 105 N. Union Street Kelly’s Art & Frame 510 N. Washington Street Oerth Gallery 420 S. Washington Street Jeffrey Winter Fine Arts 110A S. Columbus Street Johnston Matthew 105 N. Union Street Huddy Studio 105 N. Union Street Mezzanine Multiples 105 N. Union Street Silverman Galleries 110 N. St. Asaph Street Cochran David 105 N. Union Street Betty Grisham Studio 105 N. Union Street Imagine Artwear 112 King Street

We Can’t Wait We are open with limited hours and have set safety measures in place that align with social distancing mandates. We’ve missed our incredibly supportive community, and look forward to seeing you soon! Mon-Sat 11-5 Sun 12-3

To See You ...

Re-Opening Now with extended hours coming soon! Monday through Saturday 11 am – 4 pm Sunday Noon – 4 pm On-line shopping and Facetime Shopping and personal Curbside Delivery appointments Available

ask our M

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

Ten Thousand Villages 915 King Street Old Town Alexandria Curbside still available 703-684-1435 to order

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1124 King Street • Alexandria, Virginia 22314 • (703) 548-1461 www.imagineartwear.com • @imagineartwear on Instagram

July 2020 | 15

URBAN GARDEN

RITA JACINTO

How does my garden grow?

With silver bells and cockle shells… And fertilizer, you idiot!

ardens are a work in progress, at least mine is. There is no end to what needs to be done, what could have been done better etc. etc. The point is to get outside and spend a little time with your hands in the earth, if the seeds you plant sprout and the flowers grow and bloom great! If not so what? Have fun, listen to the birds sing and the bee’s buzz, watch the spiders weaving their webs and the ants marching along and feel the sun on your back. Let yourself drift off into a reverie, it will be good for your soul. Don’t forget your houseplants. By now they are putting on new growth but it isn’t too late to repot and start your summer fertilizer program. Make it easy on yourself, set a table up outside

and gather all the stuff you need, new pots, fresh potting soil, soil amendments etc. Then get your leafy house companions and bring them outside where you won’t have to worry about getting dirt and dead leaves all over the place. Now take a good look at them, prune them if they look straggly, check for bugs, remove dead leaves and branches. Replant into a pot one size larger using fresh new potting soil. If they don’t need to be repotted I usually scrape about an inch or so of soil off the top and add some fresh new stuff. The nutrients in potting soil are used up pretty fast by the plants and they will appreciate the fresh soil and nutrients. If you really want to thrill them you can add a little bat guano to each plant. Bat and seabird guano is

• Remove faded flowers from perennials after they finish blooming. Deadheading redirects energy towards healthy roots. • Maintain a 3 to 4 inch mulch layer around trees and shrubs to protect them from mower and weed whacker damage. • Check plants regularly for insect problems; hand pick or use suitable control measures if found. • Fertilize warm-season grasses. • Plant butterfly nectar and larval food plants such as asclepias, buddleia, and passion flower. • Replace spent annuals with heat-tolerant lantana, verbena, pentas, and hibiscus, • Consider drip irrigation and/or soaker hoses as efficient watering alternatives. 16 | July 2020

really cool stuff. The word guano is Quichua, an Incan language, which means “droppings of seabirds”. For centuries the Inca gathered the stuff on Islands and rocks off the coast of Peru. It was so highly valued as a fertilizer that the gathering areas were protected and only especially chosen people could do the gathering. Violation of these laws was punished by death! American agriculture during the 1800’s became so addicted to the stuff that a law was passed in congress on August 8, 1856. This bill set up protection to be given to any US citizen who may discover guano. Any US citizen was allowed to take possession and occupy any Island, rock or key where guano was found. The only stipulation was that the guano could only be sold in

the US to US citizens. Today the gathering of guano, especially that of bats, is highly regulated to provide protection for the bats. There is a cave in Texas, the Bracken Cave, where the largest known colony of bats in the world live. Scientists estimate that 20 million Mexican free tail bats use the cave as their summer home. Bat Conservation International holds the rights to harvesting the gold from the cave. In November when the bats have headed south for the winter they go in with huge vacuum trucks and tidy the cave for the returning bats. On average they suck up 50 tons of guano each year. Let’s see 20 million bats, 50 tons of droppings…well you do the math! Bat guano is a highly touted organic fertilizer containing

• Harvest raspberries and blackberries daily to avoid attracting insects to overripe fruit. • Prune water sprouts from apple trees. • Water flowerbeds and water flower beds and gardens deeply. This encourages a deep root system. • Start basil seedlings for a fall herb garden. • Mow warm-season grasses at a height of 2.5 to 3 inches; apply at least an inch of water a week. • Prevent rose diseases with a fungicide spray program. • For longest vase life, harvest cut flowers just as they begin to open and condition them in floral preservative.

billions of live bacteria that help fight fungus. There are also millions of microbes that can help in bioremediation, which means they eat up toxic chemicals in the soil and 13 trace elements. The actual chemical makeup varies depending on the type of guano and whom it comes from, and you thought guano was guano. So check labels for specific N-P-K info. You can contact Bat Conservation International at 1-800-538-BATS or online at batcon.org. Publishers Note: This article is printed with permission. Portions have been edited in the interest of space. To read Ms. Jacinto’s complete feature and for more information about growing and feeding other botanicals log on to botanical.com

• Fertilize container plants every two weeks with a water-soluble fertilizer solution for best bloom. • Keep annuals in bloom by removing faded flowers. • Bats help control mosquitoes; attract these friendly mammals with bat houses. • Help trees survive the heat by mulching heavily over the root system--avoid mulch too close to the trunk. • Save space in the garden with trellises, fences, and stakes-harvest is easier too. Be sure to log in to BackyardGardener.com for everything concerning your flower and vegetable gardening!! Old Town Crier

SOCIAL MEDIA MESSAGE | FROM PAGE 2

with race, and users on the site quickly responded with an overwhelmingly negative response. Before she could even land, the tweet garnered 2,000 retweets and even appeared on Buzzfeed. Not only was her online reputation tarnished, but she also lost her job as a result of a message that contained fewer than 140 characters. Personal mistakes aren’t the only way your online reputation can take a hit on social media. Take Kerry Harvey. When her identity was stolen via Facebook, the damage went far beyond her online reputation. Web

hijackers used her name to create an illegitimate Facebook page that identified her as a prostitute. The 23-year-old sales executive then began receiving inappropriate pictures and unwanted calls on her cell phone. She soon received a friend request from an unknown Facebook user whose profile displayed her photograph, date of birth, full name, phone number— and her apparent career. Given how much attention the fraudulent account ultimately attracted, Harvey found it difficult to go out in public and interact with other

people. This case of online abuse went far beyond the computer screen and into her real life, damaging her reputation and confidence. Even movie star Jonah Hill experienced online reputation trouble after an impersonator created a Twitter account using his name. The user soon instigated a Twitter feud with actor-director Jon Favreau, who ended up calling Hill to express his displeasure. The fake account also sent disparaging tweets to other celebs and comedians, which ultimately prompted Hill’s friends to begin questioning his behavior. Hill eventually

had to clear up his online reputation with an appearance on the “Late Show with David Letterman.” During his interview, he stated that he was not on Twitter and would never join the site, so the fake account could not have been his own. No one is immune to the effects that social networking can have on one’s reputation both on and offline. Sure, the posts you make on social media may captivate your friends, but could they also prevent you from obtaining your dream job? You may not know it, but recruiters regularly use social media

to vet candidates that they are looking to hire. In fact, more than half of hiring managers have reevaluated their decision to hire someone based on what they found on social media. So, the lesson to learn here is, think before you post. Would the post offend someone? Is it insensitive? Does the post show you in a bad light? If you even have a slight inkling that it would, do not post it. Just remember to THINK.

DO YOUR PART TO PREVENT THE SPREAD OF COVID-19 KEEP YOUR DISTANCE • WASH YOUR HANDS THROW PROTECTIVE ITEMS AWAY IN THE TRASH YOURSELF!

Old Town Crier

July 2020 | 17

TAKE PHOTOS, LEAVE FOOTPRINTS SCOTT DICKEN Photos: Scott Dicken

ack in 2005 a Russian Mi-8 helicopter crashed on South Inylchek glacier at Khan Tengri Base Camp high in the Tien Shan Mountain Range in Kyrgyzstan. ‘It was about to land,’ my guide told me, pointing at the helicopter crash site, ‘when a gust of wind swept across the chopper, which was well beyond its weight limit, and sent it spiraling in to that glacial moraine.’ Apparently, the chopper promptly caught fire upon impact but miraculously all 15 passengers survived, my guide cheerfully told me. I was standing about 100m from the crash site having a minor existential crisis as I contemplated boarding a similar-looking Russian Mi-8 heading back to Kakara Base Camp. Admittedly, it didn’t help when our group was told our passenger load was too heavy for the helicopter to gain altitude quickly enough to clear the mountains. Right. Plan B - there was this spot in the middle of the glacier where there was enough clearance for a helicopter

18 | July 2020

to gain altitude with our full group and kit. However, in order to get there, we‘d have to helicopter over in two groups to minimize weight. Myself and a few other group members headed out first. We were flown across the South Inlychek Glacier and unceremoniously dropped off with our kit at its center. We shielded our eyes against the wave of snow kicked up by the chopper’s propellers as we watched it slowly ascend. The comforting sounds of the chopper’s blades faded into the distance. We were alone. No sat phone. No guide. Yes, I thought to myself, this beats being back at the office in my openplanned cubicle and ergonomic chair. The ensuing stilly quiet was magnified by the groaning sound of the glacier underneath, the gravelly scrape of someone’s boot against the ice, a zipper on a rucksack being ripped open, someone nearby saying ‘he’s coming back, right?’ and the ensuing brave-

nervous chuckling of the group (which one is obligated to join in more to relieve your own tension than anything else). Before long, I saw a distant glint of sunlight reflecting off what could only be a helicopter heading towards us with the remainder of our group. Grateful to see them, we jumped on board the helicopter and flew back to Kakara Base Camp. Rewind 8 days. I was in Almaty, Kazakhstan standing around waiting for our driver to arrive who would take us through Charyn Canyon to Karkara Base Camp – the gateway to the Tien Shan Range, locally known as the ‘Celestial Mountains’. Bleary-eyed, I knocked back a couple of over-the-counter pain killers and started to question my life choices the night before. The heavy drinking with my small group of fellow trekkers no longer felt like such a wise idea. I was already a bit knackered from having spent a whirlwind 24 hours sightseeing in Almaty (I’d highly recommend the Ascension Cathedral) and now was about to spend the next seven days trekking between Kazakhstan and Kyrgyzstan towards the Sary Dhas Valley and ending up high in the Tien Shan Range. I’m not sure how much time passed before we saw another human being – a group of nomads living in a small yurt pitched up high on a plateau. I think they were equally pleased to see us as we were invited inside for fermented yak milk (kumis; which tasted as delightful as it sounds, but it’s hard to refuse the unwavering Kyrgyz hospitality). The 7-day trek was certainly one of the more isolated hikes I’ve ever Old Town Crier

