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August 2015

From the Bay to the Blue Ridge

Road Trip

BROOMES ISLAND

Southern Maryland Charm Grapevine

GREEN HILL WINERY & VINEYARDS Middleburg, Virginia Business Profile

OLD TOWN IS GOIN’ TO THE DOGS! Dining Out

CHADWICK’S OF OLD TOWN New Owner, Old Charm Across the Bridge

NATIONAL HARBOR It’s Hot, Hot, Hot!

oldtowncrier.com

Landini’s

ZAGAT

Setting The Standard In 2006 Old Town For 35 Years AWARD OF EXCELLENCE

AND THE PAST 15 YEARS

115115 KingKing Street Street • Old Town Alexandria Old Town Alexandria 703-836-8404 • 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

Noe and Franco 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!

august’15 A Division of Crier Media Group OTC Media LLC PO Box 320386 Alexandria, VA 22320

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 DESIGN & PRODUCTION Electronic Ink 9 Royal Street, SE Leesburg, VA 20175 Chris Anderson Peggie Arvidson Sarah Becker Frank Britt Bonnie Browning F. Lennox Campello Steve Chaconas Doug Coleman Jimmy Deaton Dean DeGood Ashley Denham Busse Doug Fabbioli

CONTRIBUTORS Nicole Flanagan Lani Gering Miriam Kramer Jeff McCord Kim Putens Julie Reardon Chester Simpson Bob Tagert Carl Trevisan Ryan Unverzagt Catherine Varchaver Lori Welch Brown

Personality Profile

After Hours

First Blush

Pets of the Month

Art & Antiques

Fitness

Points on Pets

Behind the Bar

From the Bay…

Publishers Notes

A Bit of History

Financial Focus

From the Trainer

Road Trip

Caribbean Connection

Gallery Beat

Spiritual Renaissance

Chefs Special

Go Fish

The Dog Days of Summer

Civil Discourse

Grapevine

The Last Word

Dining Guide

High Notes

To the Blue Ridge

Dining Out

National Harbor

Urban Garden

Exploring Virginia Wines

On the Road

Festival Season

Open Space

Business Profile

Virginia Wine Trails

© 2015 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.

On the road with OTC

About the cover A double rainbow across the Patuxent River at Island Creek near Stoney’s Seafood House on Broomes Island, Md. Photo: Bob Tagert

Old Town Crier

Charlie and Sandy Collum were “On the Road” – again – with the Old Town Crier. This time, a two week riverboat cruise from Budapest to Amsterdam. They spent a few extra days in this beautiful city and found a great bar/restaurant called Tales & Spirits that provided a great photo op. “This is a cool place where we met new friends who took our picture,” the said. 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 2015 | 1

PUBLISHER’S NOTES

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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.”

BOB TAGERT

thought that I would weigh in on the current flag controversy. You see, sometimes when I go sailing I fly a pirate flag from my sailboat. When I am tied up at the seawall at Stoney’s at Broomes Island I usually fly the flag then too. To me, this is a gesture of a historical nature, but certainly doesn’t make me a pirate about to attack … unless, of course, you are talking about attacking the bar. Jolly Roger is the traditional name for the flag flown to identify a pirate ship about to attack during the early 18th century. According to Wikipedia, “The flag most commonly identified as the Jolly Roger today, the skull and crossbones symbol on a black flag, was used during the 1710s by a number of pirate captains including “Black Sam” Bellamy, Edward England, and John Taylor and it went on to become the most commonly used pirate flag during the 1720s.” Well here it is 2015 and the flag still flies and there are still pirates in some parts of the world, but if you see me flying my flag while sipping rum on my boat at Stoney’s or sailing up the bay, don’t worry, I did not come to rape, kill, pillage and burn. It’s only a flag, and I am only a sailor with only a super soaker for armament. In that context, I hope you enjoy reading our two articles about the Confederate flag — Civil Discourse, and its brief, but more complicated history in A Bit of History. Also delight in our Personality Profile this month, Ashley Whisonant, an Alexandria firefighter who plays wide receiver on the division champion D.C. Divas, Washington’s full contact football team. Our Road Trip takes you to peaceful Broomes Island, Md. A short drive, but plan to stay a while. Bonnie Browning is filling in for Lori Welch Brown in Open Space again this month and talks about her new passion … Roller Derby. This is a must read. We bid a fond farewell to our long-time Points on Pets columnist, Ashley Denham Busse. She has been a great asset to our fine list of contributing writers and will be missed. Dean DeGood will have some big shoes to fill as he takes her place. Remember to stay hydrated and keep cool – the “dog days” are upon us!

Priceless

August 2008

August 2009

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

Book Review

DOG BOOKS FOR DOG DAYS

Subscribe today and enjoy every issue of the Old Town Crier at home. Fill out this form, enclose a check for $25 (12 issues) and drop it in the mail to: Old Town Crier, PO Box 320386, Alexandria, VA 22320

Chef’s Special

ANDREW CONLIN

Behind the Bar

SONIA JONES

Daytripping to…

THE BLUE RIDGE Grapevine

CHATEAU O’BRIEN

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Old Town Crier

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

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 $15 Shampoo, Cut & Blow Dry $18 (extra charge for long hair) Scissors Cut $17+up

A Very Good Price!

Color $43+up Permanent $45+up (including haircut & conditioner)

Good Haircut! Beautiful Perm!

Long Lasting Color!

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 Old Town Crier

Local Farmers Markets Old Town Farmers Market

Market Square • 301 King Street Saturday 7 a.m. - Noon, year round Free parking in Market Square garage during market hours People who come to Alexandria on Saturday mornings find themselves in a busy plaza where local farmers and artists have been selling their products since 1753. Old Town Alexandria’s Market Square is thought to be one of the nation’s oldest continually operating farmers markets, serving as a primary source of meat, dairy, fish, fruits and vegetables for Alexandrians. George Washington sent his

produce from Mount Vernon to be sold here. Today, the market offers folks a way to reconnect to the past, while participating in an ongoing local and national tradition.

Del Ray Farmers Market

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

business profile Dean degood

• Pet Trainer: with 65% of American households having a pet, you can be sure that there will always be a few that need a little extra behavior modification training from a professional.

Going to the Dogs … and Cats!

have been reading the Old Town Crier for almost 15 years, so I am excited about the opportunity to make my first contribution! For this column, I am going to discuss how much the pet care industry has changed over the years, and the resulting opportunities from all of these changes. As I await the arrival of my first child this autumn, I am considering all of the pet-related opportunities that this little one will have when he/she grows up and starts a career. I grew up in Virginia in the 1980s. We lived in a typical suburban house, but somehow we managed to have just about every pet imaginable. This included a dog, cats, guinea pigs, a rat, a snake, and a horse. Surrounded by all of these animals, I never considered the possibility that I would end up spending my life working in a petrelated industry. At the time, the only pet-related opportunity that I was aware of was working in a veterinary practice. Some of the other options that I’ll mention did exist back then, but most of them are new products, services, and markets that have been 4 | August 2015

created in the last 10-20 years. In the ’90s, I headed off to college, started a career, traveled the world, and eventually ended up back in graduate school. Throughout this decade, working in the pet industry never entered my mind. While I was in school, I pet sat for friends a few times. During my school’s memorable run to an NCAA basketball championship, I spent the weekend watching Sydney, a beautiful yellow Lab. But, with the amount of time and money I was spending on school, I would never have imagined that I would end up working with cats and dogs as a career. But here I am in 2015, with 11 years of experience working with pets. This means that I have now spent 50 percent of my professional career working with dogs and cats. A very lucky turn of events led to this opportunity, as in 2004 I was able to purchase Doggywalker.com from its original founder. Even over this last decade, the amount of pet-related jobs and careers has exploded. Here are some examples:

• Dog walker: thousands of people are now employed as dog walkers. • Pet sitter: many people supplement a primary income by doing pet-sitting in the morning, evenings, and weekends. • Retail: from the big box pet stores, to the little mom & pop shop, there are countless numbers of people selling, marketing, and distributing petrelated products. • Corporate: all of the people who work as brand managers, product engineers, purchasers, accountants, lawyers, warehouse managers, truck drivers, etc. for companies manufacturing, selling, transporting, marketing, etc. pet foods and petrelated products. • Dog Day Care: lots of people drop their dog off at a daycare location, and there are lots of workers there to care for them. • Grooming: from mobile groomers, to self-wash doggy shops, to traditional grooming studios. • Pet Taxi: yes, there are services that will transport your pet, both with and without you.

Then there is a whole other group of people who include pet-related products or services in their portfolio, but it is not their sole focus. This includes lawyers, accountants, bankers, insurance sales people and underwriters, government agency employees, utility providers, retail … the list goes on and on. If you really start to think about it, it’s amazing how many pet-related jobs have developed over the past few decades. There are software engineers writing code for dog walking schedule management. There are city employees assigned to dog park care and maintenance, permit inspectors granting pet businesses occupancy licenses, and state revenue collectors fielding questions from small business owners about how to submit sales tax. There are printers making business cards, t-shirts, car magnets, ecofriendly shopping bags, and printing company logos on just about anything imaginable. I checked my accounting software, and over the last 11 years Doggywalker.com has paid more than 300 unique vendors for a variety of products and services. So, in addition to the hundreds of people that we have employed over that time, there are hundreds of suppliers who have provided or created something that we use. I am very lucky to have found an industry that allows me to bring my dogs to work, and to meet other people’s pets on a daily basis. I come from a family of traditional occupations (doctor, architect, teacher, etc), so I consider myself very lucky to have found my little niche in the professional world. As I reflect on the explosion of pet-related employment opportunities that have been created over the past few decades, I can’t help but wonder what will be out there for future generations. Publisher’s note: Dean will take over the Points on Pets column beginning in September. We want to welcome him aboard. Doggiewalker.com has been a long time advertiser and contributor.

Old Town Crier

PERSONALITY PROFILE bob tagert

lthough the Washington D.C. area has been let down by its’ underachieving Washington Redskins over the last few decades, there is another burgundy and gold football team that is running away with their division… the D.C. Divas. In 2000 the D.C. Divas, a women’s tackle football team, was born. Today, the Divas are one of the most well-known and successful teams in women’s tackle football. The Divas rank in the top five in women’s football history in victories, seasons played, games played, playoff appearances, and

Divas will travel to Los Angeles, CA to play the Dallas Elite for the WFA National Championship Game, which is their “Super Bowl.” Helping the Divas to this undefeated record is wide receiver Ashley Whisonant, who is also an Alexandria firefighter at the Cameron Street Firehouse. Although Ashley only stands five foot five, she appears to be a taller person. As she talks with me in a soft voice and studies me through brown- rimmed glasses, I cannot help but notice the muscled arms and smooth movements of an athlete. Ashley, who now lives in Laurel,

Ashley Whisonant Firefighter & Football Diva division championships. The Divas have a 98-35 record in 14 seasons of play and have played in two national championship games, claiming the NWFA national championship after an undefeated season in 2006. In 2015 the Divas completed another undefeated season by defeating the Chicago Force on July 25 and claiming the National Conference Championship again. On August 8 the Old Town Crier

Md., grew up in Bowie, Md. She graduated from St. John’s High School in the District excelling in basketball. After high school Ashley attended the University of Arizona where she earned her bachelor’s degree in psychology and became the starting guard on the basketball team. She had a standout basketball career at Arizona starting for the team her last three years. In her senior year she was

named team MVP and defensive MVP. Ashley returned to her native Maryland and continued her studies at George Washington University here she earned her master’s degree in special education. She put the degree to good use and taught Special Ed for three years in Fairfax County. Though she decided to take another career path (see firefighting below) she continues to substitute teach when the opportunity presents itself. She said that she loves working with the kids but needs something a bit more physically challenging. Looking for a more competitive life style, Ashley became a firefighter in 2012. When I asked what her fellow firefighters thought of her gridiron activities she said, “They are very supportive, in fact eleven from my station came out to a recent game.” Here was an extremely intelligent person who teaches kids, plays full contact football and likes to put out fires. Talk about having all your bases covered! I had never thought of women as firefighters, so when the question was posed as to how many there were…I was surprised. “In my recruitment class of 22 persons, six were women, and there are currently five women stationed at the Cameron Street Firehouse,” she tells me. This came as a surprise to me, but after meeting Ashley Whisonant, my mind is at ease. After playing full-contact football for five years Ashley is hungry for

a National Championship. She will travel with her team to Los Angeles for the final game of the season on August eighth. “I really don’t know what to expect,” she says with a big smile, “but if we win I do know that we get a ring.” I am sure Ashley will give it her all. As a wide receiver, no one has caught her from behind yet. But she also understands the dangers of the game. “My career is firefighting, so there will come a time when I will have to walk away from football,” she says, “I don’t want to risk tearing up a knee.” “But for now I just love the competition and I want to win.” With the intelligence and physical gifts this woman has, I think that she will always be a winner. The Alexandria Fire Department certainly is!

August 2015 | 5

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

Investors, Don’t Let Fear Keep You on the Sidelines

ear is a powerful emotion and market losses can be fear inducing. But history shows that emotion is a poor compass for charting your investment course. While the U.S. stock market, as represented by the S&P 500 Index, has risen a stunning 205.66% as of March 31, 2015, since its low on March 9, 2009, some investors are still reluctant to participate after the near market collapse that accompanied the 20072008 financial crisis.1 Fleeing the market certainly may have felt like the right thing to do at the height of the financial crisis. But history shows that making investment decisions based on emotion has never proven successful. For instance, greed may have led an investor to own too many technology stocks when the bubble burst on that industry in 2000. Alternatively, fear may have caused investors to cash out of stocks following the crash of 1987 and miss some or all of the subsequent rebound. Fast forward to 2015, and

the reality is that investors who missed the extraordinary rally that has occurred since March 2009 may have helped to put their longterm accumulation goals at risk. This is especially true for investors with shorter time horizons, such as those approaching retirement. Consider this: From 2010 through 2014, U.S. stocks recorded an average annualized return of 15.5%, compared to 0.1% for money market securities.2 The nearly nonexistent returns associated with cash-like investments could have a powerful impact on investors’ purchasing power over time.

Maintain Balance to Manage Risk

One of the key determinants to investment success over the long term is having a disciplined approach to balancing short-term risk (stock price volatility) with long-term risk (loss of purchasing power). Finding a “middle ground” in your investment philosophy — and portfolio makeup — may go

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

6 | August 2015

far toward helping investors manage overall risk and realize their investment goals. For instance, history supports the case of stocks, as they have tended to outperform other asset classes as well as inflation over long periods of time.3 But investors who are too focused on the long term may over-allocate their portfolios to stocks — and over-expose themselves to short-term volatility risk. Alternatively, investors who are extremely averse to shortterm risk may do the opposite and face heightened longterm risk.

Easy Does It

How might this balanced approach to risk be used to get investors back in the market? One of the best ways to take emotion out of investing is to create a plan and stick with it. And one of the best ways to do that is through a systematic investment plan called dollar cost averaging (DCA).3 Dollar cost averaging is a process that allows investors to slowly feed set amounts of money into the market at regular intervals. Although DCA does not assure a profit or protect against a loss in declining markets, it can help achieve some important objectives. First, it gives investors a measure of control while eliminating much of the guesswork — and emotion — associated with investing. Second, DCA can help investors take advantage of

History shows that emotion is a poor compass for charting your investment course.

the market’s short-term price fluctuations in a systematic way — by automatically buying more shares when prices drop and fewer when prices rise. It is important to remember that periods of falling prices are a natural part of investing in the stock market. But by maintaining a long-term focus and following a balanced approach to managing investment risk, you may better position yourself to meet your financial goals. A qualified financial professional can help you identify which strategies may be best for your situation. Because of the possibility of human or mechanical error by Wealth Management Systems Inc. or its sources, neither Wealth Management Systems Inc. nor its sources guarantees the accuracy, adequacy, completeness or availability of any information and is not responsible for any errors or omissions or for the results obtained from the use of such information. In no event shall Wealth Management Systems Inc. be liable for any indirect, special or consequential damages in connection with subscriber’s

or others’ use of the content. ©2015 Wealth Management Systems Inc. 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 taxpayer’s 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.

Wealth Management Systems Inc. Stocks are represented by the daily closing price of Standard & Poor’s Composite Index of 500 Stocks (the S&P 500), an unmanaged index that is generally considered representative of the U.S. stock market. The percentage increase represents the gain through March 31, 2015. It is not possible to invest directly in an index. Past performance is not a guarantee of future results. 2 Wealth Management Systems Inc. For the five years ended December 31, 2014. U.S. stocks are represented by the S&P 500 Index. Money market securities are represented by Barclay’s 3-Month Treasury Bill rate. Example does not include commissions or taxes. Past performance is no guarantee of future results. 3 Dollar cost averaging involves regular, periodic investments in securities regardless of price levels. You should consider your financial ability to continue purchasing shares through periods of high and low prices. This plan does not assure a profit and does not protect against loss in any markets. 1

Old Town Crier

URBAN GARDEN JIMMY DEATON

Jimmy and Angie’s Garden of Eatin’, Part IV

his season has been quite an adventure thanks to the weather. All of the excess rain has done wonders for some inhabitants of the garden while others have hated it. All the plants have done quite well with the exception of the tomatoes. We did lose a tomato plant to early blight, one sweet pepper to unknown reasons and one of our basil plants to ants who decided it would be fun to build their nest right where the basil roots were located… grrr! But the bright side is we always have backup plants ready by taking cuttings from the parent plants that are growing. We replaced plants that were not doing too well with new ones and have started part of this year’s bean production. We have one bed of beans started where the squash/zucchini was and have tucked beans and/or radishes into nooks and crannies where we have enough available space and light. Taking advantage of every inch available makes walking through the produce section of the grocery store that much easier in the winter months. We will start the fall/winter plants soon with the likes of salad greens, kale and collards. We have also added a few, new ever-bearing strawberries and a dwarf grape to the fruit stable this year. To give you a little perspective with what is going on in the garden now, below is photo of part of our chili plant section. The plant shown is a new cross between a Fatalli and Tabasco chilis. We haven’t tried one yet to see how they taste but the overall health and vigor of the plant is outstanding. The plants are humongous with a very prolific output of chili pods.

