Old Town Crier - August 2014 Issue

Since 1988–Priceless

August 2014

From the Bay to the Blue Ridge

Dining Out

THE LANDINGS AT OCCOQUAN

Upscale Waterside Dining Personality Profile

LENNY WILLIAMS The Piano Man

Business Profile

AFFORDABLE SIGNS

Celebrating 10 Years of Signage National Harbor

CIRQUE du SOLEIL Amaluna & More

oldtowncrier.com

Landini’s

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

AND THE PAST 15 YEARS

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

G -11 pm N I RK :30

PArday 5 T E AL atu

V y&S a

Frid

Valet Parking Friday & Saturday 5-11 pm

Franco and Noe welcome you!

COME FOR THE FUN, STAY FOR THE FOOD!

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

Fish Market has continued to rise above the tide with its winning recipe for success–good, fresh seafood, excellent service and a great location. Such dedication to high quality and customer service has helped launch Fish Market as an Old Town landmark since 1976!

105 & 107 King St. Old Town Alexandria

703.836.5676 fishmarketva.com

Eat Fish, Drink Beer, Live Longer!

august14 A Division of Crier Media Group OTC Media LLC PO Box 320386 Alexandria, Va. 22320

46

20

14

phone: 703. 836. 0132 office@oldtowncrier.com oldtowncrier.com Published the first week of every month.

Worth waiting for!

PUBLISHER Bob Tagert MARKETING & ADVERTISING Lani Gering Bob Tagert SOCIAL MEDIA & WEBSITE Laura Parker

A Bit of History

8

Financial Focus

6

Personality Profile

4

11

First Blush

43

Pets of the Month

17

DESIGN & PRODUCTION Art & Antiques Electronic Ink Behind the Bar

15

Fitness

40

Points on Pets

16

28

From the Bay‌

22

Business Profile

5

From the Trainer

41

Publishers Notes

9 Royal Street, SE Leesburg, Va. 20175

Chris Anderson Vincent Arrunategui Peggie Arvidson Sarah Becker F. Lennox Campello Steve Chaconas Doug Coleman Ashley Denham Busse Jaime Elliott Doug Fabbioli Nicole Flanagan Lani Gering Elizabeth Jones

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

After Hours

2

Road Trip

20

Single Space

45

Spiritual Renaissance

44

10

The Last Word

12

46

To the Blue Ridge

25

Caribbean Connection

18

Gallery Beat

14

Chefs Special

34

Go Fish

39

Civil Discourse

9

Grapevine

36

Dining Guide

32

High Notes

Dining Out

30

National Harbor

Dog Days of Summer

27

On the Media

3

Urban Garden

13

Exploring Virginia Wines

35

On the Road

1

Virginia Wine Trails

38

Š 2014 Crier Media Group, Inc. No part of this publication may be reproduced without the written consent of the publisher.

The Old Town Crier is published monthly and distributed to selected Alexandria residents, hotels, restaurants and retail shops. Also distributed in the Annapolis, Fredericksburg, Blue Ridge and Washington, DC areas as well as St. John, USVI.

Follow US on Facebook facebook.com/oldtowncrier

About the cover On the road with OTC Ceilie Mae, a Chesapeake Bay Retriever, scans the shores behind an empty crab pot on the Chesapeake Bay in Kilmarnock, Va. She and owner/photographer Julie Reardon both like fresh caught blue crabs!

Old Town Crier

Tina Mayes, co-owner of Mick and Tina's Country Tavern in Augusta, WV and Nancy Clutter take a peek at the Old Town Crier to see what's happening in the big city. Mick & Tina's is a must stop kind of place while on a road trip to Cumberland Gap in northern Maryland.

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

August 2014 | 1

PUBLISHERS NOTES BOB TAGERT

J

ust like the strange winter we had, this summer is turning out a little weird as well. The temps have risen to the 90s with the normal Northern Virginia humidity but we have also had some very pleasant low 80s days with no humidity— much like today as I write this. I guess there is something to be said about the “Dog Days of Summer” as I believe they are going to be upon us in August. Check out the informative piece on page 27 for the real reasons it is believed that August is in the middle of the Dog Days!

To escape the heat we took our road trip to Rocky Gap Resort near Cumberland, Md. It is always refreshing to go to the mountains and I look forward to a return trip this fall.

Also in this month’s issue is the scoop on Alexandria’s Restaurant Week that runs August 15-22. Check out our ad in this issue for more information. Speaking of restaurants, owners Steve Lecureux and his sister Laurence Matrat of Chez Andree restaurant will celebrate 50 years serving Alexandria. Be sure to stop in at this little out of the way spot in Del Ray and say

congratulations.

Liz Jones writes about Affordable Signs (celebrating 25 years of business) in the Business Profile and I gave Laura Parker a vacation break and took on the task of interviewing one of Old Town’s favorite musicians back in the day—Lenny Williams— for our Personality Profile. Many of you will remember him from the old days when we actually had several good live music venues in Old Town. Lori Welch gives us an update on the countdown to the big day—all of you Single Space fans have been following the road that got her there!

Please take a minute and like us on Facebook—we are looking for some input from our readers and this is a great place to make suggestions and keep up with what we are up to. Our website is also a good place to make comments about individual columns since it is also now a blog. Check it out at oldtowncrier. com.

Stay cool out there!

Local Farmers Markets Old Town Farmers Market

The Lamplighter Our staff has 3 generations of experience to assist you in your lamp and lamp shade needs!

1207 King Street Old Town Alexandria 703.549.4040 www.lamplighterlamps.com Haircuts $13 Shampoo, Cut & Blow Dry $16 (extra charge for long hair) Scissors Cut $17+up Color $38+up Permanent $43+up (including haircut & conditioner)

A Very Good Price!

Good Haircut!

Beautiful Perm!

Long Lasting Color!

Market Square • 301 King Street Saturday 5:30 - 11 a.m. • year round free parking in Market Square garage during market hours People who come to Alexandria on Saturday mornings find themselves in a busy plaza where local farmers and artists have been selling their products since 1753. Old Town Alexandrias Market Square is thought to be one of the nations oldest continually operating farmers markets, serving as a primary source of meat, dairy, fish, fruits and vegetables for Alexandrians. George Washington sent his produce from Mount Vernon to be sold here. Today, the market offers folks a way to reconnect to the past, while participating in an ongoing local and national tradition.

Del Ray Farmers Market

Van’s Hairstylists 107 North Washington Street (near corner of King & Washington streets)

703-836-1916

Monday-Friday 9 am-7 pm • Saturday 9 am-6 pm We care and will give you only the best!

Biolage • Vital Nutrient • Socolor • Matrix Perm • Paul Mitchell • Nexxus 2 | August 2014

Corner of East Oxford Avenue & Mount Vernon Avenue Saturday 8 a.m. - Noon • year round The Del Ray Market is producer grown, with fresh vegetables and fruits in season. All year round this market offers meats, eggs, fresh pasta and sauces, Amish cheese, yogurt, bakery goods, eggs, jams and jellies, fancy nuts and bakery goods.

Old Town Crier

ON THE MEDIA LAURA PARKER

GoPro: The New Definition of ’Marketing Genius’

E

very month I write this column with the hopes of imparting some marketing wisdom on all of the Old Town Crier’s small business owners. This month I want to take a break from touting my own self-dubbed ’words of wisdom,’ to discuss a marketing campaign that has recently had tremendous success.

However, before I reveal the success of the GoPro YouTube campaign, I want to add a word of caution.

Marketing genius comes from an understanding of your customers (past, present, and future), not from mimicking the success of another company.

At the end of 2013, GoPro decided to put its video marketing campaign in the hands of their customers. Prior to this moment of epiphany, the company had been spending wasted marketing dollars producing their own online videos. I say ’wasting’ because thousands of GoPro customers were already producing massively popular videos to YouTube, Vine, Vimeo, and other video platforms. In an effort to boost sales while increasing customer interactions, GoPro started to accept customer video submissions for use on their YouTube channel. The result has been a brilliant marketing campaign that

doesn’t show any sign of slowing down.

Here are just a few of the current results: • 2 Million YouTube subscribers • 521 Million website views • Top brand channel on YouTube, January – March 2014 • 4,426 comments on the GoPro YouTube Discussion page YouTube recently had the following to say about GoPro and its video marketing success, “By involving its fans in content curation, GoPro has built a loyal and engaged audience. The authenticity of the channel’s content helps viewers feel connected to the brand.”

Thanks YouTube, I couldn’t have said it better myself—GoPro’s genius marketing plan has perfectly capitalized on what it means to be a part of the current consumercentric market space. The only question that remains is, what company will be the next ’marketing genius’ and what online medium will they rely on for their success?

Laura Parker is a full-time freelance writer and marketing guru. For more marketing tips or to schedule a marketing advice session please contact her at parke425@gmail.com

Priceless

Priceless

August 2008

August 2009

From the Bay to the Blue Ridge

From the Bay to the Blue Ridge

The Dog Days of Summer

CAPITOL HEEL TO THE RESCUE! Personality Profile

OLD TOWN’S CHARLIE COLLUM Grapevine

BLENHEIM VINEYARDS Daytripping

HAVRE DE GRACE MARYLAND Plus!

Former White House Chef Walter Scheib

Old Town Crier

Book Review

DOG BOOKS FOR DOG DAYS

Chef’s Special

ANDREW CONLIN

Behind the Bar

SONIA JONES

Daytripping to…

THE BLUE RIDGE Grapevine

CHATEAU O’BRIEN

get your ! monthly fix

private yacht charter Cruise the waters of the Potomac River with its postcard views of the DC skyline.

Business entertainment, private parties, weddings, birthdays and anniversaries are our specialties.

We take the art of entertaining to a whole new level, no matter what the occasion.

You and your guests will remember the cruise for years to come. Quality service begins with custom planning to suit your needs.

potomac belle Docked in Old Town Alexandria

For reservations and additional information

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

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August 2014 | 3

Personality profile BOB TAGERT

Lenny Williams Musician extraordinaire

B

ack in the late 70s and early 80s, Old Town Alexandria was a bit different than it is now.

There were a lot more music venues than there are today and some popular acts performed here.

Where O’Connell’s Irish Restaurant (formerly Bullfeathers) is today was once the Lobster Shed, a very laid back and casual bar/restaurant that was home to a group still playing today, The Nighthawks. Every once in a while Gregg Allman of the Allman Brothers Band would sit in with the Nighthawks.

Where the Starbucks is at King and Union Streets the late Roger Henderson would be entertaining us with his original songs and his excellent guitar work at the Seaport Inn. The second floor at the Wharf Restaurant on King Street had a huge bar and a stage where the likes of Mary Ann Redmon, Mary Blankemeier, Al Williams and Eva Cassidy performed.

It was in the early 80s that a young classically trained pianist left his home in Baltimore and moved to this area.

Lenny Williams had arrived.

Lenny graduated from the Peabody Conservatory of Music in 1983 with a BM degree in music composition.

His first gig in this area was playing at Café Lafayette which was once located on North Columbus Street off of King Street. Lenny would fill in on the nights when, then popular, 4 | August 2014

political satirist Joan Cushing was off.

From there, Lenny began performing at Abby’s on South Washington where today stands Southside 815. I can’t remember if Marcus’ was the restaurant before Abby’s or the other way around, but Lenny played at both. It was during this time period that Lenny began to create lifelong bonds with the other local performers. Roger Henderson would stop in after he finished his evening at Cate’s (where Balducci’s is today on Franklin Street) and would sing along with Lenny’s piano music.

Lenny also began to work with other local talent including Billy Hancock, Chris Biondi and Eva Cassidy. From 1988 to 1996 he was the pianist for the late Eva Cassidy, whose posthumous recordings have sold over ten million copies. His recordings with Eva have received numerous gold and platinum records in the U.S. and abroad.

In 1993 Lenny became the full time pianist with the DC-based political satire group, the Capitol Steps.

The Capitol Steps headquarters is also located here in Old Town Alexandria. In 1995 friend Dave Kane got Lenny involved with National Geographic Television and Film. Since then he

has worked with NatGeo Wild, the National Geographic Channel, the Discovery Channel, Court TV, TRUTV, WNET, CNN, TLC, PBS, Animal Planet, Smithsonian Networks and The History Channel. He has also won five BMI awards and contributed music to two Grammy award-winning recordings. He has won a Teton award at the Jackson Hole Wildlife Film Festival (2007) for Outstanding Musical Score and a Panda Award for Best Music in 2008 at Wildscreen.

Lenny has composed original music for more than 1,000 hours of broadcast television, winning national Emmy Awards in 2001, 2002,

2004, 2005 and 2006 in the category Outstanding Achievement in a Craft: Music and Sound. He has been nominated nine times for the Emmy Award including two nominations in 2012.

Today the 53 year old Williams lives in Kensington, Md. with his wife Joan Gregory and children Ellie, Samantha and Grady. Even with all of these awards and achievements, I still relish the days of just listening to Lenny run his fingers across the keys and letting his music take me away. It is nice to know that friends we made years and years ago have created their own careers while bringing joy to so many people. We look to see more of Lenny Williams here in Old Town when his schedule allows him a little free time.

Old Town Crier

business profile ELIZABETH jones

The Writing On the Wall

Affordable Signs & Banners Turns 25!

A

Owner Ken Boland

t the Old Town Crier, it is always our greatest satisfaction to support our neighbors and local business owners. This month I had the pleasure of meeting Ken Boland, owner of Affordable Signs & Banners, conveniently located at 423 Calvert Avenue in Alexandria.

Established in 1989, Del Ray’s Affordable Signs & Banners is well known and regarded in our community. It is an independently owned, certified small business specializing in custom interior and exterior signs. Regardless of your need, I am willing to bet Ken and his dedicated team can make it a reality.

From banners, window lettering and

even large format prints, delivering on their product is their priority.

Whether it is a retail or restaurant storefront, regulatory and traffic signs, special events, meetings or even conventions, it is likely you have already seen Affordable Signs & Banners’ fine work right here in the heart of Alexandria.

Celebrating their 25th year in business, Ken knows a thing or two about managing for success. Having been an entrepreneur since before high school, he also knows that he likes to call the shots, take the risks, and reap the benefits (the joys of being your own boss)!

Ken wasn’t kidding when he said he got an early start on entrepreneurship.

New flatbed printer

Old Town Crier

He owned and operated the largest newspaper stand on the east side of Detroit for six years before leaving for Houston at age 18. After working in the corporate environment for eight years he realized that running the show was the best career path, and found his way to Virginia in 1988 to make his vision a reality.

When asked what Ken enjoys most about owning and operating Affordable Signs & Banners, it was clear that he is intrinsically motivated by the work that they do. “We really enjoy what we do. I have always believed that selling a quality product at a fair price, and treating customers and employees as I like to be treated, would be a formula for success, and it

has worked.”

Celebrating 25 years in business, Ken and his team Affordable Signs & Banners invite you to an Open House on Tuesday, August 5 from 5 to 7pm.

Longtime customers or individuals curious about what they have to offer are encouraged to stop by and join them for a beverage and a piece of cake!

As proud members of the United States Sign Council, Del Ray Business Association and Alexandria Convention and Visitors Association, Affordable Signs & Banners understands the importance of supporting our small businesses BUSINESS PROFILE > PAGE 7

ASB crew hard at work crafting custom signs and banners

August 2014 | 5

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

Is It Time to Rebalance Your Plan Investments?

I

f you have not reviewed your plan holdings lately, you may be surprised at what you’ll find.

Even if you have not made a single change to your plan’s investment mix, it’s possible that your current asset allocation has drifted from what it was when you first started participating in your employer-sponsored plan.1 That’s why it is a good idea to review your portfolio at least once a year to determine whether it makes sense to rebalance — or adjust — your holdings and to ensure that your portfolio holdings fit your current investment needs and circumstances.2

Portfolio Drift

To appreciate how performance differences can affect an investment portfolio over time, consider what happened to a hypothetical portfolio of 70% stocks, 20% bonds, and 10% cash left unbalanced for the 20 years ended December 31, 2013.3 The original 70% allocation to

U.S. stocks would have grown to 84%, while allocations to bonds and cash would have shrunk to 12% and 4%, respectively, increasing the overall risk in the portfolio.

Keep in mind that past performance is no guarantee of future results.4

Making Adjustments

Ideally, adjustments to your asset allocation should occur gradually over the years based on such factors as your projected retirement date, life events such as the birth of a child, and your comfort level with risk. As a general rule, the further away you are from retirement, the larger the role stocks may play in your portfolio.

For each review, calculate how much of your money is in stocks, bonds, and other asset classes. Then decide whether you are comfortable with those allocations. If not, rebalance to bring the allocations back to their intended targets.