done. Hiking in the Himalayas you’ll often pass other visitors on the trail, giving them the internationally recognized ‘nod of hello’ on the way past. Here it was different. We’d easily go a full day without spotting anyone. The tough hike was made easier by the scenery (and, of course, our horses who carried most of the camping gear). Hours spent climbing steep, fir-tree lined canyons and boulder-strewn gorges to reach passes and plateaus was rewarded by sweeping valley vistas dotted with wild horses and filled by deep lakes. Trekking 8 to 9 hours a day over fairly rough terrain somehow always sounded easier when planning it over a bottle of wine…. After 7 grueling days we finally reached Sary Dhas valley where we radioed for our first helicopter. The silence in the valley meant we could hear its approach from miles away. Our excitement was high as we all threw our bags into the helicopter and lifted off deep into the snow-covered peaks of the high Tien Shan. Base Camp Khan Tengri is located deep within the Range on the South Inlychek Glacier at 13,000ft. I think it’s fair to say that it’s the most scenic campsite I’ve stayed at in a fair while. Opening your tent in the morning to be greeted by a blast of fresh air and the Celestial Mountains is a sight to behold. The camp, which sits at the foot of the Khan Tengri and Pobeda peaks (the two tallest mountains in the range at 22,998ft and 24,406ft), was our base as we explored the glacier on foot. After long days of glacier trekking there was Old Town Crier

nothing better than returning to base camp to use the on-site spa which was a big tent with a dangerously warm heap of coals inside onto which we threw water to make a sauna. After twenty minutes in the sauna and the subsequent naked dive into the fresh snow, my aches and pains were temporarily forgotten. Three days of glacial trekking and spa pampering

later, it was time to leave the glacier by helicopter and fly back to Kakara, which is where the start of this story began. Needless to say, and as I’m writing this column, our Mi-8 made it back safely (although I cant necessarily say the same for my nerves)...

For more travel related inspiration make sure to check out the TakePhotosLeaveFootprints.com website where you will find more helpful hints, tips and destination inspiration for your next trip.

July 2020 | 19

POINTS ON PETS

CAROLYN COCKROFT

OMG. PLEASE GO BACK TO WORK.

Tired of being cooped up? Your pet may be as well.

Signs Your Furry Friends Might Be Stressed Out • Loss of appetite, retching, increased stool production, or diarrhea • Excessive shedding or overgrooming • Panting or excessive vocalizing • Increased sleeping or hyperactivity • Destructive behavior • Accidents in the house • Acting especially clingy or avoidance 20 | July 2020

he impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic have been profound, with more than 100,000 American lives lost and over two million infected. From stay-at-home orders, to social distancing, telework and school closings, the past few months have been stressful for everyone. It’s important, as conditions continue to change, to remember your pet is not immune from stress and confusion. Your stress and anxiety can be felt by your pet and unlike you, they have no idea why their lives were turned upside down. Dogs are particularly sensitive to human reactions, Recent studies have shown that the canine brain can pick up on emotional cues from a person’s voice, body odor, and posture; dogs can also read their owner’s face. Cats likewise respond to changes in your voice and are keen observers of body language. Stay-at-home orders forced us

to establish new routines. Some pets certainly welcomed the extra attention and quality time with their owners, but not all. According to Tufts University, many owners are finding their pets are needier than normal. They may be underfoot more, demanding attention or food, or barking to go outside. Pet owners may also find their dogs barking more while on walks. With gyms closed, more people are taking to the outdoors with their dogs. And while your dog may enjoy the extra walks, they may also exhibit more territorial barking with the increased pet traffic. Cats in particular are changeaverse and like predictable routines. With schools out and kids at home, you may find your cat withdrawing and escaping to a quiet, secluded spot. A stressed cat may also groom more than normal or urinate outside the litter box. Some signs of stress in pets

can be similar to illness. The following are the most serious signs of stress in cats and dogs and worth a call to your vet to rule out anything serious: • Loss of appetite, retching, increased stool production, or diarrhea • Excessive shedding or overgrooming • Panting or excessive vocalizing • Increased sleeping or hyperactivity • Destructive behavior • Accidents in the house • Acting especially clingy or avoidance So what can you do to help your pet through these stressful times? Be patient with your pet. For all of us, the rules have changed and your pet may be exhibiting new or even destructive behavior. Remember they’re not being naughty on POINTS ON PETS > PAGE 21

Old Town Crier

POINTS ON PETS | FROM PAGE 20

purpose; they’re engaging in those behaviors because they don’t understand the changes going on around them and don’t know any other way to express themselves. It’s also important to establish and stick to a routine, from meal times to outdoor/play time. If your dog was normally crated for part of the day, ensure he still has access to the crate and can retreat there for naps or rest. Did you leave a Kong or treat for your dog when you went to work? Continue those practices as well; not only will your dog appreciate it, it can be an effective distraction for them when you have an important phone call or video conference. Mental exercise is just as important to your pet as physical exercise and can alleviate stress and boredom in dogs. Instead of your normal walk around the neighborhood, try a “Sniffari walk.” Let your dog take the lead and follow their nose wherever it wants to go while

you follow along to keep them safe. A Sniffari allows the dog the freedom to check out new smells while their brains are processing new information, burning energy, and allowing them do decompress. Inside, try interactive toys and brain games. Keeping your dog engaged can result in less destructive behavior. Hide treats or dry food in the home and allow your dog to find them. Dogs are natural foragers, so making them work at bit is a great way to work their brains and keep them occupied. Puzzles and games don’t have to be expensive with do it yourself options abounding online and using simple household items like plastic water bottles, or muffin tins. According to the American Kennel Club, mental fatigue makes dogs feel more physically tired than physical effort alone. For cats, use the time at home to play with them more or introduce interactive toys. Cats also enjoy cat condos or places to hide. Feeding puzzles can also provide

mental stimulation while cats ‘’hunt’’ for the food inside. Cats naturally require quiet time. Let them chose where to spend it and then leave them alone to enjoy it. This is especially important if there are small children in the house; once the cat finds their safe space, don’t pick them up, move them, or feed them. This is their time to decompress and relax. Begin planning now for a return to normal and consider how you will acclimate your pet to your return to work. If you’ve been home every day for months, expect some separation anxiety. Signs could include whining, crying, pacing, panting, or destructive behavior. Ideally, you would

gradually increase your time out of the home and away from your pet to allow them to adjust to the new normal. They will need to relearn the skill of being able to entertain themselves and enjoy their time alone. According to multiple media reports, a record number of pets were either adopted or fostered in the past few months, leaving many shelters almost empty. The adjustment for these new family members will be even harder; they won’t remember a time when you weren’t home. In that case, routine, structure, and extra attention when you are home will be even more important. Veterinarians and animal

behaviorists hope the enforced time at home leads owners to a better understanding of their pets’ needs and a taste of how pets spent their time when they were home alone. All pets need mental stimulation, social contact, and exercise to be healthy and happy. While they are getting it in excess now, the challenge will be keeping it up when their owners leave the home. Cindy McGovern is a volunteer at King Street Cats in Alexandria and lives in Springfield with two spoiled Siberian cats.

Sources: https://petcentral.chewy.com/signs-of-stress-in-pets/ https://now.tufts.edu/articles/pet-stress-has-increased-during-covid19-bringing-behavior-problems https://todaysveterinarynurse.com/articles/stress-relief-dogs-cats/ https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/training/mentally-stimulatedhappy-dog/

PETS

OF THE MONTH

SQUEAK

Male, Adult Gray Mouse Squeak’s name may sound small, but this little guy packs a big personality! Always one to poke his nose out for a new visitor, Squeak’s social nature makes him a great friend, and his love of caves and hides to burrow in means his future family will have endless decorating opportunities.

AMANI

Adult, Spayed Female, Gray and White Domestic Shorthair Amani means “peace” in Swahili and that’s what she’ll bring. She’s a sweet, shy girl looking for a calm household with a cat-sized hole in it. You can gaze at this lovely piebald tabby with amber eyes while she adjusts to her surroundings, taking in the wonder of her new family. If you have a patient heart and a gentle temperament, Amani will reward you with sweet understanding.

JAVA

Adult, Spayed Female, Brindle Pit Bull Terrier Look at those sweet puppy dog eyes! While she’s no longer a pup, Java can still melt your heart with her big brown eyes and the softest, velvet ears. Java is a lovable, loyal companion and just wants to please. She is the ultimate food-motivated dog and will learn new tricks quickly with treats. Java can be hesitant with new people, places and noises, but she’ll follow your lead if you calmly introduce her, involve treats and allow time for her trust to be gained.

4101 Eisenhower Avenue Alexandria, VA 703-746-4774 If you’d like to meet Squeak, visit AlexandriaAnimals.org/Adopt to learn more! alexandriaanimals.org To learn more about adopting Java, visit Mon-Fri, 1-8 pm To learn more about adopting Amani, visit AlexandriaAnimals.org/adopt. AlexandriaAnimals.org/adopt. Closed Wed Sat &Welfare Sun, 12-5 pm of Alexandria is open by appointment only to keep our staff and community safe. Learn more about our adoption process, pet pantry and more at AlexandriaAnimals.org. The Animal League

Old Town Crier

July 2020 | 21

CARIBBEAN CONNECTION BOB CURLEY

The Westin Resort on St. John

t Croix might be your best bet if you’re thinking about heading to the U.S. Virgin Islands soon after the U.S. territory officially reopened to visitors on June 1. Of the three islands in the USVI — St Thomas, St Croix, and St John — St. Croix has the most hotels currently open, including such prominent properties as the Hotel Caravelle, The Buccaneer, Sand Castle on the Beach, and The Fred, among others. In fact, St Croix is the rare Caribbean destination with more hotels open than closed. “Like most Americans, we are cautiously optimistic about re-opening the territory to tourism,” says Topher Swanson, coowner of The Fred, an 11room boutique hotel in Frederiksted. “Although not scientifically proven to prevent COVID-19, many of the things that people come to the Caribbean to enjoy — wide open spaces, fresh sea air, plenty of UV sunlight, etc. — are things that many people naturally believe can be used to fight the spread of COVID-19, so I can’t think of a healthier place to be right now.” (It’s worth noting that St. John has had just two positive COVID-19 cases through May 19, versus 38 in St. Thomas and 29 in St. Croix.) USVI Commissioner of Tourism Joseph Boschulte announced that although tourists will be allowed to start coming back to the USVI 22 | July 2020