This photo (below) shows a portion of our grape olive tomato harvest. These are great sliced in half and used as appetizers with basil and fresh mozzarella cheese. Add a little balsamic vinegar reduction for a nice Caprese salad.

The sunflowers have really shot up – they are now peeking over the fence. Estimate heights are from 12 feet to a tad over 13 feet tall.

I haven’t touched on this subject in previous columns but another thing we grow are microgreens and baby salad greens. These are packed full of flavor and nutrition. The nutritional value is forty times that of a mature salad green and the taste is phenomenal. In fact, we have started our own business growing these and have them available for sale to both restaurants and other businesses as well as to private Old Town Crier

individuals. All stock is cut to order within 60 minutes of delivery ensuring ultimate freshness. If you are interested please email me (address below) and be sure to put Urban Garden as the subject or feel free to check out our Facebook page, Lynnhaven Greens. We hope everyone will like our page and sample what we have to offer. We also plan on having seeds as well as vegetable and flower starts available for the 2016 season and will have an online ordering system available with free delivery to your door as long as you reside within our delivery zones. If you would like to comment or have a garden question for Jimmy, please email him at office@ oldtowncrier.com. Be sure that you have “Urban Garden” in the subject line. August 2015 | 7

a bit of history sarah becker©

A Signal for Controversy

n June, readers were encouraged to remember Flag Day, a June 14th celebration which officially began in 1949. In the introduction I wrote: George Washington’s Headquarters Flag, with its 13 stars, stood witness to the most pivotal battles of the American Revolution. Not all flags are as enduring. These days the Confederate flag has become…a signal for controversy. “Alexandria flies the [Confederate] flag [because] it has a special place in the hearts of those who honor their noble, albeit defeated, ancestors,” the Alexandria Gazette wrote in 1970. Black citizens, who associated the rebel flag with slavery, Jim Crow and the Ku Klux Klan, had ripped the flag to shreds.

to kill African-Americans. Roof murdered nine A.M.E. church members including Rev. Pinckney. Photos later showed him holding not only a firearm but also a Confederate flag. Young Roof preached white supremacy. The Confederate flag did not exist prior to 1861. On December 20, 1860 South Carolina voted to secede, to dissolve the Union. Having decided that “no proposition for a compromise with the North…will be entertained,” South Carolina volunteers seized three of Charleston’s four federal forts: Moultrie, Johnson and Castle Pinckney. President James Buchanan declined South Carolina’s December 28-29 demand to remove all Federal troops from Charleston. To the contrary

The late South Carolina senator Strom Thurmand, left, and white supremecist and murder suspect Dylann Roof, above.

Segregationist James M. Thomson, Alexandria’s Democratic majority floor leader of the Virginia House of Delegates, defended “the rights of those who cherish the [Confederate] flag as part of Virginia’s heritage.” Unexpectedly, on June 17, 2015 Dylann Roof joined Charleston, South Carolina’s Emanuel A.M.E. church members for Bible class. He listened, for an hour, to Rev. Clementa Pinckney’s religious lesson. Then, tragically and without warning, Roof drew a semi-automatic gun. He came 8 | August 2015

Buchanan announced that Fort Sumter would be defended. President-elect Abraham Lincoln agreed. On February 9, 1861 the Confederacy organized. The Confederate states included South Carolina, Georgia, Florida, Alabama, Mississippi, and Louisiana. Slavery was permitted; the introduction of slaves from any State not a member of the Confederacy was not. “A strong and vigorous Government went into immediate operation [and] a committee was appointed to report

on a flag, seal, coat of arms and motto for the Confederacy.” Mississippi’s Jefferson Davis was inaugurated President, the song Dixie was sung, and states’ rights became a common refrain. “The gage is thrown down and we accept the challenge,” the Charleston Mercury wrote. “We will meet the invader, and God and Battle must decide the issue between the hirelings of Abolition hate and Northern tyranny, and the people of South Carolina defending their freedom.” “Col. Carroll was specially charged by South Carolina Governor Francis W. Pickens with superintending the preparation of the Confederate Flag designed for Fort Sumter,” the Alexandria Gazette reported. “Gov. Pickens knew that if General Pierre G.T. Beauregard ordered South Carolina to place a Confederate Flag over Fort Sumter the order would be executed.” America’s Civil War began April 1112, 1861 when South Carolina, under the direction of General Beauregard, finally fired on Fort Sumter. Sumter’s Union commander, lacking adequate supplies, surrendered on April 13. Two days later President Lincoln declared a state of insurrection. “I have received your communication, mailed [April 15th] in which I am requested to detach from the Militia of the State of Virginia ’the quota designated in a table,’ which you append, ’to serve as infantry or riflemen for the period of three months, unless sooner discharged,’” Governor John Letcher wrote the Secretary of War on April 16, 1861. The Secretary asked the states for 75,000 soldiers. “In reply…I have only to say that the Militia of Virginia will not be furnished to the powers at Washington for any such use or purpose as they have in view,” Letcher continued. “Your object is to subjugate the Southern states, and a requisition made upon me for such an object—an A BIT OF HISTORY > PAGE 17

Old Town Crier

civil DISCOURSE DOUG COLEMAN

The Battle Flag: A Rorschach Test

nyone who has not been in a coma for the last month is at least vaguely aware of the controversy over the Confederate flag – either the rectangular battle flag of the Army of Tennessee or the square battle flag of the Army of Northern Virginia, a blue St. Andrew’s cross with either twelve or thirteen white stars on a field of red. But this is not the Confederate flag. The first unofficial banner (1861) was “the Bonnie Blue Flag”, which as the song says was a solid field of blue bearing a single star. The first “official” national flag is the “Stars and Bars,” which resembled Old Glory in having a number of stars (7 to 13) set in a circle within a blue square in the upper inner corner, with a white bar sandwiched between two red bars. The trouble with this flag’s resemblance to Old Glory became apparent at First Manassas – hanging limp, at a distance, and on a smoky battlefield it was indistinguishable from the Union flag. Thus attackers could come within spitting distance before they could be positively identified as hostile. General Beauregard approved a distinct battle flag at Fairfax Courthouse in September of 1861, the exemplars being sewn and presented by Hetty Cary and her cousin, Alexandria’s own Constance Cary Harrison. This was a square containing the classic St. Andrew’s cross. Later the Army of Tennessee would adopt the same banner in rectangular form, as would the Confederate navy. But the context was always a battle flag whose practical purpose was to avoid friendly fire incidents. The second national flag, “the Stainless Banner” incorporated the square battle flag in the upper inner corner on a white field, flying between 1863 and 1865. For those looking to wave a Confederate flag which is actually intentionally racist, this is the ticket. The flag’s designer, one William Thompson, was very specific that the white field symbolized Old Town Crier

white supremacy. However, this flag was so stainless white that it could be mistaken for a flag of truce when hanging limp, so a third and final national flag added a red bar on the outside in March of 1865. Nonetheless, the “classic” Confederate national flag will always be the Stars and Bars. Between the end of the war and the 1930s, the flag most often displayed was the battle flag. Why? The battle flag made sense in the context of veteran’s reunions and parades. There was no overtly racist subtext here – it was just the flag the veterans had actually carried into battle. Some Southern units carried on this tradition in World War Two – a battle flag flown proudly to distinguish soldiers from the South – again without any racist connotation. Then things got weird in the 1950s and 60s. Democrats opposed to desegregation displayed the flag to remind the Federal Government a hundred years before they had defended state’s rights under that banner. One of those rights was the right to own slaves. Following the war, Jim Crow and the Klan ensured that the freedmen never reaped the full benefit of the Fourteenth Amendment, on up to the Eisenhower administration, where it was finally going to happen, or else. And so out came the flag as a symbol of Southern defiance – speech – and the message was: “Our grandfathers shot people like you for trying to boss us around and we are perfectly willing to do it again.” All in all, the context was as much Gadsden flag as racist, but the battle flag and white supremacy were now in many minds inextricably conflated forever. As someone once said, if one mixes a little dab of manure into a gallon of ice cream, the one flavor is going to dominate the other, proportions notwithstanding. And so the battle flag was now seen as something ugly because ugly people had stood under it. The photograph by Matt Herron, taken in Louisiana in 1965, hammers this point home in a

way words never could. One may find more of his work here: http://www. takestockphotos.com/imagepages/ portfoliostable.php?CollectionID=c But desegregation did happen, mostly anyway. The flag drifted back again into its old role of being a symbol of Southern identity and

pride. One expected to see the flag at Skynard and Molly Hatchet shows. Remember the Dukes of Hazzard and the General Lee, a car with the battle flag painted on the roof? We all know them Duke boys weren’t racists, right? But, even in the late 70s, the flag had not quite shaken that stigma from the Civil Rights era. In my first year at the University of Virginia, my roommate from Richmond and I had decorated our dorm room with a circa 1930s

The Stainless Banner, top, and the Stars & Bars.

CIVIL DISCOURSE > PAGE 10

August 2015 | 9

CIVIL DISCOURSE FROM PAGE 9

Confederate battle flag, which could be seen from the quad. Suffice it to say our main interests were beer and coeds, with white supremacy rating roughly 0 on a scale of 0 to 100 in our daily priorities. Nonetheless, one night there was a polite rap on our door. We were confronted with a delegation of young black women in our hallway, dressed for church on a week-night. Their group had convened to raise our consciousness as to the meaning of our flag. We listened politely, informed them they were dead-wrong, and sent them on their way. The flag stayed up, not because we were trying to antagonize anyone, but because they actually did get it wrong — the flag just did not mean that to us. And I think they believed us, or we would not have been left alone, even back in the 70s. As they say, the past is another county — now my roommate and I would be crucified, ISIS-style. What has been going on in the last month has that whiff of religious fanaticism about it. Where ISIS rules, they destroy the relics of the past as “sacrilegious” – thus they knock apart the tomb of Jonah with sledgehammers, deface Palmyra and make it clear that anyone who disagrees with them is going to have a very bad time. Same thing with the Taliban — they deem 1500 year old statues of Buddha sacrilegious, but nothing a few tank rounds won’t fix. Thus it does not give one a great feeling to see Americans trotting down the same path these last few weeks. People are talking about tearing down century old Confederate memorials and statues — maybe even the one at Washington and Prince — and banning the battle flag from public places. The Memphis city council just voted to remove Nathan Bedford Forrest’s monument and dig up his grave. Others want to change street names honoring Confederate generals. There is a proposal to rename army bases like Fort Bragg and Fort A.P. Hill. TV Land cancelled reruns of Dukes of Hazzard. A cop was fired for posting his battle flag underwear on Facebook. Gone with the Wind banned as an Orwellian thought crime?

Let’s reserve the battle flag as an expression of rebellion and agree that it means the same thing as the Gadsden flag — a reminder of our birthright to rise up when a corrupt government forgets the difference between citizens and serfs. For the racists, fly the Stainless Banner (or a swastika) and everyone will understand you are the real deal in the hate department. So, what is the justification for this cleansing of Southern sacrilege? It seems mass killer and Manson wannabe Dylann Roof was photographed with the battle flag, so now the flag can only mean that one thing - even if you don’t mean it. It also appears some people are “triggered” by the “micro-aggression” of the battle flag. There was a story in July of some stalwart in Connecticut who called 911 to report a display of Confederate memorabilia at a flea market – seems the very sight of a Confederate flag left him “shaking and almost vomiting” (not a problem men from Connecticut had in the 1860s). The Spartans might have been on to something when they exposed their weakest on a hillside. As the last story suggests, we don’t have a problem with the flag, we have a problem with sissies and bullies, often the same person. It seems a lot of us are actively seeking “triggers” to offend them. On this issue, they fly the Black Flag — no quarter, zero tolerance. Your right to “thoughtcrime” ends where their outrage begins, so take down that racist flag, even if you are not a racist. And that is where the rubber hits the road – the flag is speech. The test of whether it is protected speech cannot be whether or not someone is offended. I’m not crazy about that rainbow flag, though it does not leave me “shaking and vomiting.” The Mexican flag at a La Raza rally kind of triggers me these days (still no shaking or vomiting). I like the American flag a lot, though the same people who want to burn the Confederate flag are cool with torching Old Glory, usually for the same goofy reasons. American Indians have little reason to love Custer’s flag, but Wind Talkers bled for it. It is well African-Americans forgive that the American flag flew over slaves longer than the Stars and Bars (about four score and seven years versus four), and flew over the last states where slavery was still legal in the Civil War (Maryland, Delaware, Kentucky, and District of Columbia). The Union Jack doesn’t bother me at all, even though only 200 years have passed since Admiral Cochrane threatened to burn our home town. Why is the battle flag different? So, here is a proposal. Let’s reserve the battle flag as an expression of rebellion and agree that it means the same thing as the Gadsden flag — a reminder of our birthright to rise up when a corrupt government forgets the difference between citizens and serfs. For the racists, fly the Stainless Banner (or a swastika) and everyone will understand you are the real deal in the hate department. To honor the fallen and remember our history, fly the Stars and Bars, the actual national flag. This will rarely offend the easily-triggered, who by definition will not know enough about America to recognize the old flag.

Festival Season is HERE!

It’s summer! Flowers are in full bloom, the grass is green and festival season is well under way. There are so many diverse music festivals just a short drive from the Washington, DC area that everyone should experience at least one. For folks who enjoy listening to talented local bands, soaking up the sun, and making new friends, these are not to be missed.The festivals are largely family and child friendly, with many events designed for all ages along with good food to round out the experience.Check out the schedule below and hopefully you’ll become part of a great local summer tradition. See ya there! 2015 Music Festival Schedule August Old Fiddler’s Convention Galax, Virginia August 3-8 www.oldfiddlersconvention.com 2015 Bluegrass in Luray Festival August 6-8 www.bluegrassinluray.com

September Lockn Sept. 10-13 www.locknfestival.com Watermelon Park Fest Sept. 24-27 www.watermelonparkfest.com

71st Semi-Annual Gettysburg Bluegrass Festival August 13-16 www.gettysburgbluegrass.com

Steep Canyon Rangers performing last year at the 2014 River Roots Festival at Watermelon Park. photo: © Chester Simpson

Doug Coleman is an attorney and amateur historian in Alexandria; comments and corrections are welcome at dcoleman@coleman-lawyers.com. 10 | August 2015

Old Town Crier

Birchmere 703.549.7500 3701 Mt. Vernon Ave. birchmere.com

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Carlyle Club 411 John Carlyle Dr. 703-549-8957 thecarlyleclub.com Chadwicks 203 S. Strand St. 703.836.4442 Evening Star Cafe 703.549.5051 2000 Mt. Vernon Ave. The Fish Market 703.836.5676 105 King St. fishmarketoldtown.com Flying Fish 703.600.FISH 815 King St. flyingfishdc.com

King Street Blues 703.836.8800 112 N. St. Asaph St.

O’Connell’s 703.739.1124 112 King St.

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Rock It Grill 703.739.2274 1319 King St.

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TJ Stones 703.548.1004 608 Montgomery St. tjstones.com

The Light Horse 703.549.0533 715 King St. thelighthorserestaurant. com

Austin Grill & Tequila Bar 703.836.8969 801 King St.

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

Morrison House 703.838.8000 116 South Alfred St. Murphys Irish Pub 703.548.1717 713 King St. murphyspub.com

St. Elmos 703.739.9268 2300 Mt. Vernon Ave.

Trattoria da Franco 703-548-9338 305 S. Washington St.