Rebalancing your plan account holdings can be

accomplished in one of two ways: changing your investment allocations on future contributions or changing your current mix of investments. Either way, you will want to reduce allocations to investments that exceed your target allocation and increase allocations to investments in the underweighted asset.

How often should you consider rebalancing? The usual answer is anytime your goals change; otherwise, at least once a year. However, during times of market volatility, it may be a good idea to keep close tabs on your holdings and make sure they do not drift far from your target allocation.

Because of the possibility of human or mechanical error

by S&P Capital IQ Financial Communications or its sources, neither S&P Capital IQ Financial Communications nor its sources guarantees the accuracy, adequacy, completeness or availability of any information and is not

“

Rebalancing , or reallocating, your retirement plan investments on a periodic basis should be a standard part of the investment process.

If you have not reviewed your plan holdings lately, you may be surprised at what you find.

responsible for any errors or omissions or for the results obtained from the use of such information. In no event shall S&P Capital IQ Financial Communications be liable for any indirect, special or consequential damages in connection with subscribers or others use of the content. © 2014 S&P Capital IQ Financial Communications.

All rights reserved. This column is provided through the Financial Planning Association, the membership organization for the financial planning community, and is brought to you by Carl M. Trevisan, a local member of FPA and Stephen M. Bearce. McLaughlin Ryder Investments, Inc. and McLaughlin Ryder Advisory Services, LLC and their employees are not in the

business of providing tax or legal advice. These materials and any tax-related statements are not intended or written to be used, and cannot be used or relied upon, by any such taxpayer for the purpose of avoiding tax penalties. Taxbased statements, if any, may have been written in connection with the promotion or marketing of the transaction (s) or matter(s) addressed by these materials, to the extent allowed by applicable law.

Any such taxpayer should seek advice based on the taxpayers particular circumstances from an independent tax advisor. Securities offered

by McLaughlin Ryder Investments, Inc. and investment advisory services offered by McLaughlin Ryder Advisory Services, LLC.

1 Asset allocation does not assure a profit or protect against a loss.

2 Rebalancing strategies may involve tax consequences, especially for non-tax-deferred accounts.

3 Investing in stocks involves risks, including loss of principal. Bonds are subject to market and interest rate risk if sold prior to maturity. Bond values will decline as interest rates rise and are subject to availability and change in price. Government bonds and Treasury bills are guaranteed by the U.S. government as to the timely payment of principal and interest, and, if held to maturity, offer a fixed rate of return and fixed principal value.

4 Source: Wealth Management Systems Inc. Stocks are represented by the total returns of Standard & Poor’s Composite Index of 500 stocks, an unmanaged index that is generally considered representative of the U.S. stock market. Bonds are represented by the total returns of the Barclays Aggregate Bond index. Money markets are represented by the total returns of the Barclays 3-Month Treasury Bills index. It is not possible to invest directly in an index. Past performance is not a guarantee of future results.

6 | August 2014

Old Town Crier

Let’s Make Banking Fun for Everyone You know us. We know you. Our team of Erik, Ted, Charlie and Pam has been serving the personal and business banking needs of Alexandrians for generations. Being friendly and helpful is natural for this dynamic foursome. Stop by our new branch and let us show you why so many others have made John Marshall Bank their bank. We make banking fun.

Alexandria Branch Grand Opening!

ACT NOW! Open a “Grand Opening” Money Market Account between $2,500 to $250,000 in new money with John Marshall Bank and earn up to

1

% APY*

To qualify for this special rate simply open a new John Marshall Checking or Interest Checking Account with $1,000 or more.

For more details or to open an account, call or stop by today.

*APY is annual percentage yield. APY is quoted with an average daily balance of $2,500 or more as of November 18, 2013 and is subject to change at any time after June 30, 2014. If the average daily balance falls below $2,500, APY will be .50%. The APY of 1.0% applies only to balances of $2,500 or more up to a maximum of $250,000. The APY on balances of more than $250,000 will be .50%. Fees may reduce earnings on this account. Withdrawals of more than six (6) per month are subject to a $10.00 excess transaction fee. If the average daily balance in the related checking or interest checking account opened with this account falls below $1,000, we reserve the right to convert this account to a regular John Marshall Bank Money Market Account. This is a limited time offer and the availability of this account may be withdrawn at any time without notice.

640 Franklin Street Alexandria, VA 22314 703-289-5950

Member

JohnMarshallBank.com

BUSINESS PROFILE FROM PAGE 5

and organizations. Ken and his neighbors have watched Alexandria develop over the years, and he understands the need to preserve our independently owned and operated shops and services.

Determined to keep up with the latest advances in sign making and printing, Affordable Signs & Banners will always provide a quality product at a fair price. Ken values his customers and team of seven employees equally. As residents who live, shop and dine in Alexandria, they get to see how their work contributes to the community, the writing on the wall if you will, each and every day. In

Ken’s words, “we would not have gotten this far without a talented staff, one who shares my creative passion for sign making, and are dedicated to making this company work well for all of us.”

Success in this competitive business can be attributed to producing durable products, using creative designs and top quality materials. Affordable Signs & Banners offer friendly service and quick turnaround, at an affordable pricing. Stop by, call, or go online to learn more about Ken, and the great work that Affordable Signs & Banners do for our community!

Old TOwn Shoe & luggage Repair • Serving Alexandria for over 17 years • Shoe & Luggage Repair • New Luggage

824 King Street Old Town Alexandria, Virginia 703.299.0655 Mon-Fri 7:30 am-7 pm • Sat 9 am-5 pm Old Town Crier

August 2014 | 7

a bit of history sarah becker

Infectious Disease

T

Louis Pasteur

8 | August 2014

oday it is the unexpected arrival of the MERS virus (Middle Eastern Respiratory Syndrome) that sickens America.

The World Health Organization (WHO) reports that MERS, an infectious disease, now occurs transglobally most likely transmitted by handshake. Infectious diseases are caused by living organisms including viruses, bacteria, fungi, protozoa and parasitic worms.

Disease occurs when cells in the human body are damaged as a result of infection. In 1617 Jamestown’s Indian villages suffered a fatal smallpox epidemic.

In 1795 Alexandria’s Superintendent of Quarantine inspected incoming ships to prevent the spread of yellow fever. In 1862 President Lincoln’s son Willie died of typhoid fever and during the Civil War more soldiers died of diarrhea than bullet wounds. Coincident with the Civil War, beginning in 1861, Louis Pasteur developed his germ theory of disease.

Infectious diseases spread by direct contact; via vectors like the mosquito; airborne droplets, or contaminated food, water and blood.

In 1909 the South succumbed to hookworm. The Spanish flu slowed the First World War, and in 1918 in Alexandria “expectorating on sidewalks” became punishable by law. The law did not prevent a 1923 outbreak of Grippe, a “bad weather [influenza] affliction” which infected “500-700 Alexandria persons.”

Revolutionary War General

George Washington understood the maladies associated with infectious diseases. He survived smallpox as a youth. Washington favored smallpox inoculation, so much so he ordered the Continental army immunized.

In 1777, 100,000 North Americans died from smallpox. “[W]e should have more dread from [smallpox] than from the Sword of the enemy,” General Washington concluded.

Smallpox symptoms include fever, fatigue, headache, backache and deep-seated rash. “[T]he smallpox has made such Head in every Quarter that I find it impossible to keep it from spreading thro’ the whole Army in the natural way,” General Washington said. “I have therefore determined, not only to inoculate all the Troops now here, that have not had it, but shall order [Doctor] Shippen to inoculate the Recruits as fast as they come in to Philadelphia.”

Those who opposed General Washington’s smallpox initiative shared the unfounded belief the British had militarily infected the American army. Martha Washington, a camp follower fearful of the inoculating process, received her smallpox inoculation in Philadelphia in 1776. Son Jacky Custis was inoculated in 1771. To inoculate is to introduce an antigenic substance intended to boost immunity. “[General] Washington’s unheralded and little-recognized resolution to inoculate the Continental forces must surely rank among his most important decisions of the war,” historian Elizabeth A. Fenn wrote. Thanks to the courage of men like Washington smallpox was wholly eradicated in 1979.

Whether it is today’s enclosed air traveler, George Washington’s halfbrother Lawrence, or an 1880s milkdrinking American citizen someone somewhere is newly infected with the

tuberculosis bacterium (TB) every second. Tuberculosis is an infectious bacterial disease that spreads when an infected person coughs or sneezes and the airborne contaminant is inhaled by another located nearby. It is also spread by drinking unpasteurized, contaminated milk.

In 1882 German bacteriologist Robert Koch proved that tuberculosis was caused by contagious bacteria, not by heredity as others assumed. “If [Louis] Pasteur’s culture experiments have led to the discovery of a method by which the poison of splenic fever is rendered harmless, and the disease prevented by the timely inoculation of the modified virus, may we not hope that the time is not distant when the ravages of [tubercular] consumption will be prevented by the inoculation of a modified bacillus?”

The Washington Post wrote in 1883. “.…That tuberculosis is contagious and that it is transmissible from human beings to animals or vice versa are among the statements on which the members of the [first International Tuberculosis] Congress were substantially agreed,” The Washington Post continued in 1888.

“The practical identity of tuberculosis in the case of men, women and cattle is now acknowledged.” The cattle type accounted for approximately 10% of all cases of human pulmonary tuberculosis and 100% of all human cases involving organ damage.

By 1900 untreated tuberculosis was the country’s leading cause of human mortality, with a death rate of 194/100,000. More than a century later, in 2008, 1.8 million of the world’s people died from tuberculosis.

Only 2% of those with multidrug resistant TB receive proper medication.

The National Academy of Sciences Marian Koshland Science Museum A BIT OF HISTORY > PAGE 42

Old Town Crier

civil DISCOURSE DOUG COLEMAN

August 1864,The Crater

S

ummer of 1864 finds the armies faced off on a vast entrenched line extending from the killing grounds at Cold Harbor to the railhead at Petersburg - not so much a “siege” as trench warfare anticipating another cheerless front fifty years to come. On July 30th, 1864, the Confederate army before Petersburg was startled by an enormous explosion beneath one of their forts. The Yankees intended to not only obliterate the fort and its defenders, but to more generally punch a hole through the line. Federal troops would then surge through the gap without incurring devastating casualties assaulting entrenched Confederates.

A regiment of Pennsylvania miners began digging on June 25th and by July 17th the 511 foot tunnel reached the Confederate fort. The terminus was expanded into 75 foot chambers on both sides. On July 28th, the mine was armed with 8000 pounds of powder. The plan was to wreck the fort, then have two brigades of United States Colored Troops exploit the confusion, one attacking on each side of the crater, pushing on to seize an unfortified hill beyond, and then on into Petersburg itself if possible. Two other divisions of white troops would then follow up to exploit the breach.

Overall, 50,000 men were poised to support the attack, versus perhaps 15,000 Confederates defending.

The Colored infantry rehearsed the assault out of sight of the Confederates for two weeks. But at the last minute Meade decided against using the Colored troops, lacking confidence in their abilities and fearing political repercussions at home if they failed.

Grant concurred. A replacement Old Town Crier

division of white soldiers was chosen by lot. The replacement troops were not drilled on the plan; indeed, their drunken commander did not even brief them on the mission.

On July 30th, at around 3:30 in the morning, the mastermind of the tunnel, Colonel Henry Pleasants, lit the long fuse leading to the powder kegs. The fuse fizzled and the mine did not blow on schedule.

Two very brave volunteers crawled down the narrow shaft to see what had gone wrong and relit the fuse fifty feet short of the magazine.

At 4:44 a.m., the powder detonated, wrecking the fort and killing 278 Confederates, leaving a crater about 200 feet long, 60 feet wide and 30 feet deep.

At first the plan worked. At the instant of the explosion, every Union gun available began shelling the opposing line. Confused and shell-shocked Confederates barely returned fire. But the assault force was almost equally awed and did not immediately advance. Burnside had not bothered to bridge his own trenches or clear his abatis, such that the advancing troops were slowed by their own defenses. When they did reach the crater almost unopposed, they did not go around it to roll up the flanks as the Colored troops had rehearsed, but used the crater as cover as Confederates commanded by quickthinking General Mahone assembled for counterattack.

As Harper’s puts it: “A determined rush would have crowned the crest

with the loss of hardly a man.” But the troops do not press forward to occupy the commanding hill behind the lines. An hour passes and the crater continues to fill with troops packed shoulder to shoulder. As the sun comes up, a very competent Mahone rings the crater with muskets and artillery, turning it into a slaughter pen. Then the Confederates began dropping mortar bombs into the massed Federals. The Federals compounded their error by sending in the Colored infantry as reinforcements, who also crowded into the crater to be shot to pieces by enraged Confederates. Some of the Colored troops made it out to engage the Confederates in prolonged and merciless close-quarters combat in a dash for the commanding hill behind the lines, capturing about 250 Confederates and providing some respite to those trapped below. Finally the Confederates swept them all back and reclaimed the blasted scene, the

“Before Petersburg at Sunrise,” by A. R. Waud

CIVIL DISCOURSE > PAGE 42

August 2014 | 9

HIGH NOTES CHRIS ANDERSON

Yes: Heaven & Earth

C

urrently in their 46th year, Yes is the most enduring of all the prog bands. Much of the band’s longevity is thanks to an ever-shifting lineup, with bassist Chris Squire being the sole constant (though drummer Alan White has been with Yes for 42 years and guitarist Steve Howe has spent 31 of the last 44 years in the band).

Keyboardist Geoff Downes, originally in Yes from 1980-1981, rejoined in 2011 for the recording of Fly From Here and has been with the band since.

Making his debut is vocalist Jon Davison, taking over from Benoit David (who assumed the position in 2008, replacing Jon Anderson). The last two years on the road revealed Davison to be the most adept, of all the singers who have assumed Anderson’s role, at performing the classics with the greatest of ease, while bringing his own flavor. His voice sounds much like Anderson’s, making him an easy and obvious fit. While Benoit David was a fantastic singer, Davison adds a new dimension by being a great songwriter as well, stepping up in a way that most “new guys” wouldn’t dare, writing (or co-writing) seven of this album’s eight songs. The result is a fantastic set of brand-new Yes classics.

I will admit, it took a couple spins through this record for it to sink in but, once it did, the payoff was monumental. Produced by Roy Thomas Baker, this album has a crisp sound and manages to be epic without being overwrought. There are certainly proggy moments but there are also some strong shorter songs.

There is a certain sort of accessibility to this material but, unlike certain earlier albums, they don’t seem to be

10 | August 2014

writing in an attempt to have a hit.

This is an album for fans and for the band and it flows in a natural way.

There are nods to the past on here, as you would expect, but there are also areas explored that Yes had yet to cover and that keeps it fresh.

“Believe Again”, co-written by Davison & Howe, kicks off the album in a light and airy way, not too far removed from “To Be Over” (from 1974’s Relayer) but it soon goes through a series of catchy sections that’ll get stuck in your head. The lyrics, while not as cosmic as Anderson’s, are nonetheless full of love and universal being, which have been running themes in Yes’ work since day one. While there is a certain pop element to this song, the middle section is a wicked prog trip and, at times, is reminiscent of the middle section of “Terrapin Station” by the Grateful Dead, satisfying two of my musical loves at once.

“The Game”, written by Davison & Squire, starts off with some soaring e-bow guitar from Steve Howe and quickly morphs into a cool poporiented number, one of the great latter-day Yes songs with lyrics about

fleeting days and losing sight of life’s details. While this may never be a “hit” it’s still a fantastic song and one that proves Davison’s weight as a writer in this band.

“Step Beyond”, written by Howe/ Davison, features a weird analog synth groove that is hard to get used to but the song itself is pretty solid. At times it reminds me of something Yes would have done in the 90s, though with many contrasting sections and some really interesting bits. Not one of the best songs on the album but if this is the worst that it gets then I think they are doing okay.

Co-written by Davison and White, “To Ascend” is a gorgeous acousticbased number, a folk-tinged ballad full of emotion…one of Yes’ best “pretty” songs since “Wondrous Stories”, further proving how essential Davison is to the modern version of Yes, no matter how much Anderson is missed.

“In A World Of Our Own”, courtesy of Davison & Squire, starts out with a slippery, barrelhouse sort of groove, totally unlike anything Yes has ever done. A complex heartbreak song, this soon slips into territory that is reminiscent of what you’d might end up with if Paul McCartney and Brian Wilson were to do a record together.

Davison gets a sole writing credit on “Light Of The Ages” and, if the above tracks did not convince you of his worth, this surely will. Folky and proggy, with Steve Howe employing his best tricks like volume swells and lap-steel crescendos, and some of Alan White’s most creative drumming, this is one of the finest songs to ever grace a Yes album, up there with “To Be HIGH NOTES > PAGE 11

Old Town Crier

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HIGH NOTES FROM PG 10

Over”, “Turn Of The Century”, and “And You And I”. Simply amazing.