THE USVI IS OPEN FOR TOURISTS HERE’S WHAT TO EXPECT

Emerald Beach Resort on St. Thomas

Protestant Cay on St. Croix

next week, the territory’s COVID-19 state of emergency will remain in place until at least July 17. Visitors who come to the USVI in June will thus be among the first to experience the “new normal” of tourism in the post-COVID world. Buffets and live music will be banned at restaurants and bars, for example. Children’s recreational areas will remain closed. Mini-bars in hotel rooms will be shut down. Employees and guests will be required to wear masks in public areas. Hotels will be required to retain guest information for contact tracing if an outbreak of illness occurs. And any guests who show symptoms of COVID-19 will be required to self-quarantine for 14 days. “Our goal to ensure our visitors have a wonderful and safe experience when they visit the USVI,” said Lisa Hamilton, president of the USVI Hotel & Tourism Association. “We have extensive safety protocols to ensure this. Visitors can enjoy restaurants, bars, beaches, boat rentals, activities, and attractions. We are temperature checking via thermal imaging on arrival and this will be communicated to [visitors].” “Likewise, we are testing employees as they come in to work each day and ensuring proper sanitation procedures are followed while on the job,” said The Fred’s Swanson. “We typically allow more than a day between guests in each room at the hotel so that they Old Town Crier

Quesadillas on the beach at The Fred in Frederiksted

The Breakers Roar Tiki Bar on St. Croix CARIBBEAN CONNECTION FROM PAGE 20

have a chance to heat up with the A/Cs off before new guests arrive.” “In general we have stepped up extra cleaning and let me just say … we’re no longer trying to be subtle nor quick with our cleaning efforts,” he said. “If needed, we are prepared to begin screening guests with touchless thermometers and wiping down suitcases with sanitization cloths, but so far that has not been included in the recommendations that we have received.” Under the guidelines that will be in place when visitors begin returning, masks will be required in order to receive service at restaurants, bars,

hotels, and other businesses. Social distancing mandates will include six-foot seating separation at dining establishments as well as poolside. “All furnishings have been moved at least 6 feet apart to provide for the greatest amount of social distancing, and we have sectioned off the pool from our restaurant and bar in order to be sure that we can easily maintain the recommended 50 people maximum per area,” said Swanson. “Fortunately, guest volume is typically lower in the summer months so that allows even more opportunity to really spread things out.” Whether or not to reopen on June 1 was a decision left to individual hotels

Heading to West Beach from Sandy Point on St. Croix

and restaurants. A number have chosen to remain more cautious. The Bolongo Bay Beach Resort says it won’t open its door to nonemergency personnel until July 1, for example, “which is closer to the date I envisioned from the start,” according to owner Richard Doumeng. Other hotels that will reopen later include the Ritz-Carlton St. Thomas (July 15) and the Margaritaville Vacation Club (July 1). For an updated list check out CaribbeanJournal.com. We are happy to partner with Alexander Britell, Founder and Editor in Chief of the Miami, Florida based Caribbean

Journal and his staff, including Bob Curley, contributing to the OTC and our Caribbean Connection Section. Check out the popular online magazine/

website at caribjournal.com for valuable information on all fabulous travel options and things of interest in the Caribbean.

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

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July 2020 | 23

FROM THE BAY … TIMOTHY B.WHEELER BAY JOURNAL NEWS

Scott Budden, foreground, along with Sean Corcoran, center, and Sam Saviertka, all with the Orchard Point Oyster Company, cull oysters for market on Shipping Creek near Stevensville, MD. (Bay Journal photo by Dave Harp)

Wild Oysters Abound in the Bay

espite having fewer days to work, Maryland watermen harvested nearly twice as many wild oysters last season as they did the previous year, state officials report. Even so, a new study finds the state’s population of bivalves is in much better shape now than it was two years ago, with abundance up and overfishing down. As a result, state fisheries managers say they’re weighing whether to maintain catch restrictions put in place last season or relax them for the next wild harvest season, which normally begins Oct. 1. Preliminary figures indicate the wild harvest last season (2019–2020) topped 270,000 bushels, a nearly 90% jump from the 145,000 bushels landed in the 2018–19 season. That’s a remarkable turnaround since 2018, when the first scientific assessment of the state’s oyster population warned of a fishery in decline. That study found that the number of market-size adult wild bivalves had fallen by half in the previous two decades and that half of the areas open to commercial oystering were experiencing overharvesting. The last two years, though, tell another story. In spite of 24 | July 2020

last season’s higher landings, the new data found overfishing in less than one-sixth of the areas. It found harvest levels higher than ideal in another one-sixth, but not high enough to threaten sustainability of the population. “Generally, the status of oysters in Maryland has improved,” said Michael Wilberg, a fisheries scientist at the Chesapeake Biological Laboratory of the University of Maryland Center for Environmental Studies. Wilberg, who oversaw the 2018 oyster stock assessment and this update, said the computer model used in the study wasn’t designed to identify the reasons for the turnaround. But he said that what he’s heard from watermen and others involved in the fishery “makes a lot of sense” — that the record freshwater flows into the Bay in 2018 and early 2019 slowed the growth of young oysters but didn’t kill them. The return of more normal salinity last summer accelerated their growth to market size, providing “an extra pulse” of shellfish available for harvesting last fall and winter. Another possible factor in last season’s higher landings is a 20% increase in the number of people buying a license to

harvest oysters, reaching a number last seen a few years ago. DNR officials said not all of the 999 permitted to harvest oysters actually did so, but the agency doesn’t yet have data on how many did. The rebound is far from even, with adult oysters surpassing their 1999 abundance in the Choptank River while showing little or no improvement in the Chester River and Severn River, where bivalve populations are considered essentially depleted. The picture varies by age, too. The new data found that the number of oysters too small to be legally harvested last season was “slightly below the long-term average.” Moreover, the abundance of recently spawned juvenile spat — which usually need at least two more years to grow to marketable size — hit the sixth lowest level seen since 1999. Nevertheless, Wilberg said that doesn’t necessarily mean the harvest is bound to decline again over the next couple of years. Unless there’s an abnormally high die-off, he suggested the abundance of market-size oysters could be the same or even better than last year. Wilberg acknowledged that the relative handful of places

still experiencing overfishing — including the Choptank River, Fishing Bay and Tangier Sound — are among those areas that record the highest number of wild oyster harvests in the state. But Talbot County waterman Jeff Harrison suggested that the study shows one or two years of excessive harvests are no reason to fear collapse of the fishery. “We don’t want to [be] overfishing, believe me, but it’s not like it’s the end of the world,” Harrison said. “Overfishing doesn’t mean that things are immediately going to be terrible,” Wilberg agreed. Instead, he said, it’s a warning that over time, unless things change, it’s “going to lead us to somewhere we don’t want to be.” He likened it to drawing down a bank account and earning a dwindling amount of interest on the balance. With the new, generally more reassuring status report in mind, the DNR sought feedback from watermen and the public on whether to maintain last year’s harvest limits or relax them. Jeannie Haddaway-Riccio, the DNR secretary, said that just because harvest increased under tighter harvest rules doesn’t mean they didn’t have any effect. She noted last season

was atypical, with unusually strong early-season demand for Maryland oysters, followed by a slump in which watermen couldn’t find buyers for their catch on certain days. Finally, markets abruptly collapsed in the final two weeks of the season because restaurants and seafood-processing operations were shut down by the coronavirus pandemic. A few of the watermen who sit on the advisory commission said they would like to go back to having five harvest days a week for either half or all of the season. They said that would give them more flexibility to decide when or how often to go out, depending on the weather and market conditions. “We don’t know how strong our markets are going to be [or] how long COVID is going to last,” said Robert T. Brown, president of the Maryland Waterman’s Association. Tim Wheeler is the Bay Journal’s associate editor and senior writer, based in Maryland. You can reach him at 410-409-3469 or twheeler@bayjournal.com. This article was distributed by the Bay Journal News Service. Old Town Crier

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July 2020 | 25

ROAD TRIP

JANINE BREYEL

Photos: Chester Simpson

trip to Ocracoke Island, like other things of value, requires some effort. From the DC area it is a little more than a four hour drive to reach the beginning of the Outer Banks in North Carolina (I-64 to VA 168 to US 158), then another hour and a half on NC 12 to where the barrier island ends. From there you board the Hatteras Ferry that transports you across the Pamlico Sound to Ocraocoke, the last habitable island in the Outer Banks. Once you disembark, you are reconnected to NC 12 and for 13 miles you drive along the narrow strip, frequently catching glimpses of the Atlantic Ocean to your left over the dunes before reaching the quaint village of Ocracoke. For those seeking crowded boardwalks, chain restaurants, busy puttputt courses, and similar attractions that dominate so many beach towns on the

26 | July 2020

Eastern seaboard, this is not the place for you. But for those of us who seek a quiet, relaxing vacation in a location with interesting history, friendly locals, miles of empty beaches and opportunities to enjoy nature, then the drive is worth every minute. My family has been enjoying Ocracoke since our boys (all grown now) were young. We have come during the quiet, waning days of late fall (in 2016 on a Thanksgiving trip our son, Mason proposed to his now wife, Erika) and the bright, fresh days in late spring. But typically, we spend a week in the summer, preferably in mid to late June when the weather is more predictable, to enjoy long days of sunshine at the beach. Although we have always had good experiences with renting houses in the village (the most popular option for those staying for a week or two), we have stayed at

the National Park Serviceâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s campground just 3 miles north of town for the last 15 years. We love the campground for many reasons; one advantage is that we can avoid the heavy weekend traffic when house rentals change over. Because the status of the entire island is protected by national seashore, there is no development on the beach, the NPS campground is the only place you can stay where you are just a short walk over the dunes to access the beach. The campground is a fantastic place to gaze the multitude of stars and bright planets that fill the night sky. It also offers the lullaby of waves as you drift to sleep. Ocracoke Island, in addition to being consistently voted one of the best beaches in the US, has also been called the best place for star gazing on the East Coast.