ALEXANDRIA HAS A LIVELY MUSIC SCENE. CHECK IT OUT! 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 PO Box 320386 Alexandria, VA 22320 Old Town Crier

CHECK US OUT ONLINE: WWW.OLDTOWNCRIER.COM

August 2015 | 11

HIGH NOTES CHRIS ANDERSON

my SAGA saga: SAGACITY

t’s no secret – I love music. I love everything about it. I love discovering new music and championing some artist long before they’re relevant. Even more so, I love discovering some band or artist who is so late in their career that they are often far past relevance, but boasting a vast body of work. It’s like finding some secret room in your house that you never knew existed. Sometimes those rooms are filled with treasure, sometimes they are filled with fuzzy memories, and sometimes they are filled with doors to even more secret rooms. But every so often that room is dark and full of cobwebs and other obstacles and you know there is something really cool in there but you just can’t see it, for one reason or another. That happened to me with Widespread Panic for about a decade – I would buy their albums and trade for bootlegs and I would listen and know that I was supposed to like them, but I just didn’t “get” it. I just had this aversion to them and I could not put my finger on it. Until one day, for some random reason, it finally clicked. And then they went on to become one of my favorite bands in the world. Now, I don’t even really remember what it was that turned me off. Another band that did that to me is Saga. Far less popular than many bands out there, they nonetheless have kept up a career for almost 40 years and have 12 | August 2015

released 21 albums, to date. They are Canadian and have a prog mentality. There is no reason why they did not exist in my musical palette. But every time I listened to them, I wasn’t sold. And that drove me totally nuts, to be honest with ya. A band simply cannot be that prolific, with that lengthy of a career, and not know what they are doing. I had to get to the bottom of it. Last Summer, Saga released their 21st studio album, Sagacity. I was living in St. John’s, Newfoundland, and I spent a lot of time walking around the city, listening to that album. I was determined to come around. Upon first listen, I will admit I still didn’t love it. But I didn’t hate it either. There was something very clever going on, that was obvious. Each time I listened, I found myself enjoying it more. I still wasn’t totally sold, but I was getting there. I nosed around their earlier work and enjoyed some of the old hits like “On The Loose” before eventually moving on. But - and this is important – Saga was on my radar. Finally, an understanding was in sight. So that brings us to the present. For some reason, some small chain of musical events led me back to Saga and I put on Sagacity again, after not hearing it for about eight months. And that was it – the genius of this band, and this album in particular, finally hit me. I wound up ordering it on vinyl and it has hardly left my turntable since. In my car, I have been going through their entire catalog for the last couple of months, listening to pretty much nothing else, sometimes blasting through the albums in order, sometimes revisiting albums and listening to them over and over. Not only did Saga finally click for me, but I figured out exactly why I had such a hard time making sense of them, to begin with. Saga sounds like no other band on the planet. There is a bit of prog in there, but Saga is not quite prog. There is a bit of pop in there, but Saga is not quite pop. There is a bit of AOR rock in there, but Saga is

not quite AOR. There is a bit of metal in there, but Saga is not quite metal. There is a bit of new wave in there, but Saga is not quite new wave. It goes on and on. This amalgam of styles that are “not quite” their individual ingredients….it obscured any solid reference point for me. And I think that is why I couldn’t understand this band before. I expected them to be something that they weren’t, and it clouded my perception. Usually when you come across a band you like, it’s because there is something in their sound that strikes a familiar chord in your soul, whether you are aware of it or not. That didn’t exist for me, in Saga’s music. There was nothing familiar to grab a hold of. Which is a good thing. A very good thing. Because that is the entire point of this band, I think. And once I realized that, it totally came together. And I am happy to say that I absolutely love Saga now. I will probably always be partial to Sagacity but other highlights of their career are Worlds Apart (1981), Heads Or Tales (1983), House Of Cards (2001), and 10,000 Days (2007). There are only a few albums that I don’t dig but time will tell on those. One of the things I love so much about Saga is the very thing that initially turned me off – their songwriting. Their songs are mostly serious, sometimes playful, and they always steer clear of the cliché topics – there are no songs about cars, girls, or rock & roll, no mystical, cosmic gobbledygook, no angst or overt political tones. Instead, they write very clever songs about the human condition, songs that aren’t terribly complicated but are far from simple. There are plenty of hooks and very original arrangements. Saga is a wickedly creative band and there is obviously a great deal of thought put into their music. They play exactly the kind of music that I want to hear and I often find myself thinking – where have they been all my life? Turns out they were under my nose the whole time.

Old Town Crier

THE LAST WORD MIRIAM R. KRAMER

Go Set a Watchman

hen To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee emerged onto the literary scene in 1960, it caused a furor, winning the Pulitzer Prize for fiction. It was also quickly turned into a classic movie starring Gregory Peck as the idealized hero lawyer, Atticus Finch, who battles to set free a black man unfairly accused of rape. Educators placed it in high school English curricula for its magical depiction of the comforts and rude awakenings of childhood as seen through the eyes of Atticus’s young daughter, Scout. She and her brother watch her father battle brutal racism in a 1930s Southern courtroom in the fictional town of Maycomb, Alabama. Harper Lee, now deaf and almost blind at 89, eschewed publicity and may not have originally intended to publish Go Set a Watchman, unearthed from a bank vault by her agent, lawyer, and publishers and written earlier than To Kill a Mockingbird. Signs point to it being originally a rough draft with a different plot, taking place when Scout is a young woman returning to Maycomb to visit her father, Atticus, and family. Yet Go Set a Watchman as a progenitor has its own moral labyrinths to ponder. Beloved literary heroine, Scout, has become a thoughtful yet still impulsive woman in her twenties: Jean Louise Finch. As Harper Lee’s first book in fifty-five years, Watchman has a heavy burden of expectations to bear from the public and the literary world, and it does not quite meet them. Its concerns are more initially abstract and complex than those that resulted in Mockingbird’s pitch-perfect and deeply affecting account of a Southern childhood with its happinesses, purity, Gothic scares, and angers at the unfairness of life. Yet it is worth reading just the same, to see Scout’s concerns in a 1950s world. She is divided between her life in New York City and her visits to Maycomb, which has always been home. The Supreme Court’s decision to desegregate schools has helped disillusion her by removing her faith that Atticus Finch, moral guide par excellence, will automatically support equality for Negroes. The novel begins with Jean Louise taking a train trip from New York to Maycomb for her Old Town Crier

annual two week holiday, looking forward to the comforts of home and the golden world in which she grew up, a world that feels real. She has a hometown beau named Hank Clinton, whom her

CaribBean Mystery and intrigue

father is grooming as a junior partner in lieu of her brother, who died of a heart attack. He is a new character but one whom she grew up trusting and loving as a friend of her brother’s. Hank represents her ambivalence at both the idea of marrying someone and losing herself in his life, and fitting into Maycomb’s social conformity, which she has always viewed with a quizzical, sarcastic eye. While thinking about her options, she stumbles upon Hank and her father attending a meeting of the Maycomb Citizens Council. The adult Scout goes up to the balcony once more, and looks down, literally and figuratively, on the leading citizens of Maycomb at this meeting, listening to an ardent racist speaker expound on the dangers of desegregation and the NAACP, who are trying to open up various institutions all over the South and in Alabama. The naïve Jean Louise feels struck to the core when she finds out that Atticus is on the board of directors of this blandly named

Jeff mccord A dead Marine washed ashore on a Caribbean island leads investigators to otherworldly perpetrators in historic pirate waters and high level abuses in Washington. An intrepid maritime historian working the case for U.S. Naval Intelligence discovers a 60-year record of extraterrestrial activity in the Caribbean basin. History and national security politics meet science fiction in this mystery based on exhaustive factual research and informed conjecture by Virginia author Jeffrey Roswell McCord. AvAilAble from AmAzon in pAperbAck ($10.97) or As A kindle downloAd

THE LAST WORD > PAGE 22

August 2015 | 13

GALLERY BEAT F. LENNOX CAMPELLO

ART

O MATIC

f you are an artist in the DMV and do not know what Artomatic is, then shame on you – and you’re in for a pleasant surprise! I’m not going to spend a lot of precious newsprint describing this amazing opportunity for visual and performance artists – visit www.artomatic.org for all the details. But I will touch on some key things to wet your appetite: • Artomatic (sometimes called AOM) is the world’s greatest open art show. • Artomatic has been around for a couple of decades – each year it gets bigger and bigger! • Artomatic is open to anyone, and they mean anyone, who wants to participate. • Artomatics of the past have most likely been the world’s largest group art shows – I mean over 1,000 visual arts participating, dozens of theatre groups, dozens of performances, hundreds of parties. • Artomatic is open 24 hours a day for whatever period it is staged for; there will be an Artomatic in 2015. • Artomatic 2015 will be at 8100 Corporate Drive, Hyattsville, MD 20785. • Dead tree media art critics hate Artomatic because it is open and democratic and avoids the curatorial hand – anyone can exhibit work. • Artomatic is the best way on the planet for new art collectors to get exposed to thousands of pieces of affordable art. • Artomatic is the best way on the planet for experienced art collectors to get exposed to new, undiscovered talent. GALLERY BEAT > PAGE 22

14 | August 2015

Old Town Crier

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FINE OLD POSTERS 1015 King St. 703-684-3656 FIVE OAKS ANTIQUES 2413 Mt. Vernon Ave. 703-519-7006 FOLIOGRAPH GALLERY 217 King St. 703-683-1501 FRASER GALLERY 7700 Wisconsin Blvd. Suite E Bethesda 301-718-9651 FRENCH COUNTRY ANTIQUES 1000 King St. 703-548-8563 GALLERY G 215 King St. 703-836-5400 GALLERY INDIGO 1607 King St. 703-838-8098 GALLERY LAFAYETTE 320 King St. 703-548-5266

BROCKETTS ROW ANTIQUES 277 South Washington St. 703-684-0464

GALLERIE LA TAJ 1010 King St. (Gadsby Arcade) 703-549-0508

THE CLASSICAL GALLERY 110 S. Columbus St. 703-836-7736

GALLERY WEST 1213 King St. 703-549-7359

CURZON HILL ANTIQUES 108 S. Columbus St. 703-684-0667

GOSSYPIA 325 Cameron St. 703-836-6969

DIEHL ANTIQUES 614 N. Washington St. 703-706-8191

IMAGINE ARTWEAR 1124 King St. 703-548-1461

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Kellys Art & Frame 510 N. Washington St. Alexandria, VA 22314 703-549-3313

SPURGEON-LEWIS ANTIQUES 112 N. Columbus St. 703-548-4917 STUDIO ANTIQUES & ART 524 N. Washington St. 703-548-5188 STUDIO BIANCO 220 S. Henry St. 703-299-0662 TIME JUGGLER 411 Cameron St. 703-836-3594

MARIS ELAINE GALLERY 178 Waterfront St. National Harbor 301-686-0323

TORPEDO FACTORY ART CENTER 105 N. Union St. 703-838-4565

MINDFULL HANDS GALLERY 211 King St. 703-683-2074

TRASTEVERE 303 Cameron St. 703-683-9555

OLD COLONY SHOP 222-B S. Washington St. 703-548-8008

VAN BOMMEL ANTIEK HAUS 1007 King St. 703-683-4141 703-629-6521 by appt. Steve Young, Proprietor

P & C ART 212 King St. 703-549-2525 PAUL McGEHEES GALLERY 109 North Fairfax St. 703-548-7729

THE VON BRAHLER LTD./GALLERY 1437 Powhatan St. 703-798-8686

POTOMAC WEST INTERIORS & ANTIQUES 1517 Mt. Vernon Ave. 703-519-1911

WASHINGTON SQUARE ANTIQUES 689 S. Washington St. 703-836-3214

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Frida Kahlo

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THE PRINCIPLE GALLERY 208 King St. 703-739-9326 SCULPTURE GALLERY 115 S. Patrick St. Studio 303 703-683-5056 SILVERMAN GALLERIES ANTIQUES 110 N. Asaph St. 703-836-5363

visit a museum.

August 2015 | 15

POINTS ON PETS ASHLEY DENHAM BUSSE

King Street Cats Adoption Calendar AUGUST 2015 For details & MORE INFO website: www.kingstreetcats.org email: contact@kingstreetcats.org King Street Cats is looking for foster homes! You provide the spare room and TLC and we provide food, litter and all vetting. Please email for our Kitten Fostering FAQ at: contact@kingstreetcats.org King Street Cats 25 Dove Street Alexandria, VA 22314 Every Saturday & Sunday 1:30 - 4:30 pm Pro Feed Bradlee Shopping Center 3690 King Street Alexandria, VA 22302 Every Saturday & Sunday 1:00 - 4:00 pm PETCO UNLEASHED AT PENTAGON ROW 1101 S. Joyce Street Arlington, VA 22202 Saturday, August 8 10:00 am - 2:00 pm Saturday, August 1 Saturday, August 15 Sunday, August 16 1:00 - 4:00 pm THE DOG PARK 705 King Street Alexandria, VA 22314 Saturday, August 1:00 - 4:00 pm DOGMA 2772 S. Arlington Mill Drive Arlington, VA 22206 Sunday, August 9 1:00 - 4:00 pm

The Dog Days of Summer

he ancient Romans characterized these days of deep summer and extreme heat as the “dog days” of summer – and we can surely understand even in the present day, huh? Ironically enough, the dog days of summer also pose some threats to our own dogs, because they’re the peak time for “hot spots.” What’s a hot spot? It’s not an overheated dog named Spot, nor is it a place to check email. It’s a gross, painful sore that your pup can get. A “hot spot” is actually a bacterial skin infection, also known as a “summer sore” or “moist eczema.” They can be red, scaly or even oozing. Hot spots can develop for a number of reasons, but usually it’s a combination of bacteria and moisture and heat. Simply licking a spot on her elbow or nervously chewing at her skin can give your pup a hot spot. Tick bites and unclean fur can also put her at risk. (Cats can also develop hot spots, but they’re far more common in dogs.)

What to Do?

• Keep the spot trimmed or shaved to let the air dry up the moisture and heal • Treat with a mild antiseptic spray — just make sure you use a product that’s approved for animals; some human over-the-counter ointments can be dangerous for dogs. • Use a cone around your pup’s neck to prevent further biting and irritating. • If it doesn’t seem to be getting any better, see your vet. He or she can prescribe hydrocortisone spray, cream, or oral antibiotics, and can also make sure there’s not an underlying health issue at play.

Prevention

One of the best things you can do is to keep your dog well groomed, especially in the summertime. Another source of a lot of skin problems in dogs is actually their diet, so if your pup gets hot spots because of itching and chewing a lot, you may want to look at his food and make sure it’s a high quality, meat-ingredient-based food and consider adding supplements like Omega 3s. If she chews herself as an anxiety release, make sure your dog’s 16 | August 2015

getting enough exercise and attention, and give her plenty of toys and bones to chew on instead.

How Coat Type Affects Hot Spots

There are basically two types of dog coats: single-coat and double-coat. What kind does your dog have? Part his fur a bit and see! • Double coat: Two types of fur: the longer, stiffer “guard hairs” and, underneath, a layer of softer, shorter, downy fur (the undercoat). • Single coat: same fur throughout (just the top coat) If your pup has a double coat, there are several things you should know. First, he’ll shed (or “blow out”) that undercoat seasonally (usually twice a year). Second, because he’s got more hair to shed, he’s going to require a lot of brushing and grooming to keep debris and mats out. Third, and this is really important — and much misunderstood — that undercoat, while it may seem hot to you, actually insulates your pup from heat (as well as helping him stay warm in winter). Remember, dogs don’t cool themselves off through their skin (like we do when we sweat). Plus, those outer «guard hairs» protect him from the sun and from insect bites and other environmental terrors, so if you shave him down he’ll lose that protection as well. And there’s no guarantee that his coat will grow back in normally — sometimes, in older dogs, the outer coat never really returns to normal! And the Dog Days of Summer are one of those times that double-coated

dogs start to shed a lot, so you’ll need to work extra hard right now removing all that shed fur. Otherwise you’ve got the perfect breeding ground for hot spots: mats, and the moisture and heat detailed above, can combine to harbor bacteria, you know the drill now. So make sure to keep an eye out for hot spots, treat them before they get worse, and keep your pup clean and wellbrushed in these dog days of summer. And stay cool, everyone!

A Note of Farewell

This is my last column for Points on Pets and Doggywalker.com. My family and I have moved to south Florida, where our 11-year-old Labradoodle (the subject of many columns!) is enjoying a retiree’s life – especially the off-leash dog beach! I’ll be putting my graduate degree to work, teaching English at an International Baccalaureate School. I don’t think I can adequately express, though, how much I’ve loved being involved with Doggywalker. com. Walking dogs might still be the most fun and rewarding job I’ve ever had! It was a great counterpoint to my intellectually intense graduate work, to the craziness of having children, to all the other life events that have occurred along the way. The pets I visited as a dog walker and pet sitter were always overjoyed to see me; they reminded me to run and play and enjoy life; they never argued or judged or talked back or critiqued my work! They were often the highlight of a hectic day, a demanding school schedule, and busy family life. Pets bring us such joy, and it’s been so wonderful being part of Doggywalker. com in one form or another over the past nine years. If you’ve never used Doggywalker.com’s services for your own pets, you should! It’s a great company of truly committed animal lovers. My best to all you Old Town Crier readers and animal lovers. Thanks for listening! Ashley Denham Busse has worked part-time for doggywalker.com since 2006. Doggywalker.com is a professional pet-sitting company located in Old Town Alexandria, celebrating more than 14 years of providing daily walks and customized in-home pet care. Visit www.doggywalker. com or email info@doggywalker.com.