Steve Howe gets a sole writing credit on “It Was All We Knew”, which is fun little stummy song with a quirky lead motif, some killer vocal harmonies and some classic, frantic guitar work. This could be a fun song to play acoustically, which is usually a sign of a great song.

Closing the album is the Davison/Downes composition, “Subway Walls”. At nine minutes, it’s the longest song on the album and features some wicked Squire bass grooves and some avant garde flourishes, along with a fantastic chorus about how the secrets to life could be

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found in the stars or in the “graffiti on the subway walls” just the same. Featuring some of Downes’ finest organ playing, this is yet another slice of excellent latter-day Yes. With Davison working in so many writing configurations, it should come as no surprise that there is a great deal of leftover material, including a long-form piece co-written with Downes. The intent, apparently, is to use this stuff for the next album. If so, then it would be wise to continue this new sense of purpose swiftly and get another new album out as soon as possible, before the lineup ends up shifting again.

For the time being, Heaven & Earth does a fantastic job of keeping Yes alive and thriving and Jon Davison should be applauded.

Shout Out TO Local Musicians!

Submit your CD for possible mention in an upcoming Old Town Crier High Notes column. Send your latest accomplishment(s) with contact information to: Old Town Crier Regional Magazine Attn: High Notes 112 South Patrick Street Alexandria, VA 22314 Old Town Crier

August 2014 | 11

THE LAST WORD MIRIAM R. KRAMER

The Golden Haze of Dogtripping

“T

he face of a golden retriever feels like home.” In hot, sleepy August we all want to vacation and get away from petty schedules. We need to find a place that feels more like home than our mundane routines. In author David Rosenfelt’s view, that sense of home could be adopted, soft-eyed, warm, covered with golden fur, pushing you off the bed, and taking up your recliner while you try not to disturb its loud, snoring slumbers. His nonfiction book Dogtripping: 25 Rescues, 11 Volunteers and 3 RVs on Our Canine Cross-Country Adventure and detective novel Hounded display not only comic and lighthearted writing, but also a heartfelt dedication to canine comfort and well-being in a world that can treat them as a disposable piece of trash.

Rosenfelt and his wife Debbie Myers fell in love with a golden retriever named Tara, who died in their arms when they had to put her down. In her honor, they started a California rescue organization called the Tara Foundation in the 1990s, which rescued lots of older, bigger dogs from overloaded California shelters. While it gave an automatic priority to any golden mixes in honor of the beloved Tara, it took all sorts of dogs that shelters considered automatic euthanasia prospects. Rosenfelt and Myers began to accumulate a humorously huge collection of older dogs that they refused to leave in high-kill shelters.

In Dogtripping, Rosenfelt, a refugee from a Hollywood marketing and TV writing career, pens a memoir of the dogs they placed in homes and kept for themselves. This personal narrative of the dogs they have loved intertwines with an account of The Trip, their monumental decision to transport their family of 25 California dogs to a home in Maine, where the dogs would have a lake and lots of room to run around.

After deciding that RVs would best move the dogs, they received offers to help prepare and drive the RVs across country from rescue organizations, readers of Rosenfelt’s detective novels, and friends.

This undertaking comprises many of the book’s vignettes, which are hilarious and touching. Along the way, they receive help from David and Debbie’s contacts, who throw open hotels and yards for the 12 | August 2014

use of their guests. The group’s quest to reach Maine proves that there are people out there willing to do almost anything for the furry creatures who make human lives richer. When placed against the dire realities and actions that lead to dogs ending up at shelters, this book is an uplifting read that shows our human capacity to cherish our canine betters.

In addition, Rosenfelt has slowly built a base of dog-loving mystery readers through his series of thrillers featuring an acerbic defense attorney named Andy Carpenter, who runs a golden retriever dog rescue foundation called the Tara Foundation. In Hounded, the latest in the series, the deadpan, sardonic Carpenter finds himself in yet another conundrum: one that may make him mature emotionally quicker than he would like. The gone-straight criminal friend of a respected cop, Pete Stanton, has been murdered in a house while the friend’s eight-year-old son, Ricky Diaz, and his bassett hound, Sebastian, hide in another room. The upstanding Stanton has been accused of the murder.

Carpenter has assembled an eccentric cast of characters over the years who make connections and help him track down clues. His girlfriend, Laurie Collins, also acts as his private investigator. She makes the executive decision to take in the young Ricky and his dog so that he does not have to go into foster care at once. Sebastian and Tara become friends, so Ricky transitions well. Carpenter strives to get Stanton cleared after the culprits have planted heroin in his apartment to make him a fall guy.

Carpenter’s research along the trail finds that dog euthanasia and a murder ring are involved.

In the mean time, Ricky has been finding a place in the reluctant, Carpenter’s home, playing video games, taking the dogs for walks, and generally endearing himself to Carpenter’s number one pistol-packing mama, Laurie Collins. By the end of the book, an intricate trail has led Carpenter to a shocking reason why Pete Stanton has been framed,

and an unusual denouement. Yet on a personal level, he must also determine whether being a father and part of a real family suits him, a man who has always been comfortable keeping people at arm’s length through his humor and cynicism.

David Rosenfelt writes with a very self-deprecating, funny style that luckily has enough sarcasm to keep his affection from being saccharine.

Yet his love for his canine co-stars shines through. For those who adore dogs, look no further for additions to your reading list. If you also want a funny, laugh-out-loud beach book, these works are for you.

Alexandria is a city that cherishes and celebrates dogs.

From socializing at Doggy Happy Hours at the Hotel Monaco to getting their nails cut at the Olde Towne School for Dogs, our pampered pooches get their needs met. I would recommend one pet care service in particular, however.

Thomas Schantz has run For the Love of Dog (www. fortheloveofdog.info) for the past eleven years.

Having worked with him for some years, I know his deep-seated affection for dogs and commitment to rescue animals locally and even globally. He will be opening a pet-themed store in the area later on this year as well.

Schantz lists some good local shelters and rescue organizations in the part of his site titled “Community.” He also endorses the local operation Lost Dog & Cat Rescue Foundation (www. lostdogrescue.org) as a worthwhile option in the Washington, DC area.

Please consider rescuing an animal, whether purebred or mutt. As David Rosenfelt points out in his books, senior dogs are less likely to be adopted, so think about them as a wonderful, laidback alternative that will snuggle and adore you to your heart’s content.

Old Town Crier

THE URBAN GARDEN

W

hile the list of gardening tasks for August is shorter than in many months, there are still ongoing tasks to perform in the garden. The hot temperatures of mid summer make it tough to spend much time working in your garden, so take advantage of any cooler days to take care of grooming and weeding.

Right now, your primary concern will be assuring an ample supply of water for your plants. Weed control is also very important, because with the warmer weather and increased watering, weed seeds will germinate and grow faster, and mature to the point of producing more seeds. Take advantage of your spare time to keep the weeds cultivated out of all parts of the garden.

Here are a few August gardening tasks and projects that you can do to help keep your garden looking it's best for the rest of this season:

Prune your hybrid roses in late August to promote the most fall blossoms. Remove about a third of the vigorous growth. Any stems that cross each other should be removed, as well as those that are in the center of the plant. Weak, spindly canes and any damaged by black spot fungus should be removed.

Maintain a spraying schedule to control insects and disease.

Shrubs and Trees

Summer blooming shrubs should be pruned for shape after they have finished flowering. Remove any dead or diseased branches.

Lawn

Contrary to popular belief, a brown lawn isn't necessarily a dead lawn. Grasses go dormant in times of drought, but will quickly return to life with the fall rains. If a lush green lawn is important to you, and you don't mind mowing, water it regularly, and deeply. If a water shortage is expected, or you hate tending to grass, you may choose to just let your lawn go dormant, and water it as seldom as once a month.

Raise the cutting height of the mower. Taller grass cools the roots and helps to keep the moisture in the soil longer.

Watering

Watering can be the biggest task this month particularity if the weather gets really hot. Vegetable gardens, most flowering plants, and the lawn all need about one inch of water every week to keep them green and looking nice. Be sure to water thoroughly, and deeply each time you water. When possible, do your watering in the morning or early afternoon so the soil has a chance to warm up before the cooler evening hours set in.

Of course, if you planted drought resistant plants in your garden, you won't have to water as often, but the principal of deep watering still applies.

Be sure to check the hanging baskets and container grown plants every day during hot weather and about every second day on moderate summer days. Don't just check the surface, push your finger an inch or two into the soil to be sure there is adequate moisture below throughout the root area.

Water them thoroughly each time you water, but be careful not to over-water them.

Perennials, Annuals and Bulbs

Take out a few minutes to pick off the old dead flowers on your annuals, as well as the spent flowers on perennial plants. A little time spent on grooming the plants will make a big difference in Old Town Crier

AUGUST Garden Tips the overall appearance of the garden. By removing the spent flowers, the plants will not go into the seed producing stage and should continue to flower longer into the season.

Spring flowering perennials can be divided and transplanted this month or next. Be sure to do this during the coolest part of the day and water the plants thoroughly after transplanting.

Odds and Ends

Keep the weeds pulled, before they have a chance to flower and go to seed again. Otherwise, you will be fighting newly germinated weed seed for the next several years. Weeds in the garden are harmful because they rob your plants of water and nutrients, harbor insects and diseases, and, on occasion grow tall enough to shade your flowers and plants.

Change the water in your bird bath regularly, and keep it filled. Standing water is less healthy for the birds, and may become a breeding ground for mosquito larvae.

Continue to watch for insect, slug and snail, or disease damage throughout the garden, and take the necessary steps to control the problem.

Publisher’s note: This column provided courtesy of TheGardenHelper.com. Log on to the site for a full range of gardening tips.

August 2014 | 13

GALLERY BEAT F. LENNOX CAMPELLO

clockwise from top: “Through the Pyramid,” “Sunlight,” and “Sundown,” color manipulated photos all by Danny Conant

E

very once in a while I go the Kojo Nmandi show on WAMU to discuss DC area visual art stuff… many years ago I was discussing the lack of interest, or better still, apathy that most Washington area museum curators exhibit (pun intended) towards our DMV area artists.

In what was to become a battle cry of the ignored, I noted that “it was easier for a local DC area museum curator or director to take a cab to Dulles to catch a flight to Berlin, or London, or Madrid, etc. in order to visit an emerging artist’s studio, than to take a cab to Georgetown, or Arlington, or Rockville to do the same.”

A few years after American University’s gorgeous Katzen 14 | August 2014

the katzen Museum opened, I updated that statement by noting that the Katzen had taken the lead (in a one horse race) in showcasing, exhibiting and documenting the DMV art scene. The Katzen had become, and remains the only major DC area art museum that pays attention to its own backyard!

The driver here is the Katzen’s energetic director Jack Rasmussen.

This is a man with a deep connection to the DC area art scene that goes back

many decades, and it was a brilliant coup by the AU leadership to hire him. And I say that not only based on the Katzen’s interest and support of its own city’s artists, but also because Rasmussen has proven to the other area art museums that an intelligent combination of regional artists with national and international artists can be accomplished.

What does that take? I’m not sure, but the libertarian part of me

clockwise from top, photos from E.E. McCollum’s Shadow Series #27, #36, and #55

suspects a certain degree of “taking the path of least resistance” on the daily workload of other local museum curators/directors, many of which are government employees; it is much easier to take a traveling exhibition, let’s say, than organizing one from scratch. I know that I am generalizing here, and often that’s a bad thing, but in the multiple conversations that I’ve had over the years with several generations of curators from the Hirshhorn, NGA, NPG, the Corcoran and others (yes, even other local Universities) I’ve gathered both empirical and anecdotal data to back up that impression.

Any of those museums is welcomed to please prove me wrong!

And it is because of Rasmussen’s stellar leadership and guiding hand, GALLERY BEAT > PAGE 17

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visit a museum.

August 2014 | 15

POINTS ON PETS ASHLEY DENHAM BUSSE

King Street Cats Adoption Calendar AUGUST 2014

It Doesn’t Have to Hurt

For details & MORE INFO website: www.kingstreetcats.org email: contact@kingstreetcats.org King Street Cats is looking for foster homes! You provide the spare room and TLC and we provide food, litter and all vetting. Please email for our Kitten Fostering FAQ at: contact@kingstreetcats.org King Street Cats 25 Dove Street Alexandria, VA 22314 Every Saturday & Sunday 1:30–4:30 pm Every 2nd & 4th Tuesday 6–8 pm, June–September Pro Feed Bradlee Shopping Center 3690 King Street Alexandria, VA 22302 Every Saturday & Sunday 1–4 pm PETCO UNLEASHED AT PENTAGON ROW 1101 S. Joyce Street Arlington, VA 22202 Saturday, August 2 Saturday, August 16 Sunday, August 17 1–4 pm DOGMA 2772 S. Arlington Mill Drive Arlington, VA 22206 Sunday, August 10 1–4 pm Petsmart Willston Shopping Center 6100 Arlington Blvd Falls Church, VA 22044 Sunday, August 24 1–4 pm

O

ur Labradoodle, Polly, has had minor hip dysplasia since she was about 4 years old. In Polly, this manifests as occasional limping, doing a sort of “bunny hop” run that tries to take the impact off her hips, and just in general chasing after the tennis ball less than we know she’d like to. When she’s feeling good, she will retrieve that ball all day long. So you can tell when her hips are bothering her, and it hurts me to watch her hurting, I can tell you.

If your dog or cat suffers from chronic pain such as arthritis or hip dysplasia, you know what I mean. And if you have a senior pet, chances are he or she experiences joint or muscle pain from time to time. Maybe your cat doesn’t seem to like being picked up as much anymore; perhaps your pup seems reluctant to climb or descend stairs; or maybe your pet doesn’t jump like she used to. If he doesn’t like to stand up after lying down, or if he seems stiff, he’s probably suffering some sort of muscular or skeletal discomfort.

What to do? The good news is, there are lots of options—more than there were even 15 years ago. You’ll of course want to visit and chat with your veterinarian, but here are some remedies you might want to explore.

Weight Management

Medication

Other pet owners swear by the traditional Chinese practice because of its lack of side effects and chemicals.

Acupuncture stimulates the release of an animal’s own natural pain-relief and antiinflammatory substances; it stimulates

Your vet can prescribe meds like NSAIDs (non-steroidal antiinflammatories) that can help. Steroids are also helpful but only for short-term use, as they can have negative effects if used for long periods of time.

Keeping Polly’s weight at a healthy level helps her tremendously, because it means less stress on her hip joints. The catch-22 is, however, that when she is hurting she is less willing to exercise, which means she tends to gain weight. Swimming is the answer for her, as it is great but lowimpact exercise—plus, it’s fun!

Cold Laser Therapy

A recent ABC News story noted the amazing success many pet owners have found for their aging pets with this treatment, explained as “a noninvasive procedure that uses light to stimulate cells and increase blood circulation. At the correct laser wavelength, pain signals are reduced and nerve sensitivity decreases.

The procedure also releases endorphins, or natural painkillers.” It’s also non-surgical, low-stress, and painless, all big points in this therapy’s favor.

Acupuncture

blood flow, relaxes muscles, and helps the body rid itself of toxins.

Massage

Gentle, skilled massage can do wonders for sore joints or backs, by stimulating blood flow to the muscles, relaxing them and releasing tension.

You can find a practitioner by visiting members.iaamb.org/users.

Bedding and Ramps

Keep your pet comfy in soft but supportive bedding; get her a ramp to get up and down instead of using stairs; put down non-skid material on slippery floors and surfaces.

Ask your vet what she recommends and remember—it doesn’t have to hurt so much!

Let your pet show you what he needs, and be sure to get him the relief he deserves.

Ashley Denham Busse has worked for Doggywalker.com since 2006. Doggywalker. com is a professional pet-sitting company located in Old Town Alexandria, celebrating more than 13 years of providing daily walks and customized in-home pet care. Visit doggywalker.com or email info@ doggywalker.com.

DON’T MISS IT! King Street Cats is holding its 8th annual Theater Night fundraiser on Tuesday, August 5 at 6:30pm to raise money to support its rescue mission. This entertaining event will be held at the Little Theatre of Alexandria, featuring the musical, Spamalot. The event promises an enjoyable evening of theater, hors d’oeuvres, and a silent auction.

Tickets for the event are $40 in advance or $50 at the door. All ticket purchases and donations are tax deductible. Tickets may be purchased at King Street Cats’ website at: www.kingstreetcats.org. Last year’s event was a raging success and we expect even better this year!