Old Town Crier

ROAD TRIP | FROM PAGE 26

The remote location and miles of protected seashore mean the sky stays dark with little light pollution, allowing the opportunity to see the Milky Way blurred across the night sky. We were not sure what to expect when we planned our 2020 summer visit for June. Given the COVID-19 pandemic, would the island even be open to visitors? And if so, what restaurants, stores, and attractions would be open? In September 2019 Hurricane Dorian devastated the island, destroying many businesses and houses leaving the residents cut off from the mainland for 16 days. We were saddened and anxious when we had heard the reports last fall and had followed, as closely as possible, news from the island. For many of the 950 residents of Ocracoke Island, their livelihoods are primarily dependent upon just a few months of the year during the summer. Having these back to back challenges was upsetting. Fortunately, the determined spirit of the islanders, used to tough conditions, has been evident. Although several businesses have closed for good, many well-loved restaurants and shops have reopened. Old Town Crier

These include Zuilly’s (great for a glass of wine on the porch), the Ocracoke Island Coffee Company (known for their coffee drinks, smoothies, and breakfast breads), Howard’s Pub (large, popular restaurant), 1718 Brewery (local beers), Eduardo’s (delicious tacos and other fare served from a food truck) and The Slushy Stand (ice cream and other treats). Nonetheless, remnants of the hurricane are still evident with many shops still shuttered. It is satisfying to see new construction as the island rebuilds. For a complete and current list of opened businesses, visit ocracokeobserver. com/2020/05/11/whats-open-onocracoke-as-of-may-11/. Ocracoke Village is on the southern tip of the barrier island and is only about 4 square miles. One of the first things you notice when you enter the town is that the speed limit drops down rather abruptly to 20 mph. Throughout the village, the speed limit is 20 mph (and 15 mph in a few areas) and is strictly enforced. Cars share the roads throughout the village with bicyclists, golf carts and pedestrians. The slow speed helps ensure that all stay safe as the village becomes busier and more crowded in the summer months. It also adds to the laid back, stress-free vibe that permeates the

village. There are no stoplights on Ocracoke and you can walk to most places in the village. All restaurants, shops and services are locally owned and operated. Ocracoke Island is best known for being a hangout of Blackbeard the Pirate, whose real name was Edward Teach. It was also the site of his demise. In 1718, Lt. Robert Maynard killed the famous pirate offshore of the island. According to legend, Blackbeard’s headless body swam around his ship three times before sinking to the ocean floor. Teach’s Hole, the Blackbeard Exhibit located on the right side of the Main Street just after entering the village, is dedicated to the life of the pirate. Without question we spend most of the time while we are at Ocracoke on the beach. It is easy to find stretches of beach with very few people. We read, sunbathe, take walks, play in the surf and swim. The ocean can be rough with strong currents and riptides. The public access beach nearest the village has a lifeguard on duty in the summer months. Every year we make a point to visit Springer Point - a nature preserve - a short walk from the Ocracoke Lighthouse. A trail winding through the preserve marks different trees

and other vegetation, as well as an old cemetery, takes you to a point where the Pamlico Sound meets the Atlantic Ocean. It is in these waters that Blackbeard and his crew were said to have sought shelter and hid from authorities. In 1718, Blackbeard, two months before his death, hosted what is believed to have been the largest ever gathering of pirates. Today the point provides a nice place to watch the sunset over the water. Other activities we’ve enjoyed over the years are National Park Service programs (crabbing, tales of Blackbeard, ghost stories on the beach are a few I remember fondly), the Ocracoke Ponies (their pen is located about 10 miles north of town), and visits to the Ocracoke Lighthouse. The island is also known for its fishing and areas where you drive on the beach (permit required). To further explore the island, kayaks, bikes and golf carts are available to rent. Janine Breyel lives in Morgantown, WV. She is a project director for the West Virginia Perinatal Partnership, a statewide organization working to improve health outcomes of mothers and babies. She is the mother of 4 boys and has been happily married for 26 years. July 2020 | 27

TO THE BLUE RIDGE

JULIE REARDON

Losing the Battle of the Beetles

sh trees are losing the “battle of the beetles” and dying out in Virginia. We said good bye to some old friends this spring as we took down a dozen dead and dying trees lining our drive and shading our house and barns. Although we've lost dozens of ash trees here on our farm, the ones lining our drive were massive and took the longest to die. Both here in Fauquier County and throughout the state, the dead and dying trees are victims of an invasive species from Asia by way of China, the emerald ash borer beetle (EAB). Not as well-known but equally despised, it arrived in our country about the same time as the brown marmorated stink bug. The EAB joins the stink bug, snake head fish, ailanthus tree, kudzu and a host of other invasive species as a major disruption to our ecosystem, the total effects of which are not yet known. First seen in Michigan in 2002, the EAB hitch hiked to this country most likely on hardwood packing material on airplanes or cargo ships. Since then, the killing swath has spread to nearly 30 states including Virginia, West Virginia, North Carolina and Tennessee, killing tens of millions of ash trees. The four most common varieties of this tree in our area, including the forests in the national parks and in the cities and towns, are all members of the fraxinus species. All are vulnerable to the destruction caused by the beetle. And the beetle is sneaky. Once it arrives, the EAB may take two or three or even four years to kill a big healthy tree. They eat the leaves but the real damage is done when the females lay eggs under the bark. The larvae then tunnel in and feast on the tree's inner bark, hindering the flow of water and nutrients and ultimately girdling and killing the tree. The first signs can be easy to miss: dead foliage in the upper canopy, woodpecker holes as they seek out the grubs. By the time there is obvious damage, such as multiple dead branches and bark sloughing off, the damage has been done and death is imminent. It's almost impossible to notice any visible damage until it's too late. The National Park Service estimates that close to 50 percent of the ash trees in Virginia's section of the National Capital Region have been lost since 2013; with numbers much higher in some areas. Between 2013 and 2017, an estimated 40 percent of the ash trees along the George Washington National Parkway died. Although research is ongoing for control of the EAB by using non-stinging predator wasps, treatments that kill the larvae are too risky to beneficial insects and animals. And the EAB has no natural predators here. But it's not just our national parks and wooded areas of the countryside that are suffering the impact. Decades ago, these tall, stately shade trees were planted by the thousands in cities like Richmond, Alexandria and Washington D.C. because of their affinity to our area, their durability, fast growth and beauty. It's an adaptable tree that until now, thrived in upland as well as important wetland habitat and under a variety of conditions; the same qualities that made them ubiquitous in forested areas made them an ideal choice 28 | July 2020

for urban areas, too. But because it is so large (most grow over 100 feet), it can do considerable damage to homes, buildings and wiring when it dies. And like any large tree in tight quarters, it requires skill and equipment to take down; the expertise to do it properly is expensive. Removing the dead and diseased ash trees poses unique public works challenges because they pose such a risk to life and property in densely populated areas. Unlike a single tree that falls in a forest, a single tree in a city or suburb can fall on a house, car or power line, or even a person. Less obvious but more troubling is the ripple effect that the disappearance of an entire species may have across the Commonwealth. The ash is considered a foundation species. They often prefer to grow along stream banks and in wetlands, and play a key role in soil stabilization and erosion prevention, particularly important to policymakers in the Chesapeake Bay watershed area to meet water quality goals. Scientists agree that losing important trees can change the entire geomorphology of an area and have a ripple effect through the entire ecosystem. Losing a key species will cause changes in both flora and fauna. The first to die off will be insect species; as they die or find new habitat, the bird species that rely on them will also shift; decreased tree canopy will let more light reach wetland waters and that will affect fish and other aquatic species as well as the forest floor. An open wetland with big trees can change almost overnight to something very dense and shrubby. And while it's too early to say such a change would be detrimental overall, it will be different and likely result in an uptick of more non-native plants that will outcompete the natives and fill the void. A native of Southeast Asia, the EAB is merely a nuisance over there and is typically found in much lower densities since unlike over here, it has natural predators that keep it in check. It can only travel about a half mile from the tree it emerges from, but here in the U.S., it's spread further by people transporting infested firewood, nursery trees or logs to non-infested areas. As an invasive species here in the U.S., they are now considered the most destructive forest pest ever seen in North America. If you currently have ash trees on your property and they are looking a little destressed, you might want to have them checked to see if they could be losing the “battle of the beetles” like ours did.

Photo: Chris Weber Timberworks

The sloughing of the bark

Photo: Julie Reardon

Old Town Crier

Background photo: Mark Deane

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July 2020 | 29

DINING OUT

BY THE GASTRONOMES

pic·nic | /ˈpɪknɪk/ noun an outing or occasion that involves taking a packed meal to be eaten outdoors

hile the restrictions on dining out in our favorite eateries are being lifted on a continual basis as the COVID numbers decrease, we believe there are still a fair number of people out there that will be avoiding any semblance of being closer than 6 feet to another person for a few more weeks/ months to come. With the desire to remain distanced and the full onset of summer, what better time is there to go on a picnic? I don’t think I have ever met anyone who doesn’t like going on a picnic and over the years we have discovered that there are more versions than the traditional version of taking the blanket, the basket and the cooler and finding a nice grassy spot or a table in the park. I believe a good portion of you readers have stepped outside of the traditional picnic box as well. We are lovers of Virginia wine country and the water and both places are fabulous settings for enjoying an al fresco repast. After you find your perfect spot at one of the many wineries in our region, all you need with your wine and a nice blanket is a good loaf of crusty bread, some great cheese and some grapes. And conversely, all you need on the water besides a canoe, kayak or tube, is a small floating (most of them do float but be sure to tie them to your vessel of choice) cooler with some ice 30 | July 2020

cold beer, a couple of really good sandwiches and maybe some chips. Either of these situations can be as simple as this or as extravagant as you want to get. The options are endless. It all depends on the mood. While doing some research for this column, I found a piece on the interwebs that highlighted what they called “unique” picnic ideas – Night, Water, Urban, Winter and Beach. I personally don’t feel that the water and beach concepts are that “unique” but I do like the idea of the night, urban and winter ideas. Here are my takes on those: Night - I know most all of us grill in our backyards in the evenings and eating outside at home is kind of like a picnic but the key here is to pack your meal and take it somewhere else. This is actually a great idea for Date Night or impressing a new acquaintance. Think about it, it’s cooler in the evenings, the stars come out and this time of year the fireflies abound….just be sure to take some candles or short tiki torches and the bug spray (not so romantic but smart). Urban – Living in the city can pose some challenges and the suggestions in the article were: “Rooftops, balconies, and waterfronts are favorite destinations. Empty parking lots and the tops of parking garages are also cool spots to grab a bite and relax.” I’m not so sure about the parking

lots and tops of parking garage’s but the balcony and waterfronts are attractive options. I guess you could say that those of you who frequent the waterfront here in Old Town Alexandria with your eats ever so often can be considered Urban Picnickers! Winter – My first reaction was….who hasn’t picnicked in the winter? Anyone who has ever been snow skiing or participated in a winter sport has grabbed a bite out in the cold, however, upon closer scrutiny I see that the idea is to pack up your hot buttered rum and mulled wine and some hearty eats and head out to a special place you have probably already scouted-preferably somewhere you can start a bonfire. Common sense says to wear the correct attire and take some extra blankets – no bug spray needed for this outing. No matter what mode of picnic you decide to embark on, taking food and beverage that you love is key. While your first option may be to make the fillings for your basket at home, why not consider ordering from one of the many eateries in our area and let them do the prep for you. Just stop by and pick it up on your way to your destination. Check out the fine restaurants featured in bold in the Dining Guide in this issue for some great suggestions.