Old Town Crier

A BIT OF HISTORY FROM PAGE 8

object, in my judgment, not within the purview of the Constitution or the Act of 1795, will not be complied with. You have chosen to inaugurate civil war and, having done so, we will meet it in a spirit as determined by the Administration and exhibited towards the South.” On April 18, 1861 Virginia became the eighth state to secede from the Union. The Confederate flag, its many reiterations, retired with the Civil War. Passions flared briefly when the U.S. Supreme Court overturned the Civil Rights Act of 1875. In 1887 and 1896 Charleston unveiled two Monuments to South Carolina’s pro-slavery Senator John C. Calhoun. Alexandria dedicated a Confederate Statue in 1889. Virginia law forbids its removal.

year Centennial celebration provided the podium. South Carolina reintroduced the Confederate flag on April 11, 196l. On May 17, 1954 the U.S. Supreme Court unanimously concluded that America could no longer educate its young in segregated public schools. Brown v. the Board of Education overturned Plessy v. Ferguson’s 1896 separate but equal doctrine. “These [Brown] cases come to us from the States of Kansas, South Carolina, Virginia and Delaware,” U.S. Supreme Court Chief Justice Earl Warren said. “They are premised on different facts… but a common legal question justifies… this consolidated opinion. Segregation of white and Negro children in the public schools of a State solely on the basis of

Act. White reactionaries again unfurled the flag. Today the Confederate flag symbolizes heritage; opposition to people of color, alleged federal overstep and government excess generally. “Of course the flag has to do with heritage, but it’s a heritage of white supremacy and racism,” South Carolina N.A.A.C.P. President Dr. Lonnie Randolph Jr. said in 2000. “The N.A.A.C.P.’s protest [boycott] led in 2000 to the flag’s being removed from the state house dome and from the House and Senate chambers to a monument outside the state house, to the Heritage Act 2000,” The New York Times reported in 2011. “But one of the most perplexing examples of the contradictions of this moment is that Nikki Haley, South

On July 10, 2015 South Carolina’s Confederate flag came down. Sadly it took white supremecist Dylann Roof to make the NAACP’s case. Strom Thurmond personifies the South’s segregated post-world war culture. In 1948 the South Carolina governor founded the short-lived States Rights Democratic Party. Thurmond opposed incumbent President Harry S. Truman’s reelection bid. Truman supported civil rights and military integration; Thurmond did not. Dixiecrats, or SRDP, competed in the 1948, 1956 and 1960 presidential elections. Governor Thurmond served in the U.S. Senate from 1954 until 2003. Racial gains, including Brown v. the Board of Education in 1954, fueled SRDP rhetoric. The Civil War’s 1961 multi-

race…denies to Negro children the equal protection of the laws guaranteed by the Fourteenth Amendment.” In 1956 Senators Strom Thurmond (D-SC) and Harry F. Byrd, Sr. (D-VA) co-wrote the Southern Manifesto, the Declaration of Constitutional Principles. “We regard the decision of the Supreme Court in the school cases as a clear abuse of judicial power. It climaxes a trend in the Federal Judiciary undertaking to legislate … to encroach upon the reserved rights of the States.” They massively resisted Brown. The southern loss was complete with the passage of the 1964 Civil Rights

Carolina’s first governor of color, continues to fly the Confederate flag.” On July 10, 2015 South Carolina’s Confederate flag came down. Sadly, it took white supremacist Dylann Roof to make the N.A.A.C.P.’s case. Governor Haley, a Republican whose parents came from India, “changed her stance” because death spoke. Alexandria stopped flying the Confederate flag over City Hall in 1970.

DC PAWS Adoption calendar august 2015 The DC stands for Dog and Cat Felix and Oscar 6671-A Backlick Rd. Springfield, Virginia 22150 August 1, 12:00 - 2:00 pm Pro Feed Pet Nutrition Center 1628 Belle View Blvd. Alexandria, Virginia 22307 August 9, 12:00 - 2:00 pm Dogma Bakery 2772 S Arlington Mill Dr. Arlington, VA 22206 August 16, 12:00 - 2:00 pm Wags ’n Whiskers Shirlington Village August 22, 10:00 am - 4:00 pm For more info: www.dcPawsRescue.org

Comments and questions may be directed to: abitofhistory53@gmail.com.

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Pets of the Month

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What’s up, Wallace? This handsome dude is on the lookout for a new best friend who’s just as far-out as he is! Wallace is a lovable, high-energy goofball who loves to play and cuddle. This smiley one-year-old Pit Bull mix doesn’t care how much he weighs, he’ll climb right up in your lap if you give him the chance! He is also a very feline friendly pooch! Think Wallace could be your match made in heaven? Come to the AWLA and adopt him today!

Say hello to Sisi! She is a spayed female Domestic Shorthair, estimated to be about eight years old. Sisi has been through a lot since she arrived at the AWLA in January and she has made a dramatic transformation! She can be timid when you first meet her, but once she opens up to you it’s impossible not to fall in love with her sassy personality. Sisi is living in an office area here at the shelter where she supervises productivity and keeps our laps warm. Ask us about Sisi and let her steal your heart today!

If you are available MondayFriday 11 a.m - 3:00 p.m, passionate and knowledgeable about dogs, and enjoy being outside - this could be the perfect job per for you!

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August 2015 | 17

CARIBBEAN CONNECTION JEFFrey R. Mccord

One hundred percent of native coastal plant communities are protected by the Virgin Islands National Park. This is the view from White Cliffs looking toward Europa and Little Lameshur Bays.

St. John: A Magnificent Mid-Caribbean Biotic Bounty

hile most other Caribbean islands suffer from too much human love and the development that goes with it, the U.S. Virgin Island of St. John has achieved a good balance between people and nature. True love brings respectful eco-tourists from all over the world to the island year-afteryear. Harmonious tourism will no doubt remain St. John’s primary “industry” as long as the Virgin Islands National Park preserves 60 percent of the small island’s land and the Coral Reef National Monument protects many of its waters, including much of pristine Coral Bay. “Within the extremely competitive Caribbean tourism industry, St. John stands out because its natural beauty and cultural resources have, to a large extent, been preserved,” explained Lonnie Willis, President of the St. John Historical Society in a recent letter expressing the Society’s opposition to a Dr. Ray standing at Europa Bay.

18 | August 2015

CARIBBEAN CONNECTION > PAGE 19

Old Town Crier

CARIBBEAN CONNECTION FROM PAGE 18

proposed environmentally destructive mega-yacht marina in Coral Bay. “The island is perceived to be relatively unspoiled, and as such, draws more than its share of visitors given its small size.” At present, St. John’s “unspoiled” tourist reputation is accurate. Indeed, since 1976 its’ protected land and waters have been one of only 650 world UNESCO Biosphere Reserves. The reserve includes “steep hillsides, rocky shores, coral and sand beaches, numerous bays, fringing coral reefs, canyons of coral ledges, coral gardens, turtle grass beds, mangrove swamps and natural salt ponds,” the United Nations Site tells us. Above the island’s reefs, beaches and mangroves, is a substantially protected tropical dry forest, which makes St. John unique within the West Indies. “The Western Hemisphere’s two most endangered biomes are prairies and tropical dry forest,” explains Gary Ray, PhD, a Lynchburg, Virginia-born and raised environmental scientist who has worked to keep St. John in ecological balance for more than twenty years. “The tropical dry forest grows from sea-level up to 1,500 feet, precisely the region in which most Caribbean people build residences, urban centers, farms and resorts. That’s why 95 percent or more of dry forest habitat in this Sea has been converted to other uses.”

A native bromeliad (Tillandsia utriculata)

Since his first visit to St. John in December, 1987 to research restoring native ecological communities within the National Park, Dr. Ray has fervently worked to preserve and defend the island’s natural splendor. “St. John is a magnificent, wellendowed setting of native botanical, insect, avian and coral diversity,” he says. “Absent outside interference, the island’s natural communities are assured Park protection. The ambitious goal is survival in perpetuity.” With a Bachelor of Science degree in Botany, a Master’s focusing on plant

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community ecology and doctorate of environmental science, Dr. Ray views the island through a grand, though specialized, lens. “St. John has one of the greatest extant tropical dry forests in the Caribbean. It has 650 native plants, likely 5,000 or more terrestrial insects, more than 180 species of birds (95 percent of which are native) and six species of bats, the only mammals native to the island.” The island’s bats include a rare red fruit bat and a fascinating fish eating bat “that will gaff fish using hook-like extensions to digits of their feet.” As for birds, the island is a

winter habitat for scores of species. Noteworthy among these “snow birds” are 15 species of warblers that overwinter on St. John. “Several warbler species wintering here are in serious trouble and some are endangered with extinction throughout their geographic region,” Dr. Ray tells us. Among them is the Cape May Warbler that relies upon low elevation tropical forest. “St. John’s geographic location in the middle of the Caribbean archipelago makes the tiny island’s abundant biota amazing. Over evolutionary time, the plants and animals that came here originated in both North and South America. Our historically low Native American and European colonial populations coupled with creation of the V.I. National Park have preserved this island eco-system. Even forest areas cleared earlier have come roaring back.” As a botanist, Dr. Ray is particularly excited about two plant species that have apparently evolved on-site and are known only from St. John. “These two are located nowhere else in the world, as far as we know. I was the second scientist to view one, the Eugenia earhartii, a member of the myrtle family producing flowers and fruit directly from the stem -- called ’califlory.’ Only two populations exist: the core of 953 individuals; and, a more remote population of no more CARIBBEAN CONNECTION > PAGE 22

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Old Town Crier

August 2015 | 19

ROAD TRIP BOB TAGERT

Broomes Island,

Re-enactors at Jefferson Patterson Park; Nan's Cove & Launch

20 | August 2015

ith the dog days of summer upon us, I thought that a road trip to the cool fields and waters of Broomes Island, Maryland would be just the ticket. Broomes Island has long been a fun destination for northern Virginians and is only about a 45- minute drive away. Getting there is easy and requires only three roads and about the same amount of turns. Cross over the Woodrow Wilson Bridge and take 495 to Route 4 south. After passing through Prince Frederick make a right on Broomes Island road. Follow to the end. Broomes Island lies between the Patuxent River and Island Creek. Although the primary destination in Broomes Island is Stoney’s Seafood House and their famous Tiki Bar, I will

start by mentioning a few other stops as well. After turning on to Broomes Island Road you will immediately come to a vegetable stand, which is loaded with fresh vegetables from a local farmer – Jake’s Produce & Linda’s Greenhouse. This is a great place to pick up vegetables for later consumption. The stand is usually pretty busy with cars pulling off on both sides of the road, so be careful. Heading on down the road you will soon come to Nan’s Cove. This is where the Patuxent River comes closest to Broomes Island Road. There is a floating dock here, which is designed for the launching of canoes or kayaks. It is an ideal place to paddle in the cove or head out into the Patuxent. Boat traffic is light this far up the Patuxent so there is not much competition for water. If you continue on Broomes Island Road you will soon come to Oyster House Road, which leads to Stoney’s. The restaurant sits alongside Island Creek with 180- degree water views. There is outdoor dining as well as a floating dining dock. There is ample dockage for those folks who come by water as well as Old Town Crier

Maryland tying up along the seawall that runs the length of the “Point.” The point is a beautifully landscaped piece of land that that is available for weddings, fund raisers, birthdays and special events. A lot of folks up and down the river come to Stoney’s by boat, and I am one of them. It is a wonderful sailing destination and always worth the trip. The crown jewel of Stoney’s is the tiki bar that sits at the waters edge and is elevated for great views. It usually seems that everyone knows everyone else and I have made some great friends over the years. Besides the food and drink, the other reason for Stoney’s success is because of Jeanie Stone… owner and bartender. Jeanie is the glue that holds it all together. Over the years she has managed to have garnered the best workers and customers any establishment could ask for. One of the hardest working persons that I know, she is always in motion but is acutely aware of everything that is going on around her…and yes, she did hear your drink order! Old Town Crier

The food at Stoney’s has always been good and sometimes great. It appears that a few years back the quality of the food slipped a bit, but that has long been corrected and Stoney’s is back on my list as having one of the best crab cakes in the Delmarva. Not only are he crab cakes great but the lightly breaded and fried Rockfish Bites are one of my favorites. Other delights are the crab soup, steamed Cherrystone clams and steamed shrimp, but my absolute favorite (besides the Meyers and OJ) is Stoney’s Steamer. Bring your appetite or a friend because this is a lot of delicious food. The steamer consists of 2–5oz. Lobster Tails, Half pound of steamed shrimp, Pound of Crab Legs, Cherrystones, Mussels, Crayfish, Corn and Oysters…all at market price. There is also a smaller version called Stoney’s Baby Steamer. My first trip to Stoney’s was by car in the early 90’s and I have been going back ever since. The occasion for my first visit was a friend’s birthday party. This is when I discovered how many

folks from northern Virginia made the drive to Broomes Island. It turned out that quite a few Virginians would get out of town early on Friday’s and make a dash for Stoney’s to kick-off the weekend. Not far from Broomes Island and just down the river, you can visit Jefferson Patterson Park and Museum. The 560- acre park has more than 70 identified archaeological sites, with current excavation and research being done. The land features 9,000 years of documented human occupation. The park has hiking, walking, and bike trails, a canoe and kayak launch, a visitor’s center with exhibits and a gift shop, an exhibit barn, a pavilion for event rentals, a recreated Indian village and a historic house. The visitor’s center, located in a former cattle barn, features displays about the science of archaeology and

The Tiki Bat at Stoneys and proprietor and all around fun gal Jeanie Stone

the work being done on the property. The barn features a War of 1812 exhibit, displays of antique farm equipment and displays about the site’s archaeological and cultural history. He British and American troops encountered each other in nearby St. Leonard’s Creek during the War of 1812. Last year there was a reenactment of that conflict staged at the park. For those of you who might want to pick up a bottle of wine, there are two wineries near Broomes Island. The first is Running Hare Winery and the second is Perigeaux Vineyards and Winery. Each is close to Broomes Island but in opposite directions. Broomes Island is a short drive from Virginia but it can seem like a world away from the hustle of the city. Take a drive and discover what is right around the corner.

August 2015 | 21

caribBean connection FROM PAGE 19

than a few dozen. Few seedlings and saplings have been found. This species is in critical danger and certainly warrants listing under the Endangered Species Act.” The other endemic St. John plant is Solanum conocarpum of the tomato/potato family. Dr. Ray’s surveys document approximately 200 individuals from populations in eight locations. Sadly, he explains that “all but two populations range from a scant one to a handful of individuals.” Five populations are protected within the National Park and that includes most individuals. Hermit crabs (called “soldier crabs” onisland), however, consume and destroy the seeds so that few seedlings are found. “The good news is that it is easy to propagate and is becoming a popular ornamental shrub,” Dr. Ray explains hopefully. This species should also be listed as endangered. “A breakthrough in the study and cataloging of such St. John plant and tree assets occurred in the 1980s when the Director of the prestigious New York Botanical Garden came down with a group of scientists who spent years working here,” Dr. Ray THE LAST WORD FROM PAGE 13

“Citizens Council.” She has held Atticus up as a golden idol of truth and righteousness who always lives publicly as he thinks privately, and is horrified to believe that he holds views she finds morally repugnant. She feels as if she has been struck out of her family and that she no longer even has a foothold in Maycomb, which bred and bore her. Lee makes the point that Scout, the former child now known as Jean Louise, had never really seen GALLERY BEAT FROM PG 14

• Because of its sheer size, you cannot “see” Artomatic in just one visit – it takes multiple visits to “see it all” properly. • The reason above is the main hidden reason why art critics hate AOM – it overloads their visual circuits when they attempt to see it all at once. • There’s a lot of sex going on at Artomatic during the late night/ early morning hours. • Many of the DMV’s best-known artists exhibit their work at Artomatic. Some of them were “discovered” at past AOMs. • Artomatic draws around 50,000 visitors – that’s why most artists (regardless of how well-known they are) exhibit at AOM. • Some counties have begun to use AOM as the place to “buy” art for their public collection. • Artomatic exposes genres and subgenres of art that no one knew ever existed! Got that? As an art critic, I once started a 22 | August 2015

explained. “That was the period in which I first came on-island — initially to work on my doctoral dissertation. Within the Park above Cruz Bay are four UNESCO Biosphere Reserve buildings that house a dormitory, office, auditorium and laboratory. That was my home base.” Dr. Ray grew 66 plant species in a shade house he constructed near the Biosphere buildings and then focused in-depth on 10 for his thesis. At the same time, a couple acres of trees had been cut-down above Hawksnest beach. The trees turned-out to be favorites of Laurance Rockefeller, the primary founder and benefactor of the Virgin Islands National Park. “I brashly wrote to Mr. Rockefeller telling him I could ecologically restore the two acres,” Dr. Ray recalls. “I was pleasantly surprised when I received a personal note from him in return telling me to go ahead; also enclosed was a hefty check.” As for the future, the latest illadvised St. John commercial scheme promoted by a few off-island developers — the proposed Summer’s End mega-yacht marina in Coral Bay to accommodate motor vessels up to 200-feet long, displacing numerous small sailboats and killing vital sea

Friends of the V.I. National Park and the Island Green Living Association. The huge marina and associated residential development of sensitive on-shore and higher dry tropical forest habitat on private land defines what the UNESCO Biosphere Reserve had in-mind when it warned responsible St. John stakeholders: “The island now faces serious environmental problems from increasing tourism and residential development, including destruction of wildlife habitats, reef destruction, commercial fishing activities, water as well as land erosion and related sedimentation on coral reefs.”