16 | August 2014

King Street Cats (KSC) remains Alexandria’s only cat-exclusive, no-kill, free-roaming cat orphanage. Relying solely on private donations, the all volunteer-run rescue provides safe haven and veterinary care for over 300 cats and kittens each year until they find their forever homes. What is even more remarkable is that many of these cats are considered “hard-to-adopt” senior and special needs animals, which often require extensive and expensive veterinary treatment. For more information on King Street Cats, please visit their website: www.kingstreetcats.org or their Facebook page: facebook.com/kingstreetcats

Old Town Crier

GALLERY BEAT FROM PAGE 14

and the Katzen’s record with its own community that I can report the following: “… Thanks to a major gift from alumna and art advocate Carolyn Alper, BA/CAS ’68, to the American University Museum at the Katzen Arts Center, more resources will be allocated to the study and exhibition of Washington art.

Alper’s gift will establish the Alper Initiative for Washington Art at the American University Museum. The initiative will dedicate space for displaying the work of Washington artists, including more tightly focused, historical shows; development of space for archives of Washington art (available for both members of the public and AU students); an endowment to support more programming of events, gatherings, lectures and films; and digitization of AU’s growing collection of Washington art.”

According to AU Museum Curator and Director Jack Rasmussen: “Carolyn’s gift provides American University Museum the funds necessary to elevate Washington art to the place of prominence it deserves.

All of Washington should be grateful as Carolyn has put her contributions where her heart is.”

Need more evidence? Five of the six exhibits on display at the museum through Aug. 17 feature Washington artists and collectors: Mynd Alive

by B.K. ADAMS/I AM ART; Syzygy

by William Newman; Continental

l-r: Jack Rasmussen, AU Museum Director and Curato; Carolyn Alper; and AU President Neil Kerwin Photo: Jeff Watts, American University

Drift (Being Here and Being There)

by Judy Byron; Passionate Collectors: The Washington Print Club at 50, with prints curated from Washington collections; and The Franz and Virginia Bader Fund: Second Act, with art by grant recipients from the region.

Thank you Ms. Alper, thank you AU and thank you Jack!

In Old Town Alexandria, for many years now, and in spite of an unnecessary name change a few years ago, Multiple Exposures Gallery has established firmly its position as one of the leading photography-focused

(nice pun!) fine arts spaces in the Mid Atlantic. The talent at Multiple Exposures is overwhelming, and I can honestly say that in the last two decades I’ve never seen a bad show there, and part of that is the high level of professionalism (from conception to presentation) that every show seems to have.

Next month I’m really looking forward to seeing veteran photographer Danny Conant, one of the foundational contemporary photographers in the region, and certainly one of the most explorative

ones, especially when it comes to her constantly evolving subject matter and techniques, and new-to-me but clearly a master photographer in his own right, E.E. McCollum E.E. McCollum will be showing images from his new “Shadow” series.

In this series, “Strong graphically, his black and white images explore the sculptural qualities of the nude figure and the interplay of shadow and form. Set against a white background, the figure seems suspended, without context to guide our understanding, and we are left to encounter the body in its most elemental expressive elements of shadow, form and gesture”.

Danny Conant loves to travel and she’s always armed with her camera and always returns with something fresh and new (and makes us want to leave our cameras home when we travel!); two books of her Tibet photographs have been published in the last few years. Her “French Impressions” images are “influenced by her recent trip to the French countryside of the Dordogne region and an exhibit at the Musee d' Orsay in Paris. The photos are often manipulated in Photoshop and other programs and printed on watercolor paper. Some are additionally colored with pastels and then the watercolor paper is adhered to a wooden panel and covered with encaustic paint.”

The show opens the day after my birthday, that is Sunday, September 7, 2014 with an opening reception from 2 -4 pm and runs September 2 – October 12, 2014.

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Old Town Crier

August 2014 | 17

CARIBBEAN CONNECTION JAIME ELLIOTT

Tropical Cocktails Enjoy Award Winning Libations During the Dog Days of Summer

S

ummer days in the islands often mean hazy, hot afternoons when you long for nothing more than a long swim and a cold drink. The next time I’m whipping up a batch of something refreshing, I’m going to steal a page from USVI Culinary Team Bartender Brandon DeCloux, whose work I recently had the pleasure of tasting.

The U.S. Virgin Islands are well known for being home to alabaster shorelines and turquoise waters, and thanks to DeCloux, we’re now getting some love for that other pillar of island life —cocktails.

18 | August 2014

DeCloux, a bartender at Sib’s on the Mountain on the island of St. Thomas, was the bartender for the USVI Culinary Team which recently battled against 10 other countries in the annual Taste of the Caribbean culinary competition. The competition is hosted annually in Miami and the USVI team — composed of nine chefs and pastry chef members from St. Thomas and St. Croix — is sponsored by the USVI Hotel and Tourism Association.

The team returned from the competition with a total of three gold medals, three silver medals, one bronze medal and two honorable mentions. DeCloux was named Bartender of the Year with an award winning nonalcoholic beverage and vodka and rum connections as well.

DeCloux brought his bartending tools to the USVI Hotel and Tourism Association’s general membership meeting at Turtle Bay Estate House at Caneel Bay recently where he whipped up those refreshing libations for the crowd.

For an island twist on the average cream soda, shake up fresh squeezed lime juice with a quality cream of

coconut, pour over ice and top with sparkling water. With the lime juice balancing the sweet coconut, this drink is like a combination of a lime and coconut and a lime rickey.

DeCloux also demonstrated how to make his Caribbean take on an Old Fashioned using Cruzan Single Barrel Rum and a home-made herbal vermouth with sorrel and cinnamon.

To serve the cocktails, DeCloux rimmed the glasses with Cherry Marnier and sugar and encouraged guests to inhale the scotch-like scent, which proved delightful.

With no ripe soursop on hand to recreate his gold medal winning vodka drink—a soursop and cilantro vodka mojito—DeCloux mixed up a few grapefruit and basil vodka mojitos instead. Soursop tastes like a combination of banana and pineapple and paired perfectly with cilantro in DeCloux’s competition mojito, we were told. I tasted how well the grapefruit and basil went together in the cocktail he did make, and it’s a combination I’ve already recreated.

And now you can get a taste for the tropics and make a batch of these perfect summer drinks too. Cheers!

Old Town Crier

Photography: Rolando Garces

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Old Town Crier

August 2014 | 19

ROAD TRIP BOB TAGERT

ROCKY GAP CASINO & RESORT T

his month we decided to take a little longer drive for our monthly road trip. With the summer heating up we headed to the mountains and drove to Rocky Gap Casino and Resort in western Maryland. It is a bit of a drive but the roads are great. If you enjoy the freeway, the I-70 drive can be done on the interstate. Take the beltway to I-270 through Frederick, Md., Hagerstown and Hancock until you reach I-68. After another 40 miles or so you will come to Rocky Gap State Park and here is where you will find the resort nestled in the mountains and on the shores of Lake Habeeb. The drive is about 170 miles and will take 2½ hours.

If you are more inclined towards the scenic route you can take Route 50 through Middleburg to Route 29 north to Paw Paw, WV, then pick up Route 51 to Cumberland, MD. Cumberland is only 10 miles from Rocky Gap and is a beautiful town to explore. About a mile after you leave Route 50 and pick up Route 29 you will come to Mick & Tina’s Country Tavern. This is a great place to stop for a cold (and I mean cold) one and a sandwich. The price is right too… very inexpensive. (See this months “On the Road” and meet Tina).

Taking the back roads will increase your drive time by about 30 minutes but the scenery is worth it. The winding roads pass through throw back towns and beautiful countryside. Both routes would be spectacular in the fall when the leaves are changing to yellows, reds and gold.

The Rocky Gap Resort and Golf Course was developed in 1998. A casino license was awarded in April 2012 to a subsidiary of Lakes Entertainment of Minnetonka, Minnesota, who completed purchase of the existing resort, including the 200-room lakeside loge, the Jack Nicklaus-designed 18-hole golf course, and other features in 2012. The re-named Rocky Gap Casino Resort opened on May 22, 2013, with 558 slot machines and 10 live table games. The park’s man-made lake covers 24 acres and sports white sand beaches. It sits below Evitts Mountain and is fed by Rocky Gap Run. Boats are allowed on the lake 24 hours a day, seven days a week. The resort offers kayaks and canoes for rent and the lake is home to largemouth bass, small mouth bass, black crappie, rainbow trout, brown trout, catfish, blue gill and sunfish.

The resort has Signatures Bar and Grill next to the new pro shop and offers light eats and beverages. The Grill opens up to the deck adjoining the pool and allows for out door seating with a view to ROAD TRIP > PAGE 24

20 | August 2014

Old Town Crier

A Hot Happening for Hospice...

A fundraising event, hosted by Stoney’s Broomes Island, will be held on Thursday, August 14 at 6 PM. Open Bar will be from 6-7:30 PM.

Seafood & heavy appetizers will be served.

Tickets available at Calvert Hospice 301-855-1226 or any Stoney’s location. $100 per person in advance/$125 at the door.

Platinum Sponsor: $3,000 (10 VIP) Gold Sponsor: $2,000 (8 VIP) Silver Sponsor: $1,500 (6 VIP) Bronze Sponsor: $1,000 (4 VIP) Copper Sponsor: $500 (2 VIP) VIP Sponsors will receive VIP Parking, Name Recognition in the Old Town Crier, Reserved Seating, Gift Bags and Banner Recognition.

This year Stoney’s Seafood House of Broomes Island will be holding the 2nd annual fundraising event for the benefit of Calvert Hospice.

For many years, Gerald and Mary Donovan of the Rod & Reel held a cancer gala at their restaurant for the benefit of the American Cancer Society. As this event is no longer held, Stoney’s has agreed to host an annual fundraising event for Calvert Hospice.

If you are not familiar with Calvert Hospice, please read their mission statement below.

We hope you will join us in supporting this important organization.

Jeannie & Phillip Stone Owners, Stoney’s Seafood The mission of Calvert Hospice, a not for profit, community-based organization, is to provide comprehensive, interdisciplinary services focused on medical care and psychosocial, emotional, and spiritual support to residents of Calvert County who are dying or in need of palliative care; to provide emotional, psychosocial and spiritual support to those in Calvert County grieving the loss of a loved one; and to provide educational services to the entire community about the processes that accompany death and loss. Calvert Hospice promotes quality of life, respect and dignity for the individual, and a recognition of the significance of loss throughout life.

3939 Broomes Island Road • 410-586-1888 Old Town Crier

July 2014 | 21

FROM THE BAY… BETH CRABTREE

Learning to Sail: One New Sailor’s Story Jonathan Newton began sailing about five years ago. Now he owns a sailboat is a board member at his sailing club.

A

lthough it may sometimes feel as if everyone sailing on the Chesapeake Bay and its tributaries got started as children, plenty of gung-ho and competent sailors didn’t take up the sport until adulthood. Jonathan Newton is one such sailor. Newton, who owns a Laser sailboat and is a finance and accounting professional living in Annapolis, began sailing at age 27, and now, just five years later, he is racing and cruising big and small boats and is the member-at-large representing one-design sailors on the board of West River Sailing Club (WRSC) in Galesville, Md. We asked Newton to share some words of advice to folks who wonder how to get started in sailing.

How did you start sailing?

I was invited to a Wednesday night race in Galesville. I sat in the companionway of a Tartan 27 in my socks and tennis shoes. I totally left sole marks on the deck. (Editor’s note: Inexpensive shoes that won’t leave scuff marks are best; leave the blackssoled shoes at home.)

What kind of boats did you sail at first?

I began sailing small boats because 22 | August 2014

I found it was the quickest way to earn time on the water. I think it’s helpful to learn in a small boat because the boats are so responsive — or perhaps at times I am so sluggish!

Did you take sailing classes?

I took several classes at WRSC. As I began crewing on big boats, my experience sailing small boats seemed to be welcomed. In addition to sailing classes, I already had my boater license and have now started working towards my Club Race Officer designation.

willingness to mentor. There are a lot of boats in our area looking for crew, but it may take a couple of boats until you find a good match.

Financially, while every hobby has its associated costs, I’ve found getting involved with sailing can be reasonable. Most skippers have extra gear and are happy to share with their crew. I made it through my first season (spring to early fall) with very little money in. I purchased a couple of tech shirts, water shoes, and gloves, and I already had a light rain jacket.

What keeps you coming back out on the water?

Recently a gentleman, who was probably born in a boat, said to me that he’s always enjoyed the idea that as a boat passes through the water, it seemingly heals itself, as if it never happened. I find the notion that the energy around sailing is temporarily yours to be a very fitting sentiment.

And then it’s ready for the next sailor to enjoy and interpret.

Where do you sail now and how often?

I’ve had fantastic opportunities to sail historic waterways and beautiful harbors and to meet people and hear great stories, but I most enjoy cruising and racing where the water meets the shore naturally. I try to sail as often as possible. I race and cruise on large and small boats. Among my favorite memories is cruising with friends on a weekday evening during the summer.

What obstacles, if any, did you encounter?

After I got a handle on the vocabulary and a couple of knots, I looked for skippers and crew with strong communication skills and a

What’s your advice for those who want to start sailing?

Joining newsletter mailing lists and checking out sailing club websites kept me up to date on local events and activities. There are many sailing

organizations in the watershed listed on U.S. Sailing’s website (and startsailingnow.com). I’ve used the list to contact fleet captains of specific classes and organizations that I wanted to learn more about.

I’ve found that YouTube is a great repository for learning and enhancing my sailing skills. From the basics of boat handling tips to advanced tactics, it’s all there.

To meet people in the sailing community and look for crew opportunities, local resources such as SpinSheet Magazine’s crew listing service at spinsheet.com and spring party are invaluable. At times I was bold; I did some research on the boats on the list and then sent a note or cold called the captains with a little bit about myself, experience, and season goals. For those who responded, it was that first step to getting out on a shakedown sail.

Beth Crabtree, associate editor at SpinSheet Magazine, works closely with columnist Molly Winans and writes articles that inspire people to try sailing.

Readers who are interested may visit startsailingnow.com.

Old Town Crier

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ROAD TRIP FROM PAGE 20

die for.

For more substantial dining there is LB’s Place. An extensive menu is available at very reasonable prices.

I had the rotisserie chicken which was a breast and thigh and delicious.

Cooked just right with a very tasty seasoning throughout that made my mouth water. Although the chicken was great the baked potato blew me away. A large, heavy skinned Russet, this potato was cooked perfect and served piping hot. This is where my cholesterol took a hit as I lathered the potato with mounds of butter. A little salt and pepper and this was the

24 | August 2014

best potato that I had ever eaten. My companion ordered a medium rare New York strip steak. It was cooked just right for me but was not rare enough for her. She should have ordered it rare. Although vegetables came with the entrĂŠe, we also order their grilled Brussels sprouts. The grilling slightly charred the outer leaves giving the vegetable a great taste.

The resort has a pool as well as a jacuzzi. The shallow end of the pool is indoors but feeds to the deeper part through an opening in the glass partition. The pool is in a glass building, which opens at the top for

summer swimming and closes in winter so the pool can be used year round. The whole pool and patio area overlook the shimmering lake.

Rooms in the resort are clean and nicely appointed. There is nothing really spectacular about the rooms except for the views of the lake and the perfect bed. The king sized bed is covered with heavy thread count sheets and large pillows. The cable TV offers a lot of stations for your viewing pleasure.

As I mentioned, the resort is part of Rocky Gap State Park. The amenities of the park are along the lake right near the resort. The park has a roped-

off swimming area as well as boat rentals.

The casino is well laid-out with comfortable seats for the slots and a few having seats for two. If you are not a heavy roller, the Back Jack tables start at $5. This is a rare find in todays casino realm.

With fall right around the corner, Rocky Gap is a great place to take in the fall colors. Evitts Mountain has an elevation of 2,000 feet and the leaves start changing at the top and work their way down as fall progresses.

Once again the drive to Rocky Gap would also be beautiful in the fall.

Old Town Crier

…TO THE BLUE RIDGE JULIE REARDON

Snakes & Lizards, Oh My! Old Town Crier

W

e had a snake in our living room last weekend. The kind nightmares are made of: a big, slithery blackish colored serpent that scared Doug out of a sound sleep on the couch.

When you live in the country you expect to be surprised by wildlife occasionally. Deer, fox, raccoons, opossum and wild turkeys are regular visitors, and we’ve even had the occasional coyote and black bear, and of course we’ve seen snakes. But, we’ve never had any of these inside our house. Naturally, Doug did the manly thing—he screamed like a school girl for me to help.

Now, I’m no herpetologist but I do

know poisonous from non-venomous snakes and I’m not alarmed when I run into a big black snake outside or in the barn. In fact, I’m delighted to have black snakes around, because they eat other snakes as well as mice and rats, both of which are attracted to the grain I feed the horses. Having this knowledge evidently made it clear that I was the designated snake wrangler, tasked with getting rid of our uninvited guest.