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July 2020 | 31

LET’S EAT

CHARLES OPPMAN

DEEP-FRIED SOFT SHELL CRABS & ICE COLD BEER

ow that we’re in the middle of soft shell crab season we should be thinking about frying up a few of these fabulous crustaceans. The soft shell crab is one of the South’s greatest contributions to American cuisine. Soft shells are a delicacy in every sense of the word. They can be sautéed or deep fried. A soft shell is a common blue crab that’s harvested during the early stages of molting, when the crab sheds its smaller shell and before a new, larger shell forms. The crab should be cooked before the new shell begins to harden. A bit of pre-cooking preparation needs to be done. The crab needs to be cleaned. 1. To clean soft-shell crabs, hold the crab in one hand, and using a pair of kitchen shears, cut off the mouth and eye parts. 2. Lift one pointed end of the crab’s outer shell; remove the gills by pulling them out. Repeat on the other side. 3. Turn the crab over and pull off the small flap known as the apron. Rinse the entire crab well and pat dry. Once cleaned, crabs should be cooked immediately. Only buy crabs that are alive. If they don’t move when touched, they’re dead and you won’t know when they expired. Smell the crabs. Like other seafood, soft shells should odorless or smell like the ocean. Avoid buying frozen crabs as they lose most of their body fluid when they thaw out and appendages tend to break off. Soft shells should only be consumed during the season, which varies with the latitude. Soft shells are great with French fries and coleslaw or as a po’ boy sandwich. Any po’ boy should be made on a crunchy French baguette. The po’ boy can be dressed with lettuce, tomato and tartar sauce.

Ingredients 4 soft shells 2 large eggs ½ cup milk 1 cup all-purpose flour 2-3 cups frying oil, or as needed depending upon the size of pan. Salt, pepper & seafood seasoning mix such as Old Bay, to taste

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Directions • Combine the flour, salt, pepper and Old Bay. Whisk together the milk and eggs to make egg wash. To coat the crabs, dredge them thoroughly in seasoned flour, then dip in egg wash and back into the flour mixture. The crab is now ready for frying. • Heat the frying oil to 350ºF in a sauté pan. Carefully place the crabs into the hot oil. Cook for at least 2 minutes, or until golden brown on one side. With tongs, carefully turn over and cook until golden on the other side. When crabs fry they tend to explode splashing oil on anyone standing nearby so cover with a frying screen or hold a lid a few inches over the pan. Drain on paper towel. Serve hot while they are still crispy and accompany them with a nice ice cold beer or summertime beverage of your choice. Serves: 4 • Time: 30 minutes 32 | July 2020

Old Town Crier

DINING GUIDE AMERICAN

AUGIE’S MUSSEL HOUSE 1106 King Street 703.721.3970 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 CHADWICKS 203 Strand St. 703-836-4442 CHART HOUSE One Cameron St. 703-684-5080 CITY KITCHEN 330 South Pickett St. 703-685-9172 fatcitykitchen.com COLUMBIA FIREHOUSE 109 S. St. Asaph St. 703-683-1776 EVENING STAR CAFÉ 2000 Mt. Vernon Ave. 703-549-5051 EXECUTIVE DINER & CAFE 1400 Duke Street 703-299-0894 FIN & HOOF 801 N. Saint Asaph St. 703-836-4700 FIVE GUYS 725 King St. 703-549-7991 FOSTERS GRILLE 2004 Eisenhower Ave. 703-725-1342 GADSBYS TAVERN 138 N. Royal St. 703-548-1288 GRATEFUL KITCHEN 727 N. Henry Street HARD TIMES CAFE 1404 King St. 703-837-0050 HEN QUARTER 1404 King St. 703-684-6969 HUMMINGBIRD 220 South Union Street 703-566-1355 JACKS PLACE 222 North Lee St. 703-684-0372 JACKSON 20 480 King St. 703-842-2790 JAVA GRILL 611 King Street 571-431-7631 JOE THEISMANNS 1800 Diagonal Rd. 703-739-0777 JUNCTION BAKERY & BISTRO 1508 Mount Vernon Avenue Alexandria 703-436-0025 Old Town Crier

Please Contact your favorite restaurants for updates on their "Social Distancing" policies.

LAPORTAS 1600 Duke St. 703-683-6313

THE LIGHT HORSE 715 King Street 703-549-0533 LIVE OAK 1603 Commonwealth Ave. 571-312-0402 LORI'S TABLE 1028 King Street 703-549-5545 LOST DOG CAFE 808 North Henry St. 571-970-6511 MACKIE’S BAR AND GRILL 907 King St. 703-684-3288 mackiesbarandgrill.com MAGNOLIA’S ON KING 703 King St. 703-838-9090 MAJESTIC CAFÉ 911 King St. 703-837-9117 MASON SOCIAL 728 Henry Street 703-548-8800 mason-social.com MOUNT VERNON INN Mount Vernon, Va 703-780-0011 MURPHYS IRISH PUB 713 King St. 703-548-1717 murphyspub.com 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 PORK BARREL BBQ 2312 Mount Vernon Ave. 703-822-5699 THE PEOPLES DRUG 103 N. Alfred Street 571-257-8851 RAMPARTS 1700 Fern St. 703-998-6616 rampartstavern.com RIVER BEND BISTRO 7966 Fort Hunt Rd. Hollin Hall Shopping Center 703-347-7545 riverbendbistro.com ROCK IT GRILL 1319 King St. 703-739-2274 RT's RESTAURANT 3804 Mt. Vernon Ave. 703-684-6010 rtsrestaurant.com 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 SONOMA CELLAR 207 King St. 703-966-3550 SOUTH BLOCK 106 N. Lee Street 703-465-8423 SOUTHSIDE 815 815 S. Washington St. 703-836-6222 SWEETGREEN 823 King St. 571-319-0192 SWEET FIRE DONNA'S BBQ & HOPS 510 John Carlyle Street 571-312-7960 T.J. STONES GRILL HOUSE & TAP ROOM 608 Montgomery St. 703-548-1004 tjstones.com UNION STREET PUBLIC HOUSE 121 South Union St. 703-548-1785 unionstreetpublichouse.com 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 warehouseoldtown.com 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 VILLAGE BRAUHAUS 710 King Street 703-888-1951 villagebrauhaus.com 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 FACCIA LUNA 823 S. Washington St. 703-838-5998 HANK & MIMI'S PIZZA AND PASTA 600 Montgomery Ave. 571-312-4117 IL PORTO RESTAURANT 121 King St. 703-836-8833

LANDINI BROTHERS 115 King St. 703-836-8404 landinibrothers.com LENA’S WOOD-FIRED PIZZA & TAP 401 East Braddock Rd. 703-960-1086 MIA'S ITALIAN KITCHEN 100 King Street 703-997-5300 MICHAEL’S LITTLE ITALY 305 S. Washington St. 703-548-9338 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 DELIAS MEDITERRANEAN GRILL 209 Swamp Fox Rd. 703-329-0006 VASO'S MEDITERRANEAN BISTRO 1118 King Street 703-566-2720 VASO'S KITCHEN 1225 Powhatan Street 703-548-2747 SEAFOOD

HANKS OYSTER BAR 1026 King St. 703-739-HANK FISH MARKET-OLD TOWN 105 King St. 703-836-5676 fishmarketoldva.com ERNIES ORGINIAL CRABHOUSE 1743 King St. 703-836-0046 THE WHARF 119 King St. 703-836-2834 INDIAN

DISHES OF INDIA 1510A Bellview Blvd. 703-660-6085 DIYA 218 North Lee, 2nd Floor 703-706-5338 NAMASTE 1504 King St. 703-970-0615 MEXICAN LATIN SOUTHWESTERN

CASA TEQUILA (next to Crate & Barrel) 1701 Duke 703-518-5312 CHOP SHOP TACO 1008 Madison Street 571-970-6438 DON TACO TEQUILA BAR 808 King St. 703-988-3144 LOS CUATES RESTAURANT 1116 King Street 703-548-2918 LOS TIOS GRILL 2615 Mt. Vernon Ave. 703-299-9290 LOS TOLTECOS 4111 Duke St. 703-823-1167 TAQUERIA POBLANO 2400-B Mt. Vernon Ave. 703-548-TACO (8226) TEQUILA & TACO 540 John Carlyle Street 703-721-3203 Urbano 116 116 King Street 571-970-5148

July 2020 | 33

GRAPEVINE

MATT FITZSIMMONS

Barboursville Ruins

ine and history are two of my favorite past times. Luckily for me, Virginia is the perfect state to pair them. Virginia is the birthplace of American wine, going back to 1619 when settlers in Jamestown were required by law to plant grape vines. Thomas Jefferson also experimented with cultivating European grapes at his plantation at Monticello. While unexpected challenges ultimately defeated his efforts, he’s still considered the “Founding Father of American Wine” due to his love of wine and willingness to experiment. Whether you’re interested in early American history, the Civil War, or World War II, there’s a Virginia winery out there to complete your trip.

Pairing Wine and History

Jefferson. Jefferson designed Barbour’s manor house in the Italian inspired, neoclassical style that became his hallmark. You can find other examples of Jeffersonian architecture at nearby Monticello, Poplar Forest, and the University of Virginia. Fire gutted the Barbour home in 1884, but you can still view the ruins on their property. Be sure to check out their “Shakespeare at the ruins” event the next time it’s offered. Of course, this is a winery first and foremost, and Barboursville is one of the in the state. They have Barboursville Vineyards largest a restaurant and large tasting Barboursville is one room, but my favorite is the of Virginia’s most iconic “Library 1821” where they wineries; not just for the wine do flights of rarer vintages – but their history. The winery some from the mid-2000s. is built on the former estate of As befitting of having an James Barbour, a prominent Italian winemaker they also Virginian and friend of grow several Italian grape varietals; m Roo ille Tasting v rs u o I especially love rb a B the Vermentino Reserve, although the Barbera and Nebbiolo are also excellent. But best of all they offer flights of their flagship wine – 34 | July 2020



Octagon. Few Virginia wines are as famous as Octagon; it’s a perennial contender in the Virginia Governor’s Cup wine competition because it’s THAT GOOD. Winemaker Luca Paschina named it Octagon as a tribute to Thomas Jefferson and the octagonal shape of the Barbour home, depicted on the label. Jefferson wrote this shape was a symbol of ‘balance and elegance’ – exactly the qualities Luca was looking for. With a description like that, how can you go wrong?

can make that history tangible to visitors. Effingham is such an exception. The centerpiece of the property is the 250-year old Tidewater-style home originally built by William Alexander, whose father is the namesake of Alexandria, VA. While the building has had extensive alterations over the years, much of the original structure is still intact. As interesting as the main home is, the rest of the property is equally historic. Several original outbuildings still exist, Rogers Ford including the

Effingham and Wes

blacksmith shop, smokehouse and slave quarters. But the part I loved the most was the Western Red Cedar tree which is thought have been brought back by explorers

tern Red Cedar Tree

Effingham Manor Winery While many wineries can boast that historic events took place on their property, few

Lewis and Clark. Be sure to ask for a guided tour so you can get the full experience. But even without one, you’ll be able to relax in one of the home’s historicallythemed sitting rooms or lounge on the back porch overlooking the old pasture while sipping your wine. Speaking of wine Effingham has a great selection. My go-to is usually their Tannat, but on a warm day I often try their Rosé or Chardonnay. If you want to complete the history theme, get a bottle of “Virginia Heritage”, the result of a collaboration of 16 Virginia wineries celebrating the state’s 400-year winemaking tradition.