A native orchid (Psychilis macconnellae), the “Butterfly Orchid”

turtle grasses and other biological assets on the sea bottom — has attracted wide-spread opposition from island and national environmental and conservation groups such as Sylvia Earle’s “Mission Blue” foundation, the

Jeffrey R. McCord is a free-lance journalist and media relations consultant who has called Northern Virginia his home for more than 20 years. The author of “Undocumented Visitors in a Pirate Sea,” a quarterfinalist in the 2014 Amazon Breakthrough Novel contest, Mr. McCord’s articles on international economics and consumer protection have appeared in The Wall Street Journal, Barron’s, Gannett newspapers and Truthout.org, among other publications. He now divides his time between Virginia and St. John, USVI.

the realities surrounding her in her world of intellectual eccentricity and encompassing love. As Lee writes “Had she insight, could she have pierced the barriers of her highly selective, insular world, she may have discovered that all her life she had been with a visual defect which had gone unnoticed and neglected by herself and by those closest to her: she was born color blind.” Go Set a Watchman is an intricate work that pits the adult and yet still fiery and impetuous Jean Louise

against the realities of her past and her father’s current beliefs, which are more nuanced than they may seem. Those who love To Kill a Mockingbird will find it worth reading because it fills out the portrait sketched so affectionately and acutely in 1960, and shows how Scout becomes Jean Louise, engaging with political arguments and her own disillusionments to make independent decisions and become an adult. Luckily, Lee’s sarcastic humor occasionally leavens the novel. The

book is sometimes ponderous, including too much repetitive soulsearching, dusty academic references, and stories that feel like outtakes from Mockingbird. In short, it should have been edited before it was released. Yet while a few plot points strike false notes, the dialogue and story still take you to Jean Louise’s authentic world, a place where so many readers have found deep satisfaction and felt her love for humanity in all colors and variations.

review of a past AOM by complaining how much my feet hurt after my 5th or 6th visit to the show, in what at the time was my very futile attempt to gather as much visual information as possible in order to write a fair review of the artwork and artists. No one can do that! Over the years that I have visited past Artomatics (and I have seen them all) I have discovered that it is impossible to see and absorb everything and to be fair about anyone; the sheer size and evolving nature of AOM makes sure of the impossibility of this task. In fact, a few years ago, I think that I may have missed a whole floor. As I wrote earlier, we in the DC area know that most local art critics tend to savage Artomatic; they demand a curatorial hand; they want order; they want “bad” art out and only “high art” in; and year after year, they all miss the point! And this year once again The Washington Post and most mainstream media will all but ignore the region’s largest art exhibition. Here’s the key: AOM is not just

about the artwork, it is about the artistic energy that it radiates, it is about art community, it is about a free for all, it is about controversy, and it is about anyone who wants to call him/ herself an artist. AOM’s usual abundance of space yields a really decent opportunity to display your work well, and one interesting maturity factor in AOM is how professionally many “amateur” artists display their work. On the other hand, because of all the available space, AOM also yields a significant number of really bad “installations” with all sorts of furniture and stuff. Historically each AOM has delivered critical artistic discoveries for art lovers, art collectors and dealers. People like Tim Tate, Frank Warren, Kathryn Cornelius, the Dumbacher Brothers, etc., all showed at AOM; some still do. Tim Tate sold his sculptures at AOM a couple of decades ago for $300; today they get as much as $60,000 at art fairs. Frank Warren started his spectacular “Post Secret” worldwide art installation at AOM; today his project is one of the

most visited websites on the web and he’s had multiple art books on the best-seller list. Bottom line: Do it! If you want a quick video walkthrough AOM, check out the video at http://www.youtube.com/ watch?v=9aC0XOcHe10 The music has been married to this video on purpose from the perspective of AOM’s past treatment by local art critics. I suspect that many of them will not visit this year’s AOM simply because they’ve already made their minds without seeing the art - as a DC critic was once ”caught” doing closed minds that say that the show sucks because it’s all open and a an artistic free for all. By the way, the art that pops up in the video when Lennon first sings “they’re going to crucify me” is bordering on being one of the art world’s oddest coincidences, since I didn’t synch the music to video to prearrange for that art to pop up at that time… it is worth viewing the video just for that! Be prepared to be chilled!

Old Town Crier

FROM THE BAY…

PleinAirSolomons B

eginning Tuesday, September 15, Plein Air once again returns to Solomons, Maryland. As we learned last year, plein air is simply painting outdoors rather than in a studio. The term comes from the French en plein air, meaning ’in the open air.’ The Impressionists were particularly interested in the influence of changing light and the effects of light on color when outdoors. Monet is a popular example of a plein air painter. Today plein air painting is flourishing as its own art form. Artists come together for paint-outs and competitions to hone their skills. Landscape painters of all skill levels are finding that plein air painting is a rewarding and powerful experience. Plein air festivals are happening all over the United States. One of

Old Town Crier

PLEIN AIR event schedule Tuesday, September 15 Artists painting in Solomons Wednesday, September 16 Artists painting throughout Calvert County Thursday, September 17 Sunset Quick Draw Friday, September 18 Artists turn in paintings Saturday, September 19 10:00 am -1:00 pm Paint the Town for a Cause Saturday, September 20 6:00 -9:00 pm Affaire of the Arts (meet the artists) For more info google plein air Solomons

the oldest and finest is in Solomons, Maryland where the town is surrounded by the beautiful Patuxent River and the sunsets are spectacular.

The History of Plein Air Movement: American Artists Magazine

The term en plein air has long been associated with the act of painting directly from nature, alla prima. This style of painting is often traced back to its first followers in 17th and 18th century Rome, followed by the French Impressionists in the mid to late 19th century, and then to the California Impressionists in early 20th century America. From the start, the purpose of the plein air movement was to develop a deeper understanding of nature through close observation and study and to learn how to accurately

represent the appearance of the landscape under the ever-changing elements of light, atmosphere, and weather. As painting en plein air grew from its European roots to an international movement, the genre of landscape painting began to be taken more seriously among those influential in the art world, and on-site sketches and studies were considered worthy of exhibition and sale, even if they were only preparatory for larger studio work. Suddenly, painting outdoors was considered a sophisticated activity, as collectors clamored for plein air paintings executed in exotic locales or faraway countries as a way to travel vicariously through the artist. The advent of portable plein air materials, FROM THE BAY > PAGE 24

August 2015 | 23

FROM THE BAY FROM PAGE 23

such as paint tubes in 1841 and the retractable French easel shortly thereafter, further encouraged artists to join this exciting movement and fostered a tradition so far-reaching and enduring that four centuries after its inception, plein air painter around the world are still capturing timeless interpretations of the fields, hills, trees, and coastlines that define their native land.

Plein Air Painting Movements in America

Few of the American landscape-painting groups defined the plein air gene better than the first notable school of painters native to the United States, the Hudson River School. This group of early-19th century painters, founded and led by Thomas Cole (1801-1848), documented the nationâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s changing identity as its uninhabited land slowly became settled. Established in the early 1800s, these artists imbued their landscape paintings with the same spiritual sentiments as their French temporaries, in an effort to show Godâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s ubiquitous presence in nature. Painting in one of the most beautiful areas of the country, the Hudson River school painters captured the enthralling light dancing over the Catskills and Adirondacks in upstate New York and also espoused the importance of connecting with nature and recording their observations on-site. Cole, Asher B. Durand (1796-1886), Frederic Edwin Church (1826-1900), Albert Bierstadt (1830-1902), and others then took those on-site studies and created grand studio painting filled with amazing light and lofty atmosphere that viewers were, and still are, instantly transported to a peaceful a paradise. From that first American plein air painting school in the early 1800s to the California Impressionist movement in the early 1900s and well into the later 20th century, numerous other landscape-painting groups were established around the United States. By passing down the ideals set forth by original plein air painters, these artists created an enduring legacy for future generations of landscape painters. Today, many of those original art clubs and colonies are still flourishing, and in fact, a great number of contemporary landscape painters seem to be encouraging a return to the social, artistic, and spiritual values upon which the plein air movement was founded.

Luau for Calvert Hospice August 13th ~ 6 p.m. Stoneyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Broomes Island

3939 Oyster House Road, Broomes Island

Tropical Drinks, Fabulous Food, Raffles, Silent & Live Auctions and Dance Music by the NightLife Band!

$125 a ticket ~ $135 at the Door For tickets & information call 410.535.0892 or visit calverthospice.org

24 | August 2015

Old Town Crier

CalvertCounty

DISCOVER

MARYLAND

ALEXANDRIA’S PLAYGROUND

Best Art Gallery

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

120 Charles Street Solomons, Maryland 443-404-5332

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

13480 Dowell Rd., Solomons, MD Open Daily: 10am-5pm annmariegarden.org

Sculpture Garden & Arts Center Where Art & Nature Meet

at CalvErt Marina

ElEgant WatErfront Dining at CalvErt Marina 14415 Dowell road • Dowell, Maryland 410.326.9900 • backcreekbistro.com

VOTED BEST CRAB CAKES IN SOUTHERN MARYLAND 2012 Maryland Life

HAPPY HOUR SPECIALS

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

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

410.394.0236 EVERY WEDNESDAY JAZZ AND HALF PRICE WINE

Old Town Crier

August 2015 | 25

…TO THE BLUE RIDGE JULIE REARDON

Cool Stuff for the Dog Days!

Adventure Vacations New River Gorge, West Virginia

OFF

Rafting, Zip Line & Cabins use offer code: OTC

26 | August 2015

800.463.9873 RAFTINGINFO.COM

he humid, sultry dog days of summer are here, once thought to be an evil time when “the Sea boiled, the Wine turned sour, Dogs grew mad, and all other creatures became languid; causing to man, among other diseases, burning fevers, hysterics, and phrensies,” according to Brady’s Clavis Calendaria, 1813. The name came from Sirius, also known as the dog star. The Ancient Greeks thought that Sirius’s emanations could affect dogs adversely, making them behave abnormally during the “dog days,” the hottest days of the summer. The Romans knew these days as dies caniculares, and the star Sirius was called Canicula, “little dog.” The excessive panting of dogs in hot weather was thought to place them at risk of desiccation and disease. Whatever you believe, the dog days are a good time to take a vacation, or even if you already did, or couldn’t take one due to finances, time and/or work, enjoy a mini vacation in the hunt country before Labor Day. You won’t be alone—plenty of people are sticking close to home this summer. Yes, it’s hot outside, but it’s summer in Virginia so pick a cool activity that won’t be available

for much longer and enjoy. Soon enough, we’ll all be complaining about the cold weather. We love horses out here, and you can come enjoy them too. Whether it’s a polo game, a horse show, or a scenic Blue Ridge trail ride, there is something for everyone this month. Polo continues every weekend, whether it’s a Friday afternoon “social polo” game at Banbury Cross on Rt. 50 just east of Middleburg, or the Saturday twilight polo series at Great Meadow in The Plains. At the end of the month, jumpers take to the Great Meadow arena in an exciting display of power and speed. Rocking S Ranch offers up trail rides for beginners and experienced riders alike on their well-trained string of trail horses in the historic Winchester area, if you want to actually ride a horse instead of watch one. August harvest is in full swing, which means time for an abundance of local produce. The farmers markets are particularly fun to visit at this time of year, and some have corn mazes Old Town Crier

for the kids. Grapes are ripening and area vineyards host a variety of events for every palate. If you enjoy listening to music outdoors, the Bluemont Summer Concert Series has a stellar stable of performers that play every summer weekend in Middleburg, Warrenton, Leesburg, Winchester, Ashland, Culpeper and Fredericksburg. This private, non-profit corporation has been a favorite summertime venue in smaller communities since 1976 and has presented more than 5,000 high quality events to a combined audience of more than 2 million and has experienced steady growth because of its public-private coalition with communities and local businesses in the region. For the very reasonable donation of $5 the summer concert series features a wide variety with something for everyone, whether you like rock, folk, Irish, Caribbean, New Orleans jazz/ zydeco, bluegrass or rockabilly at their various community locations. We recommend some listed below. For a full schedule visit www.bluemont.org

August Calendar of Events Each Friday: Social Polo at Banbury Cross Farm

Middleburg, two miles east of town at the intersection of Rt. 50 & Carter’s Farm La., visit Middleburg Polo on Facebook or call (540)3645939. No admission charge, games usually 4:30 PM til dark.

Each Saturday: Twilight Polo Series at Great Meadow, The Plains

Visit www.greatmeadow.org, Admission $30/ car, games start at 7 PM

All Month: Trail Rides

RockingSRanch.com

August 1: Saturday Panmasters at Bluemont Outdoor Concert Series, 10 Hotel Street, Warrenton

A Bluemont favorite from Trinidad & Tobago since 1982, and many of the current band members are children of the original Pan Masters. The popular steel drum orchestra thrills audiences with exotic island instruments, great music, and dancing on the green. Their eclectic repertoire ranges from traditional island calypso, reggae and soca to the band’s interpretations of Stevie Wonder, the Beatles, J.S. Bach and more. Many people bring picnics to enjoy during the show. People of all ages are welcome. All Bluemont concerts are smoke-free and alcohol is prohibited. Pets are not allowed in the concert areas. Cost: $5 adults; $4 Bluemont Friends & Seniors; $2 kids under 12. For more information call (540) 341-0988 or (703) 777-6306 or visit www.bluemont.org.

August 1-2: Dog Daze at Barrel Oak Winery, 11:00 am both days; 3623 Grove Lane, Delaplane

Dogs and children always welcome at Barrel Oak. For the kids, there’s a petting zoo and pony rides at the Farmfarm, as well as a farmer’s market featuring local goods and produce. Visit www.BarrelOak.com for a complete calendar of events for the month of August.

August 11-14: Wine, Women and Polo Camp, Llangollen Estate, Upperville

perville. We can customize packages for coporate and tour groups and welcome spectators! Our polo school is every Sturday and Sunday at 10am and is appropriate for complete beginners as well as more advanced players. Join us in August for loads of fun, learning, wine and polo! For more information, call (404) 7134011, e-mail: kirsten@poloconcierge.com, or visit www.vipoloclub.com.

August 15: Saturday, 7:30 pm, Hard Swimmin’ Fish at Bluemont Outdoor Concert Series, 10 Hotel St., Warrenton

A blues quartet with a unique sound of Mississippi and Piedmont country blues, urban Chicago blues, and funk infused with a dash of New Orleans’ second line. Two great vocalists with guitar, harmonica, bass and drums. Many people bring picnics to enjoy during the show. People of all ages are welcome. All Bluemont concerts are smoke-free and alcohol is prohibited. Pets are not allowed in the concert areas. Cost: $5 adults; $4 Bluemont Friends & Seniors; $2 kids under 12. For more information call (540) 341-0988 or (703) 777-6306 or visit www.bluemont.org.

“Like our best friends’ home if our best friends were amazing chefs and knew exactly what we wanted before we asked.” Trip Advisor

August 15-16: Saturday & Sunday, Annual Hot Air Balloon Festival, Rt, 17 & Ritchie Road, Bealeton

The Flying Circus Airfield. Balloon activities will be held both morning and afternoon with the World Famous Flying Circus Airshow being presented each afternoon at 2:30. Balloons will be launched in the early morning (6-7am) and late afternoon (5-7pm). Take an air balloon ride, or just sit back and enjoy the view. For more information call (540) 439-8661 or visit the www.flyingcircusairshow.com.

www.hopkinsordinary.com Sperryville, Virginia 540.987.3383

August 28: Twilight Jumpers at Great Meadow, 5089 Old Tavern Road, The Plains

Gates open at 6:30 pm. Join us for an evening of summer fun. Enjoy fun and games for the kids and top class show jumping. The area is home to some of the nation’s top show jumping horses and riders and the competition is top notch. Pack a picnic and come out to enjoy a night in the open space and fresh air. Tailgating, VIP Boxes, Bonfire Pit, DJ & dancing until late! Tickets at the gate: $30 per carload. For tickets or more information, call our event line at (540) 253-5001, or visit: www.greatmeadow. org

August 29: Ability Fitness Charity Polo Match, 12-4:00 pm. 18911 Beallsville Road, Poolesville MD.

Tickets/info www.abilityfitnesscharitypolomatch.eventbrite.com Polo doesn’t always have to be high-brow, super fancy, and ultra-expensive. Family-friendly, fun-filled day in the country planned sure to please the whole crew. Tickets include catered lunch, beer and wine for adults, and lots of fun for kids: pony rides, moonbounce, face painting, an ice cream truck, and a half-time kids fun run race. There’s also a silent auction, with a 6-carat diamond tennis bracelet, island vacation getaways, loads of Stella and Dot jewelry for sale and top class polo played by some of the area’s best players.. All this to benefit a good cause.

The Virginia International Polo Club sits on the 1,100 acre historic Llangollen Estate in UpOld Town Crier

August 2015 | 27

BEHIND THE BAR

Than Le (aka Mr. Le) How did you get started in the bartending business? When I worked at Ecco Cafe as a manager, I learned the tricks of the trade from the bartenders and I fell in love with the work.

THAN LE IS BEHIND THE BAR AT charthouse restaurant one cameron STREET OLD TOWN ALEXANDRIA 703-684-5080 chart-house.COM

Biggest bartender pet peeve? When customers have a bad attitude (but I do my best to improve their moods!).

Mr. Le serves up a Charthouse special – The Mango Mojito. He is behind the bar Monday through Friday, days, from 11:30 am to 5 pm.

often?” And “What’s your name?”

Tell us an interesting encounter you have had with a customer. With one of my regulars, I enjoy singing while making cocktails and they say “I have the voice of a demon and to not quit my day job.”

What is the most clever line anyone has ever used to get a free drink? After someone asked me for a drink and I asked “why,” they responded “Because I’m a hot single in your area!”

If you could sit down and have a drink with anyone in the world, past or present who would that be? Kim Kardashian or Jennifer Lopez because I’d love to share a drink with such a beautiful woman. (He was totally laughing when he answered this question!)

What is the best/worst pickup line you have overheard at the bar? “Hey beautiful, do you come here

If you would like to see your favorite bartender featured here, send contact information to office@oldtowncrier.com.