For this job, I discovered that my longhandled gopher grabber, a set of long handled tongs made to help arthritics pick up objects out of reach, was a better snake handling tool than the broom I originally wielded to try to shove the serpent outside. He liked our house and retreated quickly from the door and the broom. So I grabbed the gopher tongs and firmly gripped him near his head.

Unfortunately, he was five feet long and most of him was behind where I had caught him, enough to whip his slim legless body around and free himself. As he slithered rapidly toward the couch, I shoved a garbage can in his path, and he eased right in it, all five feet of him.

Doug bravely took the trash can and snake outside and was ready to shoot it, while the dogs, leaping about in a frenzy, wanted a piece of it, too. But I decided we weren’t going to kill it because it was a “good snake,” one that eats other snakes as well as the aforementioned TO THE BLUE RIDGE > PAGE 26

August 2014 | 25

TO THE BLUE RIDGE FROM PAGE 25

mice and rats. Copperheads are quite common in the Blue Ridge, and we’ve never seen them here, probably because of our other snakes.

While most call this kind of snake, very common in Virginia, a black snake, that name isn’t technically correct, as we found out after posting pictures of it on Facebook.

Different regions have different names for this type of snake, but around here a black snake is either a black racer, or a rat snake. Ours was

a rat snake. They are longer and not as fast as the black racer, although the markings are similar: smooth dark gray or black scales in the adult.

The rat snake has smaller eyes and travels with its head down, instead of high and poised to strike as the racer, and moves much slower.

They do look alike from the distance you normally see them (compared to, that is, me holding one up close and personal with a set of long handled tongs). Both have

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white or cream colored throats and both have clearly discernable patterns as juveniles. The racer only grows to about four feet in length and has a thicker body than the rat snake, another tip that our five-foot speciman was a black rat snake. These can grow to six feet or more.

The most common snakes around this part of Virginia

are garter snakes, ringnecks (both under 24"), racers, rat snakes and king snakes, occasionally hognosed snakes, corn and milk snakes, all brightly patterned, with an occasional brown Northern water snake often mistaken for a cottonmouth or water moccasin. Although the Northern water snake and the cottonmouth are both

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adept in water, cottonmouths have never been found north of the Dismal Swamp in SE Virginia.

The only two venomous snakes found here are the copperhead and timber rattler, with the latter rarely seen outside of mountaintops. If you have rat snakes, you don’t have copperheads.

Our other scaly summer friends include little lizards that like to sunbathe on the deck and the siding of our wood house, and on the rock walls. Most of the ones we see are juveniles, about 3 or 4 inches long. They’re easily identified by their bright blue tails, which detach readily if they are captured.

One of our Chesapeake Bay Retrievers is obsessed by them, ever since she pounced on one as a puppy.

The tail detached, and the lizard ran off, leaving a tail that wiggled for a good 15 minutes. No matter that they are way too fast for her to catch, she’s been trying ever since. In the process she tears down our stone walls and if she’s inside and sees one, she treats the furniture like a jungle gym, knocking things over to get to the window to bark at it. These lizards, I learned, are called five lined skinks. Their tails grow back if detached (but the tail does not grow a new lizard!). Adults reach up to 8 inches and have striped coats, and little suction feet like the Geico gecko. When I am on the deck without dogs, I frequently see them lazing about. Our skinks will bolt, however, at the slightest tread of a dog paw.

Old Town Crier

Dog Days of Summer

By Wanda Lou Willis

E

arly July is the beginning of the “dog days of summer” which last until early September.

Depending on latitude and climate, the actual dates vary greatly from region to region. Nearly everyone has heard this expression and knows that it refers to the hottest, most sultry days of summer.

Some of the popular beliefs or claims connected with this period are that it is an evil time, there’ll be droughts and plagues, wine will turn sour, and humans will suffer from heat hysterics or go mad.

The Ancient Greeks believed that the “dog days” weakened men and women became aroused.

The phrase took on an ominous meaning by the 19th century. It was believed that dogs would most likely contract rabies during this period.

Today it’s a time to be laid back and carefree while sipping iced tea in sleepy contemplation.

The term seems a natural expression since dogs pant and lie as flat on the ground as they can to avoid the heat; however, it has nothing to do with dogs.

Where does the expression “dog days of summer” come from? What does it really mean? The ‘dog’ in this saying refers to Sirius, the brightest star in the night sky which rises and sets with the Sun. The ancient Egyptians named the star Sirius after their God Osirus, whose head resembled that of a dog.

Both ancient Egyptians and Romans believed that the combination of the brightest luminary of the day (the sun) and the brightest star of night (Sirius) was responsible for the extreme heat experienced during the middle of summer.

In ancient Egypt, the New Year began with the return of Sirius. When it appeared they knew that the "Nile Days" were at hand. It was a warning to the people who lived along the Nile River that the floodwaters were coming which added to the fertility of their lands. At this time the people would open the gates of the canals that irrigated their fields.

In recent years, the phrases “Dog Days” or “Dog Days of Summer” have been given new meanings. It’s frequently used in reference to the American stock market. Summer is typically a very slow time for the stock market. Poorly performing stocks with little future potential are frequently known as ‘dogs.’

Watch the summer sky for the Dog Star, Sirius. It can be seen with the naked eye. The star will appear to be brilliant white tinged with blue. When the air is unsteady, or when the star is low on the horizon it seems to flicker and splinter with all the colors of the rainbow.

Dog Day bright and clear Indicate a happy year.

But when accompanied by rain, For better times our hopes are vain.

• August, the eighth month of the current Gregorian calendar and Old Town Crier

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BEHIND THE BAR CHESTER SIMPSON

photo: ©2014 Chester Simpson

Camila Cecchini What’s the best line somebody has used to get a free drink?

I don’t think there is a line that can make me give someone a free drink. I do not like when people force or try to be smart to get something for free. It could come eventually, in a situation of celebration, camila cecchini but not with a line.

IS BEHIND THE BAR AT What’s the most memorable LA TASCA pickup line youve heard?

607 KING STREET I’ve heard many OLD TOWN ALEXANDRIA interesting things behind the bar. Lines to me, as 703.299.9810 I said, are forced, and the most interesting moments I’ve seen are when people Camila is serving a Sangria Blanco. She is behind the bar: Wednesdays 3:30 to 11pm; Fridays 3:30 to 12 am; are free, naturally being themselves and Saturdays 3:30 to 12 am. exchanging experiences and getting to know each other. In this area there are people from all over the country and the world, too. You can meet How did you get started bartending? way up and eventually they gave me people and have a very nice experience I started working as a waitress good shifts and I finally became an at the bars in Alexandria. If you want and once in a while I used to watch official bartender. to meet someone, don’t be afraid to the bartenders so I could learn the talk, be yourself; the worst thing that What is your bartender pet peeve? drinks. We didn’t have a bartender can happen is a “no” and that will Definitely, the biggest one is for lunch shifts so, every time I not change your life, right? Sometimes impatient customers—wavers (hands, worked, I was the one making the a joke could be interesting and make money, menus)! A funny one, and I drinks when customers asked. The people laugh but not necessarily a line guess a little personal, is when I come manager realized I was doing that and already made up or planned. with my two hands full of drinks, offered me some shifts at the bar. I pitchers or food and you don’t move Can you tell us an interesting story? started little by little working during your phone, coats and bags out of the I can tell you three: the not so busy shifts. The casual way and look at me like it’s my fault 1. I guess the story of how I started feeling and the fact you can get more you don’t have space in front of you. in this business is funny. I had no clue personal with people at the bar made Trust me, it happens a lot. what I was doing in the beginning. My me really get into it. I worked my 28 | August 2014

English was horrible. My first job as a waitress I guess they gave me out of pity. I used to draw the food and write the names in English beside so I could remember what they were talking about (I still have those notes). After a few months I got much better and they decided to keep me.

2. I’ve served Jon Bon Jovi and Megan Fox (guys, be jealous)! They were pretty laid back and tipped very well.

3. One time this customer told me he was my boss because he was paying.

He started yelling very loud so others could hear how important he was. I told him “I have another 20 bosses right now at the bar, so if you have nothing else to ask at this moment, I’m going to take care of them.” He got upset but after that he chilled out.

Who would you want to have a drink with and why?

If I could, it would be my dad.

He is the most amazing, smartest and funniest man I’ve ever met!

When I was a kid I used to see how much his friends used to enjoy his company and how much he was the life of the parties. Definitely, he would be my choice.

If you would like to see your favorite mixologist featured here, send contact info to chester@chestersimpson.com.

Old Town Crier

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August 2014 | 29

DINING OUT

THE LANDING RESTAURANT & WATERFRONT BAR 13188 Marina Way Woodbridge, VA thelandingrestaurants.com 703-910-6641

The Landing Restaurant T and Waterfront Bar at Occoquan Harbour Marina

30 | August 2014

roy Clayton, owner and chef of the popular Geranio Ristorante in Old Town Alexandria has just opened his third restaurant at the Occoquan Harbour Marina.

This spacious 400-seat restaurant is much like Clayton’s second restaurant, The Landing and Waterfront Bar at Coles Point Marina on the Potomac River. Each restaurant has a waterfront bar with beautiful views of boats and the river. Both restaurants have an inside bar in case of bad weather as well as covered patios.

Clayton has partnered with marina owners Dick and Lisa Krauss and Dick Lynn to bring a unique dining experience to Woodbridge and Occoquan. The menu is a combination of the fine food served at Geranio as well as new seafood creations. We sampled the roasted shrimp with garlic, chili and extra virgin olive oil over grilled country bread. The shrimp were large and

plump with a very unique taste. The pairing with the bread made for a tasty and substantial appetizer.

We were sitting at the outdoor Tiki bar, which has their own menu and offers fewer items than are available in the dining room. However, with a little cajoling with our friend Troy, I was able to have the Crab Cake Dinner served at the bar. The two crab cakes were served with sweet potato fries, wilted spinach and a lemon butter sauce. The cakes were full of lump meat and lightly seasoned for a wonderful taste. These crab cakes are always served baked, as they are too delicate to stand up to frying. The lemon butter was a nice change from the obligatory cocktail sauce. The spinach was done just right and the sweet potato fries were a real treat. My companion ordered the Angus Burger with Aged Cheddar DINING OUT > PAGE 33

Old Town Crier

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Old Town Crier

August 2014 | 31

American DUTCHS GRILL (Holiday Inn) 2460 Eisenhower Ave. Alexandria, VA 703-960-3400

BILBO BAGGINS 208 Queen St. 703-683-0300 BITTERSWEET 823 King Street 703-549-2708

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

CARLYLE CLUB 411 John Carlyle St. 703-549-8957 CHADWICKS 203 Strand St. 703-836-4442 chadwicksrestaurants.com An Old Town tradition since 1979 and an original Georgetown pub and restaurant since 1967.

CHART HOUSE One Cameron St. 703-684-5080

EVENING STAR CAFÉ 2000 Mt. Vernon Ave. 703-549-5051 FAST EDDIES BILLIARD CAFE 6220 Richmond Hwy. 703-660-9444 FIN & HOOF 801 N. Saint Asaph St. 703-836-4700 FINN & PORTER AT MARK CENTER 5000 Seminary Rd. 703-379-2346

CLYDES 1700 N. Beauregard St. 703-820-8300 clydes.com

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

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

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

Dining Guide

FOSTERS GRILLE 2004 Eisenhower Ave. 703-725-1342 GADSBYS TAVERN 138 N. Royal St. 703-548-1288

HARD TIMES CAFE 1404 King St. 703-837-0050 INDIGO LANDING #1 Marina Dr. Washington Sailing Marina 703-548-0001 JACKS PLACE 222 North Lee St. 703-684-0372 JACKSON 20 480 King St. 703-842-2790 JOE THEISMANNS 1800 Diagonal Rd. 703-739-0777 KING STREET BLUES 112 N. St. Asaph St. 703-836-8800 LAPORTAS 1600 Duke St. 703-683-6313 LIGHT HORSE RESTAURANT 715 King St. 703-549-0533 MAJESTIC CAFÉ 911 King St. 703-837-9117 MANCINIS 1508 Mt. Vernon Ave. 703-838-FOOD MANGO MIKES 4580 Duke St. 703-370-3800

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

RED MEI 602 King St. 703-837-0094

MALAYA 1019 King St. 703-519-3710

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

MAI THAI 9 King St. 703-548-0600

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

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

TEMPO 4231 Duke St. 703-370-7900 temporestaurant.com Northern Italian, French provincial and American cuisine featuring fresh seafood, meats and pasta served in a contemporary, romantic atmosphere.

Caphe Banh Mi Vietnamese 407 Cameron St. 703-549-0800 Sang Jun Thai 300 King Street 571-312-3377

RESTAURANT EVE 110 S. Pitt St. 703-706-0450 CEDAR KNOLL INN GW Parkway at Lucia Ln. 703-799-1501

LA MADELEINE 500 King St. 703-729-2854

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

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

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

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

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

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

32 | August 2014

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

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

OVERWOOD 220 North Lee St. 703-535-3340

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

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

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

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

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

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

T.J. STONES GRILL HOUSE & TAP ROOM 608 Montgomery St. 703-548-1004 tjstones.com American cuisine with libations from around the world. Bar specials Mon-Fri, 4-7 PM. Brunch served Sat & Sun.

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

Favorites include fish and chips and Irish stew. Irish-style entertainment nightly.

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

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

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

GERANIO RISTORANTE 722 King St. 703-548-0088 geranio.net Still Old Towns highest-rated Italian restaurant (Zagat). Discerning Old Towners flock here for refined cuisine in this comfortable, yet sophisticated restaurant. With entrees from $14, there is no reason not to enjoy a selection from their Wine Spectator award-winning list, while being attended by the friendly staff of seasoned professionals. Reservations recommended and casual attire welcomed.

IL PORTO RESTAURANT 121 King St. 703-836-8833 LA STRADA 1905 Mt. Vernon Ave. 703-548-2592 SAPORE DITALIA RISTORANTE & PIZZERIA 1310 Mt. Vernon Ave. 703-683-9680

LANDINI BROTHERS 115 King St. 703-836-8404 landinibrothers.com Elegant, classical Italian cuisine served in a lovely historical setting. Fresh veal, homemade pastas, and fresh fish are some of the daily choices. An extensive list of wines and champagnes served in a sophisticated and friendly atmosphere.

OLD CHICAGO PIZZERIA 2245 Huntington Ave. 703-960-1086 PARADISO 124 King St. 703-837-1245 PINES OF FLORENCE 1300 King St. 703-549-1796 RED ROCKS FIREBRICK PIZZA 904 King St. 703-717-9873 TRATTORIA DA FRANCO 305 S. Washington St. 703-548-9338 VILLA DESTE 600 Montgomery St. 703-549-9477

TRADEMARK 2800 Jamieson Ave. 703-253-8640 TRADITIONS (Holiday Inn) 625 First St. 703-548-6300 UNION STREET PUBLIC HOUSE 121 South Union St. 703-548-1785 unionstreetpublichouse.com Old Towns favorite neighborhood tap & grill. Distinct southern style menu, fine steaks, fresh seafood. Sunday brunch, private parties, happy hour.

VERMILLION 1120 King St. 703-684-9669 VIRTUE GRAIN & FEED 106 South Union St. 571-970-3669

SHOOTER MCGEES 5239 Duke St. 703-751-9266

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

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

italian • pizzErias

CONTINENTAL BRABO

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

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

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

LAYLA 907 King St. 703-684-3288

LAS TAPAS 710 King St. 703-836-4000 CASABLANCA 1504 King St. 703-549-6464 TAVERNA CRETEKOU 818 King St. 703-548-8688 tavernacretekou.com

seafood Hanks Oyster Bar 1026 King St. 703-739-HANK RTS RESTAURANT 3804 Mt. Vernon Ave. 703-684-6010 FLYING FISH 815 King St. 703-600-FISH flyingfishdc.com Traditional American and fancy seafood specializing in sushi.

FISH MARKET-CLINTON 7611Old Branch Ave. Clinton, MD 301-599-7900 ERNIES ORGINIAL CRABHOUSE 1743 King St. 703-836-0046

FISH MARKET-OLD TOWN 105 King St. 703-836-5676 fishmarketoldva.com Internationally known and locally owned! We serve shrimps, a few crabs, tall people and lots of nice people, too! Live music and lively food!

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

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

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

MEXICAN • LATIN SOUTHWESTERN AUSTIN GRILL 801 King St. 703-684-8969 LOS TIOS GRILL 2615 Mt. Vernon Ave. 703-299-9290 LOS TOLTECOS 4111 Duke St. 703-823-1167 TAQUERIA POBLANO 2400-B Mt. Vernon Ave. 703-548-TACO (8226) CASA FELIPE 835 N. Royal St. 703-535-7868 INDIAN DISHES OF INDIA 1510A Bellview Blvd.