Rogers Ford Farm Winery Rogers Ford is one of the best hidden gems in the Virginia wine scene. Owner/ winemaker Johnny Puckett is GRAPEVINE > PAGE 36

Old Town Crier

EXPLORING VA WINES

DOUG FABBIOLI

From Saturday On the Farm to Working the Vineyard

f you have been following me for a while, you realize that I try to do a little more than making and selling a bottle of wine. I was lucky enough to recognize at an early age that the wine industry is pretty cool and that I had some passion and energy to apply to that field. I have been working, learning and teaching in this field for almost 40 years and have influenced a great number of folks along the way. The great thing about the wine industry, is that if you are willing to work hard, there will be work for you. I will certainly expand that thought to other industries as well. Many of my efforts over the past few years has been to find those passionate, energetic folks and teaching them about the career opportunities we have in our industry as well as giving some of them a summer job that will get them outside and put some cash in their pockets. Our efforts really start with farming. Many of us have grown up with a garden in the backyard and the early chores were tending to that garden. This spring, The New Ag’s School educational program, Victory Gardens, has had a couple

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of programs set up to share, educate, employ and feed our participants. The Victory Garden program consists of a kit of pots, soil and plant starters that folks can grow on the porch of their apartment and have some guidance through video and social media as the plants grow. We have continued with our “Saturday on the Farm” program even through the lockdown. Different farmers teach a program each Saturday to a variety of attendees in order to share some tips, meet some folks that might be interested further and to share the awareness of their career with young folks that might find an interest. We also had a

program that got shut down when the schools closed from the COVID-19 outbreak in March. Our “Think Outside” program was set up to be launched in March in the Loudoun County High Schools, giving our kids hands on learning as well as educational modules for them to work on at home. Well, the stay at home order may have slowed us down, but we have continued to move forward. Meet Wilfredo, a recent graduate of Park View High School in Sterling, a current employee at Fabbioli Cellars and a participant in The New Ag School Think Outside program. He has been attending our classes, doing

his online modules and gaining valuable experience from working with the farm team at Fabbioli. Wilfredo is scheduled to attend boot camp with the US Marines in December, but for now he is honing his teamwork and horticulture skills on the farm. This opportunity gets him a paycheck as well as provides experience that will be with him the rest of his days. The combination of our agriculture education is the perfect bridge between the young folks looking for a chance and our local businesses needing some solid workers. This connection creates a winning relationship that actually helps society too. If you are interested in

Congrats, Wilfredo! Class of 2020

getting involved, we have 3 ways. If you are a leader in a rural based business and would like to be a mentor, we have training and mentoring opportunities. If you are looking to grow your skills and are willing to work and learn, we also have a spot for you. If you would like to support us with a financial contribution, we would surely be grateful. Your funds would be used to keep our program moving forward, help with the working logistics for some of our mentees and continue the mentoring and education in order to keep providing Loudoun with qualified workforce and on the other hand exposing more and more people, especially our youth to the meaningful work of simple gardening, farming, raising animals, or other agribusiness activities through innovative hands-on program dedicated to raising up leaders who can support agribusiness. If you find yourself wanting more information on this, check our website at newagschool.org and like us on the Facebook. Help us keep Loudoun green, healthy and sustainable.

July 2020 | 35

GRAPEVINE | FROM PAGE 34

often behind the tasting bar, which adds to their ‘make yourself at home’ vibe. I’ve found lots of friendly people at wineries, but this is the only

: Rogers Ford se u o H The Graffiti

place where strangers who saw me sitting alone offered to let me join their birthday celebration. Rogers Ford boasts an outstanding range for such a tiny location. Their Petit

Verdot holds a special place in my heart because theirs is the first place I truly noticed how this grape makes outstanding wine. But the bright southernhemisphere style Chardonnay, “Goldvein” orange wine and off-dry “First Frost” Vidal are also wonderful. The winery is named after one of the natural fords in the nearby Rappahannock River, which often served as a de-facto boundary between the Union and Confederate armies during the Civil War. Both sides would use these fords to launch cavalry raids; think of them as not-sofriendly reminders that the ‘other side’ was still there. The war’s largest cavalry battle occurred at nearby Brandy Station in June

1863, often described as the first battle of the Gettysburg campaign. The Union withdrew from the fight, but their near-victory demonstrated the Confederate cavalry wasn’t invincible. Today you can learn more about Brandy Station at the Graffiti House museum, a preCivil War home next to the battlefield that periodically served as both a hospital and headquarters. It’s aweinspiring to see ‘graffiti’ etched in the house’s plaster featuring messages, drawings, and signatures made by soldiers of both sides.

Vint Hill Craft Winery Vint Hill’s history is more recent. In mid-1942, local farmers

this intercept as having an important contribution to the D-Day invasion. Post-war, Vint Hill continued to play a role in the US intelligence community until the base was decommissioned in 1997. Today it houses both the US Cold War Museum and Vint Hill Craft winery, with both a café and brewery next door. The winery has a different set up than many others in Virginia. While Vint Hill offers bottle sales and tastings, it doesn’t have the same vineyard views that other wineries have. Instead, it offers winemaking classes, ranging

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Vint Hill Crypto

realized their ham radios were picking up signals from Germany. The Army Signal Corp investigated and realized this wasn’t a joke – these radio transmissions weren’t just from Germany, but all over the world. They soon discovered Vint Hill benefits from a quirk of geography; it’s one of a handful of locations worldwide that acts as a natural signal collector. The Army purchased the farm and set up Monitoring Station No. 1, tasked with intercepting and decrypting the enemy’s most sensitive secrets. Perhaps the most famous was a message from a Japanese military attaché describing German fortifications along the coast of France; General Eisenhower described

from (professionally guided) do-it-yourself winemaking to more high-end training. Not satisfied with buying a case of wine? How about making an entire barrel of it! When you visit, try out their “Enigma” red blend – named after another WW II intelligence success story. Also tour the Cold War museum; they have an amazing array of artifacts on display.

Matthew Fitzsimmons is a wine blogger well on his way to visiting every one of Virginia’s nearly 300 wineries. Track his progress on https:// winetrailsandwanderlust.com/.

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July 2020 | 37

FITNESS FEATURE

DURISAN

our immune system is significantly impacted by your level of stress, attitude, mood and emotional state. When you’re optimistic and happy, your immune system functions properly. But constant exposure to stress hormones does not do a body good. Everyone has stress; it’s an inevitable part of life. However, if you’re seriously stressed out for a long time, you’re going to be more prone to illness. During this time of the COVID-19 pandemic, we’re all dealing with more stress than usual. This makes knowing how to handle stress more important than ever. A few effective ways of managing your stress are: • Meditating • Slowing down • Counseling can also help greatly Here are some other tips on how you can de-stress:

Stress Management Tips for Better Immunity Breathe

Besides helping you calm down, deep belly breaths can also help you fight off bugs, germs and other invaders. When you breathe deeply, you activate a muscle called the diaphragm, which is located above the gut and internal organs and below the lungs. By activating your diaphragm, you’re giving a massage to your internal glands and organs. This movement helps move lymph, which contains white blood cells, through your body.

Get enough sleep

You may have noticed that you tend to catch a cold or other infections more often when you’re not getting enough sleep. Studies show that well-rested people who got the flu vaccine developed stronger protection against the sickness. Not sleeping enough can lead to higher levels of stress hormones. It can also lead to more inflammation in the body. Although researchers aren’t exactly certain as to how sleep helps the immune system, it’s clear that adequate sleep—usually seven to nine hours on average for an adult—is essential for your good health.

Move your body

Bodily movement improves your heart health, releases feel-good chemicals that fight stress and helps you release anxiety. Ideally, practice 30 minutes of aerobics and 5 to 10 minutes of stretching daily, while also including deep breathing and relaxation. While working out, your body’s levels of white blood cells and other illness-fighting agents increase. These immune system fighters look for and attack viruses. The more active you are, the more efficient your immune system tends to be. The key is to exercise regularly—but not too much. Overexertion without timely breaks can be counterproductive, actually increasing your stress and suppressing your immune function. Consider exercising in the great outdoors, or be very aware of your gym or studio’s social distancing and sanitization efforts.

Laugh

Several studies have shown that sustained humor and laughter can boost your immune system by increasing the number of antibodies and increasing the activity of immune system cells, such as white blood cells and t-cells. Laughing lowers your levels of stress hormones (adrenaline and cortisol), which weaken immunity. It also increases your levels of hormones that improve mood and immunity (human growth hormone and beta-endorphins).

Strengthen your social bonds

Social connection and support are vital to your general well-being and also help supply your body with feel-good hormones like oxytocin. Even if we’re still social distancing, you can talk with friends and family on the phone or by video chat.

38 | July 2020

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FITNESS

NICOLE FLANNIGAN

KEEPING UP THE MOTIVATION

ow that summer is in full swing and the days are getting hotter and longer it’s easier to find excuses not to exercise. However, since we haven’t had access to our “normal” gyms and clubs since the pandemic close down for a couple of months, you die hard work out people might be gung ho at the start of your return but for some people it’s an everyday battle just to get up, let alone get to the gym. Although I’m sure most of us find that once we walk through the door of the club it’s not all that bad. By the time the workout is done you feel like a different person than the one that rolled out of bed just over an hour ago. Whether it’s working out before the sun comes up or taking a 20 minute power walk to break up the busy work day here a few easy ways to keep up the good work this summer. Workout Early in the Morning - If you get up and go early you will increase your chances of getting in a good workout. At the beginning of the day we have the least amount of excuses for skipping a workout. If getting up early enough is the problem, try limiting your snooze to five minutes - this way you won’t fall back into a deep sleep. Once you get into a routine of getting up and out early it will get easier. Not to mention you will get to work feeling more focused and energized. Lift before you Run - instead of sitting on a cardio machine and sweating your calories away try doing a quick toning routine pre-cardio. Strength training is something that demands a little bit more attention and skill than running on an elliptical so it works best to do these exercises first. Old Town Crier

Finish strong and Increase your metabolism - after your toning routine, jump on the treadmill for a high intensity cardio workout to finish up. High intensity exercise causes your metabolism to stay elevated several hours post workout. So if you burned 300 calories during your session, you will burn another 50 or so calories while you shower and get dressed. Power walk to beat the midday slump - As little as 20 minutes of low intensity cardio, such as walking, can give you a 20 percent increase in energy. Many people seem to think that exercise will make you tired. In fact, the opposite is true. Certain chemicals in the brain are activated during exercise that can give you that boost you need to get through the rest of the afternoon. Take the steps double time - next time you opt to take the stairs (which should be every time) take them two at a time (unless you are wearing heels). This quick burst of power will activate muscles in your legs that usually remain inactive when you are sitting at your desk. Fast twitch muscles are used for quick bursts of speed; these muscles burn more calories than slow twitch muscles. Set up your gear - you can have all the good intentions to make it to the gym and workout but if you forget a vital piece of equipment, such as gym sneakers, you spoil your plans completely. Lay your gym clothes out the night before. If you are a morning exerciser, put everything out so it’s ready as soon as you roll out of bed. If you prefer to work out after work, pack your gym bag and leave it next to your workbag.