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

28 | August 2015

Old Town Crier

Tuesday, August 18, 7pm More info & tickets at unionstreetpublichouse.com/events

121 South Union Street, Old Town Alexandria 703.548.1785  unionstreetpublichouse.com

Your Home for All Domestic and International Soccer Games! Showing Europe’s Top Soccer Leagues EPL • La Liga • Bundesliga • Series A Champions League Football • UEFA Cup

G geranio ristorante Redefining Italian Cuisine in Old Town Alexandria

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

722 King st old town alexandria 703.548.0088 www.geranio.net

$22 Three Cours

e Summer Lunch

First Course Choic e Of Crea Field green salad wimed soup of asparagus with Chives th Herb traditional Caesar Mustard Vinaigrette, gorgonzola & salad with garlic Cr W outons & Parmesan alnuts Second Course Ch oice Of our Homemade La sa gn Parmesan risotto wi a with spinach Pasta & tradition th gril al Bo angel Hair Pasta wi led Zucchini, asparagus & shaved Palognese rmesan th Fresh tomato sa Wild Mushroom ri uc sotto with Pancetta e & Basil Pesto , english shaved Parmesan & White truffle oil Peas, Third Course Choic e Of our tiramisu with H omemade Mas selection of our H omemade ice Crea carpone m or sorbet

August 2015 | 29

DINING OUT BOBTAGERT

chadwicks on the strand Still Changing

n 1749, when Alexandria was founded, only the fish and the seagulls ate and drank here. Where Chadwicks stands today (203 South Strand street), you would be treading water or riding a shallow-draft scow onto the sandy bank that bordered a high bluff behind you. The first person to leave his mark on this southern part of the waterfront was George Gilpin. Gilpin didn’t just build on this property, as had been required by an early law. Slicing into the cliff and using the excavated clay and rock to grade the slope, he created two new city blocks to the east. The town appointed him its engineer to supervise “banking out” all along the Alexandria shoreline. By 1812, the Strand was a recognized road. The three-story brick warehouse with its wooden roof stood 50 feet from the river. On the evening of Sept. 24, 1810, a candle left burning in a cooper’s shop toppled onto some shavings, igniting a fire that raged for four hours and destroyed every 30 | August 2015

building on the block from Duke to Prince and Union Street to the river. The following fall a new brick warehouse facing the Strand, three stories high with a smaller brick warehouse attached at the rear, both roofed with slate and boasting iron fittings and stone doorand windowsills. The combined dimensions of 34 by 78 feet created the same footprint as for Chadwick’s kitchen and main dining room today. By 1847 tax ledger lists a “wharf and house on the alley and the Strand” with a value of $15,000. It is this structure that, incorporating perhaps some of the 1811 foundation, left parts of its grand stone and lower brick walls to Chadwicks. In 1861 Federal troops crossed the Potomac and occupied Alexandria. The properties were

Mike Kirby (l) and Trae Lamond

confiscated by the U.S. Marshal’s Office, among the “brick warehouse situated on the river front, second house south of Prince and binding on an alley.” In 1897 one of the worst fires ever to afflict the city started at midnight on June 3 in a boiler room on the eat side of the Strand north of Duke. Before it had exhausted itself, all but one of the warehouses on the block had collapsed and the wharves were charred pilings. All that was left of the grand structure at this site were the tall stone foundations along the drive and western wall and the lower portions of burnt and broken walls. Building on the 2-foot-thick solid-

stone foundations and the standing bricks, the owner erected the twostory structure we see today with its pitched roof and parapet. For the next quarter century the warehouse served successively as an assembly shop (1907), a warehouse for the storage and tanning of hides (1912) and an electric-light supply house (1921). During the depression of the 1930s it stood vacant. In 1941 it was reborn as a steam laundry. In 1979, Mike Kirby opened Chadwicks on the Strand. Kirby and partner Tom Russo had been operating their very successful Chadwicks of Georgetown since 1967. Kirby had a good track record of owning restaurants. Back in the “good old days” (I am 68), Kirby opened Chadwicks of Capital Hill in 1969, the Third Edition in 1970, the Public House in Georgetown and took over Old Town Crier

Gadsby’s Tavern here in Alexandria in the 70’s. Recognizing Old Town’s need for good restaurants, he wandered down to the strand…the rest is history. I remember the day that Chadwick’s opened that winter day in 1979. It snowed and we went to check the bar out on sleds. At the time there were only a handful of restaurants in the lower part of Old Town. Kirby has been marking time well at Chadwicks. His long time partner and friend Tom Russo had recently lost his fight against cancer. Retirement was within his grasp, but he tells me that he is very content staying on and working for Trae.

Old Town Crier

Eleven years ago local Alexandrian Trae Lamond was fresh out of college and took a job waiting tables at Chadwicks in order to earn some money to pay back a $500 loan. With an outgoing personality, Trae took to service work like a fish to water. Talented and versatile, Trae played drums and sang in a band made up of long time friends. Life was good. Soon Trae moved behind the bar and began serving drinks to the Chadwick faithful. Eventually Trae was asked to become a manager, which was the final step to completing his education of all levels of the restaurant business. The last five years of his life has been

rather hectic. He got married, now has two small boys, got his real estate license and joined the York Group at Coldwell Bankers. He also had to leave his musical career behind. Recently, Trae worked out a deal with Stephanie Russo, Tom’s widow, to purchase the business. Under the guidance provided by Mike Kirby, Trae Lamond is now making a transition as the new owner of Chadwicks. I told him that this restaurant has long been one of the most successful and popular eateries in Old Town. Do you foresee any changes? With that big smile of his, Trae responded, “Not really, maybe a little paint here and there. I

know what Chadwicks is and all I want to do is make it so folks want to come here seven to fourteen times a month.” Now that he has the reigns of the restaurant, Trae can deal with the city as the new waterfront development begins. The historical significance of the restaurant makes it a permanent fixture, but the future of the parking lot is in jeopardy. Will it remain, or become a park? The ride is only beginning for the 34 year-old entrepreneur! All of us at the Old Town Crier wish Trae Lamond a lot of success as the new caretaker of an Old Town original.

August 2015 | 31

Dining Guide american BILBO BAGGINS 208 Queen St. 703-683-0300 BITTERSWEET 823 King St. 703-549-2708 BLACKWALL HITCH 5 Cameron St. 571-982-3577 CARLYLE CLUB 411 John Carlyle St. 703-549-8957 CHADWICKS 203 Strand St. 703-836-4442 chadwicksrestaurants.com An Old Town tradition since 1979 and an original Georgetown pub and restaurant since 1967. CHART HOUSE One Cameron St. 703-684-5080 CITY KITCHEN 330 South Pickett St. 703-685-9172 fatcitykitchen.com USA City inspired menu choices that bring together traditional American and global cuisine with their own personal touch. Casual dress. $30 and under. Lots of free parking. Open 7 days a week with brunch on Sat & Sun 11-3. AMEX, Discover, MasterCard, Visa

HARD TIMES CAFE 1404 King St. 703-837-0050 HUNTING CREEK STATION 1106 King St. 703-836-5126 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 LOST DOG CAFE 808 North Henry St. 571-970-6511 MACKIE’S BAR AND GRILL 907 King St. 703-684-3288 MAGNOLIA’S ON KING 703 King St. 703-838-909 MAJESTIC CAFÉ 911 King St. 703-837-9117

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

MANCINIS 1508 Mt. Vernon Ave. 703-838-FOOD

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

Mason Social 728 Henry Street Old Town Alexandria 703-548-8800 mason-social.com

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

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

EVENING STAR CAFÉ 2000 Mt. Vernon Ave. 703-549-5051

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

FAST EDDIES BILLIARD CAFE 6220 Richmond Hwy. 703-660-9444

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.

FIN & HOOF 801 N. Saint Asaph St. 703-836-4700 FINN & PORTER AT MARK CENTER 5000 Seminary Rd. 703-379-2346 FIRE FLIES 1501 Mt. Vernon Ave. 703-548-7200 FLAT IRON STEAK & SALOON 808 King St. 703-299-0777 FOSTERS GRILLE 2004 Eisenhower Ave. 703-725-1342 GADSBYS TAVERN 138 N. Royal St. 703-548-1288

32 | August 2015

NICKELLS AND SCHIFFLER 1028 King St. 703-684-5922 NINAS DANDY Potomac Party Cruises Zero Prince St. 703-683-6076 dandydinnerboat.com

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

ASIAN BISTRO 809 King St. 703-836-1515

OVERWOOD 220 North Lee St. 703-535-3340

MALAYA 1019 King St. 703-519-3710

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

MAI THAI 9 King St. 703-548-0600

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

RED MEI 602 King St. 703-837-0094

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

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

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 SHOOTER MCGEES 5239 Duke St. 703-751-9266 SOCIETY FAIR 277 S. Washington St. 703-683-3247 SOUTHSIDE 815 815 S. Washington St. 703-836-6222 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. 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 and grill. Distinct southern style menu, fine steaks, fresh seafood. Sunday brunch, private parties, happy hour.

asian

TOKYO JAPANESE STEAKHOUSE 66 Canal Center Plaza 703-683-8878 Caphe Banh Mi Vietnamese 407 Cameron St. 703-549-0800 Sang Jun Thai 300 King Street 571-312-3377 KAI ZEN TAVERN 1901 Mt. Vernon Ave. 703-836-1212 CONTINENTAL BRABO by Robert Weidmaier 1600 King St. 703-894-3440

CHEZ ANDREE 10 East Glebe Rd. 703-836-1404 LA BERGERIE 218 N. Lee St. 703-683-1007 labergerie.com ITALIAN BERTUCCIS 725 King St. 703-548-8500 BUGSYS PIZZA RESTAURANT 111 King St. 703-683-0313 bugsyspizza.com FACCIA LUNA 823 S. Washington St. 703-838-5998 GERANIO RISTORANTE 722 King St. 703-548-0088 geranio.net Still Old Towns highest-rated Italian restaurant (Zagat). Discerning Old Towners flock here for refined cuisine in this comfortable, yet sophisticated restaurant. With entrees from $14, there is no reason not to enjoy a selection from their Wine Spectator award-winning list, while being attended by the friendly staff of seasoned professionals. Reservations recommended and casual attire welcomed. IL PORTO RESTAURANT 121 King St. 703-836-8833

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

LA STRADA 1905 Mt. Vernon Ave. 703-548-2592

RESTAURANT EVE 110 S. Pitt St. 703-706-0450

SAPORE DITALIA RISTORANTE & PIZZERIA 1310 Mt. Vernon Ave. 703-683-9680

TEMPO 4231 Duke St. 703-370-7900 temporestaurant.com Northern Italian, French provincial and American cuisine featuring fresh seafood, meats and pasta served in a contemporary, romantic atmosphere. CEDAR KNOLL INN GW Parkway at Lucia Ln. 703-799-1501 FRENCH BASTILLE 606 N. Fayette St. 703-519-3776 bastillerestaurant.com LE REFUGE 127 N. Washington St. 703-548-4661 FONTAINES CAFFE & CREPERIE 119 S. Royal St. 703-535-8151

VERMILLION 1120 King St. 703-684-9669

LA MADELEINE 500 King St. 703-729-2854

VIRTUE GRAIN & FEED 106 South Union St. 571-970-3669

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

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

BISTRO ROYALE 1201 N. Royal St. 703-519-9110 bistroroyal.com YVES BISTRO 235 Swamp Fox Rd. (in Hoffman Ctr.) 703-329-1010

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 MEDITERRANEAN LA TASCA 607 King St. 703-299-9810 “Spring into Spain and Feast Like a King.” Offering unlimited tapas at lunch

and dinner. Choice of dessert included. Lunch 11:30 am - 4:30 pm for $20.07; dinner 4:30 pm - close for $30.07. Eat a little, drink a little, have a lot of fun! TAVERNA CRETEKOU 818 King St. 703-548-8688 tavernacretekou.com PITA HOUSE 719 King St. 703-684-9194 thepitahouse.com Family owned and operated; carry out available and free delivery. DELIAS MEDITERRANEAN GRILL 209 Swamp Fox Rd. Alexandria, VA 703-329-0006 BISTRO DU SOLEIL 1116 King St. 571-312-2754 SEAFOOD Hanks Oyster Bar 1026 King St. 703-739-HANK RTS RESTAURANT 3804 Mt. Vernon Ave. 703-684-6010 FISH MARKET-OLD TOWN 105 King St. 703-836-5676 fishmarketoldva.com Internationally known and locally owned! We serve shrimps, a few crabs, tall people and lots of nice people, too! Live music and lively food! ERNIES ORGINIAL CRABHOUSE 1743 King St. 703-836-0046 THE WHARF 119 King St. 703-836-2834 wharfrestaurant.com "Its All About the Seafood," traditional and creative coastal cuisine. FLYING FISH 815 King St. 703-600-FISH flyingfishdc.com FISH MARKET-CLINTON 7611Old Branch Ave. Clinton, MD 301-599-7900 INDIAN DISHES OF INDIA 1510A Bellview Blvd. 703-660-6085 MEXICAN LATIN SOUTHWESTERN AUSTIN GRILL 801 King St. 703-684-8969 LOS TIOS GRILL 2615 Mt. Vernon Ave. 703-299-9290 LOS TOLTECOS 4111 Duke St. 703-823-1167 TAQUERIA POBLANO 2400-B Mt. Vernon Ave. 703-548-TACO (8226) CASA FELIPE 835 N. Royal St. 703-535-7868

Old Town Crier

“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

dine out!

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

Great Steaks

USDA Prime Cuts

Late Night Menu Available Every Night

GRAB ABITE Old Town Crier

August 2015 | 33

CHEF’S SPECIAL CHESTER SIMPSON

Brian Rowe

orn and raised in Annapolis Md., Chef Rowe started out working in his families restaurants and quickly decided to attend culinary school at Baltimore International College. After school he worked in a few small kitchens in Annapolis before heading to Florida to work for Wolfgang Puck at Grand Cafe and then later at Spago in Los Angeles. Rowe has opened numerous BRIAN ROWE restaurants most IS THE CHEF AT recently Level Magnolia's on king Tapas Lounge in 703 king street Annapolis and Sobe old town alexandria Restaurant and 703-838-9090 Lounge in Lanham, magnoliasonking.com Md.

When did you become interested in cooking and what made you decide to pursue a culinary career? I grew up in restaurants and spent a lot of time in the back with the kitchen staff, so it became my norm at an early age. Truthfully it’s the only job I can imagine doing for the rest of my life , I actually get to say that I go to work and do what I love everyday.

Brian with his (L to R) Bison Meatloaf, Shrimp and Grits, Blueberry Cobbler, and Molasses Crusted Pork Belly

34 | August 2015

Who have been your biggest inspirations in the course of your career? Marcus Samuelsson — his flavors are bold and inventive. He also exudes humility which is a trait I believe more chefs need to embody. My close friend and mentor, Chef Sinclair Thorne, who taught me to believe in myself and to cook from my heart. He has always pushed me to be better and not let my passion die. Most importantly though

are my mom and fiancé, who both support me every day and always push me to remember where I came from. What dish on your menu are you most curious to see how it is received by your guests? Definitely the bison meatloaf, there are a lot of flavors in there that don’t normally end up together like red wine, chipotle, thyme, sage, rosemary and cilantro. What do you do to ensure that the quality of your food is of a high standard? Beyond the obvious answer of sourcing the best local and sustainable ingredients I can find, every single dish is tasted and inspected before it leaves my kitchen. I actually built tasting spoons into my budget. If any chef in the world could cook for you, who would you like that to be? Daniel Boulud — his flavors inspired me as a young cook and I still look to his recipes today for inspiration. Daniel is a French chef and restauranteur with restaurants in New York City, Las Vegas, Palm Beach, Miami, Montreal, Toronto, London, Singapore, and Boston. What is your guilty food pleasure? Pizza! I eat pizza at least four days a week. I’m always looking for the best slice. If you would like to see your favorite chef featured in this space, send contact information to chester@chestersimpson. com.

Old Town Crier

EXPLORING VIRGINIAWINES DOUG FABBIOLI

Different Hats

wear many different hats these days, from farmer, winemaker, consultant and collaborator to marketer, executive, industry leader and regional ambassador. These hats are changed regularly throughout the day, but my best days are when I can wear two or three hats at the same time and achieve multiple goals at once. Often, the way I determine which hat to wear is by considering the customer. One of the factors that has made our rural economy successful in achieving the growth plans over the past few years has been the ability to read and listen to the customer. Whether it is the produce buyer at Wegmans seeing how quickly the local tomatoes sell out, the winery owner that adds gravel to the parking lot prior to the winter or the pumpkin farmer that found the new variety of pumpkins that the customers didn’t even know they needed until seeing it, it is critical to anticipate the customer’s wants and needs well prior to their arrival. The pumpkin farmer thought about the customer when the seeds were chosen months before planting. The grocer worked hard earlier in the season to build a relationship with the farmer who grows the tomatoes. The winery customer does not think about the gravel in the parking lot, but they sure will be upset if no gravel is there and their car gets stuck in the mud.

The time, focus and energy put into the customer before he or she shows up is tremendous. One place that I have always learned from is Walt Disney World. Disney works hard to make each guest feel special. Sometimes things do not work out as planned but in general, there is always emphasis on the total customer experience, their needs during their stay and the ability to make them feel good throughout the visit. I am recognizing that for us it is important to welcome all, but also to have a bit of exclusivity along the way. We cannot make a wine for every palate, but we try to make a number of styles so that there are plenty of wines to choose from. We love to see the first time visitors, but want to recognize the long time club member who brings new friends each time they visit. “If you build it, they will come!” We all remember that iconic quote from the movie Field Of Dreams. While vision, trust and drive are embedded in this statement, it is critical that businesses listen to their customers as well. Each business works to find the right product or experience for their customer, and the right thing is the steady process of listening and thinking about that customer. The other pieces will fall into place.