703-660-6085

Old Town Crier

DINING OUT FROM PAGE 30

and Bacon. You might think that a hamburger is just a hamburger, but this baby was truly a “cheeseburger in paradise”. Maybe it was the marina setting, but this burger tasted great.

As I mentioned earlier, there is a substantial representation of Geranio Ristorante on the Landings menu. For this I am grateful, as Geranio is one of our favorite Old Town haunts. The menu includes Seared Shrimp Linguini, Saffron Risotto with fresh Asparagus, Geranio Lobster Risotto with #1 Maine Lobster, Grilled Atlantic Salmon, Oven Roasted Pork Loin, Seared Sea Scallops, and the list goes on.

The indoor bar has 25 seats and high tops and booths scattered throughout the room.

The adjoining dining room has comfortable

G

booths as well as table seating. One side of the dining room looks directly out at the marina and river. Outside there is a large deck with tables for your dining pleasure. This is referred to as the Front Porch and is also near the aforementioned Tiki Bar! This is a great place for a lazy afternoon and some great food and tasty cocktails.

Getting to the restaurant can be accomplished by taking Route 1 all the way down to the Occoquan River across the bridge and taking a right onto Annapolis Way. Go past the gravel yard and look for the signage to the marina on the right. For more detailed directions log on to www. thelandingrestaurants.com or call 703-9106641.

GERANIO RISTORANTE Redefining Italian Cuisine in Old Town Alexandria Dinner Entrees from $14

722 King Street Old Town Alexandria 703.548.0088 www.geranio.net

GRAB A

BITE!

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

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

August 2014 | 33

CHEF’S SPECIAL CHESTER SIMPSON

M

y education started out math and science-based at the University of Maryland and I have always had a very analytical approach to cooking. Being in the kitchen is like being in a laboratory and that’s where my career started. It’s always about balance; sweet, salty, savory, bitter.

When all of the flavors harmonize, you can’t taste one thing, but the sum of its parts are perfect.

After I graduated from UMCP, I spent time as a project manager learning the business side of things and after five years I finally quit the business world to pursue my dreams of becoming a chef at the Art Institute of Philadelphia. I have spent the

majority of my career at the casual upscale dining Iron Hill Brewery and Restaurant in the Delaware/ Pennsylvania region and learned a great deal about cooking there.

Additionally, I was the Executive Chef of a fast-growing Santa Fe Restaurant Group in Wilmington, Del. that serves high end Mexican cuisine.

When did you first become interested in cooking? Why did you decide to pursue a culinary career?

I have always been customer service oriented, from when I was a small child; and I enjoy watching people enjoy food. These two things together have led me down this path. I decided to pursue a culinary career when I was in high school but decided to get a full bachelors degree first to get a little more experience in the business and cultural side of the industry.

Erica COOPER I am a person that enjoys immediate gratification and quick deadlines.

I don’t have two weeks to get this right, I have two minutes! When you know that you have made the perfect pan seared swordfish or the perfect medium rare burger there is satisfaction in that.

photo: ©2014 Chester Simpson

ERICA COOPER IS THE CHEF AT PUBLIC HOUSE 199 FLEET street NATIONAL HARBOR, Maryland PUBLICHOUSENATIONALHARBOR.COM 240.493.6120 Chef Cooper serving (l-r) Summer Bruschetta, Pasta Primavera, and Chipotle Glazed Saint Louis Ribs.

Who have been the biggest inspirations for your career?

I am most inspired by home cooks—I love to cook low and slow. Building flavors together and maximizing their potential is what it’s all about. I love to see how people receive the food and this is usually attained in more familiar atmospheres. You can always tell when a dish is made with love!

What dish on the Public House menu are you most curious to see how it’s received?

Our new Tuesday Daily Supper is Chicken and Waffles. We have our own twist on it, served with a touch of coffee and cocoa in the waffles. On the side is whipped orange-vanilla ginger butter, bourbon syrup and a buttermilk fried chicken breast. It’s southern comfort food at its best.

Make sure to make a reservation because it’s already pretty popular What do you do to insure the quality of the food going out to customers is of high quality?

We have very stringent requirements on the quality and appearance of our food. We take a great deal of time to insure that each plate that goes to the guest is consistent and when they come back the next time it is exactly the same. We taste the food constantly and ask for feedback. We love to make new items so the most popular specials usually end up on the menu.

If any chef in the world could prepare you a meal, who would it, be?

I love to cook around the equator, all of the hotter regions of the world love to use spices and chiles that make you sweat! I would love to have a meal prepared by Rick Bayless. He has had a profound influence on changing the way we view Mexican food. He has a very upscale, authentic approach to Mexican food.

What’s your guilty food pleasure?

There is nothing better and more satisfying than a loaded baked potato.

It can be made with anything in the world and is a meal in one!

If you would like to see your favorite chef featured here, send the information to chester@chestersimpson.com

Chef Cooper preparing Pasta Primavera

34 | August 2014

Old Town Crier

EXPLORING VIRGINIAWINES DOUG FABBIOLI

You Win Some, You Learn Some

I

t’s Sunday morning at 9 a.m. I am sitting down to a table with five white wines in front of me and I have some serious work to do. Welcome to day two of judging at the Atlantic Seaboard Wine Competition.

Now, I taste wine almost every day. I taste our wines in the cellar or in the tasting room. I do regular round table tastings of wines, both mine and others. But it has only been a few times where my critique of a wine will award or not award a wine with a medal.

There were four tables, five tasters at our table, each from different backgrounds in the industry and from different parts of the country. Somebody had the bright idea to make me the captain of the table. That means that after we scored the wines individually, we would briefly discuss—with my moderating— what award the wine would receive, if any.

As these were east coast wines, there were numerous wines from varieties of grapes that are not well known in many circles, including our table. We tasted whites, reds, sweet wine, dry wines, fruit wines and sparklers.

The best is when we get to do a taste off to judge the best of category. We want to judge them fairly. Some knew the characteristics of these varieties better than others. Our discussions were respectful, civil, informative and productive in ensuring that the wines were judged consistently and fairly.

As a winner of these awards from this competition and others over the years, I know very well how it feels to get some great accolades on a wine as well as the feeling of coming up short on some wines you thought were exceptional. We at the table knew how important our jobs were and worked hard to live up to that responsibility. We were not the only ones to work hard. I had the glamour job.

The cellar stewards, table staff, organizers and all the back room team worked tremendously hard to make the transfer of wine and information timely and accurate. The work for this started months before this weekend Old Town Crier

and will continue over the next few weeks and months in order to consolidate the information and to get the news out to wineries as well as the world. Although wine tasting is subjective, with educated palates and good organization, it is possible to limit much of the subjectivity of this process.

When we go through this process, it makes me think of TV’s Top Chef or American Idol or any of these other efforts to judge subjectively.

I like to think that each of us is capable of receiving the constructive criticism to make us better. It may come from a customer, a boss, a spouse or even from a legal judge (I hope not).

We all have ways to improve but it is often difficult in our ego driven world to open up our minds and hear the words that others feel need to be said. Judge can also lose their objectivity or spirit of helping by letting emotions take over. The goal of all judging is education. Each of us need to accept the criticism as well as offer criticism with that helping concept in mind.

A number of years ago, I had a winemaker call me asking why his wines in this competition did not earn the medals he thought he deserved. I told him my wines did not earn the big scores either but I will take that result home with me and focus on how to make better wines. I hoped that he heard my words. I know I will never make a perfect wine.

I work hard to put out sound wines and teach my staff the skills they need to lead the quality of this industry alongside me. Keep the open mind, learn from each other and the happiness will flow through self-development.

I think I’ll have another taste of wine now.

Visiting Virginias Wine Country

Its always a good idea to call before visiting. Many Virginia wineries are small, family-owned operations and may be closed during the time you are planning to visit. If you are a group of eight or more, call ahead to help the winery prepare for your visit and to make sure they can accept groups. Most of our wineries have grape cluster highway signs within a ten-mile radius pointing the way to the winery. Many of these signs also tell you how many miles to go before reaching the winery.

August 2014 | 35

GRAPEVINE NEIL WILLIAMSON

A NEW ADVENTURE ON THE FARM Earlysville’s Adventure Farm

R

aising her family in the same farm house where she grew up Adventure Farm General Manager Andrea Matheson says the operation is all about the family farm and it always will be. This June, Adventure Farm of Albemarle County opened their winery Tasting Room and Farm Store but they are far from new to the area.

When Matheson’s grandfather, E. Morris Chisholm, acquired this Albemarle farm property in 1950, life in central Virginia was slow and people were scarce. The University of Virginia was a small state university (all men) and the entire town of Charlottesville had only 25,000 citizens.

There was no I-64, no airport and very little modern infrastructure. In those days the farm’s phone was on a “party line” with all the neighbors and the Adventure Farm was remote and “in the country”.

Matheson’s grandmother, Mary Jane Chisholm, still retains ownership.

The land that now houses the Charlottesville-Albemarle Airport was once a part of the family farm.

As the planes come in from west approach they fly directly over the vineyards of Adventure Farms.

Wine made by Bluemont Vineyards from this vineyard’s fruit was awarded a Gold Medal in the 2013 Governor’s Cup Competition. Farm Manager Carl Tinder joked the plants liked waving to all the planes as they were coming and going.

Yes, over the past 60 years the town of Charlottesville has grown, but Adventure Farm is still the bucolic paradise it’s always been. The farm’s pastures are rolling and gentle. Naked Creek runs through to the South Fork Rivanna reservoir and the breathtaking Blue Ridge Mountains line the view to west. Numerous lakes and ample woods provide an abundance of wildlife such as geese, ducks, deer, fox, dove & quail.

Crop diversification and traditional farming practices have improved the land quality by increasing soil fertility and decreasing erosion. Crops such as grapes, hay, corn, soybeans, wheat and livestock such as beef, goats, eggs, pork are produced in their natural cycles, providing for the family as well as the surrounding community.

Matheson explained that the grapes were first planted in 2006. The vineyard site is exceptional and they have been adding to the vineyard acreage a little each year. Today, Adventure Farm has about twelve acres under vine with eight acres currently producing [longtime Grapevine readers know it takes three years (also known as third leaf) for a vine to grow from planting to full production].

36 | August 2014

Old Town Crier

After seeing their grapes do so well for other wineries in competition, Adventure Farm thought they should hold back some of the fruit and make limited production wines. Working with longtime Virginia Winemaker Michael Shaps at Virginia Wine Works, Adventure Farm was able to launch their own label.

Utilizing a converted plant nursery building as their Tasting Room/Farm Store, Adventure Farm feels miles away from the hubbub of the “City” despite being just a stone’s throw from the Charlottesville-Albemarle airport.

It is all about the farm.

The wines of Adventure Farm tend to be more subtle in their flavor profile with a slightly understated winemaking touch. The wines lean toward more integrated palate with fruit elegance throughout.

The 2012 Chardonnay features lighter than average hue and nice yeasty butter notes on the nose.

The midpalate is expressive with undertones of green apple leading to a clean finish with vanilla notes.

The white wine that caught my

fancy however is Adventure Farm’s 2013 Viognier with its bright floral nose highlighted by honeysuckle and summer melon. The midpalate has a cascading influence of honey, cantaloupe and light toast. The finish lingers nicely. This would make an excellent deck sipping summer wine.

The winery is currently producing one red wine under the Adventure Farm Label “Gigi” is named in honor of their grandmother. This 50/50 blend of Chambourcin and Cabernet Sauvignon is a great “house” wine. Exceedingly approachable with delightful cherry notes it has a moderate tannic structure and a lighter than average finish makes it a natural “Pizza and spaghetti” or “every day” wine. I paired this wine with my hearty spicy spaghetti with meat sauce and it performed exceedingly well.

The winery is also pouring a few bottles from their winemaker Michael Shaps’ label. The 2010 Cabernet Sauvignon is made from all Adventure Farms grapes and is a big red with subtle attack. The complex midpalate has well integrated cedar and plum

notes leading to silky tannins on the finish that lingers with a hint of pipe tobacco and leather.

The winery is adamant about using only estate fruit and is not looking to be the biggest winery on the block.

“The wine is a just one part of what we do here on the farm. In October, we have the pumpkin patch and we build a corn maze,” Matheson explained.

For the Grand Opening, in addition to our wines they featured Argentinian chefs expertly preparing their farm beef slow cooked over wood fires in Asado style.

The Farm Store is a big part of the family’s plans for the operation.

Adventure Farm is currently offering some of its premium beef for sale.

The farm raises the Angus Saler cross which produces a superior animal.

Steers are bred, born and raised on Adventure Farm. They are grass fed and grain finished for superb marbling. The cattle are raised entirely in open pastures. The steers are processed at Fauquier’s Finest Country Butcher Shop in Virginia, dry aged 2-3 weeks and flash frozen.

Beyond just their farm’s products, Adventure Farm also sells neighboring farmers’ eggs, chickens and on occasion garden produce. This fall, the Farm Store will be offering local turkey. In December, the farm sells Christmas Trees including visits from Santa. Charley’s Chili (made from AF Beef) is a local favorite served at all the AF events.

Matheson also indicated her eagerness to open the farm for weddings and private events that are seeking to have a more relaxed and rustic appeal. Working as a family, Adventure Farm is creating a sustainable, diversified agricultural operation in Northern Albemarle County.

Located just 6 miles North of Charlottesville, Adventure Farm is located about a two hour drive from Old Town.

Neil Williamson is president of The Trellis Group, a marketing consultancy focused on Virginia wineries. Reach him at: Trellisgroup@earthlink.net.

ANDREA MATHESON GENERAL MANAGER ADVENTURE FARM EARLYSVILLE, VIRGINIA Hometown Earlysville, Va. (right here on the farm) Item always in your refrigerator seltzer water Most challenging wine pairing artichokes (solved with sparkling wine) Best thing about the Virginia wine industry friendliness and ability to come together Worst thing about the Virginia wine industry regulation Comfort food chocolate chip cookies—can’t resist them right out of the oven

working as a family, adventure farm is creating a sustainable, diversified agricultural operation in northern albemarle county.

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Favorite saying Enjoy Every Day— Carpe Diem!

Favorite wine (yours or anyone else’s) Michael Shaps Cabernet Sauvignon (using our grapes)

August 2014 | 37

VIRGINIA WINE Trail Profiles

n Three fOx ViNeyArdS AuGuST eVeNTS n 9Th & 10Th: bArbeCue n n 9Th: dOG dAyS Of AuGuST–briNG yOur dOG! n 16Th: PALiO di SieNA n

Bedford County Wine Trail bedfordwinetrail.com The Bedford Wine Trail in the Central Virginia region includes five vineyards and wineries surrounding Bedford.

Blue Ridge Wine Way www.blueridgewineway.com The Blue Ridge Wine Way features eight wineries and vineyards in the spectacular mountains of the Northern Virginia region.

Botetourt County Wine Trail botetourtwinetrail.com The Wine Trail of Botetourt Country features 3 wineries in the Blue Ridge Mountains.

Eastern Shore Wine Trail esvatourism.org The Eastern Shore of Virginia Wine Trail hosts three wineries along the Land Between Two Waters. This area is a unique rural coastal environment. Hundreds of miles of Atlantic Ocean and Chesapeake Bay shoreline provide a wealth of recreational opportunities for beach-lovers, fishermen, and boaters in addition to wine lovers.

Tasting Room Hours - Open Year Round Thursday-Saturday, & Monday 11-5 pm • Sunday 12 pm (noon)- 5 pm Taste Our Award-Winning Piemontese Nebbiolo 2010 Virginia Governor’s Cup Silver Medal Winner

Mention or bring this ad for a complimentary tasting for two through 12/23/2010

10100 Three Fox Ln. • Delaplane, VA • 540-364-6073

Fauquier County Wine Trail fauquiertourism.com/wineries.html Fauquier County is home to 16 wineries and vineyards —each with its own unique flavors. Enjoy awardwinning Virginia wines, wine tastings and tours.

Shenandoah Valley Wine Trail svwga.org The Shenandoah Valley Wine Trail is an association of six vineyards and wineries.

Loudoun Wine Trail visitloudoun.org Loudouns Wine Trail in Northern Virginia takes you through Virginias hunt country to 23 participating wineries.

A small, family winery focused on quality, sustainable farming and our community Visit us and other quality wineries on the Loudoun Wine Trail–www.loudounfarms.org Serving your local red wine needs since 2006 Open Daily 11am - 5pm Educational wine events

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

Chesapeake Bay Wine Trail chesapeakebaywinetrail.com The Chesapeake Bay Wine Trail, in the Chesapeake Bay region, highlights six different wineries.

Heart of Virginia Wine Trail www.hovawinetrail.com The Heart of Virginia Wine Trail in Central Virginia presents several events throughout the year at four wineries located in the central region of the state.