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July 2020 | 39

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THE WEIGHT PLATE HORSESHOE

elcome back to another edition of From the Trainer! Hope everyone has enjoyed the summer so far with plenty of sunshine, heat, and humidity on the way. With the restrictions caused by the COVID 19 outbreak being lifted, we can finally get back to the gym. July has a couple of important dates to note. The first is the celebration of our nation’s Independence from Great Britain. The next day is my father’s birthday! There are plenty of reasons to celebrate this month which generally involves burgers, brats, and beer. Keep your health & fitness goals in mind while enjoying the summer BBQ’s. Eat and drink in moderation. Take advantage of all the local farmers’ markets by purchasing the fresh fruit and vegetables while supporting the area farmers as well as your health! My family farms in Wyoming and I know they appreciate when people support and recognize all the hard working families that bring food to your table. With that said, I’ll move on to another exercise that can help you stay fit. I call it the Weight Plate Horseshoe. It targets the shoulders and upper trapezius muscles. I really enjoy this exercise because it challenges your balance, abdominal strength, and provides resistance from multiple directions. Many variations of this exercise exist, but I’ll describe just one version. Begin by standing with your feet shoulder-

width apart holding a weight plate at one side with your arms straight (Figure 1). I suggest using a 10lb plate for women and a 25lb plate for men. Using your shoulders to lift, bring the plate up and out to the side of your body while keeping the arms straight. Continue to rotate the weight above your head (Figure 2), and then slowly let it down on the opposite side in the same fashion (Figure 3). A few things to remember during the exercise: Control the weight at all times. Avoid twisting your spine. Contract the abdominals while lifting, this helps stabilize the torso and isolates the shoulders better. At this point, you’re only halfway through the exercise. Rotate the weight plate in the opposite direction to complete the “horseshoe”. This counts as only one repetition. Try one set of 8-10 reps before progressing to more sets and reps. You can add this exercise to any workout for variation. If you like more of a challenge, stand on top of a Bosu Balance Trainer to involve more of the legs. Enjoy the Weight Plate Horseshoe along with all the other fun summertime activities this month! Unverzagt holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Wellness Management from Black Hills State University. He is a certified Strength & Conditioning Specialist through the NSCA and a Registered Diagnostic Cardiac Stenographer through the American Registry for Diagnostic Medical Sonography. Old Town Crier

FIRST BLUSH

GENEVIEVE LEFRANC

Beauty Oils In the Summer?

ow that we’re in the thick of the humid, muggy summer months, each of us is searching for a way to beat the heat when it comes to our beauty routines. Strong perfumes have been replaced with light body mists and layers of heavy foundation with a light dusting of powder or bronzer. But…what about our moisturizing routines? The idea of slathering your body with a thick, heavy-duty body butter or cream lotion seems almost suffocating in summer. I am a religious user of cocoa butter formulas during the winter for their rich moisturizing properties and luxe smell, but in the dog days of summer, the same lotion leaves me feeling sticky and weighed down, sweating it all off in a matter of minutes. Enter oil beauty products. If you’re feeling skeptical, you’re not alone. I, too, found the idea of oil counterintuitive, but once familiar with the non-breakout-causing, skin illuminating benefits that various oil products offer, I’m a believer. Oils work differently, actually helping your own skin balance its natural oil production as well as hydrating face, body, and hair. And it’s universal. Oils aren’t just for those with dry skin or fried, split ends— they’re great for treating acneprone skin. The surprises continue: not all oils are created equal. Dry skin needs a product that will

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hydrate all day, while those with oilier skin types should look for a product that has a lightweight consistency. The best thing about oil is the fact that you can tailor it to your skin’s individual needs. Once you know which product is best for you, expect it to go to work right away. Trust me, the first time I used almond oil after a shower I felt like a piece of bacon, slipping and sliding all over the bathroom floor. But don’t feel tempted to wipe it all off; it absorbs on its own quickly and the subtle almond scent is lovely. Whether you’re a straight-up health food store kinda gal; find what you need in the beauty aisle; or simply scour your kitchen cabinets for what you need, read on to break down which oil-based products are right for you. If your skin is combination, like most, try Whole Foods Virgin Coconut Oil. Originally used as a cooking staple, coconut oil is also an incredible facial moisturizer, body lotion, and hair repair agent (just apply a small amount to dry, split ends). Pick some up at your local health food store, it’s that simple! For dry skin, oil is often a lifesaver. Try Dr. Haushka Rose Body Oil. This girly smelling oil, with its lightweight consistency, sinks right into skin while calming irritation and offering a sexy subtle sheen on your limbs that just screams St. Tropez. If you’re like me and your complexion and/or T-zone

is on the oily side, it seems counterintuitive to use an oil cleanser. Come on, washing away oil… with oil? However, Shu Uemura Fresh Pore Clarifying Gentle Cleansing Oil is a Japanese beauty classic that actually targets oily skin. The cleanser works by removing pore-clogging dirt and helping to regulate your own skin’s natural oils. You’ll see clearer skin plus a calming of those horrendous midday oil slicks. Oils and hair go hand in hand and provide a wealth of beauty benefits that will make you a believer. Moroccon Argan oil in its purest form is a lifesaver for not only your locks, but for scars, nails, skin, face, wrinkles, and fine lines. This oil is a superior source of antioxidants, vitamin E, and moisture as it nourishes and protects skin and hair from the environment. This organic ingredient prevents dehydration, inflammation, hyperpigmentation, and sebum production. It is your answer to naturally healthy, youthful, radiant, clear skin and hair. My sister got me in on the Argan oil secret, and she swears by it for reversing hair damage. If your hair is feeling fried (too much sun, chlorine or, let’s be honest, too much heat/color damage), try one of the many products with Argan oil. But be on the lookout for frauds! Drug store Argan oil is most likely diluted, so seek out the real deal at health food stores. The pure stuff will last

forever, so it’s worth the price! My sister says she doesn’t need more than four drops for her medium/long hair, but keep the oil away from bangs or roots to avoid that elvis look. Argan oil in its pure form penetrates the hair shaft to seal split ends and deliver intense moisture to each layer of the hair strand. All hair types will instantly look and feel healthier, silkier, and shinier. If you find your hair has plenty of oil on its own without any help from products, again, suspend logic and opt for an oil-based shampoo. Heritage Store Olive Haircuts $15 Shampoo, Cut & Blow Dry $18 (extra charge for long hair) Scissors Cut $17+up Color $43+up Permanent $45+up (including haircut & conditioner)

Oil Shampoo gently removes dirt and debris but, unlike most shampoos out there, this products leaves the scalp’s natural oils instead of stripping them away with harsh sulfates. Other shampoos make your scalp so squeaky clean that it forces oil glands into overdrive, causing increased oil production. Have I blown your minds yet about oil?

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GO FISH

STEVE CHACONAS

The Virtual Show Must Go On

ishing lures cast today likely starred at an ICAST (International Convention of Allied Sportfishing Trades) show. The industry’s largest sportfishing trade show is produced by the American Sportfishing Association, located in Alexandria, VA. Decades of relationships have been forged and loads of tackleboxes filled when buyers, distributors, and media decide what fish want at the annual show. But Covid struck. Flights, hotel reservations and the world’s biggest fishing show succumbed to the virus. But the show must go on. Ongoing stay-at-home orders have not resulted in cancellation, but in change. ICAST 2020 will be hosted virtually online in mid-July, providing exhibitors and attendees the experience of the show floor from their quarantined laptops/mobile devices. Respected media player Terry Brown, Wired2fish, has been preparing for the virtual show. He considers fishing companies a part of an extended family and features ICAST products in Wired’s own gallery. Brown thinks the New Product Showcase will more accurately reflected as voting will be closely monitored. Unable to check out some of the latest lures and fishing gear in person, ICAST on line will report what’s coming down the pipeline and likely reach a larger angling industry audience than ever before. Fishing generates nearly a $125 billion impact on the nation’s economy creating employment for 800,000 people, and ICAST 42 | July 2020

is the key to growing the fishing industry. Pete Gluszek, “The Dean” of The Bass University, has noticed ICAST changes over the past 15 years. Retailers discovered things that couldn’t be found anywhere, and they’d buy for the season. Pros educated retailers on products and how to sell them. Gluszek says, since the internet, it’s not a buyers show anymore. It’s become a media show with manufacturers, media and pros creating content to showcase new products. Buyers and retailers save expenses and stay home, covering the show with media reports and ASA updates. He credits ASA for providing sales training for attendees. Gluszek will broadcast from the virtual show floor featuring interviews with pros and manufacturers. Attendees can select exhibitors and products as well as save appointments, sessions and demos to a personalized calendar. This should be a more time effective opportunity to connect member exhibitors with more buyers. Without set up, travel and hotel costs, retailers and manufacturers will save expense money. However, if sales slump, Gluszek says ASA and manufacturers will be pushing hard for the show to come back next year. Showcasing products and services in virtual “booths” and hosting virtual press conferences, exhibitors can also schedule live and on-demand product demonstrations. Virtual meetings with buyers and media can get company messages out. BassCat pro John Crews has attended nearly every ICAST show in the past 20

years, representing himself along with SPRO, Cashion Rods, Sunline, and T-H Marine. Recently he’s been demonstrating his Missile Baits soft plastic company. Crews is looking forward to revealing new products during the virtual show. Public and passwordactivated access to different sections of the show will be available, contact asafishing. org. The online FLW ICAST Cup Bass Fishing Tournament and an interactive scavenger hunt will add to the experience. Business education seminars and other interactive events for buyers, media and angling public will be included. Conservation related ASA hosted events will engage the recreational fishing audience to focus on the nation’s conservation efforts and critical needs for the future. Representing many industry giants like Toyota, Carhartt,

Yamaha, Zebco, for over 25 years Alan McGucken with Dynamic Sponsorships says virtual events might replace costly shows in the future, but he doesn’t think it will happen soon unless the virtual experience is effective. “Nothing can quite replace the personal touch of an annual face to face in a booth.” Putting People and Product Together is the theme of ICAST 2020 as the big show transitions from planes, hotels and convention hall booths to a virtual show. Good news for ICAST attendees, the virtual version is open 24/7 and allows access from anywhere in the world, the perfect covid convention cure. ICAST doesn’t end at the closing bell as

connections secured during the week can virtually last a season. With a show floor, companies large and small are on the same level and can vie for attention. In an on line show, smaller companies can be virtually obscure. Whether this virtual ICAST show is a sign of the times or just shifting gears, ICAST is venturing into uncharted waters. While on line shows might be the wave of the future, hopefully it won’t leave manufacturers under water or anglers up a creek. Author Capt. Steve Chaconas is Potomac bass fishing guide. Potomac River reports: nationalbass.com. Book trips/ purchase gift certificates: info@ NationalBass.com.