Monday & Tuesday Nights Two Course Dinner with Bottle of Wine for Two $39.95

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.

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Chez Andrée Restaurant Français & Bar 10 East Glebe Road Alexandria, Virginia 703.836.1404 chezandree.com

August 2015 | 35

GRAPEVINE FRANK BRITT

Greenhill Winery & Vineyards extraordinary in every way

ustic elegance. History. Heritage and serenity. Fine French-influenced wines made from 100% Virginia grapes and a legacy deeply rooted in Virginia soil. And, most certainly, one of the most beautiful winery properties in Virginia. Greenhill Winery & Vineyards is extraordinary! Almost a decade before acquiring the property, David Greenhill had been impressed by the picturesque landscape of Northern Virginia wine country. Wineries, complete 36 | August 2015

with friendly winemakers and staff, beautiful views of the Blue Ridge Mountains, lush vineyards, and a sense of simple, earthy lifestyle, made him want to return again and again. An irresistible opportunity presented itself in 2013 when the property, which is in the town of Middleburg, became available. Passionate about the blossoming and “still pure” Virginia Wine Country, David Greenhill fell in love with the 128-acre estate bordered by the Little River. The property includes a natural pond, historic Manor House

circa 1762, Tasting Room and 20-plus acres under vine. Current varietals include Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah, Pinot Noir, Cabernet Franc, Petit Verdot, Merlot, Riesling, Seyval Blanc, Viognier and Chardonnay. Greenhill Winery & Vineyards is proud to be part of the Loudoun County Mosby Wine Cluster and the Middleburg American Viticultural Area (AVA). According to well-known wine expert, Sébastien Marquet, Greenhill’s Consulting Winemaker, the experience here demystifies wine to its basic elements of terroir–nature, soil,

climate–and the human “savoir faire.” His goal is to deliver the expression of the unique terroir, aroma and flavor, into every glass of Greenhill wine. The Tasting Room, with its earthy ambiance and friendly professional staff, provides the opportunity to try some of Greenhill’s award-winning wines. (The 2012 Bordeaux-style blend “Philosophy” and the 2013 Chardonnay received 89 points and 88 points, respectively, from Robert Parker’s Wine Advocate.) Greenhill’s signature Blanc de Blancs, made from 100% Chardonnay grapes in Old Town Crier

greenhill WINERY & vineyards 23595 WINERY LANE (OFF RTE 50) Middleburg, VA 20117 540-687-6968 greenhillvineyards.com

the Methode Champenoise style, is included in wine tastings. The Tasting Room is open daily with the exception of certain holidays. Picnic packages of cheese, meats, fresh bread, Greenhill honey and hand-made local truffles are available and perfect to enjoy with your favorite Greenhill wine as you watch the sunset and listen to regularly scheduled live entertainment. Greenhill also offers a Premium Wine & Truffle Pairing and a Grapesto-Glass Experience that gives guests

an in-depth look at the winery’s vineyard practices and techniques designed to coax signature flavors from soil and grape. Highlights include a stroll through the vineyards, a look into the production room and a visit with the Charolais cows and honey bees. The tour culminates in a seated tasting of Sebastian Marguet’s current releases in Manor House. Greenhill has a Wine Club whose members receive many exclusive benefits, including complimentary

tastings, 15% discount on wine purchases, invitation to release parties and other special events, as well as the ability to book private events at The Manor. Greenhill’s plans for the future include a new three-level equestrianinspired Tasting Room and State-ofThe-Art Barrel Room. All facilities are available for weddings, social, corporate and other special events.

and co-founder of Virginia Wine Lover magazine and current publisher of the Official Virginia Wine Lover e-newsletter, “THE Source for Virginia’s Wine news.” (www.vawinelover.com— complimentary to Old Town Crier readers). He also consults with several wine festivals and can be reached at frank@brittmarketing.com; www.vawinelover.com

Frank Britt is the former co-publisher

pear & honey Galette with greenhill riesling A favorite pairing recipe from Greenhill Ingredients • 1 Pie Crust (refrigerated store bought or your favorite recipe)

• 3-4 Anjou or Bartlett Pears, thinly sliced • 1 Tbsp. Greenhill Wildflower Honey Preparation • Preheat oven to temperature indicated on pie crust package. • Lay crust on a rimmed baking sheet lined with parchment paper or a non-stick liner. • Starting about an inch and a half from the edge of crust, place pear slices in overlapping circles until you reach the center of the galette. • Fold edges over filling. • Drizzle with honey. • Bake for 10-15 minutes or until crust is golden.

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August 2015 | 37

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

n three fox vineyards august events n

n 1: delaney, hall & saenz n 8: dog days of august! n Movin’ on n roMa’s Mobile Kitchen n 15: Movin’ on n n 16: yoga terra! n richard giersch n Paint nite n 22: Movin’ on n 29: tuscan “fer agosto” n30: richard giersch n

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 three 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

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 2015

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.

Old Town Crier

GO FISH STEVE CHACONAS

Graveyard Tourism

allows Bay is a really cool spot on the Potomac River. Loaded with the largest collection of historic shipwrecks in the US from the Revolutionary War to the present with over 200 known vessels. It is the final resting places for World War I wooden steamships, and numerous Native American and Civil War archaeological sites! And yes, there’s bass fishing. A group of 32 participants from 13 different sectors, including: paddlers and paddle outfitters, fishing and hunting guides, recreational and commercial fishers, law enforcement, local government, resource & park managers, tribal experts, historians,

Bassing IN AUGUST Potomac River

Grass fishing is key! Topped out grassbeds open up hollow frog, toad and mat-punching fishing! Mann’s Hollow NEW Goliath frogs on 60-pound GAMMA Torque Braid are perfect over matted grass. Also try toad style soft plastics with a Mustad Ultra Point Swimbait hook. Using a weighted hook will allow the bait to go faster and cast further! In open areas without grass, try Lucky Craft Gunfish walkers and G-Splash poppers, perfect for clear and calm water with overcast skies! Walk the dog with the Gunfish and don’t stop when fish strike! They will come back. For

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and local citizens, shared notes on Potomac River usage. The Mallows Bay-Potomac River Recreational Use Mapping Workshop was held all-day in June at the College of Southern Maryland in La Plata, Md. Using Participatory Geographic Information Systems (GIS) technology mapping, the participants provided detailed locations on how areas on the middle Potomac River, particularly in the vicinity of Mallows Bay, are being used, for what purpose, and times of year. Precise locations along the river from the 301 Bridge north to Marshall Hall were circled with an electronic pen and instantly entered into a GIS system to expedite the data collection. This technology speeds up GO FISH > PAGE 42

poppers, pop and stop, varying retrieves until a cadence produces. Also try Mann’s Waker over cover. Follow-up with weightless stickworms like Mann’s 5-inch HardNose Freefall worm on 10-pound test GAMMA Edge Fluorocarbon line for missed bites! Wacky rig with 2/0 Mustad RED Octopus hooks. Mann’s Baby 1-Minus crankbaits, in craw and baitfish patterns will work over wood and grass. For line, 12-14 pound test Edge on a KVD Quantum cranking rod. Mann’s Reel N’ Shad is deadly this time of year. Pitch Mizmo tubes on 3/0 Mustad Tube hooks on 14-pound Edge to docks and wood at higher tides, and then grass during every tidal phase. Use scents like garlic Jack’s Juice Bait Spray. Also try swimming jigs like Mann’s Stone Jigs with a HardNose Reel’ N Shad around cover. Using ¾ to 1-ounce Round Valley Tungsten weights with 60-pound Torque braid, use a strong Mustad Grip Pin Flippin hook, punch through thick grass mats.

August 2015 | 39

FITNESS catherinevarchaver

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.

are you drinking enough? Water, That Is!

You need to increase the amount of fluids you drink if

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40 | August 2015

Summary and Tips

• Drink water before, during and after your workouts. • Consider adding in a Sports Drink to replenish electrolytes. • Stay away from liquids containing caffeine or alcohol, (avoid beers, colas and other similar beverages)

Hydration and Heat

Old TOwn denTisTry FrinetKasper,DDS

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.

Signs of Dehydration 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

• 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 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. Old Town Crier

FROM THE TRAINER

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the physiology behind plyometrics, let’s talk about the actual exercises and program design basics. The most common plyometric exercise is jumping rope. You probably have at least tried this activity without even knowing that you were doing plyometrics! Jumping rope takes some skill and concentration as do all jumping exercises, so practice makes perfect. If you are just starting a plyometric program, you should have a soft surface to jump and land onto (such as a wood or carpeted floor, or grass; not concrete) and a comfortable pair of sneakers. The number of jumps or foot contacts depends mostly on training experience. The beginner should aim for about 50 jumps total during a workout. This number should be slowly increased by about 10-15 jumps per week. The total number can reach as high as 200 in one workout! The intensity of each jump should be max effort and the goal is not to jump until fatigue because this will lead to injury. Rest is another important thing to remember. Never perform plyometrics two days in a row. You should aim for two workouts per

PART II

opefully, you have been staying active throughout the summer and remembering to stay hydrated. This article is the second of a two-part series about Plyometrics. In last month’s issue, I explained what plyometrics are and some important things to consider before trying this type of exercise such as age, strength, body weight, previous injuries, and training experience. Exercise safety is a top priority of mine because if you get hurt, that means you cannot exercise! Where is the benefit in that? Before jumping right into the plyometric exercises, I would like to explain how it works. The body is an extremely complex machine, especially during exercise. There are thousands of chemical reactions going on that allows our bodies to even move. These reactions work in harmony with our nervous system, which essentially dictates how the body responds to stimuli. The nervous system is integrated within our muscles to help detect body position changes. This phenomenon is called proprioception. These proprioceptors are sensitive to tension and stretch of the muscles. Plyometrics work because of the body’s stretch reflex. The stretch reflex is an involuntary response (contraction) to any stretching of the muscle. When the muscle is stretched out quickly, this reflex will kick in to tell the muscle to shorten in order to protect it from ultimately tearing. This leads me to mention the stretchshortening cycle. The basis of this cycle is that a stretched muscle will store potential energy which contributes to a more powerful muscle contraction when combined with voluntary contraction (in this case, jumping). Now that you know

PLYOMETRICS!

RYAN UNVERZAGT

week with at least 48 hours of rest in between. The most basic plyometric exercise is called the countermovement jump. This is done by standing with your feet about shoulder-width apart. Start by bending your hips and knees to a half squat position (45 degree knee angle) while extending your arms behind you, then immediately jump up quickly by extending

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

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

August 2015 | 41

The Dog Days of Summer By Wanda Lou Willis

arly July begins the “dog days of summer” which lasts 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 GO FISH FROM PG 39

the post-processing time and allows documentation of more thorough and accurate information since the polygons are exactly what the participants drew. Central to the exercise was the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) application for Mallows Bay, the first in the Chesapeake Bay region to be nominated as a National Marine Sanctuary (NMS). This would enable NOAA to serve as the trustee for the nation’s system of marine protected areas, to conserve, protect, and enhance their biodiversity, ecological integrity and cultural legacy. The focus was on activities above, below and including Mallows Bay. To be noted, once nominated, a separate public process often takes several years to complete. Thus far, NOAA has determined the Mallows Bay nomination has successfully met the national significance criteria and management considerations. Maryland Department of Natural Resources Coastal Management 42 | August 2015

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. Fellow Kimberly Hernandez says, “If the Mallows Bay National Marine Sanctuary nomination is moved into the next phase of the designation process, this data will be used by Steering Committee partners and the local community to inform future planning and development of the proposed sanctuary and highlight how the area is already rich in recreational resources.” Co-hosting this event with the Maryland Department of Natural Resources was the Mallows Bay National Marine Sanctuary Steering Committee. Committee member Tom Roland, also Chief of Charles County Parks & Recreation, was the resource for the County Park and outdoor recreation. Many attendees were in awe of the numerous interests focused on the middle section of the river. This meeting served to document and prioritize precise locations of the vast historical, cultural, recreational and educational opportunities present in Middle Potomac River area. Roland says, “All of these resources are directly correlated to our efforts

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 phrase “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. at Mallows Bay and will certainly strengthen our nomination to include Mallows Bay as one of the Nation’s next designated National Marine Sanctuaries.” He also believes the mapping exercise will provide an understanding of the general recreational use throughout this section of the river, aiding in planning, establishing priorities and the development/ management of associated outdoor recreational amenities. Roland wrapped up the meeting saying it “... demonstrated clearly that government agencies need to actively engage our constituents in the overall planning process for parks and resource protection. The amount of knowledge, experience and enthusiasm brought to the table by the stakeholders was absolutely astounding.” The NOAA National Marine Sanctuary will guarantee that this incredible marine landscape will be here for future generations. Roland adds the designation (only 14 others currently exist) will bring national and

Did You Know … • August was named in honor of Augustus Caesar. It has 31 days because Augustus wanted as many days as Julius Caesar’s month of July had. *Previously named Sextilis in Latin, it was the sixth month of the Roman calendar. *They took that extra day from February

• The traditional birthstone amulets of August are the peridot and the sardonyx.

• The gladiolus and the poppy are the month’s traditional flowers. “August is shared by the astrological signs of Leo the Lion and Virgo the Virgin, and is sacred to the following Pagan deities: Ceres, the Corn Mother, Demeter, John Barleycorn, Lugh, and all goddesses who preside over agriculture. During the month of August, the Great Solar Wheel of the Year is turned to Lammas, one of the four Grand Sabbats celebrated each year by Wiccans and modern Witches throughout the world.” – Secrets of a Witch

international attention to Mallows Bay and the Potomac River for expanded outdoor recreation opportunities, education, historical interpretation and scientific research in this section of the river. Bottom line, the Potomac’s economic resources will boom through tourism-related activities. More importantly, no changes are foreseen affecting recreational or fishing access and there would be possible Federal funding to maintain Mallows Bay for future generations. Final map products will be made publicly available on Maryland’s Coastal Atlas, an online map viewer with downloadable data available to the public (http://gisapps.dnr.state. md.us/coastalatlas/iMap-master/ basicviewer/index.html) Author Capt. Steve Chaconas is Potomac bass fishing guide and contributing writer for BoatU.S. (BoatUS.com) Potomac River reports: nationalbass.com. Book trips/purchase gift certificates: info@NationalBass. com.

Old Town Crier

FIRST BLUSH kim putens

Forget the Spa!

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: Scrub 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 of such are those with ingredients of diathomous earth or jojoba beads. Some tips on using a scrub: • If you use on dry skin, you’ll get a deeper exfoliation • For a good scrub, but not too deep, use on damp skin after you cleanse. • For a mild exfoliation, mix the exfoliant with your cleanser.

Step 3: Put on a Mask Even Though It isn’t Halloween

Now that you’ve cleansed and scrubbed

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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 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.

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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.

Step 5: Let it Glow, Let it Glow, Let it Glow

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

haircuts for men & women color highlights, full & partial conditioning treatments ask about our happy hour blowout special appointments suggested– walk-ins welcome

1002 king street old town alexandria 703.683.5555 blownsalon.com August 2015 | 43

SPIRITUAL RENAISSANCE PEGGIE ARVIDSON

itting in my home office, I am eager to hear the wisdom of my hands. I can’t quite calm the pounding in my heart as I dial in to begin the conversation with my Hand Analyst. I’m comfy in my favorite nook, with a box of tissues and a glass of water by my side. “I’m ready,” I began. Little did I know what Pandora’s Box was about to reveal. About 30 minutes in, my head spinning, and Hand Analyst informed me that I was a healer. I take a deep breath and reflect. I am a person who comes close to fainting when faced with the sight of blood and believe that healing requires medical degrees and years of clinical training. I’m not interested in any of it. That was more than 10 years ago. At the end of the reading I wasn’t much closer to understanding the “rules” for being a healer, that

The

understanding would dawn bit by bit over the next 7 years as I made a full-time pursuit of determining the meaning of healer in my life. If you’ve been told that you’re a healer and you’re thinking “WTF!” I totally understand. In the 11 years since having my hands read, I have helped hundreds of clients decode the meaning of “healer” for themselves, using much the same process I took myself through.

the dang post-it note with the details about your upcoming vacation. If you’ve been to a psychic, oracle reader, astrologer, palmist or angel channeler you have been told “You are a healer.” The reason is this: we are all on the planet to help heal – ourselves, one another, the animals and the Earth. I don’t say this to make you feel less special. I say it because when we take responsibility for healing, ourselves first, then

Are You a Healer? No surprise, I have a theory on why you are told you’re a healer, and why it seems so shocking. I’ve also got some tips to help you suss out what being a healer can look like in your practical life – even while you’re juggling a job, caring for your parents and your kids and trying to find

the world around us heals. Healers, whether selfidentified or not, are more likely to be seeking positive change in the world and themselves at this moment in time. They are more likely to seek guidance from non-traditional sources like psychics and other

Pragmatic Palmist PEGGIE ARVIDSON

Are you ready to use the wisdom in your hands to manifest the business of your dreams? Would you like to find out once and for all how to get out of your own way and attract love and money, using the gifts of your own DNA? Private readings, group sessions, classes and workshops are NOW available by appointment at:

Phone and Skype appointments are also available!