Blue Ridge Wine Trail blueridgewinetrail.com The Blue Ridge Wine Trail features five wineries and vineyards in the spectacular mountains all within minutes of the Blue Ridge Parkway.

Generals Wine & History Trail thegeneralswinetrail.com In 2009, 10 wineries banded together to form a new type wine trail experience. The new wine trail experience was to tie our rich wine heritage with our rich historical heritage and thus the Generals Wine & History Trail was born.

Monticello Wine Trail monticellowinetrail.com The Monticello Wine Trail leads to 24 wineries from its hub in Charlottesville.

Source: Virginia Wine Marketing Office

38 | August 2014

For More Information: virginiawine.org Visiting Virginia’s Wine Country Its always a good idea to call before visiting. Many Virginia wineries are small, family-owned operations and may be closed during the time you are planning to visit.

If you are a group of eight or more, call ahead to help the winery prepare for your visit and to make sure they can accept groups.

Most of our wineries have grape cluster highway signs within a ten-mile radius pointing the way to the winery. Many of these signs also tell you how many miles to go before reaching the winery.

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GO FISH STEVE CHACONAS

Going Soft on Plastics

I

f not for tireless efforts of Alexandriabased American Sportfishing Association (ASA), fishing with soft plastic lures like worms and other creatures would be outlawed! The Maine State Legislature was considering a ban on the use of soft plastic fishing lures to accompany the State’s already restrictive lead sinker and jig use. Could this lead to a ban on fishing altogether?

For nearly 65 years, soft baits have been used to mimic a fish’s natural prey. Available in a wide array of colors, sizes, and shapes,

Bassing IN AUGUST Potomac River

Start on top with Lucky Craft G-Splash poppers. Bigger ones in stained choppy water and the regular size G-Splash 65 for clear calm water. Have a Mann’s HardNose Freefall worm Texas rigged weightless with a 3/0 Mustad Ultra Point Mega Bite hook. Tie to 12-pound test GAMMA Edge Fluorocarbon line.

Then it’s a combo of Mann’s Baby 1-Minus in chartreuse on sunny days or shad patterns on cloudy days.

Use Classic spinnerbaits with white skirts on cloudy days.

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they are a tacklebox staple! Inexpensive and effective, soft plastic lures work well under all fishing conditions. But, unwary anglers who introduce soft plastic baits into waterways, unintentionally or deliberately, assist antifishing advocates. Most environmentally minded anglers wouldn’t think of tossing a lure package overboard, but a torn or otherwise useless soft plastic bait is dumped without a second thought! What happens after that is debatable, but at a minimum, it’s pollution!

GO FISH > PAGE 42

Or craw patterned chatterbaits anytime. This is also a good time to swim a Mann’s Stone Jig around cover. Use a HardNose Frankentoad trailer. Try these on 14-16 pound test GAMMA Edge.

Pitching Mizmo tubes, Texas rigged with 14-16 pound Edge and 3/16-ounce weights to grass clumps, wood and docks, especially during the heat of the day. A good soaking in garlic Jack’s Juice will keep fish holding on longer!

At the peak of the heat, try drop shotting steep drops. I like the GAMMA Torque 20-pound braid with a 12-pound test Edge leader on a Quantum EXO spinning outfit. Use a 2/0 Mustad Mega Bite hook and Mann’s HardNose 6 inch Jelly worm worm. Anchor this rig with a 1/8 ounce Water Gremlin Bullshot weight.

August 2014 | 39

FITNESS catherinevarchever

Are You Drinking Enough? Water, That Is!

O

ur bodies are made up of over 70% water and it is involved in almost every aspect of keeping our body’s biological processes running efficiently.

Not counting perspiration, it is estimated that as adults we lose about 4% of our total body weight per day in water losses. This means, it is important to replace not only this water, but also the water we lose when participating in activities, especially in the summertime.

How Do You Know How Much Water You Should Drink?

Experts vary in their recommendations and the

exact amount depends upon your body weight, where you live, how much exercise you do per day, and the type of environment in which you are living. But as a general rule, one quick way you can estimate how much you should be drinking is to take your body weight in pounds and divide that number by two. The result is the number of ounces that you should be drinking per day in terms of your water consumption. For example, if you are a lady and weigh 125 pounds/2 = 62.5, you should be aiming for at least 62.5 ounces of water per day.

Plain water is generally the best for hydration. Avoid caffeine or alcohol as these

can dehydrate you further.

However, if you are working out in the heat and or perspiring extensively, then it is important to replenish the electrolytes that your body loses with either an electrolyte supplement or sports drink.

Hydration and Heat

You need to increase the amount of fluids you drink if you are out in the heat. Plan your water intake before you start working out. Because everyone is different it is difficult to state exact fluid requirements, but as a starting point here are some general guidelines you can use, and then modify the amounts based on your individual

circumstances: If you will be outdoors or working out extensively you should drink 2-3 cups of water before your workout (about 2-3 hours prior to exercise). During your workout a good rule of thumb is to drink about 1 cup of water for every 10-15 minutes that you are working out.

Sodium is actually important if you are working out heavily, so consider adding a sports drink like the low sugar version of Gatorade (the G2) or my personal favorite which is the Crystal Light Hydration Lemon which has 10 calories per a 16 ounce bottle of water, 150 mg sodium and 70mg potassium in order to replenish the electrolytes that your body loses during exercise and sweating.

A good tip is to weigh yourself before and after exercise, and any weight loss immediately after exercising is the weight you will need to gain back in water. As always, consult with your doctor before beginning an exercise program and if you take any medication that may affect your fluid intake and or exercise program make sure to ask your doctor about planning the proper amount of hydration and what types of exercises are safe for you.

Summary and Tips

• Drink water before, during and after your workouts.

• Consider adding in a Sports Drink to replenish electrolytes.

• Stay away from liquids 40 | August 2014

containing caffeine or alcohol, (avoid beers, colas and other similar beverages)

Signs of Dehydration

• Weakness or lightheadedness • Exhaustion • Thirst • Pale skin • Loss of appetite • Dark colored urine • Dry mouth • Muscle cramps • Nausea and vomiting • Sweating cessation Confusion and weakness, and then possible organ failure can occur if the dehydration is not treated!

Catherine Varchaver (Peace Corp, Central and Eastern Europe and Kyrgyzstan 1991– 1997) spent several years on Peace Corps staff working as a desk officer, trainer and Associate Peace Corps Director for Education at Headquarters and overseas. She has worked in private practice, Body and Soul Nutrition, blending East meets West approaches to health. She received her undergraduate degree from Oberlin College, Master of Arts in Teaching from the School for International Training, certification in health and nutrition counseling from the Institute of Integrative Nutrition in NYC, and hands-on training in Chinese medicine’s 5-Element tradition working with acupuncture colleagues in the DC area.

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FROM THE TRAINER RYAN UNVERZAGT

❶

fitball abdominal exchange ❷

Old Town Dentistry FRINET KASPER, D.D.S.

❸

T

his month’s exercise is the FitBall Abdominal (Ab) Exchange. This is a great exercise for the rectus abdominus.

The start position is shown in Figure 1.

The FitBall is held off the floor with your arms extended straight above the head. Notice how the feet are also held above the floor about a foot or two. This position elicits muscular tension through your core. Next, bring the ball overtop of your body while simultaneously raising your legs to “meet in the middle”.

Obviously, the leg and arm muscles will be doing some work during this motion, but focus on contracting the abs to help bring the back of the shoulders off the floor to really make the repetition count.

So now that the FitBall is at the top, switch it from the hands to the feet by placing it between the inside of your ankles (figure 2). It might take some practice before this transition becomes smooth. Squeeze the ball with your

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legs to secure it for the ride down. Slowly lower the ball, back of the shoulders, and your arms toward the floor. Notice again how the arms and ball never touch the floor because you want to keep tension on the abs the whole time during the exercise (figure 3).

Try at least ten reps if you’ve never attempted the FitBall Ab Exchange. This is an advanced abdominal exercise that requires significant core strength to perform multiple sets and reps.

I hope that I have given you another solid core exercise that you can add to your abdominal repertoire! Until next time….stay fit during the “Dog Days of Summer”!

Unverzagt holds a BS in Wellness Management from Black Hills State University and is a Certified Strength & Conditioning Specialist (CSCS). He is an active member of the National Strength & Conditioning Association (NSCA).

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Keep a Beautiful Smile August 2014 | 41

CIVIL DISCOURSE FROM PG 9

A BIT OF HISTORY FROM PG 8

Yankees retreating across open ground under withering fire. The fight had lasted eight hours, most of it under a hot July sun. Of the 50,000 Federals available to support the attack, only a single brigade of Ord’s corps came to the aid of Burnside’s men.

The opening scene of the movie Cold Mountain gives some sense of the unrestrained horror at the crater.

Union losses were approximately 4,000, which included 1,900 prisoners who surrendered rather than run the fierce gauntlet of fire back to their own lines. Confederate losses were about 1,500; many of the “missing” were blown to bits in the initial blast or interred under the falling earth of the fort. In keeping with the spirit of Fort Pillow, many of the Colored Troops were bayonetted or shot after surrendering.

Congress subsequently held a Court of Inquiry to determine how a war-ending plan had gone so wrong. Grant testified that the fault lay with the divisional commanders, especially the one responsible for the two lead brigades, who was drunk in his bombproof instead of being in a position to keep his men moving on the hill which was the ultimate objective. Meade’s order, Grant says, was all that was required for success: “if the troops had been properly commanded, and had been led in accordance with this order, we should have captured Petersburg, with all of the artillery, and a good portion of its support, without the loss of five hundred men. There was a full half hour where there was no fire against our men, and they could have marched past the enemy’s entrenchments just as they could in

open country; but that opportunity was lost in consequence of the divisional commanders not going with their men, but allowing them to go into the enemy’s entrenchments and spread themselves there without going on farther, thus giving the enemy time to collect and organize against them. If they had marched to the crest of that ridge they would have taken every thing in the rear. I do not think there would have been any opposition at all to our troops if that had been done.” Grant further faults the commanders of the 50,000 supporting troops who inexplicably failed to stir as their comrades were butchered in the pit. Finally, Grant acknowledged his mistake in pulling back the Colored troops who had specifically trained for the mission.

Recalling that the only success of the day was their charge past the crater and toward the hill, it is a fair guess that they would have pulled it off given the chance. But politics won out and “thus terminated in disaster what promised to be the most successful assault of the campaign.” This had been a well-thought-out plan to break the siege of Petersburg and end the war in August of 1864, a priceless opportunity squandered. The armies will bleed on in the muddy trenches for another eight months.

GO FISH FROM PG 39

After all, most soft plastic lures contain some petroleum products. Slowly leaching into the water, they produce a miniscule amount of contamination.

Still, there’s no scientific or anecdotal evidence to support a ban on soft plastics. Similar story for lead. Not enough factual research or evidence was presented, but a lead ban was established in a few states across the country.

Once tossed into the water, either lost by accident of rejected as no longer serving a purpose, soft plastics are out of sight and mind until a dead fish washes onto shore and is found to contain a soft plastic lure in its digestive system. Even not knowing the cause of death, fish autopsies assign blame to the soft plastic lure, possibly with some validation. Soft plastic companies claim fish will be unharmed when ingesting these baits, either passing or regurgitating them, however there isn’t any independent scientific data. But it’s visible signs of litter that prompt many who desire to ban fishing altogether to point to 42 | August 2014

its groundwater. Currently the city is under order to improve its combined sewer overflows; to rid Hunting Creek and the Potomac River of its raw sewage including human waste.

Some health solutions, like hand washing with soap, are simple.

Others more complicated. The polio virus, which slowed with the 1953 Salk vaccine, remains prevalent in Pakistan, Afghanistan and northern Nigeria. The 2018 Polio Endgame Plan includes the introduction of female vaccination teams, a strategy local Taliban oppose. Since July 2012, 43 lady health workers have been killed by Pakistani Taliban.

Infectious diseases account for a quarter of the deaths worldwide.

In the United States MERS and Chikungunya are emerging; Pertussis (whooping cough) and Measles are increasing. The latter are infectious diseases easily prevented by vaccination.

August is National Immunization Awareness Month. President Jimmy Carter championed the country’s first comprehensive childhood vaccination program in 1977. Thomas Jefferson likewise facilitated vaccine inoculation.

“Future nations will know by history only that the loathsome small-pox has existed and by you[r vaccine] has been extirpated,” President Jefferson wrote English physician Edward Jenner in 1806.

Doug Coleman is an attorney and amateur historian in Alexandria; comments and corrections are welcome at dcoleman@coleman-lawyers.com.

acknowledges the broader problem of drug resistance. Antibiotic resistance is one of globe’s most pressing public health problems. Scottish bacteriologist Alexander Fleming discovered the first antibiotic— penicillin—in 1927. Penicillinresistant staph bacteria progressed 15 years later. E. coli now resists ampicillin, sulfonamide and tetracycline. The Koshland Science Museum is located in the District of Columbia, www.koshland-sciencemuseum.org.

In April 2014 the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change released a sobering weather analysis. Rising average temperatures are expected to change the transmission patterns of several infectious diseases including diarrheal disease. Increased precipitation will also increase the frequency of vector borne diseases, especially those associated with mosquitoes, ticks and snails.

Chikungunya is an infectious, viral disease first identified in Tanzania in 1952. It is transmitted by mosquito bite and symptoms include fever and joint pain. In December 2013 the virus was discovered in the Caribbean and this year, in May, the State of Florida reported the country’s first cases. By mid-June Chikungunya had spread to six states including Virginia. The infections correlate with vacationers’ Caribbean travel.

As air travel continues, as weather patterns change; as food is now traded, as water and sanitation practices fail infectious diseases will spread. Alexandria understood as early as 1810 excreta contaminated

angler recklessness as reason enough to enact a ban! Boat ramps, docks, and parking lots become soft plastic graveyards created by unconcerned anglers. To the recreational boater or waterfront enthusiast, this is fish poison! It’s the same as cigarette butts and beer cans! They shouldn’t be in the environment!

While most anglers slept and fished…the beginning of the end of soft plastic baits was awakened. In early 2013, Maine’s Joint Standing Committee on Inland Fisheries and Wildlife ruled that an official departmental study was needed to study the effects of soft baits on fish.

An involved Maine B.A.S.S. Nation was the impetus for a collaborative effort to oppose and eventually end, for now, the ban on soft plastics! Backed by B.A.S.S. national conservation director Noreen Clough, they joined forces with ASA and its KeepAmericaFishing advocacy members garnering nearly 20,000 petition signatures to save soft plastics.

Fortunately, Maine’s Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife concluded in January this year, they do

not recommend any legislation at this time. However, they did recommend enhancing angler education programs involving anglers, angler organizations and the sportfishing industry. ASA is supporting these recommendations and will help establish educational programs.

The first step is preventing soft plastics from finding their way into the water! Next is putting discarded baits into their place. B.A.S.S. Conservation is the home of the ReBaits program, providing recycling for discarded plastics in 37 states, Canada and South Africa. Anglers placing discarded plastic baits into plastic recycling bins from ReBaits, or in any collection bin can potentially eliminate the need for a ban! Moreover, purchasing soft plastic molds from LureCraft.com can allow melting and pouring new baits to complete the recycling process. In fact, many conservation and budget minded anglers have been doing this for decades! With more at stake, the future of soft plastics depends on smart use and avoiding misuse!

Education is key. The same anglers who would go overboard in protecting

their fish through a tournament weigh-in had thought nothing of tossing soft plastics overboard.

Informed and reacting positively to practical, commonsense recycling programs, anglers are being educated on soft plastic use and disposal.

Recycling is spreading thanks to tournament organizations; enabling effective soft plastic baits to remain in tackleboxes.

Anglers, by nature conservationists, will no longer be contributing to the potential demise of their beloved fish.

There’s no need to wait until anecdotal stories of fish dying from ingesting soft plastics or specific studies prove the case to be true. Recycling begins at home, and for anglers it begins when soft plastics reach the end of the line.

Source

Harper’s History of the Great Rebellion

Email: abitofhistory53@gmail.com

Capt. Steve Chaconas, Potomac bass fishing guide, BoatUS “Ask the Expert” (http://my.boatus.com/askexperts/ bassfishing/) Potomac River reports: nationalbass.com. Book trips/purchase gift certificates: info@NationalBass. com.

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SUMMER SKIN CARE

uring the dog days of summer, most of us need a pick me up to our beauty routines. Forget the spa and save some money by giving yourself an at home facial. Here are some easy steps on how to get a spa-worthy facial in the privacy of your own home and at a fraction of the cost.

Step 1: Get Your Face Squeaky Clean

Use a good facial cleanser to rid your face of make-up and debris from the environment. Be sure to use the right cleanser for your skin type.