Potomac River Bassing in July It’s hot, as water hits the mid to upper 80s, get out early and leave before the heat and storms roll in. Take a top down approach and continue as long as weather and fish cooperate. With cooler cloudy conditions, Poppers will work close to cover, grass or wood. When the topwater bite fades, try shallow crankbaits and bladed jigs. Slow retrieves with swim jigs will work too. Catch grass and snap and stop. Stay in the shade as long as possible. After the sun is out and stays, time to go to soft plastics. Texas rigged Mizmo tubes on 3/0 Mustad Ultra Point Tube hooks, shaky head with long shank Mustad jig hooks, Neko rigs with Mustad 2/0 red wacky rig hooks and wacky rigged weightless stickworms work. Skip baits under docks or into grass clumps. Line is key too. For poppers, use either 20 pound Gamma torque braid or Gamma 10 pound test Copoly line. For the crankbaits and bladed jigs, use 10-12 pound test Gamma Edge fluorocarbon line. The soft plastics presentations can be used on spinning gear like Quantum Smoke reels spooled with 15 pound test Gamma Torque braid with 10-12 pound test Edge leader. Or on casting gear, spool Quantum Smoke casting reels with 14 pound test Edge that can also handle most cover situations.

Old Town Crier

OPEN SPACE

ike many of you, this is definitely not the July I ordered, but somehow the one I did seems frivolous. It’s hard to concentrate on which tankini to order when the world feels heavy, scary, and perhaps a little lonely. Like you, I have friends and family I haven’t seen in months, and I’m unsure if/when I’ll ever be able to hug them again. What we don’t know feels scary, and what we do know has been terrifying. Who needs a summer blockbuster horror flick when one is unfolding in real time? Seriously—you can’t make this stuff up. On top of everything, my father’s health has been declining, and we have spent the past couple of weeks in and out of hospitals. I’m afraid for me that it might be the end. I’m afraid for him that it might not be. And yet, the world keeps spinning and summer is here. I’m grateful for Mother Nature’s reminder that in the midst of tragedy, heartbreak, and a pandemic, the summer solstice arrived as planned. Somewhere out there dolphins are swimming, hydrangeas are blooming, and Old Town Crier

LORI WELCH BROWN

fireflies are lighting up the night’s sky.That alone is reason to be joyful. As with every change of season, there is a smattering of hope. Hope for something that was different than before. There is a lot to be sad, anxious, and fearful about, but there are also things to be grateful for. I’m disappointed my summer plans didn’t materialize, but I am grateful for the opportunity to spend more time with neighbors. I am empathetic for the seniors who were robbed of proms and last hurrahs with their classmates, but it was awesome to see the creative celebrations that ensued. I get teary eyed every time I think of all the geriatrics like my dad who are sequestered away from their families, but I am thankful for the amazing caregivers who have gone above and beyond. While the things I would normally do such as go to the pool or an outdoor festival aren’t available, I can pack a lunch and go for a hike. I’ve been wanting to explore plain air painting and this is my opportunity. I can go kayaking. I have options, and that is a blessing in itself.

Admittedly, Zoom has lost its luster. I’m tired of seeing my own image on happy hour and yoga class screens. Can you say, “Botox?” I’m actually considering a special Zoom mask—maybe one with fuller lips and no fine lines. Months of quarantining and social distancing are beginning to wear on everyone, including this introvert. As much as I like my ‘alone’ time, I’m running out of things to talk to myself about. Falling into the rut of staying home where it’s safe is starting to feel like it has its own perils. When you have to give yourself a pep talk and muster energy to travel the three miles to Safeway, it’s a problem. Summer is supposed to be breezy and easy, and this one feels anything but. I’ve been a student of yoga and practiced meditation for years, and I find myself feeling anxious, worried, and projecting worst case scenarios. Lately, I’ve had to remind myself to get back onto the mat and just breathe. I’ve also found myself mired in conflicting emotions. I recently listened to Jennifer Pastiloff ’s audiobook, On Being Human, and my ‘aha’ moment came when she

talked about being two things at once. “Sure, once I published a piece or once I closed my notebook and left the cafe or stopped daydreaming, I was scared again, but while I was writing, while I was telling the truth, I was unafraid. I wanted that again. Fearless-ish. Afraid and not afraid. Scared and doing it anyway. Holding more than one thing. Two things at once.” I can be sad, but I can also be present and enjoy life’s blessings as they arrive. I can be anxious, but I can also be helpful and supportive. I can hold two things at once. I can hold fear and joy. I can hate the crap out of what’s going on in the world, but still enjoy the blessings of summer. I can grieve my dad’s decline, but I can also pray for his peaceful journey home. Reading and watching the news unfold left me with a sense of helplessness which is not a useful emotion because everyone can help. Everyone can find a way to do their small part. Lots of small parts make big movements. Trust me—I’ve had to remind myself of that daily. Start small. Do little things.

Donate $10 to an organization you support. Foster a kitten. Deliver a meal. This isn’t the summer I dreamed of—there are no plane tickets to Italy or packed movie theaters or festivals, yet there are silver linings. Watching the neighborhood kids play out in the cul de sac brings me joy. Watering my plants is a lovely way to start my day. Putting in my ear buds and listening to a podcast while I take my morning stroll energizes me. Rituals of any kind ground me, and I shouldn’t feel guilty for finding joy. “Sometimes you find yourself in the midst of life and you think, I don’t remember starting this, yet here I am, and sometimes you literally have to wake up and say, It’s time. Despite everything pointing south, I must go north.” —Jennifer Pastiloff Well—maybe not too far north. Baltimore? Don’t forget to pack your mask, and maybe some sunscreen. If you would like to read more of Lori’s work, you can follow her on Medium at Lori Welch Brown. July 2020 | 43

NATIONAL HARBOR

LANI GERING

Good News….Bad News

have had a plethora of people ask me what the status is of both the MGM Grand and the Gaylord National since the restrictions resulting from the COVID-19 hullabaloo are being relaxed. I had great expectations that included both resorts being up and running in some sense and was anxiously waiting to hear from my PR contacts. I was hit with both “good” news and “bad” news.

The Good News By the time this issue hits the streets on the 30th, the MGM Grand will have been open two whole days. Opening the doors at 6:00 AM - kind of an odd hour in my opinion but they didn’t consult me so…- on the morning of June 29th, they are anxiously waiting to welcome guests back to the site. Per the Governor’s guidelines, the property will adhere to a 50% capacity limit. They have gone to great lengths to adhere to all of the mandates that are required to operate during the ongoing pandemic. Key initiatives from the MGM Resorts plan as well as specific to MGM National Harbor include: Health & Safety • Employee screening, temperature checks and COVID-19 specific training 44 | July 2020

• Employees and guests will be required to wear masks in public areas. Masks will be provided free of charge • Guest temperature checks at casino floor entrances and hotel front desk • A physical distancing policy will be implemented, with floor guides serving as reminders • For areas where physical distancing presents challenges, plexiglass barriers will be installed, or other measures will be used to reduce risks • Standalone handwashing stations designed by MGM Resorts conveniently located on the casino floor • Contactless Check-In through the MGM Resorts App will allow hotel guests to go through the check-in process on their personal devices, minimizing interactions • Guestroom Attendants will wear masks and gloves while cleaning each room and will change gloves between guestrooms • In addition to increased and enhanced routine cleaning of guestrooms and public spaces based on CDC guidance, electrostatic sprayers will be utilized in many large public spaces so that disinfectant is applied efficiently

• Digital menus will be available to view on personal mobile devices via QR codes in the resort’s food and beverage outlets • To minimize groups congregating while they wait, restaurant guests will receive text message notification when their tables are ready • MGM has compiled its own internal team and processes to respond if a guest or employee tests positive for COVID-19. We ask that if a guest tests positive after visiting one of our properties, they alert us through a special email address (covid19@ mgmresorts.com). We will immediately report any positive test results to the local health department and assist with contact tracing to support the health department investigators. A glimpse at what guests can expect: • ROOMS & SUITES – Relax in one of MGM National Harbor’s rooms and suites, featuring panoramic views of the Potomac River and the Capital Region. Digital innovations will allow guests to utilize contactless check-in and digital key features. Guests will have their temperature checked at the hotel front desk.

• CONSERVATORY & POTOMAC PLAZA – Conservatory will present “Blossoms and Butterflies,” paying homage to the world-famous cherry blossom trees. Potomac Plaza, offering those fantastic panoramic views of the DMV, will also be accessible. For guest safety, new traffic patterns and physical distancing protocols will be in place. • GAMING – To promote physical distancing, every other slot machine will be disabled, and plexiglass barriers have been installed at many of the table games. At security checkpoints to enter the casino floor, guests will have their temperature checked via thermal scanner. Poker will not be available in this first phase of reopening. • DINING – A selection of the dining venues, including Voltaggio Brothers Steak House, Ginger, the food hall at National Market, and Bellagio Patisserie will be open for business. Guests will utilize digital innovations such as QR codes for menus and text messaging for reservations. • BEVERAGES – A number of the resort’s lounges will be available, including Blossom, Felt Bar & Lounge

and the Lobby Bar. • ART – The Heritage Art Collection, including stunning pieces by more than 70 local and national artists, will be accessible to all guests. • RETAIL – Sundries, snacks and souvenirs will be available at MGM & Co. The status of the Theater and the live concerts remains in flux at the time of this writing. Days and hours of operation at all venues will vary. Complimentary selfparking will be available for guests; valet parking will not be operational at this time. For updates as the days go on and a full list of offerings, and to make reservations, please visit mgmnationalharbor.com.

The Bad News Gaylord National will not be opening any time soon unless things drastically change. Since the bulk of their business relies on meetings and conventions followed by tourism, until people can travel and gather together they will remain closed. The employee furlough has been extended through October 2nd. In the meantime, I am going to concentrate on the positive and make sure that I have a seat at Bond 45 when they open later this week. Old Town Crier

Find Trip Info at www.VisitStMarysMD.com

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