9028 D Prince William Street, Manassas, VA • 703-392-9200 • RisingPhoenixHC.com

44 | August 2015

metaphysicians. You’ve heard it said that “like attracts like” and it’s true. The fact that you took initiative to have a reading and seek insight for greater self-awareness indicates that you have the healing mindset. Until you were called a healer, you might think of healers as people in the medical or counseling fields. You think of it as a job title more often than a lifestyle or mindset. My take is that a healer is any being who is

3. Ask that Being how you can be of service. 4. Get out of bed and go about your day. 5. When things feel stuck, craptastic or otherwise horrid, ask yourself, “Self, what’s the most healing action I can take right here, right now?” Then do it. 6. When things feel magical, extraordinary and particularly blessed, ask yourself, “Self, how can I show the greatest appreciation for this moment, right here, right now?” Then do it. That’s it.

willing and able to hold a safe space for others to transform their personal experience of pain, dis-ease and sadness. As far as job titles go, healers are everywhere – from comedians (don’t you think Robin Williams was a healer during his time here?) to sales directors to writers and jewelry designers. Of course there are doctors, dog walkers, lawyers, athletes and teachers and more in the ranks of healers. How else will the tide turn for healing and love on the planet, but with everyday people doing their thing and holding space for others to be kind to themselves and the creatures they encounter? Now it’s time to step into the energy of healing in your life. This can be as easy as brushing your teeth every day. It becomes a habit that makes you feel good, keeps you healthy and enhances the chances that others want to be around you. Here’s the magic trick to being a healer: 1. Wake up. 2. Say thank you to the Universe, God, Spirit, All that Is.

You may have secretly wished I would send you off to a spiritual school or a metaphysical coaching program. Perhaps you want a specific program of study or to be ordained into the path of a particular shaman? All of those are possible ways for you to bring your healing into the world, if you feel genuinely inspired and called to invest time and money in that process. However, I assure you, you can heal the world from your corner of the world right now, by breathing in and breathing out love for yourself and everyone and everything you encounter. Simply be the light and see what happens! Peggie Arvidson, the Pragmatic Palmist is a healer, teacher and soul coach as well as the founder of The Profitable Alchemist Academy. She’s helped thousands of people connect with their life purpose and put it to work for them through private readings, small group classes and individual coaching programs. You can learn more & sign up to receive your free mini-reading at PeggieArvidson.com. She’s also available for private sessions at Rising Phoenix Holistic Center in downtown Manassas, Va.

Old Town Crier

OPEN SPACE BONNIE BROWNING

fell down eight times today. Got back up nine. I’m falling a lot lately because I’m back in Texas for a few weeks this summer. Motivated by empty nest boredom, a trite crisis over approaching my 50th or perhaps just bucket list checking, I was somehow moved to sign up for Texas Rollergirls. Their clever marketing strategy includes hosting information tables outside local Austin bars and music venues. Aware that intimidation and inhibition are easily softened by a few longnecks and good music, they entrance onlookers with empowering feminist swagger complete with “no excuses” Rollergirl names and outfits. Meeting these women and considering unearthing my junior high roller skating prowess elicited an intense recollection of exhilaration. Accompanied by the promise of progressing from a “Primer” class to potentially trying out for a team, was the added delight of getting to pick out my very own Rollergirl name and aspire to someday have an official trading card! Not to mention eventually getting to hit someone! I’m in! After a trip to “Medusa’s Skates” in Austin, Texas to acquire the requisite “Fresh Meat” package for my first class, the enormity of what I’ve committed to set in. Derby skates – check! Helmet – check! Knee pads (uh ok) – check! Wrist guards (huh?) – check! Elbow pads and padded shorts (wait. what!?) o.k. check. What could possibly go wrong? This is not your childhood roller skating! During the first class, I was thankful for every bit of the protective gear I wore and wondered why they didn’t require more. I only fell a couple

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Get Down … Get Back Up! of times but still came home with a bruise that resembled the map of the new world on my backside and a slightly swollen ankle. Ambling slowly and stiffly, the intensity of pain didn’t peak until day two. And the early Sunday class time was kind of a bummer after a late Saturday night out on the town (remember those longnecks?). I mean who wants to set their alarm on a Sunday? And did I mention the “Blood Shed” practice warehouse with no air conditioning in 100 degree average Texas summer heat? Yeah, after that first practice I was … hooked! Hooked yes, but not entirely daft. The realization of the true damage I could do to this aging body gave me pause. As the next class approached, I decided to make a concerted effort to be a more tentative. I focused and tried really hard not to fall down. And I didn’t fall, not even once! As the class ended though, I felt disappointingly less accomplishment than I had experienced the week prior. Less exhilaration. Less pride. As I removed my gear, hobbled to my car and drove away I pondered this emotional anti-climax. I had set a goal to not fall at all and I achieved that. I was less bruised and battered, maybe a little less embarrassed. But in not falling at all, had I cheated myself of gains and progress I could have made? Had I robbed myself of the pride of knowing I’d left everything I had on the track?

Falling down is “failure” by any other name. Fear of failure is a natural tool that any Darwinist will tell you is designed to sustain self-preservation. In today’s world, that may mean fear of risking a safe, comfortable job to vie for one more challenging, fulfilling and ultimately rewarding. Innately, the idea of stretching oneself for more potential gain is simply not worth the risk of falling further behind or subjugating our current state of safety and security. In roller derby, fear of failure exists literally as an involuntary survival technique, designed to keep you from experiencing real injury and pain. Forget the anguish of heartbreak, the sting of a demotion; this is true physical pain and as thinking, reasoning animals, we are not made to seek or naturally embrace it. I had to acknowledge, however, that if I wasn’t falling down I wasn’t pushing myself hard enough. I wasn’t growing as much as I could. I wasn’t trying hard enough. The next two classes I fell more frequently than needed. In my last class I made real progress. The moments I forget that failure is inevitable now come more frequently, and I can quit imagining the fall and that it is going to bring me pain.

“It’s not whether you get knocked down — it’s whether you get back up.” Vince Lombardi

I’ve always been inspired by the style, independence and self-made success of Coco Chanel. I’d so admired her I’d fancied the nickname “Coco” for some time, but alas it held no other personal relevance nor did it,

“Success is most often achieved by those who don’t know that failure is inevitable.” Coco Chanel

as a nickname, compliment my given name. We can’t really choose our own nickname so often I “joked” with friends and family to call me “Coco”, only to be dismissed. Even when asked by my daughters, “Mom, what do you want to be called when you are a grandmother?” I answered without hesitation “Coco!” “Yeah,” they said as they rolled their eyes in exasperation, “We’re not calling you that!” But now I’m a Rollergirl (in training), and a name must be chosen. So a name that resonates is coined, “Coco Loco”. No, you can’t really choose your own nickname, except in Roller Derby. Because in Roller Derby, there is no crying, no whining and rules are made to be broken! Yeah, I fell eight times today. I consider that an improvement over the four I fell last week. Some days I forget that failure is inevitable, some days just seeing someone else fall knocks me off kilter and sets my boldness back three steps. But I’m reaching, stretching, trying, pushing… and the best part about falling is finding myself each time I get back up.

“There is no way to reach your potential if your aren’t falling down.” Bonnie Kay Browning aka “Coco Loco” Bonnie Browning is co-founder of AVID Productions with founder Glenn Morel. Bonnie is an "AVID" motorcycle enthusiast and entrepreneur. She is a Texan who splits her time between Austin and Washington, DC where AVID is based. For more information about AVID visit avidproductions.com

August 2015 | 45

Think Cool Thoughts!

ell, we are back from our sojourn to the Wild West and I am getting back into the swing of things here at home. I am, however, having trouble getting inspired about anything earth shattering as subject material for this month’s National Harbor section. I have to admit that I have “ants in my pants” waiting for Succotash to open but it looks like it’s a ways away still. In times like this, I turn to my compadres at the Gaylord for subject matter and they always pull through. We are not in the habit of printing press releases as a general rule since our content is submitted by our writers. However, our public relations friend, Rachel, sent me the By Lani Gering following press release and we decided it may be just the thing to cool us off during the month of “Dog Day” August! “It may be summer, but winter is coming and bringing with it the return of the Capital Region’s most anticipated holiday celebration - Christmas on the Potomac at Gaylord National Resort. With nearly 500,000 visitors each year, Gaylord National Resort will offer guests both new events and classic holiday favorites — including its awardwinning ICE! — during its eighth annual celebration beginning November 21 and running through January, 2016. Named one of the top 100 North American events by the American Bus Association, the resort’s world-

national harbor AUGUST EVENTS Visit www.NationalHarbor.com for more information and holiday itineraries.

Saturdays and Sundays Millers Farm Market On American Way

22nd U.S. Navy Band featuring the Sea Chanters! 29th U.S. Marine Band

10:00 am - 5:00 pm

Movies on the Potomac On the Plaza – Free!

Miller Farms offers a wide variety of local seasonal fruits and vegetables along with some imports: lemons, limes, pineapple, etc.; as well as baked goods and flowers.

6:00 pm Nothing says summer like a movie under the stars. Bring you chairs and grab food to go from one of the fun places on the plaza and meet in front of the jumbo screen. Fun for everyone. No coolers.

Live Music on the Plaza On the Plaza – Free! 7:00 pm - 8:30 pm

Fitness on the Potomac with WillPower Functional Fitness On the Plaza – Free! 7:00 pm - 8:00 pm 6th Zumba 13th Cardio Kickboxing 20th Zumba 27th Cardio Kickboxing Fitness on the Potomac with WillPower Functional Fitness On the Plaza – Free!

46 | August 2015

7th 14th 21st 28th

Southern Maryland Concert Band Southern Maryland Jazz Orchestra Built 4 Comfort Band Jimi Smooth& Hit Time

Military Concert Series On the Plaza – Free! 7:00 pm – 8:00 pm 1st U.S. Navy Band featuring the Cruisers! 8th 257th U.S. Army Band 15th U.S. Air Force Concert Band Band featuring the Singing Seargeants!

2nd Jungle Book 9th Back to the Future 16th Back to the Future Part II 23rd Back to the Future Part III 30th Disney’s – The Kid

12th Potomac Riverboat Kids Groove Cruise Departing: 12:30 pm, 1:30 pm & 2:30 pm Perfect for kids of all ages! Buy your ticket at the National Harbor ticket booth. Cruise will depart from McCormick & Schmick’s restaurant. Adults $12 Kids 2-11 $6 22nd Chesapeake Crab & Beer Festival 11:00 am - 9:00 pm World’s largest crab feast takes place on the Plateau! This is an all-you-can-taste affair complete with over 60,000 crabs, lots of beer, arts and crafts, live music,

family fun and more! This event takes place in two sessions: 11:00 am – 3:00 pm 5:00 pm – 9:00 pm You must have tickets to participate. For more information call 800-830-3976 or google them for info.

The Citi Open Tennis Tournament will be shown in its entirety during the month on the Plaza screen! Bring your lawn chair and check out the action.

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famous, interactive walk-through ICE! presented by Pepsi®attraction returns with a brand new theme. Learn how Santa Claus started giving toys to good girls and boys in the retelling of the classic television special, Santa Claus Is Comin’ to Town, celebrating its 45th anniversary this year. Artisans from Harbin, China will hand-carve more than two million pounds of colorful ice into larger-thanlife ice sculptures and two-story ice slides that illustrate scenes from the Christmas classic. The 9 degree attraction will feature the artisans firsthand in The Frostbite Factory. Visitors can learn how the attraction is made through colorful sculptures, as well as see an ice sculptor carve live using chainsaws, ice picks, paintbrushes and more. In addition to ICE!, families can test their puzzle-solving prowess during The Elf on the Shelf® Scavenger Hunt, featuring 10 of Santa’s

scout elves who have landed at the Resort. This interactive event will lead guests on a journey to find the elves, reveal their names and help them get their Christmas magic so they can fly to the North Pole. All families that help the scout elves fulfill their special Christmas mission will receive a prize. Visitors also can experience more than two million lights adorning the resort, nightly holiday fountain shows, indoor snowfall, photos with Santa, an indoor train ride, gourmet holiday food and beverage offerings, winter spa treatments, a new Gingerbread Decorating Corner sponsored by PEEPS® and more.” There you have it. When you are sweating your brains out during the rest of summer, put yourself in a zen-like state of mind and think about wandering around in 9 degree air temps, checking out how Santa Clause came to town! Stay cool, everyone!

Potomac RiveRboat comPany SightSeeing – Private CharterS – Water taxiS

NATIONAL HARBOR DINING GUIDE AC LOUNGE 156 Waterfront St. 301-749-2299 AROMA DITALI 156 National Plaza 301-839-3492 BOND 45 149 Waterfront Street 301-839-1445 CADILLAC RANCH 186 Fleet St. 301-839-1100 cadillacranchgroup.com ELEVATION BURGER 108 Waterfront Street 301-749-4014

alexandria – national harbor Water taxi

National Harbor is a waterfront destination across from Alexandria. Round-trip and One-way service provided.

washington by wateR monuments cRuise

Enjoy our nation’s monuments and historic landmarks on a narrated cruise between Old Town Alexandria and Georgetown Washington D.C.

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

george WaShington’S mount veRnon by wateR cRuise Arrive by boat and spend the afternoon exploring the 45-acre estate, grounds, Museum and Education Center.

Water taxi to the national Mall

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

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

703.684.0580 Old Town Crier

Harringtons Pub and Kitchen 177 Fleet Street 301-909-2505 harringtonspubandkitchen.com McCORMICK & SCHMICK 145 National Plaza 301-567-6224

McLOONES PIER HOUSE 141 National Harbor Plaza 301-839-0815 mcloonespierhousenh.com NATIONAL PAST TIME SPORTS BAR & GRILLE Gaylord Resort 301-965-4000 gaylordnational.com OLD HICKORY STEAKHOUSE Gaylord Resort 301-965-4000 gaylordnational.com PIENZA ITALIAN MARKET Gaylord Resort 301-965-4000 gaylordnational.com POTBELLY SANDWICH WORKS 146 National Plaza 301-686-1160 PUBLIC HOUSE 199 Fleet Street 240-493-6120 publichousenationalharbor.com REDSTONE AMERICAN GRILL 155 National Plaza 301-839-3330 ROSA MEXICANA 135 Waterfront Street 301-567-1005 SAUCIETY AMERICAN GRILL 171 Waterfront Street 240-766-3640 THAI PAVILLION 151 American Way 301-749-2022 Walrus Oyster & Ale House 152 Waterfront Street 301-567-6100

ww ww w . PP o ot to om ma ac c RR ii v v ee RR bb o oa at tc co o. c co om m w

August 2015 | 47

Visit our Clarke’s Landing location and enjoy our new wharf, piers and non-ethanol gas!

24580 Clarke’s Landing Lane Hollywood, MD 20636 301-373-3986

IC ND R O T IS ISLA H R S NEA EMENT L ST. C

38869 MORRIS POINT ROAD ABELL, MD MORRIS-POINT.COM • 301.769.2500

BY LAND OR BY SEA,

YOUR NEXT APPETIZER IS

FREE!

with the purchase of two (2) entrees.

Seek the Swirl. Seek the Swirl.

PORT OF LEONARDTOWN WINERY ~ LOCAL WINES FROM LOCAL VINES ~

PORT OF LEONARDTOWN WINERY 23190 Newtowne Neck Road, Leonardtown, MD 20650 www.portofleonardtownwinery.com

~ LOCAL WINES FROM LOCAL VINES ~

23190 Newtowne Neck Road, Leonardtown, MD 20650

23190 Newtowne Neck Road Leonardtown, www.portofleonardtownwinery.com MD 20650 portofleonardtownwinery.com

Historic Leonardtown

This little town at the heart of St. Mary’s County, has been faithfully fulfilling its small town mission since 1695, when political winds changed and colonial officials decamped, moving Maryland’s capital from St. Mary’s City to Annapolis. That’s when the locals looked around for a new place to conduct their own affairs and settled on Leonardtown as “most convenient.” Today, you’ll still find the requisite neoclassical courthouse, old county jail, and leafy town square. However, things are changing a bit, and in some very cool ways. The Rex Movie Theater is now The Rex Restaurant and Bar, and is adorned with posters from movies shown there since its doors opened in the 1930s. The Leonardtown Wharf which once served as a steamboat landing, is now a waterfront park where Saturday starts early. First to arrive is the sunrise yoga crowd, followed by the dog walkers, joggers, and paddle boarders. In the evening, couples occupy the benches, enjoying the sunsets over Breton Bay.

The “in-town” water trail, McIntosh Run, winds through woods and wetlands and then spills out into open water. Rent your kayak from the Patuxent Adventure Center outfitters and launch into the Run right from the site. The trail takes about two and a half hours to navigate and ends at Leonardtown Wharf. The Port of Leonardtown Winery is adjacent to the outfitter. It’s one of the nation’s only winery co-operatives. Here, the best from vineyards tucked throughout Southern Maryland is transformed into wines steadily gaining in reputation. Try the Petit Verdot 2012 or the just released Traminette. Leonardtown is Southern Maryland’s only state-designated Arts & Entertainment District. You will find galleries and shops around the town square and along Fenwick Street, plus a variety of local restaurants including several featuring outdoor dining. Enjoy First Friday, August 7; Beach Party on the Square, Saturday, August 8; and upcoming on September 12, it’s Art.Work.Shop. – a day of art workshops held at locations throughout the town.

For more info about the town and upcoming events, visit www.visitstmarysmd.com