If you are dry or sensitive, avoid cleansers with too many active ingredients, glycolic or alpha hydroxy acids. If you are oily, be sure to use a cleanser that gets your skin and pores clean without stripping it.

Step 2: Scub a Dub Dub

Get rid of dead skin and rid pores of the gunk. Find a physical exfoliant - one with some grit to get rid of the ick. Beware of physical scrubs that use nutty ingredients as their scrubbing agent. These can superficially scar the skin and cause problems during your not so youthful years. Look for scrubs that use perfectly round spheres to ensure a safe exfoliating experience. Examples are those with ingredients such as food grade diatomaceous earth or jojoba beads.

Some tips on using a scrub: 1. If you use on dry skin, you’ll get a deeper exfoliation; 2. For a good scrub, but not too deep, use on damp skin after you cleanse; and 3. For a mild exfoliation, mix the exfoliant with your cleanser.

Step 3: Put on a Mask Even Though It’s Not Halloween

Now that you’ve cleansed and scrubbed away the dead skin, apply a facial mask. Masks come in many forms and have different uses. If you are feeling as dry as the Sahara, you might Old Town Crier

try a mask that boosts the moisture in your skin. Moisture or hydration masks – as they are often called – usually look like jelly and don’t dry while sitting on the skin. Clay based masks are great for skin that is either dull or congested. The clay ingredients work to pull out impurities that are clogging pores and to bring back the natural glow that has been camouflaged by dead skin cells.

Step 4: Give your Face a Treat

After your mask is wiped clean, your face is ripe for a treat. Apply a treatment serum appropriate for your skin type. If you are worried about your age catching up to your skin, apply a Vitamin C based serum. Vitamin C is the closest thing to the Fountain of Youth.

It helps to rebuild collagen and improve the skin’s elasticity. If you are acne prone, apply an anti-acne serum. These serums help keep pore-clogging, acne-instigating bacteria at bay.

For normal skin types, simply apply a vitamininfused cocktail of antioxidants to help keep the skin looking healthy.

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The final step is to seal in all the goodness with a moisturizer to improve your natural inner glow. Choose the right moisturizer for your skin type – creams for dry skin, lotions for combination, and oil-free for oily skin. If you are performing your spa facial during the day, you might choose a tinted moisturizer to even the tone of your skin and give you a little added glow.

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Now, go put your best face forward and rejuvenate your skin during these dog days of summer!

Kim Putens is a founding partner of Bellacara, a beauty boutique located in Old Town Alexandria. Bellacara is also on the web at www.bellacara.com. Become a fan of Bellacara on Facebook.

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11:49 AM

SPIRITUAL RENAISSANCE PEGGIE ARVIDSON

“H

ow can I claim my happiness and joy if I don’t know what that means?”

I hear this question on a daily basis. It’s an epidemic of ennui. There’s a sadness that accompanies the women (mostly) and men (some) who are struggling to make the most of this life. There’s a bit of nostalgia for something they can’t quite put their finger on and wistfulness about time racing.

This isn’t some mid-life

C’mon Get Happy! crisis or ego-driven need to do more and acquire more, this is a longing of the soul and the heart to leave an impact before our time here is done.

Could it by my age or simply the time I’m living in?

Lately every week is full of loss of friends and family at an age that seems too young.

While I personally believe that life goes on after we die here on Earth, I still feel the sharpness of the loss and the chair that’s left vacant at the dinner table. People like to make fun of those looking

interested in living your purpose at work & beyond?

Check out PeggieArvidson.com where you’ll find: • Live and virtual workshops • Private coaching opportunities • Personalized hand analysis readings • And discounts on services for newsletter subscribers

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

for meaning in their lives – mocking “the navel gazers” for having such an easy life that they need only worry about leaving their mark.

It doesn’t seem that long ago that I was doing the mocking. I was so busy in the do-do-do and accumulate life that I couldn’t fathom what would possess someone to seek a higher meaning. Until all the accumulating stopped feeling good and fun and I was looking at the years looming before with more than a little dread. I felt guilty about that too. From the outside my life looked pretty spectacular, with a successful business, a cute house in Del Ray, a husband, a convertible and more. Still it was starting to feel like “stuff ” was running my life. I felt that if that was a good as it gets, there wasn’t much point in living.

Don’t get me wrong, eating at great restaurants is still a highlight of my life. I like cute haircuts and clothes that fit and feel good. Having money is definitely better than not having money – there’s no argument there. However I know that having money and a purpose is a much better place, emotionally.

I asked myself what it would take to feel pure happiness, and I felt completely unqualified to answer.

So began a 10 year odyssey to figuring out what brings happiness to my life and how to harness joy in each moment. Now’s the point in the story where I tell you that happiness comes from waking up at dawn, meditating in silence for an hour and then chanting through my gentle yoga practice.

And I laugh.

The key to finding your happiness is simple. For me it wasn’t and still isn’t easy.

For what it’s worth, I’ve learned a few things since 2004 about finding and keeping happiness (or peace, or Zen, or joy). Here are few ideas to start your own journey: • Slow the Freak Down. Even though life seems to go too soon, the answer is to slow down, not plow through from one accomplishment to the next.

• Listen to yourself. The reason most of us are on autopilot, racing through our days, is because we’re petrified of what we might find out about ourselves if we stood still. Do it anyway.

• The heck with the Jones’.

Stop trying to keep up with them (or whomever you’re comparing yourself to). Keep up with you, stop comparing, start living now.

• Start where you are. You’re 40 and thought you’d be married with three kids by now but instead you’re the President of a multinational organization – rock on. Be there. And then figure out what the marriage and kids vision represents for you. From there you can move forward.

• Know WHY you want meaning. I know it seems trendy to be on a spiritual path these days (all the cool kids are doing it!) but if you don’t know WHY you’re looking for meaning, it’s going to feel meaningless.

• Stop worrying about everyone else. Unless the one you’re worrying about requires your body parts to provide them food and

shelter, just resign as the queen of the world. Let the other humans find their way.

You finding your way is the best way to get others to pay attention.

• It’s not your job to fix anyone, including yourself.

• It really is about love. Until you can find something to love in yourself, without caveats, it’s going to be tough to find happiness.

• Trust yourself. Trust the Universe.

• Release your need to control anyone or anything because control is only an illusion anyway.

That’s just a random sampling of lessons I’ve learned on my way to happiness. Most days are happy. Some not great things happen but at the end of the day, there is a happiness that is not dependent on anything outside of me happening (or not happening). For me, that’s the point.

Peggie Arvidson, the Pragmatic Palmist, is a contemporary thought leader whose message of joy and self-empowerment has drawn hundreds of people from around the world to have their hands read, and to attend her seminars and workshops. Her mission is to help thousands of people world-wide love themselves without hesitation and live their hearts desire. If you want to glimpse how your hard-wiring and truth shows up in your hands, visit her website (PeggieArvidson. com) and attend her classes and workshops throughout Northern Virginia.

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SINGLE SPACE LORI WELCH

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t the suggestion of my friend, Madi, I recently installed the T-0 app on my phone to count down the days/hours/minutes/ seconds ’til THE BIG DAY. As I’m typing this, we are exactly 55 days and 18 hours and 34 minutes away. YIKES! It is exciting and thrilling and a wee bit scary to be approaching this very important milestone in my life. Sweet 47 and never been married! (Between you and me, I’m fitting it under the wire right before my odometer rolls to 48). Can you say, ’commitment issues?’

Just kidding! Alright, already. Maybe there’s just a wee bit of truth to that, but I’ve also been busy.

For those of you who have been following Single Space for the past decade, you know my journey to find love has been a long, winding road. to say the least. You watched me learn how to let go and move on after a couple of particularly painful breakups. You stood by me through my Bad Boy Phase, my I’m Too Busy for a Relationship Phase, my Always a Bridesmaid, Never a Bride phase and so on. You were there when I filled the void of losing my mom with BO guy.

You laughed with me at velour track suit guy and got mad when CEO guy stood me up … twice. Like my family, you questioned my attraction to rehab guy and saw the writing on the wall with biker boy.

When I had my open heart surgery in 2011, you reached out with your kind words and rallied with me. Regardless of my poor lapses in judgment and/or questionable decisions, you kept reading—probably either because you felt sorry for me or solidarity with me. Whatever the case, I’m glad you stuck around. I feel Old Town Crier

like I have been the poster child for hope and perseverance on many levels. As a wise high school English teacher once said to me, ’every dog has his day.’ Mine has been a long time coming, and I hope you’ll raise your glasses and toast with me on September 13.

The funny thing is that XXL and I first met 24 years ago—we both were frequenting a waterside bar on the Potomac on a fairly regular basis back in the late 80s. Ahhhh—the 80s! He wasn’t wearing parachute pants, but I do recall a porn-star worthy mustache.

I can’t make fun because I’m pretty sure I was swathed in yards of neon orange and pink. I was dating one of his college friends at the time, and he ended up dating a friend of mine for a brief stint. I joke that when he proposed to his first wife (not my friend) at that same bar, I was likely sitting in the next room. I laugh to myself thinking that God was looking down saying, “you’re warm—keep going—a little to the right…). As they say, timing is everything. We both needed to walk our separate paths— XXL got an awesome son out of the deal, and I met many amazing people who became lifelong friends along the way.

Now that we are finally here, our matrimonial path has been littered with boxes from Etsy, Oriental Trading, Amazon, Nordstrom and Zappos. My home office has been transformed into the Wedding War Room with cardboard boxes filled with tulle, burlap and ribbon climbing

the walls. My Wedding Master excel spreadsheet has grown from one ’Guest’ tab to 10+ worksheets including vendors, play list, registry items, and the ever growing To Do list.

Meet with officiant. Check. Send in ceremony musician contract. Check.

Select bridal party shoes. Check. I’m usually pretty decisive, but I ordered three different colors of pashminas before settling on aqua—turquoise was too dark and coral was too rusty.

I ordered way too many invites (the wannabe Italian mother in me is always worried about not having enough), and I wasted a lot of stamps.

Remember, stamps go on last. Duh. There was no stopping the bridal party assembly line once it was in high gear!

As far as the planning goes, I feel like we are in good shape.

The one thing that I’m fixated on to the point of stress is the fact that I am not in Victoria’s Secret supermodel shape which I realize is beyond silly because, honestly, for a 40-something year old bride-to-be, I’m great—at least by everyone’s standards, except my own. Some days I look in the mirror and see a rising Olympic star and other days I see a fleshy middleaged woman who can barely stand up straight. What’s a girl to do? “Lori— the thing to do is accept yourself as

you are today and realize that XXL loves you just the way you are right now in this moment. He’s not marrying you because you have sexy biceps or six-pack abs. Enjoy this beautiful time in your life and stop fixating on what’s wrong.” Whew—thanks, I needed that.

It’s a challenge not to lose sight to what’s important in life and be happy in the moment. For many years I felt as if my life was always off balance. My job would be riding the wave while my personal life was sinking and vice versa so it was hard for me to feel truly happy. I was always waiting for the stars to align in some fashion or biding my time. I had my own personal t-minus app running subconsciously in the background. Happiness was always T-[fill in blank] away. I’ll be happy in T-18 when I head out for vacation or I’ll be happy in T-198 when I pay off my car and have more expendable income.

In T-55, I’ll walk down the aisle to marry my best friend and future husband, XXL, and it is worth the wait—as well as the bumps (and bozos) along the way. As our Big Day approaches, I’ve learned that it’s the moments in between that are to be cherished and savored. Like me, know that your time will come, and you won’t have any idea if it’s T-38 or T-1,087. Everything happens in its own time—as frustrating as this may seem. The blessing is in learning to be happy at T-0.

Life is good today.

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AUGUST EVENTS CIRQUE DU SOLEIL’S AMALUNA In the Heart of the Harbor A Diane Paulus production inspired by Shakespeare’s The Tempest takes place on an island governed by goddesses. Tickets and info: cirquedusoleil.com

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CIRQUE IS BACK IN TOWN WITH

AMALUNA!

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Chesapeake crab & Beer festival On the Waterfront All You Care to Taste Extravaganza!

Two Sessions: 11am - 3pm & 5 - 9pm Rain or Shine

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Movies on the Potomac Sundays 6 pm 3rd: Singin’ in the Rain* 007 James Bond!

10th: Goldfinger 17th: From Russia with Love 24th: Dr. No 30th: You Only Live Twice

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*This show is part of the July Marvelous Musical theme

Friday Night Live Every Friday night, Plaza Stage, 7-9 pm 1st: Southern Md. Concert Band 8th: The Apple Core 15th: Ten Feet Tall 22nd: The English Channel 29th: The Randy Thompson Band Waterfront Fitness Free classes sponsored by Willpower Functional Fitness, in front of the Jumbotron on the Plaza 7-8 pm Tuesday: Yoga Wednesday: Zumba Thursday: Kickboxing

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ast fall brought us For those of you who aren’t the amazing Odysseo familiar with Cirque du Soleil production from Cavalia a little background info is and anyone who saw provided here. Cirque arose that show will agree it from very humble beginnings left us waiting for more. Well, with a group of 20 street Cirque du Soleil has arrived performers in 1984. Based with their blue and yellow tents in Quebec, Canada it is an

By Lani Gering and have been busy getting organization that has been their temporary village all set providing high-quality artistic up here at the harbor getting entertainment around the geared up for Amaluna, Cirque du Soleil’s globe for 30 years. They celebrate their 32nd production that premiered to the 30th Anniversary this year. The company has over 4,000 employees, including world in Montreal in April 2012.

more than 1,300 artists, from over 50 different countries. Cirque du Soleil has brought delight to more than 100 million spectators, in more than 300 cities in over 40 countries. There are several Cirque productions that run nightly in Las Vegas and other resort communities here in the USA. I am hoping the new MGM Grand that is coming to the Harbor will be home to one as well.

Speaking of the MGM, you may have noticed that the aforementioned tents aren’t located on the Plateau this time.

Due to preliminary construction for said Old Town Crier

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Sou Fri hotel and casino on the Plateau, the Cirque du Soleil tents are erected in the same space that housed the ICE production for the Gaylord Hotel’s Holidays on the Potomac promotion two years ago. This means that the tents are in the heart of the harbor across the street from the Gaylord satellite parking. There will be lots of signage directing you to parking and you will most certainly be able to see the tents so getting there shouldn’t be a problem.

Having the production right here in the harbor makes for a nice change from the Plateau location in that you can come early, park and take in dinner and cocktails at any of the great places to eat within a block or two of the production! I can see this making for a great night out all the way around.

No one describes a show better than

their promoters so I asked my friend Aba to send me some information about the production. I will add that if you are familiar with Shakespeare’s The Tempest, Amaluna is loosely based on that story. I was in a production of Tempest while I was in college so I am really looking forward to seeing how “cool” my character is portrayed by these talented people.

In their words: “Amaluna invites the audience to a mysterious island governed by Goddesses and guided by the cycles of the moon. Their queen, Prospera, directs her daughter’s coming-ofage ceremony in a rite that honors femininity, renewal, rebirth and balance which marks the passing of these insights and values from one generation to the next.

In the wake of a storm caused by Prospera, a group of young men

lands on the island, triggering an epic, emotional story of love between Prospera’s daughter and a brave young suitor. But theirs is a love that will be put to the test. The couple must face numerous demanding trials and overcome daunting setbacks before they can achieve mutual trust, faith and harmony.

Amaluna is a fusion of the words ama, which refers to “mother” in many languages, and luna, which means “moon”; a symbol of femininity that evokes both the mother-daughter relationship and the idea of goddess and protector of the planet. Amaluna is also the name of the mysterious island where this magical story unfolds.

For the first time in Cirque du Soleil’s history, Amaluna features a cast that comprises 70% women, with a 100% female band. “Amaluna is

WATERFRONT DINING

A Lavish “Pre-Theater” Dinner Menu to Remember

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Available Thursdays - Mondays July 31 - September 21, 2014 • 5:30 pm - 6:30 pm

a tribute to the work and voice of women”, explains Director of Creation Fernand Rainville. “The show is a reflection on balance from a women’s perspective”, he adds. Director Diane Paulus, winner of a 2013 Tony Award (Pippin) says: “I didn’t want to build a ’women’s agenda’ show. I wanted to create a show with women at the center of it, something that had a hidden story that featured women as the heroines.” Paulus drew from a series of classical influences when creating the concept of the show; including tales from Greek and Norse mythology, Mozart’s The Magic Flute and Shakespeare’s The Tempest.”

The show opens on July 31 and runs through mid-September (shows are sometimes held over if the response merits).

Ticket information and purchase at www.cirquedusoleil.com.

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Mixed Greens Salad with Assorted Baby Lettuce, Taggiasca Olives, Pickled Red Onion, Lemon Vinaigrette, Chévre French Onion Soup with Caramelized Onions, Beef Broth, Melted Gruyère Cheese

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Old Town Crier

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